Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to set a standard for answering the call of 500,000 to 800,000 jobs being created by 2020 that addresses the work in our ongoing and growing energy industry. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the Natural Resources Committee chairman, Mr. Hastings, and Ranking Member DeFazio for their leadership on diversifying our employment base. I also want to wish the chairman well as he moves on to other endeavors. He will be missed on his insight. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak in support of the Jackson Lee Amendment No. 9 to H.R. 4899. The Congress has an affirmative duty to increase diversity in Federal Government as there is an undeniable lack of participation for veterans, women, and minorities in regards to employment, entrepreneurial, and ownership opportunity. The Jackson Lee Amendment No. 9 to H.R. 4899 directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an office of energy employment and training to create economic opportunities that support the agency's hiring and training of veterans, women, and underrepresented minorities. It sets the standard for the private sector. Mr. Chairman, as a Member of Congress from Houston, the energy capital of the Nation, I have always been mindful of the importance of having strongly advocated for national energy policies--really, all of the above--and to make our Nation energy independent, preserve and create jobs, and keep our Nation's economy strong. The recent increase in production of unconventional oil and natural gas has provided a lift to the U.S. economy, and Americans are seeing the benefits not only because of the jobs created, but also because household incomes have gone up. It is up to us to have the regulatory structure that protects the environment but also provides the opportunity for growth and creates jobs. Mr. Chairman, I would be remiss if I did not point out that both the chairman and ranking member have been resolute in their pursuit of the expansion of opportunities in the energy industry. I share that commitment with them, and this amendment is an example of what happens when Members work in good faith across the aisle to find viable solutions. In this amendment, veterans, minorities, and women recognize that they are significantly underrepresented in the oil and gas industries at all levels and severely underrepresented in the senior managerial, professional, board, and ownership ranks. U.S. competitiveness requires that this Nation increase the number of successful underrepresented minorities in STEM education and careers, which is more essential than ever. A pipeline of qualified veterans looking for employment will play a key role as the energy industry seeks quality, highly skilled workers. I am committed to honoring our obligations to our Nation's veterans and utilizing the talents of veterans to help the government meet today's dynamic challenges. Mr. Chairman, the Office of Energy Employment and Training will provide an opportunity to align military and utility job classifications, identify veterans with their desired basic skills, access military personnel during the off-boarding process, and hold training programs. It is interesting to note that in 2013, the number of STEM jobs in North Dakota increased by 37.2 percent as a direct result of the oil and gas boom in that State. Mr. Chairman, I hope my colleagues will support this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. So, in conclusion, Mr. Chairman, let me indicate that our task here is to create jobs. We understand that there are 300,000 vets that, in fact, may need unemployment insurance. We want them to have jobs, along with women and minorities, and so I would ask my colleagues to accept the Jackson Lee amendment, and I thank the committee. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, I would like to thank Natural Resources Committee Chairman Hastings and Ranking Member DeFazio for their leadership and commitment. I also wish the Chairman well as he moves on to other endeavors. He will be missed. Mr. Chair, I rise to speak in support of the Jackson Lee Amendment #9 to H.R. 4899, the Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America that Works Act of 2014. Congress has an affirmative duty to increase diversity in the federal government as there is an undeniable lack of participation for veterans, women and minorities in regards to employment, entrepreneurial and ownership opportunities. The Jackson Lee Amendment #9 to H.R. 4899 directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an Office of Energy Employment and Training to create economic opportunities that support the Agency's hiring and training of veterans, women and underrepresented minorities. As the Member of Congress from Houston, the energy capital of the nation, I have always been mindful of the importance and have strongly advocated for national energy policies that will make our nation more energy independent, preserve and create jobs, and keep our nation's economy strong. The recent increase in production of unconventional oil and natural gas has provided a lift to the U.S. economy and Americans are seeing the benefits not only because of the jobs created but also because household incomes have seen an increase as a result of lower energy costs. I would be remiss if I did not point out that both the Chairman and Ranking Member have been resolute in their pursuit of the expansion of opportunities in the energy industry. I share that commitment with them--and this amendment is an example of what happens when Members work in good-faith across the aisle to find viable solutions. We all know that while government may not be able to solve all problems--it can be a bridge to solving some--and ``the great mitigator'' for others. Veterans, minorities and women are significantly underrepresented in the oil and gas industries at all levels and severely underrepresented in the senior managerial, professional, board and ownership ranks. U.S. competitiveness requires that this nation increases the number of successful underrepresented minorities in STEM education and careers, is more essential than ever. A pipeline of qualified veterans looking for employment could play a key role as the energy industry seeks quality, highly skilled workers. I am committed to honor our obligations to our Nation's veterans; utilize the talents of veterans to help the Government meet today's dynamic challenges; and create a program worthy of emulation by the private sector. The Office of Energy Employment and Training will provide an opportunity to align military and utility job classifications, identify veterans with the desired basic skills, access military personnel during the off-boarding process and hold training programs specifically for targeted veteran cohorts. Underrepresented minorities seeking STEM jobs cannot solely rely upon advanced degree programs, but must be able to pursue a number of routes to good paying STEM jobs. A highly focused area for STEM education and job opportunities can be found in the oil and gas industry. For example, 2001-13 the number of STEM jobs in North Dakota increased by 37.2 percent as a direct result of the oil and gas boom in that state. North Dakota exceeded the nation in life, physical and social science technicians and the state is close to the national average for engineering technicians, physical scientists and life scientists. Nationally, in 2010 there were 1.2 million people employed in the oil and gas industry of those persons only: 98,000 or 8.2% are African Americans; 188,000 or 15.7% are Hispanics; and 225,687 jobs or 19% are women. The 2014 report prepared by the American Petroleum Institute states the oil and gas industry and petrochemical industry could create between 940,000 to 1.3 million employment opportunities between now and 2030. Only a small fraction of these new jobs will come as a result of retirements. The major factor for employment demands for the oil and gas industry is natural growth that will occur and investment by the industry and the influence of energy demand by a growing economy. There a significantly larger number and variety of good paying jobs in the oil and gas industry. In 2011, the average oil field worker earned $35,590, slightly higher than the national average; those working in natural gas distribution earned an average of $38,870 per year. The states with the highest pay included Alaska, at $48,370; Montana at $45,870 per year; Wyoming, at $41,130; and North Dakota, at $40,340 per year. Minorities comprise 26% of the oil and gas labor force in 2010 and that number is expected to grow to 325 by 2030. In 2010 women were 17% of the oil and gas labor force and their number is expected to drop to less than 15% in 2030. The lower employment prospects for women are a direct