Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thought we were doing a rule and not special orders right now. We are working on the rule for the beaches, and we want to keep Americans safe from water pollutants. I want to say we have an obligation to ensure Americans are safe and healthy, and this act would do it. I reserve my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1083 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. 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. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1083 provides an open rule with a preprinting requirement for consideration of H.R. 2537, the Beach Protection Act of 2007. The resolution provides 1 hour of general debate, controlled by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Some of our Nation's greatest treasures are the beautiful beaches that surround our country. So many of us have spent time with our families and friends enjoying our country's picturesque coastlines. Our beaches not only provide a place for relaxation and recreation, they are also a vital economic engine that draws tourists from all over the globe. As a mother and a grandmother, I want to ensure that our Nation's children are swimming and enjoying our beaches that are safe and free of any harmful contamination. Unfortunately, a recent EPA report found that human health studies over the last 50 years have linked swimming and polluted water with significant adverse health effects. Swimming- related diseases can range from minor gastrointestinal diseases to more serious illnesses such as meningitis or hepatitis. This is extremely troubling and is a great concern to all of us. According to the National List of Beaches, only 57 percent of the Nation's coastal recreation areas are being monitored. In my home State of California, 114 of our 356 beaches are not monitored, leaving a huge amount of people at risk. That is why I would like to thank Representative Pallone for his work on such an important piece of legislation, legislation that builds on the ambitious vision that the 1972 Clean Water Act set forth. As an original author of the 2000 bill, my friend from New Jersey has long been recognized for his efforts to clean up our Nation's beaches. I would also like to thank Representative Tim Bishop for his leadership and work on this issue. The Beach Protection Act builds on the great effort of the original BEACH Act and is a vital tool that will help ensure the safety of our national coastal treasures. Under the 2000 BEACH Act, the EPA was required to work with States to ensure they use the latest science to test beach waters to protect the public health. States are required to notify the public if tests showed water quality standards were violated. The law also helps States set up monitoring and notification programs in order to provide up-to-date information on the condition of all public beaches. H.R. 2537, the Beach Protection Act of 2007, advances the good work of the original act and takes us into the next generation of water monitoring. The bill increases the authorization through 2012 for the EPA's beach program by $10 million to $40 million per year. This money will be used to provide grants to States along the coasts and Great Lakes for recreational water monitoring and notification programs. H.R. 2537 also clarifies and enhances public notification when coastal waters are likely contaminated. Visitors to our beaches need to know when there is potential threat to their health. The bill clarifies that the public must be notified within 24 hours when a contaminated water sample is found. The bill also requires that a physical sign must be posted at any beach where the water may be contaminated. This information is essential for public awareness and avoidance of harmful pollutants. H.R. 2537 also promotes increased compliance. It requires the EPA administrator to conduct an annual review of implementation by State and local governments. If the public is not being protected, it requires the EPA to take corrective actions. Representative Pallone has shown tremendous leadership with this bill that puts public safety at the forefront and goes to great lengths to protect our Nation's beaches. I know he has worked closely with my friend and colleague, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, who chairs the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Later today we will debate the chairwoman's manager's amendment that directs the EPA to complete and use a rapid-testing technology. This type of testing is intended to shorten the period between when a water sample is taken and when results are made public. When this testing is in place, the period of time necessary for testing coastal waters is likely to shorten from 24 to simply 2 or 3 hours. Passage of the Beach Protection Act of 2007 is an important step to promoting public health and ensuring that the millions of people who visit our coastal treasures remain safe. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. I reserve.

