Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Also, let me just associate myself with the gentleman from Massachusetts' comments with regard to Speaker O'Neill. I, too, was a staffer during that period when the great Speaker, Mr. O'Neill, was Speaker, and there is no way that he would have allowed this hostage- taking to occur. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this rule. Again, I just have to say, we've seen this 8 days, unfortunately, and it is a Tea Party Republican government shutdown. We've seen $2.4 billion in lost economic activity; and so, yes, this hostage-taking, it continues. Hostage-taking really is a deplorable tactic. The Tea Party Republicans continue to want to deny millions of Americans health care--and, yes, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, which the Supreme Court has upheld. That's why the shutdown continues, and the public knows it. Yet, instead of bringing up a budget bill to open up the government or pass a debt limit increase to pay our bills, the House has taken up two more last-minute bills to distract from their Tea Party Republican shutdown. This most recent bill establishes a supercommittee to make recommendations on spending and changes. I want to remind my colleagues, this is the same proposal--or very similar--that got us into this devastating sequester in the first place. We've been there; we've done that. Thanks, but no thanks, Mr. Speaker. Now, as a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, I can tell you that both the House and Senate have passed budget resolutions. Democrats have been trying to work out our budget differences for 6 months, but Republicans continue to block these efforts. The American people deserve a functioning government. The public understands that we can open up the government. And I have to say, the Democrats did not want the funding level of the Senate budget bill, but we are compromising to get this government open.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Thank you very much. Let me first thank you both for continuing to sound the alarm and to really conduct these Special Orders so the American people can know the truth about what's really going on here in Washington, D.C. So thank you, Mr. Horsford, thank you, Mr. Jeffries, for your remarkable leadership and for what you're doing tonight once again. As I'm listening to what we've been talking about, there are two things that I want to drive home. One is many of us did not want to and will continue to oppose sequester. What sequester has done is really gutted many of our safety net programs, such as Head Start, where 21,000 young people cannot have access now to Head Start in many of our districts. Senior citizens, Meals on Wheels, they won't be able to really get their Meals on Wheels, which is what they need to have a nutritious diet. We see over and over again the impacts of sequester in people's daily lives, and it's wrong; and, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, the subcommittee that really works on all of our domestic programs, we've been fighting so hard to end the sequester so that people do not have to live through this pain, given what they're going through now as a result of sequester. So for us to support a bill that would open the government up at that level causes us a lot of pain and grief. And what we're hoping is that, by our support of that $986 billion bill to open the government up, we can open the government up so that people can get back to work, so that we have a functioning government, and so that we can begin to negotiate what makes sense for the American people in terms of the type of programs and the type of resources and services they need until we can get the Republican Tea Party Members of this House to understand that we need to create jobs and support a jobs bill. But until we do that, we have to minimally ensure that the Federal Government provides for the basics for the American people, and so many of us would support that level of funding just to get the government open. I think, and as you said, the Speaker, I think they know that they have enough votes to put up with our Democratic votes to open the government up; and so, for the life of me, I don't know why they don't just bring that bill to the floor. Let's see. Let's have an up-or-down vote. I think the American people deserve that. A government shutdown is wrong. People deserve to have health care. Millions of people now are accessing the Affordable Care Act. They didn't have health insurance before. Now they'll be covered. So, once again, we have to see why in the world, or ask the question: Why in the world would people who need health care, why would they be held hostage to people who want to work in a government shutdown? So I hope that more people are listening, more people understand that we know how to open the government up and we know how to begin to negotiate on a real budget that makes sense for not only our domestic programs, but for the Pentagon and for our foreign assistance, State Department, all of those necessary programs that make for a functioning government. So thank you again for your leadership, and thank you for giving me the time tonight to speak. Mr. Speaker, here we are day seven of the hurtful devastating Republican government shutdown. We all know that Tea Party extremists came to Congress--not to govern--but to achieve the goal of shutting down the government. Well, congratulations to them for achieving a dream come true. Now, millions of families, children, seniors, federal employees and our economy are paying the price. In my congressional district, and throughout the state of California, families are already feeling the impact of the Republican government shutdown. The California Women Infant and Children program is on the brink of turning away low-income pregnant women and new moms if this shutdown continues. And schools throughout the state of California are cancelling field trips to national parks and monuments which are closed to visitors due to this Republican shutdown. Across the country our vital national interests are also taking the hit. The shutdown threatens to derail the already unacceptable Veterans Administration disability backlog. There are no new business loans or assistance for small businesses or for our farmers. Without the CDC conducting disease surveillance and taking calls about infectious diseases--our public health is at serious risk. If the Republican shutdown continues--13 million children will lose access to school breakfast and 31 million will lose access to school lunches. 