Betty McCollum

Mr. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Mr. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of the city of Shoreview, Minnesota. The area that is currently Shoreview served as home for members of Dakota and Ojibwe tribes more than 150 years ago. The abundant lakes and wetlands that attracted these first Americans still bring people to this beautiful community. In 1850, Mr. Socrates A. Thompson ventured from Saint Paul in search of a good place to farm, settling in what is now part of Shoreview. Following Mr. Thompson, families from other parts of the United States such as Vermont, Virginia, Illinois and New York moved in to begin farming the land there as well. This area also attracted people from other parts of the world including England, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland. On April 23, 1957, with a population of 5,231, area residents voted to incorporate as the Village of Shoreview. During the 1970s and 1980s Shoreview experienced rapid growth. In the 1990s, the city matured as less land was available for development. City planning has shifted from new development to infill, redevelopment and preserving its natural habitat. Fifty years after incorporation, Shoreview has grown into a large suburb. It is a thriving community that is home to quiet neighborhoods, small businesses, excellent schools, and expansive wetlands, trails, parks and lakes. Madam Speaker, in honor of the history of Shoreview, Minnesota and the events celebrating it, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record recognizing Shoreview's 50th anniversary.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1851, the Section 8 Voucher Reform Act, and applaud Chairwoman Maxine Waters and Chairman Barney Frank for their work on this important issue. Housing, like food and health care, is a basic need, and it should be accessible to all Americans. Unfortunately, too many families find themselves without a stable and secure place to live because they cannot afford the high cost of housing in our country. The Section 8 voucher program plays a critical role in preventing homelessness by expanding access to affordable housing. It is our nation's largest federal housing program, serving more than 2 million low-income families around our country. However, currently, the demand for Section 8 vouchers far exceeds the availability of vouchers. In my District in Minnesota, there are more than 5,000 households on the waitlist for Section 8, and the average wait time is anywhere from 5 to 7 years. The Section 8 Voucher Reform Act expands and improves this important program and will ensure more families have access to safe, affordable housing. H.R. 1851 authorizes an additional 100,000 vouchers over the next 5 years. It also updates the formula used to allocate Section 8 voucher funds to housing agencies and simplifies the rent structure to eliminate current inefficiencies, allowing agencies to serve more families. This legislation encourages self-sufficiency and rewards work by providing incentives, such as reducing rent disincentives for increases in earned income and offering income exemptions for adult full time student dependents. H.R. 1851 also promotes homeownership by allowing families to use a housing voucher as a down payment toward the purchase of their first home. Homeownership is the greatest source of wealth for many Americans. It strengthens our families and our communities. Madam Speaker, every family deserves clean, stable, and affordable housing. I am proud to rise today in support of this important legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Chairman, the gentleman from Georgia said we can eliminate the LEAP program because missions have been accomplished. The LEAP program is available for the poorest of the poor in this country. It's for people whose family incomes are less than $20,000. Poverty, unfortunately, still goes on in this country. People who make less than $20,000 need help in order to obtain an education to allow them to be competitive and allow our country to be competitive against other countries which are investing dollar after dollar after dollar into educational opportunities for their individuals. So the mission hasn't been accomplished until we eradicate poverty. So I would really urge Members to look closely at the language in the LEAP program. It also is matched by State dollars, and I would urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment. I yield back my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman's amendment is not a healthy amendment. As you pointed out, our children are more complacent than ever. Sometimes it is because of video games. In some parts of the country, it is because the streets aren't safe. In other parts of the country, it is because children are latchkey and moms and dads want to know where they are while they are working. So obesity is becoming a huge problem in this country. And in order for children to really be ready and prepared to learn, they have to be physically fit. They go together. I taught school. They go hand in hand. The CDC has made childhood obesity and the obesity that is already occurring with adults a challenge for our country to get ahold of if we are going to be competitive, if we are going to have a healthy workforce, and if we are going to control our health care costs. What has happened with the No Child Left Behind Act, it was under funded by this Congress. It didn't come up with the dollars that the President promised. So school district after school district after school district, in order to balance their ledger with this unfunded mandate, have been cutting arts and they have been cutting physical education. Now, I am pleased to hear that in your district you are able to maintain a phys ed teacher and you are able to maintain the things that you need to keep your children fit. But district after district has been cutting phys ed in order to pay for the unfunded tests in No Child Left Behind. And childhood obesity is a problem. This might be the first generation that does not live as long as their parents. Now, my children and the children in my neighborhood, I would like to see them not only outlive me but outlive me in a very, very healthy lifestyle. And physical education is part of learning, mind and body, in order to be productive and healthy. This is going to keep America healthy, but it is also going to keep our health care costs down, which we know we have to get under control. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Chairman, I speak today on behalf of public television and its contributions to inform our citizens, people of all ages, throughout Minnesota and our Nation, and I look forward to the opportunity to share with the Member of this body what this money will do. As a Minnesotan, I'm proud of the people in my district and the people throughout my State. They support public television and they're committed to it. On no issue in my 7 years in Congress did I receive more calls from my constituents and from citizens around Minnesota than when the Republican majority tried to cut the funding for public broadcasting. The people of Minnesota treasure their public television stations, and they support with their own dollars, with State dollars, and they look forward to support from a Federal commitment to ensure that excellent public television programming is available in Minnesota and around this Nation. Over the past 50 years, Minnesota's award-winning public television stations have produced tens of thousands of hours of local and regional programs that capture our State's history, politics, daily life and culture. Today, these programs are stored in a physical tape archive. They're not stored digitally because they're old tapes. They're archived. They're locked away, and they're totally inaccessible to the public. At worst, these videotapes that are stored this way are physically deteriorating. That means these programs could be lost forever if they are not converted to a digital format. This is about a public investment. Twin Cities Public Television is already investing in the process of converting its tape archive into a fully searchable digital archive. The project involves public television stations across the State: Duluth, Brainerd, Austin and Moorhead. Once the conversion is completed, all the information will be free and available to anyone, free and available to anyone at any time, anywhere, on the Internet. Programs like Newton's Apple, which was the Mr. Wizard of my children's generation, still has requests from teachers across this country to use those programs in their classrooms. At a time when we're trying to encourage our children to be captured, to be interested in science and math, Newton's Apple being available on the Internet, free to our teachers, free to our families, will make America, I believe, have children more interested in science and math. This digital archive will be an asset, as I said, for educators and students and all the citizens in Minnesota, not just in science and math but in history, arts and culture. People will be able to access, as I said, around the country and around the world, and I believe that the knowledge put forward by this type of innovative use of digitizing the old tapes will put our Internet to work for democracy around the world as well. The challenge of preserving information and media for future generations is a 21st century problem, and Congress is just starting to address it. This is an issue for those of us on the Appropriations Committee. We heard time and time again from the Library of Congress and others in hearings this year about this problem. This is a public-private partnership in Minnesota to preserve public television programs, and this is one of the first of the kind in the Nation. Minnesota's effort will result in a best practices that can help other stations save two generations of American history and tens of millions of dollars. We will save dollars. This is an important project that seeks to address a national problem. It will produce benefits far beyond Minnesota, and it will produce benefits long into the future. Congress should be in the business of taking advantage of opportunities of partnering with States to solve problems that affect our country as a whole, and this is exactly what this project's all about. This is a partnership to make the problem of saving our history and to turning it into an opportunity for our children and for our families to learn together about the richness of this country. Madam Chairman, I yield back my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the College Cost Reduction Act and congratulate Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Miller for keeping our promise to students and their families by bringing this legislation to the floor. H.R. 2669 is the largest investment in higher education since the G.I. Bill. Currently, 200,000 potential students do not attend college because of the cost. Many more are unable to attend a four-year college and millions more graduate with an unsustainable level of debt. Democrats have made access to higher education a priority because it is a critical investment in the future of students and families, and because we recognize that our economy and our global competitiveness depend on this country maintaining a highly skilled workforce. In Minnesota, tuition at public universities has increased 57 percent since 2000. However, incomes for middle class families have not kept up with this growth. H.R. 2669 makes several important changes to make sure that students are not priced out of higher education. Every qualified student who wants to attend college should have that opportunity. And importantly, with this legislation we are able to do so without increasing the national debt burden for the students we are helping today. The College Cost Reduction Act will raise the maximum Pell Grant scholarship by $500. Along with the work of the Appropriations Committee this year, the maximum grant award will reach $5,100 by 2011. This is a critical increase for students after several years of this grant level remaining frozen at $4,050 while tuition costs soared. H.R. 2669 cuts interest rates on student loans in half which will reduce debt for millions of student borrowers. The average student savings will be $4,400 over the life of the loan. The bill also increases Federal loan limits, reducing the need for the more-expensive private loans, and requires that student loan payments are manageable for borrowers by ensuring that no one pays more than 15 percent of their discretionary income in loan repayments. H.R. 2669 recognizes that the salaries for some of the most important jobs in our communities--teachers, first responders, early childhood educators, law enforcement officers and others--do not always match the value of their work. This bill provides loan forgiveness and some upfront tuition assistance for students interested in a career in public service. By reducing very generous lender subsidies, this bill gives priority to students over profits without creating an undue burden for lenders. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this critical legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2381, the Upper Mississippi River Basin Protection Act, which improves the management of sediment and nutrient loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin by establishing a coordinated public-private strategy. Water quality in the Upper Mississippi River is critical to the ecological health of the system and is intricately linked to the basin's vast drainage. The Mississippi River is a multi-use resource where commercial navigation, water supply, and recreational demands co- exist with natural resources. Millions of tons of commodities are transported on the river annually. More than 30 million residents rely on the river water to supply their communities with water. And the river hosts about 12 million recreational visitors annually. At the same time, the Mississippi River is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Unfortunately, the health of the Upper Mississippi River Basin has deteriorated over the years as a result of nonpoint source runoff from land. While agriculture is the lifeblood of many economies along the river, it has contributed to sediment and nutrient buildup that has been detrimental to the health of the river. These sediments and nutrients are transported downstream creating a zone of low dissolved oxygen in the Gulf of Mexico called the ``Dead Zone.'' We must find ways to harmonize our economy with our environment in order to preserve the Upper Mississippi River Basin. H.R. 2381 take steps in that direction by supporting a sediment and nutrient monitoring and data collection system for the Upper Mississippi River Basin. This Act will provide much-needed objective data to help manage the increasing sediment and nutrient crisis this river faces.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of this bill, which makes needed investments in our family security and therefore our national security. I want to congratulate Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Walsh for bringing forward a good bill, a bill that makes critical investments in America's families and in our country's future. This is my first year on the Appropriations Committee, and I am honored to have an opportunity to be part of this subcommittee. The investments in this bill will affect every family in America. Today, we ensure our children have an opportunity for quality education, help families and students afford college, and increase access to community health clinics. As Mr. Obey says, this bill is about the country we want to be, and that is the country we deserve to be. For too long the Bush administration has been negligent in its underfunding of education and health care, putting enormous strains on local governments, on schools and on local taxpayers. Today we move in a new direction by investing in families, prioritizing what matters: the education of our students, health care research in diabetes, cancer and heart disease, job training for those who are affected by our changing economy and for our returning veterans, energy assistance for our elderly, and early childhood education. When we make responsible and necessary investments in our children and in our communities, we strengthen our families and we strengthen our Nation by ensuring our global competitiveness. Once again, I thank Chairman Obey for his leadership on the committee, for his commitment to strengthening America and bettering the lives of Americans.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 527 to recognize the month of November as ``National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.'' Addressing youth homelessness needs to be a priority for Congress. As many as 1.6 million youth in our country experience homelessness each year, and in my home State of Minnesota, each night, 500 to 600 people under the age of 18 are unaccompanied and homeless. Many times these young people have been mistreated or abused, and without a permanent home, they face increased vulnerability to mental illness, drug use, and sexual abuse. Establishing a National Homeless Youth Awareness Month is an important step toward bringing awareness to this serious problem and highlighting the work that is being done to address it. I commend and will continue working with the organizations in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area that are dedicated to reducing and eliminating youth homelessness. For example, the Lutheran Social Service Rezek House is a Transitional Living Program, TLP, providing youth with a safe place to live for up to 2 years while they stabilize and learn the critical life skills they need to support themselves. Additionally, SafeZone is an organization helping low-income, runaway, and homeless youth to meet their basic needs by providing them with food, clothing, HIV testing, and referrals to safe housing. It also offers tutoring, independent living skills training, and a support group for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender, GLBT, youth, who are disproportionately represented among homeless youth. Also, because our communities and our youth are diverse and have culturally specific needs, Ain Dah Yung, which means ``our home'' in the Ojibwe language, supplies a safe, culturally-relevant space for American Indian youth in the Twin Cities. Providing services for approximately 500 youth and families, services available through Ain Dah Yung include emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, case management, and medical care. Ensuring that all young people have access to safe, supportive housing is essential. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of establishing November as ``National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.''

