Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply disappointed that I must rise in opposition to H.R. 1960, the FY14 Defense Authorization Act. America's men and women in uniform deserve, and Congress must pass, legislation that provides them with the resources they need to preserve our national security. Unfortunately, this bill does not reflect the range of 21st-Century threats the United States must prepare for, nor does it reflect the urgent fiscal crisis this Congress must address. What this $638 billion defense bill does reflect, however, are misplaced priorities. Due to sequestration, Congress has been forced to impose deep cuts to programs all across our Federal government, including many aimed at protecting vulnerable seniors and children from economic hardship. Moreover, the across-the-board cuts will have an adverse impact on our military readiness due to the furloughs of critical defense personnel. These misguided fiscal policies have already had a real and severe impact on American families. With every sector of the government being downsized, it is fundamentally unfair that the bill before us today still authorizes billions of dollars in wasteful Pentagon programs. One prime example of this is the National Guard's ongoing spending spree on World Wide Wrestling and motor sports sponsorships. I offered an amendment to stop this waste of precious taxpayer dollars, but unfortunately, the Majority of House Republicans refused to support it. Authorizing $54 million on sports sponsorships that have not been proven to work shows that this Congress is addicted to spending that directly benefits special interests like NASCAR. At a time when the Pentagon plans to reduce the number of troops and issue furloughs, this is simply unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, there are several positive provisions of this bill that I do support, including the continuance of DOD clean energy programs, lifting restrictions on servicewomen's access to reproductive health care, and preventing increases in new TRICARE fees. I am also pleased that the bill includes some provisions to address the crisis of sexual assaults in the military. For example, it strips commanding officers of their unilateral authority to change or dismiss a court-martial conviction and requires that service members found guilty of sexual offenses be dismissed or dishonorably discharged. Lastly, it provides legal assistance to victims of sex-related offenses. Unfortunately, the underlying legislation contains too much wasteful spending and does not include several important amendments aimed at correcting the abuses to our civil liberties contained in previous Defense Authorization bills, most notably those related to Guantanamo Bay prison and indefinite detention. One of our primary objectives today is to provide the resources and policy guidance necessary to protect our nation, while upholding the civil rights enshrined in the Constitution. Moreover, we must exercise fiscal responsibility by making certain that every dollar we authorize today contributes to our national defense. The rejection of my common- sense amendment demonstrates that H.R. 1960 fails to meet that goal. It is time for tough choices and smart cuts that save taxpayer dollars, even at the Pentagon. Wasteful and excessive Pentagon spending is no longer acceptable as low income families, seniors, and disabled Americans to go without the critical services. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the athletes, volunteers and fans of Special Olympics Minnesota in honor of their 40th anniversary. This weekend, thousands of people will be gathering in Stillwater, Minnesota to celebrate this momentous milestone with a variety of activities, including athletic competitions and live music. Founded just five years after Special Olympics was established nationally, thousands upon thousands of Minnesota athletes with intellectual or physical disabilities have had the opportunity to compete in 17 Olympic style sports year round, including alpine skiing, volleyball, golf, snowboarding and tennis. The Special Olympics message is simple and profound: ``Through sports, our athletes are seeing themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. Their world is opened with acceptance and understanding. They become confident and empowered by their accomplishments.'' Rather than focusing on what they can't do, Special Olympics Minnesota focuses on what the individual can do. Respect, accomplishment, choice, quality, partnership and integrity are the six core values represented by Special Olympics Minnesota. These values contribute to an understanding of the whole person and the whole athlete. This year, members of our law enforcement in Minnesota are participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which has taken place annually across the country since it was founded in 1981 by Police Chief Richard LaMunyon, of Wichita, Kansas. In 2012, more than 1,200 law enforcement officers throughout the State of Minnesota participated in this special torch run for Special Olympics Minnesota. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of the officers, $3 million was successfully raised for Special Olympics Minnesota in 2012. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the athletes, volunteers, donors and staff of Special Olympics Minnesota, I proudly submit this statement to the Congressional Record in recognition of their 40th anniversary as an organization, and I commend all those joining in celebration this weekend in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, this week, the House debates a FARRM Bill that eliminates SNAP benefits for 38,000 Minnesotans and nearly 2 million Americans. Last week, I hosted a listening session with Congressman Ellison on how this would impact our State. We heard from faith leaders, service providers, State and county officials, SNAP recipients, young and old. Evelyn, a senior, told us she was terrified she'd lose her SNAP eligibility under the House bill, and I quote from her: ``Without the help from SNAP, I wouldn't be able to buy the healthy foods, fresh fruits and vegetables I need to keep my diabetes in check. Without SNAP,'' she said, ``I don't know what I would do.'' For millions of seniors like Evelyn, SNAP is a lifeline. It ensures that they don't have to choose between medicine or buying food. And for America's children, they should be able to attend school and be able to solidly concentrate on their studies because they had something to eat. I urge my colleagues to reject this immoral cut and to remember the words of Patricia Lull, director of St. Paul Council of Churches: ``No more hungry neighbors.''

