Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to urge the passage of H. Res. 493, which recognizes the significant contributions of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life to college campus communities in the United States and around the world. The Hillel program was founded at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1923 and has become the world's largest Jewish campus organization, serving Jewish college students on over 500 campuses worldwide. Since its inception, Hillel has been an important partner to universities by providing resources, programs, and other forms of support to the entire campus community. For over 80 years, Hillel has been at the forefront of breaking down discriminatory barriers to students of all backgrounds on college campuses. Hillel has sought to promote racial tolerance and equality, and for its accomplishments in this arena, Hillel should be recognized. Moreover, Hillel has been at the forefront in contributing to the Nation's achievements in science, industry, and the humanities by helping generations of students attain the dream of higher education. This incredible and multi-faceted program has made its mark on United States history by providing armed service personnel with counseling prior to World War II, welcoming GIs back to campus following the war, and sponsoring European refugees on campuses during and after the war, including the late Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Lantos. In the realm of social justice issues, Hillel has educated students and has helped them to provide leadership for the civil rights movement, the campaign to free Soviet Jewry, the effort to stop the genocide in Darfur. As a Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, I have worked tirelessly to pass legislation that will halt the genocide in Darfur. The crimes being committed against the people of Sudan are unimaginable, and we must not for a moment forget that they are ongoing. This is an issue I hold near to me, and I commend Hillel for taking on this important and necessary reform. Hillel has continued to promote AIDS Awareness and interfaith understanding, and has been at the forefront of educating campuses about Israel, an ally of the United States. Such wide reaching tenets of social reform are to be commended, applauded and recognized. H. Res. 493 achieves all three. In further promulgation of tolerance and respect, Hillel has helped to provide students with the tools to combat anti-Semitism on campus; and Hillel continues to contribute enormously to civil society by providing service-learning opportunities for thousands of students in the United States and abroad. I stand here today, as a supporter of Hillel's mission of service and education to Jewish college students and beyond, and as a partner with college campus communities, and I congratulate the students, lay leaders, and professionals who are part of the Hillel movement on reaching its milestone 85th birthday.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, what did happen in Iran just a few days ago? I think this picture evidences that there were voters who felt that what happened did not capture the essence of those who sacrificed and went to vote. Young people, women and urbanites went in massive numbers to vote. In fact, this article suggests that there were polling places even in the United States where Iranian Americans went to vote to, in essence, declare they wanted freedom. They wanted to be able to have the opportunity to live in a democracy, to build their economy. I would ask the so-called ``elected person'' to do the right thing or there is shame on this process. I ask for the NGOs of the world and the NDI to stand up and question the irregularities of this election. Stand for people who want peace and a democratic election. Let us raise our voices. The United Nations should raise its voice. No, we're not trying to select the next President of Iran. We're only asking for the people to elect the next President of Iran. Shame on Iran's election process.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2247, the ``Congressional Review Act Improvement Act.'' I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Steve Cohen, for introducing this bill, and for providing leadership on this important issue. I support this bill. It eliminates waste by requiring that federal agencies must submit specified information about a rule to both Houses of Congress before such rule can take effect; (thus requiring that the information be submitted to only the Comptroller General). Moreover, it requires the Comptroller General to submit to each House a weekly report containing a list of the rules received, including a notation identifying each major rule. These reductions and minimization of waste standards provided by this bill should result in a substantial cost savings to the federal government. In times like we are in now, it is important that the government cut costs. I support this bill. H.R. 2247 amends the current law. The primary purpose of the legislation is to have the Comptroller general replace congress. H.R. 2247 eliminates the requirement that agencies submit paper copies of their rules that are printed in the Federal Register to each House while continuing a referral of all rules printed in the Federal Register and the periodic indication of those referrals in the Congressional Record. Instead, the Comptroller General will send out the weekly list of rules to both the House and the Senate from the GAO, and then the Comptroller General would put that list in the Congressional Record. This bill eliminates the excessive duplication and printing of rules. This bill adds a commonsense approach to rulemaking, the printing, publication and dissemination of those rules. It is simple and the reforms that it brings should yield a substantial cost savings to the U.S. Treasury. I am proud to support this bill because it eliminates duplicative and needless paperwork and should provide a cost savings. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I yield back the balance of my time and urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2661, the ``Court Security Enhancement Act of 2009.'' This legislation will go a long way toward enhancing the security and integrity of our judicial system and the able men and women who comprise the federal judiciary. Mr. Speaker, let me quote the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court: ``Our democracy and the rule of law depend upon safe and secure courthouses.'' That is because an independent judiciary is essential for a regime based on the rule of law. Nothing can do more to undermine the independence of the judiciary than the very real threat of physical harm to members of the judiciary or their families to intimidate or retaliate. In 1979, U.S. District Court Judge John Wood, Jr., was fatally shot outside of his home by assassin Charles Harrelson. The murder contract had been placed by Texas drug lord Jamiel Chagra, who was awaiting trial before the judge. In 1988, U.S. District Court Judge Richard Daronco was murdered at his house by Charles Koster, the father of the unsuccessful plaintiff in a discrimination case. The following year, U.S. Circuit Court Judge Richard Vance was killed by a letter bomb sent to his home. The letter bomb was attributed to racist animus against Judge Vance for writing an opinion reversing a lower-court ruling to lift an 18-year desegregation order from the Duval County, Florida, schools. In this age of the global war on terror, the danger faced by federal judges, judicial officers, and court personnel is real, as illustrated by the three murders noted above. The recent and tragic murder of U.S. District Court Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow's husband and mother reminds us that the danger has not abated. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2661 increases the penalty of violating Section 119(a) of title 18, United States Code to 10 years instead of 5 years. The original bill states that it is a crime to publish on the Internet restricted personal information concerning judges, law enforcement, public safety officers, jurors, witnesses or other officers in any United States Court. The penalty for a violation was a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years. However, H.R. 2661 will make this maximum term of imprisonment 10 years. Additionally, the original bill increases the maximum penalty for killing or attempting to kill a witness, victim or informant to obstruct justice or in retaliation for their testifying or providing information to law enforcement by increasing maximum penalties. The original Act provides a three-pronged legislative response to the security challenges facing our judicial institutions and personnel. First, it directs the United States Marshals Service to consult with the Judicial Conference regarding the security requirements for the judicial branch, in order to improve the implementation of security measures needed to protect judges, court employees, law enforcement officers, jurors and other members of the public who are regularly in federal courthouses. The original bill also extends authority to redact information relating to family members from a federal judge's disclosure statements required by the Ethics in Government Act and removes the sunset provision from the redaction authority, thus making the redaction authority permanent. Mr. Speaker, the original bill also enhanced the security and protection of judicial personnel and their families by making it a criminal offense to maliciously record a fictitious lien against a federal judge or federal law enforcement officer. This new crime and punishment is intended to deter individuals from attempting to intimidate and harass federal judges and employees by filing false liens against their real and personal property. All in all, Mr. Speaker, this bill makes a substantial contribution to the enhancement of security of judicial institutions and personnel by increasing the penalty for violators of this Act. I urge all members to join me in supporting this beneficial legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 430, ``Expressing condolences to the citizens of Italy and support for the Government of Italy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy,'' which was introduced by my distinguished colleague Representative Pascrell. This legislation is important to ensure that we remember those who lost their lives in this tragic natural disaster. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 shook central Italy, causing serious damage in the mountainous Abruzzo region east of Rome. This is the worst earthquake in Italy since a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Eboli, south of Naples, in 1980, killing more than 2,700 people. The earthquake caused damage to between 3,000 and 11,000 buildings, the majority of which are in the medieval city of L'Aquila and the surrounding villages. 297 people were killed by the earthquake, 20 of which were children, and approximately 1,000 people were injured. 66,000 people were made homeless. Nearly 11,700 rescue workers provided emergency relief. Texas is no stranger to the effects of a natural disaster. In 2008, Hurricane Ike, which was the third most destructive hurricane to ever make landfall in the United States, caused the deaths of 37 people while dozens are still missing. In Houston, eight deaths have been blamed on Hurricane Ike. Texas sustained major damage due to Hurricane Ike: an estimated 100,000 homes were flooded; many trees were uprooted; bus stop shelters were mangled; Houston's theater district was flooded; flights in and out of Houston's two major airports were suspended; most of Houston's roads were clogged for nearly two weeks; and many residents remained without power for several weeks after the hurricane. As the representative from Houston, I can truly sympathize with the Italian people and express my sincere sympathy to every life that was touched by this tragedy. Additionally, this legislation mourns the loss of life and expresses condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of Italy. It also applauds the response of Italian rescue workers, recognizes the deep ties between the United States and Italy and expresses continued solidarity with the people of Italy during this time of crisis. Furthermore, this legislation supports President Obama's offer of U.S. assistance to Italy in response to this event and expresses gratitude to the people of the United States who have supported those humanitarian aid agencies working to assist the people of Italy in this time of need. The U.S. Embassy in Rome has provided $50,000 in emergency relief funding and President Obama has pledged to devote resources to preserving the region's cultural and artistic heritage. Additionally, as part of the U.S. effort to support the Italian people, the U.S. Department of State and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) formed a public-private partnership to respond to the educational needs of the University of L'Aquila, and will strive to help the students and other human resource needs. The students are key to the future of the region, and the University is the economic lifeblood of the city of L'Aquila. It is therefore vital to help this sector recover in this time of need. The Abruzzo earthquake is a tragedy that has affected lives all over the world, the least we can do as a Congress, and as a nation, is to recognize those involved in this tragedy and those who are helping Italy to rebuild. We cannot withhold this honor from those victims that perished in the tragedy. As honored Members of Congress, we have the opportunity to ensure that proper recognition is given to those involved in the earthquake. I firmly believe that we must pass this legislation in order to demonstrate our support of those people who lost their lives and those people who lost their loved ones, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me, and allow me to acknowledge as well the Congressional Black Caucus for the collective effort that they have made and thank our present chairwoman for the 2004 resolution, House Resolution 517, that ultimately was proclaimed by the President of the United States. This is an enriching day and an opportunity for us to emphasize the vastness of diversity that is in this country, and I stand here as a Caribbean American proudly exercising and relishing in the history of my ancestry. Let me also acknowledge the work that we have collectively done. As the ranking member on the Immigration Subcommittee, we have had a history of working for the issues of parity as it relates to the opportunities for Haitians to become statused here in the United States, as we have seen the Cubans also have this opportunity through what we call the ``wet foot, dry foot'' provision. We have worked unending to ensure that that parity comes about. And as we look forward into the comprehensive immigration reform debate, I hope that language from the Save America comprehensive immigration legislation that I authored will be part of the debate so that our reform will include all aspects of those who are seeking to be statused and particularly those from the Caribbean. We have worked on issues that addressed the questions of many Caribbean leaders when there was massive deportation of individuals from the United States who had never been to the Caribbean, had never been to the countries of their birth, and therefore were coming and providing the need for extra resources by Caribbean leaders. This is paying attention to the issues of the Caribbean and recognizing that they are a vital ally to us. And that was recognized by the recent organization of the meeting in the Caribbean in Trinidad where many Caribbean nations came, and I believe the new relationship was cemented between this new President, this Congress, and the Caribbean leaders. So as we speak about the greatness of Caribbean Americans, I want to emphasize that we should also be engaged with the Caribbean as our allies, as those who can participate with us in homeland security and securing the borders, as we look to Caribbean Americans who have made great strides here in this country. Caribbean Americans are educators, linguists, actors, athletes, soldiers, politicians, economists, historians, activists, doctors, lawyers, and everyday men and women. There are those of us who enjoy the music of the Caribbean, and certainly one of our most famous poets and musicians is Bob Marley, whose reggae music continues to permeate the music channels and the ears of Americans. We are proud of the contributions of Caribbean Americans. Those like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; those like Timothy ``Tim'' Theodore Duncan; those like Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon; those like Sidney Poitier; those like Stokely Carmichael and Marcus Garvey; and, of course, Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State, a Caribbean American; certainly the Honorable Shirley Chisholm, who herself ran as an African American woman for President of the United States of America. Bold, unashamed of their roots and history, ready to make a difference, that is the character of Caribbean Americans and those who live in the Caribbean. Let me also thank John Conyers, whom I worked with as we visited Haiti and went to see many of those who have been incarcerated because of the, if you will, inconsistency of leadership in Haiti. We are delighted to see President Preval leading out. We visited many who were political prisoners and worked with the then-Bush administration to try to secure their freedom. I want to continue to express my appreciation to Chairman Conyers for the work that he has continuously done working with the Jubilee that we celebrated in Haiti when we traveled there together. So there are many aspects of the Caribbean that we can celebrate. I'm here to celebrate the great connection that I have