Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 128 ``Expressing the importance of honoring Miami University for its 200 years of commitment to extraordinary higher education.'' Miami University has served its community and this nation for two centuries. The contributions continue to mount as the doors of this illustrious institution of higher education remain open. Founded in 1809, Miami University was built on a commitment to liberal arts undergraduate education and the active engagement of its students in both curricular and civic life. Named for the Miami Indian Tribe that inhabited the area, Miami University opened its doors to 20 students in 1824 to provide the opportunity for students to develop and grow to become great members of society. It is deeply committed to student success, builds great student and alumni loyalty, and empowers its students, faculty, and staff to become engaged citizens who use their knowledge and skills with integrity and compassion to improve the future of our global community. Miami University is comprised of a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. The University's culture respects the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. Miami University believes in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. It defends the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combines that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility. Miami University provides the opportunities of a major university while offering the personalized attention found in the best small colleges. It values teaching and intense engagement of faculty with students through its teacher-scholar model, by inviting students into the excitement of research and discovery. Miami University's faculty is comprised of nationally prominent scholars and artists who contribute to Miami University, their own disciplines and to society. The University supports students in a residential experience on the Oxford campus and provides access to students, including those who are time and place bound, on its regional campuses. Miami University provides a strong foundation in the traditional liberal arts for all students, and it offers nationally recognized majors in arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, and fine arts, as well as select graduate programs. As an inclusive community, Miami University strives to cultivate an environment where diversity and difference are appreciated and respected. Miami University has a distinctive role among the nation's 3,500 colleges and universities in the way it successfully blends teaching and scholarship. Nationally recognized as one of the most outstanding public undergraduate institutions, Miami University gives undergraduates many opportunities to work with senior faculty on research projects and to participate in strong international programs. Miami University also has selective graduate programs in areas of special strength. It has never lost sight of its focus on intellectual development. Retention and graduation rates are some of the highest in NCAA Division I schools. More than 180,000 proud Miami University alumni are located around the globe, serving as professional and community leaders. Miami University instills in its students intellectual depth and curiosity, the importance of personal values as a measure of character, and a commitment to life-long learning. Miami University emphasizes critical thinking and independent thought, an appreciation of diverse views, and a sense of responsibility to our global future and more importantly the responsibility of making positive contributions to society. As Miami University marks its 200th anniversary, we celebrate and embrace the long and proud tradition of fulfilling its public mission: to contribute to a better future through the students it educates, the scholarships and creativity it produces and the services it provides to the local communities and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution honoring the importance of Miami University on the occasion of its 200 year commitment to higher education.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 114, which supports the goals and ideals of ``National Girls and Women in Sports Day.'' I commend my colleague Representative Albio Sires of New Jersey for introducing this important resolution that will encourage girls and women's positive involvement in the athletic community and recognize February 4th as ``National Girls and Women in Sports Day.'' Background National Girls and Women in Sports Day is a special day for girls and women to celebrate their participation in sports and athletics. Encouraging girls and women to participate in sports has shown to have positive effect on a girls' development as well as social, physical, and emotional well-being. It gives them a better chance for becoming strong, independent women that will be able to positively contribute to and function within the American society. Girls and women who play sports are more likely to get better grades than their counterparts who are inactive. They are also more likely to graduate from High School. Additionally, for women, sports also tend to result in higher levels of positive body image, self confidence, self- esteem, and psychological well being. The evidence shows that the correlation between female development and sports positively affects the lives of girls and women. History Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972, ensured that girls were entitled to equal education and federal funded opportunities as boys. When Title IX was enacted, 1 in 27 girls in high school participated in athletics. Today, one in three girls participates in athletics in high school now. These strides are certainly something that we should recognize, praise, and support. However, despite the significant gains girls and women have made since the enactment of Title IX, girls are still facing pervasive inequalities. At the high school level, girls receive 1.3 million fewer participation opportunities than male high school athletes--a gap which has continued to grow in the past 5 years. Qualitative analysis suggests that high school girls still lag behind not only in participation opportunities, but in allocation of operating and recruitment budgets as well. Unlike their collegiate counterparts, high schools are not required to disclose any data on equity in sports--making it difficult for schools, students and parents to identify sources of inequality and ensure fairness in their schools' athletics programs. H. Res. 114 may not alleviate these problems, but it will support participation in activities and opportunities that will positively supplement our children's development. Women's Rights Equality and women's rights are issues very important to me and those who reside within my district. In my own state of Texas, there are over 3 million women under the age of 18. This number represents the girls whose lives could be improved by the opportunity to become involved in a positive athletic atmosphere. We must reach out and help these girls and women to become involved. I believe by showing our support for H. Res. 114 we are taking the first step. Conclusion H. Res. 114 will ensure that the United States House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of ``National Girls and Women in Sports Day to encourages girls and women throughout the United States to become involved in sports programs through their school and communities. H. Res. 114 will encourage schools and communities to provide opportunities for women to become positively involved in healthy, active atmospheres. This resolution will emphasize the importance of sports during a girl's development and recognize the struggle for women to gain equality and access to sport participation. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 114 and provide opportunities to young girls and women throughout our nation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 60 ``Recognizing and commending University of Oklahoma Quarterback Sam Bradford for winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy and for his academic and athletic accomplishments.'' I want to thank my colleague Congresswoman Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, for introducing this resolution. Sam Bradford of the University of Oklahoma was selected as the 74th winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy as the Most Outstanding College Football Player in the United States for 2008. Bradford, Oklahoma's amazingly accurate and quick-thinking passer, won the Heisman Trophy after leading the highest-scoring team in major college history to the BCS title game. Bradford hails from Oklahoma City, OK. This year, he completed 302 of his 442 passes this year, which amounted to 4,464 yards and 48 touchdowns while throwing only 6 interceptions during the regular season. He also rushed for 5 touchdowns. While leading the highest scoring offense in the history of Division I College Football, Bradford broke the Oklahoma season and career touchdown records both previously held by 2003 Heisman winner Jason White. Bradford's 84 career touchdowns are the most ever for a player at the end of his sophomore season. The Big 12 Athletic Conference was at the epicenter of college football this season, with both the national championship race and Heisman chase turning weekly on games played by its three powerhouse teams, including the pride of Texas, the University of Texas Longhorns. Bradford is the fifth Oklahoma player to win the award, and second during coach Bob Stoops' 10 seasons with the Sooners. Mr. Bradford is not only outstanding on the football field, but he is a scholar in the classroom as well. He puts the student in student- athlete, as he has outstanding academics as a finance major. One of his professors acknowledged that ``without reservation, if all of my students were like Sam, my job would be really easy.'' Even though Sam Bradford was victorious over Quarterback Colt McCoy of my beloved University of Texas Longhorns, I extend my hand of congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment of winning the Heisman Trophy. I know that Congresswoman Fallin and the other Representatives from the State of Oklahoma are quite proud of this amazing feat. Mr. Speaker, this commendation today recognizes Sam Bradford from the University of Oklahoma, and his 2008 Heisman Trophy win. This resolution also notes the extraordinary commitment and daily sacrifices made by this exceptional young man. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 912, the ``Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act.'' I thank my colleague Congressman Timothy Bishop from New York, for sponsoring this important resolution, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 912, the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act, is an amendment to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. This resolution addresses the hours-of-service requirement airline flight crews must meet to be eligible for leave under such Act. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a law that helps many workers be compensated when they must leave their work for an emergency. But airline workers do not meet the qualifications to get these benefits because their hours are calculated differently than most wage earners'. Flight attendants spend only a part of their job in the skies, but that time in the sky is all that is recorded for determining their FMLA benefits. Flight attendants need H.R. 912, the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act, to be enacted so that they can be covered by the FMLA. Importantly, the bill would expand an existing private-sector mandate on employers by requiring them to allow additional employees to take up to 12 work-weeks of unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, I am familiar with the pressures and expectations placed upon flight crews. Crewmembers work long inconvenient hours with little to no consistency in their workday. H.R. 912, the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act, will give them that consistency that their career fails to provide. This legislation will set a standard for granting flight crew leave based on a measurable hours of service standard. Flight crew members will meet eligibility requirements if they meet 60% of the applicable monthly guarantee, or the equivalent annualized over the preceding 12-month period, or a total of 504 during that same period. This would give flight crews a fair opportunity to receive the same benefits that are afforded to all other parties covered previously in the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. In the past weeks, Americans have seen and heard firsthand from the crew of flight 1549 and how they can react when all odds are against them. The flight crew's ability to react in time of emergency is clear and it is our job as members of Congress to ensure them that if and when they should be struck by personal crisis they will be able to take the necessary time off in order to fully tend to their family or their own situation. Situations already described in the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 are as follows: For the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee; for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care; to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition. How do we tell these employees that their hard work does not give them the ability to care for their families in time of need? This is a promise we must keep. Mr. Speaker, as a strong supporter of the rights of Transportation Security Administration employees I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act. This bill will make the benefits given to flight crew members equal to those already covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me thank the chairman of the full Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Waxman. Let me thank the manager, Dr. McDermott, and the chairman of the Full Committee on Ways and Means. This is a miraculous accomplishment. The children of America are shouting today. It's important to know that there are 8.9 million uninsured children in America. Overall, 11.3 percent of children in the United States are uninsured. That is unacceptable, and it is not befitting of this great Nation. In Texas we have close to 1.5 million children that are uninsured. Today we say to them that they are a priority, and that their health care and their preventative health care is crucial; that it is not a waste of money. When 74 percent of uninsured children eligible for CHIP, for Medicaid are not enrolled, this is not a waste of money. I am gratified that pregnant women will have access. I am gratified that they will also have access for certain adults that meet certain criteria; and I am delighted that we still have an opportunity to protect certain hospitals owned by physicians that will continue to serve children that are uninsured as well. This is a great bill. We should vote on it enthusiastically and continue to work again to enroll more children for this great medical service. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support for the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2--``The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act''. We stand today, closer to helping 4 million children without health insurance. No longer will these children be forced to live with fear of getting sick. Today is a great day. Today we are able to bring 4 million children in to the fold. Finally, we can tell those 4 million children that are begging for help that Yes We Can! nationally and in texas There are an estimated 8.9 million uninsured children in America. Overall, about 11.3 percent of children in the United States are uninsured, but the percentage of uninsured children in each state varies widely. Based on a 3-year average, there were an estimated 20.9% of uninsured children (under 19 years of age) in the State of Texas representing 1,454,000 of the State's children. According to the Institute of Medicine, uninsured people are less likely to use preventive services and receive regular care. They are also more likely to delay care resulting in poorer health and outcomes. Texas has the highest uninsured rates of all 50 States and the District of Columbia (2005-2007). Almost one-quarter (24.4%) of Texans are uninsured compared to 15.3% of the general U.S. population. Recent studies estimate that for every 1 percent increase in U.S. unemployment, 1.1 million Americans lose health insurance and more than a million enroll in Medicaid and CHIP. While Texas' 6 percent December unemployment rate remains better than the national average of 7.2 percent, the State rate is up from just 4.2 percent in December 2007. Widespread job losses continue, and leading economists predict that absent dramatic government action, the national unemployment rate could reach 10 percent by 2010. Many states, including Texas, already experience much higher Medicaid enrollment than projected due to job loss and lower incomes, and will be unable to support the higher demand without this relief. how does chip help texas families? According to 2004 U.S. Census data, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children in the country with 21.6% of children in Texas lacking health insurance coverage. Nearly 90% of uninsured children in Texas have at least one working parent. The high cost of health insurance means that it is unaffordable for many Texas families. According to the Milliman Medical Index, the annual cost of health insurance for a family of four is $13,382. Although many Texans have employer sponsored health care insurance, many cannot get affordable coverage for dependents through an employer. National data shows that virtually all the net reduction in SCHIP enrollment has been among children in families with incomes below 150% FPL. I want to share with you just some of the scary health statistics that are affecting children: 74% of uninsured children eligible for SCHIP or Medicaid but not enrolled. 11% of uninsured children in families not eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP with incomes below. 15% of uninsured children in families with incomes over 300 percent of the federal poverty-level who are ineligible for Medicaid and SCHIP. 90% of uninsured children that come from families where at least one parent works. 50% of two-parent families of uninsured children in which both parents work. 3.4 million uninsured children who are white, non-Hispanic. 1.6 million uninsured children who are African American. 3.3 million uninsured children who are Hispanic. 670,000 uninsured children of other racial and ethnic backgrounds. physician-owned hospitals I am very pleased to see that this new version does not include the restrictions on physician owned hospitals. Along with many of my colleagues, I have been very concerned that we had with the prohibition on physician-owned hospitals. Which is why I worked with my colleagues to ensure that this language was not included. In my district of Houston, Texas the population has grown close to 4.5 million people and there are only approximately 16,000 beds available in the city. Physician-owned hospitals like St. Joseph Medical Center in my district provide essential emergency, maternity, and psychiatric care for their patients. They delivered over 6,000 babies in 2008, of which 3,700 were insured by Medicaid. Currently they provide $14M in uninsured care in the Houston Market. A Houston Institution for 120 years, St. Joseph Medical Center is also a major provider of psychiatric beds as it currently operates 102 of the 800 licensed beds in Houston. In 2006, St. Joseph Medical Center, downtown Houston's first and only teaching hospital was on the verge of closing its doors. When I learned that they were going to shut down this hospital and turn it into high- end condominiums, I personally worked with the hospital board, community leaders, and local government to ensure this did not take place. Eventually, after I was assured that it would be responsibly managed and it's doors would remain open, I was able to help a hospital corporation, which, in partnership with physicians, purchased the hospital and has made it the premier hospital in the region to keep open St. Joseph's doors including its qualified emergency room responsive to a heavily populated downtown Houston. This formerly troubled medical center is now in the process of reopening Houston Heights Hospital, the fourth oldest acute care hospital in Houston. robin from texas--her story Her daughter has a developmental disorder, known as autism. She was not certain of the extent or the prognosis diagnosis of her disorder due to her lack of funds being a single mother, and lack of quality health insurance. She is one of the many uninsured in Texas. She scraped together money to take her daughter to the doctor when she gets sick and does not pay her electricity bill so she can pay for 30 minutes of private speech therapy a week to complement what the school system provides. She cannot qualify for SSI or Medicaid, they say she makes just over the maximum allowable income. She had trouble qualifying for CHIP in the past as well. Sadly once this mother has paid for daycare, speech therapy, clothing, car insurance, food, shelter , transportation, the rising cost of gasoline etc., she can barely afford to pay her monthly bills let alone quality insurance on her salary. Robin wants the American dream for her and her daughter, but she is unable to obtain it. She is stuck in an old apartment building, with an even older car, and inadequate health coverage for her sweet 7 year old daughter. God help us, Robin and the many like her and her daughter deserve better. the economic affect on healthcare The economy has now lost 1.2 million jobs since the beginning of the year, with nearly half of those losses occurring in the last three months alone, pointing to acceleration in the pace of erosion in labor markets. It is more important than ever in this economy that children's healthcare is not sacrificed. Madam Speaker, my faith is renewed in the process that is so often maligned in the media. Thoughtful and deliberate negotiations were taken to advance this legislation--and through your leadership we have succeeding in bringing this to the floor for passage. I look forward to a day when every child is covered and can play on football fields and jungle gyms without their parents fearing a bankrupting injury to their child. This legislation is piece of mind to 4 million families and I will joyfully cast my vote for passage of this important legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 553, The Reduce Over-Classification Act of 2009. This measure will allow the expansion of information that the Department of Homeland Security shares with state and local governments. The bill also will require ``portion marking'' which refers to the identification of paragraphs in a document that are classified, but allows the unclassified portions to be viewed. The measure requires the department to develop the policies, procedures and programs to prevent the over-classification of information relating to weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, homeland security or other matters within the scope of the information- sharing environment that must be disseminated in order to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism. The practical, day-to-day processes will be done in coordination with the National Archives and Records Administration but in reality it will require full-fledged cooperation from the Department of Homeland Security and the very able staff that make up its workforce. This legislation requires all finished intelligence products to be prepared in the standard unclassified format, provided that an unclassified product would serve to benefit state and local governments. Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to see that the bill directs the Homeland Security Department, in coordination with the NARA, to require annual training for employees and contractors with classification authority who are responsible for analysis, dissemination, preparation, production, receiving, publishing, or otherwise communicating written classified information. This training would include information on the department's policy for preparing all finished intelligence products in a standard unclassified format, as well as information on the proper use of classification markings, including portion markings. Training would also cover the consequences of over-classification and other improper uses of classification. Under the bill, the training would serve as a prerequisite, once completed successfully, for obtaining classification authority and renewing that authority on an annual basis, and it would count as a positive factor for employment, evaluation, and promotion. Mr. Speaker, this legislation also requires that DHS create standard and unclassified formats for the department's finished intelligence products. This bill is designed to ensure citizen and government access to unclassified information but I believe it strikes the right balance between calculated information flow and the protection of national security. I am pleased Mr. Speaker that Section 210 of this bill allows employees to challenge classification decisions made by department employees or contractors and be rewarded if the classification markings are removed or downgraded. And my colleagues and I are well aware that no piece of legislation is completed without measures designed to ensure compliance, and that's why it is critical to the ultimate success of this bill that a series of penal provisions were included to reinforce the legislation. H.R. 553 is about preventing over-classification. My hope is that the legislation will serve as a proper deterrent and move us away from the hoarding of non-classified information that characterized the previous administration. Open and accessible government is a hallmark of democracy. Citizens shouldn't live in fear of their government. It is OUR government. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, we must pass House Resolution 103 and bring awareness to an often overlooked yet extremely dangerous issue. As a parent, I know the dangers my children faced when they were growing up. I often lost sleep worrying that something would happen to one of my kids that was beyond my control. It was part of the reason I decided to run for Congress. Today, more than ever, we need to make people aware of the dangers our children face, we never did. Children have such broad access to information that it ages them in ways still not fully understood. They look at their favorite movie or TV stars and want to emulate them. They research adult topics on the Internet and share information through cell phones and facebook with their friends. They feel because they know things they view as adult, they are adults. Parents do not discuss regularly enough drug use, domestic violence or sex with their children. This legislation will set aside a week to help foster discussion between the parent and the child, which is the number one way to prevent the awful outcomes which have become far too common on our daily news. This resolution will also bring attention to this matter and would let Americans know that this issue is serious. The statistics are staggering: one out of every eleven adolescents have reported they have been the victim of a physical abuse. Of the teenagers who are in ``serious relationships'' one in five have reported being abused in some way. Our children are trying to be like us and in the process they are growing up far too fast. The scariest statistic is, of children who are between the age of 11 and 12, the youngest of our teens, has been or knows someone who has been abused. This is a true travesty. We can no longer sit by and reminisce about the golden age of child rearing. Children can not be left alone and can expect to turn out like we did. As Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I have worked tirelessly to ensure all America's children can lead safe and productive lives. We must ensure they get the right start. This resolution will not only prevent our children from living through a terrible ordeal, but it will also help curtail future attacks. Evidence exists showing the severity of domestic violence among a couple is far greater if there is a pattern of abuse from early on in the abuser's life. We have a duty to protect our children and we have a duty to protect our fellow citizens and assure the right to live in peace. Proclaiming this week National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week will show how serious this issue is and continue the discussion which has already begun in many homes. This resolution will also expand the discussion to many homes in the district I represent as well as the rest of the country. We must pass this resolution today and send a clear message to our fellow citizens that this issue will not go away. Madam Speaker, I urge its immediate passage so we can begin to solve a problem that's gone unchecked far too long. We can make a difference in these and future young adults. The time to act is now.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 748, the ``Center to Advance, Monitor, and Preserve University Security Safety Act of 2009'' or ``CAMPUS''. I would like to thank my colleague Congressman Bobby Scott for introducing this important legislation, as well as the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, Congressman John Conyers. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Importantly, H.R. 748 would establish a national center for campus public safety and employ a collaborative effort with local state and federal officials to fight violence on university campuses. This center would train agencies to better deal with emergency situations that occur on university campuses, helping to eliminate unpreparedness at the universities. The future of our country sits in our classrooms everyday along with those that train them. It is our job as members of Congress to ensure that these future leaders and all those involved in molding them will be taught in a classroom or lecture hall. H.R. 748 is a bill that takes a great step in ensuring that the potential that is harbored in our classrooms everyday is protected. The events that occurred at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University are disastrous examples of why we need more concentrated protection efforts implemented by the Federal government. The Virginia Tech shooting resulted in the slaying of over 30 members of the Virginia Tech family and many others were wounded. The shooting that occurred on the campus of Northern Illinois University on February 14, 2008 also killed and injured several individuals on the campus. Unfortunately, because these events were the first of their kind for the schools, they were not fully knowledgeable on how to respond. In my home state of Texas, the University of Texas at Austin in 1966 was struck by fear when a sniper from atop the university's bell tower struck and killed 16 people and wounded 31. The large gap in time between these events shows the length of inaction by the Congress in establishing a national center to protect the young minds in our Universities. With the creation of a National Center for Protection of facilities of higher education, our country can finally begin to use the knowledge gained by officials in all states in conjunction with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Education in a collaborative effort to reduce violence in all higher education facilities across the country. The CAMPUS Safety Act will create a National Center of Campus Public Safety, which will be administered through the Department of Justice. The Center will train campus public safety agencies, encourage research to strengthen college safety and security, and serve as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of relevant campus public safety information. By having this information, institutions of higher education will be able to easily obtain the best information available on ways to keep campuses safe and secure and how to respond in the event of a campus emergency. The events that have taken place on the campuses of Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois, and Texas Universities shows that campus violence is not regional nor is it specific to one state and we should not be either of these things when fighting against it. That is why we must act as the front line in that battle against campus violence by passing this legislation and developing a National Center for Campus Public Safety. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 549, the National Bombing Prevention Act, introduced by my distinguished colleague from New York, Representative King. This important legislation establishes the Office of Bombing Prevention within the Protective Security Coordination Division of the Office of Infrastructure Protection of the Department. This legislation is a bi-partisan bill, whose lead sponsor is the Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Representative King and is also cosponsored by Chairman Thompson. The function of the Office of Bombing Prevention already exists in the Department, and this bill establishes it in statute. The Office is responsible for coordinating the Government efforts to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks in the United States. As we all know, the most likely terrorist threat to our nation's critical infrastructure and transportation modes is from explosives. Moreover, although our nation's security experts have been working assiduously on preventing large-scale terror attacks since the terror attacks that hurt our nation, we must also be vigilant when it comes to improvised and smaller attacks. Mr. Speaker, we need to ensure that the Office of Bombing Prevention has the protection of being established by the force of law, so the Department can more readily meet the threats to our nation. This legislation requires the Secretary to develop and periodically update a national strategy to prevent and prepare for terrorist explosive attacks in the United States which is due 90 days after the date of enactment. The Secretary is further required to report to Congress regarding the national strategy. This strategy is also called for by Homeland Security Presidential Directive-19, Combating Terrorist Use of Explosives in the United States, issued by President Bush in February of 2007. This legislation also authorizes the Office to support technology transfer efforts as well as research into explosives detection and mitigation. I did, however, have one reservation with regards to this legislation, regarding canine procurement, which is why I introduced an amendment, which was addressed by the bill in Sections 4 and 