Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution and yield myself as much time as I may consume. I would like to thank our distinguished colleague, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, for introducing this important resolution. Madam Speaker, one of the most confusing inventions over the past century was the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Some call it a cartel, some call it a monopoly, and some just call it what it is, that is, price-gouging by a few countries that have managed to challenge the international security in the process. Recently, several leaders of the major exporters of natural gas, including Iran, have publicly advocated the establishment of an international cartel similar to that of OPEC , thus proposing to create a ``gas OPEC.'' The Iranian supreme leader has been very clear in his interest to use his cartel as an instrument for political purposes. Although the United States currently is largely self-sufficient in natural gas, our usage is projected to increase over time, which could result in a growing dependence on world supply. Our European and Asian allies are heavily dependent on imported natural gas. Therefore, we believe a debate should begin on how we can use the world's resources fairly to avoid penalizing those dependent on such resources, and to avoid the crisis that has generated the utilization of energy from Sudan by many of our allies like those in Europe and Asia while genocide is occurring in that country. The creation of this cartel would pose a major and long-term disruption to the world's energy supply and convene a potential crisis that would significantly undermine America's interests. We cannot stand by and let yet another global oligopoly in the form of a gas OPEC to be established which would ultimately raise the cost of energy globally in an unfair manner; nor can we allow the major natural gas exporters, some of whom are current or potential adversaries of the United States, to develop a powerful political weapon to be used against us and our allies. I can only imagine what policy ends such a body would aim to achieve with its natural gas leverage. Not only the United States would be impacted, but many of the developing nations and many of our friends and foes around the world. The world's natural resources belong to the world's people, and the fact that such a potential organization could deny that would be a catastrophe, particularly for those emerging developing nations. This resolution puts on notice those countries seeking to establish a cartel in natural gas that the United States regards such efforts as a threat to the security of the entire world. This proposed cartel would, I believe, be part of a dangerous throwback through authoritarianism. It would create instability in the respective regions and, in Iran's case, to the world. No one wishes to see them commence an axis that would embolden their respective nations and their respective regimes. I strongly support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. MS. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, and a cosponsor of this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 500) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in opposition to efforts by major natural gas exporting countries to establish a cartel or other mechanism to manipulate the supply of natural gas to the world market for the purpose of setting an arbitrary and nonmarket price or as an instrument of political pressure, as amended.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, let me close by simply indicating we have many solutions that have been offered on the floor, including the full addressing of this resolution, but likely the recognition of natural gas resources right here in the United States of America. With that, I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 500.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would first like to commend our distinguished colleague, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, for introducing this important resolution. Madam Speaker, the majority of our fellow Americans first learned about the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, during the energy crisis in the 1970s and came to associate the organization with it. According to many, the cartel involved in controlling petroleum prices has not served the interests of America and its allies well. Recently, several leaders of the major exporters of natural gas have publicly advocated the establishment of an international cartel similar to that of OPEC, thus proposing to create a `Gas OPEC.' Although the United States currently is largely self-sufficient in natural gas, our usage is projected to increase over time, which could result in a growing dependence on world supply. Our European and Asian allies are already heavily dependent on imported natural gas. The creation of this cartel could pose a challenge to the balance in the world's energy supply which will require a strong diplomatic response by America. It is not in America's interest to have control of the world's natural gas supply in the hands of a few countries. Nor can we allow the major natural gas exporters, some of whom are current or potential adversaries of the United States, to develop a powerful political weapon to be used against us and our allies. The U.S. should vigorously use diplomatic means to cultivate a constructive dialogue with countries like Russia, Venezuela, Canada and Trinidad & Tobago, to name a few, to find a solution which will best serve the interest of America and its allies. This resolution puts on notice those countries seeking to establish a cartel in natural gas that the United States will be vigilant in protecting our economic and political interests. I strongly support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like, first of all, to commend our distinguished colleague, Mr. Gallegly of California, for introducing an important resolution that commemorates a historic occasion in the quest for lasting peace in Northern Ireland. On May 8, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern pronounced ``the historic beginning of a new era for Northern Ireland, an era founded on peace and partnership, an era of new politics and new realities.'' That day indeed marked a new era as age-old rivals Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party and Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein became Northern Ireland's First Minister and Deputy