Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON LEE

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

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, with great sympathy and sadness, I rise to pay tribute to the late Dr. Lafayette Fernandez Chaney, Sr., the extraordinary leader who touched the lives of many through his education and religious endeavors. Under his leadership, Damascus Missionary Baptist Church in Houston experienced tremendous growth, both spiritually and financially. The beloved Rev. Dr. Chaney was requested to join our Lord on Friday, February 28, 2014; and he was 96 years old. He gained his bachelor of arts and his bachelor of divinity from Paul Quinn, got a master of arts degree from Texas Southern University, studied for his doctorate at Baylor, and received his doctorate from Texas Southern University. He was a teacher. He taught mathematics and science at Moore High School. He taught it in Waco at the Oakwood Elementary School. He taught at Waltrip Senior High School. He loved children. He was someone who was a builder. He had professional memberships in a lot of educational associations. He was pastor at a number of churches, but his greatest gift and his greatest cherished memory was the pastorship for 50 years at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church. Even when the church was without a home and he had to hold the congregation together to help build the beautiful church that we have, he was there to support and grow that church. He, as well, was someone who enjoyed leadership in a variety of organizations and was courageous enough to appoint the first female minister at the Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, Evangelist LaSandra Easter. I enjoyed, Mr. Speaker, my time with Pastor Chaney and visiting him at his last church commemoration--his anniversary and the church anniversary. It was my pleasure to be with him to share in the glory of the celebration of his wonderful life. He has run a great race. He has finished the course. He has gone on to receive his great reward. I ask this body to have a moment of silence in his honor. Thank you, Reverend Chaney, for being a great Houstonian and a great Texan and, yes, a great American. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Rev. Dr. Lafayette Fernandez Chaney, Sr., the extraordinary leader who touched the lives of many through his educational and eccliastical endeavors. Under his leadership, Damascus Missionary Baptist Church in Houston experienced tremendous growth, both spiritually and financially. The beloved Rev. Dr. Chaney was requested to join our Lord on Friday, February 28, 2014 as he departed this life at 9:30am. He was 96 years old. Lafayette Fernandez Chaney, Sr., was born March 27, 1917 in Waco, Texas to proud and loving parents, Adell and Tom W. Chaney. He was educated in the public schools of Waco and Le Vega Independent School District, graduating from Moore High School in Waco, Texas. Rev. Dr. Chaney received both his Bachelors of Arts and Bachelors of Divinity Degrees from Paul Quinn College. He received his Master of Arts Degree from Texas Southern University and studied in the doctorate program at Baylor University from 1968 to 1975. In August 1982, he received his Doctorate Degree in Higher Education from Texas Southern University. Rev. Dr. Chaney taught mathematics and science at Moore High School in Waco, Texas for twelve years and was principal of Oakwood Elementary School in Waco, Texas for eleven years. From 1972 to 1986, he taught mathematics and psychology at Waltrip Senior High School in Houston. During the same period, he was an adjunct professor of mathematics and psychology for Houston Community College. Reverend Dr. Chaney's professional memberships and honors include: past president of Waco Classroom Teachers Association, Waco Administrators Association and the Central Texas District Teachers Association. In 1965, he was nominated for ``Who's Who'' amongst professional men in Texas. He was a member of the American Association of University Professors, Phi Delta Kappa and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternities. He was pastor of the following churches: Little Tehuacana Baptist Church in rural Waco, Texas; Sweethome Baptist Church in Mexia, Texas; First Baptist Church in Thornton, Texas; Second Baptist Church in Itasca, Texas, Shiloh Baptist Church in Madisonville, Texas and served as Senior Pastor for 50 plus years at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He served as Senior Advisor of the Youth Convention of the General Baptist Convention of Texas, Teacher of the Youth Department of the National Baptist Convention of America, Director of the Ushers and Nurses of the Independent General Association of Texas, member of the Evangelical Board of the General Baptist Convention of Texas, and President of Union Bible College in Houston. His crowning glory was completing his life as Senior Pastor of Damascus Missionary Baptist Church. During this time, he successfully held the congregation together during the homeless years from May 25, 2003 through September 2, 2007, while the church's new home at its current location was being constructed. Rev. Dr. Chaney also made history by appointing the first female minister at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, Evangelist LaSandra Easter. Mr. Speaker, Rev. Dr. Chaney lived a consequential life and made a difference. He has run the great race; he has finished the course. He has gone on to receive his great reward: a place in the Lord's loving arms. I ask that a moment of silence be observed in memory of the Rev. Dr. Lafayette Fernandez Chaney, Sr.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, on March 4, 2014, I was unavoidably detained attending to representational activities in my congressional district and thus unable to return in time for rollcall votes No. 91 and 92. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: On rollcall No. 91, I would have voted ``aye'' (March 4) (H.R. 3370, Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (Rep. Grimm--Financial Services)); On rollcall No. 92, I would have voted ``aye'' (March 4) (H. Res. 488, Supporting the people of Venezuela as they protest peacefully for democratic change and calling to end the violence (Rep. Ros-Lehtinen-- Foreign Affairs)).

