Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Protect Americans from Crimes on Cruise Ships Resolution with many of my distinguished colleagues, including Representatives Chris Shays and Carolyn Maloney. Madam Speaker, in 2007, over 12 million Americans will travel on cruise lines. Unfortunately, few of these vacationing ``cruisers'' fully appreciate their potential vulnerability to crime while on an ocean voyage. Citizens who are victimized often do not know their legal rights or who to contact for help in the immediate aftermath of the crime. In recent years, the media has reported on a number of high profile cases of passengers falling overboard, passengers gone missing and passengers being raped and sexually assaulted. Sadly, many of these cases remain unresolved. Worse yet, many cases go unreported because there is no industry reporting mechanism. My involvement in this issue began after a young woman from my district, Laurie Dishman, came to me for assistance after she had been a victim of a violent crime on a cruise ship. Laurie shared her shocking story with me in a letter one year ago. As a passenger on board the Vision of the Seas, a ship operated by Royal Caribbean, Laurie was raped by a crew member. One of the most disturbing aspects of Laurie's case is that the cruise ship on which she was raped was short security staff. As a result, the cruise line promoted someone with no training to perform security personnel duties. If a real security guard had been aboard, Laurie may have been spared her awful ordeal. The tragedy that ensued is something that Laurie will never forget. The story of her experience on the ship was shocking enough. Unfortunately, I soon learned that was only the beginning. Laurie wrote me to tell me she was having difficulty getting a response to her request for information about the incident from the cruise line. As I began looking into the matter, a number of red flags were raised regarding the handling of Laurie's particular case. These include the FBI's decision not to have a polygraph test of the crewmember and the cruise line's decision to withhold Laurie's own medical information. These incidents beg the question: what is the process when a crime is committed on a cruise line and what recourse do passengers have? The more I have inquired, the more I have been alarmed that there is no shortage of cases of: rape, sexual assaults of minors, alcohol related fighting and abuse, and persons overboard. Even more troubling, most of these incidents have not been fully resolved or prosecuted. I have also learned that there have been no convictions for rape cases on cruise lines in four decades, a statistic that takes a new meaning through the lens of Ms. Dishman's experience. As a result of continued cases of victims of crimes on the high seas, and with the much appreciated leadership of Chairman Cummings, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on this important issue in March, 2007. The hearing showed numerous discrepancies between the experience sold by cruise lines and the real experience on board these ships. In addition, the hearing highlighted how crime numbers reported to Congress in a previous hearing are radically different from the cruise industry's internal crime statistics. The result of our hearing, combined with numerous and unending media reports of crimes on cruise ships, point to the need for increased safety and security for these passengers. Prevention can be an important tool, and we all know that prevention starts with making people aware of the potential for a crime to occur. It is time for Congress to acknowledge formally this ongoing problem and to ensure that Americans are informed, aware and safe. The Resolution I am introducing today will do just that. The resolution acknowledges: The lack of federal regulation overseeing crime reporting by the cruise industry; The absence of law enforcement officials on ocean voyages; That without a law enforcement official, cruise officials are essentially responsible for collection and preserving a crime scene; Most cruise ships are registered under the laws of another country; Perpetrators of sexual violence and other violent crimes on cruise ships are rarely brought to justice; and Consumers who book a cruise generally do not receive information at the point of sale about their legal rights as a cruise passenger and who to contact for help in the event a crime occurs during their voyage. And Resolves that: The members of the International Cruise Victims Association, the National Center for Victims of Crime, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network are to be commended for their leadership in highlighting the problem of crimes against American citizens on cruise ships; Americans who are victims of crime on a cruise ship should have access to justice, and necessary steps should be taken to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice; The cruise industry should provide comprehensive information to passengers about security risks and maintain necessary security personnel on each ship; and Congress should provide oversight to ensure the safety and security of American passengers. Madam Speaker, nearly all cruise ships operate under a foreign flag. U.S. citizens who are victimized onboard cruise ships often do not know their legal rights or who to contact for help in the immediate aftermath of crimes. Cruises operate in a legal vacuum, where a lack of accountability empowers predators and obstructs their victims' pursuit of justice. That is an unacceptable situation, made worse by the cruise lines' own efforts to avoid scrutiny of and accountability for their own handling of the security of their passengers. My hope is that with increased Congressional involvement that the cruise lines finally take these crimes seriously and enact necessary reforms. The Resolution acknowledges the ongoing safety concerns and will help ensure that the millions of men, women and children who cruise each year are informed, aware and safe on cruise ships. This resolution is supported by the Women's Caucus and Victim's Rights Caucus, and I would urge all of my colleagues to cosponsor this important Resolution.