consequence of the extreme level of underrepresentation in the energy sector. A closer look at the employment prospects for minorities' reveals that African-Americans like are projected to experience a decline in employment in the oil and gas industry due to underrepresentation of African Americans. The level of underrepresentation of minorities and women is reflected in oil and gas industry senior and professional ranks. Minorities comprise 15% of management and professionals working in the oil and gas industry and are projected to comprise 17% by 2030. When compared to all blue collar jobs2-minorities make up 21% of the jobs, and in 2010 they comprised 38% of blue collar jobs. Women do slightly better with a 24% in 2010, and are expected to hold this percentage of the blue collar job market to 2030. Our booming energy sector has been one of the greatest American success stories in the last decade, and remains a bright spot in our economy as it continue to fuel job creation. To continue this success we need a diverse energy workforce that is equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of our new energy landscape. The Jackson Lee amendment will help prepare a diverse population of workers from across the country with diverse backgrounds to enter into exciting and rewarding careers in American energy jobs. Our Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Centers of excellence, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions and Women Colleges and Universities will become more engaged by a direct pipeline into the Department of Interior that will foster collaboration, mentorships and partnerships through effective job training that will yield employment opportunities. In closing, I ask my colleagues, to support the Jackson Lee amendment that will address the ability and potential of people who are traditionally underrepresented in energy-production activities by creating an Office of Energy Employment and Training, which will oversee the hiring and training efforts of the Department of Interior's energy planning, permitting, and regulatory agencies. The Department of the Interior will be responsible for fostering diversity in management, employment, and business activities. Again, I thank Chairman Hastings and Ranking Member DeFazio for their outstanding leadership.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman for his astute reflection on the work that we have done and I have done over the years. I introduced H.R. 70 and H.R. 3710 that dealt with coastal restoration and the utilization of training for our young people and our veterans. So as I conclude and thank the chairman for his acknowledgment, along with the ranking member, of their work on the committee dealing with diversification, the Jackson Lee amendment will help prepare a diverse population of workers from across the country with diverse backgrounds to enter in exciting and rewarding careers in American energy jobs. Our Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Centers of Excellence, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions, and women colleges and universities will become engaged by a direct pipeline into the Department of the Interior that will foster collaboration, mentorships, and partnerships through effective job training that will yield employment opportunities. The Department of the Interior will be responsible for fostering diversity in management, employment, and business activities. It will be the light at the end of the tunnel creating a pathway for the 800,000 jobs. Mr. Chairman, at this time, I would like to put into the Record the Employment Outlook for African Americans and Latinos In the Upstream Oil and Natural Gas Industry. [An IHS Report, Nov. 2012] Employment Outlook for African Americans and Latinos in the Upstream Oil and Natural Gas Industry (Prepared for the American Petroleum Institute, API) key findings Oil and natural gas will remain as the main source of fuel for decades to come as other forms of energy also become commercially viable. In fact, in early November 2012, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projected that the United States will become the world's top oil producer by 2020 and that North America would be in a position to export more oil than it imports by 2030. These findings underscore the critical importance of the analysis and findings of a new IHS report entitled Employment Outlook for African Americans and Latinos in the Upstream Oil and Natural Gas Industry (2012). Principal findings of the new IHS report Include: More than 500,000 jobs projected to be created by 2020 and over 800,000 jobs created by 2030 in the upstream oil and natural gas industry under pro-energy development policies. Job growth would be geographically diverse. Over half of the job growth, 417 thousand jobs, is expected in the Gulf region. The East region is expected to contribute nearly 140 thousand job opportunities and the Rockies region nearly 116 thousand job opportunities. The West, Alaska, and Central regions will combine to contribute approximately 138 thousand job opportunities. Central to this analysis is workforce training critical to the projected U.S. petroleum industry growth to keep the nation at a competitive advantage and to provide the energy the nation depends upon. African Americans and Hispanic Americans represent a critically vital and available talent pool to help meet the demands of the projected growth and expansion. For African Americans and Hispanics to be competitive for the 800,000 potential new jobs it will require: Significant improvement in minority preparation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related disciplines at the primary and secondary school levels--a national priority; Significant improvement in high school completion rates for Hispanics and African Americans; Secondary and post-secondary staff (i.e., principals, deans, teachers, faculty, counselors) should be trained to inform their students on the workforce opportunities in the petroleum industry, specifically in the regions identified, and the training required; An increase the labor force participation rates of African Americans and Hispanics; Sixty-two percent of the job growth are estimated to be in blue collar jobs that would require a high school diploma and some additional training such as community college vocational degrees and certificates; Twenty-one percent of the job growth will require training in engineering (petroleum, etc.), geoscience fields, management, business, and finance, and as technicians; Partnerships between higher education and industry, especially at the community college level would yield near term positive results; Hispanic and African American students with high school diplomas and some additional training at community colleges in skills related to the oil and gas industry are immediately competitive for current job opportunities; African American and Hispanic students who successfully complete college degrees related to the oil and natural gas industry, e.g., petroleum engineering, would be highly competitive for workforce placement; Wages in the upstream oil and natural gas industry, across many professions, far exceed the national average wage rate; Some portion of the job opportunities would be in geographic locations away from segments of minority populations and may require relocation; Employment in the oil and gas industry can provide a reliable means to a better than average quality of life for Hispanics and African Americans for decades to come. Both challenges and opportunities exist going forward. Raising educational achievement for large segments of the upcoming generation is resource intensive and will take decades to achieve. However, the payoff of an increased skilled labor pool would be enormous to society in general and U.S. industry in particular. This report illustrates that there are significant opportunities for African Americans and Hispanics throughout the petroleum industry currently and well into the future at each level of education and training. III. Minority and Female Employment in the Oil & Gas and Petrochemical Industries in 2010 employment by industry The three segments of the U.S. oil and gas industry and the petrochemical industry together employed a total of 1.2 million people in 2010 (see Table III.1). The upstream segment, with employment of 721 thousand, accounted for 60% of the total, followed by the downstream segment with 23%. African American workers held 98 thousand jobs in these industries in 2010, accounting for 8.2% of total employment. Their share within the petrochemical industry was 11.2%. Hispanic workers held 188 thousand jobs across all four industry segments--15.7% of the total. They accounted for a higher share of employment in the upstream segment than in the other segments. Table III.1--AFRICAN AMERICAN AND HISPANIC EMPLOYMENT IN THE OIL & GAS AND PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRIES BY SEGMENT: 2010 TOTAL ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Petro- Total Upstream Midstream Downstream chemicals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total........................... 