Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, at this time I have no further speakers. I would inquire whether the gentleman is prepared to close.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me first of all thank my good friend, Mr. Lungren, again, for his cooperation in this effort. I'd like to reemphasize points that he has made that should be reemphasized. One, we are gratified that we have Federal U.S. Air Marshals, and we thank them for their service. They are peace officers, as we use that terminology in Texas. They are law enforcement officers. We're gratified for that expertise. This legislation will help them add to their portfolio in training on investigation, because there is not a single action that may occur that would require their service that does not require us to have the details and the information in order to bring individuals to justice. This is important. Might I just add that Federal air marshals have risen to the call of duty. Federal air marshals came to New Orleans, Louisiana, during Hurricane Katrina. Federal air marshals have been called upon in time of disaster, and they have answered the call. So I think it is important to note as we stand on the floor of the House to present this legislation to enhance their training that we appreciate their service. We thank them for the sacrifice of their families as they travel internationally on behalf of the American people.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I would ask my colleagues to support this very important bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3963) to provide specialized training to Federal air marshals.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in support of H. Res. 727, ``supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.'' I would like to thank my colleague Congressman Steve Israel for his leadership on this very important issue, as ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecological cancers. All women are at risk for ovarian cancer, but older women are more likely to get the disease than younger women. About 90 percent of women who get ovarian cancer are older than 40 years of age, with the greatest number being aged 55 years or older. Additionally, 90 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not have a family history that puts them at higher risk. Early detection is vital, only 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found before tumor growth has spread beyond the ovaries. The chance of surviving ovarian cancer is better if the cancer is found early. Unfortunately, there is currently no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer. Among women in the United States, ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death, after lung and bronchus, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. In 2005, 19,842 women in the U.S. learned they had ovarian cancer, and 14,787 women died from the disease. Ovarian cancer is known as a ``silent killer'' because it usually isn't found until it has spread to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, there is no simple and reliable way to test for ovarian cancer in women and the Pap test does not check for ovarian cancer. However, new evidence shows that most women may have symptoms even in the early stages, such as: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms, among several other symptoms that are easily confused with other diseases. This new evidence has led to the first national consensus statement on ovarian cancer symptoms to provide consistency in describing symptoms to make it easier for women to learn and remember them. Awareness of symptoms may hopefully lead to earlier detection. The mortality rate for ovarian cancer has not significantly decreased in the almost 40 years since the `War on Cancer' was declared. If ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage before the cancer spreads outside of the ovary, the survival rate is as high as 90 percent. However, due to the lack of a reliable screening test, 75 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in an advanced stage when the five-year survival rate is below 45 percent. I urge my colleagues to support the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Education and awareness of ovarian cancer will save the lives of countless women.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 28 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that TSA should increase and enhance its efforts to secure rail and mass transit systems in ways that are consistent with the 9/11 Act and H.R. 2200. Let me first of all say, Mr. Speaker, that in addition to this legislation, as we stand on the floor today and watch the actions in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as we see the world changing from Mumbai to Madrid, we recognize the crucialness of national security and homeland security. And so this legislation is to emphasize the importance of expanding our oversight and response to the idea of mass transit and rail transportation. I introduced this resolution because deadlines in the 9/11 Act have passed without being satisfied, which is inexcusable given the risks faced by our Nation's rail and mass transit systems. In addition, I authored H.R. 2200, the TSA authorization bill, which included several elements that sought to enhance TSA's surface transportation efforts. That bill passed in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner earlier this year. As we wait for our friends in the Senate to act on H.R. 2200, I believe that the House agreeing to this resolution recommits to our goal of TSA securing these modes of transportation. Let me first of all acknowledge the professional men and women that work for the Transportation Security Administration. I am gratified to know that progress is being