Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5522, requiring the Secretary of Labor to issue interim and final occupational safety and health standards regarding worker exposure to combustible dust, and for other purposes. I would like to thank my distinguished colleague from California, Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, Representative George Miller for his leadership on this important issue. The Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Act requires the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, to issue rules regulating combustible industrial dusts, like sugar dust, that can build up to hazardous levels and explode. There are numerous occasions in recent history where combustible dust levels have resulted in explosions, killing and injuring numerous workers. On February 7, 2008, the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, Georgia, exploded, killing 13 workers and seriously injuring more than 60 others in a combustible dust explosion. The tragedy at Imperial Sugar shows that the threat of dust explosions is very real at industrial worksites across America and needs to be addressed immediately. In 2003, there were a total of 3 catastrophic dust explosions that resulted in the death of 14 workers. These explosions prompted the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, CSB, to issue a report in November 2006, identifying 281 conbustible dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 that resulted in the death of 119 workers and injured 718. The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board concluded their report finding, ``combustible dust explosions are a serious hazard in American industry.'' Since 2001, in case after case and industry after industry, Since 2001, in case after case and industry after industry, OSHA has chosen to emphasize voluntary compliance over setting strong rules and enforcing them. Effective voluntary guidelines to control combustible dust hazards and prevent dust explosions already exist. But in order to truly protect workers, OSHA needs an enforceable standard in order to ensure industry compliance and to protect workers. Without an OSHA standard, many employers are unaware of the hazards of combustible dusts, while others have chosen not to adopt voluntary standards. This important act directs OSHA to issue an interim final Combustible Dust standard within 90 days. The standard would include measures to minimize hazards associated with combustible dust through improved housekeeping, engineering controls, worker training and a written combustible dust safety program. This legislation also directs OSHA to issue a final standard within 18 months and fulfill all administrative rulemaking requirements including full public hearings, feasibility analysis and small business review. Lastly, H.R. 5522 directs OSHA to include combustible dusts in the Hazard Communication Standard which requires workers to receive information and training about the hazards they face on their jobs daily. In addition, I would like to have seen companies submit certifications showing that they are in compliance of these sets of standards. This recommendation would ensure that companies follow the criteria outlined within this bill by certifying compliance. Also, the Secretary of Labor should do continuous inspections during the initial months of enactment, to ensure companies are in compliance. Madam Chairman, this important legislation requiring the Secretary of Labor to issue interim and final occupational safety and health standards regarding worker exposure to combustible dust, and for other purposes, is necessary in order to protect Americans across the Nation. This important Act will help to prevent further accidents from occurring within the workplace. For these reasons, I strongly support H.R. 5522 and urge all members to do the same.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 493, ``The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, GINA.'' I would like to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Louise McIntosh Slaughter, from New York for introducing this important legislation. I would also like to thank my colleagues on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Education and Labor committees for their leadership in this highly contentious and complex health issue. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, GINA, would restrict health insurers' (Title I) and employers' (Title II) acquisition and use of genetic information in several ways. It is also supported by consumer groups, the medical profession, researchers, the medical products industry and pharmaceutical companies. Since the first bills were introduced in the 103rd Congress, many of the arguments and positions supporting and opposing genetic nondiscrimination legislation have remained largely unchanged. The simple fact is without protection, people are apprehensive about seeking potentially beneficial genetic services or participating in much needed clinical research. Alex Haley, the gifted author of Roots, stated on the front page of his book that ``In all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage--to know who we are and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainment in life, there is still a vacuum, an emptiness and the most disquieting loneliness.'' When author Alex Haley revealed his Roots in the late 1970's, everyone in the Nation, it seemed, wondered about their own great- great-great grandparents. As a result, the genealogical quest fever spread, particularly among African Americans. It took Haley more than a decade to trace back several generations, but as most Black people realize, not many of similar heritage will be able to unearth their lineage even that soon. That's because few, if any, reliable records of the centuries-long Atlantic slave trade remain to help in the search. That's what became all too apparent to rheumatologist Dr. Paul Plotz in 1992, when ``a chance occurrence'' pointed his research on a rare muscle disorder to West Africa and ``the greatest undocumented migration of modern times.'' As Haley pointed out, people have an inherent interest in knowing their heritage. Our investment in modern science, specifically the Human Genome Project, is poised not only to reveal medical truths about ourselves and our potential for health, but also to help us make that connection to our past. While some of my colleagues are focused that GINA will provide further incentives and additional opportunities for litigation against employers, they seem to forget the very real concern of individual protections. In an age where electronic databases are easily tampered with and private information is passed around like a bad cold, we must focus on the rights of individuals and their families when dealing with such a complex and contentious issue. At a time when we want people to seek out preventative care and gain greater health literacy, we want to ensure them that they are safe and big brother is not selling their detailed information to the highest bidder. Researchers at Penn State University have stated that from a medical viewpoint, African genetic diversity is important in understanding genetic diseases of African Americans and for finding treatment methods for contagious diseases that originated in Africa. These researchers have said that if they could identify the genetic changes that provided this protection, then they might be able to find treatment methods for the diseases. These revolutionary discoveries are due to a diverse group of people feeling secure enough with their doctors, nurses, and health insurance companies that they participate in genetic testing and research studies. We exclaim that we want better health care, greater incidences of prevention, better understanding of current diseases, and most importantly more cures to the illnesses of Americans. This is what genetic testing and research can do. If we allow employers and health insurance companies to manipulate the data to further restrict American's access to quality care, then we should not support this bill. However, if we are for access to quality health care, if we are for greater understanding of infectious diseases and mutations, if we are for privacy protections in medical records and payment systems . . . then we must give our full support to this bill. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for your leadership in the area of health care access, this is yet one more area that allows us to support an individual's right to care without fear of retribution by increased health insurance payments or even worse, denial of care altogether. Vote in support of access, understanding, and privacy.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1079, supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month. I would first like to thank my distinguished colleague, Ruben Hinojosa of Texas, for introducing this important legislation. I believe basic financial literacy is imperative to ensure that individuals are capable of making financial choices, as well as managing money, credit, debt, and risk and becoming responsible workers, heads of households, investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and financially stable citizens. Understanding how each of these topics work together and affect each other is important for laying the groundwork for solid financial foundation for you and your family. Personal financial management skills and lifelong habits begin to develop during childhood. In 2006, the JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy found that high school seniors knew less about principles of basic personal finance than did high school seniors 7 years earlier, and the average scores in both years were failing grades. Financial security is the cornerstone of prosperous communities, nurturing neighborhoods and strong families. However, many individuals and families are experiencing financial crisis because of inadequate savings, too much debt and poor planning for potential major life events. Today, a majority of consumers are experiencing some sort of financial difficulty causing a significant impact on their everyday lives. In fact, Americans carry more than $2 trillion in consumer debt and 30 percent of consumers report having no extra cash--making it impossible to escape the financial burden of living paycheck to paycheck. On average, U.S. households carry about $8,000 in credit card debt alone. The total U.S consumer credit card--revolving credit--debt was $937.5 billion in November 2007 which is absolutely unheard of. Far too many Americans are insufficiently educated about their personal finances. The personal savings rate in the United States was zero percent at the end of the fourth quarter of 2007, which puts it among the lowest since the government began collecting the data in 1959. Shockingly, about half of adults--49 percent--say they are concerned they have not paid enough attention to managing their finances as they should have and 48 percent are concerned they don't know enough about financial planning; 4 out of 10 American workers are not saving for retirement. Public, community-based, and private sector organizations throughout the United States are working to increase financial literacy rates for Americans of all ages and walks of life through a range of outreach efforts, including media campaigns, Web sites, and one-on-one counseling for individuals. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members of Congress in a time of economic crises and brink of economic recession, to promote literacy in all aspects of finance. I support the goals and efforts established by the National Council on Economic Education, the JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, its State affiliates, and its partner organizations for supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month, including raising public awareness about financial education. I recognize the importance of managing personal finances, increasing personal savings and reducing indebtedness in the United States. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation that requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities with the goal of increasing financial literacy rates for individuals of all ages and walks of life.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1073, ``Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 5 through 11, 2008,'' introduced by my distinguished colleague from Illinois, Representative Danny K. Davis. This important legislation illustrates a nation's commitment to recognize the work and fortitude of public service and the numerous citizens who are employed in that division. Government workers have much to offer, as demonstrated by their expertise and innovative ideas, and serve as examples by passing on institutional knowledge to train the next generation of public servants. The Public Service Recognition Week encourages a new generation to consider a career in public service as an admirable profession. The week also serves to promote the significant contributions of public servants and to honor men and women at all levels of government. During Public Service Recognition Week, Federal, State, county and local public employees take part in events such as job fairs, student activities, and agency exhibits that celebrate the broad variety of services performed by employees at all levels of government. Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated the first Monday through Sunday in May since 1985, is a time set aside each year to honor the diverse men and women who meet the needs of the Nation through work at the Federal, State and local government levels. Throughout the Nation, public employees use Public Service Recognition Week to educate citizens about the many ways in which the Federal government serves the people and how Federal government services make life better for all of us. Public service employees are the educators who instruct us in complex academia, the policemen and firemen who fight crime and fires, the physicians who fight disease and promote better health, and the military who consistently defend our freedom and advance United States interests around the world. Public service employees encompass the fields of public transportation, waste management, social services, housing, electricity and more. These hard workers deserve the care and benefits they have earned through their honorable service. The Nation benefits daily from the knowledge and skills of these highly trained individuals. The services that these workers provide are a necessity to modem life and is understood that its universal provision should be guaranteed. It is imperative that Congress recognizes the magnitude of the worker's job and its subsequent effects on environmental integrity, human health and overall quality of life in the United States. Mr. Speaker, we should continuously honor our government employees who have given their lives in service to this country. The most important reason for Public Service Recognition Week is the need to celebrate and recognize the valuable services that millions of public servants provide to the Nation. All too often, the contributions made by America's public employees to our democracy are forgotten--not only by our fellow citizens but even by those of us who serve. Public servants alert Congress and the public to government waste, fraud, abuse, and dangers to public health. The Federal, State, and local governments are responsive, innovative, and effective because of the exceptional work of public servants, and this involvement should not be disregarded. Public service employees playa significant role in the greatness and affluence of the United States. I humbly commend public servants for their outstanding contributions to this great Nation during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year for their unyielding dedication and spirit for public service. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation, and, in-so-doing, giving our public service personnel the respect and recognition they deserve.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today as the Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus to emphasis the crisis in the lack of food for those around the world. As we have seen the rising food costs, we in America are suffering, but the rest of the world is in a crisis. I believe it is imperative as we move into our appropriations process that we emphasis the importance of utilizing the food stock here in the United States to provide service and support around the world, and I believe it is even more important to focus on the impact on children. I will convene a briefing that will draw upon the insight of food advocates from around the Nation to focus on how we can prioritize children in developing nations being provided foodstuffs and receiving priority over adults, for a malnourished child dies, a malnourished child has disease. We are in a crisis. It is time for us to act to save the children.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5613, the ``Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008.'' I would like to thank my colleagues Congressman John D. Dingell and Congressman Tim Murphy for introducing this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will make vital strides toward expanding and improving access to healthcare to people in our communities who need it most. The Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008 is critical to keeping the doors open for the patients who use the public hospital systems throughout the country. In my home State of Texas, there was statewide and national support from various stakeholders, the Physicians, Governors, County Judges, Mayors, and many others all encouraging passage of H.R. 5613. Section 2 of H.R. 5613 amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 to extend until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on implementation of a proposed rule, ``Medicaid Program; Cost Limit for Providers Operated by Units of Government and Provisions to ensure the integrity of the Federal-State financial partnerships under Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, of the Social Security Act, SSA. This Act will extend the moratorium until April 1, 2009, on any action by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to restrict Medicaid payments for graduate medical education. It also, amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 to extend until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on certain restrictions relating to Medicaid coverage or payment for rehabilitation services or school- based administration and school-based transportation, This moratorium establishes additional moratoria until April 1, 2009, on specified regulatory actions concerning Medicaid: (1) treatment of optional case management services; (2) outpatient hospital services; and (3) allowable provider taxes. Section 3 allows appropriated funds to go to the Secretary for the purpose of reducing fraud and abuse in the Medicaid program. It requires annual reports to specified congressional committees on activities funded by such appropriations, allowing for greater accountability to the people. More importantly, this Act will direct the Secretary to contract with an independent organization to produce a comprehensive report for Congress on the prevalence of such problems: (1) identifying which claims for items and services under Medicaid are not processed through automated data systems; (2) examining the reasons why they are not so processed; and (3) recommending Federal and State actions that can make claims for such items and services more accurate and completely consistent with Medicaid requirements. The administration has propagated Medicaid rules which would limit children's access to health care. According to the Congressional Budget Office, CBO, President Bush and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS, intend to implement seven separate Medicaid rules which would reduce Federal Medicaid spending by $20 billion over the next 5 years. Specifically, the regulations would be: 1. Narrowing the range of rehabilitation services covered. 2. Narrowing the range of targeted case management services covered. 3. Limiting the outreach services provided by schools and ending reimbursement for transportation to and from school for children with disabilities. 4. Narrowing the range of allowable provider taxes. 5. Limiting the definition of outpatient hospital services provided. 6. Eliminating Federal Medicaid graduate medical education support 7. Limiting State funding mechanisms, including intergovernmental transfers, and capping public provider reimbursement. The combined effect of these actions would be disastrous to the health of all children and children's hospitals. 1. Many of these regulations threaten the most vulnerable children-- children who require the specialty services that Medicaid provides. 2. Children's hospitals care for the sickest and neediest children in our Nation. On average, half of the care children's hospitals provide is to children covered by Medicaid. 3. Because children's hospitals are so dependent on Medicaid funding, any decrease in Medicaid reimbursement would have a profound impact on children's hospitals' abilities to fulfill their core missions of clinical care, training, and research. By undermining the Medicaid safety net, these rules could threaten the ability of all children to access needed health care services. H.R. 5613, the Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008, would place a moratorium until April 1, 2009 on all of these Medicaid regulations. I am proud to cosponsor legislation that will add service before self to our leaders of tomorrow. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Chairman, as I indicated in the general debate, this is an exercise in unity as relates to the safety and security of the Nation and, of course, the reauthorization and the emphasis of the specialness of the Coast Guard. I am delighted to come from the fourth largest city in the Nation and to have a very large port that benefits from the outstanding service of the U.S. Coast Guard. I want to thank Chairman Oberstar for not only his eloquence, but his long-standing history and knowledge of what we needed to do in this Congress, the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Cummings, and as well the distinguished, as they all are distinguished, ranking member of the full committee, the distinguished gentleman from Ohio, working on this along with my full committee chair, Mr. Thompson. I serve as the Subcommittee Chair on Transportation, Security, and Infrastructure Protection. We have had a number of opportunities to work together. So we are filled with tasks, and those tasks must be addressed. I rise in support of the legislation. My amendment is a simple but important addition to this vital legislation, which I believe can be supported by every Member of the House. My amendment calls for the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare an assessment of the enrollment site for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, TWIC, which we have heard so much about. These cards are issued under section 70105 of Title 46 USC within 30 days of the enactment of this act. The assessment should at a minimum examine the feasibility of keeping those enrollment sites open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, in order to better handle the large number of applicants for such cards, the feasibility of keeping those enrollment sites open after September 25, 2008, and the quality of customer service, including the periods of time individuals are kept on hold on the telephone, appointments are kept, and processing times for applications. We are here to help. In our committee, we have heard over and over again, everyone is trying to meet the deadline. DHS, the Department of Homeland Security, has a deadline. We believe as Members of Congress they should have a deadline to secure America, but we must make sure that the deadline is realistic in light of the resources and the tools that they have to comply. Madam Chairman, I continue to receive firsthand accounts from my constituents in and around the Nation that deal with the question of transportation workers and operators who are frustrated because of sometimes the unsatisfactory performance of TWIC enrollment sites. I have spoken with a multitude of people from throughout the country who have shared with me the great difficulty they experience due to administrative obstacles obtaining their TWIC cards. These obstacles include the lack of enrollment sites or the difficulty in getting to the enrollment sites, making appointments at enrollment sites which are not kept, long processing lines for applications, and staying on hold for hours on the telephone. While we have made securing our Nation a priority, we must ensure we do so in the most productive way. Let me just briefly say what we have seen from the State of Texas and around the Nation. For example, a marine worker at the Houston Port enrolled on December 13, 2007, at the Houston center. To this date, he does not have a card. He remained on hold for 4 hours and 10 minutes and was finally told by the operator that he would have to return to Houston to be fingerprinted again after April. Incidentally, a representative of the Higman Marine Services asked the same question about the employee. That person was told that they should not return until June. These inconsistencies in service and information are not helping us get our TWIC cards to those individuals, hard-working Americans who need to have a job and a TWIC card to work. Furthermore, another transportation worker went to the Beaumont center about 3 weeks ago to pick up his TWIC after being notified it was ready. He traveled from a place in Texas. He was told that the card was accidentally shipped to Houston and he could drive 85 miles to pick it up. He presently does not have a card, and therefore he is not able to move forward. The list of incidents go on. My amendment calls for the Secretary to assess within a month of the enactment these TWIC enrollment sites to determine the feasibility of having them open at times when transportation workers can come and improve the quality of processing procedures. Furthermore, my amendment calls on the Secretary to develop timelines and benchmarks on their assessment. Finally, it calls for them to implement any changes necessary, including keeping it open 24 hours a day, keeping it open 7 days a week, but really at the assessment of the Department of Homeland Security. Workers are trying to do what they are supposed to do. We have to do what we have to do. I believe this amendment will help do it better, and I believe it is part of the security fabric, and I hope that we will pass this amendment. Thank you, Madam Chairman, for affording me this opportunity to address the Members of the House of Representatives and explain my amendment to H.R. 2830, the ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007.'' My amendment is a simple but important addition to this important legislation, which I believe can be supported by every Member of this House. My amendment calls for the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare an assessment of the enrollment sites for Transportation Worker Identification Credential, TWIC, cards issued under section 70105 of title 46, United States Code, within 30 days of the enactment of this Act. This assessment should, at a minimum, examine: the feasibility of keeping those enrollment sites open 24 hours per day, and 7 days per week, in order to better handle the large number of applicants for such cards; the feasibility of keeping those enrollment sites open after September 25, 2008; and the quality of customer service, including the periods of time individuals are kept on hold on the telephone, whether appointments are kept, and processing times for applications. Madam Chairman, I continue to receive firsthand accounts from my constituents in Houston and from other transportation workers and operators around the country regarding their frustrations and the unsatisfactory performance of TWIC enrollment sites. I have spoken with a multitude of people from throughout the country who have shared with me the great difficulties they experienced due to administrative obstacles in obtaining their TWIC cards. These obstacles include the difficulty of going to enrollment sites, making appointments at enrollment sites which are not kept, long processing times for applications, and staying on hold for hours on the telephone. While we have made securing our Nation a priority, we must ensure that we do so in the most effective and efficient way possible. I would like to reiterate only few of the obstacles that workers have faced in my State of Texas as well in my district of Houston. For example, a marine worker enrolled at the Houston Port enrolled on December 13, 2007. To this date, he still does not yet have a TWIC card. He remained on hold for 4 hours and 10 minutes and was finally told by the operator that he would have to return to Houston to be fingerprinted again after APR. Incidentally, a representative of Higman Marine Services, Inc., asked the same question about their employee, and she was told that he should not return until June. This blatant inconsistency in service and information is simply unacceptable. Furthermore, another transportation worker went to the Beaumont center about 3 weeks ago to pick up his TWIC after being notified it was ready. He traveled from Hemphill, TX (117 miles) and was told that the card was accidentally shipped to Houston and he could drive there (85 miles) to pick it up. He presently does not have his card. The list of incidences in which workers have to continually overcome structural impediments is too long for me to name. It is from my concern for these workers that I have introduced my amendment. That is why my amendment calls for the Secretary of Homeland Security to assess, within a month of this Act's enactment, these TWIC enrollment sites to determine the feasibility of having them open at times where transportation workers can come and to improve the quality of their processing procedures. Furthermore, my amendment calls on the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop timelines and benchmarks for implementing the findings of the assessment as the Secretary deems necessary. By identifying the areas in which enrollment sites for homeland security cards are ineffective and inefficient and creating a timeline through which to implement necessary changes and benchmarks to ensure their progress and accountability, we will make this nation a safer place--accessible to labor and operators alike. In short, Madam Chairman, my amendment can be summed up as follows: for those who have confidence in how these TWIC enrollment sites are administering this program, my amendment offers vindication. For those who are skeptical and have seen firsthand the problems apparent at these enrollment sites, my amendment will provide the information necessary to rectify the causes for their frustrations and a way forward to ensure that the results of this assessment are actually implemented.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I just want to thank all of you, and I believe that this is the right step. The action item is that they should implement the process of their study to make it work for our various mariners so that they can be part of the security of America. I ask my colleagues to support the amendment.

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about the issues of homeland security and ask my colleagues to reflect upon the legislation, historic legislation that we have just passed regarding the U.S. Coast Guard. We have added enough new Coast Guard to raise the number to 47,000 members of the U.S. Coast Guard. That is something to applaud. We have provided an opportunity for securing our LNG, liquid natural gas, in the number of ports around America where surrounding communities exist. We have created a format to secure our waterways where the U.S. Coast Guard is involved. We have provided for an enhanced expedited process for securing what we call TWIC cards. These are documentation for port workers to have after September 25, 2008. Today I rise to offer a resolution that will acknowledge the Transportation Security Administration addressing the question of security as relates to our transportation security that would mandate the implementation of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 that enhances security against terrorist attack and other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit. I am doing this along with a number of Members, including Chairman Bennie Thompson of the full committee. It is important to note that transportation systems are systems that have been under attack, particularly mass transit, and I believe it is important to encourage TSA to continue to developed the National Explosive Detection Canine Team Program which is supported in a bipartisan manner, one that I have seen work and has been very effective to improve the success of the Online Learning Center by providing increased person-to-person professional development programs to ensure those responsible for securing against terrorist attacks on our transportation systems are highly trained and to continue to serve our Nation's mass transit and rail systems against terrorist attack and other security threats so as to ensure the safety of our commuters on our Nation's mass transit. This is a resolution to encourage the TSA to improve their work product, to thank them for the work product that they are doing, but also to encourage them to work diligently in compliance with the new legislation that we just passed. I also want to speak to the phenomenon that is being used across America called ICE raids. I am very well aware that the Secretary of Homeland Security believes that he has been forced to use a new tactic in immigration reform because this Congress has not been able to shed itself of obstacles of bias and disagreement, to get into a room and truly provide for comprehensive reform of the immigration system, something I have worked on for 6 years. I appreciate the leadership from both sides of the aisle with their different perspectives. I am delighted to serve on the Judiciary Committee with John Conyers and Zoe Lofgren, who have been champions of this reform process, along with Bennie Thompson and Loretta Sanchez on Homeland Security. But we cannot stand by and allow our immigration system to be formed by massive raids on individuals who are here only to work. My fear is that a potential violent act may occur out of fear and apprehension. So I believe it is important for the administration, the White House, to stand up and be counted, to go to the bully pulpit and insist on a comprehensive response to immigration, not the raiding of Shipley's Do- Nuts, so that people in an apartment building are jumping out of apartment building windows out of fear. You are not going to deport 12 million people. Get a life. It is important to know who everyone is, and I want to make sure that we do so. I want it to be known that I stand against random ICE raids. I am not against immigration reform in a right way. I am not for illegal immigration. But I will tell you it will not work. It will be deadly and it will be devastating. It is important for employers to hire documented workers and be under the eye of the law, and we should enforce this idea of making sure people are documented. But it's up to the government to get a system that works so that we can give documentation to individuals who are here simply to work, and we can weed out the terrorists. People who are working at Shipley's Do-Nuts, people who are in hotels and restaurants, who are not taking American jobs, are doing the work that this Nation needs. We need to hire Americans first. But we cannot, by a raid, end the immigration crisis. We need to fix it, and we need to fix it now.