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee is expected to meet Wednesday, September 19, to grant a rule which may structure the amendment process for floor consideration of H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007. Members who wish to offer an amendment to this bill should submit 30 copies of the amendment and a brief description of the amendment to the Rules Committee in H-312 in the Capitol no later than 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 19. Members are strongly advised to adhere to the amendment deadline to ensure the amendments receive consideration. Amendments should be drafted to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 2881. The amendment reflects an agreement between the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Science and Technology Committee. A copy of the text is posted on the Web site of the Rules Committee. Amendments should be drafted by legislative counsel and also should be reviewed by the Office of the Parliamentarian to be sure that the amendments comply with the rules of the House. Members are also strongly encouraged to submit their amendments to the Congressional Budget Office for analysis regarding possible PAYGO violations.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the progress to our Nation's competitiveness that the Patent Reform Act represents. Patents are vital to our universities, our large and small companies, our entrepreneurs, and our economy. Our advances in technology are clearly demonstrated by the vast increase in patent applications submitted. Our policies and procedures governing the United States patent process must be updated to keep pace with our inventors. The Patent Reform Act takes significant steps towards that goal. I appreciate the extensive patent portfolio that is generated by the cutting-edge research at the University of California. These innovations provide the intellectual property that businesses depend on to develop new products. I have heard from numerous constituents in my district on this issue who benefit from the technology transfer process. I am happy to represent their interests by supporting patent reform. This is an incredibly complex topic, as we face the challenge of legislating a single patent system to meet the needs of many industries. I commend Subcommittee Chairman Berman, Chairman Conyers, Ranking Member Smith, and the entire House Judiciary Committee for their diligence. They have worked tirelessly with hundreds of stakeholders to reach the carefully crafted bill that we have on the floor today. I thank the committee and its staff for their long commitment to patent reform. The product of their years of work, the Patent Reform Act, will improve our nation's competitiveness and start moving our country's patent system into the 21st century.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my welcome home greetings to the men and women of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 18 as they return from their deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. On Saturday, these sailors and their families will gather at Sacramento's Naval Operational Support Center for a homecoming celebration and I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their service. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 18, often called NMCB 18, is made up of 14 detachments of naval reserve units from across the northwestern United States. For NMCB 18's nearly 500 members, their 9- month tour in Iraq meant time away from their families and loved ones, often at great personal sacrifice. The battalion's motto, ``We are Strong, Mighty and True; Genuine, Solid and Able to Do'' summed up their mission while in Iraq. Their assignment was to build the necessary infrastructure to support forward based Marines in the Al Anbar Province. This included building hundreds of South West Asian huts to shelter over 3,500 Marines, laying 5,000 cubic yards of concrete and hauling over 33,000 cubic yards of material. Among many things, their combined efforts helped establish nineteen combat outposts, construct eleven culvert crossings and complete 4 water wells. Across Iraq's Al Anbar Province these Seabees have installed wooden floors in Marines' tents, added air conditioning units and installed shower and bathroom trailers. Their work has made life a little bit easier for the Marines on the front lines. Each time the dedicated sailors of NMCB 18 were asked to complete a project, it was likely to be completed under the scheduled time and without a safety incident. In fact, NMCB 18 had the lowest number of safety incidents of any of the previous 6 battalions that preceded them. Unfortunately, the realities of war hit home to the sailors of NMCB 18 on October 25, 2006 when they lost one of their own. Petty Officer 2nd Class Chuck Komppa of Belgrade, Montana died from enemy action in Al Anbar Province. Komppa was traveling between cities in order to assess the living conditions of our Marines when his convoy came under attack. I ask that all of my colleagues extend their heartfelt sympathies and sincere gratitude to his wife Delisa and their 2 children. In a true feat of the determination, teamwork and ingenuity that characterized their time in Iraq, the sailors of NMCB 18 built a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation hut in less than 24 hours for the service men and women at Al Asad Air Base. This facility now serves as a place for rest and relaxation and allows servicemembers to call home in the privacy they deserve. Appropriately, the MWR hut was dedicated in the memory of Petty Officer Komppa. These sailors did their job away from the safety of the more protected parts of Iraq and by all accounts their mission was a success. In reviewing his battalion's time in Iraq NMCB Commander Dan Gould said he had nothing but ``seam-bursting pride'' for his sailors. Madam Speaker, all of these sailors left their families and loved ones and placed their lives on the line for others. We owe these true citizen soldiers our thanks and gratitude. It is an honor for me to represent such fine men and women in Congress. Once again, I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking them for their service. Welcome home.