Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I intended to vote '``no'' on amendment number 10 of House Report 110-539 offered by Mr. Flake of Arizona during debate on H.R. 2857, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. Amendment No. 11 Offered by Mr. Inslee

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 982, yet I feel a great sense of disappointment that Congress has been put in the position to take such action. This resolution recommends that the U.S. House of Representatives finds White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with subpoenas issued by the Committee on the Judiciary. Furthermore, H. Res. 982 authorizes the Committee on the Judiciary to initiate or intervene in judicial proceedings to enforce certain subpoenas. Over the past year, Congress has been investigating the firing of U.S. Attorneys by former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales based on what appears to be purely political grounds. Congress has been investigating with the intent of exposing any wrongdoing and to restore integrity and transparency to the Justice Department. Clearly, Congress and the American people will not tolerate an Attorney General, our Nation's top law enforcement officer, politicizing the conduct of the Department of Justice. Congress and the American people have the right to know what role Bush administration officials have played in the dismissal of these Federal prosecutors--including the former U.S. Attorney for Minnesota. In July of 2007, Congress subpoenaed Mr. Bolten and Ms. Miers after previous requests for information from them had been denied. At the direction of the White House, Mr. Bolten and Ms. Miers refused to comply with the Congressional subpoenas. They cited executive privilege in an apparent attempt to avoid answering questions under oath as to their involvement and their knowledge of the involvement of others in the firing of the U.S. Attorneys. Now, Congress has decided it must hold Mr. Bolten and Ms. Miers responsible for their failure to appear. A subpoena from Congress is not to be ignored. Their decision to dismiss the Congressional subpoena like a piece of junk mail is regrettable and has serious consequences as H. Res, 982 demonstrates. The Executive Branch--regardless of occupant of the White House--must be held accountable by both Congress and the American people. The Bush administration too often forgets that Congress is a co-equal branch of government and deserves open and honest cooperation when conducting oversight duties. H. Res. 982 reflects the House of Representatives' frustration with the conduct of this White House in impeding legitimate oversight and I strongly support the passage of this resolution.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, it is with tremendous sadness that we mourn the passing of Chairman Tom Lantos--an inspiring colleague and an outspoken champion for human rights around the world. His passing will leave an enormous void in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he has served for 28 years and was admired and respected for his strength, leadership and unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom. It was my honor to serve for 4 years as a member of the House International Relations Committee in which Representative Lantos was my ranking member. He was a mentor and strong leader as a Democrat and as an American. I will miss Tom as a colleague and a friend. I extend my heartfelt prayers and condolences to Tom's wife, Annette, who was his constant companion and an inspiration in her own right, along with their two children, seventeen grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. The U.S. House of Representatives and the United States of America have lost a hero, and he will be sorrowfully missed.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the College Opportunity and Affordability Act and I commend Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for putting together a bipartisan bill that will have a real impact on college affordability. I had the honor to serve on the Education and Workforce Committee for my first 6 years in Congress. It is a real pleasure to know that we will finally be able to reauthorize the Higher Education Act. The College Opportunity and Affordability Act is focused on students, strengthening higher education, and improving our global competitiveness. It increases need-based aid, provides more access to information on the cost of college, and holds States accountable for their investment. It protects borrowers by restoring sunshine to student loan programs, and by simplifying the financial aid application process. And, it also makes new investments in increasing student interest in science and technology careers. I also want to thank Chairman Miller for including legislation that I introduced along with Congressman Bishop and Congressman Grijalva to crack down on diploma mills. Diploma mills--businesses that sell fraudulent degrees for little or no work--have proliferated in recent decades due to lax law enforcement and technological advances such as the Internet and email. The growth of these fraudulent businesses has created a variety of serious problems. Diploma mills can sell a worthless degree to a naive student. They also threaten the reputation of American colleges and universities by blatantly using similar names. They cheat employers-- including school districts as we saw a few years ago--and the Federal Government. A 2004 GAO study revealed that at least 463 Federal employees held degrees from diploma mills and other unaccredited universities. In addition to hiring employees who are likely unqualified, employers, including the Federal Government, have wasted resources paying tuition to diploma mills. They can be physically dangerous as is so obvious in the example of diploma mill medical schools. And more and more it is a national security issue. These degrees could be used to obtain visas. In addition, our failure to deal with the issue has been noted in other countries (Japan), harming our reputation around the world. This legislation includes the first national effort to combat this problem. It is a first step, but a very important step. I thank the chair and the ranking member for their support of this provision and for their dedication to improving access to higher education. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 4137 and to continue to make access to higher education a priority for this Congress.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act, and to commend Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader Boehner for their bipartisan, timely action to get our economy moving. In Minnesota, median household income has decreased 6.8 percent since 2000, job growth is lagging, and families are being squeezed by increasing gas, health care and education costs. While the cost of the Iraq war has grown to $36,900 per Minnesota household, over 400,000 Minnesotans live in poverty, families are losing their homes, and a growing number are uninsured. This bill provides a recovery rebate check for 117 million families to help with rising costs and reinvigorate the economy. These rebates are targeted to middle-income Americans and additional assistance is provided for families with children. In Minnesota, the average rebate will be $952 and over 2 million families will benefit from this tax relief. H.R. 5140 also provides tax incentives to small businesses to help create jobs, and it increases access to affordable refinancing opportunities to help families keep their homes. H.R. 5140 is timely, targeted and temporary. While enactment of this package will give the economy a needed boost, it is not the end of our efforts. Congress needs to have a serious discussion about unemployment benefits, food stamps and aid to states facing deficits. And in order to truly grow our economy we need to invest in our infrastructure, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, educate our children, address the health care crisis and end the war in Iraq. There are significant challenges facing this country, and I am pleased that all parties were able to work together to put together this positive first step. I urge my colleagues to take real action today and to support H.R. 5140.