Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1003; a resolution entitled ``Expressing support for the designation of January 10, 2010, through January 16, 2010, as National Influenza Vaccination Week,'' and which also expresses the sentiments of the House of Representatives that preventing the spread of influenza and other infectious diseases should be a priority of all American citizens. It is important that we recognize the important role that immunizations have in protecting Americans from influenza outbreaks. Seasonal influenza causes more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the U.S. every year, and is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. It is important that we mitigate this great threat to our citizens and equip all Americans with the necessary preventative measures to effectively combat both the seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 Influenza strain. The flu can be very disruptive to business and trade as well. The economic and financial costs of seasonal influenza in the United States can be devastating due to employee absence from work, the high cost associated with medical care and the draw down in the financial activity of persons infected with the flu. In addition, lost earnings due to illness and loss of life amounted to over $15 billion annually and the total economic burden of annual influenza epidemics amounts to over $80 billion. Again, it is important for us to alleviate this growing stress on our nation's economic and financial systems by equipping our citizens with the necessary tools to fight the flu. Furthermore, both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 Influenza strain can be disruptive to important American pastimes such as cultural events as well as sporting events. In the event of a highly contagious infectious outbreak it would be likely that large gatherings of people could be cancelled in order to prevent the unnecessary spread of disease. By informing American citizens of the benefits of influenza vaccines however, we can attempt to prohibit the influenza bug from spreading. In addition it is important that American citizens remain vigilant in the fight against the H1N1 Influenza strain. There are currently over 135 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine available to Americans. It is important that citizens weigh the costs and benefits of such a shot before receiving it, but it is important for citizens to remain informed. For the very young and the elderly it can be very helpful in preventing disease but may also prevent unnecessary death. That is why it is important for Americans to understand both the necessity and benefit that seasonal flu shots provide for its citizens. This is also the reason I ask for your support of this resolution. The increased awareness that would come from designating the week of January 10, 2010 through January 16, 2010 as ``National Influenza Vaccination Week'' would serve to provide American citizens with the important information needed to prevent a larger-than-normal influenza outbreak as well as provide the necessary preventative measures to those who are at a higher risk for influenza-related complications. I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage all Americans as well as those from my home town of Houston, Texas to get vaccinated against both the seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 Influenza strain. I would especially encourage people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children, young adults, caretakers of infants, and healthcare workers to get vaccinated in preparation for a possible third wave of H1N1 flu. Officially establishing the week of January 10, 2010, through January 16, 2010 as ``National Influenza Vaccination Week,'' would seek to improve the lives of our citizens as well as increase our citizen's awareness of the importance of both seasonal as well as H1N1 Influenza vaccinations. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I also ask my colleagues for their continued support in the fight against infectious and contagious diseases.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 990, ``Expressing support for designation of January 2010 as ``National Mentoring Month'' and for other purposes, introduced by my distinguished colleague from Minnesota, Representative McCollum. ``National Mentoring Month,'' since January 2002, has been a national initiative and an annual campaign focusing attention on the need of mentors to mentees, and to promote youth mentoring with the message that, ``If we--individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities, and nonprofits--can work together to increase the number of mentors, we assure brighter futures for our young people.'' This annual initiative and campaign is spearheaded by the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Arizona Senator John McCain, music producer Quincy Jones, poet Maya Angelou, music recording artist Usher, and actor Clint Eastwood, have all endorsed the campaigns for National Mentoring Month. A highlight of the campaign is the ``Thank You Mentor Day,'' in which mentees thank and honor their mentors for their mentorship. Mentees are encouraged to reach out to their mentors to express their appreciation. Mentees also have the options of posting a tribute to their mentor or mentors on WhoMentoredYou.org, to become a mentor in their local communities, and/ or make a financial contribution to a mentoring program. Dr. Jay A. Winsten, as associate dean at the Harvard School of Public Health stated that, ``Youth mentoring is a highly effective public health intervention. Research has shown that programs that rely on volunteer mentors can play a powerful role in reducing drug abuse and youth violence, while greatly enhancing a young person's prospects for leading a healthy and productive life.'' Mentoring is a long-standing tradition where mentors provide guidance, support, encouragement and aid in promoting positive outcomes, in the areas of career and social development in helping young people realize and reach their full potential. I agree with Ms. Nicola Goren, the Director of the Corporation, in the regard that, ``Our nation's success depends on helping every child succeed and reach their full potential in life and that mentoring strengthens our nation's economic and social well-being by influencing the life choices of young people with a caring adult.'' More than 4,700 mentoring programs in communities of all sizes across the United States focus on building strong relationships and 3,000,000 young people are in mentoring programs throughout the United States. In making January a month-long celebration of mentoring, it will call action to the important role and responsibility that all mentors play in the shaping of the young people of America, and will encourage more individuals and organizations to become engaged in this nationwide effort across this great Nation in building awareness of this national initiative and campaign for mentorship for our youth. I would like to personally encourage all the members of Congress to either become a mentor or to encourage a friend or family member today to become a mentor, not only for our youth, but for this country.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am reminded of some of the tougher times in this Nation. Maybe it was the Vietnam War, when Members had to vote their consciences. I was not in Congress at that time. It might have been even further back when LBJ, Lyndon Baines Johnson, had to lead on making a body of people in this Nation equal with the 1964 Civil Rights Act and with the 1965 Voting Rights Act. I imagine it was difficult, and I imagine there were people who said, This is the wrong way to go. We've often said on this floor, Don't watch polling in politics. Watch your heart and what is right for America. I believe the issues dealing with job creation and good health care for America are good, and the latest polls and elections don't daunt our spirits. We are working with those on the other side of the aisle. We are working with the American people. We do want transparency, but I, for one, am not going to step away from helping people get the best health care they can. We don't know the timing of it. Maybe tomorrow. Yet the idea to feel crushed or crumbled because of some actions that deal in politics is not the way to exercise your conscience and to do what is right for America. That's what we will do in this country and in this Congress, and I will stand on that side.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4462, to accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of victims of the earthquakes in Haiti, introduced by my illustrious colleague Representative Charles B. Rangel, from New York. This legislation will allow qualifying charitable donations for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti that are made between January 11, 2010, and March 1, 2010, to be treated as if such contributions were made in 2009, rather than in 2010. This will give Americans even more incentive to give to the relief efforts in Haiti. Madam Speaker, the world witnessed the vivid devastation of Haiti's strongest earthquake in more than two centuries on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 which rocked the very core of the Caribbean. With thousands reported dead and thousands more estimated to be counted in that group, it has been the custom and the unstipulated duty of the American people to help our fellow world citizens in their time of desperation and need! I have the honor and privilege to represent and serve a city such as Houston, Texas, which has, time and time again, shown its generosity and caring spirits, to anyone who is in need. This is why this bill is very significant; notwithstanding our current economic condition, America is STILL doing what it does best, giving much needed aid and hope to whomever is in need. We are already playing a key role in both security and much-needed funds in Haiti. This bill will identify a qualified contribution as ``a cash contribution made for the relief of victims in areas affected by the earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010'' and will give much needed tax relief to the many companies and private citizens who have already given millions of dollars to the relief efforts. The passage of this bill will cultivate more donations for the people of Haiti by ``accelerating the tax benefit for certain charitable cash contributions made for the victims of the earthquake.'' We are not reinventing the wheel; similar changes to tax law were done after the tsunami that struck Thailand and Indonesia in December 2004 and other tax considerations were put in place after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005. The bill would waive the current law provision that limits charitable deductions to 50% of a taxpayer's income and 10% for Corporations. It is also in the United States' best interest, especially pertaining to foreign policy, to help, in any capacity, the relief and ultimate recovery of the nation of Haiti; it will also help govern the global message of ``goodwill'', which our President deems necessary for the prosperity of us all. For these reasons, I deeply support this legislation and implore my colleagues to join me in this endeavor.