Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to say one sentence to that because what he just highlighted are two-pronged: one, we have to take care of all America, including those not so impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, all of the folks who are vulnerable no matter what their station in life; hurricanes Katrina and Rita survivors but also the Americans who are hard-working taxpayers. This budget that they are putting before us does not do any of those.

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I cannot thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) enough for what I think is vital to the discussion on the proposed debate on the budget reconciliation. The reason I say that is because, and both of us have had experiences with hurricanes, but I have now been in a region for the last 2 months, or more, with the impact of Hurricane Katrina and now certainly Hurricane Rita. You know that Texas was not in the eye of the storm of Hurricane Katrina but experienced an infusion of almost a quarter of a million persons who were evacuated from that region. Now with the evacuation of those from Hurricane Rita, specifically in west Louisiana and of course east Texas, we have added to our family. As I looked at the distribution of funds and the local needs, I was struck by the fact that these dollars that are going to be needed for recovery are not going to materialize. I think it is important for us to realize that the budget that is being presented or proposed by the majority will not save money. It will not address some of the very stark realities of those who are experiencing the devastation of hurricanes. The idea that dollars dealing with health care and the fragileness of Medicare and Medicaid, which will be made even more fragile with this budget, the argument of transferring Medicaid dollars from Louisiana to Texas was a separate argument, but it was under the premise that we would have the money to take care of those on Medicaid. The idea that we would be cutting education dollars in contrast to cutting tax cuts, the idea that we would not have enough housing, which we do not have in the State of Texas, housing to supplement the hotel rooms, all of that requires a Federal infusion of an investment of dollars. That is not wasteful spending. Those are not the kinds of cuts we should be having when we are talking about the most vulnerable, individuals who do not have flood insurance, individuals who are trying to go back into Louisiana and rebuild. We know that the private sector will be a component, but the Federal Government, because of the major devastation, will have to help rebuild the States of Louisiana, Mississippi and elsewhere. But, this is what we have intended to do with our dollars, and I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) on the Committee on the Budget because he has talked about this over and over again. That is that we will have two tax cuts that our good friends, in this instance my good friend, Mr. Pease, has offered that will take effect next year, and over a 5-year period will cost us $2 billion. We have discussed this many times, and some people believe this is a frivolous discussion. Why are the Democrats talking about not wanting tax cuts? We are talking about investment, and what we are suggesting is that these tax cuts are misplaced. They have nothing to do with increasing the minimum wage, which might be something we would want to consider. It has nothing to do with strengthening the middle class. And even as we looked at poverty in Hurricane Katrina, let me tell the Members there are middle-class working families that have been totally devastated. They are in our city. They had businesses. They had incomes. They had homes. Mr. Speaker, they do not have any of that now. And these tax cuts, taking away from giving them an opportunity to rebuild, SBA loans, fixing the infrastructure, which I have heard the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) speak of eloquently, this is going to be the choice being made by our good friends in the budget reconciliation. They are willing to take tax cuts for the top 1 percent and prioritize that over health care, education, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, housing. But most importantly, the most vulnerable now in our Nation, not only the impoverished but almost 2 million people that are evacuated that are scattered across 44 States who may want to come home to the gulf region are going to need a little help from their friends in the Federal Government. Hard-working taxpayers now with this budget will not be able to finally support that this Federal Government can provide for them. And I hope that, as we look at this problem, we will be able to find some compassion for those who are in need.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I simply ask the question, in this bill consumers are left vulnerable, and I would ask the gentleman would he not work with me in this amendment to ensure that they are not left vulnerable as we are protecting our fast-food industry?

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, let me thank my distinguished ranking member of the subcommittee, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) both for his kindliness and his astuteness. Let me thank the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), and the ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), which gives me a chance to catch my breath. We were in a Homeland Security hearing which is going on, as many of my colleagues know, assessing the circumstances with Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Katrina. I know the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) is well aware of great intention in our committee to always work together, and so I offer this amendment recognizing that my colleagues will consider this as an opportunity to work together. One could argue that in the backdrop of Hurricane Wilma now reaching a Category 5, that this Congress should be addressing many, many other issues, particularly enhanced funding for homeland security, and, of course, how we can do things better. This legislation that is before us needs to be improved. My amendment would prohibit the food industry, which enjoys broad immunity under this bill, from initiating lawsuits against any person for damages or other relief due to injury or potential injury based on a person's consumption of a qualified product, and weight gain, obesity, or any health condition that is associated with a person's weight gain or obesity. In essence, this is an amendment to protect against consumer retaliation. My colleagues realize that this particular bill, whether or not it rises to the level of a national crisis or even needs fixing, really immunes, if you will, the vast fast food industry. Now, those of us who have raised children during this timeframe will never know until the final tests are in, studies are done 10 and 20 years from now, as to whether or not the eating of fast food that many of us took our young children to for play and excitement, is going to be long-lasting in its damage. But yet we believe that this industry now needs a blanket protection from those who may be negatively impacted, obesity, weight gain or any other health problems. Yet there is no similar protection against consumers who may desire to petition these grievances. It allows the industry to willy-nilly and randomly sue consumers. This amendment is necessary to ensure that the public debate on the health and nutritious effects of mass-marketed food and products is not completely quelched by this bill. In 1996, Oprah Winfrey was sued under my home State's food disparagement laws by the beef industry for comments she made following the first mad cow scare this country witnessed, albeit she was denied her first amendment rights. After years of litigation in my State, transfer of her television show to Texas and expenditure of over $1 million, Ms. Winfrey prevailed at trial and on appeal. Proponents of this bill assert that the food industry will incur significant costs defending frivolous lawsuits. They took Ms. Winfrey to court, the trial lawyers, but neglect