Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, today we are solemnly commemorating the seventh anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. September 11th changed all of our lives. It is important that we take this opportunity to remember those who lost their lives, and those brave men and women who came to the aid of the victims. We will always be indebted to the first responders, nurses, doctors, counselors and volunteers who have tended to the wounds inflicted by Al Qaeda terrorists just 7 years ago. As our hearts and national character continue to absorb the pain of that tragic day, we understand that our greatest healings have come from unity. We gain strength through the compatriotism of our fellow citizens, and extend our hands of help as others do the same for us. Following September 11, 2001, our country saw a meteoric rise in volunteerism, community service and national service program enrollment. When our Nation was at its darkest, the light of unity gave us direction towards a brighter future. Men and women from every walk of life answered the call of history to become active and serve their country in any way they could. I commend those who have committed their day to giving back. Today, dozens of organizations and thousands of individuals are turning their grief, respect, and remembrance into action and service to their community. This national day of service is patriotism manifested. Service confronts the cynicism and hopelessness of terrorism, and exemplifies our national foundation of justice, equality, and fellowship. The work being done today throughout the country renews the spirit of unity that followed tragedy. A national day of service gives our country a new tradition that I hope will grow for generations to come. Once again, I want to thank those who have dedicated their efforts to ensuring that our country is protected against and prepared for any future terrorist attack. I also wish to remember those lives lost during the brutal attacks on September 11, 2001. As we pass the Resolution today, we are honoring the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of Americans who so bravely came together after 9/11.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Bone Marrow Failure Disease Research and Treatment Act. For hundreds of thousands of bone marrow failure disease patients across our country, this is a day filled with the promise of a cure. For their families, this is a day infused with the hope that the power of medical inquiry and research can conquer these deadly diseases. For those of us in this chamber who knew, respected, and loved colleagues whose lives were taken by these diseases--including my late husband Bob--this is a day to reflect on their legacies and to renew our commitment to the research that will generate treatments and cures. For medical researchers with ideas about new and innovative ways to combat these awful diseases, this is a day characterized by the certainty that the U.S. House of Representatives stands with them in their quest to beat bone marrow failure diseases. The legislation I am introducing today is designed to ensure that families in the future will not have to suffer the agonizing uncertainty that my family endured when Bob was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, MDS. Between 20,000 and 30,000 families receive a bone marrow failure disease diagnosis every year in the United States. Their lives are changed instantly when they learn that a loved one's bone marrow has malfunctioned. Blood is such a delicate balance of different kinds of cells, and when the marrow that produces our blood stops working properly, the foundation of a human's physical health is sorely undermined. Death is often the end result. The research produced by this bill will point the way toward a future where a diagnosis of aplastic anemia, MDS, acute myeloid leukemia, or any of the other bone marrow failure diseases is but a hurdle to overcome instead of a likely death sentence. This is the future that I envision as a result of the Bone Marrow Failure Disease Research and Treatment Act. I thank all of my colleagues in this chamber who have supported, and who will support, this critical legislation. I look forward to working toward its passage, for the sake of bone marrow failure disease patients in every city, town, and community in our great country.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and acknowledge the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center for 30 years of service to immigrants, refugees, and disadvantaged groups in the Sacramento area. The Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center was founded in 1978 to aid newly arrived Chinese immigrants in dealing with the myriad challenges of immigration and cultural adaptation. Over the last few years, its programs have expanded to help other non-Chinese immigrants, refugees, and other disadvantaged groups that call Sacramento home including those of Hmong, Mien, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, and Russian descent. The SCCSC assists more than 4,000 clients each year, including 2,400 children in their after school programs. It offers 26 programs, including youth mentoring and counseling, employment assistance, translation, transportation and home health visits for senior citizens, parenting workshops, job skill workshops and paid work experience, and citizenship classes. The SCCSC has received recognition for its successes, including having received the Gloria Rose Memorial Grant Award from the United Way California Capitol Region for being an agency which achieves outstanding results, and works towards building a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community. The SCCSC has also received the Spirit of Mentoring Award from the California Mentor Foundation for providing an exemplary community-based mentor program. Madam Speaker, I wish to congratulate the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center upon the occasion of its 30th anniversary, and express my gratitude to the center for providing essential services and support to new immigrants, citizens, refugees, at-risk youth, senior citizens, and others in need. The Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center has provided the community with a wide array of opportunities, and I wish its leaders the best of luck as they continue in their service.