Zoe Lofgren

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Cusimano family as they and our community gather this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary. The Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary was founded in 1957 by Joseph and Sue Cusimano in Mountain View, California. Joseph and Sue devoted their entire lives to the work of their business, and to the service of their community. For 50 years, Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary has maintained a family-oriented approach to providing mortuary services to the community--a commitment that has been carried on by their children. In 1980, in recognition of the exemplary professional standards and extensive community involvement, the mortuary was invited to join the distinguished association of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. Joseph and Sue lived their broad and continuing commitment to the service of their community--ranging from the Mortuary's 50-year sponsorship of the local Babe Ruth Little League team to Joseph's service as the Mayor of Mountain View. The generosity of the Cusimanos also extended beyond our community to others in need, as exemplified by their gift of children's caskets to the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City tragedy. Joseph and Sue bequeathed both their business and their sense of responsibility to their children. The Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary is now managed by Matthew and Sherri, who have maintained the spirit of service and community participation that began with their parents 50 years ago. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate the Cusimano family as they celebrate this special anniversary.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Cusimano family as they and our community gather this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary. The Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary was founded in 1957 by Joseph and Sue Cusimano in Mountain View, California, Joseph and Sue devoted their entire lives to the work of their business, and to the service of their community. For 50 years, Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary has maintained a family-oriented approach to providing mortuary services to the community--a commitment that has been carried on by their children. In 1980, in recognition of the exemplary professional standards and extensive community involvement, the mortuary was invited to join the distinguished association of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. Joseph and Sue lived their broad and continuing commitment to the service of their community--ranging from the Mortuary's 50-year sponsorship of the local Babe Ruth Little League team to Joseph's service as the Mayor of Mountain View. The generosity of the Cusimanos also extended beyond our community to others in need, as exemplified by their gift of children's caskets to the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City tragedy. Joseph and Sue bequeathed both their business and their sense of responsibility to their children. The Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary is now managed by Matthew and Sherri, who have maintained the spirit of service and community participation that began with their parents 50 years ago. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate the Cusimano family as they celebrate this special anniversary.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I support the amendment. I would just like to note, however, that we have had over 21 hearings in the subcommittee and have convened several briefings on top of that. We have had reports from the National Academy, the FTC on this subject. And I think the gentlewoman's amendment to get still further information is valid. I support it. But certainly we have information today that has been gained over an extensive process over half a decade.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Thank you, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Berman, Mr. Smith for your hard work. I rise in support of the bill which brings much-needed reform to our system. We have worked hard really over the past half decade to come to this floor today with this legislation. I want to talk about one issue, and that is venue. Due to a flawed Federal Court decision in 1990, B.E. Holdings, patent trolls have been able to file cases more or less wherever they choose in the United States. And that decision has led to forum shopping as plaintiffs filed in jurisdictions where they knew they stood a better chance of winning, and where they would get more money if they did win. For example, filings in eastern Texas went from 32 cases a year 4 years ago to over 234 cases last year with a projected 8 percent increase this year. Patent holders win 27 percent more often there, and the awards are much bigger. The presiding judge himself describes the district as a ``plaintiff-oriented district.'' It has led to the formation of entities that exist solely to bring patent cases. For example, the Zodiac Conglomerate is formed of several smaller companies. None of the companies create any technology. They don't produce any products. All of those companies are incorporated in either Texas or Delaware. They exist for one purpose only, to bring