Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. I yield myself such time as I may consume. General Leave

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar).

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 1137 provides for consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2847, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act. The rule makes in order a motion offered by the Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, or his designee, that the House concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment with the amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the motion, except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides the Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. The rule provides 1 hour of debate on the motion equally divided and controlled by the Chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. Madam Speaker, in today's economy, many families are struggling to make ends meet. As we know, the economic recession began in 2008 as a direct result of reckless and irresponsible financial decisions. We are still dealing with the wreckage today. Over the last few years, I have heard countless stories of people struggling to put food on the table, pay their mortgages, and provide for their children, and millions of America's seniors are making decisions every day to skip meals or cut their pills in half just to survive. California and, in particular, my constituents in Sacramento, have been greatly impacted by this economic crisis. Many of my constituents were and continue to be victims of predatory home loan lending, unfair credit card practices, payday loans, and other forms of unscrupulous business practices. They turned to Congress for help, and we responded with the CARD Act. And the ink was hardly dry on that legislation before credit card companies tried to find loopholes to arbitrarily raise credit card interest rates and fees on consumers. This Congress also passed the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which will bring much-needed oversight and accountability to Wall Street. This bill also creates a new consumer financial protection agency to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive financial practices. Meanwhile, small businesses are seeking assistance to help make payroll, retain their employees, and pay for the skyrocketing costs of health insurance. These are the reasons why it is time to once again put the American people first and provide them with the support they need from their Representatives in Congress. We need to pass the jobs bill before us today as a significant step towards helping hardworking Americans get back to work. The American people are hurting, and the top priority of this administration and this Congress must be jobs, jobs, jobs. In December, the House passed a jobs package, the Jobs for Main Street Act that would make $156 billion in targeted investments in our economy. The projects supported by this bill will improve our highways and transit infrastructure, renovate schools, and help small businesses rebuild, support job training initiatives, and affordable housing programs. While the jobs package we are considering today is not as broad as the version passed by this House, it is an important step in the right direction and one we cannot afford not to enact. Today's bill is one that I hope will be the first of a series of job creation proposals that we will consider in the coming weeks and months because the reality is that the unemployment rate in this country is at an unacceptable level of 9.7 percent, and this bill will help incentivize employers to start hiring immediately. Already the Recovery Act, put forth by congressional Democrats, has saved or created more than 2 million jobs. That is according to CBO. The Recovery Act has clearly helped us rebound from this recession and saved us from the brink of another Great Depression. The Recovery Act has greatly benefited my district and the entire Sacramento region, providing almost $700 million for dozens of projects. Such projects include $21 million for improving and enhancing Sacramento's levees from flood protection, public transportation facilities, developing clean energy technology, and hiring 30 new officers at the Sacramento Police Department. It is also helping struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure, investing in new community health facilities, and the list does go on and on and on. My constituents can see where and how every dollar is being spent in our district by visiting my Web site. One of the most important results of the Recovery Act is that it helps school districts minimize budget cuts. However, as the economy declines, school districts are now considering shorter school years, larger class sizes, and looking to lay off teachers. We cannot let this happen. So our path towards economic recovery must continue to invest in our Nation's workforce to spur additional job creation, innovation and long-term economic growth. And by supporting the rule and the underlying bill, we will do just that. I have heard from small business owners who are eager to be connected to business counseling and resources, to learn more about financing opportunities, SBA loan products, and government contracting opportunities. There is a great demand for immediate and real assistance for our small businesses to get back on their feet and for workers to get back into the labor market. Over the last few months, I have held two small business workshops to help existing small business owners understand the recovery legislation, obtain financing, and find new opportunities for government programs. And I have seen firsthand how eager people are to start working again or get retrained in new fields and to take an active part in our country's economic recovery. The proposal before us today offers a key strategic tax incentive for employers to hire new workers. The proposal would exempt employers from paying Social Security taxes through the end of this year for hiring new workers who have been out of work for at least 60 days. If the newly hired workers remain on the payroll for at least a year, the bill provides an additional $1,000 income tax credit to employers. This new hiring tax credit could spur as many as 250,000 jobs, according to leading economists. To help small businesses, the proposal offers an immediate writeoff, up to $250,000 for equipment purchased this year. To invest in additional transportation infrastructure, the proposal extends the Highway Trust Fund, otherwise known as SAFETEA-LU, for 15 months to pay for transportation projects ready to break ground. Using the rule of thumb in highway contracting where every $1 billion in transportation spending creates about 35,000 jobs, this $77 billion investment means that more than 2 million jobs will be retained or created, including high-quality jobs in the construction and building trades. Finally, the bill expands the Build America Bonds Program to allow investors to claim Federal subsidies up to 45 percent of the borrowing cost for bonds issued for public works projects. There is no doubt that this package will incentivize and spur much- needed job creation and economic growth in our neighborhoods and communities. And to my colleagues, concerned, as I am, that this bill does not go far enough to create jobs, I want to be clear that this is the first in a series of steps we will be taking to continue to get the economy back on track. Together with the continued economic assistance of the Recovery Act, we are laying the groundwork for continued job creation and future economic growth to lead us to our prosperity. It is my hope that this Congress continues to find new ways to get Americans back to work, stabilize our economy, and help rebuild our middle class. This is not the end of our work, but it is a critical step forward for the American people. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, before I yield to my next speaker, I just want to point out my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are quite concerned that we are using same-day authority before the end of a session. In the 109th Congress, when the Republicans were in the majority, the Rules Committee reported two same-day rules in March and early April. These were hardly end-of-the-session times, Madam Speaker, and they had nothing to do with reviving our economy. These particular same-day rules were about the Federal Government interfering in a case of Terri Schiavo. Now, without reopening that divisive debate, I just want to say that the issues we are dealing with today under this same- day rule are important to the lives of millions of Americans. With that, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett).

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize February 19, 2010 as a day of remembrance, on the occasion of the sixty-eighth anniversary of Executive Order 9066. February 19th will forever be a reminder of the injustice and racial prejudice of World War II internment. This day marks the anniversary of a momentary erosion of America's core principles--a time when over 120,000 Americans were denied their civil rights and imprisoned against their will. At the same time, this anniversary represents our nation's incredible ability to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the freedoms of all Americans. Following the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, our government succumbed to apprehension and hysteria by targeting many of its own citizens who had nothing to do with the attacks. Executive Order 9066, which was neither justified nor necessary, was issued as a way to assuage growing fears that Japanese-American citizens constituted a threat to national security. This unfortunate decision was shaped by panic and prejudice, and demonstrated that courageous political leadership in this most trying of times was lacking. By commemorating and remembering the failure of our government to uphold the Constitutional rights guaranteed to every American, future generations will hopefully avoid repeating these past mistakes. Over 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry were sent to internment camps and wrongly imprisoned. And though our country's participation in World War II may have ended in triumph, the mistreatment of Japanese, Italian, and German Americans cannot be excused. In the decades following Executive Order 9066, we have taken several substantial steps to study, remedy, and learn from the negative legacy of the internment while preserving the heritage of those affected. The directive was officially repealed in 1976, and a commission was formed to study the impact of relocation on Japanese Americans. In 2008, we celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act, which was a major step forward in righting the wrongs perpetrated during this difficult period in our nation's history. It is for these reasons that I rise today to call on all Americans to reaffirm our commitment to inalienable, constitutionally-provided rights. This dark period in our history must always be remembered critically, while also appreciated, as a symbol of our ability to acknowledge and rectify mistakes. As I look back to this time in our nation's history and see how far we have come in the intervening years, I see great hope for our future.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Monday, January 18, 2010, as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, and to thank Mr. Platts and my fellow Co-Chairs of the National Service Caucus for introducing this resolution. Dr. King taught our nation about compassion and tolerance. He inspired us to look past our differences. He challenged us to speak out against hate and injustice, wherever and whenever we saw it, and to embrace the common elements that unify us all. Madam Speaker, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service and the resolution before us encourages all of us to continue his fight; to make our country a better, more equal place for our children and grandchildren. This year more than ever, let us recommit ourselves to strengthening our communities and our nation. Hundreds of volunteers will be participating in service events in Sacramento and communities across the country this coming Monday. I look forward to doing my part and encourage my colleagues to join me as we honor the life and work of Dr. King, by giving back to our communities and supporting the underlying resolution.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, on the afternoon of December 11, 2009, I was unavoidably detained and failed to record my vote on rollcall vote 966. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on the Bachus substitute amendment to H.R. 4173.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment, along with Representatives Kathy Castor and Betty Sutton, that calls on the mortgage industry to help place more responsible homeowners into more affordable terms under the Making Home Affordable program. Sadly, after more than 2 years since the beginning of the foreclosure crisis, much needs to be done to help Americans facing the threat of foreclosure. Leading economists expect another uptick in foreclosures, estimating nearly 5 million homeowners could face foreclosure over the next 2 years. Madam Chair, my home district of Sacramento has been devastated by this crisis. I have been to foreclosure workshops over and over again. I have seen the hardships and the looks of desperation. The Making Home Affordable Housing program offers a host of financial incentives to the mortgage industry to help homeowners modify their loans to more affordable terms. It is expected to help nearly 4 million homeowners. Unfortunately, to date, the mortgage industry has yet to demonstrate its commitment to help homeowners. In fact, since the inception of the program nearly 1 year ago, the mortgage industry has placed only 31,000 homeowners into a permanent, affordable loan modification. Madam Chair, no one here is looking for a bailout, but families need honest assistance. The amendment my colleagues and I are offering today requires mortgage industry participants in the Making Home Affordable program to report basic information on a monthly basis. Under the amendment, mortgage industry participants would have to report the number of loan modification requests received, the number being processed, the number that have been approved, and the number that have been denied. It would also make that information available to the public through the Treasury Department's Web site. Madam Chair, it is clear that greater transparency is needed to ensure that all parties are working toward the common goal of helping homeowners. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to my colleague on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to my other colleague on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton).