made of a new administrator for that agency. I've worked very hard in H.R. 2200 to focus on their professionalism. But they need tools and they need the tools that will allow us to focus on the security of these important elements of transportation, and, as well, the job engine of our community and our Nation. Many Americans use mass transit. Many Americans use rail. Any irreversible, tragic terrorist act can impact the economy of this Nation. As we were reminded by the tragic events in Russia over the weekend and in other cities around the world over the last several years, rail and mass transit systems are prime targets for terrorist acts. When they're shut down, the economy can shut down. This resolution recognizes TSA as being uniquely positioned to lead Federal efforts to secure our Nation's rail and mass transit systems, and recognizes the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program as a valuable resource, which my friend from Alabama has worked on. I might also say that this effort today, this resolution, is also to save lives. As such, it is critical that TSA's security efforts share our commitment to securing these systems. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and send a message about the importance of protecting our people, our infrastructure, and our economy. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 28) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Transportation Security Administration should, in accordance with the congressional mandate provided for in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, enhance security against terrorist attack and other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit lines, as amended.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I'd like to thank the staff of the Homeland Security Committee, and as well, the staff director of the Transportation Security Committee, Mike Beland, and acknowledge the chairman of the committee for working with me and acknowledging the importance of this particular amendment and this bill. Let me just say, as I close, we have already enunciated the parameters of securing mass transit and rail. We understand that we are behind in that effort. I know there are committed, dedicated members of the Homeland Security Department and efforts that are ready to go. We need to give them the tools that they can work with. Even over the last couple of days as we look at actions that may be at first glance perceived to be innocent individuals intruding into the parameters of the White House, we know that we have to be on alert, because no action should be taken in a simple or, if you will, non-serious manner. So I stand today to say that this legislation, though a resolution, is serious because it emphasizes a commitment for tools and saving lives. I am delighted that my colleagues on the committee, in a bipartisan manner, have supported this. I'd like to acknowledge the ranking member of this committee, Mr. Dent; and I'd ask my colleagues to support this legislation, Mr. Speaker. I believe this is a critical issue. H. Res. 28 addresses the critical issue of surface transportation, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``aye.''

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support of H.R. 1242, which amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to provide for additional monitoring and accountability of the Troubled Assets Relief Program, TARP. I support this legislation because I believe that increased accountability will enhance the effectiveness of the TARP funds. I would like to first thank my colleague, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, for introducing this valuable piece of legislation. The TARP funds are designated for financial institutions that have complex internal systems and handle a large volume of information from various sources. The nature of the TARP fund recipients makes understanding how TARP funds are used difficult. Moreover, data is currently being submitted in filings to many agencies and databases, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Federal Reserve, the Fed, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FDIC, Commodities Futures Trading Commission, and Over the Counter Trade data. That the data is housed in separate agencies and in distinct formats makes it difficult to oversee and interpret the usage data. H.R. 1242 will require the Treasury Secretary to create a database that will facilitate the monitoring of TARP funds. The bill provides guidance to the Secretary for the structure of the database and what data should be included. The information collected by the database will be collected on a daily basis and reviewed to ensure compliance with the Emergence Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. Data submitted by TARP recipients will be combined with third party data such as indexes, media reports, press releases, and non-governmental financial information to ensure that the information available is comprehensive. The database will be required to have accurate data structures to allow for cross-referencing, filtering of data content, and geospatial analysis capabilities. The database must be made available to oversight bodies such as the Special Inspector General, the TARP Oversight Panel, the Government Accountability Office, GAO, and law enforcement. Additionally, the Secretary of the Treasury must provide the public access to the database, while protecting information that is prohibited from disclosure under current law. Importantly, this legislation begins the implementation of these measures soon after the enactment, allowing for oversight to begin promptly. Mr. Speaker, the list and diversity of organizations that support this legislation is long. The public demands accountability with regards to taxpayer dollars and this bill provides the necessary reforms to ensure that TARP funds are used properly. The dynamic database outlined by this legislation provides a valuable tool for oversight. By establishing a mechanism for oversight and investigative agencies to review TARP fund usage, we are enhancing accountability.