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2013 (H.R. 2217). As a member of the Appropriations Committee, we passed a bipartisan Homeland Security appropriations bill. I believe, that legislation would have passed the House by an overwhelming margin. Unfortunately, an amendment offered by Representative Steve King of Iowa was added to the bill on the floor; it is a poison pill for any member who cares about advancing comprehensive immigration reform. The King amendment terminates specific Obama Administration policies on immigration, including deferred action for childhood arrivals, supporting prosecutor discretion for victims of crimes, and prioritizing the deportation of violent criminals. The King amendment was adopted in a highly partisan vote of 224-201, with 221 Republicans voting for this anti-immigrant measure. Specifically, the King amendment would mean that young people, who were brought here as children by their parents and grew up in America, will face deportation from the country they consider their own. It means victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking could face deportation for reporting their abusers. Prioritizing public safety is only common sense. Immigration officials should be focused on deporting dangerous individuals, not working families or victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Denying law enforcement officials the ability to use their discretion is not only a foolish and ineffective method of directing our resources, but inhumane. I strongly support the Obama Administration policies that the King amendment eliminates. As a co-sponsor of the DREAM Act in the 111th and 112th Congress, I am appalled that House Republicans would support eliminating this policy and forcing these young people to live with the fear of being deported. Dreamers want and deserve the chance to earn American citizenship so they can fully contribute to the country they have always viewed as their own. The King amendment will have a chilling effect on the movement for comprehensive immigration reform. The Senate is making real progress in negotiations, but this anti-immigrant amendment suggests that House Republicans have no interest in the real reform needed to fix our broken immigration system.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in the House Appropriations Committee I offered an amendment to the fiscal year 2014 defense appropriations bill regarding lethal drone strikes. The amendment stated: None of the funds made available by this Act may be used for weapons strikes or lethal action using unmanned aerial vehicles unless conducted by a member of the Armed Forces under the authority provided pursuant to Title 10, United States Code. The amendment was defeated in committee on a voice vote and my request for a recorded vote was denied by the committee. It is my intention to offer this same amendment on the floor of the House in the coming weeks when the defense appropriations bill is debated by the full House. My statement (as prepared for delivery in committee) is as follows: Full Appropriations Committee Statement on the McCollum Amendment: Mr. Chairman, within the classified portion of this bill hundreds of millions of dollars, perhaps billions, are appropriated for a targeted killing program operated by the Central Intelligence Agency. The CIA operates a fleet of weaponized drones armed with laser guided Hellfire missiles. They conduct lethal air strikes against targets in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. The program's targets are identified terrorists or they are unidentified individuals targeted and killed based on a pattern of behavior. My amendment places sole responsibility for conducting lethal military action using weaponized drones in the hands of the Department of Defense conducted by members of the Armed Forces under the authority of Title 10 of the U.S. Code. The CIA's use of drones to conduct surveillance and intelligence gathering in support of Defense Department lethal action continues under my amendment. Some of our colleagues do not believe that the Pentagon is not up to the task of carrying out this responsibility. I disagree with that. The Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) is conducting drone strikes now. The Air Force and the Army possess and operate weaponized drones. They operate within a clear chain of command and legal accountability. Lethal military operations using sophisticated weapons systems should be in the hands of the Secretary of Defense and military commanders who are accountable to Congress. CIA strikes have been effective. Terrorists have been killed. But they are not secret. The whole world knows these are CIA strikes operating on behalf of the American people, without transparency, accountability or oversight. In fact, CIA Director John Brennan may actually agree with this amendment. During his Senate confirmation hearing he stated, ``The CIA should not be doing traditional military activities and operations.'' There are costs associated with these targeted killings. Hundreds of innocent civilians have been killed. There are legal questions, human rights concerns, foreign policy implications and ultimately moral issues. You could dismiss all of these concerns because the program is killing terrorists. But in the near future, as armed drone technology proliferates, if we dismiss these concerns I can guarantee you that China, Iran, Russia and other nations will also dismiss these concerns when they are capable of conducting targeted killings. Why, because we are setting the example. If we want other countries to use these technologies responsibly, then we must use them responsibly. What's at stake is our country's moral authority. The Obama Administration is not leading on this issue of ensuring transparency, accountability and oversight. The president claims these CIA strikes are within ``clear guidelines, oversight and accountability'' that his administration determined all by itself-- without input or even the consideration of Congress. And Congress has done less. In fact Congress has done nothing except write a black check that allows a paramilitary force of CIA officers and civilian contractors to kill suspected terrorists and anyone else unlucky enough to be in the vicinity--including women and children-- using one of the most sophisticated weapons platforms in our military arsenal. For this Congress and this committee to passively allow the CIA to fire laser guided missiles at human targets in countries in which we are not at war without demanding oversight or accountability is a complete abdication of our sworn obligation to the Constitution and our citizens. This is not intelligence gathering, these are military operations that should be conducted by our Armed Forces and with direct oversight by Congress. Our country is at war with AI-Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates. I trust the members of our Armed Forces to do their job, defeat the enemy, and protect our nation. The drone strike program is a military program and Congress should demand that it be conducted within the same legal framework as any other military operation during a time of war. McCollum statement at the close of debate on the amendment: It is no surprise the White House opposes this amendment. The executive branch wants to maintain its CIA drone program and its target list without congressional oversight, without transparency or accountability. It is absolutely appropriate and responsible for this committee to make the Department of Defense solely responsible for military operations using armed drone program. Doing so does not diminish our military capacity, it in fact it strengthens the program with regard to international law and accountability to Congress and the American people. Right now the CIA is running an assassination program and the world is watching. Soon China, Russia and Iran will have the same capability and will use the CIA's standard of killing anyone profiled as an enemy. It is time Congress demands transparency, accountability, and oversight to a program that has killed thousands of people--including innocent civilians.