Ms. MATSUI. I reserve.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I would inquire of the gentleman if he has any remaining speakers.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. General Leave

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

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring us back to the measure at hand which is H. Res. 1083 which provides for consideration of H.R. 2537, the Beach Protection Act of 2007, and I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor), a member of the Rules Committee.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, as the Sacramento River Cats 2008 home opener approaches, I rise in tribute of their 2007 season in which they won the Pacific Coast League and the Triple-A Championship. The River Cats capped their season off in impressive fashion winning 7 straight playoff games to clinch the title. Upon sweeping the New Orleans Zephyrs to win the Pacific Coast League championship, Sacramento laid their claim as outright Triple-A champions by defeating the Richmond Braves in the second annual Bricktown Showdown, a one game playoff between tbe Pacific Coast Champion and the International League Champion. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in saluting the triumphant 2007 Sacramento River Cats. The River Cats remarkable playoff run began when they clinched the Pacific Coast League Southern Division by finishing the regular season with a record of 84-60. Despite falling behind two games to none against Salt Lake City in the playoff's first round, the River Cats came back to win the next three games. Using that positive momentum, the River Cats quickly beat the New Orleans Zephyrs in three games, winning the Pacific Coast League title for the third time in 5 years. The series final game was seen before a spirited and sellout crowd of 14,414 fans at Sacramento's Raley Field. The 2007 Sacramento River Cats exuded resilience in the face of adversity. Despite being a revolving door that allowed their parent affiliate, Major League Baseball's Oakland A's, to replenish their injured roster, the River Cats overcame more then 180 roster changes to win the championship. This meant that they accomplished the feat by receiving contributions from numerous and sometimes unlikely sources. No one epitomized this more than Nick Blasi, who spent much of the season with Class-A Stockton before becoming a playoff catalyst and the Pacitic Coast League's Series MVP. Blasi hit a remarkable .457 in the playoff. Throughout this roster shuffle, every member of the 2007 River Cats demonstrated outstanding commitment to team play and hard work. Manager Tony DeFrancesco once again was the steady mentor for his young and ever changing roster that featured some of baseball's brightest prospects who are destined to become the stars of tomorrow. The roster was anchored by contributions from now major leaguers: Daric Barton, Kurt Suzuki and Santiago Casilla, as well as prospects Jason Perry, J.J. Furmaniak and Brad Knox. Under the leadership of President and CEO Art Savage the River Cats players reaffirmed the front offices commitment to the people of Sacramento. On the Opening Day of the season, the River Cats unveiled their Mario Encarnacion Humanitarian Award which will annually honor a young student athlete who shows a commitment to his or her teammates and classmates. Furthermore, the River Cats Foundation has been providing support to Sacramento nonprofits that assist with youth and family activities. The River Cats commitment to the community was reciprocated by the Sacramento fans, as the River Cats led the Pacific Coast League in attendance for an astounding 8th year in a row. Around 710,000 fans attended River Cats 71 home contests this year, and since beginning play at Raley Field in 2000, the River Cats have drawn over 6,000,000 fans. Madam Speaker, as the River Cats prepare for another successful season, I am honored to pay tribute to the many hard-working men and women of the River Cats organization who brought so much joy and pride to the people of Sacramento. Their successes are highly commendable. I ask all my colleagues to join one in celebrating the River Cats 2007 championship season.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I am honored to announce that my constituent, Laurie Dishman has been selected by the Victim's Rights Caucus to receive the Unsung Hero Award. Laurie is a remarkable young woman, who found the strength and courage to fight on behalf of others after she was a victim of a violent crime on a cruise ship. Laurie shared her story with me in a letter two years ago. As a passenger on board a ship operated by Royal Caribbean, Laurie was raped by a crew member. The story of her ordeal on the ship was shocking and the response by the cruise industry was even more appalling. Laurie was brave enough to report the incident to the crew authorities, even though they treated her poorly and with little sensitivity. She also reported the crime to the FBI. Unfortunately, the U.S. Attorney's office declined the case or prosecution just four days later. I have since learned that there have been no convictions for rape cases on cruise lines in four decades. This statistic takes on a new meaning through the lens of Laurie's experience. Laurie has devoted herself to a public awareness campaign to ensure that the cruise industry is held accountable for their lax security onboard cruise ships. She has done television shows including The Montel Williams Show, the Morning Show, Inside Edition, and numerous others. She also has done radio interviews for the BBC and other international news organizations to send out her message. As the focus of numerous expose pieces about safety concerns on cruise ships, Laurie was profiled for stories in the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle. She was also brave enough to testify at a Transportation and Infrastructure, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee hearing on Crimes on Cruise Ships. At the hearing she spoke of her experience and also ways to improve prevention methods, including: peep holes and security latches on stateroom doors; instituting sensitivity training for crew members: and ensuring more CCTV cameras in hallways. After the hearing, I introduced the Protect Americans from Crimes on Cruise Ships Resolution on September 17, 2007, with Reps. Christopher Shays and Carolyn Maloney. The resolution now has over thirty cosponsors. The Transportation and Infrastructure Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee held a follow-up hearing on September 19, 2007. We heard from other victims who were raped or assaulted on cruise ships. Laurie attended the full-day hearing and provided support for the women who testified and their families. Since then she has continued to attend meetings with the cruise industry, provide interviews and insight to our office on the progress, or lack thereof, of the cruise industries safety standards. On April 8, 2008 Laurie testified in front of the California State Senate regarding a bill