Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution raising awareness about the criminal justice system and crime awareness month. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill. I find it tragic that approximately three million Americans are employed within the justice system. Approximately seven million adults are on probation, parole, or are incarcerated. Many more millions of Americans have been victims of crime and, consequently, lost income, incurred medical expenses, and suffered emotionally. To be sure there is a high cost of crime to individuals, communities, businesses, and the various levels of government exceeds the billions of dollars spent each year in administering the criminal justice system. It is because of this that I have authored innovative legislation aimed at addressing these problems. For example, in the 110th Congress and again in the 111th Congress, I sponsored the Drug Sentencing Reform and Cocaine Kingpin Trafficking Act of 2009 which addresses the disparity between crack and powder cocaine. The bill is presently numbered H.R. 265. I also authored H.R. 61, Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2009. Importantly, this bill amends the federal criminal code to direct the Bureau of Prisons to release prisoners who (1) served one half or more of his or her term of imprisonment, (2) obtained at least the age of 45; (3) has never been convicted of a crime of violence; and (4) has not engaged in any violation of institutional disciplinary regulations. These two pieces of legislation will go far in addressing the problems in the criminal justice system and will go far in educating the masses of Americans about the criminal justice system. Federal, State, and local governments increased their spending for police protection, corrections, judicial, and legal activities in fiscal year 2005 by 5.5 percent or $204 billion. My bills if passed will decrease the amount of money spent on protecting communities and the warehousing of prisoners in the industrial prison complex. More work needs to be done by Members of Congress. In 2006, fifty percent of Americans admitted they fear that their home would be burglarized when they are not home. Thirty-four percent of American women feared that they would be sexually assaulted and forty-four percent of Americans feared they would be a victim of a terrorist attack. What is astonishing is that approximately thirty-five percent of Americans have very little or no confidence in the criminal justice system and the negative effects of crime in regard to confidence in governmental agencies and overall social stability are immeasurable. The reality is that crime rates have dropped since the early 1990s, but most Americans believe that the rate of crime is increasing. Let me share some alarming statistics regarding crime in Houston. Crime Statistics In Houston According to Houston Police Department statistics: Violent crimes Violent crimes in Houston increased less than 1 percent in 2008 compared with 2007. Homicides dropped by 16 percent. The number of homicides dropped from 353 in 2007 to 295 last year. Sexual assaults increased more than 8 percent from 2007. Aggravated assaults increased at 9.1 percent. Domestic violence Of the 1,092 additional aggravated assault cases in 2008, more than half were reports of domestic violence. Nonviolent crimes Nonviolent crimes declined more than 10 percent in 2008. Property dropped by more than 10 percent. Auto thefts decreased last year, dropping more than 21 percent to 15,214, down from 19,465 in 2007. The bills that I authored are intended to make America a better, fairer place, and are intended to assist families and the incarcerated. They are smart bills that are aimed at making America a safer place and are aimed at lessening the expense of warehousing prisoners and the indiscriminate locking up of prisoners. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and the bills that I sponsored.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a giant in our community in Houston, Texas, that we lost just a few days ago. Quentin Mease was 100 years old, and he lived that life vigorously and with great fulfillment. He was a servant of the people. No, he was not elected, but he was one of the founding members of the National Urban League Houston chapter. He was a founding member of what is now called the Harris County Hospital District. One of the satellite hospitals was named after Quentin Mease. He was truly a giver, a philanthropic, a person who believed that he was, in fact, our brothers' and sisters' keeper. He lost his life, but he was full of life when he passed. He will be recognized on Thursday for a wake and Friday for a funeral. I believe the words of the President of the United States in his African American History Month that said, ``The ideals of the founders became more real and more true for every citizen of African American ancestry to realize our full potential as a Nation, and to uphold those ideals for all who enter into our borders and embrace the notion that we all are endowed with certain inalienable rights.'' Quentin Mease, fallen in battle, believed that we were all endowed with certain inalienable rights. He gave his all. He wanted us all to be embraced under this bright and shining flag. He believed in America. As an African American, he is a giant, and I thank him for highlighting young people like myself to give us an opportunity to go forward into the future. Thank you, Mr. Mease. May God bless you. And may God bless you as you rest in peace.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution honoring, Beverly Eckert, a great American. As a 9/11 widow, Beverly Eckert rose above a daunting challenge. America has asked her to not only overcome her grief over losing her husband, but to take on a leading role as a advocate for other victims. Beverly Eckert, who died on February 12 in the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in Clarence Center, N.Y., was co-founder of Voices of September 11, a group representing the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Her husband, Sean Rooney, died in the World Trade Center. Under Eckert's leadership, Voices of September 11 grew into an influential advocacy group of more than 5,500 members. Eckert supported the work of the 9/11 Commission and urged Congress to adopt its recommendations. Less than a week before her death, she met with President Barack Obama at the White House with other terrorist victims' families to discuss changes in the government's handling of terror suspects. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure I am well aware of the importance of keeping the memory of September 11, 2001 at the forefront of our conscious. This resolution honors Beverly Eckert for her service on behalf of September 11 victims and their families and recognizes her work to bring about the implementation of the 9/11 Commission recommendations to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism. It extends condolences to Eckert's family and the families of all those who lost their lives in the Continental Connection Flight 3407 crash. Certainly the irony of Beverly Eckert dying in a plane crash that appears to be weather-related is not lost on us. That does not diminish the breadth of her work over the last eight years. It is fitting that Beverly was greeted at the White House by President Obama just a week before she perished. It is my hope Mr. Speaker that we continue to honor Beverly Eckert and the other victims of Continental Connection Flight 3407 and the terrorist attacks of 9/11 by energizing our pursuit of the terrorists who hurt our nation. We can do this by bringing to justice the perpetrators of those attacks and the forces behind them. Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak to our nation at this poignant time but also a moment where we can be reminded of the arduous task that this new administration faces in pursuit of terrorists and seeking to raise our profile as a nation of peace. We can be a leader in the fight against terrorism and still saving the world. We can only hope that Sean Rooney and Beverly are reunited in heaven.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you for an opportunity to speak on an important anniversary. As we honor the Department of Homeland Security we also take the time to salute the nearly 223,000 employees who make up the agencies staff. I recently had the pleasure of meeting the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano and made sure to mention how proud I am of her staff. Congress created the Homeland Security Department as a result of the tragic events of September 11, consolidating the nation's efforts to prevent, prepare for, protect against, respond to, and mitigate threats to the homeland. On March 1, 2003, the Homeland Security Department united 22 agencies, and 2009 marks its sixth year of full-scale operations. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure I am well aware of the sacrifice and diligence of the more than 223,000 Homeland Security employees who work in the department. This resolution recognizes and honors the employees of the Homeland Security Department on its sixth anniversary for their continuous efforts to keep the nation safe. Our nation has remained safe since the terrorist attacks thanks to the hard work, fastidious attention to detail and dedication of the many employees of this Department. The day-to-day tedium that the professionals at the Department of Homeland Security only serve to underscore how vital they are as a protective force. Mr. Speaker, they truly are on the frontlines, at our nation's busiest ports. They are the people who make sure that our children can walk home from that little red schoolhouse; they are the people who allow us to exercise our constitutional right to travel freely and associate with whom we like; they are the people who allow us to proclaim loudly that ``I have the right to free speech,'' to essentially be American. I would also be remiss if I did not take note of some of the tasks that the department faces this year onward. The Department of Homeland Security is an integral part of the plan to increase usage of safer and more efficient mass transit. We must utilize our federal dollars to improve our rail and over-the-road bus systems. We must work to ensure safe package by training workers to be the best they can and to continue to take pride in their work. These improvements must be modernized to be the best security and safety systems. The Transportation Worker Identification Credential or TWIC program must be updated to allow for seamless processing for our workers most of whom depend on their jobs to feed their families. Border and Maritime security is the absolute beginning of what it means to be a safe country. Transportation Security Administration or TSA workers must continue to be better trained because they are on the frontlines of our nation's airport security. These workers must also be afforded the opportunity to have collective bargaining rights if they chose and the ability to report fraud, corruption and wrongdoing. That is the essence of the whistleblower protections which we just voted to include in H.R. 1 that I fought for and will continue to press, and yes, even in a Democratic administration. Mr. Speaker, these are just a few of the laundry list of items that Secretary Napolitano and her staff will tackle in the coming months and years. I am confident though that they are up to the task of making the Department of Homeland Security an even better federal agency.