Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished gentleman. Let me just add my voice of support for H.R. 547, the Advanced Fuel Infrastructure Research and Development Act. I know, Mr. Ranking Member, my good friend, we have had a colorful discussion on many, many issues. The American people are waiting to pass this bill. I add my support to H.R. 547. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 547, the Advanced Research and Development Act. H.R. 547 will make biofuels, like E85 ethanol, easier to access and use by developing new technologies that would allow retailers to offer biofuels using existing infrastructure. Mr. Chairman, providing consumers with diverse fuel choices is crucial to the viability of a strong economy and a safe environment. First, creation of alternative fuels through research and development will not only create employment opportunities across the country, but it will also allow consumers to save money previously spent on high- priced gasoline and oil. These savings will fuel the American economy by putting more money in the pockets of consumers which they will spend on other goods and services in their local communities and across the country. Moreover, businesses will be able to reinvest those savings from lower gas and oil prices to reinvest to expand its productivity and profits. Second, investing in clean renewable energy and providing consumers with diverse fuel choices will create a cleaner environment and reverse the terrible trends that have led to the Global warming throughout the world. H.R. 547 is a vehicle by which we can drive this country in the direction of energy independence. The high costs of oil and gas derive primarily from our overwhelming dependence on foreign oil. The Energy Information Administration estimates that the United States imports nearly 60 percent of the oil it consumes. Mr. Chairman, we cannot even remotely begin to reduce the high price of oil and gas which has caused many of our citizens to change their standards of living, unless and until we find ways to create a more self-sufficient energy environment within the United States. Investing in clean, renewable energy is an important first step to achieving this goal. For example, replacing oil imports with domestic alternatives such as traditional and cellulosic ethanol can not only help reduce the $180 billion that oil contributes to our annual trade deficit, but it can also end our addiction to foreign oil. According to the Department of Agriculture, biomass can displace 30 percent of our nation's petroleum consumption. Under H.R. 547, costs of fuels will also decrease due to the role that the EPA, the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology will play in the area of research and development. The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency EPA, in consultation with the Department of Energy DOE and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST, to research and develop new technologies that would allow retailers to offer biofuels using existing infrastructure, rather than refurbishing or building new infrastructure--essentially, putting the fuel in consumers' tanks at a savings to both retailers and consumers. Mr. Chairman, it is important for us to forge a strong surge ahead to create alternative fuels because: Alternative fuels like E85 ethanol and some biodiesel blends have different physical and chemical properties that often make them incompatible with much of our existing infrastructure. These fuels can experience a variety of compatibility issues, such as corrosion of tank and pipeline materials, increased sediment buildup, clogging of filters, water and microbial contamination, varying flow properties, thermal and oxidative instability, and emissions volatility. The cost of replacing or building new infrastructure is simply not feasible for fuel retailers, most of whom are small businesses. Even when new infrastructure is installed, those costs may be passed along to consumers. In 2006, EPA began implementing the transition to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel--a fuel significantly cleaner, at 15ppm sulfur, than traditional diesel, at 500ppm sulfur. Although this transition has been largely successful thus far, it is still possible that as ULSD moves from the refinery through pipelines, tanks, and trucks, it may absorb enough residual sulfur to exceed the new EPA limit. However, there is currently no affordable, real-time mechanism for testing the sulfur content of diesel fuel at the pump. H.R. 547 directs EPA and NIST to develop an affordable, portable, quick, and accurate way to test the sulfur content in diesel fuels. If our country wants to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, we must get serious about creating the infrastructure necessary to distribute and dispense alternative fuels. H.R. 547 will help achieve these goals using research and development for alternative fuels and new technologies. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 547 is a sound bill that has been endorsed by the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America, National Association of Convenient Stores, Renewable Fuels Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Petroleum Marketers Association of America, NATSO representing travel plaza and truckstop owners and operators, the Coalition of E85 Retailers, and the American Petroleum Institute. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 547.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 161, to adjust the boundary of the Minidoka Internment National Monument in Idaho to include the Nidoto Nai Yoni (``Let it not happen again'') memorial. This memorial commemorates the Japanese Americans of Bainbridge Island, Washington, who were the first to be forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to internment camps during World War II. In 1942, 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in internment camps--two-thirds of these were American citizens, none of which had ever shown disloyalty to the American cause. Forced to live under harsh conditions, the last internment camp closed 4 long years later. These innocent Americans were treated unjustly by their own government during a time of war, simply because of their national origin, and such a crime against them must not go unnoticed. The memorial is rightly named with the words, ``Let it not happen again,'' for it is important to remember the past mistakes of our government in an effort to avoid future ones. As we recognize this, we must strive to ensure that all Americans know about these mistakes to prevent their repetition. H.R. 161 helps accomplish this by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to coordinate the development of interpretive and educational materials and programs regarding the Bainbridge Island Japanese Americans. In times of war it may be easy to get carried away and put labels on those around us, assuming what their political ideals are based solely on their national origin or religious background. But as we have seen in World War II, such assumptions are unjust and can lead to disastrous consequences for a group of individuals. I thank my colleague, Mr. Inslee, for introducing this important legislation, to ensure that we never let such unjust practices occur in this great Nation again. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished gentleman. It is a delight to be here with all of my colleagues, and I might say that it is a pleasure to jump in and to accept the glory of the 30-something once in a while, particularly on this very vital and important issue. And I want to say to the distinguished gentleman from Ohio, having watched the Ohio election process; if there was a State that spoke loudly about a decided necessity of change, it certainly was Ohio, and the rest of us followed. And I can't imagine that we would be facing this budget but for mistakes and missteps that have been made in foreign policy, for example the Iraq war and funding that has been somewhat misplaced. But the good news is, and that is what I wanted to just focus on for a moment, that we now have the opportunity; Speaker Pelosi, the leadership, Chairman Dingell, Chairman Waxman on the health issues, we now have an opportunity to address the American people and to, frankly, make sure that we listen. I want to start very briefly on tracking the reauthorization of the Ryan White bill that was authorized in the last Congress. But an authorization goes nowhere unless there is, if you will, the funding that is necessary. And so I just wanted to briefly highlight the fact that we have a continuing AIDS crisis in the United States which really requires a focused and concerted effort at funding. And I don't believe that with the President's budget, these enormous tax cuts, we will be able to address the fact that there are now over 1 million people in the United States living with AIDS, and that particular communities, African Americans and Hispanics, are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, and they account for nearly 50 percent of the people living with HIV/AIDS. That means that we need more Federal funds made available to help in the minority health initiatives, the AIDS initiatives, and we need more funds to encourage testing for as many people as possible. So I cite that as a challenge to this budget that is going to impact many of us extremely negatively. Then I would encourage my colleagues from the various States, 50 States, to take a litmus test or to take a thermometer and measure the temperature of the President's budget against the health of your State. Let me just share with you what is going to happen to the State of Texas. We have a sizable young population, the State of Texas. Most of our population is under the age of 25; we have an extensive population of under 5, and we need, if you will, a refocus on the domestic agenda for this country. I am looking forward to Chairman Spratt's, the Budget Committee's reforming of the President's budget because this is what will happen to Texas: Two million Texans could see retirement benefits cut under the President's privatization proposal that is in his budget. And I would simply ask the question, how many times do we have to say that privatization of Social Security will not work? And it will not work. The President's health care proposal will squeeze Texas middle class of more cost and less coverage. So the President's health insurance proposal, which is opposed by my public health system, Harris County, who says, ``Are you trying to close our doors?'' We will see a squeeze on the middle class; 5.5 million uninsured in the State of Texas will be impacted. Let me give three other points. Huge Medicare cuts which we are seeing in the President's budget would endanger 2.5 million Texan Medicare beneficiaries' access to quality care and impose new taxes on seniors. The one thing our seniors said on the prescription benefit part D, no more burdens, no more doughnut holes. And that is what the President's budget gives us. In addition, one of the greatest tragedies of the President's budget is the cut in the State grants for children's health insurance could add some 1.4 million children to the uninsured ranks in Texas. Now, they say that they are going to leave this to the States. The States need to find out how to handle this. This is, this is, this is comedic. This is joking. This is completely impossible. I am lacking for words. We are fighting in our State to be able to insure children who need to be insured, and you are telling us we will give you, the State, a certain amount of money, and it is how you do it. It is not how we do it. We can't do it without the funding. So you are going to deepen the hole of health disparities by suggesting that we cut off 1.4 million uninsured children in the State of Texas. I would ask my colleagues to check the temperature of their State by taking a thermometer and measuring the President's budget against the needs of the American people. In Texas, 1.6 million veterans could be hurt by VA funding shortfalls. And I spent time with homeless veterans in my community at stand-down. I have homeless veterans in shelters in my community, as many of us do, but I see many of my homeless veterans under our bridges. We can't afford any more cuts in veterans health coverage because they are already paying the maximum amount. Let me conclude by suggesting that we likewise have made a commitment, 30-something and 30-something-plus, have made a commitment to America's youth. We want to ensure that the doors of our institutions are open. And just today I heard the fact that in our own community in Houston, we don't enough seats in colleges to be able to help educate young people. This may be a phenomenon across American in many communities, and that means we are closing the door to higher education to our children. Well, the budget that the President has put forward, aid for Texas college students, may be whacked again; and, therefore, tuition increases may go up almost 100 percent, because under State laws that we have in the State of Texas, we give that latitude to our universities. Our students cannot be whacked again, and they can't take the burden again. So I am hoping that, in addition to cutting the Department of Homeland Security, which we will obviously not tolerate because we are certainly not, we have not met the test of the 9/11 Commission Report, this budget needs fixing, it needs a fixing, and we need to rally around the American people's voice of health care, education, security, and the environment and affordable energy before we allow this budget to come to the floor of this House. And I hope that we will have the opportunity to be able to work our will, the will of the American people, and work our will on behalf of seniors, on behalf of those suffering with AIDS in minority populations and other, on behalf of the working middle-class families that struggle every day, that we would choose them over outrageous tax cuts that have been proposed by this President's budget. And I thank the distinguished gentlemen for allowing me to participate and to acknowledge that these policies are not family- friendly. And I look forward to a budget coming to this floor that we pass, the majority, Democrats, with our friends on the other side of the aisle, that will be family-friendly, children-friendly, those who are suffering from various diseases, education-friendly, environment- friendly, and certainly a new day in energy by the budget that we put forward on this floor.