Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 100th anniversary of the Saint Paul Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and acknowledge their tremendous efforts to defend the ideals of justice and equality for all people. The origins of the Saint Paul NAACP are closely tied to those of the national organization, which is the oldest, largest and most recognized civil rights group in the country. The NAACP was founded when civil rights leaders of the Niagara Movement were joined by others calling for justice following the Springfield, Illinois Race Riot of 1908. The Niagara Movement was founded by prominent black leaders including W.E.B. Du Bois and Minnesota's own Frederick L. McGhee. Mr. McGhee was a Mississippi native who moved to Minnesota after law school, where he became the first African-American in Minnesota in history admitted to practice law. Involvement in law and politics propelled Mr. McGhee to the forefront of the civil rights movement as a champion of social equality, leading national efforts against racial discrimination and violence. Of the Niagara Movement, W.E.B. Du Bois said the honor of founding the organization belonged to Mr. McGhee, who first suggested it. After just the second meeting of the Niagara Movement, Mr. McGee returned home to Minnesota and helped organize a civil rights protection and advocacy group in the Twin Cities. By 1913, Saint Paul members of this group called to order the first meeting of what became the capitol city's own NAACP branch. Thus, the Saint Paul NAACP was born. During the 100 years since it was founded, the Saint Paul NAACP has produced nationally influential leaders like Roy Wilkins, who served as the National Executive Director from 1955-1977. Under Wilkins' direction during the turbulent Civil Rights era, the NAACP boldly investigated brutality, murder, segregation, discrimination and fought to end the suppression of minority voters at the ballot box. True to its origins, the Saint Paul NAACP continues to focus on economic disparities, health care, education, voter empowerment and the criminal justice system as it advocates for social justice and the inclusion of all citizens in the democratic process, regardless of racial, ethnic or religious lines. Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the courageous and honorable work of the Saint Paul NAACP as staff and the many volunteers who make it a success celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the courageous volunteers of the Bayport Fire Department on the 125th anniversary of its founding. Since 1888, this band of heroes has come to the rescue of community members not only in the City of Bayport but the surrounding townships and villages with their all-volunteer department. With literally generations of families serving in this St. Croix River fire department, the Bayport Fire Department is one of the oldest all- volunteer fire departments in the state of Minnesota. The Bayport Fire Department was originally established in 1888 when the village of South Stillwater formed its own brigade to fight fires ravaging this small mill town. In the years following department's creation, the town has since changed names and generations of families have diligently volunteered to protect the Bayport community. Most remarkably, it is possibly the oldest all-volunteer fire departments in continuous existence in Minnesota. The fire department's informal motto, ``desire to serve, courage to act, ability to perform,'' is a testament to the inspiring commitment of the Bayport Fire Department's all-volunteer staff. The brave men and women in the Bayport Fire Department have selflessly given untold time and energy to meet the challenges and emergencies this community has faced over the last 125 years. From community outreach to training drills and even water rescues on the Saint Croix River, the fire fighting volunteers are extremely capable professionals who frequently hold full-time jobs in addition to their fire department duties. Bayport fire fighters are trained as first responders and routinely arrive first to the scene of local medical and fire emergencies. The long and prestigious history of the Bayport Fire Department and its all-volunteer staff is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when a community acts collectively-- it is an inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the commitment and dedication of all-volunteer Bayport Fire Department as we commemorate their 125th anniversary today.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the many dedicated men and women of District Energy on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of this community energy system. District Energy launched as a demonstration project in 1983 as Saint Paul's response to the energy crisis of the 1970's. The venture was a public-private partnership between the City of Saint Paul, State of Minnesota, United States Department of Energy and the downtown business community, all of whom believed in the viability of a hot water district heating system to alleviate the pinch of the energy crisis. District Energy Saint Paul was built from the vision of Saint Paul Mayor George Latimer. Led by Mayor Latimer, the City lobbied the State and Federal governments for assistance in adopting a technology, developed in Europe, that could solve the heating problems of the city. Using the expertise of Hans Nyman, District Energy's first president, the system was successfully designed to be energy efficient, fuel flexible, and result in stable rates for its customers. In 1993, ten years after the successful startup of the district heating system, District Energy began offering cooling service to downtown building owners. Ten years later, in 2003, District Energy became a green energy service provider following construction of an affiliated combined heat and power (CHP) plant that is fueled by a renewable resource--clean, urban wood residuals. It is the largest wood-fired CHP plant serving district energy system in the nation. The system was advanced further in 2011 with the installation of the Midwest's largest solar installation. It is one of the country's largest hot water solar projects and the first in the United States to be integrated into a district heating system. Today, District Energy Saint Paul is considered the most notable in the United States for its use of renewable energy sources and implementation of energy conservation measures. In the past couple of decades, District Energy has been recognized on numerous occasions for its work promoting energy conservation. This year District Energy has received the Innovation Recognition and Bronze Space Award from the International District Energy Association as well as the Renewable Energy Award from the Sustainable Saint Paul Award Program. Furthermore, it continues to stand by its core values of customers, community, work environment, and conduct. Mr. Speaker, in honor of District Energy, a community energy system committed to energy conservation, I am pleased to submit this statement in recognition of their 30th anniversary.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to submit two articles into the Congressional Record. The first is an op-ed that I wrote about the importance of federal nutrition assistance that was published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The second is a powerful story published in the Star Tribune and written by Sue Bulger, a Minnesotan, whose family uses SNAP benefits. As Members of Congress, we cannot ignore the harm enacting the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act (H.R. 3102) will have on millions of our fellow Americans. I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill and instead come together to craft a bill that strengthens SNAP and ends hunger in America. Congress Must Help Eliminate Hunger (By Betty McCollum) For too many Minnesotans, a steady job no longer provides the guarantee of being able to always afford food for their family. One out of five children in the United States, including thousands in Minnesota, lives in a household struggling to put enough food on the table. As many families continue to work toward recovery from one of the worst economic recessions, Congress must commit itself to helping struggling families make ends meet and providing a brighter, healthier future for their children. The Supplemental Nutrition Access Program makes it possible for more than 45 million low-income families, people with disabilities and seniors to avoid hunger when times are