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the chairman of the Financial Services Committee, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair, how much time do I have remaining?

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Sacramento Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, the Matsuyama Sacramento Sister City Corporation, Teri Takai and Randell Iwasaki for their contributions to California, Sacramento, and their leadership to Japanese-Americans across the nation. The Sacramento JACL was formed on October 31, 1931, after the Sacramento Chapter of the American Loyalty League reorganized itself to become the Sacramento Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League. Through their programs, the Sacramento JACL is dedicated to advancing the civil rights of all Americans, deterring hate crimes across the Nation, and helping to lead the Japanese-American community for social and economic advancement. At their annual dinner on November 19th, they will honor two outstanding individuals and one fine organization, Teri Takai; Randell Iwasaki; and the Matsuyama Sacramento Sister City Corporation. On December 6, 2007, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the appointment of Teri Takai as chief information officer for the State of California. As a member of the Governor's Cabinet, she advises him on the strategic management and direction of information technology resources as the state works to modernize and transform the way California does business with its residents and visitors. Teri also currently serves as practitioner chair of the Harvard Policy Group on Network-Enabled Services and Government. Before serving in the State government, Teri worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years, where she led the development of the company's information technology strategic plan. Randell Iwasaki currently serves as the director of the California Department of Transportation, which employs 23,000 people and has an operating budget of $14 billion. Working for CalTrans for almost 25 years, Randell spearheaded a number of transportation engineering innovations in California including the use of old tires in rubberized asphalt, the installation of LED red lights saving the State taxpayers more than $2 million a year in power costs, and the conversion of the CalTrans equipment fleet to clean burning fuels. A licensed civil engineer, Randell also serves on a number of national transportation panels and committees helping to develop transportation strategies and innovations such as pavement technology that reduces highway noise. The Matsuyama Sacramento Sister City Corporation was formed on August 17, 1981, when then Sacramento Mayor Phil Isenberg and Mayor Tokio Nakamura of Matsuyama, Japan, signed the historic sister city agreement. Since 1981, various organizations from Sacramento and Matsuyama have formed intercontinental relationships for social and economic prosperity. Most notably, the Boy Scout exchange program is one of the Sister City's most successful programs where Scouts from Sacramento visit Matsuyama in even years and the Matsuyama Scouts visit Sacramento in odd years. Other than a short pause just after September 11th, the Matsuyama- Sacramento Boy Scout exchange program has taken place each year since 1981. Sacramento plans to send its next delegation to Matsuyama in 2010. Madam Speaker, I hereby recognize and honor the Sacramento Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, and the people and organization they are honoring Thursday night: the Matsuyama Sacramento Sister City Corporation, Teri Takai and Randell Iwasaki. Their contributions to the people of California have been immense. I ask all my colleagues to join with me in wishing them continued success.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. I thank the gentleman from Maryland, who has been such a leader in all of this. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3360, the Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act, legislation that I introduced earlier this year. I want to thank both Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Cummings for the good work their committees have done on this bill and for their tremendous support to enact this critical legislation. There is an urgent need for the reform I have outlined in the Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act. For far too long, American families have unknowingly been at risk when embarking on cruise vacations. Unfortunately, the status quo has allowed cruise ships to operate under foreign flags of convenience, and they are not required under U.S. law to report crimes occurring outside of our territorial waters. But leaving our territorial waters does not mean that cruise ships should be allowed to operate without basic laws that protect American citizens. My legislation requires that all crimes that occur aboard cruise ships be reported to the Coast Guard and to the FBI. Without proper screening processes and accountability, these reprehensible and violent acts will be allowed to continue. Unclear lines of jurisdiction are no longer an excuse for risking the safety of millions of Americans who board cruise ships each year. I first became aware of the need for increased protections for Americans when one of my constituents, Laurie Dishman, wrote to me for help in April of 2006. Laurie was a victim of a sexual assault while on a cruise vacation. She was given no assistance by the cruise line in properly securing evidence of the assault, no assistance in