Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that the last bill we take up before recessing for the Memorial Day District Work Period is the military quality of life appropriations bill, the bill which includes funding for Veterans Affairs. Today, when we pass this bill and fund veterans' programs, we are reaffirming the promise we made to each veteran when they agreed to serve and protect our Nation. Part of that promise, one of the most important promises, is to provide them with superior medical care. While I do commend the committee for increasing funding for veterans' health care over the President's request, as the gentleman from Massachusetts mentioned, even leading veterans' groups state it does not increase funding enough. The funding does not keep pace with the rising population of veterans or the rising cost of health care. Yesterday, as the gentleman from Massachusetts also mentioned, the Rules Committee had the opportunity to make in order an amendment by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) that would have increased funding for veterans' health care to the necessary levels. The Republican majority chose not to. This is truly, truly unfortunate. Most Members, myself included, have already heard from veterans in their district that they have to wait far too long for medical care. In some instances, veterans face wait times of up to 6 months. Yet the bill before us does not provide the funding necessary to provide prompt access to health services. And with our ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the number of veterans needing medical service will only continue to rise. I am truly thankful that those men and women honorably serving our Nation in the world's hot spots are likely to return home to their family and friends. With protective armor and the improving quality of medical treatment in the field, more of our servicemembers are surviving combat wounds and returning, though with an increased need for medical service. Many of these men and women are amputees who will need months of rehabilitation to learn to walk and use prosthetic limbs. Because of these injuries, the men and women of our Armed Forces will need continuous care for the rest of their lives. At a time when American men and women are serving our Nation in hostile environments, we must demonstrate our intent to fulfill our promise and fund veterans' medical services at the highest possible level. We must provide them with the most efficient and highest quality medical care this country can offer. I hope that on the floor today, we can make in order the gentleman from Wisconsin's amendment increasing our commitment to veterans.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for yielding me this time. Our men and women in uniform are honorably serving this Nation on the ground in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other locations. But because of our commitments, our Armed Forces are relying even more heavily than usual on our National Guard and Reserves. It is estimated that National Guard forces make up about half of the U.S. force on the ground in Iraq. With this in mind, it is truly disappointing that an excellent amendment by the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor) was not made in order under this rule. The Taylor amendment would give our Reserve and National Guard members full access to TRICARE, the health care insurance provided to those in our Armed Forces. It is simply irresponsible for us to allow the families of 20 percent of Reservists and National Guardsmen to go without health care benefits. Our National Guard and Reserves know that they can be called up for more than the usual 1 weekend a month, but they never would have expected their 1-year tours of duty to be extended well beyond that time frame. I am concerned that the civilian leadership of the military has forced us to lean so heavily on the Reserve and National Guard personnel. These men and women serving in the National Guard and Reserves are responding to the unexpected; and now we, their government, need to respond in kind and not with a lot of platitudes. For all that these men and women are doing, we should be able to find the $1 billion necessary to provide them and their families with health care. Offering every member of the National Guard and Reserves the ability to access health care coverage is a moral issue. Our treatment of our Reserve and Guard members is unacceptable. The Taylor amendment began to address it. I am truly saddened that at a time of great service and dedication on their part, we are quibbling about fully providing for our servicemen and -women. The line between active and reserve personnel has already been blurred. Our Guard and Reservists need to be focused on fulfilling their missions. They should not have worries in the back of their mind about whether their spouse or their child is getting health care back home. This provision, passed in full committee, deserves debate on the House floor. I encourage my colleagues to oppose this rule which will allow this amendment to be made in order. We should honor our servicemembers and give them the health care coverage they not only deserve, but are entitled to.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, vote ``no'' on the previous question so that we can have an opportunity to vote on the Schwartz amendment. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