Ms. McCOLLUM

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

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Army decided to end its 10-year NASCAR sponsorship, calling it ``not a good investment'' because 5 percent of NASCAR viewers weren't even the age for recruitment. Let's end this wasteful program. Let's put the money to work to recruit and keep a strong military. I ask for the Members to support my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name Contract Number Prime 2013 Cost End Date ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Army National Guard NASCAR....................... W9133L08D0100... LM&O under $29,962,425 30-Nov-13 marketing IDIQ. Indy Race League............. W9133L08D0100... LM&O under $14,496,424 28-Sep-13 marketing IDIQ. American Motorcycle W9133L09D0002... MPSC............ $3,960,100 17-Oct-13 Association. World Wrestling Entertainment W9133L11C0057... WWE, INC........ $5,150,000 25-Sep-13 Total.................... ................ ................ $53,568,949 Air National Guard MOTOCROSS.................... W9133L-08-D-0100- Lucas Oil....... $380,000 30-Sep-13 0092. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ms. McCOLLUM. The Army National Guard is spending over $53 million in taxpayer funds this year to sponsor World Wrestling Entertainment and motor sports racing. That's right. At a time of enormous Federal budget deficits, endless borrowing from China, sequestration's harming military readiness, and deep cuts to services for vulnerable children, seniors and people with disabilities, the Army National Guard is spending over $53 million to have its logo highlighted at World Wrestling Entertainment events and to sponsor NASCAR racing and IndyCar racing. After years of congressional debate, the Army National Guard still cannot provide any data--zero statistics--to demonstrate anyone has signed a recruiting contract as a result of this program. This amendment can bring both liberals and Tea Party conservatives together. The fact that $53 million in taxpayer funds is going to sponsor some of the most violent and sexist entertainment on television and NASCAR racing teams that result in zero recruits is a waste of money, and it should be stopped. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, over and over these past 3 months, our subcommittee has heard from military leaders that sequestration is causing a crisis: military readiness is diminished; hundreds of thousands of critical civilian Pentagon employees are being furloughed; and vital services, like access to mental health care, are being cut. In fact, the National Guard testified that, because of sequestration, 115,000 traditional National Guard forces will not receive their annual medical or dental examinations. The Guard says: ``This reduction in examinations will bring total force medical readiness down by 39 percent.'' Yet the National Guard can afford to pay one NASCAR race car driver $29 million and to pay another driver $14 million for IndyCar racing? Clearly, this is a case of misplaced priorities. Congress has to make tough choices and smart cuts. Terminating this wasteful, ineffective program is an easy choice unless you want to protect government handouts to millionaire race car drivers and owners. In the past, some of my conservative friends have made the claim that cutting this wasteful spending was micromanaging the Pentagon. My job is not to protect race car track owners and millionaire race car drivers. Cutting government waste and protecting taxpayer dollars is not micromanaging. It is our job. In recent years, the Army, Navy, and the Marine Corps have all terminated NASCAR sponsorships because these sponsorships failed to meet their recruiting goals. They're making other more effective investments in recruiting dollars. The Army is sponsoring high school football, the All-American Bowl. That's fantastic. They're also sponsoring robotic competitions to engage with and help our young people develop the skills to best service our Nation and to serve in the Armed Forces. The very best marketing and branding the Army National Guard gets is not from a logo on a race car or a violent wrestling performance. It is from the lifesaving work that our National Guardsmen and -women perform during times of crisis in our communities during the floods, during the forest fires, and during national disasters. I am so proud of the service and sacrifice of the Minnesota National Guardsmen and -women who have served our Nation in Kosova, Iraq, Afghanistan, and at home in Minnesota over the past decade. They are heroes. The opponents of my amendment believe that a $29 million taxpayer- funded logo on a race car results in National Guard recruits and reenlistments. Based on what? The National Guard has failed to prove any data, no program measures, that this program has resulted in any recruits--zero data, zero recruits. This Republican Congress is cutting children off of school lunch programs and kicking them off of Head Start to save money. This Congress is willing to inflict sequestration on our military, and it undermines our readiness. This amendment gives Members an opportunity to cut real waste. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, last Saturday I traveled to Luverne, Minnesota to say good-bye to a dear friend and long-time congressional aide Rick Jauert. For nearly three decades Rick worked for seven different Minnesota Democrats in the U.S. House. He also worked for members from New York and California. A committed, passionate man, Rick worked for the families of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District as my press secretary during my first-term in Congress. Rick Jauert passed away on June 2, 2013 at the age of 59 years old. Mr. Speaker, I delivered the following eulogy for Rick at his funeral on June 8th. Eulogy for a Friend: Remembering the Life of Rick Jauert Today we are here to remember a brother, a cousin, an uncle, a co-worker, a mentor, a public servant, a dear friend. We are here to celebrate Rick Jauert and how his life touched us. We are here to grieve for our loss. And, we are here to say good-bye to a dear man who we cared for and loved. In April, I drove down from the Twin Cities with Sue Vento to see Rick and visit with him for the last time. He was very sick, physically depleted, and enduring the realities of his failing health. His dear friend Ben VanderKoi had rigged up a microphone which allowed his whispers to be heard and we had a wonderful conversation. His political opinions had not been diminished. He was more up to date on the news than I was. Rick was calm. As we were ending our visit Rick didn't ask, but sort of told me and Sue that we would be speaking at his funeral, even though he assured us that it would be a long way off. He was sure he was improving even though he very gracefully accepted the fatal nature of his condition. A few weeks ago I received an email from Rick. He told me he saw me on MSNBC speaking on the House floor and that he was proud, that I had done a good job. I didn't know I had been on MSNBC so it made me