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 120, to recognize the African American spiritual as a national treasure. When slavery was introduced into the European colonies in 1619, the dark days that followed ignited the faith and hope of our ancestors that one day their descendants would live in freedom and helped them bear the unbearable burden of bondage. To help our ancestors tolerate the incorrigible injustices they suffered as slaves, they gathered together in unity and sang spiritual songs. Their strong faith in God was displayed through song and gave them hope that they would one day be free from the bondage of slavery. There was a transportation that took place when those songs were sung, for that moment they were carried away with their tunes from the problems and injustices they faced in their daily lives and could sing aloud to God who they depended on for help. Frederick Douglass, a fugitive slave who would become one of the leading abolitionists of the United States, remarked that the spirituals, ``told a tale of woe which was then altogether beyond my feeble comprehension; they were tones loud, long, and deep; they breathed the prayer and complaint of souls boiling over with the bitterest anguish. Every tone was a testimony against slavery and a prayer to God for deliverance from chains. . . .'' Unfortunately their plight for freedom from slavery would not end until 1865 when the United States ratified the 13th amendment to the constitution, but our fight for equality against injustices, though easier today, still tarries on. The singing of these African American spirituals is just as much a part of America as our flag and should be celebrated and seen as a thread in the fabric of our rich and diverse nation. Many slaves were not allowed to learn to read and write but they were allowed to have their faith and their song. It was these two things that became a foundation in the African American community and intertwined, was used as a method of survival, as a means to cope with human servitude and echoed their strong desire to be free. It was in these songs that an oral history of their plight was communicated to each other, taught to their children, recorded their sad history and healed their broken hearts. The Old Negro spiritual is still alive today. The influence of these songs is felt in gospel and the many popular genres of music that evolved from gospel. African American spirituals spread all over the United States, and the songs we know of today may only represent a small portion of the total number of the spirituals that once existed. I thank my colleague, Ms. DeLauro, for introducing this important legislation, to ensure that we celebrate, treasure and recognize the African American spiritual as a national treasure and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Dr. Christensen, Congresswoman Waters, Congressman Towns, Congresswoman Kilpatrick, and many of my other colleagues in support of the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. It is unbelievable, Madam Speaker, to hear the numbers that are escalating now with HIV/AIDS in the African American community, which accounted for nearly 50 percent of all new HIV infections despite representing only about 12.3 percent of the population. The CDC estimates that in 2005, African American women accounted for over 66 percent of all HIV/AIDS cases among women and were 25 times more likely to be infected than white women. Drastic, drastic, drastic decisions have to be made. We may be able to address this question by educating, but I do believe we must confront the question of testing. In our high schools today we are finding that there are those who are proving to be HIV positive as early as ninth grade and as early as middle school. We have to address this question. I ask my colleagues to wake up and confront this crisis in America.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 35 supporting the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness. Established in February 2000, National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness and Information Day, NBHAAD, is an annual observance day that was created to raise awareness among African-Americans about HIV/ AIDS and its devastating impact on African-American communities. There is no question that we must continue to mount a massive campaign to support the mission of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, NBHAAD to build the capacity and increase awareness, participation and support for HIV prevention, care and treatment among African- Americans. February 7, 2007 marks the seventh year of this annual event. The day is part of a national mobilization effort to get African-Americans to learn more about the threat posed by the disease, get tested, get treated and make a commitment to fight HIV/AIDS. For this day and everyday forward we must raise our voices to volumes that can be heard across the globe. Unfortunately, for too long we have settled for surviving our tragic losses in silence. But listen to these screaming statistics: According to CDC estimates, at the end of 2005, African-Americans accounted for 44 percent of all individuals living with AIDS--188,000. In 2005, African-Americans accounted for nearly 50 percent of all new HIV infections, despite representing only about 12.3 percent of the population, according to the 2000 Census. In 2005, African-American women represented 66 percent of all new HIV/AIDS cases among women, and were 25 times more likely to be infected than White women. CDC estimates that 73 percent of all children born to HIV infected mothers in 2004 were African-American. With an estimated 38.6 million people worldwide living with HIV at the end of 2005, and more than 25 million people having died of AIDS since 1981, NBHAAD serves to remind everyone that action makes a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Let there be no mistake; we are here to acknowledge that AIDS is a deadly enemy against which we must join all our forces to fight and eliminate. Though I stand here today in recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Americans should be reminded that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. With an estimated 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 HIV-positive individuals living in the U.S., and approximately 40,000 new infections occurring every year, the U.S., like other nations around the world is deeply affected by HIV/AIDS. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that AIDS is devastating the African- American community. As of February 2006, African-Americans represented only 13 percent of the U.S. population, but accounted for 40 percent of the 944,306 AIDS cases diagnosed since the start of the epidemic and approximately half, 49 percent of the 42,514 cases diagnosed in 2004 alone. African-Americans also account for half of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the 35 States/areas with confidential name-based reporting. The AIDS case rate per 100,000 population among African-American adults/adolescents was nearly 10.2 times that of Whites in 2004. African-Americans accounted for 55 percent of deaths due to HIV in 2002 and their survival time after an AIDS diagnosis is lower on average than it is for other racial/ethnic groups. HIV was the third leading cause of death for African-Americans, ages 25-34, in 2002 compared to the sixth leading cause of death for Whites and Latinos in this age group. African-American women and children have been disproportionately victimized by this deadly disease. African-American women account for the majority of new AIDS cases among women--67 percent in 2004; White women account for 17 percent and Latinas 15 percent. Among African- Americans, African-American women represent more than a third, 36 percent of AIDS cases diagnosed in 2004. Although African-American teens, ages 13-19, represent only 15 percent of U.S. teenagers, they accounted for 66 percent of new AIDS cases reported among teens in 2003. We must continue to forge a tough fight to reverse all of these costly trends. Mr. Speaker, combating this crisis will take a team effort. All of us--researchers, legislators, clergy, community organizers and activists and others--must work tirelessly to find solutions and to help so that our work will bring forth a wealth of wisdom that creates a climate of compassionate care and healing. Let us go forth as warriors, renewed in our commitment to stand in solidarity with everyone who has been affected by HIV and AIDS, and let us be encouraged in our efforts to comfort the afflicted and confront the passiveness of so many who contribute to the spread of this deadly disease; and let us be emboldened to speak out in our own communities so that silence may no more mask the ringing alarms of rapidly rising infection rates. I hope that our inner human spirits will move us to a place and time where we no longer turn our heads and close our eyes to those communities who need our help the most. We must find the strength to look past our fears and find compassion to create a world where no man, woman or child is confronted with the perils of this current AIDS crisis. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the goal of NBHAAD to motivate African-Americans to get tested and know their HIV status; get educated about the transmission modes of HIV/AIDS; get involved in their local community; and get treated if they are currently living with HIV or are newly diagnosed. Let me take this moment to recognize a major inspiration for NBHAAD, Mr. Louis E. Harris, 1947-2003, who passed away in January 2003 due to complications with bladder cancer. Mr. Harris served as the executive director of Concerned Black Men, Inc. of Philadelphia during NBHAAD's conception. His work and dedication will be missed along with his kind and warm words of encouragement. It is hoped that NBHAAD will continue to build the capacity of community based organizations, CBOs, as well as community stake holders to increase awareness, prevent HIV and get those who need treatment into care. I applaud the efforts of NBHAAD advocates to: 1. Increase reporting of accurate up-to-date statistics on the HIV and AIDS epidemic among Blacks by electronic and print media, radio and television stations; 2. Increase collaboration and sharing of resources at the national and local levels; 3. Increase resources and support including capacity building assistance for health departments, community based organizations and stakeholders serving Black communities; and 4. Increase the number of Blacks at high risk for acquiring HIV that receive HIV counseling, testing and other HIV prevention, treatment and care services. Observance of this day provides an opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, churches, community organizations and individuals to demonstrate the importance of the fight against HIV/ AIDS. Though funding for research is an important key to tackling the tragic devastation of HIV/AIDS in our communities, I realize that providing funding for research alone is simply not sufficient to eradicate the high rates of HIV/AIDS cases within the African-American community. We must also provide funding for prevention and education. Billions and billions of private and Federal dollars have been poured into drug research and development to treat and ``manage'' infections, but the complex life cycle and insane mutation rates of HIV strains have made these efforts futile in the fight to remove HIV/AIDS as a global public health threat. Though the drugs we currently have are effective in managing infections and reducing mortality by slowing the progression