Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to support the Girls Count Act. I want to thank Mr. Chabot and his staff for working alongside my office on this important bill. I want to thank Mr. Royce and, of course, Mr. Engel for their support in moving this bill forward. Madam Speaker, we can all agree that every child deserves to have his birth, name, and identity recognized by his government. Every child deserves access to an education and to health services. Without a recognized identity, that is just not possible. Unfortunately, UNICEF estimates that 230 million children under the age of 5--and that is mostly girls--do not have birth certificates. Without this piece of paper, they are effectively invisible to their governments, invisible to the world. These invisible girls are likely not to be able to attend school or to access the needed health services. It would be difficult, if not impossible, for a girl to inherit, to vote, or to simply be a full and active member of her community. This girl would be at high risk of being confined to her home, of being forced into early marriage, or of being sold into human trafficking. Without a birth certificate, she will likely face a bleak future. None of us would want this for her. The Girls Count Act is exactly what the title says; it helps ensure that all girls and boys are counted by their governments. The bill helps support the efforts of the Secretary of State and the Administrator of USAID to work with international organizations and NGOs to improve birth registration for all children. Every child deserves to have his birth recognized, and it deserves to be recognized by his government. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize Gladys Agatha Morton and the many contributions she has made as she prepares to celebrate her 90th birthday. Gladys is a consummate community leader, a kind and generous person who has been dedicated to her family and the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota throughout her life. She has made a lasting and positive impact on Saint Paul families and neighborhoods. Born in Ramsey County, Minnesota on May 31, 1925 to Eli and Christine Preble, Gladys has always considered the East Side of Saint Paul home. In 1953 she married Russell Morton and raised a son named Philip. Like many East Siders, Gladys became a valued employee at 3M, serving as a Payroll Manager. Soon Gladys found herself very busy outside of work and family too-- volunteering and serving on behalf of her community. Her work ethic, knowledge and commitment to the city earned her appointment to numerous leadership positions. She served on the Board of Zoning Appeals for 40 years, the Saint Paul Planning Commission for 23 years, the Saint Paul Charter Commission and even as an interim Ward 7 Saint Paul City Councilmember in 1997. In 2000, Gladys earned a place in U.S. history serving as a Minnesota Elector for the 2000 Presidential Election. Gladys had a hand in shaping every neighborhood in Saint Paul, but her passion has always been rooted in the East Side. She chaired numerous local task forces and the North East Neighborhoods Development Corporation. Her guidance helped develop Saint Paul into the beautiful and economically vibrant community that we enjoy today. Few can match her expertise and knowledge on municipal zoning, planning regulations and economic development. Now Gladys spends much of her time with the people who give her the greatest joy in life: her granddaughter Lisette, and her husband Hugh, and great-granddaughter Elissa. It is no surprise that Gladys' enthusiasm for public service has been passed on to Lisette. I know that she is very proud of her granddaughter's own public service career, which began with my friend and predecessor, the late Congressman Bruce Vento, and continues today serving as Legislative Director for Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York. Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor Gladys Agatha Morton on her 90th birthday. As many family and admirers prepare to gather and wish her well, we can all recognize the great inspiration her service is to all of us who strive to make our country better.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the men and women serving this nation as law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. This week is Police Week where we reflect upon the service and sacrifice of the thousands of women and men who keep our communities safe and put their lives on the line on our behalf. For their courage, commitment and bravery, these women and men have my greatest respect. Last year, the Twin Cities East Metro lost an officer in the line of duty when Officer Scott Patrick was gunned down in the line of duty during a traffic stop in St. Paul. Whenever an act of violence this senseless and tragic takes place, it shakes a community deeply. Officer Patrick's loss is still felt each day by his family and his fellow officers on the Mendota Heights Police force. This week we join them in mourning the loss of their loved one and friend. On Wednesday, Officer Scott's name will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial Wall in Washington, DC. The work that police officers and law enforcement officials do to keep our communities safe is often thankless and dangerous. As a society, we place an enormous amount of trust in those officers and they play a critical role in shaping the world we live in. Those who serve in law enforcement have my greatest respect for the work that they do to live up to and earn that trust in their communities. As a member of Congress, one of my jobs is to make sure police officers have the tools they need to keep their communities safe while returning home to their families safely each night. Whether this means personal safety protection, body cameras or computer systems that they need we must consider doing more for law enforcement agencies. I am proud to say that I have been a champion for more effective communication between law enforcement officers and first responders throughout my time in Congress and I look forward to continuing that partnership with the police community. This week, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring police week by remembering those officers who have given their lives in service of their communities.