Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership and boldness on this issue. Mr. Chairman, I hold in my hand a version of the Constitution that is in this very distinct book of rules. And clearly I think it is important for the American people to understand really the action items of this legislation. Can you imagine a government contractor being paid by your tax dollars--they might be doing the right thing, we don't know--but advocating with your tax dollars for a position you do not want without you knowing that that is occurring? This bill is under the First Amendment because it says that we give you more transparency. If we read the Constitution in its entirety, the opening says that ``We have come together to form a more perfect Union.'' That means if people are dissatisfied with this bill, they have a right to petition the courts. But we believe we are erring on the side of rightness, breaking those bold chains of big money around your neck and allowing people to either be elected or run for office, dominated, slammed down on the basis of big money. This is a good change. I ask for my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the DISCLOSE Act, H.R. 5175. I have said repeatedly that this has been one of the most difficult decisions of my political career. However, I strongly believe that if we do not support H.R. 5175, we will be overwhelmed during this election cycle by the richest corporations and individuals in the U.S. I do not believe we will be able to even begin to estimate how much might be spent in the mid-term elections. I do know that without some mechanism to prevent political opponents from tapping into an unlimited supply of cash, we will be setting the stage for our own demise, as well as a dangerous precedent for future elections. U.S. politics will never be the same after the midterm elections if we do not pass the DISCLOSE Act. Of course, arguments have been made involving the First Amendment. Many arguments opposing the bill on constitutional grounds are legitimate. Yet, these arguments negate the fact that the DISCLOSE Act will actually expand First Amendment rights that might otherwise be drowned out because the legislation provides fair access for all parties, while breaking the chain big money has in American politics. Sitting on the fence on this bill might be considered tempting, although if we sit on the fence today we will pay a price tomorrow. While the DISCLOSE Act exempts large established 501(c)(4) from some of the bill's disclosure requirements, it addresses the fundamental issue of eliminating the possibility that a rich corporation or individual can hide behind their money. Transparency as it relates to campaign financing is the principle behind the DISCLOSE Act. After years of the Abramoff scandal, special interests lobbyists writing legislation and an explosion of earmarks, the New Direction Congress is working to restore honest leadership and open government. Congressional Republicans support Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies--special interests that benefited from Bush's policies and created the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression--and are working to be rewarded by their corporate friends. The DISCLOSE ACT will accomplish a number of things, including: Prevent Large Government Contractors from Spending Money on Elections: Prevents government contractors with over $10 million in contract money from making independent expenditures and electioneering communications. Before the Citizens United case, corporations could not make political expenditures in federal elections. Prevent TARP recipients from Spending Money on Elections: Prohibits bailout beneficiaries from making independent expenditures or electioneering communications in federal elections until the government money is repaid. Limit Foreign Influence in American Elections: Extends existing prohibitions on campaign contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals to domestic corporations in which foreign nationals own more than 20% of voting shares, make up a majority of the board of directors, and/or have the power to dictate decision-making of the domestic corporation. Strengthen Disclosure of Election Ads: Expands electioneering communications that must be disclosed under the bill to broadcast ads referring to a candidate in the 120 days before the general election, expanded from 60 days before the general under current law.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1434 to recognize National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in America. As you know, homeownership is an important portion of our economy and a central piece of American culture that lies within the idea of the ``American Dream''. The idea of homeownership being central to the ``American Dream'' has a long history. Some believe that its roots date all the way back to 1776, where in the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson stated that all men have the right to ``life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'' In American culture, home ownership is often used as a proxy for the promised prosperity that was to be included in the interpretation of ``liberty'' and ``happiness.'' In 1931, James Truslow Adams invented the term ``American Dream'' and used it to exemplify the idea that with enough hard work, anyone can achieve what they desire in life. For many Americans, homeownership is a central aspiration and the key to happiness and prosperity. Our great nation has long supported this theme in American culture. In response to the Great Depression and a failing housing industry, the U.S. government created the Federal Housing Administration in 1934. The FHA then became a part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development office in 1965. Together, the mission of these organizations is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. Since its inception in 1934, the FHA and HUD have insured over 34 million home mortgages and 47,205 multifamily project mortgages. In the 1920s only about 4 out of 10 homes were owned. Thanks to the work of the FHA the homeownership rate in America is now upwards of 66%. FHA insurance has been especially important for minority communities, low-income families, and first-time homebuyers. Mr. Speaker, homeownership does not only serve as a centralized American idea, but also as a fundamental source of growing capital and investment for the American people and economy. The purchase of a home is one of the biggest investments one can make. It strengthens both a homeowner's individual economic growth as well as the local communities as the effects of a growing housing market will trickle down in the form of jobs, building suppliers, tax bases, schools, and other 3 forms of revenue. Until recently, the U.S. gross domestic product has always been very closely tied to the total American housing valuation. Housing is a form of wealth that increases American consumption and the growth of the economy. With consideration to the significance of homeownership in America, the House recently passed H.R. 5072, the FHA Reform Act of 2010. This act will serve to crack down on fraud and misrepresentation from lenders, improve the FHA's internal controls and risk management, and provide more transparency and information to the public. This act is crucial to the future growth of the American housing industry, and it signifies the congressional recognition of the extreme importance of homeownership in our economy. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1434 to recognize National Homeownership month and give praise to home owners in America.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And to the Speaker, whenever John Dingell raises his voice to join in honoring a leader, you always have to take his affirmation really as an honor of that leader. And so no one wants to be left out when it comes to honoring someone Chairman Dingell has designated as deserving that honor. I come far away from Michigan, from Texas, and to be able to say that Ron Gettelfinger is an American hero, and America thanks him, because he understood the various assets of wealth. He might have understood a family in New York or down in Houston, or maybe in Alabama who was able to get that first American-made car, made by the men and women of the United States, and in this instance those who reside in Michigan. Buying a car was a big deal, and I think this president, past president of the UAW, understood that. And I am grateful for him understanding that. That is why he fought for the men and women of the UAW. And so I rise today to join in this Special Order to honor Ron Gettelfinger and to thank him for caring about America, for those families who work every day all the time to ensure that they might buy that first car, that family car, that they could load up a family of two, three, four, five or more in a car that they knew would work, that had all of the bells and whistles and had the investment of the hard- earning and the hardworking men and women of the UAW. We want to thank him for his hard and exemplary work with organized labor, and we want to acknowledge him at this time of his retirement. There is no doubt that for his 40 years of service in the interest of the average American worker, he deserves the praise of Congress. He agreed with something I think that I wholeheartedly agree with: it is important for Americans to make things. And how proud we were that we could point to the American automobile industry as being made by the hands of those who worked hard and made good and made good products. America has got to get back to making things; and Mr. Gettelfinger, who was involved in the union and worker activities since 1964, I believe understood that well. Ever since he was elected to represent Ford's Louisville assembly plant as committee person, bargaining chair and president, he has tirelessly worked for the betterment of the average American worker. It should be noted as the UAW votes rose, as they improved their working conditions, and of course the contractual conditions and agreements, others likewise benefited. His organizing and people skills are legendary, as is his steadfast commitment to the American worker, all of which made him a symbol of the union movement in the United States and an icon to many Americans. Mr. Gettelfinger first became a member of the Ford United Auto Workers bargaining committee in 1987. Since then, he has held several management positions before being elected to his first term of president of the UAW in 2002. Under his leadership, UAW was able to lobby effectively for labor protections and fair trade agreements, including provisions for workers' rights and environmental protections. He was a visionary. With the voice of the average worker as his motivational mantra, he fervently criticized corporate global initiatives designed to strip workers of their right to a living wage in the face of economic decline. In addition, he toiled to keep American jobs here. He believed in America making things. I hope he will leave that legacy, because we've got to get back to making things. Mr. Speaker, this is the kind of man who embodies the American spirit and symbolizes the importance of the average American worker to the success and way of life that we cherish. There is nothing wrong with working with your hands and having a decent living. He believed in technology, better ways of making cars, more efficiency, but he didn't believe in undermining the worker, the American worker. Our democracy has been made stronger by the efforts of this unique individual. It is only fitting that we honor former president of the UAW Ron Gettelfinger for his life's work and give him special praise on his retirement. Again for these reasons, I rise in support of Chairman Dingell's special order and would only leave you to say this: He is a great American. We would do well to follow in the footsteps of this great American and learn that America is at her best when she can make things for the American people and people around the world. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my colleague John Dingell's special order to honor Ron Gettelfinger, immediate past president of the United Auto Workers, UAW, for his exemplary work with the men and women of organized labor, and on the event of his retirement. There is no doubt that for his 40 years of service in the interest of the average American worker, Mr. Gettelfinger deserves the praise of the Congress. Mr. Gettlefinger has been involved in union and worker activities since 1964. Ever since he was elected to represent the Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant as committeeperson, bargaining chair, and president, he has tirelessly worked for the betterment of the average American worker. His organizing and people skills are legendary as is his steadfast commitment to the American worker; all of which make him a symbol of the union movement in the United States and an icon to many Americans. Mr. Gettelfinger first became a member of the Ford-United Auto Workers, UAW, bargaining committee in 1987. Since then, he has held several other management positions before being elected to his first term as president of UAW in 2002. Under his leadership, UAW was able to lobby effectively for labor protections and fair trade agreements, including provisions for workers' rights and environmental protections. With the voice of the average worker as his motivational mantra, he fervently criticized corporate global initiatives designed to strip workers of their right to a living wage in the face of economic decline. In addition, he toiled to keep U.S. jobs here in America. Mr. Speaker, this is the kind of man who embodies the American spirit and symbolizes the importance of the average American worker to the success and way of life that we cherish. Our democracy has been made stronger by the efforts of this unique individual. It is only fitting that we honor Ron Gettelfinger for his life's work and give him special praise on his retirement. Again, for these reasons I rise in support of my friend and colleague, John Dingell's special order.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1330, a resolution that supports the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I also want to thank my colleague, the honorable Mario Diaz-Balart, for introducing this important resolution. My district is in the wake of many hurricanes that make their way into the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season has a profound impact on our way of life in the gulf. Hurricane season is upon us, and with it comes the distinct possibility of Mother Nature wreaking more havoc on our gulf coast. Our oceans are in peril. Reams of film from the field reach all of our doorsteps, pictures of oil covered birds, ailing mammals, and other creatures that couldn't possibly survive the copious amounts of oil. The harm done to our gulf is already at an unprecedented level. Unfortunately, as long as oil plumes continue to form nebulous clouds of black a mile beneath the deep blue sea, we will continue to push that unprecedented level of destruction even further, continue to see our gulf shores littered with amorphous lumps of oil, continue to see the gulf coast crowded with sick animals, continue to see the gulf fishing industry suffer. Lost in the discussion of Sunday's World Refugee Day was the group of internally displaced individuals from Ike, Rita, and especially Katrina. For example, our latest hurricane, Hurricane Ike, wreaked havoc on Texas, particularly in Galveston and Houston. As we moved forward with recovery efforts, it was clear that the impact of this storm had been widespread and many people were still in need of assistance. Hurricane Ike pummeled the Texas Gulf Coast, resulting in at least 38 deaths in Texas, evacuation of over 1 million residents, hundreds more are either missing or remain unaccounted for, over 2,000 residents were rescued from harrowing conditions, and more than $11 billion worth of damage according to preliminary estimates, making this the most costly storm in Texas history. In the weeks that followed Hurricane Ike, over 2.5 million families struggled to survive with no electricity, including no air conditioning in the sweltering heat, which had a particularly severe impact on the elderly, disabled, impoverished and other vulnerable populations. Clearly, we need to invest substantial funds to improve our electric grids to ensure that the disparate impact on vulnerable populations is corrected and never allowed to reoccur. Just as we saw in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana Post- Hurricane Katrina, internally displaced individuals from hurricanes do not receive the proper access to government aid to rebuild and recover. In fact, there is still a desperate need of housing and much more rebuilding that needs to be done to restore previous hurricane disaster victims and assist the residents who remain there. We cannot allow the hurricane victims to be forgotten. Throughout our Post-Hurricane recovery efforts, many individuals have had difficulties and challenges getting the government aid that they need to rebuild after the storm. Many lost their jobs or are at risk of losing their employment due to damages incurred by the hurricane. There are men, women, and children who have lost so much due to flood waters and storm winds. I have been proud to stand up repeatedly in Congress to fight on their behalf by securing the necessary federal funds. We must work together to ensure that our nation does its part to help hurricane victims fully recover by ensuring the delivery of funds that we worked so hard to appropriate. As a senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, which has oversight over the Federal Emergency Management Administration, FEMA, I am working to ensure that our communities respond expeditiously to natural disasters. The protection of our homeland and the security of our neighborhoods are at the forefront of my agenda. While Hurricane Ike has left an enormous amount of devastation, it has demonstrated yet again the amazing unity, strength and resilience that Texans possess. Whether rich or poor, black or white, young or old, Democrat or Republican, everyone has been working together to respond, recover, rebuild and move forward. We must work together to improve access to housing and the critical infrastructure necessary to ensure that the residents of North Galveston and their communities are safe. Where unacceptable vulnerabilities remain, swift action must be taken to eliminate them. I am committed to ensuring the implementation of such action. My friends, this oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico threatens the livelihood of the citizens of the south central region of these United States, and deprives all Americans of the beauty and reasonable use of the seas and its inhabitants. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1350, recognizing June 20, 2010, as World Refugee Day. I thank my colleague, Ms. Watson, for introducing this resolution that reminds us of the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable and finding a home for those who are displaced. The theme of this year's World Refugee Day on June 20, 2010 is ``Home,'' in recognition of the plight of more than 40 million uprooted and displaced people around the world; approximately 10 million of whom are refugees of special concern to UNHCR. As a Member of the Bipartisan Congressional Refugee Caucus, I have continuously stood up for the rights of the world's refugees. Today, there are more than 42 million refugees, including 16 million refugees outside their countries and 26 million others displaced internally. This year, I am especially concerned for the people of Haiti--many of whom are facing the rainy season without a suitable home. According to Refugees International, approximately 700,000 people in Port-au-Prince are without homes or proper shelter and another 600,000 people have left the capital. I also welcome the announcement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, that 100,000 people having been referred for resettlement from the Middle East to third countries since 2007. From Iraq and Afghanistan, to Sudan and the Congo, to Burma and Colombia, the United Nations Refugee Agency, with ample support from the United States, manages to support over 25 million. Indeed, these vulnerable individuals depend on the United States, other governments, the United Nations and other agencies for the protection of their basic human rights. The United States is in fact a global leader in the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons. In the year 2010 the United States celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, a cornerstone of refugee protection and assistance which has brought the United States to be the single largest refugee resettlement country in the world, admitting a total of 65,722 in 2007. Moreover, the United States is the single largest donor to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Madam Speaker, I urge every one of my fellow members of Congress to join Congresswoman Watson and me in reaffirming the commitment of the United States to promote the safety, health, and well-being of millions of refugees, calling on the Department of State to continue to support the efforts of the U.N. High Commissioner for refugees, call on the U.S. Government to continue to strengthen its leadership role in protecting displaced persons, commending those who have risked their lives working to provide assistance to refugees, and reaffirming the goals of World Refugee Day. These are vulnerable people, people in need. Let us not forget them or our promise to find an end to their plight.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, last Saturday, June 19, was the celebration of Juneteenth. Thirty-six States now recognize that as a State holiday, a holiday that is not just for one narrow community, but in actuality, is about perseverance, determination, commitment, and freedom. Major Gordon Granger landed on the shores of Galveston, Texas, to announce that those who had been enslaved are free, 2 years later, past the Emancipation Proclamation of Abraham Lincoln. Today we have the same challenges of restoring, of being persevering and determined to improve education, to restore summer jobs that have not been voted on yet, to pass a remedies bill that I am introducing that is going to take a new look at the gulf oil spill and restore some new processes to not have this happen again. And yes, restore some dignity to the brass as it relates to the Commander in Chief, who should always be respected. Let us restore dignity and freedom to this Nation and include the United States military brass that have to be more respectful of the President than I have seen in the last 48 hours.