Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne). (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton). (Mrs. CLAYTON asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson). (Mr. JACKSON of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 seconds to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen). (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey).

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens). (Mr. OWENS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones). (Mrs. JONES of Ohio asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown).

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). (Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). (Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, a parliamentary inquiry. I understand the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) has the right to close?

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remaining time. My alternative gives the United Nations a chance to do its job while we think through the ramifications of our actions, how many lives would be lost, what will this cost our economy. It provides a very pragmatic opportunity to step back and explain to the American people the implications of authorizing a war. It will give us an opportunity to explain to the American people what our own intelligence agency means, and let me quote this, ``Our intelligence agency says should Saddam conclude that a U.S.-led attack could no longer be deterred, the probability would become much less constrained in adopting terrorist action.'' Our action today could cause a reaction of catastrophic proportions, not only in terms of Saddam Hussein but in the destabilization of the Middle East and the setting of a dangerous precedent. I plead with my colleagues to oppose this rush to war. It is morally wrong, it is financially irresponsible, and it is not in our national security interest. We must wait, we must ask these questions, we must know what the economic impact is. We must know what this does in terms of the loss of lives of our young men and women. This is a day that we must urge reflection. We must urge this body to become attentive to the unanswered questions that are out there. If our own intelligence agencies say to us that authorizing the President's resolution to go to war; that is, supporting that effort to wage war, could be a provocative act against our country, that it could destabilize the region, that it could lead to possible terrorist action, that is very terrifying, Mr. Speaker. I believe that the House of Representatives must say no to establishing this dangerous precedent. We must not rush to war. We must give the United Nations time to do its work. Inspections worked in the 1990s. We must use the time that the United Nations needs, use that time for us to think through, to debate, and to be truthful to the American people. They deserve it. We need to be truthful with them as to what the cost of this rush to war would mean. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, first, let me just thank my colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), for yielding me time and for his leadership on this issue and on so many other issues of such critical importance to our world community. I also would like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking member, for his fairness in ensuring that democracy prevails, even during this very critical and important debate. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this resolution authorizing a unilateral first strike against Iraq. Such an action could destabilize the Middle East and set an international precedent that could come back to haunt us all. President Bush's doctrine of preemption violates international law. It violates the United Nations charter and our own long-term security interests. It forecloses alternatives to war before we have even tried to pursue them. We do not need to rush to war. Furthermore, this resolution is not a declaration of war. In fact, we do not need this resolution. If the United States indeed faces an imminent attack from anywhere, the President already has all of the authority in the world for our defense. President Bush called on the United Nations to enforce its resolutions, but here we are today voting to go to war before the United Nations has even had a chance to implement inspections. What kind of international cooperation is that? What kind of leadership is that? It does not take leadership to go drop bombs and go to war. It takes real leadership to negotiate and to develop peaceful resolutions to our security needs. The President has called on the United Nations to assume its responsibilities. I call on the United States to assume our responsibilities by working with the United Nations to ensure that Iraq is not developing weapons of mass destruction. I keep asking the question: Is our goal the elimination of weapons of mass destruction because they pose a potential danger, or is it regime change because we oppose the Iraqi government? We still do not have the answer to that question. For all of these reasons and more, on Thursday, I will offer the Lee amendment to H.J. Res. 114, incorporating my legislation, H. Con. Res. 473, currently supported by 37 Members of the House. This amendment calls on the United States to work with allies to disarm Iraq through United Nations inspections and other diplomatic means. Those inspections succeeded in destroying thousands of tons of weapons in the 1990s, despite Iraq's attempts at destruction, and they can work again. It was a search and destroy mission. Now, today, as we face this vote, there are many questions that remain unanswered. Where is the proof that Iraq poses an imminent, clear, and present danger to the United States? What is our objective here, regime change or the elimination of weapons of mass destruction? Where would this doctrine of preemption lead our country? How could we be the first and then claim the moral authority to tell others not to do so? Is this the precedent that we want to set for India, Pakistan, Russia, China, and others? How does all of this make the American people safer? Are our