8.7 million women and their young children will not receive nutrition assistance through the WIC program. And 47.5 million people who rely on SNAP will go hungry. Yes, the Tea Party is getting exactly what they wanted--and millions of children and families will go hungry because of it. To add insult to injury, Republicans have shut down the government because they are obsessed--obsessed mind you--with destroying the Affordable Care Act. The vast majority of Americans--who, by the way, continue to blame Republicans for the shutdown--see how senseless it is to shutdown the government because you want to deny health care to millions of Americans. Despite the Republican government shutdown, health care exchanges established under the Affordable Care Act have successfully opened for enrollment. Now millions of uninsured Americans are less than just three months away from having the health care coverage they so desperately need. For the nearly 7 million uninsured African Americans, October 1st marked the opportunity to have fewer health inequities, and increased access to quality and affordable health care and preventive medicine. Because of the Affordable Care Act, 500,000 young, African American adults have already gained coverage from a parent's health care plan. And for the 7.3 million African Americans who have private insurance and the 4.5 million who have Medicare coverage, the Affordable Care Act now means access to key preventive health services, including vital screenings, at no extra cost. With health disparities continuing to have a huge financial burden on the health care system, these key changes as provided through the Affordable Care Act will not only save money--but they will save lives. California--the first state to commit to establishing its own exchange--launched the Covered California exchange. In my Congressional District alone there are nearly 100,000 uninsured constituents and the opening of the exchanges means they are one step closer to health care coverage that can literally mean the difference between life and death. ``Making Good Health MY Reality'' tour Mr. Speaker, this summer I, and many of my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, co-hosted the ``Making Good Health MY Reality'' tour health care town halls to help educate our constituents about the Affordable Care Act. Two hundred constituents attended my town hall, and while there were many many questions, people were undeniably excited and looked forward to the open enrollment period. There were many who already had private insurance, but attended in order to learn more so that they could tell their friends and family members about the Affordable Care Act. Some attended just to speak about the good health care reform has already done in their lives, like the mother whose daughter became very ill while away at college and had to rely on her health insurance to seek treatment. Because of the Affordable Care Act, her daughter was able to stay in college, graduate, and now has her own health care insurance. But that isn't enough for Tea Party Republicans. It isn't enough that websites across the country are crashing because of the interest millions of Americans have in getting affordable health care coverage. As one constituent, after working for 3 hours to successfully enroll in a health care plan, put it: ``Do I now have doubts about the Affordable Care Act? Absolutely not.'' I would go through much more to get affordable health insurance. I experience more stress every day worrying about getting . . . a disease like cancer and having to face a hospital bill I can't afford on my own.'' (Janice Worthen wrote of her experience in The Alamedan) That is what is driving Americans to the health care exchanges. That is what the Tea Party Republicans are holding this country hostage for. Mr. Speaker, while all of us believe it is important to keep the government functioning, hostage taking is no way to run federal departments and agencies. Members of Congress are elected to make sure our government functions. Yet, instead of working together to do our jobs, Republicans continue to double down on the tea-party plan to destroy and decimate our government. Instead of working on a serious option to reopen the government, Republicans latest strategy is to exploit our veterans, cancer patients, pregnant women, and young children, by voting on piecemeal bills that will not end impacts of a shut down that extend across our country.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. They want us to shut down the shutdown that the Tea Party extremists shamefully created. We can reopen the government today, right now, on a bipartisan basis, if Republicans would allow a vote on the bill that would reopen the government. So I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this shameful bill and insist on a vote to open the entire government up. The American people deserve that.

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, first I rise in strong opposition to this bill, but I just have to say what nerve the Republicans have to bring this bill to the floor. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have witnessed Republicans vote over and over again to cut funding for the Women, Infants and Children's program. In the past year alone, they have cut $500 million, which cuts, in my district alone, 21,000 participants. But let me tell you, they have refused in committee to listen, and they have insisted on these massive cuts. Now, today, they are pretending, pretending that they care about the WIC program with this cynical ploy. It is simply outrageous to play politics with pregnant women and their children. What nerve. Republicans are now trying to pretend that they want to reopen government that they shut down, using our most vulnerable as pawns. It is hard to believe what I'm hearing today from Republicans about their support for nutrition assistance for women and children, when, in the Appropriations Committee, they say and they vote just the opposite. How hypocritical can they get? Americans are not fooled. They want the government, the entire government, open.