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, the debate over our Nation's energy policy is both a national and a local one. Energy policy impacts our national security, our international trade balance, and our relations with other countries. At the same time, energy policy reaches into every single State, county, and Congressional district. The energy bill we consider today recognizes this fact. It makes significant investments in the new energy sources, research, and technology that will power our economy in the future. It revolutionizes our energy policy at the national and local levels. And it improves the way local communities around the country use, generate, and conserve power. In my hometown of Sacramento, energy is an especially important local issue. Sacramento is located at the confluence of two mighty rivers, and at the base of a large watershed. This leaves us vulnerable to catastrophic floods that are made more likely because of global warming. The more we burn fossil fuels for energy, the higher our flood risk. In Sacramento, changing our national energy policy means reducing our dependence on foreign oil, preserving our environment, and stopping global warming. It also means protecting our homes. Mr. Chairman, the people of Sacramento are eager to change their energy consumption habits. In fact, we have already made significant investments in a new energy economy. Sacramento has a growing clean-energy industry that is poised to take off. Our local utility produces significant electricity from solar, wind, and methane gas sources. Every day, more and more of the Sacramento region's homes, businesses, and vehicles are powered by renewable energy. But my constituents need help from the Federal Government. That is why I am so proud to stand before the House today in support of this energy package. The investments it makes in clean energy complement and support what is already happening in Sacramento. The bill's tax incentives for renewable energy bonds are crucial for my local electric utility. The biofuels that will be developed because of this legislation will power my constituents' cars. The people I represent will work in some of the 3 million new green-collar jobs it creates. My constituents will find it easier to take public transit because of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's title. This energy bill helps Sacramento continue to lead our country's energy revolution, Mr. Chairman. Our Nation and our energy supply will be more secure once we pass it. I urge my colleagues to support this landmark legislation.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman/lady from [STATE] for yielding me this time. I request unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. Mr. Speaker, today's debate is about promises and responsibility. It is about the promise of an American childhood. It is about our responsibility to protect the health and well-being of those who grow up in the world's most prosperous Nation. It is about the promise of a better world for our children and grandchildren. We have a responsibility to create a healthcare system that is fair, equitable, and affordable for all Americans, regardless of their income. Mr. Speaker, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act delivers on these promises and fulfills these responsibilities. It revitalizes and expands one of the most successful and cost-effective health initiatives we have: the State Children's Health Insurance Program. SCHIP is a model for how government programs should work. It has saved money for taxpayers by helping children avoid costly hospital and emergency room trips. It has made states equal partners in the program's administration, giving them flexibility and a stake in the outcome. Most critically, it has provided six million kids with health care that they would not otherwise have. Because of SCHIP, six million American kids are healthier and more vibrant. Six million young lives are better because of this program. Isn't this what good government is supposed to accomplish? There is still more for us to do, though. Millions of children in our country cannot go to a doctor when they feel sick. In my hometown of Sacramento, 17,000 kids cannot get the medicines they need until they go to an emergency room. This is unacceptable to me, Madam Speaker. It should be unacceptable to every single Member of Congress. When I cast my vote for this bill today, it will be a vote for the future of our country. It will be an investment in the children who are the future. Mr. Speaker, I stand before this House today as a colleague, but also as a proud grandmother. My two beautiful grandchildren are named Anna and Robby, and most of what I do here in Congress is colored by how it will affect them and their generation. Anna and Robby are fortunate in that they have stable, reliable health insurance. Millions of their peers are not so lucky. I am confident that if we all do so, we will see that voting ``Yes'' on the CHAMP Act is not only the right thing to do. It is the smart thing to do. It will secure our country's future by providing healthcare for the millions of American kids who literally are our country's future.

