Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I that consume. Let me emphasize to Members the history on this issue. Unlike the prior majority, this majority is committed to passing a Homeland Security authorization into law. In 2005, 2 years ago, the House passed an authorization after the appropriations bill passed. Last year, 2006, the House did not bother to bring a bill to the floor. That is irresponsible in light of the Department's many problems. Democrats are committed to governing responsibly, and this is one step along that path. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I just want to clarify, this bill eliminates the cuts in vital first responders programs, like the 55 percent cuts that the administration asked for in firefighter assistance grants. It preserves the Local Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program that the administration wanted to close. And on contracting oversight management and personnel policies, it brings overdue reform to a Department in need. This is a good bill, and all Members should support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I want to once again thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership in drafting a well-focused Homeland Security authorization and for working so closely with Ranking Member King on this bill. I would note for all Members that Chairman Thompson worked with other chairmen and ranking members. The jurisdiction issues were raised by both sides, Republican and Democrat. I would also note that the manager's amendment which deals with these changes will receive separate debate and a vote. This is an open process. Unlike the prior majority, we work through these issues. Again, last year when these problems were raised, the prior majority chose not to act. In contrast, we are acting despite these difficulties. We are being responsible. H.R. 1684 will help improve the policy-making at the Department of Homeland Security, will promote long-term planning and will strengthen management. In particular, it sets qualifications for senior managers, increases coordination between agencies, and boosts funds for the Inspector General. These changes will ensure that the Department of Homeland Security can perform its important function of protecting the American people. I am pleased that the Democratic leadership has moved swiftly and brought a Homeland Security authorization bill to the floor. This is the first time in 2 years such a bill has come to the floor. It is also the earliest that a Department of Homeland Security authorization bill has come to the floor and the first time it has occurred before appropriators have marked up the Homeland Security appropriations bill. This is truly significant, and I thank the leadership for their commitment to protecting America. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule.

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

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

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Westminster Presbyterian Church of Sacramento on the 150th anniversary of their congregation's founding. Since Sacramento's earliest days Westminster Presbyterian has been a constant force of spirituality and tolerance in our community. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the church and its congregation on this historic occasion. Founded on April 27, 1856, the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Sacramento has been a fixture in our community for a century and half. Their first church service was held in a hall at 6th and J Streets, marking the formation of the first Presbyterian congregation in Sacramento. Westminster Presbyterian held services at a number of downtown locations before they built and moved into its current historic home on N Street, across from California's State capitol building in 1927. Through their first 150 years, Westminster Presbyterian Church and its members have sought to be a diverse, welcoming, regional congregation that is able to assist individuals in transforming their spiritual insights into positive actions in our community. For the past few years Westminster Presbyterian has extended a hand of prayer and compassion to many in Sacramento's diverse communities. Under the leadership of Rev. David Thompson, the church has been active on a wide range of issues, from civil rights to global warming. With its location across from the State capitol, the congregation's stance on such issues has played a welcome role in many of California's policy debates. On a personal note, my family and I will always be grateful to Rev. Thompson and the church's staff for opening their hearts and doors to us after my husband, Bob Matsui, passed away. The church was a gracious host to his funeral and the hundreds of attendees who mourned with us. Madam Speaker, as the members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sacramento gather to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their church's founding, I am honored to pay tribute to their historic church and enduring faith. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in wishing the congregation and church's leadership continued success in serving all of us in Sacramento.