Mike Honda

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Korean American Day and to honor the 2 million Korean Americans across this country. January 13 is a day of celebration not just for the Korean Americans across this country; it is a celebration of America. 113 years ago, 102 men, women, and children traveled from the Korean Peninsula and landed in Hawaii. Since their arrival, the Korean American community has enriched and strengthened our Nation's society, culture, Armed Forces, economy, politics, education, and arts. From serving in high-level posts in our government to making strides in entrepreneurship and medicine, Korean Americans continue to leave an indelible mark in our Nation's history and makeup. So to the Korean Americans across this great Nation, including those in my district, our Nation honors and celebrates you.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, while I have problems with several non- Appropriations items in this bill, the CJS in the omnibus bill will invest in our Nation's future and move us forward. Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank Chairman Culberson, and I look forward to continuing to work with the gentleman closely.

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. I thank Chairman Culberson, who worked with me and my staff to formulate a better bill. While there are areas that could still be approved in the CJS bill, I am thankful for the chairman's bipartisan attitude and desire to find common ground. Lifting the budget caps, we were able to more fully fund many of the essential programs. I would like to highlight a few of these. I was pleased that we were able to dedicate funds for the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation to fund one competitively chosen center and to provide coordination of funding for NIST. The modest increase for the Minority Business Development Agency will allow them to expand their work, creating jobs and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship amongst minority-owned businesses. In the 2020 Census, we ensure that all communities--including those that are small, rural, or have limited proficiency with English--are counted. The rider making the American Community Survey optional was dropped. We boosted funding for DOJ grant programs important to communities across the Nation, such as COPS, Violence Against Women Act, and Byrne Justice Assistance Grants. I am proud the community sexual assault kit Backlog Reduction Program, which is making great inroads in my district, receives $45 million. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we were able to fund NASA at the highest level in years. This includes robust funding for both commercial crew and for SLS and Orion. We were able to provide healthy funding for science and exploration missions, and I hope the Flagship Europa mission will be able to include the expertise of all NASA centers. Happily, we restored Earth and geoscience funding in NASA and removed the language capping NSF investment into the geosciences. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to work to remove the limitations in NSF on social, behavorial, and economic sciences in the future. Many of the harmful immigration riders were removed, including ones that would have stripped the administration's ability to defend DACA and DAPA in the courts, and that would have withheld DOJ grants to jurisdictions with sanctuary city policies.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and observe November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Last week, I introduced House Resolution 519, which supports the ideals and goals of this day. November 25th is the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which ends on December 10th--Human Rights Day. Time and time again, in periods of conflict and natural disaster, the most unspeakable cruelties are inflicted on the bodies of women and children. Whether in the house or in conflict zones; whether by soldiers or by intimate partners--violence against women and girls is an ongoing cycle and a global threat which must be eliminated. Violence against women and girls are public health issues and egregious violations of human rights. The facts are startling. Worldwide, 35 percent of women have experienced either intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. 120 million girls worldwide have experienced sexual assault at some point in their lives. And according to the World Health Organization, women aged 15-44 are more at risk from rape and domestic violence, than cancer, car accidents, war, and malaria. In addition, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters. Displacement settings exacerbate preexisting inequalities, render women and girls even more vulnerable, and create greater barriers in their ability to benefit from relief, recovery, and long-term reconstruction and development efforts. As we saw during the humanitarian crises in the Philippines, Nepal, Haiti, and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, women and children are the most vulnerable populations to sexual violence and human trafficking. Violence upon, and trafficking of, women are the worst kind of atrocities. As we have seen in Rwanda and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Liberian refugee camps, sexual violence was rampant. Today, ISIL forces are systematically raping and violating Yezidi women and girls. In addition, since the beginning of Syria's conflict, reports have revealed patterns of gender-based violence perpetrated by both regime and opposition forces. Sadly, rapes in the Syrian refugee camps have also been reported. This violence must stop. Once and for all. Mr. Speaker, whether on the battlefield or in post-disaster areas, in the household or workplace; whether in refugee camps or sexual enslavement camps--violence against women and children must be recognized and stopped around the world. Even though we recognize November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we should fight every day to end this violence against human rights.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the American SAFE Act of 2015 (H.R. 4038). This ill-advised, short-sighted, closed-minded bill would immediately block all refugees from Syria and Iraq from resettling in the U.S. and make the process for entry significantly more challenging for those seeking refuge here. Today, we are seeing the greatest number of refugees and displaced persons since World War II. That fact alone is startling and disheartening. People do not uproot their lives and flee their homeland unless it is for the most dire reasons. Who would choose to expose their children to months of traveling on foot, with only the shirt on their back? The families fleeing from the violence in Syria are the most vulnerable in the world. The majority of the refugees are children and women who are fleeing from their terror, sexual violence, and destruction. History will remember this moment: when our nation decides whether we will turn the most vulnerable away from our shores, or if we will stand with humanity, be inclusive, and protect those who need our help the most. Mr. Speaker, I firmly oppose the American SAFE Act of 2015; it will only compromise our moral standing in the world, as well as our national security and safety. Our Constitution is never tested during times of tranquility; it is during times of tension, turmoil, tragedy, trauma, and terrorism that it is sorely tested. We must not allow our anger and outrage toward ISIL terrorists and their cowardly attacks on civilians to turn us away from compassion and generosity. We must not shut our doors--not to the Syrian refugees, or to anyone. We need to find ways to help them find safe haven from the perpetrators of these acts of violence.