Ms. MATSUI

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

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 597 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to our distinguished chairman, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. General Leave

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, as was said, this bill is long overdue. Our country needs a comprehensive water resources policy, and WRDA is the framework that can meet this need. We have 7 years of backlogged water projects that must be addressed. There is a growing demand on our already overburdened water infrastructure. The sooner we move forward on this conference report, the sooner our communities across the country will be healthier and safer. This conference report has bipartisan support. In fact, every member of the conference signed off on it. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas, who is our subcommittee Chair of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 597 provides for consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. The rule waives all points of order against the conference report and its consideration and considers the conference report as read. Mr. Speaker, it has been well-documented that our country has not had a WRDA bill in over 7 years. Seven years is perilously close to an entire generation passing without a national water resources policy being signed into law by the President. We are taking a big step in that direction today. WRDA authorizes upwards of $20 billion for the construction of water resource development projects and studies by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, navigation, and environmental restoration. Additionally, H.R. 1495 authorizes hurricane recovery activities along the gulf coast that would cost an estimated $2 billion. Furthermore, the bill requires an external peer review for studies and projects that would cost more than $45 million. The bill also coordinates environmental analyses and other permit processes among Federal and State agencies and authorizes environmental quality initiatives. In my district in Sacramento, California, this WRDA bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation that will pass Congress this year. We have been waiting a long time for this bill. Sacramento is the most at-risk river city for catastrophic flooding. Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the Sacramento floodplain contains: 165,000 homes; over 488,000 residents; 1,300 government facilities, including the State capitol; and businesses providing 200,000 jobs. It is a hub of a six-county regional economy that provides 800,000 jobs for 1.5 million people. A major flood along the American River or the Sacramento River would have catastrophic ripple effects regionally and nationally; cost upwards of $35 billion in direct property damages; and likely would result in significant loss of life to our families, friends, and neighbors. In my district we understand the need and urgency for an overarching water resources policy to protect our homes, businesses, and families. Sacramento needs this bill, but so do countless other communities across the Nation. This bill, the projects and policy it contains, goes a long way in addressing our country's flood vulnerabilities. Nationally, regions across the country are starving for a Federal partner in water resources policy. Our country is confronted with population growth, climate change, and growing demands on our water infrastructure. Our districts across the country need this bill, and the Members in this Chamber have repeatedly supported WRDA bills. In the 108th Congress, WRDA passed the House by a vote of 412-8. In the 109th Congress, WRDA passed the House 406-14. In the 110th Congress, WRDA passed the House 394-25. There is a strong history of support and bipartisanship for WRDA bills. It is my hope that this support continues and that we move forward on this very important work. I also want to congratulate and thank Water Resources Environment Subcommittee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and full committee Chairman Jim Oberstar for their commitment to make this bill a priority in the 110th Congress. Finally, I want to make a point that WRDA bills are traditionally intended to be 2-year authorization bills. It is important that we get our water policy back on track and address these ongoing challenges on a regular basis. It is my belief that the best protection that we can provide our communities is to be prepared. I look forward to passing this WRDA conference report and moving on to the next WRDA bill. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this rule and final passage of the conference report to accompany H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Ms. MATSUI asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule we are considering today. Mr. Speaker, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 is an important bill that outlines the funding for our country's agriculture policy, its conservation approaches and its nutrition programs. These initiatives touch each of us in some way, whether we're from rural, suburban or urban districts. The farm bill impacts all of us. I want to applaud Chairman Peterson, Ranking Member Goodlatte and Speaker Pelosi for bringing forward this fine bill. My district is in one of the fastest growing areas in California. Sacramento is also at the bottom of one of the most farm-rich watersheds in the country. We are at the confluence of two great rivers, the American and, our namesake river, the Sacramento. As our population grows and as our climate continues to change, our natural resources are impacted first. Farmland is often the first to feel the effects of changing weather and climate patterns, and in the Sacramento watershed the farmers are the stewards of the land. I'm ready to work with local landowners to develop voluntary comprehensive conservation plans that address present and future needs. I want to thank Chairman Peterson for working with me to designate the Sacramento River watershed as a region of national priority in the regional water enhancement program. This designation and the promise of future funding will go a long way toward developing the Sacramento River watershed over the next 40 years. Building on this designation, I look forward to convening a coordinating committee which will address the preservation of working lands and water management within the watershed. Our initial focus will be to build a strong consensus on conservation and its value for our region. We have a truly unique opportunity to shape the vision for the