tough. Simply put, SNAP helps our most vulnerable neighbors feed their children and themselves when they would otherwise run out of food before the next payday. Working to eliminate hunger should be a bipartisan goal, but House Republicans have put SNAP on the fiscal chopping block. In July, Republicans tried to eliminate nutrition benefits for nearly 2 million Americans, including more than 30,000 Minnesotans, by cutting $20.5 billion from SNAP. That harmful attack failed to pass the House. Instead of finding a bipartisan solution to fight hunger, Republicans have decided to double down on increasing hunger. On Monday, Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R- Okla.) put forward a bill to cut an estimated $39 billion from SNAP over the next decade. This latest Republican attack could eliminate benefits for as many as 3.8 million Americans and force many more struggling families to stretch their limited budgets even further. It would also cut funding for SNAP Nutrition Education, which supports nutrition education and teaches healthy food choices. SNAP Ed programs help Minnesotans stretch an average daily food budget of less than $4 to buy and prepare healthy meals. Hands-on cooking classes and interactive grocery store tours are offered to help individuals make smart, beneficial decisions. With less money to spend on groceries each month, the necessity of nutrition education becomes even more real. Last month, I attended a Cooking Matters nutrition education class in St. Paul sponsored by University of Minnesota Extension and Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign. Since 2011, more than 1,600 Minnesota families have been empowered with the skills, knowledge and confidence to prepare nutritious, affordable meals. These extension classes are critical to ensure that households can continue putting healthy food on the table for their children. Studies demonstrate that children who get enough of the healthy food they need grow up facing fewer health problems, perform better in school, lead more productive lives and are less likely to struggle with hunger as adults. Nutrition education programs like Cooking Matters are essential to helping families gain the skills they need. These GOP cuts will do nothing except increase hunger and poverty across America. Throughout the summer, I heard from faith leaders, community advocates, government officials and other Minnesotans deeply concerned by the Republican efforts to eliminate SNAP for struggling Americans. The local focus is on ending hunger. As Patricia Lull, executive director of the St. Paul Area Council of Churches, put it, ``No more hungry neighbors!'' SNAP is the most powerful and effective anti-hunger program for children that exists. To reduce childhood hunger in Minnesota and across America, we must continue to invest in SNAP and nutrition education services. The Republican plan will deny nutrition assistance to millions of Americans and cruelly increase hunger. Congress needs to defeat this cruel and immoral proposal. To keep all our families healthy, strong and hunger-free it is critical that Congress fully fund SNAP, not cut it.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the vital work of the Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) on the 20th anniversary of its founding. Since its inception in 1993, this organization and its army of volunteers has dedicated itself to protecting America's greatest river here at the head of navigation. Countless hours of hard work and dedication by FMR in partnership with many other organizations and individuals is making a difference for generations to come. When the Friends of the Mississippi River was founded in 1993 its mission was to engage citizens in an effort to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities region. The river is one of our nation's most important natural resources, cherished each year by millions of residents and visitors alike. As one of the world's longest rivers, the Mississippi is a defining geographic feature of North America and its watershed drains all or parts of 31 states. The river's ecosystem is a natural resource of global significance, with nearly half of North America's ducks, geese and swans relying on the Mississippi River for food, direction and resting places during seasonal migrations. Thanks to the tireless efforts of its staff, board and the hundreds of members and volunteers that support it, FMR is a one of Minnesota's leading citizen organizations for land conservation, watershed protection and river stewardship. As the ecological vitality of the Upper Mississippi River continues to be under threat, FMR faces the important task of protecting the river's ability to support native plant and animal species. Today, FMR continues to lead efforts critical to the long-term wellbeing of the Mississippi River and the Twin Cities region. FMR provides expertise and technical assistance critical to the protection of the Mississippi River and it continues to engage public and private landowners, local governments and concerned citizens as a steward for current and future generations. FMR advocacy has helped to make the Twin Cities a model for watershed planning and decision-making. Over the past two decades, FMR has nobly fought for the protection and improvement of the Mississippi River and watershed, and their hard work deserves recognition. Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the commitment and dedication of the Friends of the Mississippi River as we commemorate their 20th anniversary today, as they continue the legacy to restore and protect this river for future generations of Minnesotans and indeed all Americans.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 80th Anniversary of the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. The Conservation Corps has a rich history of providing first-hand experiences with environmental stewardship to youth all over the State of Minnesota. The Conservation Corps has a distinct goal of assisting young adults from diverse backgrounds and engaging them in various leadership opportunities while building skills and learning about environmental initiatives. Through this critical involvement in the community, young people are able to gain insight as well as employment skills. This organization thrives through the many programs offered, whether it's the Home Energy Squad installing a programmable thermostat in a home or AmeriCorps Youth Leaders engaging teens in outdoor service-learning summer camps. The reach of the Conservation Corps is far and wide. The Conservation Corps began in the 1930s and were called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which provided much needed employment to young men during the Great Depression. The CCC allowed these workers to provide for their families through the dismal economic times with natural resource jobs. By the 1970s the Youth Conservation Corps was launched by the federal government along with the year-round Young Adult Conservation Corps. When federal support for the Conservation Corps ended in 1981, the Minnesota Legislature stepped in and created the Minnesota Conservation Corps and continued to provide these invaluable opportunities through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In 1999 the Friends of the Minnesota Conservation Corps, made up of community supporters and program alumni, was incorporated as a nonprofit organization. In 2003, they joined with the Conservation Corps and began to operate under the Minnesota Conservation Corps. In 2010, the organization changed its name to Conservation Corps Minnesota to maintain consistency with the branch created in Iowa. The organization, now headquartered in Ames, Iowa, continues to provide service-learning opportunities at their site though the reach of the organization extends far beyond our neighbors to the south. The effects of the Conservation Corps can be seen throughout the Midwest in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. No matter the location, the legacy of restoring our natural resources and changing lives remains the same. Minnesota, known for its 10,000 lakes and abundant natural resources, is indebted to the many hours, years, and volunteers that Conservation Corps has dedicated to preserving our environment. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the community, history, and legacy of the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, celebrating their 80th Anniversary, I am pleased to submit this statement.