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with heavy heart but a joy for his life that I rise today to honor Henry Willis ``Hanq'' Neal of Houston, Texas, who lost his battle in life last week. He was the music minister at the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, an awesome tenor voice anointed by God. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Henry Willis ``Hanq'' Neal, the legendary minister of music at Houston's Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, who was called home by the Lord on Thursday, February 27, 2014. He was 57 years old. The attack that took his life occurred the Sunday preceding, after a number of church services where he led the music ministry, and then concluding at another church a few miles away, never stopping, never ceasing to lead to the glory the Lord. Hanq Neal possessed a distinctive singing voice that enthralled all audiences, the churched and the unchurched. According to the Reverend Marcus D. Cosby, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church's senior pastor, because of Hanq, people's lives have been comforted and we have been enriched by his musical genius. Hanq Neal was born on September 4, 1956, one of eight children. He was raised in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where he began to play the organ at 4 and took up the violin at 7. He performed in school orchestras and sang in the church on Sunday. He dreamed of becoming a teacher, a gifted musician, and vocalist. Hanq Neal and two church friends formed a gospel trio, the Pentecostal Ambassadors. The group was discovered at a Gospel Music Workshop of America conference and signed to a recording contract by the gospel legend, Reverend James Cleveland. Hanq Neal sang the lead on ``If You Move Yourself,'' the title track of the 1980 gospel album recorded live in Detroit by the Donald Vails Choraleers. The main thing that I want to share with all of you is that Hanq Neal was a friend. He sang at Erica Lee's, my daughter's wedding. And he sang this song, Mr. Speaker, for the late Congressman Mickey Leland, ``There Is Hope.'' Hanq Neal gave hope to the world. We loved Hanq Neal. He was a hero, an American hero. We have lost a unique talent. We wish our deepest sympathy to his family, and he will be missed. You may not know him, Congress, but he is an American hero. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Henry Willis `Hanq' Neal, the legendary Minister of Music at Houston's Wheeler Baptist Church, who was called home by the Lord on Thursday, February 27, 2014. He was 57 years old. Hanq Neal possessed a distinctive singing voice that enthralled all audiences, the churched and unchurched. According to the Rev. Marcus D. Cosby, Wheeler Baptist Church's senior pastor, because of Hanq, ``people's lives have been comforted and we have been enriched by a musical genius.'' Hanq Neal was born September 4, 1956, one of eight children. He was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he began playing the organ at 4 and took up the violin at 7. He performed in school orchestras and sang in church on Sunday. He dreamed of becoming a teacher. A gifted musician and vocalist, Hanq Neal and two church friends formed a gospel trio, the Pentecostal Ambassadors. The group was discovered at a Gospel Music Workshop of America conference and signed to a recording contract by gospel legend, Rev. James Cleveland. Hanq Neal sang the lead on ``If You Move Yourself,'' the title track of the 1980 gospel album recorded live in Detroit by The Donald Vails Choraleers. In 1984, Hanq joined the Windsor Village United Methodist Church, a small-but-growing Houston congregation, and eventually established five choirs with a total membership of 600. He served there until 2001 and helped Windsor become the denomination's largest congregation. Hanq Neal ``had an awesome tenor voice anointed by God,'' according to Kathy Taylor, the nationally known gospel artist who succeeded him as Windsor Village's music minister. Mr. Speaker, Hanq Neal was the preferred vocalist for Houston public occasions. He performed at mayoral inaugurations and for Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the city in 1991. It was at the memorial service for the late Congressman Mickey Leland in 1989 that Hanq Neal gained national recognition and critical acclaim for his rendition of ``There Is Hope,'' which became one of his signature songs. When Hanq finished that song there were no dry eyes in the room every heart was lifted. Hanq Neal's operatic rendition of ``The Lord's Prayer'' made him a popular soloist at funerals and other solemn occasions. Hanq Neal was a unique talent and an American original. He was genuine. He broke and crossed barriers. His music brought the church to the community and the community to the church. Mr. Speaker, Hanq Neal was a great man who touched the lives of all who heard him. He will be missed but never forgotten. I ask a moment of silence in memory of Henry Willis `Hanq' Neal.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Minority Business Development Agency, MBDA, on its 45th anniversary and commend its commitment and success in promoting the growth and competitiveness of a critical segment of the U.S. economy, the minority business community. For the past 45 years, the MBDA has provided an essential service to this nation, working to level the playing field for minority-owned businesses. The results speak for themselves. At the time of MBDA's creation there were only 322,000 minority-owned firms in the nation. Today, the number stands at 5.8 million; 215,000 of which are in the City of Houston. Over the last five years in particular, the MBDA has assisted firms gain access to over $19 billion in contracts and capital resulting in the creation and retention of nearly 60,000 jobs. Today, the MBDA is celebrating this day in my district by launching a new MBDA Business Center at Houston Community College, which was awarded a three-year $900,000 grant to operate the MBDA Business Center. HCC's MBDA Business Center will help boost job creation and global competitiveness of minority-owned businesses across the nation. I look forward to continuing to work with MBDA and Houston Community College to create jobs locally so that we may thrive globally. Congratulations, MBDA, on 45 years of great work. May the next 45 years be even better.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition once again to an attempt by the majority to defeat the Affordable Care Act. This begins the third year that the majority has attempted to put an end to affordable, available and accessible health care for all Americans. They have ignored the law, a Supreme Court decision and a national presidential election that affirmed the establishment, legality, and popularity of the Affordable Care Act. I oppose this bill for three reasons: there are much more pressing issues facing our nation, this bill is wrong on the facts, and the Affordable Care Act is working. There are much more pressing issues facing our nation: unemployment, food security, housing security and access to job training that leads to employment. We should be debating a bill to restore emergency supplemental unemployment benefits. We should be restoring cuts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that was cut by nearly $20 billion dollars over several years. We should be voting to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour over several years and link future increases of the minimum wage to inflation. We should be taking up the budget process with eagerness to avoid another government shutdown. In 2013, we had a Federal government shutdown because we lost precious legislative time voting to repeal or seriously diminish the ability of the Affordable Care Act to do what it is currently doing-- providing health insurance to millions of Americans. Every wasted vote--moves this Congress another step closer to another Federal government shutdown. The budget process takes months of work by over a dozen committees to complete. Each vote that stops our legislative work and bring us to the floor for a debate on legislation that will