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Carol Gomez Summerhays, an accomplished dentist who recently was elected as the first Filipina President of the American Dental Association, a first the 156-year history of the ADA. Her election is a tremendous accomplishment for women and the Filipino-American community. It is my honor to commend Dr. Summerhays on a lifetime of service and commitment to the field of dentistry and community service. Involved in a number of professional and civic organizations, she is a great choice to head this prestigious organization. A graduate of the University of Southern California on a full scholarship through the Armed Forces Health Professions Act, she's owned a respected private practice for 32 years. Dr. Summerhays is a past president of the California Dental Association and a current member of the American College of Dentists, Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Women Dentists, the Hispanic Dental Association, and the Pankey Institute. In addition to her numerous professional accomplishments, Dr. Summerhays served on Active Duty as a lieutenant in the United States Navy Dental Corps for four years. Dr. Summerhays' time in the military was part of her life-long commitment to community service. As a board member of Rotary International Thousand Smiles, she helped establish a dental clinic in Ensenada, Mexico. She's also provided charitable dental services to St. Vincent De Paul's Homeless Shelter, Regional Access Medical LA, and USC's East LA Dental Clinic. Her community involvement extends to the San Diego County Dental Society, the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Board, and the American Cancer Society-La Jolla League. I commend Dr. Summerhays for her 37 years of distinguished leadership. I am proud to be a part of the Asian American community where our professionals go beyond what is required in order to make a positive impact on others. I rise today to offer her my most heartfelt congratulations for her exceptional achievements in the field of dentistry and her continued commitment to community service.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, this week is American Education Week. Today I rise to choose my bill, the Equity and Excellence in American Education Act, which will move us towards a more equitable education funding system. We can wait no longer to act, knowing we are not providing each and every child with a quality education. My legislation is a starting point to establish equity as a foundational principle of our education system, especially in funding. Each and every child deserves to have an enriched education based on equity. Equity acknowledges all children are different with different needs. Equity means supporting families and students at the beginning with quality preschool and K-5 educational strategies based on equity. Rather than saying, ``What can we do with the funding we traditionally receive?'', we instead start with the question, ``How much do we need to meet the needs of each and every child?'' and build a system which reflects that funding. This will be a challenge, but one we must take on.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, last week's historic storm, Hurricane Patricia, was the strongest hurricane on record. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods. We must ensure that the thousands affected have access to food, shelter, clean water, services, and the resources to rebuild their lives to limit the impact of Patricia's devastation. But we should not limit the storm's impact on our consciousness. Hurricane Patricia should be a wake-up call that our planet's climate is changing. September was the warmest month ever recorded. As our planet warms, we expect more extreme weather: lengthier droughts, higher floods, and stronger storms. Our Nation must invest in understanding and better preparing for the effects of climate change. Deprioritizing earth science and capping spending for research programs is irresponsible and shortsighted. Hurricane Patricia showed how being informed and prepared about coming storms can save lives. Investment in earth science research is vital to improving our understanding of our planet and building resiliency to a shifting climate.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Steven D. Chan, an accomplished pediatric dentist who most recently was installed as the first Asian American President of the American College of Dentists. It is my great pleasure to commend Dr. Chan for his lifelong achievements and expertise in the field of dentistry. He is involved in a number of professional and civic activities that truly make him an exemplar of leadership. The American College of Dentists is the oldest major honorary organization for dentists. It was founded in 1920 to recognize dentists who have made significant contributions to the advancement of dentistry. The mission of the American College of Dentists is to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry--all qualities that embody Dr. Chan. I have had the honor of meeting and speaking with Dr. Chan and am impressed with his distinguished professional background. Dr. Chan is a third generation Californian--born and raised in Los Angeles. A graduate of UCLA, he earned his dental degree at Georgetown University and completed his special training in pediatric dentistry at a Los Angeles County Hospital Trauma Center. He's received various professional honors and fellowships from different organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, the Asian Business Alliance, and the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association. He holds membership to several professional associations like the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Individuals like Congressman Eric Swalwell and former California State Senator Majority Leader Ellen Corbett have also recognized his illustrious career. In addition to his numerous professional accomplishments, Dr. Chan is a civic leader in his community. His community service includes: Service on the Alameda County Grand Jury, Chair of the Ohlone Community College Bond Oversight Committee, and City of Fremont Library Commission. It has been a great privilege to have shared a friendship and working partnership with Dr. Steven Chan over the years. I commend him for his 35 years of distinguished leadership in the American community of dentistry and the City of Fremont. Dr. Chan has made significant contributions to the advancement of dentistry and I thank him for his years of dedicated service to Silicon Valley. Dr. Chan's exemplary leadership will be well placed in the American College of Dentists. I rise today to wish him my very deepest congratulations for his exceptional level of advancement of dentistry and his commitment to public service in the Silicon Valley. I extend him my greatest personal wishes for success and happiness throughout his very well earned appointment.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren. I just want to thank her for putting this event together this evening. Tonight, we heard many words described by folks who have known Don Edwards personally in work and part of his life. We are here tonight to honor my friend Congressman Don Edwards. Also, a native San Jose, Don was really a true statesman, the likes of which you don't find often these days. Today, we work to further the modern progressive agenda that he believed in. Our work would not be possible without standing on the shoulders of giants such as Don Edwards who came before us. Don was one of those people that I stood upon his shoulders. When I first ran for Congress, I went to him and I asked for his advice, because I never had the opportunity to work him. I did work with his sons, and one especially, Len Edwards, who was a judge. As a school person, I could see the kind of impact that Don has had on his son, Len Edwards, who was a judge. Len was the kind of guy that extended himself, also, as did his dad. He used to run truancy court in the school site that I was a principal of, which is really unique. And this is the kind of legacy that Don Edwards has left behind, a uniqueness of the kind of person that he was. Don was never afraid to take a stand if he knew it to be right. At every turn, he stood up for what he believed in. When I ran for Congress, I asked him for his advice, and he just very comfortably looked at me and said: Just do the right thing. I think that, here in Congress, we often are challenged to do the right thing and not the political thing. Sometimes to do the right thing means to stand in the face of popular winds, knowing that you are