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the staff, board, donors, and volunteers of Books for Africa on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of this nonprofit organization based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Since its founding in 1988, Books for Africa has grown into the largest shipper of donated text and library books to the African continent, having shipped over 27 million books to 48 countries. In 2012 alone, Books for Africa shipped more than 2.2 million books to 22 African countries. Ending the book famine in Africa is the mission that led Thomas Warth to found Books for Africa. Troubled by a chronic shortage of books in Africa and the reality that 40 percent of school-age children do not attend school, Mr. Warth put his vision and enthusiasm into an ongoing commitment to transform lives by facilitating the shipment of container after container of books that put real books in the hands of real people. By sending textbooks to areas with empty shelves and into the hands of children eager to read, learn, and explore the world of literature, Books for Africa is making a difference in the lives of young people. Books for Africa is promoting literacy, and empowering the next generation to break the endless cycle of poverty that will improve quality of life. This success would not have been possible without the joint partnership of public and private sectors. Books for Africa frequently works with USAID, Peace Corps, and the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation to deliver books. Together with the generous support of publishers, schools, libraries, organizations and individuals who donate books, Books for Africa is making a positive impact in the lives of people in African countries. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Thomas Warth and the dedicated staff, partners, donors, board, and volunteers, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the 25th anniversary of Books for Africa.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, although the legislation before us today is far from perfect, I rise in support of its passage. The Fiscal Year 2014 Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 2397) will ensure that our brave men and women in uniform have the resources they need to keep our country safe and secure. The bill also provides funding to support the U.S. industrial base. Lastly, H.R. 2397 includes important provisions to assist our troops and their families, including a pay-raise of 1.8 percent, and strengthens the health care services available to all our service members. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I have worked diligently this past year to ensure funding for members of the U.S. Military, preserve our military readiness, and target wasteful Pentagon programs. While I am in favor of the underlying legislation, I am deeply disappointed that nearly all of the mandated across-the-board cuts were shifted to other parts of our Federal budget, leaving the Pentagon relatively unscathed. In fact, the bill provides more funding than originally requested in the President's budget proposal, which further demonstrates the House Republicans' misplaced budget priorities. Mr. Speaker, I am serious about confronting the fiscal crisis facing America. Being an Appropriator, I take seriously my job of eliminating unnecessary spending and ineffective programs in every appropriations bill within every federal agency--including the Pentagon. This year's process was unlike past budgeting years. The House Appropriations Committee operated under the unreasonable constraints of the funding allocations imposed by House Republicans, which needlessly starve the discretionary budget. These allocations force Congress to make reckless trade-offs between adequately funding the Pentagon and providing sufficient funding for the rest of our Federal government. This is not only economically harmful, but also an irresponsible way to operate as a legislative body. The exponential growth of the Pentagon Budget since 2001 is due primarily to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now that the Iraq War has ended and as we withdraw our combat troops from Afghanistan next year, it is time to significantly reduce the size of the Pentagon budget in a responsible way. During consideration of this bill, I voted in favor of numerous common-sense amendments aimed at saving the government hundreds of billions of dollars. With my support, the House passed two separate amendments that reduced the Afghanistan Security and Afghanistan Infrastructure funds by nearly a half a billion dollars. In addition, I voted in favor of an amendment offered by Congressman Van Hollen, which reduces the Pentagon's war funding account by $3.5 billion over the next year. We also debated and voted on important amendments related to national security and civil liberties. The most notable of these being measures to curb the National Security Agency's (NSA) blanket collection of Americans' telephone records. Since the Patriot Act originally passed under former President George W. Bush, Congress has regularly reauthorized it without subjecting the NSA and other government agencies to proper oversight. This enabled the NSA to abuse two of its provisions, Sections 702 and 215, by using them to justify unwarranted surveillance of law-abiding U.S. citizens both domestically and abroad. This is simply unacceptable. Congress has an obligation to conduct strong oversight of our national security policies and when necessary, take corrective action through the legislative process That is why I welcomed the floor debate and supported the ``Amash- Conyers'' amendment, which aimed to restrict the NSA's ability to collect bulk telecommunications records pursuant to Section 215 of the Patriot Act. Furthermore, it would have imposed stricter, more robust judicial oversight of the Federal government's surveillance programs. Even though the amendment narrowly failed by a vote of 205-217, its strong bipartisan support sends a clear message to the White House that Congress is ready and willing to implement much needed reforms. It is absolutely essential that we preserve Americans' privacy and civil liberties in our efforts to keep America safe from terrorist attacks. Mr. Speaker, this bill in its totality provides adequate funding for all our military personnel and their families. Moreover, it includes several necessary reforms to help eliminate the scourge of sexual assault in the military. I was proud to work with my colleagues on the Subcommittee to fully fund the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs at $157 million and add an additional $25 million above the request to implement a Sexual Assault Special Victims Program. The bill also reaffirms numerous provisions that were included in the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, including those increasing penalties for sexual assault, requiring trial by court-martial for such offenses, and limiting convening authority discretion regarding court- martial findings and sentencing. Congress has a duty to take care of our men and women in uniform and as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I urge my colleagues to support the underlying legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate my constituent and friend, the Honorable B. Todd Jones, on his confirmation by the United States Senate to be the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). As the first permanent director since 2006, Director Jones knows the job well; he has been leading this important federal law enforcement agency as ``acting director'' since 2011. While serving as acting director, Mr. Jones has also been serving as the United States Attorney for Minnesota. The hefty and time consuming responsibility of leading two important federal offices has proven to be a testament to Mr. Jones' commitment to public service, his stamina, and the gracious support of his wife, Margaret, and his children. Nominated by President Obama to serve as ATF's permanent director in January 2013, Mr. Jones endured a Senate confirmation process that too often neglected the gun violence crisis in this country and instead degenerated into a partisan political smear campaign with unfounded attacks on an outstanding public servant. The Senate vote to confirm Mr. Jones was very partisan. The six Republicans who voted for cloture thus allowing an up or down vote on this nomination deserve to be commended for their fairness. I also want to commend Minnesota's two Senators, Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, for shepherding this nomination through very difficult political terrain. There is no doubt that President Obama got it right when he tapped Mr. Jones to lead the ATE. Todd's career in public service is stellar-- a Marine Corps infantryman, Marine Corps Judge Advocate, federal prosecutor, and the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota in both the Clinton and Obama administrations. This is a man of integrity, character, and determination who has never hesitated to serve his country when called upon. As the director of ATF, B. Todd Jones will have the opportunity to strengthen and offer much needed stability to an agency that has been denied a permanent director by Republicans in Congress even when a nominee was put forth by President Bush. Both ATF staff and law enforcement officials all across the U.S. will have a partner and an advocate in the new director. As gun violence continues to plague America's cities, towns, families, and, most tragically, our schools, ATF needs a leader who will respect gun rights, but champion gun safety and safe communities. That's the kind of leader Todd Jones will be and I am very proud of his on-going service to our country.