1,198,590 720,911 42,079 279,162 156,438 African American................ 97,789 57,886 2,262 20,043 17,598 Hispanic........................ 188,088 136,265 4,440 28,426 18,957 Minority Shares by Segment Total........................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% African American................ 8.2% 8.0% 5.4% 7.2% 11.2% Hispanic........................ 15.7% 18.9% 10.6% 10.2% 12.1% Shares by Segment in Each Occupation Total........................... 100.0% 60.1% 3.5% 23.3% 13.1% African American................ 100.0% 59.2% 2.3% 20.5% 18.0% Hispanic........................ 100.0% 72.4% 2.4% 15.1% 10.1% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employment by Gender Women accounted for 19% of total employment in the combined oil and gas and petrochemical industries. Their share is higher in the downstream and petrochemical segments (25%) and lower in the upstream and midstream segments (15-16%). (See Table III.2.) The female share of employment in these industries is much lower for the Hispanic population--only 13%. The incidence of female employment for the African American population in the oil & gas industry generally mirrors the nation-wide pattern for the industry, at a share of 19%. In the midstream industry there is a higher female share.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to raise the attention of my colleagues to several moments. First, I would like to celebrate the passage of my amendment that just passed in legislation H.R. 4899, to create a job training and employment department or section in the Department of the Interior for veterans, minorities, and women. With 800,000 jobs on the horizon in the energy industry, this is an American job creator. I am excited about that amendment. With sadness, Mr. Speaker, I rise to support my colleague, Congresswoman Wilson. We joined each other in a delegation to Nigeria, meeting with girls who had escaped from Boko Haram, and in the backdrop of the tragedy of the bombing of a mall and killing more people, it is time for Boko Haram to be stopped and the girls to be brought back. Finally, Mr. Speaker, as I go down to the valley in Texas to address the question of those desperate children--this humanitarian crisis of unaccompanied children--we introduced legislation today to create 70 more immigration judges, so that they can be addressed. This is a crisis which America is dealing with, and we should recognize it as a humanitarian crisis. Finally, let me say, Mr. Speaker, bring the girls back in Nigeria. Help the children that are coming across our border. Let us have a heart when it comes to children.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my constituent and longtime friend Reverend Dr. Samuel Howard Smith on his 50th anniversary as the Senior pastor of the Mount Horeb Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Dr. Smith is a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a loving husband. He received Christ at the age of 22 and answered the call to the ministry at the youthful age of 27 in October of 1957. Due to a strong belief in God and an outstanding delivery of the Good News of Christ, Dr. Smith was led to Pastor the Morning Star Baptist Church of Houston, Texas in 1959. This uncompromising man later became the Pastor of Mount Horeb Missionary Baptist Church, also in Houston, Texas in 1964 where he has remained God's servant for 47 years. Dr. Smith is a well known and respected teacher, preacher, and evangelist. His commitment to serving the community has taken the Gospel beyond the walls of the church and into the streets. He is known as ``God's Street Man,'' where no one on the streets is a stranger nor is anyone off limits to him. He believes that where every man is, so is his soul, and that each man must choose where he wants to spend eternity. Dr. Smith is a Korean War veteran and has held leadership positions on the Evangelical Board of the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Gregory Lincoln Educational Center's ``I Have A Dream'', is a national instructor for the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America, a member of Houston's Baptist Ministers' Alliance, Houston Baptist Pastors and Ministers Fellowship and Ministers Against Crime. Dr. Smith is a prolific man of God with a passion for street ministry and winning souls. He is the author of ``Taking IT to the Streets,'' a book on Christian Evangelism that emphasizes the importance of street evangelism in Christian Outreach ministry. Dr. Smith is an inspiration to all by setting remarkable standards for others to follow. I take great pride in recognizing and honoring the Senior Pastor of the Mount Horeb Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Dr. Samuel Howard Smith on the occasion of his 50th Pastoral Anniversary. Dr. Smith continues to shine to let God's glory shine through his solid leadership in the community. His tireless efforts to impact our world, and inspire others to do the same is deserving of the respect, admiration and commendation of the United States Congress.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as the founder and cochair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I rise to talk about children, the children in America who need more Head Start seats or the children in northern Nigeria who are being attacked and stolen away by Boko Haram who stole some 30 or 40 girls and some 31 boys. I rise to talk about the children who are at America's border-- through no fault of their own and through no fault of this administration--a baby or children laying on the floor with a blanket. Some have taken to the political grandstanding of blaming the President and the President's administration. The United Nations has indicated that this is a proportion of international humanitarian crisis. Fifty-eight percent of the children that were questioned were not here for immigration issues; they are displaced internationally--they were forcibly displaced. It is our job to address this question. We should address this question with humanitarian response, with more processing centers. We should have more detention centers that are there for families and children, so they can be processed appropriately; more immigration judges; we must deal with more children's organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, First Focus, Children's Legal Defense Fund. Let us not grandstand on these babies. They are here because they have been forced to leave a devastating condition in their country. Attacking the administration is wrong.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. I appreciate the chairman's commentary about the SEC. I am well aware that the SEC has driven itself to utilizing the Court of Appeals. I would make the argument that there is a smaller investor that tends to engage in commodities, and, therefore, transparency and the opportunity to create a record is far more important in commodities. I would also make the point that my amendment is supported by the Commodity Markets Oversight Coalition, which is asking for us to continue with existing law. They, of course, include Airlines for America, American Baker's Association, California Black Farmers, California Independent Oil Marketers Association, Colorado Petroleum Marketers Association, Florida Petroleum Market Marketers Association, Maine Energy Marketers Association, the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals, National Family Farm Coalition, among others, which I will include in the Record. National Grange, New Jersey Citizen Action Oil Group, New Mexico Petroleum Marketers Association, North Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association, Oil Heat Council of New Hampshire, Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa, Public Citizen, Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, to name just a few, who clearly just ask for a simple request: when there is a need to challenge the rules, allow a full record to be made at the district court level. Commodities is not in the same vain as the SEC. I would argue that there is need for greater highlight in information, and that the Jackson Lee amendment should be accepted for that kind of transparency and treating small investors fairly and giving them the opportunity to fully pursue their position when it comes to a particular rule. I would ask my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. commodity marketer overnight coalition Supporting organizations: Airlines for America; American Baker's