Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 481 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, the Department of Homeland Security made significant changes to our homeland security effort. They announced that for the first time areas such as Sacramento, San Diego and Las Vegas were at risk of losing their UASI grant funds. Since learning of the changes to the UASI program, my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to ensure that our most at-risk urban areas receive the funding they deserve. As a result, DHS has modified the UASI grant process. DHS's formula now includes more critical infrastructure such as dams and levees, and has also added a tiered system. While I am glad that my work has ensured that Sacramento and other at-risk urban areas are eligible to apply for UASI funding this year, I believe my work is not done. I have spent much of my time in the district working closely with local law enforcement and first responders of homeland security. I have seen firsthand the tremendous efforts to protect the millions of people living in the Sacramento area from a terrorist attack. In Sacramento, I had the honor of attending the opening of the Sacramento Regional Homeland Security and Training Center. The new center was built using a wide range of Federal homeland security funding, including UASI. The center will improve intelligence sharing by housing all levels of law enforcement in one facility. This is just further proof of the truly unparalleled regional cooperation among Sacramento's law enforcement and first responders. I have long been impressed by the local law enforcement and first responders in my community, and throughout the country. Now we need to make sure that Congress is giving them the necessary resources to do their job. And so my colleagues, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Fossella, Mr. Mr. Garrett and I have offered an amendment to add $50 million to the UASI grant program. While I commend the chairman and the ranking member for adding $30 million to the program, I believe an additional $50 million is warranted. Our first responders and law enforcement tackle impossible tasks daily. This increased funding will help in pursuit of their mission, to keep our country safe and secure. Finally, I would like to add to what the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) has said about the issue of revenue sharing. I, too, don't think this is an appropriate place for semantics. The point is, this grant program and the criteria for receiving funding is predicated on the assessment of risk and a community's vulnerability. I would argue that with the UASI program, the issue is not cost sharing but risk sharing. I think this is an appropriate role for the Federal Government in the post-9/11 world. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Judge David Levi, one of our Nation's respected judges and a true friend. After 17 years of service on the Federal bench Judge Levi is retiring to become the next dean of Duke University's Law School. As his colleagues, friends and family gather to celebrate the next chapter of his life, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting this outstanding public servant. The son of Edward and Kate Levi, Judge Levi was born into a distinguished family that valued pubic service and the pursuit of knowledge to serve others. His father was the President of the University of Chicago and served as the United States Attorney General under President Gerald Ford, while his mother was equally committed to a variety of worthy pursuits. In 1972, Judge Levi graduated from Harvard, magna cum laude, with a degree in history and literature. Upon graduating from Stanford Law School in 1980, he clerked for Judge Ben Duniway of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and followed that by clerking for Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell. After his tenure with Justice Powell ended, Judge Levi returned to California and began a renowned career with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento. From 1983 to 1986 he served as Assistant United States Attorney and worked in the office's criminal division. In 1986 Judge Levi was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California. As the U.S. Attorney, Judge Levi led one of the most successful public corruption prosecutions in the state's history. In 1990 Judge Levi was nominated by President George H.W. Bush to become a U.S. District Judge of the Eastern District of California. Since 2003, he has served as the Chief Judge of the District. After over a decade and half on the federal bench he has earned a reputation as one who still approaches each case, large and small, with a commitment to tirelessly examine all of the facts and treat each case with the utmost of importance. Judge Levi also is a national leader on legal reform. Recognizing his keen intellect, former Chief Justice William Rehnquist appointed him to the Advisory Committee on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in 1994, which Judge Levi chaired from 2000-2003. Four years ago, Justice Rehnquist named Judge Levi as Chairman of the Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure. In these roles he has revised and brought a much needed dose of reform to the rules of procedure in federal courts, making the courts more efficient, accurate and fair. Madam Speaker, as Judge David Levi leaves the bench to become the dean of Duke University's prestigious law school, I am truly honored to pay tribute to a friend and dedicated public servant. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in wishing David, his wife Nancy and their sons William and Joseph continued success and happiness in all of their future endeavors.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 464 and ask for its immediate consideration.

