Mazie Hirono

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of restoring funding for Native Hawaiian housing programs. The bill before us zeroes out funding for Native Hawaiian housing programs. This is disappointing for the Native Hawaiian community and the families that need assistance from these programs. It is also disappointing because Congress has a long history of bipartisan support for Native Hawaiian housing--and a responsibility to continue this legacy. It has been nearly a century since the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. Congress passed this Act in 1921 at the urging of Hawaii's Delegate to Congress, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole. That legislation set aside some 200,000 acres of land to provide homesteads specifically for Native Hawaiians. With the enactment of the Statehood Act of 1959, the control and administration of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act was transferred from the federal government to the new State of Hawaii. A year later in 1960, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DHHL, was created to administer the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. Then in 2000, Congress passed the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act. This legislation established two programs to help provide housing to Native Hawaiians: The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant, NHHBG, Program and the Section 184A loan guarantee program. Hawaii has some of the most expensive real estate prices in the country. At the same time, more than 33,200 Native Hawaiian households are considered low-income. So without support from the NHHBG and 184A programs, many Native Hawaiians would not have access to quality, affordable housing. The grant funds are used primarily to develop infrastructure on Hawaiian Home Lands, which tend to be in the most isolated parts of our islands, typically in rural areas, and some with terrain that is difficult and costly to develop. Not only are these programs necessary but they are effective. For example, in FY2011 Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant funds were used to build 55 new homes, acquire 12 homes, and rehabilitate 12 homes. In addition, the Section 184A program has supported 255 home loans totaling $64.4 million. This program also has a strong track record, with a foreclosure rate elow 1 percent. That's 79 new units of housing and 255 opportunities for Native Hawaiians to access financing for their own homes that would not have existed absent the NHHBG and 184A programs. These are real people in real homes--They are not statistics. The bottom line is that these programs don't just provide housing-- they expand opportunities for homeownership. Owning a home has long been a pillar of the American dream. This is a dream that people do not forget, and do not give up on. In fact, over 26,000 eligible families are currently on waiting lists for an opportunity to live on their home lands. There are many stories of Native Hawaiians who have been on waiting lists for decades. In fact, some have died waiting to see this dream fulfilled. Eliminating these funds--Which total $14 million for the two programs--won't solve our budget woes. All it will accomplish is closing off opportunities for a community that utilizes federal funds effectively. This is the type of program that makes a difference in the lives of people by supporting strong communities and expanding opportunity. There is a continued need for Native Hawaiian housing programs and I urge my colleagues to carry on Congress's bipartisan support for making the American dream of homeownership possible. I hope that this matter will be resolved as the House and Senate negotiate a final Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2013. Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much).

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Richard A. Crowe of Hilo, Hawaii--an extraordinary man whose loss is deeply felt. For the past few decades, Dr. Crowe's leadership in the fields of astronomy and physics and his profound love of teaching has influenced generations of islanders throughout East Hawaii and our island state. Dr. Crowe was a vital part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo: the co-founder of the astronomy program and the Astronomer-In-Residence at the Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, which is affiliated with the university. A beloved professor, Dr. Crowe inspired many to follow in his footsteps and pursue careers in astronomy. Dr. Crowe also shared his passion for astronomy with Hawaii Island's younger students. His portable planetarium could be found in public school classrooms throughout Hilo, helping Dr. Crowe to get students excited about astronomy. He was committed to community and public service--participating in the Hawaii County Band, the Kanilehua Chorale, and the local rotary club. We remember and honor Dr. Crowe, and I join with his family, friends, colleagues, and students in giving thanks for his life of service and inspiration. His greatest legacy continues to be the many who have discovered their own love for the stars and galaxies above us through his influence. Dr. Crowe and his teachings will never be forgotten. Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much).

