Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, quality, affordable health care should be a fundamental human right, not a privilege for the few, as my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would have it. Today, 47 million Americans are uninsured, including 9 million kids. Meanwhile, the CEOs of private insurance and drug companies are raking in huge profits. Take the case of WellPoint. They proposed increasing rates by as much as 39 percent in California, even as they made $4.2 billion in profits last year and paid out million-dollar compensation packages to their top executives. These rate hikes would hit Democratic and Republican districts alike. And the other side would have us do nothing. We talk about the big banks making a killing off of taxpayers. Well, insurance company executives are literally getting million-dollar compensation packages while our constituents are dying. Health reform is long overdue. The 31 million people this bill will cover are Democrats, they are Republicans, they are Independents, they are Greens, and they are people with no party affiliation. This should not be a partisan issue. The costs of inaction are much too risky, they are much too costly, and we must act now.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. First, let me take this moment to thank Congresswoman Fudge again for the Special Order tonight, for your leadership, and for bringing to the Congress, really, the understanding of what unemployment is, given the unemployment rates in your district, given what has taken place in Ohio in terms of the recession. Your leadership and your commitment to turn the economy around is remarkable. We can learn a lot by what you have done in Ohio. So thank you again. As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I rise this evening to continuing to sound the alarm about the need to create jobs in America, particularly for the chronically unemployed who are disproportionately suffering the brunt of this economic crisis and, who, as a result, are in desperate need of targeted, concrete, and meaningful relief. Last week, members of the Congressional Black Caucus met with President Obama at the White House to discuss our job creation agenda. It was a candid, constructive, and substantive conversation which the CBC had with the President. We reviewed our priorities to create jobs, especially for the chronically unemployed. We understand very well that President Obama inherited an economy on the brink of collapse and all that he and his administration have done in working with Congress to hold it together. It has certainly been remarkable, and we commend the administration for their efforts. The recovery, however, from this economic crisis has been uneven, at best, and there is a long way to go to put people back to work. The impact of unemployment foreclosures and the housing crisis are particularly extreme among African Americans and Latinos. People are desperate, as Congresswoman Fudge knows in Ohio. As we try to create jobs, States are laying off people in order to balance their budgets. California has cut $20 billion out of our budget. Virginia will pass a State budget with $4 billion in cuts. If you extrapolate this nationally, we are talking about $200 billion State budget cuts nationwide, after about $350 billion last year. So we need the $200 billion this year just to break even. Our Congressional Black Caucus member, Congressman Bobby Scott, who's on the Budget Committee, continues to remind us of these very glaring numbers and how we need a major jobs initiative just to break even. That's why the CBC has been and remains laser focused on helping people who are chronically unemployed and on direct job creation. On Wednesday morning, the CBC will host a hearing focused on job creation. The event is called: ``Out of Work but Not Out of Hope: Addressing the Crisis of the Chronically Unemployed.'' This will be held on March 17 from 9 to 11 in room 2237 of the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill. The hearing will focus on data that suggests the chronically unemployed include African Americans and other communities of color with unemployment rates significantly higher than the national average. Youth and adult workers also are in need of enhanced education and training, and those who have lost their jobs as a result of the weakened economy and who have been unemployed for at least 6 months. Wednesday's hearing is part of a 5-week campaign launched by the Congressional Black Caucus at the beginning of this month to seek policy solutions for the chronically unemployed. Our aim is to engage our leadership and our coalition partners in a strategy to put America back to work. We are all aware of the staggering high unemployment rates facing our communities. In February, the rate of unemployment for African Americans was 15.8 percent, compared with 12.4 percent for Latinos and 8.8 percent for whites. This is according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics' March 5, 2010 report. But the job problem goes deeper for many of our constituents and communities because African Americans are not only unemployed in higher numbers but also stay unemployed significantly longer. Of the people who have been unemployed for over 6 months, 20.3 percent are African American. For those unemployed for a year or more, 22.1 percent are African American. The median duration of unemployment was 23.8 weeks for African Americans, and 18.4 weeks for our national average. These figures underscore the urgent need to target job creation efforts for those communities hardest hit by the recession. This has nothing to do with directing resources based on race. This has to do with directing resources based on need, based on unemployment statistics, and based on where the unemployed live. These stories illustrate the reality that many of our communities have been disproportionately hit by this recession. That's why we must simply prioritize and deliver, and that's what we talked with the President about. We said specifically we must focus on chronic unemployment. We must have direct and targeted job creation, which can make a real and significant impact quickly for everyone. For instance, given the unemployment rate of approximately 10 percent, that's 15 million people, one percentage point of the total number of unemployed is about 1.5 million. At $50,000 per job, $75 billion would hire 1.5 million workers and reduce the unemployment rate by one percentage point. For $300 billion we should be able to hire 6 million workers and reduce the unemployment rate by four percentage points below what would have been without any investment at all. But it's not just enough to create jobs. We must ensure that we include all of our communities in that effort by targeting high areas of poverty, unemployment, and the chronically unemployed. Summer jobs for young people must be part of our direct job creation efforts. We all know that many of our young people have to help pay the rent and help buy food because their parents are unemployed. We must also invest in infrastructure spending; but when we do so, we must ensure a path to apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities in any transportation and infrastructure investments, otherwise we're going to leave communities and millions of people behind. Finally, we must ensure that contracting and procurement opportunities for minority and disadvantaged businesses are included and that existing provisions in transportation and in other areas are enforced. According to the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, which recently released its report on the impact of the Recovery Act, black businesses only received 1.1 percent and Latino businesses only 1.6 percent of all federally contracted ARRA funds. So in closing, Mr. Speaker, members of the Congressional Black Caucus are committed to continue to work with congressional leaders and President Obama to fix our economy and create jobs to address the true depth, mind you the true depth, of this recession. There's no question that by working together we can make a real difference in the lives of all Americans. So as we work to turn the economy around and create jobs, the Congressional Black Caucus will continue to fight to make sure that no one is left behind. That is our moral responsibility as the conscience of the Congress. Thank you again, Congresswoman Fudge. Let me thank Congressman Emanuel Cleaver who has led our Jobs and Economic Recovery Task Force since last January and has done a marvelous job in doing that and getting us to this point.