had the privilege of having. And I'm delighted to be joined on the floor of the House by Congresswoman Donna Christensen as well as Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Congressman Donald Payne and the chairwoman, who is now serving as the Speaker pro tempore. We do this because we want to ensure that people realize how great America is, and it is only great because it relies upon the strength of those who come from different cultures and bring that wonderment to our wonderful Nation. So I want to acknowledge the creation of the Institute of Caribbean Studies in 1994. I want to acknowledge the ad hoc Caribbean Council of Washington, D.C., that disbanded, and ICS takes over leadership of celebrating June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Washington, D.C. This is just part of the history that was generated in the bill to make this the month that we celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month. Finally, might I say proudly that I want to speak of my grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. My grandmother and grandfather were true sons and daughters at that time of the King and Queen because Jamaica was then a colony of Great Britain. However, their dignity allowed them to know that Jamaica could be a free and democratic nation. And through the leadership of those in Jamaica who recognized that it could be a free nation, they secured their freedom, and what a celebratory time that was. I want to acknowledge so many prime ministers, but former Prime Minister Manley, former Prime Minister Seaga, former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, all great leaders that brought greatness to the Caribbean, and to acknowledge the present prime minister as he continues to work, to acknowledge the first woman Prime Minister as well that was in Jamaica for at least a time in the last 2 years. We know that she has been called with great love and affection Prime Minister Portia, but we respect the service that she has given. My grandparents left Jamaica and went to work in Panama in the Panama Canal, and I had the privilege of going to the Panama Canal for a Homeland Security mission and seeing my grandfather's name listed as one of those who worked on the Panama Canal. As he came to the United States and then settled between South Carolina and Brooklyn, New York, to know that he was part of that wonderful tradition of history and heritage, the wonderful cuisine of oxtails and rice and peas and plantains and many other good things that we continue to enjoy culturally in my family that I raised my children on, that I was raised on, so that this nexus of knowing your roots is so very key. So what I say to all who are listening, this Nation is valuable because it respects the culture of all of us. And today we salute Caribbean Americans, and I have been privileged and proud to have served in the United States Congress with that history but also to work on a number of issues helping to make their land, their nation, better and creating a better partnership between the United States and Caribbean.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair, thank you, Madam Speaker and thank you Chairman Berman for your efforts on H.R. 2410, Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.'' The Committee has once again produced legislation that will help America engage its neighbors and promote national security. The primary objective of this legislation is to rebuild the capacity of the Department of State to fulfill its core diplomatic mission in fulfilling U.S. national security goals. In a recent hearing Secretary Clinton stated that the priorities of the State Department and other international organizations are clear. Their focus is to deploying the tools of diplomacy and development along with military power. We are securing historic alliances, working with emerging regional powers, and seeking new avenues of engagement. While this may seem like a herculean task, I have confidence that these goals can be successfully accomplished with the passing of this legislation. H.R. 2410 is a wide encompassing bill that will set the tone on how we engage other nations and strengthen the use of diplomacy as a tool to interact with other countries around the world. This legislation will give President Obama and Secretary Clinton the non-military support they need to engage other nations and change the view of America in the world. President Obama has stated that defense, diplomacy and development are the three keys to strengthening our national security. In recent years, diplomacy and development have been short-changed. Capacity must be rebuilt in these critical areas. In addition, I appreciate my Sense of Congress language being included in Section 1127, entitled Sense of Congress Sudan, that the United States should support efforts to find a stable and lasting peace in Sudan in the wake of devastating conflict that led to major humanitarian disaster in Darfur and through the Sudan. This conflict caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands and continues to cause violence in Darfur and throughout Sudan. The language further provides that to achieve peace in Darfur, all parties must agree to uphold the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The language provides that the United States should support efforts to prepare for the national elections and for the referendum. It further provides that the United States should support efforts to develop international strategy to support the rebuilding of Sudan, with a particular focus on key CPA benchmarks including transitional justice, actions addressing the perpetrators of war crimes, policies towards, the return of displaced Darfuris and other people to their homeland, and management of the armed forces, and that U.S. policy toward Darfur should be fully integrated with U.S. policy toward the CPA as a full and lasting resolution to the Darfur crisis hinges on the resolution of a common set of national problems. We must insure the solution to the continued genocide in Sudan. To understand the importance of my Sense of Congress language, it is important to address the history of Sudan. The crisis in Darfur began in February 2003, when two rebel groups emerged to challenge the National Congress Party (NCP) government in Darfur. The crisis in Darfur in western Sudan has led to a major humanitarian disaster, with an estimated 2.45 million people displaced, more than 240,000 people forced into neighboring Chad, and an estimated 450,000 people killed. In July 2004, the House and Senate declared the atrocities in Darfur genocide and on May 4, 2006, the Government of National Unity and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army signed the Darfur Peace Agreement after almost two years of negotiation. In July 2007, the U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 1769, authorizing the deployment of a robust peacekeeping force in Darfur. The resolution authorized the United Nations African Union force in Darfur to take all necessary measures to protect its personnel and humanitarian workers. In July 2008, International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo accused President Omar Bashir of Sudan of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes and asked ICC judges to issue an arrest warrant for President Bashir. On March 4, 2009, the ICC Pre- Trial Chamber issued a warrant of arrest for President Bashir. On March 4, 2009, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber issued a warrant of arrest for President Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is important that against this backdrop that the U.S. reaffirms that genocide is still occurring in Darfur, displaced individuals should be resettled in their homeland, and the perpetrators of war crimes should be prosecuted. This legislation is intended to shore up U.S. diplomacy and development efforts. Defense, diplomacy, and development are the three pillars of our national security. In recent years, diplomacy and development have been short-changed. Capacity must be rebuilt in these critical areas. The legislation authorizes hiring 1500 additional Foreign Service Officers over the next two years and contains provisions on recruitment and training of officers to improve the Foreign Service's ability to respond to modern challenges. It requires the State Department to conduct a quadrennial review of its policies and programs that defines objectives, budget requirements and how these programs fit into the President's national security strategy. Among other significant measures in the bill are provisions that: Ensure that the United States will meet its financial commitments to the United Nations (U.N.) and other international organizations; Allow financing the refurbishment of helicopters for U.N. peacekeeping missions in Darfur, the Republic of Congo and Chad; Establish the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation as a new executive branch corporation to expand dramatically