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No.: 371, ``no;'' 372, ``no;'' 373, ``no;'' 374, ``no;'' 375, ``no;'' 376, ``yes;'' 377, ``yes;'' 378, ``no.'' Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 388, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Hirono-Chu-Matsui- Lee-Carnahan amendment. This amendment will increase the resources for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, or ARPA-E. In 2006, the National Academy of Sciences released a report titled, ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm.'' That report called for the establishment of an Agency focused on energy. That Agency would be modeled after the famous Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA. Congress created ARPA-E in the 2007 America COMPETES Act. That legislation passed the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support. ARPA-E's purpose is to support research that helps Americans lead a 21st-century clean-energy revolution. This is about generating new ideas and innovations that lead to new jobs, industries, and opportunities. Ideas and innovations are the hallmarks of America's economic success. Names like Benjamin Franklin, the Wright brothers, Thomas Edison, Akio Morita, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and others are familiar to us all. They are familiar names across the globe. That's because their ideas led to cutting-edge technologies that were widely adopted and put to use, changing our lives and society for the better. Some of these bold innovations were far ahead of their time and often succeeded with government support. For example, few know that, without government contracts for airmail, our commercial aviation industry would not have become so successful. It was research supported by both U.S. Government labs and the private sector that gave us the Internet. Most famously, who can forget President John F. Kennedy's call to put a man on the Moon. While this effort was successful from a technological perspective, it also captivated a generation of Americans, inspiring them to think big and think bold. It is vital to our Nation's future success that we reinvigorate the spirit of innovation. If we do, we can harness the talent of our Nation's people as we continue rebuilding our economy. That's why supporting ARPA-E is so important. ARPA-E awardees are developing the kinds of breakthroughs that will help us break free from the grip of foreign oil and fossil fuels. In the past year alone, ARPA-E has supported research into high-tech electric car batteries. ARPA-E has supported potential breakthroughs in energy-grid technology and algae- based biofuels. These are ideas that could change how the U.S. produces, uses, and transmits energy. Unfortunately, the bill before us takes a different tack. It actually cuts funding for the research and innovation sponsored by ARPA-E. Instead, it gives even more resources for research into mature energy sources. Last year, fossil fuel R&D received $346 million. The bill before us provides $554 million for fossil fuel R&D. That is a $207 million increase. ARPA-E, on the other hand, gets a $75 million cut in this bill. My friend Warren Bollmeier, who is the head of the Hawaii Renewable Energy Alliance, once told me: The path we need to take to energy independence is one where we level the playing field for clean energy. We all agree that energy independence is a critical national priority. I think we can also agree that we need to take a broad-based approach to getting there. Responsible fossil fuel development must be part of this mix, but so should clean energy, which is what this amendment does. To increase the resources for ARPA-E, my amendment transfers some funds from the Fossil Fuel Research and Development programs. My amendment does not eliminate fossil fuel R&D. It would merely bring the funding level for this research to the amount requested by the administration. That number was nearly $420 million, and that's still an increase of $73 million from last year. We know that innovation equals job creation. In fact, in States across the country, we are seeing the advantages of investing in clean- energy research, development, and deployment. We need to keep this forward momentum. In Hawaii, our clean-energy economy is growing. Private sector clean-energy jobs in Hawaii have grown to over 11,000 jobs with double-digit growth expected in the coming year. These firms generate $1.2 billion for our State economy. These are jobs that keep money in our State and can't be outsourced. At this time of tight budgets, we need to balance our priorities and lay the groundwork for the future. My amendment moves us in that direction. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Chair, I rise to support the Tonko-Bishop-Hirono- Welch amendment. This amendment would increase the funding for the State Energy Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program. The bill before us slices the State Energy Program in half, from $50 million to $25 million. I'm not sure what the justification for this is. This program is effective and we should continue to support it. In fact, each dollar invested through the State Energy Program translates into $7.23 of savings on energy costs. It also helps to leverage State and local funds for bigger impacts. Hawaii has utilized this funding for a variety of beneficial activities. It has been used to support expanded clean vehicle infrastructure, more energy-efficient buildings, and other purposes. This amendment also invests in the Weatherization Assistance Program. This program helps the elderly, disabled, and low-income families benefit from energy efficiency upgrades. Most folks think of helping weatherize homes against cold weather, and certainly that's one of the key benefits of this program. In warm Hawaii, which has the highest energy costs in the country, we also use in program. We help our families weatherize by installing money-saving things like energy-efficient water heaters or insulating existing water heaters. Since 2009, at least 800 homes in Hawaii have been able to improve energy efficiency through this program. A modest beginning, but more, of course, needs to be done. This has helped to create jobs and give families the benefit of increased energy efficiency. I recognize the hard decisions that are made in this bill, but these programs that we just talked about may seem small but represent big savings for families all across our country, and, in fact, it will save our country money over the long term. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 294--``yes''; 295--``yes''; and 296--``yes.'' Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on all.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the bipartisan Grimm Amendment on Project Labor Agreements, or PLAs. In construction, contractors often do not have a permanent workforce. This makes it hard to predict the length and cost of a project. On large projects with many employers, a labor dispute with just one can delay the entire project. PLAs are short-term agreements for the length of a project that can reduce a project's length and cost. PLAs lead to higher-quality work by spelling out the work requirements, pay, benefits, and dispute resolution in advance. PLAs prevent worker strikes and reduce turnover. In 2009, President Obama issued an Executive Order on PLAs. The Executive Order encouraged Federal agencies to consider requiring PLAs for large Federal construction projects of $25 million or more. In Hawaii, last week Governor Neil Abercrombie announced a PLA plan for five large state construction projects. This can help save taxpayer money and create Hawaii jobs, while minimizing project uncertainty. While PLAs are regarded as cost efficient, sadly, this Majority in Congress has tried again and again to undermine the use of Project Labor Agreements. Today's FY 2013 MilCon-VA bill forbids military construction contracts from requiring PLAs. The bipartisan Grimm Amendment would remove this prohibition to allow Federal contractors a choice on PLAs. Today's amendment vote feels like deja vu. Congress has had vote after vote on this issue. Last year at this time we debated the FY 2012 MilCon-VA bill. I supported at that time a similar bipartisan amendment to preserve PLAs. That amendment by Mr. LaTourette, Republican of Ohio, passed 204 to 203, with over two dozen Republican votes. This issue shouldn't be about Democrats and Republicans. It's about supporting flexibility, common sense, and job creation. We need to put our differences aside and do the right thing. In Hawaii we call this laulima--cooperation. I'm proud to stand with Republican Congressman Michael Grimm and Republican Congressman Steve LaTourette on this issue. I urge all my colleagues to support the Grimm Amendment today as well.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4970, the House Majority's version of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, which eliminates important protections for women that have been supported on a bipartisan basis for many years. The tragedy of domestic violence is a reality for many families in our country and around the world. Unfortunately, it likely touches someone we know. Domestic violence affects people at all income levels, ethnicities, and ages. Since its enactment in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has been improved with each renewal in 2000 and 2005. It has been done on a bipartisan basis. The Senate's 2012 VAWA reauthorization bill passed by a 68 31 margin. The same cannot be said for this bill, which barely passed the House Judiciary Committee by a 17 15 vote along mostly partisan lines. Rather than addressing serious gaps in protection and services, H.R. 4970 rolls back critical safeguards that have long been part of this law and repeals current law requiring abuser-submitted evidence to be corroborated before it can be used against a victim. These safeguards were included as part of previous reauthorizations and are included in S. 1925, the Senate's 2012 bipartisan reauthorization bill. With these provisions stripped, H.R. 4970 leaves countless women, including LGBT, immigrant, and American Indian victims at risk. The bill puts abused immigrant women at increased risk by imposing new, burdensome procedural hurdles that would delay or deny protections and put victims in a more vulnerable position than they would be under current law. Law enforcement groups, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriffs' Association, the National District Attorneys Association, and National Association of Attorneys General support provisions in current law and in the Senate bill that protect immigrant women and help police and prosecutors pursue cases against dangerous perpetrators. The House Majority's VAWA reauthorization would abolish significant enhancements contained in the bipartisan Senate bill. For LGBT victims of domestic violence, H.R. 4970 fails to prohibit discrimination and ensure equal access to services. This bill would do away with provisions designed to provide justice to American Indian women by eliminating provisions empowering tribes with jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators on their lands. Our Nation's most vulnerable victims of violence stand to lose from this reauthorization should it become law. I am dismayed to see that some could actually support legislation that provides protections for abusers rather than the abused. I urge my colleagues to reject H.R. 4970.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in commemoration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. This month recognizes that our country's strength comes from the diverse talents, cultures, and ideas of its people. In Hawaii, it is this very diversity that helps drive our State forward and is the basis of our rich local culture. We honor the indigenous people of Hawaii and the Pacific islands and the Asian immigrants who have come to America seeking opportunity and freedom. Key anniversaries in the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders occur in May, including the arrival to the U.S. of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843. As an immigrant myself, I know firsthand the challenges--and the opportunities--that so many faced when they came to America. My mother, brothers, and I arrived with little more than the clothes on our back and my mother's determination to build a better life for her children. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have found success in all walks of life. In government alone, we recognize Senator Inouye, president pro tempore, who chairs the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations; Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color in Congress, whose Title IX legislation ensured education equity for women and girls; and Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniane`ole, whose leadership led to the creation of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920. These distinguished leaders aren't just a source of pride for the AAPI community, they also inspire a Nation. I am proud to celebrate the accomplishments of all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and look forward to seeing the trailblazers of the future.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chair, I rise in reluctant opposition to H.R. 5326, the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill for FY2013. This spending bill provides funding for essential agencies, including the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Census Bureau, Economic Development Administration, FBI, Drug Enforcement agency, U.S. Attorneys and Marshalls, NASA, and the National Science Foundation. I recognize that Chairman Wolf had a difficult task because of the sharply reduced allocations included in the Ryan Budget, which I opposed. The bipartisan agreement represented by the Budget Control Act of 2011 already made sharp cuts to spending levels. The decision by this Republican-led Congress to break that agreement to make even deeper cuts on the programs Americans rely on will make it very difficult to come up with a final spending agreement with the Senate. The Obama Administration has issued a Statement of Administration Policy expressing strong opposition to H.R. 5326. This bill underfunds programs that are critical to Hawaii, including programs that support fisheries and ocean stewardship programs. It includes a $20 million cut to the Legal Services Corporation, denying legal aid to tens of thousands in underserved communities, as well as many military families. Funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services, COPS, program in the bill is well below the administration's request. Fortunately, we were successful in passing an amendment to increase funding for COPS by $126 million (equivalent to the FY 2012 level), but many other amendments to this bill have made it even worse. For instance, amendments were adopted that would: Prevent use of Department of Justice funds in the legal defense of the Affordable Care Act; Prohibit funding to implement the National Ocean Policy; Eliminate funding for science-based climate change education efforts that will help prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; Prohibit funding of Census Bureau collection of detailed housing, economic, and demographic statistics. I expect this bill will pass today. I only hope that it can be improved in conference with the Senate so I can vote for the final spending agreement.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chair, Aloha. I rise today in support of the Lee- Pascrell-Pierluisi-Welch-Sherman-Hirono-DeLauro-Israel-Himes amendment, which reverses the $126 million cut to the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program in H.R. 5326, the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2013. While I am a proud cosponsor of this amendment, last night I voted for the Grimm amendment to restore this important funding to keep our neighborhoods safe, which passed by two votes. COPS grants provide funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire, preserve and/or rehire career law enforcement officers to increase their community policing capacity. COPS has been an unqualified success. Since this program was established, back when President Clinton was in office, violent crimes have declined throughout the country. Our state and local law enforcement agencies in Hawaii and across the country have had to make tough choices and tough cuts to weather this economy. To date, COPS grants have funded over 500 additional law enforcement officers in the State of Hawaii, contributing to additional community patrols and other crime prevention efforts to protect lives and property. The restoration of COPS Program funding is critical to ensuring the safety of all our communities, while also protecting and creating jobs for the American people. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall Nos. 202 ``yes''; 203 ``no''; 204 ``no''; 205 ``yes''; 206 ``no''; 207 ``no''; 208 ``no''; 209 ``no''; 210 ``no''; 211 ``no''; and 212 ``no''. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, Aloha. I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 105, which authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor's Center for the annual Kamehameha Day Lei Draping on June 24, 2012. The event has been held on or around June 11th to coincide with the celebration of Kamehameha Day, a state holiday in Hawaii. The Kamehameha Day Lei Draping has been hosted by the Hawaii Congressional delegation and the Hawaii State Society of Washington DC since 1969; it parallels the lei draping ceremonies taking place at the Kamehameha statues on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. Commonly believed to be born in about 1758, Kamehameha came from a family of alii (chiefs) on the island of Hawaii and was raised to become a skilled warrior in the traditional ways of combat. In 1778, as a young man, Kamehameha met the world-renowned navigator, Captain James Cook, the first European to visit Hawaii. Kamehameha later led a successful campaign for control of his native island of Hawaii and subsequently conquered the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Oahu. With the agreement by King Kaumualii of Kauai to accept Kamehameha's rule in 1810, the