Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Gallagher-Hansen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 295, Department of Minnesota, on the occasion of the Post's 90th Anniversary. Since its original charter in 1919, the Gallagher-Hansen VFW Post has been dedicated to serving veterans and the entire community of South Saint Paul, Minnesota. Founded as the Patrick Gallagher Post in honor of a local World War I veteran, the post was renamed to honor Lt. Harry C. Hansen, a post member, who lost his life during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. All veterans have served and sacrificed on behalf of our great Nation, but many veterans continue their noble service after their tours of duty have been completed. The members of the Gallagher-Hansen VFW Post are among these selfless servants. Throughout its proud history, the Gallagher-Hansen Post and Auxiliary have earned distinction as exceptional Veterans Service Organizations. Beyond its strong support for veterans, the post is also a community cornerstone. From providing donations to the Dakota County Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund and the South St. Paul Police K-9 unit, to sponsoring an annual Children's Safety Camp and funding a new scoreboard at Wakota Arena, Gallagher-Hansen provides steadfast support to residents in the area. Gallagher-Hansen's reputation for outstanding public service extends deep into its ranks. Post 295 has been the home VFW post to many state and national leaders, including former Minnesota Governors Karl Rolvaag, Harold Stassen and Orville Freeman. Other members include: past National Ladies VFW Auxiliary President Lola Reid, whose late husband Dr. James Reid served as past Surgeon General of the VFW; past National VFW Chaplain Father Harold E. Whittel; Robert Hansen, past Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the brother of Lt. Harry C. Hansen; and the late U.S. Navy Admiral John S. McCain, father of U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona. Madam Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the 90th Anniversary of the Gallagher-Hansen VFW Post No. 295, and the veterans who have given so much in support of their fellow veterans, families and our community.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4154, the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009. This legislation is a necessary step in cleaning up the toxic fiscal legacy of the Bush administration. The estate tax is set to expire completely in 2010 unless Congress acts. Under current estate tax parameters, an individual can inherit, tax-free, a trust fund worth $3.5 million--more than a middle class family making $70,000 a year earns in a lifetime. For couples, the exemption is $7 million. H.R. 4154 would permanently extend these generous parameters, ensuring that 99.8 percent of Americans never pay a dime in estate taxes. This legislation helps put the Nation back on a path of fiscal sustainability. While it affects only a handful of the wealthiest Americans, the estate tax is an important source of Federal revenue. Eliminating this tax completely would expand the deficit by $662 billion and reduce funding available for schools, roads and other priority investments. The bill also includes a ``pay-as-you-go'' provision that mandates fiscally responsible spending, restoring a 1990s law that turned record deficits into surpluses. Without congressional action, the estate tax will return in 2011 at a much higher rate. By permanently extending current levels, H.R. 4154 is a compromise between higher estate taxes in the next decade and a complete elimination of the tax. Republican opposition to this compromise legislation is wrong-headed and hypocritical. By supporting nothing but a full repeal, Republicans are pushing for a policy that adds $662 billion to the deficit. This is extraordinarily irresponsible in a time of rising deficits and economic recession. With many middle-class families losing their jobs and their homes, it is difficult to justify a costly new tax cut for the Nation's wealthiest estates so they can pass on even larger inheritances tax- free. H.R. 4154 is a far more reasonable approach.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today we are making history. Today the U.S. House of Representatives is making health care in the United States of America more affordable and more accessible for millions of our citizens. This legislation may not be perfect, but it is very good. It will make our country stronger, our economy more productive, and every American family healthier. Our goal is to achieve universal coverage so that every Minnesotan and every American has the ability to access quality, affordable health care. The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) comes closer than ever before to realizing that goal by extending health insurance coverage to 96 percent of Americans. This bill will have immediate and lasting benefits for millions of Americans. It will give families the confidence and security that comes with knowing they will be able to access quality, affordable health care when they or a family member is sick. And it places affordable health care coverage within reach for millions of American families who are asking for our help. As I have often said, I believe that health care should be a right for all Americans. Critics of making health care a right often say we already have universal health care since people can go to the emergency room and access care if they really need it. This flawed logic is the best example of why I believe health care in America is broken and must be fixed. Our health care system is broken when we live in the wealthiest, most powerful country in the world, but health care is a privilege available to only those with enough money to afford insurance and for those of us fortunate enough to have a job that provides health insurance. Our health care system is broken when 60 million people in this country have no health insurance coverage or are under-insured--more than 85 percent of whom are from working families. Our health care system is broken when families are forced to postpone or skip necessary care because premiums have increased more than 90 percent in the last nine years for Minnesota families. Our health care system is broken when our country spends $2.4 trillion a year for health care--almost twice as much per person as any other country--but we rank 37th in the world in health care outcomes. Our health care system is broken when you can be denied coverage for being sick, for having a baby, or for suffering from domestic violence. Our health care system is broken when 45,000 people die in the United States each year because they lack health insurance and cannot access needed care. We can and must do better. Today we have an opportunity to save these lives and make affordable health care insurance a reality for every American. My constituents and all citizens across this country need to know what is in this bill to help American families and workers. This legislation will make quality health care more affordable and more accessible for every patient. It will protect families from falling into bankruptcy due to unaffordable costs by limiting out-of-pocket costs, lifting lifetime limits on coverage, and lowering premiums. First and foremost, if you love your doctor and like your current insurance, you are free to keep what you have. This legislation does not require you to make any changes. Yet, the ranks of the insured are shrinking more every year and the numbers of satisfied citizens are falling. Millions of Americans have too little insurance, too few choices, and no options left. For those Americans--for most Americans-- this legislation is a lifeline to the security they have longed for and long-deserved. This bill will give every American the peace of mind that insurance companies can no longer deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, or cancel your coverage when you are sick and need it the most. It includes a competitive public insurance