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional life of Mr. Warren Hamilton Widener. Mr. Widener was an accomplished community activist, serviceman and humanitarian whose trailblazing work and strong commitment to social justice touched countless lives. As the first African-American mayor of Berkeley, Mr. Widener has left an indelible mark on the entire Bay Area community. With his passing on June 25, 2013, we look to Warren Widener's public legacy and the outstanding quality of his life's work. Warren Widener was born on March 25, 1938 in Oroville, CA, in the Sacramento Valley. As a young man, he served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, and he served his church leading the Methodist Youth Fellowship with his wife, Mary, at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church. Warren received his Juris Doctorate from Boalt Hall, School of Law. He worked as a lawyer and as President of the Urban Housing Institute before beginning his groundbreaking political career with his election to the Berkeley City Council in 1969 and his historic two-term election as the first black mayor of Berkeley, California, in 1971. As stated in the October 1971 edition of Ebony Magazine's article on Warren's historic election, The Guard Changes in Berkeley, ``Widener . . . was a somewhat shy man . . . Somewhat enigmatic, Widener was, if there was such, a cautious radical, a man who according to one of his colleagues on the council, 'is really more of a liberal in that he seems temperamentally capable of lobbying and staying cool and working patiently with political opponents' . . . '' After his last term as mayor, Warren would again return to public service with his election to the fifth district of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in 1988, succeeding John George, the first African-American supervisor for Alameda County. A modern day renaissance man, in addition to his political career, Mr. Widener also had an appreciation and respect for the arts community and served as President of the Berkeley Repertory Theater Board from 1985 until 1986. On a personal note, I met him when I was a student during the early 70s; I admired and respected Warren's quiet strength, his bold leadership, and his commitment to our community. Warren Widener was a good friend and longtime supporter. He was a man for all seasons who lived life to its fullest and made this a better world. As a humanitarian, Warren's tireless and successful efforts to improve his community, especially to improve the lives of the homeless following the Loma Prieta earthquake, will be long remembered. Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes and honors an outstanding individual and a stalwart community member, Mr. Warren Widener. In addition to being a beloved husband, brother, father of three, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a respected colleague and dear friend. I offer my sincerest condolences to Warren Widener's extended group of loved ones and to all who benefited from his generous spirit over the course of his incredible life. Warren's legacy of compassion and concern for others will continue in the years to come. May his soul rest in peace.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, despite Republicans' conviction to defund, dismantle, and shut the Federal Government down because they want to deny health care to millions of Americans, exchanges have opened across the country with overwhelming response. In fact, in my home State of California, Covered California, which is California's exchange, reported 5 million page views to their Web site by 3 o'clock in the afternoon, exceeding expectations. Women can no longer be charged more for just being a woman. Victims of domestic violence can no longer be denied coverage for having a preexisting condition, and insurance companies can no longer increase premiums to increase profits while delivering less health care to consumers. Mr. Speaker, the American people are tired of this. Hostage-taking is a deplorable tactic. Shutting down the government in exchange for denying health care for millions is morally wrong. Let's reopen the government. We should do it now. The American people deserve us to do our job to keep government functioning. That's our patriotic duty.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, here we are day three of the manufactured Republican government shutdown and Republicans still have no viable proposal to reopen the government. The Republican refusal to back off their extreme, ideological demands has taken our country down a dangerous path that is threatening to derail the Department of Veterans Affairs' progress on the claims backlog. How in the world can veterans claims be processed when their counterparts at the Department of Defense and the Social Security Administration are furloughed. These furloughed employees are essential to process veterans claims. This is another cynical ploy. Mr. Speaker, individual agencies do not operate in a vacuum, which is why we need to fund the entire government. Members of Congress are elected to make sure our government functions. Yet, some in this chamber are taking that fundamental responsibility and holding it hostage, hoping that by doing so they can be certain that people are denied health care. If my colleagues would really like to help veterans--rather than trying to score political points--they need to fund the entire federal government. As the daughter of a veteran, let us honor our veterans by reopening our government.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Advanced Light Source (ALS) research facility at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. For two decades, this remarkable scientific tool has provided scientists, students and organizations from around the United States and the world access to extremely bright sources of intense and coherent short- wavelength light for use in scientific experiments. The intensity of the ALS's light source is one billion times brighter than the sun, allowing researchers to characterize the electronic structure of matter and to reveal microscopic structures with elemental and chemical specificity. This extraordinary tool, by revealing the molecular and chemical makeup of organic and inorganic materials, offers unprecedented opportunities for state-of-the art research in materials science, biology, chemistry, physics, and the environmental sciences. Uniquely focused on providing ``soft'' x-ray's unlike most other light sources, discoveries made at the Advanced Light Source research facility have led to Nobel Prizes, the development of new energy solutions, and advanced health care solutions. The planning and design process of the Advanced Light Source began in 1987, and ground was broken in 1988, with construction completed in 1993. The official dedication took place on the morning of October 22, 1993. Funded by the Department of Energy Office of Science, the nation's largest funder of the physical sciences, the Advanced Light Source has contributed directly to the nation's innovation vitality and economic security. Through a rigorous and independent peer review process, only the most important research proposals are accepted each year to utilize ALS's 40 beamlines, which operate simultaneously over 5,000 hours per year. More than 2,000 researchers from academic, industrial, and government laboratories worldwide use the ALS and publish an estimated 600 scientific publications annually. To date, extraordinary research at the ALS has led to a number of discoveries, including: longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles; nanoscale magnetic imaging for compact data storage; plastic solar cells that are