Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I ask my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3161, which strengthens our rural communities, while making sure that the American people have adequate, safe and nutritious food to eat. Let me commend the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee, Ms. DeLauro, for her exceptional leadership in crafting such extraordinary legislation to combat hunger, obesity and malnutrition in our nation and around the world. That is why I strongly support this bill. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3161 allows us to reinvest in the often forgotten but most vitally important rural areas of America. H.R. 3161 is designed to sustain the vitality of rural America, as well as protecting public health and food safety, improving nutrition and healthy eating, and promoting renewable energy and conservation in America. Mr. Speaker, more than 3 million households in the rural America continue to have inadequate or no water or sewer service at all. H.R. 3161 is the solution to this disparity in that it provides $500 million for rural water and waste disposal grants, a 14 percent increase over 2007, and $1 billion for water and waste direct loans for the fiscal year. Mr. Speaker, energy independence and protecting our environment are universal concerns to us all. The Energy Information Administration estimates that the United States imports nearly 60 percent of the oil it consumes. A bill that I have proposed, the 21st Century Energy Independence Act acknowledges this issue and aims to replace oil imports with domestic alternatives such as traditional and cellulosic ethanol that can help reduce the $180 billion that oil contributes to our annual trade deficit, and end our addiction to foreign oil. My bill alleviates our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels by utilizing loan guarantees to promote the development of traditional and cellulosic ethanol technology. In addition to ensuring access to more abundant sources of energy, replacing petroleum use with ethanol will help reduce U.S. carbon emissions, which are otherwise expected to increase by 80 percent by 2025. Cellulosic ethanol can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 87 percent. Thus, transitioning from foreign oil to ethanol will protect our environment from dangerous carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3161 supports an innovative solution to our national energy crisis as well. H.R. 3161 ensures that America achieves energy independence and improves our environment by establishing a loan guarantee program which supports projects for the harvesting, storing, and delivery of agriculture residues for use in cellulosic or traditional ethanol production plants. H.R. 3161 supports energy and conservation, nearly doubles funding for renewable energy loans and grants to businesses to grow our economy, create new jobs, lower energy prices, and reduce global warming. The bill provides resources for research, aid to farmers and ranchers, and loans to businesses, restores many vital programs such as the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, Resource Conservation and Development, and the watershed programs. Mr. Speaker, recent food scares--about peanut butter and lettuce-- have made Americans nervous about where their food originates. H.R. 3161 tackles these concerns and addresses the importance of food safety. This bill fully funds the Food Safety and Inspection Service at USDA, shifts funds to fill vacancies in federal meat inspector positions, invests in research, and funds a transformation of FDA food safety regulations. It also prohibits imported poultry products from China, and sets a timeline for USDA to implement critical country of origin labeling for our meat supply after six years of Republican delays. In addition, H.R. 3161 provides a special supplemental nutritional program for women, infants, and children other known as (WIC). This provision is so essential because it affords many women, especially women of color in lower income brackets, the opportunity to care for themselves and their newborns after birth. Without programs such as WIC, many mothers would not be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancies and after childbirth. Because of WIC, mothers can afford their nutritional foods they need to sustain their pregnancies and avoid miscarriages, stillbirths and defects caused by malnourishment during pregnancy. H.R. 3161 invests $233.4 million (4 percent) more than the President to feed more than 8 million pregnant women, mothers and children next year. Mr. Speaker, I believe in the importance of multilateral engagement, and in the immense value of working with other concerned parties. Hunger and malnutrition are truly global problems, and, while I strongly urge the United States to be a leader in combating both, it is not the only world actor. International organizations, like the United Nations, are actively combating global hunger through a number of different organs including the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization. Additionally, regional organizations, such as the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), play a crucial role in efforts to eradicate hunger. I have an amendment that requires coordination and integration between different foreign assistance programs, and it states that assistance shall also be coordinated and integrated in the recipient country with other donors, including international and regional organizations and other donor countries. Nonetheless, hunger is not a problem facing not only the international community faces, but it is also a problem in our own country. Many women, children, and the elderly should not wake and go to bed hungry in our great nation, but tragically this happens all too often in the cities and villages and small towns of our great country. Too many Americans continue to suffer from food shortages, hunger, and insecurity. According to 2005 figures, 35.1 million people live in households that are ``food insecure,'' or they do not know where their next meal will come from. The commodity supplemental food program incorporated into H.R. 3161 provides $500,000 monthly in the year 2007 to combat hunger and increases funding in this area to allow people in five additional states to participate in the program and expand those getting food in states already in the program. In addition, under the Food Stamp Benefit provision, H.R. 3161 protects the most vulnerable and helpless; families of soldiers in combat. Like the recently passed Farm bill, the measure ensures that the families of soldiers in combat are not penalized under the Food Stamp program. It also rejects the Administration's proposal to restrict eligibility for food stamps by excluding needy families who are receiving certain other services. Mr. Speaker, let us remember that 1 in 3 American adults is overweight or obese and more than 9 million children are struggling with obesity. H.R. 3161 aims to improve the eating habits of Americans, particularly our children, through programs that teach children about healthy eating. H.R. 3161 increases funding for nutrition programs, including the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, which broadens Fresh Fruit and Vegetable and Simplified Summer Food programs to all states to provide nutritious foods to children in low-income families, and specialty crop grants to encourage more fruit and vegetable consumption. Obesity is associated with 35 major diseases including chronic and life-threatening conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. It is important to keep our Nation healthy by providing access to high consumption of vegetables and fruits to the future of our great country, our children. By supporting H.R. 3161 we assure a healthy consumption of nutritional foods for children whose only crime is that their families are poor. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3161 is essential because it addresses one of the most staggering causes of death in children: malnutrition. Malnutrition remains a significant problem worldwide, particularly among children. According to the United Nations World Food Programme, severe acute malnutrition affects an estimated 20 million children under the age of five worldwide and is responsible in whole or in part for more than half of all deaths of children. Malnutrition kills approximately one million children each year, or an average of one every thirty seconds. These statistics are absolutely frightening and simply intolerable. They are also avoidable. The World Food Programme estimates that, when implemented on a large scale and combined with hospital treatment for children who suffer complications, a community-based approach to combating malnutrition could save the lives of hundreds of thousands of children each year. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3161 recognizes the importance of helping our neighbors in combating the hunger. H.R. 3161 provides funding for the Foreign Agricultural Service in the amount of $159,136,000 and transfers of $4,985,000, for a total salaries and expenses level of $164,121,000, an increase of $2,817,000 above the amount available for fiscal year 2007 and a decrease of $9,073,000 below the budget request. In addition, H.R. 3161 permits the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to use up to 25 percent of the funds appropriated for local or regional purchase of food to assist people threatened by a food security crisis. Mr. Speaker, if it were not for grants such as the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, many foreigners would have no other choice than to leave their native country in pursuit of a better life. H.R. 3161 reminds us that it is important for the United States to foster a relationship with other parts of the world, so that citizens of developing countries can also have basic rights such as sufficient amount of food. The McGovern-Dole International Food program is funded in this bill in the amount of $100,000,000, an increase of $1,000,000 above the amount available for fiscal year 2007, and the same as the budget request. The George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program fights child hunger and poverty by supporting school feeding operations, which provide nutritious meals to children in schools. This simple formula has been proven to be a success. Because of such programs, students are better able to concentrate and learn more quickly on a full stomach. Enrollment and attendance rates have skyrocketed as a result of school feeding programs, particularly among girls who are too often denied an education. Mr. Speaker, there are 110 million school-aged children suffering from hunger every day, and they are counting on America's leadership and generosity to provide them with an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. This bill provides that leadership and generosity, and it is for this reason that I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for its passage by an overwhelming margin.