Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

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

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask if you heard that the gentlewoman said that the Democrats on this side of the aisle were anti-American.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Yes.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. The last speaker just referred to the Democrats, including myself, as anti-American. Is that a custom and usage of this House to refer to one another in such a manner?

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California, Representative Baca.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. S. 171 renames a postal facility in Commerce, Oklahoma, in honor of Mickey Mantle, the great American baseball player. The House Oversight Committee received S. 171 after it had been considered and passed by our colleagues in the Senate. The measure was originally introduced by Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma back on January 4, 2007, and the Oversight Committee passed the bill by voice vote on June 12, 2008. S. 171 calls for honoring Mickey Mantle by designating the post office in his hometown of Commerce, Oklahoma, as the Mickey Mantle Post Office Building. Mickey Mantle was born on October 20, 1931. Named Mickey by his father after the Philadelphia Athletics Hall of Fame catcher, Mantle is one of the greatest American baseball players of all time. In 1974, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and his uniform number 7 was retired, celebrating his 18 years of playing for the New York Yankees. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Mickey Mantle, let us pass, without reservation, S. 171 and rename the post office facility on Commerce Street in Commerce, Oklahoma, after this legendary American athlete. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 171) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 301 Commerce Street in Commerce, Oklahoma, as the ``Mickey Mantle Post Office Building''.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6229, which names the post office located at 2523 Seventh Avenue East in North St. Paul, Minnesota, after the late William ``Bill'' Sandberg, the longtime mayor of North St. Paul. I want to thank the Oversight and Government Reform Committee for bringing this bill to the floor. I also want to thank my colleagues in the Minnesota delegation for their support as original cosponsors of this bill. Naming a post office in honor of Bill Sandberg is a fitting tribute to a dedicated public servant, a successful businessman and a wonderful human being. Bill was loved by the residents of North St. Paul. He was also my dear friend and political mentor. A committed Republican, Mayor Sandberg took me under his wing and instilled in me the lesson that community always comes before politics. William Sandberg was born in the Selby-Grand Avenue neighborhood of St. Paul in 1932. His family later moved to North St. Paul where he lived the remainder of his life. Bill graduated from North St. Paul High School and the University of Minnesota. After serving our country with honor in the U.S. Army, he returned home to the family business, Sandberg Funeral Home, with his brother Paul. As a funeral director he was respected by his peers. He was a true business leader. In 1978, the voters in North St. Paul elected Bill Sandberg to serve as mayor. With a fatherly hand he guided the city for 30 years, sharing his warmth, his optimism and his generous spirit with everyone he encountered. A person of great faith, Bill always sought to bring people together in constructive ways to solve the problems of our community. As a mayor, Bill Sandberg's legacy is one of exemplary public service, distinguished by common sense, fairness and compassion. I was honored to serve under his leadership on the North St. Paul City Council and work closely with him in the following years. I learned from Bill's leadership that the political maxim, ``all politics are local'' was true. It's true whether you serve on a city council or in Congress. Mayor Bill Sandberg passed away on April 20, 2008. He left behind colleagues, city staff and constituents who loved him. He left behind a loving family who will miss him, his daughter, Karen; son-in-law, Jack; and his grandchildren, Carolyn and William. Bill's wife, Delores, whom he loved profoundly, preceded him in death. Mayor Sandberg loved the people he served. Upon learning about his leukemia diagnosis, he wrote a letter to the residents of North St. Paul. His letter speaks volumes about the great leader he was. In this letter, Bill acknowledged his illness. He expressed his pride for the community of North St. Paul and a pride that came directly from neighbors coming together to meet the city's challenges. Bill also wrote of his sincere gratitude for having the opportunity to serve the people of his city for so many years. I would like to conclude with Bill's words to the people of North St. Paul: ``I would like to thank everyone again for making this town a very special place to live and raise families. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know Who holds the future.'' Madam Speaker, I greatly appreciate the support of my colleagues for this legislation. At the time of his death, Mayor Sandberg was the longest serving mayor in Minnesota history. His spirit and service are irreplaceable. For all who knew and worked with him, the blessing of his friendship was a treasure for us all. Recognizing Mayor Sandberg's service and leadership by naming this post office in his honor is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to a community he loved. Dear Citizen, As many of you know, I was recently diagnosed with acute leukemia. And as many of you who have had similar, life-altering diagnoses also know, such an evaluation makes one stop and reflect on what is really important. Since this is my 30th year serving as your mayor, it is undeniable that you residents and this town have been significant in my life. I have written to you many times about how I appreciate the friendliness of residents and cooperation among residents, businesses, the school district and the city. As I think back, there have been many changes, none of which would have been successful without this cooperation. Remember when McKnight Fields were under renovation in the early '90s? Local service clubs provided funding for a majority of the work, businesses donated materials, city crews provided the labor. And after the work was done, the city and school district entered a cooperative agreement for allowing the schools to use the fields. I admit we residents haven't always agreed on everything. For example, there were varying opinions on where the new high school should be located. But as soon as the school opened (in the fall of 1997), we put our differences behind us and reunited as a community. I'd like to take credit for the many changes that have taken place through the years, but I'm quickly reminded that my pride must be directed to you. It was you citizens who recognized the safety issues in our police and fire departments plus crowded administrative conditions that resulted in construction of our new city hall. It was you citizens who supported construction of our community center. It was you who, through the years, have backed the expansion and construction of public works facilities and park improvements. And it was the volunteer efforts of you citizens that have certainly contributed to our town being a beautiful place to live. Back in the early '90s we started the Take Pride program, recognizing residents for improvements they were making in their yards and gardens. And what about all the volunteers who have helped through the years with North St. Paul Green? I remember getting a letter from a Maplewood resident who commended the city for its beautification efforts. She said she'd go out of her way to drive through our downtown just to see the flowers! The efforts of our North St. Paul Green volunteers were also recognized by the Midwest Living Magazine, which named North St. Paul one of 20 Midwestern cities with ``hometown pride.'' As I close this letter, I'd like to thank everyone, again, for making this town a very special place to live and raise families. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know Who holds the future! God bless you all, Bill Sandberg, Mayor.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dana Gioia on his accomplished tenure as the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA has been significantly strengthened under his leadership, which he has recently announced will end in January when he steps down to focus on his writing. When Mr. Gioia took the reins of the NEA in 2003, federal support for the arts had been badly damaged by decades of partisan feuds. The NEA budget had been cut in half, and many were questioning the long-term viability of the organization. Today, NEA funding has nearly doubled from its 1990s lows and the agency is expanding its efforts. For this, Mr. Gioia deserves much of the credit. Mr. Gioia's impressive leadership skills helped build bipartisan support for the NEA. He understands the importance of listening to different groups, from artists to politicians to average citizens, and has the savvy to address their needs in creative ways. One of his first initiatives was Shakespeare in American Communities, a program that brings professional theater companies into schools across the nation. This program has employed nearly 2,000 actors and introduced more than 1 million students to theater. The NEA also launched Operation Homecoming under his leadership, which sends writers to military bases to work with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Mr. Gioia ensured that every congressional district had an opportunity to earn an NEA grant--a move that brought the arts to many new communities and demonstrated to Congress how the NEA's work touches every corner of the country. As a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus and the National Council on the Arts, I am grateful for Mr. Gioia's leadership. When his tenure at the NEA ends early next year, he will leave behind an organization that is much stronger than it was when he arrived in 2003. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Gioia on his leadership and his tremendous contributions to the arts.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6772) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1717 Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the ``CeeCee Ross Lyles Post Office Building''.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6842, the National Capital Security and Safety Act. It is a commonsense bill. This bill puts the District of Columbia on notice that it must comply with the Supreme Court's decision and directs the men and women elected by the citizens of our Nation's capital, along with the District's law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line every day to do their jobs and to determine how best to comply with the Court. Capital Police Chief Morse and D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier testified before our committee, and I trust them when they express their grave concerns about more guns, more powerful guns on D.C. streets. But rather than listen to Chief Lanier and Chief Morse, there will be a substitute amendment offered on behalf of the National Rifle Association with complete disregard for the American families that live in Washington, D.C. The substitute amendment would allow for more guns designated solely to kill people on D.C. streets and surely