Janice Hahn

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to urge support for this amendment that I'm cosponsoring with my good friend from California, Congresswoman Brownley. This straightforward and simple amendment will keep the Port Security Grant program funded at last year's levels and ensure it's protected from further cuts. U.S. ports remain one of our country's most important economic engines as they link our Nation to the rest of the world and the global economy. Each day, our ports move both imports and exports totaling some $3.8 billion worth of goods through all 50 of our States. And according to the American Association of Port Authorities, the U.S. port industry supports 13.3 million jobs and accounts for more than $649 billion in personal income. That's why I cofounded the bipartisan congressional PORTS Caucus with my good friend Ted Poe from Texas in order to ensure that Congress recognizes the vital role ports play in our national economy and the importance of keeping them competitive and, most importantly, secure. Despite their growing importance, ports have failed to garner the attention and the resources that they deserve. During my very first Homeland Security hearing, I asked Lee Hamilton, vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission, ``What should Congress be doing to improve security at our Nation's ports?'' He responded by saying, ``My judgment would be that we have not focused enough on our ports.'' For instance, despite a peak funding level of $400 million as recently as 2009, Congress has decreased funding for the Port Security Grant program nearly every year since. This is despite the fact that ports remain extremely vulnerable to attacks. According to the Congressional Research Service, a 10-kiloton to 20- kiloton weapon detonated in a major seaport would kill 50,000 to 1 million people and would result in direct property damage of $50- to $500 billion and indirect costs of $300 billion to $1.2 trillion due to trade disruption. And while an attack of this magnitude may seem unlikely to many Americans, experts agree that a major attack at one of our Nation's ports is more likely than ever before. Just last week in a discussion regarding the likelihood of a nuclear attack at a major seaport, former DHS Under Secretary Jay Cohen stated that it's not a question of if it's going to happen, ``but rather a question of where, when, and to what magnitude.'' As someone who can see the Port of Los Angeles from my backyard, this statement provides a sobering reminder that we must be doing anything and everything we can to guard against this threat. The port complex of LA/Long Beach is responsible for approximately 44 percent of all the trade that comes into this country. If an attack were to ever occur there, it would be economically debilitating not only for my district, but for the entire country, as well. This amendment will ensure the Port Security Grant program maintains last year's funding and will protect the program from any further budget cuts. By appropriately funding this program, we'll allow our port operators to continue to increase our capability to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from chemical, biological, nuclear, and other nonconventional attacks. And while ideally I would like to see this program returned to its previous authorized level of $400 million, ensuring this critical program is protected against further cuts is one of utmost importance at this time. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this incredibly important amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, last month we saw two bridges in this country collapse in 1 week. If that fact doesn't get us to act, maybe this one will: According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 70,000 bridges nationwide have been ``deemed structurally deficient.'' That's one in nine bridges. Congress can't continue to kick this can down the road on this critical issue. That's why I've called on my colleagues on the Transportation Committee to hold hearings to focus on the state of our Nation's bridges. Last week we had the Special Freight Transportation Panel in southern California on a 3-day fact-finding trip to see how businesses rely on our transportation arteries, bridges, highways, ports to grow and sustain the trade industry and our global economy. When we invest in our infrastructure, we create a future with good- paying jobs; a strong, thriving economy; and an efficient, safe transportation system. We have Americans who need work. We have an infrastructure that needs fixing. Let's bridge that gap.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, our ports are a vital part of our nation's economy. They move more than 2.3 billion tons of cargo a year in the United States, generating economic activity that touches every Congressional district in the country. Our ports are more than just gateways, they are engines--for the economy and for jobs. Unfortunately, our nation's ports and harbors are severely under- dredged and under-maintained. According to a recent report by the American Association of Port Authorities, full channel dimensions are available less than 35% of the time. We need to keep our ports strong. And so in 1986, we came up with a way to fund strong, fully dredged and well maintained ports and harbors, by assessing a tax on the goods imported through U.S. ports. That Harbor Maintenance Tax collects roughly $1.6 billion a year: plenty of money to keep our ports and harbors the best in the world. Yet as our ports suffer from historic under-dredging and lack of investment, we continue to spend only half of the funds we collect with the Harbor Maintenance Tax on maintaining our harbors. We have an $8 billion dollar surplus sitting in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. That's outrageous. When our ports have such a clear need, when we have such a desperate need for the jobs that the work of dredging and modernizing out ports would create, it is scandalous that we will not fully utilize the funds we have collected for that very purpose. I am introducing this resolution because we need to fully utilize the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. The wind in Congress is shifting, and I believe that we will pass legislation to achieve that. The Army Corps of Engineers needs to prepare to put people to work fixing our ports the day after the President signs that bill into law.

