Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, sadly, we are moving toward almost 4,000 dead in Iraq. I don't believe there are enough times that we can recount for the American people how many have already died; 25,000 are injured. I am grateful to the Democratic leadership for providing enhanced funding for the veterans hospitals and the Veterans Affairs Department to break the backlog of those veterans' wait for services and to help those in outpatient centers who need care. But the real issue is when is the Iraqi Government going to stand up? Just this past weekend, bombing occurred in Afghanistan where we need to turn our attention, but we understand that there is a possibility that the Iraqi Parliament will end its work and go off on a vacation for July and August while our soldiers are dying. It is time now for this administration to understand the misdirection of this mission, to cause the Iraqi Government to stand up so that we can stand down. How many more lives, how many more families for these brave and wonderful men and women on the front lines of Iraq? They are our heroes, they are the patriots. We salute them. It is time now for the administration to stand up for them and make the Iraqi Government stand up and take care of the Iraqi people.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak in strong support of the bill and in favor of my amendment. I also rise to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Edwards, the chairman of the Appropriations I subcommittee on Veterans Affairs and Military Construction, and the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Mr. Filner, for all they have done and continue to do to make real President Lincoln's admonition that ``we care for him who has borne the battle, and for his widow and orphan.'' In particular, I wish to commend Chairman Edwards, for the leadership, commitment, and foresight he has demonstrated on the issue of PTSD and the overall mental health of our nation's veterans. On February 28, 2007, he announced that $3 million has been made available for the Waco VA PTSD program in 2006 which is now available so that researchers at Fort Hood, Texas A&M, Baylor, the Temple VA, and the Waco VA hospital work towards realizing their goal of making the Waco VA, in conjunction with Ft. Hood and the Temple VA, a world-class PTSD and mental health care research center. Like Mr. Edwards and Mr. Filner, I am committed to improving the lives of thousands of veterans who have risked their lives for our nation, and I believe my amendment plays a crucial role in ensuring that veterans suffering from PTSD receive the medical treatment they desperately need. Mr. Chairman, thank you for this opportunity to explain my amendment to H.R. 2642, the Veterans Affairs and Military Construction Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year of 2008. As a Member of Congress from Texas, a state which has sustained more casualties in the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq than all but one other, I am pleased to offer this amendment. This amendment is intended to address the urgent need for more post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment and counseling facilities servicing veterans living in some of the more distressed areas of our country. Mr. Chairman, according to Webster's, dignity is ``the quality or condition of being esteemed, honored or worthy.'' We can never do enough to honor our wounded veterans. Studies have shown that 30 percent of troops deployed to Iraq suffer from depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, when wounded troops return home the treatment they receive is more befitting a second class citizen than a hero. This is a shame and a great stain on our nation. How these problems could be overlooked or neglected by this Administration is unfathomable. The very leaders that these brave young men and women rely on let them down. The message that incidents like Walter Reed Medical Center sends to our troops is that we do not care enough. But that is not the message we wish to send. The Veterans Administration and Military Construction Appropriations Act of 2008, H.R. 2642, will go long away toward correcting this misapprehension. All members of the House are indebted to our colleague, Mr. Edwards of Texas, for his masterful leadership in shepherding this landmark legislation to the House floor. For the 25,380, 2,401 from Texas, brave men and women who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, help is on the way. And the 3,519, 298 from Texas, heroes who have given the last full measure of devotion will always be in our hearts and prayers. Mr. Chairman, my amendment requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of medical facilities specializing in post- traumatic stress disorder located in underserved urban areas. Access to post-traumatic stress disorder treatment is especially important since veterans living in such areas are less likely to be diagnosed and treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. Mr. Chairman, PTSD is one of the most prevalent and devastating psychological wounds suffered by the brave men and women fighting in far off lands to defend the values and freedom we hold dear. For those of us whose daily existence is not lived in harm's way, it is difficult to imagine the horrific images that American servicemen and women deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other theaters of war see on a daily basis. In an instant a suicide bomber, an lED, or an insurgent can obliterate your best friend and right in front of your face. Yet, you are trained and expected to continue on with the mission, and you do, even though you may not even have reached your 20th birthday. But there always comes a reckoning. And it usually comes after stress and trauma of battle is over and you are alone with your thoughts and memories. And the horror of those desperate and dangerous encounters with the enemy and your own mortality come flooding back. PTSD was first brought to public attention in relation to war veterans, but it can result from a variety of traumatic incidents, such as mugging, rape, torture, being kidnapped or held captive, child abuse, car accidents, train wrecks, plane crashes, bombings, or natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. People with PTSD may startle easily, become emotionally numb, especially in relation to people with whom they used to be close, lose interest in things they used to enjoy, have trouble feeling affectionate, be irritable, become more aggressive, or even become violent. They avoid situations that remind them of the original incident, and anniversaries of the incident are often very difficult. PTSD symptoms seem to be worse if the event that triggered them was deliberately initiated by another person, as in a mugging or a kidnapping. Most people with PTSD repeatedly relive the trauma in their thoughts during the day and in nightmares when they sleep. These are called flashbacks. Flashbacks may consist of images, sounds, smells, or feelings, and are often triggered by ordinary occurrences, such as a door slamming or a car backfiring on the street. A person having q flashback may lose touch with reality and believe that the traumatic incident is happening all over again. Mr. Chairman, the matter is that most veterans with PTSD also have other psychiatric disorders, which are a consequence of PTSD. These veterans have co-occurring disorders, which include depression, alcohol and/or drug abuse problems, panic, and/or other anxiety disorders. The current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq are the most continuous combat operations since Vietnam. Only one comprehensive study has examined the mental health impact