Mazie Hirono

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 491 into the Record.

Ms. HIRONO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 491, which encourages each institution of higher education in the country to seek membership in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Consortium, SOC. Whether at home or abroad, military servicemembers deserve our Nation's utmost respect and support. It is, therefore, important that our Nation's institutions of higher education respect the commitment that military servicemembers make in protecting the freedoms we often take for granted. The SOC recognizes the sacrifices that many of these servicemembers make, and it provides servicemembers with the opportunities for continued learning. The SOC appreciates the positive attributes military servicemembers bring as active participants in a diverse college environment. The SOC works toward improving the relationship between the military and institutions of higher education. Increased understanding provides the flexibility necessary for servicemembers to meet the educational requirements that schools demand. The SOC manages to balance the development of programs and procedures that meet the unique needs of servicemembers while protecting and assuring the quality of educational programs. The SOC includes over 1,800 colleges and universities. Members of this consortium should be commended. However, in order to create additional opportunities for deserving servicemembers, we need to encourage other higher education institutions to join the SOC. The SOC enables Americans to express our gratitude to servicemembers and to ensure that they have access to the same educational opportunities that are available to other citizens. The SOC provides a wealth of pathways to a quality education while being sensitive to the needs of those who have served our country or of those who are currently on active duty. Under this program, servicemembers can easily transfer credits earned while working toward a degree; they can attend a myriad of campuses and can opt for distance learning in certain instances. It is imperative that servicemembers are able to obtain an excellent education, not only because it makes our troops stronger, but because it serves as a necessary way to express gratitude for all of the ways that our servicemembers sacrifice to protect our country. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Representative Adler for bringing this resolution forward. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize, for 3 minutes, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Adler), the sponsor of this resolution.

Ms. HIRONO. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his remarks and, in particular, because in his family he has servicemembers. I thank Mr. Adler for bringing this forward. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 684) recognizing and honoring Howard University School of Law's 140-year legacy of social justice and its continued commitment to the training of capable and compassionate legal practitioners and scholars, 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. 684 into the Record.

Ms. HIRONO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Howard University School of Law on the event of their 140th anniversary. The students and many exemplary alumni of Howard University School of Law truly embody their motto, ``Leadership for America and the Global Community.'' The Howard University School of Law's deep commitment to social justice and compassion began with its founding in 1869. The school was established in an effort to help African Americans secure and protect their newly established rights. Throughout this Nation's history, Howard alumni have challenged racism, worked to attain equal rights and access to education, and broken down barriers, rising to prominent positions in the field of law and justice. It was Howard University School of Law which served as the training ground and planning site of the thinkers who boldly defeated the notion that separate education can ever be equal through the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. Of the many notable African American legal scholars, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, arguably one of the most influential African Americans in American history, was educated at Howard law school. Vernon Jordan, former National Urban League President and domestic policy adviser for President Clinton, was educated at Howard law school. Charles Hamilton Houston, who earned the title ``The Man Who Killed Jim Crow'' because of his successful civil rights litigation, served as vice dean at Howard. There are few schools that can boast having a Supreme Court Justice, numerous Federal judges, Members of both the United States House and the Senate, a Governor and several mayors amongst its alumni. It is a proud history of those great minds, as well as the countless others that have come before, that pave the way for the next generation of legal scholars. Howard University School of Law graduates scholars with a lifelong commitment to change the world for the better. Howard has been recognized for its diverse faculty, its relatively low cost, opportunity for hands-on experience through a study abroad program of South Africa, and many other professional development opportunities, as well as their volunteer work here in D.C., teaching constitutional law in public schools. The dedication to the tenets of truth and service that inspired the founding of Howard University and the School of Law still exist today as this institution continues to work towards social justice and leadership. The Howard University School of Law remains an important institution continuing to serve as a beacon of justice and learning. Mr. Speaker, I want to honor and congratulate the current Howard University president, Dr. Sidney Ribeau, and the Howard University of School of Law dean, Kurt Schmoke, as well as the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the Howard University School of Law on this momentous occasion of its 140th anniversary. I urge my colleagues to support this measure. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize, for 4 minutes, the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick), the sponsor of this resolution.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his remarks in support of this measure and also Ms. Kilpatrick for bringing this measure forward. I, again, commend Howard University law school for its continuing commitment to equality, justice and opportunity for all, and urge all of my colleagues to vote for this measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 696) acknowledging and congratulating Western Wyoming Community College in Southwest Wyoming on the occasion of its 50th anniversary of service to the students and citizens of the State of Wyoming.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 696 into the Record.