feel like once again Rick was playing his congressional aide role, this time from his hospice bed. That was the last time I heard from Rick. I am here today because Rick was a special person in my life. He was a special person to each of us. Rick's sisters and brother and other family members have known him from childhood. Some of you may have grown up with him here in Luverne or maybe a worked with him on a political campaign or in a congressional office. Some of you may have stayed with Rick at his famous 146 North Caroline Ave South East home. But however we got to know Rick, here we are, together in Luverne, Minnesota on a June afternoon. We are here because a kid grew up surrounded by a loving family, a uncomplicated small town life, and then one day he packed a bag on day went out to discover the world. He took with him his love for his family, the strong values this community instilled in him, and his own curiosity and sharp intellect. Rick went to the Philippines and lived and studied there right out of high school. That took real courage and a tremendous sense of adventure. He went to college at Morris and excelled at both activism and academics. He went to our Nation's capital and found a home for himself for more than three decades. Rick Jauert grew up on the prairie and ended up meeting Presidents and First Ladies, working with Members of Congress and Senators, and fighting policy battles to help make Minnesota, our country and this world a better place. Rick was dedicated. He was smart. He had a quick wit and a sharp tongue. He could be incredibly kind and incredibly cruel, which was the case anytime the words ``Michele Bachmann'' came out of his mouth. He was a DFLer to the core of his being and an unapologetic liberal. If there are any Republicans here today you must have never told Rick your party affiliation or you endured a lot of political lectures. Stop for a moment. Think back to the first time you met Rick. I remember. I first met Rick thirteen years ago--June of 2000--at the DFL State Convention. I was running for Congress and Rick was in Rochester wearing a seersucker suit. As many of us know, it takes a special person to make a fashion statement at a DFL State Convention and Rick stood out! At that time Rick was working for Bruce Vento, Bruce was living at Rick's house, and Bruce was dying of cancer. Rick was playing the role of friend, caretaker, and staff member. It was a heavy burden. I got the feeling Bruce had sent Rick out to keep an eye on me and to provide advice. Rick was certainly not shy about sharing his opinions about what I needed to do on my campaign. After all these years I can't remember anything that Rick told me that day. I just kept looking at his suit and thought to myself--is this what happens to Minnesotans who go to work in Washington? Over the next six months Rick gave his heart and soul to help me win that congressional race. He spent the last month of the campaign in the office ever day doing any job that was helpful. He helped with strategy, entertained volunteers with stories, chastised young staffers for sport, and prepared me for my new career in Congress. He was invaluable. But there were some hard times. Bruce's death really hit Rick. The next year we evacuated my Washington office on September 11 th, 2001 and my entire staff and I camped out with Rick at his house during that day of horror and tragedy. The following year in 2002 the tragic deaths of our friends Paul and Sheila Wellstone was devastating to Rick as it was to so many of us. I really felt these three tragedies tore into Rick's being, into his soul. He internalized the losses, the pain, the grief and it seemed like he wouldn't let it go. For any of us, there is no denying our faults, failures and frailties. Rick had his and at times imposed them on those he care for and those who cared for him. He had his vulnerabilities and many of us endured difficult episodes with him. There were some dark times. But this was the very human nature of Rick. He so often gave of himself without holding back. He gave so much to others and to the causes and people he believed in. And, at times, he needed help desperately. These last two years Rick needed help--especially as his physical health declined. So many of his family and friends gave Rick the love and support he needed. As Rick's condition became more debilitating he put his trust in his friends and family members. And their love for him was comforting and it allowed Rick to make the final transitions in his life that brought him back home to Minnesota. Ben VanderKoi and Cini and Denny McGrann, along with so many others, gave so much to help guide Rick though difficult decisions and towards a peaceful conclusion to his life. What I always will remember about Rick, what is embedded in my heart, is that Rick never stopped loving, he never stopped believing in people, he never stopped hoping for a better tomorrow--even when he felt dark inside. On Wednesday night this week, I was in Washington and we finished voting in the Capitol around 8 o'clock. I went outside to walk home and there was dark smoke in the air and a strong odor of something burning. When I got home I looked on-line and the news said that there was a four alarm fire at Frager's Hardware Store which is on Pennsylvania Avenue about 10 blocks from the Capitol and about the same distance from Rick's house. The first thing I thought about when I read the news was Rick. Rick loved Frager's. Rick really, really loved Frager's. It seemed like Rick would walk to Frager's every Saturday as part of his weekend routine. He had a Frager's tee-shirt I remember him wearing. Frager's was the old school hardware store where everything you could ever want is packed into tiny isles and tall shelves. There is clutter and disorder and a sense of stepping back into a grittier, more personal time. In fact, the hardware store looked a lot like the packed shelves and poster covered walls in Rick's house. And in both places, in spite of appearances, if you asked for a special window putty or a book about Trotsky's travels in Mexico, the respective proprietors could locate them almost instantly. For 90 years Frager's was a Capitol Hill institution. And now it is gone. Rick Jauert was a Capitol Hill institution for more than 30 years. And now he is gone. Rick gave his life to public service and to the U.S. House of Representatives. He gave me his friendship and put his faith in me and for that I'll be grateful forever. He gave so much to so many of us. Let us all give thanks that our lives were touched by Rick Jauert. Let us all pray for Rick that may God bless him and keep his soul at peace. Let us all remember that for 59 years a good man walked this Earth and we had the privilege of knowing him, caring about him, and loving him. We will miss you, Rick.