island chain became a united kingdom for the first time. The islands became known collectively as Hawaii from that point on. Under Kamehameha's reign, the islands became more involved in international commerce and a center for the sandalwood trade. As his kingdom opened up to the world and began adopting many western ways, Kamehameha remained an ardent defender of traditional Hawaiian culture and way of life, including restoring sacred sites. In the words of famed British explorer Captain George Vancouver, King Kamehameha was a man with ``an open, cheerful and sensible mind; combined with great generosity of disposition.'' Greatly mourned at the time of his passing in 1819, he continues to be revered in Hawaii and remains a respected historical figure today. A holiday in his honor was decreed by Kamehameha V, his great-grandson, in 1871. This year marks the 43rd year of the annual Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony, which brings together people from Hawaii from all over the Washington area. Many also travel from the islands to take part in this beautiful showcase of traditional Hawaiian culture, including hula performances, traditional Hawaiian music, and honorary chants. This yearly celebration would not be possible without the help and assistance of the outstanding staff of the Committee on House Administration, the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, and the Office of the Sergeant At Arms. We thank them again for their support this year. A concurrent resolution must be passed to authorize the use of the space for this event due to the Kamehameha statue location in Emancipation Hall. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 105.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, ``Don't double my rate.'' I've heard this message loud and clear from college students in Hawaii and across the country. If Congress does not act, almost 17,000 student loan borrowers in Hawaii will see their interest rates double on July 1. Hawaii college students will owe nearly $1,000 more next year. I have heard countless stories of people in Hawaii burdened by student loan debt. One woman in Kailua told me she took out student loans to afford graduate school, and now teaches part time at Hawaii Pacific University. Her husband is a Marine who's currently deployed. She says, ``My education was important to me, but now I wonder if it was truly worth it. I have the education that has provided me the job of my dreams but we are drowning in so much student loan debt that I may have single-handedly ruined both of our futures.'' Hawaii students shouldn't have to drown in debt to achieve their dreams. Education is too important: it's the key to greater opportunity. I know firsthand how education opens the door to a better life. I came to this country from Japan when I was nearly 8 years old. My mother courageously plotted and planned in secret in order to flee an abusive marriage and bring us to this country so we could have a better life. We came to Hawaii in steerage with little more than the clothes on our backs. I did not speak a word of English but my mother enrolled me in the public schools and that's where I learned to read, write and speak English. I used financial aid and student loans to put myself through college and law school. A recent study found that by 2018, nearly two-thirds of jobs in Hawaii will require some type of post-secondary education or career training. Meanwhile, tuition is rising and student loan debt is a serious problem. The average Hawaii college graduate has over $15,000 in student loan debt. Nationwide, Americans now owe more in student loan debt than credit card debt. In my first year in Congress, I cosponsored the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007. This bill passed on a strong bipartisan basis and was signed into law by President George W. Bush. This law cut low- and middle-income student loan interest rates in half, from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent. This provision will expire on July 1. We need a solution right away. Yet, rather than seek a real, bipartisan solution like we did in 2007, the House Majority continues to play politics with the issues that matter most to our families. Their latest ploy is H.R. 4628. This bill is a sheep in wolfs clothing. It supports college students, but on the backs of women and children. The bill would pay for keeping the lower interest rate for one year by repealing the Public Health and Prevention Fund. It's yet another partisan attack on the Affordable Care Act. The Public Health and Prevention Fund has already had a major impact in Hawaii. Our state has received grants to provide vaccinations, HIV testing, obesity and smoking prevention, and warning systems for disease outbreaks. The Public Health and Prevention Fund is supported by American Academy of Pediatrics--Hawaii Chapter, American Lung Association in Hawaii, CHOW Project, Faith Action for Community Equity, Hawaii Island HIV/AIDS Foundation, Hawai'i Primary Care Association, Hawaii Public Health Association, Malama Pono Health Services, and Papa Ola Lokahi. National organizations supporting this fund include the AARP, Alzheimer's Foundation, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Nurses Association, March of Dimes, and hundreds more. Today's vote is a false choice. Let's stop playing games with our students' future, and let's not balance the budget on the backs of women's and children's health. Today's vote is just a skirmish. The game is not over. We need a real solution right away. That's why I'm a cosponsor of the Stop the Rate Hike Act, H.R. 4816. This bill would keep student loan interest rates low for another year, long enough to find a longer-term solution. We'd pay for this by ending tax loopholes for big oil companies. These companies are already raking in record profits, and don't need another year of handouts from you and me. I voted today to take up H.R. 4816, a real solution for our students. I urge my colleagues to come together and get this done.