to AIDS in an individual, they do little to reduce disease prevalence and prevent new infections. A thousand drugs that ``manage'' infection will not suffice. We can make and market drugs until we have 42 million individually tailored treatments, but so long as a quarter of those infected remain detached from the importance of testing, we have no chance of ending or even ``managing'' the pandemic. Currently, the only cure we have for HIV/ AIDS is prevention. While we must continue efforts to develop advanced treatment options, it is crucial that those efforts are accompanied by dramatic increases in public health education and prevention measures. During my time in office, I have fully and eagerly supported all legislation that has given increased attention to HIV/AIDS, including the Ryan White CARE Act, which is currently slated to receive about $2.2 billion in funding for FY2007. I have supported legislation to reauthorize funding for community health centers--H.R. 5573, Health Centers Renewal Act of 2006--including the Montrose and Fourth Ward clinics right here in Houston, as well as supported legislation to provide more nurses for the poor urban communities in which many of these centers are located--H.R. 1285, Nursing Relief Act for Disadvantaged Areas. I have also supported and introduced legislation aimed to better educate our children--H.R. 2553, Responsible Education About Life Act in 2006) and eliminate health disparities--H.R. 3561, Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act and the Good Medicine Cultural Competency Act in 2003, H.R. 90. And I will continue to endorse and push for similar legislation. Twenty-five years from now, I hope that we will not be discussing data on prevalence and mortality, but rather how our sustained efforts at elimination have come into fruition. But if we are ever to have that discussion, there are a number of actions that we must take right now. We must continue research on treatments and antiretroviral therapies, as well as pursue a cure. And we absolutely have to ensure that everyone who needs treatment receives it. In order to do this, we have to increase awareness of testing, access to testing, and the accuracy of testing. How can we stop this pandemic if we are unable to track it? We must also increase funding for local health departments and community health clinics, as well as fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, it is imperative that we work to increase funding for HIV prevention and education, so that our children will be equipped with sufficient and appropriate knowledge of this growing threat within our communities, especially within our Black communities and among Black women. If Blacks are 11 times as likely to acquire infection, then we need to make 11 times the effort to educate. And we need to apply similar efforts in every community until HIV/AIDS becomes a memory. If not, our friends and family will be memories instead. I would like to take a moment to applaud the enormous efforts of community volunteers from churches and other organizations which have done commendable work across our Nation. I think everyone can learn something from their selflessness and their will to serve their communities. We need more people to follow their lead. We do not have time for excuses or hesitation. We have the passion and dedication, and we are securing more and more resources. It is up to us to get the resources where they are needed. I know a lot of people don't want to take things seriously until it hits home; until a brother or a sister or a son or a daughter falls victim to our blithe and ignorance. We cannot afford nor do we want to bear that cost; however, if we continue to sit by and wait for the next person to act, we may all have brothers and sisters and sons and daughters with HIV/AIDS. We need to be proactive and act with unprecedented urgency. Now is not the time to get comfortable. If you feel like you're getting comfortable, just remember that there is a face to every number, to every statistic. This is not a hypothetical or theoretical or metaphysical phenomenon. There are no imaginary numbers in this equation; only real people. And I am confident that we can protect and save real people with increased efforts. I will continue work tirelessly to keep the spotlight on this dark disease that is devastating many people in the African-American community, United States and around the world. My hope is that all of our efforts will lead to the elimination of HIV and AIDS not just from the African-American community but from every community. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 35 supporting the goals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a great American and war hero of our country by naming the Post Office at 3903 South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas in his honor. Born and raised in South Austin, Army SGT Henry Ybarra III was the first soldier from the capitol of my home state--Austin, Texas--to be killed in Iraq. Sergeant Ybarra graduated from Johnson High School and attended San Jose Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Lilian, and their three children, Alyssa, 16, Gabreielle, 14, and Henry Ybarra IV, 4. Army SGT Henry Ybarra III died when he was just 32 years of age on September 11, 2003 in Balad, Iraq. Ironically it was when his father was observing a moment of silence for the September 11th victims that he received a phone call with the grave news that his own son was dead. Readiness, quick thinking, leadership and dedication are some of the traits that America's leaders possess today and traits that Sergeant Ybarra displayed the day that he was killed. Army SGT Henry Ybarra III died under combat conditions when the tire on a 10-ton military cargo truck exploded as he tried to change it. Dedication and excellent service to his country was not new to Army SGT Henry Ybarra and during his military career he earned the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, National Defense Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Basic Marksmanship Badge. As Americans will never forget the attack on our Nation on September 11, 2001, so we must never forget those who are fighting the war in Iraq and serving our country. Sergeant Ybarra's memory must live on. He is an example of the thousands of dedicated soldiers who have selflessly given their lives to protect the freedoms of America and aid those in need. By honoring him, we honor the soldiers before him and the soldiers that are currently deployed in Iraq. Too many times we hear about the ugliness this war brings and as the death toll rises and we continue to stay in Iraq, we must not forget the names and faces of the fallen. I thank Rep. Doggett and urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 577, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3903 South Congress Avenue in Austin, TX, as the ``Sergeant Henry Ybarra III Post Office Building.'' We must put a face and a name to honor the fallen in Iraq so that his memory will never be forgotten. Help me to honor one of our Nation's finest and bravest by commemorating Sergeant Ybarra and naming a post office in Austin, Texas after him.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important for us to reflect on the last couple of hours of debate, and I call it fixing of the fiscal calamity that occurred over the last year when this body and the majority of my friends on the other side of the aisle failed to complete our funding responsibilities. Today, we passed a vigorous CR, and I think it should not be interpreted as a negative, but we should look at the positives that we will be able to provide, if you will, the continuing of funding and get immediately into, one, the emergency supplemental but also the appropriations process. $3.6 billion now goes extra to our veterans, many of them returning from Iraq for their health care. The change in the section 8 for many that are not being housed because of a faulty formula, we now can provide housing for many in our community. And, yes, an enhanced funding for scientific research. The ability for our agencies to reprogram their dollars. Many of us will be working, for instance in my district, I will be working to ensure the funding of the Texas Southern University Laboratory School through the Department of Housing; and, yes, we will be working to get NASA funding by redeploying or to redistribute those funds. This is a good CR. The agencies can work with it. Make sure the agencies work right on behalf of the American people.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 20, which among other things avert the impeding budgetary train wreck left by the Republican-controlled 109th Congress. I want to pay particular tribute to Mr. Obey, the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee for his incredible work in fashioning this legislation that will enable us to put behind us the mess left by last Congress and get on to the important business of addressing the real and pressing needs of the American people. Mr. Speaker, last November millions of Americans went to the polls to register the strong disgust with the Republican dominated control of the legislative and executive branches of our Federal Government. Americans were fed up with a Republican Congress and its legacy of a culture of corruption, its failure to address the pressing needs of the American people, its unwillingness to provide effective oversight of the executive branch, its fiscal irresponsibility that resulted in record budget deficits and added trillions to the national debt, and its ability to complete one of the most basic tasks of the legislative branch: to pass the appropriations bills needed to fund the government. Is it any wonder that Americans were voting for a new way of doing the people's business when they elected the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate? I think not. We Democrats promised a new and better direction for America. And we have been delivering. Mr. Speaker, behold what we accomplished in less than the first 100 legislative hours of our majority. We passed H.R. 1, which implements the recommendations of the 911 Commission; we passed H.R. 2, raising the minimum wage by $2.10 an hour over three years and providing a much needed raise to nearly 5 million workers; we passed H.R. 3, which will provide funding for embryonic stem cell research and provide hope for millions of Americans suffering from some of the most debilitating illnesses. But we did not stop there. We passed H.R. 4, which requires Medicaid to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for our seniors and disabled citizens; we passed H.R. 5, which will make college more affordable to middle and working class Americans by cutting the interest rate on federally insured student loans in half; and we passed H.R. 6, which is a substantial start in making this country more energy independent. And we accomplished all this, Mr. Speaker, after draining the swamp and ending the culture of corruption by adopting the strongest, toughest ethics and lobbying rules in history. Today, we clean up the fiscal mess left by the Republican-led 109th Congress. The last Congress abdicated its duty to be a faithful and responsible steward of the public fisc. They shirked their responsibility to establish the right priorities and make the right choices to serve the American people. They failed to pass nine of the eleven appropriations bills needed to sustain the operations of government for Fiscal Year 2007. Mr. Speaker, thanks to your superb leadership, and especially the extraordinary legislative craftsmanship of our remarkable Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, we rectify these Republican failures today. The Continuing Resolution we take up today, H.J. Res. 20, is not the ideal manner to fund the government and contains some provisions that each of us might not like, unlike the President's decision to escalate the war in Iraq, the choices reflected in H.J. Res. 20 represent the best available alternatives out of a universe of worst choices. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my support for the Fiscal Year 2007 Continuing Resolution, and my appreciation to the leadership, the Chairman and members of the Committee, and for all my colleagues who join me in voting for H.J. Res. 20. Mr. Speaker, H.J. Res. 20, totals $463.5 billion, the amount remaining under the Republican budget resolution for the current fiscal year. Most programs are funded at FY 2006 levels with increases to cover the cost of pay increases. Of course, it was also necessary to make additions to maintain staffing levels, avoid furloughs, and generally meet increased costs or workloads for agencies, particularly the Department of Justice, the federal judiciary, the Social Security Administration, the FAA (including air traffic control), international peacekeeping operations, the Indian Health Service, the Food and Drug Administration, and the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. But Mr. Speaker, because the new Democratic majority knows how to, and does not shirk from, choosing wisely and setting the right priorities, in this continuing resolution we were also able to provide significant new investments for high priority needs in many areas, including veterans healthcare and assistance, law enforcement, public health, housing and education, scientific research, energy independence, transportation, and the environment. Let me discuss briefly some of the more important and beneficial provisions. veterans Affairs In the area of veterans healthcare, the resolution provides $32.3 billion, an increase of $3.6 billion above the FY 2006 funding levels to provide service for the anticipated increase of at least 325,000 veteran patients and to meet rising healthcare costs', especially of our returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. As President Lincoln reminded us 142 years ago, we have a moral obligation to care for him whom has born the battle, and for his widow and orphan. We are going to keep that commitment. We also provide $21.2 billion, an increase of $1.2 billion to provide care for service members and their families, including treating service members wounded in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, we will never neglect the needs of those who proudly don the uniform in the defense of the United States. That is why the resolution provides $13.4 billion to fund the Basic Allowance for Housing, an increase of $500 million. This increased funding is needed to provide a down payment towards the funding shortfall caused by higher housing rates. Public Safety and Law Enforcement In the vitally important area of public safety, law enforcement, and crime prevention, the resolution increases the funding for the Federal Bureau of Investigation by $216.6 million to fully fund 31,359 positions, including 12,213 agents and 2,577 Intelligence Analysts-- doubling the number of Intelligence Analysts since September 11th. This amount also includes $100 million to proceed the FBI's plan to move from paper-based case management to electronic data sharing. The resolution also includes $147.4 million for counter-terrorism and intelligence infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, I know that investing in crime prevention programs is an effective use of the taxpayers' precious dollars. That is why I am pleased that the resolution provides $520 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Formula Grants, an increase of $109 million, and $542 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), an increase of $70 million. Together these increases are the first step in reversing the drastic cuts to State and local law enforcement programs made since the Bush administration came into office in 2001. I will immediately make the request for the U.S. Justice Department to fund the new crime-prevention needs of Houston. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, education is destiny. The surest and most certain path to continued American prosperity lies in an educated citizenry. That is why I am especially pleased that for the first time in 4 years, the maximum Pell Grant has been increased, by $260 to $4,310. This long-overdue increase will help over 5.3 million students pay rising college expenses. The resolution also provides $10.7 billion for IDEA Part B State grants, an increase of $200 million to help school districts serve 6.9 million children with disabilities and special needs. If we are going to be serious about leaving no child behind, then we must make sure to adequately fund special education. But there is more, Mr. Speaker. The resolution increases Title I K-12 Grants by $125 million and provides more than 38,000 additional low- income children performing below grade level with intensive reading and math instruction. Thus, we have begun to reverse the decline since 2005 in Title 1 support for elementary and secondary schools at a time of record enrollments (55 million students in 2006) and pressures for more accountability from No Child Left Behind requirements. The resolution also contains $125 million targeted to the 6,700 schools that failed to meet No Child Left Behind requirements in the 2005-2006 school year, enabling them to implement improvement activities, such as teacher training, tutoring programs, and curriculum upgrades. According to the Department of Education, without this funding more than 80 percent of high-poverty districts would be unable to afford these improvements. The value and efficacy of Head Start is well known and long established. That is why it is so scandalous that the Bush Administration has cut this program by 11 percent in real dollars since 2002. The resolution increases funding by $103.7 million to help prevent a drop in Head Start enrollments. The money the Department of Education will have will still allow for teacher incentive pay for Houston. Public Health Programs The resolution provides $1.9 billion, an increase of $206.9 million to finance more than 300 critically need new or expanded health centers, serving an estimated 1.2 million new patients. We also increase Ryan White CARE Grants by $75.8 million to bring it to its authorized funding level of $1.2 billion. Scientific Research One of the most important investments this nation can make to secure its long-term future is in the area of scientific research. As a long- term member of the Science Committee, I am keenly aware that to keep ahead of our international competitors we cannot scrimp when it comes to expanding the Nation's intellectual capital and knowledge base. That is why the resolution wisely funds the National Institutes of Health at $28.9 billion, an increase of $619.5 million. This level of funding reverses a projected decline in new NIH research project awards and supports an additional 500 research project grants, 1,500 first time investigators, and expands funding for high risk and high impact research. The resolution also provides an additional $50 million in new funding for the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) innovation programs for physical science research and lab support for nanotechnology and neutron research. Equally important, the resolution increases provides funding for the National Science Foundation in the amount of $4.7 billion, an increase of $335 million. This increase is a down-payment towards enhancing U.S. global competitiveness by investing in basic science research. Mr. Speaker, in an area close to my heart and important to my district, which is often referred to as the Energy Capital of the nation, the resolution increases funding to the Department of Energy's Office of Science by $200 million to support cutting edge research, including new energy technologies such as improved conversion of cellulosic biomass to biofuels. I also appreciate that the resolution increases funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy resources by $300 million which will enable us to accelerate research and development activities for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. NASA and in particular the Johnson Space Center can be funded by redisbursing funds in the Agency to avoid lost jobs and the stopping of important work. I will work for the continued work of NASA. Housing and urban development Mr. Speaker, as Hurricane Katrina laid bare for all the world to see, affordable housing has for too long been a neglected priority in this country. The resolution makes a modest but useful stab at correcting this woeful situation. The Section 8 Tenant-Based Program is funded at $15.9 billion, an increase of $502 million, which will enable the Department of Housing and Urban Development to renew 70,000 housing vouchers currently in use by individuals and families. The Section 8 Project-Based Program is budgeted at $5.9 billion, an increase of $939 million. This much needed increase will help HUD renew 157,000 housing vouchers currently in use by individuals and families. Although no one likes to live in public housing, we must remember that for millions of our fellow citizens they are their home and sanctuary. For too long they have been neglected, which has led to an accelerated state of disrepair. That is why it is encouraging to see that the resolution provides an extra increase $300 million to enable Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to address critical operating needs after last year's energy hikes saddled them with $287 million in unexpected utility costs. Although this increase is still $672 million short of the total estimated need of $4.5 billion, it will help to restore staff levels, maintenance activities, elderly service coordinators, security officers and equipment. Also Mr. Speaker, the resolution contains language changing the funding formula for the Section 8 Tenant-Based Program. The current formula is based on information from 2004 that is out of date and results in some Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) getting more money then they can spend while others have less than they need. The resolution corrects this problem by directing HUD to use the most recent 12-month leasing and cost data. Last week HUD announced that a similar provision would be included in their 2008 budget request to be implemented in 2009. By including the language now, 2007 funds will be put to their intended use--funding housing units for low-income families and individuals rather than sitting unspent. Transportation Guarantees Next to human capital, few things are as important to the nation's economic future as is its physical infrastructure, especially its roads and bridges. That is why it is very good news that the federal aid highway program is fully funded at the level guaranteed in the SAFETEA- LU Act by providing an obligation limitation of $39.1 billion for FY 2007, $3.5 billion over the FY 2006 enacted level; and funding for Federal mass transit programs is increased by $470 million to $8.97 billion to meet the transit funding guarantees as required by SAFETEA- LU. Global Health Mr. Speaker, America is a generous and compassionate Nation. That is why it is consistent with our values that the resolution increases Global HIV/AIDS funding by $1.3 billion to $4.5 billion. This increase will help to expand efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, and TB programs including in the 15 focus countries and the multilateral efforts through the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. I am proud that the United States is doing more than its share in helping to eradicate malaria, which is still too often an unnecessarily fatal disease in too many parts of the world. The resolution funds the Agency for International Development's Malaria programs in the amount of $248 million, an increase of $149 million. This will allow U.S. AID to expand its bilateral global malaria initiative activities from the current 3 countries to 7. Country programs expand access to long- lasting insecticide treated bed nets, promote and support effective malaria treatment through the use of proven combination therapies; and increase prevention efforts targeted to pregnant women. Moratorium on Directed Spending Projects Mr. Speaker, the continuing resolution explicitly eliminates directed spending projects (``earmarks'') for Fiscal Year 2007 and retains the moratorium on earmarking in place until a reformed process was put in place. Unfortunately, many worthy earmarks are not funded including the Boys and Girls Clubs, America's Promise, and the Thousand Points of Light Foundation. I know many of my colleagues are disappointed that the budgetary mismanagement by the Republican- controlled 109th Congress necessitated this draconian measure. In spite of this prohibition I will fight to secure funding for the TSU Lab School and other projects. But I take some consolation in Chairman Obey's assurance that earmarks included in this year's appropriations bills will be eligible for consideration in the 2008 process, subject to new standards for transparency and accountability and that the Committee and leadership will work to restore an accountable, above-board, transparent process for funding decisions and put an end to the abuses that have harmed the credibility of Congress. Although the resolution eliminates earmarks for the current fiscal year, I note Mr. Speaker, that the resolution will, however, continue to help State and local governments meet the needs of their communities by providing funding for grants through authorized discretionary and formula programs including Teacher Incentive Grants, Corps of Engineers programs, Military Construction, Department of Energy science programs, Agricultural Research Service operations, and the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. Mr. Speaker, perhaps the most compelling reason for supporting H. Res. 20 is that stated by Chairmen Obey and Byrd in their Joint Statement of December 13, with which I close: There is no good way out of the fiscal chaos left behind by the outgoing Congress. Indeed, this joint resolution provides the Administration far too much latitude in spending the people's money. But that is a temporary price that we will pay in order to give the President's new budget the attention and oversight it deserves and requires, and so that we can begin work right away at putting the people's priorities front and center. We, in the new Congress, have a responsibility to build the foundation for a better future. We cannot begin that work until we fix the problems left behind by the Republican Congress. So, we must turn the page on the Republican failures and work together in the best interests of the American people. Mr. Speaker, I urge all members to support H.J. Res. 20 so we can move forward and attend to real and pressing needs of the American people.