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Food and Drug Administration--FDA Amendments Act. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward ensuring that the FDA has the authority and the resources it needs to protect the health and safety of American families. Recent highly publicized tragic events linked to prescription drugs, such as Vioxx, have made clear the importance of the mission of the FDA and the improvements necessary to ensure its effectiveness. This bill strengthens the FDA's oversight of drug safety by establishing a new program within the FDA to monitor the safety of drugs. Under this legislation, the FDA will be able to examine drug safety even after a drug has been approved and is on the market. H.R. 2900 also increases penalties for companies that violate safety standards. To regain the public's trust, the FDA's advisory committees must be medically qualified, independent, and acting on behalf of the health and safety of the American people. This is why it is important that the FDA Amendments Act addresses concerns about the potential for conflict of interest because members of FDA advisory committees are frequently involved in the drug and device industry. This bill requires each member of an advisory committee to disclose financial interests to the Secretary of Health and Human Services prior to a meeting on a particular matter. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit reports to Congress on the membership of FDA advisory committees. In order to increase transparency and accountability, this legislation requires that all drugs, devices, and biologics be included in a clinical trials registry and in a results database. All registry data on the safety and effectiveness of drugs and devices will be posted on an Internet site accessible to the public. Additionally, H.R. 2900 reauthorizes through 2012 both the Prescription Drug User Fee Act--PDUFA and the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act--MDUFMA. These programs are essential in expediting FDA's review of new drug and medical device application and help avoid backlogs, which negatively impact both patients and manufacturers. This bill also reauthorizes the Pediatric Research Equity Act to encourage drug manufacturers to develop products to meet the specific and unique needs of children. I am disappointed that this bill was not able to address direct-to- consumer--DTC--advertising of prescription drugs. Studies have shown that spending on DTC advertising from pharmaceutical companies has tripled in recent years and plays a role in the unsustainably increasing cost of health care. DTC advertising has also changed the doctor-patient relationship, with an increased number of patients requesting a specific drug or treatment, even in cases where a less expensive or different medication would be appropriate. H.R. 2900 is a good step forward, but I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to address DTC advertising of medications. The safety of the drugs and devices on which so many Americans rely must be a priority for Congress. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 2900.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, once again the new majority in the U.S. House of Representatives is calling on President Bush to change direction in Iraq and take the steps necessary to bring America's servicemen and women home from an Iraqi civil war we should not be fighting. The Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act, H.R. 2956, is legislation that directs the President to commence redeploying U.S. troops with April 1, 2008, as a target date for completion of the transition. I strongly support H.R. 2956 and would like to commend the efforts of Chairman Skelton and his staff for the leadership to bring this bill before the House. It is clear that the majority of Members of this House, the overwhelming majority of Americans, and most of the world recognize that the on-going war in Iraq has been a disaster for the U.S., for the people of Iraq, and for security and stability in the entire Middle East. It is time for an exit strategy that allows U.S. troops to come home while transferring responsibility to Iraqi political leaders and their security forces to ensure the future of their country. After 52 months--more than 4 years--of American troops in Iraq there can be no doubt about the commitment and sacrifice these brave men and women have offered our Nation. While their comrades continue to fight in Iraq, some 2,600 Minnesota National Guardsmen and women are now returning home after 15 months of service. They are heroes who have done the job they have been asked to do by their commanders. Our Nation is proud of these Minnesota troops and we are also proud of their families who sacrificed as well. Unfortunately, while U.S. troops fight for Iraq's future there is a tremendous failure on the part of Iraq's political leadership to make the sacrifices necessary to create a political environment that could lead to stability and security. Sectarian tensions are too often promoted by political leaders which directly or indirectly lead to violence and killings of innocent civilians, far too frequently in the most brutal fashion. If political leadership and institution building on the part of the Iraqis are the essential components that will create an environment in which easing of sectarian tensions and stability can take hold, then the Bush administration has failed completely. In Iraq, car bombings, suicide bombers, roadside bombs, sectarian executions, kidnappings and assassinations are all daily events that I regret to say are now normal for those of us who read any American newspaper. From the safety of thousands of miles away this is a tragedy for the Iraqi people and for those coalition forces trying to achieve their mission. For many of us it is also a tragedy because the war was manufactured by an American President who now appears to be completely out of touch with the dimension of the disaster he has created. Rather than rationally disengaging from the escalating violence inside Iraq, President Bush has escalated the U.S. presence with a ``surge'' strategy that in turn has cost more American lives. Adding 30,000 U.S. troops since the beginning of 2007 has done nothing