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise to strongly oppose the REINS Act (H.R. 367). This reckless legislation would put American families at risk while doing nothing to create jobs. If enacted, H.R. 367 would delay and possibly block agency rulemaking in critical areas of public health and safety. This legislation would require that any ``major'' new rule be approved by Congress and the President within 70 legislative days. If Congress fails to act by the deadline, the proposed rule could not be reviewed again until the next Congress. My Republican colleagues do not deny this cumbersome process would prevent many new rules from taking effect. They argue preventing new rules is necessary to stimulate hiring and strengthen the economy. Bruce Bartlett, a former advisor to Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, said congressional Republicans' anti- regulatory fervor has nothing to do with jobs. Bartlett recently wrote: ``Regulatory uncertainty is a canard invented by Republicans that allows them to use current economic problems to pursue an agenda supported by the business community year in and year out. In other words, it is a simple case of political opportunism, not a serious effort to deal with high unemployment.'' Supporters of this legislation rely on a thoroughly debunked study that claims regulations cost Americans in excess of $1.75 trillion. Moreover, the independent, nonpartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) cited major flaws in the study's methodology, noting that the bill's authors admitted that it was ``not meant to be a decision-making tool for lawmakers or Federal regulatory agencies to use in choosing the `right' level of regulation'' and that they made ``no attempt to estimate the benefits'' of regulations. H.R. 367 will fail to create jobs and expose American families and small businesses to new and unnecessary risks. President Obama has threatened to veto the bill, arguing it would ``delay and in many cases thwart'' implementation of important rules and increase unnecessary confusion and uncertainty in the economy. The Coalition for Sensible Safeguards warns that this legislation ``would make it virtually impossible for federal agencies to ensure that American families are protected from tainted food, unsafe drugs, predatory financial schemes, dirty air and water, and dangerous workplaces.'' Abandoning Americans to an unregulated marketplace is not a solution for economic growth--it is a sure threat to public safety. In recent years, many Americans have died as a result of E. coli and salmonella outbreaks in our food supply. A failure to enforce federal workplace safety standards resulted in the tragic deaths of 29 miners in West Virginia. Finally, under-regulation allowed irresponsible bankers and mortgage lenders to destroy the education and retirement savings of millions of Americans. America is, in fact, facing a regulatory crisis. Not the crisis of ``over-regulation'' my Republican colleagues claim, but a series of crisis resulting from a failure to enforce and enact common-sense rules. Sensible regulation is necessary for an efficient, fair and innovative private market. But we should not be surprised that industry will not always support--and rarely ask--to be regulated. History shows that industry groups initially opposed new requirements for seat belts and air bags, limitations on mercury pollution and even restrictions against child labor. In the short-term, narrow private interests often conflict with the broader public interest. Over time, well-designed and consistently- enforced rules often prove to be less costly and more beneficial than originally expected. Democrats and Republicans should be working together to improve the federal regulatory structure. Our shared focus in Congress should be on reforming regulations to increase results and reduce costs. Partisan attempts to weaken common sense rules and protections will not make our economy--or our country--stronger. I urge my colleagues to reject H.R. 367 because it undermines public safety and distracts Congress from the urgent task of creating jobs.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the inspiring career of Mr. Rick Shiomi, a leader for Asian-American actors and artists, as he retires as Artistic Director from Mu Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Rick Shiomi co-founded Mu Performing Arts in 1992 and served as Artistic Director for the next 20 years. Finding that Asian-American theater did not exist in the Twin Cities at the time, Rick worked to bring community voices to the stage. He helped form Mu Daiko, a taiko drumming ensemble, which later became Mu Performing Arts to reflect the broad artistic base of theater, taiko and artistic development. Today, because of Rick's extraordinary leadership and energy, Mu is increasing the size of Asian-American audiences and the number of Asian-American performers who flourish in the Twin Cities. Thanks to Rick's vision, Mu Performing Arts has become one of the largest pan Asian-American performing arts companies in the United States. He has been recognized numerous times for his outstanding work. His many awards include a 2012 Ivey Award for Lifetime Achievement in Twin Cities theater and a 2007 Sally Award for Vision from the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Mu is also a leader in the local and national development of Asian-American theater and taiko. Rick and Mu Performing Arts have helped develop and support the work of local and national playwrights, actors, directors, and musicians by premiering many new works, fostering a new generation of Asian-American artists. Through educational, community and corporate outreach programs the company has provided access to Asian-American culture and arts to communities who otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience it. Rick's influence has brought Asian-American actors into nontraditional roles in other theaters and helped elevate the recognition of the Asian-American community. Mu Performing Arts is a Minnesota treasure and the legacy of Rick will live on in Mu Performing Arts' work bringing Asian-American voices to the stage in the Twin Cities. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Mr. Rick Shiomi, a visionary for Asian- American performing art and artists, I am pleased to submit this statement to the Congressional Record in recognition of his retirement as Artistic Director from Mu Performing Arts.