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, first let me thank the gentleman from Ohio for this very important resolution. Today's debate and discussion on the path forward in Afghanistan and the proper role of Congress in determining the United States' commitment of our country while at war, this debate and discussion is long overdue. So thank you, Congressman Kucinich, for bringing this to the floor. Now in our 9th year of war, this body has yet to conduct a full and honest accounting of the benefits, costs, affordability, and strategic importance of the United States military operations in Afghanistan. In order to understand Afghanistan and where we are today in terms of our commitment, I think it is really useful to point to how we got here. Of course, after the horrific events, the tragic events of 9/11 in 2001, I had to vote against the authorization to use force, this use of force authorization, because I knew that that authorization was a blank check to wage war anywhere, at any time, and for any length. Almost 9 years later, in reflecting on the rush to war in Afghanistan and the Bush administration's war of choice in Iraq, the sacrifices made by our brave, young men and women in uniform and the cost to our economic and national security, all of these costs are totally immeasurable. Countless innocent civilians have lost their lives in Afghanistan, and just a few weeks ago the number of American troops killed in Afghanistan rose to over 1,000. Where does this end? Where does it end? We have already given $1 trillion to the Pentagon for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the economic impact of these wars is estimated to be as much as $7 trillion in direct and indirect costs to the United States. It is our responsibility as Members of Congress to really develop a more effective U.S. foreign policy for the 21st century. After a decade of open-ended wars, I encourage my colleagues to finally stand firm in asserting their constitutional prerogative to determine when the United States enters into war.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Thank you very much, Chairman Meeks. Let me just first say how much I want to support this bill today and thank Chairman Meeks for his steady and consistent support for Haiti, and also Chairman Frank. Also, let me just say, as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I have to extend our thanks to Congresswoman Maxine Waters for her work on this bipartisan resolution, especially also for her long-term leadership on the campaign for debt relief for Haiti and for all countries in the developing world. Congresswoman Waters has been a friend, an ally of the Haitian people for many years, long before this devastating earthquake struck. Also, to the ranking members, your support and your sense of justice for Haiti is deeply appreciated. The Congressional Black Caucus has a long history of working with the Haitian and Haitian-American communities, and many of us have traveled to Haiti several times. During the current crisis, the Congressional Black Caucus has and will continue to work closely with the Obama administration, the Government of Haiti, and the nongovernmental organizations to provide whatever assistance we can on an ongoing basis to help with the recovery and reconstruction efforts. Debt relief is not a matter of charity; it is really a matter of economic justice. Over half of Haiti's debt was borrowed under Haiti's dictatorships, some of which were brutally repressive. Thus, moneys borrowed by these regimes should not be borne by the Haitian people who had no say whatsoever on how these moneys were spent. But more to the point, I think that it is obvious that Haiti is not in a position to service debt--nor should it be--while it is struggling to meet the basic needs of its people like food, water, health care, and shelter. It is looking to rebuild from the most devastating tragedy to strike the island nation in its history. I know that the leaders of the international financial institutions feel the same way, and they understand this bill and that Haiti should not have to repay its debt. The United States Government and other donor nations must work with these institutions to fashion a plan for it, and this bill offered by Congresswoman Waters offers a legal framework and mandate to do just that. Finally, I just want to say that I hope this bill passes on a bipartisan basis.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to honor the Peace Corps during this National Peace Corps Week. On March 1, 2010 the Peace Corps celebrated its 49th anniversary. It is with the historic contributions of this organization in mind, that I proudly acknowledge the important work of nearly two hundred thousand Peace Corps volunteers since the agency's inception in 1961. California has been and continues to be the largest producer of Peace Corps volunteers with 792 people currently serving abroad. I am proud to report that my home District, California's 9th Congressional District, can be called home by 25 current volunteers who have committed themselves to the Peace Corps mission of world peace and friendship through service. Through volunteer work abroad in fields including health education, food security, local business development, education about HIV/AIDS, and agricultural and environmental improvement, the work of the Peace Corps improves people's lives while enhancing the credibility of the United States abroad, fostering the exchange of ideas, and uniting cultures around values of peace, tolerance, and prosperity. That is why I have introduced H.R. 336, which calls for the introduction of a semi-postal Peace stamp, which will sell at a slightly higher rate than the normal 44 cents to create additional revenues for the Peace Corps. In the wake of the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, we are reminded of the power of the international community to assist and empower those who are in need. During National Peace Corps Week, we salute past and present Volunteers who selflessly serve abroad in support of these ideals.