First Minister, respectively, taking their places in the new power-sharing government at Stormont. May 8 also marked the end of direct rule from London and the end of guns and bombs as a form of political expression. These developments provide an opportunity for the people of Northern Ireland to govern themselves. Finally, that day marked the end of decades of conflict and gave hope to the spirit of reconciliation, hope that may inspire those in other communities ravaged by sectarian conflict to keep striving to find peace. We think in particular today of the conflicts of Iraq, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine, Cyprus, and Kashmir. The end to civil wars can bring true peace. Ireland is a true example. And since, of course, the war in Iraq is raging as a civil war, this is a most potent model of success for peace and reconciliation. We know it will not be easy for these dividing societies to achieve lasting peace, but it was not an easy road for Northern Ireland's war- weary politicians. The prospect of reconciliation was tantalizingly close in April, 1998, when political leaders signed the Good Friday Agreement and voters endorsed its provisions in a referendum. I am reminded of traveling to Ireland with then chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Gilman, as we went from area to area talking with the disparate groups addressing the question of peace in Ireland. In December, 1999, the new Northern Ireland Executive finally met for the first time after repeated failures to agree upon its membership. During the next 3 years, the assembly operated in fits and starts as political leaders sought to reach agreement on outstanding issues, such as the decommissioning of weapons and reform of the police service. Trust between the two communities deteriorated to such a point that devolution was suspended in October, 2002, and not restored until this past May. It is due in large part to the tireless efforts of Northern Ireland's political representatives as well as the constant encouragement of Ireland and Britain's long-serving leaders, Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair, that solutions were eventually found to the most vexing problems. And may we be reminded that there were those who were willing to lay down their weapons. I would also like to pay tribute to the efforts of Presidents Bush and Clinton as well as former Senator George Mitchell, who worked together with British and Irish leaders to fulfill the promises of the Good Friday Agreement. Senator George Mitchell worked without ceasing and worked with passion and heart. It is, of course, the people of Northern Ireland who are the biggest winners, as we in this House hope the establishment of the new power- sharing government heralds the dawn of a truly new era characterized by peace, prosperity and mutual respect for all races and religions. Madam Speaker, I strongly support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me thank the sponsors of this legislation. This was an important discussion on the floor. And I might just conclude in my thanks to the ranking member and the chairman of the full committee, and remind my colleagues that the message of this legislation is the point of individuals in conflict willing to lay their guns and weapons down in what has been a long- standing civil war, and their ability to share power; important lessons for countries or nations like Iraq, Lebanon, and many, many others. With that, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 482) expressing support for the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, as amended.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, it gives me particular pleasure to introduce and to yield 6 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from the Eighth District of Pennsylvania, Representative Patrick J. Murphy, a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a veteran of the Iraq war. I believe this may be his first legislative initiative, and we yield to him 6 minutes as we congratulate him for his leadership.

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, let me add my appreciation to Congressman Murphy for a powerful statement on the floor in affirmation of the sense of responsibility involving academic freedom and the important responsibility in opposition to anti-Semitism that seems to plague this world on many occasions. Let me thank him for his leadership, thank Mr. Burton and thank the ranking member and the chairman of the full committee. With that, I ask my colleagues, with great enthusiasm, to support this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 426) recognizing 2007 as the Year of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons in Colombia, and offering support for efforts to ensure that the internally displaced people of Colombia receive the assistance and protection they need to rebuild their lives successfully, as amended.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation and yield myself such time as I may consume. I would first like to express our appreciation to our colleagues, Congressman Jim McGovern and Congressman Joe Pitts, for introducing this important legislation. Let me also thank the Chair of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Mr. Eliot Engel, and the Chair and ranking member of the Africa and Global Health Subcommittee, Mr. Payne and Mr. Smith, for bringing this issue to our attention. For those who have recently visited Colombia, I can assure the sponsors of this legislation that this is a timely and important and constructive addition to the assistance of displaced persons in Colombia. The McGovern resolution brings long overdue attention to the continuing plight of Colombia's internally displaced people. Ongoing violence over the last 20 years among paramilitary groups, guerillas and government security forces has forced millions of civilians to leave their homes, wander the streets and the countryside and simply struggle to survive. It has to be a miserable existence. Colombia's internally displaced population represents one of the worst humanitarian crises in the hemisphere and the second largest population of internally displaced in the world after Sudan. While the entire world knows about the hardships facing the people of Sudan, Colombia's internally displaced suffer in great silence. For this reason, the United Nations' High Commissioner for Refugees has deemed it the greatest hidden humanitarian crisis in the world. Over the past two