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1010, Celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 30th anniversary of the Stevie Wonder song tribute to Dr. King, ``Happy Birthday,'' introduced by my distinguished colleague from Michigan, Representative Conyers. The first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal holiday was officially observed on January 20, 1986, and was celebrated with a concert headlined by Stevie Wonder, who has, in the years since, continued his commitment to promoting peace and equality, for which he has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Stevie Wonder encouraged the establishment of a Federal holiday in recognition of Dr. King on his album sleeve for ``Hotter Than July'' by expressing that, ``I and a growing number of people believe that it is time for our country to adopt legislation that will make January 15, Martin Luther King's birthday, a national holiday, both in recognition of what he achieved and as a reminder of the distance which still has to be traveled.'' The tribute song ``Happy Birthday,'' became a rallying cry that led to 6,000,000 signatures supporting a Federal holiday in honor of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legislation designating the third Monday of January as a Federal holiday in observance of Dr. Marin Luther King, Jr. occurred on November 3, 1983, was signed into law. This campaign secured a Federal holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lasted for fifteen years with the 1980 Stevie Wonder song solidified the campaign's success. The life and work of Dr. King, to advance justice, equality, and peace for an entire human race ended prematurely when he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, while he was challenging the wages and treatment of Memphis sanitation workers. Four days after the assassination of Dr. King, on April 8, 1968, Representative John Conyers, Jr. introduced legislation to recognize civil rights leader Dr. King with a Federal holiday coinciding with his birthday on January 15, 1929. Stevie Wonder dedicated his album sleeve for ``Hotter Than July,'' an album released on September 29, 1980, and upon which ``Happy Birthday'' is recorded, to Dr. King, with an inscription that read, ``Martin Luther King, Jr. showed us, non-violently, a better way of life, a way of mutual respect, helping us to avoid much bitter confrontation and inevitable bloodshed.'' On January 17, 2000, for the first time, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was officially observed in all fifty states. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a dreamer. His dreams were a tool through which he was able to lift his mind beyond the reality of his segregated society, and into a realm where it was possible that white and black, red and brown, and all others live and work alongside each other and prosper. But Martin Luther King, Jr. was not just an idle daydreamer. He shared his visions through speeches that motivated others to join in his nonviolent effort to lift themselves from poverty and isolation by creating a new America where equal justice and institutions were facts of life. It appears that too many of our nation's young people have forgotten how to dream. They have forgotten what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us, when he started his journey towards equality--with peace in his heart and the dream of equality in his eyes. Today, children and young people often ask: ``What is a dream?'' or ``How can it change my life?'' We must once again introduce our young people to the life of Dr. King and his enduring dream. His vision is still so pertinent today, our lives continue to be shaped by his efforts. A young Martin managed to find a dream, one that he pieced together from his readings--in the Bible, and literature, and just about any other book he could get his hands on. And not only did those books help him educate himself, but they also allowed him to work through the destructive and traumatic experiences of blatant discrimination, and the discriminatory abuse inflicted on himself, his family, and his people. The life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was properly captured in Dr. King's most famed speech, ``I Have A Dream,'' on August 28, 1963, when he said, ``I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: `We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' '' The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is continued today, as evidenced by the work of organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which is currently led by Dr. King's daughter, Bernice King, and was at one time led by Dr. King's son, Martin Luther King, III. In addition to organizations, the legacy of Dr. King continues on today with people in the United States and throughout the world, with individual acts of compassion, courage, and peace. This legislation will benefit the well-being of the public as it celebrates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 30th anniversary of the Stevie Wonder tribute song to Dr. King. It recognizes the legacy left by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with commitments to freedom, equality, and justice, as exhibited by Stevie Wonder and so many others; and finally, encourages the people of the United States to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King by renewing pledges to advance those principles and actions that are consistent with Dr. King's belief that ``all men are created equal.'' As such, I strongly support this legislation and urge my colleagues to join me and do the same.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Moving forward, we will focus on relief efforts for the children, providing more medical care and, yes, insisting on making sure that we rebuild this great city and this great nation. We can do this. We are standing by their side. We will not leave them alone. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1021--``Expressing Condolences to and Solidarity with the People of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating Earthquake of January 12th, 2010.'' As you know, on Tuesday, January 12th, a massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince. There is still no official estimate of death or destruction but the damage to buildings is extensive and the number of injured or dead is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands. Haiti sits on a large fault that has caused catastrophic quakes in the past, but this one was described as among the most powerful to hit the region within the last 200 years. With many poor residents living in tin-roof shacks that sit precariously on steep ravines and with much of the construction in Port-au-Prince and elsewhere in the country of questionable quality, the expectation was that the quake caused major damage to buildings and significant loss of life. The dimensions of the disaster are still unfolding, but Haiti's Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told CNN that he believes there are well over 100,000 dead, and leading senator Youri Latortue estimated the number at possibly as high as 500,000, according the Associated Press. America is responding, and will continue to respond with immediate humanitarian assistance to help the people of this struggling island nation rebuild their livelihoods. I send my condolences to the people and government of Haiti as they grieve once again in the aftermath of a natural disaster. As Haiti's neighbor, I believe it is the United States' responsibility to help Haiti recover, and build the capacity to mitigate against future disasters. America and her allies have already initiated a comprehensive, interagency response to the earthquake. The State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, USAID--all worked overnight to ensure critical resources were positioned to support the response and recovery effort, including efforts to find and assist American citizens in Haiti. Within days of last week's devastating earthquake, U.S. Southern Command deployed a team of 30 people to Haiti to support U.S. relief efforts in the aftermath of one of the largest natural disasters in the western hemisphere. The team included U.S. military engineers, operational planners, and a command and control group and communication specialists arriving on two C-130 Hercules aircraft. Since, there has been a tremendous interagency response with support and partnering with U.S. Embassy personnel as well as Haitian, United Nations and international officials to assess the situation and facilitate follow- on U.S. military support. Our friends in the international community must also be commended for their efforts. The United Nations is releasing $10 million from its emergency funds. The European Commission has approved C3 million ($4.37 million) with more funds likely. Countless other nations from Germany, to China, to Israel to Mexico to have also pledged support. I commend each of these nations for coming to our neighboring nation in dire need of assistance. Many of my constituents have asked what they can do to help, or how they can find their loved ones. Those who are interested in helping immediately can text `HAITI' to `90999' and a donation of $10 will be made automatically to the Red Cross for relief efforts. The donation will be charged to your cell phone bill. The outpouring of support and funding from the American people was both instant and sustained. According to the Washington Post, the text messaging effort raised $5 million in its first day, breaking the previous one-day record of about $450,000. Text-message donations continue to play a larger-than-expected role in the push for earthquake relief in Haiti. As of late Sunday, the American Red Cross said that it had collected pledges of about $103 million, including $22 million through the text donation program. Each donor should be proud of their contribution to help their brothers and sisters in Haiti. Financially, 2009 was not an easy year for many Americans. Although thousands of jobs were created and we are back on the road to economic recovery, Americans lived on tighter budgets than usual. This legislation passed today will allow those Americans who have generously donated money to Haiti to receive their tax break this year instead of next year. In January of 2005, Congress enacted this type of relief for individuals that made charitable contributions to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in late December of 2004. That bill (H.R. 241 in the 109th Congress) passed the House of Representatives without objection and subsequently passed the Senate by unanimous consent. I hope that this legislation, like our response to the 2004 tsunami, will encourage Americans to contribute more money to Haiti. As Haiti starts on its long recovery, every dollar is critically important. Americans have responded in great numbers, and I am proud to represent such a compassionate and generous nation. Americans are not only giving their money, they are also giving their time and expertise as well. This weekend, I arranged for a team of seven doctors, six nurses, two techs, and two search and rescue volunteers to fly to Haiti and provide immediate humanitarian support. This team led by Dr. Richard Toussaint from Forest Park Medical Center in Dallas Texas arrived in Haiti just after noon on Saturday. From there, the doctors made their way to Hospital Sacre-Couer where, in roughly two days, they performed about 70 amputations, surgically treated about 150 patients, and saw about 600 patients total. I commend this team of medical personnel for their selfless actions and willingness to spend their own time and money to come to the aid of people they had never met. Additionally, I hosted a Houston-based Haiti relief effort called ``Texans helping Haitians'' with city leadership and the Haitian community in the aftermath of this horrible disaster. Groups included in the effort to provide supplies and medical assistance to Haiti were: Texas Medical Center, Texas Dental Association, Search and Rescue Organizations, the Haitian Multicultural Association, Haitian Caribbean Organization of Texas, Caribbean Impact Foundation, and Haiti Counts. We also helped coordinate the safe return of six Houston Rotarians that were stranded in the mountains and we are now working with Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance on the transport of orphans to awaiting families here in the U.S. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been highly involved in strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Haiti. I have worked to establish positive and productive partnerships with local development officials, non-profit organizations, and the Haitian Diaspora to establish a strong web of support for the nation of Haiti. In collaboration with the Congressional Black Caucus, I have been a continual advocate of providing assistance to Haiti to strengthen their fragile democratic processes, continue to improve security, and promote economic development among other concerns such the protection of human rights, combating narcotics, arms, and human trafficking, addressing Haitian migration, and alleviating poverty. Last year, I introduced H.R. 264, the ``Save Immigration Comprehensive Act of 2009.'' Among other things, this act authorizes adjustment of status for certain nationals or citizens of Haiti as well as amends the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 to: (1) waive document fraud as a ground of inadmissibility; and (2) address determinations with respect to children. In the wake of last week's earthquake, I am happy to see that the Obama Administration decided to extend temporary protection status to Haitians facing deportation. Once again, I am devastated by the immeasurable tragedy that occurred in Haiti. Along with my colleagues, I hope to visit Haiti in the near future to meet with their leaders and see what the United States can do to rebuild the shattered livelihoods.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank the chairwoman very much, and I thank her for her leadership on this issue, joined with the chairman of the full committee and the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and Chairman Berman; the Congressional Black Caucus; and so many Members who have issued their outpouring of support. I thank Chairman Payne for his continued efforts, and I thank all of the Members who have sizable populations of Haitians in their districts. There is a very active Haitian American population in Houston, Texas. We have been working. We have been pouring out our hearts, but we've also rolled up our sleeves. I believe there are several issues, as we support this resolution, that should be focused on. One, we must have a long-term response, a Marshall Plan, in essence, to help rebuild Haiti. Two, we must deal with the immediate crisis, emergency, loss of life, loss of loved ones, the ability to have medical care, and, yes, protecting our offerings. So my community met on this past Saturday with the county government, the State government, the city government, Mayor Annise Parker and her representatives, the fire department, and our National and Texas Reserve, committing ourselves the resources and assets to be able to be of assistance. I was delighted to have been able to send from Texas two plane-loads of doctors, nurses and medical supplies, led by Dr. Richard Toussaint, where this past weekend they were able to do 150 surgeries and 600 visits.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am overwhelmed as I have seen the outpouring of support for the Haitian people and also the concern of this Congress. I would ask that we move forward on one particular interest and concern, and that is the orphans of Haiti. Already before the earthquake there were 1.5 million orphans. Now, we have seen hundreds of thousands of children who are now without parents. Over the weekend, I was able to secure and be able to send two planeloads of doctors and nurses and supplies. Thank you, Texas. In that they were operating on a number of individuals, particularly children, 150 surgeries, 600 patients, it is important that we are able to airlift the most badly injured of children and others, particularly children, out of Haiti. I will be introducing legislation and working with the administration to establish refugee status so these children can be airlifted in an organized manner to have surgery; otherwise, they will die. It is important for us to join together, both sides of the aisle, to find constructive ways to expedite caring for those who are now dying. Our children are our priority. As Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, that will be my focus, to save the children of Haiti.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today in support of H. Res. 1008, ``Honoring the contributions of Catholic schools.'' I would like to begin by thanking my colleague Representative Lipinski for introducing this resolution in the House, as quality education should be at the top of our priority list. I urge my colleagues to support and acknowledge Catholic schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education and improving and strengthening our communities and our nation as a whole. Catholic schools deliver high-quality education, challenge students to reach their full potential, and provide thousands of families throughout the United States with outstanding educational options for their children. Today, there are over 6,000 Catholic schools serving around 2,200,000 school children across the nation. In addition to their service to our nation as a whole, Catholic schools also play an important role in the education of over 18,000 school children in my home city of Houston, Texas. Within the city of Houston there are currently 39 Catholic schools, which educate children from kindergarten through high school, and there are 24 other Catholic schools within the greater Houston metropolitan area. Catholic schools have consistently demonstrated their commitment to high academic standards, small class sizes and new and innovative approaches to education. Many parents choose Catholic schools due to their small class sizes with an average student- teacher ratio of about 14 to 1. Catholic schools have also continually demonstrated their success in educating students, boasting a 99 percent high school graduation rate with 97 percent of Catholic high school graduates going on to higher education. This impressive rate of students that go on to higher education has served as a great resource not only to the communities in which these students live, but also to our nation as a whole. Our nation's Catholic schools are engaged in educating an increasingly diverse group of students with nearly 30 percent of enrolled students representing a minority group and about 15 percent of students from non-Catholic backgrounds. The diversity and educational excellence of students that can be found in Catholic schools across the nation has helped to produce students and citizens with a strong understanding of the many cultures and values that make up our community and nation. I ask my colleagues for their continued support of Catholic schools and urge them to support this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in solemn sympathy with the residents of Haiti as they are once again forced to cope with a major catastrophe. As you know, on Tuesday, January 12th, a massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au- Prince. There is still no official estimate of death or destruction, the damage to buildings is extensive and the number of injured or dead is estimated to be in the hundreds, even thousands. Several eyewitnesses reported heavy damage and bodies in the streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where concrete-block homes line steep hillsides. Haiti sits on a large fault that has caused catastrophic quakes in the past, but this one was described as among the most powerful to hit the region within the last 200 years. With many poor residents living in tin-roof shacks that sit precariously on steep ravines arid with much of the construction in Port-au-Prince and elsewhere in the country of questionable quality, the expectation was that the quake caused major damage to buildings and significant loss of life. The dimensions of the disaster are still unfolding, Haiti's Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told CNN that he believes there are well over 100,000 dead, and leading senator Youri Latortue estimated the number at possibly as high as 500,000, according the Associated Press. Although this tragedy struck the land of our neighbor, it is also an American tragedy. The earthquake injured eight American employees working at the Embassy, including three who were medivaced. There are 3 U.S. citizens deaths currently reported but this number is expected to rise. Additionally, countless Americans have relatives in Haiti, and many of them are still unable to locate their loved ones. America is responding, and will continue to respond with immediate humanitarian assistance to help the people of this struggling island nation rebuild their livelihoods. In the days ahead, I look forward to working with President Clinton, the Special Envoy to Haiti, to address the destruction caused by this natural disaster. I send my condolences to the people and government of Haiti as they grieve once again in the aftermath of a natural disaster. As Haiti's neighbor, it is the United States' responsibility to help Haiti recover, and build the capacity to mitigate against future disasters. America and her allies have already initiated a comprehensive, interagency response to the earthquake. The State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, USAID--all worked overnight to ensure that critical resources are positioned to support the response and recovery effort, including efforts to find and assist American citizens in Haiti. U.S. Southern Command will deploy a team of 30 people to Haiti to support U.S. relief efforts in the aftermath of yesterday's devastating earthquake. The team includes U.S. military engineers, operational planners, and a command and control group and communication specialists, will arrive in Haiti today on two C-130 Hercules aircraft. The team will work with U.S. Embassy personnel as well as Haitian, United Nations and international officials to assess the situation and facilitate followup on U.S. military support. Our friends in the international community must also be commended for their efforts. The United Nations is releasing $10 million from its emergency funds. The European Commission has approved =3 million ($4.37 million) with more funds likely. Countless other nations from Germany, to China, to Israel to Mexico have also pledged support. I commend each of these nations for coming to a nation in dire need of assistance. Many of my constituents ask what they can do to help, or how they can find their loved ones. Those who are interested in helping immediately may text HAITI to 90999 and a donation of $10 will be made automatically to the Red Cross for relief efforts. The donation will be charged to your cell phone bill. The State Department also suggested contacting agencies such as the Red Cross or Mercy Corps to help with relief efforts. For loved ones, The U.S. State Department Operations Center set up the following number for Americans seeking information about relatives in Haiti: (888) 407-4747. The department cautioned that because of heavy volume, some callers may hear a recording. This weekend I will return to Houston, where I will meet with my Haitian-American constituents. It is important to mention that the Department of Homeland Security has already put a hold on the scheduled deportation of Haitians in America. I cannot imagine that any Member of Congress will rise to challenge this assistance to Haitian families in their time of need. Once again, I am devastated by the immeasurable tragedy that occurred in Haiti. Along with my colleagues, I hope to visit Haiti in the near future to meet with their leaders and see what the United States can do to rebuild the shattered livelihoods.