5. Dogs are used to detect illicit and illegal substances every day. They are used to: detect illegal narcotics; find money that is being smuggled out of the country; and locate explosives that may be concealed in cargo, within vehicles, on aircraft, in luggage and on passengers. There is no doubt that every day, the actions of these dogs and their handlers significantly contribute toward deterring threats and protecting our nation from terrorists. While the contributions of our canine forces are priceless, they are not without cost. We must place a price on what we are willing to pay for untrained dogs. The Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General has found that from April 2006 through June 2007, Customs and Border Protection spent $1.46 million on purchasing 322 untrained dogs--that is about $4500 per dog. Most of these dogs are purchased in Europe and brought to America. These are not fully trained animals. They are puppies that will be trained to provide valuable service. I think most people would find $4500 for an untrained dog an exorbitant amount. However, I cannot deem this amount out of bounds because the Department of Defense pays $3500 for each untrained dog. The Secret Service pays an average of $4500 for each untrained dog. Therefore, the price paid by CBP is within the acceptable range of current practice. However, I think that if we are to be good stewards of the American tax dollar, we must change the current practice. When one considers that domestic breeders offer the same kinds of dogs for $500-$2000, we cannot justify what I can only call a puppy tariff. I am proud to support this legislation, which bring our great nation closer to its goal of securing the homeland, and I encourage my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 738 ``Deaths in Custody Reporting Act of 2009.'' The purpose of this bill is to encourage States to report to the Attorney General certain information regarding the deaths of individuals in the custody of law enforcement agencies. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Each year a small number of people die suddenly while restrained. Most of these deaths are associated with individuals who were restrained while being taken into custody during a violent police encounter. Other cases of sudden restraint death involve individuals in detention or residential treatment programs who were restrained during violent encounters while also under the influence of psychiatric medications. Madam Speaker, no one is certain how many restraint related sudden deaths occur each year. Identifying the exact cause of death is the biggest problem. The number of estimated deaths is in question but may range between 50 and 125 per year. Some estimates are higher. Sudden death after individuals were taken into police custody has been reported for several decades; however this piece of legislation provides the first uniform national reporting for all deaths in law enforcement and correctional custody. H.R. 738 will now make it possible to ascertain the percentage of deaths by suicides and homicides, or from natural causes, which will result in a significant improvement in the oversight of prisoner treatment. With the detailed statistical data, policy makers, both state and federal, can make informed policy judgments about the treatment of prisoners leading to great success in lowering the prisoner death rate. In fact, since the focus on deaths in custody emerged in the mid-1980's, the latest BJS report, dated August 2005, shows a 64 percent decline in suicides and a 93 percent decline in the homicide rate. Madam Speaker, between 2001 and 2004, state prison authorities nationwide reported a total of 12,129 state prisoner deaths to the Deaths in Custody Reporting Program (DCRP). Total number of deaths excludes 258 State prison executions during 2001-2004. Nearly 9 in 10 of these deaths (89 percent) were attributed to medical conditions. Less than 1 in 10 were the result of suicide (6 percent) and homicide (2 percent), while alcohol/drug intoxication and accidental injury accounted for another 1 percent each. A definitive cause could not be determined for 1 percent of these deaths. The Deaths in Custody Reporting Act requires that states receiving federal funding report quarterly to the Attorney General, in methods prescribed by the Attorney General, the circumstances surrounding the death of any person in custody of a state prison or local jail, which includes any person in the process of arrest, en route to incarceration, incarceration in any state facility (municipal jail, county jail, prison, juvenile facility or any other State or local correctional facility). In 1983, the State of Texas Legislature passed laws requiring the reporting of all custodial deaths in Texas. The data was to involve deaths that occur in the process of arrest, as well as those deaths that occurred while confined in a jail or any correctional facility. This information was reported to the State Attorney General's Office, and Prosecutor Assistance/Special Investigation Division. The reports were aimed to be vital pieces to investigations and for open records requests. The failure to report a death to the proper authorities would result in a misdemeanor offense. Madam Speaker, this legislation provides for detailed statistical data, that allows for policy makers, both state and federal, to make informed policy judgments about the treatment of prisoners leading to great success in lowering the prisoner death rate. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, today we will vote on an important piece of legislation that discusses a problem that persists in communities across our country. This bill will show that this problem will not go away with wishful thinking and good intentions. Something must be done to prevent stalking now. We can not afford to wait. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution, do their part to make America aware of stalking, and do their utmost to prevent it's occurrence. Every day, millions of woman and men have their lives disrupted by a stalker. While every state and DC has passed laws that make this act illegal, stalking still happens far too often. We must do everything we can to tell those being stalked that they are not alone and we will help them. We must do everything we can to tell those terrorizing their fellow man or woman with stalking that you will be caught and prosecuted. Madam Speaker, stalking has multiple ways it can impact it's victims. Stalkers do not just harass and annoy their targets, they also cause real financial and psychological harm. 26% of stalking victims have lost time working because of their stalkers while a full 7% have been so frightened, they have not returned to work at all. Almost 30% have sought counseling because of the stalking. Overall, the prevalence of insomnia, anxiety, social dysfunction and severe depression is much higher among stalking victims. These victims feel helpless and will do anything to control their lives again. The number of victims who drastically change their lives to get away from these individuals is staggering. Through no fault of their own, the victims often reach out to law enforcement early requesting restraining orders to prevent contact with their tormenters. These attempts rarely work and result in about 3 out of every 4 restraining orders being violated. Victims have gone so far as to move from their homes to prevent the stalker from being able to antagonize them. One in seven victims has moved in order to maintain their ability to live their life or as normally as possible. In one out of five cases, the stalker will approach his target with a weapon to threaten or harm them. The worst is that in cases where a woman is murdered by an ex-intimate partner, nearly 90% of them were stalked prior to the homicide. This can not be allowed to go on any more. We have the means and the ability to prevent these attacks. While technology has aided law enforcement in the ability to target stalkers it has also been used by the stalker to target and contact victims. One in four victims have reported being stalked online. Every day women are stalked and not enough of them are reporting it. Less than half report it to law enforcement officers and only 7% contact victims groups. As the famous author Michele Archer said, ``It is important that people know that stalking is a crime and that they can do something about it.'' This advice can help save a lot of lives. The biggest misconception about stalking is that it only happens to women. While women are the majority of the targets, they are by no means the only gender that is stalked. Men and women are both targeted and attacked. This legislation will help bring attention to this problem that's underreported, undereducated on and overlooked far too often. All of us, as members of Congress, want to help, and so often we disagree on how to accomplish that laudable goal. For once we can agree on a problem and can help provide a solution. Today we have that chance to make an impact upon the people who live in daily fear. We can say to them today they are not alone, we are on their side and we will do anything we can to fight for them. We can also say that stalker's days are numbered. Madam Speaker, I urge that my colleagues to support this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Thank you, Chairman Boucher, and thank you for the leadership that has been given by a number of our committees in Energy and Commerce, and thank you very much, President Obama, for listening to the real reason for having this legislation, and that is that actually we had run out of money for these vouchers that are needed for many of the individuals who are economically in need. In actuality, there is a waiting list. In my own community, there are 7,298 in the 18th Congressional District in Houston, Texas, and an increase of over 600 since we've indicated the possibility of being able to get these additional vouchers or to get in line. My mother is 83 years old and has a television that needs this adaptation. And I can tell you the difficulty for seniors. That is why AARP is supporting this extension, this configuration. When you're ready, get on line. But if you're not ready, then you will not be in the dark until, of course, this extension. It makes sense. Many times a television is a lifeline of a person living alone, a disabled person, a senior person, and frankly, I want to work with the FOP. We all have good relations with them, and I believe down the road we can work that out. But the International Fire Chiefs are for this, the public safety officers are for this. We want to have interoperability. We want to be able to communicate, unlike the tragedy that occurred in 9/11. But at the same time, we can be multitasked. We can, in essence, do two things at once to ensure that we have a process that doesn't turn the lights out on a predominant number of Americans who cannot help being on a list with a coupon system that does not work. They were not able to get the coupons. If we don't do this bill, February 9 is D-day. It is a D- day in terms of what happens to many Americans. I think this is a positive approach. It is an effective approach, and it will help us move the process forward. And let me thank the network stations for working as hard as they could locally, but they need help. This bill will help. I ask my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, today I speak in strong support of S. 352, and I also want to thank my colleague Senator Jay Rockefeller for authoring this insightful resolution. The digital television transition is an unnecessary burden to be passed