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. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I will be asking Members to oppose the previous question. If the previous question is defeated, I will amend the rule so that we can consider the Schwartz amendment that was offered in the Committee on Rules last night, but rejected on a straight party-line vote. Mr. Speaker, the Schwartz amendment proposes an important new initiative to help the United States reduce our dependence on imported oil and strengthen our national security. It would provide the Department of Energy with an additional $250 million next year to accelerate the research and deployment of energy technology that will reduce our country's consumption of fossil fuels. I also want to point out that the cost of this amendment is fully paid for and will not increase the deficit by one penny. The funding for this amendment will come from a small, less than 1 percent reduction in a tax cut for people making over $1 million this year. A ``no'' vote will not prevent us from considering the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, but a ``no'' vote will allow Members to vote on the Schwartz amendment. However, a ``yes'' vote will prevent us from voting on this responsible and aggressive approach to help our Nation out of its dependency on foreign oil. At this point, Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment immediately prior to the vote.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to today's consideration of H.R. 2419, which reflects much thought and long-term planning on behalf of the Committee on Appropriations. This year's energy and water bill means a great deal to my constituents and to my home in Sacramento. Sacramento's history has long been intertwined with flood control. When the city endured a near catastrophic flood in 1986, the community quickly realized they did not have nearly the level of flood protection necessary to fully safeguard the region. After the city again faced more floods in 1997, the community set off to achieve 200-year flood protection. However, until that day arrives, flooding remains a very constant and real threat, and continued Federal assistance plays an important role to attaining that goal. In spite of years of efforts, Sacramento still remains one of the most flood-prone and threatened cities in the country, paling in comparison to the level of protection enjoyed by other river cities. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento's flood risk is among the highest of major urban areas in the country. Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, Sacramento 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 would cripple this economy, cause between $7 billion and $16 billion in direct property damages and likely result in significant loss of life. The risk of serious flooding poses an unacceptable threat to the safety and economic well-being of Sacramento and to California's State Capitol. With the steady support of Congress, Sacramento has already made good progress toward our initial goal of achieving 100-year flood protection for the region and ultimately moving as quickly as possible towards 200-year flood protection. At the beginning of this year, FEMA revised its flood maps for the majority of Sacramento to reflect 100-year flood protection. But this level of flood protection is still a far cry from the protection afforded other large river cities and at least 100,000 people and 1,500 businesses continue to be at high risk in the south Sacramento area. Fortunately, as a result of long, bipartisan negotiations, Congress has authorized a suite of projects that will achieve 200-year flood protection. Upon completion of the authorized projects to improve area levees, modify the outlets at Folsom Dam and raise Folsom Dam by 7 feet, Sacramento will attain its long-term flood control goal. I deeply appreciate the Committee on Appropriations's commitment to funding these projects to help give Sacramento the level of flood protection that it both needs and deserves. I am also quite pleased with the work that the committee has done to ensure Corps projects are executed in an efficient manner with improved financial management. For example, the work necessary to achieve 200- year flood protection will take 15 to 20 years to complete. The committee is asking that the Corps develop a 5-year plan and a vision for water infrastructure in the country. The current year-by-year strategy would not be an efficient manner to plan for the significant financial demands. This would ultimately compromise the ability to implement the region's flood control projects. Efforts to comprehensively interrogate financial planning and project management in the Corps will greatly benefit not only the execution of the projects, but also the local and State partner's ability to plan their budget. It is certainly understandable that no matter how extensive the planning and preparation for a project, that as it moves forward, it may get off schedule. With that in mind, it is certainly helpful for the Corps to be able to reprogram funding to projects that can keep progressing. But this should only happen if the Corps can return the funding back to the project the funds originally came from. To not do so is a complete disregard of congressional directive. In such tight financial times, the Corps must curb this practice. I strongly support the committee directive that the Corps specifically identify all of the funding owed to projects as a result of reprogramming. I also believe integrating this funding into the Corps budget will help clear the books and assist the Corps in efficient project execution and financial management. By working together, the Congress, the administration and the Corps of Engineers will be better prepared to ensure limited Federal resources are spent efficiently, commitments to local sponsors are honored and projects remain on schedule. I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the committee's work determining funding priorities for the Department of Energy. This year's Energy and Water Appropriations bill highlights the committee's focus on other long-range issues, noticeably their commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. Sadly, this President's go-it-alone approach has been ineffective in reducing the threat by cooperating and working with our allies and others around the world to bring economic, social and political pressure to bear on any country trying to gain nuclear weapon capabilities. It is illogical to expect any other nation to listen to Americans speak of nonproliferation when we are developing bunker-busting nuclear weapons. I stand with the committee's position to stop nuclear earth penetrator research. Considering the vast amount of nuclear material that is not secured in the former Soviet Union, I believe it is a much better investment to fund the Sustainable Stockpile Initiative. Through this program, we will be able to increase our Nation's security by keeping their Cold War-era nuclear weapons and materials from falling into the hands of terrorist organizations. My one disappointment with this rule, Mr. Speaker, is that yesterday afternoon the Committee on Rules refused to make in order a good amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Schwartz). Her amendment would provide the Department of Energy an additional $250 million to accelerate energy research, development, demonstration and deployment. This investment will help our Nation harness technology to secure greater independence from foreign sources of energy. As we face rapidly rising prices for crude oil and gasoline at the pump, I believe this issue is very timely and of great relevance to our debate today about the funding priorities for the Department of Energy. This bill moves our country forward on many levels, from improving local water infrastructure, to bigger-picture Corps of Engineers financial management and efficiency issues, to global issues like nuclear nonproliferation. I strongly support the underlying bill and am pleased it was reported in a bipartisan fashion. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Schwartz).

