Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, today there are more than 45 million Americans living without health insurance. In my home State of California, there are almost 6.5 million people without health insurance, and that is 300,000 more than when President Bush took office. This is a tragedy and a disgrace. It is time for us to act. The Family Care Act, the Medicare Access Act, and the Small Business Health Insurance Promotion Act will help cover more than half of the uninsured, but that is not enough. All Americans should have access to quality health care, and that is why I will be reintroducing H.R. 3000, the United States Universal Health Service Act. In the wealthiest country in the world, no one should be without affordable and accessible health care. Today this House votes on $82 billion more to continue to wage war and occupy Iraq, a total now of over $300 billion; and we cannot even provide health care for all Americans. It is a shame and disgrace that our priorities are so misplaced.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter) for yielding me time and for her leadership. Mr. Speaker, as the daughter of a veteran, I want to first express my profound respect for our brave men and women serving in Iraq, but we are not helping these brave troops if we blindly sign yet another blank check for this unjust and unnecessary war in Iraq. This $82 billion supplemental would bring the total war spending to over $300 billion. How can we sign off on another $82 billion check when the Bush administration has failed to provide the proper accounting of where the taxpayer money is going? How can we sign off on this check when our own government reported yesterday that another $100 million cannot be accounted for? This is on top of the $9 billion from last year that is still missing. How can we sign this check if the Bush administration has offered no plan to bring our troops home? Furthermore, are we safer today than we were before this unnecessary war started? Iraq is now a breeding ground for terrorists. We are less safe as a result of this war. Members know and I know. Before the invasion of Iraq, there was no connection between Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. Still, this administration would have us also believe that adding the unrelated anti-immigrant provisions to this supplemental bill would make us safer, but the fact is REAL ID will do nothing to make us safe. This administration has much to account for. They are cutting Section 8 for our seniors and our poor. They are cutting the budget for housing for people living with AIDS. They are cutting housing for the disabled. They are cutting Medicaid. When you look at $13.5 billion over the next 5 years for our veterans, they are cutting that. They are making the least of these pay for this war. That is wrong. This is a whole new level of immorality that I have ever seen. This distortion of the facts with regard to Iraq and the fact that they told us that weapons of mass destruction were there, we know that is not the case. We know that. You know that. Yet another $82 billion to fund this war that has not made this country any safer. It has made us less safe. When you look at what is happening in our own country, when you look at health care, when you look at the people out there in the street that are suffering, why do they have to pay for this war? I ask for a no vote.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 513.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and work of human rights activist Marla Ruzicka. Marla devoted her life to fighting for peace and justice, spending much of her adult life either abroad working to provide relief to victims of violent conflict, or in Washington, D.C. lobbying for the foreign aid those victims so desperately need. Most recently, Marla founded a non-profit organization called Campaign for Innocent Victims In Conflict (CIVIC), the objective of which is to accurately count the number of Iraqi civilian deaths in the war. While working to gather first-hand accounts of civilian casualties in Iraq, Marla was killed when a car bomb exploded in Baghdad on April 16, 2005. At the time of her death, Marla had been working to advance human rights and social justice for more than ten years. After hearing a talk given at her high school in Lakeport, California by a staff member of the international non-profit group Global Exchange, she went to the Global Exchange office to see what she could do to help. Marla's energy and passion for helping those in need was an inspiration to other activists in the group, and she learned quickly as she became more involved in human rights efforts. In college, Marla chose an institution and course of study that allowed her to travel the world, learning from diverse cultures and helping to facilitate relief efforts underway in a number of countries. In the course of her travels, Marla worked with people impacted by the AIDS epidemic in Zimbabwe, with refugees in Palestine and rural farming communities in Nicaragua. Following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, Marla traveled to that country with a Global Exchange delegation. She was so moved by the plight of the civilian victims of this conflict that she met there that she decided to devote her life to providing relief to people in those circumstances. Until the summer of 2002, Marla remained in Afghanistan, where she conducted a survey on the military campaign's effects on Afghan civilians and used that information to get assistance to the families that were harmed. Immediately following her return from Afghanistan, Marla moved to Washington, D.C. to lobby for U.S. assistance for civilian victims of armed conflict. Working with USAID and the Senate Appropriations Committee, Marla advocated the allocation of money to rebuild homes for families that suffered as a result of U.S. military actions. In 2003, Marla once again heeded the call of duty and went abroad, this time traveling to Iraq before the U.S.