Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, which suspends the current statutory limit on federal borrowing until March 15th, 2015. This crucial legislation effectively increases the debt limit by $1.2 trillion, ending the Republican manufactured crises, and includes $2.2 trillion in deficit reduction according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, without cutting Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid. I want to commend House Republican leadership for bringing this legislation to the floor for a vote, which represents a dramatic shift since the disastrous debt ceiling brinkmanship we saw in the summer of 2011. The 2011 debt limit ``crisis'' was a political choice--a dangerous and irresponsible political stunt--manufactured by Tea Party Republicans in Congress to prevent President Obama and Congress from focusing on top priorities like job creation and strengthening the economy. As we now know, these reckless actions had real consequences for our economy and global financial markets. Studies by the non- partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Bipartisan Policy Center found that delays in raising the debt limit in 2011 cost taxpayers approximately $19 billion over ten years in higher government borrowing costs. Consumer confidence plummeted, suffering the largest monthly decline (59.2 to 44.5) during the month of August that year, which was the most since the 2008 financial crisis. In addition, a Bloomberg survey of economists found that the debt limit brinkmanship ``almost derailed the recovery.'' Lastly, a recent survey of the world's top economists by the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business found that 84 percent agreed that failure to raise the debt limit in a timely manner creates unneeded uncertainty and could significantly damage our financial markets. Although I am pleased that House Leadership has chosen not to repeat the same mistakes from 2011, it is worrying to see that the majority of House Republicans still oppose raising the debt limit, considering the economic damage they caused three years ago. The legislation before us today is supported by a broad array of business leaders, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, and American Bankers Association. Lastly, Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen recently testified that failing to raise the debt limit would be ``catastrophic'' for the global economy. As our country continues to recover from the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, it is Congress' duty to avoid any unnecessary brinkmanship that risks plunging our economy back into a recession. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the Temporary Debt Limit Extension Act.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, as Congress begins a new session, House Republican leadership must not ignore last year's urgent, unfinished business. Right after Christmas, 1.3 million Americans had their unemployment benefits terminated. The Republican refusal to extend unemployment insurance has created a state of emergency for struggling families across this Nation, including thousands in Minnesota. Earned unemployment benefits are a lifeline for Americans seeking work. Extending this critical safety net will help our neighbors meet basic needs: paying rent, buying food, and providing warmth in this very frigid winter. Long-term unemployment is at a record high. There are three job seekers for every job available. It is wrong for this Republican majority to turn their back on unemployed Americans. Fifty years ago, President Lyndon Johnson launched a war on poverty. Today, this fight means extending emergency unemployment insurance and preventing more Americans and their children from falling into poverty.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Native American Veterans' Memorial Amendment Act. Native Americans have served in our Armed Forces at higher rates than any other ethnic group, even while being denied the right to vote and full citizenship in this country. Their contributions include 27 recipients of the Medal of Honor and code talkers, whose native languages became the unbreakable code, keeping America safe, keeping America strong. A permanent memorial for these brave men and women will ensure all Americans are able to honor and remember their sacrifice. While construction of such a memorial has been authorized since 1994, this bill offers critical amendments to make it a reality. It allows the National Museum of the American Indian to build the memorial on its grounds and permits the museum to work with the National Congress of American Indians in raising funding. This honor is past due for the thousands of Native American veterans and servicemembers and their families, and I urge my colleagues to join me, to join all of us in giving thanks for their service by supporting this bill.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the passage of the 1968 National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, signed into law 45 years ago by President Lyndon Johnson. This landmark legislation has resulted in the protection of more than 100 rivers, including Minnesota's Saint Croix River. Across the country, these beautiful riverways cross many political boundaries and state boarders, uniting Americans in appreciation of our natural heritage. As a Senator, Minnesota's own Walter Mondale joined Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson to sponsor the Act, and include the Saint Croix River as one of the eight original rivers designated as a Wild and Scenic Riverway. Creation of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway recognized the largest scenic riverway east of the Mississippi River and helped protect its nationally renowned fishery. Once the epicenter of the American logging industry and a busy corridor of commerce, the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is now a testament to the rugged beauty that was home to Native Americans for millennia, and that greeted early European visitors who followed them. Under the wise stewardship of the National Park Service in partnership with more than 1,000 private land owners, 252 miles of the Saint Croix River watershed from the Namekagon in Wisconsin, its largest tributary, to the Mississippi confluence are protected from logging, invasive development and industry. Tens of thousands of visitors have benefited from the river's national protection and enjoy its natural beauty; future generations will be able to appreciate its natural splendor. Today, 45 years after passage of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the legacy forged by Senators Mondale and Nelson has grown from the original eight rivers to 150 Wild and Scenic Rivers. This designation protects these rivers and the outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The Act has safeguarded the special character of our most precious rivers and helped lead to further protection of our valuable natural resources, including passage of the Clean Water Act of 1973. Despite the passage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, these national treasures are under constant threat from modern development and misuse. In Congress, it is my priority to protect and strengthen our Wild and Scenic Rivers, including the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, for our children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the 45th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, it is my pleasure to commend all who have made the Act a success, including Vice President Mondale, the late Senator Gaylord Nelson, National Park Service staff, private land owners, and countless volunteers who are dedicated to keeping these beautiful riverways wild and scenic.