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me thank the Speaker for her leadership and the opportunity to address my colleagues on what I think is a very important topic. Of course, first I wish to wish my great State of Texas happy independence day, March 2, 2009, which was yesterday, and celebrate the courage of those fighters who declared their independence from Mexico. Texans are an independent bunch, but we are a patriotic bunch and we love this country, and I believe it is important to address the leadership that sits just a few blocks away that is attempting to take this Nation to another level of economic empowerment and change. It is important, Madam Speaker, to articulate more clearly the purposes of the economic stimulus package and the bankruptcy bill that will come to this floor in just a couple of days. Both of those bills respond to the needs of the average working American. It is important to note that the economic stimulus package has no earmarks and it is to generate jobs and those jobs are to be in the private sector. Over the last 2 weeks, Madam Speaker, I have sat down in my school districts speaking to each superintendent asking them to establish an economic stimulus task force that would ensure that the dollars that would come through this stimulus package would be, first of all, used to educate our children; would be limited in its use for administrative costs; would be focusing on saving teachers' jobs or creating teachers' jobs; would focus on Title I; and would help modernize schools and hire contractors who would then hire people who are out of work in the private sector. School districts typically don't build or modernize their schools. Those are jobs, $10 billion in the stimulus package. Recently I have walked through unemployment offices to focus on getting job training dollars so that people could alter their careers and be able to be prepared for the 21st century workplace, such as being prepared for the green jobs that are also part of the economic stimulus package. Weatherization, $5 billion for weatherization of our buildings and homes both in the cold weather and the hot weather. Those are jobs, Madam Speaker, that have not been created before. They are not jobs in the government. They are jobs in the private sector. Madam Speaker, I went on to meet with the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure that contracts are shovel-ready; that new small businesses and minority businesses and women-owned businesses are being hired, that they are able to be proud of what they put on the Web site and that they actually do create jobs. Just yesterday, I met with the mayor of Houston, the fourth largest city in the Nation, and the department heads, seeking creatively how we can enhance and beautify distressed areas, depressed areas, both in rural and urban areas, which was the purpose of the President's desire. By the way, Madam Speaker, I can tell you that earmarks should not be labeled as being fraudulent. They should be transparent. They are not an added expenditure of dollars. They are simply allowing the people of the district, the State of Texas, the State of New York or Mississippi or Georgia or California to be able to assess where those moneys can be used more effectively. But we don't have any earmarks in the stimulus package. The bankruptcy bill, which has been much maligned in certain areas, and I am very glad we are coming together to think together, is really a bill that responds to the little person, the person who was responsible, the person who really feels that bankruptcy may in fact be a shameful thing to do, but are working every day trying to make ends meet. They are making their payments, but they are falling behind as they try to make those payments. What it does is it allows a judge to assess whether that person is able to more effectively keep their house if they are able to cram down the amount of the mortgage. But what happens, Madam Speaker, is that if that house is ultimately sold, any profit goes back to the lender. Where is the help for the little guy? Where is the help for the struggling homeowner and American who works every day? It is the bankruptcy court. That will not be a free ride. In addition, I hope to offer legislation that indicates that if a buyer was manipulated with an adjustable rate or predatory lending, that their missteps in their mortgage, that their faltering, does not impact their credit score, which then ends their ability to be part of the economic resurgence that will come about over the next couple of months and years as we begin to see the economic stimulus package work. This is not a tough task. I voted against the TARP originally. Money is being given to big banks. But what I believe is we have got to recapitalize our markets and restore our housing market. Madam Speaker, we are on the right path. Let's do it in unity. Let's not forgets the hard-working Americans who now need to have their day by passing the bankruptcy bill and making sure the stimulus package works.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1105, the ``Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009''. I would like to thank my colleague Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis for introducing this important legislation. I would especially like to thank the respective subcommittee chairs and ranking members who I worked closely with in obtaining the funds necessary to help the citizens of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. These funds were vital in helping the Houston area. I want to especially thank: Alan Mollohan Chairman and Frank R. Wolf Ranking member of the subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. Peter J. Visclosky Chairman and Rodney P. Frelinghuysen Ranking member of the subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. David E. Price Chairman and Harold Rogers Ranking member of the subcommittee on Homeland Security. David Obey Chairman and Todd Tiahrt of the subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Wait a minute. Can we get a little history lesson here? Does anybody remember the $700 billion that we gifted to the banks? When they were on their knees, they took Federal money. Many of us voted against it because we wanted to know what was going to happen to the American public. Why is my friend talking about the young people who were hurting in the administration before us? They hurt more than young people. They told us that we needed $700 billion of government money to give to the banks. We asked the banks to voluntarily modify the loans. We begged them to do it. We worked with them. We spoke with them. They did not do it. Today, we vote for the little person, for the individual who has been responsible, who has been working like a constituent in my constituency for 18 years as a cafeteria worker, saving up money, who has got a small bungalow, but it was at an adjustable rate. That's not that lady's fault. She is still working, but she has fallen behind. She will go into court under this bill. She will be able to use the FHA and VA. They will be able to look to voluntarily modify before the court. The only thing that this does is it allows, after all things have happened, for you to be able to go into the courthouse, stand before a judge and be assessed on your own responsibility. We have a manager's amendment. If there's any profit to be made, it goes back to the lender, to the bank. Mr. Bank and Mrs. Bank, why didn't you do this on your own? We would have preferred you to have done it. I'm looking forward to introducing legislation where, for people who've been responsible and who go in to redo their mortgages, their issue will not be part of their credit score, of their potential foreclosure, of their back payments, because it is not their fault. We've fallen into a crisis, into an abyss. So, my friends, I don't know how we can stand on the other side of the aisle talking about the poor little banks. We asked the banks to reorder people's mortgages. People in my district begged for them to do so, but when they called, there was nothing but a 1-800 number. Support this legislation. It's the little fellow's day today. We want people to save their homes. We're saving America. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1106, ``Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2009.'' I would like to thank Chairman Conyers of the House Judiciary Committee and Chairman Barney Frank of the Financial Services Committee for their leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill because it provides a viable medium for bankruptcy judges to modify the terms of mortgages held by homeowners who have little recourse but to declare bankruptcy. This bill could not have come at a more timely moment. Just a day after the President's address before the Joint Session of Congress where President Obama outlined his economic plan for America and discussed the current economic situation that this country is facing. To be sure, there are many economic woes that saddle this country. The statistics are staggering. Home foreclosures are at an all-time high and they will increase as the recession continues. In 2006, there were 1.2 million foreclosures in the United States, representing an increase of 42 percent over the prior year. During 2007 through 2008, mortgage foreclosures were estimated to result in a whopping $400 billion worth of defaults and $100 billion in losses to investors in mortgage securities. This means that one per 62 American households is currently approaching levels not seen since the Depression. The current economic crisis and the foreclosure blight have affected new home sales and depressed home value generally. New home sales have fallen by about 50 percent. One in six homeowners owes more on a mortgage than the home is worth raising the possibility of default. Home values have fallen nationwide from an average of 19% from their peak in 2006 and this price plunge has wiped out trillions of dollars in home equity. The tide of foreclosure might become self-perpetuating. The nation could be facing a housing depression--something far worse than a recession. Obviously, there are substantial societal and economic costs of home foreclosures that adversely impact American families, their neighborhoods, communities and municipalities. A single foreclosure could impose direct costs on local government agencies totaling more than $34,000. I am glad that this legislation is finally on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. I have long championed in the first TARP bill that was introduced and signed late last Congress, that language be included to specifically address the issue of mortgage foreclosures. I had asked that $100 billion be set aside to address that issue. Now, my idea has been vindicated as the TARP today has included language and we here today are continuing to engage in the dialogue to provide monies to those in mortgage foreclosure. I have also asked for modification of homeowners' existing loans to avoid mortgage foreclosure. I believe that the rules governing these loans should be relaxed. These are indeed tough economic times that require tough measures. Because of the pervasive home foreclosures, federal legislation is necessary to curb the fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis. For consumers facing foreclosure sale who want to retain their homes, Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code provides some modicum of protection. The Supreme Court has held that the exception to a Chapter 13's ability to modify the rights of creditors applies even if the mortgage is undersecured. Thus, if a Chapter 13 debtor owes $300,000 on a mortgage for a home that is worth less than $200,000, he or she must repay the entire amount in order to keep his or her home, even though the maximum that the mortgage would receive upon foreclosure is the home's value, i.e., $200,000, less the costs of foreclosure. Importantly, H.R. 1106 provides for a relaxation of the bankruptcy provisions and waives the mandatory requirement that a debtor must receive credit counseling prior to the filing for bankruptcy relief, under certain circumstances. The waiver applies in a Chapter 13 case where the debtor submits to the court a certification that the debtor has received notice that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence may commence a foreclosure proceeding against such residence. This bill also prohibits claims arising from violations of consumer protection laws. Specifically, this bill amends the Bankruptcy Code to disallow a claim that is subject to any remedy for damages or rescission as a result of the claimant's failure to comply with any applicable requirement under the Truth in Lending Act or other applicable state or federal consumer protection law in effect when the noncompliance took place, notwithstanding the prior entry of a foreclosure judgment. H.R. 1106 also amends the Bankruptcy Code to permit modification of certain mortgages that are secured by the debtor's principal residence in specified respects. Lastly, the bill provide that the debtor, the debtor's property, and property of the bankruptcy estate are not liable for a fee, cost, or charge incurred while the Chapter 13 case is pending and that arises from a debt secured by the debtor's principal residence, unless the holder of the claim complies with certain requirements. I have long championed the rights of homeowners, especially those facing mortgage foreclosure. I have worked with the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee to include language that would relax the bankruptcy provisions to allow those facing mortgage foreclosure to restructure their debt to avoid foreclosure. manager's amendment Because I have long championed the rights of homeowners facing mortgage foreclose in the recent TARP bill and before the Judiciary Committee, I have worked with Chairman Conyers and his staff to add language that would make the bill stronger and that would help more Americans. I co-sponsored sections of the Manager's Amendment and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Specifically, I worked with the Chairman Conyers to ensure that in section 2 of the amendment, section 109(h) of the Bankruptcy Code would be amended to waive the mandatory requirement, under current law, that a debtor receive credit counseling prior to filing for bankruptcy relief. Under the amended language there is now a waiver that will apply where the debtor submits to the court a certification that the debtor has received notice that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence may commence a foreclosure proceeding against such residence. This is important because it affords the debtor the maximum relief without having to undergo a slow credit counseling process. This will help prevent the debtors credit situation from worsening, potentially spiraling out of control, and result in the eventual loss of his or her home. Section 4 of the Manager's Amendment relaxes certain Bankruptcy requirements under Chapter 13 so that the debtor can modify the terms of the mortgage secured by his or her primary residence. This is an idea that I have long championed in the TARP legislation--the ability of debtors to modify their existing primary mortgages. Section 4 allows for a modification of the mortgage for a period of up to 40 years. Such modification cannot occur if the debtor fails to certify that it contacted the creditor before filing for bankruptcy. In this way, the language in the Manager's Amendment allows for the creditor to demonstrate that it undertook its ``last clear'' chance to work out the restructuring of the debt with its creditor before filing bankruptcy. Importantly, the Manager's Amendment amends the bankruptcy code to provide that a debtor, the debtor's property, and property of the bankruptcy estate are not liable for fees and costs incurred while the Chapter 13 case is pending and that arises from a claim for debt secured by the debtor's principal residence. Lastly, I worked to get language in the Manager's Amendment that would allow the debtors and creditors to get to negotiate before a declaration of bankruptcy is made. I made sure that the bill addresses present situations at the time of enactment where homeowners are in the process of mortgage foreclosure. This is done with a view toward consistency predictability and a hope that things will improve.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, what an exciting and wonderfully forward day that we have today when we will be addressed by the Commander in Chief regarding the state of the Nation. All I can think about is we have planted the seeds of the economic stimulus package, a plan that should help no matter who you are and where you are in the nooks and crannies of this Nation, how this Commander in Chief will tell us of the prosperity ahead, of the brighter days ahead. I look forward to that kind of leadership, for, when you are in troubling times, you plant the seeds to make it better. Our instruction to America is that no area should be left out. The rural poor should not be left out. The urban centers should not be left out. As we are watching the States, we are seeing that some of them are making decisions that do not impact all of the people. We are going to call them to be able to be held accountable because this money is not for their own personal piggy banks. Let me also say, Mr. Speaker, that I was gratified that the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee allowed me to travel to Guantanamo Bay yesterday. It is, in fact, a place where our soldiers are working very hard, but it is also a place where we can find another location. We are studying the issue, but I think it is possible to close Guantanamo Bay.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 911, the ``Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teen Acts of 2009. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 911 and address the tragic circumstances that face some of out Nation's youth on a daily basis and to underscore our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect so that all children can live in safety and security. I would first like to thank my distinguished colleague, Representative George Miller of California, for introducing this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 911 seeks to implement an ongoing review process for investigating and evaluating reports of child abuse and neglect; establish public websites with information about each covered program, as well as a national toll-free telephone hotline to receive complaints; establish civil penalties for violations of standards; and establish a process to ensure that complaints received by the hotline are promptly reviewed by persons with appropriate expertise. Furthermore, this bill amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to establish additional eligibility requirements for grants to states to prevent child abuse and neglect at residential programs. There are no greater crimes that an individual can commit than the crimes of child molestation and child abuse. The perpetrators of these crimes rob children of their innocence. Moreover, victims of child molestation are profoundly affected for the rest of their lives. As elected officials, we have an obligation to condemn this violence, work for stronger enforcement of the law and provide adequate funding for programs to assist children who may have experienced such abuse. At least 1 in 5 adult women and 1 in 10 adult men report having been sexually abused as children. In Texas, there were more than 111,000 investigations of child abuse and neglect by the Child Protective Services in Texas, and of those cases 7,650 were sexual abuse. The sexual victimization of children is great in magnitude and largely either unrecognized or underreported. Statistics show that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys are sexually exploited before they reach adulthood. However it is believed that less than 35 percent of the incidents are reported to authorities. It is estimated that approximately one-third of abused and neglected children grow up to victimize their own children. Child abuse and neglect can have long-term economical and societal costs. Community- based services to overburdened families are far less costly than the emotional and physical damage inflicted on children. These community- based services also outweigh potential costs of child protective services, law enforcement, courts, foster care, health care, and the treatment of adults recovering from child abuse. The annual estimated cost to the United States for not preventing child abuse and neglect is approximately $104,000,000,000, according to a 2008 report by Prevent Child Abuse America. Tens of thousands of American children and teens each year are placed into residential treatment programs. Many have been abused, neglected, and worse, some have died at the hands of those who were supposed to be there to care for them. Unscrupulous programs often hire unqualified, untrained, uncaring, misinformed, and often mean-spirited staff who do not have the qualifications to care for them. The number of children placed in residential treatment centers is growing exponentially. These modern-day orphanages now house more than 50,000 children nationwide. Once placed, these kids may have no meaningful contact with their families or friends for up to two years. Despite many documented cases of neglect and physical and sexual abuse, monitoring is inadequate to ensure that children are safe, healthy and receiving proper services in residential treatment centers. It will take more than just stronger enforcement of the law to prevent child molestation and other forms of child abuse. In order to end this serious epidemic that has plagued America, all segments of the community such as parents, educators, religious leaders, and community leaders must create a nurturing environment for children to develop within. The children must know that they are loved and the children deserve to be protected from violence and sexual abuse. I express my support for the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009. I believe we should increase public awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention and should continue to work to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. We should recognize that child abuse and neglect prevention programs reduce child maltreatment, strengthen families, reduce mental illness, deter criminal behavior, and contribute to children's positive emotional, academic, social and cognitive development, but we need more.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 132, which recognizes the significance of the life and memory of the Chiricahua Apache leader Goyathlay or Goyaale, also known as Geronimo, and recognizing the 100th anniversary of his death on February 17, 2009, as a time of reflection and the commencement of a ``healing'' for all Apache people. Mr. Speaker, to the apaches, it is proclaimed that Geronimo embodied the very essence of the Apache values: aggressiveness, courage in the face of difficulty. The slaughter of Geronimo's family when he was a young man turned him from a peaceful Indian into a bold warrior. Originally named Goyathlay (``One Who Yawns'') he joined a fierce band of Apaches known as Chiricahuas and with them took part in raids in northern Mexico and across the border into U.S. territory which are now known as the States of New Mexico and Arizona. Geronimo was the last Apache fighting force. He became the most famous Apache of all for standing against the U.S. government and for holding out the longest. He was a great Apache medicine man, a great spiritual leader. Geronimo was highly sought by Apache chiefs for his wisdom. He is said to have had magical powers. He could see into the future and walk without creating footprints. Geronimo devoted his life to service and leadership, as evidenced in his words, ``I cannot think that we are useless or God would not have created us. There is one God looking down on us all. We are all the children of one God. The sun, the darkness, the winds are all listening to what we have to say.'' Mr. Speaker, Geronimo became a ``spokesman'' for Native American ways of life and their culture. He represented the Apache heritage. He is the known name when it comes to the Apache tribe. He is known for holding out against overwhelming odds. His name is a character that kids know when they, play Indians. Mr. Speaker, Geronimo should be remembered not as a violent Indian, but a Native American fighting for the freedom of his followers and his Apache people; fighting with something behind it. Not just fighting to fight, fighting for his ways of life. That is why he should be remembered.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise with today with great expectations and hope for a brighter economic future. I rise in support of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act also known as the ``Economic Stimulus.'' I want to especially thank our House and Senate conferees for coming together on one of the most important pieces of economic legislation of our time; Congressman Obey, Congressman Rangel, Congressman Waxman, Congressman Lewis, Congressman Camp, Senator Reid, Senator Inouye, Senator Baucus, Senator Cochran, and Senator Grassley.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I think it is very important that we explain the actions that took place on the floor of the House today. I'd like to, first of all, indicate that I'm glad to have heard that tribute to a very fine individual's sacrifice for this country. And I want you to know that when we think about economic stimulus, we're not leaving out people, we're putting them in. I think the American people understand that when we lose 598,000 jobs, we need to do something. And so you can imagine my friends on the other side of the aisle, their criticism represents this little red spot. But there has to be much agreement, because the criticism is very narrow. How can you criticize $4 billion for our veterans? How can you criticize encouraging businesses to invest through working to ensure businesses, increasing capital flows for business through a 5-year NOL; encouraging hiring of veterans and disconnected youth through the work opportunity tax grant. That's what's happening with the stimulus. Encouraging businesses to invest through a bonus depreciation and small business expensing, that's what's in this bill. We believe in small businesses and minority-owned businesses and women-owned businesses. And, yes, we believe that the majority of the American people are for this. We're going home to take money to our constituency. That's why we voted for the economic stimulus plan.