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in support of H.R. 3598, ``Energy and Water Research Integration Act''. I would like thank my colleague, Rep. Bart Gordon, for introducing this important legislation. I support this legislation because our country faces immense challenges with increased demand on our energy and water resources. It is for that reason that this bill is a critical component of our country's energy strategy. According to the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory, the thermoelectric power sector accounts for 39 percent of total freshwater withdrawal in the United States, and 3.3 percent of total freshwater consumption. Not only do we need vast quantities of water for energy production, but we also need energy to transport and treat water. Water resource problems are intensifying across all regions of the country. As demand for water continues to rise and supplies dwindle, it has become increasingly apparent that the federal government should create a comprehensive strategy for energy-water research and development of new technologies to ensure sustainable water and energy supplies. This legislation takes the first steps toward tackling these problems by directing the Secretary of Energy, in carrying out energy research, development, and demonstration programs of the Department of Energy (DOE), to: seek to advance energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices that would minimize freshwater withdrawal and consumption, increase water use efficiency, and utilize nontraditional water sources with efforts to improve the quality of that water; consider the effects climate change may have on water supplies and quality for energy generation and fuel production; and improve understanding of the energy required to provide water supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy supplies throughout the United States. It further requires the Secretary to incorporate specified considerations, including: new advanced cooling technologies for energy generation and fuel production technologies; innovative water reuse, recovery, and treatment in energy generation and fuel production; and reduction of water resource impacts of fossil fuel resource development. Finally, this bill directs the Secretary, in coordination with other relevant federal agencies, to establish an Energy-Water Architecture Council to promote and enable improved energy and water resource data collection, reporting, and technological innovation. This Council would be required to: adopt data collection and communication standards and protocols for the energy required to provide water supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy supplies; make improvements to federal water use data to increase understanding of trends in power plant water use; integrate existing monitoring networks to provide nationally uniform water and energy use and infrastructure data; and conduct an annual technical workshop to facilitate information exchange among experts on technologies that encourage the conservation and efficient use of water energy. With these first steps, our country will be far better informed about the challenges wrought by increasing demands for water and energy, and so will be better able to face them.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3029, ``to establish a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation systems.'' I support this bill because energy efficiency is of the utmost concern to our security, our economy and our future. H.R. 3029 would direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle power generation systems and identify the technologies that will lead to gas turbine combined cycle efficiency of 65 percent. A combined cycle is an attribute of a power producing engine (or plant) that employs more than one thermodynamic cycle. Heat engines, which are still only able to use a portion of the energy their fuel generates (usually less than 50 percent) are a burden on the American consumer who helps support this inefficient system of energy production. The remaining heat (e.g., hot exhaust fumes) from combustion is generally wasted; combining two or more thermodynamic cycles results in improved overall efficiency. The bill requires that the program support engineering and gas turbine design for utility-scale and megawatt-scale electric power generation. Under the bill, this includes high temperature materials, improved heat transfer capability, manufacturing technology, combustion technology, advanced controls and systems integration, advanced high performance compressor technology, and validation facilities for the testing of components and subsystems. It also requires that the program include technology and field demonstrations, and assess overall combined cycle system performance. H.R. 3029 sets out specific program goals. In Phase I, the goal is to develop the conceptual design of and demonstrate the technology required for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 62 percent combined cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis. In Phase II, the goal is to develop the conceptual design for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 65 percent combined cycle efficiency. The bill requires that the Secretary solicit proposals from industry, universities, and other appropriate parties for activities under the program within 180 days of enactment. The bill requires the Secretary, in selecting proposals, to emphasize the extent to which the proposal will stimulate the creation or increased retention of jobs in the United States and the extent to which the proposal will promote and enhance United States technology leadership. Awards shall be made on a competitive basis with emphasis on technical merit. H.R. 3029 authorizes $65 million for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2014 for carrying out the program.