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, this amendment to the NSF reauthorization is designed to improve the ability of scientists to communicate with nonscientific audiences such as businesses, the media, the general public and, of course, Members of Congress. Specifically, my amendment would add a provision to H.R. 1667 that authorizes a science communications initiative at the National Science Foundation. I believe this proposal will ensure that we are getting as much return on the Federal Government's investment in the National Science Foundation as possible. By implementing this program, it would diversify the education of our scientists and would ensure that policymakers and other nonscientists have better access to the technical expertise fostered by NSF and the Nation's broader research enterprise, because if scientists can't tell the rest of us what they have discovered, we are not fully recognizing the benefits of our investment in scientific research. Unfortunately, the ability to articulate the content and significance of scientific information is often overlooked by graduate training programs. My amendment directly addresses this unmet need and would create a pipeline of scientists who are increasingly engaged with nonscientists, including policymakers, business leaders and others. Providing communications training to our scientists will ensure that we, the policymakers, can make the most informed decisions possible as we debate technical issues and craft policy. This amendment creates a competitively reviewed supplement within the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship, or IGERT program. Investigators at IGERT-awardee institutions will compete for resources to develop and implement communications training. The IGERT program will administer the competitive review process for this communications training initiative. I have received strong support for this program from stakeholders in my district of Sacramento and from across the country. Policymakers, scientists, educators, business leaders and science writers all agree we need to better integrate scientific expertise into the public debate. This amendment represents an important step toward that goal. That is why this amendment has received the endorsement of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and The Council of Graduate Schools. This amendment is based on the Scientific Communication Act of 2007, H.R. 1453, that I introduced with Chairman Gordon as an original cosponsor. I would like to thank Chairman Gordon, Mr. Hope, Mr. Allen, Mr. Inslee and Mr. Higgins for their cosponsorship of that legislation. Before I close, I would like to address a few misconceptions about this amendment. I want to be clear, this amendment contains no new authorization levels. For those who said that this program would take away from other NSF grants, I want to make a few points. The NSF Director would determine the level of resources to devote to this program. If the NSF Director does not deem this program worthy of funding, it won't get any. However, I think scientists, teachers, reporters, business owners, Members of Congress and all our constituents should support this program. This bill authorized $21 billion for the National Science Foundation. What good is that level of investment if we don't maximize the benefits? You should not need a Ph.D. to utilize the ideas and breakthroughs that NSF-supported research produces. That's why I am proposing this amendment. It will help to bridge the communication gap between scientists and the rest of us. I hope all my colleagues here in the House will support this amendment. As policymakers, I promise you, you will personally benefit from this program when you hear expert testimony on technical topics. But, more importantly, you should support it because it will enable all your constituents to share in the excellent research supported by NSF.

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

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I am very much looking forward to the upcoming debate on the National Science Foundation reauthorizing that this rule allows. In discussing the various programs and initiatives at NSF, we will demonstrate how the Federal Government can strategically and effectively drive scientific discovery and innovation. The importance of the National Science Foundation and its mission must not be underestimated. While America has been blessed with abundant natural resources and defensible borders, it is the innovative spirit of our citizens that has driven this Nation's leadership in the global economy. Throughout our history, we have been willing to experiment, to take risks, to constantly redefine what is possible. That tradition has given us a competitive advantage over other countries that has created prosperity for the Nation, improving the quality of life for all our constituents. As Members know well, our leadership in the global economy is at risk today. While we face rising threats from countries like India and China, we have also failed to make the necessary investments in education, science, and research and development to maintain the foundation of knowledge that has served us so well in the past. This NSF reauthorization takes great strides to remedy that neglect. Most importantly, by committing to double NSF funding over the next 10 years, we demonstrate that ensuring the Nation's competitiveness is of the highest priority. As the House continues to consider items from the innovation agenda, the importance we place on competitiveness will be demonstrated again and again. With that, I look forward to today's debate and continuing to move forward on measures like this one that will bolster innovation and competitiveness. 