Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday next.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1107, the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 5715, ``Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008.'' Every generation sets out to improve upon the previous generation. We teach our 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. Delay 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 homeowners 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. Conclusion I urge my colleagues to support this Rule, so that we can come to floor and discuss the Continued Access to Student Loans Act. I remind my colleagues that many of their own employees, right in the Capitol, are affected by this bill. Let's support education by allowing for greater flexibility, eligibility, and participation for students and their families. The material previously referred to by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida is as follows: Amendment to H. Res. 1107 Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida At the end of the resolution, add the following: Sec. 3. That immediately upon the adoption of this resolution the House shall, without intervention of any point of order, consider the bill (H.R. 2734) to make the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and certain other tax benefits permanent law. All points of order against the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate on the bill equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means; and (2) an amendment in the nature of a substitute if offered by Representative Rangel of New York, which shall be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent; and (3) one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, this is a moving moment to come to the floor of the House. And I was moved by the words of our Speaker, quoting the Pope and saying that we must have courage. Then, of course, the ranking member from Alabama got up and said, Chairman Frank, that there were those who came back and said, I have seen it with my own eyes. And this is what this bill is about. It is about people understanding that extending the opportunity to teach individuals the ability to fish, to reduce the debt, gives them a lifelong opportunity of survival. Let me thank Chairman Frank, Congresswoman Waters and the ranking member of the full committee, my subcommittee chair, Mr. Payne, and Ms. Lee for their stick-to-itiveness on a very important concept, reduce the debt on the continent of Africa, and you give the opportunity to children and others to survive. This is not a give-away. It is an effective tool to reduce poverty in some of the world's poorest countries. I've had the privilege and honor of representing this nation in my visits to place like Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana in those early days, Nigeria, Angola and places where you might not imagine the poverty, Lesotho. Debt relief initiatives passed in 1999 and 2005 are benefiting more than two dozen countries in Africa and Latin America, just to the south of us. Uganda is using the $57.9 million it has saved from debt cancellation on primary education to ensure a future for its children as well as much-needed improvements in malaria control, health care and infrastructure. Many of us take for granted our public school system. But are you aware that children stay out of school because they don't have the fees, they don't have the money for books, and they don't have the money for clothing? In most African countries, and maybe in Latin American countries, school is not free. There is no concept of ``public school.'' Zambia, one of the poorest nations, is using its savings of $23.8 million on agricultural projects and to eliminate fees for health care in rural areas. Debt cancellations enable programs in Uganda and Zambia to directly help the people. This is the face of America and the face of our faith, and it is saying that we care for the least of those. We are, in fact, a good Samaritan. And so today, as we stand here, this is a time of jubilee, for this legislation not only reduces or excuses debt, but it also helps to restructure and finance new opportunities. This Act calls for the development of a responsible financing prime rate for the future. Debt forgiveness is a good short-term solution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished gentleman. Debt forgiveness is a good short-term solution, but to be truly effective, we must find a way to fix the broken system of international lending. I am very grateful that our Financial Services Committee has been one of the most proactive in time of need. They are facing the economic crisis of Americans. They have not forgotten you. They are facing the economic crisis around the world. They are restructuring and looking at how we can unify our financial system here. We are, in fact, the keepers of our brothers and sisters as I started out by saying. We must have the courage that has been dictated to us and said to us today by the Pope who is visiting America. And it is good for our colleagues, who may doubt this legislation, to go and see it with their own eyes. Once they do so, they will understand that this is absolutely the right direction. And might I just thank the AFL-CIO, the American Jewish World Service, the Church World Service, the DATA organization and others for their support. I ask my colleagues to support this. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2634, the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation. I am proud to join over 100 of my colleagues in cosponsoring this timely legislation. I would like to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Waters, for introducing this bill, as well as the Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, Congressman Frank, for his leadership on this important issue. Countries throughout the world suffer from the heavy burden of debt. The inability of nations to escape from these financial commitments has profound impacts on any attempts they make at poverty reduction, health care, economic development, and sustainable growth. The Highly Indebted Poor Countries, HIPCs, the majority of which are located in Africa, are particularly crippled by debt. Nearly three years ago, we saw an outpouring of support for debt relief as G8 leaders met in Gleneagles, Scotland, to pursue a policy of poverty reduction. While some positive progress has been made since that meeting, it is absolutely undeniable that this is an issue on which a great deal remains to be done. Today, we have an opportunity to take a positive and concrete step toward ending global poverty by helping needy and deserving low-income countries. The Jubilee Act expands existing debt relief programs for the world's poorest countries, and it includes measures to ensure that the benefits of debt relief are not eroded by future abusive lending. Debt relief has, in the past, proved an effective tool to reduce poverty in some of the world's poorest countries. Debt relief initiatives passed in 1999 and 2005 are benefiting more than two dozen countries in Africa and Latin America. Uganda is using the $57.9 million it has saved from debt cancellation on primary education, to ensure a future for its children, as well as much needed improvements in malaria control, healthcare, and infrastructure. Zambia is using its savings of $23.8 million on agricultural projects, and to eliminate fees for healthcare in rural areas. Debt cancellation has enabled programs in Uganda and Zambia to directly help the people of these nations. However, there are many impoverished and deserving countries that do not currently benefit from debt relief. The International Monetary Fund, IMF, and the World Bank continue to place restrictive conditions on debt cancellation, calling for policies requiring the privatization of essential services and the liberalization of trade in sensitive sectors in exchange for debt cancellation. These conditions are currently holding up desperately needed debt relief in several eligible countries, including Haiti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia. Mr. Chairman, the legislation we are considering today will not only bring the benefits of debt cancellation to more countries than ever before, it will also ensure that these benefits are felt by all strata of society. This bill would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to negotiate an agreement with the IMF and World Bank, as well as other bilateral and multilateral creditors, to make up to 25 additional low- income countries eligible for complete debt cancellation. Governments of these countries will be required to allocate the money saved through debt cancellation to poverty reduction programs, such as initiatives to improve economic infrastructure, basic education, nutrition, health services, and programs to redress environmental degradation. This legislation does not remove all conditions from debt relief programs. Countries still must demonstrate transparent and effective budget and financial management systems, and they can be excluded from debt relief if they do not. In addition, countries committing massive violations of human rights are not eligible, nor are countries that support international terrorism, have excessive levels of military expenditures, or fail to cooperate on international narcotics control. The Jubilee Act encourages the developing of responsible financing standards, and assures financial transparency and accountability. Finally, but perhaps most importantly, the Jubilee Act calls for the development of a responsible financing framework for the future. Debt forgiveness is a good short-term solution, but to be truly effective we must find a way to fix the broken system of international lending. Of particular concern to me has been the proliferation of vulture funds, which, like their avian namesake, seek to make a profit off of already weakened prey. Mr. Chairman, vulture funds purchase the debt of countries (or companies) in financial distress. They then hold out for the full value of the debt, plus any interest, which they pursue through litigation, much of which takes place in U.S. courts. The inability of nations to escape from these financial commitments has profound impacts on any attempts they make at poverty reduction, health care, economic development, and sustainable growth. The Highly Indebted Poor Countries, HIPCs, the majority of which are located in Africa, are particularly crippled by debt. Though these countries may not appear to be the most profitable prey for vulture funds, which in theory prefer to purchase debt that a country has, or may in the future develop, the ability to pay, according to reports there are numerous lawsuits currently pending against HIPC countries. Vulture funds, together with other forms of irresponsible lending, undermine international efforts to provide much needed debt relief to the world's most indebted poor countries. The Jubilee Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to develop and promote policies to prevent bilateral, multilateral, and private creditors from eroding the gains of debt relief through irresponsible or exploitive lending. I am particularly pleased that this legislation takes this important step toward fixing broken systems of international lending. I am proud to support the Manager's Amendment to this legislation, introduced by Congressman Frank, which adds additional conditions to the eligibility criteria for debt relief, including complying with minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking, cooperating with American efforts to stop illegal immigration, and being committed to free and fair elections. I also support the amendment offered by my colleague Congressman Hastings of Florida. This amendment adds a Sense of Congress stating that, due to the current humanitarian and political instability in Haiti, including food shortages and political turmoil, the Secretary of the Treasury should use his influence to expedite the complete and immediate cancellation of Haiti's debts to all international financial institutions, or if such debt cancellation cannot be provided, to urge the institutions to immediately suspend the requirement that Haiti make further debt service payments on debts owed to the institutions. After deadly food riots last week in Port-au-Prince, which resulted in the death of a Nigerian UN peacekeeper, I believe that this amendment is both crucial and timely. I also support the amendment introduced by my colleague Mr. Weiner. This amendment modifies the qualification for ``eligible low-income country'' to include those countries that are eligible for both International Development Association loans and World Bank loans. Mr. Chairman, if we are serious about meeting the Millennium Development Goals, we must take concrete steps toward reducing poverty. Debt cancellation is a proven way to do this. This legislation has the support of numerous organizations doing excellent work around the world, including the AFL-CIO, American Jewish World Service, Church World Service, DATA, Debt AIDS Trade Africa, Jubilee USA Network, the ONE Campaign, Oxfam America, and RESULTS. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished gentleman and member of the Rules Committee, Mr. Hastings. I acknowledge, again, the members of the Financial Services Committee and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. I salute the gentleman for this forthright and vital acknowledgment and sense of Congress in this bill. Mr. Chairman, people are starving in Haiti. Haitians are starving, they are in the streets. They are crying out for relief. As was said earlier, this is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. President Preval has made a commitment to this Nation, and he has worked hard on political stability. We have seen incarcerated persons who are held as political prisoners be released. But I think it is crucial that we join in a unified voice today to acknowledge that we stand against the starvation and the financial crisis that is in Haiti. This is an important statement to cancel the debt to all international financial institutions and also such debt cancellation cannot be provided, to urge the institutions to immediately suspend the requirement. I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding to me, and I join them also on the request for TPS. I support the Hastings amendment.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. 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 our 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 grabble 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. Conclusion 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 rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1103--Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2634--Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007. I also strongly support the underlying legislation, H.R. 2634, the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation, which I am proud to join over 100 of my colleagues in cosponsoring. I would like to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Waters, for introducing this bill, as well as the Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, Congressman Frank, for his leadership on this important issue. This rule allows for the consideration of four amendments. I am proud to support the Manager's Amendment, introduced by Congressman Frank, which adds additional conditions to the eligibility criteria for debt relief, including complying with minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking, cooperating with American efforts to stop illegal immigration, and being committed to free and fair elections. I also support the amendment offered by my colleague Congressman Hastings of Florida. This amendment adds a Sense of Congress stating that, due to the current humanitarian and political instability in Haiti, including food shortages and political turmoil, the Secretary of the Treasury should use his influence to expedite the complete and immediate cancellation of Haiti's debts to all international financial institutions, or if such debt cancellation cannot be provided, to urge the institutions to immediately suspend the requirement that Haiti make further debt service payments on debts owed to the institutions. After deadly food riots last week in Port-au-Prince, which resulted in the death of a Nigerian U.N. peacekeeper, I believe that this amendment is both crucial and timely. I also support the amendment introduced by my colleague Mr. Weiner. This amendment modifies the qualification for ``eligible low-income country'' to include those countries that are eligible for both International Development Association loans and World Bank loans. Countries throughout the world suffer from the heavy burden of debt. The inability of nations to escape from these financial commitments has profound impacts on any attempts they make at poverty reduction, health care, economic development, and sustainable growth. The Highly Indebted Poor Countries, HIPCs, the majority of which are located in Africa, are particularly crippled by debt. Nearly three years ago, we saw an outpouring of support for debt relief as G8 leaders met in Gleneagles, Scotland, to pursue a policy of poverty reduction. While some positive progress has been made since that meeting, it is absolutely undeniable that this is an issued on which a great deal remains to be done. Today, we have an opportunity to take a positive and concrete step toward ending global poverty by helping needy and deserving low-income countries. The Jubilee Act expands existing debt relief programs for the world's poorest countries, and it includes measures to ensure that the benefits of debt relief are not eroded by future abusive lending. Debt relief has, in the past, proved an effective tool to reduce poverty in some of the world's poorest countries. Debt relief initiatives passed in 1999 and 2005 are benefiting more than two dozen countries in Africa and Latin America. Uganda is using the $57.9 million it has saved from debt cancellation on primary education, to ensure a future for its children, as well as much needed improvements in malaria control, health care, and infrastructure. Zambia is using its savings of $23.8 million on agricultural projects, and to eliminate fees for health care in rural areas. Debt cancellation has enabled programs in Uganda and Zambia to directly help the people of these nations. However, there are many impoverished and deserving countries that do not currently benefit from debt relief. The International Monetary Fund, IMF, and the World Bank continue to place restrictive conditions on debt cancellation, calling for policies requiring the privatization of essential services and the liberalization of trade in sensitive sectors in exchange for debt cancellation. These conditions are currently holding up desperately needed debt relief in several eligible countries, including Haiti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia. Madam Speaker, the legislation we are considering today will not only bring the benefits of debt cancellation to more countries than ever before, it will also ensure that these benefits are felt by all strata of society. This bill would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to negotiate an agreement with the IMF and World Bank, as well as other bilateral and multilateral creditors, to make up to 25 additional low- income countries eligible for complete debt cancellation. Governments of these countries will be required to allocate the money saved through debt cancellation to poverty reduction programs, such as initiatives to improve economic infrastructure, basic education, nutrition, health services, and programs to redress environmental degradation. This legislation does not remove all conditions from debt relief programs. Countries still must demonstrate transparent and effective budget and financial management systems, and they can be excluded from debt relief if they do not. In addition, countries committing massive violations of human rights are not eligible, nor are countries that support international terrorism, have excessive levels of military expenditures, or fail to cooperate on international narcotics control. The Jubilee Act encourages the developing of responsible financing standards, and assures financial transparency and accountability. Finally, but perhaps most importantly, the Jubilee Act calls for the development of a responsible financing framework for the future. Debt forgiveness is a good short-term solution, but to be truly effective we must find a way to fix the broken system of international lending. Of particular concern to me has been the proliferation of vulture funds, which, like their avian namesake, seek to make a profit off of already weakened prey. Madam Speaker, vulture funds purchase the debt of countries (or companies) in financial distress. They then hold out for the full value of the debt, plus any interest, which they pursue through litigation, much of which takes place in U.S. courts. The inability of nations to escape from these financial commitments has profound impacts on any attempts they make at poverty reduction, health care, economic development, and sustainable growth. The Highly Indebted Poor Countries, HIPCs, the majority of which are located in Africa, are particularly crippled by debt. Though these countries may not appear to be the most profitable prey for vulture funds, which in theory prefer to purchase debt that a country has, or may in the future develop, the ability to pay, according to reports there are numerous lawsuits currently pending against HIPC countries. Vulture funds, together with other forms of irresponsible lending, undermine international efforts to provide much needed debt relief to the world's most indebted poor countries. The Jubilee Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to develop and promote policies to prevent bilateral, multilateral, and private creditors from eroding the gains of debt relief through irresponsible or exploitive lending. I am particularly pleased that this legislation takes this important step toward fixing broken systems of international lending. Madam Speaker, if we are serious about meeting the Millennium Development Goals, we must take concrete steps toward reducing poverty. Debt cancellation is a proven way to do this. This legislation has the support of numerous organizations doing excellent work around the world, including the AFL-CIO, American Jewish World Service, Church World Service, DATA--Debt AIDS Trade Africa--Jubilee USA Network, the ONE Campaign, Oxfam America, and RESULTS. 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1102, the Rule to Consider H.R. 5719, ``Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008''. This legislation, introduced by Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman John Lewis (D-GA), modernizes Internal Revenue Service functions to make filing taxes simpler while improving outreach to taxpayers. This Rule allows considerations: Summary of H.R. 5719 Key provisions included in H.R. 5719 as agreed to by the Committee would eliminate the special requirements for individuals to keep detailed records of calls made on employer-provided cell phones; delay for one year the imposition of a three-percent withholding requirement on government payments for goods and services made after December 31, 2010; stops federal contractors from using foreign subsidiaries to evade Social Security and other employment taxes; make the administrators of state and local government programs liable for paying the employment taxes on amounts paid by government programs to in-home care workers provided to elderly and disabled persons; repeal the IRS's authority to use private debt collection companies to collect Federal taxes; prohibit the misuse of Department of the Treasury names and symbols in misleading websites and ``phishing'' schemes; protect low- income taxpayers by prohibiting IRS debt indicators for predatory refund anticipation loans, allowing IRS employees to refer taxpayers to qualified low-income taxpayer clinics, and authorizing funding for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, ``VITA'' programs, and require the IRS to notify taxpayers if it suspects theft of a taxpayer's identity. Programs for the Benefit of Low-Income Taxpayers There are parts of this tax bill that help the working poor and our elderly, making this tax bill truly live up to its name of being one of Taxpayer Assistance--not just give a credit to the top 2% of Americans. This bill would authorize an annual $10 million grant for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, ``VITA'' programs, increasing the annual aggregate limitation authorized on grants to qualified low-income taxpayer clinics to $10 million. This bill would allow IRS employees to refer taxpayers needing assistance with tax cases to qualified low-income taxpayer clinics so they can get the help they need. Many people are struggling with how to manage complicated tax cases when they can barely afford to pay their mortgage. This portion of the bill will alleviate the fear that is sometimes associated with IRS tax cases particularly among people who cannot afford legal counsel. Elderly and Disabled Individuals Receiving In-Home Care This bill would make the administrators of state and local government programs liable for paying the employment taxes on amounts paid by government programs to in-home care workers provided to elderly and disabled persons. This is yet another provision of the bill that benefits our most vulnerable populations. Conclusion Mr. Speaker I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to allow for full consideration of this bill by supporting H. Res. 1102, the Rule providing for consideration of the Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008. I fully support what Representative Rangel and the Committee on Ways and Means has done to alleviate some of the burden on taxpayers. Amendment Offered by Ms. Sutton