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support of H. Res. 1369, which recognizes the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. As a child of Jamaican parents, I understand the importance of recognizing the influence Caribbean cultures continues to have on the many facets of these United States. Growing up, my parents instilled in me a strong appreciation for the Caribbean values they learned in Jamaica: a strong work ethic and tremendous pride in my heritage. As a parent, I have passed on these same values to my own children, so they will develop a sense of pride in their Caribbean heritage and acknowledge the many roles Caribbean people play in shaping this nation. I whole-heartedly support this resolution that commemorates Caribbean heritage, history, culture and contributions to the United States. In her 1970 autobiography, Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress, credited her success to the education she received while attending school in Barbados. She wrote, ``Years later I would know what an important gift my parents had given me by seeing to it that I had my early education in the strict, traditional, British-style schools of Barbados. If I speak and write easily now, that early education is the main reason.'' This is a nation built by immigrants. From as early as the 17th century there have been individuals from the Caribbean Islands, working here in the United States as indentured servants in the colony of Jamestown, Virginia. They worked in fields picking cotton, tobacco and crops just as the slaves did. Caribbean immigrants have been contributing to the well-being of American society since its founding. Alexander Hamilton, the First Secretary of the Treasury was from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. We count among our famous sons and daughters, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, W.E.B. Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier to name a few. Moreover, this is a nation that reaches out to immigrants. None of us will forget the earthquake that shook Haiti to its very foundations in every sense of the word on January 12, 2010. Since then, we have all seen the outpouring of support to the Haitian people and their families on behalf of the American people. What fewer notice perhaps, are the powerful contributions that Haitians have made to America, its history and its culture. In 1779 soldiers from then Saint Dominique, now Haiti, fought alongside American revolutionaries. Despite the fact that the then slave-holding United States did not look favorably upon an Independence Movement it saw as a dangerous slave rebellion, many historians attribute the Louisiana Purchase partly to the fact that Haitian slaves rose up against their French masters from 1794 to 1801. Haitian born Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable founded Chicago, one of our great cities. And Americans from coast to coast have enjoyed the contributions Wyclef Jean, another of Haiti's sons, has made to our musical culture. Indeed, from history to food to music, Haiti has a long history of helping to shape America. H. Res. 1369 recognizes the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. Our nation would not be what it is today without these significant contributions of the Caribbean people and we should honor these accomplishments with the passing of this legislation. The contributions of Caribbean-Americans are a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States and play an important role in the unique diversity that enriches and strengthens our nation. By passing this legislation we continue to honor the friendship between the United States and Caribbean countries. We are united by our common values and shared history, and we should celebrate the rich Caribbean Heritage and the many ways in which Caribbean Americans have helped shape this nation. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Caribbean countries.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 546 which recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future. On June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved African- Americans were free, ``Juneteenth Independence Day'' was born. On this historic day, legend has it, while standing on the balcony of Galveston's Ashton Villa, Granger read the contents of ``General Order No. 3'': The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere. In that moment, Galveston streets were filled with jubilant celebrations and the following year, the commemoration of June 19th or Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas. The newly freed African- Americans pulled what few resources they had to purchase land in their communities to have these gatherings. Houston's Emancipation Park, Mexia's Booker T. Washington Park, and Emancipation Park in Austin are the present day result of these efforts. Mr. Speaker, I can image how the words of President Lincoln resonated in their hearts and souls; life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all equal citizens was no longer a dream, they were a reality. Hundreds of thousands of American citizens were released from the grips of bondage; we are freed men and women. However, while it is a celebration of our emancipation, it is also a reminder of the progress we have yet to make. The Emancipation Proclamation Abraham Lincoln issued on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863, had minimal initial effect in some States. Let this be a reminder, that words are meaningless without action. We must be steadfast and willing to do our parts as citizens to uphold and carry out the will of the people and the laws of our great Nation. The United States has made great strides of improvement and we continue to press forward to obtain those values in which we hold dear. Juneteenth became an official State holiday through the efforts of Al Edwards, an African-American State legislator from Texas in 1980. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first emancipation celebration granted official State recognition. As of March 2010, 36 States have followed suit in the celebrations and the adoption of this historic day. In my district, we actively celebrate this holiday through, reenactments, of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation at Ashton Villa and various parades and musical events all across Houston. Juneteenth is a day to reflect upon the African-American experience and it includes all races, ethnicities and nationalities. It is a symbolical reference point of our progress and the contributions we have made to make this country what it is today. Juneteenth is a time to reconnect with loved ones and have a renewed sense of community. In conclusion, I am reminded of what President Obama stated 2 years ago pertaining to Juneteenth and the continued pursuit of the values embedded in this day: We pause to remember that our nation has made tremendous progress, but has many miles to go on the long march toward finally fulfilling the ideals of this country. When too many Americans go without affordable healthcare or a quality education; when neighborhoods unravel due to a housing market in crisis; when special interests hold their thumbs on the scale of opportunity; we have more work to do. Juneteenth is a day for celebration of freedom and family, but also a day that calls us all to rededicate ourselves to the convictions at the heart of our American experiment. It reminds us that with the work of each successive generation, we come closer to the realization of that more perfect union.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1330, a resolution that supports the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I also want to thank my colleague, the honorable Mario Diaz-Balart, for introducing this important resolution. My district is in the wake of many hurricanes that make their way into the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season has a profound impact on our way of life in the Gulf. For example, our latest hurricane, Hurricane Ike, wreaked havoc on Texas, particularly in Galveston and Houston. As we moved forward with recovery efforts, it was clear that the impact of this storm has been widespread and many people are still in need of assistance. Lost in the discussion of Sunday's World Refugee Day was the group of internally displaced individuals from Ike, Rita, and especially Katrina. Unfortunately, Texans are still in need of help, especially the neglected residents of North Galveston. Let us use this time to examine how FEMA and HUD are responding to citizens so that we can continue to provide the aid people desperately need to fully recover from this storm. I continue working to ensure that Hurricane Ike victims still have access to recovery resources and call for expeditious action, urging a better response and expedited assistance from FEMA, HUD, and local officials. I also call on housing associations to re-open access to housing for Hurricane Ike victims. Just as we saw in the 9th ward of New Orleans, Louisiana Post- Hurricane Katrina, people in North Galveston have not received the proper access to government aid to rebuild and recover. In fact, there is still much more rebuilding and desperate need of housing that needs to be done to restore North Galveston and assist the residents who remain there. We cannot allow the hurricane victims to be forgotten. Throughout the Post-Hurricane Ike recovery efforts, many individuals have had difficulties and challenges getting the government aid that they need to rebuild after the storm. Many have lost their jobs or are at risk of losing their employment due to damages incurred by the hurricane, including the more than 2,400 employees of the University of Texas Medical Branch, UTMB, who were recently terminated. We must protect our citizens and their means of living as we continue to recover from this storm. There are men, women, and children who have lost so much due to flood waters and storm winds. I have been proud to stand up repeatedly in Congress to fight on their behalf by securing the necessary Federal funds. We must work together to ensure that our Nation does its part to help Hurricane Ike victims fully recover by ensuring the delivery of these funds that we worked so hard to appropriate. As a senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, which has oversight over the Federal Emergency Management Administration, FEMA, I am working to ensure that our communities respond expeditiously to natural disasters. The protection of our homeland and the security of our neighborhoods are at the forefront of my agenda. For the foregoing reasons I stand in support of making this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010, H.R. 5297. I would like to thank Chairman Barney Frank, co-sponsors of the bill, and the Members of the Committee on Financial Services for supporting this important legislation. I