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me thank both Chairman Oberstar and of course Chairman Thompson and Subcommittee Chair Elijah Cummings on this Coast Guard bill that all of us have worked on. As the Chair of the Transportation Security Subcommittee of Homeland Security, I can assure you that the idea of overcoming the administration's veto on the question of LNG security is going to be an important stand today as we vote for this bill. The language that speaks to the LNG security is a fair statement. It gives the Coast Guard flexibility. It allows them to make an assessment, and it is the right thing to do. Coming from the City of Houston, with a very large port, I understand the need to protect the surrounding communities and the importance of LNG security. In addition, I am grateful that I have an amendment going forward that will help expedite the TWIC card for so many who have not yet gone through the process, to make an assessment by the Coast Guard of the necessity of more resources, of keeping the facility open 24 hours a day and making sure that this TWIC process goes in order to secure those. I am also grateful that we have increased the Coast Guard overall to 47,000 and that the underlying bill refocuses on the value of the Coast Guard, both in terms of their standard duties, but also the new enhanced duty for security. I hope that as we move TSA administrative law judges, however, that we will find a way to ensure that TSA is not impacted negatively and that we will have oversight to ensure that this process will continue to work. Again, Mr. Chairman, this is an important legislative initiative. This again is the Homeland Security Committee and the Transportation Committee and the two chairpersons and committee members working harmoniously together, recognizing that the bottom line of what we do on the floor today and what we do for the American people is to ensure their security. We have done that today. I ask my colleagues to enthusiastically vote for this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2830, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007, introduced by my distinguished colleague from Minnesota, Representative Oberstar. This important legislation will provide our Nation's Coast Guard with the resources it needs in order to successfully execute all its missions. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I believe protecting our Nation by air, land, and sea to be critical to our national security interests. This bill, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007, sets forth various provisions that will be beneficial to our maritime interests, and consequently to our national security. Included in the provisions are the establishments of grants for international maritime organizations, the establishment of the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee, and codified various provisions relating to Coast Guard personnel matters. For some years now, I have been concerned about the diversion of Coast Guard resources from their historic missions of search and rescue and marine safety, to homeland security missions. Since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and the Coast Guard's inclusion in the Department, one of the greatest challenges has been ensuring that the funds that the Coast Guard have traditionally received in order to perform their duties remain intact so that they can fulfill the responsibilities that American citizens rely on them to perform, namely ensuring the safety of our Nation's seas, lakes, rivers, and ports. Mr. Chairman, we have to ensure that the Coast Guard will get their full funding which is absolutely necessary to carry out their responsibilities, and that is precisely what this legislation does. This act authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Coast Guard. Furthermore, this act also authorizes the FY2008 levels of Coast Guard active duty military personnel and average military training student loans, allowing for sufficient human resources for the Coast Guard to achieve its designated goals. This bill explicitly authorizes end- strength by 1,500 members to 47,000 and increasing Coast Guard funding to $8.4 billion which has not been done since the 1970s. The act also includes provisions regarding shipping and navigation, vessel size limits, maritime drug law enforcement, fishing vessel safety, liability limits for natural gas deepwater ports, claims against the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, dry bulk cargo rescue, merchant manner matter, and security. Mr. Chairman, I was pleased to work with Chairman Thompson and offer an amendment during our Homeland Security Committee markup to this important legislation, which I felt improved the bill. My amendment mandated the creation of a strategic plan to utilize assistance programs to assist ports and facilities that are found by the Secretary not to maintain effective anti-terrorism measures. I am also offering an amendment on the House floor today calling on the Secretary of Homeland Security to examine the challenges and delays faced by transportation workers seeking to obtain TWIC cards at enrollment sites and mandates the development of timelines and benchmarks for implementing the findings of this assessment. Mr. Chairman, every year, 95 percent of the goods coming into the United States arrive at our Nation's seaports. These goods are shipped from ports around the world, some from developed countries and others from developing countries. I am particularly concerned about ports in developing countries. Developing countries have limited resources which means their ability to maintain effective anti-terrorism measures is limited. We cannot allow terrorists to exploit this limitation. Rather, we should work with developing countries and others to build up their anti-terrorism measures. This assistance will benefit all of us. The developing countries will gain the support they need, and we will close a potential gap in our own supply chain. Every gap we close is one less gap that can be exploited by terrorists. I am pleased that this bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop a strategic plan to utilize existing assistance programs to assist foreign ports and facilities that are found by the Secretary not to maintain effective anti-terrorism measured. This bill furthermore authorizes the Coast Guard to lend, lease, and donate equipment and provide technical training to non-compliant foreign ports or facilities. The multiple layers of security enhancement authorized in this legislation will minimize the ability of terrorists to target to maritime commerce and negatively impact the global supply chain. I am pleased that the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007 includes specific provisions relating to Minority Serving Institutions (MSls). Within this legislation, MSls are defined as a historically Black college or university, a Hispanic serving institution, a Tribal College or University, a Predominantly Black institution, or a Native American- serving institution. Section 901 of this important legislation states that the Commandant shall establish a management internship program for students at MSls, enabling them to intern at Coast Guard headquarters or Coast Guard regional offices in an effort to support the development of civilian, career-midlevel, and senior managers for the service. This legislation furthermore instructs the Coast Guard to work with the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium to create this internship program and authorizes $2 million to be appropriated to this program. Mr. Chairman, I have long stressed the importance of including this Nation's MSIs in the effort to secure our Nation. Section 903 of this legislation states that the Commandant shall establish Guard. Laboratory of Excellence-MSI a Coast Cooperative Technology Program at three minority serving institutions to focus on priority security areas for the Coast Guard, such as global maritime surveillance, resilience, and recovery. It also calls on the Commandant to encourage collaboration among the minority serving institutions selected to participate in the cooperative technology program and institutions of higher education with institutional research and academic program resources and experience. These and other measures included within this bill are absolutely imperative as the Office of Workforce Planning has recently revealed that only 5 percent of the officer corps is African American and only 12 percent of the officer corps is comprised of ethnic minorities, while in the last 3 years the numbers of minority ascensions have actually decreased. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007 also increases oversight and efficiency of the TWIC program, which was originally mandated 6 years ago, yet continues to flounder. To date only 230,000 out of an estimated 845,000 applicants have enrolled in the TWIC program, while the deadline for enrollment is September 25, 2008. While this provision of the Coast Guard Authorization is both timely and important, there is still more which must be done in order to ensure that the program is both effective and efficient, which is why I have offered an amendment. I would like to reiterate only a few of the obstacles that workers have faced in my State of Texas as well in my district of Houston. For example, a marine worker enrolled at the Houston Port enrolled on December 13, 2007. To date, he still does not yet have a TWIC card. He remained on hold for 4 hours and 10 minutes and was finally told by the operator that he would have to return to Houston to be fingerprinted again after APR. Incidentally, a representative of Higman Marine Services, Inc. asked the same question about their employee, and she was told that he should not return until June. This blatant inconsistency in service and information is simply unacceptable. Furthermore, another transportation worker went to the Beaumont center about three weeks ago to pick up his TWIC after being notified it was ready. He traveled from Hemphill, TX (117 miles) and was told that the card was accidentally shipped to Houston and he could drive there (85 miles) to pick it up. He presently does not have his card. The list of incidences in which workers have to continually overcome structural impediments is too long for me to name. It is from my concern for these workers that I have introduced my amendment. My amendment calls for the Secretary of Homeland Security to compile an assessment of the enrollment sites for transportation security cards issued under 7 section 70105 of title 46, United States Code within 30 days of enactment. The assessment should, at a minimum, examine: the feasibility of keeping those enrollment sites open 24 hours per day, and 7 days per week, in order to better handle the large number of applicants for such cards; the feasibility of keeping those enrollment sites open after September 25, 2008; and the quality of customer service, including the periods of time individuals are kept on hold on the telephone, whether appointments are kept, and processing times for applications. My amendment furthermore calls on the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop timelines and benchmarks for implementing the findings of the assessment as the Secretary deems necessary. By identifying the areas in which enrollment sites for homeland security cards are ineffective and inefficient and creating a timeline through which to implement necessary changes and benchmarks to ensure their progress and accountability, we will make this Nation a safer place accessible to labor and operations alike. Mr. Chairman, the Transportation Security Administration has expressed some concern over Title X of this legislation. Title X would transfer Coast Guard Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) authority to review merchant mariner documentation as well as 80 percent of the ALJ budget to NTSB. I understand the TSA's concern that such a step might have an adverse impact on anticipated cases dealing with TWIC and adjudication of TSA's civil cases, and I am committed to working with TSA to ensure that the execution of this legislation is beneficial to all parties involved. Long before the horrific events of September 11, 2001, citizens of American relied upon the Coast Guard to ensure the safety of our waterways, and we depend on them still. Therefore, I urge my fellow members of Congress to also support the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007 and ensure this rich and necessary tradition remains a thriving and useful part of not only our national defense strategy but also to protect us and the environment from those threats by sea.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1126, the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2830, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007. I also strongly support the underlying legislation, which will provide our Nation's Coast Guard with the resources it needs in order to successfully execute all of its missions. I would like to thank my colleagues, Congressmen Oberstar and Cummings, for introducing this bill, as well as the Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Congressman Thompson, for his leadership on this important issue. Madam Speaker, I was pleased to work with Chairman Thompson and offer an amendment during our Homeland Security Committee markup to this important legislation, which I felt improved the bill. My amendment mandated the creation of a strategic plan to utilize assistance programs to assist ports and facilities that are found by the Secretary not to maintain effective anti-terrorism measures. I am also offering an amendment on the House floor today calling on the Secretary of Homeland Security to examine the challenges and delays faced by transportation workers seeking to obtain TWIC cards at enrollment sites and mandates the development of timelines and benchmarks for implementing the findings of this assessment. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I believe protecting our Nation by air, land, and sea to be critical to our national security interests. This bill, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007, sets forth various provisions that will be beneficial to our maritime interests, and consequently to our national security. Included in the provisions are the establishments of grants for international maritime organizations, the establishment of the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee, and codified various provisions relating to Coast Guard personnel matters. For some years now, I have been concerned about the diversion of Coast Guard resources from their historic missions of search and rescue and marine safety, to homeland security missions. Since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and the Coast Guard's inclusion in the Department, one of the greatest challenges has been ensuring that the funds that the Coast Guard have traditionally received in order to perform there duties remain intact so that they can fulfill the responsibilities that American citizens rely on them to perform, namely ensuring the safety of our nations seas, lakes, rivers, and ports. We have to ensure that the Coast Guard will get their full funding needed to carry out their responsibilities, and that is precisely what this legislation does. This act authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Coast Guard. Furthermore, this act also authorizes the FY2008 levels of Coast Guard active duty military personnel and average military training student loans, allowing for sufficient human resources for the Coast Guard to achieve its designated goals. This bill explicitly authorizes end-strength by 1,500 members to 47,000 and increasing Coast Guard funding to $8.4 billion which has not been done since the 1970's. The act also includes provisions regarding shipping and navigation, vessel size limits, maritime drug law enforcement, fishing vessel safety, liability limits for natural gas deepwater ports, claims against the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, dry bulk cargo residue, merchant mariner matter, and security. Mr. Speaker, every year, 95 percent of the goods coming into the United States arrive at our nation's seaports. These goods are shipped from ports around the world, some from developed countries and others from developing countries. I am particularly concerned about ports in developing countries. Developing countries have limited resources which means their ability to maintain effective anti-terrorism measures is limited. We can not allow terrorists to exploit this limitation. Rather, we should work with developing countries and others to build up their anti-terrorism measures. This assistance will benefit all of us. The developing countries will gain the support they need, and we will close a potential gap in our own supply chain. Every gap we close is one less gap that can be exploited by terrorists. I am pleased that this bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop a strategic plan to utilize existing assistance programs to assist foreign ports and facilities that are found by the Secretary not to maintain effective anti-terrorism measures. This bill furthermore authorizes the Coast Guard to lend, lease, and donate equipment and provide technical training to non-compliant foreign ports or facilities. The multiple layers of security enhancement authorized in this legislation will minimize the ability of terrorists to target to maritime commerce and negatively impact the global supply chain. I am pleased that the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007 includes specific provisions relating to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Within this legislation, MSIs are defined as a historically Black college or university, a Hispanic serving institution, a Tribal College or University, a Predominantly Black institution, or a Native American- serving institution. Section 901 of this important legislation states that the Commandant shall establish a management internship program for students at MSIs, enabling them to intern at Coast Guard headquarters or Coast Guard regional offices in an effort to support the development of civilian, career-midlevel, and senior managers for the service. This legislation furthermore instructs the Coast Guard to work with the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium to create this internship program and authorizes $2 million to be appropriated to this program. Mr. Speaker, I have long stressed the importance of including this nation's MSIs in the effort to secure our nation. Section 903 of this legislation states that the Commandant shall establish a Coast Guard Laboratory of Excellence-MSI Cooperative Technology Program at three minority serving institutions to focus on priority security areas for the Coast Guard, such as global maritime surveillance, resilience, and recovery. It also calls on the Commandant to encourage collaboration among the minority serving institutions selected to participate in the cooperative technology program and institutions of higher education with institutional research and academic program resources and experience. These and other measures included within this bill are absolutely imperative as the Office of Workforce Planning has recently revealed that only 5 percent of the officer corps is African American and only 12 percent of the officer corps is comprised of ethnic minorities, while in the last 3 years the numbers of minority ascensions have actually decreased. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007 also increases oversight and efficiency of the TWIC program, which was originally mandated six years ago, yet continues to flounder. To date only 230,000 out of an estimated 845,000 applicants have enrolled in the TWIC program, while the deadline for enrollment is September 25, 2008. While this provision of the Coast Guard Authorization is both timely and important, there is still more which must be done in order to ensure that the program is both effective and efficient, which is why I have offered an amendment. I would like to reiterate only few of the obstacles that workers have faced in my state of Texas as well in my district of Houston. For example, a marine worker enrolled at the Houston Port enrolled on December 13, 2007. To this date, he still does not yet have a TWIC card. He remained on hold for 4 hours and 10 minutes and was finally told by the operator that he would have to return to Houston to be fingerprinted again after APR. Incidentally, a representative of Higman Marine Services, Inc., asked the same question about their employee, and she was told that he should not return until June. This blatant inconsistency in service and information is simply unacceptable. Furthermore, another transportation worker went to the Beaumont center about 3 weeks ago to pick up his TWIC after being notified it was ready. He traveled from Hemphill, TX (117 miles), and was told that the card was accidentally shipped to Houston and he could drive there (85 miles) to pick it up. He presently does not have his card. The list of incidences in which workers have to continually overcome structural impediments is too long for me to name. It is from my concern for these workers that I have introduced my amendment. My amendment calls for the Secretary of Homeland Security to compile an assessment of the enrollment sites for transportation security cards issued under section 70105 of title 46, United States Code within 30 days of enactment. The assessment should, at minimum, examine: The feasibility of keeping those enrollment sites open 24 hours per day, and 7 days per week, in order to better handle the large number of applicants for such cards; the feasibility of keeping those enrollment sites open after September 25, 2008; and the quality of customer service, including the periods of time individuals are kept on hold on the telephone, whether appointments are kept, and processing times for applications. My amendment furthermore calls on the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop timelines and benchmarks for implementing the findings of the assessment as the Secretary deems necessary. By identifying the areas in which enrollment sites for homeland security cards are ineffective and inefficient and creating a timeline through which to implement necessary changes and benchmarks to ensure their progress and accountability, we will make this Nation a safer place accessible to labor and operations alike. Long before the horrific events of September 11, 2001, citizens of America relied upon the Coast Guard to ensure the safety of our waterways, and we depend on them still. Therefore, I urge my fellow members of Congress to also support the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007 and ensure this rich and necessary tradition remains a thriving and useful part of not only our national defense strategy but also to protect us and the environment from those threats by sea. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this rule and the underlying legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution regarding the role of the Transportation Security Administration in securing our Nation's rail and mass transit lines. This resolution reaffirms the Congressional mandate provided for in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 that the Transportation Security Administration enhance security against terrorist attack and other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit lines. I am pleased to have Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, as an original cosponsor of this resolution. Chairman Thompson has been a leader in our efforts to secure against terrorist threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit lines. Each weekday 11,300,000 passengers depend on our Nation's mass transit lines as a means of transportation. Our Nation's mass transit lines serve as a target for terrorist attack as evidenced by the March 11, 2004, attack on the Madrid, Spain, mass transit system, the July 7, 2005, attack on the London, England, mass transit system, and the July 11, 2006, attack on the Mumbai, India, mass transit system. The Transportation Security Administration has, through the development of its National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program, furthered its ability to provide security against terrorist attacks on the Nation's transportation systems by preventing and protecting against explosives threats. It is imperative that our Nation's rail and mass transit lines remain secure from terrorist attack as they are critical to the functioning of our Nation's economy and serve as a means of transportation on a daily basis for millions of hard-working Americans.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 5819, to reauthorize the ``SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act.'' This legislation extends the federal government's largest small business research and development programs for two years, increases funding for small research firms by half a billion dollars, and modernizes the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program so that it is better aligned with the needs of small research firms. I would like to thank my colleague Congresswoman Velazquez for introducing this legislation, as well as for her ongoing leadership as Chairwoman of the Committee on Small Business. Madam Chairman, this legislation is very important to the constituents of my community and the nation as a whole because it will continue to provide funding for small business innovation research and small business technology transfer programs by extending these programs until FY2010. 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. Minority businesses are also crucial to our communities and our country. According to statistics published by the United States Census Bureau, in 2002 nearly 2 in 5 black-owned firms operated in health care and social assistance. Black entrepreneurs owned 9.7 percent of all such businesses in the United States. Statistics gathered between 1997 and 2002 show substantial increases in the number of black owned firms with receipts of $1 million or more, as well as the number of black owned firms with 100 employees or more. Black-owned firms accounted for 5 percent of all non-farm business in the United States in 2002. In my home city of Houston, small businesses are vital to our economy. In 2002, Harris County ranked 6th in the nation for counties with the largest number of black-owned firms, with 27,770 firms with receipts totaling 1,817 million dollars. I have worked to introduce minority, women, and small business owners to contracting officials at NASA to help promote and develop Houston small businesses. I was proud to support H.R. 1873, the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act, which passed the House in May of last year, and to introduce two amendments, both of which were accepted to the bill. The first amendment brings transparency, accountability and responsiveness to the process of procuring federal contracts. I also successfully introduced an amendment mandating that whenever there is a disagreement between the SBA and the contracting procurement agency, the appropriate House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over the matter are informed. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STIR) Program are two crucial research and development programs. Through these two competitive initiatives, the Small Business Administration, SBA, ensures that the nation's small, high-tech, innovative businesses are a significant part of the federal government's research and development efforts. Created by Congress in 1982, SBIR is the largest government-wide research and development initiative in existence. According to SBA, eleven federal departments participate in the SBIR program, and five departments participate in the STIR program, awarding $2billion to small high-tech businesses. The legislation that we are considering today updates the SBIR program, bringing into step with today's technologically-driven world. It will both increase access to SBIR funding, and work to leverage the advances made by small businesses to benefit the competitiveness of the U.S. economy. Madam Chairman, this legislation includes provisions designed to encourage more small firms to apply for SBIR and STIR awards. It doubles the size of SBIR and STIR awards for Phase I and Phase II grants, and provides access to technical assistance. This legislation also places an emphasis on areas where further research is particularly needed, providing incentives for small business innovation research on alternative fuels and orphan diseases. Through these provisions, this legislation speaks both to the needs of small businesses and of the broader American population. Madam Chairman, I am particularly pleased that this legislation establishes an initiative to diversify participation in these important programs. This legislation aims to increase participation by small businesses located in underrepresented geographic areas, as well as those owned and controlled by women, veterans, and minorities. I believe this provision will both diversify the program and increase competition for the important awards. Further, the act increases partnerships between SBIR awardees and prime contractors, venture capital operating companies, and larger businesses. This act has laudable goals and will ensure that small businesses have at their disposal more advanced technology that can be used for the development of our local communities. This act ensures that the technology and innovation would be used to further small businesses and local economic development. Madam Chairman, over the past 25 years the SBIR program has supported many of our nation's most successful entrepreneurial enterprises. Many of these small, innovative businesses have grown into powerful technical companies that have kept the United States on the cutting edge of technological enterprise. Today, by voting for this legislation, we are making sure that this important program is of the maximum benefit both to American entrepreneurs and to all the citizens of this nation. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 322, recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. I would like to thank my distinguished colleague from California, Speaker of the House, Representative Nancy Pelosi and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Howard Berman for their leadership on this important issue. Today, Israel celebrates its 60th birthday, or its Day of Independence. This is a very special day for this country, where citizens live in a constant state of unknown, but are united for their love for the state. In addition to birthday greetings, I want to wish Israel the best of luck in its continued attempts to make peace this upcoming year. Israel was created in 1948; it took President Truman only 11 minutes to recognize the new Jewish State. Since then, it has come to exist as the only true democracy in the Middle East. Israel and the United States have many of the same foundations of government: Freedom of religion, free speech, basic human rights, the rule of law and being a nation of immigration and diversity. Israel has provided a unique opportunity for Jews from all over the world to reestablish their ancient homeland. In addition, it is a home to many religious sites which are sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and attracts visitors every year. Israel provided a refuge to Jews who survived the horrors of the Holocaust and the evils committed by the Nazis which were unprecedented in human history. The people of Israel have established a unique, pluralistic democracy which includes the freedoms cherished by the people of the United States, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom of the press, and government by the consent of the governed. Israel continues to serve as a shining model of democratic values by regularly holding free and fair elections, promoting the free exchange of ideas, and vigorously exercising in its Parliament, the Knesset, a democratic government that is fully representative of its citizens. I want to applaud the Government of Israel for successfully working with the neighboring Governments of Egypt and Jordan to establish peaceful, bilateral relations. I have had the privilege of visiting Israel, and hearing firsthand how the government is taking great strides to ensure peace for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, this important legislation recognizes the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirms the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. I am proud to join 201 of my colleagues in cosponsoring this important legislation. For these reasons, I support H. Con. Res. 322 and urge all Members to do the same. The United States and Israel enjoy a strategic partnership based on shared mutual democratic values, friendship, and respect. The people of the United States share affinity with the people of Israel and view Israel as a strong and trusted ally. I hope this friendship continues to grow and blossom for decades to come, as Israel settles itself in a firm place on our global map.