option to guarantee that Americans will have an affordable choice among insurance providers and keep private insurers honest. It improves health care for patients and their families by making investments to increase the number of providers, improve access to primary care, and support a patient-centered approach that focuses on quality and emphasizes prevention. For our seniors, this legislation will strengthen Medicare by eliminating the waste, fraud and abuse that diverts health care dollars away from care and into the pockets of crooked companies. It will immediately begin closing the ``donut hole'' in the Medicare prescription drug benefit to make prescriptions more affordable. And it will ensure the financial stability and solvency of Medicare for 45 million seniors. For our children, it will help expand coverage and ensure that the youngest Americans receive quality coverage that includes essential benefits such as vision and oral services. And it will extend coverage for young people by allowing them to remain on their parent's insurance until their 27th birthday. The Affordable Health Care for America Act does all these things while meeting President Obama's call for new costs to be covered. In fact, the bill goes much farther by reducing the deficit by $109 billion over the next 10 years. This comprehensive health care legislation is ambitious by necessity. I have confidence every one of these reforms will be implemented successfully because of what my state of Minnesota has accomplished. Through a combination of smart investments and an enduring commitment to care for all of our friends and neighbors, my state proved a high- quality, low-cost health care system is possible. Minnesota is consistently ranked among the highest in the nation for quality of care and rates of insured citizens--almost 92 percent. And Minnesota attains these high standards with some of the lowest costs in the country. Unfortunately, our state is forced to work with fewer resources than most other states because of the Medicare geographic payment disparity. Medicare's outdated and unfair reimbursement system pays Minnesota doctors and hospitals at some of the country's lowest rates, despite the fact they produce some of the country's best patient outcomes. The current system rewards the amount of services provided rather than the quality of care patients receive. Patients, providers, health plans, hospitals, and unions have all told me that ending this disparity and reversing this flawed incentive structure is the most important issue for Minnesota in the national debate on health care reform. While Minnesota's health care system is excellent today, the broken Medicare payment system threatens to undermine it in years to come. This health care reform legislation is our last best chance to fix this problem, achieve fairness for Minnesotans, and make evidence- based, quality care the standard wherever you live in the United States. That is why I worked to unite 40 of my House colleagues who represent 17 different states in a new Quality Care Coalition. Together with my coalition co-chairs Representatives Bruce Braley, Ron Kind and Jay Inslee, we created the political will we have always needed but never had to address this problem. After more than 20 coalition meetings over the course of 6 months and a series of intensive negotiations with House Leadership, our coalition secured an agreement to end the unfair treatment of high quality, low-cost states such as Minnesota. And by securing fairness for our states, we will be helping to deliver better quality for all patients in every state. This agreement places America on a path to reward high quality, evidence based, cost-effective health care by making fundamental improvements in the delivery system. H.R. 3962 directs the highly- regarded Institute of Medicine to develop recommendations on how to modernize the Medicare payment system so it rewards value and quality. This will transform the Medicare payment system to ensure better care for patients and reduce health care costs over the long-term, and will help secure a better future for our patients, families, and seniors. While the legislation we vote on today would make unprecedented reforms, I will continue working to improve the bill before it returns to the House for a final vote. To be truly comprehensive, health care reform legislation must reach all Americans, including the 15 million citizens employed in the nonprofit sector. Achieving parity between small nonprofit and for-profit employers in this legislation is one item of unfinished business. I am also concerned with the burden this bill places on the medical device industry to generate revenue and potentially negative impact such a tax would have on patients, workers, and small businesses. I look forward to working with House Leadership and the conference committee to help address these issues and strengthen this legislation. Still, H.R. 3962 remains a historic achievement. This legislation addresses the needs of Minnesota's families and families across this country. It modernizes Medicare and covers the uninsured. It invests in prevention instead of paying for disease. For these reasons and many more, the Affordable Health Care for America Act has the support of over 300 state and national organizations. These supporters include the American Nurses Association, American Medical Association, SEIU, AFL- CIO, and AARP. Organizations representing millions of Americans back this legislation because they know our health care system is broken and change cannot wait another year. Still, there are critics of health care reform that are fighting desperately to maintain the status quo. It is disappointing to see Republicans choose health care profiteers and insurance companies over reforms that Americans need and want. My Republican colleagues have offered politics and posturing but no real solutions. They have no serious alternative to H.R. 3962 to control costs, expand access and improve quality. They have made killing health reform and killing America's chance at achieving health reform their only goal. The American people deserve better. I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Majority Whip Clyburn and Caucus Chair Larson for their extraordinary leadership to bring affordable, quality health care to all Americans. Thanks are owed to the three committee chairmen--Chairman Waxman, Chairman Rangel, and Chairman Miller--who held dozens of hearings throughout the year and crafted a historic bill. I would also like to thank Chairman Dingell for his dedicated service in introducing health care legislation for over 50 years to bring health care coverage for all Americans. I would especially like to thank Speaker Pelosi for her attention to the concerns of the Quality Care Coalition and all of the diverse interests of the Caucus. Vice Chairman Becerra also has my gratitude for the vital role he played in negotiating this agreement to move health care reform toward high quality, cost-effective care. Today is a historic step toward making health care reform a reality, but it is not the end. I urge the Senate to stay focused and committed so an equally strong bill meets H.R. 3962 in conference committee. I am committed to sending a health care bill to the President's desk that will bring meaningful reform for American families, seniors and businesses. With passage of this legislation, health care will no longer be a privilege for those who can afford it. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3962 and guarantee that affordable, quality health care will be accessible for every Minnesota family.