-led invasion. In the months that followed, she founded CIVIC and formed survey teams to fan out across the country to gather first-hand accounts of civilian casualties. Marla was instrumental in securing millions in aid money from the federal government for distribution in Iraq, and by the time of her death she had interviewed and routed assistance to thousands of Iraqis. Today we come together in sadness over the loss of someone who was such a bright light during such a dark time in our world. However, we are also here to celebrate the help and hope Marla devoted her life to giving to people who needed it. Whether pushing the federal government to increase aid to victims of violent conflict, traveling the world to provide direct relief, or inspiring those around her simply by being the vibrant and giving person that she was, Marla never ceased to work for what was right and improve the lives of those around her. And though the scope and impact of her work in providing aid to those in need is truly beyond compare, what she has given to us is greater than the measurable sum of her actions. Marla's passion for defending human rights and advocating for those who have no voice led her to challenge convention, and to do so without concern for herself. The conviction and compassion that drove Marla to do everything in her power to help others leaves a bright legacy from which we can all draw inspiration, and that we must all strive to emulate. On behalf of the 9th Congressional District, I salute Marla Ruzicka for all that she gave of herself to our community, our country and our world.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which commemorates the significant contributions of Asian Pacific Americans throughout our country's history. America draws its strength from its tremendous diversity. The contributions to our country--to the American culture and experience-- by Asian Pacific Americans are numerous, and we are a much better country as a result. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership in the Asian Pacific American Caucus and our Tri-Caucus, the Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Black Caucus. It is a privilege to be part of the Tri-Caucus. Today, I want to recognize the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans in my district, the Ninth Congressional District of California, the East Bay of Northern California, and commend them for their dedicated service and vision in making life better for those in our community and our Nation. Asian Pacific Americans have long played a crucial role in the life and history of the East Bay. The region's identity has been profoundly shaped by its place in the Pacific Rim. However, today Asian Americans face a wide variety of challenges, including access to educational opportunities and community resources. I specifically want to highlight the work being done in my own district by the East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC) and the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC), in their efforts to empower the Asian American community and improve their standard of living. The East Bay Asian Youth Center inspires Asian American youth and families by providing leadership and educational opportunities. Everyday EBAYC (ee-BAY-cee) demonstrates that cultural diversity is a powerful agent for progress. They run a youth sports program, have founded a health center, and coordinate a video productions program that was awarded Honorable Mention at the Oakland International Film Festival. EBAYC also facilitates partnerships to provide health, social, security improvements, and after-school services at schools. Moreover, EBAYC engages families through the creation of Parent Action Committees (PACs). Over 500 Asian, Latino, and African-American parents are involved in these PACs in schools where no parent organization had previously existed. These PACs have been enormously effective, fomenting positive change in local schools. For example, one PAC was able to decrease truancy by 40 percent at a middle school that was known for its major gang-related and racial violence. I also want to mention the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation. EBALDC (ee-BALD-cee) has created a national model to promote affordable housing. Since its inception, it has created over 700 units of affordable apartments for low income families and seniors. It is one of the Bay Area's--and the Nation's--most respected community developers. EBALDC has developed nearly 200,000 square feet of retail, office and childcare space, two of which I want to highlight: (1) the Asian Resource Center, a facility that provides key community services to the APA community in Oakland Chinatown and, (2) Preservation Park, a beautifully restored Victorian neighborhood block that is home to a countless number of non-profit organizations and small businesses. In addition, EBALDC spearheads an Individual Development Account (IDA) savings program, by which more than 10 percent of the IDA participants have used their savings to buy their first homes. Given that the Bay Area's real estate market makes it one of the least affordable cities in the Nation, it has made a huge impact within our community, EBALDC helps individuals discover and develop the resources to realize their dreams--of owning affordable homes and starting new businesses. Immigrants face many obstacles today, and organizations like EBALDC and EBALYC help their clients to conquer their problems. These are just a few specific examples of the impact that APAs have had in my district. I want to salute the achievements of these two organizations tonight. I believe that it is also very important to celebrate the accomplishments of a hero for many of us, someone who has tirelessly devoted her life to make our Nation better, Lillian Galedo. Ms. Galedo is the Executive Director for Filipinos for Affirmative Action (FAA). This year she will be celebrating her ``Silver Anniversary'' with the organization, having served 25 years with