of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and that was performed by Charles W. Hoge, MD. This study looked at the experience of soldiers in the war zone and symptoms of psychological distress. Soldiers in Iraq are at risk for being killed or wounded themselves, are likely to have witnessed the suffering of others, and may have participated in killing or wounding others as part of combat operations. All of these activities have a demonstrated association with the development of PTSD. Hoge's study indicated that 94 percent of soldiers in Iraq reported receiving small-arms fire. In addition, 86 percent of soldiers in Iraq reported knowing someone who was seriously injured or killed, 68 percent reported seeing dead or seriously injured Americans, and 51 percent reported handling or uncovering human remains. The majority, 77 percent, of soldiers deployed to Iraq reported shooting or directing fire at the enemy, 48 percent reported being responsible for the death of an enemy combatant, and 28 percent reported being responsible for the death of a noncombatant. My amendment recognizes that these soldiers are first and foremost, human. They carry their experiences with them. Ask a Vietnam Veteran about the frequency of nightmares they experience, and one will realize that serving in the Armed Forces leaves a lasting impression, whether good or bad. My amendment ensures that no soldier is left behind. By directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of medical facilities specializing in PTSD that are located in underserved urban areas, and conducting a concurrent study on increasing access to PTSD treatment at these facilities those soldiers will never feel forgotten or taken for granted. These soldiers can be certain that Members of Congress will ensure that they receive the necessary treatment to guarantee that their adjustment back into society is a successful one. As the war in Iraq continues to drag on, and with our country continuing to send military personnel to Afghanistan, the military has been overwhelmed with returning soldiers suffering from mental health problems. Earlier this month, Col. Elspeth Ritchie, psychiatry consultant to the Army surgeon general, stated ``as the war has gone on, PTSD and other psychological effects of war have increased. The number of mental health workers that was adequate for a peacetime military is not adequate for a nation that's been at war.'' Mr. Chairman, according to surveys conducted of troops in Iraq, 15-20 percent of Army soldiers have demonstrated signs of post-traumatic stress. Symptoms of this serious disorder include nightmares, flashbacks, emotional detachment, dissociation, insomnia, loss of appetite, memory loss, clinical depression, and anxiety. One year after returning from combat, approximately 35 percent of soldiers are seeking some kind of mental health treatment. Among soldiers still stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, many incidents of abuse, including killings and rapes by U.S. soldiers, have been attributed to ethics lapses caused by the strain of combat. Mr. Chairman, last Thursday, the Department of Defense released a report that stated ``current efforts fall significantly short'' in providing help for troops. Further, this report found that the psychological health needs of America's military service members, their families and their survivors pose a daunting and growing challenge to the Department of Defense. I urge adoption of my amendment. And I thank the Chairman for his fine work in bringing this exceptional legislation to the House floor where it should receive an overwhelmingly favorable vote.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished gentleman, and I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me offer my appreciation to the full Committee on Appropriations, both the chairman and ranking member, and to this subcommittee. I've seen enormous commitment to bipartisanship between Mr. Edwards and, of course, Mr. Wicker. But my good colleague and friend from Texas has outdone himself, and this particular veterans appropriation, the Military Construction Veterans Affairs appropriation, signifies nothing but joy for Americans and veterans all across this country. Might I just cite the fact that this bill moves above the President's budget in medical services, making it $28.9 billion; moves above the President's request on homeless vets, $130 million; moves above the President's request on medical facilities, $4.1 billion; and moves above it on extended care facilities, $165 million. Many of us have risen to the floor today to talk about post-traumatic stress. I just wanted to remind my colleagues of the kind of horror and nightmare that many of our soldiers and returning soldiers and veterans live with, suffering from PTSD. It is simply to acknowledge the fact that over and over again you relive the tragedy of the experience, whether it's small arms fire, whether it's IEDs, whether it's seeing your comrade fall in battle in front of you, whether it's seeing his body implode, you know that you're reliving it, and the number one basis of PTSD is military and combat exposure. Just for the record, let me acknowledge that 94 percent of the soldiers in Iraq reported receiving small arms fire; 86 percent of soldiers in Iraq reported knowing someone who was seriously injured or killed. This is a major issue and it is a major part of the lives of our soldiers. Mr. Chairman, my amendment simply was to do this: It was to provide more medical centers in places like rural areas or small cities to be able to be utilized for PTSD. I know Chairman Edwards knows this issue because it was his leadership that generated the change of the Waco veterans hospital into a mental health facility. I want that to continue to stand, and I want to thank him for the increased dollars he's put in for PTSD. But, Mr. Chairman, I have a veterans advisory committee that's indicated that we need centers around the Nation, smaller centers maybe in small hospitals, that would respond to veterans and returning soldiers, maybe even to the extent of reimbursing them by being in those particular centers. Let me close by simply saying that this bill is comprehensive. I look forward to working with the chairman on more permanent housing for the disabled, as we work toward more PTSD facilities, even though we have a great amount of resources here, more adjusted housing, if you will, for those who are coming back so they're not living alone. I want to take special privilege to acknowledge the DeGeorge in my community for my homeless vets, a facility for homeless vets, DeGeorge at Union Station and U.S. Vets. All of them confront veterans and returning soldiers with PTSD. If we expand these facilities so that rural and small cities and even inner city areas, which is what my amendment is focused on, everybody would have the opportunity to be able to access help with PTSD. I would ask my colleagues to consider as we move toward conference to be able to work on this issue in an expanded way.