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, every member of this House has the right to their own opinions and views on issues related to health care reform--including women's reproductive health care issues. However, as comprehensive healthcare legislation reaches the House floor for a vote, Congress must not violate the first tenant of the entire reform effort, which is to ensure that no one loses healthcare coverage they currently have. Today we have an amendment on the floor that bans legal reproductive health care services for woman who pay for their own health insurance. This amendment is wrong, it is dangerous, and it should be defeated. The opportunity to meet the health care needs of all Americans is the strength of the bill we are debating. I want every American to have access to affordable, quality health care. This amendment and the work of many special interest groups to use this amendment to undermine health care reform is a transparent political game that puts millions of Americans at risk. Single issue political games must not be used to deny health care to millions of Americans. I would like to submit for the Record a statement by a broad coalition of Minnesota religious leaders who call health care reform a matter of social justice that should not be undone by a single issue. These religious leaders understand the complex personal decision making that goes into health care choices, but they also know that Americans without access to health care too often have no choice except to suffer and too often endure conditions that result in severe illness or even preventable death. These religious leaders are an inspiration to me. They are helping to frame the social, economic, moral and spiritual importance of passing health care reform legislation in Congress. November 7, 2009. As more Americans lose jobs and insurance coverage, health care reform bills are moving to final votes in Congress. Instead of working toward the reform that is so desperately needed, some groups, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, are working overtime to ensure that women are denied the comprehensive health care they currently have. With all the hyperbole, we have lost sight of the original goal of health reform: to expand access to health care, improve quality, and reduce costs--not to litigate abortion rights. As Congress works toward health care reform, they must make women's health a priority and guarantee that reproductive health care is covered. Our faith traditions are abundantly clear about living in community with others and being responsible for them. Our traditions share the common core of serving those most in need. We join with others in expressing the need for us to return to the core of our faith traditions and realize that providing access to safe and quality health care makes sense morally, ethically, spiritually, and financially. The president has repeatedly stated that no one should lose the coverage she or he currently has under health care reform. But, if dangerous amendments put forth by the vocal minority in Washington aren't defeated, women will lose their benefits, plain and simple. It's simply untrue that abortion coverage will be mandated under the proposed new health plan. Simply put, Federal money would not pay for abortion care. In fact, the House bill contains carefully crafted compromise language that allows women to keep the benefits they currently have while also ensuring that no federal funding is used for abortions. Rep. Lois Capps drafted this provision to address both pro- life and pro-choice concerns around health care reform and balance both sides of the issue. The Capps proposal maintains the current policy of restricting federal funding for abortions and ensures that women won't lose benefits they currently have and will have access to insurance that covers abortion if they want it. Further, it expressly prohibits the use of federal funds to pay for abortion care. This is an even-handed compromise supported by people on both sides of the issue. While reasonable people disagree over the issue of abortion, no woman wants her health to be the object of political gamesmanship in this debate. That's why the Capps proposal was created. It's a common sense solution to help health care reform move forward with the support of the mainstream on all sides of the issue. As religious leaders, we support public policies that are just and compassionate and prioritize the needs of those who are poor and marginalized in our society. In this religiously pluralistic nation, our health care system should be inclusive and respectful of diverse religious beliefs and decisions regarding childbearing. A health care system that serves all persons with dignity and equality will include comprehensive reproductive health services. Health care reform is far too important a social justice issue to be left to chance and overheated rhetoric. It's time to move forward for the good of American women and families. Members and Friends of the Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice; Rev. Judith Allen Kim, Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area; The Rev. Norma Burton, Linden Hills United Church of Christ, Minneapolis; Kelli Clement, Candidate for Ministry, UUA; Rev. Doug Donley, University Baptist Church, Minneapolis; Rev. Dr. Rob Eller-Isaacs, and Rev. Dr. Janne Eller-Isaacs, Co-Ministers, Unity Church Unitarian, St. Paul; Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons, Sr. Minister, First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis; Rev. Walter Lockhart IV, Walker Community United Methodist Church, Minneapolis; Rev. Meg Riley, Unitarian Universalist Association; Rev. T. Michael Rock, Robbinsdale United Church of Christ; Kiely Todd Roska, United Church of Christ in New Brighton; Rev. Dr. Christine M. Smith, Cherokee Park United Church, St. Paul; Rev. Victoria Safford, White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, Mahtomedi; Rabbi Jared Saks, Temple Israel, Minneapolis; Barbara Schmiechen, Linden Hills United Church of Christ, Minneapolis; and Rev. Daniel R. Schmiechen, Linden Hills United Church of Christ, Minneapolis.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Veterans Day and applaud the commitment and work of this Congress and President Obama to meet the needs of America's 23.4 million military veterans. Nearly 400,000 veterans call the great state of Minnesota home and we are proud of them, our friends and neighbors. As a Member of Congress and the daughter of a World War II veteran, I believe I have a duty to honor the men and women who have so courageously served our country by investing in expanding educational opportunities, health care services, and access to good jobs for our nation's veterans. Increasingly, I have become particularly concerned about the mental health issues, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), that afflict our warriors who are now home from Iraq and Afghanistan. PTSD and TBI have claimed too many lives and caused too much hardship among the families of veterans. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, service members responding to mental health questions when they return from Iraq and Afghanistan show that about 19 percent of service members from Iraq have a mental health problem, while about 11 percent from Afghanistan have a mental health problem. Too often the unseen wounds suffered by veterans, as a result of PTSD and TBI, remain untreated until a crisis or tragedy occurs for the veteran or their loved ones. Illnesses related to substance abuse, suicide prevention, and homelessness prevention for our veterans are often directly related to psychological trauma. I believe it is critical to support the expanded efforts by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure our soldiers understand clearly that mental health services and help are available if, and when, they need them. On this Veterans Day, I am very proud to live in a country that so values its veterans. My commitment and my prayers are with the millions of veterans and their families who we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Ms. McCOLLUM

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