flexible and easy to produce; inroads into developing artificial photosynthesis for clean, renewable energy; fine- tuning of combustion for cleaner-burning fuels; more effective chemical reactions for fuel cells; the use of microbes to clean up toxins; cheaper biofuels from renewable sources; characterizing protein structures for rational drug design; and production of even-smaller transistors for more powerful computers. Truly, the Advanced Light Source continues to be among our country's most important and relevant research tools for the advancement of science and technology. Moreover, the scientific discoveries and contributions resulting from its use are fundamental to the growth and vibrancy of our nation's economy. On behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, I offer my congratulations and best wishes to all employees of the ALS, former and current, on reaching this important milestone. I look forward to working with the Lab and with the Department of Energy on securing a bright future for this extraordinary scientific resource.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary individual and former member of my staff, Mrs. Elaine Pomeroy McKellar. Elaine recently retired after an exceptional 46 year career dedicated to serving others, with the last 8 years serving on my staff. We join together in praise of her remarkable contributions to the Bay Area and our great nation. She was born Elaine Pomeroy on August 3, 1944 in Thomasville, Georgia, where parents were stationed during World War II. Following the war, she and her family moved to Valley City, North Dakota where she grew up with her three younger siblings Linda, Earl, and Glenn. She received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of North Dakota, and obtained her Masters in Social Work (MSW) at the Washington University in St. Louis. Armed with her MSW, Mrs. McKellar eagerly headed to the San Francisco Bay Area determined to work in the progressive political climate and change-oriented environment. She met her husband, Larry McKellar, while out on the front lines advocating for fair wages and walking a picket line for the United Farm Workers. They have one son, Dominic McKellar, who works with his father in the family-owned courier business. She started her career off in the 1970s at Catholic Social Services in San Francisco. She primarily worked on foster care services and with youth transitioning out of the foster care system. She later went to the Children's Home Society as the Coordinator of Emergency Foster Care Family and recruitment, a non-profit agency serving children and families through critical child welfare services. In the late 1980s, Mrs. McKellar's career took her to Bay View Hunters Point Foundation, where she helped to implement elementary school mental health programs with her experience and expertise in social welfare. Following her experience at the Bay View Hunters Point Foundation, Mrs. McKellar worked at the UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion, through a Robert Wood Johnson grant, and provided critical mental health services to children victimized by domestic violence. Then in 2005, Mrs. McKellar came to work in my Oakland District Office. While initially starting as a part-time caseworker, she quickly rose to become the Senior Caseworker managing the casework services. She had spent the last 8 years providing outstanding constituent services to the residents of the 13th Congressional District. Mrs. McKellar's experience as a social worker was an asset to my office, as her institutional knowledge and expertise in social welfare easily allowed her to work closely with federal agencies and handle sensitive situations with the upmost professionalism and ease. She was committed to ensuring that my constituents received timely responses from agencies, frequently going above and beyond what was required of her. Mrs. McKellar worked closely with veterans and constituents with issues relating to Social Security and Medicare. Her many contributions to the office have not gone unnoticed. For 5 years, she was responsible for organizing An Artistic Discovery, an annual Congressional high school art competition aimed at encouraging students to express themselves through the arts. Mrs. McKellar worked tirelessly to build relationships with high school art teachers and community stakeholders, which helped to successfully grow the event. In 2012 and 2013, Mrs. McKellar worked closely with staff from Congresswoman Jackie Speier's office to host the Veterans' Fix-It Event, an event to address the backlog in veterans' claims and cases with the Oakland VA Regional Office. Elaine is an exemplary example of a public servant. She demonstrates the highest ethical standards and truly embodies the social work codes of ethics in all aspects of her life. On behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, Elaine Pomeroy McKellar, I salute you. Your more than 40 years of experience committed to serving others has been unparalleled. We thank you for your service, and best wishes to you and your loved ones in the years to come.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, here we are day two of the hurtful Republican Government Shutdown. We still don't have a viable solution to reopen the government. The Republican refusal to back off their extreme, ideological demands has taken our country down a dangerous path that will surely push millions more families into hunger and poverty. Mr. Speaker, while all of us believe it is important to keep the government functioning, hostage taking is no way to run federal departments and agencies. Members of Congress are elected to make sure our government functions. Yet, instead of working on a serious option to reopen the government, Republicans latest strategy is to exploit cancer patients and the staff who work at the National Institutes of Health by voting on piecemeal bills that will not end impacts of a shut down that extend across our country. Mr. Speaker, of course we research and funding for the NIH, But let's not use them to score political points to advance an ideological agenda. The Senate passed continuing resolution would fund the government for an additional six weeks and all this House has to do is pass that bill to end this manufactured crisis. This hostage taking must end.