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Let me thank Congresswoman Barbara Lee, our chairperson, who raised the red flag and who let out the siren and gathered us together, and I want to respond to what she just said about the earthquake. It rocks you in your soul; 7.0 on the Richter scale is hair-raising. I would also argue that it puts your hair on fire. I still have a sense that I am trembling because it's unimaginable. As you have just indicated, we look to California, and we get very nervous about our friends and family who are there when we hear of a 2, of a 3 or of a 4. I recall in the northern California area when there was an earthquake that impacted the baseball game and the baseball stadium, and it was all over the news. It was not a 7.0. So I would just simply say that we rise here with all solemnness. We are not speechless, but we are trembling for those who are now in the eye of devastation. I, too, rise to thank the Congressional Black Caucus, of which I am a member, to thank all of those who have been in meetings, as we have been throughout this morning and yesterday, and on a conference call that occurred. Work is going on as we speak and the concern that we have for those who we have been able to see only through, to a certain extent, still pictures, though I know many of our cable networks in particular have been making their way there, and other networks, to be able to deliver the devastation to us. I express my appreciation to the President of the United States, who moved swiftly. There was no hesitation on the commitment that President Barack Obama had. In fact, he quickly offered his prayers, but he acknowledged the devastation, making note of the fact that he had seen collapsed hospitals, crumbled homes, men and women carrying their injured neighbors to the streets. He acknowledged that it was truly heart-wrenching, sufficient to make you tremble. So, moving swiftly, he directed his administration to coordinate in an aggressive manner to save lives. The people of Haiti will have the full support of the United States in the urgent efforts to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble and to deliver the humanitarian relief--the food, the water, and the medicine--the Haitians will need. He has authorized that USAID and the Departments of State and Defense work closely together, and he has mobilized large numbers of individuals, including our military efforts. I also want to take note that the Secretary of Homeland Security has indicated that our resources, including the United States Coast Guard and FEMA, will be there, which we have jurisdiction over--my committee has jurisdiction over--and Chairman Thompson will be intimately involved in pushing the efforts of making sure that FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard are there. Google ``7.0'' and get a sense of how deeply devastating that is and that it hit one of the most populated areas, Port-au-Prince. It damaged buildings extensively. We saw the palace collapse, not riddled by bullet holes, but literally collapse. How fortunate we can say we were, the fact that this came at 6 o'clock when we understand that many of the workers in the palace and the government were already gone, but we know that government officials may have lost their lives. It is said that many of the United Nations personnel and peacekeeping troops have lost their lives, and so we can't put this at a level of seriousness by just our voices and our words. Let me thank the U.S. Southern Command that is deploying a team of 30 people to Haiti to support U.S. relief efforts in the aftermath of yesterday's devastating earthquake. Let me also mention that the team will include U.S. military engineers, operational planners, a command- and-control group, and communications specialists. They will arrive in Haiti on two C-130 Hercules aircraft. For those who don't know or who can't imagine, those are huge, boat-like aircraft which can carry an enormous amount of equipment. Chairman Lee, I think one of the important issues that I am very concerned about and would like to get a report on is how many aircraft--let me just use the right terminology--large ships can carry heavy equipment. We know in the war zones that there are large aircraft that can carry heavy equipment, and the equipment I am thinking of in particular would be the Earth-moving machines, the machines that can assist in finding the loss. As we understand, many are still living or are still trying to live who are in the crushed buildings. Time is of the essence. It is imperative because of the crush injuries that can kill. Even if they are alive, the fact that some parts of their bodies are crushed, whether it is a leg or an arm, can cut off circulation, and they can die. Some of the large equipment is so very important, and I would like to get a report on how fast that equipment can move. We do understand that a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter already evacuated four critically injured U.S. Embassy staff to the naval station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, hospital for further treatment. Elements of the U.S. Air Force First Special Operations Wing are deploying today to the international airport of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to provide air traffic control capability and airfield operations. That is very important, which will allow Members of Congress--and might I thank Congresswoman Lee in working with the Congressional Black Caucus. I would like to push for a codel on Friday, but I realize the difficulty of moving Members during a time of great uncertainty. So I encourage, as you have already dictated, that the CBC have a codel, and I know there are many members who are looking to do that and who would do that at the appropriate time. I want everyone to realize that the Congressional Black Caucus is leading on this, and we are attempting to get to Haiti as quickly as we can, making sure that the operations of rescue go forward first. A U.S. Navy P-3 Orion aircraft from the forwarding operational location at El Salvador took off early this morning to conduct an aerial reconnaissance of the area affected by the earthquake, and the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Benson, is under way and is expected to arrive off the coast of Haiti. I might imagine that they will be bringing in what is necessary in the heavy equipment. Many countries around the world are also coming, and I do believe it is crucial that we acknowledge that. The Red Cross is receiving dollars. The White House has a Web site, Madam Chair, which I would like to recite if I could find it.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I will be happy to yield.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Yes, that's one of them. There was a WhiteHouse.gov, and that is an excellent one to use if I find it. Then of course I would like to state the number for American family members who are trying to find their family in Haiti, and that number is (888) 407-4747. What I would like to conclude on is to give comfort to Haitians who are here and to ensure that they can reach out to the offices of their Members of Congress. I'll give my number, which is (202) 225-3816, for constituents in my area, but it is important to note that all Members of Congress and the Congressional Black Caucus members will all be going home to their districts, meeting with the Haitian Americans in their constituencies. In particular, I will be meeting with Haitian American constituents, and I am calling for a weekend of prayer that will culminate on your days of worship, that you will offer up a weekend of prayer for the people of Haiti, for their families and, of course, for the Haitian Americans who are now here struggling to help their loved ones. It is also important for Haitian Americans and for others to note that the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security have put a hold on any deportations. Let me say this because that always raises hairs, but we in the Congressional Black Caucus have been in the forefront for acknowledging that, really, the deportations of Haitians have really fallen upon the backs of hardworking Haitians who came here, by and large, simply to work and to achieve opportunities. They came alongside of the Cubans, but did not have the same status. We have not found danger in the Haitian community. In fact, a story that appeared in the Houston Chronicle is of a Haitian American whom I helped. She was a schoolteacher with two children and a husband, and she is being switched off. I am glad that she is now in the midst, Chairwoman Lee, of the Haitian relief effort in Houston. So we have been advocating, and the Trans Africa Forum has advocated for TPS status, but I think it's important to note that we have gotten the quickest response and that that response is that the deportations of Haitians--and I want to repeat it again--are now on hold as ordered by the President of the United States and the Secretary of Homeland Security. I can't imagine any Member of Congress is going to rise to his feet to challenge that humanitarian act by this government, and I am very proud of them. I do want to take note of the fact as well that I am very pleased that Major Washington has been detailed to my office, and his firsthand knowledge has already been helpful. One of the things that, I think, we should emphasize in the immediate hours, tragically, is to secure units from the military which are able to set up temporary morgues. We hate to say that, but we understand that that is what we are going to face, and let me tell you why. In listening to the leadership in Haiti, Haiti's Prime Minister Jean- Max Bellerive told CNN that he believes there are well over 100,000 dead. We don't know that, but these are government officials who have said that number, and a leading Senator estimated the number as possibly as high as 500,000. Again, we don't have an affirmation of these numbers, but these