doing the right thing in spite of the fact that other folks, other dynamics are trying to move the ship in another direction. He was the kind of person that was really a stalwart, a true champion of civil and constitutional rights in his nearly three decades in Congress. In 1963, in his first year in Congress, he voted to abolish the House Committee on Un-American Activities. He went on to be the champion of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. And as early as 1972, he was effectively working to protect our environment, authoring a bill to establish the National Wildlife Refuge in San Francisco Bay. Although he was a self-described liberal Democrat, Congressman Edwards consistently worked across the aisle, including the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and the Civil Rights Act of 1991, which bolstered employees' rights. Because of his fearlessness, today we are able to work for more progressive change. Because of his leadership and his modeling, I have been able to use him as my compass in making the right decisions and understanding, to do the right thing. We have to stand up to fear- mongering and seek to ensure that all people are free of fear from bullying, persecution, racism, and sexism. We talk today about equality for women and the need for equal pay for equal work. As an educator myself and a principal for over 30 years, I am really grateful for the legacy that Don left in the field of education. Himself a product of California public schools, he started the conversation that I now proudly bring my voice to, and that is the need to preserve the civil and constitutional rights for all people. I know that he agreed that education is also a civil right, and we must find a path to a quality education that is equitable for each and every child. I thank my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Lofgren, for hosting this Special Order. It has been said that her experiences and her life experiences are entwined with Congressman Don Edwards. She knew Don better than most of us. Not only was she one of his staffers, but she went on to hold his seat in Congress, as it was said before. I think that Don would look upon her work and her leadership and her stalwartness and say she is doing the right thing, she is doing it the right way, and she is a person of conscience. I think that would make him very proud. Not long ago, I was incredibly honored to have someone tell me that I come from a place of fairness and equality. That is our area. That is the area that all of us represent: Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Zoe Lofgren, Leader Pelosi, myself, and others. Congresswoman Lofgren has said once that Congressman Edwards had a tremendous sense of fair play, and it is my hope that, together, my colleagues and I can honor his legacy not just tonight, but as we approach our work. When we stand up for religious liberties, true equality for women, for American workers, I think Don might look down and smile upon the kind of work that we are attempting to do. I learned one thing also from Don Edwards: the importance of giving voice to those who don't have one. It was mentioned that Norm Mineta was one of the folks that Don Edwards has maxed out for. When Norm Mineta was leading the effort to pass the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, Don Edwards was right there with him to make sure that the mistake that this country had foisted upon Americans of Japanese descent in 1942 was recognized. Because of his work and his leadership, along with Norm Mineta, they were able to be successful in the 100th Congress passing H.R. 442, which was signed into law by President Reagan. That was done because there was an intense understanding of the Constitution and the violation of the Constitution back in 1942 that our government had consciously foisted upon 120,000 members of its own country. That effort took over 10 years here in Congress. So it is persistence and an understanding that to do the right thing, sometimes it takes persistence and educating other people who would not otherwise have thought about what happened in 1942. So I am here because of that work. I am here because of that tremendous effort to make sure that people of different backgrounds, although they may look different, have different religions, different upbringing, different language, different culture, different foods, that they also are accepted as Americans. He gave a voice to us, and that voice allowed us to be able to become participating Members of this Congress. So, in that modeling, when folks in my own district come up to me and say, we know that you didn't have a voice and someone gave you a voice afterwards, we need a voice in Congress also, that sort of led me to understand and to move in the same direction that Don Edwards would want us to and to be a voice for those who don't have a voice. For the Ethiopian community, we became a voice. For the Sikh community, we became a voice. For the Muslim community, we became a voice. For those who have been bullied day in and day out because of who they are, we became a voice. This is the legacy that Don Edwards has left with us, and it is an unfinished business that we need to continue to move forward on. It was because of his consciousness, his leadership, his firm belief in doing the right thing in every instance, in spite of the fact that it may not be popular at the moment but it is constitutional, that we continue to move forward. So I just want to end with thanking my friend, Congresswoman Lofgren, for hosting this hour. I am truly honored and privileged to stand here today and pay tribute to the long legacy of our friend, Don Edwards.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, next week marks the 18th annual international Earth Science Week. Today I am introducing a House resolution to recognize Earth Science Week to highlight the importance and broad impact of earth science research. Geoscientists and researchers in our country continually push the frontier of human knowledge; help develop and incubate the concepts and programs that keep us at the innovative forefront of the world's economy; and inspire future generations of researchers, scientists, and informed citizens. Earth science funding is a stimulant to the American economy and an investment into our future global leadership. The devastating drought in my home State of California highlights the need for earth science research, which can address major gaps in our understanding of water availability, quality, and dynamics. Having a better understanding of natural systems allows for more informed policy. I am committed to working with my friend and fellow science advocate, Chairman Culberson, to ensure that Federal earth science research is given robust support and is not hindered by misguided legislation that micromanages and places funding caps on these critical fields. It is critical that we study and understand our ``pale blue dot,'' our one and only home.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the President of the Republic of Korea, President Park, on her arrival in Washington, D.C., next week. I had the honor of meeting with President Park during my last visit to Korea last December, where we discussed the synergistic partnerships and opportunities between the U.S., Silicon Valley, and South Korea. Mr. Speaker, we must look to build new bridges and reinforce the connectors that have already contributed so much to our mutual benefit. As President Park said when she addressed the joint meeting of Congress in 2013: ``Looking forward, our precious alliance is setting its sights on a better world--a brighter future.'' I wish President Park a very successful and fruitful visit to the U.S. and summit with President Obama. No doubt, our two nations' very special alliance will grow even stronger in the coming years.