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me thank the distinguished gentleman from Colorado and the Rules Committee for the heavy lifting, along with the Appropriations Committee and Financial Services Committee, and all of those who have joined the leadership in this heavy responsibility of governance. I'm proud to be part of the governing party, if you will, the Democratic caucus that has the responsibility of leading this Nation, and we accept the burden and responsibility of making sure that there is a credible answer to America's problems. Someone needs to talk to the unemployed construction worker or the young woman laid off in the retail industry or retiree who wants to come back to work. This bill is a responsible bill, $64 billion in transportation and infrastructure, 1.8 million jobs; the construction worker back to work; $800 payment for a couple, $400 payment for a single person. It's not $13 a week, as they'd like to say. It's a lump sum that people are desperately in need of. This is an important and responsible act. We're putting together in my office task forces to ensure that Houston communities get this relief. It's important to vote for this bill. America needs this bill. It's time to answer the call of America. I support the Rules Committee and economic recovery bill.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 117, to ``support the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week, and for other purposes.'' Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 117 recognizes the need to support the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week and its aims to increase understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers and to promote literacy in math and science; and will work with the engineering community to make sure that the creativity and contribution of that community can be expressed through research, development, standardization, and innovation. New discoveries and technologies are changing the way Americans live and work. Through dedicated research and development, engineers expand our knowledge and lay the foundation for the progress of our country. This week is an opportunity to recognize engineers for their many contributions to our way of life and to encourage young people to pursue their curiosity by studying math and science. Engineering education began in America under circumstances that differ substantially from those of the other leading professions. Medical schools, for example, were established by individual physicians, and then loosely affiliated with universities. By contrast, engineers were first trained by apprenticeship, particularly on canal construction projects. This tradition was perpetuated on railroad construction projects, and later in factories and machine shops, long after college engineering programs were established. Eventually, engineering schools in the United States were sponsored by the federal government (the U.S. Military Academy in 1802) and the land-grant colleges (beginning in 1862). They were also fostered by public-spirited citizens who fostered the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and from within established universities in response to interest or demand. The engineering workforce is the driver of society's technological engine, an awesome responsibility. We will not be able to address this responsibility without diversifying the pool of science and engineering talent. This broadening of participation must come from The Land of Plenty, our mostly untapped potential of underrepresented minorities and women--America's ``competitive edge'' for the 21st century. We know that more than any other species, humans are configured to be the most flexible learners. Humans are intentional learners, proactive in acquiring knowledge and skills. And, it turns out that we are more successful learners if we are mindful or cognizant of ourselves as learners and thinkers. The revolution in information technologies connected and integrated researchers and research fields in a way never before possible. The nation's IT capability has acted like `adrenaline' to all of science and engineering. A next step is to build the most advanced computer- communications infrastructure for researchers to use, while simultaneously broadening its accessibility. The great state of Texas boasts excellent schools that produce many of the nation's outstanding engineers. Texas Tech University's Whitacre College of Engineering is an internationally recognized research institution ranked among the best in the country. The Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University is one of the largest engineering colleges in the nation, with nearly 9,000 students and 12 departments. Texas A&M University ranks among the top five producers in the country for undergraduate engineering degrees. Prairie View A&M University's College of Engineering has a rich and well established legacy of producing some of the most outstanding engineers, computer scientists and technologists in the nation. To date, our knowledge of the ``science of learning,'' is just the tip of the iceberg of what we have yet to learn. Our ultimate goal is truly not to waste a single child and to teach and train a workforce that is well prepared and can adapt and change. I thank my colleague, Rep. Daniel Lipinski, of Illinois, for introducing this important resolution, to ensure that we continue to cultivate the understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers that will be quite beneficial to society. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 129, recognizing the historical significance of the Merced Assembly Center to the Nation and the importance of establishing an appropriate memorial at that site to serve as a place for remembering the hardships endured by Japanese-Americans, so that the United States remains vigilant in protecting our Nation's core values of equality, due process of law, justice and fundamental fairness. This resolution embodies the ideals and precepts that we hold so dear in the United States. I support this resolution and I strongly encourage my colleagues to do the same. As a Senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and a member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, I know the importance of due process, fairness, and equality. Indeed, as a child of the Civil Rights Movement, I have championed these uniquely American precepts that are the bedrock of our Democracy. We must never forget this fundamental infringement of civil rights that had a deleterious and one-sided effect upon a race of Americans. We must never forget so that we will never repeat the tragic horrors of that era. Spawned by a fear of a race during a time of war, this Great Country was led to do act and behave toward a race in a way that we must never allow again. On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order No. 9066, authorizing the forced internment of both United States citizens and legal residents of Japanese ancestry during World War II. This Executive Order resulted in the largest single relocation of individuals in the history of our Nation. As a result of this relocation, 120,000 Japanese-Americans were forced into internment camps by the United States Government in violation of their fundamental constitutional rights. Japanese-Americans faced tremendous hardships due to their unjust treatment. The hardships this group faced were reminiscent of the days of slavery where families were torn asunder and faced separation. Individuals endured the loss of their homes, businesses, jobs, and their dignity. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 9066, Japanese-Americans in the western United States, specifically Washington, Oregon, California, and southern Arizona were ordered to report to so called assembly centers before being removed to more permanent wartime relocation centers. The Merced Assembly Center, located in Merced, California, was the reporting site for nearly 5,000 Japanese-Americans. Sadly, as a child, United States Congressman Mike Honda and his family were held at the Merced Assembly Center prior to being interned in Amache, Colorado. Through this tragedy and sadness, and in spite of this situation, Representative Honda forged a public career dedicated to educating and preventing this type of injustice from ever occurring again in this great country. The Merced Assembly Center Commemorative Committee has been charged with the task of establishing a memorial to recognize the historic tragedy that took place at the Merced Assembly Center. The unveiling ceremony for the memorial at the Merced Assembly Center will take place on February 21, 2009. I stand today to support this resolution. As a champion of civil rights for all Americans, I will continue to fight to ensure that Americans are treated fairly, humanely, and to the letter of the Constitution. I urge my colleagues to stand with me today to support this resolution and to continue to fight against prejudice in this country. As Members of Congress, we must never forget the injustice of the Japanese internment in this country and all of us need to continue in the fight to ensure that all Americans are treated fairly under law without regard to the race, color, creed, sexual orientation or any other form of differentiation. Mr. Speaker. I support this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank Representative Lloyd Doggett for his leadership in bringing this important legislation to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. As a Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, I understand the importance of protecting one of America's treasures: the elderly. I fully support the goals of this legislation in helping to keep America's elderly safe from harm. Last year during the second session of the 110th Congress, Representative Doggett introduced, H.R. 6064, the ``National Silver Alert Act.'' I fought hard to amend that H.R. 6064 to include language that would strengthen the National Silver Alert Act. My language was incorporated into that bill and it was successfully reported out of the Judiciary Committee. This term, Representative Doggett has included the language from H.R. 423, the ``Kristen's Act Reauthorization'' into the present National Silver Alert bill. Thus, strengthening the protections in the bill. Thousands of vulnerable older adults go missing each year as a result of dementia, diminished capacity, foul play or other unusual circumstances. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America estimates that over five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease, and that sixty percent of these are likely to wander from their homes. Alzheimer's disease and other dementia related illnesses often leave their victims disoriented and confused and unable to find their way home. According to the Alzheimer's Association, up to 50% of wanderers risk serious illness, injury or death if not found within 24 hours. The problem can be exacerbated greatly by national disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, that can, in a matter of hours, increase the number of missing persons by the thousands. At least eight states, along with non-profit organizations such as the National Center for Missing Adults, Project Lifesaver International and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, have developed programs to address various aspects of the problem of missing adults, but the need for a coordinated national approach, similar to the Amber Alert Program for children, still exists. In addition, financial support is needed for existing and new local and state programs. The Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program, administered by the Department of Justice, is the only federal program that currently provides grant funding to locate vulnerable elderly individuals who go missing. Authorization for this program ceased in 1998, but Congress has continued to appropriate some monies for it through fiscal year 2008, when it appropriated $940,000. Another federal law, Kristen's Act, had authorized annual grants in the amount of $1 million for fiscal years 2001 through 2004 to assist law enforcement agencies in locating missing adults and for other purposes. Between fiscal years 2002 through 2006, Kristen's Act grants were made through the Edward Byrne Discretionary Grants Program, primarily to the National Center for Missing Adults, a non-profit organization. In 2006, Congress appropriated $150,000 for this purpose. A. H.R. 632, the ``National Silver Alert Act'' H.R. 632 sets forth a comprehensive national program. It directs the Attorney General to establish a permanent national Silver Alert communications program within the Department of Justice to provide assistance to regional and local search efforts for missing seniors. The bill requires the Attorney General to assign a Department of Justice officer as a Silver Alert Coordinator. The Silver Alert Coordinator acts as a nationwide point of contact, working with states to encourage the development of local elements of the network, known as Silver Alert plans, and to ensure regional coordination. The bill requires the Coordinator to develop protocols for efforts relating to reporting and finding missing seniors and to establish voluntary guidelines for states to use in developing Silver Alert plans. The bill requires the Coordinator to establish an advisory group (1) to help States, local governments and law enforcement agencies with Silver Alert plans, (2) to provide training and educational programs to states, local governments and law enforcement agencies, and (3) to submit an annual report to Congress. The bill also requires the Coordinator to establish voluntary minimum standards for the issuance of alerts through the Silver Alert communications network. H.R. 632 directs the Attorney General, subject to the availability of appropriations, to provide grants to States for the development and implementation of programs and activities relating to Silver Alert plans. The bill authorizes $5 million for fiscal year 2009 for this purpose. The bill also authorizes an additional $5 million for fiscal year 2009 specifically for the development and implementation of new technologies. The Federal share of the grant may not exceed 50% and amounts appropriated under this authorization shall remain available until expended. Importantly, the bill seeks to accomplish three purposes: the creation of a grant program, the promotion of best practices, and an increased awareness of the need for coordinated efforts to locate missing individuals. The bill authorizes a grant program for State- administered notification systems to help locate missing persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other dementia related illnesses. The grants are to be used to establish and implement Silver Alert systems or to make improvements to existing Silver Alert programs. C. H.R. 423, the ``Kristen's Act Reauthorization'' Importantly, H.R. 632 includes the language from H.R. 423, the ``Kristen's Act Reauthorization.'' H.R. 632 reauthorizes Kristen's Act (P.L. 106-468), which had authorized annual grants from 2001 through 2004 for the purpose of finding missing adults. Because of the incorporation of Kristen's Act into H.R. 632, grants are not limited to States, but may be awarded to public agencies and nonprofit organizations. The grants are to be used to (1) maintain a national resource center and information clearinghouse; (2) maintain a national database for the purpose of tracking missing adults who are endangered due to age, diminished mental capacity, or when foul play is suspected or the circumstances are unknown; (3) coordinate public and private programs that locate missing adults and reunite them with their families; (4) provide assistance and training to law enforcement agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit organizations and other individuals involved in the criminal justice system in matters related to missing adults; (5) provide assistance to families in locating missing adults; and (6) assist in public notification of missing adults and victim advocacy. The bill authorizes $4 million annually for fiscal years 2008 through 2018. D. My Past Amendments on Elder Justice Bills In similar elder legislation, namely the Elder Justice Act and the Elder Abuse Victims Act, I co-sponsored amendments with Ms. Maxine Waters of California to provide funding to State, Local, and non-profit programs to locate missing elderly. Specifically, my amendment would allow a voluntary electronic monitoring pilot program to assist with the elderly when they are reported missing. In these particular bills, my amendment would allow the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to issue grants to states and local government to carry out pilot programs to provide voluntary electronic monitoring services to elderly individuals to assist in the location of such individuals when they are reported missing. I also offered an amendment in the elder justice acts that would have allowed the elderly to wear a bracelet so it would make it easier to find a lost elderly patient in the event that he or she was lost. This amendment was accepted and successfully reported out of the House Judiciary Committee last term. If I were provided the opportunity, I would have offered my amendment again and would have required that H.R. 632 contain provisions that would allow for the use of a bracelet pilot program. The bracelet pilot program would allow elderly, at their election, to wear a bracelet that would be used in helping to locate them when they are lost. The bracelet will be unlike existing programs because the bracelets will be electronic and themselves would facilitate finding a missing elderly person. While this amendment language was accepted and successfully reported out of the House Judiciary Committee, my language was not included in the H.R. 632. Although my language has not been included in this present version of the bill, I still believe that the bill is important. Elder Legislation Is Important. Elder legislation such as the legislation before us today and the prior elder bills that I mentioned are important. As elder Americans enter their twilight years, we must do more to protect and ensure their safety. Nothing reminds me more of the necessity of this kind of legislation than my very own experiences in Houston, Texas. A few years ago, the family of Sam Kirk, a native of Houston, Texas, called me to help look for him. Mr. Kirk was elderly and suffered from dementia. He had wandered off and could not be located for several days. His family looked for him for many days but could not find him. In an act of desperation, they called on me to lend my services to help them find him. I helped his family look for him and we found him. When we found Mr. Kirk, he was dead. He died of dehydration. We searched for hours and days to find him. It would have been easier and may have saved a life if there was a bracelet or an electronic monitoring program as I have long championed in previous versions of this bill. Even without my language, legislation that helps America find and take care of its lost and missing elders is extremely important.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, on this day of celebration and commemoration of the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, a man of conviction and conscience and patriotism, I'm proud to be able to say that this Congress will have a historic opportunity to put their special interests aside and vote for the American people. Vote for the 3 to 4 million jobs saved or made. Vote for the 269,000 jobs that were made in the State of Texas. Vote for the 7,000-plus jobs in the 18th Congressional District in Houston. Vote for the opportunity to modernize and repair our schools, to ensure that the broken roads and freeways will be repaired and to put men to work such as the gentleman that I met in my district in an unemployment office who had 17 years of experience in heavy equipment and couldn't find a job. Vote for those who need a more improved medical system. And vote for those who want extensive research in renewable energy. I'm proud to stand alongside of the history of Abraham Lincoln, the history that points to others and not to self. Voting for this bill recognizes the needs of Americans who are outside the Beltway begging for us to do something. I'm proud to stand with them.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 139 ``Commemorating the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth.'' Madam Speaker, this resolution recognizes the 200th anniversary and the accomplishments of the 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln. The great state of Illinois has contributed immensely to the progression of America. Illinois has produced three African American Senators; Carol Mosely Braun, now President Barack Obama, and Roland Burris, which is more than any other state. It is the achievements of perhaps Illinois' greatest son, Abraham Lincoln, which can be credited for this feat. He was a true champion of liberty for all Americans, and he led the Nation during very turbulent political times from the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln was portrayed as a self-made man, the liberator of the slaves, and the savior of the Union who had given his life so that others could be free. President Lincoln became Father Abraham, a near mythological hero, ``lawgiver'' to African Americans, and a ``Masterpiece of God'' sent to save the Union. His humor was presented as an example of his humanity; his numerous pardons demonstrated his ``great soul''; and his sorrowful demeanor reflected the burdens of his lonely journey as the leader of a ``blundering and sinful'' people. Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, two uneducated farmers, in a one-room log cabin on the 348-acre Sinking Spring Farm, in southeast Hardin County, Kentucky. Lincoln began his political career in 1832, at age 23, with an unsuccessful campaign for the Illinois General Assembly, as a member of the Whig Party. Lincoln was a true opponent of injustice. In 1837, he made his first protest against slavery in the Illinois House, stating that the institution was ``founded on both injustice and bad policy.'' Opposed to the 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act, Lincoln spoke to a crowd in Peoria, Illinois, on October 16, 1854, outlining the moral, political and economic arguments against slavery that he would continue to uphold throughout his career. His ``Western'' origins also appealed to the newer states: other contenders, especially those with more governmental experience, had acquired enemies within the party and were weak in the critical western states, while Lincoln was perceived as a moderate who could win the West. On November 6, 1860, Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States. In his First Inaugural Address, Lincoln declared, ``I hold that in contemplation of universal law and of the Constitution the Union of these States is perpetual. Perpetuity is implied, if not expressed, in the fundamental law of all national governments,'' arguing further that the purpose of the United States Constitution was ``to form a more perfect union.'' Lincoln possessed a keen understanding of strategic points and understood the importance of defeating the enemy's army, rather than simply capturing cities. He had, however, limited success in motivating his commanders to adopt his strategies until late 1863, when he found a man who shared his vision of the war in Ulysses S. Grant. Only then could he insist on using African American troops and relentlessly pursue a series of coordinated offensives in multiple theaters. Throughout the war, Lincoln showed a keen curiosity with the military campaigns. He spent hours at the War Department telegraph office, reading dispatches from his generals. He visited battle sites frequently, and seemed fascinated by scenes of war. The Emancipation Proclamation, freed slaves in territories not already under Union control. Lincoln later said: ``I never, in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right, than I do in signing this paper.'' As the war was drawing to a close, Lincoln became the first American President to be assassinated. On April 14, 1865. As a lone bodyguard wandered, and Lincoln sat in his state box, John Wilkes Booth crept up behind the President and fired