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, here we are, day two of the Republican shutdown. The Tea Party extremists are really achieving their goal of dismantling government. Their shutdown is step one. It's no secret that the Tea Party Republicans came here not as public servants, but to destroy and decimate our government. Now, millions of families, children, seniors, Federal employees, and our economy are paying the price. The Republican refusal to back off their extreme, ideological demands has taken our country down a very dangerous path that will surely push millions more into hunger and poverty. In my congressional district and throughout the State of California families are already feeling the impact of the Republican government shutdown. The California Women, Infants, and Children program is on the brink of turning away low-income pregnant women and new mothers if this shutdown continues. How ruthless can you get? The California National Guard, the largest in the Nation, is forced to furlough technicians and aviation mechanics, even as the fire season is still upon us. And throughout the State of California, eighth graders, like my constituents from Oakland who wrote to me yesterday, are cancelling field trips to national parks and monuments which are closed to visitors. What are they going to do now? To add insult to injury, Republicans have shut down the government because they are obsessed with destroying the Affordable Care Act, which is the law of the land and which the Supreme Court upheld. Most Americans continue to see how senseless and wrong it is to shut down the government because you want to deny health care to millions. Two wrongs don't make a right. Despite the Republican government shutdown, health care exchanges established under the Affordable Care Act have successfully opened for enrollment, and now millions of uninsured Americans are just 3 months away from having the health care coverage they so desperately need. California, the first State to commit to establishing its own exchange, launched the Covered California exchange. Covered California's exchange includes health care options for individuals and small businesses. In my congressional district alone, there are nearly 100,000 uninsured constituents, and the opening of the exchanges means that they are one step closer to health care coverage that can literally--mind you, literally--make the difference between life and death. Hostage taking really is a deplorable tactic. Members of Congress are elected to make sure our government functions. Time and time again, Democrats have reached across the aisle to try to negotiate a budget plan that is fair and that ensures that the government pays our bills on time. Yet, instead of working together to do our jobs, Republicans continue to double down on the Tea Party plan to destroy and decimate our government. Instead of working on a serious option to reopen the government, Republicans' latest strategy now--and this is really cynical--is to exploit our veterans and to exploit the people of the District of Columbia by voting on piecemeal bills that will not end impacts of a shutdown that extend across the country. Mr. Speaker, of course we support our veterans and of course we support our national parks and of course we support the District of Columbia to use its locally raised funds, but let's not use them to score political points to advance an ideological agenda. How do Republicans vote this week to allow the District to use its discretion on local funds during a shutdown--that they created--yet next week block the same funds being used for saving reproductive health care services or badly needed needle exchange programs to fight HIV and AIDS? Again, this is so cynical and it is so wrong. The American people deserve a functioning government. This hostage taking must end.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, here we are day two of the hurtful Republican Government Shutdown. We still don't have a viable solution to reopen the government. The Republican refusal to back off their extreme, ideological demands has taken our country down a dangerous path with no solution in sight. Mr. Speaker, while all of us believe it is important to keep the government functioning, hostage taking is no way to run federal departments and agencies. Members of Congress are elected to make sure our government functions. Yet, instead of working on a serious option to reopen the government, Republicans latest strategy is to exploit our National Parks and the staff who work to keep them open by voting on piecemeal bills that will not end impacts of a shut down that extend across our country. Mr. Speaker, of course we want to keep our National Parks open. But let's not pretend this is not part of a strategy to score political points and advance an ideological agenda. The Senate passed continuing resolution would fund the government for an additional six weeks and all this House has to do is pass that bill to end this manufactured crisis.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. I want to thank the gentlelady for yielding. Mr. Speaker, first, let me just say: here we go again, Mr. Speaker. It's really no secret that the Tea Party Republicans came here not really as public servants but to destroy and to decimate our government. We are only hours away from Tea Party extremists achieving their goal of shutting down the government. This is their dream goal. They want to shut down the government and declare victory. Frankly, Mr. Speaker, this is shameful, and it is downright wrong. Their dream of shutdown will create a nightmare for millions. What about the government workforce, who have families to feed and mortgages or rent to pay? What about small businesses that stand to pay the costs of these Tea Party antics? And yes, what about women and children who will lose nutrition assistance? This is downright mean. Make no mistake, the unnecessary GOP shutdown will have serious consequences for millions. And it's entirely unnecessary. It's not enough that the Republicans already voted 45 times to repeal all or parts of the Affordable Care Act. It's not enough that the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and was upheld by the Supreme Court. Tea Party extremists now want to violate this law in a very sinister way. It's not enough that their shutdown will hurt families and our economy. This Tea Party obsession--and it's an obsession--to kill the government and to deny health care to millions of Americans must end. They need to do their job and keep the government open. As President Obama said this afternoon: You don't get to extract a ransom for doing your job. This hostage-taking must end. We must vote ``no.'' We must keep the government open. I urge all of us to think about those people who will wake up tomorrow morning with their lives in such disarray and the uncertainty that's going to exist. We should not do this. The American people don't deserve this. We need to keep the government open. We're pleading with the Tea Party extremists, Do not shut the government down.