to change the fact that it is Iraqis who need to take control of their own country and confront the. forces, including terrorists, militias, sectarian police, soldiers and politicians, that continue to eviscerate, day-by-day, their own nation. If President Bush added 100,000 more U.S. troops I am unconvinced that any change in the current situation would take place. Only a political solution can unify Iraqis in a manner that will allow them to focus their energy and resources on building a nation and ending the bloodshed. The President's refusal to understand that Iraq is now damaging America--our military, our standing in the world, and the lost opportunities at home--is alarming. The fact is the Bush administration's actions in Iraq have resulted in far more harm, cost and pain to the U.S. than Saddam's regime ever could have inflicted on our Nation. Yet, the President's defenders in Congress and in the media continue to urge a ``stay the course'' strategy while invoking the name of Gen. David Petraeus as if he can singlehandedly erase four years of mistakes and ineptitude. General Petraeus is an excellent soldier and a talented leader, but he is not a miracle worker. The time has come to for a rational, strategic plan to bring our troops home from Iraq and H.R. 2956 provides sound direction. The U.S. has interests in Iraq and the region which we must defend using our diplomatic, economic and military resources. We need to engage to a much greater extent with neighboring countries and the global powers to affect change inside Iraq. All this can be done while the 160,000 U.S. troops in Iraq are being withdrawn. While I will vote for H.R. 2956 and I expect it to pass this House) I am also under no illusion that my Republican colleagues will vote against putting in place a strategy to bring our troops home. I have no doubt that President Bush would veto this legislation if it were to pass the Senate and be sent to the White House. Like the situation in Iraq, change cannot occur with regard to our policy in Iraq unless a political solution can be achieved in Congress with a veto proof majority of Members of the House and Senate. The American people must use their voice and put the pressure on House and Senate Republicans to support commonsense, responsible legislation, like H.R. 2956, which will put America's interests ahead of the President's hopelessly uncompromising commitment to a war without end in Iraq. Finally, I want to commend Speaker Pelosi for her tireless leadership and commitment to ending the war in Iraq while always working to advance America's interests. The Speaker knows our Nation's security is paramount and the policies of the current Administration have put America at risk. Her continued leadership will ultimately result in Americans coming home safer and sooner from Iraq.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to urge my colleagues to oppose the Pitts amendment. HIV/AIDS is devastating Africa and other parts of the developing world. We all share that. We share that knowledge. We can be proud that the United States is leading the way in addressing the global AIDS pandemic. We are providing support for millions of people through treatment, care and prevention programs. But we need to take a very practical approach, and the bill before us does that by including the language that gives the President flexibility to implement prevention programs that fit the country's current AIDS pandemic. I thought it was very compelling to hear the story that was just shared on the floor by my Republican colleague about how a wife had become infected, not because of her behavior, but because of her husband's behavior. I am particularly concerned about the 40 percent of new HIV/AIDS infections in youth between the ages of 15 and 24. Women and girls make up 60 percent of all the infections, and 76 percent of the infections among those are between the ages of 15 and 24. Now, abstinence could be an option, but we know that marriage is not a protective factor. Listen carefully to this: over the next 10 years, more than 100 million girls in the developing countries will be married before their 18th birthday, some as young as age 14, mostly to older men, often against their will. These are forced child brides. These girls will have a significantly higher rate of HIV infection than their peers who are sexually active and their unmarried peers. We should give these young girls the opportunity to protect themselves, to save their own lives. I believe that we must make sure that our prevention programs address their needs and provide alternatives. For these young girls and women, abstinence is just not an option. They need programs that provide them with full information to protect themselves. We, in Congress, must do all that we can to stop child marriage; but, in the meantime, we need to protect these young women. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Pitts amendment.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, the Smith amendment does nothing to reinstate the Mexico City executive order. It is an executive order. What is in statute and what continues to be in statute, on page 93 of H.R. 2764, section 618, ``None of the funds may be made available to be paid for the performance of abortion as a method of family planning.'' On line 13, ``None of the funds,'' and then it goes on to say, ``may be used for the performance of involuntary sterilization as a method of family planning or to coerce or provide financial incentive to any person undergoing sterilization. None of the funds may be made available to carry out part of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, that may be used to pay for biomedical research for the performance of abortions or involuntary sterilization.'' None of the funds. None of the funds. That is all protected in here. The Smith language doesn't change anything. President George Bush in fact himself has said that one of the best ways to prevent an abortion is to provide quality family planning programs. And here are the facts, folks. In developing countries, 120 million married couples would like to postpone their next pregnancy or have no more children, but they don't have access to modern contraceptives. In sub-Sahara Africa, 26 percent of the women who desire to delay or end their child bearing remain without access to volunteer family planning and then they risk an unintended pregnancy. Every year more than 525,000 women die from causes related to pregnancy in childbirth, with 99 percent of these deaths occurring in developing countries. An additional 8 million women each year suffer needless complications from pregnancy and birth. And lack of spacing birth, this is really key, because I have spoken to women in Africa and in Latin America, lack of spacing birth results in intervals of 9 to 14 months, which raises the increased maternal death rate by 250 percent. Vote for voluntary family planning. Vote for 22 more additional countries receiving voluntary planning. Vote against Smith.