not go anywhere--is time taken away from our work to avoid another government shutdown. The American people were unaware of the cost of over 40 votes to end Obamacare until millions of citizens were put out of work when the government shutdown last year. They are watching what is happening in Congress very closely and the consequences will fall heaviest on those who were hurt by the last government shutdown. The 113th Congress has 70 legislative working days left on the calendar before September 30, 2014--the end of the fiscal year for 2014 and the beginning of the fiscal year for 2015. I call on my colleagues to bring to the floor bills like H.R. 3773, the Unemployment Jobhunters Protection and Assistance Act, a bill I introduced that would extend emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) payments for eligible individuals to weeks of employment ending on or before January 1, 2015. This Congress would find a better use of its time if it would take up consideration of H.R. 3888, New Chance for a New Start in Life Act of 2014, that would authorize the Secretary of Labor to make grants to States, units of local government, and Indian tribes to carry out employment training programs to assist long-term unemployed job hunters to obtain the skills and training they need to reenter the workforce and fill jobs in high-growth sectors of the economy. These are just two bills that would improve the lives of people who we all serve, but there are dozens of others introduced by members who came to the Congress to serve the will of the people and not their own will. I oppose this bill because it is wrong on the facts. Republicans are claiming that this bill is simply logical because the Administration has already delayed the employer responsibility provision for one year. This claim is inaccurate and disingenuous. Nonpartisan experts agree that there is no comparison between the impacts of a delay in the employer responsibility and individual responsibility provisions. For example, in a report in July, the nonpartisan Urban Institute concluded, ``Delaying or eliminating the individual mandate would significantly decrease insurance coverage relative to the full Affordable Care Act's implementation, whereas delaying or eliminating the employer mandate will have essentially no effect on coverage.'' The Affordable Care Act is good for the American People The Obamacare is popular and growing in greater popularity everyday as consumers get past the rhetoric and experience the reality of the peace of mind that health insurance for their families and themselves brings. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, in Texas: 5,198,000 individuals on private insurance have gained coverage for at least one free preventive health care service such as a mammogram, birth control, or an immunization in 2011 and 2012. In the first eleven months of 2013 alone, an additional 1,683,800 people with Medicare have received at least one preventive service at no out of pocket cost. The up to 10,695,000 individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, cancer, or diabetes--including up to 1,632,000 children--will no longer have to worry about being denied coverage or charged higher prices because of their health status or history. Approximately 5,189,000 Texans have gained expanded mental health and substance use disorder benefits and/or federal parity protections. 4,889,000 uninsured Texans will have new health insurance options through Medicaid or private health plans in the Marketplace. As a result of new policies that make sure premium dollars work for the consumer, not just the insurer, in the past year insurance companies have sent rebates averaging $95 per family to approximately 726,200 consumers. In the first ten months of 2013, 233,100 seniors and people with disabilities have saved on average $866 on prescription medications as the health care law closes Medicare's so called ``donut hole.'' 357,000 young adults have gained health insurance because they can now stay on their parents' health plans until age 26. Individuals no longer have to worry about having their health benefits cut off after they reach a lifetime limit on benefits, and starting in January, 7,536,000 Texans will no longer have to worry about annual limits, either. Health centers have received $293,038,000 to provide primary care, establish new sites, and renovate existing centers to expand access to quality health care. Texas has approximately 400 health center sites, which served about 1,079,000 individuals in 2012. Every day more uninsured Americans are signing up for plans as the website gets faster and more people with insurance are benefiting from the law. I ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to not spend any more precious legislative work on efforts to end the Affordable Care Act or ignoring the number of people continuing to vote in favor of the new law with their insurance enrollment dollars. Mr. Speakers, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against this bill.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, let me thank the chairman for the time and to the two managers of this particular legislation on the floor, particularly to the ranking member for his leadership, and simply ask the question: For those of us who have served in this body the time when the unfunded mandate's original legislation was passed, what possible addition this particular amendment can have? Let me first start off by saying that I appreciate the good intentions of work that is brought to the floor of the House; but I want to remind my colleagues that, as we speak, the growing numbers of the uninsured continue to rise, and the emergency unemployment insurance has not been passed by this body. In fact, not passing unemployment insurance is an unfunded mandate. For what we do is we say to the States that 1.3-1.5 million-plus, including family members, of individuals who have worked and who are out every day looking for work are no longer the responsibility of anyone here in the Federal Government. After the States have maxed out on their 26 weeks, we simply throw these people into the streets. I would imagine that States and nonprofits may have to address their needs through homeless shelters, through food banks, soup kitchens, and other municipality resources that they can scramble together. It is interesting that we are here discussing an unfunded mandate. As we speak, millions of Americans are suffering because we have refused to address an important issue. In addition, the minimum wage has thrown throngs of individuals into the claws of desperation on the lack of raising it, of which I have signed a petition--a discharge petition to do so. As I rise, I want to acknowledge my amendment, which specifically indicates that, if the benefits exceed the costs, then this industry or the industries or this particular provision would not be covering. It clarifies that the provisions of the bill do not apply if a cost- benefit analysis demonstrates that the benefits of a regulatory action exceed its costs. My amendment improves the bill by ensuring that regulatory actions needed to protect the public health, safety, and environment can be promulgated and implemented and not be stymied by dilatory tactics. The Jackson Lee amendment is strongly supported by the Coalition for Sensible Safeguards, an organization comprised of more than 150 public health, scientific, consumer, environmental, labor, financial, and public interest groups. Let me say something that I think my colleagues need to know that is distinctive about this amendment. There is a requirement that Federal agencies consult with private corporations. I heard my good friend say that the Federal Government is for the people, not the other way around. But guess what? There is no requirement for consultation with stakeholders or the public before proposing any new rules. How hypocritical is that? I must consult with private corporations--many of us represent them. We appreciate the work they create--but none of the stakeholders need to be consulted with. So I ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining?