are leaders who are on the ground, and I believe it is very important. Eight American employees working at the Embassy were injured; three were medevaced. We believe there are three U.S. citizens who have died, currently reported by the individual. I think I started out by saying the Houston Rotary Club, downtown Rotary Club has a delegation in Haiti as of yesterday, and we are working to ensure their return. Let me say thank you for the U.S. Embassy. The building, we understand, is intact. We thank those workers there. We encourage them as they are helping to be part of the solution. We are encouraging them as we work with them for those constituents of ours that are still there that we will be looking for. I hope that the long journey of recovery will be a bipartisan effort. I am thankful that the Congressional Black Caucus, meeting with their constituents as we go home, will be able to be the harvesters of information and bring back information that can be very helpful. The Congresswoman, Congresswoman Lee, mentioned a number. I want to cite the American Red Cross, who is also accepting public donations to support the Haitian response, to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which is used to respond to disasters such as the Haitian earthquake. The American Red Cross made an initial contribution of $1 million from these funds for relief activities within hours of the earthquake, and they are prepared to send relief supplies for 5,000 families from their warehouse in Panama. The United Nations is releasing $10 million from its emergency fund. And as I close, let me just cite very quickly the Irish telecommunication company is helping. European Commission has approved 3 million euros. Spain has committed dollars in euros. Netherlands has committed 2 million euros. Germany committed 2 million euros. China will donate 1 million. Sweden, 6 million kronor, $850,000. Venezuela has sent doctors, firefighters, and rescue workers. Mexico will send doctors, search and rescue dogs. France is sending two planes. Britain has sent 64 firefighters. And, by the way, that is a component that we believe does not exist, firefighters. My plea to our brave firefighters across America, I believe we should facilitate your going, if you desire. And I certainly will look forward to reaching out to my firefighters in Houston for opportunities. Taiwan, Israel, and of course the United States State Department is in full force, which we hope they will be coordinating all this. Lastly, I know that Cuba will be sending doctors. They have been especially supportive in crises, and I am in advance thanking them for their medical team. Congresswoman Lee, Chairwoman Lee, I am touched by this devastation in ways that cannot be expressed, as all of us are, and the reason is because we work with Haitian Americans in our constituency. We have been to Haiti. We have watched it get on its feet. We have visited political prisoners in its jails. We have now been grateful for a new day in Haiti. And I also want to thank former President Bill Clinton, who has been appointed by the President some many months ago to help chart the recovery for Haiti. We have got a whole new task now, but we are up to the task. And what we will say is, my brothers and sisters, have faith. Never give up the faith, for in this time of need you will find that the human community will rally toward you and they will be your wind beneath your wings. They will be your Good Samaritan. They will be your brother. They will be your sister. And as a good songwriter often said and many of us like to sing, just lean on me. Just lean on me, and we will make a difference. Thank you, Madam Chair, for your leadership and that of the Congressional Black Caucus. Mr. Speaker, there are certain facts, I would like to discuss: earthquake A massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, January 12th. The damage to buildings is extensive and the number of injured or dead is estimated to be in the hundreds, even thousands. Several eyewitnesses reported heavy damage and bodies in the streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where concrete-block homes line steep hillsides. There was no immediate estimate of the dead and wounded on Tuesday evening. Haiti sits on a large fault that has caused catastrophic quakes in the past, but this one was described as among the most powerful to hit the region. With many poor residents living in tin-roof shacks that sit precariously on steep ravines and with much of the construction in Port-au-Prince and elsewhere in the country of questionable quality, the expectation was that the quake caused major damage to buildings and significant loss of life. The dimensions of the disaster are still unfolding, Haiti's Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told CNN that he believes there are well over 100,000 dead, and leading senator Youri Latortue estimated the number at possibly as high as 500,000, according the Associated Press. u.s. death toll Eight American employees working at the Embassy were injured; 3 were medivaced. There are 3 U.S. citizens deaths currently reported but toll expected to rise. u.s. aide response President Obama vows immediate response and aid. The State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, USAID--has worked overnight to ensure that critical resources are positioned to support the response and recovery effort, including efforts to find and assist American citizens in Haiti. U.S. Southern Command will deploy a team of 30 people to Haiti to support U.S. relief efforts in the aftermath of yesterday's devastating earthquake. The team includes U.S. military engineers, operational planners, and a command and control group and communication specialists, will arrive in Haiti today on two C-130 Hercules aircraft. The team will work with U.S. Embassy personnel as well as Haitian, United Nations and international officials to assess the situation and facilitate follow on U.S. military support. The American Red Cross is accepting public donations to support the Haitian response through the American Red Cross International Response Fund--which is used to respond to disasters such as the Haiti earthquake. The American Red Cross made an initial contribution of 1 million dollars from these funds for relief activities within hours of the earthquake and we are prepared to send relief supplies for 5,000 families from our warehouse in Panama. international aide response The United Nations is releasing $10 million from its emergency funds. Irish telecommunications company Digicel said it would donate $5 million to aid agencies and help repair the damaged phone network. European Commission has approved C3 million ($4.37 million) with more funds likely. Spain has pledged C3 million ($4.37 million), and sent three planes with rescue teams and 100 tons of emergency relief equipment. Netherlands has donated C2 million ($2.91 million) and will send a 60-person search-and-rescue team. Germany gave C1.5 million ($2.17 million) and sent an immediate response team. Another team with 20 rescue dogs is on standby. China will donate $1 million. Sweden has offered 6 million kronor ($850,000) along with tents, water purification equipment and medical aid. Venezuela has sent doctors, firefighters and rescue workers. Mexico will send doctors, search-and-rescue dogs and infrastructure damage experts. France is sending two planes with doctors, food and medical equipment. Britain has sent 64 firefighters with search-and-rescue dogs and 10 tons of equipment. Iceland is sending 37 search-and-rescue specialists. Taiwan is flying in 23 rescue personnel and 2 tons of aid and equipment. Israel is sending an elite army rescue unit including engineers, rescue workers, doctors and medics. The U.S. State Department Operations Center set up the following number for Americans seeking information about relatives in Haiti: (888) 407-4747. The department cautioned that because of heavy volume, some callers may hear a recording. The State Department said those interested in helping immediately may text `HAITI' to `90999' and a donation of $10 will be made automatically to the Red Cross for relief efforts. The donation will be charged to your cell phone bill. The department also suggested contacting agencies such as the Red Cross or Mercy Corps to help with relief efforts.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues, so many of whom I have heard discussing on the floor of the House the overwhelming tragedy, the catastrophic incident that has occurred in our neighboring country of Haiti. But I particularly want to offer my deepest sympathy to my constituents, my Haitian American constituents in Houston, Texas, many of whom are suffering because their relatives are in Haiti, and they cannot find them. I wanted to acknowledge a delegation of Rotary Club members from Houston, Texas, who came to Haiti just yesterday, and their family members are expressing concern for their location and status. It makes it relevant to know that this hurricane-like earthquake is the largest earthquake that we've seen in the Western Hemisphere over the last number of years. We know that all resources have to be pointed toward Haiti. To the United Nations, for the losses they are experiencing, my sympathy. To the Haitian Government, my sympathy. And my commitment is that you will never walk alone. We will stand with you in this battle to recover Haiti.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Happy New Year to America. As we start this new year, I believe it is important to clarify a lot of misinterpretations about what the job of the Federal Government is and what this Congress' responsibility is. We are problem-solvers. We work to solve the issues on behalf of the American people. And as we look at this health care debate, which I hope will be entirely transparent, let the underlying premise be that 36 million people are without insurance. In addition, this health care bill will generate numerous numbers of jobs and new health professional scholarships to provide for doctors and nurses, making sure that you do not have a denial of insurance because of preexisting disease. And jobs we must make. We must move forward on the jobs bill, and I am in particular pushing one that says if you are on unemployment insurance, you can continue to get training. Scholarships and a stipend will be given to you along with your unemployment insurance so you can train for the new jobs. We have to be innovative and know what the American people want; but, most of all, the government of the United States is a problem-solver. The people of America are hurting, and we must address the questions of health care and the underutilized ability for Americans to be served by new health care as well as new jobs. America must answer the call.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. And then, my small business friends, once and for all we'll answer your question about getting loans. But the big thing is, Riverside General Hospital, because of the astuteness of those who worked on the Defense bill, will get $1 million for the first time, an African American hospital, to help our soldiers with post- traumatic stress disorder. I have worked on this for 4 years. It's a celebration. Merry Christmas to America.