to require Ocean Rangers on cruise ships. ``These Ocean Rangers will help to make sure that there are trained personnel who can respond to a reported crime, and that there is an advocate for a crime victim who is not employed by the cruise lines. I am also working on introducing it bicameral, comprehensive cruise safety reform bill that is informed by two years of research and two Congressional hearings, but at its heart, addresses the concerns brought to our office two years ago by Ms. Dishman. Laurie embodies the spirit of an unsung hero. She does all of this without acclaim, but because she feels compelled. Laurie has helped lead a campaign of awareness about safety concerns on cruise ships. We all know that crimes can only be prevented when we are aware of the chance for them to occur. Laurie has taken leadership and shown strong determination throughout this ternble personal experience. I have been very proud to be by her side in this effort, to ensure safety on cruise ships by informing the public of their risks. Because of her visibility and strength, other victims have been able to tell their stories. As a result, we have been able to garner public awareness and support for our efforts towards oversight and better public policy. I applaud Laurie for her heroic work during these last two years. I nominated her for the Victim's Rights Caucus Unsung Hero Award. It is an honor to recognize her today for her important contributions to ensuring the safety of the over 10 million women and families across the country that cruise each year.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, once again I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5492, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5492, which is a bill to authorize appropriations for the Smithsonian for constructing of replacement greenhouses. Mr. Speaker, the Smithsonian is widely renowned as a national treasure. Many of our constituents come from all over the country to visit its museums. There they can explore our culture, learn about our achievements, and view pieces of our history. But the Smithsonian is much more than a keeper of artifacts. It has nine research facilities and is a leader in scientific research. The Horticulture Services Division provides a wide variety of services internally to Smithsonian museums, and more generally to the public through the Smithsonian's public gardens. The Smithsonian has leased a 55,000-square-foot greenhouse complex for its horticultural operations since 1974. It is currently located on the property of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Northwest Washington, DC. The complex includes 12 greenhouses, an office for administrative and logistical functions, and a shade house. These greenhouses produce the institution's world-class orchid collection. They also provide space to grow a wide variety of plant materials for exhibits, gardens, and special events which would be costly or impossible to obtain commercially. The greenhouses allow the Smithsonian resources equal to, if not surpassing, any other botanical institute in the world. The greenhouse employees do this work with limited human resources. As true to most Smithsonian endeavors, the greenhouse staff is assisted in large part by a group of dedicated volunteer staff members. During fiscal year 2007, over 4,500 hours of time were donated by these individuals. Their commitment to the greenhouse facilities' programs is evident from their dedication, some of whom have donated over 25 years of service to the organization. The current greenhouse site will be leased commercially, and the Smithsonian must begin work on replacement greenhouses at the Smithsonian Museum Support Facility in Suitland, Maryland. Moving the facilities is the most cost-effective way to preserve the greenhouses. The Smithsonian has also created a design that will help save money during construction. Mr. Speaker, the important work being done every day by the Smithsonian horticulturists in the current facility is vital to the mission of the Smithsonian, the increase and diffusion of knowledge. I appreciate Chairman Oberstar, Chairwoman Norton, and Ranking Members Mica and Graves for recognizing the significance of this relocation. H.R. 5492 will ensure that the collections thrive and the important work that is done at these facilities continues. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5492) to authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to construct a greenhouse facility at its museum support facility in Suitland, Maryland, and for other purposes.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1015 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 1015.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. House Resolution 1015 provides for consideration of House Resolution 2857, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education, or GIVE, Act under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate controlled by the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order the Education and Labor Committee-reported substitute as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule makes in order 11 amendments, which are listed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. Each amendment is debatable for 10 minutes. The rule also provides one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of a vital piece of legislation, legislation that directly affects all of our communities and the lives of millions of Americans; legislation that strengthens our communities, helps educate our future generations, teaches our youth to prepare for and respond to unthinkable tragedies, and fosters the growth of respect and compassion throughout our entire society. The Corporation for National Community Service estimates that in 2006 the national service participants provided the Nation with nearly $4 billion worth of service projects. The GIVE Act reauthorizes our country's investment in community service and volunteerism. As co-chair of the National Service Caucus, it is a pleasure to call attention to the tremendous work of those involved at every level and in every program of the corporation. Madam Speaker, service and volunteerism are the bedrock of our emergency preparedness and national security. In times of strife, the American people have always shown a spirit of service and ingenuity. Investing in service and volunteer programs prepares us to handle any crisis. We must focus on building our national capacity, and harnessing the enterprising spirit of the American people is a good way to do so. In the wake of a catastrophe, a first responder is likely to be a civilian. A neighbor is likely to be the first one to provide assistance. By building up our service and volunteer programs, we are taking proactive steps to bolster our national security and capability to weather a disaster now and in the years to come. We saw firsthand the importance of having trained volunteers in the wake of the 2005 hurricanes. These forever changed thousands of lives and communities in the gulf