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to be able to congratulate and to wish a happy Father's Day to all of the fathers across America. In particular, I wish a very special and very respectful Father's Day to all of those serving on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan, all of our veterans, all of them loved dearly for their service, and as well the service and love they give their families. I want to pay special tribute to those fathers who are no longer with us, and might I mention Ezra C. Jackson, my father, my dad, who will always be someone in my heart as someone willing to stand by his children and be able to uplift his children. Again this is a commemorative holiday where we simply say ``thank you.'' Fathers are the guiding force, fathers bring strength, both in religion, both in character, and in support of their families. We are a nation of families, moms and dads and grandmothers and grandfathers. And for all of those who have stood in as fathers, we wish you a very happy Father's Day as well. This is a special day, and as I close, let me simply say, we have a weekend of Father's Day. And in Texas, we commemorate Juneteenth. It is a special weekend of celebrations, remembering the struggle of those who were not yet freed as slaves, and remembering the service and the love that our fathers give in America. We are united as families, and fathers remain very dear in our hearts. Happy Father's Day.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, might I add my appreciation for the manner in which the chairman has conducted this process with the appropriations of the Homeland Security Appropriations Committee. Let me thank the ranking member of the committee and the chairman of the subcommittee for working with the authorizers. And let me thank my chairman, Chairman Thompson of the full committee, the Homeland Security Committee, for creating the committee which I Chair, the Transportation, Security and Critical Infrastructure. This amendment speaks directly to the immediacy of our concerns about pipeline security, refineries and other critical infrastructure. A CRS report indicates that there are now nearly half a million miles of oil and gas transmission pipelines across America. We got a wake-up call just a few weeks ago with the discovery of a possible plot to blow up the fuel lines at John F. Kennedy Airport. Now we understand that we have a dilemma, and that dilemma requires the Department of Homeland Security to consider assessing the vulnerability of pipelines, refineries and other critical infrastructure around America. Natural gas, gasoline, petroleum and other pipelines can produce catastrophic fires and explosions when they fall, and it is imperative that we begin to assess the vulnerabilities of such. A weekly bulletin from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FBI told law enforcement officials and businesses this week that the Independence Day holiday might make an attack more appealing. This was an article in 2005. The bulletin said important economic infrastructure like refineries are possible targets for terrorists. We need to assess the vulnerabilities of our refineries and pipelines. Another article said, apparently some international terrorists have targeted our oil refining assets in the United States as potential targets. FBI Director Mueller said between 1999 and 2001, the FBI prevented 10 possible domestic terrorist incidents, including two potentially large scale, high casualty attacks by right wing groups, and the planned bombing of a trans-Alaska pipeline in 1999. Our pipelines are on the front lines of terrorists. A New York Post article said for years, city residents have questioned the safety of the 40 year old artery that pumps jet fuel, heating and diesel oil and gasoline into the city, and some have even cited the pipeline as a potential terrorist attack. We saw what happened when this allegation of terrorism that is still being investigated was uncovered regarding the John F. Kennedy pipeline. We have to get in front of this. We have to be preventive. Our committee will go forward having oversight hearings on these important questions. But it is important for the Department of Homeland Security to adhere to its directive and to recognize that the responsibility of security of pipelines and critical infrastructure remains in the Department of Homeland Security. It is interesting as to whether or not beyond the question of impacting our security and our lives, that this damage to critical infrastructure can generate increased oil prices, something that many Americans are now saying, enough is enough. I would ask my colleagues to recognize that our responsibility, the Homeland Security Appropriations Committee that has put together a very inclusive appropriations bill, to answer the questions of the needs of America's homeland security. But we also have to recognize that we have to be diligent, we have to be vigilant, and we have to make sure that we are in front of the ideas, the threats, of those perpetrators who would want to do us harm. The half a million miles of pipelines, the many, many refineries, speaks loudly and volumes to the necessity of creating a vulnerability assessment of those pipelines and refineries and other critical infrastructure around the United States. I would ask that my colleagues support this amendment, and I would ask additionally that the Department of Homeland Security have as one of its chief responsibilities the vulnerability assessment of these critical infrastructure sites. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I am absolutely delighted. It means America will be safer. I thank the Chair for this opportunity to explain my amendment to H.R. 2638, the ``Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year of 2008.'' As a member of the Homeland Security Committee and the chair of the Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, I am pleased to offer this amendment, which enhances the bill by requiring the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a security vulnerability study of the Nation's pipelines and refineries. Less than two weeks ago, four would-be terrorists were arrested for hatching a plot to blow up John F. Kennedy Airport and swaths of Queens by attacking fuel tanks and an underground pipeline in the hope of igniting a catastrophic explosion that would surpass the horrific devastation visited upon the Nation on September 11. Because of their length, ubiquity, and remoteness, pipelines can be nearly impossible to defend. Natural gas, gasoline, petroleum, and other pipelines can produce catastrophic fires and explosions when they fail. ``Environmental'' damage aside, these events can kill and injure people, and the casualties can be worse when pipelines are located near populated areas. We need to ensure that everything that can be done to secure the Nation's pipelines and refineries is being done. There may be, of course, other actions that pipeline and refinery operators can and must do to reduce the threats terrorists could present. My aim of my amendment is to increase the knowledge base pertaining to potential vulnerabilities of a critically important segment of the Nation's economic infrastructure so that effective countermeasures can be taken to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. For these reasons, I urge the adoption of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I am very happy to yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina, and I thank the ranking member. I agree with the ranking member's assessment that we can improve the training and the, if you will, work performance in many instances of the TSA screeners. But we also note that there are many hardworking screeners. I chair the subcommittee that oversees the work of TSA as it relates to airport screeners. And the reason the authorizers wanted to not have a cap is because, first of all, the Transportation Security Administration and the screeners staffing are engaging in what we call a spot program. They're dealing with the traveler document checking system. New programs need new personnel, new trained personnel. The cap was lifted in the 9/11 bill for a very important reason. It sends the wrong message for us to cap screeners of airports. Our airports are expanding. Air travel is growing. In fact, we have been looking at the utilization of screening employees in the airport to make the entire airport, front and back, safe. So we all can work toward more professional development for the screeners, the airport screeners; but our work is too important now, and our work is too important going forward, after 9/11, to send this message of capping these employees. I would respectfully oppose the amendment because of the work that we still have to do in securing the Nation's airports.