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 891, celebrating 35 years of space-based observations of the earth by the Landsat spacecraft and looking forward to sustaining the longest unbroken record of civil earth observations of the land, introduced by my distinguished colleague from Colorado, Representative Mark Udall. This important legislation recognizes the longest running enterprise for acquisition of imagery of Earth from space. The program was initiated in 1966 as the Earth Resources Observation Satellites program but was later changed to Landsat in 1975. On July 23, 1972, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration launched Landsat 1, originally called the Earth Resources Technology Satellite, as the first civilian Earth observation satellite to study the Earth's land cover and monitor natural resources. Since 1972, the Landsat program has continued to collect data without interruption through the successful launches of Landsats 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7, and has established the longest and most comprehensive record of global land surface data ever collected. The year 2007 represents 35 years of continuous collection of space- based observations of the Earth's land cover by the United States Landsat satellites, which have enabled increased scientific understanding of the interrelationships of the Earth's land cover, energy balance, and biogeochemical processes as well as the realization of numerous societal benefits from the applied uses of the data. The consistency of Landsat data over three decades of acquisition offers opportunities to compare land cover changes over time. Landsat greatly enhances remote sensing science that helps give rise to a global change research plan and international initiatives to study the Earth system. Landsat images are also invaluable for emergency response and disaster relief. Advances made in data reception and processing permit rapid access to imagery in times of natural or human-made disaster. Within hours of data acquisition, the USGS Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science provides relief organizations worldwide with satellite images for disaster response, as well as image-derived products that incorporate information on population density, elevation, and other relevant topics. Landsat data illuminated for the first time how human decisions led to large-scale impacts on the environment. The U.S. Climate Change Science Program has recognized Landsat and its 3 long-term data record as instrumental to the study of climate and environmental change, noting that Landsat data are invaluable for studying the land surface and how it affects and is affected by climate. The scientific and societal benefits of the Landsat program and its 35-year data record illustrate the significant return on the public investment in Earth observations and the need for continued support for this critical national asset. Mr. Speaker, I express my appreciation to all of the dedicated scientists, engineers, and program personnel who have contributed to the successful development and operation of the Landsat program over the past 35 years. I urge my fellow colleagues to join me and continue to support the Landsat program and data record so as to sustain Landsat's value to scientific research, especially, the study of global climate change, and to the myriad applied uses of the data for societal benefit.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 323, expressing Congressional support for the goals and ideals of National Health Care Decisions Day. I would first like to thank my distinguished colleague Phil Gingrey of Georgia for introducing this important piece of legislation. This legislation recognizes an important initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be. National Health Care Decisions Day is designed to raise public awareness for the need to plan ahead for health care decisions related to end-of-life care and medical decision-making whenever patients are unable to speak for themselves and to encourage the specific use of advance directives to communicate these important decisions. The Federal Patient Self-Determination Act requires that all Medicare- participating healthcare facilities inquire about and provide information to patients on Advance Directives; it also requires these facilities to provide community education on Advance Directives (42 C.F.R. Sec. 489.102). All healthcare facilities are required to: provide information about health care decision-making rights; ask all patients if they have an advance directive; educate their staff and community about advance directives; not discriminate against patients based on an advance directive status. It is estimated that only a minority of Americans have executed advance directives, including those who are terminally ill or living with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses. Advance directives offer individuals the opportunity to discuss with loved ones in advance of a health care crisis and decide what measures would be appropriate for them when it comes to end-of-life care. The preparation of an advance directive would advise family members, health care providers, and other persons as to how an individual would want to be treated with respect to health care. Forty-two percent of Americans have had a friend or relative suffer from a terminal illness or coma in the last 5 years and for a majority of these people and 23 percent of the general public, the issue of withholding life sustaining treatment came up. An overwhelming majority of the public supports laws that give patients the right to decide whether they want to be kept alive through medical treatment. By more than eight-to-one (84 percent-10 percent), the public approves of laws that let terminally ill patients make decisions about whether to be kept alive through medical treatment. One of the most striking changes between 1990 and 2005 is the growth in the number of people who say they have a living will--up 17 points, from 12 percent in 1990 to 29 percent now. Patients and families are often not fully informed of the relevant risks and potential benefits of artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH). In addition, financial incentives and regulatory concerns promote the use of ANH in a manner that may be inconsistent with medical evidence and with the preferences of patients and their families. Because ANH is associated with uncertain benefits and substantial risks, it is essential to ensure that decisions about its use are consistent with the patient's medical condition, prognosis, and goals for care. Therefore, decisions about ANH require careful consideration of its risks and potential benefits. Establishing National Health Care Decisions Day will encourage health care facilities and professionals as well as chaplains, attorneys, and others to participate in a collective, nationwide effort to provide clear, concise, and consistent information to the public about health care decision-making, particularly advance directives. As a result of National Health Care Decisions Day, recognized on April 16, 2008, more Americans will have conversations about their health care decision, more Americans will execute advance directives to make their wishes known, and fewer families and health care providers will have to struggle with making difficult health care decisions in the absence of guidance from the patient. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th birthday of Dr. Maya Angelou, one of the great voices of contemporary literature and a remarkable Renaissance woman. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Angelou when I attended Yale University. She was a mentor to me then, not for her literary works, which were inspiring, but for her love for the least of us. She maintains a passion for all people regardless of race, gender, or class. Dr. Angelou was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 4, 1928, and attended public schools in Arkansas and California. Dr. Angelou is truly a woman of great vision, grace, and intellect. She speaks French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, West African Fanti, and English. In addition to written and spoken word, for which she is most known, she has other accomplishments that have not received as much attention. She taught modern dance at the Rome Opera House and the Hambina Theatre in Tel Aviv. She was has been a civil and human rights activist for many years, and in fact was the northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, SCLC, in 1959, appointed at the request of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Honorary Degrees and Awards Maya Angelou has been honored by several universities, Howard University to Spellman College, from Columbia University to the University of Southern California giving her over 30 honorary degrees. She has received Tony Awards, Grammy Awards, Woman of the Year Awards, a Congressional Tribute by Former Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and even a Presidential Medal of Arts from President Bill Clinton. Books, Poems, and Short Stories Maya Angelou is known for her stirring poems and storytelling abilities. ``On the Pulse of the Morning'' and ``Phenomenal Women'' were two of the poems that helped her become only the second poet in U.S. history to have the honor of writing and reciting original work at the Presidential inauguration. Dr. Angelou has authored 12 bestselling books including ``I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,'' ``A Song Flung Up to Heaven,'' and ``Even the Stars Look Lonesome.'' She has the unique ability to shatter the opaque prisms of race, class, and gender between the reader and the subject. She captivates her audience, be they children in Tel Aviv, Civil Rights Leaders, or even Presidents. Conclusion I would have had us sing to Maya Angelou on her 80th birthday, but I would rather say thank you. Thank you, Dr. Angelou, for your dedication to civil and human rights, thank you for your activism, your perceptive stories and poems, thank you for your wisdom, and thank you for reminding us how powerful language can be. For Maya Angelou has moved hearts and minds with her lyric and prose. I thank Maya Angelou for being a Phenomenal Woman, for now we understand ``Just why [your] head is not bowed. Why you don't shout or jump about, or have to talk real loud. Why when we see you pass by, we are so proud, Some say, It's in the click of your heels, the bend of your hair, the palm of your hand, the need of your care, But its because you are a woman, Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman . . . that, Dr. Angelou, is you. Happy 80th Birthday, Maya Angelou. Phenomenal Woman (By Maya Angelou) Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It's the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can't see. I say, It's in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed. I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say, It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, The palm of my hand, The need of my care, 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank you, Madam Speaker, and I thank you for your leadership. As I begin my special order this afternoon, I want to pay tribute to two great Americans. One is a friend to us all. We know him well as Lou Costantino. We thank him so very much, and we really know him as Lou. We thank him for his friendship. We thank him for his warmth. We thank him for taking care of this place, this House. Lou, you see, was one of the distinguished men and women who stand outside of the house chamber, works with the Sergeant of Arms, is in conjunction with the Clerk's Office. But really, Lou is part of our family. He attended and was