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act and commend Congresswoman Diana DeGette and Congressman Michael Castle for their leadership on this important issue. Today, once again, Congress responds to the priorities and needs of the American people, in bringing forward a bill to expand federally- funded embryonic stem cell research. S. 5 is supported by 72 percent of the American public, including over 200 patient groups, universities, and scientific societies. It has also been endorsed by more than 75 national and local newspapers, and 80 Nobel Laureates. This bipartisan legislation will provide hope and opportunity for millions of Americans suffering from chronic and life-threatening health conditions. I have voted to expand this critical research 4 times. It is time for the President to listen to the American people and the majority of Congress and to sign this bill into law. Recent research has shown that scientists have been able to create pluripotent stem cells from mouse skin cells. This is an exciting development, and should be pursued in conjunction with embryonic stem cell research. We should support and pursue all ethical, lifesaving research. The expansion of funding to stem cell research has the power to make a real difference in the lives of Americans. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 5.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to rise in tribute to the ``Greatest Generation'' of Minnesotans. On June 9, 2007, an estimated 12,000 Minnesotans gathered on the state capitol grounds to offer this long-overdue commemoration for our State's World War II veterans. The Minnesota World War II Memorial has an honored place, reflecting the sacrifices of those who served and those who died to protect our freedom. It provides a solemn reminder of past great sacrifices on behalf of our nation, but also gives us an important opportunity to properly thank the brave men and women in uniform fighting every day around the world. Six decades ago, 16 million fought for freedom in the war, and more than 400,000 died. Although fought ``over there,'' World War II had immense local impact. Approximately 326,000 Minnesota men and women enlisted in the military, leaving school, jobs and families behind. Nearly 6000 Minnesotans died. The war touched every life in some way as countless more men, women and children supported the war from the home front. On May 29, 2004, I had the great honor of joining many of Minnesota's World War II veterans and their families in Washington, DC for the dedication of the National World War II Memorial. These veterans exemplify the spirit and sacrifice of America's Greatest Generation. My father served in the Armed Services during World War II, so this dedication is especially meaningful to me. As an auxiliary member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, I remain committed to ensuring that all our veterans receive the benefits and honor that they have earned. Madam Speaker, please join with me and all Minnesotans in paying tribute to the Greatest Generation. They deserve our highest respect, gratitude and the support they were promised.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that thousands of St. Paul friends and neighbors, along with me, mourn the passing of Mr. Nick Mancini. At 80 years of age, Nick died on May 29, 2007, and Minnesota lost a very special person. Nick Mancini, a man of exceptional kindness, generosity and warmth of spirit, was the owner of Mancini's Char House and Lounge, a St. Paul landmark since the 1960s. For those who have never visited Nick Mancini's restaurant, it would be difficult to understand the deep sentiment and fondness we in St. Paul feel for Nick and his family. For those of us who have frequented Mancini's, we were always made to feel at home and Nick, his sons and the entire staff made us feel special-- like we were part of the family. In a fast food era when the tradition of hospitality is increasingly lost in America, St. Paul is blessed with a special place--Mancini's Char House--where every customer is made to feel welcome and comfortable, and that is before you started eating a delicious steak dinner. Hospitality and generosity were the hallmark of Nick Mancini's career and calling. He was a restaurateur, a neighborhood anchor, a St. Paul legend and a very, very caring man who I will miss and always remember. For me, visiting with Nick was always special. This was because being Nick's guest was to be enveloped by his warmth, sincerity and kindness. It didn't matter whether you were a Member of Congress, a U.S. Senator, the Mayor of St. Paul, a carpenter, a teacher, or a truck driver, to Nick you were his guest. Everyone was treated special and with respect, and everyone left his restaurant a little heavier and happier. Along with remembering Nick, I would like to acknowledge his family and express my condolences to Nick's wife, Maryann, his sons Pat, John and Nick, Jr., and his grandchildren. The work of Nick Mancini will not disappear with his passing. Mancini's Char House will continue to be a St. Paul landmark and an oasis of hospitality. Pat and John Mancini are carrying on the tradition of hospitality and community leadership that so many of us in St. Paul admire and appreciate. For this lasting tradition St. Paul, Minnesota, and our Nation has Nick Mancini to thank.