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. I want to thank the gentlelady for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Republican amendments that are designed, quite frankly, to shut the government down. It's no secret that the Tea Party Republicans came here not as public servants but to destroy and decimate our government. And to add insult to injury, they want to destroy and dismantle the Affordable Care Act, which is the law of the land and was upheld by the Supreme Court. This is morally wrong and is lawless, quite frankly. And not to mention that they want to put insurance companies, once again, back in charge of the health care decisions that should be made by our constituents. This hostage-taking must end. Mr. Speaker, why in the world would any Member of Congress want to jeopardize the jobs of our dedicated government workers who provide desperately needed services to millions of our constituents--and who, by the way, have their own families to feed? Today, the Tea Party extremists who came here to shut down the government will see their dream come true. These dangerous amendments would hurt children, seniors, and families--yes, the most vulnerable-- and would create havoc and uncertainty in so many lives. But it's their first step to create a country, quite frankly, based on a free-for- all--survival of the fittest--that none of us will recognize. That's what happens when there is no government, Mr. Speaker. We should reject these irresponsible, dangerous, and un-American amendments. They will shut down the government. And the American people, quite frankly, do not deserve this.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. McGovern, I thank you so much for yielding, and let me say I rise in strong opposition to this rule and the underlying bill. The $40 billion cuts to the anti-poverty SNAP program are immoral, they're heartless, and they really are un-American. These cuts do not reflect the compassion of the American people. The so-called ``reforms'' in this bill will only dramatically reduce access to vital nutrition assistance all across America in rural and urban communities and every single one of our congressional districts. In my own district, over 22,000 households will be impacted and more than 1.6 million homes throughout California. Not only does SNAP help put food on the table for struggling families, it also helps stimulate economic growth. Mr. Speaker, 76 percent of SNAP recipients are children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. This is a cold-blooded cut. The majority of people on food stamps want to work. I haven't seen the majority bring any bill to the floor that really creates jobs for people, and I just have to say, yes, I was on food stamps during a very difficult period in my life, and I thank the American people for that lifeline as a bridge over troubled waters.

Ms. LEE of California. Let me just conclude by saying that while we're recovering from this devastating recession, we cannot and should not cast the most vulnerable aside. There are many in the majority who are people of faith. I want to remind you of the Scriptures which require us to feed the hungry. There's something fundamentally wrong when we pray on Sunday and vote to take away food from hungry people on Thursday.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert into the Record the story of Steven, a father from San Francisco, California, the face of hunger in America.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall votes 460-462. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on all three.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the ongoing Republican war on the poor--and that's what this is--and their attempt to gut our Nation's critical safety net against hunger one more time. This past June, the Republican leadership failed millions of farmers and millions of struggling families when they could not pass a farm bill. They allowed the extremist Tea Party fringe of their party to poison the farm bill with amendments and so-called reforms that, in fact, would only increase hardship and hunger in America. Yet instead of working across the aisle to find a better solution that would create jobs and protect families, the Republican leadership has chosen to bring an even more hurtful, toxic, and heartless nutrition bill to the floor. This new bill includes all of the extremist amendments that killed the first farm bill. It also piles on even more restrictions and so-called reforms that only serve to increase hardship for hungry families, children, seniors, and veterans. These false reforms will dramatically reduce access to vital nutrition assistance all across America--rural and urban--in every single one of our congressional districts. This bill would also end critical flexibilities for our States and would cripple smart and targeted programs that allow States to efficiently deliver nutrition assistance to the neediest. For example, the Republican nutrition-only bill would end categorical eligibility for all of our States. We created this to streamline the delivery of social services so that we can lower administrative costs and put more of these dollars directly into the hands of needy families. This Republican bill would end those efficiencies, raise costs for our States, and make it harder for families to get the help they need. This bill also claims to create work requirements for able-bodied adults. Let me remind my colleagues that the SNAP program already has very restrictive work requirements. The current SNAP program cuts off able-bodied adults after just 3 months of benefits right now. We only allow States to adopt waivers for when unemployment in their States rises high enough that this restriction is clearly unreasonable. The new so-called ``reforms'' would cut everybody off, no matter what the unemployment rate is in their State. This is just heartless. These cuts would come at a time when the Republicans have blocked every single effort to pass a real jobs bill in the House and cut job-training and job-placement assistance. Let me tell you, as a former food stamp recipient myself, I know that people don't want to be on food stamps. They want to work. If we're going to put work requirements on people, why in the world don't we pass a jobs bill so they can work? At a time when our Nation should be creating opportunities for all, the House Republican leadership proposed to cut SNAP by $40 billion. This will surely create a bleaker future for our children, our seniors, and our overall economy. If this bill ever becomes law--and I hope it doesn't--at least 4 million to 6 million low-income children, seniors, and families will be cut from this economic lifeline and pushed into poverty. Similar to about 29 of my colleagues, I have taken the food stamp challenge about three times and ate off of $4.50 a day. It was unhealthy and very difficult; yet I knew it would only last a week for me. Yet millions of Americans see no end in sight. And now, mind you, they have to