Mr. HAHN

Mr. HAHN. Ms. Speaker, as Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer approaches, students across the country are turning to figuring out how they are going to fill their time. But this summer, many of those students looking for a summer job face an uphill battle. High teen unemployment continues to cast a shadow over communities struggling to bounce back from the recession. For many teens, summer is a time to find their first jobs and learn their first lessons about making and managing money, building vital professional and personal skills. Unfortunately, the recovery has not reached many of our communities, which impacts these teens as they struggle to find employment to keep themselves out of trouble and maybe bring in a little extra money to ease the burden on their families today, we are diminishing their ability to compete in the workforce tomorrow. Last summer, the unemployment rate for teenagers in the United States remained intolerably high, at 17.1 percent. The teen unemployment rate is even higher for young African-Americans and Latinos, putting them at a special disadvantage as they try to enter the adult workforce. Just in my community of Compton, the overall unemployment rate jumped to a staggering 20 percent, as schools let out for the summer and students tried to find summer work. That is why I have re-introduced the ``Port Opportunity, Reinvestment and Training (PORT) Act'' with my colleague, Chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus and PORTS Caucus member, Congressman Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania. This legislation authorizes the creation of a grant program at ports throughout the country to hire eligible high school students over the summer. This is a win-win for the American economy. Our nation's ports have long been engines of economic growth, and so there is no better place for students to learn the skills they need to compete in today's workforce. These grants are an investment in the communities that need them most. Not only will these grants put money in the pockets of high school students facing unprecedented levels of unemployment, but they will build a foundation for successful communities and successful adults. I urge my colleagues to support this crucial investment in our students, our communities, and our economy.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Madam Speaker, for over 200 years, the U.S. Merchant Marine has been a pillar in the foundation of our country's national security and economic growth, and so it is fitting that every year on May 22 we celebrate National Maritime Day in recognition of their service and sacrifice across the centuries. On this day, we reflect on the service of the men and women of the Merchant Marine who served during World War II, many thousands of whom died in delivering the arsenal of democracy over the seas to the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific. Merchant mariners died at a higher rate in World War II than any uniformed service. Unfortunately, the veterans of the Merchant Marine who risked their lives in the service of this Nation and of all freedom-loving nations were never eligible for the provisions of the GI Bill, which helped millions of veterans go to college, secure a home, and transition seamlessly into civilian life. That's why I have introduced the Honoring Our World War II Merchant Mariners Act of 2013. This bill would provide a $1,000 monthly benefit to the nearly 10,000 surviving World War II mariners. By providing this modest benefit, we will finally be giving our brave merchant mariners the recognition and benefits they deserve.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, 3 years after the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, a law that is already helping millions of Americans, our friends on the other side of the aisle are wasting time again on a pointless symbolic vote that will never become law and takes us backwards. For the 37th time, our colleagues are forcing us to vote on repealing the Affordable Care Act when they know--they know--it has no chance of succeeding. For the 37th time, they are voting to allow insurance companies to deny coverage to children with preexisting conditions. For the 37th time, they are voting to roll back our efforts to not allow insurance companies to charge women more just because they are women. And for the 37th time, they are voting to strip small businesses of protections against the skyrocketing insurance premiums we faced long before the ACA. Einstein used to say: Insanity is when one attempts to do the same thing over and over again--expecting a different result. This is wrong for the 37th time and a waste of our time.