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the Honest Leadership Open Government Act and congratulate Speaker Pelosi for taking this important step in changing the way business is done in Washington. H.R. 2316 will bring real transparency to lobbyists' activities in order to break the corrupting influence that has been present over the last decade in Congress. This bill requires disclosure of lobbyists' contributions to members, doubles the frequency of lobbyists' reporting, and establishes a searchable public database of this disclosure information. It also increases criminal and civil penalties for those who violate the Lobby Disclosure Act and bans the K street project. The Honest Leadership Open Government Act includes new requirements for Members of Congress, including required disclosure of job negotiations for post-Congressional employment, and establishes a public database for Members' travel and financial disclosure information. This legislation is the second step in fulfilling the Democrats' promise to clean up Washington. In the first 100 hours of the 110th Congress we passed new House Rules imposing the toughest ethics standards ever. These rules banned gifts, meals and trips paid for by lobbyists. The House has also voted to deny pension benefits to Members of Congress convicted of corruption. The House of Representatives is the People's House. In order to ensure that we are truly responsive to and representative of the people, it is critical that lobbyists' do not have undue access to Members or influence over the legislative process. H.R. 2316 shines a bright light on lobbyists' activities in order to end the illegal practices that waste taxpayer dollars and bring disgrace to this institution. Under Democratic leadership, this Congress is moving America in a New Direction. Our priorities put the interests of American families ahead of special interests. I am proud to support this legislation today and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1427, the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act, and commend Chairman Barney Frank for his hard work to develop a comprehensive, bipartisan government-sponsored enterprise, GSE, reform bill. This legislation will restore accountability by strengthening federal oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks. It will consolidate regulation of the housing GSEs under the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a new, independent agency. The Federal Housing Finance Agency will be authorized to adjust the enterprises' risk-based capitol and even limit the size of their portfolios for a limited time, if necessary to ensure their safety and soundness. H.R. 1427 also establishes an Affordable Housing Fund, which will be financed by a required contribution from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac of only 0.012 percent of their total mortgage portfolio each year. The fund will annually contribute approximately $500 million to the construction, maintenance, and preservation of affordable housing. The Affordable Housing Fund is an important step toward ensuring access to safe, affordable housing for all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic region. In its first year, the funds will be used entirely to build much-needed homes throughout the region devastated by Hurricane Katrina. In subsequent years, the grants from the fund will be administered by states, and Minnesota will receive an estimated $6.5 million each year to build affordable housing for the most vulnerable families. I applaud Chairman Frank for bringing forward a comprehensive and fair bill. I am particularly pleased that in contrast to last years' efforts, H.R. 1427 does not include language restricting faith-based and nonprofit organizations from receiving affordable housing funds for participation in nonpartisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities. Congress should put the needs of American families before political ideology, and this bill does just that. The Federal Housing Finance Reform Act has the support of the Bush Administration, as well as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, numerous other financial institutions, lenders, realtors, housing advocates, and many other housing organizations. Access to safe and stable housing is a basic need and one that no individual or family should ever be denied. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 1427.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 1700, the COPS Reauthorization Act. This legislation is a much needed and renewed commitment by this Democratic- led Congress to combat crime in our local communities and neighborhoods. Since its inception under the leadership of the Clinton administration, the COPS program has proven to ensure greater safety for citizens in large metropolitan areas and small communities alike by providing local law enforcement with the ability to hire more police officers, increased technology assistance such as laptops for patrol cars, and new funding for programs to allow prosecutors to go after more criminals. Since 1994 117,000 new police officers have hit the streets in the United States and 414 in the area of St. Paul, which I represent. According to an independent study done by the GAO, COPS hiring grants were responsible for reducing the crime rate in the United States by roughly 200,000 crimes between 1998 and 2000. Unfortunately, past Republican-led Congresses sharp cuts in over a billion dollars to the COPS hiring grant programs have diminished the capacity of this great program that has been critical to decreasing the crime rate across this country. To make matters worse, this year President Bush is seeking to zero-out funding for the COPS hiring programs and must not see the value of more law enforcement officers on the streets. This Congress will answer the President's call of zero funding by restoring this important program to a respectable level and add 50,000 police officers in the next 6 years to fight crime. COPS has provided an avenue to deploy more law enforcement officers in many areas of the United States and unsurpassed technology to assist the growing law enforcement community. It is a first-rate program, I commend the gentleman from New York, Mr. Weiner for bringing this legislation to the floor and I urge all my colleagues to support this bill and the men and women in law enforcement that continue to protect our communities.