the number and economic diversity of U.S. students studying overseas; End the long-standing practice of excluding the committed partners of Foreign Service officers from the benefits routinely provided to the spouses and children of officers serving abroad; Support the Administration's plan to double the size of the Peace Corps, and authorize a plan to use short-term volunteers to respond to humanitarian and development needs worldwide; Broaden the Merida anti-drug trafficking initiative to include the Caribbean, and improve monitoring and evaluation of Merida programs; and Increase resources and training for enforcement of intellectual property rights, especially in countries identified by the U.S. government as lax in enforcing those rights. I have also worked tirelessly on incorporating my bill on Statelessness in its entirety in Section 1104, entitled ``Statelessness.'' The purpose of this section is to increase global stability and security for the United States and the international community and decrease trafficking and discrimination by reducing the number of individuals who are de jure or de facto stateless. As a consequence of their statelessness, individuals are unable to claim right to a nationality and its respective rights and obligations, and instead they are excluded from full participation in civil society. The framework of this language establishes that the right to a nationality is a foundation of human rights, and a deterrent to displacement, since the State is the primary vehicle through which people are guaranteed their inalienable rights, and are made subject to the rule of law. Additionally, this language ensures that it shall be the policy of the United States that the President and the permanent U.S. Representative to the United Nations work with the international community to increase political and financial support for the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to prevent and resolve problems related to statelessness, and to promote the rights of the stateless by taking the following specific actions. The language urges U.N. and U.N. Country teams in countries with significant stateless populations to devote increasing attention and resources to bring about registration and documentation of all residents. The language advocates for the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force on Statelessness with UNHCR and UNICEF. With respect to improving conditions for Women and children, Section 1104 urges the U.N. to devote special attention to restore secured citizenship to trafficked women and girls, and to work with Member States to guarantee that national legislation gives women full and equal rights regarding citizenship, and addressing the needs and rights of stateless children. Finally, this important language urges UNICEF to increase its efforts to encourage all U.N. Member States to permit full and easy access to birth registration for all children born in their territories, and promotes the issuance of birth certificates to all children born to refugees and displaced persons. In conclusion, emerging challenges that will define our century such as climate change, weak states, rogue regimes, criminal cartels, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, poverty, and disease all must be addressed in order to protect our national security. America must work with our neighbors around the world to address these challenges and in doing so, it is our responsibility as Members of Congress to make sure organizations that are dealing with these issues get the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me acknowledge the very hard work that was accomplished by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House, Chairman Berman and Subcommittee Chairman Ackerman, and say that we did the right thing today. By passing the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act, the American people have made a few more steps toward their own personal security, their own ensuring of the security of the homeland, and recognizing a long- standing relationship that has had, frankly, its hills and valleys. Many of us don't know the history of other countries, and obviously we have our own wonderful history. But, interestingly enough, when Pakistan was founded by a person named Muhammad Ali Jinnah, it was founded on democratic principles, and we have had a longstanding 50- plus year relationship, although it has been uneven. So today we have restored that relationship, and I hope Pakistani Americans and their own Embassy that is here representing Pakistan really realizes that we made a strong statement today for the respect and for the relationship of this nation. We have in essence put together a document that would enhance significantly economic, social and democratic assistance for Pakistan. We have recognized the importance of public diplomacy and engagement. That is a reinvestment, a reordering of the relationship. We have also recognized the importance of a regional process or coordination between Afghanistan, India and Bangladesh, recognizing that this area, South Asia, is an important part of our security and their security. We must recognize that the people of Pakistan love democracy. And, yes, what we have seen over the last couple of days really has given us pause. Well, I want you to know that the Pakistan military under their Secretary of the army is doing something they don't usually do. Their structure has been that they have been monitoring or, if you will, watching the border. That has been their task. For the first time, they have accepted the responsibility of internally ridding their country of the terrorists, the ones who have taken over the Swat, who have undermined them, people whose faith may have drawn them to a particular situation where they thought the government wasn't functioning, so they allowed the Taliban and insurgents to take over. And this is what we have, frankly, the devastation of 2.5 million people who are now moving from one place to the next. But the army is fighting the terrorists. And do you know what is more important? The people are standing up against the terrorists. The legislation we have today will provide an investment through a prosperity fund. It will have certain criteria for Federal funding, for taxpayers' dollars to go to Pakistan. They must ensure that their nuclear materials are protected. They must make sure that they are fighting radicalism. And we can stop this kind of human devastation. We know the international help that came to us during Hurricane Katrina. We know what we did with the tsunami. This is a terrorist tsunami. And I want to say that the Government, whether we agree or disagree with its strength, I believe they love democracy. These conditionalities that may be opposed will work their way through Congress. But if we didn't act today, we would continue to have the burials of so many people that are going on in this country, the kind of massive bombing that the terrorists think they can do to intimidate the people of Pakistan. So, as a co-Chair of the Pakistan Caucus, I am grateful that we made a first step. I want the American people to know that your neighbors are Pakistani Americans. They are doctors, they are entrepreneurs, they are retailers. They love this country, and they want to help their country as well. I am glad we made this first step. Let me move quickly to a domestic issue and put an explanation point on what we did right for Pakistan and say that I stand here today and support a restoration and bailout for automobile dealers. We missed the boat. We have dealerships who have gotten these ugly letters saying that even though you are a pillar of the community, you are in good financial shape, you can sell the cars, you must close. Mr. Speaker, I stand against it, and I believe that as we move forward, we must have a carve-out for our automobile dealers who in fact can maintain their independence, who can sell cars. Whether or not it is by Fiat or whether or not it is someone else, Chrysler and GM cannot close by caveat, despite the bankruptcy structuring, the reordering, the reorganization under chapter 11. They cannot come and close hardworking automobile dealerships, and we as Americans and Members of Congress cannot forget them. I will be looking forward to supporting legislation and writing legislation for automobile dealers carve-out and bailout.