Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act and congratulate Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Obey for providing important relief to American families struggling under current economic conditions. At a time when taxpayers are being asked to rescue Wall Street, it is imperative that Congress also recognize the challenges facing Main Street. Our economy has lost jobs for eight straight months with 605,000 American jobs lost this year. This summer Minnesota's unemployment rate reached its highest level in 22 years. Putting Americans back to work is critical to the recovery of our economy and to the health and safety of families. H.R. 7110 invests in families by creating good-paying jobs through new infrastructure projects. These investments have an immediate effect on the economy by putting people to work and will have a long term effect with improvements to our roads, bridges and schools. Other jobs will be created through new energy technologies. New loans to the auto industry and investment in new renewable energy technologies will both put people in good paying, stable jobs but will also move this country towards energy independence. For those hit hardest by economic conditions, this legislation provides an extension of unemployment benefits for those still searching for a job, including 20,000 Minnesotans. It also includes additional food assistance to help deal with rising food prices and a temporary increase in Medicaid payments for states so they can continue to provide health care coverage for children and families. To address the cost of fuel and growing demand for public transportation, this bill invests in transit to improve access and afford ability of buses and trains. It is absolutely unacceptable for members to find the political will to bail out Wall Street at a cost of $700 billion to taxpayers and at the same time claim that we do not have the resources to invest one- tenth of that in American families. This is a prudent, targeted package and it is critical to our economic recovery. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 7110.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and colleague, Congressman Jim Ramstad, as he retires from the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Ramstad is dedicated to public service. He served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve after graduating from the University of Minnesota and then as a Criminal Justice attorney before being elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1981 and to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1990. Today, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Minnesota D.A.R.E and the Lake County Food Bank. Minnesota has been fortunate to have a leader like Congressman Ramstad representing us in the House of Representatives. Congressman Ramstad is one of a rare class of members who always puts policy above partisanship, and with his focus on law enforcement and health care, has made a real difference for families in Minnesota and across the country. He showed his immense courage and commitment by speaking about his own challenges with chemical dependency during his work on the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. His dedication to reducing the stigma associated with mental health and chemical dependency and ensuring fairness in health care has changed the lives of millions of Americans. Congressman Ramstad served on the Health Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee and has worked effectively on issues relating to health care access. As a freshman Member of the House, he recognized the growing importance of technology to health care and to Minnesota's economy, and started the Medical Technology Caucus. This caucus has brought much needed attention to the field of medical technology and created a forum for Members and staff to learn more about these important innovations. His important work in this area also has a global reach. I was proud to have Jim as a partner in introducing legislation to expand access to voluntary family planning in developing countries. It has been an honor to serve alongside Congressman Ramstad in the Minnesota Delegation for the last 7 years. I have learned a lot from him, and will miss him. However, Minnesotans can rest assured that Jim's public service will continue long after he leaves Congress. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the service of Congressman Jim Ramstad in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor VocalEssence in honor of its 40th season. On September 14, 2008, VocalEssence kicked off its anniversary year with a community concert celebration featuring Garrison Keillor. During its distinguished history under the direction of the internationally renowned director Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence has become one of the largest and most prestigious choral organizations in the country. Founded by Brunelle in 1969 as the Plymouth Music Series, the choral organization became VocalEssence in 1992, and has steadily grown in reputation along with Mr. Brunelle. Mr. Brunelle himself is an institution in the choral music community, and an outstanding artist. VocalEssence has earned praise for its innovation among the music community by working to spotlight lesser known compositions from all time periods, as well as the work of contemporary composers. By 1991 the organization enjoyed international recording success, as well as international recognition as a leader in choral music performance. VocalEssence has been actively involved in community engagement in the Twin Cities through programs such as WITNESS, an initiative that honors and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to our cultural heritage. Through concerts and recordings featuring African American composers and artists and educational outreach designed to inform students of the historical role of African Americans in our culture, WITNESS has enriched our community and the musical world, reaching more than 115,000 students in more than 55 schools in the Twin Cities area. VocalEssence has brought great distinction to the Twin Cities arts community, earning numerous recognition and awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, as well as the Margaret Hillis Achievement Award for Choral Excellence, an outstanding achievement and an unparalleled honor in the choral music community. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to honor VocalEssence, and to celebrate the 40 years it has enriched the culture of the Twin Cities.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6983, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. It is long past time that the 54 million Americans suffering from mental illness have access to the care they need, and we cannot afford another day to go by. This legislation is named in tribute to the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone whose work on this issue was groundbreaking. I also rise to thank my colleague from Minnesota, Congressman Jim Ramstad, for his courage in sharing his experience with substance abuse and his hard work on this legislation. Without his dedication and perseverance, we would not be at this critical moment. We have all been affected in some way--ourselves, a family member, a friend, or colleague--by mental health or substance abuse. This is an issue I hear about in my district a lot and I thank my constituents who have been willing to share their stories to make change. The current system is unfair and inadequate. People should not have to forego essential treatment because of cost when care could mean improvements to their quality of life and productivity. Parents should not end up with an emergency room bill they cannot pay because they rushed their child to the hospital after a suicide attempt. Our service men and women returning from Iraq should not be handed a 1-800 number to treat a mental illness. Passing this bill is both morally and economically right because delay not only affects individuals and families, but it also affects schools, businesses, and our communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this important bill. Today we can finally make mental health parity a reality.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 6899) and would like to commend Chairman Rahall, Speaker Pelosi, and the Democratic leadership for their hard work on this important legislation. America stands at a crossroads with regard to our country's energy security. In 2008, gasoline and home heating prices have risen to record levels, burdening middle class American families during already tough economic times. This Congress has a choice to make and America's families deserve action. Congress can continue to follow the path of the past and increase our Nation's addiction on oil companies and foreign produced petroleum from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Venezuela, and Nigeria. Some voices now claim that the U.S. can achieve energy independence by exploiting all currently protected lands and coastal areas, allowing drilling wherever oil companies want to drill. Of course, since the U.S. consumes twenty-five percent of the world's oil and possesses less than 3 percent of global petroleum reserves, the ``drill, baby, drill'' rhetoric is both simplistic and simply false. The American people need to know that government estimates state that if drilling was allowed in all restricted offshore sites and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (a policy I strongly oppose) it would pump only one million extra barrels of oil per day onto the global market by 2025, less than 1 percent of projected global output. For consumers this would translate into a 2 cent reduction in price in the year 2025. The ``drill, baby, drill'' crowd appears to be committed to advancing the interests of the oil companies while leaving the American people with a potentially miniscule price reduction seventeen years from now. Their proposal is not a policy solution, but rather a political gimmick. There is another option, a plan to move America forward towards energy independence with a comprehensive energy policy that focuses on investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, and maximizing the potential of existing fossil fuel sources with the necessary restrictions to protect the environment. Responsible drilling is a part of this plan as a transition to a clean energy future. I will continue to oppose any ``give aways'' that allow special advantages to oil companies to exploit the limited natural resources belonging to American taxpayers and limit the ability of American families to receive a fair price at the pump. Today, oil companies have leases on 68 million acres of federal lands. Right now they have access to drill within 182 million acres of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) surrounding Alaska and the lower 48 states. This bill, H.R. 6899, requires that oil companies make use of these existing leases by commencing exploration on these lands or relinquish their leases. If more drilling is the goal of the petroleum industry, they currently have the legal authority to do it on 68 million acres of federal land and 182 million acres of the OCS. And, with oil companies profits projected at $160 billion for 2008, they have the money to do it without federal tax breaks or sweetheart deals at taxpayer expense. House Democrats recognize that American families are seeking relief from high energy prices and a stabilizing of prices. For this reason this energy bill allows for the release of ten percent of the light crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to increase domestic oil supply. In the short-term, allowing this