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, last week The Hill published a column entitled ``Don't force an irresponsible vote on Iran sanctions.'' The column started with the following two sentences: ``The House of Representatives is under pressure to vote on a new Iran sanctions bill, H.R. 850, before members leave town for August recess. Scheduling such a vote would be irresponsible and highly counterproductive to U.S. strategy on Iran.'' The authors of the column were not some peaceniks or pundits, but experts with real life experiences in military, diplomacy and fighting for a future of freedom for the people of Iran--Gen. (retired) Joseph Hoar, former Commander in Chief of United States Central Command, Col. (retired) Lawrence Wilkerson, former Chief of Staff to General Colin Powell, and Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council. Today, the House of Representatives is advancing this ``irresponsible and highly counterproductive'' bill to push Iran deeper into a state of isolation and push the U.S. further away from a diplomatic resolution to Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons. Most disturbing, by severely limiting diplomatic options for the U.S. and our international partners, this bill advances the agenda of those who seek to once again push the U.S. towards military confrontation. Our nation has been down this irresponsible, dangerous and costly path before with the war in Iraq and I completely reject the idea that war with Iran is inevitable or a viable solution to this situation. On August 3rd the new president of Iran, Dr. Hassan Rouhani, will take office. Dr. Rouhani was elected as a moderate voice who campaigned to ``pursue a policy of peace and reconciliation'' with the West. The new president was Iran's former lead nuclear negotiator and was critical of the nuclear ``extremism'' of his dangerous predecessor, President Ahmadinejad. This is the absolute best opportunity and most favorable conditions to proceed with a diplomatic course. Just in the past month, I received over 100 calls, e-mails and letters urging me to sign a letter to President Obama calling for a renewed diplomatic effort with Iran's new leader. On July 19th I joined 130 Democrats and Republicans in signing the letter to Mr. Obama urging him ``to pursue the potential opportunity presented by Iran's recent presidential election by reinvigorating U.S. efforts to secure a negotiated nuclear agreement.'' Our letter goes on to say, ``we believe it would be a mistake not to test whether Dr. Rouhani's election represents a real opportunity for progress toward a verifiable, enforceable agreement on Iran's nuclear program that ensures the country does not acquire a nuclear weapon. In order to test this proposition, it will be prudent for the United States to utilize all diplomatic tools to reinvigorate ongoing nuclear talks.'' H.R. 850 and its extreme sanctions takes the opposite course. It sends the signal that the U.S. wishes to punish the Iranian people and will only settle for submission, rather than a negotiated, face saving solution that meets the security needs of the United States, Israel, and the entire international community and the economic needs of the Iranian people. This bill is a blunt instrument that harms U.S. interests, undercuts President Obama, and gives no hope to the millions of Iranians who look to the U.S. as a beacon of freedom and inspiration. Clearly there are no guarantees that diplomacy will work in the near term and preventing a nuclear-armed Iran is an absolute. So, advancing H.R. 850 and tougher sanctions can proceed at anytime in the months ahead if Iran rejects negotiations or refuses to take tangible, verifiable steps towards an agreement. The House could vote on this bill in October or November, giving President Obama, our international partners, and the new Iranian leadership a legitimate window of time to seek peaceful progress. This bill has 375 co-sponsors so there is absolute certainty that this bill will pass and then Congress can go on its August recess. This bill will not move in the U.S. Senate in the days ahead so nothing will be accomplished by the passage of H.R. 850 other than some chest pounding by politicians, the imposition of an embarrassing obstacle to U.S. diplomats, and a victory for the hardliners in Iran who reject negotiations as much as hardliners in this country. Today, at this moment in time, this is a bill that harms U.S. interests and I will vote against it.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the inspiring career of Ms. Peggy Lynch, a leader in preservation of parks and green space, on the occasion of her retirement as Executive Director from Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County. The Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County has its origins in a group of citizens who banded together to protect Hidden Falls--Crosby Lake Regional Park in 1984 from developers proposing to build housing within the park. After the housing proposal was defeated, the group continued to meet, and a permanent organization was established in 1985 with a grant from the Saint Paul Foundation. Peggy Lynch co-founded the organization and served as Executive Director for the next 28 years. Today, because of Peggy's extraordinary persistence and advocacy for the outdoors, the organization has led development and preservation of parks across the east metro region and earned her the title the ``Conscience of the Parks.'' Thanks to Peggy Lynch's vision, the organization achieved foundational work to protect public access to green space. In 1985 the group initiated a study of parks in Saint Paul and Ramsey County during a period of intense developer interest in prime park land. At the time, there were few local park commissions and developers had no obligation to contribute to the park system. Cities such as Saint Paul sold parkland for a dollar per parcel. As a result of a study by the Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County, Park Commissions in Saint Paul and Ramsey County were established. The amendment of the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County charters for ``no net loss'' of parkland were approved. These actions built a system to preserve and add parkland for public use. Additionally, Peggy and Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County have helped develop and support the environment by promoting appreciation for parks and open space through quality parks, trails, and bikeways. Through educational, community, and corporate outreach programs, they have provided access to recreational opportunities to communities who otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience it. Peggy's influence brought increased recognition and elevated the importance of preserving the great outdoors for present and future generations to come. Her work along with the Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County are legacies that will live on in the organization's work advocating for the environment in the Twin Cities. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Ms. Peggy Lynch, a leader in the environmental community, I am pleased to submit this statement to the Congressional Record in recognition of her retirement as Executive Director of the Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, in the world's poorest countries, nearly 1 billion people struggle with hunger every day. Chronic food insecurity limits a child's ability to grow and to learn. Across Africa and Asia, hardworking farmers need help producing enough food to feed their families throughout the year. Many of these farmers are women. In fact, it is estimated 80 percent of the agricultural workers are women. Earlier this year, I traveled to Tanzania and South Sudan where women farmers told me that they needed access to better seeds, tools, and training. With assistance from the United States and with our support, they can grow enough food to feed their families and have extra to sell as produce. Last week, I introduced the Global Food Security Act, along with Representatives Aaron Schock and Jim McGovern. This bill directs the President to develop a strategy to improve global nutrition, food security, and agricultural development. More than 35 NGOs and faith- based groups also support this bill. This bill will improve food security for millions around the world, which is the right thing to do, but it will also make America more secure and protect our own national interest. I urge my colleagues to support the Global Food Security Act.