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5719, ``Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008'', introduced by my good friend from New York, Representative Charles Rangel. Cost as Compared to the War in Iraq This bill is estimated to cost $22 million dollars over the next 10 years. Before my Republican colleagues balk at this number I want to remind them over the past year, the Administration requested a total of $195.5 billion for FY 2008 emergency war funds at three times--in its original FY 2008 request in February 2008, in an amendment for Mine Resistant Ambush Program (MRAP) vehicles on July 31, 2008, and in an amended request to cover additional costs submitted on October 22, 2008. Thus far, we have appropriated $90.4 billion for war-related costs of the Defense Department, State/U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, and the Veterans' Administration including funds in both regular and emergency appropriations acts. As of the enactment of the FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations, this brings the total for funds appropriated to date to $700 billion for the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and enhanced security. Let me be clear, we must support our troops and we must defend our Nation, but at a time when this country's economy is spiraling downward, this tax bill will impact Americans regardless of their political affiliation providing assistance at time when they most need it. Summary of H.R. 5719 Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008--Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify penalty provisions for tax return preparers who take an unreasonable position in the preparation of a tax return causing an underpayment of tax; (2) eliminate certain restrictions on the tax deduction for employee use of cellular telephones; (3) exempt recipients of home care services from liability for employment taxes for payments made to home care service providers; (4) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants for volunteer income tax assistance programs; (5) require written notice to taxpayers of eligibility for the earned income tax credit; (6) place restrictions on information relating to refund anticipation loans; (7) require the Secretary to notify a taxpayer of any unauthorized use of such taxpayer's identity (suspected identity theft) uncovered during an tax investigation; (8) repeal the authority of the Internal Revenue Service, IRS, to enter into private debt collection contracts; (9) extend the period during which the IRS may return property seized in a wrongful tax levy; and (10) increase penalties for failures to provide correct tax information and to file partnership or S corporation tax returns. This bill delays until 2012 the 3 percent withholding requirement on government payments to contractors providing goods and services. It also directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a feasibility study on alternative means of delivering tax refunds. H.R. 5719 seeks to expand the prohibitions against the misuse of Department of the Treasury names and symbols to include misuse on an Internet domain address. Programs for the Benefit of Low-Income Taxpayers There are parts of this tax bill that help the working poor and our elderly, making this tax bill truly live up to its name of being one of Taxpayer Assistance . . . not just a credit to the top 2 percent of Americans. This bill would authorize an annual $10 million grant for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, VITA, programs, increasing the annual aggregate limitation authorized on grants to qualified low-income taxpayer clinics to $10 million. This bill would allow IRS employees to refer taxpayers needing assistance with tax cases to qualified low-income taxpayer clinics so they can get the help they need. Many people are struggling with how to manage complicated tax cases when they can barely afford to pay their mortgage. This portion of the bill will alleviate the fear that is sometimes associated with IRS tax cases particularly among people who cannot afford legal counsel. Elderly and Disabled Individuals Receiving In-Home Care This bill would make the administrators of State and local government programs liable for paying the employment taxes on amounts paid by government programs to in-home care workers provided to elderly and disabled persons. This is yet another provision of the bill that benefits our most vulnerable populations. Conclusion Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to examine this bill in its entirety and recognize that it benefits all Americans. I fully support what Representative Rangel and the Committee on Ways and Means has done to alleviate some of the burden on taxpayers.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, today is Tax Day, April 15, and that's why the Democrats have risen today to be able to tell the American people we're on your side. The Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008 may cost $22 million, but I can assure you that it pales in comparison to the money that my friends are spending on the unending war in Iraq. I am glad to stand with the taxpayers of America, making sure that the elderly and the disabled are exempted from liability for employment taxes or payments to home care service providers. They deserve our respect, and today we give it to them. I am glad that we are requiring a written notice to taxpayers of the eligibility of the earned income tax credit. It's a shame that so many think that there is so much fraud for hardworking Americans who don't file for their taxes who deserve it, and I'm delighted to stand with Americans to repeal the authority of the IRS to enter into private debt collection, those guys who have harassed the elderly, the shut-ins, hardworking Americans because they are private bounty hunters. Today we stand with hardworking Americans. We will do so as well. And we honor our troops, declare the war's end, bring them home and reinvest in America.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished chairwoman, Maxine Waters. I would say I am delighted to be part of the Out-of-Iraq Caucus, but that is not the appropriate term. I am delighted, however, to join my colleagues, Chairwoman Waters and Congresswoman Barbara Lee and the other members who have participated and submitted their statement. I wanted to join my colleagues because it has been a very long journey. I remind Congresswoman Waters in the fall of 2002, we were working hard for people to study the resolution being put before them. We garnered some 133-plus votes to vote in opposition to the then-Iraq resolution. I want to speak constitutionally and why this special order and the position that Members are taking in opposing any preemptive attack or invasion of Iran and standing solidly against the perceived authority that the President may have. Frankly, if we look at the 2002 resolution, we will find that it can be assessed that the President's authority has expired. Saddam Hussein is no longer there. Elements of the resolution required that. The government has changed. There has been a democratic election, and there may be some question as to whether the adherence of the U.N. Security Council resolution is still part of that 2002 war resolution. But I would argue that there have been so many resolutions in the U.N. we could also concede the point that we have protected or adhered to those resolutions. I truly believe that we are at such a point in history that any actions by the President would warrant extreme actions; or I should not suggest extreme, I should suggest constitutional actions by this Congress. It may warrant raising issues of impeachment. The reason I say that is to use the War Powers Act in a way that ignores the constitutional privilege and right of this Congress to declare war, I believe, is not doing well by the American people. We already know the results of a war without end, the Iraq war, that is costing $339 million a day, that has already gone past a trillion dollars, that has seen 9,500 of our soldiers injured or maimed, sometimes injured or maimed for life, to see 4,000-plus die. It is a war without end. Frankly, the question has to become what is the President's goal and intent if he has an idea that Iran is the next target. Has he looked to diplomacy and looked to the question of working with China or Russia to contain Iran? Has he looked at negotiation with the individuals in Iran who really may be interested in some sort of resolution? Is he buying into the constant refrain that Iran is providing the weapons in Iraq? Is he also looking to the perceived friendship between the Iraq government and the Iran government? None of the above. What I sense in the administration is a percolating attempt to attack Iran, and that percolating attempt based upon the representation of nuclear weapons. I don't want Iran to possess the capacity to engage and to utilize nuclear weapons, nor am I interested in protecting an Iran that has been hostile to the world. I am not interested in coddling terrorists. But we can clearly see that the policies in Iraq have not deterred the terrorists. They have only grown the terrorists. And I would question whether the only way to create peace in the Mid East is to again attack another country in the Mid East. It is important that we continue to engage for two distinct states, the Palestinian and Israel negotiations. I would have hoped that this administration would have spent their time following through on the road map that the President announced some few years back. I believe that we were distracted in Iraq. We were distracted in Iraq from Afghanistan and from solving the Palestinian-Israeli question. So I rise today to join my colleagues and say not on my watch, absolutely not. The statistics of the war in Iraq are devastating. Yes, I am prepared today to declare a military success in Iraq. A military success means that our soldiers on one and two and three and four redeployments have done everything the Commander in Chief has asked them to do. Saddam Hussein is gone, there have been democratic elections, and U.N. resolutions adhered to. Bring those soldiers home, declare a military success, and make the statement to the American people that we will never recklessly invade another country. Iran is somewhat different from Iraq; and, therefore, may have a different story to tell. It may not be the easy route that they might have thought Iraq was. But frankly, my view is that we have crossed the constitutional bounds and that as I yield back to the distinguished chairwoman, I simply believe that we have come to a crisis point that this Congress must accept its duty and say to the President that no war can be declared without a vote of the United States Congress under the Constitution, and I would join with my colleagues, the chairman of the Human Right Subcommittee on International Issues of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman Delahunt, to suggest that the War Powers Act should be amended and should now be that it can only be utilized by a President when the Nation is under imminent attack and when there is necessity to go forward to protect our citizens. Other than that, that War Powers Act should be amended, it should be drawn down, and we should stand with the Constitution. No invasion of Iran on my watch, and constitutional implications for the President of the United States if such attack is proposed. I thank the distinguished gentlelady for her leadership in the Out- of-Iraq Caucus. I join my colleagues here tonight to discuss a very important issue: the possibility that this Administration may be intent on leading us into another war in the Middle East, this time against Iran. I would like to