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, we are now 7 legislative days from yet another Republican government shutdown, simply because the Republicans want to deny women access to comprehensive health care--7 days away from a government shutdown--and we have no solution to keep our government funded and running. We have radio silence on how to strengthen our middle class, build bigger paychecks for all Americans, and invest our infrastructure. In light of this Republican Congress' dysfunction, just this week, General Electric announced that, because of the ``political debate over America's global competitiveness and the future of the Export-Import Bank,'' it is shifting 500 manufacturing jobs out of the U.S. As a representative of Silicon Valley, I know that manufacturing jobs, such as those at GE, are the foundation to reversing income inequality and igniting innovation. Mr. Speaker, we cannot hold our government and our American livelihood hostage. I call upon my Republican colleagues to stop pulling a Kim Davis and do your job.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Anna Eshoo to honor the 125th Anniversary of the establishment of Japantown San Jose (Nihonmachi) in Santa Clara Valley. Nihonmachi is a reflection of the values of the original Japanese immigrant community, the Issei (first generation), who settled in Santa Clara Valley in 1890. By the early 20th century, the community formally established residence in what is now Nihonmachi, which offered a uniquely Japanese source of employment, lodging, goods, services, and cultural support. Nihonmachi is one of only three remaining Japantowns in the United States today. Soon after the founding of Nihonmachi, with the support of the Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907, an increased number of Japanese women began settling in Santa Clara Valley. This led to the growth of families and the birth of the Nisei (second generation) of Nihonmachi residents. Nihonmachi witnessed its first national tragedy as the Great Depression enveloped the United States. However, despite national economic hardship, Nihonmachi experienced slow, yet steady economic growth. Nihonmachi further strengthened its presence in the region by welcoming other Asian communities, serving as a cultural refuge for Chinese and Filipino immigrants. This cultural diversity among the residents of Nihonmachi allowed the neighborhood to withstand the turmoil of World War II, as well as the forced internment of Japanese Americans in 1942. After the post-war return of the Japanese American community to the West Coast and Santa Clara Valley, Nihonmachi became a haven for residents against the simmering anti-Japanese sentiment and national racial hysteria. Despite the open adversity faced by Nihonmachi, its population nearly doubled in size due to the addition of Sansei (third generation) by the end of the 1940s. Through the late 1960s and into the 1970s the Nisei were caring not only for the aging Issei and growing Sansei, but were also determined to preserve Japanese culture and combat the widespread acculturation of their community into mainstream American culture. It was during the 1970s that the Sansei embarked on a path of political activism set on sparking a renewal of Nihonmachi through cultural awareness. Since the 1980s, Nihonmachi has experienced a period of revitalization, including the building of new commercial and residential development, including projects on land that had once been a neighboring Chinatown. Furthermore, the installation of historical markers and plaques around the neighborhood commemorate the cultural history and achievements of Nihonmachi. Currently, the Yonsei and Gosei (fourth and fifth generations) play a vital role in the international dialogue between Nihonmachi and Japan as well as the continued preservation of Japanese culture brought to Santa Clara Valley by the Issei 125 years ago. For instance, in 2013, the Japantown Business Association sponsored fundraising events to provide aid and support to victims of the Tohoku tsunami and earthquake in Japan. Mr. Speaker, we commend Japantown San Jose for its 125 years of dedication to the preservation of Japanese culture in the increasingly diverse Santa Clara Valley. As one of only three remaining Japantowns in the United States, Nihonmachi's contributions to the cultural preservation of the Japanese American community and its commitment to cultural and economic development of the region serve as a national example of what can be accomplished by uniting communities and working toward positive change, diversity, and mutual respect.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Alex Sanchez, a public servant and long standing friend who most recently retired as Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara. It is my great pleasure to commend Mr. Sanchez for his lifelong commitment and dedication to providing affordable housing opportunities for Californians. The reach of his legacy has gone even further, as he has also tirelessly and very effectively advocated for the development and promotion of national housing policies to serve all Americans in need. I have had the honor of working with Mr. Sanchez for over a quarter of a century to promote housing policies at the State and federal level to assist lower income households in Silicon Valley. The task has been incredibly daunting, given that we serve the most expensive region in the country. I first met Mr. Sanchez in 1988, when I was asked to join the American Leadership Forum (ALF) as a representative of the educational sector. ALF/Silicon Valley was just forming and a group of local leaders were asked to serve as Class I, which included nearly 30 individuals representing business and local governments, educational institutions and non-profits. At the time, I worked for a local school district and also served on a Board of Education for a different school district. Mr. Sanchez had just been named Director of Housing for the City of San Jose. He and I spent many months together and discussed our visions and plans for bettering our community. One of the most significant moments was to take a two week trip with the ALF group to Colorado Springs, Colorado to discuss the value of community and the need to work together. During this two-week period, we became very close and ultimately helped each other to climb the 8,000 feet to the top of Pike's Peak. Mr. Sanchez met his biggest challenge . . . to meet the San Jose Mayor's and City Council's goals to produce thousands of units of affordable housing. Through our time with ALF and the opportunity to work with each other, I was able to witness Alex's selfless and courageous drive to promote policies and design programs to increase the supply of affordable housing. It has been a great privilege to have shared a friendship and working partnership with Alex Sanchez over the years. I commend him for his 27 years of distinguished service with the City of San Jose Housing Department and the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara. Alex has greatly improved the lives of thousands of people and I thank him for his years of dedicated service to Silicon Valley. His work has been recognized through his leadership positions in a number of national and state housing policy organizations. He is a founder of the California Housing Consortium, and served as a member of the Housing Leadership Council of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. Most recently, he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to Chair the California Housing Partnership Corporation. Mr. Sanchez's exemplary leadership will be greatly missed. I rise today to wish him my very deepest congratulations for his exceptional level of commitment to public service across various California communities, including the City of Bell Gardens and the City of Santa Ana. I extend him my greatest personal wishes for health and happiness throughout his very well-earned retirement.