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the inspiring career of Ms. Peggy Lynch, a leader in preservation of parks and green space, on the occasion of her retirement as Executive Director from Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County. The Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County has its origins in a group of citizens who banded together to protect Hidden Falls--Crosby Lake Regional Park in 1984 from developers proposing to build housing within the park. After the housing proposal was defeated, the group continued to meet, and a permanent organization was established in 1985 with a grant from the Saint Paul Foundation. Peggy Lynch co-founded the organization and served as Executive Director for the next 28 years. Today, because of Peggy's extraordinary persistence and advocacy for the outdoors, the organization has led development and preservation of parks across the east metro region and earned her the title the ``Conscience of the Parks.'' Thanks to Peggy Lynch's vision, the organization achieved foundational work to protect public access to green space. In 1985 the group initiated a study of parks in Saint Paul and Ramsey County during a period of intense developer interest in prime park land. At the time, there were few local park commissions and developers had no obligation to contribute to the park system. Cities such as Saint Paul sold parkland for a dollar per parcel. As a result of a study by the Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County, Park Commissions in Saint Paul and Ramsey County were established. The amendment of the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County charters for ``no net loss'' of parkland were approved. These actions built a system to preserve and add parkland for public use. Additionally, Peggy and Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County have helped develop and support the environment by promoting appreciation for parks and open space through quality parks, trails, and bikeways. Through educational, community, and corporate outreach programs, they have provided access to recreational opportunities to communities who otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience it. Peggy's influence brought increased recognition and elevated the importance of preserving the great outdoors for present and future generations to come. Her work along with the Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County are legacies that will live on in the organization's work advocating for the environment in the Twin Cities.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which does not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, it will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. This bill is about coal ash. Coal ash is a toxic substance. It contains lead, selenium, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. Coal ash is a deadly poison, and it must be kept out of America's drinking water. This bill needlessly puts millions of Americans at risk by doing nothing to prevent coal ash from contaminating groundwater, surface water, and the greatest supply of freshwater on the Earth--the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes provide drinking water to more than 30 million people. Over 1.5 million jobs are connected to the Great Lakes and more than $60 billion in annual wages. My amendment protects the Great Lakes from improper and dangerous storage of coal ash. This amendment ``requires that all wet disposal structures meet criteria for design, construction, operation, and maintenance sufficient to prevent contamination of surface and groundwater.'' This amendment recognizes that the Great Lakes are unique. Mayors and Governors in eight States are working together to maintain this vital ecosystem and economy for families, businesses, and future generations--even while this House considers an 80 percent cut to the Great Lakes Restorative Initiative. In addition, the Federal Government coordinates our efforts to protect, conserve, and restore the Great Lakes with our partner, Canada. The great United States has both a national and international interest in keeping these lakes clean and safe. Protecting the Great Lakes should be a priority for this Congress. I am certain it's a priority for the 30 million people who drink Great Lakes water. Without this amendment, they will be at risk of drinking cancer-causing toxins. Right now, coal ash is placed in unlined ponds, some that are leaking, leaching, and spilling into our soils, lakes, rivers, and aquifers. In 2011, near Milwaukee, a bluff collapsed, sending a utility company's coal ash directly into Lake Michigan. Residents could no longer drink their local water because of severe health threats imposed by the coal ash. Should a utility company be able to store tons and tons of coal ash in an unregulated ravine? The answer is, simply, ``no.'' Unless Congress changes how coal ash is stored, the Great Lakes and America's drinking water will continue to be at risk. Congress can do something right here, right now by passing this amendment. If you want clean and safe drinking water, vote for this amendment. If you want to protect the Great Lakes, vote for this amendment. And if you want to protect recreation, manufacturing, and service jobs, vote for this amendment. If you have the courage to stand up to the polluters and say no longer will I allow coal ash to be inadvertently put in our drinking water, causing cancer for millions of Americans, vote for this amendment. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. McCOLLUM. I am opposed to the bill in its current form.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to the partisan House Republican plan to destroy and dismantle the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Simply, this bill, H.R. 5, abandons our national commitment to equity in education for all K-12 students. For decades, Members of Congress--on both sides of the aisle--had supported the need for targeted resources designed to help our nation's disadvantaged students and close achievement gaps. But unfortunately, House Republicans have decided to turn their backs on our most vulnerable students in this bill. They are gutting education funding. They are removing protections for students with disabilities. They are making it easier to divert money away from poor and minority students. The Republican bill abandons the children who need us the most. There is no doubt that the current law under No Child Left Behind is in need of serious reform. I voted against No Child Left Behind in 2001 and I know Minnesota schools, educators, and parents have had problems with it from the beginning. Today I do stand in strong support of the Democratic alternative. It repeals the inflexible Adequate Yearly Progress requirements and replaces them with a focus on student growth and preparation. It includes policies to ensure that all students have a well-rounded education including science, the arts, and languages. It supports innovations in education with investments in educational research and technology, high-quality charter schools, and comprehensive school plans to reduce bullying and keep all students safe. Our families, our educators, and our communities deserve K-12 education legislation that ensures all students have access to a world class education. Congress should be passing legislation that invests in our neighborhood schools, supports the development of effective teachers and principals, and helps students prepare for their future careers. I urge my colleagues to embrace real education reform by voting for the Democratic alternative and against the underlying bill.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Red Caps who served generations of the traveling public at the Union Depot in Saint Paul, Minnesota. For many years, the Red Caps were the first faces that many travelers saw upon arriving in Minnesota's capital city. These welcoming and dedicated men performed an important role in Minnesota's transportation history and served a vital community role as well--as the backbone of Rondo neighborhood, historically home to many of Saint Paul's African-American families. The hard work of the individuals who served as Red Caps can be traced to the end of the Civil War, when many former slaves found work on the railroad. The growth of our nation's railroads was made possible by the tireless work of these individuals. By the 1860s Pullman porters could be seen in the station greeting passengers, carrying luggage, serving food and beverages, tending to the sleeper bunks, cleaning, and even shining shoes. The duties of these porters eventually extended to the Red Caps by the time the original Saint Paul Union Depot opened in 1881. The Red Caps filled critical jobs not only on the trains, but in the stations as well, receiving small salaries and earned tips. Many of these men settled and raised families in Saint Paul's old Rondo neighborhood. The Red Caps created a solid African-American middle class in Saint Paul that has lasted well over 85 years until traveling preferences and diminished employment led to many of the Red Caps becoming sky caps at the airport and eventually to the closure of the Saint Paul Union Depot in 1971. This weekend marks the 30th Anniversary of Rondo Days, a vibrant community festival. As part of this anniversary, the Red Caps will be honored and celebrated for their generations of contributions to the community. Today Red Caps can still be seen working in several stations throughout the country, continuing their strong legacy. The re-opening of the Union Depot just this past year marks another wave of change in transportation for the region, the City of Saint Paul, and along with it a dedication to the Red Caps. As a child, I remember the Red Caps fondly, and was delighted to be present during the recent commemoration of the Red Cap Room at the Saint Paul Union Depot. It is an appropriate gift for those who gave so much to our community. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the Red Caps, I am pleased to submit this statement to recognize their hard work and contributions to the Rondo neighborhood and the city of Saint Paul.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, on June 10, 2013, Congressman Ellison and I hosted a listening session at the Minnesota State Capitol. We heard from Minnesotans affected by the House Farm Bill's proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Below is testimony delivered by Dale Simonson and Patricia Lull. Testimony From Dale Simonson, Minnesota Department of Human Services Here is a brief overview of the demographics of the SNAP recipients statewide. There are about 554,000 adults and children on SNAP in approximately 259,700 cases. Children make up almost 48% of the SNAP population. There are 77,417 SNAP family cases. 66% of the family cases reported income from work Average age of adults with children is 35 years There are 39,671 senior cases on SNAP. Average age is 70 years 61% had income from Retirement, Survivors Disabilities Insurance (RSDI) There are 88,942 disabled cases on SNAP. There are 62,477 cases that are categorized as ``other'' adults. Within this category are able bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) These people are disconnected from employment compared to other SNAP participants as 56% have no other reported income sources than SNAP. The average benefit per recipient is $118 and per case is $245. Race/ethnicity demographics of SNAP cases are 59% white, 24% black, 7% Asian, 4% Hispanic, 4% American Indian with multiple races comprising the rest. That is a very brief overview of the SNAP population in MN. The data being used today comes from the Characteristics of People and Cases on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in December 2012 as well as the Family Self-Sufficiency Report. Both of these reports are available on the DHS public website. The biggest impact on SNAP recipients in MN would come from the proposed restriction in the House bill on the state ability to use categorical eligibility. Broad based categorical eligibility is a policy that makes most households categorically eligible for SNAP because they qualify for a non-cash TANF funded benefit. This allows states to raise the income limit up to a maximum of 200% Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) and raise or eliminate the asset limit. The MN legislature passed a bill effective Nov., 2010 allowing expansion of broad based categorical eligibility to all SNAP cases by increasing the income standard from 130% to 165% of FPG and eliminating the asset limit. Sec. 4005 of the House bill would remove this state option. DHS estimates that 6.4% of the caseload or 16,700 cases with over 32,000 people would be made ineligible because their income is above 130% FPG yet below 165% FPG. Of these cases, over 8,000 are family cases that will be ineligible due to over income. The children on these cases would no longer be automatically eligible for free or reduced school lunch. DHS no longer collects asset information for SNAP. Therefore, we do not have data on the number of cases that would be ineligible due to being over the asset limit. The House bill provides a permanent reduction in funding for SNAP-Ed. This proposed cut comes on the heels of the program's fiscal year 2013 budget cut of 28 percent that was included in the fiscal cliff agreement, resulting in decreased program activity. Minnesota's share of SNAP-Ed has been approximately 2.5% of the federal allocation. Minnesota's current allocation for SNAP-Ed is about $7,000,000 (cut included). Further cuts will impact the reach and impact that SNAP-Ed has on Minnesota's population in poverty. SNAP-Ed is delivered by community nutrition educators from the University of Minnesota Extension Service and Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. They use evidence-based, behaviorally-focused curriculum to help Minnesotans with limited financial resources stretch food dollars and make healthy choices. In FY 2012, the U of M Extension offered SNAP-Ed programming in 84 of 87 counties directly serving approximately 65,000 persons (unduplicated). In FY 2012, the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe offered SNAP-Ed programming on six reservations (Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and White Earth) directly serving 6,778 persons (unduplicated). U of M Extension program evaluation outcomes point to positive SNAP-Ed results. Over half of SNAP-Ed participants engaged in healthy eating and physical activity behaviors by the final course session. In addition, participants indicated an average of greater than 1/3 cup increased intake of both fruits and vegetables per day over the span of a course. These are the two major provisions that will have the greatest impact on low income Minnesotans on SNAP if these cuts are adopted. Thank you for your time. Testimony Submitted by Patricia Lull, Executive Director of the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches Thank you for this opportunity to address the difference that SNAP benefits make in our community. I serve as Executive Director of the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches, a non-profit representing 125 local communities of faith. We come from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, and Quaker backgrounds but every one of our faith traditions agrees with this conviction--No more hungry neighbors! I am here to say that as a person of faith and a citizen. No more hungry neighbors! In recent years we have made great strides in addressing domestic hunger and SNAP has been an important part of what we have done well as a country. It serves our most vulnerable neighbors--children, seniors, and working families. It serves them in a way that supports local economies (grocery stores and farmers markets) and energizes our children to succeed in school and in life. While it is important to balance our federal budget, cutting SNAP benefits to our most vulnerable neighbors should be the last option we exercise. The proposed cuts will negatively impact all of us who work with families in poverty. Let me illustrate that. The Saint Paul Area Council of Churches hosts an emergency food shelf for the American Indian community in Ramsey County. We provide food to 500 individuals a month--enough for 6,000 meals. Use of our food shelf has increased by 30% since last August. More families. More need. More demand on us to do what all of us as citizens are asked to do--provide for those who are most at risk. Some of our food shelf participants are also volunteers. A couple of months ago, Larry and I worked side-by-side unloading a delivery from Second Harvest, our food bank. Larry is a father and grand-father. He is also a hard worker, carrying in three times as many boxes as I did. When the truck was unloaded and all the food was put away, I thanked him for all he had done. Larry looked me squarely in the eye, pointed to his heart, and said--I do this for the community. Those who receive SNAP benefits--and those who will be excluded from benefits if cuts are made--they are our community, too. On behalf of them I say, No more hungry neighbors!