thank my colleague Congresswoman Waters for organizing this special order on Iran. Even as we remain engaged in a war in Iraq to which there is no military solution, this Administration has begun beating the drum for war with Iran. I strongly urge my congressional colleagues to send a clear message to President Bush that he does not currently have authorization to use military force against Iran. Mr. Speaker, I believe that using a military strike against Iran would be a colossal error. As a nation, we are still paying an unacceptably high price for this Administration's ill-advised and ill- executed invasion of Iraq in March 2003. In 2002, when I voted against the Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq, I did so because I believed that this would be a war without end. I believed this resolution would trap us in a conflict that, like the Vietnam War, would consume American resources and lives without tangible yield. Unfortunately for the people of both this country and Iraq, this has proven true. As a nation, we have already paid an enormous price for the war in Iraq. We have squandered an exponentially increasing amount of money, and, worst of all, lost an unacceptably large number of American lives. However, the over 4,000 U.S. casualties and the $3,919 per second ($123.6 billion per year) we are spending in Iraq have bought neither peace nor security. Mr. Speaker, even as our troops are caught in the midst of instability and civil war in Iraq, the President has begun the march to war with Iran. We cannot compound the mistakes of the Iraq war with the even bigger mistake of opening up a second military conflict in the Middle East. And yet, the Administration has begun to set the stage for a U.S. attack on Iranian military or nuclear facilities by issuing strong statements about Iran's intervention in Iraq, and using inflammatory rhetoric against Iran in a similar fashion to the run-up to the Iraq war. In recent weeks, the Administration has increasingly referred to negative behavior of the Iranian regime. Despite contrary findings by the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), Bush has increasingly stated that Iran is building nuclear weapons. The Administration has also cited Iran as a cause of instability in Iraq, and has argued that Iran is killing U.S. soldiers and supplying weapons, training, and funding. I certainly believe that the current state of affairs in Iran, and specifically those issues relating to U.S. sanctions on Iran and the security of the region, are extremely important and in desperate need of discussion. As a Member of Congress, I find Iran's support of terrorist organizations, pursuit of nuclear weapons, and dismal human rights record to be extremely worrisome. However, I am also concerned by what appears to be movement by this Administration toward yet another war in the Gulf region, without having first exhausted diplomatic means of addressing any conflicts. I have long been an advocate of a free, independent, and democratic Iran. I believe in an Iran that holds free elections, follows the rule of law, and is home to a vibrant civil society; an Iran that is a responsible member of the region and the international community, particularly with respect to the proliferation of nuclear weapons. An Iran that, unfortunately, we do not see today. The only effective way to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the region, along with bringing about reforms in Iran's polity, is to assist the Iranian people in their quest to achieve political, social, and religious liberty. Every government can be judged with the way in which it treats its ethnic and religious minorities, and the current Iranian government gets a failing grade for its treatment of its many and diverse minorities. The controversy surrounding Iran's procurement of nuclear energy is cause for great concern; however, the administration's avoidance of any and all diplomatic relations with Iran is cause for greater alarm. Moreover, the current rhetoric from the Bush Administration regarding war with Iran is both counterproductive and highly inflammatory. While full diplomatic, political, and economic relations between the U.S. and Iran cannot be normalized unless and until enforceable safeguards are put in place to prevent the weaponization of Iran's nuclear program, these policy objectives should not constitute pre-conditions for any diplomatic dialogue. Establishing a diplomatic dialogue with the Government of Iran and deepening relationships with the Iranian people would help foster greater understanding between the people of Iran and the people of the United States and would enhance the stability and the security of the Persian Gulf region. Doing so would reduce the threat of the proliferation or use of nuclear weapons in the region, while advancing other U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region. The significance of establishing and sustaining diplomatic relations with Iran cannot be over-emphasized. Avoidance and military intervention cannot be the means through which we resolve this looming crisis. Mr. Speaker, Middle East experts have repeatedly stated that a U.S. attack on Iran would have disastrous consequences. Among possible outcomes, many experts agree, would be an Iranian counter-attack on U.S. and Israeli interests in the region or throughout the world. Such an attack could also lead to a greater Middle East War, and would undoubtedly bring with it a greater loss of life and financial burden. Mr. Speaker, now is the time that we need to be looking to ending one Middle East conflict, not to beginning another. We need to work to rebuild our standing in the international community, not to raise further enmity in the Middle East and beyond by attacking another nation. I strongly urge my colleagues to speak out against any potential military strike in Iran.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. If the gentlelady would yield, I just came back from Iraq, and you are so right. After going and I think getting a very wide view of the status of affairs there, clearly as we have understood or understand, the government is leaning on the captains of our military. Ranks at the captain level are like the government. There is no seeming intent or plan that would cease the Maliki government from leaning on the United States military, using it as a crutch. So there is no evidence that suggests that they don't intend to have permanent military bases. In fact, every indication from the presentations of the military and others is that they would have it. I believe they are in violation of maybe not the rules of this House, but certainly the respect of the three branches of government. Finally, I would say that I have legislation that declares a military success, that lists the criteria under which our soldiers went in, and moves it to a diplomatic surge. We should not fool ourselves. The intent is a permanent base that allows them to do the preemptive strike that you are speaking of against any country in the Mideast, and in particular Iran. I believe we have to stop it now, and we have to stop it forever, and we have to lean on the Constitution because we have seen over the last couple of years the Constitution ignored, and that simply cannot stand in this place called America.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, today is Tax Day and it is the day that D.C. residents pay their Federal income taxes. Yet D.C. residents remain without a vote. D.C. residents enjoy many of the benefits of U.S. citizenship but they lack the vote. The rest of the Nation votes as District residents pay their taxes and serve in wars abroad in Iraq and Afghanistan. Andy Shallal, a D.C. citizen said it best, ``People like me of Iraqi ancestry and even my son, who was born in the United States, are entitled to vote in the Iraqi's election due in large part to the service of the citizens of the District of Columbia and other Americans who have fought and died in Iraq.'' In spite of D.C. residents' service in foreign wars and even in the American Revolution, and every war since where U.S. was involved, D.C. residents cannot vote in their own country. Tax Day is a bitter reminder to the Nation that the founders of our country who staged their revolution for representation would then deny representation to residents of their very own capital city. Professor Viet Dinh, President Bush's former assistant attorney general for constitutional matters, has wiped away the major argument that because the District is not a state, its American citizens cannot vote in the House by detailing the many ways in which ``since 1805 the Supreme Court has recognized that Congress has the authority to treat the District as a state and Congress has repeatedly exercised this authority.'' My favorite is the 16th amendment which requires only that citizens of states pay Federal income taxes. Why then have District residents continuously been taxed without representation? There is a terrible racial stain that has been at the core of the denial of the rights of D.C. citizens. Congress required the same racial segregation in schools and public accommodations in D.C. and other parts of the South until the 1954 Brown decision. As one southern Senator put it, ``The Negroes . . . flocked in . . . and there was only one way out . . . and that was to deny . . . suffrage entirely to every human being in the District.'' Former Republican Senator Edward Brooke, a native Washingtonian and the Nation's first popularly elected black Senator wrote, ``The experience of living in a segregated city and of serving in our segregated armed forces perhaps explains why my party's work on the Voting Rights Act reauthorization last year and on the pending D.C. House Voting Rights Act has been so important to me personally. The irony of course, is that I had to leave my hometown to get representation in Congress and to become a Member.'' Today, on Tax Day, we need to move to abolish the irony and the tragedy of the many who have come to the Nation's capital seeking freedom for well over 200 years. It is on this day, that D.C. residents pay their Federal income taxes without a vote. Presently, only three votes are needed for Senate passage of the D.C. Voting Rights Bill. I am a supporter of the bill in the House. I appeal to your conscience and ask for your vote so that finally there will be a vote for your fellow Americans here, who have paid for this precious right many times over in blood and tears. Support the voting rights bill today.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5570, the ``Religious Worker Visa Program Extension Act of 2008'', introduced by the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Representative Zoe Lofgren. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. The religious worker visa program allows U.S. religious denominations to fill critical religious worker positions for which there are no qualified candidates in the U.S. with qualified religious workers abroad. The program provides for two types of visas. The one is a special immigrant visa, which allows qualified religious workers to immigrate to the U.S. and later become citizens if they so choose and meet the qualification. The other is the non-immigrant visa, which allows qualified religious workers to enter temporarily and perform services in the U.S. for a proscribed period. Both of these visas may be granted to both ministers and non-minister religious workers. This bill has come under closer scrutiny recently because of allegations of abuse and fraud among the foreign petitioners. H.R. 5570 would provide for a seven-year extension of the program and it would require DHS to promulgate regulations to eliminate fraud. If the Department of Homeland Security does not issue regulations to eliminate or reduce fraud in the religious worker program by December 31, 2008, the program is only extended for 15 months through January 1, 2010. If the Secretary of Homeland Security issues the regulation then the program is automatically extended until January 1, 2016. While I support this bill, I would have liked to have this bill be expanded so that a religious worker does not have to work for a religious institution of the same denomination. Presently, a religious worker must be of the same religion as the institution by which the worker is employed. Recently this has created problems. Pastor Riggle from Grace Community Church in my district in Houston, Texas contacted my office concerning Dr. David Scarpeta who needed a religious worker visa to work in his church. USCIS initially denied Dr. Scarpeta's religious worker petition because Dr. Scarpeta was not a member of Pastor Riggle's church. In my view, Dr. Scarpeta should not have been excluded from the religious worker program merely because he was not a member of the church that was sponsoring him. This is inconsistent with religious work as I know it in this country. Often religious workers from different denominations and religious workers from different denominations work together in the religious vineyard. Because I thought the law as interpreted was draconian and far too limited in its application, I worked tirelessly with USCIS to ensure that Dr. Scarpeta would be able to work for Grace Community Church. Through my efforts, I was able to get resolution of that case and now Dr. Scarpeta is an active member of the Grace Community Church. Madam Speaker I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to examine this bill and recognize that it benefits the religious worker and Americans. I fully support what Representative Lofgren and the Subcommittee on Immigration, of which I am a member, have done in the area of immigration.