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1117 to applaud and honor the California State University system on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Achieving equal access to education has always been one of my top legislative priorities and I am proud to recognize the California State University's leadership in providing high-quality, accessible, student- focused higher education to the people of California and our nation. The growth of the California State University System over the past 50 years provides an extraordinary example of the great success that can come to institutions that prioritize equity and excellence. With 23 campuses, over 430,000 students, and 44,000 faculty and staff, the California State University System is the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most affordable university systems in the country. The California State University has a significant impact not only on the regions immediately surrounding CSU's 23 campuses, but on the state as a whole. Because many CSU students remain in-state after graduation, California greatly benefits from the skills and knowledge of CSU alumni. With 91,000 annual graduates, the California State University is California's highest producer of bachelor's degrees and helps drive California's economy in fields such as information technology, business, and education. Additionally, CSU students perform 32 million hours of community service annually, equating to an economic impact of $624 million. CSU's community service efforts have not gone unnoticed, as 16 CSU campuses were rightly named to the 2008 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor roll in recognition for their innovative and effective community service and service-learning programs. As the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am particularly proud to say that CSU provides more than half of all undergraduate degrees granted to California's Latino, African American and Native American students. Additionally, as part of its African American Initiative, CSU has partnered with churches throughout California to bring awareness to students, parents and families about the importance of early preparation for college. Clearly, CSU is committed to providing an excellent education to all of California's students. In this challenging economic climate, the relevancy of the California State University is becoming ever more apparent. The CSU deserves continued support in its vital role in the growth and development of California's communities and economy. The California State University offers unlimited opportunities to help students of all backgrounds achieve their goals, and I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating the achievements of this extraordinary institution.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker I rise to remember my friend and our dear colleague Congressman John Murtha. I was deeply saddened when I learned of Congressman Murtha's death. I share the sentiments of my colleagues on the floor today, and my heart goes out to the entire Murtha family for their loss. The people of Pennsylvania and of this entire country have lost a good and faithful servant with the passing of Congressman John Murtha. For nearly half a century, whether it was on the battlefield as a Marine, the Pennsylvania state legislature or on Capitol Hill, John Murtha always led with distinction and honor. As a veteran of the Vietnam War, Congressman Murtha served this country courageously and was a staunch advocate for our men and women in uniform. In the House of Representatives he was a true leader, and a man of conviction, who was always willing to share a word of wisdom. He had the courage to call for a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq long before it was popular to do so and I will always be grateful for his willingness to take such a difficult stand. We have lost a friend and colleague, and our country has lost a great public servant and statesman. Congressman John Murtha will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Joyce, his daughter Donna, his twin sons Pat and John and his three grandchildren: Jack, Anne and Clayton. It is our charge to ensure that his memory and legacy lives on, and that we continue his fierce dedication, loyalty and love for the brave men and women of the Armed Forces.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. I just want to make sure that we recognize and understand that this resolution is so important today, because we don't have many opportunities to thank our Armed Forces and our first responders and the urban rescue teams who were the face of America, who are the face of America, as they rose to the occasion to help the people of Haiti in the wake of this ongoing tragedy.

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, let me first thank Chairman Skelton for his leadership, for bringing this resolution to the floor today, and for his support and his love for the men and women in uniform. I rise in support today of this resolution, which recognizes the honorable efforts of our United States Armed Forces and our local first responders to meet the needs of Haitians following the tragic earthquake of January 12, 2010. We thank them for their service, we thank them for making us very proud, and we thank them for their compassion and their professionalism as they conducted their work. As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I would like to extend our thanks also to Congressman Meek for his work on this bipartisan resolution as well as for his leadership on issues related to Haiti, which he has demonstrated for so many years, long before this devastating earthquake struck. I actually spoke with Congressman Meek when he was in Haiti recently, and I will tell you that his work and his insights and his commitment to help those suffering was deep and real. The CBC has a long history of working with the Haitian and Haitian American communities, and during the current crisis, we have and will continue to work closely with the Obama administration to provide whatever assistance it can to the relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts. I would also like to take a moment and thank Congressman McMahon and Congressman Tim Murphy for their work on two more Haiti-related resolutions coming to the floor today. H. Res. 1059, honoring the heroism of the USAID urban search and rescue teams, one of which is from my home State of California; and H. Res. 1048, commending the work of the men and women of the USNS Comfort and the United States Navy. As our President recently said, America has no greater resource than the strength and the compassion of the American people. During the current crisis, we have seen the strength and compassion firsthand. Our Armed Forces, our urban rescue teams, our first responders have certainly shown us this firsthand and, as I said earlier, they have made us extremely proud. While all of our eyes are on Haiti, we must determine the best way to help Haiti move forward, to empower Haitians to rebuild in a much more sustainable manner, one that can withstand natural disasters and economic recessions alike. What an even greater tragedy it would be if just a few years down the line another disaster strikes and again we look to ourselves to ask the same questions: What went wrong? What do we do now? So now is the time to garner the support of the international community. Now is the time to develop a strategy to promote the long- term reconstruction and development of one of the poorest countries in the world yet one we call our neighbor, one whose people are strong and resilient. We have not only the resources; we have the compassion of the American people. So I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure and to express our deep appreciation to our Armed Forces, to our first responders, to the urban rescue teams.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I submit the following letter: February 19, 2010. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Harry Reid, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid:We write on behalf of the broad civil rights and human rights communities to urge swift action on a national crisis that is affecting us all. Unless we resolve our national job crisis, all of our other priorities--from reforming health care and fixing our broken immigration system to expanding economic opportunity for all Americans--are in real jeopardy. In our neighborhoods and communities, people are calling for bold action to rebuild the economy. A recovery plan is needed that rescues Americans from job losses and foreclosures, and that lays the foundation for a more prosperous future for all. The lack of decent jobs, the fear of losing the family home to foreclosure, and the particular impact of both of these problems on minority, tribal, and poor neighborhoods are pushing people to the breaking point. In addition, people with disabilities, who have had historic high levels of unemployment, need relief. The economic and health care crises are inextricably linked as job loss causes the loss of health insurance coverage, leaving families one medical crisis away from bankruptcy and foreclosure. Wall Street received the helping hand it needed, but the American people are still waiting. It is time to require Wall Street to do its fair share to rescue, restore and rebuild our cities and neighborhoods. Main Street is hurting, and the banks and the federal government must do their part to help turn the economy around in ways that all families can see and feel. The House has passed a jobs bill that is awaiting action in the Senate. In his State of the Union address, President Obama urged the Senate to act quickly on it. We join the President's call to Congress, and strongly urge the House and Senate to enact bold legislation that provides immediate relief to people who are out of work and employers that are unable to maintain their workforces. As included in the House legislation, it is critical that substantial fiscal relief be made available to help stabilize State and local governments, and to preserve essential services and safety net programs in our communities and the jobs of tens of thousands of workers around the country. Similarly, and again as included in the House legislation, the extension and improvements to our Unemployment Insurance program and help with COBRA premiums as enacted in the ARRA must be extended at least through the end of 2010. Of equal importance, and as urged by the Congressional Black Caucus, among others, the final legislation must provide tools for ensuring that stimulus funds go to the places and people most in need, especially those regions where homeowners were targeted by unscrupulous mortgage lenders and where job loss has been higher than average. Accordingly, we urge Congress to adopt legislation that provides for: (1) Fast track creation of jobs in the public sector that serve community-level needs Appropriate $40 billion a year for two years to create employment opportunities for unemployed and underemployed residents of distressed communities. Under this proposal, the Department of Labor would administer grants to states, local governments, and Indian tribes. Five percent of funds would be reserved for Indian tribes and discretionary grants, 30 percent would be allocated to states to be re-granted to small localities, and the remaining funds allocated to metropolitan cities and counties under the Community Block Grant formula. Implementation would occur in two phases. The first phase would fast-track job creation for nine months in public service-oriented work projects. The second would provide job creation on projects that serve areas with the greatest economic need, integrate education and job training, coordinate with apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and provide job opportunities in sectors that offer high growth and the prospect of long term employment. These initiatives must be designed so that they maintain existing wage and benefit standards and do not displace existing jobs or simply exchange one group of unemployed workers for another. A number of models for public employment have been proposed, including H.R. 4268, the Put America to Work Act of 2009, sponsored by Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN). Invest $1 billion to hire workers to maintain and rehabilitate abandoned and foreclosed properties in neighborhoods by appropriating a second round of funds for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Under this proposal, at least 30 percent of new NSP jobs would be required to go to economically disadvantaged job-seekers, prioritizing hiring workers with low-income and low levels of education, and those not currently receiving UI. At least 30 percent of hires would be required to be low-income residents from the areas in which projects are funded. Provide a work sharing tax credit, as proposed by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) in H.R. 4179, the ``Shortening Hours and Retaining Employees (SHARE) Credit Act of 2009,'' which would minimize layoffs and incentivize new hiring. The tax credits would be used to pay firms to shorten the typical workweek or work year, while keeping pay constant. This would lead employers to hire additional workers to make up for the fewer hours worked by their incumbent work force. A rough estimate is that this tax credit would create a net total of 1.3 to 2.7 million jobs. Funding work sharing would be cost- effective and efficient, and would very quickly make a big dent in the unemployment rate. Extend through FY2011 the time during which states and localities are allowed to use existing TANF Emergency Contingency Funds, which can be used to create subsidized jobs, as well as to improve access to cash assistance and other one-time assistance for low-income families. These funds were authorized in the ARRA, and under current law, all funds must be spent by the end of FY2010. In addition, as proposed in the President's budget, additional funds, at least $2.5 billion, should be made available in FY2011. (2) Immediate investment in the infrastructure of schools and public transit Provide $20 billion for school maintenance and repair, with funds allocated in accordance with the ESEA Title I formulas. According to the Economic Policy Institute, this could generate 250,000 skilled maintenance and repair jobs. In addition, provide $50 billion in capital funds for the lowest-income school districts. Prioritize investments in public transportation, including regional systems that connect housing, jobs, and local services to improve access to healthy foods, medical care, and other basic services. Create clear guidelines to ensure that communities with high unemployment and poverty rates are served, and expand on language in the ARRA by creating strong accountability and enforcement measures tied to achieving equitable economic benefits. Both programs should include safeguards to ensure that job creation results in widespread impact for all workers. For example, contractors receiving federal dollars should ensure that at least 15-30 percent of project work-hours are worked by local residents who are lower income, people of color, women, or who are otherwise underrepresented in the construction industry. Where joint apprenticeship programs are located near a project, contractors should have to maximize the use of registered apprentices who receive quality training. One percent of all dollars for infrastructure investment should be dedicated to creating a pipeline of workers ready to step into apprenticeship programs and construction careers. The Secretary of Labor should be authorized to ensure that public agencies and contractors receiving federal funds utilize Community Workforce Agreements. (3) Prevention of foreclosures Allocate $10 billion of appropriated TARP funds to HUD to provide fixed-rate, low-interest loans to unemployed people facing foreclosure who don't qualify for other a assistance. This program would be modeled on a successful effort by the Pennsylvania-based Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP). If a homeowner provided verification of their unemployment compensation to his loan servicer, he would be automatically approved for a loan that would pay any mortgage above 31 percent of family income. Loans would be repayable with interest, but interest would not accrue and repayments would not begin until the homeowner's income was sufficient to allow payment. Allow homeowners to rent back their homes at market rates for up to ten years following foreclosure. The program would be modeled after the Fannie Mae ``Deed for Lease'' program that gives former owners the option to lease their recently- foreclosed properties and that targets neighborhoods with above-average foreclosure rates. Support ``cram down'' provisions to allow bankruptcy court judges to approve changes to mortgage contracts for homeowners in bankruptcy, such as extending