Association; American Feed Industry Association; American Public Power Association; American Trucking Associations; California Black Farmers & Agriculturalists Association; California Independent Oil Marketers Association; California Service Station and Automotive Repair Association; Colorado Petroleum Marketers Association; Connecticut Energy Marketers Association; Consumer Federation of America; Florida Petroleum Marketers Association; Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey; Gasoline & Automotive Service Dealers of America; Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy; Louisiana Oil Marketers & Convenience Store Association; Maine Energy Marketers Association; Montana Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association; NAFA Fleet Management Association; National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals. National Association of Shell Marketers; National Family Farm Coalition; National Farmers Union; National Grange; National Latino Farmers & Ranchers Trade Association; New England Fuel Institute; New Jersey Citizen Action Oil Group; New Mexico Petroleum Marketers Association; New York Oil Heating Association; North Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association; North Dakota Retail Association; Ohio Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association; Oil Heat Council of New Hampshire. Oil Heat Institute of Long Island; Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island; Organization for Competitive Markets; Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association Kansas; Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores of Iowa; Petroleum Marketers Association of America; Public Citizen; Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund (R-CALF) USA; Utah Petroleum Marketers and Retailers Association; Vermont Fuel Dealers Association; West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association; Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, again, I thank the chairman and ranking member of the Financial Services Committee. My amendment is simple. It would preserve existing law where a legal challenge to a CFTC regulation is reviewed first by the district court. And then, following an opinion by a district court judge, an appeal, if any, is taken to the court of appeals. Let me, first of all, refer my colleagues to the joint report by the Agriculture Committee where specifically it says that the general review provisions of the APA would apply, requiring parties seeking to challenge CFTC rules to file a claim before a U.S. district court. And it goes on to give those particular details. Then it goes on to indicate that to follow the review provisions of the APA--this going into a district court--the CFTC's general counsel indicated that he would not object to a change. I would make the argument that it is not the general counsel but it is the individual consumer who should have the opportunity in a district court--either in their district or in the District of Columbia--to be able to make a record and to ensure that all of the facts of the issue dealing with the rule are fully vetted. And that will happen if you have the opportunity to go first to the district court. Preserving existing law where a legal challenge to a CFTC regulation is reviewed first by the district court and then followed by an opinion by a district court judge gives the opportunity for a full briefing--a robust record that can be developed along the legal issue and fact issues, and also it reduces the ability of the industry to undermine important Dodd-Frank derivatives. In my earlier statement on the floor, I indicated that many of the little guys are in the commodities. Dealing with that, they need the opportunities to have, in essence, the double-check on rules that may impact their business. With respect to Dodd-Frank and this authorizing legislation, let us not throw the baby out with the bath water. We all remember the dark days of September and October of 2008. The financial markets needed to be bailed out. I do not want to see that repeated. So, again, the amendment is simple. It goes back to existing law. I cannot imagine that the general counsel would oppose existing law. The statement says he didn't mind. But, again, didn't mind closing down further opportunities for consumers to have a record made on something that they may be opposing? So I would ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, I wish to thank the Chair and Ranking Member for their work on this bill. We all know that the Agriculture Committee is one of the hardest working--and also has one of the most diverse missions in Congress. I thank you for this opportunity to briefly explain my amendment. It is simple and makes a significant improvement to the bill. My amendment modifies Section 212 on judicial review that on page 19, lines 15 through 17 strikes ``United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit or the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit,'' and replaces with ``United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the United States Court for the district. Doing so would preserve existing law, where a legal challenge to a CFTC regulation is reviewed first by the district court, and then following an opinion by a district court judge, an appeal, if any, is taken in the court of appeals. This process provides for a more robust development of legal issues and a broader record in any appeal, reducing the ease of industry to undermine important Dodd-Frank derivatives rulemakings. With respect to Dodd-Frank and this authorizing legislation, Mr. Chairman, let us not throw out the baby with the bath water. We all remember the dark days of September and October 2008 when the financial markets needed to be bailed out. I do not want to repeat that. And more importantly, many of the residents of the 18th District of Texas have invested in homes, stocks, and education--and to see it all flittered away because someone on Wall Street, France, or Houston even, pushed the wrong button, generating a contra-trade when they meant to bet in the other direction--is not what Americans want to see. I urge my colleagues to vote for fairness and judicial economy, and preserve existing law by supporting the Jackson Lee Amendment.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman, and I certainly thank the chairman for his comments. Right now the Veterans' Affairs Committee is meeting to find out more information on the dastardly knowledge of so many veterans who may have died on a secret list. I would imagine that they would have wanted, some years back, to have investigated, studied, and gotten more information about how veterans are treated in the veterans hospital. I respectfully disagree with my friend and colleague. I do not think that this is a waste of the energy of this agency and I don't think we have enough information. Anytime I can stand on this floor and err on the side of the customer, the consumer, and stand up here and show a letter that is the ultimate result of a bankruptcy because the consumers didn't have all the information that they needed--and all we are asking is over a 2-year period give us the number of entities, the size, practice models, and the assets under the management--I don't believe that that is too much. Investigating precise issues is not giving the consumer a portfolio of knowledge. I disagree with my good friend, and I ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, and to my colleagues I believe that this is an important asset or aspect of helping to have more information for our consumers. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, I thank you for this opportunity to briefly explain my amendment. It is simple and makes a significant improvement to the bill. This bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and improve the operations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), as well as address concerns relating to protecting customers from another failure such as MF Global and Peregrine Financial. It is the product of a multi-year process that included hearing perspectives from market participants, end-users, futures customers, and the CFTC. The Jackson Lee amendment only seeks to improve this bill. If passed it would require a study that will provide very basic information about firms regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The amendment simply requires the CFTC to do a report examining the number of entities regulated by them, the entity's size, practice models, and assets under management. We must be quick to acknowledge the dramatic failures of not just MF Global and Peregrine but several other venerated firms such as Bear Stearns. This amendment would also provide more insight as to how industry works. The language of the Jackson Lee amendment gives two years for the agency to complete the first one. That is more than enough time for the staff at the CFTC to comply with this amendment. In that span of two years a lot of things could change but the gist of the amendment is to provide more transparency for investors. It also asks that those firms rendered defunct like MF Global be included in the report. It is critical that investors know what is going on--particularly smaller investors who are not privy to the information that many of the larger entities are made aware. The MF Global bankruptcy hurt investors and potential investors. It is critical that firms increase their transparency and disclose information which consumers may use to make informed investment decisions. The Jackson Lee amendment asks very basic information of these firms via an agency study--much of which the Commission may already keep account of--and I am merely seeking to have it in a report. Again, the amendment simply requires the CFTC to do a report examining the number of entities regulated by them, the entity's size, practice models, and assets under management. It also asks that those firms rendered defunct like MF Global be included in the report. And more importantly, many of the residents of the 18th District of Texas have invested in homes, stocks, and education--and to see it all flittered away because someone on Wall Street, France, or Houston even, pushed the wrong button, generating a contra-trade when they meant to bet in the other direction--is not what Americans want to see. I urge my colleagues to vote for transparency, fairness and openness by supporting the Jackson Lee Amendment.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman very much. I thank the chairman and the ranking member of the committee and knowing how hard they have worked. I hope that this discussion today will emphasize a commitment to transparency and a commitment to consumers and a commitment to making the legislation responsive to consumers. So I thank you for the opportunity. This legislation is to reauthorize and improve the operations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as well as address concerns from customers from another failure such as the MF Global and Peregrine Financial. It is a product of a multiyear process that included hearings and perspectives from market participants, end users, futures customers, and the CFTC. The Jackson Lee amendment only seeks to improve this bill. If passed, it would require a study that will provide very basic information about firms regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The amendment simply requires the CFTC to do a report examining the number of entities regulated by them, the entity's size, practice models, and assets under management. We must be quick to acknowledge that the dramatic failures of not just MF Global but several other venerated firms, such Bear Stearns, speak loudly to requiring more information for the consumer. This amendment would also provide more insight as to how the industry works. My amendment gives 2 years for the agency to complete the first study. That is a very long time. Again, the report provides more information for the very consumers that we are trying to protect. That is more than enough time for the staff of the CFTC to comply with the amendment. In that span of 2 years, a lot of things can change, but the gist of the amendment is to provide more transparency for the investors, as many on this floor have already spoken of. It is critical that investors know what is going on, particularly small investors who are not privy to the information that many of the larger entities are made aware. My amendment, again, basic information via an agency study, much of which the Commission already has, and I am merely seeking to have it. Let me just share just one aspect of this and then conclude. More importantly, in my conclusion, many of the residents of the 18th Congressional District have invested in homes, stocks, and education, to see it all flittered away because someone on Wall Street--France or Houston, even--pushed the wrong button generating a contra-trade when they meant to bid in the other direction. This is not what Americans want to see. This is a regulated entity. Transparency is viable. Let me show you a letter that was sent from the trustee of MF Global to some poor person who, after 5 years, got their few dollars after this major bankruptcy. Enclosed with this mailing is a check from the trustee in payment of your allowed customer claim. They got it 5 years later. With this check the full net equity value, as established in the Bankruptcy Court, of your segregated property, the amount related to your trading on domestic exchanges or ``4(d) Property,'' will have been distributed to you. Your former account number at MF Global appears on the check. Please cash this check as soon as possible. That is another frightening thing. You better hurry up and get the $25 or $40 that came. To ensure proper and prompt processing. I will include the letter for the Record here. Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions, LLC FDR Station, New York, NY, April 28, 2014. Re In re MF Global Inc., Case No. (MG) SIPA. Dear Claimant: Enclosed with this mailing is a check from James W. Giddens, Trustee for the SIPA liquidation of MF Global Inc., in payment of your allowed customer claim in the SIPA proceeding. With this check the full net equity value, as established in the Bankruptcy Court, of your segregated property (i.e., the amount related to your trading on domestic exchanges or ``4d Property''), will have been distributed to you. Your former account number at MF Global Inc. appears on the check. Please cash this check as promptly as possible. To ensure proper and prompt processing, please be sure to properly endorse the check by signing your name and/or account number in the appropriate location on the reverse side of the check. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of my representatives at 1-888-236-0808 (inside the United States) or 1-503-597-5173 (outside the United States). Very truly yours, James W. Giddens, Trustee for the SIPA Liquidation of MF Global Inc.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, on June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and announced the freedom of the last American slaves; belatedly freeing 250,000 slaves in Texas nearly two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth was first celebrated in the Texas state capital in 1867 under the direction of the Freedmen's Bureau. Today, Juneteenth remains the oldest known celebration of slavery's demise. It commemorates freedom while acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions made by courageous African Americans towards making our great nation the more conscious and accepting country that it has become. This year, I introduced H. Res. 632 to Honor Juneteenth Independence Day. In introducing this Resolution, I acknowledge State Representative Al Edwards of Texas and all Houstonians who honor Juneteenth as well or all who celebrate this freedom day. Last year, I introduced H. Res. 268--a Resolution observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day. As we celebrate the anniversary of Juneteenth, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in reflecting upon its significance. Today, I will be reintroducing the Resolution to commemorate this year's celebration of Juneteenth. Because it was only after that day in 1865 when General Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, on the heels of the most devastating conflict in our country's history, in the aftermath of a civil war that pitted brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor and threatened to tear the fabric of our union apart forever that America truly became the land of the free and the home of the brave. Not until 1979 when my friend State Representative Al Edwards introduced the bill did Juneteenth become a Texas state holiday. It was first celebrated as such in 1980. Civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ``Freedom is never free,'' and African American labor leader A. Phillip Randolph often said ``Freedom is never given. It is won.'' We should all recognize the power and the ironic truth of those statements and we should pause to remember the enormous price paid by all Americans in our country's quest to realize its promise. Juneteenth honors the end of the 400 years of suffering African Americans endured under slavery and celebrates the legacy of perseverance that has become the hallmark of the African American community and its struggle for equality. Throughout the 1980's and 90's Juneteenth has continued to enjoy a growing and healthy interest from communities and organizations throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered activities. In recent years, a number of National Juneteenth Organizations have arisen to take their place alongside older organizations--all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. The future of Juneteenth looks bright as the number of cities and states come on board and form local committees and organizations to coordinate the activities.