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 20, to address the issue of the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Patrick Finucane. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Smith, for introducing this legislation. It is essential that we bring to light the suspicious circumstances of this terrible murder and the need for our friends in the Government of the United Kingdom to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into the matter. On February 12, 1989, Patrick Finucane was murdered by two masked members of the loyalist paramilitary in front of his wife and children in his home in North Belfast. Since then, reports have indicated a strong possibility of conspiracy within the British police in the region. The loyalist paramilitary organization, known as the Ulster Defense Association, UDA, or the Ulster Freedom Fighters, UFF, claimed that it killed Mr. Finucane because of his high rank in the Provisional Irish Republican Army, IRA. Circumstances suggest that Mr. Finucane had ties to the IRA; he had three brothers who were actively involved in the IRA, one of his clients was the infamous IRA hunger striker, Bobby Sands, and former IRA member Sean O'Callaghan alleges he was a member. However, law enforcement authorities have reported that there is no evidence whatsoever that Mr. Finucane was a member of the IRA. In 1999, Royal Ulster Constabulary, RUC Special Branch Agent William Stobie was found to have supplied one of the guns used to kill Mr. Finucane. Agent Stobie was a member of the UDA/UFF, which at the time was a legal organization. In 2001, after significant pressure from Amnesty International and as a result of the Weston Park talks, the British and Irish Governments initiated an investigation. They appointed retired Canadian Judge Peter Cory to examine allegations of collusion by the RUC, British Army, and Peace Guard of Ireland in the murder of Mr. Finucane and others. In 2004, Judge Cory reported that he recommended the establishment of public inquiries into the matter. The British Government later announced an inquiry, but under a recently enacted law, the Inquiries Act 2005, the government was allowed to block scrutiny of state actions. Judge Cory strongly criticized the law. H. Con. Res. 20 passed the House in the last Congress as H. Res. 740, but unfortunately the Senate did not act on the legislation. I urge my colleagues to renew their support for this important legislation by voting in favor of it this Congress.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a great American and a former member of this House. The Rev. Robert Drinan, was a Jesuit Catholic priest, lawyer, human rights activist, and a former Member of Congress from Massachusetts. He was also a law professor at Georgetown University Law Center for the last 26 years of his life. Father Drinan, who died Sunday, January 28, 2007, was one of the most admired members of this body and was beloved by all who knew him. He will be missed immensely. All of us mourn his loss and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. Father Robert Frederick Drinan, S.J. was born November 15, 1920 in Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in Hyde Park, Massachusetts. He graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1938. He received a B.A. and an M.A. from Boston College in 1942 and joined the Jesuit Order the same year; he was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1953. He earned his LL.B. and LL.M degrees from Georgetown University Law Center in 1950. He received his doctorate in theology from Gregorian University in Rome in 1954. Over the course of his life he would be the recipient of 21 honorary degrees. He studied in Florence for 2 years before returning to Boston, where he was admitted to the bar in 1956. Father Drinan was appointed Dean of the Boston College Law School in 1956 and served until 1970, during which time he also taught family law and church-state relations. As dean he called for the desegregation of Boston public schools during the 1960s and challenged his students to become involved in civil rights issues. During this period, he was also a visiting professor at other schools including the University of Texas. He also served the public interest by his membership on several Massachusetts state commissions created to improve the administration of justice. In 1970, Father Drinan, who strongly opposed the Vietnam War, was elected to Congress defeating Congressman Philip J. Philbin, the Chair of the Armed Services Committee in the Democratic primary. Father Drinan went on to win re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives four times, serving from 1971 until 1981. He was the first Roman Catholic priest to serve as a voting member of Congress. In the House, Father Drinan served on several committees but is perhaps best known for his service on the Judiciary Committee, where he chaired the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice. He was the first member of Congress to introduce a resolution in Congress calling for the impeachment of President Nixon. Father Drinan believed strong and with considerable justification that it was illegal for President Nixon to widen the Vietnam War by the secret of bombing Cambodia. Father Drinan was an early and staunch supporter of a woman's right to choose. This stance took considerable political courage for a Roman Catholic politician from Boston in the early 1970s. His stand on abortion rights drew considerable criticism and significant opposition from Church leaders, who were also opposed to the idea of a priest holding political office. Father Drinan reconciled his political position with official Church doctrine by stating that while he was personally opposed to abortion, its legality was a separate issue from its morality. This distinction did not satisfy his critics, notably Pope John Paul II, who in 1980, decreed that all priests everywhere withdraw from electoral politics. Though framed as a general order, to many it seemed that Father Drinan was the principal target. But true to his ordination vows, Father Drinan obeyed and did not seek reelection. He said: ``It is just unthinkable, [the idea of renouncing the priesthood to stay in office]. I am proud and honored to be a priest and a Jesuit. As a person of faith I must believe that there is work for me to do which somehow will be more important than the work I am required to leave.'' But he continued to be a vocal supporter of a woman's right to choose after leaving the Congress, much to the chagrin of the Church, and strongly supported President Clinton's veto of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act in 1996. Father Drinan joined the faculty of the Georgetown University Law Center in 1981 and served for the next 26 years. He taught legal ethics and international human rights, and traveled to 16 countries, including as Chile, the Philippines, El Salvador, and Vietnam on human rights missions. He was a regular contributor to law reviews and journals, and authored several books, including The Mobilization of Shame: A World View of Human Rights, published by Yale University Press in 2001. Father Drinan served as a member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates until his death and was chair of the ABA Section on Individual Rights and Responsibilities. He served on the Board of Directors of the International League for Human Rights, the Lawyer's Committee for International Human Rights, the Council for a Livable World Educational Fund, the International Labor Rights Fund, Americans for Democratic Action, and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. In 2004, the American Bar Association called Father Drinan ``the stuff of which legends are made'' when awarding him its 2004 ABA Medal, an honor shared by such legal luminaries as Thurgood Marshall and Sandra Day O'Connor. Just last summer Father Drinan was presented the 2006 Congressional Distinguished Service Award by now-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which is given to former Members of the House of Representatives who have performed their duties ``with such extraordinary distinction and selfless dedication as to merit special recognition.'' Madam Speaker, a great man has finished his course, has run the great race, and has gone on to claim his great reward. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this tireless champion for human rights and social justice. But his good works will be with us for eternity. For that we can all be grateful.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 24, to reestablish the House Democracy Assistance Commission in the 110th Congress. In the 109th Congress, the House of Representatives created this Commission to enable the Members and staff of the House of Representatives to personally assist their counterparts in the parliaments of new democracies around the world to build strong, independent legislatures. I thank my colleagues, Mr. David Price, the gentleman from North Carolina, and Mr. Dreier, the gentleman from California, for leading the Commission and supporting the promotion of democracy. Under their leadership, the Commission has accomplished a great deal. It undertook congressional delegations to six new or reemerging democracies and hosted six visiting parliamentary delegations here in Congress. It also offered material assistance to several legislatures through USAID. One highly successful project furnished, equipped, and trained staff of the parliamentary library of East Timor, with the invaluable assistance of our own Library of Congress. In the aftermath of September 11, it has been too easy to view some nations more aggressively, as we undertook the obvious course of attempting to dismantle terrorist networks, end the support they received from states, and strengthen domestic and international defense capabilities. But in addition to responding to the immediate security threat, it is also necessary to help democracy take root in those countries of the Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia, and other regions that now breed or support terrorists. It is in these Muslim countries or regions, more than anywhere else, that terrorism feeds off tyranny, finding recruits among the politically repressed and sanctuary from states that use terror against their own people. Building effective political institutions is the surest way to sever the link between terror and tyranny and to advance the values of democracy, individual rights, and cultural pluralism in the Middle East and elsewhere in the Muslim world. Promoting democratic institutions and values in the Muslim world is thus one of our most urgent challenges. But it is not the only one. Meeting the challenge of democratization in the Muslim world should not warrant a retreat from a global approach; on the contrary, it constitutes a powerful new argument for maintaining and strengthening this approach. As September 11 made clear, any seam of dysfunction in the international system, however marginal to the main centers of political and economic interest, can become a source of exposure and threat. In a globalized world, the cancer of breakdown in any country can metastasize to other parts of the global body politic and thus constitutes a danger to international peace and security. In promoting the antidote of democratic institution-building, therefore, it is unwise to write off any country as insignificant or beyond hope. The global defense of democracy is the appropriate and most effective response to the threat posed by Islamic extremists. As has already been suggested, these extremists do not represent a religion or a civilization but espouse an ideology of hatred and violence as their means to power. Though it is a particularist and corrupted Islamic ideology, to its zealous adherents it is a universal system of truth and thus a fitting rival to democratic civilization, which they falsely describe as decadent and narrowly Western. Since democracy is a genuinely universal value based on the belief that people everywhere, regardless of their religion or culture, can achieve self-government under the rule of law, it is the natural organizing principle in the struggle to defeat terrorism and to create a stable and peaceful world. Pending the passage of this resolution by the full House, in 2007 the House Democracy Assistance Commission plans to assist the legislatures of Afghanistan, Colombia, East Timor, Georgia, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Macedonia, Mongolia and Ukraine. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and to participate in this important project.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 5, to express support for the designation and goals of Hire a Veteran Week. This concurrent resolution serves to recognize the men and women in our Armed Forces by encouraging support for them when they come home. One of the biggest items on the agenda of the Democratic majority this Congress is to bring the troops home, because we believe that this is the best way we can support them. At the same time, it is equally critical to continue supporting them once they are home and no longer in active duty, by providing them and their families with the resources they need. American veterans make up over a third of our nation's homeless population, and about 250,000 live on our city streets. Madam Speaker, it is shameful that those who served our Nation heroically must endure such conditions. Last year, the U.S. Labor Department found that 15.6 percent of America's youngest veterans, aged 20 to 24 years old, were unemployed, as opposed to 8.7 percent of non-veterans at that age. This rate has since fallen slightly, perhaps due to the efforts of the U.S. Labor Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service, VETS. It is important that we join them in recognizing that veterans need and deserve our support at home too. I commend the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Holt, for introducing this resolution to establish Hire a Veteran Week and to encourage employers to remember our Nation's heroes. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 5, a truly outstanding piece of legislation that reflects the best of our values.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise in strong support of H. Res. 59 which supports the goals and ideas of National Engineer Week. As you know, new discoveries and technologies are changing the way Americans live and work. Through dedicated research and development, engineers expand our knowledge and lay the foundation for the progress of our country. This week is an opportunity to recognize engineers for their many contributions to our way of life and to encourage young people to pursue their curiosity by studying math and science. Engineering education began in America under circumstances that differ substantially from those of the other leading professions. Medical schools, for example, were established by individual physicians, and then loosely affiliated with universities. By contrast, engineers were first trained by apprenticeship, particularly on canal construction projects. This tradition was perpetuated on railroad construction projects, and later in factories and machine shops, long after college engineering programs were established. Eventually, engineering schools in the United States were sponsored by the Federal Government, the U.S. Military Academy in 1802, and the land-grant colleges beginning in 1862. They were also fostered by public-spirited citizens who fostered the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and from within established universities in response to interest or demand. The engineering workforce is the driver of society's technological engine, an awesome responsibility. We will not be able to address this responsibility without diversifying the pool of science and engineering talent. This broadening of participation must come from the Land of Plenty, mostly untapped potential of underrepresented minorities and women--America's ``competitive edge'' for the 21st century. We know that more than any other species, humans are configured to be the most flexible learners. Humans are intentional learners, proactive in acquiring knowledge and skills. And, it turns out that we are more successful learners if we are mindful or cognizant of ourselves as learners and thinkers. To date, our knowledge of the science of learning, is just the tip of the iceberg of what we have yet to learn. Our ultimate goal is truly not to waste a single child and to teach and train a workforce that is well prepared and can adapt and change. The revolution in information technologies connected and integrated researchers and research fields in a way never before possible. The Nation's IT capability has acted like adrenaline to all of science and engineering. A next step is to build the most advanced computer- communications infrastructure for researchers to use, while simultaneously broadening its accessibility.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H. Res. 34, which gives long overdue recognition to a great American, Dr. Percy Lavon Julian. Dr. Julian was a brilliant African- American scientist, inventor, civil rights leader and an unsung hero. A pioneer and widely acclaimed for his work in organic chemistry, Dr. Percy broke the color barrier in science. During his lifetime, he made great strides in the field of chemistry. In 1973, he was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his outstanding lifetime achievements. He received 19 honorary degrees and was awarded 105 patents, among them a foam fire retardant, a treatment for glaucoma, and a low-cost process to produce cortisone. Born in 1899, in Montgomery, AL, the grandson of slaves, Dr. Julian overcame many obstacles and racism and went on to be the first member of his family to attend college. He was the valedictorian of his graduating class at DePauw University in 1920, then went on to receive his M.S. from Harvard University in 1923 and later getting his Ph.D. from the University of Vienna in 1931. At a time of inequality for African-Americans, Dr. Julian persevered and pioneered a commercial process to synthesize cortisone from soy beans and yams, enabling the widespread use of cortisone as an affordable treatment of arthritis. Dr. Julian also became the first to discover a process to synthesize physotigmine, the drug used in the treatment of glaucoma. Dr. Julian broke down barriers to achieve many significant firsts in his lifetime, one of which was becoming the first Black scientist hired for a high-level corporate research position as director of research at the Glidden Company. It was here during his 18-year tenure that he launched a process for the chemical synthesis of cortisone whose affordability promulgated its widespread use. Not only was Dr. Julian an esteemed scientist and innovator, he was also a leader in his community and a champion for civil rights. In 1950, on Thanksgiving Day, before moving in to his new home in the exclusive Chicago Oak Park neighborhood, his home was firebombed. Not one to crumble in the face of adversity, Dr. Julian instead fought tirelessly for integration and went on to encourage the Human Relations Commission in the village government and the Oak Park Housing Center in Illinois towards becoming one of the most efficient systems of integration in the country. Dr. Julian's business savvy was showcased in 1954 when he left the Glidden Company to establish his own laboratories, Julian Laboratories. There he specialized in producing his synthetic cortizone and established Laboratorios Julian de Mexico in Mexico City and used wild yams in Mexico, which he found to be more effective than soy beans for some of his products. His business savvy was further evidenced when he sold the Oak Park plant to Smith, Kline, and Smith for $2.3 million, an astounding amount of money for anyone during that time period. Dr. Julian played an integral role in his Chicago community as a civil rights activist. He founded the National Negro Business and Professional Committee for the Legal Defense fund, raised funds for the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many African-American pioneers and leaders, who came long before the civil rights movement for equality, were not recognized for the contributions they made to this Nation and were never thanked for bettering our society and contributing to humanity. Too many were forgotten and unrecognized for their diligence and commitment to their field of work and their contribution that continues to affect each and every one of our lives today. As we draw closer to the month of February and Black History month is recognized, let us take a moment to honor an unsung hero, let us declare that his memory is not forgotten. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and honor Dr. Julian Percy because he embodies the ideals that make America a great nation: pioneering spirit, hard work, innovation, perseverance, and dedication.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise in strong support of H. Res. 90 to commend both Lovie Smith, head coach of the Chicago Bears, and Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, for leading their respective teams to berths in Super Bowl XLI, to be played this Sunday, February 4, 2007, in Miami, Florida. Never before in history has a team playing in the Super Bowl been led by an African American head coach. Super Bowl XLI will make history as the first Super Bowl to feature not one, but two, African American head coaches. Although it has taken 41 years, this is an achievement of which all Americans can and should be justly proud. Madam Speaker, on January 21, 2007, in Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago Bears, coached by Lovie Smith defeated the New Orleans Saints by a score of 39 to 14 in the National Football Conference Championship game and advanced to Super Bowl XLI. For his phenomenal performance in restoring the Chicago Bears to their former glory as the ``Monsters of the Midway,'' Lovie Smith, the 13th head coach in the storied history of one of the NFL's greatest franchises, was named the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year for 2005. In the 2005 season, Lovie Smith's Chicago Bear's won 11 games, the most ever by a second-year coach in the history of the Chicago Bears and he became the first second-year coach of the Bears to win a division title, earning the second seed in the National Football Conference playoffs. The 2006 Chicago Bears won 14 of their 16 games and earned the top seed in the National Football Conference playoffs. Madam Speaker, on January 21, 2007, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Indianapolis Colts, coached by Tony Dungy defeated the 3-time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots by a score of 38 to 34 in the American Football Conference's Championship game to win the right to play the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI for the NFL Championship. Tony Dungy, who is in his 5th season as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and 11th as an NFL head coach, having previously coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the NFC Championship game in the 2000 season, is one of the NFL's most outstanding head coaches. For example, Madam Speaker, Tony Dungy is only the 35th coach in the history of the NFL to win 100 games in his career. And Tony Dungy leads all NFL head coaches in wins from 1999 to 2005, with a record of 78 wins and 34 losses. Should his Indianapolis Colts prevail in the Super Bowl, Tony Dungy will join Mike Ditka and Tom Flores and become the newest member of one of the most exclusive clubs in all of sports: a Super Bowl champion as both a player and head coach. Madam Speaker, the NFL had a record 7 African American head coaches in 2006 and the 197 African-American coaches, including 7 assistant head coaches, is also a record. While no one would dispute that there is still much progress to be made on the sidelines and front offices of the NFL and other professional sports, it is also indisputable that much progress has been made since Frederick Douglass ``Fritz'' Pollard became the first African American head coach in the NFL in 1922. For this reason, Madam Speaker, I take great pride in congratulating both Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy and their outstanding football teams for their excellence on the field and the dignity with which they have conducted themselves off the field. I join with the more than 100 million Americans and billions of viewers globally who will be watching the Super Bowl in congratulating these two men and their teams for putting themselves within one victory of the sport's ultimate prize. And I join with viewers and fans everywhere in wishing to see one of the great games in Super Bowl history and hoping that the best team wins.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that all of us want what is best for the men and women on the front lines in Iraq. Certainly it is disturbing when we find that there is a confusion in the reporting of the incident that saw the loss of life of approximately four or five of our soldiers. First, it was represented that they died in a battle fighting against the insurgents and others; later to be determined that they had been kidnapped and shot in the head execution-style. This, of course, speaks to the failed policy of this administration that our soldiers can declare victory and be returned home, but more importantly it certainly is a shame when we cannot tell parents and loved ones and others how their loved ones fell in battle. Certainly it is a shame that we find that our young men and women on the front lines may be subject to capture and execution, like being shot in the streets in a most disgraceful manner. We must fix the broken policies of Iraq. Redeploy our troops, engage our allies in the region, begin a political diplomatic solution, and stop falsifying reports to the American people, not knowing how their loved ones are being executed in the streets of Iraq. I ask for a new policy in Iraq.