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge today, December 1, as World AIDS Day when all of us focus on that devastating disease. I'd like to pay a special tribute to the Thomas Street Clinic in Houston, Texas, that for decades has served the hopeless and sometimes the helpless. I am so very glad that they are giving people life and opportunity. Thank you, Thomas Street Clinic. And I was delighted to introduce legislation in support of them. Mr. Speaker, on another topic very quickly, let me suggest that the President has been deliberative and thoughtful. It is interesting that those who criticize created the devastation and the havoc that is going on now in Afghanistan by taking away from our focus on Afghanistan after 9/11 and focusing on Iraq, a distracting war. Yet we love those who served, and we mourn for those we have lost. We now want not to mourn for more. We want to find a way that we can introduce diplomacy, democracy, and getting the Government in Afghanistan to take care of its own people. This is a war of insurgents. This is a civil war. And, therefore, we must find a way to handle this in a manner that serves all.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was absent on November 17 and November 18 because of official business in my district dealing with the honoring of a former President and as well the launch. Had I been present for S. 1314, I would have voted ``aye''; for H.R. 3539 I would have voted ``aye''; for H.R. 3767 I would have voted ``aye''; for H.R. 3360 I would have voted ``aye''; for H. Res. 841 I would have voted ``aye''; and for H. Res. 891 I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Thank you very much, Mr. Stark. I rise to support H.R. 3961 because it provides a payment for our doctors, allows seniors to keep their doctors, and is paid for. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before you today in support of the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act. This bill, which will finally put an end to the cycle of threats of larger and larger fee-cuts followed by short-term fixes, is long overdue. This bill will repeal a 21 percent fee reduction that currently scheduled right around the corner, January 2010. Given the fact that Healthcare reform has been, and still is, a very lively and relevant topic over the recent months, the timing of this bill is apropos in that is intended to make our nations healthcare system more efficient. The importance of this bill is evidenced by its widespread support from a range of organizations representing both patients and doctors, including the American Medical Association, AARP, and the American Academy of Family Physicians just to name a few. Their support shows that there has been a need for better management of the Medicare system, and this bill presents the sustainable solution that physicians and patients alike have been looking for. Proper management of Medicare funding ensures that the Medicare system will be able to properly support the medical needs of its intended beneficiaries. This bill will help promote the use of primary care and give access to the use of primary care practitioners in Medicare and throughout the healthcare system. By providing incentives to physicians, this bill will also encourage integrated care and increased communications amongst doctors on the care of their specific patients. These improvements to the Medicare system will result in a higher quality of care and ultimately, a healthier population of patients. With so many Americans currently uninsured or receiving inadequate healthcare, it is paramount that the funds set aside to support Medicare are used wisely to provide the best possible care for patients. In my home state of Texas, the need for a more efficient healthcare is more prevalent now than ever. One in four Texans, about 5.7 million people, or 24.5 percent of the state's population, has no health insurance coverage. An estimated 1,339,550 Texas children--20.2 percent of Texas children--are uninsured. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas has the nation's highest percentage of uninsured residents. This poses consequences for every person, business and local government in the state who bear extra costs to pay for uncompensated care. If Medicare funding is allowed to be cut or capped, the number of uninsured will grow dramatically. I realize that we must consider budgetary concerns while we champion the push for better quality healthcare, and the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act does just that. It was drafted with fiscal responsibility in mind. We want to protect both the medical and fiscal health of our people and this bill takes steps to do just that. The cost of the bill is already included in the House-passed and President's budgets. This money represents the ongoing care and maintenance of the Medicare program. The legislation fully complies with the House-passed PAYGO requirements because the PAYGO legislation explicitly accommodates physician reform legislation that is designed to maintain current spending. As such, the bill, while it contains new reforms, represents continuation of an existing policy rather than new spending. H.R. 3961 will be coupled with Statutory PAYGO legislation when it is sent to the Senate. The cost of addressing this problem will only grow in the future. In 2005 a permanent freeze for physician payments was scored as costing $48.6 billion; today, a