believe this bill is critical to the continued economic growth and stability of the nation. Small businesses represent one of the most important segments of the U.S. economy. The health of the nation's small businesses is directly tied to the health of the U.S. economy. The latest Census Bureau data for small businesses indicate that over 4 million small businesses employ more than 20 million employees. Small businesses accounted for approximately 18 percent of private sector jobs in 2006, but nearly 25 percent of net employment growth from 1992 to 2005. The contribution of small businesses to the national economy, particularly during the economic recession, was crucial to creating jobs and promoting economic recovery in many parts of the nation. This bill recognizes that there has been a dramatic decline in lending to small businesses, as a result of the worst recession in our history. According to a February 2010 report of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), total bank loans and leases declined for the sixth straight quarter, with total loans to commercial and industrial borrowers declining 4.3 percent and real estate construction and development loans declining by 8.4 percent. These are not positive indicators for the small business sector, because without access to credit and working capital it is virtually impossible for small businesses to grow or to hire. Jobs must continue to be our number one priority and small businesses create jobs. As liquidity in U.S. financial markets evaporated during the economic recession, many businesses, particularly small businesses, found it difficult if not impossible to secure loans to keep their businesses operating. Meanwhile, banks have imposed more stringent lending requirements and eliminated or decreased substantial lines of credit, even when the businesses are up-to-date on their loan repayments. Of course, the nation's minority-owned and women-owned businesses, which have always cited access to capital and credit as their number one problem, have only had their problems compounded by the lack of small business lending in many parts of the country. According to Treasury Secretary Geithner, ``banks have been told to maintain capital levels in excess of those required to be considered well capitalized. Some banks say they have little choice but to scale back lending, even to creditworthy borrowers, and the most recent Federal Reserve data shows banks are continuing to tighten lending standards for small business.'' Given this type of assessment by our Secretary of the Treasury, it only makes sense for Congress to take radical steps to reverse the trend and to stimulate the most important sector of the economy--the small business sector. Others have documented the small business lending dilemma. For example, the TARP Congressional Oversight Panel's May 13, 2010 Oversight Report (``COP Report'') addressed the issue of small business lending. ``The COP Report concluded `small business credit remains severely constricted', and also noted the difficulty smaller banks have had in providing small business credit due to exposure to commercial real estate and other liabilities.'' Whether small business credit liquidity is a supply problem, or a demand problem, no one can really say. What is clear is that small businesses in every part of the country, including my 18th Congressional District, are strapped for the financial resources necessary to run their businesses. Now the oil spill in the gulf region has worsened matters for small businesses in many gulf coast communities and my 18th Congressional District, where businesses rely on seafood from the gulf for their survival. Many of these businesses were crying out for help before the crisis and will only cry louder for help because of it. The Jackson Lee-Cao amendment will make sure the small business lending is targeted to these gulf coast communities. The Houston District SBA office serves 32 counties in Southeast Texas where there are over 340,000 small business establishments. The leading categories are Health Services, Business Services, Wholesale Trade- Durable Goods, and Food and Beverage Establishments. At the beginning of 2006, the State of Texas reported 706 banks and thrifts. There are 231 participating lenders belonging to the SBA Houston District. However, many of these SBA lenders are not lending to small businesses. Among the 10 most populous metro areas, Houston ranked second in employment growth rate and fourth in nominal employment growth. Much of this growth can be directly attributed to small businesses. In 2006, the Houston metropolitan area ranked first in Texas and third in the U.S. within the category of ``Best Places for Business and Careers'' by Forbes. Small businesses made these rankings possible. However, I would submit to you that each of these indicators, particularly the one documenting the number of small businesses in the Houston District, will not improve if the small business lending crisis continues. Small businesses in every category in Houston will be eliminated permanently, resulting in the loss of jobs, incomes and economic stability. Of course, the administration acknowledges this problem, and proposed establishing the $30 billion lending fund and the State Small Business Credit Initiative to allocate funding to states to support Capital Access Programs. The Obama administration also supports expansion of many of the current SBA programs, as well as tax incentives to stimulate the small business sector. Any comprehensive package of initiatives designed to support small business is the best solution to keep the small businesses of our Nation generating jobs and creating income. H.R. 5297 is one element of the comprehensive package we need right now to provide much needed capital to small businesses and the fund has enough safeguards to ensure the lending truly benefits small businesses. Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have reached an impasse when its comes to small business lending in our country, and the only way to send a strong signal to the small businesses and the banks that lend to them is to pass legislation that will help to ease the liquidity crisis. This bill is a timely well-crafted measure to assist the Nation's small businesses. I urge you to support H.R. 5297.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am delighted to acknowledge Juneteenth. I am pleased to be with you this afternoon. I would like to thank you for your commitment to seeking solutions to one of the most pressing challenges facing our community: ensuring that everyone receive all the rights guaranteed under our civil rights laws. I believe that one of the most important violations of civil rights are hate crimes and racial profiling. I also believe that equal access to health, education, housing and health care, are all civil rights. But I will focus on hate crimes and access to adequate health care. History of Juneteenth For those of you who ask, ``What is Juneteenth,'' I will tell you. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by the courageous Major General Gordon Granger, landed in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. The Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863. Nevertheless, people held in bondage in Texas had to wait two and a half years after President Lincoln's proclamation, to hear the news of freedom. It gives me great pleasure to speak about Juneteenth and I would like to share with you the letter that Major General Gordon Granger read to the emotion filled slaves. It reads as follows: ``The People of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.'' Prior to June 19, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops available to enforce the new Executive order. Thanks to the meritorious Major Granger and the arrival of his troops, there were forces strong enough to overcome the resistance and to free the slaves. Many stories have been told about the actual reason for why it took so long for the news of the Emancipation to reach Galveston, but it is very difficult to say which one is true. The fact still remains that the news did not come to the enslaved Texans soon enough. The reactions to the profound news ranged from pure shock to immediate jubilation. Upon hearing the news, many of the newly freed slaves went north and others went to neighboring states, such as Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. For those freed men and women, recounting the memories and festivities of that great day in June of 1865 served as motivation as well as a release from the growing pressures encountered in their new territory. The celebration of June 19th was coined ``Juneteenth'' and it grew with more participation from descendants. The Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring one another, for praying and for gathering with family members. This still holds true today because African Americans continue to face many challenges that call for prayer and gathering together with one's family and community. When the celebration of Juneteenth originated, a range of activities were offered to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball are just a few of the typical Juneteenth activities that one may witness or participate in today. This is an historic and important commemoration for Texas but also for the Nation. This Holiday equals freedom. I applaud all of the events sponsored by Houstonians that seeks to inspire and educate our children and to respect the former slaves of Texas who suffered so much.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair, I want to thank Chairman Barney Frank and Members of the House Financial Services Committee for supporting the ``Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010'', and for the opportunity to explain my amendment, No. 12, to H.R. 5297. I also want to thank Representative Anh ``Joseph'' Cao from the Louisiana's Second District, one of the Gulf Coast communities affected by the oil spill for co-sponsoring the amendment. My amendment would require the Secretary of Treasury to confer special consideration in the allocation of funds to states in the Gulf region, and to eligible financial institutions in the areas where the local economy has been adversely affected by the recent Gulf Region oil spill. Local communities that rely on the natural resources and the related business activity of the Gulf have been devastated. If economic action is not taken, they will continue to see layoffs, increased unemployment, and significant declines in economic activity. This amendment will help resolve the negative impacts of the oil spill by ensuring that credit is extended to small businesses in these areas. Madam Chair, given the enormous economy created by the natural resources of the Gulf of Mexico, the economic effects of the oil spill will be massive. In 2008, over 620,000 were employed in the tourism and recreation markets and 210,000 in commercial fishing industry in the Gulf Region. Secondary job markets also rely on business related to the natural resources of the Gulf. These include boat maintenance companies, fishing equipment suppliers, and cleaning companies to name a few. These markets are, and will continue to be adversely affected by the oil spill. Estimates of the exact economic repercussions of the spill have yet to be determined. However, the University of Central Florida predicts that in Florida alone, 40,000 jobs and $2.2 billion could be lost as a direct result. President Obama has recently stated that the American people should be prepared for an ongoing economic impact, resulting from the oil spill. In my recent visit to the impacted communities of the Gulf Coast region, I had an opportunity to visit with oystermen, fishermen, watermen, shrimpers, boat owners and others to listen to their personal stories of lost dreams, lost revenues, and disruptions to their way of living caused by the oil spill. This bill represents a small step towards returning their lives to some sense of normality by requiring financial institutions in these devastated communities, to begin lending again to small businesses, which generate jobs and incomes. Again, I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Anh Cao, for joining me as a co-sponsor of this amendment. He too understands the importance of this bill as a vehicle to provide small business lending to aid in the recovery of those communities affected by the oil spill. This amendment to H.R. 5297 would provide a major impetus in the sustained efforts towards recovery from this unfolding crisis. If small businesses are able to obtain credit, they would again gain the ability to grow, expand, and thus create new job opportunities in the regions affected by the oil spill. This would greatly offset the economic catastrophe that is already emerging in these areas; one that no one could have anticipated less than 57 days ago. For these reasons, I urge the Committee to make my amendment in order.