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Let me thank the chairman of the subcommittee and, as well, the ranking member for the courtesy of your staffs and for the work that this committee is doing on behalf of our Nation. Mr. Chairman, I rise today as the ranking member of Homeland Security's Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee, working on human trafficking and smuggling, as I come from a city that has been called the epicenter of human trafficking--Houston, Texas. So I thank both the chairman and the ranking member for this opportunity to put forward this simple and straightforward amendment that affirms the example of the national goodness that makes America the most exceptional nation on Earth. The amendment says that none of the funds made available by this act may be used in contravention of article II, section 2 of the Constitution. I am joined on this amendment by Congressman Steve Stockman, Congresswoman Lois Frankel, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, and Congressman John Conyers. Mr. Chairman, recently, I was proud to support House Resolutions 573 and 617, strongly condemning the ongoing violence and systematic gross human rights violations against the people of Nigeria that have been carried out by the militant organization Boko Haram, especially the April 15, 2014, kidnapping of more than 200 young girls who were kidnapped from the Chibok school by Boko Haram. This is what the people of northeast Nigeria are facing every single day. Since 2013, more than 4,500 men, women, and children have been slaughtered by Boko Haram. In addition, it took the United States 25 months after the first two Americans were attacked, and 1 year after the third and fourth Americans were targeted, before Boko Haram was designated a foreign terrorist organization. It took the United Kingdom 16 months from the time its first citizen was killed by Boko Haram to legally brand them as terrorists. It took the United Nations 33 months after the United Nations headquarters in Nigeria was bombed before Boko Haram was sanctioned as an al Qaeda-linked terror group. On June 2, 2014, the European Union finally designated Boko Haram as a terror group. NGOs have indicated that, in April, the average deaths were hundreds a week by Boko Haram, and later it was an average of 100 deaths a day. So they couldn't do enough killing, killing of Christians and Muslims and journalists and health care providers and relief workers and schoolchildren. They had to kidnap 200 children, 200 girls. The international community, working with the African Union, is assisting the government of Nigeria in locating and rescuing the missing girls, bringing an end to Boko Haram's reign of terror, and ensuring that they are brought to justice because of their crimes against humanity. On May 21, 2014, the President notified the Congress that, pursuant to the authority vested in him by article 2, section 2, as the Commander in Chief, and to conduct foreign relations, that he had directed deployment of approximately 80 U.S. Armed Forces personnel to Chad as part of the U.S. efforts to locate and support the safe return of our 200 girls reported to have been kidnapped in Nigeria. The President informed the Congress that these personnel would support the operation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft for missions over northern Nigeria and the surrounding area. The force will remain in Chad until its support in resolving the kidnapping situation is no longer needed. My simple amendment indicates that nothing in this bill will contravene the President's authority while these girls are missing. Mr. Chairman, four Members of Congress, over June 12 to June 16, went to Nigeria. We were in northeast Nigeria. We were in the Borno State, in Abuja. We visited with the victims, the girls who escaped from the Chibok school. They drove 2 days to meet with us to tell us of the outrageous violence, and how they were laid on the ground, and the Boko Haram, pointing AK-47s at their heads, said: Answer my questions or die. Then we met a woman whose throat was sliced, and her husband, a police officer, was decapitated. The enforcement, the military, and the police officers of Nigeria need our help. No, this is not an encouragement or a suggestion at all for boots on the ground. It is a simple collaboration that will stop the siege of Boko Haram that is spreading across Africa and the surrounding area. It is almost like the unknowing understanding of the Taliban by many in America before 9/11. Boko Haram is a disaster waiting to happen for the continent. In a state like Nigeria that is about to be 440 million people, that has a 7 percent growth rate, and is one of the most prosperous nations in Africa, it has 60 percent poverty, it has 10 million children out of school. And Boko Haram is burning hospitals, schools, Christian churches, mosques, and killing pastors and emirs. So this amendment is to remind us, just as Hubert Humphrey said, ``People are the great issue of the 20th century.'' Now they are the great issue of the 21st century. It is time to treat our boys and girls and women with respect. As I close, I ask my colleagues to support the amendment, to stop the headlines like this, as Boko Haram continues to rage across Nigeria. I ask support for the Jackson Lee amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, I want to thank Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Visclosky for shepherding this legislation to the floor and for their devotion to the men and women of the Armed Forces who risk their lives to keep our nation safe. Mr. Chair, thank you for the opportunity to explain my amendment, which is simple and straightforward and affirms an example of the national goodness that makes America the most exceptional nation on earth: At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following: Sec.__. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used in contravention of Article II, section 2 of the Constitution. Mr. Chair, it was a proud occasion when the House passed H. Res. 573 and H.R. 617, resolutions strongly condemning the ongoing violence and the systematic gross human rights violations against the people of Nigeria carried out by the militant organization Boko Haram, especially the April 15, 2014 kidnapping of more than 200 young schoolgirls kidnapped from the Chibok School by Boko Haram. Since 2013, more than 4,400 men, women, and children have been slaughtered by Boko Haram. The victims include Christians, Muslims, journalists, health care providers, relief workers. And schoolchildren. The international community, working with the African Union, is assisting the Government of Nigeria in locating and rescuing the missing girls, bringing an end to Boko Haram's reign of terror, and ensuring that its crimes against humanity are documented so its leaders can be held accountable. On May 21, 2014, the President notified the Congress that pursuant to the authority vested in him by Article II, Section 2, as Commander in Chief and to conduct foreign relations, that he had directed the deployment of ``approximately 80 U.S. Armed Forces personnel to Chad as part of the U.S. efforts to locate and support the safe return of over 200 schoolgirls who are reported to have been kidnapped in Nigeria.'' The President informed the Congress that ``these personnel will support the operation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft for missions over northern Nigeria and the surrounding area. The force will remain in Chad until its support in resolving the kidnapping situation is no longer required.'' The Jackson Lee Amendment simply makes clear that nothing in the bill contravenes the President's authority to take the actions just described which he has determined to be in furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. Boko Haram's outrageous conduct will not be tolerated or overlooked for not only is it a violation of the girls' human rights, it is also contrary to United States policy which supports and promotes equal access to education and economic opportunity for women and girls. ``People are the great issue of the 20th century,'' declared, then- Senator Hubert Humphrey in 1948. Mr. Chair, the well-being of people remains the great issue of the 21st century. And there is no better measure of any society than the way its treats its women and girls and boys and families. Boko Haram understands that when Nigerian girls are educated, Nigerian women can succeed; and when Nigerian women succeed, Nigeria succeeds. And that is why it is so important that the United States help Nigeria ensure that Boko Haram fails. I urge my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee Amendment.