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today joining my colleagues in tribute, sharing kind words and memories of our colleague and dear friend Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of her death. My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to her son Mervyn, to all her family, and to her friends and supporters during this difficult time. ' Stephanie Tubbs Jones was an inspiration and a tireless advocate for her constituents. She was a fighter. A strong woman of conviction and intelligence, whose values and experience guided her advocacy and fearlessness. Stephanie broke molds, she broke glass ceilings, and then swept away the stereotypes. Stephanie was never one to be absorbed into the folds of a monochrome following. She was outspoken and proactive, bold in demeanor and action. Her always bright and powerful attire spoke to her outgoing personality, which never shied away from a challenge and approached every day with enthusiasm and confidence. Her skill in crafting intelligent and responsible legislation shows that she viewed the world through this diverse spectrum of color, dismissing the notion that solutions to complex problems can come from a world of simply black and white. Justice and inclusion were at the heart of her work. In her 10 years in Congress and her lifetime of service she always put justice, opportunity, and equality atop all other pursuits. Stephanie did not come from a life of privilege simply to serve the privileged. She came from a working class community and put her heart and soul into lifting up that community with every step of the ladder she climbed. I remember how highly coveted she was by the then members of the Ways and Means committee, when joining the powerful committee soon after her election. My husband Bob served on the then committee and recognized in her character the genuine desire to serve her Nation, her constituents, and those whose voices had yet to be fully heard. Her experience as a prosecutor and judge gave her arguments tenacity and her decisions finality. Stephanie Tubbs Jones effectively represented her Cleveland district for over a decade. Yet she never dismissed the acknowledgment that her success as a groundbreaking figure touched many outside her district's boundaries. Her work looked beyond district lines and party lines to affect, inspire, and speak for those in need of justice and advocacy. My heart goes out to her loved ones. I know that she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Her impact will continue to be felt, not only in her Cleveland district and the U.S. House of Representatives, but by the many individuals who benefited from her service.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the unfortunate division of the island nation of Cyprus that began 34 years ago this July. On July 20, 1974, Turkey dispatched thousands of armed forces to the island of Cyprus. As a result of this action, Cyprus remains divided to this day. 43,000 Turkish troops still occupy a significant portion of the island nation, which is enough for one Turkish soldier per each Turkish Cypriot. The presence of these troops is in spite of the clear preference for a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution demonstrated by all inhabitants of Cyprus. Nonetheless, there are positive indications for the island's future. The willingness of both Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot leaders to pursue reunification talks is heartening. We in the U.S. Congress were pleased to see that last Friday, July 25, leaders of the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities jointly announced that they have decided to start full-fledged Cyprus settlement negotiations on September 3, 2008, under the good offices mission of the U.N. Secretary-General. It is essential that these talks result in the reunification of Cyprus as a bicommunal and bizonal federation that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots. The removal of Turkish forces will allow this process to go forward. I join with other proponents of a peaceful solution on Cyprus in supporting the recent steps taken by the divided nation's leaders. However, an acceptable political solution will only be possible if the international community continues to press for more substantive reconciliatory actions in the future. While the United Nations has passed numerous resolutions condemning the division of Cyprus, Turkey continues to maintain more troops on the island than the United States has in Afghanistan. This is a clear indication that more must be done by the international community to make clear that the militarization of Cyprus is unacceptable. As the more than 13 million incident-free crossings of the line dividing the Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot portions of the island attest, the people of Cyprus are hungry for a peaceful reconciliation of their island. So am I. The goal of the United States and of the international community must be the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus, the institution of democratic institutions and practices there, and the peaceful resolution to this decades-old dispute in a manner that respects the human and democratic rights of all the people who call Cyprus their home. As we move into the 35th year since the division of Cyprus, I urge my colleagues to remember the tragic events of the past on this small island nation. At the same time, I pledge to the people of Cyprus that the United States stands with them in their quest for an expeditious and peaceful solution to the division of their home island.