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008. The legislation makes clear that this Congress is dedicated to providing the Department of Homeland Security with the proper tools to protect American citizens, and to ensure accountability and proper oversight of DHS. With many entities rolled into the Department of Homeland Security at its inception in 2003 the bureaucratic structure of the department has consistently needed improvement. DHS has come under intense scrutiny and yielded many questions regarding its bloated size and its ability to function smoothly. This legislation will take necessary steps to correct large problems associated with the agency that includes streamlining the contracting and procurement process, and require the department to conduct comprehensive quadrennial reviews of its operations. H.R. 1684 is a bipartisan effort to restore huge cuts by the Bush administration to important programs. The 52 percent cut to the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which funds first responder preparation and response, has been reinstated. The 55 percent cut to firefighter assistance grants has been added back into the bill. This bill also restores the previously eliminated Local Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program to its entirety, and reverses the elimination of the SAFER program. Fully funding these crucial first responder programs dictates a dedication from Congress that is unparalleled. The most important job of Congress is to keep America safe, and this legislation takes important steps to protect our communities. I want to commend the Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Thompson, for his work on this legislation and I urge all my colleagues to support it.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1505 to designate the Federal building located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, as the ``James A. Leach Federal Building.'' James Leach was born in Davenport, Iowa in 1942. Representing Iowa, he served in the House of Representatives for 30 years. Mr. Leach is a man of great honor, serving his state and country nobly, admirably and tirelessly. Mr. Leach was a career public servant, chairing several Committees during his time in Congress. During his time in Congress, Mr. Leach respected individual rights, choices and freedoms and voted to protect them. In the 109th Congress, I had the good fortune of working with him on the International Relations Committee where he spoke often for dignity of mankind and human rights. Jim was a caring and compassionate hands on person who led a congressional delegation to western Indonesia after the December 26th, 2004 tsunami where he witnessed one of the most traumatic natural disasters in the past several centuries. His work was instrumental in securing disaster relief funds for this devastated area. Mr. Leach holds eight honorary degrees, has received decorations from two foreign governments, and is the recipient of the Wayne Morse Integrity in Politics Award, the Woodrow Wilson Award from Johns Hopkins University, the Adlai Stevenson Award from the United Nations Association, and the Edger Wayburn Award from the Sierra Club. In 2000, the Independent Bankers Association honored James Leach by creating ``The James A. Leach Leadership Award'', named for the Iowa Congressman. Mr. Leach served as chairman of the House Banking Committee from 1995 to 2001. The James A. Leach Leadership Award honors bankers for outstanding service to the banking industry. These examples exemplify his respect as a person and public servant. Madam Speaker, today I have the privilege in joining my colleagues in honoring this distinguished gentleman and good friend by designating the U.S. courthouse located on 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, as the ``James A. Leach United States Courthouse''.

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, we are here today because last week President Bush vetoed legislation supported by a majority of the members of the House and the Senate. The vetoed supplemental appropriations bill, H.R. 1591, would have provided funding for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, cared for the needs of our veterans and put forth commonsense benchmarks and timelines to hold Iraq's politicians accountable for achieving needed political results. President Bush rejected that modest requirement to the foreign policy disaster he has created in Iraq. Once again it would appear he has forgotten that the rubber stamp Congress he had grown accustomed to is no longer in power and the American people, along with the new Congress, expect cooperation, compromise and an exit strategy from Iraq, not more ``stay the course'' rhetoric that has cost our Nation so many lives. Today's bill, H.R. 2206, unfortunately does not set a timetable for bringing U.S. troops home, but it does provide President Bush with an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to holding Iraq's political leadership accountable while providing the Department of Defense with $42.8 billion in immediate funding for our troops in Iraq. This legislation also provides Congress the ability to ensure that the President and the Pentagon are taking meaningful steps to achieve success in Iraq by ``protecting'' an additional $52.8 billion in military spending. This spending would be released when the President reports to Congress in mid-July that his stated benchmarks and goals in Iraq are being met. This legislation is not the blank check the President wants. But, it is a responsible, measured approach for a White House that has proven itself incapable of honest, forthright leadership in managing this war. H.R. 2206 is necessary legislation that puts the needs of U.S. troops and responsible accountability for a policy that now threatens U.S. military preparedness and our national security. Congress has every right, and in fact every obligation, to hold President Bush and Iraq's political leadership accountable for their lack of results and complete lack of urgency while U.S. troops patrol in the midst of an Iraqi civil war. Madam Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 2206 and I urge my colleagues--especially my Republican colleagues--to take this appropriate and tempered step towards protecting our troops while demanding political accountability from President Bush and his Iraqi counterparts.