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Might I say, Mr. Speaker, it is a joy to see you in the chair, and I thank the member of the majority Rules Committee and the Rules Committee and a number of my colleagues. And might I just remind my colleagues that we had some 10 years for the Members on the other side of the aisle to make good on a constitutional promise. It should be noted that this very rule and its format has been affirmed on constitutional grounds. It was utilized by majority vote in the 103th Congress without one incident except three revotes. The idea and concept is to again inform America that we believe in one vote, one person. I know historically the complete insult to being considered less than one vote. Slaves were characterized historically as less than one person. And so this particular legislation is a making of the whole of individuals who pay taxes, Federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare taxes, and individuals who we know, Mr. Speaker, have been on the front lines of Iraq, Afghanistan, and every single war. And so to the American Samoa, to the District of Columbia, to the Virgin Islands, and to the District of Columbia along with Puerto Rico and the Commissioner, the argument for self-rule or however Puerto Rico will ultimately be designed is not the argument here today. The argument here today is to allow the constituents, some 4.4 million, represented by Commissioners and Delegates to have a constitutional right to vote. There is no way that this Congress, this Democratic Congress under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi and the leadership team, can reject the right for Americans to vote or those who are in many instances citizens. And so, Mr. Speaker, I support the rule and the underlying bill, and would ask us to uphold the Constitution by voting today to allow those who have the right to vote to express their vote. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 78, which would amend the rules of the House of Representatives to permit Delegates from the District of Columbia, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico to cast votes in the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union. I support H.R. 78 because restoring to the Delegates and the Resident Commissioner the right to vote in the Committee of the Whole is an act of simple justice long overdue. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 78 merely restores the practice that prevailed in this House during the 103rd Congress. When the Republicans won control of this chamber in 1994, one of their first acts was to strip elected Delegates and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico of their right to vote in the Committee of the Whole. Let me point out at the outset, Mr. Speaker, that the rule we seek to restore today was rescinded by the Republican controlled 104th Congress, and prohibited by each succeeding Congress through the 110th not because the rule is unconstitutional or illegal but because for apparently partisan reasons. Four of the five Members directly affected by the rule are members of the Democratic Caucus. But the fact is, Mr. Speaker, the authority of this House to confer voting rights in the Committee of the Whole upon elected Delegates and the Resident Commissioner of Puerto has been squarely addressed and upheld by the Federal courts. When the House adopted a similar rule during the 103d Congress, Republican opponents immediately brought action in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the rule on the ground that it vested legislative power in persons who were not elected to represent citizens of any of the several States. In March 1993, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia upheld the rules change on the ground that the Delegate votes was structured so that Delegate votes in the Committee of the Whole were symbolic in nature and thus did not affect the final ultimate outcome of any vote. Michaels v. Anderson, 817 F. Supp. 126 (D.D.C. 1993), aff'd, 109 F.3d 623 (1994). For this reason, the court held that the rule did not unconstitutionally confer legislative power upon Delegates. In affirming the district court, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia held that the additional authority conferred on Delegates by the rule change was ``largely symbolic'' and ``not significantly greater than that which they enjoy serving and voting on the standing committees.'' Id. Nor was the court persuaded by the argument raised by opponents below that the rule change had the symbolic effect of granting Delegates higher status and greater prestige in their home districts. In rejecting the claim, the court noted that because of the savings clause contained in the rule, the claimed harm was ``unproven, remote, and speculative'' and of no unconstitutional moment. Simply put, the court held that the rule ``was not unconstitutional as the delegation of an improper exercise of legislative power.'' Moreover, Mr. Speaker, the Supreme Court has long held and it is now settled that the Congress has broad authority to take action with respect to the territories and the District of Columbia. See Sere & Laralde v. Pilot, 10 U.S. 332, 336-37 (1810); Murphy v. Ramsey, 114 U.S. 15, 44 (1885); Binns v. U.S., 194 U.S. 486 (1885). Mr. Speaker, our Nation's Capital of the District of Columbia, the United States territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, all play an important role in this great Nation. They serve in our military. They are fighting for us right now in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are making and have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend this Nation. Mr. Speaker, more than 30,000 residents of Guam are on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States. That is nearly 20 percent of the population of the territory. No other congressional district or State comes close to matching this measure of devotion. Approximately 2,500 soldiers from the District of Columbia and the territories are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan today. And American Samoa has the highest per capita rate of any State or territory in the Iraq war. The Iraq war death rate per 1 million people in the population is almost as high for American Samoa as for the 10 highest States combined. Sadly also, Mr. Speaker, the Nation lost 19 brave soldiers this past Saturday when the helicopter they were riding was shot down by insurgents. Two of the heroes who made this supreme sacrifice for their country were residents of the Virgin Islands. Mr. Speaker, if a person can be called upon to pay Federal taxes and serve in the Armed Forces of the United States, then he or she should at least have the opportunity to vote for a Representative who could at least cast a symbolic vote in this Chamber on critical matters facing our Nation--issues like war and peace, equality and justice. Mr. Speaker, taxation without representation is tyranny. In the aggregate, nearly 5 million persons residing in the District of Columbia, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico are wrongly, and I say unconscionably, being denied a vote--and therefore denied a voice--in the most important legislative body in the world and making a mockery of our commitment to democracy and equal justice. As a supporter of freedom, democracy, and equality, I believe that it is long overdue for the citizens of the District of Columbia to have a Representative in Congress who can vote on the vital legislation considered in this body. It is wrong, Mr. Speaker, that the citizens of the District of Columbia, who after all pay taxes to the United States, serve in the Armed Forces, and are subject to the laws and jurisdiction of the United States, are denied a vote in the body that imposes those taxes, raises and maintains the Armed Forces, and makes the laws that each of us must obey. License plates in the District of Columbia remind us of their ongoing struggle for a proper voice in this Federal Government, reading: ``Taxation without representation.'' The people in Boston felt so strongly about this in 1775 that they rebelled in Boston Harbor, launching the ``Boston Tea Party.'' This principle is no less vital today. We must not deny the territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands the right to have a vote in Congress. Doing so denies their important relationships with our Nation and contributions to our economy. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Maryland, Mr. Hoyer, for introducing H. Res. 78, which honors and vindicates the residents of the District of Columbia and the territories. Not only do we appreciate their military service and tax receipts, we value their views and opinion in the halls of Congress. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 78. But let us not stop there. I hope all Members will support H.R. 328, the D.C. Fair and Equal Voting Rights Act, which will give full voting rights in the House to the nearly 600,000 citizens of the District of Columbia.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 392, which requires the Circulating Quarter Dollar Coin Program to honor the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Madam Speaker, you will recall that in 1999, the United States Mint began circulating quarters in commemoration of each of the 50 States. The coin honoring my great State of Texas was issued in 2004. The coin, featuring the Lone Star of Texas, is the 28th in the series and commemorates Texas' admission to the Union as the 28th State on December 29, 1845. To date, Mr. Speaker, 40 of the 50 State coins have been circulated. I look forward to seeing the last 10 States honored with their own special quarter-dollar coin. Unfortunately, the beautiful city in which we stand today, our Nation's capital, has been thus far denied the opportunity to commemorate its vital importance as a part of our union, with a quarter-dollar coin of its own. Likewise, the United States territories have not had the opportunity to commemorate their important role in our nation. H.R. 392 would change this regrettable state of affairs. I thank the delegate from the District of Columbia, Ms. Norton, for introducing this legislation and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it. I am, however, saddened that she herself cannot cast a vote in favor of this bill since she is not yet permitted a vote on the floor of the House or in the Committee of the Whole. I am optimistic that the new Democratic majority in this House will grant elected delegates the right to vote in the Committee of the Whole at the earliest possible opportunity. I remain a strong supporter of H.R. 328, the District of Columbia Fair and Equal Voting Rights Act of 2007, which will give the representative for the District of Columbia a full, fair, and equal vote on the floor of the House of Representatives. As a supporter of freedom, democracy, and equality, I believe that it is long overdue for the citizens of the District of Columbia to have a representative in Congress who can vote on the vital legislation considered in this august body. It is wrong, Madam Speaker, that the citizens of the District of Columbia, who after all pay taxes to the United States, serve in the Armed Forces, and are subject to the laws and jurisdiction of the United States, are denied a vote in the body that imposes those taxes, raises and maintains the Armed Forces, and makes the laws that each of us must obey. Similarly, we cannot deny the territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands the right to have a vote in Congress. Doing so denies the important relationships of these territories to our Nation and diminishes the contributions of their people to our country. In light of this unfortunate situation, I commend the delegate from our Nation's Capital for introducing H.R. 392, to show the people of the United States capital and territories that we do indeed honor them. I urge my colleagues to pay tribute to them by voting in favor of this legislation to establish a quarter dollar coin program in their commemoration.