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Park Trust Bruce Vento Public Service Award. This award was established in 2001 by the National Park Trust to honor the memory and legacy of Congressman Bruce Vento. Congressman Vento was a relentless advocate for America's national parks and conservation heritage and my predecessor in representing the citizens of Minnesota's 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House. As Chair of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest, and Public Lands, Mr. Vento passed more park legislation than any previous chairman. The National Park Trust is a public-private partnership dedicated to the protection of America's parklands. This year, the National Park Trust presented the award to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his leadership in the protection of public lands in California and for his commitment to connecting children to the outdoors. I congratulate the Governor and commend the National Park Trust for its work in honoring the legacy of Congressman Vento.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, this resolution harms U.S. national security interests in the Middle East. The U.S. is attempting to be an honest broker in the Israeli-Palestine peace process, yet this resolution is blatantly biased, and it damages U.S. credibility. This resolution seeks to hide the ugliness of the Gaza war by covering up violent excesses committed against innocent civilians by both Hamas and the Israeli Defense Forces. Why does the U.S. House want to reject an accounting of Hamas' terrorism against Israeli civilians, as if thousands of rockets were not fired at Israel? And why would this resolution want to deny that hundreds of Palestinian women and children and elders were needlessly killed? American-made white phosphorous shells were used by Israel in civilian areas, causing horrible burns to Palestinian children, yet this resolution refuses to seek the truth. The report Congress is burying today was led by a former chief prosecutor who has faced far tougher actors than the critics in this Chamber, critics who have not held one single hearing. There must be only one standard for respecting human rights, a single standard by which we must hold ourselves and our friends and our adversaries accountable. Madam Speaker, this resolution harms U.S. national security interests in the Middle East and American leadership for human rights and humanitarian law. And, while the U.S. attempts to be an honest-broker in an Israeli-Palestinian peace process this resolution is blatantly biased and damages U.S. credibility. This resolution seeks to hide the ugliness of the Gaza war by covering-up the violent excesses committed against innocent civilians by Hamas and the Israeli Defense Forces. Why does the U.S. House want to reject an accounting of Hamas's terrorism against Israeli civilians as if thousands of rockets were not fired at Israel? Why does this resolution want to deny that hundreds of Palestinian women and elders were needlessly killed by the IDF? American-made white phosphorus shells were used by Israel in civilian areas causing horrible burns to Palestinian children, yet this resolution refuses to seek the truth? The report Congress is burying today was led by a former chief prosecutor for war crimes in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, a jurist of exceptional experience who has faced far tougher actors than his critics in this Chamber, critics who have not held a single hearing or conducted a single fact-finding mission on the subject of his report. There must be only one standard for respecting human rights, a single standard by which we must hold ourselves, our friends, and our adversaries accountable. Establishing situational standards for respecting human rights is dishonest and only encourages actions that destroy human dignity and life. Therefore I agree with U.N. Secretary Ban Ki-moon who recently said at the Anti-Defamation League's annual dinner that he is ``a friend who is acutely aware of Israel's security needs.'' But on the issue of the Goldstone report Secretary Ban said, ``When human rights are violated anywhere in the world we need accountability.'' Today, I would ask my colleagues to vote for human rights and accountability by voting against this resolution.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the many American Indians and Alaska Natives who are here in Washington to address the needs of Indian Country. For the first time, leaders from the 564 federally recognized tribes will interact directly with the President and Cabinet members in the first annual White House Tribal Nations Conference. President Obama, the administration officials, and many Members of Congress are engaging tribal leaders in an unprecedented conversation to hear firsthand about the needs and opportunities facing Indian communities and families. Tribal leaders are also here to commemorate the historic opening today of the Embassy of Tribal Nations' permanent home in our Nation's Capital for their family of sovereign tribal governments. Migwetch--thank you--as we would say in Minnesota. Thank you to all the tribes who are here to participate and work on Indian issues together.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Conference Report on the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. Chairman Obey and Chairman Price deserve recognition for their leadership in crafting a fiscally responsible bill that provides vital aid for our first responders and also makes key investments to improve the security of our borders, ports, and aviation and transit systems. With this bill, Congress takes important steps to close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility while also ensuring the security of the United States. H.R. 2892 prohibits the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to the United States, except for the purpose of criminal prosecution. The President must report to Congress any detainee transferred to the U.S. or any other country. This bill mandates the inclusion of all Guantanamo detainees on the TSA ``No Fly List.'' Madam Speaker, I also oppose the Republican Motion to Recommit on H.R. 2892, which would prevent detainees held at Guantanamo Bay to be brought into the United States for prosecution or incarceration. This motion is unnecessary due to the safeguards contained in this conference report. The Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility is a disturbing and unfortunate chapter in our Nation's history. Under the leadership of President Obama, the United States will close the detention center and restore our commitment to human rights and justice. I urge a ``no'' vote on the Republican Motion to Recommit and urge my colleagues to support final passage.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution designating October 2009 as ``National Principals Month.'' School leadership is important in ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education. I want to take this time to thank elementary, middle, and secondary school principals for their dedication and hard work in helping to make the schools in Minnesota's Fourth District a wonderful place to learn and grow. Principals do more than just manage the budget, discipline students, and improve student achievement. They serve as role models and are instrumental in their students' social development and ability to solve family problems. I am reminded of Ann Cassidy, my principal at Central Grade School in South Saint Paul. She was the first woman I encountered in a position of authority. As busy as Principal Cassidy was running a successful school, she always had time for her students. To this day, I remember her kind words and reassuring presence. Madam Speaker, I missed the vote on this resolution because I was negotiating a solution to address inequities in Medicare reimbursement that negatively impacts Minnesota. If I were still in grade school, Principal Cassidy would have sat me down and told me, ``Betty, it is good that you were taking care of your constituents but you must slow down and pay attention to what you are doing.'' Now this is always good advice whether you are a Member of Congress or an elementary school student.