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank you. I am aware of dedicated community activists that have stepped forward to fill the void left by Federal, State and local governments. Currently, FEMA's national preparedness director only has an acting deputy administrator rather than the permanent leadership this office requires. Further, this administrator testified before our Homeland Security Subcommittee that our national strategy for citizen preparedness must be rooted in strong local efforts to integrate citizens and communities, and requires locally or regionally developed plans to address each community's unique risk and capabilities. He also testified to the need for utilizing volunteer services, since there are not enough emergency responders to take care of everyone in every location during the most critical time. I understand the chairman believes there are funds available in the legislation for FEMA to reach out to these State and local activists and groups to provide them with the resources that they need to continue their vitally important work, and to work to ensure that the absolute debacle that we saw 2 years ago before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina is never allowed to happen again. One such activist is Mr. Charles X. White, who has worked tirelessly to provide much- needed resources for Houston's vulnerable communities. In light of predictions of a devastating hurricane season this year, we must take action to ensure that those who are reaching neglected segments of our American population are adequately funded, including these vulnerable populations, racial, ethnic, disabled, elderly and others. I look forward to working with you, Mr. Chairman, on report language as this bill goes forward, to ensure that hurricane preparedness outreach to vulnerable communities is a priority for FEMA.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I would like to enter into a colloquy with the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security on the Appropriations Committee. Mr. Chairman, we have learned from the recent devastation of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, as well as Tropical Storm Allison, which devastated my city of Houston in 2001, that severe consequences can result from not having the proper hurricane preparedness plans and outreach efforts in place prior to such a disaster. In my own district in Houston, and in New Orleans, and in communities throughout America, we have personally seen firsthand that minorities, the elderly, the disabled and impoverished populations have not been adequately prepared for the upcoming hurricane seasons or, in fact, hurricane seasons in the past. I am particularly dismayed that these vulnerable populations have not been targeted by outreach efforts communicating the need to prepare for a major hurricane or other natural disaster. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck some of America's most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Even rural communities have suffered from the lack of focus on emergency preparedness, communities which are just now beginning to find their feet again after these devastating storms. National, State and local governments have not fulfilled their responsibility to ensure that they are not, once again, left to face nature's wrath alone. My colleague from Minnesota, Representative Jim Ramstad, has stated that the disaster in the gulf coast region exposed the enormous gaps in the emergency planning preparedness and management for people with disabilities. We desperately need to fill these gaps. Mr. Chairman, I had intended to offer an amendment to H.R. 2638, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2008, that would have provided an additional $5 million to FEMA to support emergency preparedness outreach and program efforts for vulnerable communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and the economically disadvantaged. However, money does not answer all questions, and I would be willing to forgo offering my amendment if the chairman would be willing to work with me to ensure that FEMA makes specific efforts to engage those most vulnerable members of our communities in programs that would involve the necessary preparedness, education, training and awareness that is necessary to prepare our communities.

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished chairman for his work on this legislation, this appropriations bill. And I thank you on behalf of the vulnerable communities across America who may be facing a tough hurricane or man-made disaster season. We need FEMA to focus their attention. I thank the gentleman for his work and his support.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, in order to work in this House, there are many good friends that we engage with, and I just listened to a good friend of mine on the other side of the aisle. But I think we are missing the straight and narrow road as our colleagues continue to be repetitive and a broken record. Let me indicate that almost like the terminology ``border security'' and ``war against terror,'' there is no disagreement between the parties in terms of transparency, I would hope, in this new Congress. My good friends on the other side of the aisle know that the stumbles that they made in the last Congresses motivated the American public to change hands as it relates to the majority. It is certainly foolish for them to think that this majority would muddle it up by not furthering the challenges and the instructions given by the people, which was transparency. And I know that they know that no earmark will move to finality without the American public's having the opportunity to scrutinize and to assess those earmarks of each Member. Earmarks that must serve the American public not special interests. But now we are in a state which calls to question the commitment of the minority to this whole issue of homeland security. I know that all of us can find a number of different ways to utilize these dollars. What we found from many Members on this side of the aisle is that we have attempted to plus-up, for example, the urban area grants, which help the high-tier, particularly sensitive, and troubled and terror- prone cities around America, that is, moving dollars to improve the security of vulnerable areas. The simple reduction of funds does not speak to the singular question and the responsibility of the Homeland Security authorizing committee, which I have the honor of serving on as the subcommittee Chair with my chairman, the Honorable Bennie Thompson. We know every day, as the chairman of the subcommittee on Homeland Security for appropriations, David Price, does, and I know his ranking member, that every day questions of homeland security appear before the American public. I have a personal remembrance, Mr. Chairman, of singing on the steps of this body ``America the Beautiful'' on that forlorn day, a day that no American could ever have imagined in their life, those who were not of the World War II generation to have remembered Pearl Harbor, but no one could have fathomed the strike that came to us on September 11, 2001. It was then that we changed our complete mindset that we had no time, no leeway, no latitude, if you will, to play around the edges of homeland security. We are doing that and we have done that last night. We did that all into the wee hours, playing around homeland security. And while