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, let me quickly say that, in the previous bill, it was well noted that there were exemptions dealing with constitutional issues and civil rights issues; so my amendment is in track, on line with the original bill that gave exemptions. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his analysis; but let me offer to him that, first of all, this particular legislation will be subject to a veto threat because, as the President has noted, there is already a robust, analytical, and procedural requirement. I agree there should be that, and we already have it. The Coalition for Sensible Safeguards has indicated that the Jackson Lee amendment is a commonsense amendment that makes clear that regulations whose benefits to public health safety exceed the cost of regulated industries are good public investments. This amendment is a necessary amendment. The Jackson Lee amendment says if it is a good public investment, and it helps in order to clarify some of the untoward provisions of this legislation that will require an interaction with a private corporation, but never talking to the public. Mr. Chairman, if we are for the people, they should at least be there to be inquired of: What do you think? And finally, let us end the unfunded mandate of not passing unemployment insurance extension and not lifting the minimum wage. That is an unfunded mandate. I would ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment because it clarifies and it puts the people first. I join with my colleague. This is a place for people. We are the ones--the people who run this government. Give them an opportunity to consult under this legislation. Support the Jackson Lee amendment. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. My amendment is simple and straightforward. The Jackson Lee amendment improves the bill by clarifying that the provisions of the bill do not apply if a cost-benefit analysis demonstrates that the benefits of a regulatory action exceed its costs. My amendment improves the bill by ensuring that regulatory actions needed to protect the public health, safety, and environment can be promulgated and implemented and not be stymied by dilatory tactics and unnecessary delays. That is why the Jackson Lee amendment is strongly supported by the Coalition on Sensible Safeguards, an organization comprised of more than 150 public health, scientific, consumer, environmental, labor, financial reform, and public interest groups. Mr. Chair, H.R. 899, the ``Unfunded Mandates Reform Act'' (UMRA), would erect new barriers to slow down the regulatory process and would give corporations an unfair advantage in the regulatory process. Section 5 of the bill would repeal language that excludes independent regulatory agencies from the reporting requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA), with the exception of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve and the Federal Open Market Committee. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is responsible for overseeing the UMRA process. Since the independent agencies would be under the direction of OMB for purposes of UMRA compliance, this could compromise the independence of those agencies. Section 7 of H.R. 899 would create a new point of order in the House of Representatives for legislation containing an unfunded mandate, making it more difficult to enact legislation. Section 8 would incorporate a cost-benefit requirement from Executive Order 12866, but it would not include language from the same Executive Order directing agencies to perform these assessments ``to the extent feasible.'' Section 10 would require agencies to provide impacted parties in the private sector--but not other stakeholders--with advance notice and opportunity to provide input on proposed regulations. Section 10 also requires agencies to conduct consultations with private sector businesses ``as early as possible, before the issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking.'' Expanding this consultation requirement only to the private sector gives corporations an unfair advantage over other stakeholders in the development of regulatory proposals. During consideration of this bill by the Committee, Representatives Gerry Connolly and Tammy Duckworth offered an amendment that would have evened the playing field by requiring that: ``Any opportunities or rights afforded to a corporation under this section shall also be afforded to any interested individual.'' The Connolly-Duckworth amendment was rejected. Section 11 would codify the role of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in reviewing agency regulations and require that if the OIRA Administrator finds that an agency did not comply with UMRA's requirements, the Administrator must request that the agency comply before the regulation is finalized. Section 12 would require that, ``at the request of the chairman or ranking minority member of a standing or select committee of the House of Representatives or Senate, an agency shall conduct a retrospective analysis of an existing Federal regulation issued by an agency.'' This provision would require agencies to divert resources toward conducting these analyses and away from fulfilling their missions. Mr. Chair, as the Coalition on Sensible Safeguards says of the Jackson Lee amendment: This common-sense amendment makes clear that regulations whose benefits to the public health and safety exceed the costs to regulated industries, thereby making them good public investments, are not legislation that is wasteful or unnecessary[.] I urge all Members to support the Jackson Lee amendment. Coalition for Sensible Safeguards February 26, 2014 Dear Representative, The Coalition for Sensible Safeguards (CSS), which includes more than 150 labor, environmental, public health, scientific, consumer, financial reform, and public interest groups, strongly opposes H.R. 899, the dangerous and harmful ``Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2013.'' This proposal would undermine our nation's ability to set health, safety and environmental standards as well as new financial protections. Given that we have experienced multiple health and safety disasters in communities and workplaces across the country in recent years, it is the wrong time to thwart the progress of necessary public protections. While CSS strongly urges members to vote no on H.R. 899, CSS encourages members to support the amendments offered below: Amendment #1 sponsored by Congressman Cummings (MD): This amendment strikes section 5 of