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

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I include the following statements in support of S. 5: Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine June 7, 2007. The Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation (CRPF) strongly supports efforts to expand the current, restrictive policy governing embryonic stem cell research, under strict, ethical guidelines. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, S. 5, will accomplish the expansion, while maintaining strong ethical standards. Enactment of S. 5 will provide hope to the estimated 1.5 million men, women and children diagnosed with cancer each year. The House and Senate have both passed legislation in the 110th Congress that will expand the current policy by allowing Federally-funded research to be conducted on embryos derived after August 9, 2001, on leftover embryos that will be otherwise destroyed or discarded by fertility clinics. The legislation ensures that no Federal funds will be used to create or derive embryos for research purposes, nor will any individual be compensated for donation of an embryo for research purposes. According to a poll recently released by the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, nearly sixty (60) percent of Americans want President Bush to sign the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act into law. More than 500 disease advocacy organizations, universities, professional societies and other organizations have endorsed S. 5 and the Stem cell Research Enhancement Act. Embryonic stem cell research may hold great potential to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Scientific evidence indicates that stem cells provide powerful models of the cellular and molecular origins of many cancer types, helping us better understand the disease and provide insight into critical aspects of cell growth and differentiation altered during tumorigenesis. This work may also improve pre-clinical evaluations of drug toxicity and efficacy, identify markers for early cancer detection and aid in the discovery of novel treatment targets. The Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation supports embryonic stem cell research, as well as other forms of stem cell research such as bone marrow stem cells, adult stem cells and stem cells derived from cord blood. Embryonic stem cell research has the potential to benefit millions of Americans suffering from cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, spinal cord injury, heart disease and beyond. In order to realize the full potential of embryonic stem cell research, the Federal Government must act quickly to ensure that research is being conducted with the most scientifically viable stem cell lines available, that the best and brightest medical researchers and clinicians are involved in the field, and that the United States and top research institutions remain leaders in biomedical and regenerative medicine research.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to 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, before I yield to the next speaker, let me just say that Mrs. Reagan was in favor of stem cell research, embryonic stem cell research. And we know that President Reagan had a very debilitating disease, and I feel that that's the reason why she has supported it. So with that, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Schwartz).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, before I yield, I just want to make a point that this bill sets stringent ethical guidelines for an expanded Federal embryonic stem cell research program, and it encourages new alternative sources of stem cell research, like what made the news today. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio, a member of the Rules Committee, Ms. Sutton.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I want to remind everybody today that we are talking about embryonic stem cell research. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Arcuri), a member of the Rules Committee.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), a member of the Rules Committee.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 464 provides for consideration of S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. The closed rule provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and against its consideration except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule also provides one motion to commit. Mr. Speaker, today's debate on stem cell research should be about the hope of science. It should be about how our society has always valued ethical medical research. Many Americans awoke this morning to a news story about a potential new stem cell research technique using skin cells from mice. It was on the front page of many newspapers precisely because our society values hope and scientific advancement when done in an ethical manner. The bill made in order under this rule maintains that tradition. With the House's approval, expanded Federal embryonic stem cell research again will be one signature away from becoming law. Mr. Speaker, we already know that embryonic stem cell research has a potential to cure many debilitating conditions like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, spinal cord damage, and maybe even bone marrow failure. These ailments affect the young and the old, the rich and the poor. Families from all walks of life have had firsthand experiences with these tragedies. Sad but true, disease is one of life's great equalizers. Research and medical ingenuity are our society's tools to fight these diseases. This shared experience, the hope that stem cell research brings, may be one reason why it enjoys such bipartisan support. Polls indicate that three out of every five Americans support stem cell research, including 54 percent of Republicans. But there are many other reasons to endorse expanded Federal stem cell research. Earlier this year, Congress and the world heard support from an unexpected source. In testimony before Congress on March 19, the Director of the NIH made a high-profile break with the administration on shortsighted stem cell policy. He said: ``It is clear today that American science would be better served and the Nation would be better served if we let our scientists have access to more cell lines that they can study.'' The United States has always led the effort to push the frontiers of medical research. But as the NIH Director's testimony indicates, Mr. Speaker, on this issue the United States is falling behind for no good scientific or moral reason. His testimony is in line with the consensus within the wider scientific community as well. The American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, the UC Davis Medical Center in my hometown of Sacramento, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas in my colleague's district, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, all of these and hundreds of others support ethical embryonic stem cell research. Mr. Speaker, it is abundantly clear that we must update our national stem cell research policy. A bipartisan majority in Congress has tried several times. Last year, both Chambers voted by wide bipartisan margins to expand ethical Federal stem cell research. Unfortunately, the President blocked that progress, that hope, that good science. But his veto only delays the issue temporarily because support for this responsible research continues to grow. Earlier this year, the new Democratic majority acted swiftly to reconsider the issue. The bill before us is a result of that bipartisan, bicameral leadership; and it passed by a greater margin than in the last Congress. We should act now to forward that proposal on to the President. We should give him another chance to do what is right by signing this bill into law. Mr. Speaker, there is little disagreement about the science of stem cell research or what ethical rules should govern it, so let's stop delaying a commonsense proposal. I urge all Members to support this rule and the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. I want to thank my good friend from Kentucky (Mr. Yarmuth) for yielding me time. I also want to thank Chairwoman McCarthy and Ranking Member Platts for their leadership in the committee and their tireless efforts to reauthorize and strengthen the program. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be part of those standing up in support of the first ever AmeriCorps Week. I believe strongly that the AmeriCorps program embodies the spirit of the American people, and it's important for Members of Congress to acknowledge the work accomplished by AmeriCorps members. As a cochair of the National Service Caucus, it's a pleasure to highlight and honor the tremendous work of those involved at every level and every program of AmeriCorps. 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 630 million hours of service addressing a critical need in education, housing, public safety, disaster response and recovery and environmental preservation. The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, popularly known as NCCC, has a campus in my congressional district in Sacramento. I have had the opportunity to see firsthand how the experience positively influences the communities served by the team members and how it also enriches the lives of the participants. Nearly everywhere I go in Sacramento someone stops me and tells me about how amazing and committed the NCCC members are to their mission. Most recently I have heard from AmeriCorps members about their experiences in the gulf coast recovery efforts. These participants all remarked that they are not just rebuilding communities, they are, quite literally, rebuilding people's lives. It is because of all of the great work of AmeriCorps members that extraordinary things are happening all around America. Just last week, I learned that the Child Abuse Prevention Council, an important program in my district, will receive support from AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members will serve as home visitors, resource aides and community coordinators. There is nothing more important than our children, and I appreciate the Corporation for National and Community Service and for providing the program with 96 AmeriCorps members to help them carry out their mission. I know that we will be hearing more about the great work of AmeriCorps as the 110th Congress proceeds, and we consider reauthorization and funding. AmeriCorps members are a vital part of our communities. With very little funding, they leverage millions of dollars and perform crucial work, whether in a classroom, in a national park, or rebuilding houses on the gulf coast. I truly hope that my colleagues will continue to support AmeriCorps programs. The spirit of service that is so important in our communities is one that should be encouraged. I want to extend my greatest appreciation to those who have served and continue to serve in the AmeriCorps programs throughout the country.