FAA. During her tenure, Ms. Galedo has spearheaded several initiatives to advocate on behalf of the Filipino American community, especially in the East Bay. Today, Filipinos continue to be among the top three groups immigrating to the U.S., constituting one of the largest Asian populations in California. FAA runs several youth programs, offers services to new immigrants and engages in several community campaigns, working for the rights of immigrants, Filipino-American airport screeners and WWII veterans. FAA is truly an exemplary grassroots organization, and Ms. Galedo has been at the forefront of encouraging civic participation and fighting for the civil rights of the community. Ms. Galedo is a woman warrior--passionate and articulate--and an inspiration for many Asian Americans. I also want to recognize the contributions of those who have left us, but who have left an indelible mark in our Nation's history. Tonight I honor the memory and the legacy of a very good friend, my dear colleague Congressman Robert Matsui. He made such a great impact in this body, and tonight as we celebrate APA Heritage Month, I want to remind everyone of Bob's great legacy. Bob's passing is a bitter blow to all of us. But his life and the things he achieved for all of us will live forever as a testament to a life well-lived. I also want to recognize his wife, Doris, who has done an incredible job in the past few months, in carrying on his legacy and reflecting the view and the future that Bob would have for the country. I also want to highlight the achievements of Fred Korematsu, a courageous champion of the civil rights movement and a role model for Asian Americans. During his life, Mr. Korematsu touched the lives of countless people, shedding light on a past injustice that was forgotten and ignored. Mr. Korematsu was a central figure within the controversy of Japanese internment during World War II, during which he was arrested for demanding no more than what every American is entitled to--his basic human rights. Mr. Korematsu defied the order to go to the Japanese-American internment camps because he believed it wasn't right. His case changed legal history and resulted in an apology by the U.S. for its wrongdoings, as well as reparations to 120,000 living Japanese- Americans. Mr. Speaker, as a Nation, we must embrace the cultures that have worked to advance the needs of all Americans and have helped to define what it means to be American. So as a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am privileged to join the gentleman from California tonight to make sure that our entire country understands why we are celebrating APA Heritage Month. Let us make sure that we represent Asian Pacific Americans every month, each and every day as we develop our policies and our legislation that ensure liberty and justice for all.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, the Tri-Caucus commemorates and closes Minority Health Month by offering the ``The Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act of 2005''. I join my colleagues in calling for bipartisan support and immediate consideration of the Tri-Caucus minority health disparities bill which will provide long-needed resources to combat the growing racial and ethnic health disparities in minority communities across the country. The tri-caucus bill re-prioritizes and funds efforts for prevention, education and data-collection; all essentials to reduce the overall cost of treatment and reduce disproportionately high rates of emergency health services in minority communities. Equality in health service is still a distant and difficult goal. Until the United States makes health care a basic human and civil right we will never close the disparities gap. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is criminal that in the United States the color of your skin and the languages that you speak can make you more likely to die of HIV/AIDS, heart disease or diabetes, as a result of our broken and culturally insensitive health care system. The numbers are staggering: Cancer: African Americans are 23 percent more likely to die from all types of cancer than Whites. African American men die twice as often from prostate cancer than Whites. Cancer: Breast cancer is diagnosed 13 percent less frequently in African American women than White women; however African American women die more often. Heart Disease: African Americans suffer the most from the disease. Around 40 percent of African American men and women have some form of heart disease, compared to 30 percent of White men and 24 percent of White women. African Americans are also 29 percent more likely to die from the disease than Whites. Diabetes: African Americans are twice as likely to have diabetes as Whites. African Americans with diabetes are more likely to experience complications of diabetes. Diabetes: Diabetes related eye disease, is 40 to 50 percent more common in African Americans than Whites. Kidney failure is about 4 times more common in African Americans with diabetes than in Whites with diabetes. Amputations of lower extremities (legs and feet) are also more common in African Americans with diabetes. Diabetes: As of 2002, two million Hispanic adults, about 8.2 percent of the population, have diabetes. About one-third of Hispanics with diabetes are undiagnosed. Hispanics are 1.5 times as likely to have diabetes as Whites. And, in 2001 the death rate from diabetes in Hispanics was 40 percent higher than the death rate of Whites. I could go on and on, but I'll just end this list of statistics by giving you a quick overview of HIV/AIDS in our communities. HIV/AIDS has had a devastating impact on minorities in the United States. HIV/AIDS: Racial and ethnic minorities accounted for almost 70 percent of the newly diagnosed cases of HIV and AIDS in 2002. More than 90 percent of babies born with HIV belong to minority groups. HIV/AIDS: More than 54 percent (14,398) of HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 2002 were in African