we fiddle away the time, the first responder and port security grant program is languishing, dollars that are needed by those on the front lines. State grants regarding law enforcement, urban area grants that Houston, as one of the tier-one cities, certainly would be losing and many in the State of Texas. Albeit the incident at JFK is still being explored, even the thought that individuals would have the knowledge to explode a pipeline that would then literally obliterate an airport and the surrounding areas says that we are fiddling while Rome is burning. And so I want to work with my colleagues. I know that the chairman of this subcommittee does. The chairman of our full Committee on Homeland Security, the authorizing committee, wants to as well. There are issues that we want to confront, and, certainly, I want the most secure airports one can find, not only the area where the traveling public is but the area where employees are, the area where workers are, the back part of the airport. I want pipelines to be safe. And as it relates to the issue dealing with preparedness, we were in a subcommittee hearing today where the question has come up whether the disabled are secure, whether the vulnerable communities are secure. So, Mr. Chairman, let me simply say we are fiddling while Rome is burning. We need to move forward because the question will be for the American public when a tragedy happens, as I close, where were you and what did you do? They will just film what happened last night and what is happening today, and we will not be able to answer the question with dignity. The leadership in this House believes in homeland security. We need to move this bill forward.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I just want to say the gentleman is absolutely right. We have to separate what ICE does from local law enforcement. This is trying to backdoor immigration reform. We really need, not piecemeal immigration reform, if we are going to do it. ICE, in relation with the jails, that works. Make sure the incarcerated criminals are tracked in the right direction. But to go into neighborhoods using local law enforcement that is now using ICE money to train them really, I think, undermines the law enforcement system in that community, and law-abiding citizens who would be willing to help solve a crime are now being victimized. If we are going to do immigration reform, let's do it. Let's do it in the right way. But let's not manipulate local law enforcement, who in fact have made official statements on the record that they would prefer not to be engaged in Federal immigration work. So I thank the gentleman for the point that he has made, and I hope that this body will get down at some point to a reasonable and rational response to the problems of the immigration system.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the Chair for this opportunity to explain my amendment to H.R. 2638, the ``Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year of 2008.'' My amendment would provide an additional $5 million to FEMA, to support emergency preparedness efforts for vulnerable communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and the economically disadvantaged. My amendment is very simple, but it is extremely necessary. In my own district in Houston, and in communities throughout America, minority, elderly, disabled, and improverished populations have not been adequately prepared for the upcoming hurricane season. Special efforts must be made to engage these most vulnerable members of our communities in vitally necessary emergency preparedness education, training, and awareness. I am particularly dismayed that these vulnerable populations have not been targeted by outreach efforts communicating the need to prepare for a major hurricane. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck some of America's most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, communities which are just now beginning to find their feet again after these devastating storms. National, state, and local governments have not fulfilled their responsibility to ensure that they are not, once again, left to face nature's wrath alone. We saw the utter failure of government response 2 years ago, when Hurricane Katrina struck our shores. One Katrina survivor, a resident of New Orleans named Charmaine Neville, told her story in an interview following Hurricane Katrina. Ms. Neville described having no way to evacuate the city before the storm hit, and her feelings of abandonment by the authorities. She discussed her personal efforts, and those of other volunteers, to rescue stranded and vulnerable individuals ``from the hospices, from the hospitals and from the old-folks homes.'' Ms. Neville's testimony is shocking, even 2 years later. She states, ``I tried to get the police to help us, but I realized they were in the same straits we were,'' and tells the story of her personal rescue of 2 elderly women in wheelchairs. Ms. Neville recalls, ``When we finally did get into the 9th ward, and not just in my neighborhood, but in other neighborhoods in the 9th ward, there were a lot of people still trapped down there . . . old people, young people, babies, pregnant women.'' She told the interviewer, ``What I want people to understand is that, if we hadn't been left down there like the animals that they were treating us like, all of those things wouldn't have happened. When they gave the evacuation order, if we could've left, we would have left.'' Another Hurricane Katrina survivor described the situation at a local hospital, where his wife was employed as a nurse, in the days following the storm. ``You can imagine a hospital with 2,000 people and no electricity, water, food, or flushing toilets. Breathing machines did not work. Cell phones did not work. Because the computers stopped working, medicines were unavailable. Elevators in the 8 floor building did not work. We quickly ran out of food because the cafeteria and food were also in the flooded basement. The gains of 21st century medicine disappeared. Over 40 people died in the hospital over the next few days as we waited for help.'' He went on to talk about the evacuation, stating, ``The Katrina evacuation was totally self-help. If you had the resources, a car, money and a place to go, you left. The poor, especially those without cars, were left behind. The sick were left behind. The elderly were left behind. Untold numbers of other disabled people and their caretakers were also left behind. Children were left behind. Prisoners were left behind.'' I believe in an America in which no one is left behind. I believe in an America where these vulnerable sectors of the population are targeted by education, training, and awareness programs; an America in which they receive the tools and resources that they need to survive the next disaster. And I believe that, thus far, federal, state, and local governments have failed to provide this. In light of this lack of adequate response, dedicated community activists, like Mr. Charles X. White of Houston, have stepped forward to fill this void. Mr. White and his organization, Charity Productions, are working tirelessly to provide much-needed resources for the elderly, disabled, impoverished, and minority communities of Houston. Community projects, like Mr. White's, that reach vulnerable members of our population are particularly crucial in light of predictions of a devastating hurricane season this year. I saw firsthand the plight of vulnerable populations after Hurricane Rita. During the hurricane, I fielded calls at Houston's Emergency Operations Center in order to facilitate obtaining assistance for elderly and disabled residents. I believe it is unconscionable to, despite the knowledge and experience we have gained