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, this rule permits the House to consider the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2007. This important legislation will be considered under an open rule with a preprinting requirement, allowing any Member to submit changes or improvements to the bill. Chairman Gordon, Chairman Baird, Ranking Member Hall, Ranking Member Ehlers, and the Science and Technology Committee have put together an excellent product, and I look forward to an open and constructive debate. I am proud that today's debate will shine a light on the National Science Foundation. The National Science Foundation is truly one of the Federal Government's greatest accomplishments. It features a rich tradition that has supported talented young investigators, made America the world leader in basic science and innovation, and laid the groundwork for the Nation's economic strength. This reauthorization also represents another important step in the implementation of the innovation agenda. By boosting scientific research and development, moving the Nation toward a clean energy economy, promoting broadband deployment, and supporting small business entrepreneurs, the innovation agenda will keep our promise to maintain and strengthen America's competitiveness and leadership in the global economy. At present the National Science Foundation supports research and education activities at over 2,000 universities colleges, K-12 schools, and research institutions throughout the country. It is unique among our Federal research enterprises in that NSF supports scientists and engineers across all disciplines. In a given year, NSF will support about 200,000 scientists, engineers, teachers, and students. That is why NSF has led to groundbreaking research in such varied fields as genetics, computer science, information technology, nanotechnology, and climate change. By way of example, in my district, NSF funds the UC Davis Center for Biophotonics Science & Technology. The center features dynamic and innovative research that harnesses light to facilitate revolutionary advances in biomedical science. The potential applications for medical research and treatment are groundbreaking and will offer hope to thousands of our constituents. That is the kind of research NSF supports. I would also like to point out that NSF resources are distributed on a competitive peer review basis; so an objective process allows for only the most worthy proposal to receive funding. This is the best kind of investment the Federal Government can make because the return on this investment is tremendous. By stimulating innovative research, we create educational opportunities for promising students and drive cutting-edge research throughout the country. There is no better way to fuel the economy and create quality jobs. That is why the National Science Foundation has broad and bipartisan support in Congress. This reauthorization provides $21 billion at NSF for fiscal years 2008 through 2010. In doing so, it keeps us on the path to double the National Science Foundation funding by 2017. This was a key recommendation of the highly respected National Academy's report on U.S. competitiveness, ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm.'' And this boost is urgently needed, since today NSF can only fund about a quarter of the grant proposals that are submitted. The bill also creates a pilot program targeted at new investigators so we can bring more talented young people into scientific research fields, and it directs NSF to facilitate public-private partnerships, a proven method to leveraging Federal investment and bolstering American competitiveness. Finally, this reauthorization bill is on the Agency's legacy of promoting math and science education by including the provisions of H.R. 362, the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Math and Science Scholarship Act, which the House passed last week. With that, I thank the Science Committee once again for this excellent legislation. I look forward to a robust debate on this bill, and I hope we can work with the Senate to get it on the President's desk in short order. 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 H. Res. 349 and 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 Washington (Mr. Hastings), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 349 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to a wonderful woman who has served the Federal government for over forty years. This week, Jane Itogawa will be retiring from the Office of the Federal Defender, Eastern District of California after a distinguished career. As her colleagues, friends and family gather to celebrate her retirement, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting this outstanding Sacramento resident and public servant. In 1971 Sacramento's Office of the Federal Defender was established and E. Richard Walker was named the first Federal Defender. Within a year, a then Jane Hashiaka was selected to serve as the Secretary to the Federal Defender. Prior to that position Jane had worked for the Treasury Department, Department of Justice and the Department of Agriculture. However, it was with the Office of the Federal Defender, where those unable to retain legal counsel are provided representation in front of the court, that Jane found a home that would last for 35 years. Since starting as the office's secretary, she has been promoted to Administrative Assistant and then the position of Administrative Officer. At each position Jane's colleagues remarked that her dedication to the office was unmatched and that she consistently went above and beyond the call of duty. On June 1st 1976, Jane married Eugene Itogawa. Last year the couple celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They have one daughter, Michele Itogawa. In her spare time Jane gives back to the community by staying active with the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, where she assists with the church's annual Japanese Food and Cultural Bazaar. Madam Speaker, as Jane Itogawa enters retirement, 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 Jane, her husband Gene and daughter Michelle continued success and happiness in all of their future endeavors.