Americans. African Americans are ten times more likely to die of AIDS than Whites. HIV/AIDS: AIDS is the leading cause of death in African American women aged 25-34 and the third leading cause of death in African American men in the same age group. More than 64 percent of HIV positive infants are African American. HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS is spreading at a rapid rate in the Hispanic community. Hispanics accounted for around 20 percent of AIDS cases in 2002, despite making up only 14 percent of the U.S. population. Hispanics are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS than Whites. Hispanics were also almost three times more likely to die of AIDS than their White counterparts in 2001. The Congressional Black Caucus, Hispanic Caucus and Asian Pacific Islander Caucuses have came together because we see the need to offer solutions for the inclusion and the prioritizing of minorities in the health care system which today is sorely inadequate. Our goal, like that of the American public, is the complete elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities. I believe that with this bill we have provided a good first step toward that goal. In this bill, we have diagnosed the major health care shortfalls and provided sound and culturally-conscious solutions. The goal of this bill is nothing short of the complete elimination of these racial and ethnic disparities. In this bill, we have assessed the foremost health care shortfalls of our current system, and provided sound and culturally conscious solutions. 1. We have called for an expansion of the health care safety net, which will increase access to quality health care coverage. 2. We state that health care be should be considered not only a human right but a civil right, and as such must be protected under the 1964 Civil Rights Act. 3. We ask for the widespread, comprehensive, collection and dissemination of health data on minorities to become a top priority for the health care community. 4. In order to appropriately target the diseases that are plaguing minority peoples, we must first make sure that we have an accurate picture of the challenge we are facing. And we must use this information to make sure that everyone is aware of these statistics, so they know the risks. 5. We ask for a complete assault on HIV/AIDS and other diseases that are disproportionately killing the minority community. 6. By enacting this bill, we correct a major problem in America: ending minority health disparities and diversify health care workforce. Mr. Speaker, the issue here is that millions of Americans, half of whom are minorities, go undiagnosed and uncared for because they lack adequate health care. Instead of privatizing social security and cutting Medicaid, our President should help African Americans, Latinos, Asian and Pacific Islanders and Native Americans live longer, healthier lives. The President should not rely on the shorter life expectancy of African Americans or other minorities--he should fix the root of the problem--fix our health care system. Mr. Speaker, it is our priority to stop the dangerous cycle of shorter life spans and poor quality, inaccessible health care for minorities in this country. We stand committed because we cannot stand for continued rates of prostate and breast cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure to take the lives of minority peoples around this country. If we are to ensure that we are all equal, then we cannot ignore the inequalities inherent in our current heath care system. And finally, we cannot stand in the halls of this Congress and allow a prescription drug bill, an HIV/AIDS bill, or any other health bill pass that doesn't have a focus on African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, or our Asian and Pacific Island communities. Today, we are united for all minorities across this country, and we will win the battle against ethnic and racial health disparities.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) for yielding me time and for his leadership. I rise to oppose this budget conference report and support and remind you of the budget priorities which were identified in the Congressional Black Caucus budget alternative. At a time when 48 million Americans, 7.5 million of these Americans are African Americans, mind you, they have no health insurance. The health care cuts in this budget will increase the number of the uninsured. At a time now when our inner cities are crumbling, and they are truly crumbling, this budget cuts funding for community and small business development. At a time when we face the real threat of terrorism, this budget wastes billions of dollars on an unnecessary missile defense system while leaving likely targets like our Nation's ports defenseless. The Congressional Black Caucus, if you remember, offered a fiscally responsible alternative. It addressed the health care disparities in our Nation. It provided funding for community and for small business development, and it provided for real national security that included economic security.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, on April 27, 2005, in order to attend to a family matter, I was unable to vote on rollcall no. 145. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 241, a resolution to reverse the harmful and inappropriate changes that were made to House ethics rules by H. Res. 5. I voted against H. Res. 5 which changed House ethics rules when it came to the Floor on January 4, 2005 and the overwhelming approval of H. Res. 241 only underscores that the changes in H. Res. 5 were overreaching by the majority party.