Ms. MATSUI

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, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 382 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 insert extraneous materials into the Record.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 382 provides for consideration of H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security. The rule waives all points of order against the bill's consideration, except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order and provides appropriate waivers for 21 amendments. I am pleased to stand before you today with a rule to permit the Homeland Security authorization bill to come to the House floor. First and foremost, I want to thank Chairman Thompson for his continued leadership on an issue of utmost importance for the safety and prosperity of this country and for working so closely with Ranking Member King on this bill. This bipartisan bill authorizes $39.8 billion to the Homeland Security to carry out its many functions, from securing our borders to providing our local law enforcement with resources to prepare for and prevent terrorist attacks. The Department of Homeland Security has a wide range of responsibilities. In recognition of this critical mission, I am pleased that the Homeland Security Committee has authorized $2.1 billion more than the President requested in his budget. This authorization bill does far more than simply authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security. This bill gets at the heart of the management problems within the Department. As we all know, the Department was created by combining the work of 22 separate agencies. This process of integration has had many, many challenges, poor communication between agencies, a lack of qualified management, unusually high turnover of senior personnel. Congress has not made these challenges any easier, however. We could have addressed some of these problems through the legislative process by passing an authorization bill last year, but the prior majority failed to do so, and so the Department's management problems went uncorrected. Without addressing the underlying management and operational issues, the Department cannot perform its important functions. In such an environment, how can the American people feel safe? Thankfully, H.R. 1684 addresses these challenges. It mandates a comprehensive review of the Department at the beginning of each new administration in order to ensure that DHS is structured to meet the security needs of the American people. It sets qualifications for senior managers, increases coordination between agencies, and boosts funds for the Inspector General. And, agency by agency, it puts in place thoughtful personnel policies to attract, train and keep only the most qualified personnel. These reforms are important, and I'm glad that the committee and the Democratic leadership have moved forward with a well-focused bill to improve the Department's management. This bill continues the majority's strong record on homeland security. In a few short months, this Congress has passed bills to implement the 9/11 recommendations and to strengthen rail and public transportation security, each with strong bipartisan majorities. Each is a component of a comprehensive approach to protecting our constituents from potential threats. I applaud the committee and the leadership for their consistent focus on homeland security. I understand that some Members have concerns that this bill does not address every issue, but part of the legislative process is working through these issues through the committees of jurisdiction. It is important to keep in mind that Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member King put forth a bipartisan bill during markup, and Chairman Thompson continues to work with other committees of jurisdiction in order to make sure that every aspect of our Nation's security is supported by Congress. In particular, I applaud the chairman's record of shepherding 2 major homeland security bills through the House already. I think we should all agree that today's effort, the third homeland security bill in 4 months, makes substantial improvements to long-standing management issues within DHS. The rule and underlying bill shows a commitment of this Congress to working for a safe and secure America. So I urge all Members to support both the rule and the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi, chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Mr. Thompson.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me emphasize to all Members that this bill is working its way through the legislative process. It is true that as a fair and responsible chairman, Mr. Thompson worked with several other committees of jurisdiction on this measure. As the manager's amendment clarifies, in some cases, the Homeland Security Committee proceeded with its language, and in others, it permitted other committees to lend their expertise to the issue in the coming months. This is the process of governing. It is also true that the prior majority chose not to engage in this most basic of functions last year. They didn't bring an authorization bill to the floor, and by not engaging in this hard work, the prior majority let known problems go unresolved. This bill brings overdue reform and accountability to the Department in its earliest Homeland Security authorization bill ever. That is responsible. That is governing. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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