a single fatal shot into the President. However, his triumphs live on far past this date. In 1982, forty-nine historians and political scientists were asked by the Chicago Tribune to rate all the Presidents through Jimmy Carter in five categories: leadership qualities, accomplishments/crisis management, political skills, appointments, and character/integrity. At the top of the list stood Abraham Lincoln. The judgment of historians and the public tells us that Abraham Lincoln was the nation's greatest President by every measure applied. Because he was committed to preserving the Union and thus vindicating democracy no matter what the consequences to himself, the Union was indeed saved. Because he understood that ending slavery required patience, careful timing, shrewd calculations, and an iron resolve, slavery was indeed killed. Lincoln managed in the process of saving the Union and killing slavery to define the creation of a more perfect Union in terms of liberty and economic equality that rallied the citizenry behind him. Because he understood that victory in both great causes depended upon purposeful and visionary presidential leadership as well as the exercise of politically acceptable means, he left as his legacy a United States that was both whole and free. His great achievement, historians tell us, was his ability to energize and mobilize the nation by appealing to its best ideals while acting ``with malice towards none'' in the pursuit of a more perfect, more just, and more enduring Union. Madam Speaker, President Lincoln has paved the way for people of color such as myself to serve in Congress and represent the people of the 18th District of Texas proudly. He has been a trailblazer, opening the door for our first African American President, President Barack Obama. Today we celebrate the life of President Abraham Lincoln. He has given America many victories. Importantly, his presidency opened the door to ensure that all Americans would be assured their constitutional freedoms and that all Americans would enjoy the triumph against oppression and injustice. President Lincoln has lit the candle, let us today continue to carry it and make sure that it will never go out. I thank my colleague, Representative Phil Hare, of Illinois, for introducing this important legislation, to ensure that we celebrate, treasure and recognize the impact of President Abraham Lincoln as a national treasure and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 631, the ``Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act.'' H.R. 631 recognizes the need to increase research, development, education, and technology transfer activities related to water use efficiency and conservation technologies and practices at the Environmental Protection Agency. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, the importance of protecting our water resource cannot be overstated. In economic terms, the measurable contribution of water to the economy is difficult to estimate. In environmental terms, water is the lifeblood of the planet. Without a steady supply of clean, fresh water, all life, including human, would cease to exist. The quantity, quality and economic problems we face as a result of our use of water are complex but, at least one of the causes of these problems is easy to manage--the way we waste water. And, the solution is straight forward--water conservation. Simply stated, water conservation means doing the same with less, by using water more efficiently or reducing, where appropriate, to protect the resource now, and for the future. Using water wisely will reduce pollution and health risks, lower water costs, and extend the useful life of existing supply and waste treatment facilities. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that water utilities will need about $277 billion for infrastructure construction, upgrades, and replacement during the next 20 years. In addition, waste water treatment utilities will need multi-billion dollar infrastructure upgrades and expansions, with much of this investment tied to the volume of water needing treatment. By reducing water consumption through efficiency measures, water and wastewater utilities can delay or reduce infrastructure costs, while reducing environmental impacts. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 631 will allow for the leading authorities to conduct the research on water consumption within major economic sectors. The surveys are highly detailed, carefully constructed to be statistically representative of the entire population, and are indispensable analysis and policy planning. In gauging the success of any water efficiency program, data on consumption, price, and product-- both prior to and after the research program's implementation--are needed to calculate the change in water use, cost, and product purchase tendencies. Establishing a baseline of consumption and price levels by sector for a variety of end-uses and customer classes will assists policy planners to better identify the highest-value products to target in designing their programs. Mr. Speaker, at least 31 water efficiency projects in Texas are ready to go and will create jobs and improve clean water supply, according to a quick survey conducted by the Alliance for Water Efficiency. The projects which provide a sample of water efficiency projects across the state include retro-fitting plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems, upgrading water meters, and planting water wise plants and other vegetation to decrease wasteful water use. I thank my colleague, Rep. Jim Matheson, of Utah, for introducing this important legislation, to ensure that we preserve our planet's most treasured resource, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this H.R. 631.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Many times you will hear us suggest that we are privileged to be on the floor and to be able to speak to a particular resolution. I know that the distinguished gentleman who I speak of this morning, Congressman Dingell, is a respecter and a lover of this institution. He often supports and calls for regular order, but this morning, I would like to be given a waiver to speak particularly in a personal manner because I believe that the courage of John Dingell truly has impacted my life. So, even though I might have been--and I can probably say this--just a junior high school student as John Dingell took his oath of office, he does not realize the many lives like mine that he impacted. I am what I am today because John Dingell had the courage and the fortitude, the strength and love of this country to stand in times of difficulty. Where would this Nation be if a man by the name of Martin Luther King had not been listened to by a man like John Dingell, who then stood on the floor of the House, alongside of a southern President, and voted for the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act? The southern districts were created and opportunities for many of us to ascend to higher office and to be welcomed in places of accommodation, maybe even for this young President, President Obama, to attend Columbia University or for myself to attend Yale University. John Dingell was not thinking about individual persons, nameless persons like me, but he took a stand when he knew that he might be subjected to an enormous primary fight or that he would be considered, if you will, a lover of those colored people. But like Thomas Jefferson said, ``Some men are born for the public.''

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Jefferson continued, ``Nature, by fitting them for the service of the human race on a broad scale, has stamped them with the evidences of her destination and their duty.'' John Dingell has protected my mother. She's in a nursing home. How is she able to do that having worked 37 years as a vocational nurse? Because of Medicare. There are many children in my district who are glad that in 1997 I was able to join John Dingell for the implementation of the children's health coverage. So John, I know that you like regular order, but I decided to be personal today. I want to thank you for those 19,420 days because they were not in vain. You saved many lives, you gave us opportunities. I am forever grateful, and I stand here as a daughter of America saying thank you on behalf of the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I am overjoyed today that I have the opportunity to speak on one of America's true public servants. The resolution before us today on the House floor recognizes Representative John Dingell for his distinguished public service and for his holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Thomas Jefferson said that ``Some men are born for the public. Nature by fitting them for the service of the human race on a broad scale, has stamped them with the evidences of her destination and their duty.'' If any man or woman I have ever served with is born for the public, it is my good friend from Michigan. Congressman John Dingell has been devoted to this chamber since he first started working as a Congressional Page in 1938. He was already a seasoned Washington, D.C. veteran when he won a special election to replace his father who had served his constituents the last 22 years of his life. While few back then knew that he would serve undisrupted for 53 years, everyone knew that he would be a difference maker. He now has an office that is named for the Speaker of the House that first swore him in, Speaker Sam Rayburn from my home State of Texas. In his illustrious career, Congressman Dingell has seen it all. He has gone from rank and file member, to Chairman, and accomplished more than most can even dream possible. Starting his career under John F. Kennedy, he has been a driver on the course of history. He has never apologized for his beliefs even during a time when being a ``Liberal'' was as bad an insult as you could sling. A devoted advocate for nationalized health care, he has never relented in introducing a national healthcare system at the start of every Congressional Session. He was never able to stomach that there were people among us who lacked the ability to have access to the basic right to care for their health. He has used his natural ability to talk to his fellow Members to help those who need the help the most. A strict watchman for the people's resources, he went against his own leadership to bring attention to government waste. Making sure that any person, Democrat or Republican, who came to give testimony to his Committee were sworn in under oath, he made sure that even subjects that most would want to keep quiet, he brought in to the light. Whether it is holding hearings on $600 dollar Pentagon toilet seats or preventing scientific fraud with who discovered the AIDS virus, Congressman Dingell is the quintessential defender of the little guy. He has never believed that just because an injustice is small it should not be fought with every ounce of effort that he had. I also must thank his lovely, wife Debbie; she has been a mighty force in all he has done and a great support for all his causes. This man is an American hero and I am honored to be able to vote on this important resolution. We have a chance to thank the man who has done so much for all of our constituents and I hope to be one of the first ``yes'' votes on this resolution. This resolution can show us all that remaining committed to our constituents is the best path to keep our jobs. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge the passage of this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to emphasize the important responsibility that we have in this Congress, and the responsibility is now. I am glad to have had the opportunity to listen to my good friend and colleague from California. I believe the emphasis of his remarks is that the reordering of our economy requires a multitask effort, particularly two direct tasks: the recapitalizing of our markets, particularly our banks, which Secretary Geithner has spoken to eloquently and forcefully this morning, and as well, spending; the economic stimulus package. I think where we need to have common agreement and bipartisanship is you can't do one without the other. So I believe it is important that we answer the question of spending. The government is the spender of last resort, not the reckless spender, but the spender that will create jobs, create jobs in Indiana and Florida where the President is traveling, and create jobs in Texas. Yesterday I traveled to one of our work source sites, our sites where individuals are able to get information about unemployment benefits. I was able to walk through and talk to those who have been unemployed for a year or more, and now even more recently. I listened to their descriptions and their hardships of trying to find work, listening to the construction worker who came from Florida who is well skilled, 17 years of using heavy equipment, but yet cannot find a job. Madam Speaker, we need a stimulus package that is not nickel and diming but actually is fiscally responsible by spending the money where it needs to be spent. The mayor in the small town of Indiana where the President was yesterday said we need money spent. Republicans, Democrats, Independents, this is an American issue. We need jobs created for Americans. So I would hope as we move to conference, we will ensure that the infrastructure mark of $12 billion is in place because that will put people to work in my own city of Houston. It may create an opportunity for $180 million for the Metro system, the mobility system, to begin work, and workers utilized for utility work. Remediation work is important. It will keep the money for school renovation and repair. That is important. Keep the $10 billion for schools. We know that 598,000 jobs were lost. We now have a total of 21.6 million Americans who are unemployed or have gotten out of the system it is so bad. We need the stimulus package so 95 percent of working Americans can get tax cuts. We need it so that it creates and saves 3 to 4 million jobs, including the green energy jobs, the jobs that will allow us to green America, to produce alternative energy and be able to retrofit our buildings and save energy, the weatherization of our homes. It will invest in renewable energy to create green jobs and promote health information technology to modernize our health system. We know how problematic it is for seniors and people with young children to go from doctor to doctor and not have those systems. With 21.6 million Americans unemployed, we need a stimulus package that works. We also need language in the stimulus package. Do you recognize that there is no whistleblower protection for transit security offices, the TSA officers that you see that are airport screeners, they can't tell you when something wrong has happened that creates an unsafe situation, an insecure situation. We need to keep language in there that allow those individuals to be protected by whistleblower language. Why do we have people who are in security who can't tell us that the security system is failing? So I am going to argue vehemently that the language in the House bill remain to protect transit security officers at our Nation's airports so they can tell us what is wrong and what is right. What we need most of all is to ensure that we have a stimulus package that complements the recapitalizing of our Nation's banks. We need to make sure that as the government takes some of these toxic assets, working with the private sector, we are spending money to create jobs, building highways, bridges, creating Metro systems, making sure our buildings are safe, and making sure that children can go to schools that are redone, repaired or built from the ground up. What kind of America are we? We can put Texans back to work, and Houstonians back to work, and those from the Midwest and the East and the South. We can do it if we assure ourselves that we have the kind of effective program that is here. What we want to do also is make work pay. We want that tax credit that provides money to the families. We want to increase the earned income tax credit and give tax relief for 60 million children through the expansion of the child tax credit. That puts money in America's hands. So today is an important day. Vote for the American people. Vote for the stimulus. As a Representative of 18th Congressional District, I have made it a top priority to help Houstonians who have retained their jobs during this economic situation and bring jobs back to my district for those citizens who are still looking for work. Just yesterday, I spoke to a man who lost his job in Florida and went to Houston because he heard there were jobs there. But a grim reality greeted him when he arrived. The job prospects in Houston were no better than what he faced in Florida. In 2008, Houston's unemployment rate increased from 4.5 percent to 5.4 percent over the course of only a year. I toured an unemployment benefits office in Houston yesterday. It is understaffed and overwhelmed. On an average day, more than 100 people would visit that office. Unemployment experts expect even more job losses in Houston this year. It is critical that Houston residents receive the tools they need to reverse the high rates of job loss and the skyrocketing mortgage foreclosure rates leaving many families helpless in our region. Any economic stimulus bill will need to increase unemployment benefits by $25 to seriously address the economic crisis and ensure that Americans have money to live and pay their creditors. It will help families survive and put food on the table while they look for work. It is also our duty to provide up to 33 weeks of additional unemployment benefits. It will buy our citizens more time to find employment during this grim economic climate. Retaining the House version of the increased Earned Income Tax Credits, and increased credit for the refundable portion of the Child Credit will give families some much needed tax relief to make it through this economic climate. Children are the forgotten victims of our economic times. The Economic Stimulus Bill will help create jobs for our educators. Schools in my district in Houston are old and in need of repair. Some are at risk of being shut down. Our children are our future. They not only deserve to learn in buildings that are up to standard, but the schools also need to be modernized with high tech tools to help them compete in 2009 and beyond. We cannot forget about our children. The House version of the stimulus bill sets aside 79-billion dollars for our Nation's schools. The money will go towards repairing and modernizing the buildings that will shape the future leaders of this country. An additional amount was set aside for school construction. School construction is critically important because it will create jobs and allow Americans to invest in the future of our children. The Senate Stimulus Bill only provides 39-billion dollars for our schools. That is almost half of the funds proposed by the House Stimulus Bill. Our children deserve better. The story of my constituents in Houston is also the story of Americans throughout the country who are desperately trying to care for their families and make ends meet. Last month, the U.S. lost more than 500-thousand jobs, bringing the total to 21.6 million unemployed Americans. The economy is expected to hit record lows in 2009. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, America's unemployment rate rose to 7.6 percent in January. Houston's unemployment rate is not as high yet, but any amount above 4 percent full employment is a bad sign. That is unacceptable. The Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act is critical to avoiding an economic disaster. The Senate Bill cuts additional funding to basic public safety such as Federal aid to firefighters, the Coast Guard and officers with the Transportation Safety Administration. These are hardworking men and women who watch over the security of our homeland. They keep our families safe. The House Stimulus Bill provides additional dollars to programs such as Head Start and Violence Against Women. The Senate bill takes dollars away from women and children, by cutting funds to these programs. As Members of Congress, there is no justification for taking dollars away from our most vulnerable citizens--none. The Senate bill cuts federal aid to NASA, one of Houston's main employers. That means more loss of employment. We need to start creating jobs, not cut them. This recovery package needs to become a reality with as much funding as we can spare to help our citizens. It should address the mortgage foreclosure crisis. We need to invest federal dollars into our country's infrastructure projects, particularly Houston Metro. The Economic Stimulus Bill in both the House and Senate is not simply a wish list or an appropriations bill. It is a necessity. I am fighting to ensure that Texans get the Federal dollars needed to get citizens out of the unemployment office and back into the workforce.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Con. Res 35 ``Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.'' Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res 35 recognizes the 100th anniversary of the historic founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and honors and praises the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its anniversary for its work to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all persons. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res 35 because of the impact that the NAACP has had on me and other minorities across this great nation. First organized in 1905, the group came to be known as the Niagara Movement when it began meeting at hotel situated on the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls. The group first met in Canada because the U.S. hotels were segregated. Under the leadership of Harvard scholar W.E.B. DuBois, the group later went on to become known as the National Negro Committee. It was not the date of the organization's second conference in 1910 that it formally adopted the name the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The mission of the association was clearly delineated in its charter: To promote equality of rights and to eradicate caste or race prejudice among the citizens of the United States; to advance the interest of colored citizens; to secure for them impartial suffrage; and to increase their opportunities for securing justice in the courts, education for the children, employment according to their ability and complete equality before law. Since its inception, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has upheld its mission to fight social injustice and give a voice to the voiceless. The NAACP is among the largest and most prominent mass-membership, civil rights organizations in America. Founded with a mandate to secure equal political, economic and social rights for African Americans, the NAACP has been in the forefront of every major civil rights struggle of the twentieth century. Using a combination of tactics including legal challenges, demonstrations and economic boycotts, the NAACP played an important role in helping end segregation in the United States. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., (NAACP LDF) a leading civil rights organization based in New York City, began as the legal wing of the NAACP under the leadership of Charles Hamilton Houston, a former professor at Howard University Law School. In 1938, Thurgood Marshall, Houston's student and future Supreme Court justice, succeeded him as NAACP LDF counsel. Marshall further developed the strategies and goals of the legal department, establishing the Legal Defense Fund as an organization totally independent of the NAACP. Among its most significant achievements was the NAACP LDF's challenge to end segregation in public schools. In the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the Justices unanimously ruled that separate educational facilities for black and white students were ``inherently unequal.'' That ruling and the Court's subsequent order that public schools be desegregated with ``all deliberate speed'' touched off a firestorm of protest in the South and contributed substantially to the growth of the modern-day civil rights movement. Today, the NAACP has over 500,000 members standing in unity with all who support protecting our constitutionally guaranteed civil rights against all who would oppose protecting these freedoms. Even in my district in Houston, the NAACP seeks to be a voice against injustice for all minorities. The NAACP Houston Branch has a long and rich history championing civil rights in Houston on vital issues such as the desegregation of Houston schools, combating the spread of HIV/ AIDS, and improved access to education and information technology. The NAACP Houston Branch has played an instrumental role in breaking new ground on the path to freedom and equality for Houston's minority community. The branch has been experiencing tremendous growth in recent years while serving the Harris County area through its programs and myriad committees made up of its dedicated staff and volunteer members. Led by an Executive Committee of approximately 25 volunteers, there are approximately 800 members in the Houston Branch. Some of the Houston Branch's programs include collaborations with the City of Houston Health Department in STD prevention and awareness programs, legal assistance in the form of legal consultation and educational seminars, a year-long enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African American high school students, and other programs beneficial to minorities across the city of Houston. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I truly appreciate the support from the NAACP in fighting for the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. We all know that without the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, the voting rights of many U.S. citizens would be in jeopardy. When I authored H.R. 745 in the 110th Congress, I am proud to say that with the NAACP's support, my colleagues and I were able to rename the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, Cesar E. Chavez, Barbara C. Jordan, William C. Velasquez, and Dr. Hector P. Garcia Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006. This bill renamed the Voting Rights Act to demonstrate the many faces of the Civil Rights Movement. The bill was renamed to recognize the Hispanics and other persons of color who labored in the vineyards to insure that all receive equal treatment in the United States. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res 35 provides for a tribute to celebrate the impact and achievements of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in their efforts to better the lives of minorities and the community. There is still a need for justice and equal treatment for minorities in our country. I am grateful for the many fights for equality that he organization has won, and thankful that the NAACP will be there in the future to champion the cause of justice wherever and whenever it needs a spokesman. The struggles of the NACCP have helped pave the way for the election this country's first African-American President Barack Obama. During a speech celebrating the NAACP, President Obama declared that ``serving as . . . [P]resident, 100 years after the founding of the NAACP, I will stand up for you the same way that earlier generations of Americans stood up for me--by fighting to ensure that every single one of us has the chance to make it if we try.'' I thank my colleague, Representative Al Green, of Texas, for introducing this important legislation, to ensure that we celebrate, treasure and recognize the African American spiritual as a national treasure and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. It is a privilege, Mr. Speaker, to have the opportunity to come to the floor today for such an important recognition of two iconic movers of change, individuals who laid the underpinnings of the reformation of nations that already had a good heart. Let me thank the manager, Mr. Johnson, for his leadership, and of course our ranking member, Mr. Smith, my colleague from Texas, and the author of this legislation, John Lewis. I know that he wrote this legislation from the heart. We will be recognizing this historic journey in a few days, the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's visit to India and the recognition of the intertwining of their spirits and their intellect between Martin King and Mahatma Gandhi. I had the opportunity to view the years-old film that was done on his life. Certainly we know that fictional aspects may have been included. But the underpinnings of the film was the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. And as I reflect upon Martin King's life, having had the opportunity to be a student worker of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and absorbing the spirit of nonviolence that had been left by Dr. King, I know how much he was influenced by the life-changing attitude of Gandhi. Gandhi was willing to sacrifice life and limb in order to move mountains of change. And what you saw in his determination for freedom for the people of India were two things: One, the people of diverse faiths and beliefs in this then very large country could come together around the idea of freedom, and then at the same time, he was willing to sacrifice the times that he spent in the fasts where he was near death to show those that violence does not engender anything but violence. And Martin King, in the various periods of his life, where the younger generation challenged this seemingly hapless and helpless method of nonviolence; you weren't accomplishing anything; they were taking advantage of you; they weren't respecting you. But he was willing to hold his ground and, in that, he was the masterful teacher to all of us who looked upon this young man who was willing to lead a country into freedom without violence. And so the intertwining of the two is a special moment. And I'm so very gratified that John Lewis saw fit to allow us to come to the floor of the House and acknowledge that we are in partnership with the largest democracy.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. We are in partnership with the largest democracy, India, and the longest democracy, the United States. And I hope we will take a lesson from this partnership of two men, now celebrating 50 years of that coming together, that determination and a way of handling people can garner us so much. And this new President, who has claimed development and diplomacy as key elements to his foreign policy, gets it; that you can work as partnerships with those who you would think would be hostile to your beliefs. I am very gratified to support this legislation, H. Res. 134, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the trip of Dr. Martin Luther King to India and the work that he did with Mahatma Gandhi, and the two of them, peace for ever and for everlasting. Mr. Speaker, I rose today in strong support of H. Res. 134 ``Recognizing the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to India and the point of influence that the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi had on Dr. King's work during the civil rights movement.'' I would like to thank Representative John Lewis, from Georgia, for his leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution. Because of the importance of the importance of Gandhi's life teachings on non- violence, I am participating in a historic CODEL to India, where members of Congress will sojourn in the land of Gandhi during the recess on next week. It was through this experience that Dr. King, with a heart of servitude, was transitioned to become the greatest civil rights advocate of our century and possibly the greatest leader of our time. Mahatma Gandhi was a formative influence upon Dr. King's political civil disobedience. Dr. King and Gandhi believed that change would occur once Americans acknowledged the humanity of the oppressed in America. Gandhi became a leader in a complex struggle. Following World War I, Gandhi launched his movement of non-violent resistance to Great Britain. Satyagraha, which involves utilization of non-violent measures to undermine the opponent, and ideally to convert him rather than to coerce him into submission, spread throughout India, gaining millions of followers. A demonstration against the Rowlatt Acts, which allowed certain political cases to be tried without juries and internment of suspects without trial, but resulted in a massacre of Indians at Amritsar by British soldiers. When the British government failed to make amends, Gandhi proclaimed an organized campaign of non- cooperation. Indians in public office resigned, government agencies such as courts of law were boycotted, and Indian children were withdrawn from government schools. Throughout India, streets were blocked by squatting Indians who refused to rise even when beaten by police. Gandhi was arrested, but the British were soon forced to release him. His non-violent movement set a new precedent for dealing with oppression and violence, no just in India, but the world over. Dr. King and Gandhi journey's ironically began in the same fashion. It was a train ride in South Africa that created Gandhi. It was a bus boycott in Alabama that made Dr. Martin Luther King. They were ordinary men only seeking to heighten the moral conscience of the time. These men were the spokesmen for the oppressed, unjustly treated, and those denied their God given privileges to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Institutionalized racism and bigotry sought to keep the people of India, African Americans, and others from achieving those God given virtues. Dr. King's journey to India came at a vital time in American history. The Montgomery boycott had ended and had proven to be a great success. The nation's leaders were now dealing with a new challenge, one it had not seen before, non-violent social disobedience. People, both black and white, were looking to the newly famed leader from Georgia as the conscience of the nation. While they looked to Dr. King, he looked to the east for inspiration. It was Mahatma Gandhi's teachings of non- violence that helped achieve success in Alabama. He knew that it would be Gandhi's teachings that would help the movement to achieve greater success in his quest for civil equality in the United States. On the trip to India, Dr. King was surprised to find the extent to which the bus boycott was covered in India and throughout the world. King recalled, ``We were looked upon as brothers, with the color of our skins as something of an asset. But the strongest bond of fraternity was the common cause of minority and colonial peoples in America, Africa, and Asia struggling to throw off racism and imperialism.'' Dr. King's meetings with satyagrahis deepened his commitment to nonviolent resistance. His interactions with the Gandhi family ingrained in him the power of nonviolent resistance and its potential usefulness throughout the world, even against totalitarian regimes. While discussing non-violence to a group of students in India, Dr. King said, ``True nonviolent resistance is not unrealistic submission to evil power. It is rather a courageous confrontation of evil by the power of love, in the faith that it is better to be the recipient of violence than the inflictor of it, since the latter only multiplies the existence of violence and bitterness in the universe, while the former may develop a sense of shame in the opponent, and thereby bring about a transformation and change of heart.'' The trip to India affected Dr. King in a profound way, deepening his understanding of nonviolent resistance and his commitment to America's struggle for civil rights. ``Since being in India, I am more convinced than ever before that the method of nonviolent resistance is the most potent weapon available to oppressed people in their struggle for justice and human dignity. In a real sense, Mahatma Gandhi embodied certain universal principles that are inherent in the moral structure of the universe, and these principles are as inescapable as the law of gravitation,'' Dr. King said. The contributions of Gandhi and Dr. King are many. The roles that these two humanitarians traveled to arrive at their respective destinations in history were long and difficult, but they deserve all the respect and admiration that history can bestow upon them. As Members of Congress, we have to respect and acknowledge the work of Gandhi and the teachings he left behind that greatly influenced and changed Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King's trip to India further solidified his belief in nonviolence and peaceful resistance. Gandhi and Dr. King embodied the belief of doing unto others as you would have them to do unto you. They also believed in becoming the visible change you want to see in the world. They believed that men could live together peacefully despite their religious, racial, and cultural differences. Mohandas changed the way Indians were treated in South Africa and in India. Overthrowing the imperial British rule was no easy task, but Gandhi was able to do it. Through his Satyagraha teachings and non-violent protest, Gandhi put forth an example that vicariously aided in the liberation of African Americans in the United States. It is imperative that we commemorate Dr. King's trip to India. It would be shameful of this Congress to pass on an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Gandhi and Dr. King to America's history.