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and send the best wishes of California's fifth district to Kara Lawson and Delano Thomas, two of our country's elite athletes who will represent the United States in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Both Kara and Delano reside in Sacramento, California's fifth district. I hope that my colleagues will join me in wishing these two athletes, as well as all of our country's amazing Olympic talent, the absolute best of luck. Kara is a star member of the Sacramento Monarchs WNBA team, a team which has seen its fair share of success. Lawson was a key member of the Monarch's 2005 championship team. She is widely known in the WNBA as one of the league's smartest players. In addition to her on court career, Lawson has been involved in sports broadcasting during the WNBA off-season, doing commentaries for men's and women's college basketball games and Sacramento Kings games. In fact, Kara was the first female to serve as a nationwide broadcast analyst for an NBA game. Kara is a continuing inspiration to Sacramento's young women and we are honored that she will represent not only the United States but Sacramento as well, next month in Beijing. Delano Thomas has been a member of the U.S. volleyball team since May of 2005 and has proven himself as a team leader and points producing force. This well rounded athlete toyed, for a time, with the idea of playing football for the University of Hawaii, and got his start with volleyball, basketball and soccer at Sacramento's John F. Kennedy High School. He pursued collegiate volleyball to become a freshman All American and member of the U.S. junior national team. According to USA Volleyball, ``Delano was the United States leading server at the Pan American Games in 2007 with an average of 0.56 aces per set. He was the fourth-leading U.S. scorer at the Pan American Games with a total of 42 points on 27 kills, six blocks and nine aces.'' I am confident that he will help to push the U.S. to another astounding medal count. Madam Speaker, while controversy understandably surrounds this year's Olympic games, I applaud our athletes for their accomplishments, pure of political influence and for shear enjoyment of their sport. I also know that Kara and Delano, along with all our outstanding athletes, will be model ambassadors of America's world leadership and our country's foundational philosophy in a country where such freedoms aren't as readily available. I applaud both of these individuals for their hard work, dedication, athleticism and achieving their goals. I thank them for serving our country as ambassadors and shining examples of American unity. I call on my colleagues to share in recognizing Kara and Delano, and to wish all of our 2008 Olympians a safe, fun, and successful experience.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1389 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, it's my privilege to yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop).

Ms. MATSUI. I have no additional speakers. I will reserve.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Diaz-Balart, and I yield myself the balance of my time. I would like to say, first, that nearly 80 percent of offshore oil is in areas that are already open for exploration. In fact, 68 million acres, onshore and offshore, are already under lease by oil companies, but not being drilled. Democrats have said ``use it or lose it'' to the oil companies: drill the oil or give up the lease to someone who will. And Democrats have called for mandatory leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, which has more oil than the Arctic Wildlife Refuge. Oil companies have billions of barrels of American oil available to them right now, and the President's own Department of Energy says the impact of any new drilling will be insignificant, promising only pennies per gallon a decade or two down the road. Under Democratic leadership, the Congress has enacted into law the first new vehicle fuel efficiency standards in 32 years, saving up to $1,000 in gas per car per year; a historic commitment to American-grown biofuels, which are keeping gas prices 15 percent lower now than they would otherwise be as a result of blended fuels; action to impact record gas prices by suspending oil purchasing for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; recovery rebates that help Americans struggling with rising prices, including gas, with a check of $600 or more. And what we're doing today, making college more affordable, will help American working families. Mr. Speaker, the rule before us today is a fair rule that allows us to highlight educational challenges and offers remedies for them in order to create a better tomorrow. It is our responsibility to provide our constituents with greater access to a college education, especially at a time when the price of college is steadily increasing. This bill will complete a year of important changes to higher education policy. Nearly 1 year ago, the Democratic Congress took the lead on landmark changes to lender subsidies and student aid, followed by a measure to ensure access to loans and increase loan limits. And now we will send the President yet another bill that makes college more affordable and address the student loan process. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. The material previously referred to by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida is as follows: Amendment to H. Res. 1389 Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida At the end of the resolution, add the following: Sec. 2. Immediately upon the adoption of this resolution the House shall, without intervention of any point of order, consider in the House the bill (H.R. 6107) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain of Alaska, and for other purposes. All points of order against the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate on the bill equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Natural Resources, and (2) an amendment in the nature of a substitute if offered by Representative Rahall of West Virginia or his designee, which shall be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent; and (3) one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Ms. MATSUI. I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, my friend, Mr. Fattah.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I'm privileged to yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio, a fellow member of the Rules Committee, Ms. Sutton.