repayment periods, reducing interest rates and fees, and adjusting the principal balance of mortgages. Implementing our proposals would swiftly stabilize neighborhoods and stem the human suffering in the most distressed parts of the country. While these are temporary investments, all would leave the kind of lasting benefits for homeowners, workers, and students, which would generate long term benefits to the economy and nation. By ensuring that recovery and reinvestment programs reach all Americans, we ensure strong economic growth for the nation overall. We stand ready to support you and our President in efforts to build an economy based on shared prosperity for all Americans. Sincerely, AFL-CIO; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; Asian American Justice Center; American Association of People with Disabilities; Campaign for Community Change; Center for Responsible Lending; Coalition on Human Needs; Communications Workers of America; Demos; Economic Policy Institute; Half in Ten; Japanese American Citizens League; Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; National Congress of American Indians; National Council of La Raza; National Partnership for Women and Families; Policy Link; Service Employees International Union; The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society; United Methodist Episcopal Churches; United States Student Association; United Steelworkers; USAction.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, civil rights' leaders and economists from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, from the AFL-CIO, from the Center for Community Change, from the Economic Policy Institute, from the NAACP, and from the National Council of La Raza called for us to develop legislation to mitigate the job crisis facing millions of Americans. They outline what we believe is a very robust jobs program and bill: First, the fast-track creation of jobs in the public sector that serve community-level needs. Second, immediate investment in the infrastructure of schools and public transit. Third, the prevention of the foreclosure crisis. It is very important to recognize and understand what these leaders are saying with regard to the entire country in this economic recession. The diversity of American communities clearly dictates that one size does not fit all, according to Ben Jealous of the NAACP. We have to rebuild Main Street and rescue Back Street. We just can't go back to the economy of 3 to 4 years ago when African Americans suffered perennial unemployment rates.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, every year in February, America pauses to honor the rich heritage and tremendous contributions of African Americans past and present. Black History Month is a time to recognize and pay tribute to the many trials and triumphs of African Americans, which are intricately woven into the fabric of our nation. Simply put, Black history is American history. The theme of Black History Month this year, ``The History of Black Economic Employment,'' could not be more fitting as our nation continues on the road to full economic recovery. The current economic crisis has impacted all Americans, but communities of color, particularly African Americans, have been among the hardest hit. The evidence is clear--glaring disparities between African Americans and others can be found in every economic indicator and they must not be ignored. The Congressional Black Caucus has long championed the elimination of disparities wherever they exist. Where there is a major disparity between rich and poor or between one race or gender and another, there is a moral gap. The job of the Congressional Black Caucus is to help fill in the moral gaps. For 40 years, the Congressional Black Caucus has sought moral equality, for Black Americans and ultimately all Americans. As we take this time to acknowledge Black History month we must all recommit ourselves to fulfilling the bedrock principles of our nation: liberty, equality, and opportunity for all. To fill in these gaps for African Americans is to fill them in for all Americans. Tonight, in particular we pay tribute to unsung heroes who contribute greatly to make our communities better and stronger. In my district, the Ninth Congressional District of California I'd like to honor some individuals who don't always receive the recognition they deserve. I will start with Nicole Taylor. Ms. Taylor is president and CEO of the East Bay Community Foundation and she has been a trailblazer for this philanthropic organization since joining the foundation in 2007. The East Bay Community Foundation is a leading resource for mobilizing financial resources and community leadership to transform the lives of people in the East Bay. Ms. Taylor and the East Bay Community Foundation have identified two interrelated issues that they believe can lead to this transformation: Support for young children to succeed with a focus on the critical period of birth to third grade, and enhancing economic opportunities for adults and families, particularly those with significant barriers to achieving employment and financial stability. Ms. Taylor has also worked with my district office to develop a Website that was designed to make it easier for non-profits and faith-based organizations to gain access to Recovery funds. Under her watch, the East Bay Community Foundation managed about $285 million in charitable funds and made grants over $34 million in the most recent fiscal year. Art Shanks, the executive director of the Cypress Mandela Training Center. For the past 17 years, Mr. Shanks has been pioneer in using the development of green jobs to not only to address environment and create green jobs that can serve as a pathway out of poverty. The Cypress Mandela Training Center is the community resource committed to enhancing the viability of the construction trades industry through quality life skills and technical training in directed pre-apprentice programs. These programs promote positive life change and teach multi-trade expertise that serve as a bridge for empowering a diverse socio-economic community at large Mr. Shanks joined the Cypress Mandela Training Center in Oakland, CA since its inception in 1993. Two years later, Mr. Shanks was elevated to Project Director responsible for the overall operation of the training center, including its economic stability and the development of the curriculum. As a result of Mr. Shanks' efforts, the Cypress Mandela Training Center has evolved into a nationally acclaimed pre-apprenticeship program. Mr. Shanks has been recognized by the Building Trades for placing well over 1,700 disenfranchised, and under-represented men and women of color into union apprenticeship programs. Margaret Gordon, commissioner for the Port of Oakland. Over the last decade, Margaret Gordon has been respected locally as a strong voice of reason and intellect not only in her West Oakland community, but regionally as well. The longtime health and environmental advocate has earned statewide respect on Port issues. A recipient of the 2007 Alameda County Women's Hall of Fame award, Ms. Gordon is one of the founding members of both the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project and the Alameda County Stakeholder Project for the Environmental Health Tracking Project. In 2006, Ms. Gordon was a presenter at a Port-related conference concerned with trucking, shipping and logistics sponsored by the Intermodal Maritime Association, while also contributing to the development of two community-based participatory research reports and the publications, ``Neighborhood Knowledge for Change'' and ``Reducing Diesel Pollution in West Oakland''. Moreover, during this period she was instrumental in the design of the 7th St/McClymonds Corridor Neighborhood Improvement Initiative and was co-chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee, the group assembled to oversee replacement of