Mazie Hirono

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment introduced by Congressman Flake. Congressman Flake has personal ties to the State of Hawaii and I appreciate his interest in the underlying bill. However, his amendment duplicates existing legal guarantees in the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968. Contrary to what opponents of the bill have stated, everyone in Hawaii, Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians, will continue to be citizens of the United States upon passage of the bill, and therefore, afforded all the protections of the U.S. Constitution. The Abercrombie Substitute Amendment further clarifies that upon recognition by the United States, the Native Hawaiian governing entity would have no authority over nonmembers, unless those nonmembers expressly consented to the jurisdiction of the governing entity. Section 10 of the Substitute would make the governing entity adhere to the Indian Civil Rights Act, which guarantees protections for both members of the governing entity and nonmembers alike. This bill provides for a careful balance of the interests of the federal government, the State of Hawaii, and the Native Hawaiian governing entity. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Flake Amendment.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Hastings amendment, which is unnecessary and, frankly, insulting to Native Hawaiians. We can no longer treat Native Hawaiians as any less deserving of Federal recognition than other indigenous people. Citizens of one State don't get to approve or disapprove the laws of another State or proposed amendments to another State's constitution. This is also true of native governments in the United States. Citizens of States that include Indian nations or tribes are not able to approve or disapprove governing documents of these native governments unless they are also citizens of the native government in question. This bill provides a process of self-determination for Native Hawaiians by Native Hawaiians. The idea that everyone else in Hawaii should vote on whether they should be allowed to do so is completely contrary to the intent of this bill. The Hastings amendment undercuts a basic principle in our constitutional principle of government, that citizens have a right to determine their own laws and be governed by those laws. It would set a precedent that could have negative consequences on other native and even State governments. Put more bluntly, unless you believe that citizens of other States should be able to vote to approve or amend the organic governing documents of your own State, you should oppose the Hastings amendment. I urge my colleagues to do so.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Abercrombie substitute amendment. This amendment reflects a compromise between the Hawaii delegation-- who I might add are also duly elected by the people of Hawaii--the State of Hawaii, the Obama administration, Indian Country, and the Native Hawaiian community. Much has been made of remarks and statements by Hawaii's Governor and Attorney General on the substitute amendment. Let me say that the Hawaii delegation took their concerns, which were first raised in December, very seriously and many of their recommendations are reflected in the Abercrombie substitute before you today. Under this bill, the Native Hawaiian governing entity will have the same inherent powers--no more, no less--as other native governments possess, namely, American Indians and Alaska Natives. Hawaiians historically have been the object of unjust and unfair treatment at the hands of our government. Why should we perpetuate such treatment? In seeking to have Native Hawaiians' inherent powers be treated differently from how American Indians and Native Alaskans were treated, the Governor and Attorney General's position opens the door to challenging such powers as exercised by the American Indians and Alaska natives. This is problematic for all native peoples. While the substitute amendment makes changes to this version of the bill, it has in no way changed the intent of the legislation. This bill remains a path for Native Hawaiians to achieve self-determination as it has been provided to American Indians and Alaska Natives. This has remained a consistent and constant goal of the Hawaiian delegation. After all of the years of work and compromise on this bill, this should be the year that Congress finally seizes the opportunity to provide long-awaited justice to Native Hawaiians. We all know the previous administration did not support the Akaka bill, and a Presidential veto was likely. But now we have the support of a President who understands and supports the indigenous people of our State. It is disappointing that when we are on the cusp of reaching a historic milestone in the history of our State and our country, our Governor and Attorney General have withdrawn their support of this bill. But Congress can and should do the right thing by passing this bill. In spite of all of the race-based, technical, and other rhetoric you will hear against this measure, it is high time that Native Hawaiians through this bill can once again embark on a journey of historic proportions. I urge support of the Abercrombie substitute amendment.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues to express my profound condolences to the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck the nation on January 12, 2010. I led a congressional delegation to Haiti in May 2009 to support that country's efforts to promote democracy, stability and prosperity. During that visit, I saw the many challenges Haitians face and how they meet those challenges with courage and determination. Our delegation met with Haitian President Rene Preval at the National Palace and we also met with members of the Haitian Parliament at the Senate building. To now see photos of both of those buildings in ruins and to hear stories of members of the Senate being pulled out of the rubble has strengthened my resolve to continue to support Haiti and its people. The tragic images and on-the-ground news reports cannot but move us to action. We also visited two Partners in Health, PIH, facilities. PIH brings modern medical care to poor communities around the world and has been working in Haiti for over 20 years. Thankfully, PIH facilities in the central plateau region of Haiti, while experiencing the strong shock of the earthquake, had no major building damage or staff or patient injuries. PIH was able to mobilize their resources and bring medical assistance and supplies to other areas of the island that have been hardest hit. None of this has been easy to do in a country where the infrastructure, subpar to begin with, was virtually destroyed. I thank PIH as well as all the other organizations and individuals for the difficult work they are doing in Haiti in the wake of this devastation. President Barack Obama acted very quickly and decisively to send vital assistance to Haiti. The Administration's coordination of this international relief effort has been one of the largest in recent history. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that our efforts to rebuild Haiti will be a long term investment and I stand by her commitment. Our country has a special responsibility to help our neighbor move beyond the poverty, despair, and dysfunction that have plagued Haiti for far too long. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of continued investment in the people of Haiti.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 776) congratulating the Dartmouth Outing Club of Hanover, New Hampshire, for 100 years of service to the United States and its wilderness, as amended.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 776 into the Record.

