Juanita Millender-McDonald

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I join the distinguished chairman, or the appropriate person in his place, in support of this legislation to authorize use of the Capitol rotunda for this very sad occasion. There can be no more proper use of the rotunda, the center of the temple of our democracy, than to honor the late former President Ronald Reagan with a state funeral and lying in state. With this observance, President Reagan will take his proper place in the pantheon of American heroes who have lain in state in this temple, benefiting their vast contributions to the fabric of our National political life. Although I did not have the honor to serve in the Congress during President Reagan's term, I greatly admired him as a statesman, and his skills as the Great Communicator, and am grateful for everything he did for our country. Mr. Speaker, it is especially fitting that Congress and the Nation pay their respects to our 40th President in this temple because several memorable events of his 8 years in office took place here. Of course, he delivered all of his State of the Union messages right here in this Chamber, including the one in which he dropped several pounds of paper onto the rostrum and urged Congress not to send him any more massive, catch-all spending bills. In 1985, President Reagan returned from a Geneva summit meeting with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, flew directly from Andrews Air Force Base to the Capitol by helicopter, and addressed a joint session, reporting hopeful progress on arms control and reassuring the Nation and the world. Perhaps more relevant to the resolution before us, many Americans will recall that the bitter cold of January 21, 1985, forced President Reagan's second inaugural ceremony to come indoors and take place in the rotunda itself in order to protect the multitudes attending and participating in the inauguration, who would otherwise have been at great risk from the elements and frostbite. Throughout his life and career, President Reagan was always considerate of others. And like others who have preceded him in the Nation's highest office, Ronald Reagan hailed from a humble background. Born in 1911 in Illinois, Reagan grew up in the town of Dixon, was active in sports, drama, and student politics, all of which would serve him well later. In 1932, the future President graduated from Eureka College with a degree in economics and sociology. He embarked on a radio career that eventually led him to Hollywood, where he worked in the entertainment industry for 2 decades, principally in motion pictures. He appeared in over 50 movies, including one of my favorites, the 1940 ``Knute Rockne: All American.'' In the film, Reagan portrayed the legendary Notre Dame athlete George Gipp, who set numerous football records during a 5-year career before succumbing in 1920 to an infection that struck 20 years before the discovery of antibiotics. In the movie's climax, Reagan earned his lifelong nickname when the dying Gipp asked Coach Rockne to urge his teammates to go out there and ``win won for the Gipper.'' For us football fans, especially one who has a son who played football, the scene is priceless. My son loved the movie, and he certainly loves football as well. And I have little doubt that today, for millions of Americans, the legends of George Gipp and the man who portrayed him on film have become inextricably linked. In the 1960s, when the Gipper became active in politics, he generally supported Republican candidates, including Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater. Like Nixon and Goldwater, Reagan became known as an ardent anti-Communist. In 1966, he became a Republican candidate himself, winning the first of two terms as Governor of California. Two years after leaving office in Sacramento, Governor Reagan challenged President Gerald Ford for the GOP nomination for the Presidency, and nearly won it. In 1980, he won both the Republican Presidential nomination and the general election, where he received nearly 51 percent of the popular vote and carried 45 States and 489 electoral votes. Of course, we all recall that in 1981 an assassin nearly ended our new President's life in a hail of gunshots here in Washington. Fortunately, the would-be assassin failed to achieve his demented purpose, and the President went on to survive not only gunshot wounds but also colon cancer. The President also survived the bruising political battles so common in this capital city. He did so simply by refusing to take politics personally. President Reagan's ability to build and maintain a lasting friendship with House Speaker Tip O'Neill, with whom he disagreed on many political issues, exemplified an approach to politics and to governing which I greatly admire, and one that I wish others would emulate. In 1984, President Reagan won reelection, with nearly 59 percent of the popular vote, the electoral votes of 49 States, and completed his two momentous terms. By the time he left office in 1989, he was, despite large budget deficits and the Iran-contra scandal, one of our most beloved Presidents. The massive outpouring of grief seen across this country and the world since his death on Saturday is abundant proof of the esteem Americans hold for their 40th President throughout every city, suburb, and hamlet in this land. Mr. Speaker, the state funeral and the lying in state authorized in the rotunda this week will be solemn state occasions whose purpose is to provide the public with an opportunity to view the body and mourn the passing of a head of state. Ceremony, history, and protocol will permeate these rites. Among them, it is worth noting, that when President Reagan's body lies in state in the rotunda, his remains will rest upon the historic catafalque constructed for the funeral of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, another son of Illinois. All those who have lain in state in the Capitol rotunda have rested on the Lincoln catafalque, made of simple pine boards and draped in black velvet. It is fitting that this relic, built for one who became, if not in life, one of the most cherished and beloved Presidents, will now be used to support the body of our 40th President, a cherished and beloved successor to Lincoln. As a people, we are truly grateful for President Reagan's long service to our country and for the opportunity to honor him and his memory in this way. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to play a role in these proceedings by managing this resolution for the minority, in the absence of our ranking member. I hope that all my colleagues will join in paying tribute to our 40th President by supporting this very important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As we heard of the death of our 40th President, Mr. Speaker, I could not help but think of the friendship that I had with his daughter who preceded him in death, Maureen Reagan. For 15 years, Maureen and I worked tirelessly for women's issues internationally. And for the respect that I had for her, and certainly did not know her father, I will say to all of my colleagues to please pass this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to recognize a great community leader in my district--Reverend Joe Chaney, Jr., the organizer and founder of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Long Beach, California. Last week, I was in attendance as the church celebrated its 43rd anniversary. Antioch Missionary Baptist Church started with five members in 1961, and today has an active congregational membership of over 1600 parishioners. Reverend Chaney has long been a tireless advocate for social change, inter-denominational understanding and fellowship in Long Beach. He has served as Director of Missions for the Long Beach Harbor Southern Baptist Association and for five years organized and directed the Long Beach Ministerial Alliance, an interdenominational alliance of local ministers. He has served as the chaplain at St. Mary's Hospital and the Long Beach Police Department, and is currently the chaplain of the Long Beach Fire Department. Reverend Chaney is committed to not only serving the church and the surrounding community, but to people all over California. He was selected as the first African-American on the Family Services and Child Care Board of Directors of the California Southern Baptist Convention, and has served as the President of the California Southern Baptist African-American Network. Mr. Speaker, Rev. Joe Chaney and his wife Mrs. Maxine Moss Chaney have served as mentors to many in Long Beach, and have been widely recognized by their peers for touching the lives of many, and have dedicated their lives to improving the community by serving others. I congratulate Rev. and Mrs. Chaney on 43 years of dedicated service to Long Beach, our State, and our Nation. Thank you for 43 great years!

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Small Business Administration, its employees all over the nation and its resource partners during ``National Small Business Week.'' Mr. Speaker, small businesses play a vital role in our nation's economy. Many people have heard the phrase that small business is ``the engine of our nation's economy,'' and perhaps no truer words have ever been used to describe how important the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication of the approximately 23 million small businesses are to the continued health and welfare of America. Small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all employers, employ half of all private sector employees, generate 60 to 80 percent of net new jobs annually, and make up 97 percent of all exporting firms. American small businesses are extremely diverse, and despite the current economic climate, some are thriving. In particular, female participation in business ownership has been climbing in recent years. Women now own around 40 percent of all small businesses and are growing at twice the rate of other small firms. In fact, the 9.1 million women- owned small businesses in this country employ 27.5 million people and add $3.6 trillion to the economy. About 5.8 percent of small businesses are owned by Hispanic Americans, 4.4 percent by Asian Americans, and 4 percent by African Americans. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Tax, Finance and Exports, I have long been an advocate for a level playing field for small businesses. I have introduced legislation, HR 2374, which would allow minority small business owners participating in the Small Business Administration's 8(a) minority contracting program into teaming, leader-follow arrangements and joint ventures. I have also authored legislation, HR 2375, that would change the IRS Code to allow small business owners to offer their employees greater savings opportunities under SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) IRAs. Finally, I have introduced HR 3099, legislation that would give the SBA authority to make loans to nonprofit day-care centers. This bipartisan measure helps not only non-profit small businesses, but gives parents a viable daycare option as they work during the day. Mr. Speaker, small businesses are indeed the engine that makes our economy run smoothly, and I urge all my colleagues to take a moment this week and reflect on the hard work of our nation's entrepreneurs, the financial and regulatory hurdles they face everyday, and the measures I have proposed to make the full-time job of running a small business easier.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald recognizes the extraordinary spirit of this man, who after becoming a paraplegic went on to accomplish what others would consider impossible. He had started his career with the Federal government when tragedy struck in a car accident. But he was not deterred and as a paraplegic, he worked hard and received his Baccalaureate degree from Long Beach State University. He went on to receive his Master's degree in Hospital Administration from the University of California at Los Angeles; and Whereas, Ramon J. Reevey distinguished himself to veterans and hospital administrations nationwide by demonstrating total commitment to the Department of Veterans Affairs. He understood the problems of patients in the Veterans hospitals. His empathy allowed him to manage the resources of the hospital to better provide needed care. His caring and positive attitude is reflected in his motto: ``If you have happy employees, you have happy patients''; and Whereas, Ramon J. Reevey throughout his career accomplished many goals, with the crown jewel of his career being the hosting of the 23rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games in July 2003, while heading up the VA Long Beach Healthcare System. He was also a competitive participant in the Games; and Now therefore, be it resolved, that the dedication of this man to the welfare of the lives of our community is much appreciated.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald recognizes the fine work of this man, who was born and raised in the city of Los Angeles, attended David Starr Jordan High School; became an entrepreneur starting and operating his own trucking company, while serving as an employee of the City of Los Angeles; later co-owning and operating Moe's Liquor Store in Compton successfully for nearly 20 years. He enjoyed listening to Jazz and traveling whenever possible. His loving wife, Evelyn, and his family will always cherish his love and devotion. Now therefore, be it resolved, that the dedication of this man in enriching the lives of our community is much appreciated.