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in a few hours we will be listening to the President provide us with a road map for the State of the Union. I ask the President as he comes to this House and this place to recognize that we are in this together and we look forward to working together. But it certainly should be part of the conscience of this body and of America that our soldiers remain in serious jeopardy, not because they have not done their job, but because we have not done ours. When soldiers can be dressed in semi-American uniforms and wage attacks on unsuspecting U.S. military, we have a problem. Mr. Speaker, I am asking for a serious consideration of the cutting of funds to this war in terms of its plus-up, a new direction, and a political diplomatic approach allowing Iraq to provide its own security with our technical support. It is now time to celebrate the heroes of our military and to bring our soldiers home. I look forward to the message on the State of the Union.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 599, to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to streamline the SAFETY Act and anti-terrorism technology procurement processes. I would like to thank my friend from Rhode Island, Mr. Langevin, for introducing H.R. 599 which is essential to the exercise of our oversight responsibility over the Department of Homeland Security and critical in ensuring our great Nation's preparation for future terrorist threats and attacks. This bill serves largely to rearrange and streamline the Support for Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002. The SAFETY Act was implemented to protect the American people from terrorism by providing incentives for the development and deployment of anti-terrorism technologies for homeland security by limiting the liability of providers of qualified anti-terrorism technologies from claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Despite our legislative intent that the SAFETY Act would pave the way for innovative development of key anti-terrorism technologies by addressing businesses' liability concerns, unfortunately industry was skeptical about the burdens imposed by the SAFETY Act's application process as implemented by the Department of Homeland Security. Regrettably, our high expectations for the SAFETY Act were not met and issues were raised about the excessively burdensome and slow evaluation and approval of applications by the Department's Office of SAFETY Act Implementation, OSAI, during the September 2006 joint hearing before the Homeland Security Subcommittees on Management, Integration, and Oversight and Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology. Significant improvements have been made to make this process more user-friendly, less time-consuming, and less costly for business with the SAFETY Act Application Kit, Kit, and final rule. However positive these improvements implemented may have been, additional improvements are of paramount importance to ensure that Congress' legislative intent of the SAFETY Act is met. H.R. 599 will better address our legislative intent of the SAFETY Act and facilitate the following improvements: Make the application process more user-friendly, less time-consuming, and less costly for businesses; make the review process more swift, efficient and effective; result in a significant increase in the volume of SAFETY Act applications; more closely integrate the application and review process with the procurement of such technologies and services; and bolster awareness of and confidence in the efficacy of the SAFETY Act program among producers of anti-terrorism technologies as well as Federal, state, and local government purchases of these technologies. While implementing the SAFETY Act, DHS has faced substantial criticisms about delays and insufficient personnel. It is critical that the Department continue to address these persistent issues and increase the number of highly trained, full-time personnel dedicated to reviewing and approving SAFETY Act applications. It is imperative that quick turnaround times are maintained when responding to operational needs. The link between the SAFETY Act office and the procurement office must be improved. If a product meets a test for procurement officials, there is no reason why the SAFETY Act office should have to run through a new process to test the effectiveness of the product. I commend Congressman Langevin for sponsoring this legislation that requires the issuance of a Department directive to formalize the coordination between the Department's procurement office and OSAI. Thus, I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 599, to direct the Secretary of Homeland security to streamline the SAFETY Act and anti-terrorism technology procurement processes. It is my hope and expectation that the passage of H.R. 599 will ensure the proper and timely implementation of the SAFETY Act of 2002.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rIse today in support of H. Res. 51, which honors the contributions of Catholic schools. Catholic schools not only ensure that their students are equipped with a superior scholastic education, but also emphasizes the moral, physical, intellectual and social development of America's youth. This bill honors and supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event co- sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Education is a very important value that should be emphasized to American young people. This bill congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers for their role in ensuring that American students remain competitive in a global marketplace while emphasizing their character development. I commend Congressman Lipinski for sponsoring this bill which promotes and encourages education. Education is the pathway to a better future and an American ideal is for students of every background and race to have the opportunity to access equal education. Catholic schools have strived to maintain diversity with more than 27 percent of school children enrolled in Catholic schools from minority backgrounds. Supporting this bill sends a message that we care about the education of American students. Not only do Catholic schools educate Catholic youth, but 14 percent of those children who attend Catholic schools are non-Catholic. We must keep in mind that Catholic schools educate America's young people and ensure that they have a brighter future. Catholic schools have ensured that they are well equipped to face the rigorous challenges after graduation while contributing to their character development and helping to raise responsible citizens who give back to our communities and the world. Thus I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting and honoring the contributions of Catholic schools.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we will receive the constitutional address from the executive, and I hope tomorrow that an olive branch will be extended to this Congress, an equal branch of government. This weekend has seen some 25 U.S. soldiers fall in battle. To their families and their loved ones, I mourn their loss. They are heroes. And so I rise to thank the United States military for heroically and courageously doing their job. Now it is time for the Congress to be heroic and courageous and cease the funding of this ill-fated war. We are now to reject any suggestion that continued funding protects our soldiers. Unless the President has a political and diplomatic solution, no amount of military force is going to resolve this sectarian fight. I vote for cutting off the funds. I vote for a courageous and heroic Congress to save the lives of the young men and women of America, and I thank them for their valiant and courageous service.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 476, the ``Congressional Pension Accountability Act,'' which amends title 5 of the U.S. Code to make non-creditable for Federal retirement purposes any Member service performed by an individual who is convicted of any of certain offenses committed by that individual while serving as a Member of Congress. With the adoption of this legislation, we take another giant step in fulfilling the pledge we made to America last November to ``drain the swamp'' and end the ``culture of corruption'' that pervaded the 109th Congress. Mr. Speaker, today, this House will consider another critical component of ethics reform: congressional pension forfeiture. The bill introduced today is similar to the House bill introduced by my colleague Representative Boyda on January 17, 2007--with two minor changes in response to Senate concerns. First, subornation of perjury is added as a disqualifying offense. The second change, which extends the effective date of the legislation until January 2009, is necessary to satisfy the requirements of the 27th Amendment. That amendment requires that any law relating to the compensation of a Representative or Senator may not take effect until there has been an intervening congressional election. With these specific changes, the bill: Requires that Members convicted of certain Federal felonies related to the performance of their official duties forfeit their congressional pension rights under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System if the conduct constituting the felony takes place after enactment and while the Member is in Congress and a conviction occurs after January 2, 2009; and Applies to bribery of public officials and witnesses; wrongfully acting as agents of foreign principals; conspiracy to commit one of the offenses listed above; conspiracy to violate the post-employment prohibitions; and perjury and subornation of perjury in falsely denying committing one of these crimes. While I believe it is important to punish those Members who violate the law, and in turn the public's trust, I am very pleased that this bill, through the Director of Office Personnel Management (OPM), provides protection for family members of those Members whose conduct warrants forfeiture of their pensions. The intent of the bill is not to harm the family members of Members who are convicted of certain serious crimes. That is why the bill permits the Director of Office of Personnel Management, if it is determined to be necessary under the totality of the circumstances, to provide benefits to the Member's spouse and children, in which case the lump sum payment due the Member based on his or her own contributions would be reduced by an appropriate amount. While avoiding harm to family members of the convicted Members, this critical measure to deny pension benefits to House Members convicted of corruption is another step towards comprehensive ethics reform. We promised the American people that we would restore a sense of respect and dignity to the House of Representatives. This measure is a meaningful first step towards restoring public trust in Congress and ensuring that taxpayers do not fund the pensions of Members convicted of corruption while serving the American people. While we seek to do the right thing by punishing perpetrators of serious illegal conduct, we also seek to deter Members from such behavior and to assure the American people that we serve at their behest and in their interest, not our own. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 476 is necessary because under current law a Federal elected official found to have betrayed the public trust is eligible to receive taxpayer-funded pensions for their service in Congress--even if they are convicted of serious abuses of power. The American people do not want us to reward those Members who have dishonored and disrespected both the law and the public's trust. By passing this bill, this Congress is sending a message to the American people that we heard their voices loud and clear in November 2006 that we must win back their trust and act in the best interest of the American people. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 476 to clean up the American people's House and win back public trust.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 390, the Preservation of Records of Servitude, Emancipation, and Post-Civil War Reconstruction Act. I support H.R. 390 because it will protect a vast amount of genealogical information from this period in our Nation's history. This bill authorizes the National Archives to do two things: (1) to use necessary resources to preserve, maintain and electronically catalogue these important records, and (2) to distribute grants to the States, academic institutions, and genealogical associations in order to preserve and establish online databases of their own important local records. While most Americans can learn about their genealogy through already well-archived documents like certificates of birth, death, or marriage, African-Americans have more difficulty with this, due to our Nation's history of slavery and discrimination. African-Americans seeking information about their ancestors must instead turn to less well- archived records such as documents written by former slave owners. These records are often not very accessible, disorganized, or in poor condition, and so it is important that we make every effort to adequately archive the familial records of so many of our Nations' citizens. This bill would be the first national effort to preserve and protect this important part of our nation's history, and I thank Mr. Lantos, the gentleman from California, for introducing it. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill, and I look forward to seeing it passed.