the bill, which would eliminate the current exemption from the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act for certain independent agencies. This crucial amendment would ensure that agencies that Congress designated to be independent of the Executive Branch remain so. Further, the amendment would ensure that the important regulations of these agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, are not subject to this legislation's wasteful, unnecessary, and unfunded requirements and can be adopted in a timely and efficient manner. Amendment #4 sponsored by Congresswoman Jackson Lee (TX): This amendment adds Section 14 to the bill to clarify that the requirements of UMRA as amended by this Act do not apply if a cost-benefit analysis demonstrates that the benefits of the regulatory action exceed its costs. This common-sense amendment makes clear that regulations whose benefits to public health and safety exceed the costs to regulated industries, thereby making them good public investments, are not legislation's wasteful, unnecessary, and unfunded requirements and can be adopted in a timely and efficient manner. Amendment #5 sponsored by Congressman Connolly (VA): This amendment ensures that other impacted entities, such as public interest organizations, are provided any opportunity for consultation afforded to the private sector under the Act. This commonsense amendment levels the playing field to allow public interest organizations the same privilege and access that the legislation only affords to the business community and ensures that the regulatory process is fair and open to all stakeholders in an equal manner. Sincerely, Katherine McFate, President and CEO, Center for Effective Government, Co-chair, Coalition for Sensible Safeguards. Robert Weissman, President, Public Citizen Co-chair, Coalition for Sensible Safeguards.

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

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

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, this February we recognize and celebrate the 38th commemoration of Black History Month. This month we celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the history of our great nation, and pay tribute to trailblazers, pioneers, heroes, and leaders like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, U.S. Senator Blanche Kelso Bruce, U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland, Astronauts Dr. Guion Stewart Bluford Jr. and Mae C. Jemison, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, James Baldwin, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and Gwendolyn Brooks just to name a few of the countless number of well-known and unsung heroes whose contributions have helped our nation become a more perfect union. The history of the United States has been marked by the great contributions of African American activists, leaders, writers, and artists. As a member of Congress, I know that I stand on the shoulders of giants whose struggles and triumphs made it possible for me to stand here today and continue the fight for equality, justice, and progress for all, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. The greatest of these giants to me are Mrs. Ivalita ``Ivy'' Jackson, a vocational nurse, and Mr. Ezra A. Jackson, one of the first African- Americans to succeed in the comic book publishing business. They were my beloved parents and they taught me the value of education, hard work, discipline, perseverance, and caring for others. And I am continually inspired by Dr. Elwyn Lee, my husband and the first tenured African American law professor at the University of Houston. Mr. Speaker, I particularly wish to acknowledge the contributions of African American veterans in defending from foreign aggressors and who by their courageous examples helped transform our nation from a segregated society to a nation committed to the never ending challenge of perfecting our union. Earlier this week, I was honored to join my colleagues, Congressmen John Lewis and Congressman Charles Rangel, a Korean War veteran, in paying tribute to surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen and the 555th Parachute Infantry, the famed ``Triple Nickels'' at a moving ceremony sponsored by the U.S. Army commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The success of the Tuskegee Airmen in escorting bombers during World War II--achieving one of the lowest loss records of all the escort fighter groups, and being in constant demand for their services by the allied bomber units--is a record unmatched by any other fighter group. So impressive and astounding were the feats of the Tuskegee Airmen that in 1948, it helped persuade President Harry Truman to issue his famous Executive Order No. 9981, which directed equality of treatment and opportunity in all of the United States Armed Forces and led to the end of racial segregation in the U.S. military forces. It is a source of enormous and enduring pride that my father-in-law, Phillip Ferguson Lee, was one of the Tuskegee Airmen. Clearly, what began as an experiment to determine whether ``colored'' soldiers' were capable of operating expensive and complex combat aircraft ended as an unqualified success based on the experience of the Tuskegee Airmen, whose record included 261 aircraft destroyed, 148 aircraft damaged, 15,553 combat sorties and 1,578 missions over Italy and North Africa. They also destroyed or damaged over 950 units of ground transportation and escorted more than 200 bombing missions. They proved that ``the antidote to racism is excellence in performance,'' as retired Lt. Col. Herbert Carter once remarked. Mr. Speaker, Black History Month is also a time to remember many pioneering women like U.S. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm; activists Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks; astronaut Mae C. Jemison; authors Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and Gwendolyn Brooks; all of whom have each in their own way, whether through courageous activism, cultural contributions, or artistic creativity, forged social and political change, and forever changed our great Nation for the better. It is also fitting, Mr. Speaker, that in addition to those national leaders who contributions have made our nation better, we honor also those who have and are making a difference in their local communities. In my home city of Houston, there are numerous great men and women. They are great because they have heeded the counsel of Dr. King who said: ``Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You only a need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.'' By that measure, I wish to pay tribute to some of the great men and women of Houston: Rev. F.N. Williams, Sr.; Rev. Dr. S.J. Gilbert, Sr.; Rev. Crawford W. Kimble; Rev. Eldridge Stanley Branch; Rev. William A. Lawson; Rev. Johnnie Jeffery ``J.J.'' Robeson; Mr. El Franco Lee; Mr. John Brand; Ms. Ruby Moseley; Ms. Dorothy Hubbard; Ms. Doris Hubbard; Ms. Willie Bell Boone; Ms. Holly HogoBrooks; Mr. Deloyd Parker; Ms. Lenora ``Doll'' Carter. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us pay tribute to those who have come before us, and pay forward to future generations by addressing what is the number one issue for African American families, and all American families today: preserving the American promise of economic opportunity for all. Our immediate focus must be job creation, and enacting legislation that will foster and lay the foundation for today's and tomorrow's generation of groundbreaking activists, leaders, scientists, writers and artists to continue contributing to the greatness of America. We must work to get Americans back to work. We must continue to preserve the American Dream for all. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand here in celebration of the heroic and historic acts of African Americans and their indispensible contributions to this great Nation. It is through our work in creating possibilities for today and future generations that we best honor the accomplishments and legacy of our predecessors.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Rev. Crawford W. Kimble, Pastor Emeritus of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, which originated in Freedmen's Town in 1872. Reverend Kimble died earlier this week in Houston at the age of 95. He will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Rev. Kimble, the fifth of six pastors at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, served as Pastor for approximately 35 years. His dream of building Good Hope in its current location (3015 North MacGregory Way) was fulfilled in 1981. Rev. Kimble was born in Elgin, Texas on March 24, 1918 and he followed the ministerial paths of both his father and grandfather. He began preaching at the age of 33. Rev. Kimble joined Good Hope Baptist Church in 1951; he preached his first sermon there in 1959; and he later became pastor to many prominent Texans, namely Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, the first African American United States Congresswoman from the South, and Dr. Lonnie Smith, who played an important role in minority voting rights in primary elections. It is astounding to find that prior to Rev. Kimble's calling into the ministry, he worked as a newspaper editor and writer! His career began as the managing editor with the Houston Informer, Houston's oldest African American newspaper; and it ended with the Kansas City Call. After more than 30 years in retirement, Rev. Kimble continued to write and publish books. He worked out of his second floor office and living quarters, a Fourth Ward senior citizen apartment complex which was developed and named after him on April 5, 2007: Crawford W. Kimble Senior Living, located at 1025 Saulnier Street, in Fourth Ward, Texas. Rev. Kimble's works include books entitled ``Watch the Tree it Might Fall on You, which he wrote and published at age 8o; ``The Adventures of Love: God's plan for a Victorious Life for His People'', which he wrote and published at age 90; and ``God at Work'', his most recent publication, which answers the attacks of Rush Limbaugh on our President, President Barack Obama. Rev. Kimble was a great man who touched the lives of all who met him. He will be missed.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk as the designee of Mr. Johnson.

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

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, a few minutes ago I stood to the floor of the House and showed a picture that has been made by the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi) of a long line of suit-wearing Americans looking for jobs. Yet this Congress, my friends on the other side of the aisle, have refused to pass extended unemployment insurance, emergency unemployment insurance. Yet they put legislation on the floor pretending to create opportunities for American workers. I can tell you what will create opportunities for American workers, and that is to extend the unemployment insurance, or in actuality, pass my legislation, H.R. 3888, that provides training for individuals for newly created job skills. Or, in fact, as so many of us have done, sign a discharge petition to raise the minimum wage. That is a story for creating jobs or lifting up the opportunities for the American people. This amendment says simply, if you join us and you believe in job growth, if there is a regulatory scheme that in fact deals with job growth, then this is the amendment that you should support. And I would argue you should support an increase in the minimum wage, and today we should put on the floor of the House the extension of the unemployment insurance, emergency insurance for my constituents and Americans across America. The number is 1.3 million in 2013, rising to 2 million now, with no relief. There is no excuse. The other body had a bill that was paid for, and yet it was refused by Republican Senators in the other body. I would simply ask that we work together to create job growth. This amendment will say to my good friends that if it creates jobs, then we should in fact support it, that particular regulatory regulation, and we should not subject it to this legislation. With that, I ask for the support of this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Ms. JACKSON LEE. I thank the gentleman for his explanation. We have noted 653, and you are absolutely right. It thrusts that in the hands of the President of the United States, but I would argue that the Congress created the Department of Homeland Security with a Secretary to be able to be the first line of defense, and I would argue that it is important that we exempt the Secretary of the Department from that because of their number one responsibility, which is securing the homeland, and we live in a different climate. I think the gentleman accepts the fact that terrorism has become franchised at this moment. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I ask individuals, again, to support the Jackson Lee amendment.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Will the gentleman yield?