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, today is June 19, an ordinary day in the lives of many, many Americans. That is why it is important to come to the floor and wish so many in our Nation Happy Juneteenth. For some, that may be a foreign terminology. But we are now in the 149th year of the 1865 Emancipation Proclamation for several States in the Deep South. Those who know their history would say the Emancipation Proclamation was in 1863. They are absolutely right. But it took 2 years for States like Texas, Louisiana, and many others to, unfortunately, receive notice that the slaves were free. Two more years my fellow Texans, African American slaves, had to languish in the abomination of slavery because someone failed to think it was important enough to reach those boundaries and say we were free. So it speaks very loudly to the reason I am an advocate and a fighter that justice must be maintained no matter who you are in this country. Those in Texas that, as I speak, are commemorating and celebrating Juneteenth Freedom Day, are proudly acknowledging, not their fault that they did not know, not a joke, not humorous, but a sad statement which we in Texas and Southern States have turned into a joyful jubilee. We celebrate freedom wherever and however we can. This Congress needs to be a promoter of freedom and justice. I join my colleagues in being appalled at the fact that we have not yet extended unemployment insurance for hardworking Americans. Let me say that again: unemployment insurance. It means that it is not a handout; it means that these are individuals who worked for weeks, months, years, decades. They have given back to America. Now they have fallen on difficult times. Because of this leadership in this House of Representatives, we have not been able to put the extension of the unemployment insurance passed in the other body on the floor of the House. That means in my district that individuals who were rehabilitating themselves and were working and fell upon hard times because of the economy have no jobs and cannot get unemployment insurance. When I met with some of them. A trained welder said, I want to work, I am between jobs, and he was literally driven to homelessness and walking the streets because we could not give him unemployment insurance based upon the fact that he has worked--or those who are now losing homes or not able to pay their rent. Where is the mercy and justice? Are we following in the pathway of Juneteenth when we did not tell thousands upon thousands of slaves you were free? I thought America would not return to the devastation and dastardliness of injustice to anyone. Let us put unemployment insurance on the floor of the House and address the questions of Americans who have worked and contributed to society. Then, Mr. Speaker, I would argue that there is an injustice going on in Iraq. I traveled to Iraq many times during the raging war. I saw the valiant soldiers, many of whom maybe after I left were part of those who were casualties. I had in my office the list of casualties in the 18th Congressional District. I would be very mindful of going back into that quagmire. What I would say is that America does stand for justice and democracy. We should have the position to treat Sunnis and Shiites and Kurds freely and justly, and that they have to come together and treat each other with respect. We should call upon Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Jordan, and Yemen, we should give them support--the Arab League--to stand Iraq up and to tell this leader, who is a selfish leader, who is not in any way reflected on bringing people together, that he must bring people together. And we must say to the ISIS that the world will not stand for its violence and its horribleness. And yes, we must say to those who are in the yesteryear, who were part of last time's term, those who are former Vice Presidents and their extended relatives, that this is no time to cast dirt on President Obama, who has done an excellent job. Americans come together when there is difficulty and tragedy. I am very disappointed in The Wall Street Journal article that wants to cast blame when people are dying in Iraq. Let's stand up and be united. Just a few days ago, I came back from Nigeria, where the horrific Boko Haram is killing people and kidnapping girls. I ask my colleagues to please stand with us to not let the kidnapping of the Nigerian girls be a side story, Mr. Speaker. As I close, I intend to introduce human trafficking legislation as a senior member of Homeland Security to address the question of the human trafficking of these girls, and girls and women of color, the highest population of those who are trafficked. We can do things together in America, and I ask us to stand together.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and I certainly appreciate the gentleman's very expansive assessment on the two underlying bills that we are about to address today. Let me, first of all, say that I live in a community of a very major veterans hospital. In fact, I carried the legislation to name it after Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, who created the MASH units in World War II. We care about veterans, as do my colleagues across the aisle in both the House and the Senate. I believe that it is important to move the Veterans' Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability, continue through the process, and to make sure that our veterans, after the many audits that we have received on the individual hospitals, know that there is a long period of time for those veterans newly accessing veterans health care. Who does that include? That includes the recent returnees of Afghanistan veterans or Iraq veterans or even those veterans who have maintained good health and now find themselves in senior years, such as Vietnam veterans, and are coming to the system for the first time. It is intolerable for them to have to wait. I believe this is a very important initiative. If we are to send soldiers overseas or in the line of battle, as many are promoting now in light of the violence in Iraq, can we not without shame stand and provide them the kind of health care for them and their families? I rise as well to comment on the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, and I am glad that there has been attention to PTSD. I intend to offer an amendment addressing resources for PTSD and resources for the epidemic of breast cancer among military women in the Appropriations Act. But I do think it is important that again we have a prohibition against the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to the United States. That means that this facility continues to be open. Then, of course, we have appropriations for the overseas contingency operations, for which the President has not yet made a request. But I think in the context of providing an increase in wages for our military personnel, I congratulate the chairman and ranking member for working so cooperatively. But I raise a point in the backdrop of the crisis in Iraq, the ISIS, and all of the disjangled chords of calling for troops on the ground and to do airstrikes when in actuality we live in a world family, we live in a family with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan, we live in a family with NATO alliances, and we need to be able to work together to demand why an untoward leader in Iraq, who was given an opportunity for a consensus government, never made any effort. Yes, these individuals are horrific, they are radicalized, they are vicious, they are vile. But there are Sunnis and Shiites who have worked together, there are Sunnis who are moderate, who want to be in the government, who want their children to have an opportunity for education, they want their young people to have jobs, they want an Iraq where they can pledge allegiance to their flag, a united Iraq. Where was the leadership, the selfish leadership of Maliki, to be able to do that--and now we must clean up his dirty kitchen? I think not.