result in more money in the pockets of gun profiteers and the possibility of more fund-raising dollars for pro-gun candidates. To all the brave hunters on the floor tonight fighting to protect the rights of hunters, there are no bucks, bears or boars to shoot on the streets of D.C., but there are innocent children, women and men who will be shot as they are caught in the crossfire in a city loaded with guns designed to kill. In our Nation's capital with all of the homeland security considerations, I simply cannot understand why we deny elected local officials from taking commonsense measures to comply with the court and at the same time ensure the safety of our residents, our dignitaries, and our guests. Mr. Chairman, we talk a great deal about listening to military leaders on the ground in Iraq. Why aren't we taking our own advice and listening to our law enforcement leaders on the streets of D.C.? As a supporter of the second amendment to the Constitution, I stand with law enforcement for safety, security and sensible gun laws. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6842 and reject the NRA's amendment that would facilitate the senseless proliferation of weapons of human destruction in our Nation's capital.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous sadness that I rise to mourn the passing of our dear colleague, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio. Stephanie's death is an unbelievable tragedy for her family and all of us who loved her. It is a tremendous loss for her Cleveland constituents and our Nation. Her passing reminds us how precious life is and how we must treasure the time we spend with our loved ones. Stephanie's absence is profoundly personal for me because she was a very special person and a friend. Many, many memories and personal stories come to mind when I think of her. She was a caring person who showed her kindness and friendship freely. Her deep, strong, loving voice is memorable. Stephanie's energy and strength--almost fearlessness--to fight for what she believed in, and at the same time, be open to opposing points of view was admirable. I can't count the number of times I watched Stephanie on the floor of this House boldly speaking out on behalf of Americans and her Ohio constituents. She was passionate and never shied away from fighting for justice, equality, and the belief that this great country can do so much better for so many of the citizens who have been left behind. A powerful voice for justice in Congress and an extraordinary public servant is the best way I can describe Stephanie and her legacy. As the chair of the House Ethics Committee, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones had one of the most difficult duties in Congress. Her experience as a judge and a prosecutor made her perfectly suited for the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of the U.S. House of Representatives. Today is Stephanie's 59th birthday. It is heartbreaking that she is not here with us, but I am proud to celebrate her life of service and her commitment to both her family and the families she represented. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was the epitome of a citizen servant and demonstrated to all who knew her a spirit of joy, hope and compassion. I feel honored to have known her and privileged to have served with her in this House. Stephanie will be missed by me and many others, but she will not be forgotten.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 344, which recognizes that we are facing a global food crisis. And I applaud Congresswoman Jackson-Lee for bringing needed focus to the vast and spreading hunger epidemic. In the last 3 years, global prices for basic staples such as rice, wheat and corn are up more than 80 percent. Many trends converged on this moment to lift global food prices to historic heights. Bad weather in developing countries, a shift toward biofuels in the West, underinvestment in agriculture by international donors, and growing demand in countries like China and India all contributed to the present challenge. The result has been devastating for the poor. In some places, there is no food. In other places, food has become unaffordable. In Haiti, desperate people--moms and dads and kids--are literally eating mud to survive. They are making cakes of clay, salt and shortening because they cannot afford real food. Over 1 billion people already live on less than 1 dollar per day. Skyrocketing food prices are forcing 100 million more people into deep poverty, erasing decades of progress in fighting poverty and creating a moral call to action a just Nation cannot ignore. Food riots have erupted in critical countries including Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt and Afghanistan, destabilizing governments and threatening U.S. national security. All of America's investments in global development are undermined by the food crisis. PEPFAR's drugs won't save starving people. Programs in education and child survival are essential, but they have little impact when most basic human need goes unmet. The United States has responded with a generous commitment of emergency food aid. Yet, emergency aid will never get us ahead of what threatens to be an enduring challenge. Some of the trends that created the crisis may ease, but others including climate change and growing demand for food will only accelerate. Congress must recognize that the nature of international hunger has changed due to changes in the global economy and environment. We must agree a new approach is needed from our government and international partners. And we must commit to a long- term strategy that prioritizes new and substantial funding to improve agricultural productivity in developing countries. America's investments in global agriculture declined for years while other program