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my friend and lifelong San Pedro resident, Helen Lucile Fistonich DiMaggio, who passed away on April 25, 2013. Born on June 1, 1919 to Andrew and Mary Fistonich, Helen was the eldest daughter of three siblings. An independent and fearless spirit, Helen's greatest legacy lives in her dedication to others. As a young woman, Helen excelled at school while working in the family business, Star Fisheries. A 1937 graduate of San Pedro High School, Helen earned a full scholarship to the University of California in Los Angeles, but chose instead, like so many women of her time, to remain in the workforce. In 1938, Helen met and married the love of her life, Neno DiMaggio, second-cousin to Joe DiMaggio, one of the greatest baseball players in history. Helen became the business director of Star Fisheries, and with Neno at her side, they managed the company for more than 60 years. Helen was an avid supporter of many local charitable organizations such as the San Pedro Peninsula Cancer Guild, Little Sisters of the Poor, Mary Star of the Sea Church, Holy Trinity Church and the Assistance League of San Pedro. In the 1990's she was recognized among the ``Who's Who'' in America. Recently, she was named one of San Pedro's ``Living Treasures'' at a ceremony commemorating the 125th anniversary of our town and the individuals who were instrumental to its history. She will be remembered as a woman of elegance and a pillar in our community. I was privileged to have called her my friend and she will be missed by her family, friends and loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members of the House to join me in a moment of silence to commemorate the memory of the late Helen Lucile Fistonich DiMaggio.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, under current federal law, individuals convicted of ``misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence'' are disqualified from possessing firearms. This policy has proven crucial to protecting victims of domestic violence from serious injury or death. However, many states do not define stalking as a type of domestic violence crime, allowing convicted stalkers to own and purchase firearms and leaving victims of stalking unprotected. Moreover, while federal law prohibits the sale of firearms to someone ``subject to a court order restraining them from harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner,'' not all stalkers have a romantic relationship with their victims and thus don't fall into this category. However their lack of a romantic relationship does not preclude the fact that they still pose a considerable threat to their victims. The Protecting Victims of Stalking Act of 2013 works to remedy these gaps in federal law. All victims, whether or not they have had a romantic relationship with their stalker, should be afforded these critical protections. The Protecting Victims of Stalking Act of 2013 closes these dangerous loopholes by prohibiting the sale of firearms to any person subject to a restraining order for stalking as well as prohibiting any individual convicted of stalking from buying or possessing a firearm. Only by addressing these glaring vulnerabilities can we begin to reduce the many injuries and deaths often associated with domestic violence.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, during World War II, millions of Americans in uniform fought bravely to secure freedom and peace throughout the world. We made sure to honor their sacrifices by ensuring we took care of them at home, through initiatives such as the G.I. Bill and other services meant to support our veterans. However, many of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war were not actually part of the U.S. military. During the war, U.S. Merchant Mariners were responsible for transporting troops and delivering supplies for the military. Even though they were mainly used as an auxiliary fleet, hundreds of ships and thousands of men were lost to enemy submarines and aircraft, including dangerous missions ferrying supplies to western Europe and even Russia. Though the role of non-uniformed merchant sailors in World War II may have faded, it was one of the most critical roles played during the early part of the war. Unfortunately, those who served this nation so valiantly during that time, have never been eligible for the tuition subsidies, home loan guarantees or other provisions of the G.I. Bill that helped millions of veterans go to college, secure a home and transition seamlessly into civilian life. The fact that we are not providing similar benefits to those who have risked their lives for this country is simply unfathomable. That's why I am introducing the ``Honoring Our WWII Merchant Marine Act for 2013.'' This bill would provide a $1,000 monthly benefit to the nearly 10,000 surviving World War II Mariners. By providing this modest benefit, we will finally be giving our brave merchant mariners the recognition they rightfully deserve.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert my statement into the Record opposing the GOP's dreadful Mother's Day gift--more work and less pay for working moms. Happy Mother's Day.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of defeating the previous question so that the House may bring up Representative Connolly's Put America Back to Work Act as part of the Make It In America legislative package. Make It In America is a comprehensive jobs plan that aims to reinvigorate our ailing manufacturing sector and bring innovation and high-skilled, high-wage jobs back to the United States, and it invests in training the skilled workforce needed to support manufacturing in the 21st century. We have an infrastructure crisis in this country, Madam Speaker, which is why I introduced the Bridges to Jobs Act as part of the Make It In America package. Do you know there are about 70,000 bridges that have been classified as ``structurally deficient'' in our country? Leaving these bridges in their current state of disrepair poses a grave threat not only to our safety but also to our economy. This act provides each State with $10 million in grants to put Americans back to work by repairing our crumbling bridges. Not only will this legislation put Americans back to work and bolster our ailing economy, it will also ensure the safety of the millions who use these bridges each and every day. I urge my colleagues to support this crucial investment in our workforce, our economy, and our safety. Let's defeat the previous question so we can bring this bill back up.