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Mentoring Caucus I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 908 supporting the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month. Thank you Chairman Kildee and Chairman Miller for bringing this legislation to the floor so quickly. I would also like to thank the other chairs of the Congressional Mentoring Caucus, Ms. Davis of California, Mr. Keller of Florida, and Mr. Rogers of Michigan, who were original cosponsors of this legislation. The term ``mentor'' derives from a Greek mythology where Odysseus asked his friend, Mentor, to teach and watch his son, Telemachus, as he took off to fight the Trojan War. This relationship was centered on advice, education and friendship. Mentoring was a special, caring, and supportive relationship between two people based on mutual trust and respect. In modern context, mentoring relationships are between the mentor (an adult) and a mentee (youth) that focuses on the needs of youth. Caring adults--parents, teachers, counselors, mentors and religious leaders are the most important influence in every child's life because they provide the foundation of love, support, and guidance. Millions of individuals across the country serve as mentors to young men and women--encouraging and promoting the development of strong characters and identities for youth who may not have a strong adult presence in their lives. A review of 10 mentoring programs indicates that one-on-one mentoring significantly enhances positive youth development like better school performance--youth develop better social skills, and more likely they will go on to college or higher education--that's according to data from a recent National Youth Conference held at the University of Minnesota. Minnesota is home to the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, which formed in 1994 as a community initiative to promote mentoring for Minnesota youth, particularly those who are at risk and may lack positive role models in their lives. There are over 350 mentoring programs in Minnesota that connect youth with positive role models. One valuable mentoring program is Big Brothers Big Sisters. In the St. Paul/Minneapolis region alone, more than 3,700 children benefit from this mentoring program with the time and energy of more than 3,200 volunteers. The Youth Initiative Mentoring Academies (YIMA) is another successful program in Minnesota. YIMA utilizes a mentoring model through aviation education. Through this program, at risk youth receive hands-on learning experiences about career opportunities, build confidence and self-esteem, and develop valuable leadership skills. Mentoring is also important to our global competitiveness. In my district, Century College offers a pre-engineering program that includes the Century College Robot Show. The college invites practicing engineers to judge the show, providing the opportunity for mentorship of the pre-engineering students. Century College also invites high schools students to attend the show so they are able to see the opportunities available through the study of engineering but also to introduce them to student and professionals who can help steer interested students in the right direction. I would like to take this time to thank Congressional staff members, including my staff, who take time to mentor youth in programs such as Everybody Wins, Horton's Kids, and Calvary homeless shelter. We all need to be part of the process in shaping young people's lives so that they can achieve their fullest potential. Young people need caring adults to make the connection, to provide guidance, caring and emotional support--all these are contributing to making positive impact on their lives--so that young can become responsible and productive citizens. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution and to look for opportunities to be a mentor themselves. Ms. Linda T. Sanchez of California. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, as a cochair of the Congressional Mentoring Caucus, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 908, supporting the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month. Thank you, Chairman Kildee and Chairman Miller, for bringing this legislation so quickly to the floor. I would also like to thank the other Chairs of the mentoring caucus, Ms. Davis of California, Mr. Keller of Florida and Mr. Rogers of Michigan, who are the original cosponsors of this legislation. The term ``mentor'' is from a Greek story in mythology. Odysseus asked his friend, Mentor, to teach and watch his young son, Telemachus, as he was off to fight in the Trojan War. This special relationship between Telemachus and his mentor was centered on education, friendship and advice, something we all need from time to time. Mentoring was then, and continues to be, a special caring and supportive relationship between two people based on mutual trust and respect. Mentoring relationships are between a mentor, an adult, and a mentee, a young adult or child, that focuses on the need of that young person. Caring adults, parents, teachers, counselors, religious leaders, they are all mentors, and they are all able to influence a child's life, and they are able to do that because they provide a foundation of love, support and guidance. Millions of individuals across this country serve as mentors to young men and women, encouraging them to develop strong characters and have healthy identities of themselves, so that as an adult they will be able to contribute back to our society. In a review of 10 mentoring programs, there are indicators that one- on-one mentoring significantly enhances positive youth development in ways that we can measure: better school performance, better social skills, but most importantly, the ability for them to want to continue on with higher education and college. And that is according to a recent national youth conference that was held at the University of Minnesota. In Minnesota alone, there are 335 mentoring organizations. One of them, the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, was formed in 1994 as a community initiative to promote mentoring for Minnesota's youth, particularly for those who are at risk and may not have an opportunity to have many positive role models in their life. This program has made a significant positive improvement in the lives of those children. Another wonderful mentoring program is Big Brothers and Big Sisters. In the St. Paul-Minneapolis region alone, there are more than 307,000 children that benefit from this mentoring program with the time, energy and commitment from