onto the American people at a time when the pressures of day to day life are heavy and growing. To assist consumers through the conversion, the Department of Commerce through its National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) division handled requests from households for up to two $40 coupons for digital-to-analog converter boxes beginning January 1, 2008 via a toll free number or a website. However, the Commerce Department has run out of funds to cover the cost of coupons ad there are millions of Americans who have yet to receive the boxes. These Americans should not be expected to purchase the converter box without the aid of the government, seeing as the entire nation is under extraordinary economic pressure caused by the recession. Last week, President Obama's team joined a chorus of concerned voices requesting a delay because the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is to provide education and $40 vouchers for people to buy digital TV converter boxes, ran out of money on January 4. There is also concern that many people, especially poorer and more rural areas, have not yet heard that they will need a converter and a larger antenna. Older homes can not be easily wired for cable. The house walls might be made of concrete, brick, or stone that is difficult to wire through. This has caused some local residents to opt for analog over-the-air TV instead of cable or FIOS. Other people have decided to only wire their living room, and still use analog over-the-air in other rooms. The old construction can also cause problems running an antenna to a window, roof, or attic. These older homes are generally owned by lower income families that are being hit particularly hard by the current economic recession. On January 22, The Nielsen Company said 6.5 million Americans had not prepared for the switch, a startling number considering the Commerce Departments inability to assist these Americans in the purchase of the converter boxes. TV stations would face extra expenses, which is burden that they also cannot be expected to take on in times like these. Mr. Speaker, I understand that the long-term effects of this transition will benefit the American people and support the eventual transition. Madam Speaker we are in a recession at best. Our seniors can barely afford their prescriptions and we are asking them to pay another 40-50 dollars for a convertor box. To some of us that may not seem like much but for many it is a small fortune. Especially for our senior population who may have only the television as company. I ask that my colleagues support this legislation and give Americans more time to properly prepare for the conversion.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished chairman of the Transportation Committee for his kindness and his leadership. I don't rise in opposition to Mr. Shuster's amendment, but to reaffirm it, because of I think the importance of the amendment, and to thank this body for supporting the amendment previously passed by Mr. Oberstar that gives us a framework of shortened time to make sure we do get out jobs. All of the economists suggest that we are job hungry, and certainly Mark Zandi indicates that 4 million jobs will be created. I specifically want to, as I look at the legislation and the amendment of Mr. Shuster who comments on highway maintenance, I think that is vital. I want to reemphasize that transit projects that can be considered new starts would fall appropriately under this economic stimulus, create jobs such as the Metro Solutions project, provide $30 million to Texas on rail, if you will, support. And as the Nadler amendment is coming forward, I support the $3 billion that is going to come forward to increase the amount of money for transit projects. But the key element of I think what we are doing today is to create jobs. New starts in transit should be considered part of creating those jobs. Specifically the Metro Solutions project I believe will fall in that category and create the kind of engine and jobs that we want. Let me finally say that I think it is important that I note no bar under certain funding in this stimulus package that would disallow work on inner city or urban parks. That too creates jobs, along with the work incentive and summer youth training program. I hope all of this together will combine to respond to the President's cry creating 4 million jobs. So I certainly do not oppose this amendment, and I hope the framework does include broadly a lot of the projects that are going to be put forward helping our States and creating jobs. Thank you Mr. Chair, for affording me this opportunity to address H.R. 1, the ``American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.'' I believe H.R. 1 can be supported by every member of the House. I believe that H.R. 1 can be supported by every member of the House. I am hopeful that my colleagues will be mindful of the words of our President, Barack Obama, and pass this important and much needed legislation without further delay. Mr. Chair, just yesterday the Associated Press reported that tens of thousands of Americans will be losing their jobs. This news was on top of the 2.6 million jobs lost last year under the old Bush Administration. Some of the biggest names in industry have announced lay offs yesterday, from Sprint Nextel, Caterpillar, Home Depot, to GM, all of these companies have announced thousands of lay offs. Experts believe that without intervention, unemployment will rise to 8.8 percent, the highest since 1983, and it is reported that the worst business conditions in greater than twenty years will exist. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will result in infusing greater than $850 billion into America's ailing economy. With this economic recovery plan, there will be 4 million more jobs and an unemployment rate that will be two percentage points lower by the end of 2010. This is important because the nation is facing tough economic times. It was estimated that the State of Texas had an unemployment rate of 6.0%. While this rate is below the national average, it is a high rate and is a signal that something must done to help America and the Texas economy recover. H.R. 1 provides such hope to America. H.R. 1 provides for unprecedented accountability and transparency measures that are built into the legislation to help ensure that tax dollars are spend wisely. $550 billion is strategically targeted to priority investments; $275 billion in targeted tax cuts will also help spur economic recovery. All of these laudable aims are achieved without earmarks. This Act represents the culmination of priorities shared with the new Obama Administration and is sure to help America's economy in the longterm.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Will the gentleman yield for a question?

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I notice in the summary it says ``highway maintenance.'' But I think I am agreeing with you that what you are suggesting is new maintenance but also new starts. If something is a new start, for example, in rail, that would create new jobs, and that is something that is in the framework of your thought.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. If the gentleman will yield, I thank you very much. That is the framework of my message.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me thank the distinguished gentlelady from Maine (Ms. Pingree) and welcome her. Thank you for your leadership as well. It is my pleasure to be able to thank Chairman Miller and also my friend from New Jersey, Congressman Andrews, for his work. And let me thank Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro for her collective effort, and the Senate for moving forward. Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, 70,000 Americans lost their jobs. I would suspect, as we work on the Economic Stimulus Package and TARP, that, unfortunately, we are going to see a constant march of those losing their jobs. So why is it absolutely urgent and imperative that we move forward on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act? Because this is a deterrent. When people are losing their jobs, 70,000 to 100,000 jobs a day, then there are normally one bread winner per family, man or woman. How shameful it would be if that bread winner happens to be a woman and she is subjected to the unfair, disparate treatment of not being able to be paid equally in the workplace for her work. It is well known that women are still earning 78 percent for every dollar earned by a man, and the Institute of Women's Policy Research has found that this wage disparity costs women anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million in lost wages of a lifetime. Families of America cannot tolerate that now. The children of America cannot tolerate that now. When a woman rises to the occasion or she is already in the workplace, we must pay her fair wages, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act allows any discrimination to be petitioned in the court, unlike Lilly Ledbetter, who was stymied by statutory process because she did not know. And so, Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the underlying rule and this bill, for as we move towards stimulating the economy and bringing jobs back to America, there is no way that this body, this Constitutional body, this country that believes in equality and justice for all can allow the constant discrimination in pay against women, for our children will suffer and our children's children will suffer. This bill is a necessity, because it is time now to eradicate the vestiges of discrimination on the basis of gender. I ask my colleagues to support this rule, support this legislation, and to thank those who have been part of sponsoring this, and recognizing that in the 18th of congressional district where women go out to work every day, where they are providing the economic engine not only for our communities but for their families, must be treated fairly. 70,000 jobs lost yesterday. How many today? We must eradicate the unfair treatment of women in the workplace as relates to wages.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished gentleman. There is more infusion of Medicaid dollars so that those who are uninsured will have the resources necessary to be able to, in essence, provide for their family but keep looking for work. This is a calling of crisis. And so with the green jobs, the infrastructure, I do support this rule, but I would certainly like to see the mark of the transportation and infrastructure go from $9 billion to $12 billion. I would like to see the language of ``use it or lose it'' be restored. I want to make sure that the metro system of Houston can fall under the transit funding. And we're going to be working with the chairman of the Transportation Committee and our congressional delegation because these will create jobs across America. I want to see rail travel restored. I want to make sure the infrastructure of America is rebuilt. I want the bridges in the 18th Congressional District enrolled rebuilt by the hands and labor of the American people. That's what this stimulus is about. There is no doubt that if we stand on this floor of the House or the other body and ignore the cry of Americans, we too can hold our heads in shame. Support this rule and support this legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, they never said our task and our job would be easy. I imagine when the Founding Fathers were trying to create this great Union, it was not easy then as well. But we have a responsibility and a duty. We have taken an oath of office. We have a responsibility to the American people. Our President has offered a solution. That is why we are here. And I rise to support the rule and the underlying bill because I am looking for an economic engine that will actually roll across America's railways, that will go into the hamlets and villages and communities where people are depressed and oppressed. And, frankly, there are items that I think answer the question whether or not we are concerned about creating jobs. The increase of the earned income tax credit is one that we have seen work and can work. I have worked with John Hope Bryant, who chairs an organization dealing with financial literacy. We saw the impact of the earned income tax credit for Hurricane Katrina families, for working families, and that has been increased. For those who are seeking homes, we don't want to kill off the homeowners market, and we see now that the $7,500 tax credit that had to be repaid in 15 years will now be waived and forgiven. We can get homeowners or home purchasers into homes, which Americans would like to do. We will be seeing $20 billion for school modernization, $14 billion for K-12, and $6 billion for higher education institutions. We will also be seeing moneys going for educational technology grants. But my school districts are already lining up to be able to create that economic engine to keep teachers at work and to train the next generation of workers. There are green jobs.