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor National Park Service staff, volunteers and partners of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) on the 25th anniversary of its establishment as a national park. This 72-mile park corridor, winding northwest to southeast through the Saint Paul-Minneapolis metropolitan area, crosses some of the most naturally, culturally, economically and nationally significant areas in the United States. It is the only national park dedicated exclusively to the Mississippi River. The late Congressman Bruce Vento (D-MN-04) provided the vision and legislative sponsorship that led to the creation of the park in 1988. It is a true honor to have called Bruce a friend. He was a dedicated environmental advocate, and his leadership helped forge a uniquely new kind of national park--a partnership park. The National Park Service owns little of the land within MNRRA, but works seamlessly with local governments, state agencies, non-profits, businesses, educational institutions and individuals to protect our precious lands and resources along the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities. As the lifelong home of Congressman Vento, it is fitting that Saint Paul is the base of park operations. Both the headquarters as well as the visitor center in the Science Museum of Minnesota are nestled alongside the river in downtown Saint Paul. Despite being in the center of a busy urban area, this stretch of the upper Mississippi River is teeming with life, providing food and shelter for countless birds, fish and mammals. The very symbol of America--the bald eagle--is well represented in the park with one of the largest nesting populations in the country. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area offers beautiful trails and scenic landscapes for people to enjoy in the heart of the Twin Cities. Some of the most important sites in our history are located here--Fort Snelling, Saint Anthony Falls and the confluence of the Mississippi with the Minnesota River. Even before settlers dispossessed this land in the 1800s, original Mdewakanton Dakota living here considered this their Eden, the center of the world. The Mississippi National River Recreation Area is truly a park that brings history, science and recreation together. No better example is the success of the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventure--a special partnership between the National Park Service, local schools, nonprofits, businesses and many others--that is providing an opportunity for 10,000 urban youth each year to experience the river from voyageur canoes. Students learn about the river and its special significance through direct ``hands on the canoe paddle'' experience. While it is still relatively new by national park standards, it is an honor to celebrate this major milestone. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the congregation of Saint Peter Lutheran Church of Afton, Minnesota on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the church. Since its founding by German settlers in 1863, the church has served as a center of faith and community. The founding families of Saint Peter Lutheran Church of Afton held tightly to their faith and, as their numbers grew, they recruited a travelling missionary, Reverend Horst, to conduct services from the homes of worshipers. Shortly thereafter another clergyman, Pastor Rolf, took over duties, regularly travelling 15 miles from Saint Paul by foot to preside over the parish. On December 27th, 1863, the congregation was formally organized into the ``The Evangelical Lutheran Saint Peter's Church of Afton Township, Washington County, Minnesota.'' During the next two years, three acres of land were purchased and on it built the first church from a reconstructed mill that had been abandoned in the area. The first service in the new Saint Peter's church was held on August 12, 1865 and it stood intact for nearly sixty years. Ultimately, the original structure was converted into a schoolhouse in 1898 and a replacement church was erected beside it, both remaining until they burned down in 1924. The following year saw the completion of a replacement building on the grounds, today known as the `old' church. Saint Peter Lutheran Church continues to play a central role in the lives of many Afton families, serving both spiritual and physical needs. Through its strong support of local food shelves and clothing drives, the congregation is directly helping to feed and clothe families in need. The congregation's growth is a tribute to the generosity and commitment of six generations who have built on the foundation laid by those early German settlers. Saint Peter Lutheran Church has blessed the Afton area with its dedication to good deeds for 150 years. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Saint Peter Lutheran Church of Afton, Minnesota, I am pleased to submit this statement to the Congressional Record.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous sadness that I mourn the passing of Chairman C.W. Bill Young--an inspiring colleague and an outspoken champion for the United States Military. His passing will leave an enormous void in the U.S. House of Representatives where he has served for 43 years and was admired and respected for his strength, leadership and unwavering commitment to military strength and freedom around the world. It was my honor to serve with him as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. As the longest serving Republican in the House and former Chairman of the Full Appropriations Committee, he was true inspiration to me and every Member who had the privilege to serve our country alongside him. I will miss Chairman Young as a colleague and a friend. I extend my heartfelt prayers and condolences to Chairman Young's family, especially his wife Beverly, who was his constant companion, champion of military families, and a true inspiration in her own right. The U.S. House of Representatives and the United States of America has lost a hero and he will be sadly missed.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my profound sympathy for the loss of life and destruction in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan. Ten thousand people are feared to be dead. More than nine million people are estimated to have been affected, including 650,000 who have been displaced. In some of the hardest hit areas, the typhoon destroyed 70-80 percent of the structures in its path, severely hampering rescue and relief efforts for the millions in need. Life-saving assistance is desperately needed. The U.S. government has already deployed U.S. Marines to assist in search and rescue and relief efforts. The U.S. Agency for International Development is providing 55 metric tons of emergency food and emergency shelters and hygiene materials for 10,000 families. This weekend, many of my Filipino constituents were networking with each other and relatives in the Philippines, to ensure families were able to get in touch with loved ones. Two containers of medicine have already been sent and the Philippine Center of Minnesota is organizing to send needed food, blankets, and emergency supplies. The Twin Cities community will continue to organize to respond to this crisis. To people of the Philippines, we mourn your losses with you and will not abandon you in this time of need. And, when the immediate crisis has passed and the Philippines begins the long process of rebuilding, the U.S. government will continue to stand with our neighbors in the Pacific.