worry that this meager benefit, this pittance, is going to be cut even more. Instead of gutting SNAP, we need to strengthen it. Not only does SNAP help put food on the table for struggling families; it also helps stimulate economic growth. For every $1 in SNAP benefits, we generate $1.70 in economic activity. So Congressman Conyers and I have introduced new legislation that would extend the SNAP benefits that were increased as a part of the stimulus package. Otherwise--and many don't know this--on November 1, every single family or individual who receives SNAP benefits now will see an automatic cut of about $29 per month for a family of three. This will happen regardless of this $40 billion nutrition cut. In 2011, SNAP lifted 4.7 million Americans out of poverty. Without SNAP, millions more would fall into poverty, millions more of Americans would suffer hunger, and our economy would create even fewer jobs and be worse off. I just have to say, our values as Americans and who we are as a country recognize that these despicable cuts are immoral and un- American. We need to provide opportunities to help lift families out of poverty, grow the economy, and create economic stability for all. Let's restore a unified farm bill, and let's put an end to these draconian cuts to SNAP.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career of the Honorable Elihu Harris as we celebrate over 30 years of his dedicated public service and accomplishments. Mr. Harris continues to be a celebrated individual, and we join together in praise of his remarkable contributions to the Bay Area, California, and our great nation. Born Elihu Mason Harris in Los Angeles, California on August 15, 1947, Mr. Harris grew up in Berkeley, California and graduated from Berkeley High School in 1965. He received his B.A degree in Political Science at California State University, Hayward (East Bay), and went on to earn an M.A. from the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. Mr. Harris received his J.D. from the University of California, Davis in 1972. Mr. Harris' esteemed career has spanned over four decades as an attorney at law, politician, and community college administrator. He became a senior partner for the firm of Harris, Alexander and Burris in 1978 for twelve years. He was an instructor teaching at various higher education institutions in the Bay Area, and later served on staff for Congresswoman Yvonne Burke and Assemblymember John Miller. In 1975, he was appointed as the Executive Director of the National Bar Association before forging his legacy in California politics. In 1978, Mr. Harris was elected to the California State Assembly to represent the 13th District. During his thirteen year tenure, he chaired the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, served as Chair of the Select Committees, and was a member of the Judiciary Committee as well as the Transportation, Health, Labor and Ways and Means, subcommittees on Education and Finance. In 1981, Mr. Harris authored the historic legislation that designated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a California state holiday. The Oakland Elihu M. Harris State Office Building was dedicated in his honor in 1998. From 1991 to 1999, Mr. Harris served as Mayor of Oakland. In that role, Mr. Harris helped to restore and strengthen Oakland following the devastating aftermath of both the Loma Prieta earthquake and Oakland Hills Firestorm. He developed Oakland Sharing the Vision, a community strategic plan involving Oaklanders setting goals and objectives for the City. He also established community policing for Oakland neighborhoods, and created new city programs and initiatives to improve the community such as Oakland Healthy Cities and Camp Read-A-Lot, one of the many education endeavors he supported in office. In 2000, Mr. Harris was appointed by Governor Gray Davis to serve as a board member on the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. From there, Mr. Harris was appointed in 2003 as interim Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District before receiving the post on a permanent basis in 2004. During his term as Chancellor, Mr. Harris was a strong supporter for students and championed equal access to education for all. He served in this capacity until 2010. Throughout his prolific career, Mr. Harris has been an ardent advocate for social justice and civil rights. The Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center and Merritt College has recognized Mr. Harris' contributions and aptly named its lecture series program as ``The Barbara Lee and Elihu Harris Lecture Series.'' On a personal note, Elihu has been my brother and my friend since the early 70's. He has been my trusted confidant and provides honest feedback and constantly ``watches my back''. For this and so much more, I am deeply grateful. Therefore, on behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, the Honorable Elihu Harris, I salute you. Your over 30 years of public service have made an indelible mark in our community. Best wishes to you and your loved ones in the years to come.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, CHCC, as it celebrates its 35th anniversary at its annual convention being held at Oakland, California. I commend CHCC for their choice to hold this important event in my congressional district, known for its spirit of diversity and innovation, as well as its proud history of Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurship. In 1978, a group of local Hispanic chamber leaders from throughout California convened to discuss the lack of representation of Hispanic businesses in State government. These leaders also recognized the need for an organization that would effectively represent the interest of the rapidly growing number of Hispanic-owned businesses in California. From those beginnings, the CHCC has grown into a network of over 65 Hispanic chambers and business associations throughout the State of California. Through its network, the CHCC represents the interest of over 700,000 Hispanic business owners in the State, making it the largest ethnic business organization in the Nation. As a longtime advocate for the advancement of disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses, I applaud the CHCC's mission to promote, support, and encourage the advancement and development of Hispanic and minority-owned businesses, and to provide an organizational forum for the exchange of ideas, information, technical assistance, procurement opportunities, and any other form of business opportunities that enhance the Hispanic and minority business communities. I also commend its development of a program of advocacy in order to inform and educate elected and appointed officials, legislative bodies, agencies, and public and private organizations about