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters was born on April 22, 1915, in Scottsville, Louisiana, she was the third child of Charlie and Lucille Graham; and was affectionately called ``Pearl''. She spent her early life in Bossier City and Shreveport, Louisiana where she attended public schools; and Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Bright Star Baptist Church in Scottsville, Louisiana. She met and married Herman T. Walker and to that union two daughters were born, Maxine W. and Joyce Ann Walker; and Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters, in 1936 moved with her family to Los Angeles, California where she united with Bethlehem Baptist Church, later she joined New Hope Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and was a member of Choir #2, and the Mission; and Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters, in 1949 met the man who was to be her life-long spouse, Everson Boyd Esters, and after a brief courtship they were married and from this union was born a son Everson B. (Chuck) Esters; and Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters was always looking out for the welfare of her children and left no stone unturned to expose them to the beauty of the arts, culture and the world of music. She would not settle for what was common, but she gave them her best in the hope that they would comprehend and excel. She surrounded them with a loving home and a rich family environment; and Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters, with her family in God's hands, caught the fire of the holy spirit and followed her husband into the ministry. She grew a large circle of love by serving the needy and encouraging others to challenge what they weren't sure they could do. As a result, she developed a number of leaders and singers in the church, she expanded her circle and achieved State and national recognition for her voluminous work in service to others; and Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters, after lengthy illness passed on, leaving us to humbly acknowledge the living legacy of her love of her husband, Everson B. Esters, her children, Maxine Swan, Joyce Walker and Chuck Esters and other relatives and friends. She will be missed in the lives of all those she has touched, and . . . Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That Congresswoman Juanita Millender- McDonald proudly recognizes this woman of faith, leadership, dedication, courage, persistence and wisdom and her distinguished service to her church and our community.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I come to the House floor tonight to speak on House Concurrent Resolution 352, legislation that I am proud to have introduced which gives much deserved recognition to the many invaluable contributions made by the people of Indian origin to the United States. Since the earliest days of our Republic, citizens of Indian origin have emigrated to our Nation in the pursuit of freedom and prosperity for themselves and their families. As American citizens, they have integrated into American society, and they have made extraordinary contributions to the United States, helping to make our Nation a more efficient and prosperous country. Indian Americans greatly value education and have made many significant contributions in the fields of law, science, technology, business development, public service, literature, and the arts, just to name a few. They are our doctors; over 35,000 of them practice medicine in the United States. And they are our astronauts, professors, and business leaders. There are over 2 million Indian Americans today who proudly call America their home, and they have become woven into the economic growth and social fabric of our Nation. This resolution also honors the long history of democracy in India, the most populous democracy in the world; and it reaffirms our Nation's commitment to working with India towards our mutual interest of global peace, prosperity, and freedom. India and its 1 billion citizens greatly value the close relationship that exists between the United States and their country, and they continue to strengthen their ties with us based on their shared value and shared security concerns. The United States and India are strategic partners; and as the Speaker knows, India was one of the first countries to offer the United States its support following the tragic September 11 attacks. And today India remains one of our closest allies in the war on terrorism. We must continue to increase trade and cooperative economic efforts with India and together strive to increase prosperity among all nations of the world. As two democracies working together, we can make dreams become a reality. I also want to recognize the efforts of Dr. Krishna Reddy, president of the Indian American Friendship Council, for his efforts in building and promoting strong bonds of friendship between Indian Americans and all Americans. Finally, this resolution acknowledges the benefits of working together with India towards promoting global peace, prosperity, and freedom. Once again, I am proud to have introduced this resolution, and I am very pleased that the House of Representatives has passed it overwhelmingly today. I thank my colleagues for that. Doing so sends a clear message to both the United States and India that we share common values, honor contributions from both sides, and treasure our mutual friendship. H. Con. Res. 352 Whereas India is the largest democratic country in the world and enjoys a close and mutual friendship with the United States based on common values and common interests; Whereas people of Indian origin who have for decades immigrated to the United States have made extraordinary contributions to the United States, helping to make the United States a more efficient and prosperous country; Whereas these contributions have spanned disciplines ranging from science, technology, business development, and public service, to social justice, philanthropy, literature, and the arts; Whereas generations of doctors and nurses of Indian origin have attended to the sick in large cities as well as in rural regions of the United States that are otherwise underserved; Whereas people of Indian origin have designed defense systems that protect United States naval ships while at sea, and have contributed to engineering, designing, and participating in the United States space shuttle program, at great personal sacrifice; Whereas people of Indian origin have invented many of the technologies that power the computer and the internet, have created and directed laboratories that produced significant breakthroughs in modern medicine, and have taught at, and are leaders of, many United States institutions of higher learning; Whereas people of Indian origin have made invaluable contributions to the vitality and viability of the United States economy through creative entrepreneurship and leadership in both large