patent cases. So far the Zodiac Conglomerate has sued 357 different companies, mostly in the Eastern District of Texas. Manufacturing venue leads to overly aggressive litigation behavior, which deters legitimate innovation. This manager's amendment is going to correct the problem. The bill will allow cases to be filed where the defendant is located or has committed acts relevant to the patent dispute. We give the freest rules to independent inventors and to individual inventors and universities, noting their special role in this system. Corporate plaintiffs can only bring cases where the facilities are located if they have engaged in activities relevant to the patent dispute. In sum, the bill restores fairness and clarity to patent litigation by removing the most glaring instances of forum shopping by patent trolls. I represent Silicon Valley, which has a diversity of high tech. Biotech, large companies, small companies, universities, small inventors, pharmaceutical companies, we have got them all, including small inventors working out of a garage. A balanced approach to innovation is essential to all of these entities. H.R. 1908 provides that balance. We need to pass this bill today. I urge my colleagues to do so.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, we rise to honor Dennis Kennedy upon his retirement as the Mayor of the City of Morgan Hill. The City of Morgan Hill is located in southern Santa Clara Valley, approximately 12 miles south of San Jose. Mr. Kennedy has the distinction of being the City's first widely elected Mayor of Morgan Hill and also the longest serving Mayor overall, at an impressive four terms. By many accounts, Mr. Kennedy would have overwhelmingly won a fifth term had he not chosen to retire. The community's decision to elect Mr. Kennedy as its first mayor was most likely based on his firm commitment to public service demonstrated through his roles as a member of the City of Morgan Hill's General Plan Task Force, Planning Commission, and his participation on the Urban Limit Line Study Commission. In addition, Mr. Kennedy was very active in the City's Visioning Process and as a result was heavily involved in the process of constructing a new Aquatics Center, Community & Cultural Center, Centennial Recreation Center and the establishment of the local Community Health Foundation and, most recently, a County Library. Mr. Kennedy has deep-seated roots within the community of Santa Clara County. He is a graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory School and Santa Clara University, where he received his engineering degree. On behalf of the constituents we represent in the City of Morgan Hill, we thank Mr. Kennedy for his commitment to public service that has lasted over 25 years.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Dennis Kennedy who has served the City of Morgan Hill in various capacities for the past 30 years. Since 1977, one year after Mr. Kennedy moved to Morgan Hill, he has been involved in various roles within the City of Morgan Hill's local government. He served three terms on the Planning Commission and two terms on the General Plan Update Committee. In 1990, he stood for election and won a seat on the City Council. He has served 4 terms as the Mayor of the City of Morgan Hill. He was appointed to his first term in 1992. In 1996, he became the first directly elected mayor and was re-elected in 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004. He is past chairman of the South County Regional Wastewater Authority, has served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Valley Transportation Authority and is a past-president of the Santa Clara Cities Association. Mr. Kennedy has always been mindful of his commitment to the Santa Clara Valley and, although he was born in Nebraska, he has acted like a true local when community interests were at stake. Mr. Kennedy moved to San Jose, California during his high school years and attended Bellarmine College Preparatory School in San Jose. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Professionally, it has been a pleasure to work with Mr. Kennedy because he sincerely cares about the residents of the City of Morgan Hill and their interests. I know I stand with many other thankful constituents in congratulating Mr. Kennedy on his years of service and wishing him the very best for his retirement.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor San Jose-based Ethiopian Community Services and Oakland, California-based Ethiopian Community & Cultural Center for their joint efforts in organizing a celebration of the Ethiopian New Year and Millennium. During this celebration, the community will share its centuries-old traditions and culture including its alphabet, calendar, music, arts, food and coffee. In addition it will give others an opportunity to experience this rich and diverse historical event and explore and make new friends. The celebration of the Ethiopian New Year and Millennium is occurring in my congressional district at the Guadalupe River Park in Downtown San Jose, CA. Because of the rich diversity of San Jose, it is a special honor to further emphasize the open minds and warm hearts of the constituents I represent. I commend both organizations for their hard work in this glorious event and extend my warmest wishes for many more years of cooperation and success.