in the past 2 years, allow this to happen again. A major component of hurricane preparedness must be an evacuation plan. In New Orleans, residents were divided between those who had cars and could easily escape, and those who did not. Nationally, African Americans and Latinos comprise about 54 percent of those reliant of public transportation. Blacks are 6 times more likely than whites to travel via public transit. Since Katrina, cities like New Orleans have made some attempt to address evacuation deficiencies. According to reports, New Orleans has developed a system of bus evacuation; however, managers of the program have released few details about accommodations for those individuals with limited mobility. Matthew Kallmyer, New Orleans' deputy emergency preparedness director, has been quoted as saying, ``Those people need to go ahead and try to make their own plan, of course. At the end of the day, you know you are someone who has a disability. Try to go ahead and find the means to get yourself out or get yourself to one of the evacuation points.'' We have an obligation to provide the American people with a disaster response system that works. We must not allow the lessons of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to fall on deaf ears. My amendment seeks to fund the groups and programs that target vulnerable communities, to ensure that, when the next hurricane hits, these groups may be adequately prepared. I look forward to working with the Appropriations Committee, and Chairman Obey and Chairman Price, to ensure language in the Conference Report for H.R. 2638, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2008, which provides funds to FEMA for hurricane preparedness outreach to vulnerable communities.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important as we come to the floor this morning to remind our colleagues of the horrible death that this legislation has had over the last two Congresses. Just think how many lives could have been saved had the wisdom of Congresswoman McCarthy and certainly her cosponsor Congressman Dingell and this body prevailed. Maybe the tragedy of Virginia Tech, Seung-Hui Cho, who was already judged someone who was troubled, could have saved the lives of 32 who died and 26 who were wounded. This bill died Congress after Congress. I rise today to support this legislation because it is an answer partly to the crisis of the massive numbers of murders and death by guns in this country. I am reminded of the phrase of those who want to see no regulation, and that is that ``people kill, guns don't.'' But it is interesting that they use guns to kill, just like the individual who recently walked into his pregnant wife's office and shot her dead, a pregnant woman. So I support this legislation for making it easier to secure the instant background checks to get rid of the backlogs and to be able to stand in the way of a Seung-Hui Cho. Let me thank Congressman Conyers for his continuing advocacy and the great work of Congresswoman McCarthy over the years of expressing her advocacy based upon her experience, and it has been a tribute to her service in America. Let me thank Mr. Dingell and the ranking member, Mr. Smith, for their collaboration on moving this legislation forward. Might I, however, note that I am concerned that there is an allowance for those who have been denied earlier to be able to purchase a gun later in life. I raise a concern about that, whether that person is fully healed and ready to own a gun. And then it also indicates that it automatically restores the gun rights of a military American who may have been diagnosed with military illness, suggesting that he or she may no longer be under a monitoring system or no longer needs care. I raise these loopholes because those are the kinds of cases that will pop up on the Nation's headlines. Why did it happen? Because we had a loophole. So we have taken some steps, but, frankly, as I look at the numbers of dead in Chicago, young people who have died, now some 31, 32, at the hands of guns, yes, gun violence and gangs, but it still is speaking to the proliferation of guns in America. I don't have any problem with the second amendment. You can carry a legal gun for legal purposes all you want. Go through the hoops and go through the circles so that we can protect America against the illegal selling of guns that results in 32 dead teenagers as young as 14 years old in Chicago, Illinois. I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. It is a good step forward. And I thank the leaders for this bill.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the chairman very much, and I thank the ranking member for their work. I want to point out particularly in the interest of our subcommittee on the authorizing committee, chairwoman of the Transportation Security and Critical Infrastructure, is the importance of the added amount of dollars for the Transportation Security Administration, a figure that is $307 million above the 2007 request, $6.62 billion. I am hoping that that means that we will begin to look at the entire operations of airports, to ensure that the grounds, the back side of the airport as well, are as safe as the front side, that we will be able to screen all of the employees that come on the airport grounds. I am very happy to see that the port security grants are there, representing Houston and the Port of Houston. Lastly, let me say that I hope we will be able to work together on ensuring that when we have outreach and security training that we include the neighborhoods surrounding the items that may generate the kind of nonsecure incident that may occur. We must provide security for neighborhoods. I hope that we will pass this bill and add the issue of securing neighborhoods to the bill. Mr. Chairman, September 11, 2001, is a day that is indelibly etched in the psyche of every American and in the minds of many throughout the world. Much like the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, September 11 is a day that will live in infamy. And as much as Pearl Harbor changed the course of world history by precipitating the global struggle between totalitarian fascism and representative democracy, the transformative impact of September 11 in the course of American and human history is indelible. September 11 was not only the beginning of the global war on terror, but moreover, it was the day of innocence lost for a new generation of Americans. Since that catastrophic day, I have put the protection of our homeland at the forefront of my legislative agenda. I believe that our collective efforts as Americans will all be in vain if we do not achieve our most important priority: the security of our Nation. Accordingly, I became then and continue to this day to be an active and engaged member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and chairwoman of the Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee. Our Nation's collective response to the tragedy of September 11 exemplified what has been true of the American people since the inception of our Republic--in times of crisis, we come together and always persevere. Despite the depths of our anguish on the preceding day, on September 12 the American people demonstrated their compassion and solidarity for one another as we began the process of response, recovery, and rebuilding. We transcended our differences and came together to honor the sacrifices and losses sustained by the countless victims of September 11. Let us honor their sacrifices by passing H.R. 2638, which funds the important work of the Department of Homeland Security. The Homeland Security Appropriations bill makes significant strides forward toward implementing the suggestions of the 9/11 Commission report, as well as addressing the