more than 3,200 volunteers. The new Youth Initiative Mentoring Academy is another successful program in Minnesota. This energetic program works with children at risk. These young children receive hands-on learning experiences about career opportunities, building confidence and self-esteem, and develop valuable leadership skills. Mentoring is also an important part of our global competitiveness. For example, in my district, Century College offers a preengineering program that includes the Century College Robot Show. Engineering students enter their projects, the college invites practicing engineers to judge the show, and Century College also extends an invitation to high school students to come so that they are able to see the opportunities available to them if they choose to study engineering. But it also gives them a chance to hook up with students and professionals who can help them steer interests in the right direction towards a successful career. I would also like to take time to thank all the congressional staff members, including many from my staff, who take time to mentor youth in programs such as Everyone Wins, Horton's Kids, and the Calvary Homeless Shelter. We all have an important role to play in the lives of children around us. We all need to be part of the process in shaping young lives so that they can achieve their fullest potential. Our youth need caring adults to make the connection in order to provide guidance and emotional support, to make a positive impact on their lives so that young children can become responsible, productive citizens. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution, and I look forward for opportunities to be a mentor myself again in the future as I had been in the past. But I also encourage my colleagues to look for opportunities to be mentors as well.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of Pheasants Forever for their strong legacy of environmental advocacy and conservation on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the organization. Pheasants Forever started with a campaign for a Minnesota pheasant stamp. Since that modest beginning, the organization has demonstrated just how effective conservation at the grassroots level can be. By working with local farmers to restore marginal lands, a few pioneering Minnesotans started a movement that has spread across North America with great success. Currently the members of Pheasants Forever organize the efforts of hunters, farmers, and environmentalists in nearly 30,000 restoration projects each year. During the past 25 years, these efforts have helped to protect 4 million acres of wildlife habitat. Pheasants Forever has accomplished great things over the past two and a half decades in the areas of critical habitat improvement, public and private land management, and public awareness and education. Hunting and other outdoor recreational activities are strong traditions for many families in Minnesota and across America. Thanks to the foresight and hard work from the members of Pheasants Forever, these traditions can be passed down for generations to come. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Pheasants Forever on its first 25 years of grassroots advocacy.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Congresswoman Julia Carson who passed away on December 15, 2007. A woman of great passion and dedication, she will be remembered as a tireless advocate of the poor and working families. Congresswoman Carson was the first and only African-American and woman in Indiana's congressional delegation. An exceptionally courageous and strong woman, she looked a childhood of poverty and segregation in the eye and rose above it to represent Indiana for over 35 years, first as an Indiana State representative and then as State senator before being elected to the United States Congress in 1996. Julia was able to use her life experiences to help others also overcome poverty, discrimination and illness. I had the honor of being part of the Congresswoman's initiative to raise awareness of hypertension and stroke. I will always remember her unrelenting advocacy of women's rights, children's health, affordable housing, and equality. She stood up for unpopular, but critical issues including expanding SCHIP in the late 1990s and, most recently, voting against the war in Iraq. It is thus not surprising that Ms. Carson was the only person to ever be named Woman of the Year by the Indianapolis Star on two different occasions. My strongest memory, however, is how Congresswoman Carson was a special and warm-hearted woman. She was one of the first to go out of her way to introduce herself to me when I first arrived at Congress in 2001. With our birthdays just a few days apart in July, she always took time to greet me with a special tenderness. Her determination on policy issues was matched by a stylish flair and humor that consistently brought a smile to the faces of all in the room. On behalf of the families of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, we extend our prayers and sincerest condolences to her children and all of the family and friends of Representative Carson. We lost a very dear sister this week. She will be remembered in the highest regard, and deeply missed by her colleagues at Congress and her constituents in Indiana. Madam Speaker, please join me in paying special tribute to the life and service of Congresswoman Julia Carson.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Energy Independence and Security Act--a major step towards securing a new, clean energy policy for America. Last November the American people told Congress that they wanted a new direction in our Nation's energy policy. Today we have the opportunity to vote for a bill that the overwhelming majority of our constituents agree is the most significant Federal energy legislation in nearly 30 years--a bill that helps our country deal with the current energy crisis, prepare for the energy realities of the future, and address the impending climate crisis. The Energy Independence and Security Act contains an increase in fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. Raising CAFE standards will also reduce America's dependence on foreign oil by 1.1 million gallons per day, cut emissions almost 27 million tons per year, and save Minnesota families up to $1000 every year. The Energy Independence and Security Act sets landmark energy efficiency standards for appliances, lighting, and buildings. As a result, American consumers and companies will save billions of dollars in unnecessary energy costs, while decreasing their burden on the planet. And the Energy Independence and Security Act makes a commitment to the fuels of the future, by replacing Middle East crude with Midwest crops. By supporting this legislation we can make the first big step towards a more secure and more environmentally sustainable America. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation, and to continue working to overcome the obstructionism of the President for additional, needed reforms for our country and our planet.