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3162, which represents the agreement between the House and Senate on the ``Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007,'' which the House passed in May 2007. With the adoption of this legislation, we begin to make good on our pledge to ``drain the swamp'' and end the ``culture of corruption'' that pervaded the 109th Congress. It is critically important that we adopt the reforms contained in H.R. 3162 because Americans are paying for the cost of corruption in Washington with skyrocketing prices at the pump, spiraling drug costs, and the waste, fraud and no-bid contracts in the Gulf Coast and Iraq for Administration cronies. The cozy relationship between Congress and special interests we saw during the 109th resulted in serious lobbying scandals, such as those involving Republican super lobbyist Jack Abramoff. In this scandal, several congressional staff members and a former congressman pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit fraud--accepting all-expense-paid trips to play golf in Scotland and accepting meals, sports and concert tickets, while providing legislative favors for Abramoff's clients. But that is not all. Under the previous Republican leadership of the House, lobbyists were permitted to write legislation, 15-minute votes were held open for hours, and entirely new legislation was sneaked into signed conference reports in the dead of night. The American people registered their disgust at this sordid way of running the Congress last November and voted for reform. Democrats picked up 30 seats held by Republicans and exit polls indicated that 74 percent of voters cited corruption as an extremely important or a very important issue in their choice at the polls. Ending the culture of corruption and delivering ethics reform is one of the top priorities of the new majority of House Democrats. That is why, as our first responsibility in fulfilling the mandate given the new majority by the voters, Democrats are offering an aggressive ethics reform package. We seek to end the excesses we witnessed under the Republican leadership and to restore the public's trust in the Congress of the United States. Mr. Speaker, Federal lobbying is a multi-billion dollar industry, and spending to influence members of Congress and executive branch officials has increased greatly in the last decade. While the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, LDA, is one of the main laws to promote transparency and accountability in the federal lobbying industry and represents the most comprehensive overhaul of the laws regulating lobbying practices in 50 years prior to 1995, it falls far short of a complete solution, as even recognized by its staunchest supporters, during congressional hearings on the issue. The need for further reform was highlighted by a major study of the federal lobbying industry published in April 2006 by the Center for Public Integrity, which found that since 1998, lobbyists have spent nearly $13 billion to influence members of Congress and other federal officials on legislation and regulations. The same study found that in 2003 alone, lobbyists spent $2.4 billion, with expenditures for 2004 estimated to grow to at least $3 billion. This is roughly twice as much as the already vast amount that was spent on federal political campaigns in the same time period. The LDA contains a number of measures to help prevent inappropriate influence in the lobbying arena and promote sunshine on lobbying activities. However, according to the Center's study, compliance with these requirements has been less than exemplary. For example, the report found: during the last six years, 49 out of the top 50 lobbying firms have failed to file one or more of the required forms; nearly 14,000 documents that should have been filed are missing; almost 300 individuals, companies, or associates have lobbied without being registered; more than 2,000 initial registrations were filed after the legal deadline; and in more than 2,000 instances, lobbyists never filed the required termination documents at all. Under the LDA, the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House must notify in writing any lobbyist or lobbying firm of noncompliance with registration and reporting requirements, and they must also notify the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia of the noncompliance if the lobbyist or lobbying firm fails to respond within 60 days of its notification. It appears that until very recently, however, these cases of noncompliance were not being referred to the Department of Justice for enforcement. It is also clear that the infractions that are actually being investigated by the Secretary or the Clerk do not coincide with the extent of noncompliance, and it is entirely unknown whether enforcement actions are being effectively pursued by the Department of Justice. Clearly, further reform is needed. Mr. Speaker, I commend the leadership of Speaker Pelosi and her team for the excellent work in preparing this lobbying reform package. The reforms contained in the package are tough but not nearly too tough for persons elected to represent the interests of the 600,000 constituents in their congressional districts. Indeed, similar bipartisan lobbying and government reform proposals were debated and passed by the House and Senate in 2006 but the Congress failed to reconcile the two versions. Mr Speaker, I support H.R. 3162 because it closes the ``Revolving Door,'' requires full public disclosure of lobbying activities, provides tougher enforcement of lobbying restrictions, and requires increased disclosure. H.R. 3162 closes the ``Revolving Door'' by retaining the current one- year ban on lobbying by former members and senior staff and requires them to notify the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct within three days of engaging in any negotiations or reaching any agreements regarding future employment or salary. The members' notification will be publicly disclosed. The bill also requires members and senior staff to recuse themselves during negotiations regarding future employment from any matter in which there is a conflict of interest or an appearance of a conflict. Mr. Speaker, this legislation also ends the ``K Street Project,'' made notorious during the 12 years of Republican control of Congress. Members and senior staff are prohibited from influencing employment decisions or practices of private entities for partisan political gain. Violators of this provision will be fined or imprisoned for a term of up to 15 years. Second, H.R. 3162 requires full public disclosure of lobbying activities by strengthening lobbying disclosure requirements. It does this by mandating quarterly, rather than semiannual, disclosure of lobbying reports. It covers more lobbyists by reducing the contribution thresholds from $5,000 to $2,500 in income from lobbying activities and from $20,000 to $10,000 in total lobbying expenses. It also reduces the contribution threshold of any organization other than client that contributes to lobbying activities to $5000, $10,000 under current law. Third, the legislation increases disclosure of lobbyists' contributions to lawmakers and entities controlled by lawmakers, including contributions to members' charities, to pay the cost of events or entities honoring members, contributions intended to pay the cost of a meeting or a retreat, and contributions disclosed under FECA relating to reports by conduits. Fourth, the bill requires the House Clerk to provide public Internet access to lobbying reports within 48 hours of electronic filing and requires that the lobbyist/employing firm provide a certification or disclosure report attesting that it did not violate House/Senate gift ban rules. And it makes it a violation of the LDA for a lobbyist to provide a gift or travel to a member/officer or employee of Congress with knowledge that the gift or travel is in violation of House/Senate rules. Transparency is increased by the requirements in the bill that lobbyists to disclose past Executive and Congressional employment and that lobbying reports be filed electronically and maintained in a searchable, downloadable database. For good reason, the bill also requires disclosure of lobbying activities by certain coalitions but expressly exempts 501(c) and 527 organizations. Finally, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3162 increases civil penalties for violation of the Lobby Disclosure Act from $50,000 to $200,000 and adds a criminal penalty of up to 5 years for knowing and corrupt failure to comply. Finally, the bill requires members to prohibit their staff from having any official contact with the member's spouse who is a registered lobbyist or is employed or retained by such an individual and establishes a public database of member Travel and Personal Financial Disclosure Forms. Mr. Speaker, it is wholly fitting and proper that at the beginning of this new 110th Congress, the Members of this House, along with all of the American people, paid fitting tribute to the late President Gerald R. ``Jerry'' Ford, a former leader in this House, who did so much to heal our Nation in the aftermath of Watergate. Upon assuming the Presidency, President Ford assured the Nation: ``My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.'' By his words and deeds, President Ford helped turn the country back on the right track. He will be forever remembered for his integrity, good character, and commitment to the national interest. This House today faces a similar challenge. To restore public confidence in this institution we must commit ourselves to being the most honest, most ethical, most responsive, most transparent Congress in history. We can end the nightmare of the last 6 years by putting the needs of the American people before those of the lobbyists and special interests. To do that, we can start by adopting by H.R. 3162.