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my shock and dismay at the deadly shooting at Los Angeles International Airport on November 1. The gunman deliberately targeted Transportation Security Administration agents, killing Agent Gerardo I. Hernandez and wounding two other TSA agents and a high school teacher. Mr. Hernandez was a brave and dedicated public servant. He was known for his commitment to his family and cheerful demeanor with travelers passing through his checkpoint. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family, especially his wife Ana and their two children. Also in my thoughts are the over 50,000 TSA agents who work to keep our skies safe every day. They screen nearly 2 million passengers daily at 450 airports nationwide. Many agents will be facing long hours in the next few months as holiday travelers fill our airports and skies. It is their dedication that keeps us safe as we travel home for the holidays and all TSA agents should know that their efforts and sacrifices are deeply appreciated.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota (PPMNS) on the 85th anniversary of its founding. In 1928, Minnesota's first clinic was established, providing women with access to reproductive care. Since then, additional clinics in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota have opened ensuring women, men and their families have access to affordable, comprehensive care. Each year, more than 60,000 patients access a broad range of health services including preventative screenings, reproductive care, and routine exams. Over the past 85 years, the caring staff, advocates, and volunteers have been invaluable to the success of PPMNS. Their dedication ensures that women and their families have access to the health services and information they need regardless of race, gender, or economic status. Mr. Speaker, please join me to honor the critical work of Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota as we celebrate their 85th anniversary today.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Minnesota Lynx for winning their second WNBA title in three years. The Lynx entered the playoffs with the WNBA's best record, 26-8, and a starting line-up that boasted four all-stars and three gold medalists. They were undefeated through all seven post-season games, sweeping the Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury and the Atlanta Dream, to win their second title. The Lynx's starting lineup, Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Rebekkah Brunson, and Janel McCarville, was unstoppable. Their balanced attack was a demonstration of smart and selfless teamwork as crisp passes found the open teammate. In the final game versus the Dream, all five starters scored in the double digits. Finals MVP Maya Moore led the league in post-season points per game. Seimone Augustus put on a show of defensive and offensive prowess, guarding some of the best in the league and still averaging 17 points per game. Lindsay Whalen organized her team's potent offensive attack and Rebekkah Brunson, now all-time WNBA leader in rebounds, was tremendous on both sides of the court. Janel McCarville's defense was outstanding and her through-the-legs pass to Brunson was one of the series' great moments. That excellence extended to the players coming off the bench, especially Monica Wright who scored 20 points and had five rebounds, three assists and three steals in game one against the Dream. Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve asked that the talk of repeat championships wait until January. Due respect to Coach Reeve, I look forward to watching the Lynx take the court to defend their title next year.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose this bill. As the Democratic cochair of the Native American Caucus, I am here to promote respect for tribal sovereignty, to fight for the needs of Native American families, and to call our Federal Government to uphold its trust and treaty obligations. Mr. Cole, my Republican cochair, Ranking Member Moran, and Mr. Simpson, the author of this legislation, share those very same goals; but I strongly believe that the bill before us today does not meet the needs of Indian Country; a broader solution is needed. The National Conference of American Indians has asked us to ``reopen government operations for all Federal agencies that meet trust and treaty obligations to tribal nations, and to stop the sequester of 2014.'' And I have heard that same message loud and clear from Minnesota tribal leaders. Mr. Speaker, when we consider Federal funding for tribal nations, we are talking about government-to-government relationships. This means the entire Federal Government needs to be open and functioning. Many services, as has been pointed out, that are vital to Indian Country are not funded within BIA or IHS. The Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Justice, Transportation, and other agencies within HHS or Interior all have Native American accounts. Food distribution on Indian reservations is administered by the Department of Agriculture, and no funds are able to replenish food reserves that support 76,000 low-income Native American Indians each month. In Minnesota, winter is on its way, and tribal development housing has been brought to a halt for the White Earth Nation because the Bureau of Land Management is closed. Mr. Speaker, I could list dozens of other important tribal partnerships and contracts that this bill will not reopen, and I have one example I am going to enter for the Record from the Oglala Sioux on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. To support tribal nations, we need to bring an end to this shutdown and vote on a clean funding bill for the entire government. I will vote ``no'' on this bill. The Oglala Sioux Tribe issued a press release that the U.S. Government shutdown is creating untenable economic conditions for some of the poorest Indian tribes. The tribe, with its 45,000 membership and 3.1 million acre Pine Ridge Indian Reservation located in southwestern South Dakota, stands to suffer severe economic repercussions directly caused by the shutdown of the United States Government. Federal funding for critical tribal programs is inaccessible during the shutdown which will force the Tribe to close programs and furlough hundreds of tribal employees if Congress does not reopen the United States Government. Over fifty percent of the Tribe's programs will be affected. The USDA Food Distribution Program will be terminated. The Suicide Prevention Program (SAMSHA Department of Health and Human Services), the Homeless Veterans Program (Department of Veteran Affairs), and the Emergency Youth Shelter Program (Department of Interior) will be suspended. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance and other vital services will be cut off, which is especially concerning given that tribal members, including elders, are struggling with the aftermath of the blizzard.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I am here today on behalf of our farmers in Minnesota and the midwest. My State is number one in sugar beet production. That means my State's economy and the State's rural economy take a direct hit because of this resolution. This resolution hurts our farmers, small businesses, hospitals, schools, the lives of real people in rural communities. American-grown sugar creates more than 142,000 jobs in 22 States and nearly $20 billion in annual economic activity. We have farmers in the beet fields right now finishing up harvesting. This resolution sends a message that this House wants to shut down sugar production, which will shut down jobs here at home. But some jobs will be created--in Brazil. Let's defend U.S. jobs, defeat this resolution, and stand with sugar beet farmers in Minnesota and across the United States. The Republican majority has shut down the Federal Government. I am not going to stand by and shut down the sugar program. So let's protect U.S. communities and U.S. jobs and vote ``no'' on this resolution.