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to submit a declaration for one united Korea as established by the organization One Dream One Korea. On this 70th anniversary of the liberation and the division of Korea, we, the people and friends of Korea, declare that: Korean unification is inevitable. We are one people in one land who have shared a common history and culture for millennia. Reunification of the Korean Peninsula is a profound aspiration in the hearts of the Korean people, and a national destiny that supersede 70 years of separation and all differences of ideology and government systems. Korean unification is desirable. The suffering of people in North Korea and the continuing anguish of separated families cry out for a concerted response from the civilized world. Nuclear threats destabilize the security of Northeast Asia in particular and the world in general. Meanwhile the people of South Korea seek a pathway to transcend materialism and dysfunctional political divides. Building One Korea offers a fundamental solution to all these problems and will advance peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia to the benefit of the world at large. Korean unification is now achievable. In the past century Korea endured colonization and then division, at the hands of more powerful nations. Today, for the first time in modern history, Korean people possess the political and economic power to determine their own future, together with growing global support for the establishment of One Korea. We are at a historic crossroads. Set against the enormous challenges of ending the division and creating a new nation, we have an opportunity to achieve a true greatness that history rarely accords to any people. Now is the time to build a national consensus for a shared vision of One Korea on the foundation of Korean identity and a common destiny and to garner international support for it. The Korean people share one dream: To live in One Korea we can all be proud of. Since time immemorial, the Korean people have longed for a model country; one guided by universal principles, shared moral values, and the rule of law, guaranteeing the basic human rights and freedoms endowed to all people by the Creator, as the foundation for a just and prosperous society. In realizing such a model, One Korea will become a strong, sovereign nation that acts as a peacemaker, committed to resolving conflict in Northeast Asia and the wider world. It will be a 2lst century leader as a compassionate, humane nation acting with concern for posterity, and as a responsible steward of the earth. One Korea will benefit all and threaten none. Korea has never invaded another country in its entire history. The love of peace lies deep in our heritage. Therefore, One Korea will foster new guiding principles for peace in the 21st century through integrating the values of East and West, and soften the sharp edges of global power confrontations. One Korea will offer a powerful example, especially for developing nations, of a traditional society that has advanced by embracing the positive aspects of modernity while seeking to retain the enduring values of the past. For Korea, those values are expressed in the principle of Hong-Ik Ingan: Living for the benefit of all humanity. Since the very origin of Korea, it has been embedded in the hearts, minds, customs, and traditions of the Korean people. It offers a broad, guiding philosophy for One Korea where ``Hong-Ik Democracy'' will offer a 21st Century model of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Inspired by this vision of One Korea we, the undersigned, submit the following proposals for adoption and support by

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sing Tao Daily. On August 1, 2015, Sing Tao Daily will celebrate its 40th anniversary in San Francisco, California. Since 1975, Sing Tao Daily's Western Edition has covered local, state, and international news for Chinese American communities in the Silicon Valley, Seattle, Portland, and Hawaii. The organization is a leading content and service provider for global Chinese communities. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Sing Tao Daily was the first Chinese language newspaper to publish overseas. The San Francisco Edition was the company's first global expansion and ranks as the highest paid circulation publication among Chinese language newspapers outside of China. Sing Tao Daily has been instrumental in helping Chinese immigrants adapt to their new country. Dedicated to journalistic integrity and recognized for its quality pieces, Sing Tao Daily has presented balanced reports and earned national awards from New American Media and local media organizations. As one of the world's most widely read Chinese newspapers, Sing Tao Daily has earned distinction as a global name in the print media market. During its lifetime, the multimedia news group has served 625,000 Chinese Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mr. Speaker, I commend Sing Tao Daily for its service and dedication to providing quality media, which have deeply enriched our Chinese communities.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today as the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Ethiopian American Caucus. This caucus was established to give a legislative voice to the specific concerns of the Ethiopian American community. Founded in 2001, the caucus is comprised of Members who appreciate the critical relationship between Ethiopia and the U.S. and value the contributions of Ethiopian Americans to our Nation. Congressman John Garamendi and I co-chair this caucus of nearly 20 Members of Congress. President Obama's upcoming visit to Ethiopia on July 27, which is next Monday, will be the very first visit to this nation of 97 million people by a sitting American President. Ethiopia has Africa's second largest population and is a nation with a rich, independent cultural history. And, by the way, Ethiopia is the only African country in that continent that has not ever been colonized. It is a country of growing economic, humanitarian, and strategic importance to the United States. Accompanying these opportunities are many challenges that face Ethiopia today. Situated at the center of the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is located in an unstable region, making it a key ally of the United States in combating radical extremists in the region. Ethiopia has a checkered humanitarian record, and the government must learn to embrace the voices of political dissent and promote basic human and civil rights. I believe that President Obama's upcoming trip to Ethiopia provides a unique opportunity to promote respect for freedom of speech and press, in addition to supporting economic health, food security, and humanitarian development in Ethiopia. The United States must aggressively support and encourage Ethiopia to embrace democracy and its hallmarks: free speech and a free and independent media. With a base of young entrepreneurs, a large labor force, and a wealth of natural resources, Ethiopia has quickly become an important center of industry, agriculture, and technology. We must explore avenues for U.S. investment and partnerships with Ethiopia to further this growing economic partnership. Here at home, Ethiopians in the U.S. provide us with a large pool of talent, education, and experience. If we are to draw lessons from U.S. relations with China, Vietnam, and India, we can see that engagement is an important tool in bringing about sustainable change. The U.S. and Ethiopian Governments must work closely to engage private business and Ethiopians in the diaspora. If we have learned anything about Ethiopia and Ethiopians, it is to never discount the capacity for genius and resolve in the interest of their country and fellow countrymen. I visited Ethiopia in 2005, and I left the country a changed man. The Ethiopian diaspora's generosity and forward vision continue to inspire me as a person and as a policymaker. Numbering over a quarter of a million people across this country, the vibrant and fast-growing Ethiopian American community greatly contributes to the richness of American culture and strengthens our economy to help make our Nation competitive in the 21st century. As I traveled around Ethiopia and met people from all walks of life who are bound by one truth, to control their own destiny, I was inspired more than ever to strengthening a long-established relationship between Ethiopia and the U.S. and become an effective voice to encourage lasting democratic, humanitarian, and security improvements and partnerships with our friend in the Horn of Africa. As President Obama prepares for his upcoming trip to Africa in the coming days, many human rights groups are criticizing his visit to Ethiopia as one that props