policy with a similar score costs $210 billion. Delays today mean larger and larger price tags in the future and continuing damage to the Medicare program. Therefore prompt action on this issue is necessary and must be taken. As we talk about fixing the issue of Medicare payments to physicians, this raises similar fixes that I proposed in H.R. 3962--The America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. Specifically, I proposed two changes to Section 1156 of H.R. 3962, to prevent existing physician- owned hospitals from being forced out of business, amendments that enjoyed bi-partisan support. First, to avoid harming existing physician-owned hospital projects, I proposed extending the date of the grandfathering provision of Section 1156 to January 1, 2011 and by strengthening the requirements for Hospitals to qualify for an extension. Next, I suggested that we extend the cut-off date for determining the baseline number of beds and procedure rooms for purposes of the expansion prohibition (currently, date of enactment) to the same date proposed or the grandfathering provision. Along with this, I share the concerns of health advocates that, as is, the public option in H.R. 3962 is not equipped to provide real competition to large mega insurance plans. As such, I proposed that H.R. 3962 incorporate Congressman Kucinich's proposal to allow states to choose public insurance options more robust than the Federal plan. I look forward to working with the leadership going forward to fix these items along with a system that each year cuts Medicare reimbursements to Physicians.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in support of H.R. 1842, the ``Expanding Entrepreneurship Act of 2009.'' I would like thank my colleague, Representative Luetkemeyer, for introducing this act of solidarity, as well as the cosponsors. When people think of the American Dream, there are few things they are more likely to think of than opening a small business. Our President called them the dreamers who built this country. In his words, ``They're the workers who took a chance on their desire to be their own boss, the part-time inventors who became the full-time entrepreneurs, the men and women who have helped build the American middle class, keeping alive that most American of ideals.'' My home city is very much a part of this dream--according to Fortune Small Business magazine, Houston, Texas, is one of the five best cities in which to start a small business. That is what makes the Expanding Entrepreneurship Act such an important bill. It would make several changes to the Small Business Administration's, SBA, entrepreneurial development programs including establishment of planning standards, greater coordination of SBA programs, maintenance of an entrepreneurial development database, creation of an entrepreneurial development portal, and the introduction of community specialists to the program. Under this legislation, the Administrator of the SBA would be required to develop a job creation strategy for 2009-2010. This plan would include the agency's intent for using existing programs, including Small Business Development Centers, SBDCs, Women's Business Centers, WBCs, Service Corps for Retired Executives, SCORE, Veterans' Business Outreach Centers, Native American Outreach, and other appropriate initiatives, to create and retain jobs throughout the United States. The SBA Administrator would establish performance measures and criteria including job creation, job retention and job retaining goals, to evaluate the agency's progress in this effort. Also, under this act the Administrator would be required to oversee the coordination of SBA's Entrepreneurial Development Programs with other Federal agencies when it's appropriate. The Administrator would be required to report to Congress annually on opportunities to foster coordination, limit duplication, and improve Federal entrepreneurial development programs, without regard to the agency that houses an entrepreneurial outreach effort. To ensure easy access for entrepreneurs, a portal will be designed on the SBA website with links to all of the SBA's entrepreneurial development programs. This portal will also have links to relevant web content organized by industry type, stage of business, and level of need. A separate database of providers of entrepreneurial development services will also be established on the SBA's website. A community specialist would also be recruited to serve in every SBA District office. Their sole purpose would be working with local entrepreneurial development service providers to improve coordination with Federal resources. This will make the bill especially helpful for minority owned businesses. This legislation is particularly efficient because it develops a cost effective way to reach a larger number of entrepreneurs in need and coordinates all entrepreneurial development programs eliminating duplication and government waste. That is why I am supporting this legislation--because of what it will do to help women, minorities, and veterans who gave the ultimate service to our great country to be a part of its great dream.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reaffirm my support for physicians, for the work that they do, and, of course, the fix that we just passed, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, that finally responds to the medical care that doctors give all over America. This bill will repeal a 21-percent fee reduction that currently was scheduled right around the corner for January 2010. It also reinforces the rights of seniors to keep their doctors and, as well, to lower costs. It has a pay-for as well. It is a procedure that has already been handled. Proper management of Medicare funding ensures that the Medicare system will be able to properly support the medical needs of its intended beneficiaries. This bill will help promote the use of primary care and give access to the use of primary care practitioners in Medicare and throughout the health care system. I have been working to support and protect physician-owned hospitals which give quality care, physicians who are able to go in and protect the quality of medical care in rural and urban areas. This bill also supports our physicians, and I am proud of it.