oil onto the market will help to stabilize prices. It is time to take America in a new direction, moving away from the Bush Administration's policy of dependency on foreign oil and toward bold investments in America's energy future. By repealing $19 billion dollars worth of unnecessary subsidies to oil companies and investing these funds in clean renewable energy, the Comprehensive American Energy Security Act will create of thousands of new American jobs, reduce America's dependence on foreign energy sources, and ensure responsible stewardship of our environment today and for generations to come. Today, I reflect the views of my constituents by voting for a forward thinking, comprehensive energy policy. Passing the Comprehensive American Energy Security Act will be a big step towards energy independence and the creation of a green American economy. I urge my colleagues to support the Comprehensive American Energy Security Act.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5265, the Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research and Education (MD-CARE) Amendments Act of 2008. This legislation is named in tribute to Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone whose work on behalf of the vulnerable was well-known and well-respected. Muscular dystrophy is a degenerative genetic disease which affects over 300,000 individuals in the United States. The original MD-Care Act authorization introduced by the late Senator Wellstone was signed into law in December 2001. This bill established six centers of excellence, created a Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating Committee (MDCC) to support research and education on muscular dystrophy, and expanded education programs for muscular dystrophy at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). H.R. 5265 continues the momentum from the original legislation. This legislation officially names the Centers of Excellence the Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers to honor Senator Wellstone's work. In addition, this bill ensures that data collection at the CDC is updated regularly, and that information is distributed to targeted audiences. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this important bill.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to S.J. Resolution 45, which expresses the consent and approval of Congress to an inter-state compact regarding water resources in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin. The Great Lakes are among America's most valued natural resources, containing over 90 percent of our fresh surface water. Effective management of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin is crucial to protect against harmful diversion of water that causes environmental damage and depletion of the lakes. I do not believe this bill has undergone a thorough, rigorous vetting process to ensure that its provisions provide strong enough protections against privatization, commercialization, and exportation of Great Lakes water. While that this legislation does take important steps toward ensuring protection of the lakes, I have several unanswered concerns with the bill as it stands now. Any bill seeking to protect the Great Lakes from diversion efforts must have strong language protecting against the commercialization and diversion of Great Lakes water in the international trade system. I am deeply concerned that this bill defines Great Lakes water as a ``product,'' potentially subjecting it to international trade law obligations under NAFTA, GATT, or the WTO. Furthermore, by exempting diversions of water in containers smaller than 5.7 gallons, how does this bill protect Great Lakes water from privatization claims from bottled water companies and other large commercial entities? The International Joint Commission, the U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Trade Representative have failed to provide answers to these questions. I also believe strongly that any Great Lakes Compact must ensure full, active participation of the Tribes in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin in any decision-making process. Language in this legislation requires ``reasonable notice'' to Tribes for commentary and an obligation to ``inform'' the Tribes of meetings and hearings regarding diversion of water. The intention of this language is right, but it must be stronger to ensure Tribes have a strong voice in any decisions related to the Great Lakes Basin. The Great Lakes Compact is a critical piece of legislation, concerning one of America's most precious natural resources. We must hold it to the highest standards to ensure that the environmental and economic integrity of the lakes are protected in a manner that is inclusive of all stakeholders. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation until these concerns have been resolved.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege for me to rise today to recognize the contributions of Ms. Mary Olson, a resident of Mahtomedi, Minnesota who has served as a dedicated Department of Defense civilian employee since 1980. On this, the occasion of her retirement, it is fitting to reflect on her remarkable career as a public servant. For 28 years, Ms. Olson has tirelessly supported the United States and the Department of Defense as a Policy Program Manager and Human Resources Specialist focusing in the areas of pay, leave and quality of work life issues. Her insights and policy initiatives have contributed greatly to the Department's ability to acquire and sustain the talent required to successfully accomplish its mission. It is a pleasure to commend her for her service and to extend to her the gratitude of a grateful nation. Ms. Olson has served both in the continental United States and overseas. When leadership and managers needed an answer on which they could rely, they called on Ms. Olson. Her