the straggering costs that may be borne by private citizens should they dare question the health effects of any qualified food product under this bill. Where are the first amendment rights and consumer rights? My amendment ensures that what is good for the geese is good for the gander. Those advancing healthy diets by discouraging the consumption of certain foods, their right, their constitutional right, even though I come from a beef State, because of their adverse effects perceived on a person's health and weight gain, should not be subjected to litigation from the food industry while it stands immunized from any accountability under this bill. Again, I wish we were on the floor talking about restoring the drastic cuts in the budget reconciliation bill that deal with health care and deal with housing and deal with the various issues of education and special grants to help the least of those, but we are on the floor talking about McDonald's and Burger King, certainly friends of young parents who, through their professions and other responsibilities did a lot of eating at Burger King and McDonald's, but it does not in any way give them the privilege of denying consumer rights and the rights of consumers not to be retaliated against because they have expressed their viewpoint and the rights of the first amendment. I do not recall any hue and cry in this body during or in the aftermath against Ms. Winfrey to ban food liability suits. The system worked. But if we are to end the public's right to a jury trial on issues of food safety, we cannot end the public's right to freedom of speech by leaving food critics, who play an important role in educating the public, as I close, stimulating positive change on good sound eating habits. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would prohibit the food industry--which enjoys broad immunity under this bill--from initiating lawsuits against any person for damages or other relief due to injury or potential injury based on a person's consumption of a qualified product and weight gain, obesity, or any health condition that is associated with a person's weight gain or obesity. This amendment is necessary to insure that the public debate on the health and nutritious effects of mass marketed food products is not completely squelched by this bill. In 1996, Oprah Winfrey was sued under my home State's ``food disparagement'' laws by the beef industry for comments she made following the first ``Mad cow'' scare this country witnessed. After years of litigation, transfer of her television show to Texas, and an expenditure of over one million dollars, Ms. Winfrey prevailed at trial and on appeal. Proponents of this bill assert that the food industry will incur significant cost defending ``frivolous'' lawsuits by the trial lawyers, but neglect the staggering costs that may be borne by private citizens should they dare question the health effects of any ``qualified food product'' under this bill. My amendment insures that what's good for the geese is good for the gander. Those advancing healthy diets by discouraging the consumption of certain foods because of their adverse effects on a person's health and weight gain should not be subject to litigation from the food industry while it stands immunized from any accountability under this bill. I don't recall any hue and cry in this body during or in the aftermath of the lawsuit against Ms. Winfrey to ban food libel laws. The system worked. But if we are to end the public's right to a jury trial on issues of food safety, we cannot end the public's right to freedom of speech by leaving food critic who play an important role in educating the public, stimulating positive change, and promoting sound eating habits open to lawsuits from an immunized industry. This amendment addresses this concern and insures that every American can engage in or has access to an open and honest debate on matters of public health. Once again, Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

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

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the gentleman. I just want to acknowledge that the bill does not protect consumers, and I ask Members to support my amendment.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``aye'' on rollcall vote 521, ``aye'' on rollcall vote 522 and ``aye'' on rollcall vote 523.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I know that we have spent the day on some very serious and very important issues. Coming from Houston, Texas, however, I wanted to salute my team, even as they make their way to St. Louis to begin their journey and their trek that we hope will be a successful run at the World Series. The Houston Astros have given us a good run this season. It is not over. We had a challenging game last evening. But I thought it was always appropriate to thank a team when it is on its way to making good. The Astros have played their hearts out. To Drayton McLane and family and to the Astros and their leadership, their coaches, their corporate office and all of the players and their families and all of the Houston fans, hold on and be strong. Because we know that a good run and a strong play and the right kind of spirit will give us the opportunity to look down at Wednesday and Thursday for a better day. So thank you, Astros, for a season already done. And we look forward to a new day on Wednesday and Thursday.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join many of my colleagues in strongly opposing the restrictive rule set forth on H.R. 554, the ``The Personal Responsibility In Food Consumption Act of 2005.'' As you know, in light of the world we live and the importance of nutrition, this is a very important piece of legislation. Having such a restrictive rule truly goes too far and limits the protections of the American people. It goes without saying; this bill is drafted so broadly, it would immunize defendants for negligent and reckless behavior, including mislabeling of food products. I also object to the fact that the legislation applies retroactively, and is written for the benefit of a single special interest--the fast food industry. Third, I believe the legislation constitutes an unwarranted and hastily considered affront on our system of federalism. Finally, I oppose the bill because there are far preferable ways to respond to this issue than by rushing to judgment to pass a one-size-fits-all Federal law preempting all 50 states. Despite my concerns, I am pleased to see that a few very important amendments were ruled into order. If adopted, I believe these amendments will make major improvements to the bill. In closing, let me note that while this issue may be important, there are far more urgent issues we need to be focusing on at this time. The aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, where thousands lost their homes and hundreds lost their lives. Unfortunately, those who were impacted the most were children. For example, many children lost 1 or both parents or a guardian as a result of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. This is where our thoughts and legislative actions need to be. In addition, the earthquake registering 7.6 in magnitude that struck Pakistan has caused major devastation in the region. While the numbers are still coming in, it has been estimated that 23,000 have died and at least 47,000 have been injured. There have also been a historical number of children impacted by this massive earthquake. Those impacted have no access to clean drinking water, making them more vulnerable to disease and other infections.