coast. We watched as men and women mourned their loved ones and remembered the lives they once had. We also witnessed an outpouring of support and compassion from individuals who were touched by this immense tragedy. Following the devastation in the gulf coast, more than 92,000 national service volunteers contributed over 3.5 million hours of service to the recovery effort. They repaired neighborhoods. They rebuilt lives. Our national service participants have also applied their expertise towards training local community volunteers, further expanding the network of effective workers to 260,000 people. The assistance from volunteers following the devastating storms represents only one example of the many accomplishments that our service volunteers achieve every single day. Through programs such as AmeriCorps State and National, Volunteers in Service to America, and National Civilian Community Corps, AmeriCorps volunteers address critical needs in our communities. When I am home in Sacramento, I am reminded by my constituents of the great work done by AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers. AmeriCorps NCCC members are disaster trained and available for immediate deployment in the event of a natural disaster anywhere within the United States, as they were to the gulf coast. In fact, NCCC teams have responded to every national disaster since the program was established. Over $26 million worth of hurricane recovery resources have come from AmeriCorps NCCC alone, which is more than we spent on the entire program nationwide. This is quite a return on our investment. The GIVE Act will strengthen the emergency preparedness and response training of our country's NCCC participants. The changes will also help the program continue to grow. Recently, the corporation added two new campuses, one in Iowa and one in Mississippi. The GIVE Act recognizes the work of every volunteer in this country. It seeks to reach out to more people to greatly expand the number of volunteers across this country. Our bill will expand AmeriCorps membership from 75,000 to 100,000 by 2012. The bill seeks to tap the growing pool of baby boomers reaching retirement that wish to continue serving their country by lowering the age of participation in Senior Corps to 55 from 60 years old. Equally important is that the bill harnesses the energy of future generations in addition to the baby boomers. Engaging our youth early on is vitally important to the safety of our communities and the lives of our children. The Summer of Service program will ensure that students making the transition from middle to high school have an opportunity to participate in service programs. By increasing the education award, the bill allows young service participants to apply the skills that they learn in volunteerism to a successful education. The benefits of service will continue to accrue to volunteers even after they complete their service. Madam Speaker, as a result of the great work of the AmeriCorps members, extraordinary things are happening all over America. The corporation supports such important nonprofit organizations as Habitat for Humanity, City Year, and Red Cross. National service participants have built homes, healed wounds, and taught elementary school kids. These volunteers are part of the backbone of our country. With very little funding, service participants leverage millions of dollars and perform crucial work in classrooms, national parks, and areas of our Nation hit by disaster. As a result, I hope my colleagues will support the rule and the underlying legislation. The spirit of service that is so important to all of our communities is one that should be encouraged and supported. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. I would like to inquire of the gentleman from Florida if he has any remaining speakers.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, first, I would like to say that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act continues to give the intelligence community the tools it needs to monitor terrorists. The government always has the option of tapping targets immediately and returning to the FISA Court within 72 hours to obtain an order. My constituents and those of other Members of Congress view the protection of civil liberties as one of their top priorities. The American people want us to do our representational duty to uphold the Constitution and deliberate on this issue. We are working hard to ensure that our national security needs are met as our constitutional rights are protected. Now we are working to support national service in our country, which helps our communities respond to disasters and also encourages our youth to engage in civic participation. Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting with Tatiana, a strong and determined young woman from Sacramento, my hometown, who received an award for CorpsMember of the Year. When Tatiana was just 15, her mother was incarcerated, and later, she was expelled from high school. Meeting with her and hearing her story of how she used the local Conservation Corps to turn her life around was truly inspiring. This reauthorization takes programs and infrastructure that have touched so many lives, such as Tatiana, and builds off its foundation to greatly increase the quality and quantity and improve national service. National service is a proven return on our investment. With this bill, we will broaden those involved in service, and in doing so, foster the values of civic engagement and duty that can change a life and also draw upon the lessons of guidance and wisdom of our seniors that only a lifetime of experience can provide. This bipartisan legislation makes excellent improvements to an already successful Federal agency. It improves access and support for organizations and grant applicants, and most importantly, reassures our valued volunteers that Congress supports them and their work. 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. 1015 Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida At the end of the resolution, add the following: Sec. 3. ``That upon adoption of this resolution, before consideration of any order of business other than one motion that the House adjourn, the bill (H.R. 3773) to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence, and for other purposes, with Senate amendment thereto, shall be considered to have been taken from the Speaker's table. A motion that the House concur in the Senate amendment shall be considered as pending in the House without intervention of any point of order. The Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. The motion shall be debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader or their designees. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the motion to final adoption without intervening motion.''

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

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, again I urge my colleagues to support the Matsui-Shays amendment.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.