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise to oppose this Republican Motion to Instruct Conferees on the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, H.R. 2010. This Republican motion is nothing more than a political stunt that would delay Congressional action on this important bill that funds the Department of Homeland Security. This agency's ability to operate is crucial in keeping our borders and waters safe, preventing terrorism, and responding to natural disasters. Furthermore, this is another example of a Republican proposal that blatantly disregards the Constitution. If enacted, it would undermine the principles of due process and a fair trial, both of which are American ideals we hold dear. For these reasons, I urge a ``no'' vote.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I was absent from the Chamber on October 15, 2009 because I was in my district with Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood reviewing an important community investment. On rollcall Nos. 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, and 789, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea,'' and ``no'' on 783.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, last week I introduced legislation to cut off Federal dollars to corporations that are convicted of felonies. Presently, corporate crooks are allowed to continue to receive taxpayer dollars, and that's wrong. I urge my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, to cosponsor H.R. 3679, the ACORN Act--the Against Corporations Organizing to Rip-off the Nation Act of 2009, and end waste, fraud, and abuse of billions of taxpayers' dollars. Last month, Congress took action to defund nonprofits serving America, but it failed to act against the corporate crooks that are actually guilty of felonies--including defrauding taxpayers. Why are companies that break the law as a business strategy allowed to receive taxpayer funds? A government contract is a privilege, not a right, and if a company commits a felony against the people of the United States, then that privilege must end. It is time that Congress get serious and end taxpayer funding of corporate cheats, crooks, and criminals. I urge support for H.R. 3679. [From The Nation, Oct. 5, 2009] An ACORN Amendment for Pfizer (By Jeremy Scahill) In the wake of the Congressional witch hunt against the community organization ACORN, initiated by Republican minority leader John Boehner and supported by all but seventy-five Democrats in the House and ten in the Senate (Independent Bernie Sanders also voted no), a small number of Democratic lawmakers are pushing back. Last week, in response to the Defund ACORN Act, which seeks to prohibit federal funds to the community group, Minnesota Democrat Betty McCollum, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, introduced an ACORN act of her own. It is titled the ``Against Corporations Organizing to Rip-off the Nation Act of 2009,'' also referred to simply as the ACORN Act. HR 3679 seeks to ``prohibit the Federal Government from awarding contracts, grants, or other agreements to, providing any other Federal funds to, or engaging in activities that promote certain corporations or companies guilty of certain felony convictions.'' While some lawmakers are focused on exposing the hypocrisy of targeting ACORN and allowing the fraud- and abuse-plagued war industry to go untouched, McCollum's legislation takes aim at massive healthcare corporations. ``It's time Congress get serious about taxpayer funding of corporate cheats, crooks and criminals,'' says McCollum. ``Last month Congress took action to defund a nonprofit serving poor Americans but failed to act against the corporate crooks that are actually guilty of felonies--including defrauding taxpayers. Why are companies that break the law as a business strategy allowed to receive taxpayer funds? A government contract is a privilege, not a right. If a company commits a felony against the people of the United States, then that privilege must end.'' Significantly, McCollum's co-sponsors on the legislation include Wisconsin Democrat David Obey, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Obey was one of those 172 House Democrats who joined Republicans in voting to defund ACORN on September 17. McCollum, who voted against the Defund ACORN legislation, says that her own legislation is ``modeled after'' that one but ``respects the Constitution by requiring a corporation to be guilty of a felony before federal funds are cut off.'' McCollum's bill cites the 2008 Corporate Fraud Task Force Report to the President, which found that in fiscal year 2007, ``United States Attorneys' offices opened 878 new criminal health care fraud investigations involving 1,548 potential defendants. Federal prosecutors had 1,612 health care fraud criminal investigations pending, involving 2,603 potential defendants, and filed criminal charges in 434 cases involving 786 defendants. A total of 560 defendants were convicted for health care fraud-related crimes during the year.'' McCollum's bill singles out Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Inc., a subsidiary of Pfizer. Last month Pfizer agreed to pay a $2.3 billion settlement, which the Justice Department calls ``the largest healthcare fraud settlement in the history of the Department of Justice.'' The settlement stemmed from Pfizer's ``illegal promotion of certain pharmaceutical products,'' where the company marketed dosages that had not been approved by the FDA. The company will also plead guilty to a felony violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for misbranding the anti-inflammatory drug Bextra ``with the intent to defraud or mislead.'' Prosecutors allege that the company marketed ``off label'' uses of the drug, despite FDA bans. As the New York Times reported, ``Pfizer instructed its sales representatives to tell doctors that the drug could be used to treat acute and surgical pain and at doses well above those approved, even though the drug's dangers--which included kidney, skin and heart risks--increased with the dose, the government charged. The drug was withdrawn in 2005 because of its risks to the heart and skin.'' Pharmacia & Upjohn will also pay a criminal fine of $1.195 billion, ``the largest criminal fine ever imposed in the United States for any matter,'' according to the DoJ. Federal prosecutors also stated: Pfizer has agreed to pay $1 billion to resolve allegations under the civil False Claims Act that the company illegally promoted four drugs--Bextra; Geodon, an anti-psychotic drug; Zyvox, an antibiotic; and Lyrica, an anti-epileptic drug--and caused false claims to be submitted to government health care programs for uses that were not medically accepted indications and therefore not covered by those programs. The civil settlement also resolves allegations that Pfizer paid kickbacks to health care providers to induce them to prescribe these, as well as other, drugs. The federal share of the civil settlement is $668,514,830 and the state Medicaid share of the civil settlement is $331,485,170. This is the largest civil fraud settlement in history against a pharmaceutical company. On September 2, 2009, federal prosecutors, White House officials and military criminal investigators praised the settlement. ``Pfizer violated the law over an extensive time period,'' said Mike Loucks, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. He added the fine against the company ``demonstrates that such blatant and continued disregard of the law will not be tolerated.'' Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called it a ``historic settlement'' and said the government is looking ``for new ways to prevent fraud before it happens. Healthcare is too important to let a single dollar go to waste.'' Assistant Attorney General Tony West said, ``Illegal conduct and fraud by pharmaceutical companies puts the public health at risk, corrupts medical decisions by healthcare providers and costs the government billions of dollars,'' adding that the plea agreements ``represent yet another example of what penalties will be faced when a pharmaceutical company puts profits ahead of patient welfare.'' Patrick McFarland, inspector general of the Office of Personnel Management, said the settlement ``reminds the pharmaceutical industry that it must observe those standards and reflects the commitment of federal law enforcement organizations to pursue improper and illegal conduct that places healthcare consumers at risk.'' The head of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service said that Pfizer's actions ``significantly impacted the integrity of TRICARE, the Department of Defense's healthcare system,'' saying ``This illegal activity increases patients' costs, threatens their safety and negatively affects the delivery of healthcare services to the over 9 million military members, retirees and their families who rely on this system.'' Yet, despite all of these tough statements--and many more by top officials--Pfizer and its vast network of subsidiaries continue to win massive government contracts. Last year Pfizer made more than $40 billion in profits, and in 2007 it had more than $73 million in federal contracts. Loucks points out that ``at the very same time Pfizer was in our office negotiating and resolving the allegations of criminal conduct by its then newly acquired subsidiary, Warner-Lambert, Pfizer was itself in its other operations violating those very same laws.'' In other words, the criminal conduct continues even as the company settles cases. ``The CEO and Board of Directors should have been indicted,'' wrote former New York City Mayor Ed Koch. ``That is truly the only way to stop the practices which produce so much wealth for the company, its stockholders, officers and directors.'' The glaring question here is, Why is the ``corporate felon'' Pfizer still on the federal dole? ACORN, which received a total of $53 million in federal funds over fifteen years, much of it going toward low-income housing initiatives, was singled out for a ban on funding over the actions of a handful of employees that were promptly fired. The fact is, Congress went after ACORN with a legislative nuke but, for years, has greeted Pfizer with welcoming arms and open wallets. McCollum's legislation states that no federal contract, grant or ``any other form'' of agreement ``may be awarded to or entered into with the corporation or company for a 5-year period beginning 30 days after the date of the criminal conviction involved'' and states that ``no Federal funds in any other form may be provided to the corporation or company for such 5-year period.'' The legislation also goes after criminal corporations' ability to inject cash into the campaign coffers of politicians, prohibiting ``corporate felons'' from ``contributing to a candidate for federal office, to a political party, or to a federal political action committee for five years.'' In 2008 Pfizer gave $980,048 in campaign contributions to Democrats, representing 52 percent of its total campaign contributions. It was the first year since 1990 that Pfizer gave more to Democrats than Republicans. The biggest recipients of Pfizer campaign dollars last year were Democratic Congressman Allen Boyd, who serves on the Appropriations Committee, and Democratic Senator Chris Dodd, a senior member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. In the 2010 cycle, the company has given 60 percent of its campaign cash to Democrats. Barack Obama blew out John McCain in contributions from the pharmaceutical industry, taking in some $2.1 million compared to the $668,000 contributed to McCain's campaign. McCollum's legislation would limit the amount of lobbying expenditures by ``corporate felons'' to $1 million a calendar year. In 2009 Pfizer has already spent $11,720,000 on lobbying. ACORN does not have high-powered lobbyists, and its 400,000 member families do not give major campaign contributions. If they did, the Defund Acorn bill would never have passed Congress. The question for those Democrats who voted to go after this community organization on dubious allegations is a simple one: will you apply that standard to actual corporate felons with real-life rap sheets whose actions have actually harmed ordinary Americans and ripped off taxpayers?

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (H.R. 3221), which will end the giveaway of $87 billion in corporate welfare to financial institutions for processing paperwork. Those funds instead will be reinvested to expand the Pell Grant program, increase assistance to community colleges, and support early learning to ensure more low-income children are prepared to start kindergarten. A savings of $10 billion will also be used for deficit reduction. H.R. 3221 terminates the Family Federal Education Loan (FFEL) program. Instead, all new federal student lending will originate through the existing Federal Direct Loan Program. This change will result in a more reliable system for students and their families by avoiding risks in the private lending market, which were exposed in the recent financial crisis. Taxpayers will benefit from a more efficient student loan system because eliminating the unnecessary middleman will produce $87 billion in savings for taxpayers over the next 10 years. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act also makes strategic investments to allow more students to attend college and graduate with less debt. The Pell Grant Scholarship program is increased by $40 billion. As a result, more than $75.5 million in additional funding will be provided to students in Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District over the next decade. Additionally, this legislation strengthens and expands the Perkins Loan Program, and it helps families by simplifying the complicated and time-consuming Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)--the bill enables families to apply for federal student aid using their tax form. America's community colleges are another priority investment in H.R. 3221. At a time when millions of Americans are seeking new employment opportunities, this bill makes significant new funding available to retrain workers, prepare students for 21st century jobs and introduce students to post-secondary education. These investments will improve the quality of education for over 100,000 students that are enrolled in Minnesota community colleges. This legislation is a historic opportunity to invest in education while, at the same time, reducing the federal deficit. Unfortunately, the Republican minority is trying to distract attention from the bill by offering a motion to recommit that prohibits Federal funding to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). ACORN, a nonprofit organization that works to empower low-income Americans, does not receive $1 of Federal funding in H.R. 3221. ACORN is currently under investigation for possible wrong-doing--these inquiries should proceed and final judgments should be made. No organization found guilty of criminal conduct should continue to receive taxpayer support. However, it is inappropriate and likely unconstitutional for the House of Representatives to pre-judge the outcome of a formal investigation by prohibiting Federal funding. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this political ploy and in supporting passage of H.R. 3221.