John Larson

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Meek, I think you have made your point extraordinarily well. I especially want to commend, especially for the viewers and listeners who regularly tune in when the 30-Something Group comes to the floor, first and foremost, call up and thank courageous people like Walter Jones, Republican from North Carolina; Wayne Gilchrest, Republican from Maryland; Ron Paul, Republican from Texas, who more often than not sit almost isolated, almost ostracized on the other side of the aisle. And it is not that they don't have the respect of their colleagues, because I believe sincerely they do. What they should know is that they have the respect of America because they are willing to stand up and speak truth to power. There are many of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle who would stand with them. Loyalty is important in any process, and certainly one can respect loyalty. Loyalty and fidelity are important concepts and in fact can be virtues. But when there is blind allegiance, and especially when men and women's lives are at stake, where is your voice? Will you stand together to have this institution, the United States Congress, stand up together, collectively, put an end to the war, find a process by which we together can end the war and provide, as you point out, as the most recent veterans' bill that we passed does, the greatest increase in 77 years for veterans, so that we provide the assistance to these brave men and women who have given their all. And also to provide the compassion and the caring for their family members who wait at home wondering what kind of policy is going to unfold here for them to see Congress bogged down the way it is in the obstinacy of an administration that says it is just going to run out the clock on its policy is wrong. As Mr. Rich points out, if not Mr. Warner, then who? And certainly we have heard the Walter Joneses and the Wayne Gilchrests and the Ron Pauls in the House, but we need other brave Members who have found their voice who are able when they go back home to listen to their fellow citizens and then come to this floor and join with those men of character and stand up for what they know is right. We know that Mr. Warner is thinking about it. We know he is talking about September. Twenty-three soldiers lost their lives this weekend. For people who are serving, tomorrow is today. The urgency is now. Find your voice prior to this July 4, strike a tone of independence from the administration that has got us here. Historically this happened to a Democratic President during Vietnam. It is not about Democrats or Republicans. It is about America, and it is about standing up for our troops in the field. It is about standing up for fellow Americans. It is about Americans finding their voice. Our citizens have found theirs. We need the Members of Congress here to join together, both House and Senate, to end this insanity and come together on behalf of the American public, and especially the brave men and women who serve our country so valiantly who we owe such a debt of gratitude to, and ought to show it through the courage of our policy convictions here on the floor, and then in the funding that we provide them to make sure that they have the kind of life that they richly deserve when they come home, and that we honor the memory of their sacred sacrifice that so many have made on behalf of this Nation. I thank the gentleman again from the 30-Somethings for having continued to bring this debate to the American public.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Congressman Ron Paul, Congressman Neil Abercrombie, Congressman Nancy Boyda.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Ellen Tauscher has done a terrific job. If the gentleman would yield just for a moment, when you're reading through these things, I can't help but think of the time, and I know that you hadn't arrived here on September 11. I served with your mom. I can remember a time when this entire Congress stood together on the steps of the Capitol after September 11 and spontaneously broke into God Bless America. It's a time that will be forever seared in my memory. I remember a time in our caucus just this past year when the Speaker, the gentleman from New York, stood up, at a time when we knew that we only had and could only muster Democratic votes, stood up and gave a speech that I will always remember, that drew our caucus together and allowed us to go forward and place a bill on the President's desk. It was something that everyone said couldn't be done, the politics were too raw, people were too far apart, we couldn't possibly come together. But when people rise and find their voice as the Speaker from New York did, then great things can happen. A Nation can move. People find their voice because within their heart resides the great spirit of this country as you pointed out. Within every piece of legislation that you're chronicling here is a deep-seated belief on the part of its sponsors that this is the right thing to do. There are many on that side of the aisle who will disagree. I respect people's positions regardless of how they come to them. But I know the great reservoir that exists on that side of the aisle that understands what's going on, that events are unfolding daily around us and the need for us to act is now. That tomorrow has become today, that the urgency can't wait for September 15 for yet another report. The time is to act. I plead for our colleagues on that side of the aisle, because, as Mr. Rich points out, it cannot happen without this Congress coming together. And so either we will stand together as a United States Congress and send a message and help this President find a way forward by demonstrating as a Congress did during Vietnam, no matter who the President is, that the right thing to do here is to bring our troops home safe, secure and strategically in a manner that will allow us to regroup and refocus and go after the enemy in Afghanistan where they continue to fester and grow and regroup, the people who actually knocked down the towers, the people who struck the Pentagon and but for those brave souls on Flight 93 would have surely hit this Capitol or the White House. It's time for us to come together in that spirit. Mr. Meek, if it weren't for you and Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Chris Murphy and Tim Ryan coming here and repeatedly talking about it, if you're at home, you're thinking, has Congress forgot about this urgency. Do they not pick up the papers every day as we do? When I go home, and you said it, people talk about Iraq, they talk about Iraq, and then they talk about Iraq. The facts are that without Republican support, we cannot override a veto. The facts are that without a Republican Senate that will stop the cloture rule and Mr. Warner, or following the paths of a great American in Chuck Hagel, comes forward and speaks truth to power. There are people on both sides of the aisle that are great visionary Americans. We just need to come together at this time and find our voice in the same manner that Americans have already found theirs. With that, Mr. Chairman, I thank you again.