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chair, I rise today to express my opposition to the bill passed by this chamber last night, H.R. 4348, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II. Each day that Congress fails to act on a long-term reauthorization of our nation's surface transportation programs is another day that our roads and bridges deteriorate. It's another day that our states and counties will be unable to plan and budget for projects to improve our communities and facilitate commerce. And it's another day that workers in the hard hit construction industry will have to wait for a chance to get back on the job. It would have been a tremendous victory for the American people if the House had come together as the Senate did last month. They passed a two year transportation bill on a strong, bipartisan vote of 74 22. It isn't a perfect bill, but it is a step forward for strengthening our economy and getting people back to work. However, the Majority in the House has blocked every attempt to have a clean, up or down vote on the Senate's bipartisan bill. Instead, they have chosen to pursue controversial, ideologically driven proposals. In fact, the bill this chamber passed yesterday has already drawn a veto threat from the White House for its inclusion of provisions to unnecessarily expedite the Keystone pipeline project. It would also undermine environmental protection procedures that allow our constituents the opportunity to weigh in on projects that impact their communities and quality of life. These are not small policy changes. The Keystone XL pipeline is a huge project that could have significant consequences for years to come. It deserves rigorous and objective analysis to determine whether it is in fact in the best interest of our nation's future to approve and construct such a project. Changing our environmental protection procedures for infrastructure projects requires the same sort of thoughtful debate and careful analysis. Infrastructure projects are long-term--they fundamentally change communities. We need to make sure that the impacts of these projects, and the views of local residents and businesses, are taken into account before taxpayer funds are committed. I do support the provisions of H.R. 4348 that will allow for full utilization of funds in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and provide for additional resources to continue restoring the Gulf Coast. I believe that these are important issues for the House and Senate to consider during their Conference. However, I am still disappointed that the House has failed to come together on legislation that has historically been truly bipartisan. I hope that Conferees will get to work expeditiously and come up with a product that can receive bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House. We owe it to our states, communities, and the families that depend on paychecks in the construction industry to move this forward quickly.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to discuss two bills that this Chamber passed earlier this week, H.R. 2779, a bill to exempt inter- affiliate swaps from certain regulatory requirements put in place by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and H.R. 2682, the Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization Act. The stated intent of these bills seems simple enough--to make supposedly necessary exemptions and clarifications to the Dodd-Frank Act. However, Americans for Financial Reform, a coalition of over 250 unions, consumer groups, think-tanks, and others have raised some serious concerns about the negative consequences these changes could have on the implementation of the law, and also question whether these changes are even necessary. Certainly it is appropriate for Congress to revisit laws that have been passed, and to conduct oversight of the work of regulators. However, Congress has asked the Commodities Futures Trading Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission to do a complicated job monitoring a big and complex market. How big and how complex? According to The Economist, the world's gross domestic product totals approximately $65 trillion. The total value of the global trade in derivatives is estimated to be 10 times larger than that--over $600 billion. Warren Buffett has even stated that derivatives are ``financial weapons of mass destruction, carrying dangers that, while now latent, are potentially lethal.'' Unfortunately, as the spectacular collapse of AIG made clear, we know that he was right. The Dodd-Frank Act was passed to reign in the abuses that caused the financial crisis, and to establish clear rules of the road to help prevent another crisis from ever happening. I believe, as Americans for Financial Reform point out, that the law provides regulators with the flexibility to address the issues that H.R. 2779 and H.R. 2682 seek to address without changing the statute. We need to let them get on with the job they've been asked to do. Therefore, I opposed passage of these measures.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chair, this week we celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act is designed to fix so many of the things that ail our health care system and burden everyday families. The new law has already had a major impact on families in Hawaii. Senior citizens in Hawaii now have some relief from the high cost of prescription drugs. In 2010, over 24,000 people with Medicare in Hawaii received tax rebates to cover prescription drug costs. One senior from Waimea on Hawaii Island told me her $250 Medicare rebate check was ``a blessing'' in these tough economic times. She was able to use that money to pay for her other medical bills. In 2011, more than 21,000 people in Hawaii with Medicare saved close to $7 million on prescription drugs. The ``donut hole'' gap in coverage will be closed by 2020. A mother in Kailua told me that because of the Affordable Care Act, she could now add her 21 year-old son and 24 year-old daughter to her work-sponsored insurance plan. These are just two of the over 5,000 Hawaii young adults who can now stay on their parents' plan until age 26. This Kailua family is now using the thousands of dollars saved on health insurance each year for other household needs, including paying down past medical debt. The old saying is true, that ``an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'' Preventive services like mammograms, colonoscopies, and wellness visits can detect problems early and prevent higher costs later. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, nearly all 210,000 Hawaii people with Medicare can now get preventive services without a co-pay or deductible. In addition, 240,000 people in Hawaii with private insurance are now eligible for preventive services--including women's health services such as domestic violence screenings and contraception--without a co-pay or deductible. The Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act already covers employees who work for more than 20 hours per week. As a result, a large percentage of our people can get the healthcare they need to stay healthy. We have a low rate of uninsured. And that saves all of us money. This is why I fought hard to preserve the Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act in the House bill. I offered an amendment to preserve Hawaii's law and defended my amendment in committee, convincing my colleagues to support my amendment. Then, all of us in the delegation worked together to make sure the final Affordable Care Act law maintained Hawaii's law. Because of Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act, most employers in Hawaii already provide health coverage. The Affordable Care Act makes it easier for Hawaii small businesses by providing tax rebates to help pay for health care costs. Nearly 29,000 Hawaii businesses are eligible for tax credits under the law. Today I also met with leaders from eight of Hawaii's Community Health Centers. The Affordable Care Act helps fund these 73 health center sites that serve our highest-need rural and underserved communities, especially on the Neighbor Islands and rural Oahu. These health centers care for over 130,000 people and provide nearly 1,300 jobs throughout the state. The message these health leaders shared with me today is that the Affordable Care Act has made a positive difference in the lives of so many. Given how much the Affordable Care Act is already helping Hawaii, it is unfortunate that some in Congress want to repeal it. Because they can't repeal the law all at once, they have continued to try to de-fund the law or repeal one piece at a time. Today we're seeing another example of this, with H.R. 5. This bill would repeal the law's Independent Payment Advisory Board, also known as the IPAB. This board is a panel of experts that will make recommendations so taxpayers aren't paying for unnecessary Medicare procedures. This will save taxpayers billions of dollars, while protecting Medicare patients. The board would not be allowed to recommend any cuts to reimbursement rates that ration or harm patient care. Congress would vote on the board's recommendations, or come up with an alternative that reduces cost growth by more. In fact, because the Affordable Care Act has already reduced the growth in Medicare costs, the Board's recommendations wouldn't even be triggered until 2022 at the earliest. I have heard from some medical providers in Hawaii who are worried the IPAB will recommend cuts to their specialty. These providers say they might choose not to see Medicare patients. I can understand their concerns, but here's the thing: Medicare costs are going up partly because of expensive and sometimes unnecessary procedures. Most members of Congress aren't scientists or health care researchers, so a panel of experts would be better suited to use the best research to recommend reforms. I will vote against a bill to repeal IPAB that doesn't put a better system in its place. Unfortunately, this week the House Majority released a budget plan (the Ryan Budget) that would end the Medicare guarantee for our seniors. The Ryan Budget would again turn Medicare into a voucher system where seniors would have to purchase private plans. Private plans could deny and delay coverage, without Medicare's consumer protections our seniors get today. Last year's House budget tried this same plan, and the Congressional Budget Office said it would increase costs to people on Medicare by $6,000 per person starting in 2022. The bill we're voting on today, H.R. 5, also recycles an old misguided proposal for medical negligence reform. Someone who is harmed by misconduct by a health professional should not be barred from appropriate compensation for a permanent disability or loss of a loved one. The reality is that most medical providers are doing the right thing. A small percentage of doctors are responsible for over half the medical malpractice cases. We shouldn't be protecting this minority of providers over the rights of patients injured through these providers' negligence. Today's bill would deny justice to those who have been harmed by a small number of medical providers. Today's bill, H.R. 5, would also hurt states' rights by preempting state medical malpractice laws. A cap on damages for physical impairment, pain, suffering, and even death could not exceed $250,000, regardless of individual states' existing limits. Today's bill also extends far beyond medical malpractice. It would also apply to limit patients' rights in all ``health care lawsuits,'' which could include cases against pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, nursing homes, HMOs, insurance companies, and hospitals. While proponents of medical malpractice reform argue that frivolous lawsuits are driving up insurance premiums, the fact is, economic studies have shown that medical malpractice payouts are not the cause of higher premiums for consumers. Instead, premium increases are caused by other factors, such as too little competition in the private insurance market. I urge my colleagues to reject H.R. 5. On the second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, we should be fighting to make healthcare more accessible for our people, not less. Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much).