budgets soared. In 1985, 12 percent of all U.S. official development assistance went toward agriculture. Thirty years later in 2005, agriculture's share was only 3 percent. This shift in resources is difficult to justify since the poorest countries have rural economies. When American aid is based on the recipient country's priorities, countries ask for agricultural support. More than half of all the funds committed by the Millennium Challenge Corporation to date are targeted toward agriculture and rural infrastructure. American foreign asistance requires a more balanced approach that recognizes food security as a necessary precondition for all successful development efforts. This is the moment when our country should reclaim its traditional leadership role in fighting global hunger. The stakes are too high for half-measures. There will be no peace, no justice, no progress in a hungry world.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the work of an internationally recognized nongovernmental organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota, that for the past 25 years has helped to transform the lives of millions of people--young and old--across the continent of Africa. With commitment and a passion for putting a book in the hands of children and elders hungry for knowledge, Books for Africa is an organization that has shipped more than 20 million books to more than 35 African countries since 1988. In so many African cities, towns and rural schools, where students had no access to books, there are now books for learning, enjoyment, and to experience the wonders of the world. Mr. Tom Warth is the founder of Books for Africa and he is an inspirational humanitarian. Tom's vision, enthusiasm, and his ongoing commitment, along with the work of all the board of directors of Books for Africa, continues to transform lives by facilitating the shipment of container after container of books that put real books in the hands of real people. Now, under the strong leadership of Mr. Pat Plonsky, I am proud to continue my office's ongoing relationship with Books for Africa. Their collaborations with Peace Corps volunteers, the State Department, and the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, enables the U.S. to demonstrate both its generosity and its willingness to provide a tangible learning tool. Last year, in partnership with USAID's Africa Education Initiative, 18 containers of books were delivered to Ghana, Liberia, Madagascar, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. All told, Books for Africa delivered 119 containers of books in 2007 to 22 countries, a truly impressive accomplishment. This form of public diplomacy--putting the book in the hands of a child or elder--is truly the best face of America and should not only be sustained, but expanded. In the U.S. we take books for granted, but we should never forget the power of a book. And, when they are distributed by the millions, the benefit cannot be overstated. Let me conclude by also recognizing the extraordinary effort of the volunteers for Books for Africa, as well as the donations of high quality books from publishers, schools and organizations. This combined and coordinated effort is transforming lives. If this generosity and determination to provide books can continue to match the hunger for knowledge, learning, and education by the children and adults all across the African continent, then we will have even greater accomplishments to celebrate in the future. Again, congratulations to Books for Africa for 25 years of extraordinary work to build a bridge of knowledge, education and hope between Minnesota and communities all across Africa.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 194, a resolution that apologizes for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans. It may be unimaginable today, but for more than 240 years, until 1865, in the 13 original colonies and the United States, there were men, women, and children forced to labor in bondage and bought and sold as property. It is a dark and shameful historic truth that this Nation must acknowledge and seek to remedy. Those who were enslaved and those who owned slaves have all passed away long ago. Yet, the historic legacy and pain of slavery is a reality we continue to struggle with as a nation. As slavery evolved into racial segregation, a new pain and hardship was inflicted upon African-Americans. While far less severe than slavery, it was no less degrading and demoralizing. This is also a painful historical legacy we have rejected as a nation. Still, this legacy took place in my lifetime and should be remembered, reflected upon, and aggressively attacked when it reemerges ``officially'' in our cities, neighborhoods and schools. This resolution is courageous and correct. I commend Mr. Cohen, its author, because it is meaningful for the U.S. House of Representatives to make this public apology. As a former social studies teacher, I taught my students that we cannot change history, but we must learn from history and use its lessons to make the future better for all mankind. Respect, tolerance and the elimination of prejudice and racism are actions we can take as individuals and as a society today. We have an opportunity today and everyday, as lawmakers here in Congress and as citizens across this country, to recommit ourselves to seek an end to racial inequality and injustice, and to seek greater unity among all Americans. To keep moving forward towards racial equality in America requires recognizing past injustice and to this end, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008 (H.R. 6604). I commend Chairman Peterson for his hard work on this legislation, which will help curtail the rising oil prices through curbing excessive speculation in commodity futures markets. High gasoline prices are burdening