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Energy Independence and Security Act. With this legislation, the new Democratic Congress is leading America in a new direction on energy policy. This is the most significant energy bill in a generation. The House is taking a major step toward ending our dependence on foreign oil by increasing efficiency standards for cars and trucks for the first time in over 30 years. This will reduce America's need for oil by 1.1 million gallons per day, cut emissions almost 27 million tons per year, and save Minnesota families up to $1,000 every year. The Energy Independence and Security Act is Congress's most serious effort to combat global climate change to date. The bill includes the first ever national Renewable Energy Standard requiring utilities to generate at least 15 percent of the electricity we use from renewable sources, including wind, solar, biomass and geothermal sources. In addition, it also implements landmark energy efficiency standards for appliances, lighting, and buildings, which will significantly reduce our emissions, while saving American families and businesses billions of dollars in unnecessary energy costs. By setting new priorities, the House can do all this while also cutting costs for consumers and creating millions of new high-paying, high-skill ``green'' jobs. This legislation repeals $21 billion in taxpayer subsidies for highly profitable oil and gas companies and redirects these needed resources into developing America's new clean energy economy. This money will be invested in research and development so that American auto makers will produce the next generation of hybrid and electric cars. It will allow 3 million Americans to receive job training for new green jobs, and provide assistance for small businesses to reap the benefits of this growing industry. It will ensure that power plants become cleaner through tax credits for investments in clean power and the long overdue implementation of carbon capture and sequestration technologies. Moreover, Minnesota farmers will benefit from its historic commitment to homegrown biofuels--replacing Middle East crude with Midwest crops. It is time to make America more secure, more prosperous and more environmentally sustainable. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting a new direction in energy policy.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the Minnesota State Arts Board as the recipient of the 2007 National Accessibility Leadership Award. On behalf of the Twin Cities and the citizens of Minnesota, I wish to congratulate the Minnesota State Arts Board for receiving this special award sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. The National Accessibility Leadership Award recognizes the Minnesota State Arts Board's exceptional leadership and highly effective work to make the arts fully inclusive throughout their organization, programming and State. Board Chair, Andrew Berryhill, the board members, and Executive Director, Thomas Proehl, are to be commended for their invaluable leadership that has made the Minnesota Arts Board a model of accessibility. The Board has built accessibility into every aspect of what it does: its office space, programming, requirements for grantees, and its efforts to reach and serve artists with disabilities. In March 2002, the Minnesota State Arts Board joined with VSA arts of Minnesota to present the first-ever statewide forum entitled ``The Art of Employment: Careers in the Arts for People with Disabilities''. As a result, the Artists With Disabilities Alliance was formed in the Twin- cities area, bringing artists with disabilities together to work on projects to advance arts training and career opportunities. Subsequently, the Arts Board, in partnership with its regional arts councils, organized and created six regional artists' networks throughout Minnesota. The Minnesota State Arts Board continues to provide support to the regional groups for a wide variety of activities, such as exhibits, performances, workshops, marketing, and access accommodations. In fact, this highly successful regional model is presently being replicated by the Texas Commission on the Arts. In August 2007, the Minnesota State Arts Board took a major step to expand its technical assistance work on a national level by co-hosting the ``Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability'' conference with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The meeting brought together 180 artists, arts administrators, educators, and accessibility consultants from around the country to further advance their skills in making the arts fully accessible. This gathering highlighted the board's work to ensure access to Minnesota's art and programming. Madam Speaker, in honor of the Minnesota State Arts Board, its staff, board members, and advisors, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record in recognition of their hard work and dedication to increasing access to the arts.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Congressman Henry Hyde who passed away on November 29, 2007. Representative Hyde was a man of great honor and a dedicated public servant. He served for 32 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the Chicago suburbs. During that time he served as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 1995 to 2001 and as Chairman of the House International Affairs Committee from 2001 to 2007. I had the honor of serving with Mr. Hyde as a member of the House International Affairs Committee during his time as Chair. He was a thoughtful and insightful Committee Chair who was willing to mentor a new member of the other party. I will always remember Mr. Hyde's help in including three important provisions in the original President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). These provisions on drug resistance, orphans and vulnerable children, and tracking the sale of drugs on the black market were ensured a place in the legislation largely because of Mr. Hyde's support. I will also never forget the opportunity to travel with Mr. Hyde to Mexico, where it was evident that he was well-respected by world leaders. One of the things I recall most clearly about Representative Hyde was his command of the English language and his oratorical skills. When Secretary Rice appeared before the International Affairs Committee, he so eloquently expressed his disappointment that the Bush Administration had failed to live up to its obligation to ensure security in Iraq. In addition to his many years as an elected leader, Mr. Hyde was a celebrated athlete in college, a veteran, and a lawyer. In recognition of his accomplishments, in October of this year, Congressman Hyde was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our country's highest civilian honor. On behalf of the families of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, we extend our prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife, children and all of the family and friends of Representative Hyde. He will be remembered in the highest regard, and I will miss him. Madam Speaker, please join me in paying special tribute to the life and service of Congressman Henry Hyde.