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me thank the distinguished gentlelady from Maine. Madam Speaker, I wish to start by wishing America a very Merry Christmas, and to many other Americans, a happy holiday. And I'd like to give my thanks to the Rules Committee and the staff of the Rules Committee for doing an enormous job. Our chairwoman, Louise Slaughter, has been at the forefront of the major successes we have had on behalf of the American people. I offer my appreciation as well for Chairman John Murtha, who, in his astuteness and commitment to the men and women of the United States military, finds many of us today supporting the Defense appropriations bill, even as we begin to consider the next steps in Afghanistan. But why am I standing here today to be able to speak to my colleagues and the American people? One, because history gets distorted. We are in this predicament because the last administration of Republican leadership took away our surplus that had been created in the 1990s. They dashed and dashed and destroyed and devastated. Isn't it interesting that you'd come now to complain about a leadership, President and Democratic leadership in Congress, that have had to make the political sacrifice to ensure that Americans can work? And so let me just set the record straight. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act--that secured no Republican votes--created 3.5 million jobs and gave 95 percent of American workers a tax cut. And today, as we speak, we are cutting the job loss every single month. Why I'm standing here today is because I'm enthusiastically supporting this rule, because we will then pass a jobs bill, and I will be able to go home to those in the 18th Congressional District who told me over the Thanksgiving holiday as I was participating in feeding those on Thanksgiving Day, I lost my job from a major corporation. Well, I'm going to tell them that because of infrastructure funding, $48 billion, in fact, that we will be able to invest in highways and mass transit. One billion dollars in Federal investments to highways creates 27,800 jobs. Is there something wrong with that? The wrongness of it is that the other side is not thinking about the American people, and has not had a good thought about how to invest in America. This jobs bill is going to keep States from cutting teachers and police and firefighters, and it's going to provide job training. I am proud that they have taken my ideas and many of our ideas, but work that I have done on summer youth jobs. They're going to put 150,000 people in job training positions. One of the ideas that can be incorporated that I have put forward in a bill is to make sure that people can keep their unemployment while they are in a job training and receive a stipend. Dignity, jobs, is what we're talking about.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2487, the Jobs for Main Street Act. I salute my colleague Chairman Obey for this bill that is the opening salvo in our effort to tackle one of the most important issues of the day facing our nation. The bill redirects $48.3 billion from Wall Street to help put people to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, modernizing public buildings, and cleaning our air and water. I'm happy that we gave the American people a gift with $27.5 billion to make additional highway infrastructure investments. These projects support jobs in the short term while saving commuters time and money in the long term. Another gift was made in the area of transit, with $8.4 billion for public transportation investments including $6.15 billion for urban and rural formula grants; $500 million for capital investment grants for new or expanded fixed guide way projects; and $1.75 billion in formula funds to address repair needs of existing subway, light rail and commuter rail systems. Public transportation saves Americans time and money, reducing carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons each year, which is timely as the world's eyes are centered on the debates in Copenhagen. These gifts are news to the ears of my constituents. Let me share with you that in my district, which covers parts of the nation's fourth largest city, Houston, TX, our unemployment rate stands at nearly 9%. While this rate is more than a full percentage point below the national average, it should be noted that over 110,000 jobs were lost in the first 10 months of this year. Regrettably, a disproportionate share of those impacted by these job losses in my district have been African Americans and Latinos. Yet, this ``jobs disparity'' is not limited to Houston; data from the Department of Labor indicates that African Americans throughout the nation today, in the era of President Obama, are still the last hired and the first fired. Specifically, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for African American men (20 and older) was 16.5 percent as of October of this year, and 12.4 percent for African American women at the same age level. Historically, experts have suggested that the antidote to unemployment is education. However, Labor Department statistics appear to indicate that education, alone, does not level the playing field. In fact, higher education amongst African Americans may strangely enough even make it more difficult to obtain a job. For the first 10 months of this year, as the recession has dragged on, unemployment for least educated workers was the same for African Americans and the general population. However, in 2009, the unemployment rate for African American college graduates 25 and older has been nearly twice that of their Caucasian American male counterparts (8.4 percent compared with 4.4 percent). According to a New York Times article published on December 1st, even African American college graduates with degrees from Ivy League schools such as Yale, my alma mater, are finding themselves in the ranks of the unemployed. In addition to the racial dimension of this ``jobs disparity,'' the recent economic downturn has focused a spotlight on a widening gap between employment rates among men and women, particularly in the African American community. It has been reported that since the nation's slowdown has been most pronounced in the manual labor sectors, men with the lowest levels of education have suffered the brunt of the unemployment crisis. CNN commentators recently described our current economic condition as a ``man-cession.'' According to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the unemployment rate for African American men aged 20 and older was 4.1 percent higher than the unemployment rate for African American women of the same age group, which was 12.4 percent. This gender unemployment gap among African Americans mirrors a similar gap between Caucasian and Latino Americans, thus demonstrating a nationwide trend. Friends, we are in a battle for the hearts and souls of America, literally and figuratively. To win this battle, we must take bold action, like passing health care reform legislation in both chambers of Congress. Madam Speaker, I concur with the assessment that the health reform legislation voted out of this chamber last month in fact a ``jobs bill.'' As evidence of this, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that last month's slight dip in the unemployment rate was caused by the fact that for the third straight month, hospitals reported solid payroll additions, with 6,800 new jobs created. In the first 11 months of this year, the healthcare sector created 249,700 new jobs, an average of 22,700 new health care jobs each month, according to BLS' preliminary data. Since the start of the recession in December 2007, overall 7.9 million people in America have lost their jobs, while the healthcare sector has created 613,000 jobs. In an article published in HealthLeaders Media, it was reported that the healthcare sector--from hospitals, to physicians' offices, to residential mental health homes, kidney dialysis centers, and blood and organ banks--grew by 21,000 payroll additions in November and 613,000 payroll additions since the start of the recession in December 2007. The home healthcare services sector reported 7,300 payroll additions in November, BLS preliminary data show. Recognizing this Madam Speaker, I am working with health care and labor leaders to craft a jobs bill that create innovative new retraining programs in partnership with our Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Texas Southern University in my District or Howard University, here in Washington, DC. These training programs would focus on retooling workers for jobs in the growth sectors such as health, biotech, and information technology. In addition to funding for job training, I propose that we provide stipends to those who are unemployed and who participate in training programs to assist them in caring for their families. Along with this, my jobs bill would allow unemployed workers participating in job retraining to continue receiving unemployment benefits. As a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, I am also working with the DOJ to incorporate into my jobs legislation a measure that would assist ex-offenders who are returning to the job market with strikes against them. In addition to eliminating any barriers for ex- offenders, I am also studying how we can encourage states to suspend criminal prosecution of fathers and other parents who are delinquent in child support so long as they are making good faith efforts to find jobs in this difficult employment market. Madam Speaker, I also propose that we task the Department of Labor to expand its definition of the unemployed to cover not only those currently receiving unemployment compensation, but also those who have run out of unemployment insurance, known as the long term unemployed. I suspect that if we had accurate data that captured the entire unemployment picture, we would see jobless figures of upwards of 25-30 percent. In addition, Madam Speaker, I also plan to propose we offer assistance to the underemployed, including thousands of lawyers and other professionals who work as part-timers or temp workers. Many of these professionals split their time between working for others and operating their own small firms. Furthermore, it has been noted that while larger firms are enjoying the benefit of government funded bailouts, our African American law firms, accounting firms, investment banking firms and media outlets are being left out of the funds directed at stimulating Wall Street. As Comcast and NBC Universal and other firms seek government permission to merge, I intend to work with these companies to ensure that our African American businesses are included, not left out of the deal flow. Another jobs initiative would focus on creating apprentice and internship programs managed by cities and nonprofits like the Urban League. This is a take off of a Department of Labor that was very successful in the 1970s, which helped our nation rebound from its last recession. Madam Speaker, during the 1930s-40s, the FDR Administration developed the Work Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA created thousands of jobs and helped lift our nation from depression. I am drafting legislation that would create a WPA for the 21st Century. This concept involves providing stimulus dollars to several federal agencies such as Interior, Transportation, and HHS to fund large scale projects. Under my legislation, the new WPA would include modern day infrastructure and other projects including making broadband wireless Internet service available for all Americans, not just in wealthier suburban and downtown districts. In addition, we should create high speed rail and environmentally friendly highways and byways. Finally, I plan that we work with HHS and the Energy Department to build new Green Hospitals across the country. This project would ensure that our nation's healthcare facilities are themselves healthy. Madam Speaker, many of our unemployed constituents in Houston and around the nation are asking us a simple question: how long, how long before I can find a job? I say to them, not long . . . help is on the way. With the introduction and passage of jobs legislation offered by myself and the rest of the Congressional Black Caucus, help for the unemployed and underemployed, help for small businesses, is on the way. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2847, the Jobs for Main Street Act.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Only the lack of clarity and poor eyesight can call this the so-called jobs bill, because if we've looked over the last year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act helped save 3.5 million jobs. They named Chairman Bernanke as the person of the year, but his twin was the work that was done on this floor by the Democratic leadership to invest in America. My district has a 9 percent unemployment. In Saturday's Washington Post, three parents were seen with lights out and children who are hungry. Oh, yes, this sounds like spend, spend, spend, but I tell you, if we can invest a billion dollars in infrastructure, we create 27,800 jobs, and I'm proud to invest 35 billion of those dollars in fixing the highways and the roads of America. I am glad 150,000 Americans will now be able to get training in high professional jobs, and I am glad that we are working on a metro system that will create jobs in our district. Vote for this bill. It's jobs, jobs, jobs. Get good glasses and you'll see that.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise as a Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee to support House passage H.R. 3326, making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010. I urge the Congress to support the President's initiatives to terminate or reduce programs that fund narrowly focused activities, duplicate existing programs, or that have outlived their usefulness, specifically including the Kinetic Energy Interceptor program. The Congress is encouraged to adopt proposals made by the administration that would better target scarce resources and redirect funds to programs with greater potential for results. I believe in a strong procurement approach that takes advantage of the efficiencies associated with an award to a single contractor. I look forward to working with the Congress to address concerns regarding statutory direction to re-organize certain offices within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), reductions to cyber security programs, and cuts to classified activities in ODNI. The measure provides more funding for equipment depleted by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, special pay raises, and quality of life improvements for the troops and their families. It partially offsets these increases by cutting funding from current levels for missile defense and futuristic programs like the Future Combat System of new vehicles. I support the President in adding more money into the budget for our military families. I am disappointed that this bill appropriates no funds for the closure of the prison at Guantanamo, and blocks the transfer of prisoners. The bill references a detailed plan for the disposition of the detainees to be submitted and I look forward to seeing this plan. It also provides a 3.4% pay increase for military personnel, and a 2% pay raise for civilian federal employees which is vital in maintaining the morale of the troops and the federal law enforcement personnel that help secure America. Finally, this bill prohibits the use of funds in the bill to establish permanent military bases in Iraq or U.S. control of Iraqi oil resources. The bill also continues the prohibition on the use of funds provided for the Iraq Security Forces for the construction of facilities for the Iraqi government. I support all provisions that require the Defense secretary to report to Congress on troop drawdown status and goals relating to the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of 2011. The report, which is due 90 days after enactment and every 90 days thereafter, must include the following: A detailed, month-by-month description of the transition of U.S. military forces and equipment out of Iraq; A detailed, month-by-month description of the transition of U.S. contractors out of Iraq; and How the Iraqi government is assuming the responsibility for reconciliation initiatives as the U.S. role transitions. It is absolutely imperative that the U.S. Congress and the President agree on an eventual drawdown and removal of our forces from Iraq. I am proud of the support to the military and their children that the FY 2010 Defense Appropriations bill provides. Congress approved a 3.4 percent increase in military pay, 0.5 percent above the Department of Defense request. This bill includes $29.2 billion for medical care for the Defense Health Program, which provides medical care for members of the armed services and their families. Included in the health care funding are $372 million for military medical research and $120 million for Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research. The FY10 Defense Appropriations bill included $472.4 million for Family Advocacy programs including Family Support and Yellow Ribbon. These programs include quality child care, job training for spouses, and an expansion of counseling services. For the families that experience the daily heartache of having a loved one far away, these programs reach out and provide support. I want to thank Chairman Murtha for his untiring support of our troops and their families. I want to stress that none of these funds will go toward the administration's plan to send 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, and I will continue to scrutinize the economic, military and social impacts of the administration's request. I am concerned about the cost of sending additional troops, as well as the effect that a larger presence in Afghanistan will have on troop morale. The White House estimates that it will cost $1 million per year for each additional soldier deployed, and I believe that $30 billion would be better spent on developing new jobs, and fixing our broken healthcare system, as well as in using ``smart power'' to peacefully work on the Afghan cease-fire. The cost and the long-term commitment were given renewed significance on Tuesday, December 9, 2009 when Afghan President Hamid Karzai said, as reported in the New York Times, that ``Afghanistan would not be able to pay for its own security until at least 2024.'' Secretary Robert Gates echoed that sentiment when he said that ``For another 15 to 20 years, Afghanistan will not be able to sustain a force of that nature and capacity with its own resources.'' If our strategy is to use $50 billion to build up Afghanistan's police and military forces as well as a decades-long commitment, I am not sure that the American people will support such an effort. Yet, no matter your opinion on their role in conflict, it is important that our troops are prepared for the current combat environment. As such, the Defense appropriations bill includes $154 billion to increase the readiness of our armed forces, helping to refocus our military away from the Cold-War era type of conflict. A bill of this magnitude must include safeguards against waste, abuse, and fraud. Not only does this bill increase the resources at the disposal of the Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General, it also enhances the focus on taking inherently governmental functions out of the hands of contractors. Finally, it will be a great celebration in Houston with the establishment of the Riverside General Hospital Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Center with a $1 million grant. Additionally, I have received over $4 million in green job, technology, and medical research funding. These dollars will work for the 18th Congressional District and the American people.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to indicate that jobs are being created in our communities. And if anyone thinks that the loss of 109,000 jobs in my community in Harris County has not hurt families during this season, then they need to be aware of the necessity of the various people who need work. I'm very proud that in the Defense bill that was passed, we have created jobs. We have created a number of jobs, and those jobs have been the kind of jobs that will serve the entire community: solar jobs, $800,000; technology jobs, $1 million; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Center for the Riverside General Hospital that will help our local soldiers, that is $1 million. All total, $4.8 million have been secured by the 18th Congressional District to provide jobs in Houston to ensure minority research or research on health issues, to ensure green technology jobs, to put people to work. Mr. Speaker, this is the beginning of a great day when we provide jobs for the 18th Congressional District and all of America. Merry Christmas to my constituents, as I've said, and Merry Christmas to our first family and all that they have done for America.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in the rush of a debate in an earlier 1-minute, I was not able to capture the somberness of the moment. As our colleagues have finished their work and have, in fact, recognized the need of this Nation, I think it is important to summarize how important it is to keep our minds focused as we return back in the new year. We know that this country is a resilient country. People are tough, and they've gotten tougher. We are blessed by the fact that we have a country of laws. We're a democratic Nation. If there is oppression in our Nation, we have a court system to seek to be redeemed. We have the amenities of life, technology, transportation, clean water. But in every country comes a time when things are not as good as they need to be, and I think we should clarify what has been done over these last couple of months. I was here during the past two Presidential terms. When I say ``two Presidential terms,'' the past and former Presidents. I voted for the 1997 Budget Reconciliation Act that generated an enormous surplus and created an opportunity for millions of our children to be insured. That was 1997. We had a surplus as that previous administration, the Clinton administration, left office. We had a tragedy on 9/11, and we had to respond to that enormous tragedy, a terrorist act, and I joined with my colleagues to respond to that by allowing our Nation to defend itself by going into Afghanistan. I did not support the detour into Iraq. However, I support the men and women, and I mourn for those families who have lost loved ones. So what have we done over this year? We have fought for America, and that is why there was the political sacrifice. Some people say that's your job, to vote for the TARP--not