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on the other hand unlike the minority, I rise to champion the CHAMP Act. Let me thank Chairman Stark, let me thank Mr. Dingell, and Mr. Rangel for providing the threesome who understood that our children are in need! Mr. Speaker, it is a crisis. The CHIPS is getting ready to expire. I am very glad that we did something monumental in 1997 by implementing a program to help America's children-- CHIP. Five million children will be added. It will make it a total of 11 million children. Also seniors will have their choice of hospitals an doctors and they will be able to get all of their benefits under Medicare. We will follow the current immigration law so the argument regarding undocumented immigrants is unfounded. But a sick person is a sick person, a sick baby is a sick baby, and Texas needs dollars, and America needs this health coverage. At the same time, I look forward to working with the committee so that our doctor-owned hospitals in rural and underserved areas will be able to get a waiver so that they can continue to serve in those areas. But I am proud that we are providing more benefits, not fewer benefits, and we are providing more dollars for the State of Texas' most neediest residents--children and seniors--they need good health care now. I urge my colleagues to support the CHAMP Act. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007 (CHAMP Act). I would like to thank my colleague Mr. Dingell for introducing this legislation, and for his leadership, together with that of Mr. Rangel, in shepherding this legislation through both the Energy and Commerce and the Ways and Means Committees. This important legislation commits $50 billion to reauthorize and improve the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, and it also makes critical investments in Medicare to protect the health care available to our Nation's senior citizens. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this excellent bill. Mr. Speaker, SCHIP was created in 1997, with broad bipartisan support, to address the critical issue of the large numbers of children in our country without access to health care. It serves the children of working families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but who either are not able to afford health insurance or whose parents hold jobs without health care benefits. Children without health insurance often forgo crucial preventative treatment. They cannot go to the doctor for annual checkups or to receive treatment for relatively minor illnesses, allowing easily treatable ailments to become serious medical emergencies. They must instead rely on costly emergency care. This has serious health implications for these children, and it creates additional financial burdens on their families, communities, and the entire Nation. This year alone, 6 million children are receiving health care as a result of SCHIP. However, funding for this visionary program expires September 30. Congress must act now to ensure that these millions of children can continue to receive quality, affordable health insurance. President Bush has employed rhetoric in support of this program while on the campaign trail, stating in 2004 that ``In a new term, we will lead an aggressive effort to enroll millions of poor children who are eligible but not signed up for government health insurance programs.'' Unfortunately, however, in practice both the Administration and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle in Congress have proposed significant cuts in the program. If these are approved, millions of children will lose health coverage. As chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I can think of few goals more important than ensuring that our children have access to health coverage. It costs us less than $3.50 a day to cover a child through SCHIP. For this small sum, we can ensure that a child from a working family can receive crucial preventative care, allowing them to be more successful in school and in life. Without this program, millions of children will lose health coverage, further straining our already tenuous healthcare safety net. Additionally, through this legislation, we have an opportunity to make health care even more available to America's children. The majority of uninsured children are currently eligible for coverage, either through SCHIP or through Medicaid. We must demonstrate our commitment to identifying and enrolling these children, through both increased funding and a campaign of concerted outreach. This legislation provides States with the tools and incentives they need to reach these unenrolled children without expanding the program to make more children eligible. In my home State of Texas, as of June 2006, SCHIP was benefiting 293,000 children. This is a decline of over 33,000 children from the previous year. We must continue to work to ensure that all eligible children can participate in this important program. To this end, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed legislation in June to, among other things, create a community outreach campaign for SCHIP. In addition to reauthorizing and improving the SCHIP program, this legislation also protects and improves Medicare. Due to a broken payment formula, access to medical services for senior citizens and people with disabilities is currently in jeopardy. Physicians who provide healthcare to Medicare beneficiaries face a 10 percent cut in their reimbursement rates next year, with the prospect of further reductions in years to come looming on the horizon. The budget proposed by the Bush administration does not help these doctors, or the patients that they serve. Mr. Speaker, I believe that senior citizens and individuals with disabilities deserve access to quality and affordable healthcare. Currently, there are 35 million seniors without private health plans, and, at current rates, the Medicare Trust Fund will be depleted early because of excess payments to HMOs. This legislation reverses Republican efforts to privatize Medicare, and it ensures that seniors will have access to the doctor of their choice. This is extremely important legislation providing for the health coverage of 11 million low-income children, as well as protecting the health services available to senior citizens and persons with disabilities. I strongly support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished gentleman. Let me quickly thank you for your leadership and thank the ranking member of our Committee on Foreign Affairs, who I know is involved in this action. And let me applaud the approach. That's what I want to reaffirm. Diplomatic and economic sanctions have not been used effectively against Iran. And with the more publicized National Intelligence Estimates that indicates that terrorism is franchising around the world, the troubling activities of Iran with Iraq and the actions that seem to be moving Iran toward nuclear creativity, if you will, warrants a strong statement by the United States. And it also is warranted because of the active middle class who wants a democratic and free Iran. This is a right way to go. It is a different approach from a military strike and the representations of this administration about attacking Iran militarily. The American people want to see us act, and I believe that this legislation dealing with a list of those investing and giving guidance to the economic sector is the right direction to take. And I am also grateful that this does not preempt State law and States that have already gone further in divestment. So I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I hope my colleagues will support this legislation

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding. And I again want to emphasize that we are taking a monumental step forward in getting America's foreign policy on record opposing the actions in Iran. I would say almost irresponsible actions by the government. I wanted to rise and thank Chairman Frank and Mr. Sherman, whose leadership on both the Financial Services Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee is well evident, this commitment to a free and democratic Iran. But I speak to the Iranian community here in the United States, who, every day that I see them in my own community, want this peaceful and democratic Iran. We have to join with them, and I think these sanctions raise the ante on the economic divestiture and also the opportunity for diplomacy Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2347, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007. I would like to thank my colleague, Chairman Franks, for introducing this important legislation, as well as for his leadership on the Financial Services Committee. According to the Administration's ``National Security Strategy'' document released on March 16, 2006, the United States ``may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran.'' I find Iran's support of terrorist organizations, pursuit of nuclear weapons, and dismal human rights record to be extremely worrisome. 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 community, particularly with respect to the proliferation of nuclear weapons. An Iran that, unfortunately, we do not see today. This legislation is a very important step because it uses diplomacy and economic tools effectively. We must not move to join the representation of the Bush Administration to begin another non-declared war. The President should work diplomatically and economically without provoking war or an offensive attack without the constitutional authority. Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan bill authorizes state and local governments, as well as educational institutions, to divest from companies which invest in Iran's energy sector. Because estimates indicate that these companies account for 80 percent of Iran's hard currency, they directly allow Iran to fund its illicit nuclear weapons program. The Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007 directs the Secretary of the Treasury to publish biannually in the Federal Register a list of each person, whether within or outside of the United States, that has an investment of more than $20 million in the energy sector in Iran and to maintain on the Web site of the Department of the Treasury the names of the persons on such list. It shields any registered investment company from civil, criminal, or administrative action based upon its divesting from, or avoiding investing in, securities issued by companies included on such most recent list. Additionally, this legislation expresses the sense of Congress that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board should initiate efforts to provide a terror-free international investment option among the funds of the Thrift Savings Fund. Federal employees should have the opportunity to prevent their retirement savings from being invested in companies that support terrorism. Mr. Speaker, Iran cannot be permitted to develop nuclear bombs. Although most experts believe that Iran is at least several years away from developing a nuclear weapon, the fact that Iran has begun the process is a very clear and disturbing signal. The United States must recognize that it is dangerous to do nothing. But it is equally dangerous to take actions that are rash, unwise, or ineffective. We have ignored the inflammatory rhetoric of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. But we cannot ignore Iran's breaking of the U.N. seals on its uranium-enriching facilities in January. The U.S. government immediately understood the severity of the situation. This is not just a minor diplomatic nuisance--this is a serious security threat. The safety of the Iranian people, the safety of the Middle East, and even our own security is at risk. I firmly believe that we must utilize multilateral diplomatic channels to persuade Iran that it is not in its best interest to pursue nuclear weapons programs. I strongly support economic and diplomatic efforts to reign in Tehran, and I believe that we can work to resolve this crisis without resorting to the use of force. I strongly support this important legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Let me just add, in my final comments, my support for H.R. 180, and I thank Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Chairman Frank for raising to the level of prominence the importance of divestiture in Sudan. There is not one day when we are not accounting for the numbers who die, the numbers who are suffering in Chad, and I want to rise to thank my State, the State of Texas, for being one of those States that has approved legislation that has divested our State funds from Sudan. As I close, let me say as Secretary Paulson makes his way to China, I am hoping that he will have on his agenda the divestiture by China out of Iran and out of Sudan. It is, I believe, an international embarrassment but, more importantly, lives are being lost. And I think it is an important diplomatic, if you will, crisis that China continues to support Sudan through its energy purchases. I hope that is a discussion, and I ask my colleagues to support both bills

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank the ranking member of this committee for creating the forum to recognize atrocities that many have tried to forget. Let me thank Mr. Honda, the moving force of this legislation and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, for his leadership, and I am so glad we have all mentioned Lane Evans because of the spirit and the enthusiasm and the determination in which he authored this legislation earlier before he left Congress. Let me also speak to Ms. Lee, who remains as a steadfast anchor for all the women who cannot speak for themselves. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a different approach. I hope that people do not take lightly what acknowledgment, apologies and accepting historical responsibility means. This is about sexual slavery. I ask my colleagues to just think that if we were addressing the question today, which we have done in our Foreign Affairs Committee on sexual slavery, the holding of women, the debasing of women, the degrading of women, would most of us be rushing to the floor of the House to be able to condemn those actions that might be around us and around the world? This is no less degrading, and its historical perspective does not diminish the responsibility of Japan and of this Congress to be able to say to these comfort women, women who were sexual slaves, that we apologize or ask Japan to apologize and hold the nation historically accountable for those actions. Do you know that today textbooks in Japan, many of them diminish the actions of Japan and the activities that held the comfort women? These were women engaged in sexual activities allegedly to give comfort to the military. So I would simply say, having gone through a number of debates about apologies regarding slavery in America, that apologies do count. It means something for those who have suffered in a way that they can never, never find an expression for. So I rise today to support H. Res. 121 and place it in a historical context but in the context of today. We know that if any of those issues arise before us, we would stand here in condemnation. The comfort women's plight is no less deserving of our Nation, and, of course, a recognition by Japan that an apology, accountability, will go a long way in soothing the deeply embedded pain for those who no longer live but for those who live and suffer. I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 121

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 180, the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007, introduced by my colleague Ms. Lee of California, of which I am a co- sponsor. Mr. Speaker, Darfur, where the fIrst genocide of the 20th century rages, remains the worst humanitarian situation we face today. Since the crisis began in 2003, an estimated 400,000 people have been killed by the Government of Sudan and its Janjaweed allies. Additionally, over 2,000,000 people have been displaced from their homes and livelihoods, many of whom are still either internally displaced within Darfur or are in refugee camps across the border in Chad. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate declared that the atrocities in the Darfur region of Sudan constitute genocide in July 2004, and the Bush administration reached the same conclusion in September 2004. And yet, three years later, the humanitarian situation in Darfur continues to decline. As attacks on international aid organizations continue to mount, the numbers of humanitarian relief workers active in the area are sharply declining. During the first three months of 2007, 21 humanitarian vehicles were hijacked, 15 additional vehicles were looted, and gunmen raided 6 humanitarian compounds. In the 12 months preceding April 2007, the number of humanitarian relief workers in Darfur decreased by 16 percent, largely due to security concerns, restriction on access, and funding limitations. The flow of humanitarian aid has been severely threatened by the escalating violence in the region. Divestment is one solid and easy way that individuals, organizations, businesses, universities, cities, and states can not only make a strong statement against genocide, but can actually act to halt the killing in Darfur. This legislation supports state, city, and university efforts to divest funds from, or restrict investments in, companies that conduct business operations in Sudan. It directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require all companies trading in registered securities that conduct business operations directly or through parent or subsidiary companies in Sudan to disclose the nature of such operations, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the existence and extent of such companies' Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board investments. The State of Texas is one of a few states that has moved to divert from Sudan. The time to act is now. People are dying. I will be going to Sudan soon to visit the people of Darfur--we will visit aide workers and review the status of the U.N. Peacekeepers and the status of water and nutrition among the already brutalized Darfurians. Again we must act to save lives now. This legislation also prohibits U.S. government contracts with companies that conduct business operations in Sudan, with exceptions for companies with activities in southern Sudan, related to the implementation of the 2006 Darfur Peace agreement, those providing military equipment to the African Union or the U.N. in Darfur, and those providing humanitarian aid. Targeted financial policies of this sort ensure that they will have the maximum impact on the government of Sudan, while minimizing any negative effect on innocent Sudanese civilians. While U.S. law already prohibits American companies from directly operating in Sudan, they may still invest in foreign companies operating in Sudan, including many that are directly involved in supporting the genocide. Americans who invest in these American companies are, without their knowledge, financing Sudan's killing fields. As this bill explicitly states, ``No American should have to worry that his or her investments or pension money was earned in support of genocide.'' However, we must engage with China to encourage it to stop supporting actions in Sudan that lead to genocide. Divestment has historically proven an effective tool to alter unjust and persecutory policies. In 1986, it was targeted against companies that conducted business operations in South Africa, and it played a critical role in ending the apartheid regime. By the time free elections took place in 1994, large numbers of American States, counties, cities, and universities had adopted divestment policies. Similarly, divestment has become an increasingly popular option in the current case of genocide in Sudan. I am proud that my home State of Texas is one of the growing numbers of States, cities, and universities to approve divestment. At last count, 9 cities, 16 States and 54 universities had passed legislation to ensure that their money does not go to finance the slaughter of innocent people in Darfur. In addition, numerous religious organizations, as well as countless individuals, have divested. Since the Sudan divestment movement began, companies including HC Helicopter, ABB, Siemens, Rolls Royce, and Schlumberger have halted or significantly altered their operations in Sudan. Divestment represents the leverage that ordinary citizens and individual activists, as well as States, cities, universities, and other organizations, have to influence the Sudanese government. It is the answer to the question that so many of us active in the fight to end genocide in Darfur hear too often: ``What can I, as an individual, do in the face of such overwhelming and ongoing tragedy?'' Mr. Speaker, the American people do not support genocide in Sudan; their money should not support these atrocities either. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. That is correct.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Allow me, first of all, to acknowledge the chairperson of the Financial Services Committee as I rise in strong support of H.R. 2750, the NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. Chairman Frank has been an outstanding leader of his committee and has been very gracious in the formulating and finalizing of this legislation. I thank him again. I thank his staff and, of course, the staff of the ranking member. Let me also thank my colleague from Texas (Mr. Culberson), who joined me in introducing this legislation. And, of course, we have worked very handily together, if you will. I thank his staff. And together we are committed to affirming and celebrating the 50th anniversary of NASA and as well the 50th anniversary of the Jet Propulsion Lab. Let me just quickly acknowledge the founding of NASA in October, 1958, and remind my colleagues of all the successes that we have accomplished through the belief, as John F. Kennedy said, that we can explore space. Might I acknowledge and remind my colleagues of February 20, 1962, John Glenn's becoming the first American to circle the Earth. On April 6, 1965, the United States launched Intelsat I. On November 13, 1971, Mariner 9 was launched. In 1981, NASA launched the space shuttle Columbia. And on June 18-24, 1983, NASA launched the space shuttle Challenger. Of course, we have faced some sad moments in NASA's history, but overall, as we look toward the future and have reflected on July 22, 1999, Space Shuttle Columbia, and then of course July 20, 1969, Apollo 11, we know that tragedy has faced NASA, but we also know that we have faced tragedy with a certain determination and commitment to space exploration. This coin bill will, in fact, allow us to commemorate a number of the centers and the 50 years of success of NASA and the Jet Propulsion Lab. But it also will provide a comfort to those families of Challenger and Columbia by providing aid to the families. It will give the coin collectors, I hope, a great day of celebration, and it will give those who are interested in studying and producing more Americans in math and science an opportunity to promote and support programs that will encourage young people to go into math and science. I believe that this bill is one that all of us can support. It is a bipartisan bill Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2750, the NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. I would like to thank my colleague Mr. Culberson, who joined me in introducing this legislation, and Chairman Franks of the Financial Services Committee, for his excellent leadership in shepherding this historic legislation to passage on the House floor. The year 2008 will mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). This important legislation celebrates NASA's 50th birthday with a commemorative coin. The legislation also honors the extraordinary partnerships between NASA and its 10 space and research centers. Madam Speaker, NASA has a distinguished history. The United States of America won the race to land a man on the moon and, thanks to the courage, dedication, and brilliance of NASA, America has continued to lead the world in the exploration of the solar system and the universe. On October 1, 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration began operation. At the time it consisted of only about 8,000 employees and an annual budget of $100 million. Over the next 50 years, NASA has been involved in many defining events which have shaped the course of human history and demonstrated to the world the character of the people of the United States. Many of us remember how inspired we were when on May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed: ``I believe this Nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.'' Always at the forefront of technological innovation, NASA has been home to countless ``firsts'' in the field of space exploration, from the 1958 launch of Pioneer 3, the first U.S. satellite to ascend to an altitude of 63,580 miles, to the January 1998 signing of the International Space Station agreement between 15 countries, establishing the framework for cooperation among partners on the design, development, operation, and utilization of the Space Station. Over the past 50 years, NASA's accomplishments have included: On 20 Feb. 1962, John Glenn became the first American to circle the Earth, making three orbits in his Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft. On 6 Apr. 1965, the United States launched Intelsat I, the first commercial satellite (communications), into geostationary orbit. On 13 Nov. 1971, the United States launched Mariner 9, the first I mission to orbit another planet (Mars). On 12 Apr. 1981, NASA launched the Space Shuttle Columbia on the first flight of the Space Transportation System (STS-1). On 18-24 Jun. 1983, NASA launched Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-7) carrying three mission specialists, including Sally K. Ride, the first woman astronaut. In another historic mission, two months later NASA launched STS-8 carrying the first black American astronaut, Guion S. Bluford. On 22 Jul. 1999, the Space Shuttle Columbia's 26th flight was led by Air Force Col. Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a Shuttle mission. On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil A. Armstrong and Edwin E. Aldrin made the first lunar landing mission while Michael Collins orbited overhead in the Apollo command module. Armstrong set foot on the surface, telling the millions of listeners that it was ``one small step for man--one giant leap for mankind.'' Aldrin soon followed him out and planted an American flag but omitted claiming the land for the U.S. as had routinely been done during European exploration of the Americas. The two Moon-walkers left behind an American flag and a plaque bearing the inscription: ``Here Men From Planet Earth First Set Foot Upon the Moon. Jul. 1969 A.D. We Came in Peace for All Mankind.'' On April 24, 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space aboard the STS-31 mission of the Space Shuttle Discovery. The Hubble has revolutionized astronomy while expanding our knowledge of the universe and inspiring millions of scientists, students, and members of the public with its unprecedented deep and clear images of space.'' Madam Speaker, in addition to these historic events, NASA has greatly contributed to our understanding of our universe. In 1968, Apollo 8 took off atop a Saturn V booster from the Kennedy Space Center for a historic mission to orbit the Moon. As Apollo 8 traveled outward, the crew focused a portable television camera on Earth and for the first time humanity saw its home from afar, a tiny, lovely, and fragile ``blue marble'' hanging in the blackness of space. This transmission and viewing of Earth from a distance was an enormously significant accomplishment and united the Nation at a time when American society was in crisis over Vietnam, race relations, urban problems, and a host of other difficulties. The success of the United States space exploration program in the 20th Century augurs well for its continued leadership in the 21st Century. This success is largely attributable to the remarkable and indispensable partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and its 10 space and research centers. One of these important research centers is located in my home city of Houston. The Johnson Space Center, which manages the development, testing, production, and delivery of all United States human spacecraft and all human spacecraft-related functions, is one of the crown jewels of NASA and a lodestar Houston area. The other nine research and space centers are: 1. The Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley provides products, technologies, and services that enable NASA missions and expand human knowledge in areas as diverse as small spacecraft and supercomputers, science missions and payloads, thermal protection systems and information technology. 2. The Dryden Flight Research Center, the leading center for innovative flight research. 3. The Glenn Research Center, which develops power, propulsion, and communication technologies for space flight systems and aeronautics research. 4. The Goddard Space Flight Center, which specializes in research to expand knowledge on the Earth and its environment, the solar system, and the universe through observations from space. 5. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the leading center for robotic exploration of the Solar System. 6. The Kennedy Space Center, the gateway to the Universe and world leader in preparing and launching missions around the Earth and beyond. 