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, as I said earlier, I don't know if you heard, I thanked you for your caring response, along with the ranking member, putting together a bill that really recognizes service to our veterans. With that, let me conclude and ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment. I indicate that Mr. Conyers of Michigan joins me in this amendment. I thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, I want to thank Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Visclosky for shepherding this legislation to the floor and for their devotion to the men and women of the Armed Forces who risk their lives to keep our nation safe. Mr. Chair, thank you for the opportunity to explain my amendment, which is virtually identical to an amendment that I offered and was adopted in last year's Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 2397). My amendment increases funding for the PTSD by $500,000. These funds should be used toward outreach activities targeting hard to reach veterans, especially those who are homeless or reside in underserved urban and rural areas, who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Chair, along with traumatic brain injury, PTSD is the signature wound suffered by the brave men and women fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, and far off lands to defend the values and freedom we hold dear. For those of us whose daily existence is not lived in harm's way, it is difficult to imagine the horrific images that American servicemen and women deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other theaters of war see on a daily basis. In an instant a suicide bomber, an IED, or an insurgent can obliterate your best friend and right in front of your face. Yet, you are trained and expected to continue on with the mission, and you do, even though you may not even have reached your 20th birthday. But there always comes a reckoning. And it usually comes after the stress and trauma of battle is over and you are alone with your thoughts and memories. And the horror of those desperate and dangerous encounters with the enemy and your own mortality come flooding back. PTSD was first brought to public attention in relation to war veterans, but it can result from a variety of traumatic incidents, such as torture, being kidnapped or held captive, bombings, or natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. People with PTSD may startle easily, become emotionally numb (especially in relation to people with whom they used to be close), lose interest in things they used to enjoy, have trouble feeling affectionate, be irritable, become more aggressive, or even become violent. They avoid situations that remind them of the original incident, and anniversaries of the incident are often very difficult. Most people with PTSD repeatedly relive the trauma in their thoughts during the day and in nightmares when they sleep. These are called flashbacks. A person having a flashback may lose touch with reality and believe that the traumatic incident is happening all over again. Mr. Chair, the fact of the matter is that most veterans with PTSD also have other psychiatric disorders, which are a consequence of PTSD. These veterans have co-occurring disorders, which include depression, alcohol and/or drug abuse problems, panic, and/or other anxiety disorders. My amendment recognizes that these soldiers are first and foremost, human. They carry their experiences with them. Ask a veteran of Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan about the frequency of nightmares they experience, and one will realize that serving in the Armed Forces leaves a lasting impression, whether good or bad. My amendment will help ensure that ``no soldier is left behind'' by addressing the urgent need for more outreach toward hard to reach veterans suffering from PTSD, especially those who are homeless or reside in underserved urban and rural areas of our country. I urge my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee Amendment. PTSD Anecdotes Anecdote #1: (Veteran) Joe saw a good deal of active combat during his time in the military. Some incidents in particular had never left his mind--like the horrifying sight of Gary, a close comrade and friend, being blown-up by a land mine. Even when he returned from to civilian life, these images haunted him. Scenes repeatedly through his mind and disrupt his focus on work. Filing up at the gas station, for example, the smell of diesel immediately rekindled certain horrific memories. At other times, he had difficulty remembering the past--as if some events were too painful to allow back in his mind. He found himself avoiding himself socializing with old military buddies, as this would inevitably trigger a new round of memories. His girlfriend complained that he was always pent-up and irritable--as if he were on guard, and Joe noticed that at night he had difficulty falling asleep. When he heard loud noises, such as a truck back-firing he literally jumped, as if here were readying himself for combat. He began to drink heavily. Anecdote #2: (as told by a Military Spouse) My husband's PTS manifested itself in different ways. I remember Fourth of July at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., when we were all standing outside listening to the band, enjoying the picnic and listening to fireworks. The fireworks bothered Adrian because they sounded so much like gunfire. It made other soldiers upset too, and we all went inside. I thought it was ironic because the celebration was supposed to be for the American soldiers; they couldn't even enjoy it. He'd see a can on the side of the road and swerve, thinking it was an improvised explosive device. When he'd go out to dinner with other soldiers, I'd say it looked like a ``The Last Supper'' painting because they'd all sit there with their backs against the wall. If a room became too busy, he'd want to leave. He'd suddenly become unfriendly or unapproachable. At first, I confused his behavior with depression, or I thought maybe he was just tired. I also couldn't help but think it had to do with me; I'm only human. I was fortunate that Adrian was willing to get help once he got back. Once he was diagnosed, I knew we'd know better how to deal with his symptoms. I educated myself on PTSD; I went to his group therapist and reached out to the Real Warriors Campaign for information. But the most important thing I did was listen to Adrian. Anecdote #3: (teen-aged girl) Maria was only 15 when she was attacked by a group of men on the way home from school. They took turns screaming abuse at her and then they each raped her. Finally, they tried to stab her to death and would almost certainly have succeeded had the police not arrived on the scene. For months after this horrifying event, Maria was not herself. She was unable to keep the memories of the attack out of her mind. At night she would have terrible dreams of rape, and would wake up screaming. She had difficulty walking back from school because the route took her past the site of the attack, so she would have to go the long way home. She felt as though her emotions were numbed, and as though she had no real future. At home she was anxious, tense, and easily startled. She felt ``dirty'' and somehow shamed by the event, and she resolved not to tell close friends about the event, in case they too rejected her. Anecdote #4: (civilian woman) A 35-year-old lady was riding a bicycle in a carpark when she was hit from behind by a car. Six months after the accident, she still had frequent vivid and intrusive memories of the incident. She described seeing the car's wheels stopping just in front of her face and hearing the screeching sound of the brakes. It felt as if it were happening again each time she recalled it. She jumped whenever she heard loud traffic noises and especially when she heard car brakes screeching. She stayed in her room much more than usual, avoided using the bicycles at all and avoided travelling in any vehicle as much as she could. She felt helpless and useless to overcome her symptoms even though her family were warm and encouraging to her.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I, again, add my appreciation of the chairman and ranking member of the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee and add my appreciation of their concern for the health and welfare of the men and women of the United States military. Their appropriations bill evidences that. I thank them again for working with me and their staff for working with me on this amendment dealing with increasing the funding for breast cancer research by $5 million, offset by a reduction of like amount in funding for procurement. Equally important is that this amendment has been supported by this committee. I would say that my fellow survivors and those in the United States military would appreciate the emphasis that we are making on addressing this phenomenon of breast cancer. My amendment, as indicated, increases the opportunity for research. The American Cancer Society calls several strains of breast cancer particularly aggressive subtypes associated with a lower survival rate. In this instance, it is called a triple negative. But I raise an article that says: ``Fighting a Different Battle; Breast Cancer and the Military.'' This triple negative strain has killed many individuals in a very quick manner.