Ms. HIRONO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 696, which celebrates Western Wyoming Community College's 50th year of service to the students and the State of Wyoming. Established in 1959, a local citizens committee and a general election led to Western Wyoming Community College. Beginning with only 40 community college students and occupying the local high school facilities, WWCC has emerged as a vital part of the southwestern Wyoming community that prepares graduates for advanced degrees and workforce readiness. WWCC is a comprehensive community college that provides a great foundation for students because of its small class sizes, hands-on learning experiences, and highly qualified instructors. WWCC truly succeeds at educating its students. In 2008, 100 percent of the nursing class passed the State exam. Today, Western Wyoming Community College enrolls over 3,000 students and offers a wide range of courses. With nine academic programs, 70 concentrations, $3 million worth of financial aid, and moderate undergraduate tuition, WWCC provides an affordable and diverse academic education for many students living in the surrounding area. The college prides itself on responding to the changing needs of local businesses and industries, primarily mining and energy, with exceptional academic and technical programs. Its success is based on a strong history of collaboration with local industries. With that said, WWCC lives up to its motto: ``A commitment to quality and success.'' I commend Representative Lummis for bringing this resolution forward. Again, I want to express my support for this bill, and urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. I want to thank the gentlelady from Wyoming for bringing this forward, because community colleges all across the country play a pivotal role in providing educational opportunities for our citizens. I, of course, congratulate WWCC on its 50th anniversary. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 455) congratulating the Wichita State University men's and women's bowling teams for winning the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship, as amended.