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of former U.S. Senator Rod Grams who represented Minnesota from 1995 to 2001. He had previously been elected to the U.S. House in 1992 where he served one term. Senator Grams passed away last night at home in Crown, MN. He was 65 years old. Senator Grams was a Republican who fought hard for the issues he believed in and worked to find common ground on issues that concerned Minnesotans. Before entering politics Sen. Grams was a well known television newscaster in the Twin Cities. I remember watching him frequently. While serving in the U.S. House and Senate I did not have contact with Sen. Grams, but following his time in elected office I had many interactions with him as he represented various private clients. I always found Rod Grams to be a kind and engaging man who cared deeply about Minnesota. The public service provided by Senator Rod Grams is to be honored and respected. He was a conservative who cared about Minnesota and its people. Again, Mr. Speaker, I extend my condolences to his family, friends, and supporters.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, Monday night I meant to vote against H.J. Res 77. This Resolution was just the latest bill to come to the floor as part of the Republicans' foolish strategy. Funding the federal government one program or agency at a time is a reckless approach, and one I strongly oppose. To be clear, I support full funding for the Food and Drug Administration along with the entire federal government. Ensuring our food, medications, and medical devices are safe is important. Halting these critical activities is already impacting our communities and the effects will only continue as long as Republicans refuse to bring a clean Continuing Resolution to the floor. It is time to end this manufactured shutdown, get our federal workers back on the job, and fund every federal program and agency at once.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the celebration of its 25th anniversary. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Minnesota, and the thousands of families, individuals, businesses, and residents that Twin Cities LISC has supported throughout the years, I am proud to offer congratulations on this milestone. During the past 25 years, Twin Cities LISC has served as an integral partner in creating safe, livable and sustainable communities. Their dedication to solving society's most pressing issues with collaborative, community-driven solutions has gone a long way toward increasing the health and wellness of thousands of Minnesota families. As one of 30 urban and regional branches of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Twin Cities LISC has established a reputation as a national leader in rebuilding blighted neighborhoods and improving quality of life. Focusing early attention on improving the quality of low-income housing in Saint Paul, their vision and strategy has expanded to include health and wellness, improving education, increasing family net worth and creating better paying jobs. To date, Twin Cities LISC has invested more than $350 million in grants and leveraged an additional $1 billion in total development into building sustainable communities. Twin Cities LISC has been a vital partner in developing the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit, Minnesota's largest to-date infrastructure project. By focusing on transit-oriented development, Twin Cities LISC has ensured that the project successfully connects neighborhoods. To address disruptions caused by construction, Twin Cities LISC provided support services to help with job and housing retention. Their efforts to promote diversity and jobs have helped to expand the opportunity created by this major infrastructure project. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Twin Cities LISC and their record of accomplishment in promoting thriving, sustainable communities, I am pleased to submit this statement in recognition of the organization's 25th anniversary.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I was honored to participate in a symposium led by the Oneida Indian Nation in support of the ``Change the Mascot'' campaign. The discussion gave voice to many serious concerns with the continued use of the disparaging slur ``Redskins'' as the name of Washington's National Football League (NFL) team. I commend and congratulate Ray Halbritter of the Oneida Indian Nation for his leadership and the tremendous effort put forth by his community to raise national awareness of this issue. Below are my remarks from the symposium for the Congressional record: Good morning. It is my honor to be here today to support the ``Change the Mascot'' campaign. The ``Change the Mascot'' campaign is advancing a national dialogue, which is important for Native Americans and all Americans to have. There are more than 5 million Native Americans in the U.S. They are our neighbors and friends--children, elders, moms and dads, men and women--who care about their culture, their communities, and their country. Native Americans are not mascots or caricatures to be exploited for profit--not by the NFL or any professional sports team owner. They should never be stereotyped in a dehumanizing, degrading, or demeaning manner. In the year 2013, for the NFL and a team owner to be so driven by profit that this clearly racist mascot continues to be promoted and defended is truly outrageous. But it has not gone unnoticed. That is why we are here today as part of the ``Change the Mascot'' campaign. And change is coming. Let me quote from the September 13, 2013 editorial by the Washington Post: ``We hope, too, that Mr. Snyder finally understands that the team's name . . . is a racial slur of Native Americans so offensive that it should no longer be tolerated.'' They go on to say: ``Mr. Snyder should be prepared for the controversy never to end.'' There is no dignity or respect in the exploitation perpetrated for profit by the NFL and Dan Snyder's football business. They are promoting a racist slur that must change. And, this campaign is going to keep advancing until that name is changed. It is my honor to represent Native American families in my Congressional District and throughout Minnesota. In Minnesota, we have eleven Sioux and Ojibwe Nations that have a long and very proud history of contributing to the strength, diversity, and success of our State. In one month--on November 7th--my team, the Minnesota Vikings, will host Washington's football team. That night I am sure the ``Change the Mascot'' campaign will have a big presence in the Twin Cities. I look forward to welcoming you, Ray! I want to recognize one colleague who is not here today, but has been the leading voice in Congress on this issue--Delegate Eni Faleomavaega who represents American Samoa. He is the author of legislation that would end federal trademark protection for the term ``Redskin''. I am proud to be a co-sponsor, along with Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. And this issue isn't going away. The hired PR folks, who are now defending Mr. Snyder's football team, cite outdated polls of Native Americans and talk about history and tradition. It's all rubbish and corporate spin to keep the profits flowing. Mr. Snyder, change the mascot. End this ugly history and tradition of your team's racist slur and pick a new mascot that offends no one-- hurts no one--dehumanizes no one. It's time to put dignity and respect for Native people ahead of your profits.