the Cypress freeway following the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. In 2001, Ms. Gordon and the Pacific Institute, an environmental research and policy group based in the city of Oakland, launched the West Oakland Environmental Indicators project. The study concluded that diesel emissions in West Oakland were five times higher than the rest of the city. That study promoted the several local efforts to remediate contamination at the Port of Oakland and to increase efforts to reduce diesel emissions. Most recently, Ms. Gordon co-wrote ``Healthy Home Indoor Air Quality Project,'' a report proposing ways to reduce diesel emissions in the community. The document has been submitted to local and federal environmental health agencies for review. I will conclude with my good friend Keith Carson, Alameda County Supervisor. Keith Carson was elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Fifth District in 1992 on a platform dedicated to inclusive and accessible government. As a native of Berkeley California, Keith has longstanding roots in the progressive community, yet clearly understands the role business must play in the development of thriving communities. Supervisor Carson has been the Chair of the Alameda County Budget Workgroup for over 10 years and in that time the County has been forced to cut over $2 Billion out of their budget. Supervisor Carson has brought together County Department Heads, unions, civic leaders to devise yearly formulas for balancing the ever declining budget. The County is the safety net for residents and through this process will continue to struggle to provide much needed life supporting services. Years before California beget a process of dumping state prisoners in local government through their early release program, Supervisor Carson had been attempting to reconnect those who are returning from jail or prison in a way that would allow them to become productive citizens. Supervisor Carson and I have worked closely with other local elected officials to organize a yearly event allowing people to have their records cleared when appropriate, and provide information about other key services hoping to curb the rate of recidivism. While his work speaks volumes, it is his compassion for people that drives his success. Alameda County is a microcosm of America's ethnic and business diversity. He uses Alameda County's diversity to its fullest in attempting to bring all voices to the decisionmaking process. As he often says ``the only way one of us survives is if we all work together''. These are just a few examples of African-American in my district who go to work everyday determined to improve the lives of those who reside in their communities. And today, I salute them.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Thank you very much. Let me thank the gentlelady for yielding and for that very powerful presentation, and for your leadership and commitment to especially the children of Haiti. Good evening. It has been just over three weeks since a devastating earthquake rocked the nation of Haiti, devastating its capital city Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area. The damage seems unfathomable, yet it is real. The loss of life is staggering and the destruction of homes and infrastructure is tremendous. As Chair of the 42-member Congressional Black Caucus, I want to reiterate that our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Haiti during this difficult time. Since the earthquake of January 12 many members of the Congressional Black Caucus have stood on the floor of this House to talk about and bring attention to the needs of the people of Haiti and the Haitian American community. We will continue to speak out and speak up on their behalf because the needs are urgent and they are real. The Congressional Black Caucus has a long history of working with Haiti, and many of us have traveled to the country multiple times. Beyond our personal involvement with Haiti, the United States and Haiti share a long and historical relationship that began with the trans- Atlantic slave trade, which placed millions of people of African descent in human bondage throughout the Western Hemisphere. Our brothers and sisters who found themselves in Haiti led the way to freedom and independence for the African Diaspora in the Caribbean and the Americas when they established the world's first ``Black-led Republic,'' established by former slaves. It was also one of the first nations in the world to break the bonds of colonialism, providing inspiration to millions of oppressed peoples around the globe. Haitians fought for their independence--and literally paid for their freedom by paying substantial tributes to their former colonizers, creating a financial hardship that has endured for generations and directly contributes to Haiti's underdevelopment today. The world has a historic and moral obligation to help the people of Haiti in their time of need. During the current crisis, the CBC has worked closely with the Obama administration and nongovernmental organizations to provide whatever assistance we can to the humanitarian relief efforts underway. Just today, we met with USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah to voice our concerns and offer our continued partnership as the administration continues its ongoing emergency relief and begins to formulate a longer-term agenda for reconstruction. And a week ago, members of the CBC met with Raymond Joseph, Ambassador of Haiti to the United States. During this meeting we communicated two overarching messages. First, we reaffirmed our continued, ongoing commitment and solidarity with the Haitian people. Second, we emphasized that the CBC would like to coordinate our work with that of President Obama's administration, the Government of Haiti, and the Haitian people to develop an overarching relief, reconstruction, and development agenda. Given the CBC's long history with Haiti, our members have many ideas and initiatives--legislative or otherwise--that we believe can assist the government and the people of Haiti in relief and recovery and reconstruction efforts. These include efforts to promote debt relief and to coordinate aid distribution on the ground. But most importantly, we must establish a comprehensive assistance framework in partnership with the Government of Haiti and in coordination with other donors to promote the long-term development of Haiti. In short, we need a Marshall Plan for Haiti, with Haitian nongovernmental organizations and the Haitian Diaspora playing a vital role in its formulation and implementation. To offer just one example, last year I introduced H.R. 417, the Next Steps for Haiti Act. This legislation would create a professional exchange program to assign U.S. professionals, particularly in the Haitian Diaspora, to provide technical assistance to Haiti in critical development-related fields--such as healthcare, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness. Initiatives such as these could go a long way towards empowering the Haitian people to rebuild and work towards the betterment of their country. Moving forward, we are committed to working with the Haitian government and organizations on the ground--who know their country oh so well--to meet their short-, medium-, and long-term needs of their country. Once the cameras are gone, and Haiti is off the front pages and the 24-hour news cycle, we will continue to be there. We, the CBC, are in it for the long haul. I would like to yield now to the gentlelady from California (Ms. Waters), a Member of Congress who is not only a legislator, but also a great humanitarian. We saw her very recently in Haiti, as she went to Katrina to help those during the search and rescue phase, and is back now to join us tonight on the floor to talk about not only her recent experiences, but her long-standing commitment to Haiti and her work on Haiti. Thank you very much.