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act and applaud Chairman Barney Frank for his work to end predatory lending and strengthen consumer protections. The United States is currently facing a subprime mortgage crisis. Right now, nearly 1,200 homes are vacant in Saint Paul due to foreclosures. These foreclosures harm the vitality of our neighborhoods. Further, foreclosures mean a loss of property tax revenue, placing a burden on local and State governments. The social and financial costs of this serious problem affect everyone. H.R. 3915 is an important step to protect American families from predatory lenders by requiring lenders to ensure that borrowers have a reasonable ability to repay and establishing a licensing system for mortgage brokers and bank loan officers. This legislation requires lenders to disclose more about loans such as, the maximum amount a consumer could pay on a variable rate mortgage and the amount of charges included in the mortgage. It also bans financial incentives for subprime loans and holds lenders in the secondary mortgage market accountable for home loans by allowing consumers to seek redress directly from the firms that ``securitize'' mortgages. The pre-loan counseling in this bill will protect families from predatory lending in the future. This legislation also establishes an Office of Housing Counseling, which will certify computer programs so consumers can evaluate home mortgage loan proposals, and it will also provide technical and financial support for States and local governments educating consumers about buying a home. Predatory lending harms our families, our neighborhoods, and our communities. We must do more to ensure that all individuals and families have safe and stable housing. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I regret that I missed rollcall vote No. 1091. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) because no American should ever fear being discriminated against in the workplace. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act makes it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or discriminate in any way against employees based on their sexual orientation. An employee should be judged on their qualifications and performance in the job, and only on their qualifications and performance in the job. I am proud that as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, one of the first votes I cast was to ensure that every person in our State is protected from unjust discrimination regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender. It is disappointing that there are still 30 States in our country where it is legal to fire someone because of their sexual orientation. While not as comprehensive as Minnesota's civil rights law, ENDA is a good step in protecting every citizen in our country from job discrimination. H.R. 3685 simply provides basic employment protections for gay, lesbian, and bisexual workers. This legislation addresses concerns that have been expressed by explicitly forbidding quotas or preferential treatment. It also ensures that both denominational and non-denominational religious schools and religious associations continue to have all exemptions currently allowed under the law. Further, H.R. 3685 does not change in any way the definition of marriage under Federal law. I joined Chairman Barney Frank to strike a provision regarding marriage criteria in employment, because it has no practical affect on civil rights laws and does not weaken the ability of this legislation to protect workers from being discriminated against based on sexual orientation. Along with my colleagues, I am committed to working to protect, strengthen, and guarantee the rights of all workers in our country. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2015, the original version of ENDA, which included protections for gender identity. Had I had the opportunity to vote to include gender identity rights in this legislation, I would have supported it. Current law bars employment discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Further, the Federal Government already prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. It is time to extend these protections to all Americans. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 3685.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the Temporary Tax Relief Act (H.R. 3996), and I would like to congratulate Chairman Rangel and Speaker Pelosi for putting families first. This bill is necessary, fair and fiscally responsible. H.R. 3996 reverses the trend of tax breaks for the wealthy and instead gives a well deserved break to hard working middle class Americans. The AMT was originally designed to ensure that very wealthy individuals did not use loopholes and deductions to avoid paying much or all of their taxes, and for many years it did just that. However, since the AMT was not indexed for inflation, a problem ignored by past Congresses, it now threatens to ensnare 23 million middle-class families. We must act now to prevent this unintended burden on hard- working Americans. Additionally, several tax benefits for research and development, veterans, college students, and families will be extended by this legislation. These are important provisions of the tax code that, if allowed to expire, would cause millions of American families and businesses to be hit with an unexpectedly high bill from the IRS this year. Unlike recent Congresses, we in the 110th Congress have made a commitment to pay-as-you-go spending principles. We are all best served by a tax code that is fair, simple and based on the ability to pay, and fixing the tax code for the middle class will mean lessened collections by the IRS. That is why this legislation pays for these tax benefits for middle class Americans by closing loopholes for a few wealthy individuals, such as those who pay less tax on the bonuses they receive for managing multi-million dollar hedge funds than most Americans pay on their hard-earned income. This legislation also fixes a flaw in the tax code that places an undue burden on families facing foreclosure. Due to this flaw, the outstanding debt owed on a foreclosed home is counted as income for tax purposes. The individuals affected by this never see this `income' and are clearly not in any position to pay taxes on additional tens of thousands of dollars. This bill will prevent this on-paper income from forcing American families to pay taxes on their misfortune. I urge my colleagues to support this much needed and fully paid-for tax break for middle class America.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the conference report on H.R. 1429, the Head Start for School Readiness Act. As a member of the Education and Workforce Committee for 6 years, I was pleased to have the opportunity to work on this important issue. While visiting Head Start centers in the Fourth District, I was able to see firsthand the difference Head Start makes to children and families. In addition, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis published a study in 2004 showing that investment in early education has a rate of return of 12 percent. Even with all the evidence showing the social, educational and economic value of this program, the Republican- controlled Congress was unable to pass an acceptable bill. Thanks to the hard work of Chairman Miller and Speaker Pelosi, the bill before us today is a bipartisan, bicameral agreement that does what earlier reauthorization bills did not--it focuses on preparing children for school. This agreement includes an increased emphasis on teacher quality and compensation, maintains parent involvement in the governing structure of Head Start, and increases coordination with other early childhood programs. It also maintains Head Start's commitment to comprehensive services and places greater emphasis on identification of child and family mental health needs. H.R. 1429 terminates the inappropriate high stakes testing system for Head Start students implemented by the Bush Administration and replaces it with best practices for early learning. It also strengthens monitoring of Head Start programs, allows quicker action against failing or fraudulent programs and rejects a proposal to allow discrimination in hiring with Head Start funds. Congress still faces the critical issue of providing enough resources to Head Start to serve all the children who are eligible to participate. The Head Start for School Readiness Act authorizes increased funding, as well as some flexibility in funding, to allow more children to access this important education. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work towards improving our investment in children, families and communities. I am pleased to vote in support of H.R. 1429 because this bill will make a real difference in the lives of children and families, and for our economy. I urge all my colleagues to support this investment in our future.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3920, the Trade and Globalization Act of 2007, and commend the Ways and Means, and Education and Labor committees for their hard work on this legislation. The health of the American economy depends in large part on trade with foreign markets. As globalization, technology, and trade agreements continue to remove barriers to free trade, we must work to ensure that our workers, farmers and small businesses do not suffer unfairly for this economic growth. This legislation moves the Trade Adjustment Assistance, TAA, program in a new direction with that sentiment in mind. The current TAA program was created in a different era, and fails to address the realities of trade in the 21st century. The Trade and Globalization Act expands eligibility for TAA training programs, temporary income support and healthcare assistance to include manufacturing workers who currently are ineligible for benefits for technical reasons, and to service workers who are increasingly losing their jobs to outsourcing. It also significantly increases funding for these programs, without adding to the deficit, or raising taxes on American families. An updated TAA program will allow all trade- displaced workers to acquire the skills they need to reenter the workforce, and the flexibility to choose their most effective path. Workers facing the loss of a good job face significant challenges beyond the loss of income. To help families prepare for their transition, this bill requires employers to provide adequate notice to their employees before a layoff, and provides an incentive for states to reform their unemployment insurance programs to realize the needs of low-income, part-time and female members of the workforce. Additionally, this bill recognizes that trade can have significant impacts for entire regions of our country, and that American businesses are critical to helping workers adapt to the global economy. That is why this legislation provides incentives for firms to redevelop and hire workers in those communities disproportionately affected by international trade. We owe our prosperity to our greatest national asset-our American workers. I urge you to join me in passing this much needed legislation that will assist these workers who keep America's economy strong.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, as Americans we do not live in isolation. We live in a world that has been transformed over the past half century through America's political, security and economic leadership. Globalization is a reality that has created both opportunities and challenges, but overall more people on this planet are living better, healthier and more secure lives today than at anytime in human history. Global economic engagement is a reality that every American encounters every day in our offices or when we shop in any department or grocery store. Trade is essential for a strong, vibrant American economy and to sustain and create the jobs that keep America working. Yet, not all trade agreements are the same or beneficial in my opinion. In fact, most trade agreements that have come before this House in my 7 years in Congress, such as CAFTA, have been harmful because they have ignored key provisions for workers' rights, the environment and necessary safeguards for American workers. Peru is a nation of 28 million people--one-tenth the size of the United States. It is a South American nation that faces the challenges of extreme poverty, narco-trafficking and an inequitable distribution of income. Peru is searching for economic opportunities that will lift its people and keep its citizens working. It is my hope that the United States will partner with Peru in this effort. The cost of entering into a trade agreement with the United States is no longer about limitless access to our market without regard for workers' rights or the environment in the exporting nation. That premise has vanished with the new Democratic majority. With new Democratic leadership in Congress priorities have changed and the U.S.- Peru Free Trade Agreement is a positive example of how Democrats are shaping the trade debate to address real concerns. I support this agreement because we need strong, positive political and economic relations with partners like Peru. We also need trade agreements that reflect the priorities of the American people, such as a respect for workers' rights and the environment. This agreement, because of the determination of Democratic leadership, especially Chairman Rangel and Chairman Levin, delivers a fully enforceable commitment that Peru will adopt, maintain and enforce core labor laws and practice the five basic international labor standards, as set forth by the International Labor Organization's (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. These principals include: the freedom of association; the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; eliminating all forms of forced or compulsory labor; the effective abolition of child labor; and, the elimination of discrimination in employment. Furthermore, there is a binding, fully enforceable commitment prohibiting the lowering of labor standards. As a result, the Government of Peru has taken clear action to implement ILO standards which must be recognized as a significant step forward and a direct consequence of a Democratic agenda that values workers' rights. The labor situation in Peru is far from perfect, but these positive steps would not be taking place without Democrats demanding change in order for this FTA to move forward. On the environment, for the first time in a U.S. free trade agreement, we will have recourse to enforce the environmental commitments our trading partner has made. Beyond merely preventing Peru from scaling back their environmental protections, this agreement contains enforceable provisions that will require significant improvements in their environmental policies. For instance, it requires that they crack down on the illegal logging of endangered species that we know is going on today. Without this trade agreement's provisions, this illegal logging will only continue unabated. Since 1991, we have granted 98 percent of Peruvian exports free access to United States markets. In 2006, Peru's exports to the United States totaled $5.8 billion, mostly gold, copper, copper ore and petroleum products. The U.S. exports to Peru totaled $2.9 billion. To put the United States-Peru trade relationship into perspective: our neighbor to the north, Canada, has a population of 32 million people, four million more than Peru, and