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, the Democratic leadership just released two reports that make clear just how much damage the Republican budget will do to the African American and Hispanic communities, as well as to children. This budget fails to deliver $12 billion in proposed funding for education. If the President really meant that no child would be left behind, why are 3 million children not getting the help in reading and math that they deserve? The budget fails to make health care accessible. With more than 20 million African Americans and Hispanics without health insurance, the Bush budget offers health care cuts that will increase the number of the uninsured. President Bush claimed that his Social Security privatization plan would benefit African Americans because we have shorter life expectancies. The budget makes it clear that the President would rather exploit this issue to sell his privatization scheme than do something to help African Americans live longer. This budget creates deficits, not jobs, and it favors tax cuts for the rich over making the American dream more accessible to all. Every American deserves better.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, on April 26, 2005 I missed rollcall votes Nos. 133 and 134. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the motion to instruct conferees on the FY 2005 supplemental appropriations bill and ``aye'' on the motion to instruct conferees on the FY 2006 Budget Resolution.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, my name was placed on H.R. 525, the ``Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005'' by mistake, and even though House rules at this point prohibit my removal as a cosponsor, I want to make clear without a shadow of a doubt that I do not support H.R. 525. I believe access to health care is a basic human right and H.R. 525 in its present form does nothing to make that right a reality. The House voted on Associated Health Plans twice in the 108th Congress and I voted against it both times. If this bill comes to House Floor for a vote again in its present form, I will oppose it. Although I understand the demands and challenges that small business owners face with regard to providing affordable, comprehensive health care for their employees, H.R. 525 is not the answer. The answer is putting people before profit in our health care system.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, today we will vote on the energy bill, written by and for the energy industry in secret meetings with Vice President Cheney. Tomorrow is Earth Day, and the theme this year is ``Protect our children and our future.'' Is this how the Republican Congress envisions celebrating Earth Day and protecting our children and the future? This bill will pollute our air at a time when childhood asthma rates are growing. It exempts MBTE producers from poisoning our water and keeps us dependent on foreign oil. This environmentally irresponsible bill offers over $37 billion in tax breaks and subsidies to oil, coal, and nuclear power industries. The energy industry does not need this money. In 2004 the profits of the top 10 oil and gas companies jumped by more than 30 percent. The Republican Congress and the administration continue to prioritize short-term corporate profits over long-term health and safety of our children and our earth. We should be protecting our children, our future, and this planet. This energy bill destroys our environment. It is a danger to public health. It forces consumers to pay more for gas and keeps us dependent on foreign oil.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Madam Chairman, first, let me just say, I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey) for yielding me the time, for his leadership and the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson) for her leadership in making sure that this is a bipartisan amendment. Opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling is not the answer to our long-term energy or security needs. The fact is, we are addicted to oil. The proponents of this bill would have you believe that the only way to cure an addict is to feed the addiction at whatever cost, regardless of the effect on the environment, on our wildlife, and on our public health. As a psychiatric social worker by profession, I can tell you this does not work. We should be working to reduce our dependency by promoting energy efficiency and energy conservation, and funding research to develop and utilize clean and renewable sources of energy. By allowing drilling in the Arctic refuge, we are spoiling a pristine natural environment, we are furthering our dependence on oil, and we are contributing to high levels of asthma, such as in my own district in west Oakland and throughout the country. Reducing dependencies on alcohol and on drugs leads to individuals leading clean and sober lives. Our country needs to reduce its dependency on oil, for a clean and sober and independent future is what our children deserve.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of former Berkeley City Councilmember Margaret Breland of Berkeley, California. Serving the people of West Berkeley first as a private citizen and then as a public servant, Margaret devoted most of her adult life to improving conditions in a community she saw to be underrepresented and often overlooked. Margaret retired from the Berkeley City Council in November of 2004, and after a long battle with breast cancer, passed away on April 7, 2005. Though Margaret was originally from Beaumont, Texas, she spent the majority of her life in Berkeley after moving there as a child with her family. The oldest of four children, she was counted on by her mother to help run the household. After graduating from Berkeley High School, Margaret became a licensed vocational nurse, an occupation in which she served for 27 years. Margaret retired early from her work as a nurse to care for her mother in the late 1980s, but became increasingly involved in community and public service activities at Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a member. As chairperson of Liberty Hill's scholarship committee, she raised thousands of dollars every year to ensure that every church member attending college received at least $1,000 in financial assistance. Margaret also made sure that members of her church remained informed through her