the concerns, needs, and opportunities which affect the Hispanic and minority business communities of California, and to foster unity and communication between organizations, corporations, and individuals who support the goals and objectives of the CHCC. CHCC's numerous programs are making real impacts in this State. Through their Project Homeowner initiative, CHCC has worked to help borrowers understand their financials, and in some cases reach agreements on home loan modifications. The ABC/ETP program works to connect minority and women-owned firms with tools and non-traditional capital streams, while providing educational opportunities to bolster budding businesses through an innovative, original curriculum. Since 2008, the CHCC Foundation has worked to promote charitable programs to create and develop educational and economic development programs to increase adult leadership for CHCC and its members, and to provide scholarship opportunities for qualified students to attend educational institutions to study business and economic development. The Foundation also partners with the United Health Care Foundation to provide scholarship opportunities to promising students entering the medical field. Therefore, on behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I would like to salute the CHCC, and all of those who have contributed to its 35 years of success. Thank you for your long-term belief in entrepreneurship and for your contributions to our community. Once again, congratulations, and I wish you the very best as you strive for another 35 years of excellence.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, I cast a ``no'' vote on the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1911--Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 (roll call vote 426). While I was pleased that there was a bipartisan effort to maintain low interest rates on subsidized student loans, unfortunately this compromise will ultimately increase interest rates on all Federal Direct Loans, including subsidized loans. As a proud original co- sponsor of H.R. 1979, the Bank on Students Loan Fairness Act, I believe students should be allowed to borrow funds at the same low rate that banks borrow from the Federal Reserve. It's essential that our students come out of college with not only good skills, but without the burden of manageable debt so that they can get good jobs and truly thrive. I look forward to working to make college more affordable and financial aid more accessible for students.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Safe Climate Caucus to once again direct our attention to the serious threat of climate change. Republicans continue to ignore this issue and instead waste our valuable time once again attempting to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Yesterday, our Interior appropriations markup ended up with no real timetable for when we can finish this bill. Worse yet, the funding levels in the Interior bill were absolutely irresponsible. The Republican bill would abandon our commitment to the environment, to our national parks, to the public health and safety, and most important to climate change mitigation programs. It is sad and shameful that we are about to adjourn for a 5-week district work period leaving critical business to create jobs, pass comprehensive immigration reform, and fight climate change. The time to act is now. I encourage my colleagues to begin to address this issue right away.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I agree with the goals of H.R. 850, the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013, to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and establishing clear controls and transparency so that it cannot move toward becoming a nuclear weapon state. Despite that, I have grave concerns with the timing of this vote as well as amendments made to the bill in Committee. As marked up in Committee, H.R. 850 places inappropriate and counter-effective restrictions on the President's authority to waive sanctions in exchange for Iranian concessions that would be in the national security interest of our Nation and in the security interests of our ally Israel. By attempting to hobble the President's Article II authority to engage in foreign policy on behalf of the United States, the bill would limit the President's negotiating ability and thereby undermine our diplomatic efforts; this is particularly concerning given that the White House has signaled willingness to restart direct negotiations with Iran. It is especially counterproductive to vote on this measure before Iran's new president is inaugurated on August 4, 2013. In fact, experts have argued a vote on new sanctions ahead of the inauguration would only benefit Iranian hardliners opposed to compromising their goal for a nuclear Iran. Lastly, this bill should include language explicitly stating that nothing in its provisions is intended to or may be used as a basis for authorization for war with Iran. The bill as currently written is too open to interpretation and I strongly oppose this Congress granting an implicit authorization for war, especially in the wake of the two wars we have so devastatingly waged over the past decade. Because of these flawed provisions, I voted against H.R. 850. I look forward to working with colleagues to amend it as it moves through conference.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, first, let me just commend Congressman Schiff and the 185 Members who voted today to restrict the authorization for the use of military force. Today's vote is a very important step in our effort to repeal this overly broad blank check to wage war anywhere, at any time, and for any length, which of course I could not vote for September 14, 2001. I have a bipartisan bill which would repeal the authorization to use military force, and doing so would provide Congress an opportunity finally, a long overdue opportunity, to have a meaningful debate about our constitutional role in declaring war. Last week, I released a public report from the Congressional Research Service citing 30 instances where this resolution has been invoked. Most Americans, and of course my colleagues in Congress, would be surprised to know that these activities include deploying groups in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Georgia, Yemen, Kenya, the Philippines, Somalia--I could go on and on. It also includes justifying detentions at Guantanamo Bay and warrantless surveillance activities. Finally, let me just say it is time to repeal this authorization and rein in the overly broad and deeply troubling NSA domestic spying program. I urge all Members to join our continuing efforts and cosponsor my bill, H.R. 198, to repeal the AUMF. Congressional Research Service, Washington, DC, July 10, 2013.