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Luis ``Louie'' Diaz, a distinguished labor organizer and community leader, who is receiving the renowned South County ``San Foley'' 2013 Labor Leader of the Year Award. Raised in San Pedro, Louie at a young age was exposed to the hardworking environment of this port community. Louie became a member of Teamsters Local 692, representing Marine Terminal Operators, and held the positions of Organizer, Business Agent, and Recording Secretary. In 2001, he was elected Vice President of Local 692. He currently serves as Vice President for Local 848. For the last 23 years, Louie has continued to support his union brothers and sisters by serving as a member of the Board of the Teamsters Hispanic Caucus California Chapter, the National Hispanic Caucus, and the Maritime Trades Department, Southern California Ports Council. He is also the Coordinator of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition, which conducts one of the largest Labor Day parade and barbecue in the nation. Louie's exemplary service to his fellow community and union members has earned him this distinct honor. I am proud to recognize such an accomplished leader.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory and legacy of Nan Schneider, who passed away on Monday, April 15, 2013 in her hometown of Westchester. Nan was born on November 6, 1950 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Shel and Pris Siegel. Nan was a loving and witty woman that could put a smile on any face. In order to practice medicine, her father moved his family to California. Through a mutual friend, Nan met the love of her life, Denny, on a blind date. It was love at first sight. They had two wonderful children, Beth and Aaron. Nan was a woman who saw the beauty in everything and translated it into art. She was also an advocate for education. She volunteered to make Westchester Neighborhood School the best private school in the area. She also spent twenty years volunteering within Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) at Westchester High in order to, as she said, ``fix things.'' Her attitude said it all: she would always tell her husband, ``I'm not going to ask permission to make it right. If the District doesn't like it they'll call me and tell me to stop.'' That same passion and drive carried her into Los Angeles politics. Nan and Denny were no strangers to the concerns of Los Angeles. For 18 years, they fought the expansion of the Los Angeles International Airport into their community. As my colleagues from Los Angeles will testify, Nan and Denny were a force to be reckoned with. Nan also volunteered often for my father, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn. I was privileged to have called Nan a friend and I will always have fond memories. Her legacy will always be remembered in Los Angeles and in my heart. Nan Schneider is survived by her husband, Denny, her sister, Linda (Bob), her children, Beth (Jeff), and Aaron (Julie), and her grandchildren, Lily and Penny, for whom she cared so much. She will be missed by her friends and loved ones.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, background checks may not have changed what happened at Sandy Hook, but I hope Sandy Hook changes what happens here. Ninety percent of the American people agree that expanding background checks for gun sales is the right thing to do. These checks will help keep guns out of the hands of the mentally unstable, convicted felons, and domestic abusers who threaten the safety of our families and our communities. It's time for Congress to listen to common sense and the voices of the American people. I say to my Senate colleagues: You came here to work for the American people, not just to work for your reelection. We're here to do a job, not just keep our jobs. I support Senators Manchin and Toomey for coming together in a bipartisan way to push forward this legislation for expanded background checks. All we need is 60 Senators who have the courage to stand up and do the right thing. Commonsense measures to fight tragedy shouldn't be a heavy lift. This should be an easy vote.