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, the loss of Jack Valenti is a blow not only to his family and friends; it is also a tragedy for the motion picture industry and for the entire country. Jack embodied the American values we hold most dear: he was thoughtful, he was loyal, he was forthright, and he was exceptionally committed to his family. Jack was also a brave and decorated soldier, and his service during the Second World War instilled in him an unshakeable devotion to our country and to the principles for which it stands. Returning from the European theater, he continued to defend and promote these values as a public servant, and helped to guide our Nation through one of its darkest hours. While serving as a special assistant to President Lyndon Johnson directly after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jack's steadying influence played a central role in helping the country grieve, understand, and heal. However, perhaps his greatest contributions came later in life, once he became the motion picture industry's consummate Washington, DC representative. Jack's name will forever be associated with the movies, not only because his personality reflected the way that films can inspire and cheer us, but because so much of what we enjoy in today's movie theaters we can attribute to his years of tireless and effective advocacy. As a Californian, I am particularly aware of the debt of gratitude that we owe to Jack. The enduring importance of Hollywood in our culture, the rating system which protects our children from inappropriate content, the very majesty of film itself, all of these are parts of Jack's legacy. His life is a prime example of the good that can come from combining the idealism and fantasy of film with the determination and focus of the American work ethic. I extend my deepest condolences to Mary Margaret and to the rest of the Valenti family. Though there is little solace that can be offered during a time of mourning such as this, I hope it comforts them to know that Jack's contributions will forever be a part of the fabric of American culture. While his presence will be sorely missed, Jack's legacy will always be relevant and vibrant so long as movies continue to entertain, motivate, and inspire.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to remember a pioneering woman, a fearless advocate for justice and equality, and a remarkable trailblazer who was dedicated to improving the lives of others. Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald embodied all that members of Congress strive to be: she was a masterful navigator of Washington politics; she was a tireless champion for her constituents in Southern California; she was a focused and determined activist for the less fortunate all over the world. She was also a dear friend and valued colleague to those of us in Congress, and to so many others who were fortunate enough to know her on both a personal and professional level. As the first African-American woman ever to wield the gavel of a full Congressional committee, Juanita was proof of the milestones that can be achieved through dedication, intelligence, and political acumen. Her steady rise through the hierarchy of California politics--from a seat on the Carson City Council to a position in the California State Assembly, and finally to the Halls of Congress--instilled in her an unshakeable allegiance to the people who repeatedly elected her. Juanita's intense loyalty to her constituents was reflected in their own well-placed faith that she would represent them in a principled and thoughtful manner. She never let them down; indeed, her record as a public figure was characterized by an attention to the needs of her constituents, by a single-minded focus on achieving equality, and by adherence to the principle that democratic government; should help those most in need. Everything Juanita did was colored by her passionate quest for equality. She used this intensity to her advantage, emerging as an effective and authoritative advocate for women's rights at home and abroad. Never afraid to tackle controversial issues or to use her position as a bullhorn for reform, Juanita's energy and enthusiasm for advancing the cause of women's rights propelled her into a leadership role from her earliest days in Washington. Innovative ideas on this score seemed to emanate from Juanita. She convened a first-of-its-kind meeting between women members of Congress and female Supreme Court justices to discuss women's issues. She carried the Families First Agenda to more than thirty states for the first time. She served as the first Democratic Chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues. Through it all, Juanita was masterful at marshaling well-known and influential individuals to her cause without ever losing sight of her goal, which was to help create a society committed to justice, fairness, and equality. It is fitting that Juanita was such an outspoken and effective advocate for women's rights, for perhaps her greatest strength lay in her identity as a woman. She demonstrated for all of us--men and women alike--that being a member of Congress, a mother, and a grandmother at the same time was not merely a challenge. For Juanita, it was a blessing to be embraced and cherished. As a grandmother myself, I looked to her as a role model for how to integrate the unique challenges of having a family with the equally exciting responsibilities that come from serving in Congress. Two of the most rewarding pleasures in life are raising a family and working for the public, and Juanita's life is solid proof that a dedicated and forthright individual can accomplish both with poise, grace, and dignity. I extend my deepest condolences to Congresswoman Millender-McDonald's family. While this week my fellow Members and I lost a trusted colleague, confidant, and friend, their loss resonates more deeply than we can know. Nonetheless, I know that I speak for all of the Congress when I say that Juanita Millender-McDonald was someone we admired on a personal and professional level, someone whose absence will leave a void within us, and someone whose legacy of principled and determined leadership will not be forgotten.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. It inadvertently violates, so we struck it out.