airports safer today? Are our seaports secure? What happens to the economic security of our country and our unmet domestic needs, given the enormous amount of money, upwards of $100 to $200 billion, that this war will cost us? And how many of our brave young men and women will be put in harm's way? Going to war would result in substantial loss of life. We better be able to answer these questions before we spend $200 billion plus to create a new regime in Iraq. Now, remember, we all have to focus on the fact that it was not weapons of mass destruction used on 9/11. This blank check to authorize a first strike would not restore peace and security. I am convinced that it will inspire hatred and fear and increase instability and insecurity. There have been those who have questioned the patriotism of opposition and have claimed that those calling for war have a monopoly on this virtue. Yet I believe, like many, that it is our patriotic duty to seek each and every nonmilitary solution to eliminating the weapons of mass destruction. Containment, deterrence and disarmament should be our goal. That has been and continues to be the American way. I urge my colleagues to oppose this rush to war. It is morally wrong, financially irresponsible, and it is not in our national security interests. We have options, and we have an obligation to pursue them.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William Lucy for his lifetime of pioneering work in the labor community. William ``Bill'' Lucy was a native of Memphis before he came out west to attend the University of California, Berkeley. A civil engineer by trade, Lucy was an assistant materials and research engineer for Contra Costa County, California. In 1965, he became President of AFSCME Local 1675, Contra Costa County Employees. Lucy joined the AFSCME International staff in 1966 as the Associate Director of the Legislation and Community Affairs Departments before serving as Executive Assistant to AFSCME's late president, Jerry Wurf. Bill Lucy was elected International Secretary-Treasurer, the second- highest ranking officer, of the 1.3 million member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO in May 1972. Lucy has since been re-elected every four years, most recently in 2000, resulting in a tenure in office of more than 30 years In addition to his position at AFSCME, Lucy is an important leader of the AFL-CIO. In October 1995, Lucy was named a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council and is vice president of the Maritime Trades Department and Department for Professional Employees. International affairs are of special interest to Bill. In November 1994, Lucy became the president of Public Services International, the world's largest union federation. He also serves on the boards of directors for the Africa America Institute, Americans for Democratic Action and the Center for Policy Alternatives. He is a founder and the president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), an organization of union leaders and rank-and-file members dedicated to the unique needs of African Americans and minority group workers. His devotion to the idea of staying within the African American Community has now opened many doors to the ranks of union leadership for the next generation which is comprised of all ethnic backgrounds. In a nation with such a critical need for increased minority leadership and representation in the unions, William Lucy is the highest ranking African-American labor leader in the nation and innovative founder of several African American union councils. His is an example that continues to lead the mission in promoting unionized workplaces, as well as providing and maintaining positive role models for inner city youth in these troubled times. I take great pride in joining Bill Lucy's friends and colleagues today to salute the extraordinary William Lucy.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the California Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. for their many contributions to the real estate industry. The California Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (CAREB) is the state chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the oldest minority real estate association in America. CAREB has been instrumental in promoting the participation of minorities in the real estate industry and has been responsible for many of the anti- discrimination and fair housing laws which now exist locally and across the country. The members of the California Association of Real Estate Brokers are outstanding men and women dedicated to providing fair and equal housing opportunities, equal employment and equal representation in the political arena as well as the business community. I ask Congress to join me and the constituents of the 9th Congressional District as we salute the California Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. for their endless service to our community. We wish them many years of continued success helping to fulfill the American dream of homeownership.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me, and for bringing this resolution honoring our colleague, the gentlewoman from Hawaii, and our dear friend. First I want to begin by extending my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Patsy's family, to John, Wendy, friends, and constituents, and to the entire State of Hawaii. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this very difficult period. In the words of our Secretary of Transportation, Norm Mineta, Norm said: Patsy Mink spoke for the forgotten, the disenfranchised, the poor, and worked unceasingly to remind the Nation of its obligations to those whom it sometimes forgets. Patsy spoke not only for the forgotten, the disenfranchised, the poor, but also to the conscience of all Americans. The leadership that Patsy commanded on the welfare reauthorization debate this year really exemplified her values and her character. During that debate and during our work on that bill, Patsy Mink authored a fair and compassionate bill that would have helped women provide for their families and enhance their futures through education. Although that bill was not voted out of the House, it was really the right bill, and many of my colleagues, myself included, supported it. We were determined to stand by Patsy through this. I am glad we did. She was right. I also appreciate her passion for peace. Patsy was an early opponent of the Vietnam War, and accompanied another great woman, Bella Abzug of New York, to Paris to participate during the Vietnam-era peace talks. In 1967, right here on this floor, and I want to quote this, because Patsy spoke of peace instead of war, she said right here, ``America is not a country which needs to punish its dissenters to preserve its honor.'' Patsy said, ``America is not a country which needs to demand conformity of all its people, for its strength lies in all of our diversities converging in one common belief, that of the importance of freedom as the essence of our country.'' Patsy said that in 1967 right here. Of course, I have thought long on this issue, and truly respect Patsy for her courage and her fortitude. She was tremendously supportive of me on many tough issues and truly was an inspiration. Patsy had a brilliant intellect, yet a big heart and a lot of soul. As a leader and advocate on so many issues, she always took the time to say thank you, as we heard earlier. Sometimes she sent candy or flowers or nuts or coffee from her home State as a token of her appreciation and her friendship. To know Patsy was really to love her. Many of us, myself included, have benefited from Patsy's warm hospitality when visiting her beautiful home, the State of Hawaii. She happily shared information and knowledge about her home, and wanted her friends to experience it to its fullest, and to really feel at home. Mr. Speaker, let me just say, I will miss Patsy. She was a woman whose wisdom and genius really helped us make a better world. May she rest in peace.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Ms. LEE. The fans are rooting and cheering them on to win their real first post-season game. I know that I am not alone in wishing the amazing A's the very best in their race for the pennant. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for yielding me the time.

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the very distinguished member of the Committee on Government Reform, for yielding me this time and for his leadership on so many issues that we are tackling here in this House. Also I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) for his efforts in bringing this resolution to commend my hometown team of the Oakland A's to the floor today. This is a bipartisan effort; and, Mr. Speaker, as a Democratic sponsor of this resolution, I rise today to congratulate the amazing Oakland A's, the players, the management, and the staff, for setting the Major League Baseball record for the longest winning streak by an American League baseball team. On September 4, 2002, the Oakland A's set the major league record for the longest winning streak by an American League baseball team by winning 20 consecutive games. Prior to this accomplishment, the record for longest winning streak by an American League baseball team had stood for 55 years. Only two major league baseball teams have won 20 or more consecutive games, this year's Oakland Athletics with 20 consecutive wins, and, it is my understanding, the 1935 Chicago Cubs with 21 consecutive wins. During the winning streak, the Athletics outscored their opponents 141 to 65 and trailed their opponents in only 10 of the 180 innings of the streak. The key to any successful baseball team is of course its pitching staff. During the streak and for the duration of the season, Oakland's pitchers have been nothing short of spectacular. During the streak, Cy Young hopeful Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder, and Corey Lidle pitched into the seventh inning in all six of the games, won as a part of the streak, and were credited with 15 of the 20 consecutive wins. The phenomenal success of the Oakland Athletics can also be attributed to the team's clutch hitting. While the A's have a different hero really every night, Miguel Tejada's emerging superstardom and really uncanny knack for late-game heroics has led the A's and truly energized the fans. The A's began the streak four and a half games out of first place in the Western Division of the American League and just concluded the regular session four games ahead of second place Anaheim. Remarkably, the A's accomplishments and continued success has come with the third-lowest payroll in the major leagues. Who said that low-budget teams cannot compete and really win? The success of the A's can also be attributed to the managerial skills of Art Howe and the unique ability of general manager Billy Beane to build a perennial contender with a very limited budget. The winning streak and success of the Oakland A's has brought together people from all walks of life and has really brought a new- found excitement to Oakland fans and the community. The accomplishments of the Oakland Athletics organization really extend far beyond their 20-game winning streak or their American League West title. For example, the Oakland A's community fund supports charitable organizations in their efforts to improve educational programs, aid to the underprivileged. They assist in crime and drug prevention and service to children, service to our senior citizens and those who work to improve the quality of life for people throughout the Bay Area. On September 15, another example, the Oakland Athletics organization hosted their fourth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day and raised over $100,000 for the cause. The athletic scholarship programs, disaster support fund, Little A's, and A's Amigos are just a few examples of how the athletics organization is really truly involved in our entire community. The accomplishments and contributions of the Oakland Athletics organization both on and off the field are worthy of recognition. So today I would like to congratulate the A's and its fans on a truly remarkable record-breaking regular session. Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) know are we still in the third inning with the A's up?