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank Congressman George Miller for his leadership in bringing this legislation forth and for working together to see that gender equity is not just something we talk about, but something that is achieved. Sadly, women in the United States still earn only 78 cents on the dollar compared to men more than 45 years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963. Lilly Ledbetter helped shine new light on this issue when the Supreme Court denied her the $223,776 in additional wages she would have earned had she been a man in its 2007 decision, Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. The Supreme Court was restricted by laws that saw women as less than equal. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act would correct this decision and ensure that future victims of pay discrimination can bring a lawsuit after any act of discriminatory pay. Women have made enormous advances toward economic equality, but gaps in income between men and women persist and only multiply over time, as the following numbers from Jessica Arons' Center for American Progress Action Fund report, ``Lifetime Losses: The Career Wage Gap'' show. Passing this bill along with H.R. 12, the Paycheck Fairness Act, would be an important first step in addressing this problem. Although we encourage our daughters to stay in school and obtain their degrees, women with higher education are losing more income due to the career wage gap. In fact, $434,000 is the median amount that a full-time female worker loses in wages over a 40-year period as a direct result of the gender pay gap, also known as the ``career wage gap.'' The wage gap widens as women get older and carries into retirement because women workers earn less than men at every stage of life, and this continues into retirement. Just some of the statistics that demonstrate that inequity exists are: 78 cents: The amount that the average, full-time working woman makes for every $1 a man makes over a year. $713,000: The career wage gap for women with a bachelor's degree or higher. $452,000: The career wage gap for women with some college education. $392,000: The career wage gap for women with a high school education. $270,000: The career wage gap for women with less than a high school education. 17 percent: The additional amount that single mothers would take home in income if they were paid fairly. This would lead to a 50 percent reduction in poverty for these women, from 25.3 percent to 12.6 percent. 13.4 percent: The additional amount that single women would receive in income if they were paid fairly. This would lead to an 84 percent reduction in poverty for these women, from 6.3 percent to 1 percent. 6 percent: The additional amount that married women would earn if they were paid fairly. This would lead to a 62 percent reduction in poverty for these women, from 2.1 percent to 0.8 percent. $8,000: The gap between the average retirement income that men and women receive annually. Two-thirds of this disparity can be attributed to the pay gap and occupational segregation. Higher wages for women would bring greater prosperity to families. A report from the AFL-CIO and the Institute for Women's Policy Research found that if women were paid fairly, family incomes would rise and poverty levels would fall. This legislation is intended to combat the wage gap that still exists today between men and women in the workplace. It is an important step in addressing the persistent wage gap between women and men. Early last year the House passed H.R. 2831, legislation reversing last year's Supreme Court decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., in which the court ruled, 5-4, that workers filing suit for pay discrimination must do so within 180 days of the actual decision to discriminate against them. Which is why we need to pass not only the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act but the Paycheck Protection Act as well to stop discriminatory pay practices by employers against our mothers, wives, daughters, and granddaughters that do the same job as their male counterparts. As a Member of the Women's Caucus I have been fighting to close the wage gap for American women since before I arrived here as a Representative in 1995, and I believe that equal pay for equal work is a simple matter of justice. Wage disparities are not simply a result of women's education levels or life choices. In fact, the pay gap between college educated men and women appears the first job after college--even when women are working full-time in the same fields with the same major as men--and continues to widen during the first 10 years in the workforce. Further, this persistent wage gap not only impacts the economic security of women and their families today, it also directly affects women's retirement security tomorrow. I urge my colleagues, both men and women to support equality in rights and pay for all Americans by supporting H.R. 181, The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair, I would like to address H. Res. 88, the rule providing for consideration of the ``American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009'' and the bill itself. I believe the H. Res. 88 can be supported by every Member of the House. Mr. Chair, just yesterday the Associated Press reported that tens of thousands of Americans will be losing their jobs. This news was on top of the 2.6 million jobs lost last year under the old Bush Administration. Some of the biggest names in industry have announced layoffs yesterday, from Sprint Nextel, Caterpillar, Home Depot, to GM, all of these companies have announced thousands of layoffs. Experts believe that without intervention, unemployment will rise to 8.8 percent, the highest since 1983, and it is reported that the worst business conditions in greater than 20 years will exist. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will result in infusing greater than $850 billion into America's ailing economy. With this economic recovery plan, there will be 4 million more jobs and an unemployment rate that will be 2 percentage points lower by the end of 2010. Moreover, H. Res. 88 provides for unprecedented accountability and transparency measures that are built into the legislation to help ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely. $550 billion is strategically targeted to priority investments; $275 billion in targeted tax cuts will also help spur economic recovery. All of these laudable aims are achieved without earmarks. This Act represents the culmination of priorities shared with the new Obama administration and is sure to help America's economy in the long term.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I speak in strong support of S. 328, and I also want to thank my colleague Senator Jay Rockefeller for authoring this insightful resolution. The digital television transition is an unnecessary burden to be passed onto the American people at a time when the pressures of day to day life are heavy and growing. To assist consumers through the conversion, the Department of Commerce through its National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, division handled requests from households for up to two $40 coupons for digital-to-analog converter boxes beginning January 1, 2008 via a toll free number or a Web site. However, the Commerce Department has run out of funds to cover the cost of coupons and there are millions of Americans who have yet to receive the boxes. These Americans should not be expected to purchase the converter box without the aid of the government, seeing as the entire Nation is under extraordinary economic pressure caused by the recession. Last week, President Obama's team joined a chorus of concerned voices requesting a delay because the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, which is to provide education and $40 vouchers for people to buy digital TV converter boxes, ran out of money on January 4. There is also concern that many people, especially poorer and more rural areas, have not yet heard that they will need a converter and a larger antenna. Older homes can not be easily wired for cable. The house walls might be made of concrete, brick, or stone that is difficult to wire through. This has caused some local residents to opt for analog over-the-air TV instead of cable or FIOS. Other people have decided to only wire their living room, and still use analog over-the-air in other rooms. The old construction can also cause problems running an antenna to a window, roof, or attic. These older homes are generally owned by lower income families that are being hit particularly hard by the current economic recession. On January 22, the Nielsen Company said 6.5 million Americans had not prepared for the switch, a startling number considering the Commerce Department's inability to assist these Americans in the purchase of the converter boxes. TV stations would face extra expenses, which is a burden that they also cannot be expected to take on in times like these. Mr. Speaker, I understand that the long-term effects of this transition will benefit the American people and support the eventual transition. Mr. Speaker we are in a recession at best. Our seniors can barely afford their prescriptions and we are asking them to pay another 40-50 dollars for a convertor box? To some of us that may not seem like much but for many it is a small fortune. Especially for our senior population who may have only the television as company. I ask that my colleagues support this legislation and give Americans more time to properly prepare for the conversion.