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. agricultural sector is a critical component of the American economy, generating over $1 trillion in annual economic activity. However, this sector remains vulnerable to the natural or deliberate introduction of pests and disease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports foreign pests and diseases currently cost the American economy tens of billions of dollars annually in the form of lower crop values, eradication programs, and emergency payments to farmers. Therefore, effective import and entry inspections are essential to preventing further economic losses. After 9/11, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 transferred federal frontline import and entry agriculture inspection responsibilities from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security. Intended to enhance coordination at our nation's ports of entry by unifying federal customs, immigration, and agriculture inspection officers within DHS, this reorganization has actually generated several problems relating to the recruitment and retaining of agricultural inspection activities, including staffing shortages of CBP inspection personnel, coordination challenges between APHIS and CBP, and a lack of resources for equipment and supplies. Without measures to adequately address these specific shortfalls, CBP will be powerless to prevent the increasing economic damage foreign pests and diseases are causing to the American economy. That is why I am introducing the Safeguarding American Commerce and Agriculture Act. This bill will address these issues by establishing an Office of Agriculture Inspection within CBP charged with 1) developing a comprehensive agriculture specialist career track that ensures agriculture specialists are provided the training, experience, and assignments necessary for career progression; 2) developing plans to ensure agriculture specialists receive the necessary equipment and resources to fully and effectively carry out their mission; and 3) establishing interagency rotations for CPB and APHIS personnel to strengthen critical relationships and promote interagency experience. By focusing on effective training and professional development, we can recruit and retain agricultural specialists, protect U.S. agriculture and commerce, and bolster this very necessary yet vulnerable sector of our economy.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, the lessons of 9/11 have taught us that we must continuously be vigilant in proactively seeking out and preventing our country's most pressing threats. That is why after 9/11, Congress began to shine a spotlight on previously ignored issues such as border security, airport security and strengthening identification procedures. However, an area that continues to be ignored is port security. In the U.S., tens of thousands of ships each year make over 50,000 calls on U.S. ports. These ships carry the bulk of the approximately two billion tons of freight, three billion tons of oil transports, and 134 million passengers by ferry each year. The volume of traffic gives terrorists opportunities to smuggle themselves or their weapons into the United States with little risk of detection. According to a report by the Council on Foreign Relations, in May 2002 there were reports that twenty-five Islamist extremists entered the United States by hiding in shipping containers. This highlights the need for an immediate legislative solution to counter this problem. However, it is difficult to come up with an effective solution without first knowing all of the potential dangers. That is why I am reintroducing the Gauging American Port Security (GAPS) Act. The GAPS Act addresses these problems by requiring that the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General report to Congress on the current weaknesses and vulnerabilities of U.S. ports and ensures that DHS develops a comprehensive plan for addressing them. Only by focusing on the specific dangers that threaten our port security, can we develop effective solutions to ensure our nation is prepared for any and all types of attacks.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, each day, U.S. ports move both imports and exports totaling some $3.8 billion worth of goods through all 50 States. Additionally, ports move 99.4 percent of overseas cargo volume by weight and generate $3.95 trillion in international trade. Given the importance of ports to our national economy, they must remain competitive and secure. Thus, we must remain vigilant and make sure we are giving States the resources necessary, so they can address the constant security threats that continue to loom at our Nation's ports. Whether its scanning foreign cargo for nuclear material or patrolling essential waterways, port security has become increasingly important as we expand into a 21st century global economy. However, funding for these efforts continue to be a challenge as maritime security continue to expand and broaden with ever-evolving threats. Additionally, the economic downturn has forced cash-strapped States to cut funding for these vital security initiatives. That is why I am reintroducing the Port Security Grant Act, which will extend the Port Security Grant Program through 2017. The Port Security Grant Act addresses these problems by allowing States to receive the Federal funding they need in order to secure their vital ports of entry. The program authorizes up to $400 million for States to train personnel, expand port recovery and resiliency capabilities, and increase their capacity to detect, respond to, and recover from attacks involving explosive devices. However, Congress has failed to extend this vital program beyond 2015. By not extending this program, we endanger the critical progress that has been made in port security and increase the overall risk to our national and economic security. By passing this bill, we will ensure that States continue to receive the funding they need in order to protect our Nation's gateways to the rest of the world.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, even before coming to Congress, ports have been a top priority for me. I served on the Los Angeles city council for 10 years and represented the Port of Los Angeles--that, with the Port of Long Beach, are America's ports. When I arrived in Congress, I wanted to raise awareness of ports and their impact on our Nation's economy. So, I, along with my Republican colleague Rep. Ted Poe, started the bi-partisan PORTS Caucus to educate our colleagues and include ports in our national dialogue. We took the next step in that mission by reintroducing a resolution honoring our ports. The United States is served by more than 350 commercial sea and river ports that support 3,200 cargo and passenger handling facilities. Each day United States ports move both imports and exports totaling some $3.8 billion worth of goods through all 50 States. Additionally, ports move 99.4 percent of overseas cargo volume by weight and generate $3.95 trillion in international trade. These numbers speak for themselves: ports are a crucial component of our national economy, and they deserve Congress' attention. This resolution honors both the tremendous contribution ports make to our national economy and the extraordinary service of Americans employed at our Nation's ports. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution in order to advance our national dialogue on ports.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I'm happy that, finally, we are moving forward on gun violence prevention legislation in this country. And I really applaud our Senators, Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey, for coming together, finally, in a bipartisan fashion to push forward legislation to expand background checks in gun shows and for online purchases. This is a strong first step towards a meaningful solution to end gun violence in this country. And I hope the House, I hope we take this up soon, and pass this legislation. But I think we need to do more. And if losing 20 young innocent lives doesn't shake us up to end this epidemic of gun violence that has plagued our Nation's neighborhoods, schools, and churches, then nothing will. If we harden our hearts to the tears and the testimonies of the parents of Newtown here with us this week, then we're telling every family that has been shattered by a gun and every family that has been shattered by this kind of violence that, if we don't act, we're washing our hands of their agony. You know, I hope that we still have a ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, but this is a good first start.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, as every American knows, we have a jobs crisis in this country. While unemployment has improved within the past year, it is still strangling our economy. Approximately 40 percent of jobless Americans--who lost their jobs through no fault of their own--have been out of work for six months or longer, and the longer they wait, the harder it is for them to find jobs. The fact of the matter is that we will not see robust economic growth again until we put Americans back to work. We also have an infrastructure crisis. According to Transportation for America, there are 69,223 bridges that have been classified as ``structurally deficient'' by the Federal Highway Administration. Leaving these bridges in their current state of disrepair poses a grave threat not only to our safety, but also to our economy. As the President noted last year, ``Our aging transportation infrastructure costs American businesses and families about $130 billion a year . . . and if we don't act now, it could cost America hundreds of billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs by the end of the decade.'' Additionally, studies have shown that our crumbling infrastructure threatens our competitive edge in the world economy. As the Washington Post reported last summer, if nothing is done to improve our infrastructure, ``U.S. businesses would pay an added $430 billion in transportation costs, household incomes would fall by more than $7,000, and U.S. exports will fall by $28 billion.'' Mr. Speaker, we can't afford to wait until the end of the decade; we need action now. Alleviating both of these crises is not a mutually exclusive endeavor. That's why I've introduced the ``Bridge to Jobs Act,'' a much-needed ``win-win'' for the American economy and public safety. The act provides states with grants to put Americans back to work by repairing crumbling bridges. Not only will this legislation put Americans back to work and bolster our ailing economy, it will also ensure the safety of the millions who use these bridges each and every day. I urge my colleagues to support this crucial investment in our workforce, our economy, and our safety.