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the Reserve Officers Association Modernization Act. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I understand the role of the brave men and women of the National Guard and the Reserves and I strongly support legislation that facilitates their ability to continue to provide an excellent service to the United States. The Reserve Officers Association was founded in 1922 by several hundred military officers, many of whom were veterans of World War I. The Association was concerned that in the wake of World War I, the complacency and isolationism that was sweeping across the political landscape would lead to a return to America's pre war unpreparedness. In June 1950, President Truman signed the Reserve Officers Association's charter into law. Today, over 80 years after the Association's founding, the complacency that its founders feared is long gone, yet the Reserve Officers Association remains committed to its mission: ``. . . [to] support and promote the development and execution of a military policy for the United States that will provide adequate National Security.'' Today, the Reserve Officers Association is organized into 55 departments with one department in each of the 50 states, and 5 additional departments located in Latin America, Puerto Rico, Europe, the District of Columbia and the Far East. Each department is further divided into chapters. There are over 550 chapters around the world. The Reserve Officers Association helped to establish the bipartisan Reserve Component Caucus in the House of Representatives, of which, of course, I am a member, to provide congressional oversight of Reserve issues and programs. Since the events of September 11, 2001, our country has relied more heavily on the National Guard and the Reserves than at any other time in recent history. The National Guard and the Reserves play a significant role in the United States military, national security and disaster relief efforts. The Reserves and the National Guard have stepped forward to answer the call of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Furthermore, they have each played pivotal roles in homeland security and disaster relief. These new, demanding responsibilities of the National Guard and the Reserves require an update of policies, and of the Reserves Officers Association charter. This legislation is designed to update the Reserve Officers Association's Federal Charter to reflect the current operations of the Association. The bill extends the Association's National Executive Committee, its governing body, to include the Association's president- elect. It also names the president-elect as an officer of the Association. Furthermore, it provides for the possibility of having more than 3 national executive committee members as officers and on the National Executive Committee. The bill also provides for one vote for each member of the Committee except the president elect and the executive director. The bill also provides for certain officers to be decided in accordance with the Association's Constitution. It is our responsibility to provide for the needs of the National Guard and the Reserves. They each contribute to our Nation's military, our national security and disaster relief efforts. I am proud and honored to support the brave men and women of the Reserves and the National Guard by endorsing this legislation. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in support of this bill to bring the Reserve Officers Association Federal Charter up to date so that the organization can continue to provide a valuable and honorable service to the United States of America.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to offer my support of House Resolution 851 recognizing and honoring the 40th Anniversary of SEARCH, the National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics. For the past 40 years, SEARCH has worked to identify and solve information management problems of law enforcement agencies across the United States. Accurate, efficient and effective communications between and among Federal, State and local agencies have posed challenges to effective public service since the beginning of organized governments in America. Thus, in 1969, the Department of Justice's Law Enforcement Assistance Administration developed SEARCH, a 10-State project designed to test the feasibility of an interstate automated exchange of criminal history records. The program was a success, and over the past 40 years, SEARCH has maintained a leading role in providing solutions to information management challenges nationwide. SEARCH is a nonprofit organization created by and for the States and governed by a membership group that includes one appointee from each of the 50 States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its mission is ``to improve the quality of justice and public safety through the use, management and exchange of information; application of new technologies; and responsible law and policy; while safeguarding security and privacy.'' SEARCH has succeeded in using information sharing technology to help agencies to make accurate, informed, immediate and well-secured decisions about criminal justice and security issues. SEARCH has played a crucial role in developing systems of collaboration for law enforcement agencies across the Nation. A few examples