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, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 319 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, 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 bill, the sooner our communities across the country will be healthier and safer. 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 yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings). During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. Mr. Speaker, this rule permits the House to consider the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. The structured rule makes in order six amendments. As yesterday's debate in the Rules Committee demonstrated, Members on both sides of the aisle are focused on getting this bill to conference and onto the President's desk, and this rule reflects that consensus. 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 a President. The bill made in order under this rule authorizes nearly $14 billion for the construction of more than 700 water resources 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 $3 billion. Furthermore, the bill requires an external peer review for studies of projects that would cost more than $50 million. The bill also coordinates environmental analyses and other permit processes among Federal and State agencies and authorizes environmental quality initiatives. In short, this bill today moves our country forward. In my district of 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 in this country for catastrophic flooding. Located at the confluence of the great Sacramento and American Rivers, the Sacramento floodplain contains over 165,000 homes, over 488,000 residents, 1,300 government facilities including the State capital, and businesses providing 200,000 jobs. It is the 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 cripple this economy, and cost upwards of $35 billion in direct property damages and likely result in a significant loss of life. Sacramento has had major floods throughout its history, the last major floods being in 1986 and 1997. We live with a constant threat of catastrophic flooding. In my district, we understand the need and urgency for an overarching water resources policy to protect our homes, businesses, and families. This bill, the projects and policies it contains, goes a long way in addressing my district and 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 this 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. There is a strong history of support and bipartisanship for WRDA bills. It is my hope that this support continues and that we will move forward on this very important work. I also want to congratulate and thank Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chair, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and the full committee chairman, Jim Oberstar, for their commitment to make this bill a priority in the 110th Congress. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this rule and final passage of the underlying Water Resources Development Act of 2007. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 8 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, during consideration of H.R. 1495 pursuant to House Resolution 319, amendment No. 1 printed in House Report 110-100 be modified by the modification I have placed at the desk.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, there is a Washington, D.C. aqueduct project that inadvertently violates PAYGO. This modification strikes the provision from the bill.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the House of Representatives is considering H. Con. Res. 88, a resolution honoring the life of Ernest Gallo. I am an original cosponsor of this resolution and a long- time admirer of Ernest Gallo, who sadly passed away on March 6. Ernest Gallo was a pioneer in the field of winemaking and a generous philanthropist. He was also a friend to me and my late husband, Congressman Robert Matsui. His story is remarkable and exemplifies the American dream. Born to Italian immigrants, Ernest and his brother Julio, took just $5,900 in savings and a winemaking pamphlet from the Modesto Public Library, and from this modest start built the world's second-largest winery. He foresaw the potential for the California wine industry and relied upon smart ideas and hard work to build an incredibly successful business that today serves as an industry model. Today, the Gallo Winery is an important driver of northern California's regional economy, providing good jobs for 4,600 families. But Ernest's lifetime contribution to California and the Nation went beyond his business achievements. As he became more successful, Ernest gave back to the community where he grew up. Ernest Gallo's personal generosity is demonstrated by such endeavors as the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto and the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center at the University of California, San Francisco. These important institutions stand as a reminder of Ernest Gallo's life and his spirit. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting this resolution and honoring the life and memory of Ernest Gallo.