they exported $302 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2006. Since Peru already has almost unlimited access to the U.S. market, this agreement largely grants U.S. interests, manufacturers and agricultural products expanded access to the Peruvian market. Under the agreement, 80 percent of United States exports of consumer and industrial goods will immediately enter Peru duty-free. The duties on an additional 7 percent of products would be phased out within 5 years and the remainder eliminated in 10 years. Furthermore, two-thirds of our agricultural exports would immediately receive duty free access, including products like high quality beef, wheat, soybeans and processed food products. What we have before us today is an opportunity to set a new standard for America's trade policy. An opportunity to change the template we will use for future trade agreements away from the flawed policies of the past and towards fair trade, labor protections for all workers, and responsible environmental practices around the globe. I want to commend the leadership of the House for their determination to demand high standards and a solid trade agreement unlike any we have seen during the previous 6 years of the Bush administration.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this conference report, including the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education appropriations bill and the Military Construction/Veterans appropriations bill. I am here to represent the 4th district of Minnesota--that's my job. And my district has made it very clear to me that investing in our communities is a priority. In fact, most members of the House of Representatives have said they support both of these bills. But there has been a lot of complaining about the process. I'm a former civics teacher. Part of my work was to teach my students about the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of our government. For those watching today, I want to be very clear about the issues in this debate and the procedure that got us here. We are in this position because the Administration has adopted a ``my way or the highway'' approach to governing. The President has steadfastly refused to recognize the constitutional role of Congress in setting our Nation's budget priorities. And he has ignored the clear message sent by the American people in the last election. Democrats disagree with the President's priorities. The President proposed to cut education funding. His budget cut special education, teacher training, and Head Start. It also eliminated several programs targeted for at-risk students. Democrats have rejected those cuts and proposed a modest increase in order to keep our students competitive in a global economy. The President's budget cut funding for health care. We do not agree with reducing opportunities to find life saving cures through research or reducing access to quality care for American families. The President proposed cuts to job training and vocational education. Democrats understand that our economy is changing, and that investing in our greatest resources--working families (including veterans)--is important today and tomorrow. Madam Speaker, the amount of money that separates the President's budget and the Democrats' proposal is approximately what we spend in 1 month in Iraq--and all of that is on a credit card. In addition, this bill includes the largest increase in veterans' health care since the beginning of the Veterans Administration. If we say we value families and communities--and veterans--in America, then surely we can agree that a modest investment in our future is reasonable. Let's put politics aside, let's listen to the American people, and let's pass this bill. Let's do our jobs.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, its director Stephen Kleinglass, and the entire medical center staff, for being recognized as a 2007 award recipient at the 16th Annual Secretary's Robert W. Carey Performance Excellence Ceremony on November 1st, 2007. This Department of Veterans Affairs award acknowledges the highest levels of performance and service excellence through evaluation by rigorous criteria. As the daughter of a WWII veteran, I feel strongly about honoring our veterans and their families. The professionalism and high quality of care provided by the staff of the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center is evident whenever I visit. Serving nearly 75,000 veterans each year, the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center is among the most active in the country. Through its partnership with University of Minnesota Medical and Dental Schools, it has distinguished itself by providing the highest quality health care to veterans. Minnesota and western Wisconsin veterans and their families have long appreciated the staff commitment to serve all veterans. The dedication of staff to provide the highest level of care is particularly visible through their work to meet the great needs of our injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Minneapolis is just one of four locations in the Nation with a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center designed to provide intensive rehabilitative care to veterans and service members who experienced multiple severe injuries, including brain injuries. Construction on a new Spinal Cord Injury Center is underway, and is scheduled to open in 2008. The success of our Nation's veterans health system depends on caring, dedicated people serving our veterans, but they cannot do the job alone. On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a Nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we will leave no veteran behind. This year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the largest single increase in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration-- $6.7 billion. This funding is necessary to ensure that the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and VA medical centers across the country have the resources they need to fund the increasing need for mental health, posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury care, and to provide facilities maintenance, and to continue reducing the backlog of veterans benefits claims. The Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center has a proven record of organizational excellence. The Carey Award recognition allows the leadership shown in Minnesota to serve as a model for other organizations in assessing their own transformation efforts, effectiveness and service performance. Most importantly, this award recognizes the outstanding efforts made by the staff on behalf of our veterans at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Madam Speaker, please join me in commending the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center staff for earning the Robert W. Carey Performance Excellence Award. These caring people exemplify the very best in public service.