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the families of the Rondo neighborhood in Saint Paul, Minnesota on the 30th anniversary of the Rondo Days festival. Rondo Days offers a remembrance of this historically African-American community that was dramatically altered by the construction of U.S. Interstate 94 in the mid-1960s. More importantly, Rondo Days is a celebration of the perseverance and tenacity of the modern Rondo community, which remains a vibrant, diverse and thriving neighborhood. For many decades, Rondo Avenue was the lively center of the African- American community in Saint Paul. Construction of U.S. Interstate 94 in the 1960s resulted in the removal of the avenue along with hundreds of homes and businesses, shattering the tight-knit community. Many families were displaced and the appearance of the neighborhood was forever changed, but the spirit of Rondo lived on. Capturing a strong desire for a community revival, in 1982, Marvin ``Roger'' Anderson and Floyd Smaller founded a new festival to restore the sense of kinship, stability, and community values of the old Rondo neighborhood. Rondo Days was born, growing into a major annual weekend festival drawing together thousands of residents in celebration of the community. Each year, neighbors and families come together for activities including a senior dinner, 5K walk and run, drill team competition, and the Grand Parade. The rich legacy of old Rondo Avenue is also the foundation for the future of the new Rondo neighborhood. For decades, many families called Rondo Avenue home, and many new residents from the South were welcomed on doorsteps along the avenue. Residents were proud of their neighborhood and planted deep roots, branching out to start businesses to serve the community and create new opportunity. During a time of segregation and harsh racial disparities, Rondo Avenue allowed many African-Americans to dream big and believe in a brighter future. This pride and these dreams remain undiminished today. As Saint Paul gathers for the 30th time to celebrate Rondo Days, families and neighbors will be reunited, new friends welcomed, and everyone will be looking to an even brighter future. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the community, history, and legacy of the Rondo neighborhood, and as a neighbor myself, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the 30th Anniversary of Rondo Days in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I remain in strong opposition to the House Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 1947) otherwise known as the `Farm Bill'. On June 20, 2013, I along with the majority of my colleagues voted against House Republican's extreme bill. Now farmers in Minnesota and across this country are depending on Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement that will continue to grow our agricultural economy and enable us to best meet our future agriculture needs. In the past, the Farm Bill has received strong bipartisan support. Members of Congress from both rural and urban districts found common ground to support our agriculture sector, keep food affordable, and continue investments in agricultural research. However, this year the House Republican Leadership chose to put partisan politics before the best interests of our farmers, ranchers, and communities. The bill that I voted against included an unprecedented cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Of the almost $40 billion in cuts, more than half come from a devastating reduction to the nutrition assistance for poor children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. An estimated 38,000 Minnesotans and nearly 2 million Americans would lose their SNAP benefits entirely and 210,000 children would no longer receive free meals at school. In June, along with Congressman Ellison, I hosted a listening discussion on the impact that these cuts would have on Minnesotans. The audience heard from state and county officials, faith leaders, community service providers, and individuals that receive SNAP. The testimony, often emotional, demonstrated the clear need for SNAP to ensure individuals are able to access healthy food. Patricia Lull, Executive Director of the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches, spoke of the growing need that churches in Minnesota have witnessed. She told us, ``We come from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, and Quaker backgrounds, but every one of our faith traditions agrees with this conviction--No more hungry neighbors!'' Evelyn, a Minnesota senior and diabetic, recently began receiving SNAP benefits. She told us about how the rising cost of her medications had thrown her into Medicare Part D's donut hole and forced her to cut her expenses as low as she could. According to Evelyn, without SNAP she would be unable to afford the healthy meals she needs to keep her diabetes in check. She was already worried about how she would cope with the estimated 4% reduction that will take effect this November. If she was no longer eligible for SNAP, she told us she wouldn't know what to do. In addition to the cuts already included in the bill, Tea-Party Republicans added polarizing amendments that would make it even more difficult to qualify for SNAP. One of the amendments would give states the ability to require all SNAP applicants to submit to drug testing. Another allowed states to require parents and some persons with disabilities to meet work requirements in order to qualify for SNAP. These destructive amendments would create new barriers for struggling Americans to access nutrition assistance, while doing nothing to improve efficiency or reduce fraud. Simply, Tea-Party Republicans voted to make a bad bill even worse. After failing to pass their own bill, the House Republican Leadership has an obligation to move forward a bipartisan Farm Bill that does not harm our poorest Americans. I call on the House Republican Majority to bring the Senate passed bipartisan Farm Bill (S. 954) to the floor for an up or down vote. While not perfect, the Senate-passed bill includes common-sense reforms to outdated programs, makes modest changes to SNAP, reaffirms our commitment to conservation, and eliminates wasteful spending. Minnesota farmers are depending on Congress to act swiftly and pass a long-term Farm Bill before the current extension expires. Together, Democrats and Republicans can pass the Senate's Farm Bill before summer's end and give certainty to America's farmers, ranchers, and consumers.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the founders, members and many volunteers of the Minnesota Transportation Museum on the 50th anniversary of the museum. Based in the historic Jackson Street railroad roundhouse in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the museum plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting the history of Minnesota's transportation systems. The museum allows the public to learn about more about how our state has grown, and experience first- hand the vintage rail cars, trains and buses that have helped move and transform our state. From its inception, the Minnesota Transportation Museum has been a one-of-a-kind museum, with six operating sites. The museum was first formed to save a single streetcar, Twin City Rapid Transit (TCRT) #1300, as it was only one of two that survived completely intact after TCRT was abandoned in 1954. Following restoration of #1300 to operating condition, it was decided that the streetcar would be returned to service for the public. The streetcar began making regular trips on a remaining stretch of the streetcar route in the southwest suburbs of Minneapolis. More than ten thousand people clamored aboard the car during the first several days of operation helping to propel the museum down the track to early success. Between 1981 through 1985 the Minnesota Transportation Museum ran a series of short steam excursions and shuttle operations in the Twin Cities area, including destinations in New Brighton, Stillwater, Lilydale, and Northfield, Minnesota. These operations spurred annual town celebrations that brought communities together to share and celebrate vision of the museum. Like many nonprofit organizations, the museum has encountered challenges, but the museum has always risen to overcome these obstacles, thanks to the many volunteers and public supporters drawn to the group's mission. Not unlike Minnesota transportation itself, the museum has had an amazing history. At the peak of its growth, the museum operated a streetcar line, an interstate tourist railroad, and a 70-foot wood steamboat. The creativity behind preserving this rich part of Minnesota's history remains intact through its volunteer and member network of more than 800 people, many of whom have remained active to this day. By preserving the earliest of streetcars, trains and steamboats, the museum also documents the journey of these vehicles to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy their rich history. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the history and legacy of this organization and the many committed people who make it a success, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Minnesota Transportation Museum.