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans made a purely political choice to shut down our government to advance their agenda. Unbelievably, House Republicans decided to shut down our government with thousands of American servicemen and -women on the battlefields in Afghanistan. We are here today because brave Americans who gave their lives on the battlefield were being denied funeral benefits because of this shutdown. Their families were being denied payments of survivor benefits. This is a disgrace and a shameful consequence of the irresponsible Republican majority. This is an outrage. The fact that we are here today to pass this bill is a clear admission that America's fallen heroes have been abandoned in this shameless political game being played. Passing this bill is absolutely needed, but this bill requires us to recognize the willful failure of the Republican leadership in this House to fund our Federal Government and to provide our servicemen and -women all that they need.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Washington Post published an editorial entitled ``Morocco's royal crackdown.'' The editorial highlights the conduct of King Mohammed VI and raises serious concerns about human rights in the kingdom, particularly the jailing of a prominent Moroccan journalist. The editorial states, ``King Mohammed's regime is showing signs of returning to autocratic practices.'' An on-going pattern of human rights abuses by King Mohammed's security forces and secret police against voices for political reform, including self-determination for the occupied Western Sahara, are well documented by human rights organizations. According to Amnesty International, ``Pro-independence activists have been imprisoned following demonstrations calling for the right to self-determination for the people of the Western Sahara, and some have reportedly been tortured or otherwise ill-treated during questioning by Moroccan law enforcement officials.'' The Kingdom of Morocco is a U.S. ally and trading partner, yet earlier this year the Moroccans abruptly cancelled the 13th annual U.S.-Morocco joint military exercise called ``African Lion.'' This joint exercise involved 1,400 U.S. service members and 900 Moroccan troops. U.S. troops and equipment were already in place when the Kingdom of Morocco cancelled the maneuvers ``after the Obama administration backed having the U.N. monitor human rights in the disputed territory of Western Sahara (under Moroccan occupation)'' reported the Associated Press on April 16, 2013. Obviously, King Mohammed VI and his kingdom's security apparatus have a human rights problem that is gaining the attention of the international community. It appears that human rights are not a matter that concerns them. The U.S.-Moroccan bilateral relationship must be based on a foundation of common values and that includes a fundamental respect for human rights. It is time for Congress to evaluate Morocco's human rights record and tell King Mohammed that the people of the U.S. expect more from him. [From the Washington Post, Oct. 2, 2013] Morocco's Royal Crackdown By jailing a journalist, the country's monarch sends a regrettable message When the Arab revolutions erupted in Tunisia and Egypt in 2011, Morocco's King Mohammed VI responded by embracing political reforms. The constitution was quickly revised, and in 2012 a democratic election was held for parliament. When a moderate Islamist party won a majority, it was invited to form a government. Morocco was held up by Western admirers as a potential model for other Arab monarchies, such as Jordan and the Persian Gulf states. King Mohammed, however, never yielded his role as Morocco's ultimate authority, retaining control over the armed forces and judiciary. As Egypt has veered back toward autocracy following a military coup against its elected Islamist government, King Mohammed's regime is showing signs of returning to autocratic practices. Foremost among these is the arrest on terrorism charges of one of the country's foremost journalists--and one of the king's most trenchant critics. The journalist, Ali Anouzla, was taken from his home in Rabat on Sept. 17, shortly after the Web site he edits published an article about an al-Qaeda video attacking King Mohammed for presiding over a ``kingdom of corruption and despotism.'' Mr. Anouzla, who is know for his liberalism. described the video as ``propaganda'' and did not report it or link to it. He did, however, link to an article on the Web site of the Spanish newspaper El Pais, which in turn linked to the video. On those grounds, prosecutors have charged him with ``inciting'' and `providing material support'' for terrorism, offenses that can lead to a prison term of up to six years. Moroccan authorities know very well that Mr. Anouzla, who has been pushing the boundaries of journalism and free expression for a decade, is no friend of al-Qaeda. By seizing on his reporting on the video--an entirely legitimate subject for journalism--they are able to punish him for his courageous and critical reporting about King Mohammed. Disregarding a taboo against scrutinizing the monarch, Mr. Anouzla has been breaking stories about him and his family for years, first in a newspaper he helped to found and now in the Web site Lakome.com. This year, he questioned the king's extensive foreign travel; in August, a story about the king's pardon of a Spaniard jailed in Morocco on charges of child rape prompted unprecedented street demonstrations against the monarchy. The king may calculate that the political opening he undertook in March 2011, when the Arab world appeared to be on the cusp of a democratic revolution, is no longer necessary in a region where generals and jihadists are on the ascent. But the Arab monarchies cannot avoid change: They are doomed unless they can complete a transition to democratic government. That means tolerating crusading journalists such as Mr. Anouzla. If King Mohammed wants to preserve his credibility as a reformer, he will order his critic released.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, my Republican colleagues are once again bringing a bill to the floor in response to the terrible news coverage on their shutdown. Now, I am very confident that every single Member of the House of Representatives supports our Guard and Reserve men and women. We all want them to receive the pay that they have earned. We could do just that really quickly by passing a clean CR to fund the entire Federal Government and put an end to this GOP shutdown. But Republican leadership isn't serious about stopping the shutdown. We all know that this bill is not a solution. It is just a distraction. For example, this bill claims to support military pay during the shutdown. However, while this bill does provide them a paycheck, it fails to provide them the materials essential for doing their job. Let me give you an example of a few of the things that it doesn't fund: it doesn't fund the maintenance of existing equipment, and we need that for readiness; the procurement of new equipment if something needs to be replaced in order to continue a training drill or to be fully prepared; research and development to keep the technology superiority of the U.S. forces; and then, as the ranking member pointed out, keeping the facilities and maintenance moving forward. This bill fails to ensure that our servicemen and -women will have the equipment and other support materials that they need. It certainly won't ensure that our other Federal law enforcement at the FBI or the DEA are paid even as they continue to work to keep America safe. Mr. Speaker, this Republican government shutdown needs to end. The entire government needs to be funded. The American people don't want the Tea Party picking