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Reauthorization Act of 2013 (S. 622). While the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Reauthorization Act of 2013 (S. 622) will improve the FDA's ability to evaluate and process the approval of drugs for use in animals, it fails to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to also address the growing overuse of antibiotics fed to our nation's livestock that ends up on our dinner tables. According to the New York Times article of June 2, 2013 (``Pressure Grows to Create Drugs for `Superbugs' ''), America is facing a worsening crisis in which drug development has not kept pace with the growth of resistant bacterial strains. More than 70,000 Americans die each year from antibiotic resistant infections. Scientists agree that antibiotic overuse, including in animals and on farms, is a contributor to development of resistant bacteria. Congress must start to address the looming public health crisis posed by the combination of a shortage of effective antibiotics and a rising threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Congress needs to direct the FDA to develop better means of data collection and research on antibiotic use in both humans and animals. Without this information, we cannot fully understand the breadth and depth of this issue and its impact on our health. Reducing unnecessary overprescribing and overuse of antibiotics in an appropriate manner is an important step to improve both human and animal health. I urge my colleagues to vote no.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the 60th anniversary of The Villager. Born to give neighborhoods in Saint Paul, Minnesota a voice, the Villager is a local newspaper dedicated to covering Highland Village and other neighborhoods. Since 1953, the Villager has served as an important source of news to its loyal readers. Today it continues to be the voice of Highland Village and beyond and the trusted go-to- source for local news. The Villager began when Barry Prichard and Arnold Hed were seeking a way for merchants in the Highland Village area of Saint Paul to connect with local shoppers. Mr. Prichard and Mr. Hed were helped in their venture by Harold Shapira, the de facto mayor of Highland, who endorsed the Villager as the ``Official Publication of Highland Village Merchants.'' As time progressed, the Villager turned from a local bulletin board of events and news briefs, to a full-fledged community newspaper. Today, the villager is freely distributed in over 10 Twin Cities neighborhoods, and has a regular readership of over 100,000 people--making it the largest neighborhood newspaper in the Twin Cities. Much has changed in Highland Village and the surrounding area since the first edition of the Villager was published. In 1953 the first color ad ran, featuring rib steaks for 49 cents a pound and salad dressing at 32 cents a quart and an article on the dedication of the $100,000 Ford Auto Workers Union meeting hall. In recent times, the Villager has reported on main community topics such as the closure of Saint Paul's Ford plant (after 86-years) and subsequent redevelopment efforts for the site, as well as the restoration of the historic Union Depot multi-modal transit hub in downtown Saint Paul. Born to give our Saint Paul neighborhoods a voice, the Villager has evolved throughout the years, but has continued to keep the journalistic integrity that makes the paper a reputable source of information throughout our community. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the Villagers' dedication to the businesses and residents of the many neighborhoods it serves, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the 60th Anniversary of this Saint Paul publication.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for eight years prior to being elected to Congress in 2000. One of my Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party colleagues from Minneapolis, State Rep. Karen Clark, was a constant and vocal champion for social justice, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and human rights. State Rep. Clark continues to serve in the Minnesota House, having just completed her thirty-third legislative session. Karen's passion, determination, and commitment as a legislator were recently displayed for the entire nation to admire as she authored legislation and lead the push for marriage equality. That legislation passed the legislature, was signed into law, and now Minnesota is the twelfth state in the union to legalize same sex marriage. Today, the White House is recognizing the achievements and contributions of ten openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) public officials from across the United States. One of those officials being honored is State Rep. Karen Clark, who will join a distinguished group of leaders named ``Harvey Milk Champions of Change.'' This is a tremendous honor for Karen and I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations on this well deserved recognition. Throughout her career, Karen Clark has advocated and given voice to the issues and hopes of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Minnesotans. As the longest serving openly lesbian state legislator in the country, Karen has battled against discrimination, hate-crimes, and intolerance faced by LGBT Americans, yet she has always conducted herself with a spirit of openness, kindness, and courage. Karen has dedicated three decades to improving the lives of LGBT Minnesotans, but also all families in her South Minneapolis district. From LGBT youth to new African or Latino immigrants, low-income families to Native American women, Karen Clark has always been on the side of making government work for people to improve their lives. Again, I would like to extend my congratulations and the shared sense of pride many friends, colleagues, and constituents of Karen feel as she is recognized by President Obama for her leadership. State Rep. Karen Clark is truly a national leader for LGBT Americans and a champion for all Minnesotans.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to a bad bill that increases the cost of financing a higher education and adds to the burden of debt for students and their parents. Without quick Congressional action, the interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans will climb from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent in July for all new loans. Students and families struggling to afford increasing college costs are relying on us to stop this dramatic increase now, and to work in a bipartisan way to find a long-term solution that will make financing a college education more affordable. Unfortunately, the Republican bill being considering today will do the opposite; it will actually make college more expensive for millions of young people and their families. Chairman Kline and House Republicans are bringing a bill to the House floor that creates greater uncertainty for students and their parents by instituting a variable interest rate over the lifetime of loans. Under this legislation, a college freshman starting school this fall who takes out a subsidized Stafford loan this fall would have no guarantee of what their interest rate would be at graduation! Tying Stafford and Parent PLUS loans to a market-based rate might sound good now, when market rates are