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell the gentleman I have two additional speakers.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, my friend, Mr. Diaz-Balart. All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I also ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 1389.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1389 provides for consideration of the conference report on H.R. 4137, the Higher Education Opportunity Act. The rule, which is a traditional conference report rule, waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration, and provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. It should be noted that despite the blanket waiver, the conference report does not violate either clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The conference report fully complies with the earmark and PAYGO rules of the House. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Chairman Miller on his dedication to bringing this bill before us. I also want to thank Ranking Member McKeon and the rest of the Education and Labor Committee for their work on this bill. I also want to acknowledge Senator Kennedy for his hard work and constant commitment to this important issue. It has been 10 years since the Higher Education Act was authorized, and with this conference agreement Congress will continue the vision of Lyndon Johnson's great society where college is accessible and affordable to every American. As our Nation continues to experience economic uncertainty, it is imperative that we make a college education more affordable. The unfortunate reality is that skyrocketing costs are putting a college education out of the reach for many middle-class families. According to a recent College Board report, over the last 5 years tuition and fees at 4-year public institutions have increased 31 percent after inflation. At private universities, tuition has increased 17 percent. In addition to rising tuition, students and their families face a cumbersome Federal student aid application process that is overly complex and difficult to manage. Mr. Speaker, the Higher Education Opportunity Act will resolve many of these issues, thereby continuing this Congress' efforts to make college more affordable and accessible. Nearly one year ago, the President signed into law landmark changes to lender subsidies and student aid, followed shortly after by a law to ensure access to loans and increase loan limits. And now, we are reauthorizing legislation that will, for the first time in 10 years, reform our higher education system so that it operates in the best interest of students and families. Specifically, the bill will require colleges to report reasons for any tuition hikes, and plans for lowering student costs. H.R. 4137 will reform and simplify the student loan system by requiring institutions and lenders to adopt strict codes of conduct, many of which were included in the Sunshine Act which passed the House last year. In an effort to be consumer friendly and provide full disclosure of all options available for each student, the bill requires the Secretary to develop a Web-based calculator to allow families to compare the costs of different colleges. And it also requires lenders to provide students with complete disclosure of the borrowing options, giving them 30 days after the approval of loans to find better deals. Equally important, the bill provides for an increase in Pell Grant funding from $5,800 to $8,000. This will give more of our youth the opportunity to attend a university. The bill will also expand college access and support for low-income and minority students by allowing students to receive Pell Grant scholarship aid year around. H.R. 4137 will also expand college opportunities for disabled citizens by expanding eligibility for Pell Grant scholarships and establishing a national center to provide support services. During times of war, it is extremely important to ensure that our military families and returning veterans have the support services they deserve. This bill will increase college aid and support for veterans and military families, create a new scholarship program for active duty military personnel and their family members, and ensure fairness in student and housing aid for veterans. The bill also encourages students who graduate from college to enter into public service in high-need areas by granting loan forgiveness. It also provides up to $2,000 a year for 5 years for nurses, teachers, mental health professionals, and other low-paying but crucial professionals. I know this loan assistance and forgiveness will help my home of State of California that is suffering from a lack of nurses, teachers, and other vital support professionals who protect and assist our children and most reliant Americans. Simply put, this conference report will not only advance the opportunity for every American to go to college, but will also put us on track toward creating a better America. As Lyndon Johnson said, ``We must open the doors of opportunity, but we must also equip our people to walk through those doors.'' Our Constitution creates those doors of opportunity, and today this bill will equip our constituents to walk through those doors. I want to thank once again Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for coming together on this important legislation. I stand strongly in support of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. This is long overdue, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Joan Lee, a dear friend, tireless volunteer and community leader who recently passed away. Joan served as the Convener for the Sacramento Gray Panthers and was an admired advocate for seniors and people with disabilities. As her family and friends gather to honor and remember her wonderful life, I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting one of Sacramento's most well-respected figures. Joan was a prominent leader in the Sacramento Region, and her death leaves a tremendous void in leadership in the fight for the rights of seniors, people with disabilities