watershed from its inception. This will help ensure that we build upon solid local input as we develop this vision. Above the city of Sacramento, there are 500,000 acres of rice and 500,000 acres of specialty crops. My district is proof that the distance between urban and rural communities gets smaller every single day. Our communities have different needs, but we share a common goal: to protect, preserve and enhance our way of life. I believe that preserving working lands can do just that. This should be an important priority for our entire region. Finally, I applaud the chairman's commitment in providing $1.6 billion to specialty crop producers. These funds are critical to the producers' daily operations. They will foster progress in research, conservation, pest and disease programs and nutrition. I ask my colleagues to support this rule and final passage of the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I rise today today to express my support for the National Textile Center. Textiles are an important part of our daily life and of our Nation's economy. It is imperative that we remain internationally competitive in this industry. The National Textile Center does exactly that--ensure that the fiber, textile, and apparel industries in our country have the research and innovations needed to continue to be viable and competitive. The National Textile Center is a consortium of eight coordinated locations across the country. They have come together in a nationwide effort to promote research and education in developing new and innovative fabrics and materials. These are important collaborative centers that develop new fibers, fabrics, and manufacturing methods with broad ranging applications. I am proud that one of the partners of the National Textile Center is the University of California Davis. Their participation in this national research consortium benefits the education, workforce development, and economy of the Sacramento region and our entire country. A key project at U.C. Davis funded by the National Textile Center is the development of new personal protection clothing to keep our first responders and military safe. We cannot turn our backs on these vital workers, whom we trust with the health and safety of our Nation. The National Textile Center funds important interdisciplinary collaborations that translate to many other industries. Basic research funded by this important consortium has applications that will reverberate in many fields, such as biomedical applications, electronics, and nanotechnology. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting funding of the National Textile Center. We need to oppose efforts to strike funds from this important program that benefits constituents nationwide.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation--which I am proud to have co-sponsored--that commits our Nation to changing course in Iraq. This House, and the American people we represent, will not allow our involvement in Iraq's civil war to continue indefinitely. Today's bill makes it crystal clear that no permanent military bases will be built in Iraq. As such, it is proof that the new Congressional leadership is focused on ending this war. It is evidence of our dedication to the well-being and protection of our troops. And, above all else, it begins to implement a strategy to reassert our country's proper role in the world. For these reasons, this legislation deserves the unwavering support of each and every Member of this House. Mr. Speaker, we know that much of the strife taking place in Iraq has deep historical and cultural roots. As a result, any resolution to the conflict will be political in nature and not imposed through force. A central component of such a solution will require us to redeploy our troops from Iraq, and I am proud to have voted in favor of such a strategic shift along with a majority of the new Democratic Congress. Unfortunately, this rational way forward has been blocked by a President whose insistence on imposing a military solution has cost the lives of thousands of coalition forces and Iraqi civilians. The President's strategy is not working, Madam Speaker. And along with a majority of my colleagues, I will continue to vote to change it. Passing the bill before us today will help us accomplish this goal. It will send an unmistakable message to our Armed Forces that the American people will not abandon them to a faraway civil war. It will demonstrate to the rest of the world that the United States is not bent on occupying other sovereign nations. It will signal to the Iraqi people that they must assume responsibility for their own government. Finally, it will allow our military the time it needs to re-focus on emerging threats to our allies and to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, this bill validates what the American people have known for a long time: our presence in Iraq must end, for the good of our country and for the sake of those who have laid their lives on the line to fight for it.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chairman, I rise in opposition of the Stearns Amendment to the FY 2008 Labor-HHS-Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This amendment would cut vital funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service. I am proud to be a part of those standing up in support of the corporation. I believe strongly that the programs supported by the Corporation embody the spirit of the American people, and it is important for Members of Congress to continue to support these programs. As a 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. As a part of the corporation, AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service. Since AmeriCorps was established in 1994, AmeriCorps members have performed over 637 million hours of service that help in each of our communities. Through programs such as AmeriCorps State and National, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), and National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), AmeriCorps volunteers address critical needs in our communities. These generous men and women help supplement opportunities and programs in the areas of education, public safety, disaster response and recovery, and environment preservation. As a result of the great work of AmeriCorps members, extraordinary things are happening all around America. The Corporation supports such important non-profit organizations as Habitat for Humanity, City Year, Red Cross and Teach for America. AmeriCorps volunteers have built homes, healed wounds, and taught elementary school kids. These volunteers are part of the backbone of America. With very little funding, AmeriCorps members leverage millions of dollars and perform crucial work in classrooms, in national parks, and in areas of our nation hit by disaster. As a result, I hope that my colleagues will support AmeriCorps programs and vote against this amendment. The spirit of service that is so important to all of our communities is one that should be encouraged, not stripped of federal support. Madam Chairman, I want to extend my greatest appreciation to those who have served our country through AmeriCorps programs. These volunteers have embraced the American spirit of volunteerism, and they are to be applauded for their service. I strongly urge my colleagues to reject this misguided amendment.