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, everyone knows that we are in the grips of trying to overcome the devastation of the gulf and to help the people of that region. That is why I want to applaud the serious work that was done at the White House to establish the independent framework that I called for 2 weeks ago, which was to ensure that the impacted communities--restaurants, fishermen, shrimpers, oyster persons, and people with small restaurants and large restaurants--in the gulf region, from Florida to Texas, have the ability to secure the kind of compensation needed now to make their bills. This is not compensation for the injury as much as it is compensation to survive. For anyone to suggest that this was a shakedown is a misinterpretation and a distortion to the American people. What do they want the government to do? They want the government to be responsive, to make sure that we work on their behalf and to make sure that people whose lights are being turned off can pay their bills. Good news. We can now get claims and can help the people in the gulf region.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 242, to honor and praise the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on its 101st Anniversary. The NAACP was founded in New York City on February 12, 1909, because of America's pressing need for a large, coordinated civil rights organization. Today, the NAACP holds true to its initial values. The objectives of the NAACP are: To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens; To achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States; To remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes; To seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing civil rights; To inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination; and To educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful action to secure the exercise thereof, and to take any other lawful action in furtherance of these objectives, consistent with the NAACP's Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution. For 101 years the NAACP has remained committed to ensuring the political, educational, social and economic equality of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. The organization was originally founded out of the dire need for civil rights among African Americans in the United States. Today however, the NAACP is determined to advance the cause of civil rights not only for African Americans, but for all American people, regardless of color. The NAACP has aided in achieving the passage of several important pieces of legislation throughout their 101-year existence. These include the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act. The NAACP has also influenced several groundbreaking legal cases that have advanced the causes of civil rights in our nation, such as the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case. The NCAAP has and continues to serve as a beacon to those who want to make a difference. They have proven that progress can be made in the face of oppression through non-violence and political action. The NAACP claims over 360,000 members and it continues to grow. Heading into its second century of service, the NAACP is focused on disparities in economics, health care, education, voter empowerment and the criminal justice system as is also continues its role as a legal advocate for civil rights issues. The organization remains just as committed today to continuing the fight for political, social, educational and racial equality as it was over a century ago when it was first conceived. For this reason that I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 242.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1422, ``Honoring the Department of Justice on the occasion of its 140th anniversary,'' as introduced by our distinguished colleague from Wisconsin, Representative Sensenbrenner. Since its establishment in 1870, the Department of Justice has taken the lead in enforcing Federal laws, furnishing counsel in Federal cases, and providing interpretations of the laws under which other executive agencies act. The DOJ's mission has grown as well, meeting challenges that could hardly have been envisioned in 1870. It now has seven separate, specialized divisions, covering Antitrust, Civil, Civil Rights, Criminal matters, Environment and Natural Resources, National Security, and Tax, as well as agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Prisons, the United States Marshals Service, the U.S. Central Bureau-International Criminal Police Organization, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Office of Justice Programs. DOJ's work is as important now as it ever has been. It is one of the leading agencies involved in the protection of our national security; its work has led to the disruption of multiple terrorist organizations in the last decade alone. The Department plays a key role in the protection of our citizens' intellectual property, helping protect their interest in work they pour their energies into. Since 2004, the Department of Justice has led the 2 largest multinational law enforcement efforts ever directed at online piracy, involving simultaneous efforts in 12 countries, more than 200 searches and arrests in more than 30 States, more than $100,000,000 in seized pirated works, and a total of 112 felony convictions to date. DOJ's Antitrust Division is responsible for protecting consumer interests from anti-competitive practices in all sectors of the economy. As industries move further and further towards consolidation-- in printing, in broadcasting, in the airline industry, and throughout our economy--DOJ has the responsibility to make sure that actions taken in the name of efficiency don't lead to the dangers of monopoly. Through its Office of Justice Programs, DOJ has partnered with state and local law enforcement agencies to provide guidance and funding for important initiatives. Violent Crime Impact Teams have arrested more than 14,100 gang members, drug dealers, felons in possession of firearms, and other violent criminals, including more than 2,800 identified as the `worst of the worst' criminals. Operation FALCON (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally) is a series of nationwide fugitive apprehension operations coordinated by the Department of Justice, and has resulted in the collective capture of more than 55,896 dangerous fugitive felons since its inception in 2005. For almost a century and a half, the Department of Justice has been a critically important part of the Federal government, and it has an equally important role to play in the next decades. I join Representative Sensenbrenner in honoring the Department on its 140th anniversary, and urge my colleagues to do so as well.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Chair, I am delighted to have Mr. Cao join me in my amendment that I offered in the Rules Committee, and I am delighted that he was able to rise to claim the time for this amendment. This is an amendment that I have written, and I have asked Mr. Cao to join me, as he had a similar amendment. I appreciate very much the support that he has given, and I recognize the concerns that he has expressed. I want to support the underlying bill as well and to make note of the fact that small businesses are now facing the most difficult time in the worst recession in our history. According to a February 2010 report of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, total bank loans and leases declined for the sixth straight quarter, with total loans to commercial and industrial borrowers declining by 4.3 percent and real estate construction development loans declining by 8.4 percent. What that means is that small businesses are taking the strongest hit. This bill will focus, in particular, on the question of providing a lending scheme, a lending structure, which is paid for to provide the start-up credit for our small businesses. Well, here we find ourselves addressing an enormous crisis that has occurred in the gulf. During the Memorial Day recess, I did a flyover of the gulf and of the Deepwater Horizon, and I saw the magnitude and the growth of this disaster. Somewhere between millions--or at least a million gallons--but somewhere between 20,000 and 40,000 barrels per day are gushing into the gulf. We don't know where this is going to stop. Many small businesses are impacted in the Gulf States. That would include Florida. That would include Texas. That would include Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. This amendment, for which I am delighted to be joined by Mr. Cao, will, in fact, cause lending institutions to focus resources on the small business community. Even Linda Smith, who owns the Alligator Cafe in Houston, Texas, is shut down because she cannot get product. When I visited New Orleans, there were restaurants that seemed to close early because they couldn't get product. What about the oystermen and shrimpers and fishermen who can't seem to get a lump sum payment from BP for which we've advocated? In speaking just a few minutes ago to an oysterman in Pointe a la Hache, he indicated he had not gotten his money. So, therefore, I am asking my colleagues to support this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I rise to claim time in opposition, but I will not oppose the amendment.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank the gentleman from Louisiana and New Orleans, especially for his leadership. I look forward to working with him as we go forward on legislation that addresses some of the concerns I have heard him express so as we may establish a real national energy policy. I would ask my colleagues to support this amendment. As I have indicated, I have obtained the time in opposition, but I will not oppose the amendment that we have both offered on the floor of the House. I will argue vigorously that this is an excellent opportunity to protect small businesses which are yet noted, which are yet listed, which are going to be impacted across that gulf from tourism in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, on to the shrimpers, fishermen, oystermen, and to the restaurants that are now in conditions where they are shutting down and where they are letting go of their employees. They are pleading for assistance. This is a good amendment, and it is a good amendment to this legislation. It focuses on our small businesses, so I would ask my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, because I was chairing the committee addressing the question of the United-Continental merger, I was unavoidably detained and I missed the vote of H. Con. Res. 242, honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 101st anniversary. If I had been present, I would have voted an enthusiastic ``aye.''