work and that of others who served on the congregation's Christian Social Concern Committee. One of the ways in which Margaret first became known to the public in Berkeley was through spearheading the ultimately successful campaign to install a traffic light at Ninth Street and University Avenue, an effort aimed at protecting children crossing the street on their way to and from the church. Margaret continued to advocate for the safety of children and others in her neighborhood not only through her work at Liberty Hill, but also as the chair of both the Human Welfare Action Committee and the West Berkeley Neighborhood Development Corporation, and through her involvement with the West Berkeley Area Plan Committee, the West Berkeley Community Cares Services Bank and the Community Advisory Board. After several years of advocating on behalf of the residents of West Berkeley, in the mid-1990s Margaret decided to seek public office, and was elected as the District 2 representative to the Berkeley City Council in 1996. In her first term, she secured over one and a half million dollars in funding for projects and facilities located in her district, working to make up for funding gaps that she felt had long been ignored. Regardless of the challenges she faced, Margaret worked tirelessly to provide affordable housing, access to healthcare, police and fire protection resources and support for youth in her district. Though she struggled with her illness for much of the second half of her time in office, she remained steadfastly committed to serving her constituents, demanding daily briefings and making efforts to go to City Hall even as her condition and treatments diminished her physical strength. Margaret's devotion to serving her constituents earned her a reputation as a candid and straightforward representative of the people, someone who was truly dedicated to serving as a voice for those without the means to advocate for themselves. On April 15, 2005, Margaret Breland's life and legacy will be honored at her own Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley, California. It is with great sorrow but also with great pride that I add my voice to all those that have joined together today to pay tribute to Margaret and the spirit of selflessness that she embodied. Margaret's commitment to and concern for others set her apart as an elected official and as a human being. The generosity that led her to serve others throughout her life is an inspiration to all of us to follow her example in giving back to our communities, our country and our world.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of former Berkeley City Councilmember Margaret Breland of Berkeley, California. Serving the people of West Berkeley first as a private citizen and then as a public servant, Margaret devoted most of her adult life to improving conditions in a community she saw to be underrepresented and often overlooked. Margaret retired from the Berkeley City Council in November of 2004, and after a long battle with breast cancer, passed away on April 7, 2005. Though Margaret was originally from Beaumont, Texas, she spent the majority of her life in Berkeley after moving there as a child with her family. The oldest of four children, she was counted on by her mother to help run the household. After graduating from Berkeley High School, Margaret became a licensed vocational nurse, an occupation in which she served for 27 years. Margaret retired early from her work as a nurse to care for her mother in the late 1980s, but became increasingly involved in community and public service activities at Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a member. As chairperson of Liberty Hill's scholarship committee, she raised thousands of dollars every year to ensure that every church member attending college received at least $1000 in financial assistance. Margaret also made sure that members of her church remained informed through her work and that of others who served on the congregation's Christian Social Concern Committee. One of the ways in which Margaret first became known to the public in Berkeley was through spearheading the ultimately successful campaign to install a traffic light at Ninth Street and University Avenue, an effort aimed at protecting children crossing the street on their way to and from the church. Margaret continued to advocate for the safety of children and others in her neighborhood not only through her work at Liberty Hill, but also as the chair of both the Human Welfare Action Committee and the West Berkeley Neighborhood Development Corporation and through here involvement with the West Berkeley Area Plan Committee, the West Berkeley Community Cares Services Bank and the Community Advisory Board. After several years of advocating on behalf of the residents of West Berkeley, in the mid-1990s Margaret decided to seek public office, and was elected as the District 2 representative to the Berkeley City Council in 1996. In her first term, she secured over one and a half million dollars in funding for projects and facilities located in her district, working to make up for funding gaps that she felt had long been ignored. Regardless of the challenges she faced, Margaret worked tirelessly to provide affordable housing, access to healthcare, police and fire protection resources and support for youth in her district. Though she struggled with her illness for much of the second half of her time in office, she remained steadfastly committed to serving her constituents, demanding daily briefings and making efforts to go to City Hall even as her condition and treatments diminished her physical strength. Margaret's devotion to serving her constituents earned her a reputation as a candid and straightforward representative of the people, someone who was truly dedicated to serving as a voice for those without the means to advocate for themselves. On April 15, 2005, Margaret Breland's life and legacy will be honored at her own Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley, California. It is with great sorrow but also with great pride that I add my voice to all those that have joined together today to pay tribute to Margaret and the spirit of selflessness that she embodied. Margaret's commitment to and concern for others set her apart as an elected official and as a human being. The generosity that led her to serve others throughout her life is an inspiration to all of us to follow her example in giving back to our communities, our country and our world.