identifying her attacker, no assistance in prosecuting the crime once back on shore. Devastated, Laurie reached out to me, and I immediately called for hearings on this issue and began to work on this legislation. Our hearings made apparent the gross inadequacies of current cruise safety provisions; and with ongoing news coverage of recent rapes on cruise ships, it is clear that this legislation is urgent and necessary. My legislation establishes stringent new standards to ensure the safety and security of passengers on cruise vessels. Its reforms include reporting that vessel personnel be able to preserve evidence of crimes committed on the vessels and provide appropriate medical treatment to the victims of sexual assaults. Security, safety, and accountability must all be strengthened to hold criminals accountable and end the cycle of serious crimes on cruise ships. This has been a long, difficult road for all cruise victims and their families, and this legislation is truly a result of their courage, their dedication, and their conviction to prevent further crimes from happening. These reforms are long overdue, common sense, and are supported by the Cruise Line Industry Association and was included in the Coast Guard Authorization Act that passed this year. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this important legislation and join me in paving a path for a safer future for all cruise passengers.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 851, which would recognize and honor the 40th anniversary of SEARCH, the National Consortium For Justice Information and Statistics, an organization that's headquartered in my hometown of Sacramento. For the last 40 years, SEARCH has been dedicated to administering justice and enhancing public safety, and has been involved in numerous facets of our criminal justice system. In 1969, SEARCH was established as a 10-state pilot project by the United States Department of Justice to investigate the feasibility of exchanging criminal history records on an automated and nationwide basis. Using the information gathered from this demonstration project and utilizing its partnership with the department, the FBI, and various state agencies and organizations, SEARCH helped create the national criminal history record information system. This framework has enabled State and local governments to collect, maintain and disseminate valuable criminal justice information. Today, SEARCH continues to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to combat high-technology crimes. Specifically, the organization partners with the justice and public safety communities to provide quality training programs and hands-on assistance, and ensure that law enforcement agencies are well equipped to gather key intelligence to effectively protect, investigate and respond to such criminal actions. For example, SEARCH recently assisted local authorities in northern California to apprehend a band of criminals after a reported crime. By employing cyber technology to track cell phone usage and location faster than ever before, these innovative tools help prevent further crimes from occurring. Time and time again, Mr. Speaker, SEARCH has not only demonstrated its effectiveness in helping solve crimes that have already been committed but has also helped reduce the number of crimes being perpetrated in our neighborhoods. Its unwavering commitment to ensuring our safety and the safety of our children is truly impressive, and I commend the organization's tireless efforts toward this goal. SEARCH employs 29 professional staff in my district and has representatives in every State across this country. I ask that my colleagues join me today in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics and in honoring its incredible contributions to our criminal justice system.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my esteemed colleagues from California, Mike Thompson, Zoe Lofgren, Pete Stark, Mike Honda, Barbara Lee, Jerry McNerney and John Garamendi as we honor Eugene Skoropowski, who has served the public and private sector of the passenger rail business for more than 40 years. He is retiring this week as the Managing Director of the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, CCJPA. As his colleagues, friends and family gather together to celebrate the next chapter of his life, we ask all of our colleagues to join us in saluting this outstanding public servant and supporter of passenger rail. Not long after receiving his degree in architecture, from the Catholic University in Washington, DC, Gene became an active rail advocate in the late 1960s. His passion and desire to improve the passenger rail business has led him to be not only a national leader, but also a forward thinking innovator. Throughout his career he also has been an inspiration to foreign nations looking to enhance passenger rail service. Before serving as Manager Director of the Capitol Corridor, Gene managed rail projects with Fluor Corporation for ten years in Los Angeles. During his tenure at Fluor, Gene worked closely with both the French National Railways and SYSTRA. He also served with the Philadelphia Regional Transit System and was Chief Railroad Services Officer for Boston's intercity rail system. When Gene joined Capitol Corridor in 1999, the CCJPA serviced only eight daily trains. In less than a decade the CCJPA service grew to 32 daily trains on weekdays and 22 trains on weekends. As the number of trains grew, so did the ridership and revenue. He has given commuters across Northern California