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 112, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' Personal Explanation

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity today to commemorate the remarkable life of Congressman Donald Payne. I am deeply saddened that my friend Don is no longer with us. Don was a special man who touched the lives of so many. He truly saw his life's work as a way to serve others and make the world a better and more just place. His compassion for all will be sorely missed. Don was my colleague in the Education and the Workforce Committee, and I saw firsthand the passion he brought on behalf of America's children. He was a constant advocate for early education, recognizing that all children deserve a solid educational foundation regardless of income or circumstances. He recognized the power of education to further civil rights, and he strongly supported Historically Black Colleges and Native Hawaiian education. More than anything, Don saw education as a tool to create a more just and civil world. Don's compassion extended to those suffering abroad. He worked tirelessly to promote democracy around the world, and I was fortunate to travel with Don to Haiti as part of the House Democracy Assistance Partnership, of which he was a founding member. Our bipartisan team greatly appreciated Don's leadership and experience, and his presence helped gain the U.S. delegation the respect of our Haitian colleagues. But Don's largest overseas focus was on Africa, where he traveled to dangerous conflict areas in Somalia and Darfur. Don refused to stand by and watch the suffering of innocent African families and children. As noted by Steve Heyes, President of the Corporate Council on Africa: Africa mourns today for it has lost its greatest advocate in America with the passing of U.S. Congressman Don Payne, and such an advocate with so much experience and passion will not rise again soon. So, too, did the poor and downtrodden lose one of the few such Congressman who still cares about their fate and understood their lives so well. Madam Speaker, I know that Donald Payne has left a lasting impact on the world. We can all start to live up to his example by living our lives with empathy and compassion. While he will be sorely missed, he will never be forgotten. I join with my colleagues and with all of his friends and colleagues in giving thanks for Congressman Donald Payne's life of service. My thoughts and prayers are with Don's family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Waialua High School Robotics Team, the ``Hawaiian Kids,'' on winning the prestigious Chairman's Award at the 2011 FIRST Robotics World Championships and to recognize its impressive contributions to the founding and expansion of robotics in Hawaii. The FIRST Chairman's Award recognizes a program's contributions to robotics, service to other robotics programs, and overall excellence. Waialua High School was one of 48 teams nationwide competing for the prize. The judges of the 2011 FIRST Championship described the winning team as ``helping transform the region from an area of agricultural industry decline to one where the accomplishments of these students are celebrated as an indicator of promise for the future.'' All of the team members of the ``Hawaiian Kids'' graduate from high school, compared to the region's average of a less than 30 percent graduation rate, and all of the school's valedictorians in the past four years have been members of the robotics team. The team has shown great promise as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) leaders and innovators with 90 percent of the members pursuing careers in STEM fields. Founded in 1999 by Glenn Lee, a Career and Technical Education teacher and electrical engineer, the Waialua High School Robotics Program has become a model for engaging students in STEM and college- readiness courses. The ``Hawaiian Kids'' were the first FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team in Hawaii and initiated the development of other teams statewide. Its accomplishments have been shared with local government representatives, their community, and schools throughout our State. Today, close to one-third of Hawaii's high schools have an FRC team, the highest percentage of involvement in the Nation. While the ``Hawaiian Kids'' have experienced great success over the past few years, they continue to embrace their program's motto: ``It's not all about winning, it's about teamwork, commitment and responsibility.'' Congratulations to the members of the Waialua High School Robotics Team for all their accomplishments, their dedication sharing robotics and STEM education with their peers, and continuing to raise Hawaii's academic standards. Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much).

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the North Maui Coastal Preservation Act of 2012, a bill directing the National Park Service to study the suitability and feasibility of designating certain lands along the northern coast of Maui, between Sprecklesville and Paia, as a unit of the National Park System. I have previously introduced this bill in the 110th and 111th Congresses. The citizens of Maui strongly support preservation of this coast, which provides important open space and public beach areas. The beautiful coastline of North Maui is under significant development pressure. Its closeness to major population centers in Maui and its popularity with both visitors and residents makes protecting access a major priority. Supporters of this park have asked that it be named after Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink, a native of Maui who grew up in the Hamakua Poko/Paia area. While this bill, which authorizes a study, does not direct what the prospective national park would be named, I would certainly support naming it after Patsy Mink, whose commitment to the people of the island and state was without question. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.