7. The Langley Research Center, which continues to forge new frontiers in aviation and space research for aerospace, atmospheric sciences, and technology commercialization to improve the way the world lives. 8. The Marshall Space Flight Center, a world leader in developing space transportation and propulsion systems, engineers the future to accelerate exploration and scientific discovery. 9. The Stennis Space Center, which is responsible for rocket propulsion testing and for partnering with industry to develop and implement remote sensing technology. NASA's stunning achievements over the last 50 years have been won for all mankind at great cost and sacrifice. In the quest to explore the universe, many NASA employees have lost their lives, including the crews of Apollo 6, the Space Shuttle Challenger, and the Space Shuttle Columbia. The surcharge proceeds from the sale of a coin commemorating the contributions of NASA will generate valuable funding for the NASA Families Assistance Fund for the purposes of need-based financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties. And equally important, proceeds from the sale of commemorative coins will also benefit the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational, DREME, Science Literacy Foundation, which is dedicated to improving and strengthening the process of teaching and learning science, math, and technology at all educational levels, elementary through college through the promotion of innovative educational programs. This legislation also benefits the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence which is dedicated to building critical thinking skills, experiential teaching methods, science literacy, and integrated approaches to learning and individual responsibility in achieving excellence. The remainder of the proceeds after distribution to the NASA Families Assistance Fund and the DREME and Jemison Foundations are slated to go the Smithsonian Institution for the preservation, maintenance, and display of space artifacts at the National Air and Space Museum (including the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center). Madam Speaker, in the centuries to come, when space travel will be commonplace and America will have successfully led the way for humanity to colonize and utilize the resources of other planets, these first 50 years of NASA's existence will be remembered as the most significant era of human space exploration. It is, therefore, important that we commemorate the great achievements of NASA's first 50 years. In closing, Madam Speaker, let me also thank the Staff of the Financial Services Committee on this legislation. I also wish to pay special tribute to Yohannes Tsehai and Gregory Berry of my staff. Without their valuable contributions this significant legislative achievement would not have been possible. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this historic legislation. Madam Speaker, at this time, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2750) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as amended.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material therein.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the chairman of the Financial Services Committee, Mr. Barney Frank. And I thank him so very much for his leadership.

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. The calling out of the names of the centers, if I may reclaim my time, is to indicate that all of them are part of the NASA family. And we are honoring NASA for its 50 years, so we wanted to make sure all of them were counted in the Record.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. As I close, Madam Speaker, let me simply put in the Record the different research centers that will be honored: The Ames Research Center in California; Silicon Valley; the Dryden Flight Research Center; the Glenn Research Center; the Goddard Space Flight Center, that is our neighbor here in the Washington, D.C. area and represented by our own majority leader, Mr. Hoyer, which I would like to pay a special tribute and appreciation to, and to his staff and his chief of staff; the Jet Propulsion Lab that is in California; the Kennedy Space Center in Florida; the Langley Research Center; the Marshall Space Flight Center; the Stennis Space Center; and of course the Johnson Space Flight Center in Houston, Texas. All of these will be recognized. And certainly to the astronauts and certainly to the loved ones of those fallen, and yet the future astronauts, who will be trained by funding in this bill, I thank them again. Let me thank Mr. Obey of Mr. Frank's staff, and my staff, Mr. Tsehai and Mr. Berry.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I would be happy to yield.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, we are hoping that all of the young people will enjoy this coin, and we hope that it will further science and exploration. I would ask my colleagues, and thanking my cosponsor and the 300-plus Members of this House, in supporting this bill. I ask my colleagues to support this bill and move us forward in science and opportunity for a greater future for this country

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, might I put this in the present context so that our colleagues can recognize why this bill is so crucial? Just about a week ago, many of us took to our communities to announce the first time in 10 years the increase in the minimum wage. In fact, it was July 24, 2007. The last time the minimum wage was increased for American workers, and by the way, we gave tax relief to our small businesses, was 1997 under the Democratic administration. It took a Democratic Congress to raise the minimum wage. For 10 years, we could not get our friends on the other side of the aisle to raise the minimum wage. It took a majority Democratic Congress to raise that wage. Now, understand, suppose 23 years later you found out that the minimum wage was raised in 2007, but your employer had never told you. The question becomes, is it not fair for you to be able to have retroactively what is due you as a hardworking American? That is what happened to Lilly Ledbetter, who worked for Goodyear year after year after year after year after year, and tragically, the Supreme Court, unevenly divided, appointed by this administration, believed that Lilly Ledbetter had no rights. This legislation wants to put this system on the right track, and I thank the distinguished member of the Rules Committee; I thank Mr. Miller. I'm proud to be one of the cosponsors of this legislation. We are giving Lilly Ledbetter and all those who may be under her particular discrimination relief, and that is because she did not know of her rights to be able to pursue the discriminatory practices when they were happening. The Supreme Court threw her out of court. This is an appropriate fix. My colleagues fixed a problem with the Border Patrol agents. I happen to agree with them. Mandatory sentences are really a challenge, but we're trying to fix something for a hardworking American, a woman who was discriminated against. Under our labor practices, we have provisions for individuals to challenge unfair labor practices. We have an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that is for our own Americans to address unfair and discriminatory practices. We do not own up to the values of this Nation if we do not correct an injustice. It was an injustice for Lilly Ledbetter not to be allowed to pursue her discrimination charge. I ask my colleagues to make it right and help women get equal pay for equal work

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to add the staff director of the full committee to the list of appreciation I would like to offer, along with Maggie Mitchell, Shelle Gordon, Mona Floyd, Yohannes Tsehai, Greg Berry, and all of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. Also, let me acknowledge, I think there was a deletion of section 5, and I want to correct that for the record

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this gives me an opportunity for the first time to rise and thank Chairman Filner for the enthusiastic and passionate and newfound leadership that he has given to the Veterans' Affairs Committee. We thank him for being a beloved member of the veterans community. All over the Nation veterans are celebrating his chairmanship, and I thank him very much for his leadership, his bipartisan leadership with the ranking member of this committee. And let me thank Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin for her leadership; and Mr. Boozman, thank you. This whole committee draws the affection of Members from both sides of the aisle, and both of you exhibit the kind of leadership that we and the veterans can be proud of. I rise to support H.R. 1315 and acknowledge the many sections of the bill, which includes section 2, where the bill adopts Ms. Herseth Sandlin's legislation dealing with housing; and section 3, where Mr. Wynn of Maryland's legislation is adopted dealing with mortgage foreclosure; and section 5, which addresses the legislation of Mr. Reichert, which is so very important about employing our veterans. I am proud that the basis for the new program dealing with the blind is based upon my bill, Visual Impairment Specialist Training Act. This VISTA act responds to the increasing numbers of veterans and soldiers who are now returning from the battlefield with vision injuries. I am proud that my legislation was strongly supported by Chairman Filner; Mr. Michaud, chairman of the Subcommittee on Health; and the co-chairs, as I have mentioned, of the Congressional Vision Caucus, Mr. Gene Green of Texas and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen of Florida. This legislation is also supported by the Blind Veterans of America, an organization chartered by Congress in 1958, which has been for nearly 50 years the only veterans service organization exclusively dedicated to serving America's blind and visually impaired veterans. Let me explain what this legislation does. We establish here and now an educational assistance program for persons pursuing training in blind rehabilitation. I thank the chairman for citing this legislation as a possible model for nurses and psychologists that may be needed as we move in the future. There are approximately 160,000 legally blind veterans in the United States, but only 35,000 are currently enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration's services. It is estimated that there are over 1 million low-vision veterans in the United States, and incidence of blindness among the total veteran population of 26 million are expected to increase by about 40 percent in the next 4 years. This is because the most prevalent causes of legal blindness and low vision are age- related, and the average age of the veteran population is increasing. The current age is about 80 years old. In addition, we know that there will be veterans coming home, because of the IED injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan, with injuries impacting their vision. Let me also acknowledge the specifics of this legislation. It mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide financial assistance to students enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate in visual impairment and/or orientation and mobility at an accredited educational institution in the U.S., provided they agree with the applicable requirements. As I said, the purpose of this scholarship program is to increase the supply of qualified blind rehabilitation specialists for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Nation. It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to widely publicize this scholarship program to colleges and universities across the Nation, especially institutions with large numbers of Hispanic students and HBCUs, Historically Black Colleges. This is particularly helpful to the minority population who are interested in the field of vision rehabilitation. To apply and participate in this scholarship program, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary, or his designee, an application and agree to serve a 3-year period of obligated service in the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is the crux of the legislation, so that we have a mandatory pool of those individuals helping the veterans as they move forward. The maximum award for any full-time student per academic year may not exceed $15,000. The maximum award for any part-time student shall be determined in proportion to the amount that would be the case if the student were full time. For any student, however, the total amount of assistance may not exceed $45,000. This is good news. It trains individuals, gives them a scholarship, and it doesn't burden the Federal Government. Why, because the debt is owed to the United States Government and therefore it cannot be discharged because of bankruptcy. To conclude my remarks, I ask that my colleagues look carefully at this hopefully innovative approach to helping our veterans and our returning soldiers who will be in great need from the injuries they have experienced. I thank the bipartisan leadership of this committee and ask my colleagues to support the bill Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to strongly support H.R. 1315, the ``Veterans' Benefit Improvement Act of 2007.'' I enthusiastically support this legislation because it keeps faith with the men and women who have worn the uniform in service to our country. Let me express my appreciation to Mr. Filner and Ms. Herseth Sandlin, the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Chairwoman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, and to their respective ranking members, Mr. Buyer and Mr. Boozman, for their perseverance in shepherding this legislation to the House floor. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1315 consists of five main sections. Section 2 of the bill adopts Ms. Herseth Sandlin's legislation providing for specially adaptive housing (SAH) assistance to disabled servicemembers residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. Under current law, a temporary grant may be available to veterans who are or will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member. This assistance, allowable up to $14,000, may be used to adapt the family member's home to meet the veteran's special needs at that time. Section 5 of the bill, which is based on a proposal by Mr. Reichert of Washington, requires the Secretary of Labor to provide Congress an annual report on veterans' reemployment rights. Section 6 adds an additional representative from the National Governor's Association to the existing 15 member Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training and Employer Outreach withIn the U.S. Department of Labor. Each of these provisions is a useful, constructive, and welcome legislative initiative. Any of one of them would warrant an overwhelming vote in favor of the bill. But Mr. Speaker, what makes this legislation truly extraordinary is the inclusion of Section 4, which establishes a ``Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Education Assistance Program.'' This legislation will close a large gap in the Nation's commitment to blind and low-vision veterans by establishing a scholarship program for students seeking training in blind rehabilitation. I am proud and honored, Mr. Speaker, that the basis for this new program for our blind and low-vision veterans is the legislation I introduced earlier this Congress, H.R. 1240, the ``Vision Impairment Specialist Training Act,'' or VISTA Act of 2007. I am proud that my legislation was strongly supported by the chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Mr. Filner; Mr. Michaud, the chair of this Committee's Subcommittee on Health; the co-chairs of the Congressional Vision Caucus, my colleague Mr. Gene Green of Texas and Ms. Ros- Lehtinen of Florida. This legislation is also strongly supported by the Blind Veterans of America, an organization chartered by Congress in 1958, which has been for nearly 50 years the only veterans service organization exclusively dedicated to serving America's blind and visually impaired veterans. Companion legislation, S.1672, ``The VA Vision Scholars Act of 2007,'' has already been introduced in the other body by Senators Hagel, Obama, and Brown. Mr. Speaker, let me explain briefly why it is so important that we establish here and now an educational assistance program for persons pursuing training in blind rehabilitation. There are approximately 160,000 legally blind veterans in the United States, but only 35,000 are currently enrolled in Veterans Health Administration services. In addition, it is estimated that there are over 1 million low-vision veterans in the United States, and incidences of blindness among the total veteran population of 26 million are expected to increase by about 40 percent over the next few years. This is because the most prevalent causes of legal blindness and low vision are age-related, and the average age of the veteran population is increasing; the current average age is about 80 years old. Members of the armed forces are important to our Nation and we show them our appreciation by taking care of them even after they have completed their service. But the fact is that there are not enough blind rehabilitation specialists to serve all legally blind and low- vision veterans in the United States. Blind rehabilitation training helps give these veterans awareness of and functioning in their surroundings and enables them to retain their independence and dignity. Veterans without these services may find it difficult to be self-sufficient, relying on others to perform certain skills or even simple tasks on their behalf. Mr. Speaker, Public Law 104-262, the Eligibility Reform Act 1996, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain its capacity to provide specialized rehabilitative services to disabled veterans, but it cannot do so when there are not enough specialists to address these needs. Last December, the Veterans Programs Extension Act was passed, which included a provision by Congressman Michael Michaud to increase the number of Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialists serving our Nation's veterans. However, there are currently not enough counselors certified in blind rehabilitation to provide for the growing number of blind or low-vision veterans, let alone the rest of our Nation's elderly population. Section 4 of the legislation before us helps to remedy this situation by directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a scholarship program for students seeking a degree or certificate in blind rehabilitation (Vision Impairment and/or Orientation and Mobility). The availability of these scholarship opportunities will provide an incentive to students considering entry into the field. Additionally, in exchange for the scholarship award, students are required to work for 3 years in a healthcare facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to ensure that our veterans are well cared for. If I might, let me discuss this vital legislation in more detail. The legislation mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide financial assistance to students enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate in Visual Impairment and/or Orientation and Mobility at an accredited educational institution in a U.S. state or territory, provided that they agree with applicable requirements. As I stated earlier, the purpose of the scholarship program is to increase the supply of qualified blind rehabilitation specialists for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Nation. The legislation requires that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall widely publicize this scholarship program to colleges and universities across the Nation, especially institutions with large numbers of Hispanic students and HBCUs. This is a particularly salutary provision because African Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities are underrepresented in the field of vision rehabilitation. To apply and participate in the scholarship program, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary, or his designee, an application and agree to serve a 3-year period of obligated service in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation requires that the Secretary shall include among the application and agreement materials a fair summary of the rights and liabilities of the applicant if accepted into the program. When the Secretary approves of the applicant's acceptance, the applicant shall be promptly notified and accepted into the program. The amount of financial assistance provided for an applicant shall be the amount determined by the Secretary as being necessary to pay the tuition and fees of the applicant. If the applicant is enrolled in a dual degree or certification program, the amount awarded shall not exceed the amounts necessary for the minimum number of credit hours to achieve such dual certification or degree. Financial assistance provided to an applicant by this scholarship program may supplement other educational assistance, as long as the total award does not exceed the tuition and fees required for an academic year. The maximum award for any full-time student per academic year may not exceed $15,000. The maximum award for any part-time student should be determined in proportion to the amount that would be the case if the student were full-time. For any student, the total amount of assistance may not exceed $45,000. The maximum duration for financial assistance under this program is 6 years. The agreement for participation in this scholarship program shall be signed by both the Secretary and the participant. The Secretary shall agree to provide the participant with the authorized financial assistance and the participant shall agree to: accept the assistance; maintain enrollment and attendance in the appropriate program of study; maintain an acceptable level of academic standing; serve as a full-time employee in the Department of Veterans Affairs for 3 years within the first 6 years after completing the program and receiving the degree or certificate specified. If the applicant fails to satisfy the requirements of the agreement, the applicant must repay the amount equal to the unearned portion of assistance, except in circumstances authorized by the Secretary. The Secretary shall establish procedures for determining the amount of the repayment required, as well as the circumstances under which an exception to the required repayment may be granted. The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for the waiver or suspension of an applicant's obligation for service or payment whenever the applicant's noncompliance is due to circumstances beyond his or her control or it is in the best interest of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I should point out that an obligation to repay the Secretary under this section is a debt owed the United States. Thus, a discharge in bankruptcy does not discharge a person from a debt under this legislation if the discharge order is entered less than 5 years after the date of the termination of the agreement or contract. Mr. Speaker, every morning when I arrive at my office, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to live in a Nation as great as the United States. Outside of my office there is a poster-board with the names and faces of those heroes from Houston, Texas, who have lost their lives wearing the uniform of our country. We live in a Nation where so many brave young men and women volunteer to the ultimate sacrifice so that their countrymen can enjoy the blessings of liberty. Now is the time to let our heroes know they have not been, and will never be, forgotten. They deserve honor, they deserve dignity, and they deserve the best care. After all, this is the least we can do for those who have done so much for all of us. In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me also thank the Staff of the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity for their hard work. I also wish to pay special tribute to several members of my staff without whose valuable contributions this significant legislative achievement would not have been possible: Maggie Mitchell, Shelle Gordon, Mona Floyd, Yohannes Tsehai, and Gregory Berry. Mr. Speaker, nothing brings greater honor to this body and the persons we are proud to represent than keeping faith with the men and women who have worn the uniform in service to our country. H.R. 1315 keeps and extends our commitment to those who have risked their lives to defend our country. I urge all members to support this legislation.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, let me thank the gentlelady from California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren) for her leadership on the Judiciary Committee as a member of the Judiciary Committee and cosponsor of this legislation. Might I add my appreciation to Mr. Kennedy for his leadership and the bipartisanship of this bill. I pay tribute also to the Liberian community in Houston, Texas, and ask my colleagues to recognize the long history of suffering that Liberians experienced under the presidency of Charles Taylor. The horrific and heinous crimes, the mutilation of young children, the using of child soldiers all speak to the importance and the crucialness of extending the temporary protective status for these who are here in this country who fled because of political persecution and fled because of the atrocities that they would experience. This is a temporary protective status of individuals who have been in this country working, paying taxes, and raising their children. We've experienced this over the years of the past administration, looking to try to find some way to provide permanent status for these refugees who have fled persecution. We have not done that yet. However, this is a very good step to recognize their contributions to the United States. I hope that my colleagues, in reflection of the atrocities that Liberia experienced, will recognize that there is a very, very difficult pathway for them to return back to Liberia. I do, however, want to applaud the leadership of the new president of Liberia and to recognize the work that she has done. But she, too, has admitted that they are making steps, step by step, and the importance of providing the sanctity and safety of the individuals here in the United States is crucial. I rise to support H.R. 3123, and would ask my colleagues to support it. And again, I salute the Liberian community for the suffering but yet the contributions they've made to the United States Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise in support of H.R. 3123, which addresses the plight of displaced Liberian nationals, a group of people that is of great regional and global importance. H.R. 3123 recognizes the importance of extending the designation of Liberia under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Kennedy, for excellent work in bringing this legislation forward. H.R. 3123 extends the designation of Liberian refuges under section 244(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act through September 30, 2008 and expands the designation of Liberia under the Immigration and Nationality Act as a country whose nationals are eligible for temporary protected status and work authorization in the United States. In addition, H.R. 3123 sets forth eligibility requirements for Liberian nationals or persons having no nationality whose last habitual residence was Liberia. Madam Speaker, let us remember that from 1989 to 1996 the Liberian civil war claimed the lives of more than 200,000 Liberians and further displaced a million others into refugee camps in neighboring and distant countries, including our own. The United States and other countries have provided relief to Liberians. By supporting this bill we can show our affection and commitment to people of Liberia. The United States has a historical connection to all Liberians, but we also have a moral responsibility to end the killings and mass displacement of innocent citizens. The termination of TPS designation of Liberia would place many Liberians that fled to our country for refuge at risk of being returned prematurely. Madam Speaker, the elimination of TPS designation means that on October 2, 2007, former TPS beneficiaries will return to the same immigration status they maintained before registering for TPS, or to any other status they may have acquired while registered for Temporary Protection Status. Accordingly, if an individual did not have lawful immigration status at the time of receiving TPS benefits, and did not obtain any other status during the TPS designation period, he or she will revert to being without lawful status. Such individuals are expected to depart the United States on or before October 1, 2007. Those who do not comply with this requirement may be subject to removal. The Liberian people living in our country deserve better treatment and protection than the current Immigration and Nationality Act can afford. Congress needs to permit the extension of section 244 which enables the people to re-register for temporary protection status and work authorization. Let us give the Liberian people the respect and protection they need by supporting H.R. 3123.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me thank the chairman of the subcommittee and the manager of the bill. And let me thank the Honorable Barbara Lee for her leadership and the ranking member for theirs. Very quickly, it is my pleasure to rise and support this legislation, having had the opportunity to be associated with the Honorable Shirley Chisholm in New York and to see her enormous and challenging leadership. But the crux of this bill is an answer in response to our friends in the Caribbean. Through CARICOM and the leaders and heads of State, they represent the third border of the United States. They provide additional security through their homeland security efforts. This opportunity for their skilled and talented young people to have an exchange program, to then go back to their own countries and provide the friendship, the alliance, and the security that we will need in the future is a key element of this legislation. I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, and I congratulate all those responsible for it, and again, acknowledge the leadership of Shirley Chisholm

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.