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2520, as well as the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, as both bills are part of today's larger debate on stem cell research and the hope being offered with them. As Samuel Smiles said, ``Hope is the companion of power and the mother of success; for who so hopes has within him the gift of miracles.'' That is what today's debate is about, because at its core, stem cell research is about the idea of hope and miracles, a hope which has become quite personal for me. As you know, my husband Bob, who worked with all of you for so many years, suffered from a rare bone marrow disorder. I saw what this disease did to him. I saw his life cut short. And it is my hope that by expanding stem cell research, other families will have more than just a hope for a cure for this disease, as well as many, many others. But to be effective, hope and optimism need to be based on a possibility. This is what we are talking about today, whether or not this country will close the door on hope on the unexplainable, on what is truly a miracle. It is clear that by passing this bill and the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act we will not be reading articles in next week's paper that we found the cure for cancer or any other disease, that we hope to be effected. But I feel strongly that the effects of Federal dollars and involvement in stem cell research will make an unquestionable difference. Our country has been a leader in so many areas of medicine. Now is not the time to cede our role to countries like South Korea, France or Great Britain. By doing so, we will not only diminish the contributions of Americans, but also our ability to shape and impact the ethical debate. Both bills are an important step in harnessing the power of optimism. I hope we will not ignore this opportunity.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, today I rise to introduce the Child Support Reinvestment Act of 2005. This much-needed bill will provide States, including my home State of California, with important penalty relief, allowing more money to flow where it should: to the children of our State awaiting their past-due child support payments. California is in the process of developing the largest single statewide automated child support collection system in the country. Although the project initially met with delays, California is now on track to compliance by September 2006. However, rather than reducing the penalties as California makes progress towards its goal, the Federal penalties actually continue to grow, because the penalties are based on the amount the State invests in child support programs for the previous year. Effectively, we are hurting the very children that the program is trying to help by punishing States for doing their best to get each child the support payments they are owed. My bill, the Child Support Reinvestment Act, will lower the penalties and allow the money levied in penalty to be used for the benefit of the children instead of the Federal Government's general fund. This is smart regulation for the States.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, the anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. On this day 57 years ago in 1948, the British Mandate over Palestine expired and cleared the path for the State of Israel to be created. Despite her continued struggle for existence, Israel has overcome these difficulties to thrive and prosper. Israelis have become world leaders in agriculture, technology, medicine and science. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Israel for its continued support through the decades. Since its creation, Israel has been one of America's staunchest allies. And as the sole democracy in the Middle East, we as a nation must maintain our support and ensure our ally's continued survival.