expertise is in and of itself worthy of recognition. However, she has also mentored untold numbers of human resources personnel in a manner that instilled unparalleled professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a model for persistence in resolving issues adeptly and accurately. She leaves a legacy of comprehensive compensation policies, as well as a cadre of expertly prepared human resources practitioners who will ensure the Department has and will continue to have the policies it needs for talent management. Mary has been an inspiration and example for younger Federal employees and to her family. She battled back from a debilitating accident that would have caused most to give up. In Mary's case, however, her courage, fortitude and generosity of spirit spurred her on to be a major contributor to the Department's Civilian Personnel Policies, and a leader for all with whom she came in contact. Her zest for life was and is contagious! After many years away, Mary has returned to Minnesota where she will no doubt continue to inspire others. With Mary's retirement from Federal service, Minnesota has reclaimed a fine daughter who will be a great contributor to her community. Mary may be retiring, but, we can be assured that she will continue working in some form, and will through her words and deeds be an exemplary citizen. On behalf of myself and the many Federal employees, managers and leaders who have been helped directly by her work, I offer sincere gratitude to Ms. Mary Olson and wish her and her family all the best in her retirement years.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Lifetrack Resources in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on its 60th anniversary. During the past six decades, Lifetrack Resources has grown from a small charity into one of the largest community-based nonprofits serving families and individuals throughout the Twin Cities region. Lifetrack Resources was originally founded on September 1, 1948, as the St. Paul Rehabilitation Center to meet the needs of injured veterans returning from World War II and the polio epidemic. In a true collaboration, the Amherst H. Wilder Charity, the Junior League of St. Paul, the MN Society for Crippled Children and Adults, and the board of directors of Family Nursing Service of St. Paul came together to meet the needs of the community. These partnerships have continued through the years, and young children with disabilities received preschool education and both children and adults were provided physical, occupational, and speech therapy services at Lifetrack Resources. Over the years, Lifetrack developed model rehabilitation therapies and employment programs that were expanded through mergers with the Jewish Vocation Service to establish a comprehensive rehabilitation center and the St. Paul Hearing and Speech Center to provide audiology services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. In 2000, St. Paul Rehabilitation Center was renamed Lifetrack Resources to embody the organization's extensive service to the greater Twin Cities area. Today, Lifetrack Resources provides effective employment services and therapies to a wide-range of adults and children who encounter multiple obstacles to achievement--including those facing some of the most difficult challenges--immigrants and refugees, people with mental illness, individuals with criminal records, and our homeless population. Partnering with community organizations, Lifetrack Resources helps over 11,000 people each year to make positive changes in their lives by providing the skills and support they need, resulting in increased employment and economic opportunities and empowered healthy families. I have seen first hand how the success stories that Lifetrack Resources fosters continue to not only save government funds and improve our economy, but also strengthen our community's health and well-being. Madam Speaker, in honor of Lifetrack Resources' committed donors, staff, volunteers, community partners, and clients, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the 60th anniversary of Lifetrack Resources.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, our Nation is facing the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression. Where is President Bush? The Republican President is asking every hardworking American taxpayer to pay $5,200 to rescue reckless banks and incompetent financiers. If saving our economy demands such enormous sacrifices from the American taxpayers, then I urge the President to come before a joint session of Congress to ask the American people for their support. President Bush has an obligation to talk to the American people and their elected leaders. Only this President could explain why his $700 billion taxpayer-funded rescue package that calls for unprecedented government powers is needed. President Bush is in New York today speaking before the United Nations. Why isn't President Bush speaking to the American people and this Congress? This time of crisis is no time for the President of the United States to be abdicating his duty. President Bush needs to take responsibility and demonstrate leadership.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I am new to managing bills on the floor, and I was going to ask if that was the proper procedure, and so thank you for explaining that to us again on the floor. And I know that the gentlewoman in no way, shape, or form meant to imply that I was a liar on the floor. Mr. Speaker, as a young girl there weren't too many baseball cards I was actually very interested in collecting. But let me tell you, there were a few. Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, and I knew if I could get a Mickey Mantle card, I could collect the other two. I am very honored to be here today to have the opportunity to support S. 171. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members of the House to support this post office renaming of a fabulous athlete, Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Yesterday Members of Congress had a clear choice, voting for a plan that sided with American taxpayers and consumers struggling with energy costs or to continue to argue for a plan that sides with the Big Oil companies reaping the largest profits in American history. Yesterday, the House, under Democratic leadership, passed the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act. Let me tell you what that plan does. It lowers prices for consumers and protects taxpayers. It expands domestic drilling offshore and on land. It expands renewable sources of energy. It increases our security by freeing America from the grip of foreign oil, and it requires Big Oil to pay back what it owes taxpayers. It ends the subsidies to the oil companies, and it creates good-paying jobs right here in America. The plan that we passed yesterday truly gives the American people an opportunity to have security and to have a brighter future with renewables as part of our energy mix. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank both of the gentlemen from New Jersey for discussing the Constitution today. Today, we, as Members of Congress, have seen the streets around the Capitol and the Halls of Congress filled with young school students, the very future of our country. They're here to learn about our Government and to better understand our Constitution. So let us, we, who have the honor to represent the people, join together in unison for support for House Resolution 1356.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), who brought this forward for us to debate today, to have 5 minutes of time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 221st anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the document that is the basis for our country and the government it is built upon. House Resolution 1356, as introduced, is designed to pay tribute to this historical event. The supreme law of the land, the U.S. Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787, by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, thereby replacing the Articles of Confederation. Shortly after the signing of the Constitution, each State held individual conventions in order to ratify the document in the name of the people. Since its inception, the Constitution has been amended 27 times, with the first 10 amendments, of course, being our Bill of Rights and other significant amendments, including the 13th amendment abolishing slavery, the 14th amendment which bestowed the right of due process upon all citizens, and the 19th amendment which forbid the denial of the right to vote based on gender. Mr. Speaker, much can be said about the growth and development of our Nation and the fact that through all of it, whether in times of peace or war, the U.S. Constitution has withstood the test of time. On this, the 221st anniversary of the signing, let us stand in unison, putting aside our partisan distinctions and differences in order to celebrate, as Americans, strong and mighty, the framing document of our country, the U.S. Constitution. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for offering this measure, and I am sure my colleagues will join me in supporting the passage of House Resolution 1356. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1356) celebrating the 221st anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America, and for other purposes.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, Representative Mahoney. (Mr. MAHONEY of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I rise in support of H.R. 6772 which aims to rename the postal facility in the city of Fort Pierce, Florida, after CeeCee Ross Lyles, who was a flight attendant aboard United Airlines Flight 93 during the horrible attacks of 9/11. H.R. 6772, which was introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mahoney) on August 1, 2008, was reported from the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on September 10, 2008, by voice vote. The measure has the support of Florida's entire House congressional delegation and recognizes Mrs. Lyles for the upstanding life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind. CeeCee Ross Lyles has been described as a strong, smart, street-savvy young lady. Before becoming a flight attendant, she spent 6 years on the Fort Pierce Police Department where she worked her way from patrol officer to detective and was respected widely by her colleagues. Although CeeCee enjoyed working as a law enforcement officer, on October 11, 2000, she walked away from her job as a cop to pursue a lifelong goal of hers, which was to become an airline flight attendant. It was this decision that would lead her to join the ranks of United Airlines on the morning of September 11, 2001. Along with other crew members and passengers, she would be faced with the unthinkable, a hijacked airline carrier. Moments before Flight 93 went down in the field of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, CeeCee dialed home twice on a cell phone to tell her husband, Lorne, of the hijacking and to send her love to her boys, Javon, Jerome, Justin and Jordon. A devout wife and mother to her sons, CeeCee lost her life far too early, like so many others on that tragic day in history. While last week the country stopped to remember the victims of 9/11, today we take a moment to acknowledge one individual in particular, and that is CeeCee Ross Lyles, crew member of Flight 93. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting H.R. 6772, which renames the Orange Avenue Post Office in Fort Pierce, Florida, after Ms. Lyles, an honor certainly befitting of this fallen hero. Again, I urge passage of the bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.