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. To the distinguished chairman, let me thank you for the litany and list of achievements of human rights that you have achieved on this floor. And I appreciate the leadership of my subcommittee Chair, Ms. Zoe Lofgren, on many hard issues that have come to her attention over the time of her tenure as chairperson. And as a member of the subcommittee, I am grateful for her leadership. And working with the minority, I thank them on this instance for the cooperation on H.R. 5570. It is an especially unique and important legislative initiative as we make note not only of the many religious leaders in this Nation, but as we make note of the visit of the Aga Khan that, who has spent time in the State of Texas and his followers who have had the privilege of seeing him for the first time in 10 years in the United States, someone who has funded major humanitarian efforts around the world, and of course, the people of New York and Washington, D.C. have the privilege of hosting the Pope in these coming weeks and certainly in Washington. Religion is special, and is special to this Nation. This legislation is a special immigrant visa which allows qualified religious workers to immigrate to the U.S. and later become citizens if they so chose and meet the qualifications. The other is a nonimmigrant visa which allows qualified religious workers to entry temporarily and perform services in the U.S. for a prescribed period. It has already been noted that the actions of these religious workers may find themselves in parishes, mosques or synagogues, or really simply in the community, as Mother Theresa was in India. Both of these visas may be granted to both ministers and nonminister religious workers. Yes, there is humanitarian work to be done in the United States. They work in some of our most impoverished communities. And they are sincere in their social and religious humanitarian work. The bill has come under closer scrutiny because of the allegations of abuse and fraud among the foreign petitioners. But I am glad that this bill will provide for a 7-year extension of the program, and it will require DHS to promulgate regulations to eliminate fraud. We must work together with the Department of Homeland Security, and I do appreciate the work of Dr. Gonzalez to impress upon them that their task is, in fact, to secure America and that they must move quickly on these regulations. If the regulations are not in place by December 31, 2008, to reduce fraud, the program will only be extended for 15 months through January 1, 2010. But if DHS can get the regulations in place, it is automatically extended to January 1, 2016. I think this is a great start. But I ask my colleagues to consider the expansion of this bill, one to authorize it permanently, but also to look at a small area of which I hope to write legislation on, and that is the insistence that the religious person coming must be of the same religion of that which the person is petitioning for. I had this circumstance in my district. Grace Community Church is a church with thriving multiple ministries that wanted to bring a young man and his family, a bilingual pastor, to speak to their Spanish congregation and to minister to our Hispanic community in Texas. It was a very, very tough task to address the question of the denials that he received because he was not the same religion of Grace Community Church. He had the same faith. He believed in a higher power. He wanted to do missionary work. The church was legitimate. It had long years in the community. The father of the young man had worked with the pastor of Grace Community Church. But yet we could not get a visa except for the gracious reconsideration of the Department of Homeland Security. We must reduce fraud. But we can't reduce faith. And when individuals come and want to be missionaries even in this land, we should recognize and grant the opportunity. We can reduce fraud by making sure the institutions exist, the time frame is a time frame that is credible, the individuals are credible, the time that the visa is issued is reviewed, if you will, or overseen by the Department of Homeland Security. But actually, we should encourage those who wish to come to this Nation for good reasons and those who come under this visa are doing so. So in conclusion, I do want to note that we are celebrating the authorization of this bill this week for very special reasons. But we are also celebrating it because we believe that those who want to do good should be granted the opportunity. As we go forward on this legislation, I am hoping that we will look at some of the small fractures that keep good people from coming to the United States, worshiping, practicing, serving and working with a great church like Grace Community and others who may wish to bring individuals who may not have the same religious affiliation but have the same belief in the greater goodness and the greater power. Let me yield back by asking my colleagues to support H.R. 5570. And I thank my colleagues for the great work that they have done.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1095, ``Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act'', introduced by a fellow Texan, Representative Al Green. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low- income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. However, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), more than 10,000 people filed housing discrimination complaints last year, mostly from persons with disabilities. HUD also found that race-based housing discrimination was the second most frequent reason individuals filed complaints. Of the more than 10,000 complaints filed last year, 43 percent alleged discrimination against persons with disabilities while 37 percent alleged racial discrimination. Most complainants claimed to be victims of discrimination in the terms and conditions of the sale or rental of housing, or outright refusal to rent. The Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at HUD stated that ``Forty years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act, an alarming number of families are still being denied housing and still need the protections this landmark law offers.'' Assistant Secretary Kim Kendrick's remarks only underscore the importance of HUD's continued enforcement, instruction, and outreach activities to ensure that all Americans have equal access to housing opportunities. Currently HUD has placed fair housing advertisements on more than 900 movie screens throughout the country. These advertisements inform viewers that it is unlawful to discriminate in the sale, rental, or financing of housing and provided HUD's toll-free telephone number, for those that may have experienced or witnessed unlawful discrimination. Another part of HUD's outreach in this area is its training program, Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST, which has trained 1,351 individuals in 22 training sessions in 17 states on the Fair Housing Act's design and construction requirements for multifamily housing. Texas On March 27th, HUD announced that the Texas State Program and the cities of Houston and New Braunfels will receive a total of $234,868,077 to support community development and produce more affordable housing. HUD's annual funding will also provide down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers; assist individuals and families who might otherwise be living on the streets; and offer real housing solutions for individuals with HIV/AIDS. This funding will help Texas to reconstruct its neighborhoods and affordable housing stock by helping communities to improve their infrastructure or assisting families to purchase their first home, HUD is helping improve neighborhoods from the ground up. The funding announced includes: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funding; American Dream Down payment assistance; Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG); and, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). Since 1974, HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program has provided more than $120 billion to state and local governments to target their own community development priorities. The rehabilitation of affordable housing and the improvement of public facilities have traditionally been the largest uses of CDBG although the program is also an important catalyst for job growth and business opportunities. Annual CDBG funds are distributed to communities according to a statutory formula based on a community's population, poverty, and age of its housing stock, and extent of overcrowded housing. HOME (HOME Investment Partnerships Program) is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to produce affordable housing for low-income families. Since 1992, more than 600 communities have completed more than 834,000 affordable housing units, including 352,000 for new homebuyers. In addition, 186,000 tenants have received direct rental assistance. The American Dream Down payment Initiative (ADDI) helps first-time homebuyers with the biggest hurdles to homeownership--down payment and closing costs. The program was created to assist low-income first-time homebuyers in purchasing single-family homes by providing funds for down payment, closing costs, and rehabilitation carried out in conjunction with the assisted home purchase. Since the program's inception, ADDI has assisted nearly 29,000 families to purchase their first home. Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) helps local communities to meet the basic shelter needs of homeless individuals and families. These grants also provide transitional housing and a variety of support services designed to move the homeless away from a life on the street toward permanent housing. This block grant program, along with more than $14 million HUD awarded New Orleans and Jefferson Parish by competition, helps thousands of local homeless assistance programs to help those who would otherwise be living on the streets. HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grants are distributed to states and cities based on the number of AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grants provide resources for operating community residences and providing rental assistance and support services to individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families. In addition, the HOPWA program also helps many communities develop strategic AIDS housing plans and fill in gaps in local systems of care. A stable home environment is a critical component for low-income persons managing complex drug therapies and potential side effects from their treatments. Subprime Mortgage Crisis and Housing Over the past year, we have seen a crisis in subprime mortgage lending, which has threatened the stability of the housing market and the livelihoods of large numbers of Americans. This Democratic Congress is committed to strengthening the housing market and stabilizing the economy, and we have passed important legislation to address this crisis. Due to the lack of regulation by the federal government, many loans were accompanied by fraud, predatory lending, inadequate information and other failures of responsible marketing. With exceptionally high (and rising) foreclosure rates across the country, homeowners all over America are losing their homes. The sub-prime mortgage crisis has impacted families and communities across the country. Home foreclosure filings rose to 1.2 million in 2006--a 42 percent jump--due to rising mortgage bills and a slowing housing market. Nationally, as many as 2.4 million sub-prime borrowers have either lost their homes or could lose them in the next few years. It is critical that we address this crisis. The Bush administration and the mortgage industry must reach agreement that matches the scale of the problem. If you produce an inadequate agreement, or fail outright, the cost to our economy will be incalculable. The freeze on foreclosures would give the housing market time to stabilize and homeowner's time to build equity. The 110th Congress has demonstrated its commitment to moving America in a New Direction by raising the minimum wage, implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, opposing the war in Iraq, improving children's health care coverage, increasing aid to the Gulf Coast, passing energy reform, instituting fiscal discipline through pay go budgeting, raising ethical standards for lobbying, and increasing oversight over the Bush Administration on a range of issues including Iraq, FISA, the CIA interrogation tapes, and the Jena 6 cases. We have also made efforts to strengthen the housing market, including continued efforts to end discriminatory practices and stabilize the economy. Expanding affordable housing and mortgage opportunities for all American families is of paramount importance.