Ms. MATSUI

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

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, today we will debate bipartisan legislation from the Select Committee on Homeland Security to improve funding for first responders. In this new post-9/11 era, ensuring that our country is protecting itself from attack is of prime importance. I am especially proud of the efforts of my hometown of Sacramento. Federal officials have recently highlighted Sacramento as an example to other localities of how to efficiently spend Federal anti-terrorism dollars. Already, Sacramento's main agencies tasked for homeland security, police, sheriff, health and the city and metro fire departments, are all coordinating their efforts. The five agencies have already agreed to share all of the homeland security dollars, a unique show of cooperation when limited funding is at stake. Not only have the agencies standardized protective suits and gas masks, but a massive 9,000 emergency personnel training effort is under way. With all of Sacramento's hard work, I am not surprised that Federal officials are singling their efforts out. What we are doing today will help these first responders in their work. Currently, base funding for homeland security assistance programs is distributed among the States according to a strict formula. This formula has resulted in greater funding going to lower-risk States like Wyoming on a per capita basis rather than more at-risk States like New York and my home State of California. This bill would alter the funding allocation to States based on threat and risk. However, each State would be guaranteed a minimum if its dollar amount fell below a specified level. Even the 9/11 Commission recommends that Federal dollars supplement State and local efforts that fall in higher-risk areas. This is a commonsense proposal. I am pleased that this reform will greatly benefit California and my hometown of Sacramento. Further, this bill continues Federal support for the Urban Area Security Initiative, which Sacramento has received funding through, in addition to other Federal grant programs. H.R. 1544 also recognizes the increased risk to our region posed by our flood control systems by specifically including dams in its list of critical infrastructure. Its inclusion will allow consideration of flood control levees and dams as a factor in determining the risk a community faces. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), for highlighting this issue of great concern to both our districts. Our communities are faced with a continuing risk of flooding. Sacramento's flood risk is among the highest of major urban areas in the country. Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers, the Sacramento floodplain is the hub of a 6-county regional economy that provides 800,000 jobs for 1.5 million people. A major flood along the American River would cripple this economy, cause between 7 and $16 billion in direct property damages, and likely result in significant loss of life. While we typically view the levee system as our first line of defense against Mother Nature's raging storms, we must also face the reality that this critical infrastructure must be protected from terrorist attack. A major levee failure or a terrorist attack at the dam upstream would be absolutely devastating to the region. The addition of this provision by the Select Committee on Homeland Security shows why amendments and increased discussion of this bill are so important. And I am glad to see that the Committee on Rules did make in order a few of the amendments that were brought before our committee. But I must express my disappointment that this bill will not be debated today under a more open process. I believe that there are a number of other amendments that, while we may disagree on the position, they are worth continued debate on the House floor. For example, while the Select Committee on Homeland Security explored the issue of whether all first responder grants should be awarded strictly on the basis of risk, doing away altogether with State minimum award requirements, I think there are a number of Members that would like to see this issue debated before the full House. Even the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) acknowledged that while he personally would like to see all first responder funding allocated by risk, the issue of ensuring each State receives a minimum was an important compromise in his committee. An amendment addressing this exact issue was brought before the Committee on Rules, but it was not made in order. I strongly support the underlying bill, and I am pleased it was reported out in bipartisan fashion. I commend the Select Committee on Homeland Security for their extensive debates on the best strategies to improve the funding streams for our first responders. I imagine there are many divergent opinions on this matter, and it would be excellent debate for us to have had here today. It is unfortunate the Committee on Rules did not open this rule so we could continue this full dialogue today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez). (Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

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

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

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

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin). (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler).