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4855, the Work-Life Balance Award Act.'' Thank you to my colleagues: Congresswoman Woolsey and Congressman Miller for introducing this important legislation that establishes, in the Department of Labor, an annual Work-Life Balance Award for employers that have developed and implemented work-life balance policies. We are all aware of the benefits of holding a job, but too little attention has been paid to the dangers associated with stressful working conditions. Long hours have a significantly negative impact on life satisfaction and time-related stress, which in turn have a negative effect on wellbeing. Non-standard work hours, and stressful workplace environments cause health problems, higher levels of stress, psychological distress, greater relationship conflicts for dual-income couples, less time spent with children and lower life satisfaction. A peer-reviewed study of 10,000 Londoners tracked since 1985, published in the European Heart Journal, found that rates of angina, nonfatal heart attacks and death from heart-related conditions were 60 percent higher in people who worked at least three hours beyond ``the normal, seven-hour day'' compared with those who didn't work that amount of overtime. The study notes that overtime work ``has increased in recent years'' and that the U.S. is one of the countries that is well above average in percentage of people working overtime. A Canadian study found that ``people experiencing time pressure have lower levels of satisfaction, higher levels of stress, lower self- reported physical and emotional wellbeing, and greater insomnia. Work- life conflicts can lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression; sleep disturbances and a host of other ailments.'' The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights recent research in the domain of occupational health psychology shows that many stressful experiences are linked to being offended--for instance, by being offended or ridiculed, by social exclusion, by social conflict, by illegitimate tasks. According to the WHO, ``Such experiences of being treated in an unfair manner constitute an `Offence to Self,' and this may have quite far reaching consequences in terms of health and well- being.'' In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is greatly concerned with the health effects of workplace stress. According to the CDC, ``evidence is rapidly accumulating to suggest that stress plays an important role in several types of chronic health problems--especially cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological disorders.'' Mr. Speaker, although some employers create unhealthy work environments, other employers now recognize that staff who feel able to balance the demands of work and home are more engaged, productive and motivated. These trendsetters deserve to be recognized for their compassion and leadership. This is why I support the Work-Life Balance Award Act. Research has identified organizational characteristics associated with both healthy, low-stress work and high levels of productivity. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), examples of these characteristics include: recognition of employees for good work performance, opportunities for career development, an organizational culture that values the individual worker, and management actions that are consistent with organizational values. Mr. Speaker, widespread workplace stress is costly to our citizens and our nation. Stressful work environments ruin lives and are costly to our healthcare system. It is often said that prevention is the best medicine; establishing a balance between work and life is a vital disease prevention measure. Once again, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1389, ``Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day.'' This resolution commends the millions of fathers who serve as wonderful, caring parents for their children. It simultaneously calls on fathers across the United States (1) reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children's lives; and (2) express their love and support for their children, not only on Father's Day, but everyday. Fathers all over the United States are involved in their children's lives in multitude ways that go beyond the traditional roles of economic provider. Fathers are also involved by having direct contact with their children, engagement; making themselves available to their children even when they are not in physical contact, accessibility; and taking responsibility for their children's care and welfare, again regardless of physical proximity, responsibility. For this reason and many others, I salute the millions of fathers who have embraced the attributes of fatherhood. However, this piece of legislation also recognizes the need for fathers to take there place in their children's lives and become more involved. The statistics on children without an active father in their lives are alarming: 63 percent of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (U.S. Department Of Health/Census)--5 times the average 90 percent of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes--32 times the average 85 percent of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes--20 times the average. (Center for Disease Control) 80 percent of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes--14 times the average. (Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26) 71 percent of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes--9 times the average. (National Principals Association Report) 75 percent of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes--10 times the average. (Rainbows for All God's Children) 70 percent of youths in State-operated institutions come from fatherless homes--9 times the average. (U.S. Department of Justice, Sept. 1988) 85 percent of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes--20 times the average. (Fulton Co. Georgia, Texas Department of Correction) Clearly, fathers represent a lot more than just a paycheck to a child; they represent safety, protection, guidance, friendship, and someone to look up to. This resolution urges men to understand the level of responsibility fathering a child requires, especially in the encouragement of the mental, moral, social, academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual development of children. In conclusion, not only is this issue imperative to the development of the future of America's youth, but also to the prosperity of the country as a whole. I am diligently seeking ways to bring families back together and this resolution can be the catalyze to promote such unity; by promoting fathers who already exemplify these qualities. I must pay tribute to my own father Ezra C. Jackson. I thank him for being a father to my brother Michael and me. For also being a grandfather to our children. He was God-fearing, funny and a great mentor to young men who were not his children. Thank you Dad for being in my life, although you are no longer with us--your guidance will always be appreciated.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank the gentleman for his leadership, and I thank the full Committee on Ways and Means for being a lifeline for small businesses. And I ask my colleagues on the floor of the House to join them. Without this effort, small business doors across America will close. And, frankly, I believe it is important. As my colleague just said, let us walk the walk and talk the talk. For it is now time to invest in small businesses, which, in actuality, create the backbone of the economy of America and provide for employment in our rural and urban areas across this Nation. In fact, I think it is important to note this bill is paid for. By closing the black liquor loophole and the gift loophole, it will create $8 billion to ensure that we can do the right thing for our small businesses. I come from an area that is now being impacted by a major oil spill. I visit businesses whose doors are closing for lack of assistance. And I'm glad that we have a President who realizes who is important and is ready to sign this bill. Small businesses are in need. And so what we have here is an opportunity for banks to refocus their lending policies and give startup credit and access to dollars to help build these small businesses. Many of us heard of the redirection of the moneys that we lent to big banks in order to help them help America. Well, unfortunately, they couldn't find the doors of small businesses, many of my constituents. And so I am eager to have this legislation passed that's paid for to provide startup costs for small businesses that always have had a major impediment in getting in the door of these banks. Therefore, any relief for small startups is a plus by increasing the amount allowed to be deducted from the bottom line. And the capital gains issues as well that will be very important. I believe, finally, we need to hold these banks accountable by asking them to provide a plan to ensure that they are providing lending to these businesses. I ask for support of this legislation. I rise in support of the Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act of 2010, H.R. 5486. I also want to thank Chairman Sandy Levin and the members of the Committee on Ways and Means for their hard work on this legislation. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for small business job creation, and for other purposes. This bill provides targeted relief for the Nation's small businesses. Without this relief, many small businesses will close, adding to the U.S. unemployment rate, still historically high at 9.7 percent. The tax relief in this bill will begin to address a number of issues confronting the owners of small businesses: (1) Start-up costs for small businesses have always been a major impediment to their success. Therefore, any relief for small businesses start-ups is a plus. By increasing the amount allowed to be deducted from the bottom line, a small business can then use the additional resources to grow and to expand his or her business. The bill would increase the deductible amount for start-up costs from the current $5000.00 to $20,000.00 for 2010 and 2011. (2) The bill also eases restrictions on real estate holdings where qualified Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) loans are involved. (3) This bill will increase, from 50 percent to 100 percent, the exclusion from gross income of the gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock acquired after March 15, 2010, and before January 1, 2012. By reducing the tax liability related to gains on the sale of small business stock, this will free resources to be used for other business purposes in this tight economy. (4) Another important provision in the bill will exclude from gross income any amount paid under the small business borrower assistance program. Again, tax relief in any shape or form for small businesses is critical to sustained economic growth and economic recovery. In addition to these tax reliefs, the bill also requires the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue to provide annual reports to Congress on penalties relating to tax shelters and other transactions. Any additional measure designed to promote transparency and accountability must be supported. Again, this bill is a timely measure that will grant relief to a major segment of the Nation's business sector, suffering from the lasting effects of the worst recession in our history. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5486.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank my colleague from Ohio very much, and I am delighted to be able to join her, and as well my chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus and other Members who I know have a great interest in this area of reminding the American people of the great strides that we have made in the passing of this outstanding new attitude for health care in America. It is long overdue, and it was an enormous struggle. I can remember that weekend of March 2010 and the week that led up to it and the days that we stayed over on Saturday to gather our resources and to continue to work and to push, working and ensuring that the Senate would bring the bill over to the House so on that Sunday, we could cast a vote for what has to be a monumental change in American life and will go down as a monumental move in American history. Just a few minutes ago, I had the privilege of listening to our Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary Vilsack, and he reminded us of how diverse America is. Rural America, for example, with all of its needs and all of its specialness--of course, just on the floor of the House, we stood in silence to acknowledge the loss of lives in rural Arkansas in a terrible flooding. And then he expressed the inequity in terms of poverty in some of our rural communities and the need for investment in that community. And I would venture to say that alongside of that investment, this health care bill, which as our chairwoman just said, it is not respective of region or what party you're in or who represents your district; you will have access to health care. That means that many of the rural Americans, some of whom scratch their survival out of the earth, some of whom are still tenant farmers, some may have small family farms, and many of them have sacrificed to invest in those farms and have probably ignored the need for health care because of the cost. Now we have that opportunity to ensure that those Americans, hardworking Americans who put bread on our table, have the ability to provide for their family. The Secretary made mention of the fact of the First Lady's commitment to, in essence, stamping out obesity, particularly in our children. This health care bill provides for preventative measures, preventative care, and a focus on nutrition and an emphasis on helping children, something long overdue. And it compliments the First Lady's effort and the Secretary of Agriculture's acknowledging that we must have healthy foods, for example, in our school cafeterias to make healthy children. But at the same time, it is important to note that that child who may be obese as we speak should have access to some form of health care. Now, with the passage of this health care bill, that child will have that opportunity to have a better life, a healthier life, to have a nutrition plan--we don't like to call plans for children diets, but a good healthy nutrition plan that can be governed by their family practitioner now or their pediatrician, to which they will have access, either through the National Exchange or through health care that now this family farm or their family can purchase. Just a week or so ago, during Memorial Day week, I had the privilege of announcing a $1 million grant that was to allow an inner city hospital--the only African American hospital in the State of Texas, and one of very few in the Nation--to receive a grant to servicemembers and their families, active duty servicemembers and their families for PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. We know that is a prominent and prevalent condition that many of our soldiers are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan and have been impacted by that. But what about mental health and the need for mental health care across America that people who have had mental health concerns have literally suffered because we never had parity in our health care insurance coverage? It has never been required federally until recently. The legislation, of course, shepherded by the late Senator Ted Kennedy, and our friend and colleague, his son, Patrick Kennedy. But for so many years, we did not have mental parity; insurance companies could ignore it. Just think if you would ignore the servicemen and their families who are impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder. Well, many Americans feel isolated with mental health concerns and not being able to access good care. This health care bill turns a corner on mental health care, and I want to say to the American public that physical illness has no position to be raised up over a mental health condition. There should be no stigma, and you should have access to as good a care for a physical ailment, a broken arm, an upset stomach, diabetes, kidney disease, terrible diseases, of course, but you should equally have access to mental health care. Well, this health care bill allows that to happen, and I think that that is a step forward for the American people. It's good to note that families who have raised children who are now entering the work world or looking for work and coming out of college, used to be an enormous burden of, how do I care for my child when they have aged out of my insurance? Well, now we have the opportunity for them to remain on the insurance until 26. But let me give an admonition--and I think this is going to be important for the Congress to do. In the legislation, there are several oversight provisions in the bill--in fact, our own Congressional Black Caucus, working with Congresswoman Edwards and some others, were very insistent on making sure that the raising of the cost did not inappropriately or unfairly burden middle class, upper middle class Americans, just by the nature of who it falls on. But the other aspect of it is, the rumor is that if insurance companies are required to keep children on until they're 26, that ugly word of ``increased cost'' is going to rise. What I would say is that we need to pay attention to the actuarial tables and the database that suggest how many times a 26-year-old or under utilizes health care and not let insurance companies just willy-nilly on their own regard, on their own basis make the determination, well, they're giving me something to do, I'm going to raise the cost, because that's what people are afraid of. We have to say to the American public, we're going to be your watchdog in the United States Congress and ensure that that doesn't happen. Let me also take note of the federally qualified health care clinic. I'm excited about that. I debated this some years before when we were talking about trying to put more funding into the legislation to increase the number of federally qualified health clinics even before this health care bill because for a long time, these clinics were not even known about. But the idea to be able to walk out your front door and walk down your block and go to a health care facility that is not an emergency room will make an enormous difference on the healthiness of Americans, preventative care. Right now I am, in my community, assessing different locations in my congressional district that a federally qualified health clinic would be suitable; the population, the partnership, 501(C)(3)s, and petitioners who would want that to be in their neighborhood. I'm excited about it. And I'm excited about the Martin Luther King Center. That is a health clinic that I helped fund so many years ago when their doors were about to close. They are not only open today, but they have sprung two more Federally qualified clinics in order to be able to serve the public. This is a good investment. As was indicated earlier, our small businesses will finally be able to spell the word relief, r-e-l-i-e-f. They will be able to say, I will be able to not only pay for the owners, but my employees will be able to get insurance, and that is a great mechanism. And we should not let anyone, in essence, dump on our parade. We should not let anyone miscalculate or mischaracterize, if you will, how much of an impact the small business tax exemption will be for those small businesses to allow them to be able to provide health insurance for their employees. Small businesses are the backbone of America. They are probably the largest employers of the American economy. They want to provide insurance for those mothers and fathers who work for them every day, who are committed and dedicated--sometimes they are mothers and fathers with family businesses--and now they will be able to do so, and I believe that is very important. The doughnut hole was the most horrific vote that was taken here in the United States Congress some years ago, which was for Medicare part D. We lasted on the floor of the House until 6 o'clock because our friends on the other side of the aisle could not get a vote until they squeezed it out of some of our colleagues. It was horrific. For those who don't understand it, it means that you pay for your prescription drugs, which are going through the roof, until you, as a senior, fall in the hole because you've gotten a catastrophic illness, and they will wind up paying for you. What an atrocity. We're going to close that hole in the next 2 years. As well, right now, seniors should be receiving $250 checks in their hands. We recognize the undermining of your health care because of Medicare part D. First of all, it was unrealistically expensive, and certainly, it was a plan that we Democrats have indicated was a wrong- headed decision. Obviously, we have been proven right. Part of our deficit, which was spoken so loudly about by the other side of the aisle, was caused by Medicare part D, and the large majority of our party, our caucus, voted against it. Really, it was a wrong-headed direction to take. Here