decades, approximately 3.8 million Colombians, or about 8 percent of Colombia's entire population, have been displaced from their homes due to violence and conflict and through no fault of their own. President Uribe is a solid ally of the United States in South America. He has made enormous strides in protecting his own people, but clearly he faces an uphill battle. In our conversations, in my visit to Colombia, along with several Members, including Congressman Greg Meeks, we made this a very strong point, meeting with some of the internally displaced persons and recognize that this is an enormous challenge that this Congress must confront and provide assistance to these people and to the government to do what is right. Sadly, an estimated 200,000 people are forced to flee their homes or places of refuge each year. For these people, Colombia is home, but Colombia has no home for them. One-third of the internally displaced are from the Afro- Colombian and indigenous peoples communities, a percentage likely to increase this year. This type of ethically based displacement is particularly abhorrent. It is important to note as well that the people continue to be displaced, and they continue to be without a place to go. Like many refugees around the world, the overwhelming majority of Colombia's internally displaced are also women and children. Few of these millions of people have been able to return to their homes. Tragically, these refugees often are misplaced multiple times. They are poor and more disenfranchised than the general population, and they are more fearful of repercussions should they attempt to identify their attackers. The World Food Programme and the UNHCR estimate that more than 70 percent suffer from food insecurity and inadequate shelter or limited health care services. I am grateful to acknowledge the Mickey Leland Center, which my friend and colleague, Mr. McGovern, serves on, as do I, and the efforts they have made in providing food for persons like those displaced in Colombia. With passage of this important measure, the United States Congress will encourage the United States, the international donor community, and the Colombian Government to create coordinated responses that address this humanitarian crisis, provide increased resources and protection for this highly vulnerable population and help them to successfully build their lives. Bringing attention to the humanitarian crisis of Colombia's internally displaced people and assisting them to live in safety with dignity are priorities that every Member of Congress can and should embrace. It is a call to our shared humanity, and I urge all Members to support H. Res. 426. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment in the nature of a substitute for it undermines and it strikes all of the important initiatives that cause this legislation to be one of the imperative legislative initiatives of this Congress. It impacts negatively the middle class. It undermines the qualified teacher provision. It takes away the reward for public service and, of course, it does not deal with the issue of philanthropic participation in college retention and financing. But let me tell you what I am supporting. I am supporting the single largest increase in college funding, college aid since the GI Bill. I am supporting the mother who spoke to me on the way up to Washington saying, ``I'm a middle class, single parent, working to send my daughter to college, and I just can't do it. Does anybody understand that plea? I just can't do it.'' This helps this mother send her daughter to college! And what does this aid package do? This incentive package reinvests in America's young people! It reinvests by strengthening the middle class, by making college more affordable. It increases the power of the Pell Grant through scholarship. It insures that we have qualified teachers in every classroom. It is an equal opportunity promoter of education for Americans. And then it does something unique. It does something that is not discriminatory. It reflects on the value of historically black colleges, Hispanic-serving colleges and other colleges that serve underserved populations. I know the real truth of that, representing Texas Southern University when our Governor could find no other way to solve the problem of that college other than to put it into a conservatorship. Isn't it interesting, Mr. Speaker, that if they had put it into a conservatorship, they would have lost all of their accreditation. This bill invests in helping to retain students. It gives them scholarships. It promotes the colleges. I don't know if this can be seen, but it is clear when we show this example of what Republicans have done in investing in our college education and what Democrats have done. I know that my good friend on the other side of the aisle agrees with me that the education of our children is not a partisan issue. So I would encourage him to, if you will, ignore his motion for a substitute and support the underlying bill because colleges like Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M and Morgan State and Florida A&M are grateful. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2669, the Education and Labor College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. This bill does much more than ease the burden of student loans for college graduates--it will make the American dream possible for low- and middle-income students and families who pay for college. Mr. Speaker, in 21st-century America, a college education is critical for individual success and the strength of our Nation. Higher education is associated with better health, greater wealth, and more vibrant civic participation, as well national economic competitiveness in today's global environment. As the need for a college degree has grown, however, so has the cost of obtaining that education. The result is rising student debt. H.R. 2669 would provide about $18 billion in college financial aid at no new cost to taxpayers. This new investment is critical for African- American students and their families, especially given that African- American students comprise about 12 percent of all undergraduate students. Many institutions have helped black students bridge ethnic- related economic barriers, making a college education possible for underprivileged minorities. Among historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which give African American students an opportunity to have an educational experience in a community in which they are a part of the majority, costs are also rising. This resolution would support many of these honorable institutions in their righteous deeds in educating our underprivileged students of color. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 2669 because it will increase the maximum Pell Grant award by $500 and increase eligibility to serve more students in the program. The Federal Pell Grant Program prides itself on providing need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Forty-five percent of African American and Hispanic students at 4-year colleges depend on Pell Grants, compared to 23 percent of all students. Approximately 4.5 million students currently depend on Pell Grants and ``over 70 percent of Pell Grant funds go to students from families with incomes of $20,000 a year or less''. Increasing the maximum Pell Grant Award will expand racial and ethnic diversity in higher education institutions, benefiting not only the institutions cultural background but it will also be a great learning experience for students to learn diverse cultural background different from their own. H.R. 2669 would cut the interest rates on need-based Federal student loans in half from 6.8 percent to 3-4 percent over 5 years. Once fully implemented, this cut would save the typical borrower--with about $13,800 in need-based loan debt--$4,400 over the life of the loan. About 38 percent of African-American students take out need-based student loans each year. By cutting interest rates on Federal loans, Congress can save college graduates thousands of dollars over the life of their loans. Mr. Speaker, recent graduates, especially those of minority status with low to moderate incomes, must spend the vast majority of their salaries on necessities such as rent, health care, and food. For borrowers struggling to cover basic costs, student loan repayment can create a significant and measurable impact on their lives. Crushing student debt also has societal consequences, according to a report by two highly respected economists, Drs. Saul Schwarz and Sandy Baum, the prospect of burdensome debt likely deters skilled and dedicated college graduates from entering and staying in important careers educating our Nation's children and helping the country's most vulnerable populations. To solve this problem and ensure that higher education remains within reach for all Americans, we need to increase need-based grant aid; make loan repayment fair and affordable; protect borrowers from usurious lending practices; and provide incentives for State governments and colleges to control tuition costs. H.R. 2669 is an important step in a new and right direction for America. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 2669, the Education and Labor College Cost Reduction Act of 2007.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 287) to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first use of the name ``America'', and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and yield myself as much time as I may consume. Let me first of all thank our colleague, Congressman Alcee Hastings, for introducing this meaningful measure that speaks to the very heart of our Nation, as well as its history. The resolution before the House today acknowledges the 500th anniversary of the use of the name ``America'' which first appeared on a map of the world drafted by a German cartographer, Martin Waldseemuller in 1507. The only known surviving copy of the first printed edition of this map is now housed in our own Library of Congress. It was the first map to depict the continent beyond Europe's western horizon, with the Pacific shown on its opposite shore as a separate ocean. This measure also acknowledges the contribution of explorer Amerigo Vespucci in radically shifting human understanding of world geography. No longer was the globe thought to be divided only among Europe, Asia and Africa. This, in turn, inspired Martin Waldseemuller to adopt Vespucci's given name and to confer it on the newly charted Western Hemisphere. Mr. Speaker, this might be called the first act of immigration. It is important that we celebrate this historic occasion because ``America'' has come to symbolize much more than a name placed on a map half a millennium ago. For centuries, it has been seen by many as a promised land, where a new start offers endless possibilities. So many have come to our shores, seeking opportunity, fleeing persecution, fleeing prosecution against those values that they hold so dear, and looking for economic opportunity. And for decades, this country has played a global leadership role, offering hope for relief from oppression and tyranny. Our Independence Day festivities which we just celebrated with great gusto last week reminds Americans and the world every year of a unique place in history this country holds. I, for one, held the first Citizenship Day in the history of Houston on Independence Day. It was a joyful celebration of the freedom and the independence of those great days of this great Nation. I would like to acknowledge the Americans Abroad Caucus, which saw this resolution as an opportunity to promote international geographical understanding and to celebrate the expansive symbolism of this great and wonderful country. As well, it comes as an opportunity to support and emphasize the symbolism of the word ``America'' and what it has come to signify. I would also like to acknowledge the America 500th Birthday Organizing Committee and their ``Who Named America'' initiative which has coordinated a series of city, county and State proclamations consistent with the spirit of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H. Res. 287. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I'm delighted to yield such time as he might consume to the sponsor of this bill, Representative Alcee L. Hastings, who is the chairman of the Rules Subcommittee on the Legislative and Budget Process and is also the international chairperson of the Helsinki Commission.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me thank the distinguished gentleman from Florida. Again, let me acknowledge Mr. Lantos, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and Mr. Engel as well. This is an important piece of history, and I am very grateful for this legislation to provide us another chain link, if you will, another connection to the history of America. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, which is H. Res. 287.

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