American families every day. The conversation on addressing our energy challenge has focused largely around factors of supply and demand. However, the rise in the price of oil cannot be attributed to any one factor. Burgeoning world oil demand, collusive practices of OPEC nations, the weakening dollar, and possible excessive speculation in the energy futures market are all potential contributors to the problem. Though we cannot say with certainty whether speculation is driving up the price of oil, Department of Energy officials have observed that the magnitude of price increases is unlikely to result from supply and demand forces alone. They have pointed to excessive speculation as a likely contributor to inflated oil prices. In the face of this possibility, Congress should act now, without disrupting healthy market activity, to close loopholes and prevent excessive speculation from driving up prices and increasing hardship for American families. The Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act enhances the regulatory capacity of the Commodity Futures Trade Commission (CFTC). Through increased staffing, closing corporate loopholes, and setting position limits for individuals, CFTC will be better equipped to address the problem of high energy prices that are burdening American families. The Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act also directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a detailed study of speculators' effects on agriculture and energy futures markets and prices. Along with acting proactively to prevent potential excessive speculation today, this bill will allow for a better understanding of what the effects of speculation have actually been. The Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act takes bold steps to curb excessive speculation that may be contributing to the hardships American families are facing today. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act (H.R. 4040) and to commend Chairman Dingell and the conferees for their hard work on this important issue. In a recent letter to the conferees, I joined several other members in support of this bill and I am pleased that Congress is moving forward on this legislation that will help ensure the safety of America's children and consumers. According to a leading consumer rights group, more than 45 million toys and children's products were recalled because of unsafe toxins and choking hazards in 2007. Data for 2008 shows that there have been 22 percent more recalls in the first half of this year as compared to the same period in 2007. Toy safety, which has been called ``last year's problem'' by the toy industry, is still very much an urgent, current challenge. Congress must act to ensure that the products and toys our children are exposed to are free of toxins and hazards. The Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act takes bold measures to enhance the safety of products available to our children. This legislation takes a strong stand against destructive oil industry interests by banning toxic phthalates in children's toys. Studies indicate that exposure to phthalates in childhood increases the risk of cancer as an adult. It mandates third-party testing and certification for certain children's toys and materials, which were previously voluntary. The bill also has new protections for whistleblowers that will help ensure consumer safety by making it easier for employees to alert the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about possible hazards before products reach the public. Part of the toy safety problem has been the lack of capacity of the CPSC. The CPSC has been underfunded and inadequately equipped to ensure the safety of the products available to children. Staff levels at CPSC are currently less than half of 1980 levels. The Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act bolsters CPSC capacity by increasing funding and staffing for the agency, a significant step toward ensuring safety for our children. Also, by banning industry-sponsored travel by CPSC Commissioners and staff and restoring the five-member commission, the legislation prevents potential conflicts of interest that may jeopardize toy safety. It is unacceptable for parents to have to worry about toys harming their children. The Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act is timely and targeted bipartisan legislation that takes significant steps to ensure that America's children are kept safe from harmful toxins in their toys. I urge my colleagues to support the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act and give this bill my full support.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1355, a resolution to support the goals and ideals of Disability Pride Day. Over 18 years ago Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law to end discrimination against and provide equal opportunities for people living with disabilities. It was a historic and proud day for the United States. The significant contributions to American life, our economy and every aspect of our society by people with disabilities deserve to be recognized and honored. While great strides have been made to ensure all rights for people living with disabilities are respected, we must always celebrate the victories and act with vigilance and determination to protect, defend and advance those rights. This resolution expresses support for Disability Pride Day, and acknowledges the efforts of Chicago's 5th Annual Disability Pride Parade organizers for raising awareness for the needs of those with disabilities. It also urges public officials and the general public to support and encourage understanding of persons with disabilities. We need to help support and encourage understanding of persons with disabilities in schools, the workforce, and in our communities. It is