up and supports a repressive regime; a government that has been censoring and intimidating the media, and even imprisoning journalists who spoke out against the ruling Ethiopian party. Since 2014, six privately owned media outlets have shut down due to government harassment of over two dozen journalists and bloggers who have faced criminal charges, and at least 30 others have fled the country to avoid arrest. More journalists are in jail in Ethiopia than anywhere else in Africa. This crackdown and use of antiterrorism legislation to stifle political dissent in Ethiopia is absolutely unacceptable. The State Department has publicly and privately expressed concerns about Ethiopian restrictions on political and human rights. These issues present complicated diplomatic engagement and security cooperation scenarios. Stability, security, and economic development are sustainable only with the development of democratic values, and Ethiopia has a long road ahead to fully achieve these goals. But with our support and the support of the Ethiopian Caucus, we can help them move closer to those ideals. Over the past month, in the run-up to President Obama's visit, the Ethiopian Government has released half a dozen journalists and bloggers who were being held on dubious charges. While this is a positive step, this does not forgive or cause us to overlook the restrictive and undemocratic pressures on the media in Ethiopia. The government's recent actions of good faith are not an achievement but, rather, they represent the first step in a long road towards the government demonstrating it can embrace a free and open democracy with a vibrant and free press. I believe the U.S. can be most effective at championing human rights and democratic institutions in Ethiopia through engagement. The U.S. must build on Obama's historic visit and work harder to encourage positive change. As a partner, we can have frank conversations with the government and champion human rights and democratic principles. Ethiopia is a young country in terms of democracy and, over time, we can help shape their maturing political system in a way that provides real choices for the people. The Ethiopian Government needs to continue to uphold democratic principles and engagement while, at the same time, reconciling the need for security with the increasing opportunities to engage talented Ethiopians. I stand with Amnesty International and call for the immediate and unconditional release of any and all remaining journalists and bloggers who remain in prison based on politically motivated convictions on terrorism charges. As a friend to the people of Ethiopia, it is our responsibility to encourage President Desalegn's government to stick to this reform. As the U.S. pursues closer economic and strategic relationships with Ethiopia, we must remain adamant that improvements to human rights and democratic institutions are a requirement to a successful partnership. Ethiopia is a valuable partner in a critical region, from peacekeeping, to fighting al-Shabaab, to pursuing peace in South Sudan. In recent years, the number of attacks performed by extremists across the Horn of Africa has been increasing. Ethiopia has been a vital partner and ally to confront extremism in the region. U.S. national security is intertwined with countries like Ethiopia that are on the frontline of fighting terrorism. The threat posed to African countries posed by terrorism requires the support of the United States Government in helping build stability that will allow democratic institutions to grow and flourish. Ethiopia has historically been a key contributor to United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions and, as the seat of the African Union, has taken an active role in trying to bring peace to the region and the continent. To this end, Ethiopia gets nearly $800 million a year in U.S. military assistance to fight the Somali Islamic group al-Shabaab, a group that is responsible for numerous attacks across the region. As we invest hundreds of millions to combat this brutal extremist group, we must remember that military strength alone will not defeat extremism. The only lasting solution is a comprehensive one that addresses the political and economic concerns of the region, one in which the rights of all religious and cultural groups are respected. I encourage President Obama to work with the Ethiopian, Kenyan, and Somali Governments to find ways to address the underlying social and economic issues that are resulting in fertile grounds for extremist movements like al-Shabaab. Ethiopia has undergone amazingly rapid economic growth in recent years and has made significant progress toward its Millennium Development Goals. The U.S. must continue to support Ethiopia's development goals and increase opportunities for U.S. businesses in the region. Ethiopia has the fifth fastest growing economy of the 188 International Monetary Fund member countries. The Ethiopian economy has enjoyed strong economic growth, with average GDP growth over 10 percent in the past decade, double the average for sub-Saharan Africa. This growth has largely been a result of government-led development policies with an emphasis on public investment, commercialization of agriculture, and nonfarm, private sector development. As part of this growth, Ethiopia has prioritized infrastructure development. Ethiopia is investing heavily in physical infrastructure as part of its development strategy. This includes the development and upgrading of the country's power, transport, and telecommunications facilities, with a brand-new railway network and the construction of a number of hydroelectric power stations. These investments will allow the country to continue to export power to neighboring countries. Ethiopia has also proven to be a partner in renewable energy development. Their hydro programs are helping move Ethiopia to become a climate-resilient economy by 2025. Ethiopia has the second highest hydropower-generating capacity in Africa and the continent's biggest wind farm. These renewable resources have enabled Ethiopia to export electricity to Kenya, Djibouti, and Sudan despite having limited hydrocarbon resources. This incredible growth has not gone unnoticed by the rest of the world, and numerous developed nations, including China and India, are investing heavily in Ethiopia. India is the biggest investor in land in Ethiopia, with Indian companies accounting for almost 70 percent of the land acquired by foreigners. The U.S. Government needs to do more to encourage American companies to invest in Ethiopia. With the continent's second largest population, Ethiopia is a huge market for American companies and products. Self-imposed congressional limitations on programs like OPIC, the Overseas Private Investment Corporations, are severely hindering U.S. investment into this economy. Self-imposed congressional limitations are severely hindering U.S. investment in this economy. We have to remember that. According to figures from the World Bank and Ernst & Young, foreign direct investment into Ethiopia has risen more than tenfold in 7 years, from $108 million in 2008 to $1.2 billion in 2014, with $1.5 billion projected for 2015. A significant portion of this investment growth is represented by Chinese investment in Ethiopia ramping up. This includes a new $200 million African Union headquarters financed by China, a $300 million contract to expand the Addis Ababa airport, and construction of a reported $2 billion factory for China's Huajian Corporation, which will employ 30,000 Ethiopians. It is critical that the U.S. Government mobilizes private sector capital to address these development challenges or other countries will. Despite all this economic growth, Ethiopia has significant challenges. Ethiopia's per capita GDP of $505 is one of the world's lowest. Though per capita GDP is on the rise--7.2 percent in 2014--it is still one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 173 out of 187 countries on the Human Development Index. Although Ethiopia is outperforming many sub-Saharan countries in poverty reduction, widespread malnutrition continues to haunt the nation. Estimates suggest that the country loses around 16.5 percent of its GDP