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I regret that I could not vote on rollcall vote No. 502 through roll call vote No. 511, on June 19, 2007. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 502 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2641, to reduce funding for the Army Corps of Engineers investigations by $30 million. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 503 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2641, to reduce funding for the Army Corps of Engineers construction by $481 million. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 504 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2641, to reduce funding for the Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River and tributaries project by $18 million. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 505 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2641, to reduce funding for the Army Corps of Engineers operation and maintenance by $184 million. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 506 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2641, to Strike section 105 in the bill. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 507 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2641, to reduce funding for the Bureau of Reclamation's water projects account by $55 million. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 508 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2641, to reduce funding for Bureau of Reclamation's policy and administration account by $1.2 million. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 509 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2641, to reduce funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs (Weatherization Assistance) by $102 million. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 510 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2641, to redirect $20 million in funding within the Nuclear Energy account to support the Nuclear Power 2010 program from Gen IV reactor program. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 511 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2641, to reduce funding for fossil fuels research and development by $142 million.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I regret that I did not vote on rollcall vote No. 475, on June 15, 2007. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``no'' on rollcall No. 475 on the amendment to H.R. 2638, to cut $125 million from TSA's explosive detection account; and increase the Customs and Border Protection Salaries and Expenses account by $125 million. (By unanimous consent, Mr. Hoyer was allowed to speak out of order.) Announcement Regarding First Vote in a Series in the House

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2642, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2008, the annual spending bill for military construction and veterans' programs. Today, the House is considering a bill that would appropriate $109.2 billion, with $64.7 billion in discretionary spending for military construction and veterans' programs, which is $4 billion more than the President's fiscal year 2008 budget request. The bill would provide $43.2 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which is $6.7 billion above 2007 and $3.8 billion over the President's request for veterans' medical care, claims processing personnel, and facility improvements. This includes $28.9 billion in funding to improve access to medical services for all veterans, which is $1.7 billion above the President's request. This legislation also defeats the President's ill- advised proposals to nearly double co-pays for prescription drugs for veterans and to increase TRICARE premiums by over $1,000 a year for military retirees. The military health care system is understaffed and drowning in a backlog of cases and unable to provide our veterans with the benefits and resources they sacrificed a great deal to earn. In an effort to reduce the 400,000 claim backlog, the bill also includes $1.6 billion in funding to enable the VA to hire over 1100 more claims processors. This legislation is the largest single increase in the 77-year history of the VA and for the first time in 21 years that the House has exceeded the request of the veterans' Independent Budget. There are over 251,000 veterans living in Connecticut and I am pleased the 110th Congress has made funding our Nation's military health care system a top priority. Since the previous Congress adjourned without passing a budget, the new Congress passed a Continuing Appropriations Resolution (P.L. 110-5) that provided $3.4 billion over the fiscal year 2006 funding level to fund the VA in fiscal year 2007. In addition, the Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 110-28) added $1.8 billion directly targeted at the needs of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Part of the cost of war is to care for our servicemen and women when they return home and Congress has an obligation to ensure they receive appropriate care. I applaud the leadership of Mr. Edwards, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Mr. Obey, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and the members of the committee for their efforts and continued commitment to our Nation's veterans. Today's legislation takes us one step further in providing our veterans with the best health care and resources our country can provide and I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting for it and the President in signing it into law.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I regret that I did not votes on rollcall votes 448, 449, and 450 on June 11, 2007. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Aye'' on rollcall No. 448 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2356 that would amend title 4, United States Code, to encourage the display of the flag of the United States on Father's Day; ``Aye'' on rollcall No. 449 on motion to suspend the rules and pass S. 676, which would provide that the Executive Director of the Inter- American Development Bank or the Alternate Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank may serve on the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation; ``Aye'' on rollcall No. 450 on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 418, recognizing and welcoming the delegation of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Foreign Ministers from the Caribbean to Washington, DC, and commending the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for holding the Conference on the Caribbean.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise to address this distinguished House and yield to the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), who has done a terrific job tonight in hoping to bring comity and understanding to this great, august body.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the H-Prize Act of 2007, H.R. 632, an important step forward in making America more competitive and energy independent. As a founding member of the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus and a cosponsor of this bill, I believe we must move forward in fostering innovation and competition in hydrogen technology, in order to end our addiction to oil. According to the Department of Energy, major advances must be made in hydrogen production, distribution, and storage before it can be widely used as a fuel source. The H-Prize Act would excite and attract innovators throughout the country to take up this important task. Specifically, the bill would authorize $50 million from fiscal year 2008 through fiscal year 2017 to be awarded in cash prizes to non- federal entities in three categories--technologies created to assist in the distribution or production of hydrogen; development of hydrogen powered vehicles; and ``transformational technology'' related to production, storage, distribution, or use of hydrogen fuel. And importantly, the cash prizes would only go to individuals who produce breakthrough results in these categories, spurring competition and innovation into much needed technology. Solution to our energy crisis can be found in our backyard. Hydrogen can be produced here on American soil. Companies such as UTC Power and Fuel Cell Energy in my district in Connecticut produce hydrogen fuel cells which are a clean, reliable form of energy. Technology such as this can relieve us from our dependence on foreign nations for our energy and create a much healthier alternative for our environment. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in advancing science and supporting H.R. 632. It's time for us to take leadership and commit to the safety and health of our nation by inspiring our nation's brightest to make hydrogen technology a reality.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my sadness over the untimely passing of Yolanda Denise King, eldest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King. Yolanda King, despite losing her father at the age of 12, strived to carry on her father's legacy of equality and justice for all. Despite her family name, Yolanda King used her own talents to affect social and personal change through her lectures and the arts. Yolanda King was born on November 17, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, where her father was then preaching. She was born just 2 weeks before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus there, leading to the Montgomery bus boycott spearheaded by her father. She was just 10 weeks old when the King family home was bombed on January 30, 1956, as her father attended a boycott rally, but she was unharmed by the explosion. She was 7 when her father mentioned her and her siblings in his 1963 speech at the March on Washington and she was 12 when her father was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. After receiving a B.A. degree with honors in Theatre and African- American Studies from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, Ms. King moved to New York to earn her masters degree in theatre at New York University. She honed her teaching skills while working with young people at the King Center for Non-Violent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia. Many of Ms. King's stage, television and film credits reflect her commitment to social change and include portrayals of Rosa Parks in the NBC-TV movie ``King'' (1978), Dr. Betty Shabazz in the film ``Death of a Prophet'' (1981), and Medgar Ever's daughter, Reena, in ``Ghosts of Mississippi'' (1996). Her most recent theatrical production was ``Achieving the Dream'' in which she portrayed several characters in the movement for civil and human rights, and was featured during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. In addition to her rich acting career, Yolanda King also carried on her parents' legacy through her commitment to raise awareness and enhance understanding about the importance of diversity. Ms. King addressed Fortune 500 companies and the United Nations as well as religious, civic and educational groups in the United States, Europe, and Africa. She was founder and CEO of Higher Ground Productions, a California-based organization dedicated to social change and world peace by advocating diversity and unity. She also promoted awareness through her writing. She was the co-author of the book, Open My Eyes, Open My Soul, as well as Embracing Your Power in 30 Days, a step by step, daily tool for personal growth based on her very personal experiences. Yolanda King was honored with numerous presentations, awards and citations by organizations around the country and was named one of the Outstanding Young Women of America. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. (the official national memorial to Dr. King) and was founding Director of the King Center's Cultural Affairs Program. She served on the Partnership Council of Habitat for Humanity, was a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, was a sponsor of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and held a lifetime membership in the NAACP. She was the recipient of two honorary doctorial degrees. And so today I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Yolanda King's outstanding career and life achievements. Yolanda King dedicated her life to promote unity and nonviolence across the country and the world. She was left a strong and important legacy set by Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, but ultimately utilized her own abilities and talent to inspire people from all walks of life to reach higher ground, to motivate people to move forward, and to empower people to make a difference.