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns, who fell victim to yesterday's fatal shooting at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. This tragic outburst of violence and hatred turned the Holocaust Memorial Museum, a ``Monument of Sorrow'' (reported in the Washington Post), into monumental sorrow as we mourn the senseless loss of a brave man who died because of the color of his skin. I sit on the Advisory Board of the Houston Holocaust Museum, and I understand that such a museum should be a dwelling of honor and respect, not a house of violence and hatred. It should be a place that mourns those who died in the horrific Holocaust, as well as a place that seeks to promote peace. This violent act can not be tolerated. I would like to express my outrage at this racially-motivated killing, and my concern for Officer Johns' family, who is left to comprehend a void that will never again be filled. I would also like to express my concern to the patrons of the Holocaust Memorial Museum in our Nation's Capital, who were subject to baseless and tragic violence yesterday. Despite the strides the United States has made in the arena of Civil Rights, and the progress we continue to make with respect to tolerance, yesterday's hate crime indicates we have not come far enough. We always seek to protect speech, that is part of our American values, but we can not ignore and protect the violence that comes because Americans believe in the right of free speech. Let this tragic loss be an alarm for the United States that we must do more to promote respect and understanding among the people of our diverse nation, rather than allow ignorance to manifest within our country. Let Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns' legacy be marked as a renewed commitment to fighting racism and bigotry. Let this time be one of new hope between the African-American, Jewish communities, and all communities, that together we shall weave a fabric of tolerance and peace, and that together we shall overcome hatred today. I urge passage of this important Resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding. We cannot wait, and I just suggest to my colleagues that they would look quickly at these pictures where the Pakistan military is fighting terrorism, and these are the activities that are happening in that area. People are fleeing terrorism and the people that are in these camps are suffering. We cannot wait for this legislation. I oppose the Republican substitute because I want not an isolation of Pakistan, I want a regional response, a comprehensive regional strategy, including the role of countries outside the region in supporting Pakistan's efforts to combat al Qaeda and the Taliban, a global effort. The Republican substitute has a one-on-one effort. We need a global effort. Let me also suggest that there is important language in this legislation because if we suggest that the Pentagon is not favorable, the Pentagon has indicated that they are aware of the counterinsurgency efforts that the Pakistan military is engaging in and they're satisfied with the structure of this legislation that would help them continue to fight terrorism. We can work out some of the kinks, but are we going to wait while people are suffering? This legislation also has a recognition that we are establishing a new relationship with Pakistan and the United States, a friendship relationship. We are acknowledging the recent efforts of the Pakistan military in Swat, and we're also suggesting that if there are changes in Pakistan, we will reconsider some of the requirements or some of the structures that we put in place. I would also say to my colleagues that I hope the Republicans who are so interested in Pakistan would be interested in making sure the International Monetary Fund is funded like the President would like it to be and that they will join in that support because they're so strongly in support of Pakistan, which got money from it in the last year. In addition, there are issues dealing with trade, but the AFL-CIO is supporting it because of the way the structure is. We have an effective balance of helping them establish a better economy but at the same time respecting our trade requirements over here in the United States. This is the way to address this issue. But I can't imagine that my colleagues want to leave Pakistan and the people of Pakistan in these dire conditions. Pakistan Americans recognize we are establishing a new friendship, and on that new friendship we need to oppose the Republican substitute and support H.R. 1886.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, thank you for affording me this opportunity to address the Rules Committee and explain my amendment to H.R. 1886, the ``Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Act''. My amendment is a simple but important addition to this important legislation, which I believe can be supported by every member of this Committee. My amendment would foster counterterrorism efforts in Pakistan with the creation of militant rehabilitation programs designed to rehabilitate insurgents and to prevent youth from turning to militancy from the onset. Financial support and job opportunities will be provided to graduates of the rehabilitation programs as incentives for steering insurgents away from militancy. H.R. 1886 establishes a new, more positive framework for U.S.- Pakistan relations. The legislation establishes a set of principles that should govern the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, including the actions that the two countries should take to maintain a robust, relevant and lasting relationship. The bill is comprised of three titles. The first Title provides Economic, Social and Democratic Development Assistance for Pakistan; the second Title provides Security Assistance for Pakistan; and the third Title requires the President to develop a regional security strategy; provides for enhanced monitoring, evaluation, and auditing of U.S. assistance; requires a Presidential report on Pakistan, including an evaluation on Pakistan's progress in counterterrorism and an assessment of whether assistance provided to Pakistan is in any way facilitating the expansion of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program; and requires that all assistance to Pakistan be provided through a civilian government in Pakistan established by free and fair elections. I urge you to support my amendment.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank very much the distinguished chairman of the full committee for both his insight and his leadership, and my good friend, the subcommittee chairman, Mr. Ackerman, and my doubly good friend, Mr. Burton, who was just on the floor of the House who shares with me this commitment to Pakistan. Mr. Speaker, the reason why we must go forward today is for the very reason that our colleagues have been addressing themselves to our colleagues, if you will. We have a crisis, a dire crisis in Pakistan. There is no time for us to quarrel over what really are minimal differences, if you will. Right now, as we speak, 2\1/2\ million people are homeless. They are fleeing the conflicts in the Swat area that has been initiated by the Pakistani Government that is standing not for America, but is standing for the freedom of her people. And we must applaud these actions. We must look to the leadership of the President, the leadership of the Secretary of State, who has a strong commitment to Pakistan, the policies of this new government. Our government is to recognize Pakistan as an ally. And so 1886 is a bill that recognizes comprehensively that we have an equal ally that is fighting against terrorism within their borders. I have been to Peshawar, Islamabad, and any number of the sites visiting with leaders around the Nation. I have been to the schools that are trying to replace the madrasas. And in this legislation, we have, for example, a Pakistan development and prosperity fund. Just 3 weeks ago, a hundred-plus members of the Pakistani community met in New York to talk about how they can provide social services to that nation. As we speak, there are medical doctors from the Pakistani- American community that are leaving their homes here in the United States to go to Pakistan to help these refugees. So let us look at the big picture that this legislation provides. The prosperity fund, yes, there are conditionalities, but I would suggest that they are refrained from the issues that the distinguished Member in the other body spoke to, and we're going to work even further. But if our colleagues appreciate the fact that there are dire conditions that the Pakistan military is fighting the terrorists, they will help us pass 1886. This bill refers, itself, to the nuclear materials and requires the protecting of those materials. Do we want to leave that willy-nilly? This particular legislation also, in essence, helps to protect women and girls, to provide more resources for women and girls. It helps to deradicalize the youth. This legislation is a stopgap to the crisis and the emergency. I ask my colleagues to read it. This bill should be passed. I urge you to support H.R. 1886, The Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act. H.R. 1886 establishes a new, more positive framework for U.S.