a convenient transportation alternative. Many train stations have benefitted from Gene's assistance. Such projects include the Richmond Intermodal Station, the Berkeley Station Platform Improvements, New Martinez Intermodal Depot and many more. In recent months, he has been intimately involved in the design of a new station in Sacramento. Gene's efforts to improve the passenger rail business have not gone unnoticed. Since his arrival, Gene's leadership has led the CCJPA to a number of awards. These awards include, but are not limited to: the Regional Award--Project of the year in 2001, presented by Sacramento Area Council of Governments, SACOG, the Graham Clayton, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to Passenger Transportation, the Partner of the Year, presented by Solano Transportation Authority, STA, and the 2007 President's Service and Safety Award, presented by Amtrak. Madam Speaker, we are truly honored to pay tribute to our friend and dedicated public servant. We ask all of our colleagues to join with us in wishing Gene, his wife Joann, daughters June, Julie and Jeannette and grandchildren Nicholas and Samantha continued success and happiness in all of their future endeavors.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, it is so appropriate that you are sitting in this Chair on this historic bill, considering that you have introduced a health care bill every Congress that you were here, so we really love having you in the Chair. Mr. Speaker, I stand here on the House floor today, humbled by the fact that in the wealthiest country in the world that we have so many needs. The most pressing of these needs is for a reformed and strengthened health insurance system. When I listen to my constituents, whether they are doctors, nurses, workers, business owners, or government employees, they are united in their support for health insurance reform. They know that costs are skyrocketing with no end in sight. They know that more people are losing their insurance as they lose their jobs, making the burden of uncompensated care even harder to bear for hospitals and doctors. They know that the doors of our community health centers are in constant motion because of overwhelming demand for their low-cost and high- quality services. For my constituents, for all of us as Members of Congress, but most importantly, for the American people, the Affordable Health Care for America Act is a major victory. It achieves a long-held goal of reforming our health insurance system so that it works for all American families. In Sacramento, that means 2,000 families who will not have to file bankruptcy due to unaffordable health costs. This legislation also strengthens Medicare so that our country's seniors can continue to rely on this bedrock program for their health care. In my district alone, this means nearly 8,000 Medicare beneficiaries who will not fall into the doughnut hole. It makes health insurance affordable again for businesses who want to provide coverage to their employees and for those who are buying coverage for the first time on their own. In Sacramento, this means affordability credits to help pay for coverage for up to 181,000 households. Finally, the bill invests in prevention and wellness and public health, which are some of my highest priorities. Unless we help people live healthier lives, we can never get health costs under control. In short, the provisions of this legislation build on all that is good in our current health system to strengthen it for the future. This is why we come to Congress, Mr. Speaker. We come here to improve people's lives, to recognize and address the needs of the people we represent. I know that today's bill does this, which is why I support it so strongly. I look forward to today's debate and to our historic vote. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Jean Runyon, someone who helped shape the Sacramento community for more than 50 years. Jean was a dear friend and tremendous advocate of Sacramento. I know that countless people join me as I say goodbye to a truly wonderful person. I ask that my colleagues join with me in remembering a remarkable woman. Jean was born March 6, 1927, in Concordia Kansas. She was the only child of Rowena Thornberg Hamilton, an actress, and Brutus Kerr Hamilton, a 1920 U.S. decathlon champion and Olympic silver medalist. Her father moved the family to California where he worked for the University of California Berkeley for 32 years as both a track and field coach and athletic director. Her father gave her the limitless energy she was always known for and was the one closest to her heart. Jean studied drama at the UC Berkeley and wanted to be an actress, but instead of pursuing a career in acting she married S. Mercer Runyon Jr., her college sweetheart, and moved to Sacramento in 1947. They would have two wonderful children, Stephen Runyon and Elizabeth Mulligan. Jean's first attempt at public relations came when Sacramento newspaper executive Eleanor McClatchy asked her to help the Music Circus Theater get publicity. Jean was acting in the Music Circus performances at the time and blended her knowledge of acting and natural skill at publicity with great success. She was a woman who knew many firsts. After starting her own PR firm in 1960 she was named Man of the Year by the Sacramento Public Relations Round Table in 1962. In 1978 she was the first woman appointed to the Sutter Community Hospitals board of trustees. Jean also became Sacramento's first female Rotarian. In 1988 she was named Sacramentan of the