and those with mental health needs. Joan's determined and effective advocacy was evident through her early work with the Gray Panthers of California, where she was widely recognized as a thoughtful policy advocate. Later, along with other leaders, Joan helped form and convene the local Sacramento Gray Panthers chapter, which now meets regularly at the Hart Senior Center. Through her advocacy at the local, State and national levels, Joan became an important ambassador between diverse groups and helped devise strategies for healthcare reform. Joan was a stalwart for progressive causes, and her passion and commitment to these issues resonated in her advocacy. While in her mid-50's, Joan returned to college and earned a degree in Gerontology. She then used her knowledge to fight for the rights of older adults on many fronts, including creating an innovative long term care program in Northern California and successfully advocating for medical schools to have required courses in gerontology. At the Federal level, Joan often stood next to me and my late husband Congressman Bob Matsui in the fight against cuts to Medicare. She also was an articulate voice during the implementation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, offering insights on how to improve the program. Joan was an active member of the OuRx coalition, which links low income seniors with prescription drug discount plans. Furthermore, she never wavered in the fight to preserve the integrity of the Social Security program. At the State Capitol, Joan became someone who was known in the corridors of power. She served on many policymaking groups, including the Olmstead Advisory Committee. The Committee was in charge of implementing the landmark 1999 U.S. Supreme Court ``Olmstead Decision'' which requires States to take steps to avoid the unnecessary institutionalization of seniors and people with disabilities. From advocating for an accessible and affordable health care system to ensuring Medicare is responsive to our Nation's seniors needs, Joan always stood up for what is right. Madam Speaker, as Joan Lee's husband Arnie Godmintz, her children John, David and Cleo and her friends gather to honor her wonderful legacy and countless contributions, I am honored to pay tribute to her. I ask all my colleagues to pause and join me in paying respect to an extraordinary loving woman, Joan Lee.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and acknowledge 440 amazing young men and women that exemplify hope, dedication, and patriotism. Today, Class XIV graduates from the Western Regional Campus of the AmeriCorps NCCC program in Sacramento, California. The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a full time residential national service program conducting national service efforts across the country. This program is truly one of a kind and is an incredibly valuable asset to our nation. These volunteers support the foundation of our country's infrastructure: our educational system, homeland security defenses, and disaster recovery efforts. Their compassion and hope is essential to our civil society. In a year that saw devastating tornados, catastrophic floods, dangerous wildfires, and continued recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, the Sacramento NCCC campus graduates contributed their hearts and hard work to helping their fellow citizens when those individuals needed it most. NCCC participants learn invaluable life skills, but even more important, they learn the intangible value of service. How to pass that value along to others as engaging and organizing local volunteers is an essential part of the program's effectiveness. In the past ten months, the 440 inspiring men and women of the Western Regional Campus have completed more than 350,000 hours of service nationwide. They have shaped lives by spending 30,000 hours tutoring nearly 10,000 elementary school students. They have given hope to those who need it most by assisting more than 46,000 families in the Gulf Coast, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oregon, and by constructing 193 new homes with Habitat for Humanity. They have been on the front lines of disaster relief by responding to 12 wildfires in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. But perhaps most important, they have taught others the tools and value of service, leveraging more than 63,000 volunteers, nearly 150 for each program participant. Madam Speaker, these young men and women from all across the country are a shining example of the benefits of National Service. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 440 graduates of the Sacramento Western Regional NCCC Campus for their hard work and invaluable service to their country. Congratulations Class XIV! It is my sincere hope that our country's national service infrastructure will continue to grow and engage thousands more in the experience of serving their communities and serving their country.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time and I rise in support of H. Res. 1357. Mr. Speaker, on August 10, 2008, this Nation will acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Liberties Act. This anniversary is an opportunity for all Americans to appreciate our Nation's willingness to admit and remedy its past mistakes, and for Americans to learn from these past mistakes. We must never forget that from past injustice can come great awakening. And today, we remember the past to preserve our future freedoms. On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which led to internment of over 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent, including my mother and my father, my grandparents, my aunts and my uncles and all their friends. During that moment, our government, at all levels, was blinded by war and made decisions that are contrary to our Constitution. The failure of each branch of government to uphold the rights of individuals must be taught so that future generations resist succumbing to the politics of fear. It took nearly three decades before the government began to acknowledge this failure. President Gerald Ford formally