unacceptable that only one-third of Americans with disabilities are employed and people with disabilities are three times more likely to live in poverty. I believe all Americans should have the opportunity to achieve economic independence, which is why I support efforts to improve employment programs for individuals with disabilities. I also believe every child deserves a quality and affordable education, and we must ensure that our schools are adequately funded to promise a fair education for all children with disabilities. I support full funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, which is why I introduced the Achieving Our IDEA Act, H.R. 1896. This bill will help ensure that the Federal Government contributes 40 percent to the cost of educating children with special needs. This year Congress also took action to ensure the rights of those with disabilities. The ADA Amendments Act, of which I was a cosponsor, passed the House with overwhelming support on June 25, 2008. This bill protects individuals from employment discrimination in the workplace for those who can and want to work, and restores the original intent of Congress. All Americans should be able to live and work in their communities without fear of being discriminated against. All people have the right to be active, contributing members of our society and fully engaged citizens. I will continue to support efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and celebrate Disability Pride Day.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 1338). This is a historic day in the fight for equal rights for women, and I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Congresswoman DeLauro, and Chairman Miller for their leadership in this issue. Women have made great strides in the American workplace during the last quarter century. Women are now more likely to have advanced degrees, own businesses, and make up nearly half the workforce. When Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi was sworn in as Speaker of the House, women and young girls were inspired to know that there is no job a woman in this country cannot do. As we send our young female graduates into the workforce we must ensure that they receive equal pay for equal work. Although the wage gap has narrowed since the passage of the landmark Equal Pay Act in 1963, gender-based wage discrimination remains a problem for women in the workforce. It is unacceptable that women continue to earn just 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, and pay disparity can be even worse for minority women. This wage disparity will cost women anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million over a lifetime in lost wages. Furthermore, the wage disparity grows wider as women age and threatens their economic security, retirement, and quality of life. The Paycheck Fairness Act will make commonsense reforms to strengthen the Equal Pay Act and close the loopholes that have allowed employers to avoid responsibility for discriminatory pay. It would require employers seeking to justify unequal pay to bear the burden of proving that their actions are justified, and allow women to sue for punitive damages. This bill would also prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who share salary information with their co-workers. Finally, it would create a training program to help women strengthen their negotiation skills, and require the Department of Labor to work with employers to eliminate pay disparities by enhancing outreach and training efforts. The Paycheck Fairness Act recognizes that equal pay is not only an issue of fairness for women, but also one of fairness for working families. In these tough economic times, this bill could make all the difference for working families to make ends meet in their everyday lives. Through these efforts we can help give families the resources they need to give their children a better future. Pay equity should not be a benefit that needs to be bargained for, it is a promise that the Government must ensure. I urge my colleagues to rise in support of this bill to ensure economic security for women and their families. Through this legislation we can ensure a better future for our daughters, granddaughters, and generations to come.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Rules Committee for the time. I rise to support this rule and the conference report for the Higher Education Opportunity Act. I had the honor to serve on the Education and Workforce Committee for my first 6 years in Congress, and it is a real pleasure to know that we will finally be able to reauthorize the Higher Education Act. I commend Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon on this bipartisan bill. This bill increases need-based aid and provides for more access to information on the costs of college. It restores sunshine to student loan programs and simplifies financial aid application processes. And it makes new investments to encourage science and technology careers. This bill focuses on the needs of students who are the future of this country and the key to our global competitiveness. I'm particularly pleased that this conference report includes a provision I worked on with Congressman Tierney to hold States accountable for their investment in higher education. I also want to thank Chairman Miller and Congressman Bishop for working to include a definition of ``diploma mills'' and for requiring the Secretary of Education to provide information on these fraudulent businesses that defraud students, their families, and employers. Today we begin a Federal effort to prevent and prosecute diploma mills. Diploma mills sell worthless degrees. They threaten the reputation of America's colleges and universities by blatantly using similar names. Diploma mills cheat taxpayers when local school districts