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S.256 because it is morally bankrupt and puts credit card companies ahead of children.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule and to this morally bankrupt bill that puts corporate greed over fairness for ordinary folks. This bill takes the phrase ``kick them when they are down'' to a whole new level. What about the fact that half of the people who file for bankruptcy protection are forced to do so because of high medical costs, loss of a job, or scam loan sharks? This bill would say to these people, the answer is, of course, too bad. Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, this bill is a big-time corporate payoff that was drafted with one overriding goal in mind, that is, profits, profits, profits. I am all for curbing abuses in bankruptcy and would suggest that we start by closing bankruptcy loopholes for millionaires and taking steps to address predatory lending and payday loans rather than a one-sided, harsh industry payoff. This bill should include real solutions to address the really hard problems fueling the financial difficulties so many in this Nation are facing. We should focus on the true abusers and not the working families that have played by the rules. Mr. Speaker, we need to have a bankruptcy bill that addresses the real abusers. This is a morally bankrupt bill.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, the President's very cynical attempt to sell his Social Security privatization scheme to African Americans, quite frankly, is very painful. Thank goodness African Americans are not buying it. President Bush said that his privatization plan would benefit African Americans because we have a shorter life expectancy. It is truly remarkable that the President would rather exploit African Americans' shorter life expectancy to sell his privatization plan than actually do something to help African Americans live longer. If the President is truly concerned about African Americans, he should support legislation and funding to address the health disparities that contribute to shorter life expectancy. Sadly, this is just the sort of cynical, divisive move we have come to expect from an administration that is bent on cutting the guaranteed benefit of Social Security and entrusting our seniors' retirement security to Wall Street and a roll of the dice. Mr. Speaker, Julian Bond, President of the NAACP, and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) were correct to call the President on this earlier this week.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Berkeley Police Department of Berkeley, California on the occasion of its 100th year of service. At the time of its founding over a century ago, the Berkeley Police Department was a pioneering institution. Led by August Vollmer, who was elected Town Marshall in 1905 and appointed as Berkeley's first Chief of Police in 1909, the Berkeley Police Department become known for its innovative management and law enforcement methods, and its practices were adopted by other departments nationwide. Chief Vollmer is considered by many to be the father of modem law enforcement. He was one of the first officials to institute the use of a basic records system, scientific investigation, and motorcycle patrols as law enforcement methods. He sought police officers with good educations, worked with U.C. Berkeley to establish a police school, and also established the department's Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, which prohibited officers from receiving gratuities and from smoking on duty, and also required them to use as little force as possible in making arrests. In addition to these innovations, Chief Vollmer was also one of the most progressive figures in law enforcement during his time. He recruited the first female and African American officers to the force in Berkeley, and also became a prominent opponent of the death penalty. In the years since its remarkable founding, the Berkeley Police Department has continued to serve the public with courage and compassion, working to protect the residents of Berkeley and also to become involved in the community. In addition to its establishment of the charitable Christmas in April program in 1991 and other community service projects, the Department has also made a sustained effort to establish an effective model for community-involved policing. Furthermore, the Berkeley Police Department has devoted considerable resources to the development of other programs of dire importance, such as the Domestic Violence Unit, Youth-Police Workshops with Beat Officers, the Citizens' Academy and Toys 4 Tots with Marines. In recent years, the department has received grants from the Department of Justice, the Office of Traffic Safety and others to institute innovative public safety reforms, and in 2003 reported the city's lowest violent crime rates since 1974. On April 7, 2005, the Berkeley Police Department will be holding its centennial celebration. I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank those who have given of themselves to serve the public through their work with the police force. I congratulate the Berkeley Police Department for 100 years of invaluable service, and salute its officers for their tireless efforts to make our community a safer, better place.