winners and losers, deciding what government services are necessary. Let's do what is right for the American people and pass a clean continuing resolution to fund the entire Federal Government. Mr. Speaker, I enter into the Record the Minnesota Air and Army National Guard Government Shutdown Impact in its entirety. MN Air and Army National Guard Government Shutdown Impact (Version 2--2 October 2013) Addressed from: Less than 15 days (short term) and Greater than 15 days (long term). Federal Full-Time Staff (FTS) Impact: Emergency Furlough--Number of Federal Personnel Impacted Army Technicians: 701 (655 Furloughed--93.4%) Air Force Technicians: 445 (381 Furloughed--85.6%) Total Force Impacted: 1146 (1036 Furloughed--90.4%) Short Term impact: Benefits processing delayed (in processing, retirements, return to duty) AGR and TECH 1,036 Technicians not at work and not receiving pay General personnel actions delayed, AGR and TECH Scheduled travel/training TDY will be cancelled No new hires or job announcements Leave accrual stops for technicians after 80 hours (48 already used during furlough) Over 30 Active Duty Operational Support/Active Duty for Special Work (ADOS/ADSW) will not report to work Long term impact: FTS will incur a debt for benefits FTS personnel not attending required training courses for positions Delayed hiring actions will compound the turmoil of personnel turnover Labor relations with union and union members stressed Personnel readiness will drop due personnel actions not taking place Moral of technician force is greatly diminished with another furlough Animosity of technician force towards the AGR force AGRs do not receive Mid-month and subsequent pay until furlough complete. Bottom line for Full-Time Staff (FTS) is that very limited personnel actions will be able to be supported and will be greatly delayed during a furlough. FTS Top Three Concerns: Benefits Processing Pay Loss of trained FTS forces due to cancelled training Personnel Readiness/Soldier-Airman and Family Services Impact: Short Term Impact: Family Programs initiatives and support efforts will be significantly impacted due to unavailability of all personnel. Reduce current ability to provide deployment related services to soldiers and family members by 62% Reduction in our ability to provide ID cards to soldiers and family members in select locations. No retiree counseling services Slowed processing for GI bill requests and issue resolution Longer processing times for routine medical readiness activities due to employees' taking on the responsibilities of furloughed personnel. Long Term Impact: Technicians will incur a debt for benefits FTS personnel training to be qualified in their positions Delayed hiring actions further compound turmoil of personnel turnover Morale of Technician force is greatly diminished with 2nd furlough in one year Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) soldiers may not receive mid-month and subsequent pay. Units that deploy within the next two months (Oct-Nov) or who are currently deployed will experience significant impact on deployment and family readiness support. Yellow ribbon events may need to be cancelled due to contracting for venue, food or lack of child care. Remaining Defense Travel System (DTS--travel reimbursements) Vouchers for Soldiers and Military Families for FY13 will be delayed for payment. Funeral Honors Team will cease operations. Reduced capacity in processing enlisted promotion actions Outside agencies may have to process Federal Tuition Assistance requests. Potential loss of ability to deliver timely medical readiness events across the state, reducing medical readiness of the force. Potential reduction in personnel readiness ratings for all reportable units due to eroded medical readiness ratings. Logistics Impact: Maintenance--All Maintenance activities in the MNNG will cease during shutdown. All Maintenance facilities will be closed. Short Term impact: Maintenance Readiness of the MNNG will decline due to inability to repair dead-lined equipment while Dual Status Technicians are furloughed. Upgrades to MNNG M1A1s will be deferred until funding resumes. BFT/JCR Fielding--Fielding team is issuing all remaining equipment to the USPFO effective 30 Sep 13. USPFO and J4 will then complete the install and fielding. Long term impact: Blue Force Tracker upgrades will be delayed, systems will go off line after 90 days of non use. Blue Force Tracking is a United States military term used to denote a GPS-enabled system that provides military commanders and forces with location information about friendly (and despite its name, also about hostile) military forces. If they are not synced with the satellite once every 90 days they lose their identity and it costs us more manpower to re-sync them. Supply: Short Term impact: $54,334 of Class 1 (food) has been ordered supporting 23 units in an IDT status for the weekend of 4-6 OCT. These orders will need to be canceled. $8,717 for seven commercial bus requests for the weekend of 4-6 OCT canceled. Long term impact: An additional $16,198 in Class 1 (food) orders will be canceled from the local vender if shutdown continues till 30 Oct. Training: Short Term impact: New Equipment Training (NET) for 1/34 Armored Brigade Combat Team will be suspended based on Inactive Duty Training and Annual Training restrictions, suspending NET for Bradley Fighting Vehicle Crews Training needs to be deferred to colder weather months, less desirable. Training/Operations Impact: Short Term Impact: Cancellation of upcoming drill weekend will cancel weapons qualification for many units scheduled to do this at Camp Ripley. These units will be challenged to re-schedule as ranges are usually booked first quarter of the fiscal year. Will be an opportunity for units to re-schedule yet in Oct short term. Units that have Periodic Health Assessments (PHA) and Dental events will have to re-schedule. Will negatively impact personnel readiness. School cancellations. We will daily be cancelling travel to schools that start this FY. It will be case by case that we find school seats later in the FY that troop will be able to attend. This will be a readiness issue if it goes long term. Long Term Impact: Personnel readiness will begin to suffer more as we cancel schools and medical readiness events. Begin building a larger pool of Soldiers/Airmen that will need new schools dates and units will begin to see a larger backlog of troops that need periodic physicals and dental. The challenge with schools is that some lower density schools and longer schools will have fewer opportunities to re-schedule this FY. This becomes a readiness issue. Camp Ripley Training Center Impact: Short Term Impact: No Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) or Technicians Long Term Impact: After 21 days loss of State Employees paid under the Master Cooperative Agreement. Operations--Section is reduced by 50% (2 Technicians, 1 State Military) resulting in reduced support to customers and no new leases agreements. Range Control: Reduction 55% (6 ADOS), resulting in reduced customer support for range safety briefings, general customer support, and response for Range Safety Checks delayed Automated Target Systems: State Military, potentially 50% reduction immediately. Automated Target Personnel would not be available resulting in limited automated ranges or target maintenance for military customers and very limited support to state agencies with signed leases. Air Operations: Reduction of 100% (3 Technicians and 2 ADOS), resulting in the airfield, UH-60 Simulator being closed and no fueling operations. Arden Hills Army Training Site: Reduction of 50% of the full time staff, resulting in reduced support to customers and