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, this bill goes far beyond what is necessary and what was agreed to by the Director of National Intelligence. All of us agree that foreign-to-foreign communications need to be available for surveillance. However, this bill would grant the Attorney General the ability to wiretap anybody, anyplace, anytime, without court review, without any checks and balances. I think that this unwarranted, unprecedented measure would simply eviscerate the fourth amendment that protects the privacy not of terrorists, but of Americans. I strongly oppose this warrantless surveillance measure. I realize that in a short period of time, months, we will have an opportunity to undo the damage that is going to be done here tonight, and I pledge to America that should this measure pass, I will give it my all to make sure that we reclaim the fourth amendment in a measure that gains a vote from Members of Congress and Senators who take their oath of allegiance to the Constitution more seriously than has happened to date.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I think that there is common ground here in the House despite some of the comments we have just met. We all know from the press reports and Admiral McConnell himself that there is a need to make sure that we intercept communications, foreign to foreign, and I think there is 100 percent agreement in this House on that point. I would note that line 18 of the second page of the bill makes that abundantly clear. We all know that, as technology changes, we need to continually update our laws to make sure that they work well in a changing environment. We have this bill for 120 days if we do, as we know we must, pass it. I think of that 120 days as an assignment for the Congress, so that we understand the technology, so that we can make good decisions. This is a cell phone. If I bring this cell phone to London and call San Jose, the phone company knows I'm in London and the call is made to San Jose.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I would like at this time to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the author of the House companion bill and the Representative from South Dakota, Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 975) granting the consent and approval of Congress to an interstate forest fire protection compact.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of S. 975, the bill that grants Congress's consent and approval to an interstate forest fire protection compact. This legislation serves as a critical tool toward providing communities in South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming with the necessary resources to fight wildfires. State wildfire compacts allow States, subject to the consent of Congress, to rapidly request and mobilize firefighting equipment among compact members. Once enacted, this legislation will immediately allow South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming to work directly with each other and to pool their resources so they could rapidly address current wildfire conditions. In addition, S. 975 includes a provision that will allow North Dakota to participate in a similar resource-sharing agreement once its State legislature has ratified the agreement. The need for S. 975 is critical as the fire season for this region approaches and is really upon us today. According to a recent article in the Rapid City Journal, the dry, hot conditions persisting in the Black Hills could result in August being one of the worst fire seasons in the history of South Dakota. Thus, in an effort to expedite our consideration of this matter, given the potentially critical situation presented by the fire hazards currently affecting South Dakota, we are taking up the measure as passed by the Senate. I should note that my colleague in the State of South Dakota, Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, introduced identical legislation, H.R. 3050, to address this matter. I commend Representative Herseth Sandlin for her hard work and leadership in this body. And together with the strong support from the Colorado and Wyoming delegations, she has spearheaded the effort to obtain a legislative response to this crisis so that it can be sent to the President for his signature without undue delay. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support S. 975. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, this bill grants our approval to an important interstate compact that will enable States in the Great Plains to pool resources to control forest fires. Especially in light of the fact that these States may shortly be experiencing what could be the worst fire season in years, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this urgently needed measure. I commend the ranking member, Mr. Cannon, and the chairwoman of the subcommittee, Ms. Sanchez, as well as the chairman of the committee and ranking member for not standing on formality, waiving jurisdiction, and bringing this bill directly to the floor. It is the right way to get something done in a hurry, and it needs to get done Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 4 minutes to one of the co-authors of the bill, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Wynn).