Year by the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Jean raised millions of dollars over the years for many worthy causes such as the American Heart Association, Make-a-Wish, the Cerebral Palsy Association, the American Lung Association, the Special Olympics and the arts community that she so dearly loved. She was one of the kindest people Sacramento ever knew, but at the same time was driven in her pursuit whether for donations to charity or a client's success. While she had a personality that won business clients over, she also never lost her whimsical side. She was famous for her zany rooftop performances as a witch on Halloween--she rained candy on kids from above--Jean Runyon was affectionately called the ``Good Witch of River City''. Her first husband, Mercer Runyon, died in 1970. That same year, her father passed away and she also underwent major surgery for breast cancer. She persevered through her tragedies with the can-do spirit that we all loved. In 1980 she married Philip Tow, a prominent air- pollution control engineer who unfortunately died in 1986. Jean later married again to Eugene Graham, who passed away in 1991. Her last husband, Jack Murphy, a retired insurance executive passed away in 2003. For all the challenges that Jean was presented with, it was clear that personal tragedies could not keep her down. She moved forward, never waivered and persevered with a positive outlook on life. The successful Sacramento PR firm that Jean began in 1960 was joined by Estelle Saltzman and Jane Einhorn and was called Runyon, Saltzman and Einhorn. Their presence in Sacramento was enormous. Some of their major clients included The Sacramento Bee, California Department of Health Services, California Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair, Sacramento Cable and the Sacramento Kings. One of Jean's favorite PR campaigns was for the Sacramento County Measles inoculation campaign when the vaccine first became available. She felt some of her best work was for campaigns on teen pregnancy, AIDS, anti- smoking and prenatal care. Jean is survived by her two children, son Stephen Runyon of Courtland and daughter Elizabeth Mulligan of Hood, four grandchildren and one great granddaughter. We will all miss Jean Runyon terribly and in so many ways, but we do have countless memories of her to cherish.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of the Small Business Financing and Investment Act. I also want to congratulate Chairwoman Velazquez and the Small Business Committee for bringing this bill before us today. We are all aware of the importance of small businesses in our neighborhoods and communities. While we rely on them to produce goods and services, we also depend on them to create and sustain jobs. Small businesses are the engine of economic growth and innovation. Nationally they represent more than 90 percent of all business in our country and have generated 70 percent of all new jobs over the past decade. In my home district of Sacramento, small businesses are an integral part of our economy. In fact, most Sacramentans obtain their first job through a small business. In today's economic recession, however, many small businesses are struggling to make payroll, retain their employees, and expand their operations. Over the last few months I've held two, separate, ``Small Business Workshops'' in Sacramento to help existing small business owners understand the stimulus legislation, obtain financing and find new opportunities through government programs. These two workshops attracted more than 800 local small businesses in Sacramento. At these workshops, I heard from small business owners who were eager to be connected to business counseling resources, learn more about financing opportunities, SBA loan products, and government contracting opportunities. I also heard from local small engineering firms who expressed concern that they did not qualify for an SBA loan because of their Standard Size. I thank Chairwoman Velazquez for joining me in writing to SBA Administrator Karen Mills to move quickly to consider changing the size standard applied to small engineering firms. Mr. Chair, the failure to promptly adjust the standard could inflict long-term damage to businesses within the engineering community and reduce federal contract participation opportunities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that we passed earlier this year included dozens of new opportunities for small businesses through government contracts and grant programs totaling nearly $9 billion in lending since its enactment. The bill before us today would build on these successes by infusing more than $44 billion for new lending and investment for small businesses. It would also establish a new public-private partnership at the SBA and improve access to capital by increasing loan sizes. Finally, it would create a new program to help small health practitioners adopt Health Information Technology, while increasing investment in small companies that are researching alternative and renewable energy solutions. Mr. Chair, the federal government, in partnership with the private sector, is taking demonstrative action today to strengthen small businesses. I commend our Leadership for bringing the Small Business Financing and Investment Act to the floor, and for their ongoing efforts to assist America's small businesses. I urge my colleagues to support passage of the pending legislation.

Ms. MATSUI

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

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.