Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1258) expressing support for designation of May 2010 as Mental Health Month, as amended.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. MATSUI. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1258) expressing support for designation of May 2010 as Mental Health Month, as amended.

Ms. MATSUI. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Japanese American men and women who will be receiving honorary degrees from Sacramento City College. During World War II, thousands of Japanese-American students had to suspend their studies to report to gathering sites before being sent to U.S. internment camps. Because of this, many never returned or completed their studies at Sacramento Junior College. 68 years later they will receive honorary degrees. In one of our nation's darkest hours, on February 19, 1942, through the authorization of Executive Order 9066, more than 110,000 Japanese- Americans and Japanese immigrants were relocated and interned at War Relocation Centers. Because of Executive Order 9066, thousands of Japanese-American young adults were forced to halt their studies, withdraw from school and report to assembly centers solely because of their Japanese ancestry. With the passage of California Assembly Bill 37 on October 11, 2009, the Regents of the University of California, Trustees of the California State University, and the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges were authorized by the State of California to confer an honorary degree upon each person, living or deceased, who was forced to leave his or her postsecondary studies as a result of Executive Order 9066. It is an honor long overdue. Sacramento City College has taken the important steps toward correcting an injustice that occurred more than 68 years ago, and has embraced California Assembly Bill 37. The California Nisei Diploma Project is a way of recognizing the many sacrifices made by Japanese- Americans in my home state of California. On May 19, 2010, Sacramento City College will bestow 49 honorary degrees upon Japanese-Americans students, alive and deceased, who were forced to discontinue their studies at what was then known as Sacramento Junior College because of Executive Order 9066. Sacramento City College has looked forward to this moment with great anticipation, has received its former students and their families with great humility, and acknowledges their pursuit of higher education with honorary degrees. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and pride that I stand today to recognize the Japanese-American men and women who will receive honorary diplomas from Sacramento City College. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring these American citizens for their sacrifice and dedication to our country. Let this ceremony stand as a stark reminder that the darkest moments in the history of our country must be remembered so that they are never repeated. Thank you for joining me in honoring these proud Americans.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. One hundred sixty-seven years ago this May, the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States in search of a promise of freedom and in pursuit of their own American dreams. Since that time, Asian Pacific Americans have contributed to the unique fabric of American culture in countless ways, becoming leaders in business, government, arts, and entertainment. It is entirely fitting that we have chosen May to commemorate these significant contributions, and to honor the 15.2 million Asian Pacific Americans who continue the legacy that their ancestors began in the 1840s. During the past several decades, Congress has recognized the importance of the Asian Pacific American community to our nation's history. In 1977, Representatives Frank Horton and Norman Mineta introduced legislation to establish the first ten days of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. After similar legislation was introduced and passed in the Senate, President Jimmy Carter signed into law a joint resolution to establish this annual commemoration. Later, in 1990, we celebrated the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Since that time, May has officially become a yearly tribute to the Asian Pacific American community. While it is important that we continue recognizing these important dates--which have raised awareness of the many critical contributions of the Asian Pacific American community--we must also look to the work being done each day to make certain that the interests of Asian Pacific Americans are being considered. Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate consistently honor the heritage of this important community. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus--known as CAPAC--advocates for all Asian Pacific Americans, working to ensure their voices are heard at the federal level. Additionally, the Presidential Cabinet includes three Asian American dignitaries: Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. Building on this active involvement of Asian Pacific Americans in the workings of our national government, President Obama has also stepped up his own efforts to restore the broad mission of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This vital initiative--which I helped to establish while serving in the administration of President Bill Clinton--has been successful in increasing the participation of Asian Pacific Americans in federal programs. By doing so, the Initiative has helped make dramatic improvements in the quality of life of underserved Asian Pacific Americans. Madam Speaker, in recognizing the countless contributions Asian Pacific Americans have made to our nation and to our history, I join my colleagues this May in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many outstanding Sacramento business leaders who will be honored at the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's 115th Annual Dinner & Business Awards Ceremony. The men and women who were honored on Friday, February 5th, are dedicated to the success of Sacramento and have worked tirelessly to advance the region's economic vitality. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring these fine Sacramentans. David Higgins, a commercial construction icon and retired CEO of Harbison-Mahony-Higgins Builders, has been named ``Sacramentan of the Year'' for his life's work and commitment to philanthropy in the region. He has been actively involved in the leadership of HMH Builders, a general building contractor, for more than 40 years. For decades, David has advocated for the sustainable growth of the region, most recently as past president of the Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization. He has also been widely recognized for his local charitable endeavors, including his longtime support of Jesuit High School, health and social service and youth programs, and the arts. Ron Mittelstaedt, Chairman and CEO of Waste Connections Inc., has been named ``Businessman of the Year.'' Ron founded Waste Connections in 1997. When he took the firm public the following year, Waste Connections had approximately $40 million in revenue and about 400 employees. Today, the company serves about 2 million business and residential customers throughout 26 states, employs nearly 5,400, and has reported revenue of more than $1 billion. It is a true success story. Jonna Ward, CEO of Visionary Integration Professionals, has been named ``Businesswoman of the Year.'' Jonna started VIP 12 years ago out of her spare bedroom and has grown it to be the largest woman-owned business in our region. Through her leadership, VIP is also one of the fastest growing businesses in the country--making the Inc. 500 list for the past two years. Other award winners include ``Volunteer of the Year,'' Martha Clark Lofgren from Brewer Lofgren LLP. Robert Tobin, President and CEO of Cottage Housing, winner of the ``Al Geiger Award,'' will be recognized for his work providing housing for homeless. The ``Peter McCuen Award for Civic Entrepreneurs'' will be presented to Rick Fowler for his work with The Community College Fund. The ``Small Business of the Year'' award will be presented to Patrick Mulvaney and Mulvaney's B&L, for growing into one of Sacramento's top restaurants. Patrick is a marvelous chef, who supports local farmers and is active with a number of local non-profits. Four outstanding local institutions have been inducted into the ``Sacramento Business Hall of Fame'' for their longtime and significant contributions to the economic and civic growth of the Sacramento region. Being inducted are Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard; Owen-Dunn Insurance Services; SAFE Credit Union; and Western Contract. Recognized for its success as a long standing, 100-year-old business in Sacramento, Lionakis has been inducted into the ``Centennial Business Hall of Fame.'' Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize these individuals and businesses for their economic and civic contributions to the Sacramento Region. On behalf of the people of Sacramento and the Fifth Congressional District of California, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring them for their unwavering commitment to our region.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Reverend Dexter McNamara. On Thursday May 6th, Dexter was honored in Sacramento by the Interfaith Service Bureau for his outstanding work with the faith community. I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his work in bringing people of all faiths together to address our community's most pressing needs. After earning his bachelor's degree from UCLA and his master of divinity from Princeton University, Dexter served as an associate pastor for 21 years with congregations in Colorado and California. Because of his outstanding work with his congregation and his ability to create greater understanding among faith groups, Dexter was offered a position as the executive director of Sacramento's Interfaith Service Bureau. Dexter led the Interfaith Service Bureau for 16 years, from 1993- 2010. Under his leadership, we were continually reminded that our similarities are greater than our differences. He brought us together by mentoring faith and community leaders, while also leading numerous interfaith projects throughout the region. Dexter has helped the religious community in Sacramento grow and prosper by addressing the challenges of ministering to the needs of diverse people and cultures. He has helped people of different religious backgrounds overcome their differences and work together towards peace and unity. In 1999, Dexter and the Interfaith Service Bureau coordinated an interfaith response after several synagogues were targeted by hate groups and firebombed. Similarly after the September 11 attacks on our country, he led a community service at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, bringing all faiths together in interfaith worship services. Out of this came the Call for Unity, annual event to recognize outstanding community leadership in building bridges of understanding. Dexter has been recognized numerous times for his outstanding work bringing people together for the common goal of justice and peace. He was awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award by the Sacramento Area Congregations Together, the Distinguished Award by the Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims, the Building Unity Award by the Sacramento Housing Alliance, and the Community Leadership Award by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Dexter organized the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster for Sacramento from 2005-2008, and chaired the California Interfaith Power and Light working group from 2005-2008, which worked to raise awareness of global warming and climate change. He served on the Wells Fargo Community Advisory Board, the Family Support Collaborative Board, the Sacramento City Mayor's Youth Task Force, and the local Childcare and Development Planning Council. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Reverend Dexter McNamara for his outstanding work with Sacramento's Interfaith Service Bureau, and in bringing people of different faiths together to work towards bettering our community and understanding of one another. I once again ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Reverend Dexter McNamara for all that he has done for the people of Sacramento.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Sacramento Center for International Trade Development and the Los Rios Community College District for being awarded the President's ``E'' Award for Export Service. This prestigious award is being given to these institutions in recognition of their support to businesses seeking to export their products. The Sacramento Center for International Trade Development is part of a statewide program funded by the California Community College chancellor's office, and is part of the Workforce and Economic Development Program of the Los Rios Community College District. The center strives to advance northern California's global competitiveness by providing export and import services to businesses and organizations throughout the region. For more than 15 years, the Sacramento Center for International Trade Development has proven to be a highly successful provider of comprehensive, export services and programs that addresses the needs of northern California businesses. A full-range of export services is provided, from basic export training, to detailed market support, to trade mission preparation and participation. Of paramount importance is the unique connection to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Commercial Service which have allowed businesses in northern California to begin exporting products and increase sales in the global marketplace. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize and congratulate the Sacramento Center for International Trade Development and the Los Rios Community College District for their outstanding work to increase exports of Californian products, and for being awarded the President's ``E'' Award for Export Service. Please join me in honoring them.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of former California State Senator Albert S. Rodda, who passed away on April 3, 2010 at the age of 97. He was a lifelong public servant whose example as a true leader will remain a guiding light for generations to come. Albert Stanley Rodda was born on July 23, 1912 in Sacramento, California. A lifelong Sacramentan, Senator Rodda graduated from Sacramento High School in 1929, attended Stanford University, then returned to Sacramento to teach at Grant Union High School. After serving as a gunnery officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Senator Rodda once again returned to Sacramento, this time to teach at Sacramento Junior College, now known as Sacramento City College. He returned to Stanford and earned his Ph.D. in history and economics in 1951. Even after serving in the legislature, he continued his passion for education by teaching at California State University, Sacramento and by serving on the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees. Dedicated to both public service and education, Senator Rodda was a civic leader throughout his life. Before being elected into the California State Senate in 1958, he served as president of the Local 31 of the California Federation of Teachers. While serving with the CFT, it became clear to him that teachers' rights were often ignored by administrators and school boards. After his election, Senator Rodda became a fierce proponent for education reform. During his 22 years as a legislator, he championed public education as chairman of both the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. He crafted legislation that provided necessary funding for public schools and created the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office and Board of Trustees. He also drafted landmark legislation that gave teachers collective bargaining rights and established the Public Employment Relations Board. While a steadfast Democrat, Senator Rodda was widely respected and made it a principle to work in a bipartisan manner with his fellow Senators. Because of this character trait he was often considered the choice alternative to end brewing legislative rivalries. He always made it a priority to thoughtfully study every piece of legislation he voted on, often taking his time, but always coming to a fair decision. He set the bar high and stands as an example that we all can look to for guidance. Senator Rodda left his mark on Sacramento. His work can be seen at the Cal Expo, on Regional Transit and in Old Sacramento at the California State Railroad Museum. His lasting legacy may be a strong community college system, a system that he taught at and led. Today, the Los Rios Community College District and Sacramento City College give Sacramentans an opportunity to improve their lives through academic learning and career technical education. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize and honor the life of one of Sacramento's greatest leaders. On behalf of the people of Sacramento and the State of California, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Albert Stanley Rodda for his unwavering commitment to Sacramento, the State of California and our nation. Senator Rodda was humble, honest and thoughtful in all he did. He was a great man, and he will be missed.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1338, which recognizes the significant accomplishments of AmeriCorps volunteers and helps raise awareness about the importance of national and community service. I would like to thank the Education and Labor Committee and especially Chairman Miller for their support of this legislation and my fellow co-chairs of the National Service Caucus, Representatives Ehlers, Platts and Price, for their partnership. As a co-chair of the National Service Caucus, it is a pleasure to call attention to the tremendous work of those involved in service at every level. We are now in the midst of National AmeriCorps Week which is celebrated each year to honor the important work that AmeriCorps volunteers provide to our communities. At this time last year, the President had just recently signed the Senator Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, with strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate; and we have seen since then a tremendous increase in the number of AmeriCorps applications and interest in service as a whole. The bill answered the call for Americans of all generations to help get the country through the recent economic crisis by serving in their communities. In times of strife, the American people have always shown a spirit of service and ingenuity, and investments in service and volunteer programs help prepare us to handle the unforeseen crises. In my hometown of Sacramento, the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, or as we say NCCC, provides important benefits to our region. For example, Sacramento-based NCCC members served thousands of hours to help fight the fires that devastated the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Californians and, in doing so, helped protect thousands more. AmeriCorps NCCC members are disaster trained and available for immediate deployment in the event of a natural disaster anywhere within the United States. Through programs such as AmeriCorps, State and national Volunteers in Service to America, or VISTA, and NCCC, servicemembers address critical needs in our communities, and we should continue to make national service more accessible to the millions of Americans who want to serve their country by contributing to their community. Madam Speaker, AmeriCorps Week offers us an opportunity to honor the important work of AmeriCorps volunteers in our own districts and across the country. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and take this opportunity to thank AmeriCorps volunteers for their dedication to improving our Nation one neighborhood at a time.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. I thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying legislation. Investing in research and STEM education will help our country take the lead in scientific, technological, and economic advancements. This bill will also assist my hometown of Sacramento, where we are positioned to become a leader in the clean technology sector. That is why I am pleased that Chairman Gordon has pledged to support two smart grid-related amendments that I plan to offer to the bill. My first amendment will ensure that new smart grid technologies are an important part of the Department of Energy's research and development. My second amendment will ensure that smart grid technologies are included in the list of research and development activities undertaken by the Department of Energy innovation hubs. Both of these amendments will be extremely valuable to Sacramento's continued leadership in the field of smart grid technologies. Now, Madam Speaker, I just want to take a moment to recognize the departing staff director of the Rules Committee. Muftiah McCartin, Muf, affectionately known, has steered the Rules Committee through a challenging period, and she has done so with skill and grace. We all know that the Rules Committee can sometimes be a very contentious place. I know I speak for my staff and for my colleagues when I say that Muftiah will be sorely missed on the Rules Committee. We all wish her the very best in her new position. And thank you for your very hard work, Muftiah, and your dedication. And enjoy the next chapter of your life.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, before I yield to my next speaker I just want to say the bill before us today is a strict authorization bill. There is no direct spending contained in it. CBO has said it will not add to the deficit because any money which is spent under the Home Star Program will have to be appropriated through separate legislation. This is regular order in the purest sense of the term: authorize first, appropriate later. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Ms. MATSUI. I yield the gentlewoman 1 additional minute.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to a member of the Rules Committee, the gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. Pingree).

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy).

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I just want to say before I yield to my next speaker that this bill has been strongly endorsed by a broad range of business, labor, environmental and consumer groups. In fact, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the National Association of Home Builders have formally endorsed this bill. The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, on behalf of its 6,000-member companies nationwide, also recently endorsed this bill. This bill is a perfect example of industry, consumer, labor, and environmental groups all working together to move our Nation toward a more energy-efficient economy. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Ms. MATSUI. I yield the gentlelady 1 additional minute.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous materials into the Record.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, it is important that we not rewrite history today. The previous administration had the worst fiscal record in American history. When President Bush was inaugurated in 2001, he inherited from President Clinton a budget surplus projected to be $5.6 trillion over the next 10 years. But over his two terms, through fiscally reckless policies, President Bush squandered that surplus and gave the country 8 years of deficits instead. We have had to take evasive action to stave off a long-term economic disaster, and no one on my side of the aisle will apologize for boldly confronting one of the worst fiscal and economic crises in our country's history. Madam Speaker, creating jobs is our top priority, to put more Americans back to work and truly turn our economy around. There is no doubt that the Home Star program will boost our domestic energy efficiency industry and further move our country toward a clean energy economy. By increasing energy efficiency, we will not only incentivize the emerging clean technology industry, but also reduce carbon pollution and cut costs for consumers. The legislation before us will create nearly 170,000 new green jobs in this country. This bill will create three separate energy efficiency rebate programs to encourage home energy efficiency, cut down on the use of fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase energy security and independence. As a result, the bill would have a meaningful, long-term impact on energy savings. Together with the ongoing investment by the Recovery Act, the Home Star program will substantially invest in our clean energy economy and spur job creation and economic growth in this country. This Congress must continue to invest wisely in proposals that will train our workers, create new good-paying jobs, grow our economy and rebuild the middle class. This legislation does just that. This bill has been strongly endorsed by a broad range of business, labor, environmental and consumer groups. In fact, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the National Association of Home Builders have formally endorsed this bill. It is a perfect example of industry, consumer, labor, and environmental groups all working together to move our Nation toward a more energy-efficient economy. Madam Speaker, this is an important bill that will create jobs and move our Nation towards a clean energy economy. With that in mind, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I just want to comment. It's not just the Democrats on the Rules Committee that said that the Latta amendment is unnecessary. The Congressional Budget Office has said so as well. Allow me to read directly from the CBO letter on the Home Star bill: Enacting the bill will not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay- as-you-go procedures would not apply. Instead, any actual funding for programs in the bill would have to be appropriated separately by Congress. The amendment essentially is attempting to offset funds that are not spent. With that, Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the principal sponsor of the bill, a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).