Ms. HIRONO

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

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate the Feinberg School of Medicine for their leadership in medicine and science and urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H. Res. 1004, which congratulates the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine for its the 150 years of commitment to advancing science and health through educating students and supporting significant research in the medical field. The Feinberg School of Medicine started their first classes in 1859, and is now one of 11 colleges at Northwestern University. Feinberg School of Medicine enrolls over 4,130 students; 1,600 full-time, 200 part-time, and 284 research students, and has established itself as one of the most premier medical schools in the Midwest. Much has changed at Feinberg School of Medicine over its 150-year history, but the core principles have remained constant. The school still strives to empower its students to make a difference and use their education to positively impact the world around them. As one example, Feinberg's free community health outpatient medical clinic, located on the west side of Chicago, provides medical care to low- income patients, while offers Feinberg students a practical environment in which to learn from one another and attending physicians. Through the clinic's interactive learning style and commitment to public service, the community health clinic gives students a taste of clinical medicine and prepares students to be successful by giving them practical, firsthand experience in the field of medicine. The Feinberg School of Medicine is also part of the McGraw Medical Center of Northwestern University. Nearly all of its attending staff members have faculty appointments at the school, and many medical students and residents receive some of their education at this center and the community health clinic. Because of these connections, medical students and residents have an opportunity to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to real patients, situations, and medical settings. Through its research initiatives, state of the art clinical facilities, consistent outreach to the local community, and innovative curriculum, the medical school attracts bright and talented individuals to its faculty and student body. Feinberg School of Medicine produced a number of leaders and innovators in the medical field, including Mary Harris Thompson, Northwestern's first female medical graduate, and by some accounts, the first female surgeon in the U.S.; John A. D. Cooper, who was among the most prominent medical educators of the 20th century; Debi Thomas, the first African-American figure skater to win a medal at the Winter Olympics in 1988. She completed Feinberg School of Medicine in 1997, and has since become a leading orthopedic surgeon. These are only a few of the school's notable alumni changing the medical profession as we know it. I want to express my support for Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and thank Congressman Davis for bringing this bill forward. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 1004 into the Record.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1004) congratulating the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine for its 150 years of commitment to advancing science and improving health.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to congratulate the University of Alabama for their tremendous win. And I in particular would like to thank my friend, Mr. Bachus, for his comments about how good sportsmanship should be played on all fields, including this field. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. I would like to ask whether the gentleman from Kentucky has any further speakers.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I notice my friend, Mr. Bachus, the introducer of this resolution, probably awaiting a chance to make some remarks. So I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Alabama football team for their victory in the 2010 Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game. On January 7, football fans all across the country were treated to an exceptional game as the University of Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the University of Texas Longhorns to win the national title. With the defeat of the Longhorns team by a score of 37-21, the championship game marked an NCAA record of 57 bowl appearances for the Crimson Tide. This was the Crimson Tide's first title since 1992, its eighth since the advent of the polls in the 1930s, and its seventh number one Associated Press title. This year's team earned a 14-0 season record and won the Associated Press title unanimously. The team's win brought a fourth consecutive title back to the Southeastern Conference. The Crimson Tide had won all season on the strength of their defense and running game, and they did so again in the championship game. The outstanding players and coaches produced a great season, winning numerous awards and gaining exceptional praise from all over the athletic world, including the National Football Foundation and the Football Writers Association. Both rewarded the team with honorary awards. Congratulations to Mark Ingram, who received the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first University of Alabama player and the third sophomore in history to win the award. Ingram won the award by only 28 points, the closest finish in the Heisman award's 75-year-long history. A