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), torture survivors and CVT staff and volunteers on the occasion of the organization's 30th anniversary. Since its inception in 1985, CVT has become a global leader in treating victims of torture here in the U.S. and around the world. CVT has provided life-saving mental health services and rehabilitative treatment to thousands of torture survivors from the Bosnian War in Sarajevo in Eastern Europe to the Continent of Africa from Liberia to Sierra Leone. CVT represents the best of the United States to our planet's most vulnerable citizens, and is one of only three healing treatment centers in the world. The professionals who care for torture survivors represent hope and dignity for thousands of people from more than 60 countries around the globe. In 1985, CVT set forth on a mission to extend interdisciplinary care to torture survivors in Minnesota, and over the years expanded those services to countries around the world, with healing centers today in Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya and Uganda. The work has grown to include training professionals in the United States and international locations in the specialized rehabilitation skills needed for people suffering the post-traumatic effects of torture, and also to advocating for human rights and put an end to torture practices. For the past three decades, CVT has helped more than 30,000 survivors reclaim their lives. Through combined direct services, capacity building and policy advocacy work, CVT has touched the lives of more than 50,000 survivors and approximately 100,000 of their family members. CVT was instrumental in helping Congress to pass the original Torture Victims Relief Act in 1998, which authorizes federal funding for torture survivor rehabilitation programs in the U.S. and abroad. Mr. Speaker, on May 14, 2015, the Center for Victims of Torture commemorates 30 years of helping torture survivors rebuild their lives and restore their hope. It is a great honor to work with CVT and its dedicated staff and volunteers. Please join me in paying tribute to the Center for Victims of Torture and its distinguished commitment to providing healing and hope to those who most need it.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, last week I voted against H.R. 1560. With two bills on the floor with the same purpose to improve public-private cybersecurity information sharing, I simply prefer the alternative legislation, the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015 (H.R. 1731). I commend the Select Committee on Intelligence for their efforts to produce quality, effective legislation to increase public-private cybersecurity information sharing. However, it made more sense to me that this information sharing would be channeled through the existing National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) already in place under the Department of Homeland Security, as provided in H.R. 1731. I am concerned that this bill would provide too many opportunities for mistakes as cybersecurity information would be shared by private entities with any civilian Government agency of their choice. With so many government entities eligible to receive this information, and then pass it on to other government organizations, H.R. 1560 would not ensure protection of private personal information. A coalition of 18 security researchers and 36 privacy organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have similar concerns, and while I applaud the effort to move forward to address cybersecurity issues, it's critical to get the privacy protections right. I recognize the importance of establishing cybersecurity legislation. and support the Administration's position that information sharing legislation must carefully safeguard privacy and civil liberties and provide for appropriate sharing with targeted liability protections. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing the Protecting Cyber Networks Act and support the National Cybersecurity Advancement Protection Act of 2015.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, on April 24th I was honored to be invited to join members of the Armenian-American community from across Minnesota for a service of remembrance at St. Sahag Armenian Church in St. Paul. That evening we remembered the victims of the Armenian Genocide and it was my privilege to deliver the following remarks. Today we join the people of Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora around the world in commemorating a historic reality, a historic truth, a historic crime. One hundred years ago a campaign of cruelty was waged against Ottoman Armenians that resulted in suffering and death of such a profound magnitude that it continues to be felt today. The entire world--all nations and peoples--need to stand with Armenians everywhere in commemorating the Armenian Genocide, acknowledging the horror of its cruelty, and recognizing the generations of pain it has caused. But this goal cannot be fully realized until truth triumphs over denial; until the historical horrors are acknowledged by the government of those responsible. We need to strengthen condemnations of the past and recognize the important relationship that the United States shares with Armenia today. The Armenian people were exposed to torture, starvation, deportation, abduction, and massacre. In addition to mass killings, millions of Armenians were forced into deportation and were expelled from their historic homeland. The framework for the United Nations Convention of the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was, in part, based on this unbelievable crime. Many survivors of this genocide have passed away now, and we are running out of time as an international community to move toward peace and reconciliation in the region. We are running out of time for the victims and those who remember the tragedy to come together and heal. A clear recognition of this atrocity would affirm that the Armenian Genocide is not an opinion, but a widely documented fact supported by a body of historical evidence. Forty three states including Minnesota have recognized, by legislation or proclamation, the Armenian Genocide. Fortunately the Ottoman Empire no longer exists. However, people living in the region, and especially the descendants of the Armenian victims, deserve to have an accurate reflection of history acknowledged in order to move forward toward peace and reconciliation. As a Member of Congress, I want the United States to officially call the events of 100 years ago a genocide inflicted upon the ancestors of Armenian- Americans. Furthermore, our government should call on our NATO ally-- Turkey--to acknowledge their historic responsibility. On this 100th anniversary, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and ancestors of victims of this international crime against humanity. Let us remember and pray for the victims we never have met. Let us pray for those who survived and lived lives of courage. And, let us pray for the Armenian community in Minnesota, across the U.S. and all around the world who stand united in honoring your ancestors and in pursuing the truth with perseverance, honor, and dignity. As we reflect on this tragedy let us also reinforce our own resolve, as Americans, to prevent future genocides.