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, let me first of all thank the leadership of the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Ranking Member Lantos) for their quick and compassionate expression that we now have on the floor of the House. I rise today to join in the support of H.J. Res. 492, and I acknowledge as the cochair of the Pakistan Caucus, newly-founded, to have the pleasure of having both of the members of the Committee on International Relations leadership, the ranking member and chairman, being supportive of this effort, as I cochaired with my colleague, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton). I can assure my colleagues that we are very grateful for this profound statement, mourning the loss of so many. We do realize that the numbers continue to climb and that the difficulties are rising beyond our understanding. Just this past Sunday, some 70 members of the South Asian community were convened by my office in Houston, people of different views and political perspectives, but they united, as we did with the tsunami, and we have called ourselves Houston's Solution for Earthquake Relief and Rehabilitation in Pakistan. The reason I believe is because this picture is worth a thousand words. The impact on children is going to be unbelievable and without expression. So it is very important as we look to, as my colleagues have said, the relief from the United States, that we do several things. One, we are the coordinator, and I congratulate the administration for designating Afghanistan as the site of the command, and we acknowledge the loss, devastation in Afghanistan, not as much loss of life, and certainly India has been a real partner. I met last week with the ambassadors from India and spoke to both of them and offered my sympathy and also how we can be involved. Obviously, the obvious things that are needed are food and medicine and tents, but, most of all, coordination and dollars. So I am asking today that we put our heads together in this Congress and find the additional resources beyond the $50 million, because I can assure my colleagues that we believe these numbers are going to go up, not out of hysteria, of 100,000. We do not know the numbers for sure, but they will be climbing. The added concern is that it is getting enormously cold. It makes it very difficult for the rescuers to come. The roads are impassable, and many of those who were in that room on Sunday could recount for me the very terrible stories of their relatives, living outdoors, no heating, no addressing of their wounds, and, of course, this picture that shows the children who are orphaned. So I ask my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 492 and that we spend a moment of mourning, and I would ask that when it is appropriate that we rise in silence. During the time that we are on the floor of the House, I ask the Speaker to convene us in a moment of silence as we mourn for those who have lost their lives. I finally conclude by saying that we are grateful for what we have been able to do, but we all know that a good Samaritan, no matter what faith you may articulate this philosophy, it is better to give than to receive. We have given and are still giving to our own who are victims and survivors of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Many who would say who are listening to this debate or discussion that we have our own to take care of, and we realize that America does have the responsibility of her own, but we know also that America has many blessings to count for, and those blessings, I believe, come because we have been willing to give, even until it hurts. These are people who are in desperate need, children by the thousands are suffering, and we hope that we will be able to provide for them as well. I ask my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 492. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 492, ``Mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquake that occurred on October 8, 2005, in Pakistan and India expressing condolences of the American people to the families of the victims, and urging assistance to those affected.'' Earlier this month, a disaster occurred on a virtually unimaginable scale when an earthquake violently shook Southeast Asia. Over 50,000 people were killed in India and Pakistan, and countless more were seriously injured. Whole cities were razed to the ground, and an estimated 2.5 to 3 million people lost their homes. This winter in Pakistan and India men, women, children, the elderly, the orphaned and the infirmed will be sleeping outside, exposed to the harsh mountain climate. They are lacking the basic necessities for life; in need of food, water, sanitation, basic healthcare, and adequate shelter. Disasters of this magnitude, no matter where they occur, affect all of us. In the face of this disaster, countries from around the world have joined together in pledging humanitarian aid to the affected regions. The United States can uniquely sympathize with the suffering and devastation felt in the earthquake-ravaged region. We too have felt the bitter sting of a natural disaster this year. Our feeling of loss and suffering gives us only a glimpse, however, of the utter devastation in the affected regions of India and Pakistan. Our shared losses bring the United States closer to our fellow humans on the other side of the globe, and should only serve to strengthen our national resolve to help those in need, rather than give us excuses for not giving the full support of the American people. The House of Representatives, together with the American people we represent, mourn the horrific loss of life and livelihood experienced in Pakistan and India. We offer them our fullest support in the reconstruction effort of the region, but also understand that no amount of money, goods, and supplies will replace the loss of life in the region. For this, we can only offer our deepest condolences to the people affected by the earthquake, and ask them to find the strength to see their friends, families, and communities through these difficult times. I support H. Res. 492 for the foregoing reasons, and I appeal to my colleagues to follow suit. The people of Pakistan and India will be in all of our thoughts and our prayers. I yield the remainder of my time.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank both the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for their graciousness in this debate, something that I know the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) has waited on and fought for for such a long time. My hat is off to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), and the good news is that at the end of my name there is L-e-e. But I celebrate her leadership today and join in reminding the world that this may sound like a celebration but it is only the beginning. I rise to enthusiastically support H.R. 1409, Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2005. Though, Mr. Speaker, that we rise today and speak about the scourge of AIDS, the vitality and importance of this legislation looms even more important as we look at the backdrop of now the rising numbers of those who have lost their lives in the terrible tragedy of the earthquake in Pakistan and, of course, as I am facing two disasters, the terrible tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and Rita where we know that the largest numbers of those impacted are children. In the instance of Pakistan, we know that children may be the highest numbers of those who have lost their lives, now numbers rising above 40,000. We know in Hurricane Katrina and Rita that we also will feel a terrible impact on our children. So this bill that is now focused specifically on the issues dealing with HIV/AIDS speaks volumes that we were able to pass legislation based upon the mission that the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), myself, and the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick) joined as the first Presidential mission led by Sandy Thurman of the White House under President Bill Clinton. As I said, the steps were measured but the effort was persistent and determined, and so this bill will authorize assistance to provide basic care through the community, school food programs, increased primary school enrollment, employment training, protection of inheritance rights, psychosocial support, and treatment for people living with HIV and AIDS. I will tell my colleagues as I listened to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), she is right. As we walked into various living facilities, huts, throughout the nations that we visited, we stopped in to visit and see a 4-year-old bending over a dying body, we visited with a grandmother who was now taking care of a number