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I look forward to hearing the debate on this legislation to improve first responder funding. We all want to ensure our communities are well equipped and prepared to face any threat. I believe that the underlying bill will help accomplish exactly that. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, the power grab Senate Republicans are about to take is not about seven judges; it is about clearing the way for a Supreme Court nominee who only needs 51 votes instead of 60 votes. Senate Republicans do not want a David Souter, an Anthony Kennedy, a Sandra Day O'Connor, a Ruth Bader Ginsberg or a Steven Breyer, all of whom were confirmed with nearly unanimous, bipartisan support. If President Bush is successful with this extreme power grab in the Senate, he will be able to appoint extreme, right-wing judges to the court. President Bush wants to turn the Senate into a second House of Representatives, rubber-stamping his agenda, and that is simply not what our Founding Fathers envisioned when they created two distinctly different congressional chambers. Mr. Speaker, Democrats will fight to protect our constitutional checks and balances and basic fairness for the American people.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Shirley Queja, a dear friend and undeniably one the most dependable, dedicated and trustworthy individuals on Capitol Hill. After twenty-seven years of service to three members of Congress, she is retiring. As her friends, family and peers gather to celebrate Shirley's wonderful career, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring one of the Capitol's finest professional. staff members. The child of Millie and Sabas Dumlao and an older sister to four brothers, Shirley grew up in the small town of Wahiawa on the island of Oahu. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and came to Washington in 1978 to work for the late Senator Spark Matsunaga. Shirley served as the Senator's longtime assistant from 1978 until his passing in 1990. In 1990, my husband Bob was looking for a new Executive Assistant. That was when Neil Dhillon, his Chief of Staff, came across Shirley's resume. After speaking to Shirley, Neil was immediately drawn to her, not by her impressive professional experience, but instead, he was drawn to her passion for this institution, the history of this chamber and the process of law making. As their initial conversation ended, Neil was so intrigued with Shirley that he immediately rushed over to the Senate side to speak with her in person. As one who also was enamored with Congress and its steep traditions, I can see why Bob was impressed by these same qualities. Since that first meeting, she has served at the side of Bob, and later, myself as a trusted confidant and assistant. Bob was always proud of the caliber of his staff, and Shirley was their foundation for her fifteen years as Bob's Executive Assistant. No matter the crisis or the challenge of the request, Shirley was always there for her co-workers with steady-hand solutions. Bob always noticed her central role in holding staff together and he loved how her quiet leadership allowed her co-workers--his staff--to reach their full potential. Shirley possesses a dedication to her job and her co-workers that is unmatched by most. She often worked deep into the night, on weekends and routinely came in over the holidays. At times she placed her job before her family and it was clear that Bob and I could always count on Shirley. A trusted confidant to many, she was always prepared and left nothing to chance. Over time it was easy to see why so many of the people who worked with her hold Shirley in such high regard. When I think of Shirley many things immediately come to mind. As many of you know, she might just have the biggest heart of anyone in this town. She was always perfectly poised, even on the most hectic of days and under the most trying of circumstances. For fifteen years she was the hub of the wheel that kept the Matsui office strong. Shirley Queja is the mother of two beautiful and intelligent daughters, Noelani and Haunani. Both get their artistic talents and love for the Hawaiian culture from their parents. Haunani attends the University of Hawaii and Noelani attends the University of Maryland. She is the devoted wife to Irving, her husband of twenty-three years. They are both undoubtedly looking forward to her retirement. Irv too worked for Senator Matsunaga and now works with the Senate Sergeant at Arms. In his spare time he plays guitar and sings with the Aloha Boys, a local Hawaiian musical group. Both Shirley and Irv plan to remain active with the Halau O'Aulani, a Hawaiian cultural school in Maryland. Shirley, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for everything you have done for the Matsui family. I am sure you never planned to stay in Washington so long, but we are all so glad that you have. All of us wish you a joyful and long retirement. Brian, Amy, Anna and I keep a special place for you in our hearts. Mr. Speaker, Members of Congress search far and wide for staff members like Shirley, but if we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that she is an original. I am honored to pay tribute to Shirley Queja as she ends her twenty-seven years of distinguished service on Capitol Hill. Her contributions to my office and this body are immense and her personal friendship has been immeasurable. I ask all my colleagues to join with me in celebrating the career of this consummate professional and extraordinary person.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Shirley Queja, a dear friend and undeniably one of the most dependable and dedicated individuals on Capitol Hill. Shirley is retiring after 27 years of service to the Congress--first for Senator Spark Matsunaga, then for my husband, Bob Matsui, and finally for me during my first 2 months here in this Chamber. Shirley possessed an uncommon dedication to her work, always prepared, and never leaving anything to chance. She was always poised, even under the most trying of circumstances. And as all of the members of the extended Matsui family can tell you, she just might have one of the biggest hearts in town. To her loving and patient husband, Irv, and her beautiful and intelligent daughters, Clarissa and Cassie, thank you for sharing Shirley with our family. And, Shirley, please know that Brian, Amy, Anna, and I will always have a special place in our hearts for you. I ask all my colleagues to join me in celebrating the career of this consummate professional and extraordinary person.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Yom Hashoah, a day of remembrance for Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes. Between 1939 and 1945, over 12 million innocent people--including over 6 million Jews--were murdered because of their religion, their race or because of where they were born. Even today, after the passage of 60 years, it is difficult to fully comprehend the intense hatred and intolerance that so consumed this dark period in human history. On this day of remembrance we cannot think of just those who died, but also of those individuals who embodied the triumph of the human spirit, who bravely acted in the face of overpowering hatred, and of the lessons of their actions. Rather than succumbing to the despair of their situation, the Jews fought against their oppressors in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising in April and May of 1943. In a defiant declaration, the Jews of Terezin proclaimed a theme of liberation each time they sang Verdi's ``Requiem.'' The thread of hope continued despite the hopeless moments. As such, when we remember the Holocaust, we remember not only the needless death of so many, but also the heroic voices which continue to inspire us today. Sadly, we still struggle as a human race to stamp out the evils of anti-Semitism, racism and xenophobia. Several years ago in my hometown of Sacramento, we saw the ability of good to overpower intolerance during an act of arson on three area synagogues. We witnessed the heroics of average citizens who rushed into these burning buildings to save precious books, manuscripts and a Torah which had already survived the Holocaust decades earlier. While Yom Hashoah is a somber day of remembering those who were killed in the Holocaust, it is also a day that offers hope. Hope that the strength and courage in all of us will overcome injustice and intolerance.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this open rule. I look forward to hearing the debate on this legislation to reform Federal Deposit Insurance, and am hopeful that we can pass this legislation today. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.