and even the Federal government hire one individual with a fraudulent degree. Phony medical degrees from diploma mills can have and have caused serious harm and even death. These fraudulent degrees can be used to obtain visas making the fact that they exist a national security issue. The failure to shut down diploma mills has been noted in other countries, harming our reputation around the world. The increasing number of diploma mills has created, as you can see, serious problems. This legislation includes the first step in addressing the problem, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act, H.R. 3221, and to congratulate Chairman Frank and Speaker Pelosi for their quick action to help American families. The dream of homeownership has become a nightmare for too many people in our country. Nationally, between 7,000 and 8,000 people a day are filing for foreclosure, and estimates show that over 28,000 Minnesotans will lose their homes to foreclosure in 2008. Foreclosures hurt our families, neighborhoods, and communities. I saw the impact of the foreclosure crisis firsthand when visiting the east side neighborhoods in St. Paul who are hit hardest by this crisis. Foreclosures result in lost tax revenue for local governments, reduced property values for neighbors, and can often contribute to criminal activity. Congress must act to protect families and neighborhoods from a further expansion of this crisis, which is why I strongly support H.R. 3221. This legislation is a comprehensive response that will help families facing foreclosure keep their homes, help other families avoid foreclosures in the future, and help communities harmed by empty homes in the foreclosure process. Specifically, H.R. 3221 expands a Federal Housing Administration program to allow borrowers in danger of losing their home to refinance into lower-cost Government-insured mortgages they can afford to repay. This voluntary program is not a bailout. Mortgage investors must take significant losses by reducing the loan principal, borrowers must share any profit from the resale of the home, and only primary residences are eligible. In addition, this bill provides $4 billion in emergency assistance, CDBG Funds, to communities hit hardest by the foreclosure and sub prime crisis to purchase, rent, or rehabilitate vacant foreclosed homes with the goal of occupying them as soon as possible This bill provides new tax incentives to increase home buying, which will not only help families build wealth, but could also create jobs in our communities. For those who cannot buy a home, H.R. 3221 creates a new Housing Trust Fund to increase the Nation's stock of affordable rental housing at no cost to the taxpayer. The legislation protects veterans and returning soldiers from foreclosure by increasing the VA loan limit, lengthening the time a lender must wait before starting foreclosure when a soldier returns, and increasing benefits to adapt the homes of veterans with service-related disabilities. H.R. 3221 also responds to the financial crisis facing Government Sponsored Enterprises or GSEs by giving the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to buy stock in those companies to restore confidence in the financial and housing market and ensure the safe and sound operation of these enterprises. These GSEs are central to the housing market and the economy as a whole, as they are the largest sources of mortgage finance in the United States--buying more than two-thirds of new mortgages in the first three months of 2008. While recognizing this necessity, this legislation will also protect taxpayers by requiring that taxpayers are paid back before shareholders, adding restrictions on executive compensation, and strengthening oversight by putting an independent new regulator in charge. These measures will help safeguard the interests of the American taxpayer and ensure the availability of affordable home loans, while also strengthening the regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and raising the GSE loan limit. Our priority as a community must be to get the economy moving, provide opportunities to succeed, and to restore the United States as a global leader. H.R. 3221 is a comprehensive response and will make a real difference for families and communities. And ending the foreclosure crisis--ensuring that families have access to safe and stable housing--is vital to the recovery of the American economy. We need this legislation to get this country back on the right track. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and move our housing policy in a new direction.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, last week I introduced the American History and Civic Achievement Act to renew our national commitment to teaching history and civics in America's schools. This legislation is a companion to S. 1414, a bill authored by Senators Kennedy and Alexander, and it will help ensure that our schools maintain their important civic role in creating the next generation of engaged and informed citizens. Social studies education is a vital mission of our public schools. With our rapidly changing world and all the challenges we must face as an international community, it is more important than ever that children grasp basic concepts about history, civics, geography and economics. These core disciplines help students understand the world today and give them the ability to think about possibilities for making things better tomorrow. It is alarming that studies indicate that too many students do not know history and geography or understand basic facts about government and economics. According to the most recent National Assessment of Education Programs (NAEP) for U.S. History and Civics, nearly 75 percent of eighth graders cannot explain the historical importance of the Declaration of Independence. Even