and small businesses; Whereas people of Indian origin have shared and integrated their rich culture into the fabric of American daily life; Whereas trade with India integrates a democratic country of more than one billion people into the flow of commerce, offering the United States a large and rapidly growing market and unlocking vast reservoirs of talent; Whereas the United States is India's largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment and foreign institutional investment in India; Whereas United States exports to India are growing at 25 percent, making India one of the fastest growing foreign markets for United States goods and services; Whereas India's industrial tariffs have fallen from 150 percent in 1988 to a peak rate of 20 percent today; Whereas United States exports to India will accelerate as India continues reducing tariffs and instituting liberalization measures in its trade and investment regime, thereby expanding the trade relationship of the two countries and bringing mutual benefits; Whereas India has been a key partner in the war against terrorism; Whereas India and the United States have agreed to increase cooperation in the areas of nuclear activities, civilian space programs, high-technology trade, and missile defense; Whereas multi-faceted cooperation between India and the United States will strengthen the bonds of friendship and commerce between the two countries, lead to the peaceful use of space technology, and increase global stability and security; and Whereas United States efforts, whether in combating global HIV/AIDS, pursuing nuclear non-proliferation, promoting democracy, enhancing stability of the world economy, eliminating poverty, fighting terrorism, and expanding and strengthening global trade, will be more effective and successful with India as a strategic partner: Now therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress-- (1) honors the contributions of people of Indian origin to the Untied States, and (2) is committed to working together with India towards promoting peace, prosperity, and freedom among all countries of the world.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to speak for a few moments about the almost 44 million Americans, including 8.5 million children, who are uninsured. Mr. Speaker, this week is Cover the Uninsured Week. As part of an intense effort to highlight the state of the uninsured in this country, more than 800 national and local organizations are working together and holding events, including health and enrollment fairs for uninsured Americans and health coverage seminars for small business owners. In a study released yesterday, the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured estimates our Nation will spend $41 billion to care for the uninsured in 2004. Federal, State and local governments will bear as much as 85 percent of these costs according to the study. This study comes on the heels of new research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the national sponsor of Cover the Uninsured Week, which found that 20 million working adults in the U.S. are uninsured. In my home State of California, approximately 6.5 million State residents were uninsured for all or part of 2002. Mr. Speaker, the uninsured are not only the poor or unemployed. In California, 2.5 million working residents are uninsured. That's 16 percent of the working population. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, between 2000 and 2001, the number of the uninsured increased by 1.4 million, and low income Americans are the most likely to be uninsured. Mr. Speaker, earlier this Congress, I introduced legislation, H.R. 1143, the Keep America Healthy Act. My bill amends title XIX of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit States to expand Medicaid eligibility to uninsured, poor adults. The eligibility is expanded through the creation of a new optional Medicaid eligibility group for individuals between the ages of 21 and 65 whose family income does not exceed a State-specified percentage of up to 200 percent of the applicable poverty line. I believe that Congress must take steps to insure the health of all Americans. In addition, the working poor should be confident that unfortunate incidents would not affect their ability to provide for their families. These citizens are left vulnerable by the lack of Federal health care assistance available to them, and my bill seeks to fill that gap. Mr. Speaker, we all are aware that there is a health care crisis in our Nation, and while there are no easy solutions, I ask my colleagues to support not only my legislation, but also the mission and goals of Cover the Insured Week.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, this month we are celebrating National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month. Yesterday was Allergy and Asthma Awareness Day. Last night, while attending the Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics Awards Recognition Dinner, I had the pleasure of meeting two dynamic young people who suffer from asthma and yet are doing amazing things to raise awareness about this respiratory disorder. Evan Mungan of Arnold, Maryland, and Rachel Lambin of Gardenerville, Nevada, were the recipients of the AANMA Creative Kids Sunny Awards, which highlights drawings, paintings and writings by children who share their feelings about asthma. Mr. Speaker, Evan won an award for his drawing entitled ``Good Day/ Bad Day,'' which is here on the floor, which illustrates the difference between a healthy lung and a lung with asthma. Rachel wrote this original composition, ``When I Can Breathe,'' which is here on the floor, which expresses her feelings when the weight of asthma has taken its toll on families. Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood; and, unfortunately, the number of children and young people with asthma is increasing. About 17 million U.S. citizens have asthma; 5 million of these are children under the age of 18. About one in 13 school-age children has asthma. Health care costs related to asthma are estimated at $14 billion annually. Both Rachel and Evan joined me on the floor today, Mr. Speaker, and they had the opportunity to be on the floor with their siblings, John Henry and Anabel, to take part in meeting Members and shaking their hands. They really did enjoy that. But, Mr. Speaker, the faces of asthma sufferers are the faces of all of our children, and I believe we have a duty to help them. Earlier this Congress, I introduced the Asthma Awareness and Treatment Act of 2003. This legislation allows the HHS Secretary to award contracts for a national media campaign to inform the public and health care providers on asthma, allergies and related respiratory problems, especially in children, and provides research into whether there is a causal relationship between air pollutants and the occurrence of asthma, allergy and related respiratory problems. I am also proud to cosponsor H.R. 2023, the Asthmatic Schoolchildren's Treatment and Health Management Act of 2003. This legislation would give funding preference to those States that protect students' rights to carry and use prescribed life-saving asthma and other medications. I would like to thank the AANMA for all of their hard work in making this 7th Annual Asthma Awareness Day on Capitol Hill such a resounding success. I joined with my colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), to cochair this year's day on Capitol Hill.