is another negative that the naysayers would say: well, you can hardly get into doctors' offices today. How are you going to get into their offices now? They're standing in line. I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able to see a doctor. They were scaring seniors with that kind of information. Well, I think that when people are inclined to serve, there is a great deal of love and affection for the medical profession. Yet one of the reasons we don't have the numbers is that we have not been able to give people opportunities. It is very expensive training, so we will be engaged in providing resources to train nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians. We will actually have resources to give young people who want to go into that profession. I spoke at the High School for Health Professions in my district. They have a diverse student body, but many of them are not going into the health profession. Yet many are, and more would if they had the resources to do so. So we are excited about that. As I focus on closing on some of these points, let me quickly bring something in that you might not think is related to the health care bill, but it is. The BP oil spill is plaguing the gulf coast. More importantly, there is human devastation, if you will. There is the devastation of not working in the shrimping, fishing and oyster industries. There are some energy industry workers who are now not working as well. All of those individuals were probably living off their salaries or off the revenue that they brought in day to day and month to month. I would imagine that some of those individuals did not have health insurance. They might have even been paying a fee for service because they made choices of putting money into businesses as opposed to into health care. Well, now we have an opportunity for these individuals, if they are at risk, to either go into a high-risk pool or to prospectively be able to go into a health exchange to be able to get the most cost-effective health insurance that they might be able to get. With that in mind, I would like to indict, if you will, those States for refusing to get into the health exchange program, like my State, which has the highest number of uninsured, as evidenced by Dr. Oz, who came to Houston, but also as evidenced by the data that says that Texas needs opportunities for people to be insured. So I would hope that we would have the kind of energy and excitement around this idea of the health exchange so that States would have to engage in it because the people would rise up and would say that they wanted it. Of course, under this bill, hospitals which have been facing increasing costs with no compensation now will have the opportunity to be paid for uncompensated care. We hope those numbers will go down now because, obviously, if they go down, it will mean more people will have gotten their own insurance; but just in case, these hospitals will have that. I want to close on these last two points which I think are unique to the Congressional Black Caucus. One is to express great applause to the CBC Health Care Task Force with Dr. Donna Christensen and to the Tri- Caucus health effort, because out of that effort came the very important language on disparities or on the continuing work on disparities that we see amongst our minority population, such as with regard to diabetes, kidney failure, heart failure, and such as with regard to devastating breast cancer. These are elements that are clearly as a result of disparities that were not addressed, and I think we will see more opportunities for clinicals where minorities will be used so we will be able to find causes and will begin to find cures for some of these devastating diseases in the minority community. Lastly, our work is yet unfinished. I worked very hard on the issue of physician-owned hospitals. Many of us thought that the passage of the bill was worthy of our looking down the road and of our making sure that we would cure that problem. It is a serious problem because these hospitals were stigmatized as hospitals that were all for-profit and not for service. I know for a fact that the hospitals that are in the State of Texas which hire or which have at least 40,000-plus employees are serving their constituents with OB/GYN and with full service care. One of the hospitals in my district was the only hospital that had a wing dedicated to H1N1 when it was rampant here in the United States. I am looking forward to the leaders of these hospitals having the opportunity to come back to Washington to sit down with our leadership and to talk about making sure that these hospitals are not discriminated against as it relates to Medicare reimbursement. Some language allows that to happen in the bill, but it is a very peculiar formula that may not match all of the needs of the constituents who need to be taken care of by these hospitals. So I thank the distinguished gentlelady from Ohio for her constant leadership. She has a great medical community in Cleveland, a community that certainly was engaged in this process of putting together this very, very strong health care reform bill, historic in its own efforts; and I thank her for her leadership. My final words are: it is never easy to make hard decisions. We said that as we debated and as we compared this to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and to the 1965 Voting Rights Act. There were many in their home districts who threatened them for taking that vote. Where would America be today if we had not taken the strides to break down the shackles of discrimination to allow all Americans to vote? I hope and I pray and I believe that we will have the same opportunity to look back on history in 2010 and will be able to say how we have changed the lives of Americans and how we have saved the lives of Americans. With that, I yield back to the gentlelady, and I thank her again for her leadership.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Oberstar, thank you for your leadership. Chairman Cummings, as well, thank you for your leadership. The Coast Guard is poised in the gulf working overtime, waiting for this drawdown, which is a reimbursable drawdown. But we have to do something now. We have to do something for the shrimpers, the fishermen, the oystermen, the restaurants. We have to do something for the people who are bleeding and need our help. This is a BP problem, but it is an oil industry problem. We have to see them rise to the occasion, to develop a better claims system, to develop a recovery plan. But right now, the Coast Guard, as told to us in a meeting with them last week with Chairman Cummings and Chairwoman Brown, they need the money now. This is an important step. We can go back and look at the noes, but we've got to say yes today. Vote for this legislation. I also wish to thank Senator Reid for introducing this very important piece of legislation in such a timely manner. Today, I rise in support of S. 3473, an amendment that would authorize advances from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund as created by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. BP is dragging its heels on the oil spill cleanup. The sooner we can get the wheels turning on the cleanup, the sooner we can make families whole again and ensure a safe environment for the Americans that had to bear the brunt of this disaster of mammoth proportions. Releasing some of the funds from the aforementioned trust will allow individuals to be able to support themselves in their Gulf-based industry. Just yesterday I testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and proposed legislation that would allow for the release of 100 million dollars from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. The sooner we address the problem, the more likely we are to prevent more extensive damage. It has been well noted that BP's efforts alone will not suffice. As members of Congress, we must do everything we can to address and resolve this crisis in the most expedient manner, and releasing these funds will allow for a more efficient response. This amendment would provide a much-needed source of recourse and restitution for those victimized by this environmental disaster of massive proportions, caused by the April 20, 2010 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil vessel. It will also provide an avenue for accountability, which should be assigned, appropriately, to the parties responsible for imposing such suffering on the residents of the Gulf Coast area. We are all very much aware of the hardship that has been inflicted upon the people in the Gulf Coast region. The oil, gushing at a rate of at least 12,000 to 19,000 barrels a day, has now spread over 42 miles beyond the spill site, 3,300 miles beneath the surface of the ocean. In its most concentrated areas, oil plumes created by the spill are sometimes over 15 miles long and 1,500 feet thick, depths below the water. This does not even account for the immense volume of oil which is less concentrated, but still very much diluted with the water of the Gulf Coast. The immediate effects of the spill are being felt as far west as Houma, Louisiana, and as far east as the Apalachicola Bay in Florida. Not only have there been serious environmental effects, but marine wildlife has been seriously impeded by the developments. Fishermen and workers in related industries are being deprived of their very source of income and livelihood. Even further, there are health effects resulting from the disaster that are increasing in number, daily. According to a recent CNN article, there have been 71 reported cases of oil disaster related health problems ranging anywhere from headaches and coughing to more serious ailments. Additionally, the oil has reached shorelines across the coast, and is affecting beaches and their patrons. It is imperative not only that the victims and potential claimants be afforded a source of recourse for the significant interruption of their way of life, but that the remedy process be made available in a timely fashion, as the effects of the oil spill are being compounded every day. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, adopted in response to the Exxon Valdez Alaska oil spill in 1989, governs the claims process associated with the British Petroleum disaster. According to the Act, any party liable for any threat or actual discharge of oil from a vessel or facility to navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the exclusive economic zone of the United States, is responsible for all cleanup costs incurred. Additionally, claimants may recover damages for injury to natural resources, loss of personal property, economic losses, and loss of subsistence use of natural resources. However, the Act caps economic damages at $75 million from the party or parties responsible for an oil spill. Seventy five million dollars is simply insufficient to compensate the victims of such a massive disaster. The law was passed in light of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. That spill was considered to be one of the largest environmental disasters in history, and involved the disgorgement of at least 10.8 million gallons of crude oil into Alaska waters. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.