rescinded Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1976. And shortly after, Congress passed legislation which was signed by President Jimmy Carter on July 31, 1980. The bill established the Commission on Wartime Relocation and internment of civilians. Its charge was to investigate the internment of Japanese Americans and legal resident aliens during World War II. After hearing from over 750 witnesses, over 20 days of hearings, the Commission published a report entitled Personal Justice Denied. And I might say that for many of these individuals, that was the first time they ever talked about the internment. The Commission concluded that Executive Order 9066 was not justified by military necessity. It went on to find that the decision to issue the order was shaped by race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership. Because of these compelling findings, Congress passed the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 with bipartisan support. The bill granted reparations for interned Japanese Americans. It also formally acknowledged the fundamental injustices resulting from the Executive Order, apologized on behalf of the people of the United States for those injustices, and vowed to discourage similar injustices and violations of civil liberties in the future. And today, 20 years later, we can reaffirm this commitment because of one of the darkest periods of our Nation's history, we learned of the damage that can be done when we let the politics of fear cloud our judgment. Our efforts to preserve this painful period of our country's history continue to this day. Many of my colleagues are working to support internment site preservation as a physical reminder of past inequality. It is important that future generations will be able to visit the internment camps to gain understanding of the burdens of past generations that have allowed us to live in a free and just society today. But there is still work to be done. During the interviews the Commission discovered efforts of the United States Government during World War II to relocate and intern approximately 2,300 Latin Americans of Japanese descent. These individuals were not only taken from their country to be interned in another country, but they were also exchanged for United States citizens held by axis nations. Additionally, the government classified German-born and Italian-born immigrants as enemy aliens and required them to carry identification. They restricted their property rights and travel rights during this time period and arrested, interned and detained thousands of European Americans. All of those who suffered from misguided government policies during World War II deserve to have their stories come to light. Their experience should be fully recognized and preserved for future generations to learn from. I hope every American will take this anniversary to reaffirm their commitment to our Constitution and the rights and protections it guarantees all of us. This commitment is a way to prevent such injustice from ever becoming a reality again. As you look back on a time in our Nation's history and how our country has responded since, we should have hope for the future. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Virgil Brown's 30 years of service to the Sacramento Police Department. Lieutenant Brown leaves a lasting legacy in Sacramento and his leadership and expertise will be deeply missed. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring one of Sacramento's finest public servants. Lieutenant Brown began his career with the Sacramento Police Department as a community service officer in June 1978. By December of that year Lieutenant Brown was promoted to the rank of police officer in the Patrol Division. During his time on patrol his work ethic distinguished himself from others and in 1983 he tested for and was assigned to the Crime Suppression Unit where he had a 92 percent conviction rate. In 1989 he was promoted to detective in the Special Investigation Division During his time as detective he conducted major multi-jurisdictional narcotic investigations, resulting in the arrest of many suspects and the recovery of thousands of pounds of cocaine and hundreds of thousands of dollars. In 1995 Lieutenant Brown was assigned to the Office of the Chief Criminal Intelligence Unit where he worked with the Secret Service and sat on the Greater Sacramento Area Taskforce on Hate Crimes. Over the next few years Lieutenant Brown continued to distinguish himself on all of his assignments and was promoted to the rank of sergeant. In 1999 he was assigned to the North Area Patrol Division, and was promoted to his current rank of lieutenant, assigned to the Office of Operation in 2006 where he currently works as a watch commander for the south and east areas of Sacramento. During his tenure with the Sacramento Police Department Lieutenant Brown has been honored for his hard work and dedication to Sacramento's safety. In 1991 he was named Narcotic Officer of the Year by H.I.P., the Joint Narcotic Investigation Taskforce of the Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento Sheriff's Department. That same year he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition for the narcotic investigation of Oscar Garcia Escobar, Cali Cartel cocaine trafficker. In 1994 Lieutenant Brown was honored with a Special Award of Honor in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the field of Narcotic Law Enforcement by the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association in New York and was named the Narcotics Officer of the Year by the California Narcotic Officers Association. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Lieutenant Virgil Brown's distinguished commitment to law enforcement and Sacramento's safety. Lieutenant Brown's outstanding leadership and dedication to the Sacramento Police Department, has reduced crime and made Sacramento a better and safer place for us to live and work. We all are thankful for his efforts. As Lieutenant Brown's colleagues, family and friends gather to honor his service, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing him continued good fortune in his future endeavors.