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes now to a cosponsor of the legislation, the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee)

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, if we allow the temporary protective status for Liberia to expire this September, more than 3,000 Liberians living in the United States will be forced to immediately return to a country that lacks housing, jobs, health care, education, and other necessary services. Such a result would be inhumane to these men and women, but it would also be destabilizing to their country, a country that we want to support in their efforts to achieve peace and a democracy. So I urge my colleagues to please join in supporting passage of this important legislation

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3123) to extend the designation of Liberia under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act so that Liberians can continue to be eligible for temporary protected status under that section.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy), the prime author of the legislation.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 3123 extends Liberia's current temporary protected status designation, which is due to expire on September 30 of this year, for 1 year. As many of us know, Liberia was founded by former American slaves with the help of our government. Since 1989, however, the country has been ravaged by two brutal civil wars which have displaced hundreds of thousands of people and destroyed Liberia's economy and infrastructure. In recognition of these intolerable conditions, the United States for the past 16 years has accorded special protection status to prevent approximately 3,600 Liberians residing in our Nation under temporary protected status from having to be returned to their homeland in the midst of those wars. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security has determined to terminate these temporary protections in light of the fact that Liberia's civil wars have finally ended and in anticipation of the political stability that Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, its newly elected President, will bring. While there is no question that President Johnson-Sirleaf has put Liberia on the road to recovery, that road will unfortunately be rather long. Currently, 85 percent of Liberians are unemployed. The country is suffering from severe shortages in electricity and running water. As for medical care, Liberia has only 26, yes, that is only 26, physicians who must serve a population of 3.4 million people. Recognizing her country's fragile state, President Johnson-Sirleaf has acknowledged that Liberia is unable to accept and absorb the 3,600 Liberian nationals currently residing in the U.S. under TPS. I am sure we all recall President Johnson-Sirleaf's visit and address to this body and our interest in making sure that she succeeds in bringing peace and democracy to her country. Accordingly, we are deeply concerned about the consequences that could result if thousands of Liberians in the United States are forced to return to their homeland before it is ready and able to accept them. For these reasons, I ask that you join me in supporting H.R. 3123, which simply extends this protection status for 1 year. I should also note that this bipartisan measure is supported by President Johnson- Sirleaf and the Liberian Government. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Republican Whip Roy Blunt who, in talking to Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn last week, agreed that we should proceed in this manner. Mr. Blunt is a cosponsor of this bipartisan bill, along with the prime sponsors, Representatives Kennedy and Jim Ramstad, Representatives Pence and Tiberi, myself, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Mr. McCotter, Tim Walberg, John Conyers, Ms. Jackson-Lee, and Representative Wynn. So this is a thoroughly bipartisan bill, and I would urge my colleagues to support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this enormously important amendment. Others have spoken eloquently about the need for women to have equal rights in their paychecks, but this is a right that extends far beyond female Americans. It extends to families, because in this day and age we all know that working families require the incomes not just of the husband but also of the wife, Dad and Mom together, and if Mom's salary is decreased unfairly and illegally, that hurts everybody in that family. So I urge my colleagues to support this measure, not just for the women of America but for the men and women and families of America. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, this evening at the Library of Congress, David Woodley Packard, president of the Packard Humanities Institute (PHI), will officially transfer the 415,000- square-foot Packard Campus in Culpepper, VA, to the Library of Congress to house what is the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of moving images and sound recordings. As a member of the Joint Committee on the Library, I want to commend the board members of the Packard Humanities Institute and, in particular, its president, David Woodley Packard, for making this new facility possible. It is truly a gift to the Nation whose creative heritage in sound and image will for the first time be consolidated in one state-of-the-art facility. I also want to note the generosity of the Packard Humanities Institute to my home state of California: the UCLA Film Archive and the restoration of the Stanford Theatre in Palo Alto and the San Jose Fox Theater for the San Jose Opera. Constructed by the Packard Humanities Institute, the three-building facility represents the largest-ever private gift to the U.S. legislative branch of government and one of the largest ever to the Federal Government. The Packard Campus will consolidate audiovisual collections and will enhance the Library's efforts to preserve and make accessible its collections of moving images and sound recordings. I also want to commend my colleagues in the Congress who have provided an additional $82.1 million to support operations, maintenance, equipment and related costs for this magnificent facility. In closing I want to commend the Librarian of Congress, Dr. James H. Billington, for his commitment to the preservation of our Nation's audio-visual heritage. Under his leadership, Congress approved P.L. 105-144 in 1997 to authorize the unique public-private partnership that has resulted in the facility now being transferred to the Federal Government for the Library of Congress.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I concur with the suggestion that this motion to recommit be defeated. As the author of the amendment yesterday to increase SCAAP funding by $55 million, I can certainly not be counted as someone who does not support funding for State and local alien incarceration programs. On the other hand, we had offsets for our amendment yesterday, $55 million in offsets, and if I had found additional offsets that didn't adversely impact the Drug Enforcement Agency or the FBI or the COPS program or the National Science Foundation, I would have suggested an even bigger amount. I couldn't find those offsets.