willingly. We didn't want a fat-cat bill. We didn't want a bill that paid people to stuff their pockets. We wanted to ensure that businesses stayed open, that we had the opportunity for small businesses, my friends and neighbors, my constituents to get money to keep those jobs. All right, it wasn't perfect, but the numbers don't fib. We did create jobs. We kept businesses open. The President has gone to the mat by saying to these fat cats, Look, we are in a capitalistic system. I understand that. But he's gone to them and said, You have to lend to small businesses. Mr. Speaker, we have done a lot. And in doing a lot, we have provided the opportunity for the kinds of dollars coming to the districts. So let me just say this: $48 billion in highways, transit and other infrastructure. We are going to be able to stop the bleeding by keeping our teachers, our police, our firefighters and job training. That's $27 billion. We are going to guarantee the loans, guarantee loans to ensure that we will have the opportunity to loan money to our small businesses. That's an important statement. And I wanted to be sure by looking at what I have to let my constituents know of the kind of projects that come out of the Defense bill. Because someone would make the argument, why support a Defense bill? Let me tell you. I've already spoken about the first post- traumatic stress disorder center in an African American hospital for $1 million, $800,000 for the Center for Research on Minority Health- Prostate Cancer research project, jobs; $800,000 for high-efficiency solar energy generation and storage, jobs; $1.6 million for science, technology, engineering and mathematics initiative, jobs. And then $1 million with a private collaborator that is independent of Federal dollars that will give $1 million to one of the poorest school districts in my community, public and private partnership, Mr. Speaker. Let us not leave this place in shame. We came from the deep darkness of an economic recession. We have saved jobs. We are creating jobs. We are moving forward. And I want to stop reading articles about mothers who are on the front pages of our newspapers who cannot turn on the lights and cannot feed their children. Let me wish everyone, again, as I have done, a happy holiday and say that this Congress deserves the recognition for those who have put themselves on the line to be able to help the needy. I look forward to us coming back, passing health care, and going on with the jobs effort.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3714, the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009. This legislation amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 by expanding. the Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices to include information about freedom of the press in foreign countries and establishing a grant program to promote freedom of the press worldwide. I support this resolution because I believe that freedom of the press is an important pillar of democracy and should be actively promoted in our foreign policy. I would like to first thank my colleague, Congressman Adam Schiff, for introducing this valuable legislation. Freedom of the press is essential to a functioning democracy. In 1823, Thomas Jefferson said, ``The only security of all is in a free press. The force of public opinion cannot be resisted when permitted freely to be expressed. The agitation it produces must be submitted to. It is necessary, to keep the waters pure.'' Unfortunately, the truth of that statement, which is codified in the United States Constitution, is not universally recognized and the freedom of the press is not universally protected. In Iran, for example, the government assiduously monitors the press and journalists and media outlets face government repression if protocol is not followed. An Iranian journalist, Fariba Pajooh, has been detained since August of this year without being told of her charge. That is merely the tip of the iceberg: according to Reporters without Borders, since the June Presidential election, the Iranian government has arrested more than 100 reporters and sentenced those reporters to more than 65 years in prison. Not coincidentally, those governments that refuse to recognize the freedom of the press are the same governments who have the most to fear from democracy. Governments that suppress, intimidate, or oppress journalists do so because their regimes do not have the full legitimacy that marks democratic governments. It is understandable but not forgivable that a government afraid of the destabilizing influence of the truth would restrict the press. The long-term best interest of any country is protected, though, when a country is allowed to know the truth about its government and the world. H.R. 3714 provides the United States and the world with a powerful tool to advocate for freedom of the press. Under this legislation, the State Department will be required to include freedom of the press in the Annual Country reports on Human Rights Practices. The State Department will describe the positive and negative steps that governments have taken with regards to freedom of the press. Additionally, H.R. 3714 establishes a grant program whereby the U.S. State Department can fund activities by nonprofit and international organizations to strengthen independent journalism, promote laws protecting the freedom of the press, and provide training to professionalize journalists. This legislation will raise the profile of freedom of the press around the world. By enumerating the abuses committed as well as the positive steps taken towards a free press, the world will see plainly the status of democracy in every country. Additionally, it will allow the United States to help foster independent journalism in countries in every region that do not have the tradition or the capacity for a professional free press. In addition to the foreign policy benefits, I support this legislation, because I believe that it is a fitting tribute to a great American, Daniel Pearl. Mr. Pearl was a Wall Street Journal correspondent who was abducted and beheaded in Karachi, Pakistan in early 2002. His life was spent in the pursuit of spreading truth through professional journalism and in his death he has become a symbol of the free press. This bill adds to the legacy he built with his life.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me say that when Democrats gather, good things happen for the American people. Our health care bill is a bill that will bring down premiums, save lives, and create a magnificent reform comparable to saving lives when Medicare was passed in 1965. It is only those who are scared and apprehensive and not ready to go forward for the American people that won't allow us to move forward on the health care reform. Just as when we gather together behind closed doors, Democrats, again, are promoting transparent legislation and creating jobs for Americans. We stand with the small businesses in providing them more resources and credits because they are the backbone of America. We realize that job training, and specifically a bill that I am offering that says that if you're unemployed and get unemployment compensation, you can be in a scholarship program that will train you for the jobs of the future. The health care bill will be providing jobs on top of jobs: health care jobs, nursing, doctors, and physician assistants. Americans need jobs, and Democrats are not afraid to take the risks that are necessary to provide for them. As we pass the appropriations bill, we are creating jobs for America, and, therefore, I'm asking my colleagues to assist and not cast about the fears of doom. We are moving this economy. We are helping health care. We are providing the opportunities for America. And I am glad to be a Democrat serving on behalf of the American people.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before you today in support of S. 1472 to establish a section within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice to enforce human rights laws, to make technical and conforming amendments to criminal and immigration laws pertaining to human rights violations, and for other purposes. This bipartisan legislation would make it easier for the Justice Department to hold accountable human rights abusers who seek safe haven in the United States. The end of the 20th century and the beginning of the current 21st century have seen ongoing human rights atrocities all over the globe, such as Burma, Sudan, and Bosnia. While an increasing number of perpetrators of such human rights abuses are held accountable in international or state tribunals, many have escaped accountability for their crimes. Some of these human rights abusers have even fled to the United States. As a representative of the state of Texas, I understand the urgency of creating an effective mechanism for investigating human rights violators that seek to hide out here in the United States. In a 2008 report, retired five-star General Barry McCaffrey warned of a refugee catastrophe that could greatly affect the state of Texas. General McCaffrey warns that ``Mexico is on the edge of abyss'' and that ``it could become a narco-state in the coming decade.'' According to General McCaffrey's report, there could be a surge of millions of refugees crossing the U.S. border. Those millions will almost certainly include individuals who have committed human rights violations in Mexico. And those individuals must be held accountable for their actions. How the United States treats suspected perpetrators of human rights abuses sends an important message to the world about our commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The United States has a rich history of protecting human rights and holding violators of such rights accountable. Over 60 years ago, the U.S. led efforts to prosecute Nazi perpetrators at the Nuremberg Trials. The U.S. also supported the prosecution of human rights crimes before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the Special Court of Sierra Leone, and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. But, the United States must do more. The U.S. must make a stronger effort to hold those human rights violators who have found safe haven in the United States accountable for their atrocities. The Human Rights Enforcement Act would seek to build on the foundations already laid by creating a section inside the Department of Justice's Criminal Division that would focus entirely on enforcing human rights laws. The bill combines the Office of Special Investigations, whose work includes investigating and denaturalizing human rights offenders and the Domestic Security Section, which has broad jurisdiction over human rights violations. This consolidation allows for the Department of Justice to more effectively utilize law enforcement resources to investigate and, where necessary, prosecute, denaturalize, or deport human rights offenders. The rule of law and human rights are fundamental American values. In accordance with those values, the United States has a rich history of leading the promotion of human rights worldwide. We have a responsibility to set an example for the rest of the world by demonstrating our commitment to end human rights atrocities and hold perpetrators accountable. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to join me in support of S. 1472.