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I regret that I did not vote on rollcall vote No. 400, on May 22, 2007. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 400 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2399, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to combat the crime of alien smuggling and related activities and for other purposes.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California for yielding but also for her continued outstanding service in the United States Congress and bringing the knowledge of her profession and her expertise to this body on a regular basis and especially the compassion that's needed for so many of those who suffer from eosinophilic disorder, more than 50,000 in this Nation. I want to applaud my colleague from North Carolina, also, Representative Myrick, for her cosponsoring this legislation and understanding as well the importance that this has for so many families who oftentimes are the ones who suffer along with the patient because of lack of diagnosis, and then also because of the way Representative Capps has described the nature of this disease, what it does to the patient that it attacks when the white blood cells in your own system begin to attack itself and creates the disorders that it does, often resulting in people having to be fed by tubes. You can imagine the tremendous stress that this causes on the parts of parents and of course family members. This bill comes before us not because of me, but because of a courageous woman like Lois Capps and like Sue Myrick who understand what families go through when they face issues like this. I was fortunate to have Dr. Wendy Book from my district in Connecticut, who resides in Gastonbury, a doctor herself, as well as her husband, come before me to talk about this disorder because of their desire to make sure that the Nation be made aware of what so many children are suffering from. She was joined by Beth Mays, who together are the co-founders of the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders. When Dr. Book's son Ryan was sick before his first birthday, doctors sent him home with a feeding tube and no explanation for his mysterious illness. This illness went undiagnosed for 2 more years. Now, this Ryan, his parents are doctors. They are in the field, and so for doctors to be as confounded by a lack of understanding or a diagnosis, imagine the consternation that they feel, and then exemplify that by how other parents must feel who do not come from similar professions. And so they felt in founding this organization, this partnership, that what was needed across the country was awareness and understanding. Quite frankly, what's also needed is funding, but it has to start in a place of education, awareness and understanding, and as most pieces of critical legislation do, it comes not from a Member of Congress, but it comes from a constituent, a citizen, who has the temerity to stand up and speak out for suffering that a neighbor or one of their own children is going through. As Mrs. Capps pointed out, sometimes there is no cure or the diagnosis eludes all the best efforts of professions, but it is getting better, and with awareness, they know they can deal with this going forward. Hospitals in Cincinnati, and most notably, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where I visited personally, are working hard at identifying this disorder and helping parents and working with them. I want to commend the work of Dr. Chris Lancouris and Dr. Jonathan Spergel and especially Michelle Shuker who spent so much time dealing with the parents and helping them through this process. As someone who has a son who has an illness that has gone undiagnosed, I empathize deeply with parents who go through this experience and understand deeply the need for education, the need for better understanding, and the responsibility that we share as Members of Congress to do our part, to first educate the public with respect to this disorder, but then secondly and more hopefully, to make sure that we follow through by funding and assisting. But what you have to step back and admire, however, is the courage of these parents who, without their love and devotion and care for their children, without their consistent nurturing and support, you wonder what would happen to these children. But because of their courage and because of their ability to come forth and speak out about this, hopefully through resolutions like this and greater understanding we will be able to assist them and help them and assist families, and their not-for-profit organization will get the support that it needs, will create the understanding that it needs and provide the much needed relief for the children who are afflicted and the families that deal with this problem. So I thank Representative Capps and I thank Representative Myrick and a number of cosponsors on this legislation for having come forward and assisted in bringing this to the forefront. There will be members from this association on the Hill tomorrow going to various House Members and to their offices and talking with them and their staff about this disorder. Please listen to them. Take them into your heart. It is an important issue and vital not only for their children, their families, but I dare say for all of us in the country. It speaks volumes to the better angels that we have here in the United States Congress and our willingness to reach out and assist the constituents we are sworn to serve.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I regret that I could not be present today, Thursday, May 10, 2007 to vote on rollcall vote nos. 319, 320, 321, 322 and 323 due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 319 on the amendment to H.R. 1873, that would require greater economic analyses by agencies on contracting actions that displace small businesses, and close current loopholes that have allowed agencies to avoid performing analyses on new work and construction; ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 320 on the amendment to H.R. 1873 that would extend small business contracting goals to overseas contracts; ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 321 on the amendment to H.R. 1873 that would raise the government-wide small business procurement goal from 25 percent to 30 percent; ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 322 on the motion to recommit H.R. 1873 with instructions; ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 323 on final passage of H.R. 1873, the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, May 9, 2007, I was not present to vote due to a family medical situation. I submitted for the record my votes had I been present. The Record incorrectly listed an ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 315 on the amendment to H.R. 1684 that would remove section 407 of the bill, which requires that identification cards, uniforms, protective gear and badges of Homeland Security personnel be manufactured in the United States. I would like the record to reflect that I submitted a ``nay'' vote for rollcall No. 315.