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Stark and I rise today to honor the extraordinary contributions of Undersheriff Curtis L. Watson to the Alameda County Sheriff's Department over the past 34 years. Curtis joined the department in 1970 and steadily climbed its ranks to become the undersheriff in 1993, providing excellent service throughout his tenure. In 1970, Curtis had just completed a tour in the United States Air Force. On the advice of his brother, he applied for the Alameda County Sheriff's Department, where he was hired as a sheriff's deputy and assigned to work at Santa Rita Jail. Curtis had worked his way up to the position of lieutenant at Santa Rita when he first made the acquaintance of Charles Plummer, the Alameda County Sheriff, in 1987. Curtis's competence and confidence made a positive impression on the sheriff, who would remember him when their paths crossed again a few years later. After advancing to captain and becoming the commanding officer of the North County Jail in Oakland, Curtis took the commander's examination in April 1992, finishing with the highest score of any candidate and again catching the attention of Sheriff Plummer. By that time, Curtis had made such an impression that when the undersheriff position came open in 1993, Sheriff Plummer tapped him to fill it. With his promotion to undersheriff, Curtis became not only the highest-ranking African American in the Alameda County Sheriff Department's 152-year history but also the highest-ranking black sheriff's official in the state of California. Curtis served as undersheriff from 1993 until his retirement on March 24, 2005. Only one other undersheriff in the entire history of the Alameda County Sheriff's Department served longer than Curtis's 12 years in the position. On the occasion of Curtis Watson's retirement, we would like to honor his contributions to law and order in Alameda County over the past 34 years. He has served with distinction and dedication, breaking down barriers and forging new paths. We salute him for his commitment to justice and equality in our society, and we are certain that others will draw inspiration from his accomplishments for generations to come.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I voted in favor of H. Con. Res. 18 and H. Con. Res. 32. Mr. Speaker, I agree with the sentiments that these resolutions advance. There is no doubt that there must be an end to brutal human rights violations against the Syrian people and that a Syrian-occupied Lebanon poses a threat to the stability of the Middle East. However, Mr. Speaker, I am firm in my belief that we must find a peaceful, nonmilitary solution to foster peace in the Middle East. These resolutions, while overwhelmingly approved by the House, must not be cited as tacit approval for any future preemptive military action against Syria.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I am outraged that the Republicans continue to lead the charge in legislating their personal beliefs on the American people. There is no legal or moral justification for Congress to be meddling in the personal lives of any American. Further, it sets a terrible precedent. The Florida courts have repeatedly ruled that any action on the part of the legislature or governor is a violation of the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. Yet under the cover of darkness, the majority has made a national example out of a local, individual, and very personal issue. It is my hope that, when the time arrives, these same ``civil rights'' advocates will fight with the same zeal for the rights to equality, education, health care and housing that all Americans deserve.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, on March 20, 2005 I missed rollcall vote no. 90. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on S. 686, a bill regarding Ms. Terri Schiavo.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank again the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentleman from North Carolina, chairman of our Congressional Black Caucus, for their stellar leadership in spearheading this responsible budget. It should not be an alternative. This is the budget we should be voting on. The Republican budget is fiscally reckless and morally irresponsible. The CBC budget, if we think about it, really is a faith-based budget. The CBC budget is not only fiscally responsible, but it is also morally responsible. The Republican budget fails to live up to any standard of morality that speaks to the least of these. On the other hand, the Congressional Black Caucus budget acknowledges that in order to have a strong America, we must have all Americans who are not vulnerable. Our people cannot be desperate if, in fact, we want a strong America. The Republican budget cuts housing, housing for the disabled by 50 percent. Where is the morality in that? That is turning our backs on the disabled. The CBC budget not only restores these cuts but adds $120 million for housing the disabled. The Republican budget is an immoral budget, if one asks me. Vote for the CBC budget because it is a faith-based budget that takes care of the least of these.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Republican budget. This budget is fiscally reckless, morally irresponsible and represents a failure of leadership. The budget slashes funding that provides a vital lifeline to our most vulnerable communities. It cuts funding for support of housing for the disabled by 50 percent. Where is the morality in turning our back on the disabled? This budget will dramatically cut housing opportunities for people living with AIDS. Where is the morality in forcing people living with AIDS to choose between medication and housing? At the same time, this budget seeks to extend tax cuts to the most wealthy. Where is the morality in turning people out into the streets in order to pay for these tax cuts? As a person of deep religious conviction, I know that there is nothing moral about balancing the budget on the backs of those who can least afford it. A moral budget does not seek to punish the least of these. Mr. Speaker, this is an example, a gross example of the moral irresponsibility of the Republican budget.