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 547 is an open rule providing for consideration of the fiscal year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. The underlying legislation puts many of this Nation's most critical agencies on a responsible and sustainable funding path. Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Walsh should be commended. As the Rules Committee heard in their testimony yesterday, they worked in a cooperative manner without partisan rancor to balance many competing needs funded through this bill. This bill strengthens our families and prepares our workforce for the challenges that lay ahead. For instance, in just 7 years, nearly half of all the Nation's job growth will be concentrated in occupations requiring a college degree. This bill helps prepare our young people for this new world by increasing funding for students at K-12 or college level. In particular, it rejects an administration proposal to freeze Pell Grants. Instead, this legislation increases Pell Grants by $390 to $4,700 on top of a $260 increase provided in 2007 continuing appropriations resolution. These efforts will make great strides in making college more affordable. The legislation also maintains our Nation's leadership in health care research by lifting a 2-year freeze on the average cost of new research grants to NIH, and it provides a responsible increase in employment, training and worker protection programs. These are just some of the ways in which the underlying legislation provides millions of Americans with access to affordable health care, a decent education, and strong worker protection. I urge all my colleagues to support this open rule and the underlying bill. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. MATSUI. For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings). 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. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 547 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI. I also ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 547 provides for consideration of H.R. 3043, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act for 2008 under an open rule. Under this rule, all Members of the House are afforded the opportunity to offer any amendment that is germane and otherwise complies with House rules. Mr. Speaker, the phrase most often associated with this bill has been ``feast or famine.'' For instance, Congress first doubled funding for the National Institutes of Health between 1999 and 2003 and then flat- lined the agency's funds since then. It was actually cut for the first time in history in fiscal year 2006. In contrast, this year's bill sticks to the principle of sustainable growth in strategic areas: health research, worker safety and education. I would like to applaud Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Walsh for their hard work in crafting this fair and responsible blueprint for our Nation's future. Nowhere is this broader strategy of sustainable growth more evident than at the NIH. The underlying legislation provides a modest 2.6 percent increase over last year's level. Such an increase is critical to maintaining America's global leadership in biomedical research. This research will expand the boundaries of human knowledge and keep America at the forefront of the field. Unfortunately, low or frozen funding levels resulted in almost 1,300 fewer grants from 2003 to 2006. But this year's sustainable increase will allow those grants to expand responsibly. In particular, I would like to thank the committee for its continued support of the National Children's Study. Its budget within the NIH is very modest, but its impact to children and families will be great. The study will examine environmental effects on childhood development, including autism, asthma and premature birth. For several years, I've been working with the committee and other Members to provide the study with proper support. I'm happy to report that the study has now received widespread and bipartisan support. I'd also like to highlight the full funding of Ryan White AIDS programs within the bill. Cities and towns all across the country rely on these funds to provide vital health services to individuals with HIV or AIDS. With this funding, the victims of HIV and AIDS will have increased access to medications, primary care and home health care. In addition to ensuring health care access and advancement, this bill also plans for our children's educational future. We all realize that the cost of a college education is not getting any cheaper. In fact, it's growing by thousands of dollars a year. So I commend the committee's increase in the maximum Pell Grant by $390 to $4,700. It will permit over 5.5 million students to take advantage of this critical assistance, and it does so without having to reduce other student financial assistance programs, as the administration had proposed. The underlying legislation also acts responsibly to prepare our Nation's students before they get to college by ensuring better performance at the K-12 grade levels. Title I grants support schools in high-poverty areas, and they are the engine behind No Child Left Behind. Nonetheless, these grants have been flat-funded or even reduced in the past two school years. This has hindered the ability of title I schools to assist low-performing students. I commend the committee for increasing this fund so that nearly 55,000 title I schools can invest in their young people. Make no mistake, in a world that increasingly depends on highly skilled employees, this legislation is an investment in the future of our students and in the future competitiveness of this Nation. In conclusion, I urge all Members to support this rule and the underlying bill. It deals responsibly with the needs of our health care sector, our education system, and the labor market. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.