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution to honor the historical contributions of Catholic sisters in the United States. In 1727, nine Ursuline Sisters from France arrived in New Orleans to live and work. Since then, Catholic sisters have contributed to the vitality of this country through their dedication to education, health, and social justice. Today the approximately 59,000 Catholic sisters in the U.S. continue to educate our youth, nurse the sick, and serve the most vulnerable in our society. Catholic sisters have provided a well-rounded education to millions of students across the U.S. They established the nation's largest private school system and founded more than 110 colleges and universities. Attending an all day Catholic kindergarten gave me a strong start in my own education. Later, I attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, now St. Catherine's University. It was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1905 and for more than 100 years has educated students of diverse ages and backgrounds in a tradition of the liberal arts and social justice. At St. Catherine's, I had the opportunity to student teach at St. Luke's Catholic School in St. Paul and worked with educators who enriched students' lives through academics and spiritual development. As the United States expanded westward, Catholic sisters not only built schools but also established hospitals and other charitable organizations. St. Paul is home to Minnesota's first hospital--St. Joseph's. It was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1853 in response to the cholera epidemic afflicting the Minnesota territory. My two children were born at St. Joseph's and to this day this hospital provides quality care to the people of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District. It is with gratitude for their commitment and efforts that I rise to thank Catholic sisters for their valuable contributions to our nation.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise today to express may support for the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act (H.R. 3246). I thank Chairman Gordon and the members of the Science and Technology Committee for their work on this important legislation, which will fuel innovation in the American automobile sector and capitalize on America's manufacturing infrastructure to spur the creation of millions of well-paying American jobs and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Our country's approach to developing advanced technology vehicles must be comprehensive and coordinated to ensure innovation and advancement in our entire vehicle fleet. Historically, the Vehicle Technologies program at the U.S. Department of Energy has lacked a comprehensive approach to research and development, with various technologies competing for funding and imbalanced investment in between passenger and heavy duty vehicles research. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act addresses these issues through authorization of long- term, sustained funding for a new comprehensive research and development program at the Department of Energy. H.R. 3246 invests in a diverse range of near-term and long-range vehicle technologies that will improve fuel efficiency, support domestic research and manufacturing, and reduce our country's dependence on petroleum that pollutes our planet and keeps us dependent on foreign energy sources. Such a comprehensive approach will fuel American innovation now and into the future. Innovation is America's greatest strength. As our country recovers from a serious recession, funding for research and development is one of the best investments we can make to restore our American leadership in the global economy. America excels at high tech manufacturing, and investing in the development of a new generation of advanced technology vehicles will drive the creation of millions of new, well paying manufacturing jobs here at home. Innovation in vehicle technologies is also an important component in addressing the pressing challenge of global climate change. America's passenger and commercial transport sector produces one third of our country's total carbon dioxide emissions. Meeting the challenge of global climate change will require the development of a new generation of vehicles powered with clean energy. Modernizing our nation's vehicle fleet through American innovation is critical for our economic prosperity, energy security, and responsible stewardship of our planet. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3246.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, today on the eighth anniversary of September 11, 2001, we honor the memory of the victims, extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims' families, and recognize the heroism and courage displayed during rescue and recovery missions. It is a day none of us will ever forget. Our response to the attacks of September 11, 2001 will define the meaning of that terrible day, and it will define us as a country. While we remain focused on preserving America's security, we must be equally resolute in our commitment to protect the values and character that define America. The legacy of September 11, 2001 will not be destruction, but instead a spirit of service that will strengthen our nation for generations to come. For this reason, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 718, which calls on all Americans to observe September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who were injured or lost their lives and in tribute to those who came to the aid of those in need. This resolution also challenges all Americans to continue to live with the same spirit of unity, service, and compassion that was exhibited following the attacks. As we continue to mourn the victims of that awful tragedy eight years ago, I encourage all Americans to volunteer to serve their communities today and throughout the year.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 738, a resolution honoring the 15th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). I am an original cosponsor of this resolution to support the goals and ideals of VAWA. Today we recognize the progress that has been made in reducing domestic violence in our country but also the significant work that remains. In 1994, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) began creating safe havens for families affected by domestic violence. This historic legislation has succeeded in making America's women more safe and secure and it has strengthened America's response to the crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Victims of domestic violence are now more able to access services and counseling during their darkest hours and prosecutors have the tools to pursue perpetrators. VAWA is working to bring communities together by coordinating law enforcement officers, victim advocates and prosecutors. No one should have to live in fear or suffer in silence from domestic violence. We as society must provide sufficient resources to federal, state and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors who specialize in crimes targeted against women. We must also support organizations that offer services to women and families who have experienced violence. Domestic violence hurts families and entire communities. The communities of Minnesota's Fourth District learned this all too well on September 7, 2009, when North St. Paul police officer Richard Crittenden and Maplewood police officer Julie Olson answered a domestic violence call--one of the most dangerous an officer can receive. Officer Richard Crittenden was killed and Officer Olson was injured in the line of duty. Officer Crittenden made the ultimate saceifice--his life--to protect a woman from a man who had repeatedly abused her. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to acknowledge all those who work to reduce domestic violence in communities across our country. Much has been accomplished in the last fifteen years, but the number of incidents of violence against women still remains too high. On this anniversary, I urge my colleagues to recommit themselves to ending domestic violence.