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 134, I was detained by constituents which is the reason for my not voting. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I ask that I utilize the 5 minutes, that I am on the list, at this time.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to the attention of this Congress legislation that I have recently introduced. The Geothermal Energy Initiative of 2004, H.R. 4094, is legislation that addresses a critically underdeveloped energy segment of our national renewable energy portfolio. The problem was cited in a January 2004 Associated Press article which stated that the Federal Government has a backlog of 230 lease applications for the prospect of the utilization of geothermal energy. This Associated Press article also stated that the average age of an application for the prospect of geothermal sites is 9 years. February 2004 supply projections from the American Gas Association show that natural gas supplies will remain tight into the foreseeable future and will result in continued high prices. The high cost of natural gas affects electricity and home heating costs. In March of 2004, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's climate monitoring laboratory reported that carbon dioxide levels in our environment are rising at alarming rates. Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming that disrupts climate and causes seas to rise. The last national resource assessment of geothermal sites in the United States was completed in 1978. There have been substantial improvements in technology and advances in geological sciences in the intervening 26 years. Clearly, there is a lack of resources and priority in the Department of the Interior concerning geothermal energy efforts. Now, in the current situation, most of our Nation's geothermal power plants were built in the mid-1980s and early 1990s when our energy markets were searching for alternative energy investments. Unfortunately, since that time, there has been a significant decline of focus on geothermal energy. Specifically, the Department of the Interior has steadily de-emphasized the geothermal energy program in the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Geological Survey. We must restore that focus. I believe we have an important opportunity to reemphasize this vital energy sector and greatly enhance our Nation's renewable energy portfolio. For example, the Bush administration has repeatedly championed the need to expand our renewable energy sources and to prioritize the development of our country's geothermal energy sources. Department of the Interior Secretary Gail Norton and Department of Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham have jointly stated their commitment to increasing our energy security by expanding the use of indigenous resources on Federal lands, while accelerating protection of the environment. That is not a true assessment as I see it, however. In fact, a 2003 report from the Department of Energy found that California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington State have the greatest potential for quick development of geothermal resources. Both those Secretaries, Norton and Abraham, should look at this report. In fact, the study listed nine top sites in California and 10 in Nevada. Unfortunately, progress has not been made by either one of these departments. That is why I have introduced the Geothermal Energy Initiative of 2004, so that Congress, this administration and States can all work in concert. The Geothermal Energy Initiative Act of 2004 is straightforward legislation that will do the following: authorize the update of the 26- year-old national assessment of geothermal resource. Significant advances in energy development technology and advances in geological sciences need to be harnessed to better understand and manage our geothermal resources. We must provide financial incentives to encourage the development of geothermal resources by expanding the production tax credit to include geothermal resources. Direct the Federal land management agencies to responsibly consider geothermal resources in their land use planning process. The initiative also provides direction to assist in streamlining the permit approval process. Provide provisions to defray costs associated with preparation of documents and analysis for compliance with Federal environmental protection regulations. Speaking from a California perspective for a moment, the immediate benefits of this initiative is the enormous positive impact that it will have on air quality and quality of life. For example, it has been estimated that when geothermal resources associated with California are developed, they will replace half the fossil fuel-generated electricity for California. This benefit alone would help thousands of asthma sufferers in the Los Angeles basin. Also, the addition of geothermal energy will help relieve the high cost of electricity and provide families with more disposable income. Jobs continue to be a top priority for States and localities. As our country works toward rebuilding our job base, due to the loss of textile and manufacturing jobs that have moved overseas, my legislation offers communities a new economic base and the opportunity for economic growth. Most geothermal generating facilities are located in rural areas where jobs tend to be scarce. A recent economic development study documents the tremendous job opportunities associated with geothermal generation facilities. Building a 50 megawatt geothermal power plant would create hundreds of immediate construction and related development jobs as well as approximately 30 to 50 permanent full-time jobs at the facility. Considering the economic multiplier effect, this would mean at least 150 to 200 new jobs in the community. Given the long operating life of existing geothermal plans, they are a stable and reliable part of the community's economic base. These facilities have a proven record of providing millions of dollars in property taxes and royalties to county and State treasuries. These funds help schools and community infrastructure. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, geothermal energy development sustains renewable energy efforts including compliance with renewable portfolio standards. It is consistent with the wind energy sources. Geothermal power plants recycle their spent hot water back into the aquifer they are developed on. So this is truly renewable. I ask my colleagues to strongly support this legislation.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate Women's History Month, it is of critical importance to note that the incidence of violence against women is still too high around the globe. Many women in the United States and in other nations live in terror, are afraid to speak up to protect their health and wellbeing, and are unable to shield their children from the effects of domestic violence. The impact of violence against women of all social and economic classes worldwide is chilling. According to Amnesty International, 120 million women and girls are subjected to female circumcision annually, and over 700,000 women in the United States are raped each year. Further, the World Bank reports that at least one in five women and girls have been sexually violated or beaten at some point in their lives. Violence against women is one of the world's most pervasive and yet least addressed human rights abuse issues. Women worldwide expend their energy, compromise their health and sacrifice their self-esteem due to the impact of domestic violence on their lives. In 1993, the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Article 1 defined violence against women as ``any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivations of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.'' Given this definition, and the evidence that women are more likely than men to be attacked by an intimate partner or family member to whom they are emotionally tied and economically dependent upon, it is incumbent upon those of us who are elected leaders to ensure the physical, emotional and financial stability of women everywhere. The threat of violence extends to pregnant women, and is compounded in the treatment of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. As reported by the Center for Health and Gender Equity, a study of pregnant women in six African nations showed that the women's fear of rejection and domestic violence was responsible for their refusal to take AZT to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The women surveyed declined to inform their families and friends about their HIV status because they feared being assaulted. Around the world, too few women fail to seek adequate medical care, nor are they willing to share pertinent information about their experiences of domestic violence with healthcare providers for fear of retaliation from male partners or family members. We must work together on behalf of women everywhere to create an atmosphere free of the threat of violence where women can seek the care they need to safeguard their health and that of their children.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Chairman, let me rise to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership and also the subcommittee chair and ranking member. I am talking about the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski). These are the leaders that put this bill on the floor today. They are the ones who have heard from the mayors and the county supervisors about the congestion that is on our roads. They are the ones who have brought forth this very principled and balanced bill. This bill speaks to, and the initial bill that we had for $375 billion, Mr. Chairman, did speak to recommendations and needs, assessments, provided by the Department of Transportation. That first bill was based on the administration's own numbers. But this bill speaks to the traffic congestion that costs American motorists some $67.5 billion a year in wasted time and fuel cost. Americans spend an additional 4.5 billion hours a year stuck in traffic. This bill addresses the immediate needs of our communities. Our communities have spoken loud and clear: They want congestion relief. This bill also speaks to projects of national and regional significance. I want to thank the leadership again, the chairman and the ranking member, the gentleman from Wisconsin and the gentleman from Illinois, of the subcommittees, for their leadership in bringing this particular language to the bill. This bill and that language, Mr. Chairman, speaks to a new program that will go a long way in relieving our Nation's congestion on the roads and those choke points that will help to reduce that congestion in our cities and in our communities. This program and funding addresses the increasing importance of moving goods safely, securely and efficiently among our freeways and highways. It also speaks to the mobilization of people. This bill is good for not only communities, mayors and county supervisors but also for businesses. This is why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Conference of Mayors and all are supporting this bill as it is. They recognize that when we go to conference, there will be some adjustments made, but they want this bill to go out as it is because it represents all that is necessary for a balanced approach in the national scope of providing relief from congestion. This bill also speaks to I-710, which is a high-priority corridor in California. Fifteen percent of our Nation's total commerce of inbound and outbound containerized goods are moved along I-710. This is truly a high-priority corridor. This is also a jobs bill, Mr. Chairman, because we recognize that over 3 million jobs have been lost. This bill creates the type of opportunities for jobs. What else can we say? This is a win-win bill, and this bill should pass off the floor.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership. They have fought long and hard to make sure that they heard the cry of small businesses. Small businesses have been crying throughout this country, saying that they needed the 7(a) loan programs so that they can do business; and we all recognize that small businesses are the engine that creates the jobs in this country. So to the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Manzullo) and the gentlewoman from New York (Ranking Member Velazquez), I thank them so much for bringing this to the floor and all of the staff members who have worked so hard. Mr. Speaker, this critical measure will help reopen the Small Business Administration's core lending vehicle which is the 7(a) loan program, and it will provide funding for the agency through June 4. While we grapple with the budget, we recognize that there are shortcomings in terms of it, but at least it will begin to address those applications that have come to us from those small businesses that critically need the financing through the 7(a) loan program. This bill also makes a number of important changes to the program, including lifting the $750,000 cap on loans and gets the program running at an adequate level. It removes the regulatory restriction, also known as the ``piggybacking,'' on SBA loans being part of larger financing packages. This bill also creates a new financing tool by increasing the size of the loan guarantee to $1.5 million, which provides more options for lenders providing these loans. Finally, Mr. Speaker, this bill extends the 504 loan program and the SBIC program through the end of this year. We cannot thank the ranking member and the chair enough for the hard work that they have done, because these are important loan programs for small businesses. As the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports, I have long understood the critical role this program plays in keeping our Nation's economy vibrant and strong. These loans are the only source of affordable, long-term financing for many of our Nation's small businesses, and loans spur economic development in underserved areas. In addition, the 7(a) loan program can be used for long-term working capital, including accounts payable, just allowing small businesses to do business. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to pass this very important piece of legislation, H.R. 4062.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned about my colleagues on the other side in bringing to the floor House Resolution 557, which was just passed out with a ``no'' vote for me. This resolution is another attempt to divide this House on the Iraqi war while our young men and women continue to die, while parents, spouses and children suffer in their grief, and while we mourn their losses as a Nation. Mr. Speaker, the Republicans did not involve a single Democrat in writing this resolution and, further, proposed a rule that allowed not a single amendment to be offered. We are here in this great House as a collective body to represent the people of America, and as the President constantly states, we are a Nation at war. Yet this House has chosen to ignore the Democrats and the people we represent in not involving us and including our position on this resolution. This is shameful, undemocratic, and an affront to our sons and daughters serving in this war. Mr. Speaker, I share the view that the people of Iraq and the world are better off with Hussein in custody and his regime destroyed. Everyone agrees with that. However, the President told everyone in the Nation that combat was over on May 1, 2003. Yet every day young men and women continue to die in Iraq. Just today, a car bomb rocked Baghdad and killed more than 20 people. Over 500 Americans have died and over 3,000 have been injured, some seriously, during this war. Our mission in Iraq has not been accomplished, the administration had no clear plan, our soldiers did not have the basic equipment that they needed, and returning veterans are being shortchanged on the benefits that they rightfully deserve. This resolution did not speak to any of these issues. Resolution 557 states that Americans and the world are safer now that Saddam has been captured. Mr. Speaker, the facts simply do not support this. The world has become a much more dangerous place. Just this past weekend, over 200 people died in Spain as a result of a terrorist attack. The invasion of Iraq has become a breeding ground for terrorists, and we live here in America under a cloud of constant fear. We are not safer. We are also raising a generation of children living in fear instead of relishing the joy of the innocence of childhood. I have heard my colleagues in the House state that Libyan leader Mommar Qaddafi decided to disarm because of the invasion of Iraq and the capture of Saddam Hussein. This is another attempt to twist the facts. It is well known that Mommar Qaddafi began negotiations with the United States and Europe to disarm long before the Iraqi war and the capture of Saddam Hussein. Even Secretary Colin Powell recently acknowledged that. This claim is akin to the claim that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. This resolution clearly shows the Republicans are in denial as to why we went to Iraq and denial as to the constant state of security and stability in the world and are delusional as to how this war is affecting other countries. This resolution also failed to mention how isolated we are in the international community. The people of Spain just showed the world what they thought of this war when they voted out the power of their government that supported President Bush on the war. I stand behind our courageous men and women in uniform who are bearing the burden of this military action in Iraq. I am deeply grateful to their patriotism, their courage, and their sacrifice. I regret that they were placed in the position of fighting a war for weapons of mass destruction that did not exist, but I honor their service. I have recently introduced legislation that would provide $50 million in funding to enable military families to get personal counseling upon return from this war and return from the service they have provided so admirably. I will continue to support our military men and women as they serve our country in this dangerous mission. Finally, Mr. Speaker, our men and women in uniform deserve more than one line in this resolution that was passed on the floor. Surely our men and women in uniform, who have made the ultimate sacrifice, given their lives, deserve to be recognized and honored far greater than this. This was not outlined in the resolution just passed.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to join India in celebrating India Republic Day. The United States and India share a common colonial history, and today we are both strong democracies that serve as a model for other nations. I am pleased that President Bush and Prime Minister Vajpayee have agreed to work in partnership on civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs, and high-technology trade. As we work together towards building trade, peaceful uses of space technology, and combating terrorism, our cooperative efforts will have global benefits, spread prosperity and enhance international security. With a population of over one billion people speaking over 114 different languages, cultural differences and significant poverty among her people, India faces enormous challenges. However, India has shown her strength, resiliency and vision for over fifty years since adopting a constitution in 1950. She has taken affirmative steps to promote equal and social justice for all, and to improve the plight of the poor. These are values that we share as democratic nations and partners working together to ensure that people have hope and freedom. Finally, I commend India for the steps she has taken to open relations with Pakistan and work towards a resolution over Kashmir. My best wishes for success in this endeavor that is important not only to the people of India and Pakistan, but also to the rest of the world.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership on this issue and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott). I am joining my colleagues because I see now that the President's budget is cutting about 20-plus programs, and those programs are critical to our districts. And you are absolutely right, our districts do not comprise all African Americans. We are talking about Cambodians, Filipinos, Samoans, Vietnamese, Guamanians; and they are all concerned about the loss of jobs. In L.A. County alone, which is the largest county in California, we have lost over 136,000 jobs. In the State of California, we have lost over 300,000 jobs. No State, no city, no county can be sustained with those types of job losses; and so this budget is absolutely the most outrageous budget I have ever had to deal with because it has no funding in there for No Child Left Behind to any great degree. We know the last budget was $8 billion short. I think now it is $9 billion short; and so here we are trying to grapple with educating our children, some 53-plus million children in this country. California has over 6 million, and we do not have the funding to do that. I think it has just gone off the chart, and so I thank the gentleman for allowing me to come and speak on this because I have never seen a budget that is so ill-fated, that has absolutely nothing to speak to the American people, when we have 11 million children who are uninsured, and over 44 million adults, and this budget does not speak to insuring them. It is an atrocity, and so I join you in saying this administration's budget is a hoax; it is not for the American people. It is everything but for the American people.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman and I sit on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. That bill alone would bring the types of jobs for folks that have good wages and good benefits, and yet we have asked for over $375 billion for that bill. He has now cut that bill down to some $258 billion. How can we get Americans back to work if we are not going to put the type of funding in programs and on bills to support that? So we are just outraged. It is outrageous to even speak of the fact that they are going to have so many jobs per month, because that growth is not coming.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. That work takes place right here in America, in the heartlands, in the rural, in the urban areas of our cities and States; and this is why, if the President is really interested in getting jobs to the American people, he would invest in this transportation bill that will keep those jobs right here. They are great construction jobs. There are other suppliers jobs that come from that, and it is a multiplying effect. So if you get those jobs, those jobs create other jobs and, therefore, will bring back a lot of those jobs; but if he is not willing to invest the $375 billion in a transportation bill, then he is not really anxious about getting jobs back to Americans.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will yield once again. The other thing that would create the climate for jobs would be small businesses. And yet here at the end of last year, the 7(a) loan program, which is really the driving force for financing for small businesses was absolutely turned out. No money in it. It was eliminated. But because we raised so much havoc on it, they have brought that back, but with fewer dollars. So we still do not have the infusion of money for this powerful engine that drives the economy through job creation, which are the small businesses. So, again, the President is not operating in the true sense of helping Americans to get back to work.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my condolences to the families of the terrorist victims in Madrid, Spain. This heinous act of violence is becoming all too common an occurrence. This morning, as we are all painfully aware, a series of explosions ripped through several packed commuter trains in Madrid during the morning rush hour. The blast killed at least 173 people and wounded 600. Last month, in an all too familiar circumstance in Moscow, a bomb exploded inside a crowded subway train during the morning rush hour, killing at least 39 people and wounding more than 130. Securing our Nation's public transportation system has been a top priority of mine. At the outset of the 108th Congress, I introduced the Public Transportation Systems Vulnerability and Reduction Act of 2003, which is H.R. 1148. For years, Mr. Speaker, governments around the world have recognized that public transportation is a major terrorist target. Until 9-11, the United States had been largely spared the kinds of terrorist campaigns waged against public service transportation. However, we cannot wait for a tragedy to happen to prompt us to address our vulnerabilities. In October 2001, a study released by the Mineta Institute, Protecting Public Surface Transportation Against Terrorism and Serious Crime: An Executive Overview, cites that between 1920 and 2000, there have been approximately 900 terrorist attacks and other significant criminal incidents involving public surface transportation systems. However, all but 14 of these attacks occurred after 1970, the year that marks the beginning of modern terrorism. Attacks against transportation and transportation infrastructures accounted for about 42 percent of all international terrorist attacks according to the most recent statistics provided by the U.S. DOT Office of Intelligence and Security in 1998. We are seeing these statistics play out before our eyes on CNN. My legislation, the Public Transportation Systems Vulnerability and Reduction Act of 2003, will provide our Nation's transportation systems and workers with the training and funding to help protect our homeland. This legislation will provide funding for ongoing vulnerability assessments which would build continuously on information collected, allowing for easier implementation of new technology that will assist in averting terrorist attacks on all modes of public transportation. It will have training programs for front-line transit employees, ensuring that these employees, who are the eyes and ears of transportation systems, are prepared to respond to emergency situations. And it will develop and have implementation of local and regional emergency preparedness plans that fully utilize a community's transportation resources. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in continuing to work to give our Nation's transportation systems and employees the resources to protect our communities. I urge my colleagues to support the Public Transportation Systems Vulnerability and Reduction Act of 2003.

Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.