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, 11 years ago our Nation experienced unimaginable loss caused by the terrorist attacks on September 11. Let us not forget that the terrorists overtook planes using simple box cutters, which were allowed on board at the time. TSA's recent decision to now lift the ban on knives on aircraft is shockingly irresponsible and reckless. Why make this potentially deadly decision when this policy has been keeping our Nation safer for years? This is dangerous for passengers, flight attendants, and pilots. The airlines, flight attendants, pilots, and Federal air marshals have all expressed their strong opposition to this TSA policy that will compromise their safety and the safety of their passengers. Americans can plainly see that it is commonsense to keep potential weapons off our airplanes. We have already witnessed the harm knives can cause. Knives took down four planes. Knives took down the World Trade Center. Knives struck at the heart of our Nation's defense. Knives took thousands of innocent lives. This is a huge step backwards in protecting American security. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with the American people and urge TSA to not implement this reckless strategy.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, March is Women's History Month, and so I would like to point out that this week the Republicans and Chairman Paul Ryan once again put forth a budget that hurts women and fails to meet the moral code of our Nation. There is no morality in a budget that takes food from the mouths of struggling women and children while slashing taxes for millionaires and billionaires. These attacks on breast cancer research, on child care, on affordable health insurance for families, on maternal health and education are not what we owe our mothers, our sisters, and our daughters. Make no mistake: women, especially poor women, will shoulder the burden of these cuts. At a time when so many Americans are struggling just to make ends meet, we must do more, not less, to provide a strong safety net for all Americans. I call on my colleagues to support a budget that provides compassion of the government to help American women in need and invests in the future that they deserve.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor the congregation of Temple Beth El and its leadership for 90 years of spiritual and interfaith service to the San Pedro, Palos Verdes, and greater South Bay community. I am proud to recognize Temple Beth El for the extraordinary work it has done in my community, and for the work it will continue to do in the years ahead. As one of the oldest synagogues in Los Angeles, Temple Beth El has long been a vibrant part of the San Pedro, Palos Verdes, and greater South Bay community. Through its array of educational, cultural, and musical programming, Temple Beth El has built a second home for Jewish Los Angelenos, where spiritual fulfillment, interfaith inclusion, and social action thrive. The community's spiritual vivacity lies in its congregation and its leadership. As a community leader, Rabbi Charles Briskin serves his Jewish and interfaith communities alike. He nurtures the South Bay Jewish community by actively engaging in congregants' lives and facilitating dialogue on how to marry Jewish ethos with the trials of everyday life. Outside the Temple's walls, he contributes to interfaith understanding through his work at the Peninsula Interfaith Fellowship, his service on the Board of Directors for Harbor Interfaith Services, and his contributions to the Palos Verdes Peninsula News Clergy Viewpoints column. Serving Temple Beth El for nearly 20 years, Cantor Ilan Davidson brightens any Temple gathering with his rich musical heritage. From leading congregational worship to preparing B'nai Mitzvah students for their big day, Cantor Davidson brings the music of the Jewish people to life. Debi Rowe dedicates her life to furthering Jewish understanding through education. In her career, Debi has authored books on religious education, served on the national board of the National Association of Temple Educators, and trained countless teachers. Debi was rightfully recognized for her work when she received the Lanier Distinguished Educator Award for Religious School Educators. I commend Temple Beth El for their leadership in fostering the spiritual and cultural vitality of my district. What began in 1922 as a religious gathering amongst 25 Jewish families in San Pedro has blossomed into a multi-facility, region-wide cultural and spiritual community. I am tremendously grateful for the profound impact Temple Beth El, its congregation, and its leadership have had in shaping my community over the last 90 years.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, Congress' failure to avert the sequestration with a balanced and responsible plan before the March 1 deadline is not just sad, it's inexcusable. The ramifications of failure are anything but artificial. They are real and they are severe. While the sequestration process has begun, it is not too late to work together to put us back on the right path. Funny enough, Democrats and Republicans actually agree on one thing: that we can and must adjust the way we spend money. But we have dramatically different ideas about the best approach. Democrats in Congress have a balanced approach, which includes spending cuts and revenue through closing tax loopholes to reduce our debt. This sequestration plan is not the answer to dealing with our deficits, and neither is another eleventh-hour temporary solution. We owe it to the American people to move the needle forward and come to a compromise on a real plan that will increase revenue from sources other than just slashing critical programs. I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 699, a balanced bill to replace this sequester with spending cuts and revenues.