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, Minnesota's Mall of America was the subject of threats from the terrorist organization, al Shabaab. The Department of Homeland Security is a vital partner with State and local law enforcement in protecting our Nation from terroristic threats; yet, in 72 hours, funding for the Department of Homeland Security will run out. The Republicans' decision to use the DHS budget to pick a fight with the President is jeopardizing our national security. The Department of Homeland Security must have certainty in their budget to plan, prepare, and protect our country from threats like the one made against the Mall of America. My Democratic colleagues and I have proposed a clean budget for DHS that would provide the tools they need to protect the American people from very real harm. We must pass a DHS bill immediately. Then Congress can focus on our efforts on good jobs and strong wages to create even more economic growth for the American people.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise once again in opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act (S. 1). Despite no evidence suggesting that Congressional intervention is needed, this is the second time this Congress that the Republicans are bringing forward a bill to sidestep federal requirements and approve TransCanada's application for the Keystone Pipeline. I oppose this legislation and support the ongoing federal review of the environmental, safety, and economic impacts of this application to determine if this pipeline is truly in our national interest. The Keystone XL pipeline would transmit oil 1,700 miles from the tar sands of Alberta, Canada across the U.S. to the Gulf of Mexico where it would be refined and exported to global markets. According to federal law, the State Department must complete an environmental review of all cross-border projects of this magnitude. The State Department requested comments on Keystone XL by February 2, 2015 from the Pentagon, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Departments of Energy, Justice, Interior, Commerce, Transportation, and Homeland Security. The EPA released their public comments on this day stating that the recent trend of global decline in oil prices should be factored in on whether to approve Keystone XL pipeline. The State Department needs the time to thoroughly evaluate the EPA and other agencies' comments. In Minnesota, this project has the potential to negatively impact our economy. The Keystone XL pipeline would divert Canadian oil that now flows to refineries in Minnesota and the upper Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico. Diverting oil away from Minnesota could result in job losses at our refineries. Respected oil economist Philip Verleger wrote an op-ed published in the Star Tribune in March 2011 stating that in his expert opinion the oil diversion will diminish supply, resulting in an increase in the cost of oil and food for Minnesotans and the rest of the Midwest. In fact, he states the country as a whole would end up paying nearly $5 billion more for oil than we do today if the pipeline is built. Other economists have estimated that the pipeline will result in the creation of only 50 permanent jobs nationally. President Obama has stated that he will veto this legislation because S. 1 sidesteps the process for deciding whether a cross-border pipeline serves the national interest of the American people. I support the President's decision to veto S. 1. The precedent of forgoing our national due diligence in order to benefit of a foreign company is irresponsible. The American people deserve an adequate review is conducted. Trading dubious economic benefits for potentially disastrous environmental consequences and higher costs for Minnesota families and small businesses is simply not a trade I am willing to make. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act and instead bring a bill to the House floor that works to strengthen the middle class.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 596, the latest in a series of seemingly never ending attempts by House Republicans to destroy and dismantle the Affordable Care Act. This legislation, which has no chance of becoming law, would be nothing short of catastrophic for the millions of Americans who receive critical benefits and health care coverage under the ACA. The Affordable Care Act is working. Individuals with pre-existing conditions are no longer unfairly kept out of the insurance marketplace. Health care premiums are growing at the slowest rate in nearly a half century. Young adults are able to remain on their parents' health coverage; families can purchase affordable health coverage on the health insurance exchanges; and seniors are receiving real help with their prescription drug costs as we eliminate the Part D donut hole. Despite these successes, House Republicans are continuing their quixotic pursuit to undermine this law using the same old and discredited arguments they have tried in the past. Instead of outlining a replacement to the ACA, Republicans want to take away comprehensive health coverage from millions of Americans and repeal critical patient protections. In the last year, I've had many constituents share deeply personal stories of the positive impact the ACA has had on their lives. Below is one such story from Amy and Mark Adams-Westin of St. Paul, Minnesota. The Aca Is Working for Us (By The Westins) We've been married since 1995. In the spring of 1997 Amy was diagnosed with stage-two breast cancer. A month earlier, Mark had just gotten group health