include: the Interstate Identification, a national index of criminal histories maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, a mechanism for determining eligibility to buy a firearm; the National Fingerprint File, a tool that allows States to maintain their own fingerprint records while still sharing information with Federal and State law enforcement agencies around the country; and the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, a national fingerprint identification and criminal history system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Such systems have been critical in sharing data to enhance law enforcement capabilities nationwide. It is important to recognize, however, that accuracy in law enforcement is as important as vigilance. Accurate law enforcement requires strict focus on privacy rights especially when sharing information. SEARCH has been instrumental in championing privacy and civil rights in law enforcement. SEARCH has addressed the need to protect privacy, civil rights and civil liberties while promoting public and individual safety. For example, in its ``Guide to Conducting Privacy Impact Assessments for State, Local, and Tribal Information Sharing Initiatives,'' SEARCH identifies the potential risks of law-enforcement agency information- sharing. It writes: ``[Data Sharing's] inappropriate or reckless use may irreparably damage reputations, threaten individual liberty, place personal safety at risk, or deny individuals access to some of life's most basic necessities such as employment, housing, and education. Greater information-sharing capabilities and opportunities are accompanied by equally greater responsibilities for protecting the privacy of the information being used and exchanged.'' In that document, SEARCH goes on to instruct agencies on how to assess the potential privacy risks of their information-sharing programs, and how to develop policies to help mitigate some of those risks. I further congratulate SEARCH on its cutting edge technological advancements. Who could have guessed at the inception of SEARCH in 1969 that communications systems would evolve as far as they have? Over the years, SEARCH has managed not only to keep up with the remarkable technological advances of the past 40 years, but to be at the cutting edge. The original purpose of the SEARCH project was to examine the possibility of an automated system for exchanging information about criminals. Today, it uses a variety of technological tools ranging from biometric technologies to cellular device data recovery tools to aid in crime prevention. SEARCH also trains and equips law enforcement agencies nationwide on issues of high-tech crime. It provides courses through its outreach training program on topics including: systems security, digital data recovery, and computer forensics. Further, SEARCH provides resources for investigators investigating crimes involving the internet such as online child exploitation. Such focus on technological advances is part of the reason for the success of SEARCH over the past 40 years and will certainly be an important component of its continued success over the next 40. In addition to those SEARCH activities designed to aid law enforcement, I think it is important to recognize and applaud SEARCH's impact on public safety through its communications interoperability training programs. Information sharing and agency collaboration plays an important role, not just in crime prevention, but also in disaster relief. In August 2008, SEARCH was instrumental in enhancing Texas' communications response to Hurricane Gustav. Gustav approached the State of Texas as a SEARCH All-Hazards Type III Communications Unit Leader, COML, training course was being conducted in my home town of Houston. As the hurricane bore down, the SEARCH instructors immediately mobilized the State emergency managers along with their students to construct the State's emergency communications response to Gustav. The instructors then deployed some students from the course to use the course's teachings to coordinate interoperable communications for emergency first responders. This is just one example of how SEARCH's programs have benefited, not only the people of my home State of Texas, but people all across the country. Efficient emergency response communications are an important part of keeping Americans safe. Providing 40 years of effective information management tools to Federal, State and local agencies across the Nation is a wonderful accomplishment. Indeed, SEARCH has managed to stay at the forefront of communications technology as it pertains to law enforcement and public safety. It has effectively navigated America's transition to the information age of the 21st century and provided services to aid governments in saving lives. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution to salute SEARCH, the National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics, for its success in providing quality tools for law enforcement and public safety across the United States of America.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res 841, which will designate November 29, 2009, as ``Drive Safer Sunday''. I strongly support the passage of this resolution because at some point in time, all of our lives have been or will be in the hands of a driver. Motor vehicle travel is the primary means of transportation for most of us here in the United States. Advocating safer driving methods will help save the lives of countless mothers, daughters, fathers and sons. Losing the people we love due to another drivers' lack of attention, carelessness or belligerent intoxication while driving is inexcusable. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, in 2005, Americans now spend more than 100 hours a year commuting to work. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, estimates that in 2009, 37,313 people, an average of more than 100 drivers a day, were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Throughout the first half of this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, has reported over 16,000 deaths. Throughout 2008 in Houston, my home district, the 18th District of Texas, there were an estimated 74 fatalities according to the Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT. Between driving to work, taking our kids to school, running to the grocery store and various other errands; for many of us, our highways and byways become a home away from home. Unfortunately, distracted drivers have endangered us all with careless antics. `Distracted driving' includes anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from driving, including food and beverages, traffic accidents, adjusting the radio, children, pets, objects moving in the vehicle, talking or texting on a cell phone, smoking, putting on on makeup, shaving, and reading. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, conducted a study on driver distraction with respect to both behavioral and vehicle safety countermeasures in an effort to understand and mitigate crashes associated with distracted driving. In September of this year, the Department of Transportation, DOT, Secretary Ray LaHood announced research findings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, that showed nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. Distracted driving was reported to have been involved in 16 percent of all fatal crashes in 2008, according to data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, FARS. The age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group, 16 percent of all under-20 drivers in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving. Crashes in which the critical reason for the crash was attributed to the driver, approximately 18 percent involved distraction, according to the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey, NMVCCS. While traveling on our roads and highways, we all need to drive safer to reduce deaths and injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Driver behavior can be effectively changed through education and awareness. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest highway traffic day of the year and would be appropriate to be designated as ``Drive Safer Sunday.''

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 891, ``Expressing the gratitude of the House of Representatives for the service to our Nation of the Coast Guard and Marine Corps aircraft pilots and crewmembers lost off the coast of California on October 29, 2009, and for other purposes.'' The safety of American citizens lies in the hands of our service men and women on a daily basis. With honor and respect our service men and women devote their lives to their duty and time and time again they prove to be faithful servants. We in the Gulf Coast region will never forget their bravery in saving 22,000+ lives during Hurricane Katrina. On the evening of October 29, 2009, a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft with two pilots and five crewmembers on board was involved in a search and rescue mission off the coast of California. Unfortunately at the same time, a Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra carrying two pilots was involved in a military escort mission nearby. The two aircraft are suspected to have collided while traveling east of San Clemente Island, California. The following crew members of the Coast Guard C-130 are missing and presumed to have lost their lives in the line of duty: Lt. Cmdr. Che J. Barnes of Capay, California; Lt. Adam W. Bryant, of Crewe, Virginia; Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman of Stockton, California; Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl P. Grigonis of Mayfield Heights, Ohio; Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica L. Beacham of Decaturville, Tennessee; Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason S. Moletzsky of Norristown, Pennsylvania; and Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny R. Kreder II, of Elm Mott, Texas. The following crew members of the Marine Corps helicopter are missing and presumed to have lost their lives in the line of duty: Maj. Samuel Leigh of Kennebec, Maine, and 1st Lt. Thomas Claiborne of Douglas, Colorado. The men and women of the Coast Guard are ``Always Ready'' to safeguard the United States against all hazards and threats at our ports, at sea, and around the world. As the men and women of the Marine Corps are ``Always Faithful'' to their mission of defending the United States on the ground, in the air, and by sea, in every corner of the globe. These individuals lost their lives in service to their country and I, as well as every other Member of Congress, should support this resolution in their honor.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished chairman, and I thank him for his leadership. I rise to support H.R. 3791 and the $1 billion for the AFG per year, and the $1.2 billion for the SAFER. In my community, over the last 3 months we've had 17 fires in Heights and Shady Acres, putting firefighters in jeopardy and threatening lives. This legislation is enormously important, in that it allows cities over 2.5 million to get grants up to $9 million. I would be looking forward or like to look forward to work with the chairman to establish a study to determine the propensity of serial fire instigators, if you will, threatening the lives of firefighters, and I'd like to be able to work with the chairman on this crucial issue of providing a study so that we can emphasize these grants going to fight against serial fires. I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee.