Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished member of the Rules Committee for yielding. I would like to say to my good friend the provision is simply a 2- year pilot that only indicates the amount of the Intelligence budget. We know how important intelligence is, but I think we need to look at the whole bill of H.R. 1. And many of us sometimes need to be reminded of the enormity of that day. I am very glad to stand here and support the rule for H.R. 1, the 9/ 11 conference report, because it emphasizes unique and new approaches to security. How more comforted we are as travelers to know that cargo is being inspected in ports, consumers or those who understand how vulnerable ports are. I know it well. I have one of the larger ports in the United States in my community, the Houston port. How many of us are more comforted about cargo being inspected in airlines. How many of us are more comforted by the fact that we will have transportation security grants that go directly to the transportation entities like buses, like airplanes, like subways, like mass transit, Amtrak, and others to focus on the traveling public. How disappointed I am that we didn't recognize the hardworking people who work for us every day that we could not give collective bargaining rights for the Transportation Security Administration workers. But we are getting better. We are going to do developmental training, professional training. This is a bill to remind us of where we have come from and where we are going. Interoperability, incident command system. And, finally, let me just say we lost lives on 9/11 because we were not prepared in terms of the intelligence community. We were not prepared in terms of supporting the law enforcement community. Today we are prepared. We shall never forget.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. My appreciation to the leadership of our chairman, Chairman Thompson, who has taken the challenge of the 9/11 families, and the 9/11 Commission report more than to his heart. That is why we are here today. I want to thank the ranking member, Mr. King, for working with us on many of these challenges and always raising the voice of bipartisanship as it relates to 9/11. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud, as the subcommittee Chair for Transportation Security in Critical Infrastructure, to have had the opportunity to see some of the elements that are under our subcommittee jurisdiction take a strong stand in the 9/11 conference. I did this earlier today, but I know that sometimes we need to be reminded of the Pentagon and reminded of this tragedy so that we understand today is an enormously important step towards securing the homeland security. One of those aspects of securing the homeland security clearly has to do with providing transportation security. I am very proud that in the course of providing transportation security, we now have jurisdiction to issue transportation security grants so that buses and trains, so that the Amtrak system, mass transit, so that highways and byways will have the opportunity for these jurisdictions to seek out grants specifically to secure areas that might be subject to the acts of terrorists. Might I also say that we have now interoperability, that we have the ability that so many of our colleagues have worked on to talk to each other. We know the front lines of fighting terrorism has to be that our law enforcement is able to communicate. We are very glad that this bill emphasizes intelligence sharing, which was one of the downfalls of the tragedy of 9/11. I am more than grateful to know that our families, our families sanctioned this bill, who have been so strong, and I salute them. Let me also say that in placing language in the bill to provide transportation security grants and training, I am very glad that Texas Southern University will have a center of excellence that I announce and enjoy with my colleague from Texas, and also will be able to train transportation officials in security. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1), to provide for the implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission). As a Member of the Conference Committee that worked to reconcile the House and Senate versions of this legislation and to produce this report, I believe it represents a vital step toward securing the Nation. I wish to thank the Chairman of the Conference Committee, Senator Lieberman, as well as the distinguished chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, Congressman Bennie Thompson, for their visionary leadership in shepherding this important legislation through both houses of Congress. Unlike the previous Republican leadership, this Democratic Congress has wholeheartedly embraced the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, a body comprised of ten of the most distinguished citizens of this country. Today Mr. Speaker, we are here to consider a Conference report that will provide for the implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission). This Conference report closes many critical gaps identified by the 9/11 commission. In its final report, the 9/11 commission concluded that the United States Government had been unprepared for the 2001 terrorist attacks, and made numerous recommendations for how to safeguard the American people. The legislation passed by the House on January 9 and the Senate in mid- March will implement many of these important recommendations. The 9/11 commission report noted the need for additional tools for first responders and emergency personnel. The lack of adequate equipment likely contributed to the deaths of 343 firefighters in New York City on September 11, 2001, when police could not communicate effectively with fire fighters prior to the collapse of the Twin Towers. Deficiencies in communication technologies also hindered the effective evacuation and rescue efforts after Hurricane Katrina. I am pleased to say that this legislation authorizes $1.6 billion over 5 years for a grant program to improve emergency communication capabilities for first responders. This legislation also requires States to submit statewide inoperability plans. Additionally, this legislation calls for the allocation of Homeland Security Grants based on risk. High-risk areas will receive the crucial resources they need to protect their population and critical infrastructure. My home city of Houston, with its 5.3 million residents as well as the Port of Houston, a thriving petrochemical industry, the largest medical center in the world, and an extensive range of commercial assets, is just such an area. The allocation process put in place by this legislation ensures that those areas that face the highest risk of an attack receive adequate funding. There are numerous other important provisions detailed in this Report. As Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, I am extremely pleased with the provisions that will improve the security of our systems of transport. The 9/11 Commissioners gave a ``D'' grade to the Administration and Congress for their efforts on enhancing air cargo screening. To correct this deficiency, this legislation requires 100 percent screening of all air cargo carried on passenger planes. It also strengthens the explosives detection at passenger screening checkpoints. Additionally, this legislation requires the screening of 100 percent of U.S.-bound seaborne cargo containers loaded in foreign ports. This legislation authorizes $4 billion over four years for rail, transit, and bus security grant programs, which will be administered under the Department of Homeland Security. In the Conference Committee, I stood by my conviction that DHS is in the best position to administer these grants, and I am pleased that the Department will be responsible for the distribution of these important transportation security grants. Specifically, this legislation provides training for rail and mass transit workers, and it requires security plans for high risk transit and rail companies. This legislation enhances homeland security while protecting constitutionally enshrined civil liberties. It establishes the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight board as an independent agency, extends protection for whistle-blowers, and provides protection from lawsuits to individuals who report suspicious activities. We can protect our Nation without infringing upon the fundamental rights of Americans; we can provide security for our country without eliminating those freedoms that make the United States extraordinary. This legislation protects our rights as it protects our cities, borders, infrastructure, and population. As I stand on the House floor today, 6 years since the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, my heart still grieves for those who perished that day. No one could have predicted that attack; when the sun rose on the morning of September 11, none of us knew that it would end in an inferno in the magnificent World Trade Center Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and in the grassy fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We can, however, work to identify and correct the shortcomings in our national security structures, and to take the necessary steps to prevent another such attack on our Nation and its people. I stand here remembering those who still suffer, whose hearts still ache over the loss of so many innocent and interrupted lives. Mr. Speaker, we can best honor the memory of those who perished on 9/11 by working to ensure that such an attack never happens again. I strongly urge the adoption of this conference report.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, let me quickly say this amendment is supported by the National Farmers Union, and it is a sense of Congress that food items provided pursuant to the Federal School Breakfast Program and School Lunch Program should be selected so as to reduce the incidence of juvenile obesity and to maximize nutritional value. Very quickly, African American and Hispanic families have the greatest risk for overweight and obesity, and youngsters from lower- income families have a higher risk for obesity than those from higher income. More than 40 percent of African American teenagers are overweight. Nearly 25 percent are obese. Hispanic children have the highest lifetime risk of diabetes, 52 percent for boys, 45 percent for girls, followed closely by African American children. This would be a very crucial statement made by this body, a bipartisan statement, that we not only support America's farmers, but we support the nutritional eating of our children in programs that are federally funded. I would ask my colleagues to support this amendment because obesity is at epidemic proportion in America; and I look forward to working with this committee as we promote nutrition, not only in the United States, but around the world. Mr. Chairman, I ask for support of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2419, the Farm Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007, the Farm Bill. Let me first thank my distinguished colleague Chairman Peterson for his extraordinary leadership and guidance in crafting this bill. The Farm Bill will go a long way to feed the hungry, increase access to childcare for low- income parents, help the environment, increase opportunities for alternative energy and promote healthy food choices. H.R. 2419 will play a crucial role in continuing to provide a strong support system for many of this Nation's neediest families. H.R. 2419 reauthorizes nutrition programs, which account for two thirds of the bill's funding, to help low income families in need. This includes the extremely important Food Stamp Program that keeps many Americans from going hungry. In fact, the Farm Bill increases the minimum benefit under the Food Stamp Program for the first time in 30 years, and also adjusts the increase to inflation. I am particularly pleased to note that the bill eliminates the current cap on childcare costs to help the working poor meet rising costs. In addition, it nearly doubles the funding for the Emergency Food Assistant Program and expands the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program to all 50 States.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE

Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Chairman, let me acknowledge the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Peterson, and the ranking member, Mr. Goodlatte. I, too, was trying to yield to the distinguished chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. But I am sure that we will have an affirmation, hopefully, of the spirit of this amendment and ask my colleagues before I start to support it. Mr. Chairman, I rise to affirm family farmers around America. I rise proudly to acknowledge the importance of family farmers and the American agricultural industry in feeding not only America, but feeding the world. This bill, in particular, does a great amount as relates to improving nutrition, providing food for hungry children, and, of course, serving the world, particularly those in need of food. It goes a long way in providing for black farmers and those who are socially disadvantaged or have land that needs conservation or needs the sharing of technology. I look forward to working with the chairman on those issues as we move forward. But I rise today to offer an amendment that reaffirms the importance of nutritious meals for our young people, and the importance of the young people who eat school breakfasts and school lunches to have nutritious meals. This map may not necessarily speak to the idea of school lunches and school breakfasts, but the vastness of this map shows how big America is and the number of people on food stamps. You can imagine that the number of people on food stamps have children who go to school in need of a school breakfast and a school lunch. Obesity in America is a health crisis. My amendment simply asks that we reaffirm, as a Congress, that those school lunches and those school breakfasts will be nutritionally based to overcome juvenile obesity and to ensure nutritious meals.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute and 25 seconds to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson).

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2929, offered by my colleague Ms. Lee of California, of which I am proud to be a cosponsor. This important legislation declares that it is U.S. policy not to establish any military installation for providing for the permanent stationing of U.S. forces in Iraq. It is also not U.S. policy to exercise U.S. control over Iraqi oil resources. This legislation prohibits any funds appropriated by Congress from being used toward either of these ends. Mr. Speaker, we have already expended 3,500 American lives and $400 billion in taxpayer dollars in Iraq. We have occupied the country for over 4 years. And our President continues to push a strategy devoid of clear direction and visible targets, while rejecting congressional calls to solidify an exit strategy. President Bush's ``New Way Forward'' strategy, announced in January, calls for the deployment of an additional 21,500 U.S. combat forces, to be used to stabilize Baghdad and the Anbar Province. This comes at a time when, according to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll, 59 percent of Americans believe we should be reducing the number of troops in Iraq. Last November, the American people clearly stated that they did not want to see an endless conflict in Iraq; they went to the polls and elected a new, Democratic Congress to lead our nation out of Iraq. I am proud to be a member of the Congressional class that listens and adheres to the will of the American people, as we did when both houses of Congress approved Iraq Supplemental bills that instituted a timetable for U.S. withdrawal. We need a new direction, because we owe our brave, fighting men and women so much more. Washington made a mistake in going to war. It is time for politicians to admit that mistake and fix it before any more lives are lost. Though much of Iraq's infrastructure now lies in ruins, the country still has an immense abundance of energy resources. In proven oil reserves, Iraq ranks behind only Saudi Arabia and Canada, though the exact extent of its reserves remains controversial. Most estimates are in the range of 115 billion barrels, with approximately 65 percent located in the southern fields, particularly the Rumalia fields. Iraq's energy sector is vital to the nation's political and economic future, with oil exports funding virtually all imports of basic goods, including food and medicine. Oil exports currently provide about 95 percent of Iraq's foreign exchange earnings. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Congresswoman Lee for introducing this important legislation, and I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. 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 Temporarily 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. As usual, let me compliment the Speaker for her leadership and her service to America. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the passage of the Homeland Security Commission report in H.R. 1, Improving America's Security Act. If I had to give an acronym, I would say R-E-L-I-E-F, it spells relief to the American people. Now we know that we have a committed and unified war and effort against the war on terror. We have the resources and the mindset, the policy and the unity, six years after 9/11, 6 years after all of us stood awestruck, humbled, seemingly powerless, frightened, saddened and emerged with grief over the loss of so many. Families today still suffer. Children are without parents, husbands are without wives, wives are without husbands, and many, many extended family members. So my first response is to salute the 9/11 families, for many times they probably were received in less than a jovial manner. But there is something about having that steadfast and courageous point of view that you never give up. You never give up. Let me thank the chairman of the full committee and the ranking member for working to bring us all together, and the conference and the conferees, of which I was a part of, in understanding that our goal was to be Americans united. So today I can salute the fact that this bill has passed. There is a greater distribution of Homeland Security Grants to States and high- risk urban areas, a risk-based analysis on how we distribute those funds. Each State is guaranteed a minimum of a certain amount, but it is based on risk. There is a $1.8 billion authorization for FY 2008 to assist States in high-risk urban areas in preparing for terrorist threats. Planning. More planning. More ways of looking ahead. After we saw the strange video regarding the airport in Arizona where there was not around-the-clock Transportation Security Administration staff screening of people going into the airport, we know that we have to be forever planning and forward thinking. I am glad that solution is being addressed, and I am asking for an inventory as the subcommittee chair, of all airports in America, the top 400, to determine whether we are securing that airport 24 hours a day. We can always work more smart and more effectively, but I am glad that we have a dedicated interoperability grant program to improve the communications that did not happen on 9/11; firefighters not being able to talk to other firefighters, or firefighters not being able to talk to police officers or Port Authority police. That money is in the bill. $4 billion over 4 years for rail, transit and bus security grants. What a celebration. We worked very hard to ensure that we would have Transportation Security Grants on those properties, on those vehicles that move Americans across the United States. Every day Americans get up and use some form of public transportation, and we are delighted that we have focused on that. Might I just say, with the tragedy of the steam explosion in New York, it exploded and a bus exploded. But it is important to note that if you were to have a tragedy on a bus or a train, look at the impact around the area. I am very glad that the Houston port will now be a beneficiary of the many, many dollars that have been put in to provide more resources for our ports to have 100 percent screening of port cargo that comes into the United States. And it can be done. It won't stop the commerce that so many people are concerned about. Then, of course, I think it is important to note that we are working with the intelligence community so that we have an exchange of intelligence, because that is the first line of defense, to know what is going on. But I have one point, Madam Speaker, just to conclude on, and that is to be reminded that we need to consolidate the jurisdiction of the Homeland Security efforts. The Department of Homeland Security participated in a total of 141 hearings all across the lot, all the different committees. DHS participated in a total of 42 hearings where multiple witnesses from DHS testified. DHS has provided a total of 195 witnesses. DHS has provided approximately 1,554 briefings. We need a single seam of jurisdiction for that particular department. Then, it is important as we fight the war on terror, that we bring an end to the Iraq war; we begin to deal with political diplomacy; we begin to include the neighboring states around Iraq to take responsibility for safety in the region; we bring our troops home; we provide a safety net, if you will, for remaining Americans, but we include Kuwait, and Qatar and Jordan, all of these nations, Saudi Arabia, who are interested in some resolution to this conflict. Almost 4,000 dead. Almost 4,000 of our brave men and women are dead. They are our heroes. We should declare a military success, bring our soldiers home and begin a diplomatic healing of that region. Madam Speaker, let me just say, we have finally moved forward on the fight for real homeland security and the fight against the war on terror.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Reclaiming my time, I'd like to thank the distinguished gentleman and the ranking member. And let me just say to all those individuals impacted by crime, particularly these bus drivers that I'm speaking of today, help is on the way. I ask for support of my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.

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

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me thank the distinguished chairman, and I ask my colleagues to support this amendment. This will go a long way to this very strong and harsh question of Federal prison overcrowding and how we use our resources for nonviolent prisoners. Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished chairman for his courtesy, I thank the ranking member, and I thank the Congress for accepting the importance of safety as we explore the beyond. I simply say thank you to the staff of these committees, and I ask my colleagues to support it. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished chair. Let me first of all, as I bring my amendment to the attention of my colleagues, thank the chairman of the subcommittee Mr. Mollohan, and the ranking member of the subcommittee Mr. Frelinghuysen, for your leadership on a number of these issues of which I will discuss today. Let me, first of all, acknowledge the Department of Justice funding, particularly the State and local law enforcement and crime prevention grants and the COPS program, of which many of us have supported for an extensive period of time. I rose to the floor of the House yesterday and indicated that I believe that the father of community-oriented policing was both the mayor and chief of police in my city of Houston, Lee P. Brown, who served as the chief of police in New York and Atlanta. I rise today to emphasize for my colleagues the importance of providing resources to public safety officers so that they can provide the service to the community in this increasing period of rising crime statistics, and let me share with you the vastness of the public safety officers' responsibility. What I want to suggest in this amendment is that public safety officers are needed in schools. They're needed on the highways. They're needed in our neighborhoods. They're needed on our buses and our trains. Many times incidences will occur on our trains and buses with citizens who are using those facilities, and the quick response of public safety officers can lead to the saving of lives. That is why it is important for them to have appropriate commitment and the appropriate equipment. Let me cite in my own community, which we're seeing statistically across the Nation, having just heard the FBI report that says crime statistics are increasing all over America, not only in the urban centers like Houston, which is the fourth largest city in the Nation, but it is also increasing in our rural hamlets and villages and farmlands. We have a crisis in crime. Part of it has been because we have not provided, I think, the extra resources that we see in this bill. But let me just cite for you why people traveling on transportation need the quick access of a public safety officer. One article says, a second metro bus driver attacked. Two men attacked a metro bus driver Tuesday after they argued with her about a fare. That means all of those riding the bus were in jeopardy. A quick response by a public safety officer was clearly a need. And so my amendment is simple. It provides for the reemphasis of the need of this equipment, whether they are walkie-talkies and others, to ensure that we have safety, and as well to ensure that these dollars are used effectively for safety in our community. I'd ask my colleagues to support this amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for allowing me to explain my amendment to H.R. 3093. My amendment is simple. It seeks to assist public safety officials in the United States in communicating with one another across jurisdictions and disciplines, to enhance the public's safety and prevent unnecessary loss of lives and property. My amendment recognizes immense importance of hand-held communication devices to the transit workers and other public officials who play a key role in responding to disasters and terrorist attacks. It seeks to ensure that they may be provided with fully interoperable equipment, maximizing their effectiveness and working to ensure their safety as they work to protect our communities. Throughout the United States, public safety agencies--law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency technicians, public health officials, and others--often cannot communicate effectively with one another, even within the same jurisdiction, or with other public safety agencies at the Federal, State, or local level, when responding to emergencies. As a senior Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that our communities' first responders are equipped with the best possible equipment, including communication devices that allow them to effectively communicate with each other and with their Federal counterparts across jurisdictions and disciplines. Interoperable communications would allow our Nation's first responders to communicate in real time, in the event of an emergency. Mr. Chairman, the lack of sufficient hand-held communications devises may have contributed to the deaths of 343 firefighters in New York City on September 11, 2001, when police could not communicate effectively with firefighters prior to the collapse of the Twin Towers. Similarly, the lack of adequate equipment exacerbated the difficulties in evacuating people during hurricane Katrina, where many could have been saved if effective communications equipments were available not only to safety workers but to transit authorities and others in a collective effort to save the lives of those who were stranded and injured that tragic day. Recent national catastrophes, including the terrorist attacks of September 11th and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, clearly illustrate the need to ensure that safety responders have interoperable communications systems. Emergency response systems must be able to function under extreme and unpredictable conditions. We can learn from our past that when those responding to emergencies cannot communicate effectively, the danger to public safety officials and the public increases. The Department of Homeland Security has recognized the importance of providing effective and real-time communication capabilities. Secretary Chertoff stated in November 2006 his intention to make sure that major cities ``have interoperable communications in effect by the end of this coming year.'' Interoperable communications provide tangible benefits to places like my home City of Houston, with its 5.3 million residents and concentration of critical infrastructure. Mr. Chairman, my amendment simply aims to ensure that high risk areas, like Houston, have sufficient communications devices to enable our Nation's first responders and transit workers to communicate in real time, in the event of an emergency. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. [From the Houston Chronicle] Second Metro Bus Driver Attacked (By Lindsay Wise) Two men attacked a Metro bus driver Tuesday after they argued with her about the fare, making it the second attack this week of a female driver. The men, who appeared to be inebriated, got into a dispute with the driver over fares and threatened her, said Metro spokeswoman Raequel Roberts. The men initially retreated into the bus, but about 10 minutes later, they returned to the front and punched her, Roberts said. The driver was taken to Memorial Southwest hospital, where she was treated for a cut on her nose, Roberts said. Some passengers on the bus took pictures of the two men with their cell phones, and Metro police are now looking for the suspects, Roberts said. The assault took place on the same bus route and in the same area as the reported robbery and sexual assault of a Metro bus driver early Sunday. In that case, a man boarded a Metro bus on Hillcroft at Bellaire and remained on board for several miles, waiting for the last passenger to exit before dragging the driver to the back of the bus and assaulting her at gunpoint, Metro officials said. According to statistics provided by Metro, 28 violent crimes--ranging from robberies to aggravated assaults-- occurred so far this year on their buses. Last year, 50 violent crimes were reported on Metro buses, up from 38 in 2005. Roberts said Metro has increased security patrols in the area as they search for the attackers. ``We've been out there with officers in force,'' she said.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me also thank the chairman and ranking member for their infusion of dollars in the Federal prison system, $179 million above 2007. There needs to be an infusion of funding because we have an overcrowded system in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. We, as the authorizing committee, the Committee on the Judiciary, have heard repeatedly of the concerns of both the management of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, but also the inmates. I have visited institutions in my own area. I've seen the overcrowding. I've seen the conditions and paid attention to some of the elements that we could improve. Many may hear this debate and suggest that incarcerated persons should be treated in a certain way. This is a very simple amendment. It asks for a study to look at the possibilities of early release for nonviolent prisoners who are over the age of 45. How does that help our community? One, it sends individuals back home to their families to provide resources. We know that we are watching a second chance bill make its way through this Congress. We hope that it will move quickly. Many of these offenders are middle age. Many of them are sick. This costs a great deal for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is noted that 1.1 million nonviolent offenders are currently locked up. Many of them are African Americans, and in the 1930s, 75 percent of the people entering State and Federal prison were of the majority population. That is not the case now. So it's a simple premise. It has been adopted in the authorization bill. It asks the hard question, why are we incarcerating for decades and decades nonviolent individuals who pay their debt to society, when they could come out and provide the comfort and nurturing and financial support to their own families and also address the question of Federal prison overcrowding? I'd ask my colleagues to support it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman for this opportunity to explain my amendment. My amendment provides for the early release for non-violent offenders who have attained the age of at least 45 years of age, have never been convicted of a violent crime, have never escaped or attempted to escape from incarceration, and have not engaged in any violation, involving violent conduct, of institutional disciplinary regulations. My amendment seeks to ensure that in affording offenders a second chance to turn around their lives and contribute to society, ex- offenders are not too old to take advantage of a second chance to redeem themselves. A secondary benefit of my amendment is that it would relieve some of the strain on federal, state, and local government budgets by reducing considerably government expenditures on warehousing prisoners. Mr. Chairman, some of those who are incarcerated face extremely long sentences, and this language would help to address this problem. Releasing rehabilitated, middle-aged, non-violent offenders from an already overcrowded prison population can be a win-win situation for society and the individual who, like the Jean Valjean made famous in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, is redeemed by the grace of a second chance. The reentry of such individuals into the society will enable them to repay the community through community service and obtain or regain a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. It promises a reduction in burdens to the taxpayer, and an affirmation of the American value that no non-violent offender is beyond redemption. Mr. Chairman, the number of federal inmates has grown from just over 24,000 in 1980 to 173,739 in 2004. The cost to incarcerate these individuals has risen from $330 million to $4.6 billion since 2004. At a time when tight budgets have forced many states to consider the early release of hundreds of inmates to conserve tax revenue and when our nation's Social Security system is in danger of being totally privatized, early release is a common-sense option to raise capital. The rate of incarceration and the length of sentence for first-time, non-violent offenders have become extreme. Over the past two decades, no area of state government expenditures has increased as rapidly as prisons and jails. According to data collected by the Justice Department, the number of prisoners in America has more than tripled over the last two decades from 500,000 to 1.8 million, with states like California and Texas experiencing eightfold prison population increases during that time. Mr. Chairman, there are more people in the prisons of America than there are residents in states of Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming combined. Over one million people have been warehoused for nonviolent, often petty crimes. The European Union, with a population of 370 million, has one-sixth the number of incarcerated persons as we do, and that includes violent and nonviolent offenders. This is one third the number of prisoners which America, a country with 70 million fewer people, incarcerates for nonviolent offenses. The 1.1 million nonviolent offenders we currently lock up represents five times the number of people held in India's entire prison system, even though its population is four times greater than the United States. As the number of individuals incarcerated for nonviolent offenses has steadily risen, African-Americans and Latinos have comprised a growing percentage of the overall number incarcerated. In the 1930s, 75% of the people entering state and federal prison were white (roughly reflecting the demographics of the nation). Today, minority communities represent 70% of all new admissions--and more than half of all Americans behind bars. This is why for the last several years I have introduced the Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act. The bill I introduced earlier this year, H.R. 261, forms the basis for the present amendment. Over 2 million offenders are incarcerated in the nation's prisons and jails. At midyear 2002, 665,475 inmates were held in the Nation's local jails, up from 631,240 at midyear 2001. Projections indicate that the inmate population will unfortunately continue to rise over the years to come. To illustrate the impact that this amendment will potentially have on Texas, the Federal prison population for the years 2000, 2001, and 2002 reached 39,679, 36,138, and 36,635 persons respectively; the State prison population for the same years reached 20,200, 20,898, and 23,561 persons. These numbers have grown since 2002, so the impact is indeed significant and the State of Texas is an important stakeholder. As I stated at the outset, my amendment will ensure that in affording offenders a second chance to turn around their lives and contribute to society, ex-offenders are not too old to take advantage of a second chance to redeem themselves. My amendment will also relieve the some of the strain on federal, state, and local government budgets by reducing considerably government expenditures on warehousing prisoners. For these reasons, I ask that all members to support my amendment.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me thank the Chair, and again, I thank the chairman and ranking member of this subcommittee. Let me also add my appreciation to the appropriators and the chair and ranking member of the full committee. Mr. Chairman, I also want to acknowledge the hard work of the Science Committee. I had the pleasure of serving on that committee for almost 12 years. My issue there was the question of safety during the tenure that I was in that role or a member of that committee. Of course, we had the backdrop of Challenger and then Columbia. Safety is a crucial component to the continued support of Americans of the international space station and America's space program. When I have an annual Christmas party in Houston, the most popular visitor is not Santa Claus. For children, it is the astronauts, and I rise today to offer an amendment that will reinforce the importance of safety in the NASA program. Space exploration remains a part of our national destiny. After the Columbia disaster, NASA stands at a pivotal moment in its history. It is the responsibility of this Congress to ensure that the future of NASA is one of continued progress. I have long been an advocate of space exploration, and I have steadfastly emphasized that while safety must be the number one priority of NASA, this should not deter us from pushing the boundaries of technology and discovery. In June of this year, we saw the space shuttle Atlantis and the international space station both experience serious safety scares. The shuttle's mission had to be extended following the discovery of a rip in the shuttle's thermal blanket, while the space station experienced the failure of a Russian-operated computer system controlling a crucial portion of the station's navigational system. These recent incidents clearly indicate the need for improved safety standards and oversight. Space exploration must be coupled with satisfactory safety assurances. The amendment, Mr. Chairman, that I offer refers to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act signed into law by President Bush, which provided for the establishment of an International Space Station Independent Safety Commission, that I authored, to discover and assess any vulnerabilities of the international space station that could lead to its destruction, compromise the health of its crew, or necessitate its premature abandonment. We will launch on August 7. That launch will head to the international space station. People will be on that international space station, which is the ultimate goal, that scientists will find the place in space to be able to do the research that will carry America forward. That safety task force provided valuable observations on the strengths and weaknesses of the international space station safety systems. It went on to say that we should have strong congressional support for the space shuttle and international space station, as well as a number of specific technical recommendations, such as increased attention to orbital debris and ensuring that all personnel and managers have the necessary skills and experience. If these recommendations are to be successful in identifying and mitigating future risks, then we must have a Congress that reinforces safety for NASA. We shouldn't have the individual there who is afraid to speak up. We should have whistleblower protection. And we should have a director who cares about safety and does not reject Congress' interest in safety. I hope that we will keep our eye on this international space station commission on safety, even though its report is in, to ensure that the individuals we sent on the space shuttle, the work that we are doing on space has the element of safety to save lives and create the opportunity for men and women to live and work in space. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment as we support NASA and my appreciation for the funding that is in this bill for NASA and aeronautics and research and ask my colleagues that NASA should equate to safety, NASA should equate to science. That is an important aspect. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of this amendment. It states that none of the funds made available in this Act may be used to limit the safety provisions enumerated in the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law No. 109-155), particularly those regarding the International Space Station Independent Safety Commission. Space exploration remains a part of our national destiny. After the Columbia disaster, NASA stands at a pivotal moment in its history. It is the responsibility of this Congress to ensure that the future of NASA is one of continued progress. I have long been an advocate of space exploration, and I have steadfastly emphasized that while safety must be the number one priority of NASA, this should not deter us from pushing the boundaries of technology and discovery. In June of this year, we saw the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the International Space Station both experience serious safety scares. The shuttle's mission had to be extended following the discovery of a rip in the shuttle's thermal blanket, while the space station experienced the failure of a Russian-operated computer system controlling a crucial portion of the station's navigational system. These recent incidents clearly indicate the need for improved safety standards and oversight. Space exploration must be coupled with satisfactory safety assurances. Mr. Chairman, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005, signed into law by President Bush, provided for the establishment of an International Space Station Independent Safety Commission, to discover and assess any vulnerabilities of the International Space Station that could lead to its destruction, compromise the health of its crew, or necessitate its premature abandonment. This congressionally mandated International Space Station Independent Safety Task Force offered its recommendations in the form of a final report, which was submitted to NASA and the United States Congress in February of 2007. This report offered a number of valuable observations on the strengths and weaknesses of the International Space Station's safety systems, and it went on to make several important recommendations. The report called for strong congressional support for Space Shuttle and International Space Station, as well as a number of specific technical recommendations, such as increased attention to orbital debris and ensuring that all personnel and managers have the necessary skills and experience. If these recommendations are to be successful in identifying and mitigating future risks to the International Space Station, Congress, together with the Administration, must firmly reaffirm its commitment to pursuing safety as a top priority. My amendment speaks to this clear need to emphasize the importance of safety standards by ensuring that none of the funds made available in this Act may be used to limit the safety provisions enumerated in the recent NASA Authorization Act. We must continue to work to ensure that adequate safety standards apply to all NASA endeavors, and particularly to manned space exploration. As I previously stated, I am a strong supporter of the International Space Station, and I hope that we can move forward with its mission. However, our mission for discovery can not be done in haste; instead we must ensure that all steps have been taken to minimize the risk to astronauts onboard. I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting this important amendment. U.S. and Russia View Space Station Safety Differently (By Mike Schnelder) Cape Canaveral, FL.--It was just four high-energy batteries, the kind that are found in a lot of military equipment such as walkie-talkie sets and night vision equipment. Similar batteries already were being used on the International Space Station. But when NASA officials discovered last year that Russian space officials were allowing the four batteries on-board the space station without the proper testing, they objected strenuously. The batteries could be toxic and had a small potential to explode. The Russians went ahead anyway. Nothing ever happened. But the friction caused by the batteries underscores the divide between the now hyper- safety-conscious Americans and what the Russians describe as their ``more flexible'' approach. It's a different philosophy, explains Shirley McCarty, former head of NASA's safely advisory board: In the U.S. program you must prove it is safe. The Russian approach is ``prove it's not safe.'' After the Columbia space shuttle disaster, safety is getting even more attention by the U.S. Space program, Tensions over the two countries' approaches are being played out in Houston and Moscow as both programs debate whether to allow a spacewalk by the current space station crew of just two men--astronaut Michael Foale and cosmonaut Alexander Kaleri. A spacewalk would leave the space station temporily empty. Previous spacewalks at the international space station have depended on a third crew member inside. The Russians, however, are comfortable with the risk and carried out spacewalks on their Mir space station with just a two-man crew. They are pushing for a spacewalk in late February to do minor work involving payloads and preparatory work for a new type or cargo ship. The Russians consider themselves less rigid and more inventive than the Americans, who tend to follow every letter in the technical manuals, said Sergei Gorbunov, a spokesmen for the Russian Space Agency. ``Here in Russia, we are more flexible in our approach to technical problems,'' Garbunov said. ``The Americans are more conservative in dealing with technical problems, but this isn't a fault.'' It may not be a fault but the different approaches contribute to communications problems that could lead to dangerous situations, NASA's safety advisory board warned in a report last year. ``They share safety concerns,'' Michael Suffredini, the station's operations and integration manager for NASA, said last week of the Russians. ``Sometimes we have a different view.'' Jerry Linenger, a former astronaut who lived aboard Russia's Mir in 1997, said there has to be a ``happy medium'' between the two approaches. ``The Russians are probably on one side of the balance, and the Americans are probably too much on the other side,'' Linenger said. During Linenger's stay on Mir, the Russian space station suffered the most severe fire ever aboard an orbiting spacecraft, a near collision with a cargo ship, failures of onboard system including an oxygen generator, loss of electrical power and an uncontrolled tumble through space. The current space station crew also is experienced with close calls. Foale was on Mir when it collided with a cargo ship. Kaleri was on Mir along with Linenger when the fire broke out. The differences between the Russian and U.S. approaches to safety are as much from cultural as economic factors, said Linenger. Russian industry, for instance, doesn't have the commitment to worker safety that the United States has adopted in recent decades through agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In addition, workers in the Russian space program haven't shaken off the Soviet-era habit of following orders without question, Linenger said. ``The Russians don't want to lose a cosmonaut any more than we want to lose an a astronaut,'' he said, but suggested that perhaps they were ``less used to protecting the worker . . . They're probably more willing to overlook a lot of things that we're not.'' The limited budget of the Russian space program also contributes to how it approaches safety, Linenger said. The cash-strapped space agency, after all, has allowed U.S. millionaire Dennis Tito and South African Mark Shuttleworth to pay for the privilege of being space tourists on the station despite the initial objections of NASA officials. Most recently, the Russian space program disclosed that government funds allocated for building crew capsules and supply ships for the space station are only about half of what's needed. ``When you have a limited budget like they did when I was there, you can't afford to go to option B,'' Linenger said. ``Maybe we misinterpret that they're cavalier about things when they have no options.'' Linenger noted that NASA recently decided to send the current crew to the space station despite concerns from a NASA physician and scientist that exercise equipment and some water and air monitoring devices weren't working properly. ``When you're between a rock and a hard place. I'm not sure we would act any differently,'' he said. Ed Lu, who returned from the space station last month after a six-month stay, said any differences in approaches to safety aren't noticeable. It's really one big program right now,'' he said during an interview from space before his return. ``You can't really separate the organizations too much anymore.'' But members of NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel felt otherwise. They resigned en masse in September after being described as ineffective in a report by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. Before resigning, members cited two other recent incidents in which miscommunication between the Russians and Americans on the ground had caused problems with how the space station was positioned. ``It just seems all the required operating procedures, the ground rules aboard the station, really hadn't been completely planned out between the various international partners,'' said Robert Schaufele, a former member of the safety panel and a professor of aircraft design at California State University. But the two programs have learned from past problems, and new procedures have been put in place, said Bill Gerstenmaier, the space station's program manager for NASA. Since the batteries incident, complaints or concerns can be taken up the command chain more quickly, said Arthur Zygielbaum, a former safety advisory board member. And in recent years, eight NASA specialists have worked in Russia while 10 Russian specialists have worked with NASA in Houston to smooth out potential communication issues, said Joel Montalbano, lead flight director for the current space station mission. With this communications foundation, Montalbano said, ``we can work better and stronger.''

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, it's a pleasure to be able to address my colleagues, and thank you for your leadership as well. Madam Speaker, I wanted to speak this evening on the legislation that is before this House that takes a completely new turn in farming and the agricultural agenda for this Nation, and there are certain elements that I would like to highlight. When you think of an agricultural bill, you think immediately of farms and ranches, particularly of large size, almost a large conglomerate of a series of farms that provide the food engine for America. But this bill draws my attention and support because of the number of other elements and turns and new directions that this legislation takes. It's important to note that this bill has a new definition, one of nutrition. This bill reauthorizes nutrition programs, accounting for two-thirds of the bill's funding to help low-income families in need, including the food stamp program that keeps many Americans from going hungry. The bill increases the minimum benefit under the food stamp program for the first time in 30 years. Just this past week, Madam Speaker, we announced the increase in the minimum wage, the first time in 10 years. One of the greatest tragedies here in this most powerful Nation and powerfully economic Nation is the number of people in America that go to bed hungry. The greatest disaster of that is that a huge percentage happen to be children. This bill eliminates the current gap on child care costs to help the working poor meet rising costs. In addition, it nearly doubles the fund for emergency food assistance programs and expands the fresh fruit and vegetable snack program to all 50 States. This bill focuses on an expanded view of nutrition and, in fact, increases the spending for nutrition by billions of dollars and expands the feeding of children by millions of dollars, but yet, it focuses on the family farmer and provides them with a resource base in order for those family farmers to survive. I also applaud the fact that struggling, socially disadvantaged, and African American families who have farmed over the years and were abused under the United States Department of Agriculture and suffered, in fact, in a lineage of discrimination now will have a remedy, now will have recourse to a number of sections in this legislation that addresses the inequity of the treatment of black farmers, a number of extensions and protections that will make them whole after years of devastating, if you will, treatment by the United States Department of Agriculture. I want to acknowledge the Agriculture Committee, the bipartisan work that they did, the chairman and the ranking member, Chairman Peterson and Ranking Member Goodlatte, on recognizing the work of the members of the Congressional Black Caucus that worked so very hard and the members of the committee that included David Scott and included the task force, Benny Thompson and G.K. Butterfield and a number of others that continued to work on this issue. I had an amendment that I hoped to continue to address and that was to address the question environmentally of increasing the conservation fund for African American socially disadvantaged farmers. We still need to move in a direction of increasing the ability to, if you will, draw out of a dry arid land farming land or ranching land a survivable farm or ranch. I will continue to work on that issue. Even though that amendment was not made in order, I believe it's an issue that is crucial to continue the support and build a family farming system here in America that is still valuable and worth saving. I do have an amendment that focuses on school lunches and school breakfasts, an issue in my district. Large corporations are now serving the Nation's schools for children who sometimes get no other meal other than school breakfast and school lunch. We're going to stand on the floor of the House and debate the question that it is the sense of this Congress to ensure that these lunches are nutritional, that they don't increase juvenile obesity, for we see a number of our children being overweight because of the food or lack of food that they have. One other point as I close is simply to say the importance of alternative fuel is also counted in this legislation. Overall, this legislation takes a new direction for America, an agricultural agenda, and I look forward to debating my amendment tomorrow.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Yesterday, the President of the United States went to South Carolina to address the United States military to convince them that the al Qaeda network in Iraq is part of the international network of al Qaeda. But as I rise to support the legislation that will appear on the floor today, No Permanent Bases in Iraq, I rise vigorously to support this important legislation, that I have co-sponsored. The National Intelligence Estimate has been very clear, and that is that al Qaeda has become stronger because of our military presence in Iraq. It's time now to make the statement and the decision, no permanent military bases of the United States in Iraq. Four thousand lives, almost, of our soldiers have been lost. They are our heroes. We claim they are our heroes. They've done their job. It is time now, Mr. President, to redeploy our soldiers in a safe manner and recognize the misdirected war in Iraq, political reconciliation is the answer. It is time now for the Iraqis and the Prime Minister to stand up, along with the sister states in the region, and establish the reconciliation goverment for Iraq. Please support No Permanent Bases in Iraq.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1388, the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Act. This bill aims to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Star-Spangled Banner Trail in the States of Maryland and Virginia, as well as through the District of Columbia. I would first like to begin by commending my distinguished colleague and the representative of Maryland's 3rd Congressional District, Congressman John P. Sarbanes on his work with this very important piece of legislation. As with most national historic trails, its purpose and significance must be examined for its unique characteristics. I applaud the gentleman for his work in aiming to protect and preserve our Nation's trails. A national historic trail is an extended trail that follows routes of travel that are typically of historic and national significance. The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail consists of water and overland routes totaling appropriately 290 miles extending from southern Maryland through the District of Columbia and Virginia, and north of Baltimore, Maryland, commemorating the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812, as generally depicted on the maps. A national historic trail ought to be significant with respect to several facets of American history, ranging from trade and commerce, exploration, migration and settlement, or military campaigns and must have significant potential for public recreational or historic use. The trail ought to be continuous and might include land, water or marked highway segments. The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail land routes would follow existing public roads, along which British and American troops traveled. Mr. Speaker, this bill would mandate the administration of this trail by the Secretary of the Interior. The Secretary ought to encourage public participation by communities, owners of land along the trail, and volunteer trail groups with the administering, planning, development and maintenance of the trail. Any land or interest in land outside the exterior boundaries of any federally administered area would be prohibited, unless with prior consent from the owner of the land or interest in land. It would be the responsibility of the Secretary to authorize and provide interpretive programs and services, and technical assistance to State and local government and non-profit organizations. Mr. Speaker, the primary focus of this initiative has been providing conservation and enjoyment of, public access to, and interpretation of the historic route and its resources. Historians and regional trail groups have recognized the importance of the untold stories and legacy of the events of the Chesapeake Campaign and the need for protection and interpretation of related historical resources. H.R. 1388 commemorates the events leading up to the writing of ``The Star-Spangled Banner'' during the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. Along these trails are the bedrock of many events of historical significance--British invasion of Maryland, the Battle of Bladensburg, the burning of the White House, the Capitol and Washington Navy Yard, as well as the Battle for Baltimore (1814). The route of the invasion is known and documented, and the proposed trail would follow it as closely as possible. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support, as well as to encourage my colleagues to join Representative Sarbanes in amending the National Trails Systems Act to designate the Star-Spangled Banner Trail in the States of Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia as a National Historic Trail. Visitors to this region ought to enjoy the opportunity to envision and experience this great piece of American history- the heritage and struggles that ensued during the War of 1812. The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Act would give recognition to the patriots whose determination to stand firm against enemy invasion and bombardment preserved this liberty for future generations of Americans.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.