availability. Logistics (other than billeting which is self supporting)-- Reduction of 100% (17 Technicians), resulting in: Supply & Services being open 2 days a week. Housing: Limited AGR Employees will need to Inventory & Inspect the Troop Issue Buildings when they need to be turned-in. Fuel Support: Retail Fuel Points will run out of fuel. Ammo Supply Point: No ammo for military customers. Department of Public Safety--No initial impact. After 21 days the section would reduce from 12 guards to 9 guards resulting in reduced services and ability to man only one gate. Joint Visitors Bureau/Public Affairs Office--Reduction of 80% (4 Technicians and 1 ADOS), resulting in no ID Cards, no Command or Department of the Army photos, reduced protocol visits and public affairs/community support operations. Signal Support--100% reduction (1 Technician), resulting in no on site support for computers, radios, frequency management, and other support. Budget--100% reduction (2 Technicians), resulting in only emergency budget issues being addressed by non-budget personnel. Safety--Reduction of 100% (1 Technician), resulting in all safety issues reverting back to the state level for oversight by the State Safety Manager. Environmental--limited initial impact with the loss of 1 Technician. After 21 days the section would reduce 100% (9 State and 2 Contract), resulting in all Hunt Programs for Deployed Soldiers will being cancelled at both Camp Ripley (Dec 2-4) and AHATS (Oct 25-27) and (Dec 6-8). No Native American Consultation meeting. (Annual Requirement NHPA) REPI (ACUB) Report to NGB will not get completed. Annual update to the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) will not get completed (Annual Requirement--Sikes Act). No Environmental Review (National Environmental Protection Act Requirement) for Sustainment Restoration and Modernization (SRM) and Military Construction (MILCON) projects will not take place due to no staff available. All Conservation and Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Projects will be impacted. Air Bases Impact: Short Term Impact: No local flying training operations during any shutdown period--impact on perishable flying skills No Mission Ready Airlift or Joint Airborne Air Transportability Training (JA/ATT) No Aircraft Maintenance or fuel support presence capable of preparing aircraft for response to state or national emergency No Air Operations Supervision, planners, or instructors to support response to real world contingencies or training events Reduced to an AGR force only, there is no support for any function beyond maintenance & protection of the facility Long Term Impact: Depending on duration of shutdown, aircrew members may go non-current, non-mission ready along with instructor force leaving unit with no local means to regenerate an operations force (unless AMC/ANG issue training waivers) Medical Readiness requirements, if not completed, render members non-deployable Impact on SORTS for any units unable to complete upgrade or continuation training Impact on construction projects, such as the contract for the water line replacement, if we do not have staff to supervise the operations Pilot currencies become affected if the shutdown continues for longer period. Proficiency begins to fade (depending on experience) after a couple weeks. Additionally, the ``Ready Aircrew Program (RAP)'' currencies are tracked on a monthly basis. As pilot currencies expire, they will no longer be qualified to sit alert. For that reason, we have submitted a listing of approx. 128 essential employees that we will require in order to maintain currency for 20 of our 29 pilots. This group will be needed if the shutdown continues for an extended. State/Department of Military Affairs Impact: Number of State Personnel Impacted State Military Employees (Short Term 2 Oct 2013): 5 State Civilian Employees (Long Term 22 Oct 2013): 131 Total Force Impacted: 136 Over the short term, the direct cost to the State of Minnesota in lost assistance for payroll through the Master Cooperative Agreement is just under $300,000.00 per week. This means that the cost to simply cover the amount of federal funding unavailable to the state for the 21 days required per the bargaining agreements to provide notice to our employees of a layoff will approach $1,000,000.00. During the notification period, costs will be incurred by the agency to manage the seniority moves that will be generated by the layoff. Once the 21 day notification period ends, costs to the agency will stabilize, but the services provided by the laid off employees will not be available to the agency or the people of Minnesota. Efficiency will be negatively impacted as the seniority moves are made, and employees must be trained for their new responsibilities. If the Federal Government shutdown is resolved, then we will need to unwind whatever management activities we initiate to comply with the bargaining agreements, causing further disruption to routines, negative impacts on productivity, and morale. If the shutdown continues over the longer term, the Adjutant General must then decide if any of the services provided by the employees normally supported by the master cooperative agreement are essential to state agency operations. If they are, then the agency will need to determine how to fund the activities within our existing state budget, and since we do not carry an aggressive reserve, other agency activities will need to be cut to fund the services deemed necessary. Additionally, the agency will be responsible to pay the unemployment benefit costs for all laid off state employees for the duration of layoff.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, well, here we are, the day my Republican colleagues have warned about for years, the day after ObamaCare. So what happened? Did the sky fall? Did insurance markets crash? No, of course not. Instead, health care marketplaces across the Nation went live. Millions of Americans logged on to learn about affordable health care plans. They gathered information to make decisions about what plan best meets their health care needs. Yes, some glitches need to be fixed, and we knew that would happen, but yesterday was not the end of the world. It was the beginning. It was the first step. The Tea Party, 46 times they attempted to shut down the Affordable Care Act. They stopped no one from being able to make good decisions on health care plans. So I urge my colleagues, commonsense Republicans and Democrats can still come together to stop this reckless GOP--the Grand Ole Party-- from shutting down our government. Let's pass a clean CR.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, last night, this Congress rejected this Republican piecemeal approach. But here we go again. It's clear that the GOP doesn't have a coherent solution to the shutdown crisis they've created. With this bill, they are proposing funding for our national parks and certain museums, but not the Bureau of Land Management or the Fish and Wildlife Service. Invasive species efforts have been halted, including research to stop the spread of Asian carp. Families hoping to visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge this fall are being met with a ``closed'' sign. Nothing in this bill will change that. I'm confident that every Member here wants our national parks open, and I applaud the Tea Party commitment for funding the National Gallery of Art. But I have a better idea: the House should pass a clean CR to fund the entire Federal Government for all of America. We can do that today with the support of commonsense Republicans and Democrats to end this GOP--Grand Old Party--shutdown.