of the children of her dead children, both husbands and wives. We knew that this had to be confronted in a very drastic, severe, persistent, and large way. This bill is a large way of responding to it. We all know that according to a report developed by the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS, UNICEF, and the United States Agency for International Development, as of July 2004 there were more than 143 million orphans living in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, 143 million, which is more than almost half of the population of the United States of America. We realize that these children are vulnerable, with no hope, no life. We also realize that those who are dying in their care need greater care than a 4-year-old, a 5-year-old, a 6-year-old might be able to give. We know that infants are poor and malnourished and are more likely to contract respiratory infections, diarrhea, and measles and other preventable diseases. We also know that those who were taking care of had tuberculosis and HIV, and so we recognize that this bill is long in coming, but it is so much needed. Just imagine these poor children with no hope; and so, today, America rises to the occasion of the America that we all have loved and recognize for what she has always been, the defender of the most vulnerable around the world. Some have called her Mother America. In this instance, we embrace those from around the world, and we join with H.R. 1409, and I ask my colleagues to support it. I congratulate my colleagues, and I look forward to working with the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) as we move this forward for a better world. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1409, the ``Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2005.'' This bipartisan bill seeks to address the growing problem of orphans and vulnerable children in developing countries, which has been exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The bill establishes the position of Special Advisor for Assistance to Orphans and Vulnerable Children within the United States Agency for International Development with responsibilities including coordination, advising, and the monitoring of assistance. Additionally, the bill will authorize assistance programs to provide: Basic care through the community; school food programs; increased primary school enrollment; employment training; protection of inheritance rights; psychosocial support; and treatment for children living with HIV/AIDs. As of July 2004, there were more than 143 million children living in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean who were identified as orphans, having lost one or both of their parents. Of this number, approximately 16 million children were identified as double orphans, having lost both parents--the vast majority of whom died from AIDS. These children often are disadvantaged in numerous and devastating ways and most households with orphans cannot meet the basic needs of health care, food, clothing, and educational expenses. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has increased the number of orphans worldwide and has exacerbated the poor living conditions of the world's poorest and most vulnerable children. AIDS has created an unprecedented orphan crisis, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where children have been hardest hit. An estimated 14 million orphans have lost 1 or both parents to AIDS. By 2010, it is estimated that over 25 million children will have been orphaned by AIDS. Working to combat poverty and to protect the vulnerable is an issue that members of both parties can agree on. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), orphans are less likely to be in school and more likely to be working full time. Providing children with free primary school education, while simultaneously ensuring that adequate resources exist for teacher training and infrastructure would help more orphans and other vulnerable children obtain a quality education. It is critical for the future of these developing nations that the orphaned and vulnerable populations have access to basic needs like food, health care, and education. General Facts on Children According to a report developed by the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), UNICEF, and the United States Agency for International Development, as of July 2004 there were more than 143,000,000 orphans living in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Assessments carried out by the International Labor Organization (ILO) to investigate the situation of children who are working found that orphans are much more likely than non-orphans to be working in commercial agriculture, the domestic service industry, and the commercial sex industry, as street vendors, or in industries that violate internationally recognized rights of children. Infants who are poor and malnourished are more likely to contract respiratory infections, diarrhea, measles, and other preventable diseases, and are less likely to receive needed health care. According to UNAIDS and UNICEF, by the end of 2001 there were an estimated 14,000,000 children under the age of 15 who had lost one or both parents to AIDS. As the number of HIV cases increases in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, as well as in Eastern Europe and Asia, the death rate from AIDS among adults in those regions is expected to increase. By 2010 the total number of children in those regions who will lose one or both parents to AIDS is expected to be approximately 30,000,000. One-third of children born from an HIV-infected mother develop HIV/ AIDS. Few of these children have access to HIV/AIDS medications. Globally, more than 12,000,000 young people ages 15 to 24 are living with HIV/AIDS, and each day another 6,000 young people became infected with HIV. New estimates indicate that more than 70 percent of new HIV cases among this age group in sub-Saharan Africa are young women and girls.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it goes with out saying that we are facing a serious energy crisis in this country. Since the beginning of the year, crude oil prices have been continuously escalating, and most recently have exceeded $70 dollars a barrel. Many factors, ranging from the war in Iraq, to increased demand from China and India have caused the spike in prices. While the factors may vary, the results are constant. Many Americans are suffering from the high cost of gasoline which has exceeded $3 dollars a gallon in some areas. In addition, as winter approaches the price of natural gas is also expected to be exceedingly high which will further increase the burden Americans, particularly those who fall into low income brackets, will have to shoulder as they figure out how to pay for gas to get to work and electricity to heat their homes. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina and Rita did not help the situation. With their devastating power, Katrina caused U.S. oil and refinery operations in the Gulf of Mexico to shut down an estimated 1 million barrels of refining capacity. With Louisiana and Mississippi being such a crucial part of the U.S. energy infrastructure, these interruptions played a vital role in spiking prices. Both hurricane Katrina and Rita should serve as flashing light that we need more refineries in this country. While this may be the case, we as policy makers must go about it in smart way that gives us the capacity we need, but also does not jeopardize the environment and health of the American people. This means ensuring that we have sound environmental laws that protect, but not restrict development. While I realize this can be difficult to achieve at first sight, I believe this goal can be achieved if party lines are dropped and the needs and concerns of the American people are put first. I hope this will be the course followed as we move through conference. While I am pleased that the New Standard Review provision has been removed from the Barton bill, it is still not perfect. For example it does not list factors that the FTC must use when defining price gouging. In addition, the bill does not provide any additional penalties for