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and for his leadership on this issue and so many issues important to the health of all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in very strong opposition to this politically motivated anti-woman bill. How could we as representatives of the people lawfully permit health care providers to really ignore the Constitution and the Supreme Court? Let us be clear. H.R. 4691 radically alters current law and could gag health care providers from giving women, who may face an unintended pregnancy, including rape and incest, all of her legal medical options. This is really a domestic version of the global gag rule which really should be repealed. This bill would muzzle health care providers who participate in the title X program by eliminating providers' options which enable women to receive information upon request, just upon request, about all of their available medical options. In the absence of a referral requirement, health care providers may be able to effectively gag health care practitioners from giving such referrals to women who request them. This bill is really outrageous. It is simply another in the long parade of bad bills the majority continues to schedule in order to promote their political ideology and their political message while avoiding and refusing to schedule the real work of the House. Mr. Speaker, where is the Labor-HHS appropriations bill? Why are we not working on that today instead of considering legislation that amounts to nothing more than a dangerous assault on women's reproductive rights? We should be funding the important health programs in the Labor-HHS bill. I urge Members to vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit and ``no'' on this very bad bill.

Ms. LEE. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Ms. LEE. I yield to the gentlewoman from California.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I am tremendously proud to rise today to recognize two of my constituents, Judi Rogers and Young Shin, for recently winning the Nation's highest honor for community health leadership from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Rogers and Shin captured two of the ten national awards for their work in the Oakland and Berkeley communities. They were selected from a pool of over 450 nominees from across the country, and will each receive a grant for $120,000 to continue their important work. Rogers has been recognized for her work with Through the Looking Glass--a Berkeley organization serving families with disabilities-- where she provides childbirth and parenting education for mothers with disabilities. She provides home-based services to more than 35 families a year, most of them low income. She also leads a monthly support group. Her work touches families well beyond Berkeley. As part of Through the Looking Glass' National Resource Center for Parents with Disabilities, she offers technical assistance and training for parents and professionals both nationally and internationally. The Center is funded by the Department of Education's National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research. She is also the author of ``Mother to Be: A Guide to Pregnancy and Birth for Women with Disabilities.'' Rogers' has drawn on her own experience as an occupational therapist and disabled mother of two to inspire her work. A recent battle with breast cancer also convinced her to initiate a community outreach program to provide breast cancer screening services to women with disabilities. As Roger's nominator for the award aptly put it, ``She has opened up a whole new world for people with disabilities.'' Young Shin launched the Asian Immigrant Women Advocates (AIWA) in 1983 to empower Asian immigrant women in California's factories to create healthier working conditions. Since 1991, her work has focused on addressing health and safety issues, especially for garment and electronics workers at risk for chronic injuries and exposure to hazardous chemicals. The group's Peer Health Promoter Project has trained over 75 women as peer educators, who have, in turn, trained an additional 300 women on workplace injury prevention. In 2000, Shin partnered with the University of California-San Francisco to establish the two-year Asian Immigrant Women Workers Clinic. The clinic, which is located near the garment factories in Oakland's Chinatown district, has treated more than 250 women with ergonomic injuries. The clinic has now expanded its services and operates independently with low-wage Asian and Latino workers under the auspices of UCSF. Shin also developed a project to set up sewing labs where garment workers can collaborate with health care professionals to design and test practical, low-cost workstation improvements. On top of all these efforts, her group also sponsors literacy classes, leadership training and campaigns on workplace issues. Mr. Speaker, it's plain to see that Judi Rogers and Young Shin are tremendously deserving of their recent awards and I am thrilled to call attention to their achievements. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating them both.