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, last week President Bush marked the fourth anniversary his proclaimed ``Mission Accomplished'' in Iraq with a veto. He refused to heed the will of the American people and disregarded the work of this Congress by vetoing the Iraq Accountability Act that called for a new direction in Iraq. Earlier tonight, I supported a bill offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. McGovern that would have provided for the redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq. I have believed for some time now that we must begin the safe and strategic withdrawal of our troops. While this measure was defeated, I remain resolved we must change the current course in Iraq. Before the House is a revised Iraq Accountability bill. This bill continues to keep our commitment to our servicemen and women and to the American people. It fully funds our troops, improves military readiness and holds the Bush Administration and the Iraqi government accountable. The bill would provide $95.5 billion to the Department of Defense, but would fence off $52.8 billion, more than half of the funds. This funding would be held by Congress until the Bush Administration accounts for progress on the ground. President Bush would have to report to Congress the progress of the Iraqi Government in meeting key security benchmarks by July 13, 2007. Only with this accountability and another vote by Congress would the remaining funds be appropriated. The era of ``stay the course'' and blank checks without accountability is over. I call upon my colleagues and the President to search their conscience and join me in supporting the underlying bill-- a balanced and reasonable approach to Iraq.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment offered by Mr. Hoekstra that would strike language requesting an assessment of the national security challenges posed by global warming. As a member of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and an original cosponsor to H.R. 1961, the Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act, I support the inclusion of this language in the Intelligence Authorization bill. There are serious political, social, economic and national security risks associated with climate change. It is only appropriate that our nation have a National Intelligence Estimate assessing its global warming threat. The National Intelligence Council is already a producing a community assessment on this issue, this provision would simply require that assessment be elevated to a formal National Intelligence Estimate. This type of review is supported by a group of 11 retired three-star and four-star generals and admirals, who on April 16, 2007, issued a report entitled, ``National Security and the Threat of Climate Change.'' This report concludes that global warming presents significant national security challenges the United States. The effects of climate change are projected to have grave consequences for some of the poorest areas of the world--already volatile areas, the instability of these regions would be multiplied. Projected climate change will seriously exacerbate already marginal living standards in many Asian, African, and Middle Eastern nations, causing widespread political instability and the likelihood of failed states. As retired U.S. General Gordon R. Sullivan described before the Select Global Warming Committee, the potential national security threat of global warming in certain regions of the world could potentially be a Petri dish for terror. Climate change is yet another front in the war on terror and now is the time for the United States to fully understand the implications it has on our national security. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this amendment.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I regret that I could not be present today because of a family medical situation and I would like to submit this statement for the record in support of H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization for Fiscal Year 2008. Since its creation in 2003, the Department of Homeland Security has been one of the most mismanaged departments in the Federal Government. Failing to learn from the severe preparedness gaps exposed by the failed response to Hurricane Katrina, the Administration has proposed deep cuts to vital, core programs that assist local communities in responding to disasters. For example, the Administration requested a 52 percent funding cut for the State Homeland Security Grant Program and no funding for the Metropolitan Medical Response System, MMRS, program--the only Federal program that helps first responders, medical personnel, emergency rmnagement workers, business and other stakeholders develop effective, integrated capabilities to minimize causalities in the event of a terrorist attack using a weapon of mass destruction, natural disaster, or public health emergency. Eliminating funding for MMRS would have grave implications for 125 municipal authorities, in 43 States, including Connecticut. In comparison, the Democratic-led House has put forth a bill that invests in securing the homeland and ensures accountability within the Department of Homeland Security. The bill authorizes $39.8 billion for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008. This funding would provide our local communities with the tools to respond to terrorist attacks and natural disasters and improve the Government's ability to prevent terrorist attacks through greater information sharing. The bill also authorizes $63 million annually for the MMRS program through fiscal year 2011. Most importantly, the bill includes accountability provisions and provisions to strengthen and streamline management of the Department. We must remain vigilant in protecting the American people and in preparing to respond to terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the underlying bill.