insurance through his employer. A year, two surgeries, 6 chemo treatments, and a full course of radiation later, Amy was finished with her treatments. It was now time to rebuild; fortunately our finances were spared the catastrophe. We both have been musicians/composers/performers for all of our lives, with dreams of making our love our profession. After going through this life and death struggle, we decided to honor our gifts and talent and go for it. Of course this meant winding down, then giving up, Mark's day job. When we felt we had enough cushion in the bank, we made the leap. We applied to our health insurance provider to change our group policy to a private family policy. By this time over 11 years had passed since Amy's breast cancer treatments. Our provider had no problem accepting Mark, but they refused Amy's coverage due to the previous conditions of her breast cancer (which shocked her oncologist), and fall allergies (which shocked us). Fortunately, Amy got coverage from a Minnesota state mandated program that covered folks refused by private companies. Unfortunately, both our monthly premiums (from $300 to $650) and our yearly deductible (from $300 to $17,500) skyrocketed. And many of the preventative measures (mammograms, colonoscopies, even flu shots. . .) became part of our deductibles, which we had to pay out of pocket. Somehow we managed to scrape by, but it meant that we often had to choose between seeing our doctors or paying our premiums. Now let me say that we are both non-smokers. Mark does not drink and Amy has an occasional glass of wine. We are mostly vegetarian (Mark is total veg since 1973), and exercise regularly. As musicians, a great percentage of our work is in independent, assisted living, transitional, and nursing Elder Care facilities. It is an absolute joy to see how important and healing our music can be to so many. We help turn lights on every day. For several years, we struggled from paycheck to paycheck to keep turning those lights on. On May 1, 2013 Mark turned 62 and began to collect Social Security, which he'd been paying into for almost 50 years. That check covers our housing. In March of 2014 when the ACA took effect, our premiums and deductible were reduced into the affordable range. Also our coverage for preventative measures are now included. Our response to Social Security and the ACA was ``WHEW!'' These two programs have changed our lives, along with the lives of millions of others. We can now continue to live our American dream, while bringing our music to those precious folks who need it the most. Our health care system was broken and breaking this nation until passage of the ACA. While we weren't among the 40,000,000 plus uncovered men, women, and children, our coverage was strangling our finances. The ACA, contrary to oft repeated myth, is in fact working and making millions of lives better. We must continue to refine the ACA and health care in America until all of the cracks that hard working folks and their children have been allowed to fall into are filled and the basic cost of healthcare is reduced to sane sustainable levels. To repeal the ACA, which has been the constant threat and ``promise'' of the opposition, would be to turn back the clock and recreate the void that endangered far too many lives. Mark and Amy's story is just one of many that I have heard about how the Affordable Care Act is helping to improve Minnesotans' health and economic security. It is time for Congressional Republicans to stop refighting the battles of the past and focus on the challenges facing our communities. I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues-- Republicans and Democrats--to enact policies that will benefit middle class families and strengthen our economy.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month I voted against the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 (H.R. 240), due to House Republicans' irresponsible attempt to hijack this must-pass legislation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is at the forefront of protecting our nation from terrorist threats. The women and men on the frontline of securing America's borders deserve a clean appropriations bill that provides them with the funding and resources they need to keep our families, communities, and our nation safe. Instead of bringing a bipartisan bill to the Floor, House Republicans opted to pick a political fight with the President, jeopardizing our country's security needs. Republicans voted to add five poison pill amendments targeting the President's executive actions on immigration to this critical funding bill. One of the most offensive and dangerous of these amendments is the DeSantis/Roby amendment. The National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women strongly opposes this and other amendments, which they describe as ``overly broad, sweep large numbers of victims into their scope and ignore the best interests of victims and their children.'' In addition, the Task Force urges Congress ``to prioritize the needs of immigrant victims of domestic and sexual violence, and reject these amendments.'' Other amendments proposed by House Republicans would further derail the Administration's progress on immigration reform. The Aderholt amendment would block the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program and expansions to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In addition, the amendment would block measures to strengthen border security, facilitate legal immigration, promote citizenship and immigrant integration, and spur innovation and entrepreneurship. The Blackburn amendment would terminate the existing DACA program and prevent hundreds of thousands of young people (DREAMers) who already have come forward, passed background checks, obtained protection, and followed the rules from renewing DACA. The Salmon amendment is based on the false premise that the president's recent executive actions create an incentive under the Affordable Care Act for employers to hire deferred action recipients. Finally, the Schock amendment also is premised on the false notion that deferred action applications unfairly delay the adjudication of all applications. Jeopardizing this must-pass legislation, critical to our national security, is unacceptable. I urge my Republican colleagues to bring a clean bill for the remainder of FY2015 for DHS, without further delay and without the distraction of partisan politics.