Ms. HIRONO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to congratulate the Wichita State University men's and women's bowling teams for each of their victories in the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship. April 15-18, 2009, college bowling fans were treated to a number of great bowling matches between the most skilled bowlers in the country. The Wichita State University men's bowling team entered the national tournament for the 24th consecutive year and ranked as the number one team in the Nation. They garnered their ninth national championship, defeating Saginaw Valley State University in the final match. The women's team also collected its ninth national championship, beating Lindenwood University in their finals. Sandra Gongora from the Shockers was named the Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) Female Collegiate Bowler of the Year. John Szezerbinski and Josh Blanchard of the men's team were BWAA Male Collegiate Bowler of the Year runners-up. As the most accomplished collegiate bowling program in the Nation, the Wichita State Shockers bowling teams have 18 national championship victories. No other team in the Nation has achieved this magnitude of success. The program has produced 169 All-Americans and seven National Bowlers of the Year. Better yet, 32 former and current Shockers bowlers represented our country on Team USA. I want to extend my congratulations to Gordon Vadakin, the head coach of both the women's and men's team. Through his leadership, Coach Vadakin led Wichita State University to 32 intercollegiate bowling national championship tournaments since he began coaching in 1976. Mark Lewis, Brian Adelgren, and Nathan Bohr also helped these teams reach elite status with their roles as assistant coaches. Bowling, by far, is the school's most preeminent athletic program. Winning the national championship and collecting its 18th national title has brought national acclaim to Wichita State University. I know the fans of the university will revel in this accomplishment. Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate the Wichita State University Shockers for their success and thank Representative Tiahrt for bringing this resolution forward. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Chair, as a member of the House Education and Labor Committee and as an original cosponsor of this bill, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act. I thank Chairman Miller for his leadership on this, as well as on so many other important measures. While this bill includes many significant provisions, the part of the bill that I am especially excited about is the creation of the Early Learning Challenge Fund. Like the PRE-K Act I introduced in 2007 and again earlier this year, the Early Learning Challenge Fund would establish a competitive grant program to support, not supplant, States' efforts to improve the quality of their early education programs. Evidence shows that quality early education is the best foundational investment we can make in our children. Last night I had the opportunity to meet with members of the philanthropic community who came together in recognition and support of quality early education. To quote these people, quality early education is ``the most powerful investment America can make.'' They not only understand the value of quality early learning, but they support successful programs all across the country, including in Hawaii. And they are not alone. Educators, economists, brain development researchers, police chiefs, Chambers of Commerce, retired military personnel all have emphasized the critical need for quality early education to prepare our children for success at school and in life. This bill is an important step in preparing our children for such success. I urge my colleagues to support this measure, a bill that makes important investments in education for all of our keiki--that's Hawaiian for children--from birth through college.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, health insurance is not something we can take for granted. Every day, 14,000 Americans lose their coverage. A recent Treasury Department report noted that approximately half of all Americans under the age of 65 will lose their coverage at some point in the next 10 years. Thousands are denied coverage because of preexisting conditions, like asthma, pregnancy, arthritis or diabetes. Millions more have no health insurance at all. In Hawaii, public and private health insurance covers an estimated 92 percent of our population. That means that most of us have health insurance and, because of our Prepaid Health Care Act, our coverage is among the best in the country. At the same time, Hawaii's economy has been hard hit, and our unemployment rate reached a 31-year high this past May, nearly doubling what it was just last year. Other States are similarly situated. H.R. 3200 will provide affordable health care coverage for those who lose it or never had it. I urge my colleagues' support for health care reform now.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 724, a resolution that honors the first responders who are courageously fighting the California wildfires and that pays tribute to the victims who lost their lives. Hundreds of firefighters throughout the country have been working tirelessly in this effort, risking their lives to put out wildfires so that the lives of others can be protected. Included in this group of brave responders are 20 firefighters from the National Park Service in Hawaii, including William Akima, Jordan Barthold, Tessa Chieves, Andrew Christie, Christopher Derman, Raymond Eselu, Michael Ferguson, Brandon Figueroa, Sean Grossman, William Konanui, Elias Kuamoo, Michael Kyser, Paul Keliihoomalu, Jon Makaike, Nicholas Martin, Sky Mullins, Arnold Nakata, Dexter Pacheco, Jr., Russell Rosario, and Lowe Thomas, who have put themselves in harm's way to battle the raging wildfires. We are proud of your commitment and grateful for your service. We also pay tribute to the two firefighters who died, Captain Tedmund Hall and Specialist Arnaldo Quinones, and hope that the eleven people who have been injured make a full and speedy recovery. I urge my colleagues to honor those who have served by voting for H. Res. 724.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. The most damaging aspect of the misinformation circulating about health care insurance reform is the use of scare tactics targeted at our seniors. The cynical irony is that the misinformation targeting seniors is largely perpetuated by the very people who fought the establishment of Medicare and wanted to privatize Social Security. Here are the facts about some common myths: Myth No. 1, there will be rationing of health care. Not true. The bill promotes effective treatments through research. Myth No. 2, Medicare will be eliminated. Not true. In fact, reform will lower prescription drug costs for people in the doughnut hole, allow them to keep the doctors of their choice, improve the quality of care and eliminate billions in waste. Closing the doughnut hole is especially important for Hawaii's seniors. We have the highest percentage; 36 percent compared to 26 percent nationally of our beneficiaries fall into this doughnut hole. Our current health care system, the costliest in the world for what we get, with ever increasing costs year after year, can't be sustained. I urge my colleagues to support reform now.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 541, recognizing and honoring the restoration and renovation of the Bishop Museum's historic Hawaiian Hall, the Nation's premier showcase for Hawaiian culture and history, on the occasion of the Museum's 120th anniversary. Founded more than a century ago, in the memory of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop by her husband, Charles Reed Bishop, Bishop Museum has contributed to the world's understanding of the natural and cultural history of the Pacific and Hawai`i. It has collected and preserved nearly 25 million scientific animal and plant specimens and 2.4 million cultural objects that together help tell the full story of Hawai`i and the Pacific. I attended the celebration of the Bishop Museum's 120th anniversary in Honolulu during our August district work period. The magnificent historic Hawaiian Hall has been beautifully restored and now serves as a more fitting setting for the irreplaceable and precious cultural and historical artifacts it showcases. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bishop Museum's Hawaiian Hall has traditionally housed Hawaii's most sacred and beloved artifacts. With its volcanic stone exterior and extensive use of native koa wood, Hawaiian Hall is considered a masterwork of late Victorian museum design. With this important renovation, hundreds of thousand visitors and local residents will enter the world of Hawai`i. They will hear the oral tradition of oli and mo `olelo. They will experience Hawai`i's deep connection between its natural and cultural worlds. Bishop Museum has served as an essential repository and education institution for over a century. I urge my colleagues to join me voting for H. Res. 451 and encourage you to visit the restored Hawaiian Hall when you next visit Hawaii.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, August, 2009 marks the 120th anniversary of Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, the State of Hawai`i's Natural and Cultural History Museum. Founded more than a century ago, in the memory Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop by her husband, Charles Reed Bishop, Bishop Museum has contributed to the world's understanding of the natural and cultural history of the Pacific and Hawai`i. It has collected and preserved nearly 25 million scientific animal and plant specimens and 2.4 million cultural objects that together help tell the full story of Hawai`i and the Pacific. Bishop Museum recently completed a major restoration of one of its original buildings, Hawaiian Hall. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bishop Museum's Hawaiian Hall has traditionally housed Hawai`i's most sacred and beloved artifacts. With its volcanic stone exterior and extensive use of native koa wood, Hawaiian Hall is considered a masterwork of late Victorian museum design. With this important renovation, hundreds of thousand visitors and local residents will enter the world of Hawai`i. They will hear the oral tradition of oli and mo `olelo. They will experience Hawai`i's deep connection between its natural and cultural worlds. Bishop Museum has served as an essential repository and education institution for over a century. In honor of this important anniversary and the major restoration of Hawaiian Hall, Congressman Abercrombie and I introduced H. Res. 541, which we are hoping will pass the House in the near future. I urge my colleagues to join me in commending the important efforts of the Museum and in celebrating the 120th anniversary of its founding with the restoration and reopening of its Hawaiian Hall. Mahalo!

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, we've been grappling with how to provide all of our citizens with access to affordable, quality health care since President Truman's time. With health care costs being 18 percent of our GDP and growing and 47 million uninsured, we need to take action now. My Education and Labor Committee spent 22\1/2\ hours in a 24-hour period debating H.R. 3200, a historic bill. In 1974, the State of Hawaii enacted historic legislation of its own called the Prepaid Health Care Act. This law requires employers to provide health care coverage to full-time employees. After 35 years, the Prepaid Health Care Act remains the only employer mandate law of its kind in our country. An economist at the University of Hawaii estimates that per capita, health expenditures in Hawaii have been about 7 percent lower than the national average. The economist believes that Hawaii's wider health insurance coverage and support for preventive health care led to this outcome. Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act has been the major driver in the health and well-being of our residents.