-Pakistan relations. The legislation establishes a set of principles that should govern the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, including the actions that the two countries should take to maintain a robust, relevant and lasting relationship. The bill is comprised of three titles. The first title provides Economic, Social and Democratic Development Assistance for Pakistan; the second title provides Security Assistance for Pakistan; and the third title requires the President to develop a regional security strategy; provides for enhanced monitoring, evaluation, and auditing of U.S. assistance; requires a Presidential report on Pakistan, including an evaluation on Pakistan's progress in counterterrorism and an assessment of whether assistance provided to Pakistan is in any way facilitating the expansion of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program; and requires that all assistance to Pakistan be provided through a civilian government in Pakistan established by free and fair elections. Pakistan is a critical ally of the United States. For too long, however, our relationship with Pakistan has been one of fits and starts, depending on events in the region and who happens to be in power in Pakistan. It is time for us the United States to forge a truly strategic partnership with Pakistan, one that goes beyond our mutual interest today in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism and speaks to the everyday needs of the average Pakistani. H.R. 1886 accomplishes these objectives. The legislation would significantly expand economic, social and democracy assistance to help lay the foundation for a stronger, more stable Pakistan. In particular, the bill authorizes a Pakistan Democracy and Prosperity Fund, a permanent fund in the U.S. Treasury for which the United States, along with other interested nations, nongovernmental organizations and even private citizens, can contribute to the prosperous future of Pakistan. The fund also provides additional flexibility to the State Department in order to provide such assistance, thereby responding to the ever dynamic situation Pakistan faces with its on going efforts to counter a domestic insurgency and provide humanitarian care for its displaced people. As much as we must focus on the internal conflicts in Pakistan, we must not forget the external issues affecting the region as a whole and the need for stabilization. Over the years, U.S. assistance to Pakistan has fluctuate with political events, sending mixed messages and leading most Pakistanis to question both our intentions and our staying power. Today, many Pakistanis believe the United States will cut and run when it serves our purpose, a belief which undermines our longterm efforts to defeat extremists, foster democratic change, and support transparent and accountable institutions that promote security and stability in Pakistan. However, the status quo is not working: many in the United States believe we are paying too much and getting too little--and most Pakistanis believe exactly the opposite. Without changing this baseline, there is little likelihood of drying up popular tolerance for anti-U.S. terrorist groups or persuading Pakistani leaders to devote the political capital necessary to deny such groups sanctuary and covert material support. The bill helps bridge a sustainable U.S.-Pakistan partnership through an increased focus on public diplomacy and engagement. H.R. 1886 authorizes a new exchange program for Pakistani civil servants and military officers in order to foster greater respect for and understanding of the principle of civilian rule in Pakistan's military. By building bridges to Pakistan and its people, the legislation is intended to provide a new, more positive framework for U.S.-Pakistan relations. Finally, the bill authorizes an extensive increase in military assistance to help Pakistan wage an effective counterinsurgency campaign against those forces that threaten Pakistan's national security. This legislation establishes a new, more positive framework for U.S.- Pakistan relations. The legislation establishes a set of principles that should govern the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, including the actions that the two countries should take to maintain a robust, relevant and lasting relationship.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, as an advisory board member of the Holocaust Museum of Houston, I rise with a deep sense of sympathy and outrage for the terrible tragic incident that happened, as The Washington Post reported, at a monument of sorrow and also a standing edifice for peace. I offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Security Officer Stephen T. Johns. As a believer and an advocate of our Constitution and our First Amendment rights, I stand here in outrage to express my opposition to the idea that protected speech equals protected violence. This was a dastardly act, and we don't know how many other targets this hateful-minded person might have been engaged in. We must continue to stand against hate. We must continue to promote the passage of the hate crimes legislation; but frankly, we must say to those who we mourn, by putting forward a Holocaust Museum, many across the Nation and in my town of Houston, that we stand with them in solidarity. To my good friend Peter Berkowitz and Fred Zeidman, who chairs the Holocaust Museum here in Washington, a Houstonian, you have my deepest sympathy, my respect, and I stand in solidarity with you.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Thank you very much to both the chairman and the ranking member of the full committee, Chairman Berman and Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Mr. Chairman, it is too short a time to talk about the catastrophic positive effect that this will have on the American people--on their security and on their position in the world. We have always been a country that recognizes the importance of minding our own business but, frankly, that also understands the importance of being a good friend. I rise to support H.R. 2410 because this legislation authorizes the hiring of 1,500 additional Foreign Service officers over the next 2 years. If you have visited these embassies, as I have, you know that they are the positive face of America. They work hard. They engage in negotiations. More importantly, they solve problems. We also put forward the necessary resources for the U.N. peacekeeping missions in Darfur, in the Republic of Congo and in Chad. Because of the section 1127 Sense of Congress, I am delighted that my legislation on ensuring that we continue to push for the comprehensive peace agreement is in this legislation. Then I am extremely delighted and pleased that section 1104 has placed my statelessness bill into this legislation, which dictates that it is the purpose of this section to increase global stability and security for the United States and for the international community and to decrease trafficking and discrimination by reducing the number of individuals who are de jure or de facto stateless. This will help women and children, those who have been dispossessed and those who have been victims of human tracking. Some of those cases have found themselves into my own community in Texas. So let me again, Mr. Chairman, say that I rise to support H.R. 2410.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished chairman and the author of this legislation, the distinguished gentlelady from New York (Ms. Slaughter), chairman of the Rules Committee. And I rise to simply say to this House and to America, enough is enough. I am delighted that we have heard the majority of pro-life organizations, who are Americans as well, denounce this horrific act. My deepest sympathy to Dr. Tiller's wife and children and grandchildren, but I think it is not enough to offer our sympathy; it is a requirement that we denounce this with every fiber of our body. In addition, I think it is important, as we go forward, that right- to-life organizations learn to respect the First Amendment, and certainly the sanctity of a house of worship. It is important to note that Dr. Tiller is not and was not a criminal, did not perform criminal acts, but responded to women who willingly came into his office with the counsel of their family and a religious leader and made a decision addressing the question of their health and the concerns of their family. Many of those women who came to Dr. Tiller wanted to have children, were praying for children, and were able to have children and give birth to a healthy child thereafter. I am concerned that the alleged perpetrator now incarcerated and held in jail is continuing to make threats against those who are trying to both abide by the law but serve the needs of more than 51 percent of America. Yes, we know there is opposition to abortion. None of us stand here as abortion proponents. What we stand here as is simply individuals who believe in choice, prayerfully believe in choice. Therefore, I am asking for full support for this initiative to denounce the killing of Dr. Tiller, but I am also saying enough is enough.