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act. This bill undermines vital consumer protections and regulations afforded by Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 111-203). On January 7, 2015, the House voted on this new bill under suspension of the rules where it failed. I did not support this recrafted bill and I do not support it now. While many of the provisions within H.R. 37 have passed the House in a bi-partisan fashion during prior Congresses, this year House Republicans have added a new, political provision to weaken consumer protections that I cannot support. Undermining the Volcker Rule by delaying its implementation until 2019 will again put middle-class and working families at financial risk just as our economy has recovered. The Volcker Rule prohibits financial institutions from conducting speculative investment activities that do not benefit their customers. This federal regulation is necessary to safeguard the American people from the financial instability and damaged caused by risky trading by Wall Street that contributed to the Great Recession. This bill is unnecessarily being rushed to the House floor. Neither the Financial Services Committee nor the Agricultural Committee has had an opportunity to review this bill in this new Congress and assess the impacts it would have on our banks and our farmers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing the Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act and instead bring a bill to the House floor that protects all Americans not just Wall Street.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I say good- bye to a distinguished member of the Washington diplomatic corps--His Excellency Abdallah Baali of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. During his six years in Washington, Ambassador Baali has made a tremendous effort to engage with Congress and strengthen the U.S.- Algeria bilateral relationship. A man of calm demeanor and wise insights, the ambassador not only represented his government with honor and great ability, he worked hard to educate and inform Congress about Algeria's important role in the Maghreb-Sahel region, as well as the economic, human rights, and democratic progress being made by his country. During the 113th Congress it was my honor to serve as the Democratic co-chair of the Congressional Algeria Caucus, along with my Wisconsin colleague Representative Sean Duffy. The work of Ambassador Baali and his staff was critical to re-establishing the caucus and I am deeply grateful for all of his efforts. During his visits to my office I listened to Ambassador Baali's words closely as we discussed the relationship between our two nations and the need for a partnership in the Maghreb-Sahel region to combat extremism, promote security, and guarantee self-determination and freedom for the people of the Western Sahara. Algeria's role in regional security is critical and I greatly appreciated Ambassador Baali's wise counsel and valuable insights. I wish to thank President Bouteflika and the people of Algeria for sending my nation such a capable, professional, and trusted diplomat. Ambassador Baali shall always be welcome in my office and I wish him much success and happiness as he returns home to Algeria.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, after last week's horrific attacks in France, we are reminded that the threat of terrorism is very real. The Department of Homeland Security is on the front line of protecting our Nation from terrorist threats. House Republicans are using the funding for DHS for political posturing rather than governing. The President has prioritized on how our national security dollars are spent. He focused DHS' tools and resources on preventing terrorist threats and protecting the American people. Republicans continue to play political games with immigration reform, and now, they are bringing forward a series of amendments to pick a fight with the President. The political games that the Republicans are playing with this bill would jeopardize our national security. We need an appropriations bill that ensures that DHS has the resources and tools they need to protect America. We must pass a strong bipartisan Homeland Security Appropriations bill that keeps America safe and protects our country.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the long and distinguished career of Congressman Henry Waxman. Congressman Waxman's career speaks for itself. He has been at the forefront of many of the most important legislative and policy battles of the past four decades. From combating Big Tobacco to championing the Affordable Care Act, Henry has been an indispensable voice in the House. It was an honor to serve with him and I commend his long and storied career. I had the privilege of serving alongside Congressman Waxman on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. During our time together on the Oversight Committee, we focused on investigations into cost overruns and money wasted on reconstruction in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the service of Congressman Henry Waxman in the United States House of Representatives.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the career of Congressman Jim Matheson. Jim and I were both elected to the House in 2000. It has been a privilege to work with him over the course of the past fourteen years. Jim has been a tireless advocate for the people of his district and his voice in Congress will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the service of Congressman Jim Matheson in the United States House of Representatives.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the career of Congressman George Miller. I had the pleasure of serving on the Education and Workforce Committee with George. During his time in Congress, Congressman Miller has been an outspoken leader on issues related to health care, workers' rights, and quality education. His leadership, knowledge, and mentorship will be sorely missed in Congress. Congressman Miller's legacy spans many issues facing Americans including raising the minimum wage, improving conditions for workers, fighting for equal pay for women, protecting the environment and bettering our education system. His 40 years of tireless service have undoubtedly positively improved the lives of countless Americans. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service of Congressman George Miller.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the inspiring career of Congressman John Dingell, and his retirement from this institution after 59 dedicated years of public service. Few Americans have had a bigger, more lasting impact on the United States Congress than John Dingell. After serving his country in the Army during World War II, John was first elected to Congress in 1955, and has played a vital role in almost every significant piece of legislation passed over the last half century. During his time in office, John Dingell was a statesman who always put good policy above partisanship, and who nearly lost reelection because of his support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. His impact on landmark legislation that includes Medicare, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and Affordable Care Act will continue to be felt for years to come. The People's House has suffered a great loss with the Congressman Dingell's retirement and his institutional knowledge will be sorely missed. Mr. Dingell has been an inspiration, mentor, and friend to those who were lucky enough to know him. It has been an honor to serve alongside him, and I have no doubt that his legacy will endure for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the service of Congressman John Dingell in the United States House of Representatives.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the career of Congressman Rush Holt. During his time in the House, Congressman Holt has been a leader on protecting the environment and his voice on this important issue will be sorely missed. A research physicist by training, his constituents are known to boast bumper stickers proclaiming ``My Congressman IS a Rocket Scientist.'' I know we have all benefited from Rush's intelligence and wisdom during his time in office. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Rush on protecting our environment. His perspective as a scientist has enriched the debate over conserving our natural resources and seeking clean sources of alternative energy. I wish him the best in his new role as CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a cause that is close to his heart. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the service of Congressman Rush Holt in the United States House of Representatives.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the career of my good friend, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy. I had the privilege of serving alongside Carolyn on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, where we began developing a close, personal friendship. Congresswoman McCarthy's courage and leadership on the issue of gun violence has been a hallmark of her time in the House. Arising from tragic circumstances, Carolyn's passionate commitment to preventing gun violence has inspired others and made a real difference. The power of her voice on this critical issue will be greatly missed in the next Congress. Mr. Speaker, I honor the distinguished career of my dear friend, Carolyn McCarthy.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the career of Congressman James Moran. I had the pleasure of serving alongside Jim on the Appropriations Committee, including both the Defense and Interior-Environment subcommittees. Congressman Moran's experience and wisdom not only benefited his district and the nation, but myself as well. Congressman Moran has always brought passion to his work in Congress and that passion will be sorely missed next year. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the service of Congressman James Moran in the United States House of Representatives.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Thank you, Mr. Vargas. Mr. Speaker, the Global Food Security Act is an important bill, and I want to thank my colleagues--Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, Representative Bass, and Representative Fortenberry for his kind remarks--for their hard work to get this bipartisan legislation to the floor today. My very biggest ``thank you'' goes to my great partner in this, Representative Chris Smith. Thank you, Mr. Smith. Mr. Speaker, in the world's poorest countries, more than 800 million people are chronically hungry and malnourished. They are struggling and are in desperate poverty, forced to watch as their children suffer and too often die from malnutrition. Children who do survive will remain hungry, and they are so chronically malnourished they are physically and mentally stunted. This malnutrition--this lack of food--hurts not only the individual but the development of an entire country. With this in mind, former Republican Senator Dick Lugar and I introduced bipartisan-bicameral legislation to call for a comprehensive U.S. food global security strategy in 2009. But while that bill did not become law, we did build a strong base of bipartisan support around food security, and in 2010, President Obama took up the call to invest in agricultural development and launched Feed the Future. With the support of Congress, Feed the Future is working to accelerate agriculturally-led economic growth and reduce poverty. It is working with smallholder farmers in 19 countries to help them grow their way out of poverty, improve nutrition for women and children, and create income-generating opportunities. I have seen the difference our investments in agriculture and nutrition are having in these developing nations. I have met the women farmers who are feeding their families, sending their children to school, and investing in their communities because of Feed the Future. And we need to continue to build on these successes. The Global Food Security Act will continue to enhance global food security by assisting small-scale farmers, increasing yields, putting more food on families' tables, and then selling more food in the market. Our bill is about partnering with hardworking farmers who are mostly women to make them more successful. It helps to provide them access to the knowledge, the tools, the markets, and the business opportunities because when a woman farmer succeeds, her children and family are healthier, and they are more likely to succeed. H.R. 5656 is leveraging a unique partnership with NGOs, private sector businesses, educational institutions, and faith-based groups. Three Minnesota-based businesses--Land O' Lakes, General Mills, and Cargill--are already partnering with Feed the Future. In fact, General Mills CEO Ken Powell said: ``We are hungry to help the farmer in Malawi who, by selling her crop, will generate the money needed to support her family and pay for her children to go to school.'' So the bottom line is, we cannot sit by and do nothing as 800 million hungry people suffer and far too many die from malnutrition. As mothers and fathers are forced to watch their children go hungry, we can do something. Human dignity, decency, and our own national security demands that we support and sustain this important investment in agricultural development and nutrition. I urge all of my colleagues to support the Global Food Security Act. Once again, I would like to thank Chris Smith, Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, Representative Bass, and all of our staff--Piero, Kelly, Joan, Janice, and Jenn--for all of their work on this bill.