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I speak in strong support of H. Res. 84, and thank my colleague Congressman Joseph Crowley, for authoring this important resolution. Madam Speaker, the first week of January Americans witnessed no shortage in heroic activity, from the dramatic rescue of an elderly woman by Houston Metro officer Eliot Swainson, to what we recognize here today. The heroic efforts by everyone involved in the emergency landing of flight 1549. This was one of many events this year alone where the world once again recognized the U.S. as a country of doers. Flight 1549 is now known as the Miracle on the Hudson. A miracle it may be, but what are not surprising or any less miraculous are the coordinated efforts by the pilot, crew and rescuers, who under immense pressure proved that even a battered and bruised American spirit has the strength to overcome indescribable odds. Captain Chesley Sullenberger ``Sully'' pilot of the U.S. Airways flight, is no stranger to heroism. A former Air Force officer, he has served the United States proudly for many years. Through his calm and confident ways he successfully maneuvered an enormous aircraft onto the still and icy Hudson River, saving the lives of over 155 passengers. Just like every hero there is a team of people working with them ensure that no task is left undone and that all measures are taken, even in the most terrible situations. His honorable crew, First Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles, Flight Attendant Sheila Dail, Flight Attendant Doreen Welsh and Flight Attendant Donna Dent, along with Captain Sullenberger worked tirelessly upon the aircraft's landing to insure that all 155 passengers aboard the aircraft were evacuated and ready to be boarded onto one of the various boats sent to the landing site to assist in the rescue. The strength and sheer will of the entire crew aboard Flight 1549 is what caused this miraculous landing to occur. As subcommittee chair of Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection I have been an advocate for both the TSA and the FAA for many years. I am particularly proud of the ability of these organizations to prepare those affiliated with them in the best way possible. Crew members are highly trained. Once the passengers exited the cabin of the plane they were met instantly by the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, water taxis, and other various watercrafts. Passengers were transported to a fleet of ambulances and emergency personnel waiting by the shores of the river to assist in anyway possible. Once again New Yorkers demonstrate in the face of devastating circumstances they will respond in ways that almost seem impossible to the average human being. New Yorkers, just as people of my district have done in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, with that helpful nature and American courage to take on any task all things are doable. Most importantly the common variable in this impressive act of heroism is the strength of a united American spirit. This spirit, that when directed toward a problem no matter how immediate or great in scale, can be handled through a combined effort by a unified American people behind one common goal. This spirit is exactly what the United States needs right now. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the heroic actions of pilot Chesley Sullenberger, crew members Donna Dent, Doreen Welsh, Sheila Dail, Jeffrey B. Skiles, as well as all of the rescuers standing by for U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on the shores of the Hudson. These heroes on the Hudson are examples of the common humanity that flows through the veins of this Nation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, H. Res. 31 seeks to protect the personal interests and information of men and women across the country who exchange personally identifiable information across the Internet. I salute my colleague, Representative Price from North Carolina, in his efforts to designate January 28, 2009, as ``National Data Privacy Day.'' It is our duty and obligation to protect those victims of the exploitation of their personally identifiable information who often face a difficult and arduous process of cleaning up their credit records. These innocent victims, who may be an aging grandmother attempting to retire from over 30 years of labor as a housekeeper, or a young man who balances three jobs and is seeking a college loan, will be left to face lengthy investigations by credit card companies, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies, while these cyber-criminals take minutes or less to destroy a namesake that has taken years to build. texas Privacy Efforts Texas seeks to perform its part through the Texas Business and Commerce Code, which bolsters the security of personally identifiable information, with respect to an individual who is the owner or operator of a computer, including first name or first initial in combination with last name; a home or other physical address, including street name; electronic mail address; a credit or debit card number; a bank account number; a password or access code associated with a credit or debit card or bank account; a Social Security number, tax identification number, driver's license number, passport number, or other government-issued identification number; or any information if the information alone or in combination with other information personally identifies the individual. Data Privacy According to the Privacy Rights Clearing House, since February 2005, more than 100 million records containing personal information have been subject to some sort of security breach. Data privacy concerns exist wherever personally identifiable information is collected and stored--in digital form or otherwise. Improper or non-existent disclosure control can be the root cause for privacy issues. Data privacy issues can arise in response to information from a wide range of sources, such as: healthcare records, criminal justice investigations and proceedings, financial institutions and transactions, biological traits, such as genetic material, residence and geographic records. The greatest challenge that we face in data privacy is to share data while maintaining a high level of protection amongst personally identifiable information. The ability to control what information one reveals about oneself over the Internet, and who can access that information, has become a growing concern over the ability for emails to be stored or read by third parties without consent, as well as the possibility of web sites which are visited collecting, storing, and possibly sharing personally identifiable information about users. For many reasons, individuals may not wish for the revelation of personal information such as their religion, sexual orientation, political affiliations, or private activities. The economic crisis that our country is faced with today calls for an elevated guard of our financial information, as identity theft and a multitude of cyber-crimes are on the rise. Information about a person's financial transactions, including the amount of assets, positions held in stocks or funds, outstanding debts, and purchases can be sensitive. If criminals gain access to information such as a person's accounts or credit card numbers, that person could become the victim of fraud or identity theft. Information about a person's purchases can reveal a great deal about that person's history, such as places visited, persons contacted, products used, as well as activities and habits. National Data Privacy Day provides for an international collaboration, and a nationwide and statewide effort to raise awareness about data privacy and the protection of personal information on the Internet and will call for government officials from the United States and Europe, privacy professionals, academics, legal scholars, representatives of international businesses, and others with an interest in data privacy issues to work together on this date to further the discussion about data privacy and protection. Conclusion Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the promotion of the protection of personal information and data by designating January 28, 2009, as ``National Data Privacy Day,'' which will endorse the safeguard of personal information online and affects all of us.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 3, relating to the disapproval of obligations under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, EESA. This resolution disapproves the use of the second $350 billion of the funds that were made available to the Secretary of the Treasury under the EESA. Under the ``fast track'' consideration provisions of EESA, such a resolution is in order upon the transmittal by the President of a plan to use the second $350 billion. Passage of this resolution would prevent the new administration, unless vetoed by the President, from using the second $350 billion. Already the Senate has rejected its resolution of disapproval last Friday when it was offered in the Senate. This body should do the same. Likewise, the House should also join me in rejecting this resolution. We cannot hold the present administration accountable for the missteps and misdeeds of the past administration. It is my firm belief that this administration must be given the most latitude in its decision regarding how the monies will be dispensed and used. The current administration should not be fettered but should be free to use the monies as it sees fit, using judiciousness, practicality, and common sense. Moreover, this body voted to pass H.R. 384, TARP Reform and Accountability Act, which provided greater accountability and oversight in the use of TARP. Therefore, there is no reasonable, articulable basis to deny the administration access to the TARP monies. Just yesterday, the House of Representatives voted on a bill that would amend the TARP provisions of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, EESA, to strengthen accountability, close loopholes, increase transparency, and most importantly, require the Treasury Department to take significant steps on foreclosure mitigation. Mr. Speaker, I was particularly pleased to work with Chairman Frank and his staff on significant portions of the Manager's Amendment to this legislation, which ensures that small and minority businesses along with local, community, and private banks gain fair and equitable access to the TARP funds. It has been 3 months since the Treasury started disbursing TARP funds. Just in time perhaps for a lot of big banks; however, smaller banks have been locked out so far. A lot of small banks certainly are in need of relief as the real estate crisis continues to worsen, despite hundreds of small banks having already applied. According to recent reports, the Treasury Department has yet to issue the necessary guidelines for about 3,000 additional private banks. Most of them are set up as partnerships, with no more than 100 shareholders. They are not able to issue preferred shares to the Government in exchange for capital injections, as other banks can. While Treasury officials state they are ``working on a solution,'' for these private banks time is of the essence. The Treasury Department has handed out more than $155 billion to 77 banks. Of that sum, $115 billion has gone to the eight largest banks. Community banks hold 11 percent of the industry's total assets and play a vital role in small business and agriculture lending. Community banks provide 29 percent of small commercial and industrial loans, 40 percent of small commercial real estate loans and 77 percent of small agricultural production loans. I worked diligently with Chairman Frank and the Financial Services Committee to ensure that language was included to assist private banks such as Unity Bank and Amegy Bank in Houston to shore up their liquidity and ability to extend credit to local businesses and families. This legislation also provides funds for foreclosure counseling, legal assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure and training for foreclosure counselors. I have been a long-time advocate for foreclosure mitigation working with State and local government and nonprofit organizations to help families in need. Last year, I championed