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 259, honoring and recognizing the work of the Meals on Wheels Association of America, MOWAA, its member senior nutrition programs throughout the country, and their annual March For Meals campaigns. I would also like to thank my colleague Chairman George Miller, of the Education and Labor Committee, for bringing this important legislation to the floor today. The Meals on Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest organization in the United States representing those who provide meal services to people in need. The first home-delivered meal program in the United States started in 1954 in Philadelphia, PA. The Meals on Wheels Association of America gives cash grants to local senior meal programs throughout the country to assist in providing meals and other nutrition services. The mission of Meals on Wheels Association of America is ``to provide visionary leadership and professional training and to develop partnerships that will ensure the provision of quality nutrition services.'' To cite just one example, Meals on Wheels of Greater Houston, in my home city, has been addressing the nutritional and emotional needs of seniors for 30 years. Meals on Wheels of Greater Houston currently serves more than 3,300 hungry, homebound seniors. In January, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples awarded $9.5 million in State funding to almost 100 agencies that serve meals to homebound elderly and people with special needs, including $1.4 million to Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston. I personally know of the good work of the Meals on Wheels program because I chaired Houston's Interfaith Ministries Board which ran this program. I would also insure that the program survived. Currently, senior nutrition programs such as Meals on Wheels report that 4 out of 10 programs have waiting lists for nutrition services. There are 78.2 million Baby Boomers, and one of those Baby Boomers turns 60 every 7 seconds. Every 8 seconds someone else is turning 50. The demand for nutrition services is increasing each and everyday and we must continue to support senior nutrition programs such as Meals on Wheels. The March For Meals campaign has been slowly growing into a permanent part of the Meals on Wheels consciousness. March for Meals is a campaign that takes place at any time during the month of March. The month of March was chosen because it was during this month that the law was enacted that included senior meal programs in the Older Americans Act. Some programs choose to make their campaigns last the whole month, while others concentrate on a single week or day. The biggest component of March For Meals is the Mayors For Meals Day. Today, Meals on Wheels programs generally operate locally, at the county level or smaller. Programs vary widely in their size, service provided, organization, and funding. Although Meals on Wheels Association of America is a national program, each local program is entirely independent. Depending on the program, meals may be delivered by paid drivers or by volunteers. Most clients of Meals on Wheels programs are elderly and programs receiving Federal funding may not serve people less than 60 years of age. Mr. Speaker, this important legislation recognizes and honors the commendable hard work and dedication exhibited by Meals on Wheels for over the past 50 years. I encourage other Members of Congress to continue to support their local senior nutrition programs by participating in their annual March For Meals events and campaigns. For these reasons, I strongly support H. Res. 259 and urge all members to do the same.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I'm delighted to rise today to salute ``Homes for Hometown Heroes.'' Many of us, my colleagues and myself, Members from as far away as California and Arizona, had the privilege of being in Houston, Texas, last evening at the Hyatt Regency to celebrate a very unique and special program where our hometown heroes, injured soldiers, were able to receive their own home by the largess and generosity of many heroes in our community. Madam Speaker, it's a moving experience to see our soldiers coming in injured but yet strong and resilient. What a privilege to be able to present to them a key to their own home. I look forward to working with this caucus, the Democratic Caucus, the Republican Conference, and all of our Members to spread this message across America. One has said that all of what they've done, they deserve to be respected and responded to, a home for the injured soldiers, brain damaged, those who cannot walk in wheelchairs, to simply say ``thank you.'' I look forward to announcing a posttraumatic stress disorder center in my own 18th Congressional District. Last evening reinforced the fact that nothing is too great for those who have put their lives on the front line. I look forward to celebrating the hometown heroes.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 886, ``Expressing sympathy to the victims and families of the tragic acts of violence in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Arvada, Colorado.'' This important legislation will honor and memorialize those who were affected by the tragic events in Colorado Springs and Arvada. On that fateful day, a gunman took the lives of five people and wounded 5 more, subsequently taking his own life. The shootings at New Life Church in Colorado Springs and the Youth With a Mission Center in Arvada on December 9, 2007, remind us once again that the wrath of violence can easily destroy the lives of a congregation gathered in a sanctified establishment. As we reflect on the lives that were spared, we duly note the actions of Jeanne Assam. Jeanne Assam, a former police officer and New Life Church member and security guard, is credited with halting the gunman's spree by shooting him. Though her gunfire did not kill the perpetrator, her act of courage and conviction allowed her to halt the gunman's spree, subsequently preventing the death of more people. The carnage at the Colorado tragedy commands that we here in this body take a stand against senseless acts of violence whether here in our own country or elsewhere around the world. It is long past time for our national community to declare that injuries inflicted on any member of the community by another simply based on hate or hatred of differences pose a threat to the peace and security of the entire community. For that reason alone, such conduct must be condemned and punished severely, if not prevented altogether. I hope that the incident in Colorado does not reflect a larger problem within our society; however, my optimism is guarded with the reality of an escalating amount of gun violence in schools, malls, and churches. Neither the mind nor the heart can contemplate a cause that could lead a human being to inflict such injury and destruction on fellow human beings. We can never completely understand why these things happen; however, we must persevere through the melancholy. The loss of those lives and innocence is a tragedy which all Americans mourn. In the face of such overwhelming grief, I hope the families and friends of those affected can take comfort in the certain knowledge that unearned suffering is redemptive. My deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and everyone who is affected by this tragic situation. This devastation reaffirms why we, as public officials, must take steps to ensure that the United States is a safer environment where acts of violence based on hate are not tolerated. We cannot sufficiently articulate the feelings of sorrow that are universally felt. I extend my prayers and support to the bereaved families during this time of mourning. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation, and, in-so-doing, showing respect for the lives that were lost, sacrificed, and spared.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1097, ``Expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2008, as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, to provide attention to the tragic circumstances that face some of our Nation's children on a daily basis and to underscore our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect so that all children can live in safety and security.'' I would like to thank my distinguished colleague, Joe Courtney of Connecticut, for introducing this important piece of legislation. There is no greater crime that an individual can commit to a child than the crime of child molestation and child abuse. The perpetrators of this crime rob children of their innocence. Moreover, victims of child molestation are profoundly affected for the rest of their lives. As parents, elected officials and concerned citizens, we have an obligation to condemn this violence, work for stronger enforcement of the law and provide adequate funding for programs to assist children who may have experienced such abuse. The problem of violence against children and sexual exploitation of children has been highlighted by recent events involving brutal acts of violence against children. Some recent incidents you may remember include: (1) the abduction, rape and killing of 9 year old Jessica Lunford (who was buried alive); (2) the slaying of 13 year old Sarah Lunde, both of whom were killed in Florida by career criminals and sex offenders. In Philadelphia, four defendants were charged with the stabbing and killing of a 15 year old girl, who they then threw into the Schuykill River. All of these tragic events have underscored the continuing epidemic of violence against children. Children who are abused or neglected are at higher risk in adulthood for health problems such as alcoholism, depression, drug abuse, eating disorders, obesity, suicide, and certain chronic diseases Sadly, sexual abuse is often committed by a family member. Approximately 91,000 of the victims of abuse and neglect had not yet reached their first birthday, with more than 84 percent being less than a month old. Incest is the most common form of child sexual abuse. It is often perpetrated by adults that have been entrusted with caring for a child--a family friend, babysitter, a teacher, day care worker, or even religious leaders. At least one out of five adult women and one out of ten adult men report having been sexually abused as children. In Texas, there were more than 111,000 investigations of child abuse and neglect by the Child Protective Services in Texas. Of those cases, 7,650 were sexual abuse. In addition, the sexual victimization of children is overwhelming in magnitude and largely unrecognized and underreported. Statistics show that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys are sexually exploited before they reach adulthood, yet less than 35 percent of the incidents are reported to authorities. This problem is exacerbated by the number of children who are solicited online--according to the Department of Justice I in 5 children (10 to 17 years old) receive unwanted sexual solicitations online. It is estimated that approximately one-third of abused and neglected children grow up to victimize their own children. Child abuse and neglect can have long-term economic and societal costs. Community-based services to overburdened families are far less costly than the emotional and physical damage