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the House of Representatives as the daughter of a World War II veteran, a veteran who was disabled, a veteran who watched very carefully what his government, what this august body and the Senate and the President signed into law that would affect his benefits, our family's benefits. And I rise today to oppose this new Republican scheme. Selecting random government agencies, programs, and museums to fund while the rest of the Federal Government languishes in a shutdown is simply irresponsible. The majority is making a desperate attempt to create distractions so that they're not held accountable for their actions. Congress needs to fund the entire Federal Government with a clean continuing resolution and end this reckless and unnecessary GOP--or, should I say, ``Grand Old Party''--shutdown.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the House Republican majority has decided that appeasing radical Tea Party extremists is more important to them than providing necessary funding for the continued operation of the federal government, even on a temporary basis. Passing a common sense continuing resolution would ensure vital government services for millions of American families and business. These are the basic services provided everyday by federal agencies that keep our communities and country strong. It is now the early morning hour of October 1st and Fiscal Year 2014 has commenced, but the government is shutdown. Here we are and the Republican majority in the House has failed to pass a simple, common sense extension to fund the government that the U.S. Senate passed three times. The Tea Party GOP success in shutting down the government tonight means that over 800,000 federal employees will immediately be furloughed and vital federal services will be suspended indefinitely. Government services and functions we all take for granted for things like food inspections, government permitting, and essential scientific research will all immediately stop. They don't need to stop, but Republican House members have made this choice as part of a cynical, dangerous and harmful political strategy intended to appease conservatives, anarchists and those who disregard the value of government. Why? Why would Congress want the government to shutdown? Because Tea Party Republicans are determined to repeal, defund, or delay the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare), denying healthcare to tens of millions of uninsured Americans, in exchange for allowing the federal government to keep operating. This political stunt is beyond irresponsible, it is irrational when considering the damage it will cause to the economy, job creation, and families all across America. Despite the fact that ObamaCare is the law, upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court as constitutional, and was the basis of President Obama's re-election in 2012, House Tea Party Republicans still feel they can ``negotiate'' the dismantling of ObamaCare by holding the entire federal government hostage. Ironically, the Affordable Care Act's exchanges will open today and this government shutdown will do nothing to deter, delay or derail this critical health program from being implemented. ObamaCare is going forward and millions of Americans will have access to affordable healthcare. House Republicans have voted as many as 45 times, including tonight, to repeal, replace or defund ObamaCare. They are obsessed with this law and it has become a mania that has now resulted in a shutdown of the U.S. government--it is outrageous and it angers me greatly. It is a disgrace. When will House Republicans end the dangerous game they are playing and put the needs of our Nation above their narrow, backwards, and irresponsible ideological demands? I was optimistic that Democrats and Republicans could find common ground on a clean continuing resolution that passed the U.S. Senate to fund the government for the next six weeks. It is clear to the American people that the Republican strategy has been to create a crisis and use a government shutdown as a bargaining chip to advance an extreme agenda regardless whether there are millions of Americans who get hurt. Yesterday in Politico my Republican friend and colleague from Idaho, Rep. Mike Simpson, was quoted as saying, ``We bitched and moaned about the Senate not doing a budget. Then they did, and we didn't go to conference. You need a big plan, Democrats and Republicans in the same room. We should have gone to conference.'' He is right. House Republicans refused to negotiate on the federal budget. The ignored calls from Democrats to appoint conferees. Tonight the New York Times reported, ``The House's most ardent conservatives appeared ready to see their war over the health care law through to its inevitable conclusion, a shutdown that would test voters' patience. But cracks in the Republican caucus opened into fissures of frustration.'' The Times article then goes to quote one of our colleages: ``You have this group that keeps saying somehow if you're not with them, you're for Obamacare,'' said Representative Devin Nunes, Republican of California. ``If you're not with exactly their plan, exactly what they want to do, then you're somehow for Obamacare, and it's just getting a little old. It's moronic to shut down the government over this.'' That's right ``moronic.'' And I could not agree with my Republican colleague more. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the passage of a continuing resolution is about funding the government--not re-writing law to repeal, defund, or derail health reform. Democrats would like to see a Farm Bill, immigration reform, and responsible gun safety legislation passed into law, but we are not holding the federal government and the American people hostage to advance our legislative priorities. It is not responsible. Congress needs to pass a clean continuing resolution, re-open the government, and govern responsibly. The situation the American people find themselves in at this moment is appalling, it is maddening. This Republican Congress has abdicated its responsibility and duty to the citizens of this country. This federal government shutdown is a manufactured crisis for political gain propagated by the extremists who disdain government itself. My job as a member of Congress is to govern. I am committed to work With my Republican colleagues, my colleagues in the U.S. Senate, and the Obama Administration to pass a clean continuing resolution that funds the government without legislating radical riders or hostage taking. This great nation is being tested by the irresponsibility of a House Republican majority that refused to govern. I sincerely hope the American people voice their displeasure, disdain, and disgust at the political game playing. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this amendment. The United States has an obligation to protect and preserve Native American sacred sites located on Federal lands. It is a responsibility we have established through Federal laws, including the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Mr. Lujan's amendment would make sure that we follow these laws. That's what his amendment does; it protects these laws. That's why over 80 tribal organizations support our amendment. My colleagues who oppose this amendment, they claim that all sacred spaces have been protected in this bill. Those claims are simply false. The San Carlos Apache Tribe is currently working with the Tonto National Forest to conduct a survey of their sacred sites. They have found artifacts and cultural materials and may still discover burial sites in areas that are proposed for exchange in this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment so that the survey process and tribal consultation can continue.