each year to the long-term effects of child malnutrition. Dependency on agriculture--coffee, in particular--leaves the large rural population vulnerable to droughts, natural disasters, and other economic shocks. Recent periods of rapid inflationary pressures and large refugee inflows from Eritrea and South Sudan further aggravate these trends. This has led to food prices rising 100 percent in 2011. Ethiopia still relies heavily on aid to achieve its development goals. Ethiopia receives the most USAID assistance of any sub-Saharan African country, ranked seventh worldwide. Even among other donors, Ethiopia remains the single largest recipient of official development assistance in sub-Saharan Africa. So Ethiopia has made progress towards reaching most of the Millennium Development Goals. Together with government action and the largest social protection scheme in the region, Ethiopia has seen remarkable progress towards its development targets. Apart from the overall decline in poverty--reduced by 33 percent since 2000--positive gains have been made in terms of education, health, and reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and fistula. USAID development funds and programs are having a massive impact in Ethiopia in everything from nutrition, sustainability, food stability, health, and education. U.S. businesses and entrepreneurs also have a strong role to play in Ethiopia. Organizations like the U.S.-Africa Diaspora Business Council focus on tapping into the large entrepreneurial Ethiopian and African diaspora populations in the U.S. They help provide information, build capacity, and developmental infrastructure to assist American companies to build business footprints in Ethiopia and develop trade between the U.S. and Africa. I would like to particularly highlight the budding benefit corporations that are producing a positive impact on society and the environment as well as making a profit. Ethiopian diaspora-owned company Blessed Coffee, the nation's second benefit corporation, is established as a socially responsible business, focusing on trade in coffee growing regions as well as in communities in the U.S. where coffee is sold. A symbiotic relationship will be one that not only benefits the American consumer but, also, the farmers in Ethiopia and the development of the region. On a side note, I am not sure that it is well known, but according to DNA analysis, all coffee came from Ethiopia. So we can thank them for that. I was proud to help reauthorize the African Growth and Opportunity Act last month, which paves the way for continued investment in Ethiopia and Africa through preferential duty-free treatment to U.S. imports of certain products. This important bill incentivizes American companies to invest in industry and development programs in Africa and Ethiopia that provide products to the United States and jobs to the region. As the Representative from Silicon Valley, I take special note of the large opportunities in high technology and Internet fields. With just over 2 percent Internet penetration and 27 percent cellular phone subscriptions, Ethiopia has one of the lowest rates of Internet and mobile phone penetration in the world. Persistent State interventions, including nationwide Internet filtering, public sector monopoly over the telecom sector, and a relatively closed economy, have suppressed the growth of economic freedom over the past 5 years. All of this points to an opportunity for the U.S. Government and companies to help Ethiopia modernize and open its markets to American tech companies. In closing, let me just say that Ethiopia is a nation of growing importance and opportunity for the United States, a reality that is highlighted by President Obama's visit next week. As one of the poorest countries, yet with one of the fastest growing economies and largest population in Africa, Ethiopia still represents enormous untapped potential for economic growth. Ethiopia is a country where American companies can invest and bring jobs and development. It is critical that the U.S. Government seizes this opportunity for investment and mobilizes private sector capital to address the development challenges Ethiopia faces. Additionally, the U.S. has an opportunity to help Ethiopia address the numerous humanitarian challenges it faces. The administration's Feed the Future initiative supports Ethiopia's food security strategy to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and promote broad-based economic growth. Ethiopia still has many serious unmet development needs in sectors like small-business lending, private education, health care, and access to electricity. Healthy bilateral aid programs through USAID and development programs like Power Africa can help make significant improvements into the health and food security of millions of people in Ethiopia. Notwithstanding Ethiopia's enormous development needs, we must secure ties within the country to reinforce its constructive collaboration with the U.S. on regional security issues in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia's ongoing strategic partnership with the United States in combating al-Shabaab and defeating extremism in the Horn of Africa is an opportunity for the United States to change the narrative in the region away from focusing solely on military solutions and, instead, focusing on a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying social, economic, and political causes that fuel extremist groups. Stability, security, and economic development are sustainable only with the development of democratic values. Ethiopia is a young democracy where human rights and freedom of speech are not respected by the ruling government. The United States must take a strong position of standing with democratic institutions, such as free speech and open, fair, transparent elections. The U.S. must build on Obama's historic visit and work harder to encourage positive change. As a partner, we can have frank conversations with their government and champion human rights and democratic principles. Ethiopia is a young country in terms of democracy, and over time we can help shape their maturing political system in a way that provides real choices for the people. The Ethiopian diaspora here in the United States are the natural bridges and ambassadors and human resources to build and strengthen the economic, strategic, and humanitarian connections between our nations. The future looks extremely bright for Ethiopia, and the United States has an opportunity to be a strong partner as it moves towards a wealthier, more secure, and more democratic future. I am proud to be the co-chair of the Ethiopian American Caucus, where I can help give a legislative voice to the specific concerns of the Ethiopian American community and help the U.S. Government and diaspora build these important, necessary bridges to a brighter future. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 435, on H.R. 251, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Let me start by thanking Chairman Culberson and Ranking Member Fattah for their ongoing enthusiasm and support for many of the key programs funded by this bill. I am grateful for their support, including provisions addressing key concerns of mine such as the growing rape kit backlog and long delays in testing DNA evidence; preventing the politically motivated termination evaluation of a fundamental science observatory, SOFIA; and ensuring the Federal Marine Debris program, which will focus on plastics in our Nation's waterways and oceans. Despite the inclusion of these and other beneficial programs, this bill unfortunately falls short of supporting a robust and effective portfolio of Commerce, Justice, and Science programs. This bill was crafted under the restrictive spending cap imposed by sequestration. This unworkable funding cap has forced unacceptable cuts that greatly weaken key programs serving our country. For example, at a time when the funding for the constitutionally mandated decennial Census should be on a significant ramp-up, this bill underfunds the Census Bureau by $387 million. At the direction of Congress, the Census Bureau is testing sweeping reforms to Census methods that would reduce the overall cost of