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this effort to override the President's veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. This legislation would provide health care coverage for 10 million American children, at a cost of less than $3.50 a day per child. The State Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act is supported by individuals and organizations from across the political and ideological spectrum. It is supported by 81 percent of Americans, the majority of Congress, 43 Governors, and more than 270 organizations, including AARP, American Medical Association, and America's Health Insurance Plans. The arguments against this bill are at best distorted and at worst flat wrong. This legislation targets low-income children, it utilizes private health insurance, and it is paid for. H.R. 976 is also a bipartisan compromise bill created with cooperation of the House, Senate, health care providers, and consumers. Most importantly, ensuring our children have health care is the right thing to do. As a mom, it is unconscionable to me to choose not to provide health care for children in need. As a Member of Congress, I am disappointed, but not surprised, that this President has put politics before the health of America's families. Investing in our children's health care must be a priority. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to override the President's misguided veto of H.R. 976.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007. This legislation will put a stop to the use of private debt collection agencies to collect federal income taxes and ensure that this critical government function is performed by public servants on behalf of American taxpayers. The small proportion of individuals who do not pay their taxes does increase the burden for the rest of the responsible, law-abiding Americans. In 2004 Congress attempted to hold these people accountable by authorizing a pilot private debt collection program for debts owed to the Internal Revenue Service. While this program was intended to be a more efficient way to collect unpaid taxes, it has proven to be a failure. We have found that some of the private debt collection agencies are nothing short of bounty hunters, who use harassment to collect debts. Our constituents deserve to know that the person contacting them on behalf of the Federal Government is a public-servant, who is held to the highest standards of accountability and confidentiality, not a person whose paycheck depends solely on the number of collections they make. In addition to the use of heavy-handed and abusive tactics to collect unpaid taxes, private tax collection agencies have also shown themselves to be significantly less efficient than the IRS agents who should be doing this work in the first place. This program has cost the American taxpayers $71 million, but has only collected $20 million, for a net loss of over $50 million. The IRS's National Taxpayer Advocate testified that for the same $71 million investment, the IRS would have collected around $1.4 billion. It simply does not make sense to waste public funds in this manner. The Republican motion to recommit on this legislation would add to the bill a wholesale repeal of the estate tax. Repealing the estate tax would be fiscally irresponsible and break the promise this Congress made to the American people to work towards a balanced budget. Since its adoption would make the bill violate the House PAYGO rules, this motion is clearly nothing more than a political move to kill the underlying bill. This motion to recommit shows where the Republican Party's priorities are; the estate tax currently affects less than two percent of the wealthiest estates. A full repeal would require that taxes on millions of working Americans be raised and that Social Security and Medicare benefits for American seniors be reduced. I will continue to support a responsible approach to reducing the estate tax that provides relief for families without burdening future generations with additional deficit spending. Mr. Speaker, it is unacceptable that the IRS outsources a function as central to the Federal Government as tax-collection. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3056.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker. I rise to oppose the escalating rhetoric in Washington that is dividing our Nation, diverting attention and resources from the needs of Americans, and extending President Bush's failed policy in Iraq. I join the majority of Americans in seeking an end to the Iraq war and allowing U.S. troops to return home safe and soon. Americans are united in support of our troops. Americans are beginning to unite behind ending the war. Ratcheting up rhetoric only divides Americans and distracts from the stark reality facing our Nation--our Nation is bogged down in President Bush's Iraq war. My vote to recommit and amend H.J. Res. 52 was a vote to return to substantive debate of policy and priorities. This was a vote against the rising level of incivility in American political discourse. This was a vote to repudiate the MoveOn.org advertisement questioning General David H. Petraeus' loyalty to our Nation. While members of MoveOn.org have been allies with Democrats and the majority of Americans who are seeking an end to the Iraq war, the decision by the group's National leaders to attack General Petraeus only contributed to the vitriol in Washington and provided a rally point for those who wish to extend the failed Iraq policies of President Bush and Congressional Republicans. Just as the Swift Boating of Senators John Kerry and Max Cleland poisoned the political process and disenfranchised the public by questioning the patriotism and character of honorable men, the attempt to discredit General Petraeus is equally damaging. General Petraeus is an honorable person who deserves respect, even as the public deserves to hold him accountable for the policies he implements. Irresponsible and heated rhetoric has resulted in the current impasse on Federal funding for Government operations. To prevent funding shortfalls that would force a Government shutdown, Congress was forced to pass H.J. Res. 52 as a stopgap bill. With bipartisan support, the House of Representatives has passed all 12 of the appropriations bills necessary to fund Government operations in Fiscal Year 2008 under pay-as-you-go balanced budget discipline. However, President Bush's combative posturing and veto threats have so thoroughly blocked progress that the Senate has only approved a third of those bills. During the short 9 months that Democrats have led the House of Representatives, we have taken America in a new direction by developing a fiscally responsible record accomplishment. We are putting the needs of the American people first and making long-delayed investments in our future with no new deficit spending. We are investing in health care for America's children and veterans, strengthening homeland security to better protect the American people and creating American jobs by building safer roads and bridges. President Bush has responded with vetoes, tough talk of veto threats, including a threatened veto on the bipartisan reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program H.R. 976, which passed the House with 45 Republicans joining the vast majority of Democrats. A veto of this legislation by the President would deny 10 million low-income children the health care they need and deserve. While President Bush claims that a $35 billion increase for children's health care is too much, he is seeking $190 billion in additional funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan--the largest single-year amount so far. The President continues to pursue an open- ended and dangerous commitment of American troops in Iraq and an open wallet from the American people to pay for it. It is time for Americans to stand together--Republicans and Democrats--to end the Iraq war.