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. McGovern. I would like the Record to reflect my strong agreement with the views expressed by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen) earlier about not having amendments in which we can fully discuss as the House the 2-year funding for the Syrian rebel army and also to make sure that we do not have combat troops actively engaged in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I am rising right now to strongly state my deep disappointment in a version of the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange Act that was included in the National Defense Authorization. Here is the National Defense Authorization bill, and in here are some land bills. Now, one of the land bills in particular that has been included in here is extremely controversial. It is nongermane, and it will lead to the destruction of sacred sites for two major tribal nations in our country. When it does that, when it destroys these sacred sites, it benefits a foreign-owned mining company with troubling ties to the Government of Iran. I would like to submit for the Record a long list of tribal organizations and other groups who oppose this proposal because of its direct disregard for Native American sacred and cultural sites, Mr. Speaker. Tribes and Tribal Orgs Opposed to H.R. 687, SE AZ Land Exchange Tribal Organizations National Congress of American Indians--the oldest and largest organization representing tribes across the country National Indian Gaming Association--represents 184 tribes across the country Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona--represents 20 tribes in Arizona Apache Coalition--represents Apache tribes in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada--represents 27 tribes in Nevada United South and Eastern Tribes--represents 26 tribes in Maine, New York Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Texas and based in Tennessee California Association of Tribal Governments--represents tribal governments in California Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes--represents 35 tribes in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians--represents 57 tribes located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Southeast Alaska, Northern California, and Western Montana All Indian Pueblo Council--represents 20 pueblos located in New Mexico and Texas Eight Northern Indian Pueblos of New Mexico Great Plains Tribal Chairman's Association--represents 16 tribes in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska Coalition of Large Tribes--represents 14 tribes in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Washington Alaska Inter-Tribal Council Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Alabama Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Alabama Arizona San Carlos Apache Tribe, Arizona Hopi Tribe, Arizona Ak-Chin Indian Community, Arizona Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation, Arizona White Mountain Apache Tribe, Arizona Colorado River Indian Tribes, Arizona Cocopah Indian Tribe, Arizona Hopi Tribe, Arizona Hualapai Tribe, Arizona Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Arizona Tohono O'odham Nation, Arizona Quechan Indian Tribe, Arizona Tonto Apache Tribe, Arizona Yavapai-Apache Nation, Arizona Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe, Arizona Havasupai Tribe, Arizona Ft. Mojave Indian Tribe, Arizona, California, and Nevada Navajo Nation Council, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah California Susanville Indian Rancheria, California Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, California Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, California Hopland Band of Pomo Indians, California Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, California California Valley Miwok Tribe, California Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, California San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, California Connecticut Mohegan Tribe, Connecticut Florida Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Idaho Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Idaho Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Idaho Kansas Kickapoo Indian Nation, Kansas Louisiana Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, Louisiana Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, Louisiana Maine Penobscot Indian Nation, Maine Massachusetts Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, Massachusetts Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Massachusetts Michigan Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, Michigan Sault Ste. Marie Tribe, Michigan Minnesota Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Minnesota Prairie Island Indian Community, Minnesota Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Indian Community, Minnesota Mississippi Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Mississippi Nebraska Santee Sioux Tribe, Nebraska Nevada Moapa Band of Paiutes, Nevada Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, Nevada and Idaho Walker River Paiute Tribe, Nevada New Mexico Jicarilla Apache Nation, New Mexico Mescalero Apache Tribe, New Mexico Pueblo of Zuni, New Mexico Pueblo of Tesuque, New Mexico Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico Pueblo of Zuni, New Mexico New York Seneca Nation, New York North Carolina Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, North Carolina