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman very much, and we obviously have a great deal of mutual respect, I hope, but a great deal of disagreement on the intent and the impact of this legislation. Let me say that Homeland Security has vast jurisdiction. Congress created it. In the course of that, it has a great deal of jurisdiction dealing with humanity and the necessity to help humanity. So in the crisis of dealing with issues of individuals who have been unfairly put in front of a deportation order who need to have the response of this agency, or the agency needs to correct some aspect of the many responsibilities that it has, from natural disaster to terrorism to ensuring the security of the border, the needs of Customs and Border Protection, the needs of ICE officers for regulatory schemes that will give them better tools to ensure the security of this Nation, I would argue that a 6-month delay, that 60 barriers being put in place of that regulatory scheme, does not give comfort to the American people that their homeland is secure. Give the Secretary of Homeland Security and his fellow Secretaries or Assistant Secretaries or Directors the responsibility and the leadership that they need to have to protect the homeland. I would just offer to say that my amendment is common sense. It deals with consent orders and settlements that the Homeland Security Secretary is making in the course of making America safe. Please support the Jackson Lee amendment, commonsense security, protecting the homeland, and having us do the job we should be doing on behalf of the American people. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak to the Jackson Lee amendment with great enthusiasm for its seriousness, and I say to my colleagues, there are no smoke and mirrors here. This amendment exempts rules made by the Secretary of Homeland Security or any consent decree or settlement made as a result of this rule. I don't think that we need to further educate our very diligent Members, whether they are on the Homeland Security or Judiciary or Intelligence or Armed Services Committees, or many other committees, about the new climate in which we live in this world after 9/11. We simply have to look at the landscape that we are around as we speak: Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Nigeria, and Syria. Just a few days ago, I was on the Israeli side of the Syrian border, and I could look into a city very close and see constant mortar fire. Everybody understands that with the new climate of franchise terrorism, al Qaeda travels from one conflict area to another, each time posing a threat to the United States of America or the West. Yet, we have legislation that does not exempt the actions of the Secretary of Homeland Security, who may be required to make emergency decisions. This particular legislation has 60 new barriers, procedural requirements, before an important rulemaking can go forward. It requires a 6-month online presence before you can move forward. I would offer to say that the conflicts in the Central African Republic and South Sudan, the crisis in the Ukraine, on which America is standing on the sides of those who believe in democracy, the fighting in Nigeria between Christians and Muslims, and the conflict in Syria that has a terrible impact as we move forward on the Palestinian and Israeli peace process--how can we not exempt the Secretary of Homeland Security? Mr. Chairman, not only do we deal with issues of terrorism, but it is also the stand-up agency when America faces natural disasters. For example, Hurricane Rita was the fourth-most-powerful Atlantic storm in history, and made landfall with 120-mile-per-hour winds, which had devastating consequences for many of my Texas constituents. That occurred just a few years ago. Hurricane Rita came out of the gulf, but Hurricane Sandy came out of the east coast and the Atlantic waters. It brought havoc that no one ever expected. FEMA was vital in the restoration of the lives of Americans. In that instance, I would think we would want any rulemaking process to move quickly, to be able to bring aid to those in need. As indicated, this is a question of national security and the protection of our people. We need swift responses to imminent threats to national security. We need to have flexibility for the Secretary of Homeland Security to make those decisions. H.R. 2804 was created under the guise of increasing transparency. I would offer to say that there are instances when all of us know that our security is crucial. Mr. Chairman, I ask that my colleagues support this exemption for Homeland Security to protect America's homeland and national security. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of my amendment to H.R. 2804 that provides a common-sense exception to the ``All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act of 2014.'' H.R. 2804 makes numerous changes to the federal rule-making process, including: 1. requiring agencies to consider numerous new criteria when issuing rules, such as alternatives to rules proposals; 2. requiring agencies to review the ``indirect'' costs of proposed and existing rules; 3. giving the Small Business Administration expanded authority to intervene in the rule-making of other agencies; and 4. requiring federal agencies to file monthly reports on the status of their rule-making activities. My amendment provides an exception to the ``All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act of 2014'' for rules made by the Secretary of Homeland Security or any consent decree or settlement made as a result of the rule. My amendment is simple in that it provides an exception for critical agency rules that the general safety and well-being of individuals in the United States. Mr. Chair, Hurricane Rita, which was the fourth most powerful Atlantic storm in history made landfall with 120 mile per hour winds and had devastating consequences to Texans, many of whom were my constitutients. Without Homeland Security how do Americans get through hurricanes and tornadoes? The ALERRT Act packages four measures, all of which are designed to stop, delay, or weaken new protections. The Regulatory Accountability Act (RAA) is the most far-reaching of these measures. It amends the Administrative Procedure Act, but goes far beyond establishing procedures for rulemaking. The RAA acts as a ``super mandate'' overriding requirements of landmark legislation such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Mine Safety and Health Act. Homeland Security is one of the most preeminent concerns of the federal government. The increased need for national security following the attacks of September 11th has increased the demand for Homeland Security to find more effective means to preempt attacks against our nation. And that is why my colleagues should vote to exempt the Department of Homeland Security from this legislation today. And Mr. Chair, I was pleased to meet with, Jeh Johnson the new Secretary, on Tuesday and he appeared before the Homeland Security Committee yesterday, and I am encouraged to see that he understands just how critical his mission is and the utter importance of being able to respond swiftly to address problems as they arise. Swift responses to imminent threats to national security allow the Department of Homeland Security to protect the rights and interests of individuals in the United States. Unnecessary delays to rules set forth by the Department of Homeland Security can waste scarce resources that keep our nation safe as well as impede the regular operations of the agency. What we have before us in H.R. 2804 is an unnecessary reporting burden for the Department of Homeland Security. The Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866 already requires agency status updates twice a year. H.R. 2804 requires monthly reporting, which would create additional difficulties for agency to produce requisite reports. H.R. 2804 requires the OIRA to issue an annual cumulative report even though this reporting is already part of existing laws, thus creating duplicative reporting mechanisms and wasting limited federal