most pressing security issues that we, as Americans, face. In particular, new emphasis has been placed on port, rail, and transit security; on the need to support state and local efforts to prevent and respond to terrorism threats and natural disasters; on aviation security; and on border and immigration security. Earlier in this Congress, we passed H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for 2008. This legislation included many significant provisions I ensured were incorporated either into the base bill or through amendments at the full committee markup, and I am pleased that my amendments are reflected in H.R. 2638, making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for FY 2008. These amendments were designed to strengthen and streamline management, organizational, personnel, and procurement issues at the Department to facilitate execution of its homeland security mission. Among these was an amendment to strip the Department's authority to develop a personnel system different from the traditional GS schedule Federal model, known as MAX-HR. In a number of critical ways, the personnel system established by the Homeland Security has been a litany of failure, and my amendment repealed a personnel system that eviscerated employee due process rights and placed in serious jeopardy the agency's ability to recruit and retain a workforce capable of accomplishing its critical missions. I also worked with Chairman Thompson to incorporate into H.R. 1684 language authorizing Citizen Corps and the Metropolitan Medical Response System programs to strengthen emergency response and recovery efforts. The Citizen Corps Program is a critical program within the Department of Homeland Security that engages the community in emergency preparedness through public education and outreach, training, and volunteer service. My language ensured that funding will enable local Citizen Corps Councils to more adequately provide education and training for populations located around critical infrastructure. Today, we are here on the floor to ensure that the department entrusted with protecting the security of our Nation is adequately funded. I believe that H.R. 2638 does exactly that, while also requiring specific new accountability and management reforms related to contracting, procurement, and competition. These reforms serve to ensure that American taxpayers get the greatest possible value for the money they provide. H.R. 2638 provides $4.52 billion in funding for First Responder and Port Security Grant Programs. This figure is $1.97 billion above the President's request, and $863 million above the 2007 funding level. Even though homeland security costs continue to rise, funding levels for these grants have been cut every year since their inception in 2004. These funds are used for grants to train first responders, aid preparedness in high threat communities, and protect critical infrastructure. This bill also provides $6.62 billion for the Transportation Security Administration, a figure that is $307 million above 2007 funding and $219 million above the President's request. This funding will be used for a number of key programs, including explosive detection systems to protect commercial aircraft, increased and expanded air cargo explosive screening for passenger aircraft, and a secure flight certification program requiring the Administrator of TSA to certify that no security risks are raised by TSA's Secure Flight plans that would limit screening of airline passenger names only against a subset of the full terrorist watch list. Additionally, this legislation appropriates significant funds for efforts to secure America's borders: $8.8 billion is provided for customs and border protection, including border security fencing and other tactical infrastructure, as well as 3,000 additional border security agents. The committee mark adds $27 million for 250 additional Customs and Border Patrol officers for commercial operations and Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism validation, verifying that ``trusted shippers'' have in place necessary security measures, as mandated in the SAFE Port Act. Additionally, $4.8 billion is appropriated for immigrations and custom enforcement, including the Federal Protective Service, a figure which is $322 million above 2007 and $15 million above the President's request. This appropriations bill also funds a number of other crucial programs. It provides $272 million for infrastructure protection, $32 million above the President's request and $44 million above 2007 funding, to be used to identify critical infrastructure, and assess security vulnerabilities. Additionally, $685 million, $17 million above the President's request and $150 million above 2007, is appropriated for FEMA management, including funding for regional offices responsible for assisting state and local communities prepare for and respond to disasters. This money will fund the necessary improvements to FEMA's management operations, whose weaknesses were laid bare in the shamefully catastrophic response to Hurricane Katrina. This bill provides a further $1.7 billion to assist State and local governments following a declared disaster or emergency, and $120 million for projects that reduce the risks associated with disasters. In conclusion, I stand here remembering those who still suffer, whose hearts still ache over the loss of so many innocent and interrupted lives. My prayer is that for those who lost a father, a mother, a husband, a wife, a child, or a friend will in the days and years ahead take comfort in the certain knowledge that they have gone on to claim the greatest prize, a place in the Lord's loving arms. Mr. Chairman, the best way to honor the memory of those lost in the inferno of 9/11, is to do all we can to ensure that it never happens again. The best way to do that is to bolster the efficacy, accountability, and our oversight over the Department of Homeland Security, which we created in the aftermath of 9/11 to protect and preserve our Nation which we all hold so dear. I encourage all my colleagues to vote for this legislation, and to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security can continue its important work protecting our homeland from all manner of threats.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 446, to honor and recognize the life of astronaut Walter Marty Schirra, and to express condolences on his passing. Walter Marty Schirra passed away in La Jolla, CA, at the age of 84. The American community is sad to have lost one of its original space trailblazer--a true pioneer in both innovation and discovery. In attempting to place men in space, Schirra was chosen to serve as one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts for Project Mercury. Serving as an astronaut and naval officer, Schirra became the first man to fly on all three of our Nation's space programs--Apollo 7, Gemini VI-A, and Mercury 8 (Sigma 7). Prior to his passing, ``Astronaut Wally Schirra'' logged a total of 4577 hours of flight time, with 295 of those being in space. Additionally, he performed 267 landings in an aircraft carrier. His lifetime of achievement also included a decorated record of service in the United States Military. He flew 90 combat missions in F- 84E jets, as well as downing at least one MIG fighter, while serving as an exchange pilot with the 154th Fighter Bomber Squadron during the Korean War. His courage and valor was eventually recognized with three distinguishing flying crosses, two air medals, two NASA Distinguished Services Medals, and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, Wally Schirra serves as a positive role model and an asset to the space community. Schirra was an accomplished astronaut whose personal and professional career was filled with positive milestones and accomplishments. Schirra always rejected mediocrity by rejecting to conform to commonplace expectations. Schirra pushed the limits of 2 discovery and was determined to work harder and go farther than anyone before him. Despite his numerous accomplishments, which ranged from educational attainment, military awards, hall of fame inductions, activeness in diverse clubs and organizations, as well as experiences, his humility was one of his most endearing traits. Although he was a great asset to the space industry, he assumed a very modest character. As one of the few and profound trailblazers ever known to the United States Naval Academy, NASA, and the space community, he has helped pave the way for much of our knowledge about the operations of the space system. As a Member who represents many NASA-employed constituents and as a strong supporter of the expansion of our space programs, I understand the important role that Schirra played in advancing our scientific explorations in space. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing the enormous contributions that late astronaut Walter Marty Schirra has made in the space industry and beyond, while also expressing condolences for his passing.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2356, which amends title 4 of the United States Code to encourage the display of the flag of the United States on Father's Day. Unfortunately, our flag code does not include Father's Day in the list of important occasions. H.R. 2356 rectifies this oversight by including Father's Day, among the important holidays on which Americans are encouraged to fly the American flag. Father's Day in USA is celebrated with great enthusiasm and lot of fanfare on third Sunday of June. In observing this day, people reflect on the invaluable role played by fathers in building the character of children and in the development of the Nation. On Father's Day we honor our fathers and express gratitude for their love and affection. It is a wonderful idea to raise the American flag on Father's Day, and allow it to symbolize the hard work and dedication of our fathers. The benefits of a father's influence are well documented. School achievements in children may be negatively effected in the absence of a good father-child relationship. Father influence can affect the choice of occupations, preferred school subjects, and role development of their children. Clearly, the father can greatly impact the lives of his children. For all of these reasons, we should honor American fathers by amending the flag code to include Father's Day on the list of important observances.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 418, recognizing and welcoming the delegation of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Foreign Ministers from the Caribbean to Washington, DC, and commending the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, for holding the Conference on the Caribbean. I will first begin by thanking my colleague on the Foreign Affairs committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Representative Eliot Engel, for introducing such an important key resolution, which welcomes to Washington, DC, Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Foreign Ministers from all nations of the Caribbean. Through cooperation between CARICOM, the Department of State and the United States Congress, delegates will meet for the first time in history for a three day--June 19-June 21, 2007--Conference on the Caribbean. As a member of the United States House of Representatives, I recognize the deep and historic ties between our American people and those of the Caribbean. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Caribbean community, CARICOM, for holding this conference, as well as to recognize and welcome all delegates to the United States. I look forward to working with the Caribbean community in maintaining and strengthening the relations between both countries. CARICOM was created through the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973 to aid in developing stronger trade and economic relations, improving labor relations, and sustaining economic development and overall cooperation when dealing with third-party states. It will be the hope of all delegates convened to usher in a new era of cooperation between the U.S. and the Caribbean; an area of the world that is often neglected. As a strong supporter of the notion of a global marketplace of ideas, I strongly believe that this meeting can serve as a landmark toward creating mutually beneficial relationships, as well as enhancing collaboration in several areas such as trade and economic relationships, crimes, drugs and terrorism, while also combating the spread of diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The Conference on the Caribbean also allows the two countries to cooperate on new and clean energy- production technologies. As a leader in one of the most diverse metropolitan districts in the nation, as well as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee here on Capitol Hill, I strongly cherish the bond that our two nations share. I can attest to the significant contributions that Americans of Caribbean heritage are making in America. Houston is a multicultural city with a large and even advancing international community; for that reason, I strongly support and value a cultural outreach effort. I thank you once again, Mr. Engel, for your efforts in introducing this piece of legislation. I am looking forward to witnessing the results of this upcoming conference. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 295, and, in doing so, I would first like to commend Mr. King for introducing this resolution. The relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea has been a pivotal relationship in world affairs since our forces fought side by side in Korean War over a half century ago. Out of that conflict marked the divide between communist Asia and democratic Asia. The partnership between us and the Republic of Korea held the divide for decades, and together we helped maintain stable peace in East Asia. In the post-Cold War world, the Republic of Korea has remained a steadfast U.S. ally. Its forces are deployed in Afghanistan and it has contributed troops and pledged reconstruction funds for Iraq. As a key member of the Six Party Talks to denuclearize North Korea, it shares an important responsibility for broader security in Northeast Asia. Together, we are committed absolutely to compelling the dangerous North Korean regime to eliminate its nuclear program. Overall, South Korea is a key partner an ally in the challenge of combating terrorism worldwide. The combination of emerging terrorism threats and the North Korean challenge make this resolution particularly important today. In the economic realm, too, the U.S. relationship with the Republic of Korea is one of our strongest in Asia. For example, the Republic of Korea was one of the original ``East Asian Tigers,'' and served as a model for other Asian countries with a booming economic growth in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Currently, South Korea is now the United States' 7th largest trading partner in the world. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to stand as one of cosponsors of this legislation. This resolution honors the close alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea, and recognizes South Korea's important contributions to fighting against terrorism around the world. It also welcomes the strengthening and deepening of the relationship between our two countries and our peoples. I thank all of my colleagues who have already signed on to this bill, and I urge those who have not to support this legislation.