low, but that could quickly change. In fact, according to projections from the Congressional Budget Office, CBO, in four short years the Republican plan would have students paying an interest rate of 7.4 percent on the Stafford loans they take out this fall. Students graduating from college in 2017 would be worse off under this bill than if we did nothing at all! Too many students and college graduates across this nation are already struggling with a crushing amount of student loan debt. Congress should not pass a bill that would burden them with $3.7 billion of additional debt, as this Republican bill will do. What college students and their families really need is a comprehensive approach that makes college more affordable. The Democratic proposal freezes rates in the short term so that Congress can incorporate a long-term solution to student loan rates into the upcoming Higher Education Act's reauthorization. Democrats are asking Republicans to work with us to reduce the cost of higher education instead of shutting my colleagues on the Education and Workforce Committee out of policy discussions and bringing partisan proposals like this one to the floor.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today the Agriculture Committee marks up a farm bill, cutting $20 billion from food support for the poorest, most vulnerable Americans. The Republican SNAP cuts will cut 210,000 children off the school lunch program and deny 2 million Americans food. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, is a lifeline for nearly 50 million Americans to have access to healthy, affordable food and avoid hunger. More than half of SNAP recipients live in deep poverty. That's an income of less than $10,000 a year for a family of three. Right now, the daily SNAP benefit is $3.78. Two out of three SNAP recipients in Minnesota are poor children, seniors and adults with disabilities. To reduce the budget deficit by inflicting hunger on children, seniors and people with disabilities is simply immoral. I urge my colleagues to reject this cruel and harmful proposal to increase hunger in America.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today is a historic day for Minnesota. Marriage equality will become the law in our state, and I stand with my fellow Minnesotans to celebrate the equality of love and access to civil rights for all families. I applaud the courageous legislators who voted with their hearts for justice and equality for all families. I am inspired by the dedication and compassion of all those who have worked to make the freedom to marry a reality in our state. Just two years ago, a hurtful and discriminatory amendment was proposed to constitutionally exclude Minnesota's same-sex couples from marriage. Yet through countless thoughtful conversations and the brave sharing of personal stories, a coalition was built that defeated the amendment. Here in Washington I am mindful that much work remains to be done. Same-sex couples who will soon be legally married in Minnesota will still not be federally recognized because the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) discriminates against them. These couples will be denied more than 1,000 federal rights and benefits that their neighbors are eligible to receive. I will continue to work to repeal DOMA and I hope in the coming weeks the U.S. Supreme Court will rule it unconstitutional. All Americans deserve to be treated equally under the law. I look forward to the day when we can celebrate marriage equality all across America. Until then, I share in the joy of another step forward in the struggle for equal rights for all, regardless of their race, age, gender, or sexual orientation.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Minnesota's women's ice hockey team for winning the 2013 NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Championship. This victory marks their second consecutive NCAA championship title. The Lady Gophers finished the 2012-13 season with a perfect, unprecedented record--41 wins, 0 losses, and 0 ties. They are the first team in the 13-year history of NCAA women's ice hockey to finish the season with a perfect record. Head Coach Brad Frost, Assistant Coach Joel Johnson, Assistant Coach Nadine Muzerall, Volunteer Goalie Coach Andy Kent, and Director of Hockey Operations Eric Bakke also deserve recognition for their hard work in helping to lead the Gophers to a winning season. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, I congratulate the University of Minnesota's women's ice hockey team on their exceptional performance. Good luck next year.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support the Reducing Flight Delays Act (H.R. 1765) This legislation will allow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to end furloughs for air traffic controllers created by sequestration and keep our air traffic moving. However, I am frustrated by this bill's narrow, cost-shifting fix that fails to address the underlying problem of sequestration. In the first three days of this week, over three thousand flights were delayed because of staff furloughs. These delays could increase to several thousand per day and tens of thousands per week without action. While this bill does give the FAA the ability to stop the furloughs, it does not address sequestration's overall cuts to the Agency. Instead, this bill gives the FAA the ability to shift money between accounts, allowing staff furloughs to be prevented only by accepting even deeper cuts in other programs. This cost-shifting will cost us money in the long run, as maintenance and construction costs grow. Since taking effect in March, sequestration's impact has become clearer. The Department of Education's budget has been cut to FY2004 levels, despite an additional six million children in school. Young children are being forced out of Headstart. Special education funding and assistance to impoverished schools has been cut. Schools serving Native American and military families are facing even greater deficits, because they rely heavily on federal funding. Where is the Congressional outrage for these cuts? Where is the quick legislative action to avert these crises? We should be taking just as decisive action to ensure our children can continue to attend Headstart as we are to keep the planes flying on time. I opposed the Budget Control Act because of sequestration's deep and indiscriminate cuts. This bill is not enough to address those cuts which are creating harm every single day. While I support this legislation to keep air traffic moving, I urge my Republican colleagues to take immediate action to reverse all of sequestration.