Dean's List student at the University of Alabama, Ingram excels both on and off the field. He ran 116 yards in the championship game and scored 2 touchdowns on 22 carries, leading his team to victory and to his being named the offensive most valuable player of the game. Congratulations are also due to defensive end Marcell Dareus, also a sophomore at the university, who was named defensive most valuable player of the game. Dareus made the game's key defensive play in the second quarter with an interception return for a 28-yard touchdown run. I want to extend my congratulations to Head Coach Nick Saban. In the short span of 3 years, Saban took a program that had struggled to find success and brought it back to championship caliber. A two-time National Coach of the Year, Saban has achieved resounding success as a head coach. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as an outstanding leader, organizer, and motivator. His commitment to rebuilding the total college football program at the University of Alabama, paired with his conviction to make his players the best that they can be, has led his team to be leaders on and off the field. His team has repeatedly exhibited grit, determination, and resilience, often overcoming adversity to achieve victory. The extraordinary achievement of this year's team is a tribute to the skill and dedication of all the players, as well as coaches, students, alumni, families, and fans that have helped to make the University of Alabama a premier football program. Winning the national championship, finishing the season with a 14-0 overall record, and leading the Southeastern Conference to another championship has brought national acclaim to the University of Alabama and great pride to those that care for the school. I know the fans of the university will revel in this great triumph as they look forward to the 2010 season. Mr. Speaker, once again I congratulate the University of Alabama football team for their tremendous success. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 1007 into the Record.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1007) commending the University of Alabama for winning the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. HIRONO. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to support this resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H. Res. 991, which commends the University of Virginia's men's soccer team for winning the 2009 Division I NCAA National Championship. The UVA men's soccer team, ranked second in the Nation, collected its sixth NCAA championship and its first since 1994. The Cavaliers defeated the top-ranked University of Akron team in a penalty kick shootout after a scoreless regulation and double overtime play. This game was extremely competitive, and highlighted the athletic prowess of all the players on the field. After 110 minutes of grueling play, the game was ultimately decided with an extremely intense shootout. The UVA soccer team was able to accomplish its goals, edging out Akron 3-2 in the shootout. Their effort and talent deserves to be recognized. The UVA Cavaliers posted a 19-3-3 regular season record and finished the season with an amazing 16-game unbeaten winning streak. The victory also gave UVA its 19th school national championship. The team applied the lessons learned during the season and displayed their outstanding athletic skills and cohesive team strategy, allowing fewer goals to be scored against them than any other team in the Nation. Entering the title game, their last goal allowed was on October 17, in a 3-1 victory over Virginia Tech. Five Cavaliers were named to the All-Tournament team. Diego Restrepo, Jonathan Villanueva, Brian Ownby, Mike Volk, and Tony Tchani. Villanueva was also named Most Outstanding Offensive Player, while Restrepo was named Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the game. Tchani and Restrepo were named the first team All-Americans, and Tchani was drafted by the New York Redbulls in the Major League Soccer Superdraft. Even with all the individual accolades and awards, the 2009 national championship contained a total team effort, and each member of the team should be commended for athletic excellence. Special congratulations are due to Coach George Gelnovatch. He wrapped up his 14th season as head coach and led his talented defensive team to a historic championship. He earned his 200th career victory during the regular season and led UVA to its fourth ACC tournament title during his tenure. Additionally, Soccer America named Coach Gelnovatch Men's Coach of the Year. Mr. Speaker, once again I congratulate the University of Virginia's men's soccer team for winning the 2009 Division I NCAA Championship title. I want to thank Congressman Perriello for bringing this bill forward. I wish the program much success in the 2010 season. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 991 into the Record.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 991) commending the University of Virginia men's soccer team for winning the 2009 Division I NCAA National Championship.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. HIRONO. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to end my remarks by thanking Mr. Thompson, the introducer of this resolution. I heard him mention the University of Hawaii, which, as you know, is also a powerhouse volleyball women's team. So it just goes to show how far we have come with title IX. And that title was named for my friend and predecessor, the late Patsy T. Mink.