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I regret that I could not be present today because of a family medical situation and I would like to submit this statement for the record in support of H.R. 1873, the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act. All too often mega contracts are too large for small business to compete for in the federal marketplace. Last year, the federal government spent more than $417 billion on goods and services in over 8 million contracts in 2006, of which small businesses won about $80 billion (22 percent). Of the $80 billion for small business contracts, $12 billion was actually awarded to large businesses, not small businesses. For the past six years, the federal government has failed to meet its 23 percent small business contracting goal. The bill before the House today would create a fair and open federal contracting system, that would ensure all small businesses have an equal opportunity to secure government contracts. This bill would increase the government-wide goal for small-business participation in federal contracts, limit the ability of federal agencies to bundle small projects into large contracts, and require the Small Business Administration to take steps to reduce erroneous entries in the government's contractor registry. The Small Businesses Fairness in Contracting Act would require no less than 25 percent, an increase from 23 percent, of all contracts be awarded to small-business in a fiscal year. It would also increase the government-wide goal for procurement for small disadvantaged and women- owned businesses to 8 percent from 5 percent. This bill is a vital step for America's 26 million small businesses, including Connecticut's 341,000 small businesses. It is an investment in our nation's small businesses. For every $1 invested, small businesses will contribute $7 to the economy. I call upon my colleagues to join me in supporting a bill that supports a vital national interest--America's small businesses and economy.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I would like to submit this statement for the Record and regret that I could not be present today, Wednesday, May 9, 2007 to vote on rollcall vote Nos. 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317 and 318 due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 310 on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 382; ``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 311 on agreeing to H. Res. 382, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1684, the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act; ``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 312 on agreeing to H. Res. 383, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1873, the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act; ``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 313 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 890, the Student Loan Sunshine Act that establishes requirements for lenders and institutions of higher education in order to protect students and other borrowers receiving educational loans; ``Aye'' on rollcall vote No. 314 on the amendment H.R. 1684 that would strike some provisions of the bill, add reporting requirements, revises annuitant provisions, and require a GAO report on law enforcement retirement systems; ``Aye'' on rollcall vote No. 315 on the amendment to H.R. 1684 that would remove section 407 of the bill, which requires that identification cards, uniforms, protective gear, and badges of Homeland Security personnel be manufactured in the United States; ``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 316 on the amendment H.R. 1684 that would strike some provisions of the bill, add reporting requirements, revises annuitant provisions, and require a GAO report on law enforcement retirement systems; ``Nay'' on rollcall vote No. 317 on the motion to recommit H.R. 1684 with instructions; ``Aye'' on rollcall vote No. 318 on final passage of H.R. 1684, the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would address the appalling crimes that continue to occur today simply because of a person's race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability or sexual orientation. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 1592 because it is the government's responsibility to defend the civil liberties of every American and prosecute acts of aggression directed at a specific group of individuals. Current federal law provides for enhanced sentencing for hate crimes, however, the vast majority of these crimes are not tried in federal court. This bill would make it a federal crime to cause, or attempt to cause, bodily harm to another person through the use of fire, a firearm, or an explosive device because of the victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender or sexual orientation. Opponents of this bill claim that it would chip away at First Amendment rights. On the contrary, H.R. 1592 would protect First Amendment speech and is only intended to prosecute acts of violence. The bill would also provide federal assistance to states and local jurisdictions to prosecute hate crimes. Specifically, the measure would authorize the Attorney General to make grants available to state and local law enforcement agencies that have incurred extraordinary expenses associated with the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. Currently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collects statistics on crimes based on race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and disability. This legislation would require that the FBI collect statistics on gender and gender identity-related bias crimes. I applaud Chairman Conyers and members of the House Judiciary Committee for their tireless efforts and leadership on this landmark legislation. I would also like to single out the efforts of the gentlewoman from Wisconsin, Ms. Baldwin, and the gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. Frank, for their leadership on this issue. During my tenure in the House of Representatives and as a father of three children, I have been a consistent supporter of this measure and believe it is a tragedy that terrible injustices continue to occur in the 21st century. Our nation was founded on the principles of liberty and justice for all and these hate crimes run counter to our national conscience. I believe Robert F. Kennedy spoke most eloquently on this issue while commenting on the loss of Dr. Martin Luther King: ``What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country * * *'' Today's legislation takes us one further step towards the kind of nation Senator Kennedy and Dr. King worked for and I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting for it.