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call out the siren and the clarion call for fixing America's health care system. We urgently need to fix it, and we realize that if you've got it, you like it, you can keep it. We need to get a system that will allow those that are underinsured and without insurance to be able to be cared for in this Nation. We need to reduce the serious health disparities. We need to also ensure that there is a public option, that there is universal access to health care. Make it a good Medicare plan that helps the young, the old, and the working Americans. In addition, we need to be fair to how we pay for it. We need to realize that physician-owned hospitals are not the enemy. In fact, they help to, in essence, bring down health disparities. Many physician- owned hospitals or investor-owned hospitals with doctors involved are in the urban and rural areas where no other hospitals would go. Let's fix this system in a fair manner that addresses the question of making sure the 47 million-plus who are underinsured and those without insurance can have a good public option, can as well have a fair system of good doctors and have good hospitals and make it work for working Americans and others who are in need.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished member of the Judiciary Committee and chairperson of the subcommittee for yielding. I rise in support of H.R. 1741, which is long in coming and long overdue. Tragically, we are seeing the increased utilization of gun violence and certainly the increased impact on our teenagers. Whether it is guns used in gang activity or guns used to slaughter innocent persons in various stop-and-go shops or others, we are seeing that kind of senseless violence. Over the last couple of days, I saw in my own community two hardworking shopkeepers murdered and slaughtered in their own shop early in the morning; and the kind of killing it was may have generated witnesses who need to be protected. We have watched the slaughter of children in the Chicago school district, which has gotten to be an epidemic condition. They have been using guns. There have been young people leaving churches who have been shot and killed. So we understand the value of this legislation. I remember hearing before the Judiciary Committee where the individuals who wanted this kind of protection told us of the fear in which they live. H.R. 1741, sponsored by my good friend, Representative Elijah Cummings, is an important legislative initiative; and I would ask my colleagues to, likewise, support it. It joins right together with H. Res. 454 that will be on this House floor in a few minutes that deals with the 25th anniversary of the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children and has a lot to do with the protection of our Nation's children, those who have been kidnapped and murdered, and those who have been exploited. Again, it ties back to this whole question of protecting witnesses who provide the necessary testimony to convict those of these heinous crimes. This may not be the underlying necessity for H. Res. 515; but I rise to also add my support for the legislation that condemns the slaughter and murder of Army Private William Long and the wounding of Army Private Quinton Ezeagwula. That was a terrorist act of which we condemn. It may be that the alleged perpetrator is in prison, but we don't know whether there is a widespread conspiracy. We hear so. Again, H.R. 1741 would allow us to protect these witnesses. The act of killing our military personnel on U.S. soil was an act of terror, and I abhor it. I denounce it. It is a resounding disgrace in this country; and therefore, H. Res. 515 should, in fact, be able to pass. All of these tie to the idea of protecting witnesses in criminal activities because we realize how frightening a prospect it is. I also add my support to H.R. 2675, the extension of the Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Act of 2004. I am also a member of the Subcommittee on Antitrust and view this as an important legislative initiative. Allow me to close by suggesting that as we saw in my remarks earlier today on the floor in H. Res. 505, condemning the death of Dr. George Tiller, we have conditions here that warrant this legislation, H.R. 1741. It is terrible that violent acts are perpetrated here in America, that violent acts come about through the use of firearms and other manners and, therefore, there will be witnesses that will be necessary to bring these people to justice. I cannot imagine allowing these heinous crimes to be perpetrated without being able to prosecute because a witness is frightened for themselves and their family. The legislation that we are now speaking to provides that protection, and I ask my colleagues to support the legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, because of official business in Houston on June 4, 2009, speaking at a graduation in a school district that had suffered great damage during Hurricane Ike, North Forest High School in the North Forest Independent School District, I missed the following votes: Roll call vote No. 304 on agreeing to an amendment to H.R. 2200, I would have voted ``no.'' Roll call vote No. 305 on agreeing to an amendment to H.R. 2200, I would have voted ``aye.'' Roll call vote No. 306 on the Thompson of Mississippi amendment to H.R. 2200, I would have voted ``aye.'' Roll call vote No. 307 on the passage of H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act, authored by Jackson-Lee, I would have voted ``aye.'' Roll call vote No. 308 on agreeing to an amendment to H.R. 626, I would have voted ``no.'' Roll call vote No. 309, the motion to recommit on Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, I would have voted ``no.'' Roll call vote No. 310, passage of H.R. 727, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, I ask that my vote be recorded as ``aye.''

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Would you yield for just a moment, Mr. Souder?

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. The gentleman is, first of all, correct in the severity of the question, but I do want the gentleman to know that it's speculation to suggest that they might be released. The language says they will be on a No Fly List with the final disposition of the President. More importantly, those individuals will not be holding visas, and they will not be holding passports. We have enhanced our security internationally. It is without probability of any kind that they will be coming into the United States, and those who are under lawyering, as you say, will be under lawyering, handcuffed and moved around the country. We will have this ability with your language, which I congratulate the gentleman on, as the final disposition of the FBI, of the CIA and of the military intelligence. Give us the list, and they will be on a No Fly List.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the manager of the bill, and I also thank him for his knowledge as a very able member formerly of the Homeland Security Committee and Subcommittee on Transportation Security, Mr. Perlmutter, for his continued interest. I also would like to rise to support the rule and, of course, the underlying bill and to acknowledge the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Thompson, and the ranking member of the full committee, Mr. King, and my ranking member, Mr. Dent. This is truly a bipartisan effort. The act is a product of months of negotiation, give-and-take, including Republican stakeholders, labor organizations, and industry groups, the Government Accountability Office, and the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General's office. It provides a new look and a new face to surface transportation security enhancements and particularly addresses the concerns of 9/11 from the point of view of having a comprehensive security program for the United States of America. I am glad that it increases by three times the FY 2009 funding for surface transportation security. It authorizes an additional 200 surface transportation security inspectors for FY 2010, and an additional 100 inspectors for FY 2011. It establishes the Surface Transportation Security Inspection Office within TSA to train and manage inspectors to conduct and assist for security activities in surface transportation systems. And I'm glad that it creates a Transit Security Advisory Committee to facilitate stakeholder input to TSA on surface transportation policy. Every morning, millions of Americans rise and go to work on surface transportation facilities, and yet we have not paid the attention necessary to ensure that when we talk about a comprehensive security for this Nation, we truly mean comprehensive. I am glad for the fact that we now have our eye on surface transportation. The men and women who use commuter rail, the men and women who use subways and undergrounds and elevated rail systems like in our older cities can at least experience the idea that we are concerned. I traveled to Mumbai, India, to see the ravaging, if you will, of the terrorist acts that occurred around Thanksgiving of 2008. This is a bill overdue. I'm delighted, of course, that we have moved on some issues dealing with airport