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, last week, in this chamber, the House hosted the Members of the U.S. Senate and the President of the United States. The President used that opportunity to address Congress and the American people about this country's health care crisis. During the speech a member of this body shouted a personal insult-- rude and disrespectful words--at the President of the United States that violated the rules of decorum of this House and disgraced this institution. To insult the President of the United States--an invited guest in this House--in such a manner brings shame on this body and all its members. Disrespect, incivility, and personal attacks have no place in the People's House if we are to get the people's business done. As a matter of honor, respect, and common decency the representative of the people of South Carolina's 2nd District should stand in the well of the House and apologize to his colleagues for his words and his conduct. Since the representative from South Carolina has refused to apologize I urge all Members, Democrats and Republicans, to vote in favor of H. Res. 744 and support restoring respect and dignity to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the Wind Energy Research and Development Act (H.R. 3165) and the Heavy Duty Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act (H.R. 445). I thank my colleagues on the Science and Technology Committee for their work on these important bills, which will help secure America's role as a global leader in innovation. An aggressive transition to a clean renewable energy economy is necessary to modernize America's economy for the 21st century. In this historic moment, we have the responsibility and the opportunity to secure America's place as a global hub of technological innovation, an economic leader, and a steward of our planet. Passage of H.R. 3165 and H.R. 445 will focus American ingenuity to achieve these important goals. Wind energy is a critical component of America's clean energy future. The growth potential for the industry is enormous: in 2008 alone the industry installed enough new wind energy production capacity to power over 2 million homes. My state of Minnesota is currently fourth in the nation for installed wind energy production capacity and is in the top ten states for wind energy production potential. However, like many new industries, the wind energy industry requires federal incentives to fuel its growth. The Wind Energy Research and Development Act authorizes an important new demonstration program at the Department of Energy to reduce the costs of construction, generation, and maintenance of wind energy systems. Developing these technologies will help reduce existing barriers to expansion of wind power around the country. America's shift to a clean energy economy requires the development of advanced vehicle technologies to save consumers money and reduce harmful emissions. In addition to clean passenger vehicles, we must modernize our commercial transport fleet. The Heavy Duty Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act will create a competitive grant program to support research, development and demonstration of advanced heavy duty hybrid vehicle technologies. This program will help make America's commercial transport fleet the cleanest and most efficient in the world. Transitioning to a clean energy economy and curtailing global climate change are two of the great challenges of our time--American innovation is the key to addressing them both. I urge my colleagues to support these two important pieces of legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and public service of North Saint Paul Police Officer Richard Crittenden who will be laid to rest tomorrow. On Monday morning, Officer Crittenden was sent to respond to a domestic dispute call. He was killed protecting a woman from a man who had repeatedly abused her. North Saint Paul is a wonderful community of 11,000 people where I raised my children and served on the city council. To lose an officer in the line of duty is a tragedy for every resident. On behalf of my constituents and all Minnesotans, I extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to Officer Crittenden's wife, Christine, his children, and grand-children. Their loss is tremendous. To North Saint Paul officials and residents, especially the members of the police department, I extend my condulutices at this time of great pain and loss. Officer Crittenden gave the ultimate sacrifice--his life--in the line of duty. His service as a peace officer was always respected, but his courage and sacrifice makes him a hero who shall always be remembered and honored. Madam Speaker, at this time I also want to recognize Maplewood Officer Julie Olson who was injured in the line of duty in the incident that claimed Officer Crittenden's life. I commend Officer Olson for her courageous service and wish her a full recovery.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and public service of North St. Paul police officer Richard Crittenden who will be laid to rest tomorrow. On Monday morning, Officer Crittenden was responding to a domestic dispute call. He was killed protecting a woman from a man who had repeatedly abused her. North St. Paul is a wonderful community of 11,000 people where I raised my children and served on the city council. To lose an officer in the line of duty is a tragedy for every resident. It is a tragedy for all of us. On behalf of my constituents and all Minnesotans, I extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to Officer Crittenden's wife, Christine, his children and grandchildren. Their loss is tremendous. To the North St. Paul officials and residents and especially to the members of the police department, I extend my condolences at this time of great pain and loss. Officer Crittenden gave the ultimate sacrifice, his life, in the line of duty. His service as a peace officer was always respected, but his courage and sacrifice make him a hero who shall be remembered and honored always.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise to remember three servicemen from the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division and to pay tribute to their lives. The deaths of Spec. Daniel P. Drevnick of Woodbury, Spec. James D. Wertish of Olivia, and Spec. Carlos E. Wilcox IV of Cottage Grove are a tragedy for our entire country. They lost their lives in a missile attack near Basra, Iraq on July 16, 2009. Specialists Drevnick, Wertish, and Wilcox served this nation with honor and courage. They departed from Minnesota in February with more than 1,000 Minnesota National Guard soldiers. In Iraq, their duties included providing logistics and communications for more than 16,000 U.S. and multi-national coalition forces. Daniel, James, and Carlos are Minnesotan and American heroes. We will be forever grateful for their military service. They made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and a more peaceful world. Madam Speaker, please join me in paying the highest respect to Spec. Daniel P. Drevnick, Spec. James D. Wertish, and Spec. Carlos E. Wilcox IV. Their families, friends, and comrades in Iraq have my deepest sympathies for their profound loss.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to this Republican motion to recommit on the Fiscal Year 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill (H.R. 3293). Since I was first elected to Congress, I have been advocating for more funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In January, I voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R.1) that included $12.2 billion to help States and localities fund special education for 6.7 million students with disabilities. I want to note that not one Republican in the House of Representatives voted for the Recovery Act that included this vital funding. In the 109th and 110th Congresses, I introduced the Achieving Our IDEA Act, which would guarantee that the federal government meets its commitment to provide 40 percent of the cost of educating children with specials needs by 2013. The bill we have before us today includes $12.58 billion for IDEA and I wish it included more. However, we cannot make up 8 years of lost ground in a single piece of legislation. This motion to recommit would add one billion dollars to the IDEA only by cutting other critical investments. If this motion passes, neighbors who have lost their jobs would suffer due to reduced funding for Training and Employment Services in the Department of Labor. Schools would lose needed funds for innovation and improvement. Nonprofits would suffer because the Corporation for National and Community Service budget would be reduced by 30 percent. For these reasons, I will not support this motion and urge a ``no'' vote.