Oklahoma Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Ft. Sill Apache Tribe, Oklahoma and New Mexico Osage Nation, Oklahoma Oregon Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians Coquille Indian Tribe, Oregon Rhode Island Narragansett Tribe, Rhode Island South Carolina Catawba Indian Nation, South Carolina South Dakota Oglala Sioux Tribe, South Dakota Washington Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Washington Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Washington Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Washington Quinault Indian Nation, Washington Hoh Indian Nation, Washington Samish Indian Nation, Washington Suquamish Indian Tribe, Washington Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Washington Wisconsin Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Wisconsin Ho-Chunk Nation, Wisconsin Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Wisconsin Oneida Nation, Wisconsin Sokaogan Chippewa Community, Wisconsin Stockbridge-Munsee Community, Band of Mohican Indians, Wisconsin Other Groups Opposing H.R. 687/S. 339, SE AZ Land Exchange Town of Superior Queen Valley Golf Association, Queen Valley, Arizona Queen Valley Homeowners Association, Queen Valley, Arizona Peridot Strategic Tribal Empowerment Prevention Plan Arizona Mining Reform Coalition American Lands Access Fund Arizona Mountaineering Club Arizona Native Plant Society Arizona Wildlife Federation The American Alpine Club--Golden, CO Center for Biological Diversity Chiricahua-Dragoon Conservation Alliance Comstock Residents Association--Virginia City, NV Concerned Citizens and Retired Miners Coalition--Superior,

Ms. McCOLLUM. Unfortunately, the amendment to strike this provision from the bill offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), who is the cochair of the Native American Caucus along with me--a bipartisan amendment--was totally rejected by the Rules Committee; so, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule. The National Defense Authorization Act should not be used as a vehicle to undermine our commitment to protecting religious liberties for tribal nations where so many of those men and women have proudly fought to serve their country, the United States of America.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the volunteers, staff and patrons of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, past and present, on the occasion of its 85th anniversary. Since this agency was founded in 1929, it has served as a shining example of leadership and progressive commitment to advancing the quality of life for residents of Saint Paul, Minnesota's Summit-University neighborhood. African Americans in Minnesota's capital city faced growing social challenges in 1929, leading the Saint Paul Urban League to formulate plans for a new community center. The center's first Executive Director, Miss I. Myrtle Carden, chose to name the newly formed center after Hallie Quinn Brown, honoring her work as a prominent suffragette, African American educator, author and elocutionist. The community center has been thriving ever since. After its relocation to the Martin Luther King Center in 1972, the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center has evolved to encompass other organizations and programs, including the nationally recognized Penumbra Theatre Company. The Hallie Q. Brown Center is designed to provide a wide range of services that reflect the diversity of the community. Providing access to critical human services, fostering personal growth, and developing community leadership is the ongoing work of Early Childhood Education, Youth Out of School Time, Multi- Service Hub Center Administration, and the Emergency Food Shelf and Clothing Closet among many other programs at the center. Mr. Speaker, 85 years of supporting the community at the Hallie Q. Brown Center deserves to be commended. Employees, volunteers and donors to the center have made valuable contributions of time, talent and resources that have made a difference in the lives of so many in this community. Please join me in rising to honor the 85th anniversary of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Gary Ales, Jean Allen Ales, and the Saint Paul Friendship Club, an organization Mr. Ales founded 50 years ago. In 1964, Gary Ales who was then a Saint Paul Public Schools teacher, organized a community service organization called the Friendship Club that set out to improve the community without seeking any educational or financial reward. The group would go wherever they were most needed and include any and all helpers regardless of age, gender, race or faith. They volunteered at senior living facilities, on environmental projects and at the YMCA, while also teaming up with local businesses to provide low income families with holiday parties and gifts. With the simple goals of inclusion and altruism, the Saint Paul Friendship Club has touched an astounding number of lives. Even after his retirement in 2001, Mr. Ales continued his work with the club along with his wife, Jean. Now in its 50th year, the Friendship Club has reached truly remarkable heights under the guidance of Mr. and Mrs. Ales. All told, more than 15,000 members of the club have served over 320,000 members of the community. They have completed over 750 trips to visit with underprivileged and sick seniors, clean up schools and parks, plant over 500 trees, and give Christmas gifts to over 1,000 students. All of these projects were completed on volunteers' own time, without missing any days of school. While it is nearly impossible to list all the contributions of the Saint Paul Friendship Club during the past 50 years, perhaps the organization's greatest achievement was put into words by a former member of the club in a letter he wrote to Mr. Ales. In his note, the student wrote, ``Thank you for showing me a new way to think and see, for opening new doors and paths for me to explore. What you have done for me I will never forget. What you have taught me, I will carry it on and teach it to others.'' Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to the Saint Paul Friendship Club and its founders, Gary and Jean Ales. I hope everyone can look towards these remarkable people, and the organization they have created, for inspiration as they continue to pursue their motto of ``We Share, We Care.'' Please join me in rising to honor the 50th anniversary of the Saint Paul Friendship Club.