those who engage in price gouging, and does not direct penalties collected back to consumers. Further, the bill does not event mention market manipulation or price transparency. In contrast, the Stupak/Boucher substitute list factors that the FTC must use when defining price gouging. It also applies to all crude and refined petroleum products including propane and Natural Gas. The substitute also strengthens enforcement against those who price gouge by providing new civil penalties with up to triple damages of the profits gained by the violation. In addition, it directs penalties collected from price gougers to go towards LIHEAP. Further, it provides the FTC with authority to stop market manipulation and provide information on price transparency. Finally, the bill builds on the proven success of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve by requiring the Federal Government to operate Strategic Refinery Reserve to ensure adequate supply of refined products in emergency situations. Most importantly, the bill maintains environmental standards. Before closing let me take a few moments to mention my amendment that was adopted by voice vote during the Full Committee Mark-up. I appreciate Chairman Barton's willingness to work with me on this issue. In essence, the provision would authorize and direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a program at Historically Black Universities, Hispanic serving institutions, and community colleges to encourage minority students to study the earth and other sciences and enter the field of geology in order to qualify for employment in the oil, gas, and mineral industries. As we continue to deal with the energy crises we are facing, we need qualified individuals in the fields who can assist with providing new information as to the location of reserves. As we are all aware, there has been a great deal of talk about where the next source of oil will come from that will sustain this country. If we do not encourage individuals to study the earth sciences we may never find this country's next source of oil. Geology is more than the study of rocks; it has become the corner stone of this country's oil supply. Today, HBCU's remain one of the surest ways for an African American, or student of any race, to receive a high quality education. Seven of the top eleven producers of African American baccalaureates in engineering were HBCU's, including #1 North Carolina A&T State University. The top three producers of African American baccalaureates in health professions (#1 Southern University and A&M College, #2 Florida A&M University and #3 Howard University) were HBCU's. The twelve top producers of African American baccalaureates in the physical sciences, including #1 Xavier University of Louisiana, were all HBCU's. While, Hispanic Serving Institutions (HIS's) have also produced great leaders in this country, according to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Hispanics are historically underrepresented in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. HIS's receive only half the federal funding per student, on average, accorded to every other degree-granting institution. This provision would seek to encourage all minorities to study the earth sciences and geology to better equip them for jobs in the oil and gas and minerals industries.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I think it is certainly important for this body to be fiscally responsible, but let me share with Members that in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there are cities and towns in rural areas that cannot pay their bills. It is a matter of choices. We have to look at a new way to deal with the Iraq war and Afghanistan and stop the spiraling spending of $480 billion. The reason I say that is because some of the unsung heroes of Hurricane Katrina, although they do not want applause, deserve so. Even though I voted for the Department of Homeland Security appropriations, I know we are not funding homeland security enough. The Coast Guard has saved over 23,000 individuals, fire fighters and police, those who did not walk away from their jobs. Citizen Corps has been found out to be one of the best means of homeland security where we train neighborhoods to secure themselves. All of that needs enhanced homeland security funding. Yes, Mr. Speaker, we have to make choices, but we should not be cutting the budget now.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this appropriations measure because this Nation desperately needs all the resources it can get. According to the Department of Defense, over 15,000 of our troops have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have about 18,000 American troops deployed in Afghanistan and about 149,000 in Iraq for the current war effort. During the August recess, 85 American troops were killed in Iraq, and nearly 2,000 have been killed since September. To further exacerbate matters, the price tag for the war has already exceeded $196 billion, broken down to about $5 billion per month. These monies and bodies have been and are being expended on an effort that is not bringing the relief that is currently needed right here on American soil. With these motions in mind, Mr. Speaker, I will ultimately support the underlying legislation under the Conference Report, but I recognize that it has many shortfalls that will affect this Nation's ability to respond to a new and substantial set of circumstances--namely the aftermath of Katrina and Rita. I speak not only from the standpoint of a Representative of an area that experienced compound effects of both Katrina and Rita, but I speak as a mother, wife, and a person who understands the pains of economic hardship. I applaud the Conferees for giving agencies such as ICE an appropriation of $3.175 billion--which was a $216 million increase over the FY05 level of $2.95 billion. Furthermore, of the $4.6 billion allocated to TSA, $2.54 billion is allocated to cover the passenger and baggage screener workforce. The number of TSA screeners is capped at 45,000--which will constrain our efforts to compensate for the effects of the two hurricanes. Within this account, privatized screening operations are funded at $140 million. The conferees also extended liability protection to airports with private and TSA screeners for ``any act of negligence, gross negligence, or intentional wrongdoing'' committed by a Federal or private screener--which will be a good element. While I support many of the allocations set forth in this measure, it is my feeling that, overall, the initiative to implement the departmental facelift called for in the Secretary's Second Stage Review is the wrong focus at this time. Katrina and Rita have created more pressing issues that could be addressed with this bill. To compound the severe need for resources and administrative services caused by the hurricanes, there are major departmental changes that have been made that could weaken our ability to address those needs. The proposed transfer of all state and local grants and associated activities to the new Preparedness Directorate must be given oversight analysis before it is implemented. After having seen firsthand the cries for ice, potable water, food, and other subsistence items in Baton Rouge, LA and in my own backyard of Port Arthur, I know that this bill does not do all that it can to make us more prepared for incidents similar to Katrina and Rita. Unfortunately, the underlying bill is not exactly on-point or up-to- date vis-a-vis Hurricane Rita. Many of the problems that we face are new, late breaking, and developing in front of our eyes. In emergency situations such as occurred in the Gulf States, communications capabilities are essential. Emergency responders must have the equipment that will allow essential communications efforts to continue in case of the major damage to infrastructure we have seen in New Orleans. Clearly, the Federal Emergency Management Agency needs to change-- from the bottom to the top. We need to look at whether the tasks charged to FEMA are too large to be included with 21 other agencies under the Department. Before some of the very substantial changes set forth in H.R. 2360 are passed into law, we need to seriously consider separating FEMA so that from top to bottom--especially given the recent resignation of former Director, Michael Brown, whose credentials as an emergency manager had been widely questioned. Funds that we appropriate to FEMA must be prioritized for disaster preparedness, and we need substantial oversight in order to prevent catastrophic aftermaths.