Ms. LEE of California. Thank you very much. I want to thank the gentlelady from California again for her leadership, and also for once again leading the effort on debt relief. Because Haiti certainly should not have to repay any loans given the devastation that it has faced not only during this recent disaster, but in the past. Congressman Ed Towns, chair of the Government Reform Committee from the great State of New York, with a large Haitian American population, large Caribbean American population, also a minister, who has been a strong voice on behalf of the Haitian people throughout his life. Congressman Ed Towns.

Ms. LEE of California. Thank you very much. And let me again thank you for your leadership, Congressman Towns. I want to just close this evening by first saying that as chair of the 42-member Congressional Black Caucus, I want to reiterate tonight that our thoughts and our prayers continue to be with the people of Haiti during this very difficult period. We know the Haitian people are resilient people and that they will move forward in rebuilding their country. But we want to make sure that the people of Haiti understand that the Congressional Black Caucus stands with the people of Haiti as they move forward during this next phase of recovery and reconstruction. And we will be doing everything in our power to make sure that once, unfortunately, Haiti does not make the front page of the news, or the 24-hour news cycle ends with Haiti as the lead story, we will continue to be there. This Congress will continue to be there working as we move forward to develop a Haiti Marshall Plan. Thank you again. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Melvin Barber. A successful businessman, an avid traveler, and a beloved member of my extended family, Mr. Barber had an exceptional ability to make friends wherever he went. Mr. Barber passed away on Monday, January 11, 2010, at the age of 87. Melvin Barber was a native of Weatherford, Oklahoma, where he was born to Alfred Barber and Eva West in 1922. Mr. Barber remained in Oklahoma throughout his youth, growing up in the nearby towns of Drummond and Enid. Upon graduation from Booker T. Washington High School, Mr. Barber matriculated at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. Mr. Barber's college education was interrupted by the onset of the Second World War; he was drafted in 1942 and began a term of service which lasted for the duration of the war. After receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1946, Mr. Barber moved to Washington, D.C., where he enrolled at Howard University. While at Howard, Mr. Barber became a Brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. For over 50 years Mr. Barber was a committed member of the fraternity, striving to embody their motto of ``Achievement in Every Human Endeavour.'' Once Mr. Barber had completed his degree at Howard, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in pursuit of career opportunities. In Cincinnati, Mr. Barber found a position as a Medical Research Associate in the Institute of Environmental Health at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Mr. Barber dedicated himself to this position, staying at the Institute for over 30 years. In addition to being an accomplished researcher, Mr. Barber was a successful businessman and a cherished member of his community. For many years, Mr. Barber owned and operated Highland Computer Systems. He was also an active member of Allen Temple AME Church of Cincinnati, extending his ministry to the community by acting as a sponsor and mentor for many disadvantaged youth throughout the Cincinnati area. In 1996, Melvin moved from Ohio to Arizona, where he took up residence in the town of Peoria. In his retirement, Melvin indulged his passion for travel, visiting countries and making friends around the world. When not travelling, he followed sports, particularly the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks, and created beautiful works of stained glass artwork. Melvin left us on Monday, January 11, 2010. I will always remember the treasured moments we shared at family events, where he loved to play dominoes and cards with his sister, Gertrude; my mother, Mildred; my sisters, Beverly and Mildred; and my brothers in law, Martin and Calvin. He always enjoyed good food, and he was consistently engaged with current events. I recall in particular his excitement at the election of our first African American President, President ``Obaama,'' as he insisted on calling him. I will deeply miss his laugh, his kindness, his dedication to my 98-year old Aunt Juanita, and his tremendous love for life. Today we salute, honor, and celebrate the life of a great human being, an outstanding member of his community, and a true renaissance man. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise with my colleague, Mr. Garamendi, today to honor the exceptional life of Dr. Bill Cavala. Known throughout California politics as a brilliant democratic strategist and shrewd tactician, Bill Cavala was also renowned for his professionalism, teaching prowess and strong sense of loyalty. With his passing on December 26, 2009, we look to Bill Cavala's political legacy and the outstanding quality of his life's work. Born William Lester Cavala, February 23, 1943 to Lester and Margaret Cavala, Bill was the oldest of three sons. He grew up in Sacramento and Oakland, exercising early political interest in the Junior Statesmen youth organization. He went on to earn bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in political science from the University of California, Berkeley. Bill's political studies never ceased as he amassed an encyclopedic and institutional knowledge of state legislative districts, California voter patterns, campaigning tactics and reapportionment. For a time, Bill Cavala worked at the university as a professor of political science, but for much of his 40-year political career he employed his passion for hands-on, field experience. In 1971, Bill Cavala joined the staff of late Democratic Assemblyman Bob Crown, and worked with the Select Committee on Criminal Justice. Later, while teaching at UC Berkeley, he continued to perform constituent work within the offices of Assembly members John Miller, Ken Meade and Bill Lockyer, his former classmate. In 1981, Bill Cavala joined the staff of California State Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, Jr. as Senior Aide, where he served for 14 years. Bill Cavala was three- time Director of the Speaker's Office of Majority Services and worked as deputy director under seven different directors. He served Minority Leader Richard Katz and other Speakers of the Assembly, including Cruz Bustamante, Antonio Villaraigosa, Robert Hertzberg and Herb Wesson, Jr. Bill Cavala fulfilled a crucial, behind-the-scenes role as he played a part in important decisions regarding redistricting, election law and the state budget. Throughout his career, he kept in mind the counsel of his much-admired mentors the late Congressman Philip Burton, wife Sala, and brother, John. Through their influence, Bill gained a deep appreciation for the role of public service and his potential to make meaningful societal contributions via the political process. Despite his hefty workload from the California State Legislature and his commitments at UC Berkeley, Bill Cavala had a role in every election cycle over a 40-year span. His deft and daring campaign approaches resulted in countless winning campaigns, most recently in the congressional elections of Representatives John Garamendi and Jackie Speier. Friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle admired his singular focus and political passion. In addition to politics, Bill Cavala had a love for baseball, golf, fine wine, gourmet cooking, mentorship, travel and film. Today, we mourn the loss of a political pioneer, respected strategist and campaign mastermind who was considered by many the driving force in California politics for the past 40 years. Bill Cavala was a dear friend and he will be deeply missed by an extended group of loved ones, friends and colleagues. I offer my sincerest condolences to Bill's family and to the many friends and associates whose lives he has touched over the years.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson).

Ms. LEE of California. I would like to yield 1 minute now to our majority leader, Representative Hoyer from the great State of Maryland.

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I would now like to yield such time as he may consume to the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa and Global Affairs, also the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus's International Affairs Task Force, a real leader who has worked on Haiti all of his life, Congressman Donald Payne from New Jersey.

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I yield to my friend from Virginia (Mr. Connolly) for the purpose of making a unanimous consent request. (Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution which expresses our deep condolences and solidarity with the people of Haiti, and all of those who have lost loved ones or have otherwise been affected by the tragic earthquake of January 12, 2010. Let me first thank our Speaker, Chairman Berman, Chairman Payne and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for helping to bring this resolution to the floor today. Also I want to express my deep gratitude to our staffs for working on this to make sure that the resolution came forward today. I would also like to recognize my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus. The CBC has a long history of working with the Haitian people and the Haitian American community and the Haitian Government. And many of us have traveled to that country many, many times. During the current crisis, the CBC has and will continue to work closely with the Obama administration and outside organizations to provide whatever assistance is needed for ongoing relief and recovery efforts. And I am very proud of the fact that each and every member of the Congressional Black Caucus has signed on as original cosponsors of this resolution. More than a week has passed since the 7.0 earthquake. Again, many aftershocks, just today another 6.1 aftershock, which has devastated the country of Haiti. We have all seen the horrific images, and our hearts are heavy for the Haitian people and all of those affected by this tragedy. An estimated 3 million people have been directly affected by this catastrophe, leaving over 1 million homeless, and many at risk of long-term displacement and vulnerability. The latest figures estimate 200,000 people may have been killed as a result of this disaster. The massive number of casualties, as well as the extensive infrastructure damage, including to roads, ports, hospitals, residential dwellings, marks this earthquake as the worst natural disaster to strike Haiti in over two centuries. Currently, our government is engaged now in one of our largest humanitarian relief efforts in our history. To date, USAID has provided $100 million to Haiti for relief efforts, and more is likely on the way. So I have to commend at this time the men and women of the Government of Haiti, of our own government, of our Armed Services, the United Nations, the international community, our NGOs, our neighbors in the Caribbean and Latin America, and throughout the world in their immediate response to assist those affected by this calamity. We continue to work around the clock to provide as much food, water, and emergency health care as possible under these unimaginable circumstances. So it is important that these emergency supplies be expedited, and not caught up in bureaucratic hurdles. The same goes for many relief and rescue organizations trying to evacuate survivors for emergency care. The red tape must be cut to save as many lives as possible. Let me applaud the Haitian American community for providing relief to family and friends and the entire country. Also I have to praise the efforts of the American people at large, who have once again demonstrated their compassion by providing aid to people they have never met, never met, but who are suffering nonetheless just miles off our shore. This resolution summarizes the unfortunate facts that have occurred in Haiti, but also, in addition to supporting the efforts of the Haitian people and being in solidarity with the Haitian Government and the Haitian people at this point during this rescue and recovery phase, this resolution also recognizes, in a bipartisan way, support for the recovery and long-term reconstruction of Haiti, and also recognizes that the recovery and long-term needs of Haiti will require a sustained commitment, mind you a sustained commitment by the United States and the international community, based on a comprehensive strategy based on what the Haitian people and the Government of Haiti have deemed necessary and required for their full recovery and reconstruction. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1021) expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010.