inflicted on children or the costs of child protective services, law enforcement, courts, foster care, health care, and the treatment of adults recovering from child abuse. The annual estimated cost to the United States for not preventing child abuse and neglect is approximately $104 billion according to a 2008 report by Prevent Child Abuse America. It will take more than just stronger enforcement of the law to prevent child molestation and other forms of abuse against children. To end this serious abuse of children, all segments of the community such as parents, educators, religious leaders, and community leaders must create a nurturing environment for children where they know that they are loved and deserve to be protected from violence and sexual abuse and feel comfortable in reporting. Local law enforcement receives increased flexibility in how it invests grants for child abuse victims, specifically by providing access to criminal conviction records by child protective and child welfare workers. This would enable workers to determine if troubled children are victims of abuse. State law enforcement would also have access to court child custody, visitation, protection, guardianships and stay away orders. Police could use this information to establish the validity of urgent complaints concerning children who may have been kidnapped by an abusive ex-spouse. I express my support for the designation of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I believe we should increase public awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention and should continue to work to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. We should recognize that child abuse and neglect prevention programs reduce child maltreatment, strengthen families, reduce mental illness, deter criminal behavior, and contribute to children's positive emotional, academic, social, and cognitive development.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5517, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7231 FM 1960 in Humble, Texas, as the ``Texas Military Veterans Post Office.'' I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Poe, for introducing this important bill, and Chairman Waxman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee for bringing this legislation to the floor today. I strongly support honoring veterans of our armed forces, and I am proud to join my colleagues in the Texas delegation as an original cosponsor of this legislation. I hope my colleagues will join me in designating this facility as the Texas Military Veteran Post Office as a token of our appreciation. The American men and women who serve in our armed forces are one of our Nation's most precious resources. Their service to this Nation could never be repaid, but we can ensure that our veterans who have faithfully served our country receive the recognition they are due and the services they need. Passing this resolution will send a strong message to our veterans that we appreciate their service. Our Nation has a proud legacy of appreciation and commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this country. We must show every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine that we honor and continue to respect their service to our Nation. Currently, there are 25 million veterans in the United States. There are more than 1,633,000 veterans living in Texas and more than 32,000 veterans living in my Congressional district alone. I firmly believe that we should celebrate our veterans after every conflict, and I remain committed, as a Member of Congress, to both meeting the needs of veterans of previous wars, and to provide a fitting welcome home to those who are now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Veterans have kept their promise to serve our Nation; they have willingly risked their lives to protect the country we all love. We must now ensure that we keep our promises to our veterans. Because I feel it is time that we recognize the success of our Nation's armed forces, I have introduced H.R. 4020, the ``Military Success in Iraq Commemoration Act of 2007.'' This legislation recognizes the extraordinary performance of the Armed Forces in achieving the military objectives of the United States in Iraq as expressed by the Congressional mandate allowing for use of force, encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe a national day of celebration commemorating the military success of American troops in Iraq. Most importantly, my legislation provides affirmative and tangible expressions of appreciation from a grateful nation to all veterans of the war in Iraq. It authorizes the Secretary of Defense to award grants to State and local governments ``to conduct suitable activities commemorating military success in Iraq'' and ``to create appropriate memorials honoring those who lost their lives securing military success in Iraq.'' My legislation sets up grants for veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom, stating ``the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall award to each veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom a grant in the amount of $5,000. The purpose of that grant is to facilitate the veteran's transition to civilian life.'' I am pleased that thirteen of my colleagues have already signed onto this important legislation. Renaming this post office facility to honor our veterans is a small but important step toward giving veterans the full accolades that they deserve. At various points in our Nation's history, we have sent our sons and daughters overseas to fight in defense of the great values and principles our Nation was founded upon. At times when the need is greatest, America's soldiers have always stepped up to protect our Nation. Let us show them our gratitude by presenting them with a postal facility that stands as a symbol of their dedication and sacrifice. Let us never forget that one of the things that makes our Nation truly great are the young men and women who have fought to defend it and our way of life. I firmly believe that we must commend the men and women of our military for their exemplary performance and success. When World War II finally came to an end in 1945, celebrations erupted on the streets of cities and towns across our Nation. One of the most enduring images of that war is not a picture of bombs or destruction, but of a jubilant soldier kissing a woman in New York City's Times Square. The veterans we continue to honor as the ``Greatest Generation'' returned home not only to open arms, but also to the G.I. Bill, which offered them college or vocational education, as well as one year of unemployment compensation. It also provided loans for returning veterans to buy homes and start businesses. This Congress has begun to show our appreciation through legislation. We have already enacted significant increases in veterans' health care funding--increasing it by $5.2 billion. The increase will go for veterans' health programs, including mental health care for returning veterans, especially for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In the words of President John F. Kennedy, ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.'' It is not simply enough to sing the praises of our Nation's great veterans; I firmly believe that we must demonstrate by our actions how proud we are of our American heroes. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5517, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7231 FM 1960 in Humble, Texas, as the ``Texas Military Veteran Post Office.''

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the gentlelady from New York, and I am so much in favor of this process that I had to bring two constitutional books to the floor to be seen by my colleagues. I support this initiative because it restores the constitutional authority to this floor and to the Speaker of the House. And for someone who has voted for trade bills that are fair, I ask my colleagues to recognize that we have an obligation to the American people. For if we look at the month of March, the third month of declining numbers of U.S. jobs, with losses widespread across all sectors and the biggest losses coming in construction and manufacturing, the experts, including Federal Chairman Ben Bernanke and former Federal Chairman Alan Greenspan, have confirmed the serious challenges to the United States economy. One former Labor Secretary has also uttered the word ``depression.'' This is an opportunity for us to be able to establish our authority on the floor to work through legislation and to ask the question of my friends on the other side of the aisle, if trade bills are so effective, why are we losing jobs? Why are people without employment? Why are we in this economic crisis? And so we are standing up for American workers. We are standing up for the workers in Colombia. I have the greatest respect for President Uribe. I look forward to working on legislation that addresses the labor concerns of working-class indigenous Colombians, and this is a two-way street. My friends on the other side of the aisle cannot prove that ignoring the Constitution will get us jobs. Vote for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1092, the rule for consideration of H.R. 5724 implementing the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi for her exemplary leadership on this important issue and for bringing this rule to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, it is vital to delay the consideration of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, FTA. The Republican-controlled 109th Congress recklessly allowed the President to precipitously pass free trade agreements without sufficient consideration of the impact on our economy and hard-working Americans and without ensuring that the labor rights of workers are protected in the country seeking the FTA. Today more than ever, with our economy suffering from a substantial downturn, which includes rising unemployment and a housing foreclosure crisis, it is imperative that the Democratic-controlled 110th Congress continue our practice of providing sufficient consideration of free trade agreements prior to their implementation. Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of visiting Colombia last year, and I am extremely concerned about the ongoing oppression of Afro-Colombian populations. Afro-Colombians face the same social barriers that all Afro-Latinos face around Latin America; social marginalization, lack of access to health care, lack of educational opportunities, lack of workforce opportunities. In Colombia, however, this marginalization is intensified by the ongoing conflict. The effects of the armed conflict, specifically forced displacement, in Colombia falls disproportionately on the back of Afro-Colombians. In fact, Colombia's highest rate of displacement in 2003 was recorded in the Choco region, where approximately 75 percent of the population is Afro-Colombian. Because Afro-Colombians largely inhabit areas that have been neglected by the federal government, they have been extremely appealing targets for narco-traffickers, guerilla insurgent groups, and paramilitary forces. Afro-Colombians have been forcibly and violently displaced, and they continue to face a range of human rights abuses that go uninvestigated by the judicial system. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Colombian Government must be more active protecting and promoting the rights of Afro-Colombian populations. This must take the shape of providing more access to health care and education, especially for internally displaced persons. Additionally, more security must be established in typically neglected regions. H. Res. 1092, as reported by the House Rules Committee, provides that two sections--section 151(e)(1) and section 151(f)(1)--of the Trade Act of 1974 shall not apply in the case of H.R. 5724, to implement the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. In effect, Mr. Speaker, this rule will suspend the requirement that the Colombia Free Trade Agreement be considered within 60 legislative days in the House. It will give Congress the prerogative to schedule a vote on this piece of legislation, working with labor and many other groups concerned about American workers and fair trade. Mr. Speaker, I believe that rushing this legislation to the floor would be an incredible mistake. We are currently in the midst of an economic downturn, with numbers released last Friday showing a sharp increase in the number of jobless Americans. According to these numbers, the number of jobs outside the agricultural sector fell by 80,000 last month, a figure that represents the biggest drop in nearly five years. March is the third month of declining numbers of U.S. jobs, with losses widespread across all sectors and the biggest losses coming in construction and manufacturing. The experts, including Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan, have confirmed the serious challenges facing the United States economy. Mr. Speaker, now is the time to strengthen the American economy. This Congress must put American workers first. I believe that, through bipartisan negotiations coupled with urgent action taken to repair the struggling American economy, we can create the conditions for a successful free trade deal with Colombia. However, Mr. Speaker, this will take time. Instead of working with Congress to address the legitimate and serious economic concerns of the American people, the President has engaged in highly partisan politics to attempt to ram this legislation through the Congress. On Tuesday, President Bush took the unprecedented step of sending his Colombia trade deal to Congress without following established protocols of congressional consultation. By engaging in this political maneuver, the President has forced Congress to take this action. The rule we are considering today would remove the fast-track timeline for the Colombia free-trade agreement. By doing so, this rule returns the role, provided by the Constitution, of scheduling considering of measures to the Congress. The authority to do so is provided in the Fast Track law, PL 107-210, which explicitly recognizes ``the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating the procedures of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as any other rule of that House.'' Today, we are doing exactly that. Mr. Speaker, I believe there are a number of issues that need to be addressed before a free trade deal with Colombia is approved. In addition to the concerns about the American economy and American workers, trade legislation should also benefit the people of Colombia, particularly the working classes. I remain concerned about many ongoing abuses in Colombia that, in my opinion, make such a deal inappropriate at this time. In particular, I am concerned about the suppression of labor rights in Colombia and the targeted killing of labor organizers. Two Foreign Affairs subcommittees, the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, held a hearing last June about the ongoing pattern of labor violence in Colombia, and I would like to see many of the issues raised in that hearing addressed before a trade deal with Colombia is signed. I believe that President Alvaro Uribe Velez has, since taking office in August 2002, made important strides toward establishing state control throughout the country, to revitalize the economy, and to combat corruption. I also believe that a fair free trade agreement can immensely benefit the people of Colombia. Colombia continues to face severe income disparities, coupled with poverty and inadequate social services. According to World Bank estimates, 65 percent of Colombia's population lives below the poverty line. Poverty in rural areas is particularly severe, with rates in these regions approaching 80 percent, and the World Bank estimates that 38 percent of rural residents do not have access to potable water, and 68 percent do not have access to sewage treatment services. In addition, Colombia's rural areas have an estimated illiteracy rate of 15 percent. Mr. Speaker, I believe we must work together to develop and pass a trade bill that will benefit the American economy, and that will also trickle down to benefit all levels of Colombian society. I was proud to cosponsor and to vote for the Trade and Development Act of 2000, which included the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act. This legislation expanded the Caribbean Basin Initiative, which is intended to facilitate the economic development and export diversification of the Caribbean Basin economies. I supported this initiative because it not only benefited American workers and the American economy, but it also carried true benefits for the people of the target nations. I am proud to vote for fair free trade legislation that will benefit workers both here and abroad. Mr. Speaker, I support this rule because it will return to Congress its constitutionally granted power to schedule consideration of legislation, and it will give us the flexibility necessary to hold bipartisan negotiations regarding this legislation. I urge my colleagues to put the American economy and American workers first during this financially uncertain time, and to support the passage of H. Res. 1092.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this is an interesting day. Earlier today on the floor of the House, we rose to pay tribute to the 5-year anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security and to express our appreciation for the employees for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to protect and secure our Nation. Security protection is not perfect. And there have been challenges and, if you will, mountains to climb in preparing this Nation for its own security. Having been on the early established Homeland Security Committee and having gone to Ground Zero as the smoke was simmering, I know full well the value and purpose of all of these front-line employees. I offer them today my greatest appreciation and would say to all of them, I would wish that all of our jobs relating to security would be extinguished, but we know that it cannot, and our task is to protect Americans. For that, we must be diligent and transparent. We must value civil liberties, but as well, we must be sure on security. Mr. Speaker, I truly believe that when we bring our troops home, we will have a civilian Homeland Security Department that can truly help secure America.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5472, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Indianapolis, IN, as the ``Julia M. Carson Post Office Building,'' introduced by my distinguished colleague from Indiana, Representative Peter Visclosky. Through this important resolution, the House of Representatives will give final tribute to our colleague, sister, mentor and friend. As a member of this House, I have been privileged to work with some extraordinary men and women. Julia Carson was an extraordinary woman and an extraordinary champion of justice and equality. Julia Carson was a powerful force for change in this country and was an articulate champion for the poor, homeless and those who suffered from discrimination and racial injustice. As the first woman and first African-American elected to represent Indianapolis in Congress, Julia truly represented and will be remembered as an American hero. Julia was so keenly committed to those who could not speak for themselves and could not help themselves. A longtime legislator in the Indiana State Legislature and advocate for her community, Julia's history, by its very nature, directed her to the fight for those who, like herself, grew up with very little, but yet could look to this great country and actually believe that they could achieve their dreams. Julia Carson who grew up poor and lived through segregation was elected in 1996 to the U.S. House of Representatives. Among many, one of her biggest achievements came in 1999 when she successfully pushed through legislation granting the Congressional Gold Medal to Rosa Parks, the mother of the civil rights movement. Congresswoman Julia Carson lived her life to the fullest extent. She left few stones unturned. Her passion for family and community was unparallel. Though she was only a member of this body for 11 years, her life and legacy will last an eternity. Representative Carson was a true advocate for and of the people. For over 35 years she worked tirelessly for her community and she was the greatest example of humility, self-determination, fortitude, strength and resilience. She will always be remembered for her advocacy of the most disadvantaged and she will truly be missed. It is because of the legacy of Congresswoman Julia Carson that I rise today in support of the naming the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Indianapolis, IN, as the ``Julia M. Carson Post Office Building''. Though Julia is no longer with us, we can still honor her. Mr. Speaker, we must never forget the life and legacy of a woman who touched the hearts and minds of so many. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 865, ``Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the March 2007 report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development makes an important contribution to the understanding of the high levels of crime and violence in the Caribbean, and that the United States should work with Caribbean countries to address crime and violence in the region,'' introduced by my friend and colleague Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, of which I am proud to be an original cosponsor. Mr. Speaker, I have traveled in the Caribbean recently, and I, together with many of my colleagues on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, had the opportunity to meet with CARICOM leaders last year. I believe that it is extremely beneficial to all our nations, and to the international community, that we continue this trend of increasing engagement and interaction. Equally important is that we ensure that, in our process of engagement, that we are truly listening and responding to the concerns presented by government and civil society leaders of the Caribbean nations, as well as addressing our own social, economic, and security goals. Crime and violence in the Caribbean region is undoubtedly one area in which our concerns are in line with local needs. Most observers have indicated that the level of crime and violence throughout the Caribbean basin has increased over the past decade, a trend confirmed by a joint report issued by the United Nations and the World Bank last year. This report, titled ``Crime, Violence, and Development: Trends, Costs, and Policy Options in the Caribbean,'' found that crime and violence have increased throughout the Caribbean to such an alarming extent that the region, as a whole, now has the highest overall crime rate of any region in the world. Mr. Speaker, it is dangerous to characterize an entire region, as each nation is different; however, there are some general statistics regarding the Caribbean Community that cannot be ignored. While some countries have been relatively successful at maintaining low levels of crime, as a whole, the Caribbean has murder rates four times higher than those of the United States. Regional rape rates are above the global average, and three countries in the region are among the 10 countries globally with the highest rate of rape. In addition to violent crime, trafficking of drugs remains a significant problem in the region, and one that has a serious impact on our own country as well. In 2005 alone, for example, 30 tons of cocaine transited through Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. According to the White House's Office of National Drug Policy, the Caribbean Corridor accounted for approximately 8 percent of the total documented flow of cocaine departing South America in 2004. The region also plays a prominent role in drug-related money laundering. Mr. Speaker, these facts combine to create a crisis with long-term developmental consequences. Trade, commerce, tourism, and social well- being are all threatened by these crimes, and the nations in the Caribbean region will not be the only ones to suffer. Declining stability in the Western Hemisphere will seriously impair U.S. efforts to fight organized crime and drug trade, while instability in the Caribbean region has historically impacted immigration patterns to the United States. The Caribbean Community is one of our most important allies in ensuring our borders are secure--regional instability means gaps in our border protection efforts. The United States must work together with our Caribbean friends and allies, to develop effective partnerships in search of workable solutions. If the Caribbean is destabilized, all of our nations will suffer the consequences. We have an opportunity to address this problem before it destabilizes much of the hemisphere and jeopardizes U.S. security. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 865 to express the sense of the House that the U.S. and its CARICOM allies take up the U.N./World Bank report's recommendations and work together to solve this potentially devastating problem before it is too late.