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me first of all acknowledge the very hard work of the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and I recognize that this is a difficult challenge. As a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security and now the authorizing committee for two terms, I believe that those of us who have studied the details of the structure of homeland security can speak with a degree of information, if you will, of both the assets of this appropriation but also some elements that are obviously missing. Spending a lot of time walking through the cots and amongst those who were survivors of Hurricane Katrina, having now in our community almost 125,000, I know the fear and the devastation of the lack of preparedness of this government. So it is to my dismay that the acceptance of Secretary Chertoff's reorganization plan was not put on hold so that we could truly find out what were the funding needs. I join my colleagues in wanting more dollars for rail security. I have joined my colleagues in offering new legislation today that was articulated by the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson). I join my colleagues in the concerns of the limited regulation of chemical plants. But, most of all, I speak to issues that I think would save additional lives. There are 1,100 persons dead and still counting in the Hurricane Katrina backdrop of Mississippi, Alabama and in New Orleans. We have yet to mourn those who have lost their lives. But certainly the director for preparedness and response is not the answer. FEMA needs to be independent, self-sufficient, well-funded and a separate component to Homeland Security, even to the extent of being its own cabinet. I realize that Michael Brown has been singled out, and I am delighted that Director Paulson is the Acting Director, but I can assure my colleagues, having been to Beaumont and Port Arthur after Hurricane Katrina, we did not have our act together then. We did not have our time and our organization together, even then. FEMA was not there timely. Generators that were needed were not there. Ice and water was not there. The National Guard did not have orders, and no one knew who was in charge. So, frankly, I believe there is much work to be done. In the backdrop of the potential epidemic of bird flu, I believe there needs to be more resources and efforts than a chief medical officer. We need to boost up under Homeland Security the public health system. The sense of Congress that Immigration and Customs and border protection should be merged, I do not know if that is a well-thought-out plan. In fact, we need to investigate some of the failings of these entities before we begin to merge one entity into another. I am grateful that we have provided dollars for transportation security, but it is not enough. Whistleblower protection is good, but there is not enough funding, if you will, to establish an independent, strong FEMA. That is what we need to be focusing on, and the reorganization plan should not be accepted in the backdrop and the failures of Hurricane Katrina.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 261. This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should be commended for implementing the Medicare demonstration project to assess the quality of care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and should extend the project, at least through 2006, subject to any appropriate modifications. Further, it commends CMS for implementing the Medicare demonstration project to assess the quality of care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and calls on CMS to extend the project, subject to any appropriate modifications, at least through 2006. In brief, this resolution is important because it: Encourages CMS to extend the oncology demonstration project, which helped preserve patient access to cancer therapies in 2005 by maintaining critical resources in the cancer care delivery system. The demonstration, currently set to expire at the end of 2005, asks about quality of care information such as pain, nausea/vomiting and fatigue. This was an important step in measuring outcomes for quality cancer care. The demonstration helped focus limited resources on symptom management and treatment, an aspect of cancer treatment most difficult for patients. The Resolution encourages CMS to make refinements, as appropriate, to make the data collection even more meaningful for patient care. As you know, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) significantly reformed the way Medicare pays for chemotherapy administered in doctors' offices. These reforms resulted in considerable reductions in Medicare payments to cancer care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) following efforts by many Members of Congress, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), patient advocacy groups, and others in the cancer community, implemented a one-year demonstration project that provided resources to assess the patient experience with chemotherapy side effects. These include pain, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. This demonstration project has achieved three important objectives: (1) collecting data to improve the quality of cancer care, (2) maintaining stability in the cancer care delivery system, and (3) focusing limited resources in an aspect of cancer treatment most difficult for patients. The demonstration project was critically important to protecting quality cancer care in 2005. I encourage Members to support this resolution.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, let me thank the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for his kindness in yielding and to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), my Republican colleague, who is leading the debate on this issue, and might I add my deep appreciation to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick), the distinguished Congresswoman, for the vision and wisdom in working with the scholars who understood that, for its history to be complete, we must not overlook the beginnings of a sport that everyone thinks they can play. It is a wonder, as you look at how basketball has exploded over the last decades, and you will see teams throughout the community; you will see the young teams, the middle school teams, high school teams, the college teams, you will see the community teams. Everyone loves basketball. But it is important for our history to be remembered and to be honored. So I rise today in support of this particular resolution that deals with the honoring of the very beginnings of basketball amongst African- Americans. I support H. Con. Res. 59, recognizing the contributions of African-American basketball teams and players for their achievement, dedication and contributions. Madam Speaker, I would like to make these points as I recognize the work of my colleague. It is, of course, to be able to say that, as we look at America's history, we will find that many aspects of African- American history have been missed. And it is never too late for us to come back and correct that absence. In this instance, it is interesting to note that these basketball teams of African-Americans, and as noted by my colleague from Illinois, men and women started as early as the 1920s. Might I remind my colleagues that it was not too long into the 1920s or before the 1920s that America was strangled by Jim Crow laws, which defined separatism by blacks and whites, terror in the deep south. And so for these teams to spring up, call themselves barnstorming and go about creating joy but also competition is a tribute that should be acknowledged. The fact that they played for 27 years without recognition and in discriminatory times should be acknowledged. The fact that they were not