security and screening enhancements. I'm delighted that we have directed TSA to develop a strategic, risk-based plan to enhance security of airport perimeter access controls. I am always so glad that we're paying attention to general aviation, and my subcommittee will hold a hearing on that as we move forward to extend the security of general aviation. But also in this bill, in particular, we deal with security of the perimeter of airports. We provide flight training, self-defense training for our cabin officers, if you will, our flight attendants. It's long overdue. It's an issue that I have worked on for a number of years, and it is in this bill, where our flight attendants are being trained. And we have a wonderful compromise and working relationship with our airlines and the flight attendants. Also, we have found that we have been slowed in technology. There are a multitude of devices that have been created to secure America. But the science and technology department or area of the Department of Homeland Security has been slow in producing, if you will, the approval for these technologies. In this bill we now have a process, a roadmap, if you will, for our inventiveness so that these particular products, many of them coming from small and minority and women-owned businesses, can follow a process, get approved, and provide for the security of America. We have enhanced the use of canine detection resources. And I, in fact, support the Hastings amendment that is in place to provide the added utilization of canine detection teams, the Hastings-Rogers- Jackson-Lee amendment.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. We are also very supportive of the Hastings from Florida amendment that, within 6 months of enactment, requires TSA to submit a report to Congress on complaints and claims received by TSA for loss of property in baggage screening areas. We have to be respectful of the idea of security but also of the rights of our particular citizens. We look forward, as we move forward with this bill, to make sure that it covers a variety of areas. Those areas, again, address the question of a Federal flight deck officer program, requiring additional training, and it directs TSA to develop a security training program for all air cargo. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I believe that we have addressed this question of both international and domestic air cargo by suggesting that we will work with the administration to make sure that we have within a 2-year period 100 percent screening for all of our baggage no matter where it comes from. I ask my colleagues to support the rule.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished chairman for his leadership on this issue, as well the leadership of the ranking full committee member. As well, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with the ranking member of the subcommittee, Mr. Dent. This has been a bipartisan effort. It has been a tough effort for my colleagues. It is important to realize that the work has been intense and that it has been concerted, direct and, I think, open. I want to applaud the process. Likewise, I would like to acknowledge the Homeland Security Committee's staff and particularly Mike Finan--the subcommittee staff director--for their leadership as well. So I rise today with great pride in the efforts of my subcommittee and of the full committee, and I look forward to today's swift passage of H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act. H.R. 2200 provides TSA with the resources it needs by authorizing over $15.6 billion for the Transportation Security Administration for FY 2010 and FY 2011. At the beginning of this Congress, Chairman Thompson stated that the committee will be moving to pass authorizing legislation for the Department of Homeland Security. It is good to make good on a promise. It is good that this committee recognizes that it is sometimes the only firewall between the security of this Nation and the terrible, heinous acts of 9/11. Sometimes we forget that we are only a few short years away from that terribly tragic day that no one in America will ever forget. We continue to mourn those who have been lost, and we continue to give our support to those families who have experienced those severe and devastating losses. Therefore, this bill comes before us in the backdrop of recognizing the ultimate challenge of our responsibility. The bill before us, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act, helps to further this important effort. I am proud that it is substantiated by over a dozen hearings held over the past 2 years, by countless briefings and by reports from the GAO and from the IG. I am proud of the bipartisan manner in which this comprehensive TSA bill was crafted. I am especially pleased that the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent), as I mentioned earlier, is an original cosponsor of this legislation. Chairman Thompson and Secretary Napolitano agreed during the beginning of this Congress that surface transportation security needed to be on equal footing with aviation at TSA. This bill furthers this important objective. As the chairwoman of this subcommittee, I have visited a number of surface transportation sites, including the 2nd Street site being built in New York--a multibillion dollar project--as there are many new starts coming about in this country. The existing rail system is utilized by millions of Americans every single day. Mr. Chairman, this bill acts on recommendations issued in 2008 by the inspector general that were reaffirmed earlier this year by establishing the Surface Transportation Security Inspection Office to house the Surface Transportation Security Inspection Program, by streamlining its mission and by clarifying its command structure.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Again, let me thank the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Thompson, and as well Mr. King and my colleague, Mr. Dent. It was a pleasure to work with Mr. Hastings and Rogers of Alabama. So I rise in support of the Hastings/Rogers/Jackson-Lee amendment. I appreciate their collegiality and their willingness to work with me on this important amendment. We have toured the Homeland Security sites that have had K-9s. I have heard from airports who said, Give me one good dog, and we will provide security for America. TSA's explosive detection K-9 teams are important and effective tools for securing all modes of transportation in the United States. The use of K-9 teams has managed what few other security measures can boast: They are well-liked by the community and traveling public. Our committee worked hard to reaffirm our support of K-9 teams for explosive detection in the different transportation modes through H.R. 2200. I'm proud to have led these efforts. This amendment rounds out these important provisions. As we speak, TSA continues its work meeting the hundred percent cargo screening requirement established by the 9/11 Act. And let me, as an insert, indicate that I am very proud of the language that we have about 100 percent cargo screening. It is one that we worked on with the Department of Homeland Security. We worked with Mr. Markey, we worked with our chairman and our ranking member of both committees--the subcommittee and full committee. We want to have 100 percent cargo screening. A hundred additional K-9 teams that will be deployed under this amendment will help ensure TSA's success. Mr. Hastings, Mr. Rogers, and I have offered what I perceive to be a thoughtful amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support it. I thank Mr. Hastings and Mr. Rogers for their collaboration. With that, I am going to yield back.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to support the graduating class of North Forest High School in Houston, Texas, the 2009 graduating class, a school district, the North Forest Independent School District, that suffered the ravages of Hurricane Rita, and then right on the heels of Hurricane Rita came Hurricane Ike and destroyed many of the buildings of that particular school district. Then Forestbrook High School suffered heinous acts by vandals who destroyed the school and caused the school district to have to close one of its high schools. So today the graduating class will be the merger of those two high schools, and boy have they united. I'm honored to be their guest speaker. And because of that, Mr. Speaker, I will miss some legislative initiatives. But I rise to support the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act. I would have voted ``aye'' on the rule, ``aye'' on final passage, and I would have voted ``aye'' on two amendments, Mr. Green and Mr. Bright of Alabama. And then, as well, I would have voted ``no'' on the gentleman's amendment from California, Mr. Issa. But the main point is to recognize that I am going to salute these students because they deserve it. They've overcome adversity. Congratulations to the North Forest High School Class of 2009.