setting aside $100 billion to address homeowner foreclosure prevention. I also fought to amend bankruptcy provisions to allow individual homeowners to be able to modify their home mortgages to prevent foreclosure. As I look at this revised legislation I feel a sense of vindication. I kept sounding the alarm to provide language that explicitly addressed homeowner foreclosure prevention and loss mitigation. As it now appears, my efforts were not in vain. Foreclosure prevention-loss mitigation programs have given millions of Americans, who face foreclosure, the opportunity to get back on track and save their homes from foreclosure. Every year there are millions of Americans who find themselves in a pre-foreclosure situation. Most feel that they are alone when they face a foreclosure situation. This legislation will allow Americans to get the help they need to stop foreclosures and ultimately help people stay in their homes. The Manager's Amendment requires that the Treasury Department act promptly to permit smaller community financial institutions that have been shut out so far to participate on the same terms as the large financial institutions that have already received funds. Small businesses are the backbone of our Nation, and unfortunately, they have not been afforded the opportunity that large financial institutions have had to TARP funds and loans. Small businesses represent more than the American dream--they represent the American economy. Small businesses account for 95 percent of all employers, create half of our gross domestic product, and provide three out of four new jobs in this country. Small business growth means economic growth for the Nation. We cannot stabilize and revitalize our economy without ensuring the inclusion and participation of the small business segment of our economy. With the ever--worsening economic crisis, we must ensure in this legislation that small and minority businesses and community banks are afforded an opportunity to benefit from this important legislation. I am very pleased that the Manager's Amendment will effect this change. In Section 107, the Manager's Amendment creates an Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, which will be responsible for developing and implementing standards and procedures to ensure the inclusion and utilization of minority and women-owned businesses. I sought the creation of such an office and I am pleased it was included in this legislation. These businesses will include financial institutions, investment banking firms, mortgage banking firms, broker-dealers, accountants, and consultants. Furthermore, the inclusion of these businesses should be at all levels, including procurement, insurance, and all types of contracts such as the issuance or guarantee of debt, equity, or mortgage-related securities. This Office will also be responsible for diversity in the management, employment, and business activities of the TARP, including the management of mortgage and securities portfolios, making of equity investments, the sale and servicing of mortgage loans, and the implementation of its affordable housing programs and initiatives. Section 107 also calls for the Secretary of the Treasury to report to Congress in 180 days detailed information describing the actions taken by the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, which will include a statement of the total amounts provided under TARP to small, minority, and women-owned businesses. The Manager's Amendment in Section 404 also has clarifying language ensuring that the Secretary has authority to support the availability of small business loans and loans to minority and disadvantaged businesses. This will be critical to ensuring that small and minority businesses have access to loans, financing, and purchase of asset-backed securities directly through the Treasury Department or the Federal Reserve. H.R. 384 reforms TARP by increasing oversight, reporting, monitoring and accountability. It requires any existing or future institution that receives funding under TARP to provide no less than quarterly public reporting on its use of TARP funding. Any insured depository institution that receives funding under TARP is required to report quarterly on the amount of any increased lending (or reduction in decrease of lending) and related activity attributable to such financial assistance. In connection with any new receipt of TARP funds, Treasury is also required to reach an agreement with the institution, and its primary Federal regulator on how the funds are to be used and benchmarks the institution is required to meet so as to advance the purposes of the act to strengthen the soundness of the financial system and the availability of credit to the economy. In addition, a recipient institution's primary Federal regulator must specifically examine use of funds and compliance with any program requirements, including executive compensation and any specific agreement terms. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that this legislation has strong requirements regarding executive compensation. Mr. Speaker, the act provides that the second $350 billion is conditioned on the use of up to $100 billion, but no less than $40 billion, for foreclosure mitigation, with a plan required by March 15, 2009. By that date, the Secretary shall develop, subject to TARP Board approval, a comprehensive plan to prevent and mitigate foreclosures on residential mortgages. The Secretary shall begin committing TARP funds to implement the plan no later than April 1, 2009. The Secretary must certify to Congress by May 15, 2009, if he has not committed more than the required minimum $40 billion. The foreclosure mitigation plans must apply only to owner-occupied residences and shall leverage private capital to the maximum extent possible consistent with maximizing prevention of foreclosures. Treasury must use some combination of the following program alternatives: (1) Guarantee program for qualifying loan modifications under a systematic plan, which may be delegated to the FDIC or other contractor; (2) bringing costs of Hope for Homeowner loans down (beyond mandatory changes in Title V below), either through coverage of fees, purchasing H4H mortgages to ensure affordable rates, or both; (3) program for loans to pay down second lien mortgages that are impeding a loan modification subject to any write-down by existing lender Treasury may require; (4) servicer incentives/assistance--payments to servicers in connection with implementation of qualifying loan modifications; and (5) purchase of whole loans for the purpose of modifying or refinancing the loans, with authorization to delegate to FDIC. In consultation with the FDIC and HUD and with the approval of the Board, Treasury may determine that modifications to an initial plan are necessary to achieve the purposes of this act or that modifications to component programs of the plan are necessary to maximize prevention of foreclosure and minimize costs to the taxpayers. A safe harbor from liability is provided to servicers who engage in loan modifications, regardless of any provisions in a servicing agreement, so long as the servicer acts in a manner consistent with the duty established in Homeowner Emergency Relief Act--maximize the net present value, NPV, of pooled mortgages to all investors as a whole; engage in loan modifications for mortgages that are in default or for which default is reasonably foreseeable; the property is owner- occupied; the anticipated recovery on the mod would exceed, on an NPV basis, the anticipated recovery through foreclosure. This bill requires persons who bring suit unsuccessfully against servicers for engaging in loan modifications under the act to pay the servicers' court costs and legal fees. It also requires servicers who modify loans under the safe harbor to regularly report to the Treasury on the extent, scope and results of the servicer's modification activities. In addition to the above requirements, an Oversight Panel is required to report to Congress by July 1 on the actions taken by Treasury on foreclosure mitigation and the impact and effectiveness of the actions in minimizing foreclosures and minimizing costs to the taxpayers. H.R. 384 clarifies and confirms Treasury authorization to provide assistance to automobile manufacturers under the TARP. With respect to the assistance already provided to the domestic automobile industry, it includes conditions of the House auto bill, including long-term restructuring requirements. There is further clarification on: Treasury's authority to provide support to the financing arms of automakers for financing activities is clarified to ensure that they can continue to provide needed credit, including through dealer and other financing of consumer and business auto and other vehicle loans and dealer floor loans. Treasury's authority to establish facilities to support the availability of consumer loans, such as student loans, and auto and other vehicle loans. Such support may include the purchase of asset- backed securities, directly or through the Federal Reserve. Treasury's authority to provide support for commercial real estate loans and mortgage-backed securities. Treasury's authority to provide support to issuers of municipal securities, including through the direct purchase of municipal securities or the provision of credit enhancements in connection with any Federal Reserve facility to finance the purchase of municipal securities. In addition, more reforms are enunciated for Homeowners in Title V. The Home Buyer Stimulus provisions requires Treasury to develop a program, outside of the TARP, to stimulate demand for home purchases and clear inventory of properties, including through ensuring the availability of affordable mortgages rates for qualified home buyers. In developing such a program Treasury may take into consideration impact on areas with highest inventories of foreclosed properties. The programs will be executed through the purchase of mortgages and MBS using funding under HERA. Treasury will provide mechanisms to ensure availability of such reduced rate loans through financial institutions that act as either originators or as portfolio lenders. Under this provision, Treasury has to make affordable rates available under this program available in connection with Hope for Homeowner refinancing program. This legislation will give a permanent increase in FDIC and NCUA Deposit Insurance Limits, it makes permanent the increase in deposit insurance coverage for banks and credit unions to $250,000, which was enacted temporarily as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act and is scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2009, and includes an inflation adjustment provision for future coverage. Finally, I applaud Chairman Frank and the Committee on Financial Services for their hard work on this important piece of legislation. In this economic climate it is critical for us to remember that while we need to assist our financial institutions, we cannot do this without implementing reforms to protect Americans' hard-earned money. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in opposition to this resolution. The reforms of the bill that we voted upon just yesterday adds greater accountability and oversight to the EESA. I do not believe that the President should be fettered in his use of the monies allotted to his administration and the Treasury in the EESA. The previous administration was able to use the monies in an unfettered fashion, there is no articulable reason why the present administration must undergo a different process or procedure than its predecessor administration.