in organized leagues should be acknowledged. The fact that they were men and women should be acknowledged. And might I say that I hope that, as they may be installed into the Michigan Hall of Fame, that they might find their way into the National Basketball Hall of Fame as well. This legislation is long overdue, and the leadership of my colleague should be applauded. Might I also say to my colleagues that this speaks very loudly to the inappropriate statement that was made just last week by Dr. Bill Bennett who noted that the reduction of crime could be done by aborting every black baby. And I think we should not forget that, as we look to honor those who are forgotten in history. For anyone to blatantly make such a statement in 21st century America means that they have forgotten the long years of prejudice and discrimination that faced many African- Americans in many disciplines, including sports and education and the sciences and medicine; that they would offer to suggest that the likes of those who have been called on this floor, the likes of Colin Powell, the likes of former Mayor Lee Brown, the likes of Mark Morial, the likes of Sojourner Truth, the likes of Mae Jemison, the first black woman astronaut, all who started out as black babies, would have contributed only if they were aborted and would have helped to reduce crime. I frankly believe that he should be suspended off the air, and I frankly believe that these words, if he was in Congress, should be taken down. But as we celebrate, I hope that we are reminded that every person, every person's life who has the ability to contribute should be cherished, and we should remind ourselves of their great history. And so this legislation has a very important place in history and a very important place for our colleagues to celebrate the history of those early African-American sports persons and basketball players. I could not end my remarks without trying to compete, though I am obviously working hard to compete, by noting the history of the Houston Rockets and to give a shout out to my home team and to mention the early basketball players. Probably there were some earlier than this, but I might mention John Lucas, who now has a son playing and will be entering a second generation of pro basketball players; and Calvin Murphy, who not only, along with John, played basketball but were fixtures in our community, contributed to the lives of young people and turned their lives around and were role models for them; Olajuwon and the famous dream team that we had; and Clyde Drexler, who is a businessman and contributor in our community; Steve Francis, who supports the programs of young people; Kenny Smith and many, many others who played for the Houston Rockets. Might I say that we are still striving, but I know that our day will come when we will be national basketball champs. We look forward to celebrating the All-Stars in Houston this coming year, and we want to thank all of our NBA players for the contributions they have made over the years to improving the quality of life of all of our citizens across America, and particularly the work they have done in helping us with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. Again, I support enthusiastically and congratulate the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick) for her leadership on H. Con. Res. 59 and ask my colleagues to support it.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I will ultimately support the underlying legislation under the Conference Report, but I recognize that it has many shortfalls that will affect this nation's ability to respond to a new and substantial set of circumstances--namely the aftermath of Katrina and Rita. I speak not only from the standpoint of a Representative of an area that experienced compound effects of both Katrina and Rita, but I speak as mother, wife, and a person who understands the pains of economic hardship. A restrictive rule in a situation such as this will only limit the effectiveness of this legislation. Hurricane Katrina has been a natural disaster of unprecedented proportions. The effects of Katrina, now compounded with the effects of hurricane Rita, have been difficult to predict and even more difficult to prevent. Thousands of people are displaced, hungry, and without hope. Authorities at every level of government are virtually writing the book on how to respond to a disaster of this proportion and scope. In my district alone, there are 15,000 displaced children who need homes, schooling, food, jobs, and subsistence items. New information is coming in by the hour on damage that was done to our infrastructure, the numbers of displaced people, and the paltry resources available. I applaud the Conferees for giving agencies such as ICE an appropriation of $3.175 billion--which was a $216 million increase over the FY05 level of $2.95 billion. Furthermore, of the $4.6 billion allocated to TSA, $2.54 billion is allocated to cover passenger and baggage screener workforce. The number of TSA screeners is capped at 45,000--which will constrain our efforts to compensate for the effects of the two hurricanes. Within this account, privatized screening operations are funded at $140 million. The conferees also extended liability protection to airports with private and TSA screeners for ``any act of negligence, gross negligence, or intentional wrongdoing'' committed by a Federal or private screener--which will be a good element. Unfortunately, the underlying bill is not exactly on-point or up-to- date vis-a-vis Hurricane Rita. Many of the problems that we face are new, late breaking, and developing in front of our eyes. We need as unrestrictive a rule as possible in order to best address the issues contained with this legislation. In fact we have still not given full attention to the value of growing and promoting citizen Corps-- established neighborhood groups that were established in the original homeland security legislation that would help train neighborhoods in securing their communities. This measure is of critical importance for the constituents of my district. We can do better.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for his leadership and for yielding me this time, and I thank the sponsors of this legislation. I rise to support this resolution, which is H. Res. 276, which is supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. We know that cancer can be deadly, but early detection is crucial. We also know how devastating the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be because of its rapid decline in the individual that has this particular disease. I know firsthand from a prominent citizen in my community, someone who was vibrant and contributing, who suffered through the disease of pancreatic cancer, having good days and bad days, having recoveries and then relapses. So I believe it is extremely important that we make the Nation aware of the deadliness of this particular form of cancer and the ability to continue to provide the instrument of early detection. I rise in support of this legislation, and as I do so, might I say and make a few comments about a number of resolutions that I would like to add a voice of support. Let me rise in support as well for S. 1413, the Colin L. Powell Residential Plaza Redesignation Act, that redesignates the plaza in Jamaica, West Indies, in honor of General Colin L. Powell, the former Secretary of State. We appreciate his leadership, his dedication to service and, as well, the statement that his family made coming here to the United States from Jamaica, West Indies, being immigrants and then, of course, being contributing members of this Nation and, of course, to the United States armed services. Likewise, I would like to join my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), in his resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol grounds for an event to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Million Man March, and let me salute the concept of the Nation of Islam and Prime Minister Farrakhan for understanding it is a million more, for inviting communities from all over America, diverse ethnic and religious groups and racial groups to come simply to