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the Congressional Research Service's (CRS) finest employees; Paul E. Dwyer, who will retire on May 3, 2007, from his position as Specialist in American National Government after a distinguished career of 39 years service to Congress and the Nation. A native of Texas, Paul Dwyer received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Baylor University, in Waco, in 1967, and went on to earn a Masters in Political Science from George Washington University, here in Washington, in 1968. While finishing his course work at GW, Paul worked part time in the office of Congressman W. R. (Bill) Poage, one of the legendary Texans who served with such distinction in the House of Representatives in the 20th century. Paul's work experience on Capitol Hill convinced him to enter the profession of public service, and he applied for a position with what was then known as the Legislative Reference Service shortly after graduation. He began his career at the Library of Congress, on October 8, 1968 as analyst in American National Government. Paul Dwyer began his CRS career with the basics--his first years constituted an apprenticeship during which he received assignments in a wide range of policy issues. He identified and progressively mastered the sources of information needed to respond to requests for information and public policy analysis by Members and committees of Congress and their staff. This was in the pre-internet era, when the instant desktop availability of information resources was a futuristic dream, and research often meant hours of digging for obscure sources in the Library's great collections, in other libraries, executive branch agencies, the National Archives and non-governmental organizations, as well. It took dogged persistence, careful organizational skills, plenty of shoe leather, and a limitless supply of number two lead pencils to do the work. It was during this period that Paul also had an active role in supporting Congress as this body investigated the greatest political scandal in 20th century American history--Watergate--and undertook the ensuing impeachment inquiry that led to Richard Nixon's resignation as President of the United States. Paul served on the CRS teams that provided assistance to the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, Senator Sam Ervin's famous ``Watergate Committee.'' He and his colleagues again provided invaluable assistance to the Judiciary committee of this House of Representatives as it pursued its impeachment inquiry. CRS added further laurels when it provided crucial information on the nominations of Gerald R. Ford and Nelson A. Rockefeller as Vice President, the historic first implementations of Section One of the 25th Amendment. These were, to borrow from Doris Kearns Goodwin, ``no ordinary times,'' and Congress came to depend again and again on the accuracy, dedication and professional skill of the Congressional Research Service and staff members like Paul Dwyer. Paul Dwyer's research portfolio was broad in those years, and included many diverse areas, including presidential elections and the Electoral College, the presidency and presidential terms of office, American political history, U.S. political parties, and voting trends in Congress, to name a partial list. Beginning in the early 1970s, Paul moved into the area for which he would become justly respected throughout Congress and the Capitol Hill community. He learned and mastered the many elements of the internal governance of the Congress and its supporting agencies and organizations. His areas of unquestioned expertise include an intimate knowledge of the legislative branch budget in all its many ramifications; salaries, benefits and retirement programs for Members of Congress and their staff; congressional support agency budgets; contingent expenses in both the House and Senate; Member memorials; committee funding; the Capitol Visitor Center, and the all-important area of Capitol security and the safety of those who work in the Capitol Complex, and the millions of citizens who visit the Hill every year. He has become the ``go-to'' staff person at CRS on the legislative budget, where the depth and breadth of his knowledge, his attention to detail, judgment, and perspective are universally recognized. This trust has been well-earned--Paul has worked professionally and amicably with Members and staff of both political parties, and is respected by all his clients. The House Committee on House Administration, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and the legislative branch appropriations subcommittees of both chambers have benefited from his keen analytical skills. He has worked closely with the office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeants at Arms of the House and Senate, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House, and the Chief of U.S. Capitol Police. As coordinator of and primary contributor to the CRS annual Report to Congress on legislative branch appropriations sinceits inception, he has provided a valuable source of record for over a decade. Aside from hundreds, if not thousands, of personal meetings, telephone briefings and email colloquies over the years, the volume and scope of his written work is impressive. He is the author or co-author of 21 active or archived CRS Reports for Congress, and during the 39 years of his career, he has written over 450 additional CRS Reports, Issue Briefs, and confidential memoranda for Congress. On a personal level, in the past decade, he has also provided expert and sensitive mentoring to a new generation of CRS analysts, generously sharing his knowledge and perspective with them, and helping them develop their own interests and expertise. Paul's fine work and dedication first came to my attention soon after I was appointed Ranking member of the Committee on House Administration in 2003. As the Representative from the Nation's insurance capital, Hartford, and as the former owner of an insurance company, I wanted to be sure that the House was getting the maximum possible advantage from the money spent on insurance and other benefit programs for members and staff. Paul quickly assembled a team of CRS experts from the various CRS divisions which were assigned to cover these issues to bring me, the Committee staff, and the other members of the Committee up to speed on the programs and helped us analyze their merits. Paul was also an invaluable resource for us when we were dealing with the myriad of other issues which came before the Committee, especially the funding of the other House committees. He has also played an instrumental role in helping to write the story of the Committee, which was one of my first requests of CRS upon becoming Ranking member. Paul has continued to be a primary resource for me in my new position as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and has provided me with superior reports and memos on member compensation, Legislative Branch appropriations, and the duties of the House officers, to name a few. While I wish Paul well in his retirement, my staff and I will certainly miss his prompt and thorough responses for research and information. Paul Dwyer has been recognized by CRS and the Library of Congress again and again for the quality of his work. His performance evaluations routinely noted his commendable and outstanding level of performance. He has been honored with 13 Library of Congress Special Achievement Awards during his career. In a sense, Paul's career coincides with the era in which CRS came to maturity, evolving, under congressional guidance and stewardship, into the world's finest legislative policy institute, the envy of world parliaments and our own executive branch, and the close adviser and trusted resource of the United States Congress. Paul exemplifies the best characteristics of this tradition: knowledge, perspective and judgment, and a commitment to providing Congress with information and analysis that is correct, complete, balanced and non-partisan. CRS, Congress, and in the larger sense, the American people, will lose a tireless and dedicated public servant when Paul E. Dwyer retires. Madam Speaker, I would like to urge my colleagues to join me in thanking Paul for his 39 years of exemplary service, and in offering him every good wish as he begins his retirement.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, 4 years ago, the President declared victory onboard the Abraham Lincoln. Indeed, our troops have performed valiantly and achieved military victory. There is no question about that or their performance. But 4 years later, we find ourselves still in a quagmire, a quagmire that even the head of the CIA said was now all trumped up with misinformation, misled the country, sacrificing brave men and women and their lives in Iraq. What we need is for the President to step up and recognize what the American people are calling for: a new direction. Refocus on Afghanistan, go after the terrorists where they are, go after Osama bin Laden, the people who actually took down the tower, and end this quagmire. And the only reason that we are there and continue to lose lives, because there is no mission other than arrogance and hubris that has led this President to stay this course in spite of the sacrifice by our brave troops and men, when 61 percent of the Iraqi people say it is okay to kill Americans, that sectarian violence is okay, and in the midst of the civil war is not where we belong.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 323) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. George David, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Technologies Corporation, who received the Leadership in Human Capital Practices award at the Third Annual CNBC Executive Leadership Award ceremony on January 31, 2007. While this prestigious award seeks to honor executives ``who best exemplifies leadership in human capital practices within their organization by cultivating highly productive and satisfied workforces,'' no award can fully appreciate the impact that his leadership has had on the lives of thousands of American citizens across the country. The Employee Scholar Program he created has allowed UTC employees to obtain more than 20,000 academic degrees free of charge. Since 1996, Mr. David's advocacy of the $600,000,000 investment by United Technologies Corporation in this program has not only enriched the lives of his fellow employees, but has benefited every corner of our great country. The United States of America is more vibrant, dynamic, and competitive because of the Employee Scholar Program he created more than 10 years ago. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating George David for receiving this prestigious award.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 99, the House Budget Resolution for fiscal year 2008. This bill proves that a responsible budget can both reflect the values of our country and ensure the growth of our economy. For all too long the voice of the American people has not been heard in this Congress. Today, I am proud to say that the new Democratic-led Congress is listening and we are delivering. We have brought a budget to the floor that begins to reverse six years of harmful cuts and reckless fiscal policy, and invests in the Nation's future. This budget supports programs that help more working families help themselves. It keeps our promises to our children, seniors, and veterans. Unlike the Administration's budget, this carefully crafted budget brings down the deficit by $234 billion over the next 5 years and balances it by 2012. It supports middle-class tax cuts and sets up a reserve fund for a long-term fix for the AMT--a tax that will effect over 580,000 Connecticut families in 2007. The bill also creates a reserve fund of up to $14 billion over 10 years for investments in clean, renewable alternative energy that is paid for by redirecting oil company subsidies. This budget refuses to leave children behind--it provides $7.9 billion more in funding for education, which means more funding for No Child Left Behind, special education, and aid to help students afford college. The bill also includes a $50 billion reserve fund to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, to cover the more than 9 million children without health insurance, including the nearly 73,000 uninsured children in Connecticut. In addition, this budget ensures veterans receive the care that is worthy of their sacrifice. It provides $3.5 billion more this year to provide quality health care for veterans, repair VA health care facilities, and improve the accuracy and time of processing disability claims. Our budget rejects the President's proposed cuts to Medicare and homeland security grants. Our budget refuses to increase the deficit. Our budget refuses to ``stay the course'' of the Bush Administration. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the underlying bill, a budget that reflects the values and priorities of the American people.