more eighth graders do not know why America was involved in the Korean War or how the fall of the Berlin Wall affected U.S. foreign policy. These trends threaten the future vitality of our democracy. While we are making some progress thanks to the hard work of many history and civics teachers in classrooms across America, we must do more. Additionally, underfunding is prompting many school districts to cut resources for social studies instruction. H.R. 6525 takes important steps to improve social studies education by making changes to the National Assessment of Education Programs (NAEP). This continuing assessment, also known as ``The Nation's Report Card,'' can currently evaluate social studies subjects--but only ``to the extent time and resources allow.'' While social studies testing is on the NAEP schedule, it has recently been targeted for elimination due to funding challenges. My legislation protects this important study in several ways: Requires a national assessment of students in American history under the NAEP at least every four years; creates new 10-state pilots to assess history and civics under NAEP to provide quality information and comparable results across states for educators; provides funding to ensure a quality assessment. This legislation will allow more effective analysis of social studies in classrooms across America. The future of our democracy relies on having well-educated, highly skilled citizens with the ability to think critically, which is why I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3999, the National Highway Reconstruction and Inspection Act. Nearly 1 year ago, Minnesota made the national news when the Twin Cities lost a bridge, and so much more. In the wake of heroic rescue efforts in Minneapolis, this Congress responded with an emergency Federal appropriation to rebuild the bridge. Today, our community is healing and a new bridge is nearly complete. But August 1, 2007 must not be about one bridge in Minnesota. Our State's tragedy was evidence of America's desperate problem. Today, the Congress is rightly and responsibly turning to the task of repairing and maintaining thousands of deficient bridges across this country. We are making a commitment to remove one unnecessary worry from the everyday lives of American families. This vote will be about investing in the public good. This vote will be about protecting public safety. And this vote is about restoring public trust that remains badly broken. I commend Chairman Oberstar, the Dean of the Minnesota delegation, for bringing this bill to the floor and for his strong leadership on transportation policies. I look forward to continuing to work with the chairman during the reauthorization next year, when we begin to build a 21st century transportation system for America.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6515, the Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands (DRILL) Act. I would like to thank the Speaker and the Democratic Leadership for taking action on the urgent and vitally important issue of high fuel prices and energy security. In the face of high gasoline and fuel prices that are creating economic hardship for Americans, it is important that we maximize use of the resources that we have at our disposal today. The DRILL Act does this by requiring oil companies to drill in the 68 million acres of federal lands already leased but sitting idle. Such a measure is an important first step in our country's energy policy. We have heard many calls from President Bush and our Republican colleagues for opening up new lands for drilling, both in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Though these may seem like quick-fixes to our energy problems, they are misleading and do not address the problem of high prices and dependence on fossil fuels in the short or long-term. Neither OCS nor ANWR would produce oil for at least the next ten years. Congressional expert projections indicate no significant impact on oil and natural gas prices before 2030. Even then, there is no guarantee that increased production would affect prices at all. Oil prices are determined on an international market, and OPEC could neutralize the effect on oil prices by offsetting any additional supply U.S. oil production brings to the market. The reality is that while we must look for ways to increase our domestic oil production in the shorter-term--as the DRILL Act does,--we cannot drill ourselves out of our energy problems in the long-term. The United States consumes 25 percent of the world's oil but only holds 3 percent of the world's known oil reserves. To ensure our country's security, prosperity, and environmental sustainability we must shift to cleaner sources of energy and increase efficiency in our energy use. Moving to clean, renewable energy sources will enhance our energy independence, bolster our economy through the creation of green jobs, and promote environmental sustainability. Biofuels, wind and solar energy are promising alternatives to oil and coal, and it is vital to invest in research and production incentives for these technologies. At the same time we must increase energy efficiency in our buildings and transportation sector. Most importantly, Americans must think critically and proactively about lifestyle changes that simultaneously preserve the prosperity of our country and promote responsible stewardship of our planet. Mr. Speaker, America's energy problem is a daunting one, but it is one we can solve if we work together to enact responsible policies for the short and long-term. I urge my colleagues to support the DRILL Act, as it is an important first step in the right direction. In the long- term, we must enact smart, forward looking policies that move us toward cleaner, sustainable energy and ensure prosperity and a healthy planet for future generations.