say that the poor have not been forgotten. I hope that as we commemorate, we will set a legislative agenda to turn around and to change America for the better. I add my support for H.R. 15, which deals with the supporting of the goals and ideals of the National Campus Safety Awareness Month. I do that for a general reason, but also, Madam Speaker, for a personal reason. I have two young people in my family, my daughter and my son, who are on college campuses today. I can assure you that, as a parent, you send your child off with the best intentions, but it is also very important to remind them nationally, if you will, even from the podium of the United States Congress, that all young people should be aware of the dangers of overdosing on drugs, of alcohol abuse, of hazing, of the dangers of altercations between students. Just this past couple of months, we buried a very bright young man in our community that we still mourn, and we do so because, unfortunately, he lost his life in an altercation and brawl on his campus, through no fault of his own, a bright, energetic and talented young man. His family still mourns, and his mother is seeking to be engaged in campus safety, and I look forward to working with her, so that we can find ways to touch students and touch their hearts. This legislation is so very important, because at least it makes a public and national statement that young people should be safe, but they should also be their brothers' and sisters' keeper. When you see something going on, tell someone in order to save a life. Campus safety also means campus involvement and campus recognition that we are in fact our brothers' and sisters' keeper. I would ask my colleagues to support the underlying bill which deals specifically with the idea of supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and, of course, I thank my colleagues for allowing me to submit statements on behalf of the above- mentioned resolutions.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3824. I strongly believe that this is a very sensitive issue and should be looked at very carefully. While it is important to protect and save the many precious animals of this earth, it is also important not to take the property of the many Americans who have worked hard to obtain their homes and land. This issue needs to be looked at from a bipartisan perspective and because of this I am in support of the substitute amendment offered by Mr. Miller of California. The Miller substitute is a responsible alternative to the Pombo bill. The amendment not only addresses the current problems in the Pombo bill, but also improves the current law. Congressmen Miller and Boehlert have presented Congress with a creative, workable solution that promises better results for recovering endangered species and reducing burdens for landowners. Among other things, the substitute protects habitat for species recovery by maintaining habitat protections and puts the primary obligation for recovery on federal agencies by clearly defining ``jeopardy.'' It also makes clear that any federal agency action that impairs species recovery will jeopardize the continued existence of the species and, therefore, is prohibited. Furthermore, the substitute guarantees that federal agencies consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize threatened and endangered wildlife. Additionally, it ensures that all newly listed species have recovery plans within 3 years and species already on the list have recovery plans within 10 years. Recovery plans will identify all areas necessary for the conservation of listed species. Prior to the development of recovery plans, the Miller substitute encourages the development of guidance that identifies particular types of activities that could negatively impact recovery. One of the most important aspects of the Miller substitute is that it provides real landowner incentives for conservation through cost sharing and technical assistance. Finally, it enhances the role of the states in helping conserve endangered species through improved cooperative agreements and greater federal-state consultation. Because of these factors, I support the Miller substitute.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask to remove my name from H.R. 3824 if the report has not yet been filed. If it has been filed, I would ask that it be placed in the Record that if the manager's amendment is not approved, I will be voting ``no'' on H.R. 3824. Let me say, Mr. Speaker, I also want to add to the questioning of the response dealing with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. I think it is imperative that committees of the House, particularly the Committee on Homeland Security, move forward with questioning how those who were in desperate need were responded to and how the chain of command performed. The question was always who was in charge. I raise the question as well, whether there was sensitivity or sensibilities in contracting with the cruise line, $246 million, to house individuals who had already been in water beyond belief. I would ask that that be investigated because those cruise ships are now sitting empty, and we are paying $1,000 a week for empty cruise ships.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am on the authorizing committee of the Committee on Homeland Security of this Congress, but I am also someone who has just recently returned from the area of Rita, and I hope that our vernacular will now be Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this motion to instruct. I respect my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and I would hope that we would break the firewall of partisanship and establish a bipartisan but a forward-thinking mode to deal with the haplessness and helplessness of Americans. Many Americans will face tragedy in their life, either by fire, volcano, earthquake, inland flooding or what we experienced, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. So the question is not to accept what Secretary Chertoff has offered, a man who may be in many ways qualified, but himself having no experience in understanding how to address the devastation of an ongoing hurricane. The reason I know this is because I was on the ground yesterday in the damaged areas, listening to local officials, hearing their pain, crying out for the simplest of items. ``Where are my generators? Where is my ice? Where is my water? Where are the airplanes to take my evacuees who are bedridden and nursing home patients out of this region?'' And the only answer they had was deadening silence, or the silence of generators sitting in buildings because there was no one to give a single order. That is what is the problem, there is no one in charge, and moving boxes, Secretary Chertoff, is not the answer. Support this motion to instruct, so that we can address the lives that are lost and those who are surviving in Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired of being ignored.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues this morning to begin to look at the recovery of Hurricane Katrina, and support thereof to include Hurricane Rita. Just spending 4 days in the region, a number of them at the Transtar Hurricane Emergency Center day and night, I can tell my colleagues that the frustration that is reflected in the Houston Chronicle, FEMA faulted yet again, and of course, that in The Washington Post, evacuees urged to stay away, is only a limited story of what we have faced in that region. Going into the region directly hit just yesterday, I can tell my colleagues, as the local officials wanted me to say, there is no food, there is no water, there is no ice. They need help--they need leadership from the Federal Government. There are trucks parked on hotel parking lots that cannot be opened to share food because the military has not yet been directed to arrive to unload the trucks. This is not a finger pointed in the direction of local officials. It is a finger pointed with a singular question: Who is in charge? When you are ordered to evacuate and there is no order, who is in charge? An independent inquiry, a widespread understanding of how we can secure the homeland is absolutely imperative.