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R.1406--a bill more appropriately titled the ``More Work, Less Pay Act.'' My colleagues on both sides of the aisle have spoken today about the challenges facing working families. Far too many families are still struggling financially to make ends meet, and as their Representatives we should be voting on legislation that provides more opportunities and support for America's workers. Instead, House Republicans are wasting time on a harmful bill that puts us on a path to eliminating the 40 hour work week and a worker's right to overtime pay. This bill presents a false flexibility that could amount to a real pay-cut for many of our nation's hard working families. Under this bill, employers could cut the hours of employees who want overtime pay instead of comp time. And for workers who do choose comp time, employers could later deny or delay their requests for time off. There are bills pending in the House right now that would actually benefit working families. We should be voting on the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 377) to ensure that women and men take home the same pay for the same jobs. The Healthy Families Act (H.R. 1286) would guarantee paid sick time so workers can care for themselves and their loved ones. And we should be raising the minimum wage to lift millions out of poverty and boost our economy. Mr. Speaker, we all want to make it easier for Americans to care for themselves and their families, but this bill creates more problems than solutions. It undermines the right of employees to be paid fairly for the hours they work. I urge my colleagues to vote against the bill, and encourage them to support bringing real family friendly legislation to the floor.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Trane Company. Trane is an innovative global leader in the area of heating and air conditioning systems and employs over 29,000 in over 400 locations, including 300 employees in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. A true American success story, Trane was started by Norwegian immigrant, James Trane. After working some time as a plumber and steamfitter, James opened a plumbing shop in 1885 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He drew inspiration from the cold winters and invented a new low-pressure heating system named the Trane Vapor Heating System. His son Reuben was born the next year. Following Reuben's completion of a degree in mechanical engineering in 1910, father and son went into business together in 1913 and incorporated the Trane Company. Reuben Trane's invention of the convector radiator in 1923 is what cemented Trane as an innovator and paved the way for the company's success in the years to come. As many are aware, Midwest summers can be as hot as our winters are cold. Therefore, it was fitting that in 1931, the Trane Company pioneered air conditioning technology to give people relief from the from blistering summer heat. The company further revolutionized the concept of air conditioning in large buildings with the 1938 launch of the Turbovac, the first hermetic, centrifugal refrigeration machine. This model paved the way for the CenTraVac', a revolutionary technology which has become the industry standard for large commercial air conditioning systems and the most energy efficient of its kind. Trane continued to grow with the acquisition of Sentinel Electronics in the 1970s, entering into the building automation and management field. This allowed the company to be the first to offer integrated controls for all their products. In 1984, Trane was able to acquire General Electric's Central Air Conditioning Division and continue its success into the area of residential air conditioning. Trane's 100 years of groundbreaking work has not only generated quality heat and cooling systems, but created a brand that is renowned for superior quality and excellent customer service. Trane is equally committed to pursuing energy efficiency and has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the ``Best of the Best'' in commercial air conditioning systems. Mr. Speaker, many people both inside and outside the industry are aware of the Trane company motto, ``It's hard to stop a Trane.'' In honor of the thousands of employees who have built Trane from a small family plumbing company to a century old global leader in high efficiency and innovative technology in the heating and cooling industry, I am pleased to submit this statement.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Congress should have never passed sequestration. These reckless cuts are affecting families and communities throughout our Nation and in Indian Country. When sequestration was passed, no one thought about how it would disproportionately impact tribal communities. Our Federal Government is failing in its obligation to tribal communities, and sequester has made the problem worse. Right now, in Minnesota, Native American children are losing tutoring services and access to school counselors because of cuts to Impact Aid. Families that receive health care from the Indian Health Service are not protected from sequestration. The health and, in some cases, even the lives of tribal members are in danger. This week, the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee will hear from tribal leaders. We will hear how Congress has an obligation and an opportunity to correct this wrong, and Congress must take action.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition H.R. 249, the Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act. Failure to pay taxes is a serious offense and should be treated as such. Unfortunately, this bill is not a serious attempt to address that very complicated issue. Instead of being a good faith effort, this bill is being used as a political stunt and appears to be an attack on public employees. During Oversight and Government Reform Committee markup on this bill, a series of questions were raised about the Internal Revenue Service procedures related to tax delinquency. These questions include what steps may be taken to resolve a delinquency, when enforced collection action may be used, how repayment schedules are established, among others. Addressing these types of questions and concerns is what the Committee process is for. Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings wrote a letter to Steven Miller, Acting Commissioner at the IRS, to better understand these processes. The majority pledged to consider these responses and to amend this measure accordingly. Instead of waiting even two weeks for a reply, H.R. 9 was brought to the floor without amendment. The Chairman refused to wait for the answer to his own letter. I am also concerned that this bill does not make sufficient allowances for the dispute process to do its work. Americans have the right to appeal IRS collection actions. While exemptions are provided when a hearing has been scheduled under Collection Due Process, appeals to that ruling or under the Collection Appeals Program are not. Punishing anyone while they are still in the process of pursuing the normal IRS dispute process is wrong. Americans around the country are paying their taxes today. None of them should be fired while pursuing their legal rights to appeal or dispute IRS action. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 249.