the enumeration substantially by bringing the Census into the 21st century. But without sufficient money next year, the Census Bureau may have to abandon plans for a modern Census and go back to the more costly, outdated, manual 2010 design, which will end up costing $5 billion more--$5 billion. We cannot afford to waste $5 billion. We need to be fiscally responsible and have an understanding of cuts beyond the time scale of a 1-year funding bill, which means investing in the Census now. Additionally, this bill severely underfunds and deprioritizes earth science. The bill proposes generous funding to support NASA for planetary science but seems to overlook the most important planet of all--our own. That is why I offered an amendment in committee to fully fund the earth and geoscience research at NASA and NSF instead of the $520 million underfunding being proposed. Research in the earth and helio sciences helps protect lives, business, and infrastructure because economic and public welfare consequences of natural hazards such as droughts, hurricanes, space weather, and earthquakes can be devastating. As our climate continues to change, this research is even more important, and yet this bill proposes to cut earth and geoscience research. We should be increasing funding in these fields to better understand natural systems and allow for more informed policy decisionmaking and not cutting them. Additionally, this bill seeks to micromanage the NSF by singling out earth science and social sciences as lesser research priorities. This is a prime example of political meddling into scientific research. The draconian spending caps have forced the cannibalization of these and other essential programs and resulted in a bill that is unworkable. We need to adopt the President's proposed overall funding levels to ensure that key programs such as the Census and NASA's Earth Science Research Program are able to be effective and serve our Nation.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution that recognizes and celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Southeast Asian American community in the U.S. Over the past 40 years, Southeast Asian Americans have become an integral part of the social and economic fabric of our country. They left war-torn nations, tyrannical regimes, and even genocide, to make better lives for themselves and their children. Today, over 2.5 million Southeast Asian Americans trace their heritage to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. In these four decades, they have contributed to our armed forces, arts, business, and politics. In fact, I have seen firsthand their enormous impact in my own district of Silicon Valley. This resolution honors their struggles in coming to America, and thanks them for all they've done--and continue to do--for our country.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Richard Choi Bertsch, who passed away unexpectedly last weekend at the age of 56. Richard was an integral member and leader in the Korean American community. His business acumen matched the respect he garnered from his peers. He dedicated much of his life to important causes, especially the fervent fight on behalf of the so-called ``comfort women''--women who were sexually enslaved by the Japanese Imperial Army during the World War II. Born on August 9, 1958, to his parents, Kenneth and Kyung Bertsch, Richard attended elementary school in Seoul, South Korea. In 1973, he came to the U.S. with his family, where he grew up in Southern California. A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, he started multiple electronics business. He found his true passion as a civic leader, and he was exceptionally skilled in connecting people of diverse backgrounds and communities. Richard founded the Korean American Democratic Committee and helped found the Korean American Coalition, serving as chairman of its Orange County chapter. Richard was a selfless individual who cared passionately about justice and the civic spirit. To put it simply, he left a deep and lasting impact on his family and his many friends from all walks of life. When a 2004 South Korean book blamed Jews for the attacks of September 11, 2001, Richard joined with Rabbi Abraham Cooper to fight its publication. Also, in 2008, when police killed a young artist, Richard led the Korean American Advisory Commission to bring the case before federal authorities for a civil-rights violation review. Just last month, when Los Angeles Times asked about his hopes for the future in Washington, he said, if ``The two parties sincerely work[ed] together for the betterment of our country, rather than constantly [being] locked in ideological gridlock . . . it would give some hope to people that politics does matter.'' Each of us in this hallowed chamber should take these words to heart. My heart was broken when I learned of Richard's untimely passing. Yet, I believe it is safe to assume, Richard continues to task each of us to continue our service and dedication to the betterment of our community, and this nation. Richard is survived by his wife Yang-Uk Kim, his sons Sunny and Sunoo, and his daughter Summer. Richard's family, friends, and I will miss him greatly. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart, I recognize and remember the life of Richard Choi Bertsch--a man whom I am honored to have called a dear friend.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chair, this was my first year serving on the subcommittee. And I thank Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Kaptur for their leadership throughout this process, for the collaborative way they had worked with the members of the subcommittee on this bill. I support the increases in the bill for the important investigations and construction accounts of the Army Corps of Engineers, which are increasingly important for dealing with the effects of climate change and have been underfunded for too long. I hope we can fully address the Corps' budgetary needs as this bill moves forward. I am pleased that the bill includes language I sought to help us increase access to solar and other renewable energy sources for low- income families. This inclusiveness is critically important if we are going to transform to a 21st century energy economy that benefits all Americans. I also appreciate the inclusion language supporting development of new photonics technologies to enable exascale computing breakthroughs. Funding DOE's Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists program at the President's request level is essential for programs to develop K-12 STEM educators, including the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, now in its 25th year. The funding level in this bill should allow for continued growth of the Einstein Fellows program, which brings exceptional STEM educators to Washington for a year to work in Federal agencies and in Congress helping to shape STEM education programs. There are, however, damaging cuts to some programs and others funded below the President's budget request. These decisions will take us in the wrong direction. We need to boost the funding levels for renewable energy programs that are our path to a clean energy future. We also must address the shortfalls in the Science Laboratories infrastructure funding that will hamper operations at user facilities such as light sources and science and nanoscience centers and engineering centers. I want to voice my disagreement with several of the policy riders in the bill. We shouldn't be blocking work to clarify the scope of the Clean Water Act, and we should be fostering collaboration between the Federal, State, and local agencies and ocean stakeholders about how to share this vital resource and not hindering it. I know my chairman was faced with a difficult task, and his approach to developing this bill has shown these issues, which are important for our Nation and for our planet, the respect they deserve. I look forward to working with Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Kaptur, as this bill moves forward, to resolve some of these issues in a bipartisan fashion so we can send a bill to the President that all of us can support.

Mr. HONDA. Will the gentlewoman yield?