resources. The additional reporting requirements create a delay on agency activity and waste valuable resources in creating extraneous and duplicative records. The bill also prematurely calls for agencies to provide cost estimates for proposed rules that are to be finalized in the following year. Executive Order 12866 does not require agencies to report full cost estimates, but rather makes cost-benefit information discretionary. Even though the rule requires the estimation of costs, it prohibits benefit calculations of agency rules. Further, H.R. 2804 precludes rules from taking effect until the information required by the act is available on the Internet for at least six months. This provision of the bill severely limits agencies' abilities to respond to imminent threats of national security. The amendment would preclude such a delay in relation to Homeland Security rules, consent decrees, or settlements. H.R. 2804 was created under the guise of increasing agency transparency and regulation, but in actuality, the bill serves as an impediment to the government's ability to implement national security protections with expedience. My amendment to H.R. 2804 is necessary to curb unnecessary delay, waste, and duplication and ensuring that the Department of Homeland Security is able to make haste--not waste. I ask my colleagues to please 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, I rise today to pay tribute to the Reverend Crawford W. Kimble, pastor emeritus of the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, which was originated in Freedmen's Town in 1872, and my dear friend. My sympathy to Mrs. Kimble and all of his family. Reverend Kimble died earlier this week in Houston at the age of 95. He will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Reverend Kimble was the fifth of six pastors at the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He served as pastor for approximately 35 years. His dream was part of the building of Good Hope in its current location on North MacGregor. Reverend Kimble was born in Elgin, Texas, on March 24, 1918, and he followed the ministerial paths of both his father and grandfather. He began preaching at 33. He started his church in 1951, and he joined it. He preached his first sermon in 1959, and later became the pastor to many giants of Texas, including the Honorable Barbara Jordan, the first African American United States Congresswoman from the South, and Dr. Lonnie Smith, who played an important role in minority voting rights in primary elections. It is astounding to find that prior to becoming Reverend Kimble, he was in the newspaper business as an editor of the Houston Informer. He was also part of The Kansas City Call, which was the oldest African American newspaper, and it ended with The Kansas City Call that he was a part of. After more than 30 years in retirement, Reverend Kimble continued to write. He had many books, and he also was part of the Crawford W. Kimble senior living facility, which he lived in in the Fourth Ward, Freedmen's Town, that was named after him by Reverend Elmo Johnson. Mr. Speaker, let me just say that this giant is deserving of our honor and respect and commendation, and let us all remember his book, ``Watch the Tree, It Might Fall on You.'' Reverend Kimble, may you rest in peace. God bless you, and God bless your family.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I do believe that we in this country have an obligation, commitment, and duty--and just simply out of friendship--to be concerned about the American people in the many ways that they come to this Congress or to their Members of Congress or to their elected officials. After contributing over the years to make America great, when they are in their time of need, it is most appropriate for us to respond. It is now going on almost a year that we have not responded to hardworking Americans who, over the years, have contributed taxes. Maybe some of them are veterans who served in the United States military and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and now in their time of need we are fiddling and dillydallying. Unfortunately, we are doing so because our friends on the other side of the aisle cannot recognize that, but for the grace of God, there go I. No, these individuals are not standing in line to get unemployment insurance. They are standing in line to apply for jobs. Because the people who are eligible for unemployment insurance are individuals who have worked most every day of their life, but, unfortunately, they have found in times of economic upswings and downswings, maybe because of their training or maybe because of being a recent veteran, that they are not able to get a job immediately. This Congress has delayed over and over again where our friends on the other side of the aisle and those Republicans in the other body claim that they cannot offer one vote to be able to pass unemployment insurance. These individuals need our commitment, America's commitment, as they have given a commitment to us. Right now in America, there are now 48 million Americans living in poverty, 22 million children. Some of the individuals here were not at minimum wage, but they are individuals that are working and making minimum wage and can't make it either. We must confront these issues. There must be the attitude of the Good Samaritan in this Congress. I have introduced H.R. 3888, the New Chance for a New Start in Life Act of 2014. It provides grants to nonprofits and State and local governments to train individuals for the emerging industries, the new jobs, so that individuals such as those waiting in line for employment can find employment. I would like to add that legislation as we move forward on the extension of unemployment insurance--1.3 million, 1.5 million and growing, because every week some individual who is unemployed maxes out on the 26 weeks of what they get in unemployment insurance in the State. That is why this is called emergency unemployment insurance. That is why it is called insurance, because it covers individuals who have worked, who have contributed and who have worked. So it is disappointing that we are here again not being able to extend the unemployment insurance again, not being able to put on the floor of the House and get a vote for increasing the minimum wage to $10.10, a bill that has been filed for more than a year, and to be able to look working families directly in the eye and suggest that they can survive on less than the increase of the minimum wage. There are businesses that will support this. There are businesses who recognize that, as they provide for their employee, that employee churns into the economy. That employee is a consumer. That employee tries to buy a house or pays their rent or goes out and buys items for their children or for their elderly parents or for themselves. Why don't we understand that investment is what America is all about? Because America is not broke, and we have the opportunity to invest and to create more research and development, but we are living under the umbrella with the big elephant in the room--sequester. That doesn't make sense, because this country is one of the richest countries in the world. I can assure you that, if we invest in America, we will create jobs, and those jobs will then churn the economy again and continue to bring down the debt. I don't know why a commonsense approach to building this economy up should not be the direction of this country. Yesterday, I spoke at a high-speed rail summit. It is very clear that a building of high-speed rail will create thousands of jobs and increase mobility of Americans, but yet the image is that we are broke, and that is a very sad commentary. As I listened to the ads that were utilized in my State of Texas, individuals not running for Congress or the United States Senate but running for State offices, all they can talk about is standing up against Obama. I want to stand with President Obama and stand with him to build this country and make it greater. That should be the message: invest in people. That is what will make America the Nation that all have looked to.