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Legacies of War, a project that continues to raise public awareness about the unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the country of Laos dropped by the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Between 1964 and 1973, the U.S. Air Force dropped more than two million tons of bombs on Laos; about a third of those bombs failed to detonate. Today, those bombs remain lethal and embedded the ground, where they continue to maim, injure and kill civilians. Each year, hundreds of civilians, children, women and farmers get injured, maimed or killed by UXO. I witnessed many first-hand accounts of tragic stories from UXO survivors in December 2006 when I visited the Xiengkhoung Province in Laos, an area that was heavily contaminated by UXO. While progress has been made in recent years, we must continue clearance efforts until UXO are no longer a threat. Legacies of War is a compelling and powerful educational program that provides needed attention to the suffering of the thousands of UXO victims in Laos. This month, Legacies of War is bringing two demining advocates from Laos to share their stories about the senseless deaths, injuries and tragic consequences caused by UXO. I commend Legacies of War for sponsoring this nationwide speaker tour series in cities across the U.S. to rally public support for increased urgency in the removal of UXO in Laos. This tour also provides an opportunity to promote healing and hope by creating a brighter and safer future for the people of Laos. I strongly urge my colleagues to attend any events in their district and support UXO clearance programs in Laos and around the world. Children should not live in fear of the lethal remnants from a long- past war.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Park Tool in Oakdale, Minnesota, on the occasion of the company's 50th anniversary. Park Tool is a Minnesota success story, growing from a small family owned company to the world's leading manufacturer of bicycle tools exporting American made products around the globe. Necessity breeds invention, and the need for good and reliable bicycle repair tools forged the beginnings of Park Tool. In 1963, two bike shop owners, Howard Hawkins and Art Engstrom, lacked adequate equipment to make repairs in their shop so they started inventing their own tools. Their creativity and innovation produced the tools that helped to transform the bicycle repair industry. One of their first inventions was a stand to allow easier access to complete repairs, which was awarded a patent in 1976. Park Tool quickly expanded, and many patents later, began building wheel truing stands, repair stands and consumer tools. By the early 1980's the retail shops that started the company were sold to concentrate on manufacturing tools. Park Tool continues to help define the industry and its success has led to the opening of its new factory and headquarters, which is opening this month in Oakdale, Minnesota. It is fitting that Minnesota is home of Park Tool, because it is one of the most bike friendly states in the nation. The American Trails organization named Minnesota the ``Best Trails State,'' because of our state's leadership in development of a major system of bike trails, paths and commuter routes on roads--not to mention our abundance of beautiful lakes, rivers and parks. As more Minnesotans and more Americans rely on bikes for transportation to work and for enjoyment, many in our community and across our state and country depend on Park Tool to produce the high quality tools that keep their bikes in top shape. Park Tool is a company that shares its success by giving back to people and communities. The company has supported ``Ride 2 Recovery'' which helps veterans with cycling based rehabilitation programs, as well as with programs that promote safe and fun cycling around the United States. The ``Earn-A-Bike'' program and ``Bike Shop at School'' teaches students the mechanical fundamentals of bicycle assembly and repair while fostering environmental stewardship and healthy living. The company has also partnered with ``Trips for Kids'' which helps at- risk youth by organizing mountain bike rides in their 80 chapter communities around the United States, Canada, and Israel. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to in honor the dedicated employees of Park Tool in celebration of 50 years of commitment to providing high quality tools and equipment for cyclists around the world.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Robert J. Erickson, upon the completion of his term as the State Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Minnesota (DAV MN). Commander Erickson has been committed to fulfilling the primary mission of DAV MN and honoring the promises our nation made to the brave men and women who have served America in uniform. I am honored to call him a personal friend. From the broadest vision to the smallest detail serving disabled veterans, Commander Erickson has been intimately involved in the various ways the DAV MN accomplishes its mission. He has visited all 31 state chapters, from Rochester, to Fergus Falls, to Hibbing, Minnesota, and witnessed firsthand how veterans are served--and how many veterans still serve through volunteering. Under his direction, DAV MN has several unique programs to serve specific needs of Minnesota's disabled veterans. Minnesotans love the outdoors, and DAV MN organizes hunting and fishing trips to allow all veterans to continue to access these wonderful opportunities. Commander Erickson speaks proudly about the joy he sees in the hundreds of volunteers and veterans who participate in these outings. Under Commander Erickson's leadership, DAV Magazine recently highlighted the DAV MN Donor Connection program, which has provided approximately $400,000 in donated equipment for disabled veterans. Another source of pride is the partnership with the Minnesota Twins: the MN Twins/DAVMN Winter Warm Up Coat Drive that collects new and gently used coats for disabled veterans and their families. None of these commendable efforts would be possible without Commander Erickson and his tireless team. Commander Erickson has left a lasting mark through his leadership role on the board of the DAV MN Foundation, the charitable arm of the organization which supports projects by chapters, units, and partner organizations throughout the state. The DAV MN Foundation provides clothing and emergency assistance to homeless veterans, assists in funding the five state veterans homes, provides funds for various camps and lakeside retreats that allow veterans safe and accessible places to enjoy the outdoors, and assists with other equipment and needs for veterans living in our MN Veterans Homes. The DAV Transportation Network also serves a critical link, providing veterans with free transportation to and from VA medical facilities. Commander Erickson has helped to lead these critical programs and more as part of repaying the debt owed to our disabled veterans. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Robert Erickson's service as Commander of DAV MN, I am pleased to submit this statement recognizing the achievements of this dedicated servant to our disabled veterans and this nation.