concerned about all of our guests that would come. He was concerned about the Members. He was equally concerned and passionate about America. I consider him a great patriot, a great American. He loved this work because he was serving America. Lou lost his battle just this past weekend, but we are reminded that Lou was with us last week. How truly valiant Lou is in life and in death, and I stand here today to offer my deepest sympathy to his wife, Doris; his daughter, Edie; his son, Lewis, Jr.; and to all of his family members. May he rest in peace and may God bless him. I also take note to acknowledge the happy celebration of the birthday of Maya Angelou, poet laureate, teacher, mentor, resident of Winston- Salem, North Carolina, the author of the 1993 inaugural poem that suggested that those of us who live in the great land must come from underneath the rocks and shout out and be seen for justice. She also wrote the language or the words to a book, ``I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,'' to talk about what it's like to be isolated, to be contained, to be inhibited as a child growing up in the deep south. Maya Angelou can be considered a great American, certainly a great poet, certainly a great mentor of men and women, college students, as she taught me at Yale University. I am honored today to be able to say ``thank you'' to Maya Angelou. I now move, Madam Speaker, to something that has been continuing in this Nation, and very quickly I call upon the Secretary of State and the United States of America to reengage more actively in the negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians. I now believe fully that the only way that we will have success in recognizing and achieving peace in the Middle East is not through preemptive attacks, but through concern, negotiation, and firmness. We must tell the negotiators what America wants to see and provide them the support. We must insist that we will continue to be a friend of Israel, we will never step away from her, and we stand by Israel's right to exist as a freedom-loving democratic people. Let's say to the Palestinians if they are to move their people beyond the refugee camps, then they, too, must fight for democracy and two distinct separate states. The two-state theory must be put in action, but we can no longer stand by as an objective bystander. We must be engaged, we must roll up our sleeves, we must recognize that we are very much a part of the peace process in the Middle East. I remember very well when the President came in and he said, That's their business. My good friends on the other side of the aisle got up and joined him, That's their business. It's our business. And before the lights go out on this administration, it would do well for us in the name of Prime Minister Sharon, who began this process, to get engaged and to make sure that we can have peace in the Middle East, to have an ally in Israel, safe and secure, and to say to the Palestinian people that you can have good health, you can have housing, you can have education. I think, Madam Speaker, that this is a challenge that the Secretary of State should accept; this is a challenge for the President to accept. America can do no less. I did not say ``battle.'' I said ``engage,'' and be able to be part of the negotiation for peace. There is nothing wrong for being considered a peace-loving Nation that promotes peace. May God bless this Nation and bless our soldiers, wherever they may be, as they stand on the front lines around the world asking us to promote our ideals and our values, and that is peacemakers.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 5715, ``Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008'', introduced by Representative George Miller of California. I want to thank the Committee on Education and Labor for its efforts in this important area. Every generation sets out to improve upon the previous generation. We teach how children that if they focus, are responsible, and work hard they can be anything. Yet we have provided a false truth for the majority of our children. Rising tuitions in higher education even at our community colleges are keeping a lot of our youth from attending college. For those that are able to attend, they are burdened by extensive loans just to buy books, attend class, and maintain housing. Families are sending their children to school, trying to qualify for parent loans and wondering how they are going to make the payments when they are struggling to pay their mortgage and facing their own issues with possible unemployment. In my home State of Texas, families are struggling to assist children with their education while they face an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent across the State. As of the end of last year, Texas was ranked as having the 20th highest unemployment rate (out of the 50 States). And we are not alone as States grapple with unemployment and a falling housing market. H.R. 5715, Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act, provides much needed support to our families in a time when they most need it by specifically addressing the needs of parents, students, and even lenders. The Student loans Act would: Increase unsubsidized loan limits for students: This bill will increase unsubsidized loan limits by $2,000 for each year of undergraduate and graduate school. It also increases the aggregate loan limits to $31,000 for dependent undergraduates and $57,500 for independent undergraduate students. Delayed repayment of parent PLUS loans: Currently PLUS loan borrowers--parents--go into repayment 60 days after disbursement of the loan. This bill would give families an option of not entering repayment for up to 6 months after a student leaves school. PLUS loan eligibility for struggling home-owners: Under current law, parents with an adverse credit history are ineligible to receive a parent PLUS loan, except under extenuating circumstances. In light of the current housing market, the bill temporarily qualifies up to 180- day delinquency on home mortgages as an extenuating circumstance, therefore making it more possible for parents struggling with the current housing market to secure loans for their children. Lender of Last Resort flexibility: The bill makes clear in statute that the Secretary of Education has the mandatory authority to advance Federal funds to Guaranty Agencies in the case that they do not have sufficient capital. Further, the bill allows a Guaranty Agency to designate a school (rather than an individual student) as a ``lender of last resort school,'' in accordance with guidelines set by the Secretary. Authority for the Secretary of Education to purchase FFEL loan assets: The bill gives the Secretary the temporary authority, upon a determination that there is inadequate availability to meet demand for loans, to purchase loans from FFEL lenders. Such purchases could only be made in the case they are revenue-neutral or beneficial to the Federal Government. Federal Institutions' participation: The bill includes a Sense of the Congress that the Federal Financial Institutions and entities (including the Federal Financing Bank, the Federal Home Loan Banks, and the Federal Reserve) should consider using, in consultation with the Secretaries of Education and the Treasury, available authorities, if needed, to assist in ensuring continued student loan access. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 5715, Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act. Let's support education by allowing for greater flexibility, eligibility, and participation for students and their families.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the National Crittenton Foundation, an organization that supports empowerment, self- sufficiency, and an end to cycles of destructive behaviors and relationships for at-risk and system-involved girls, young women and their families. On this historic occasion, I am particularly honored to recognize the ongoing contribution of one of the leading members of the Foundation's Family of Agencies, DePelchin Children's Center in Houston, which proudly serves my home district and other children and families from across Texas. DePelchin Children's Center has strong roots in our community. More than 120 years ago, Charles Crittenton, the well-known American philanthropist, visited Houston and inspired a group of local activists to establish one of the country's first maternity homes, a refuge for young unmarried mothers. In response to changing community needs, the Crittenton Home significantly expanded its services over the years, merging with DePelchin Children's Center in 1983. Recognizing that a child's needs are best met in a family environment, DePelchin Children's Center strives to strengthen the lives of children and families by providing a continuum of services to prevent and resolve social and emotional crises. Each year, the agency provides more than 30 programs for over 26,000 vulnerable children and families each year in multiple locations in Harris, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Fort Bend and Waller counties. In addition to teen parenting and independent living services, DePelchin offers foster care, adoption, prevention, residential, and an array of other services designed to meet its clients' complex needs. The unique partnership between DePelchin Children's Center and The National Crittenton Foundation is an additional strength for Houston's children and families. This ongoing collaboration was and is based on Charles Crittenton's and Dr. Kate Waller Barrett's belief that the most effective way to address compelling national social issues was through a network of affiliated independent, local organizations supported by a national body. I am proud of the work The National Crittenton Foundation and DePelchin Children's Center continue to do on behalf of vulnerable children and families across the state of Texas and across this nation. I thank them for their commitment and wish them a strong and continued partnership in the coming years.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns tomorrow, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, for morning-hour debate.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, as the co-chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I have worked on issues dealing with child abuse and mentoring, questions of health care for children. Today in Texas, a court will undertake one of the most challenging legal cases of child custody ever to have been witnessed in the United States. As a strong opponent of child abuse and misuse of our children and affirmation of how precious they are, I ask the Court to make the right and determined decisions based on individual cases. We should not judge the parental rights based upon our opposition to the views of the Fundamental Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Just as I supported the return of Elian Gonzalez to his parents, I now support the concept that these parents and children should not be divided and separated because of our opposition to some of the legal practices of their parents. We must respect the first amendment, but also the precious right of children and parents being together. There must not be a biased determination. The children are still our precious resource, and if no harm has been done by their parents then the courts must act in the best interests of the children.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 5715 to include corrections in spelling, punctuation, section numbering, and cross-referencing, and insertion of appropriate headings.