Jerry McNerney

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to express my support for H.R. 3125, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act, of which I am a cosponsor. While much of our economy has experienced unfortunate challenges over the last few years, the technology and innovation sectors continue to stay afloat and even grow. To help foster this growth, it is vital that Congress enact forward-thinking policies such as those embodied by the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act. Itemizing currently-utilized spectrum will allow us to take additional steps to use available resources more efficiently. Enactment of H.R. 3125 will also help our country identify unused spectrum, which can subsequently serve to accommodate the growing demand for spectrum that must be met to allow consumers to have better access to broadband technology. The families and businesses that benefit so greatly from broadband services are depending on us to take actions that will encourage innovation and help preserve our country's position as the world's leader in high technology. H.R. 3125 is an important step towards improving the way we work, deliver health care, consume energy, and teach students, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the sacrifices of American men and women serving our country overseas and to urge my colleagues to support legislation I introduced to give them a much- deserved pay increase for facing dangerous situations. Late last year, I traveled to Afghanistan and was privileged to meet members of our Armed Forces serving our country in a difficult and dangerous environment. Two of those soldiers approached me and said they had not seen a combat pay increase in several years and asked me to do what I could do to make the burden of overseas deployment easier for them and their families. As a result, when I got back to Washington, I introduced H.R. 4440, the COMBAT Act, which provides several types of combat pay increases, including hostile fire pay, imminent danger pay and family separation allowance. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting our troops and their families by becoming a cosponsor of this bill.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, today Congressman Pete Stark and I ask our colleagues to join in honoring the life of Ben Tarver III, who passed away at age 63 on January 4, 2010. Ben Tarver was passionate about serving the people of Pleasanton. He moved his family to Pleasanton in 1974 and raised three children with his wife Margo. He started his 18 years of public service by fighting to preserve open spaces and promote smart development. He succeeded in preserving land that is now a part of the East Bay Regional Park District. Ben Tarver first served as a planning commissioner and was then elected to the City Council in 1988 and elected Mayor four times from 1992-2000. Ben had a deep rooted sense of public service and strong belief in giving back to the community in which he lived. When he was not coaching youth soccer or playing in a league himself, Ben was working with the school district to open up school gyms for community use, promote public parks and youth activities. Ben also represented the City of Pleasanton through appointments to numerous other Boards, Committees and Commissions. He served on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board, the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency Board, the Tri-Valley Wastewater Authority, the Livermore-Amador Valley Waste Management Agency, and fulfilled the role of President of the Alameda County Mayor's Conference and Chair of the Alameda County Local Area Formation Commission. He was an active member of the League of California Cities, serving as Chairman of the Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee and a member of the Telecommunications Task Force. Ben's years of community service touched the lives of many and improved the quality of life in Pleasanton for decades to come. He led by example and in the words of former Pleasanton Mayor Tom Pico, ``Ben was a great steward for our city. He set a high standard for integrity and did everything possible to protect Pleasanton's future.'' Ben Tarver's dedication to public service leave a legacy that will continue to benefit the people of Pleasanton, the state of California and our great nation for generations to come. It is for these reasons that Congressman Pete Stark and I ask our Colleagues to join in honoring the memory of Ben Tarver and in sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family and friends.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Tony Carnemolla, who recently passed away at age 74. Tony made a difference in the lives of countless residents of our community. His active involvement as commander of VFW Post 75 in Danville and civic organizations like the Exchange Club serves as a lasting example for the residents of Danville and the San Ramon Valley. At age 17, Tony Carnemolla joined the Army to serve our great Nation during the Korean War. Later, he became a tireless volunteer and advocate for his fellow veterans. He spearheaded the effort to renovate the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville and volunteered at countless local events to benefit veterans. Tony was a warm and respected leader and a dear friend. He will be missed. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Tony Carnemolla and in sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family and friends.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. I rise today to commend the tireless efforts of the Pleasanton Military Families on behalf of the brave men and women in our Armed Forces. Created in 2004, the Pleasanton Military Families is a support group for active military personnel and their families based in my hometown of Pleasanton, California. The Pleasanton Military Families leads a public recognition program for our servicemembers by hanging yellow streamers along Main Street marked with the names of residents serving in our Armed Forces. My family was honored that the Pleasanton Military Families hung a yellow pennant for my son, Michael, when he was serving in the Air Force. In addition, the Pleasanton Military Families hold warm welcome home ceremonies and sends packages to troops overseas. All of these efforts to support our active duty personnel and their families give due honor to the sacrifice and service of these young men and women. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Pleasanton Military Families for their dedication and commitment to our men and women in uniform.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 461, a resolution honoring the Sentinels of Freedom, which passed this afternoon by a unanimous vote when I was coming here this afternoon on the airplane. Our Nation's veterans made tremendous sacrifices in defending our great Nation, and they deserve the best treatment upon returning home. Whether it is through education, employment, or health care, no veteran should fall through the cracks. The Sentinels of Freedom, an organization based in San Ramon and Danville, California, provides opportunities to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and has demonstrated a commitment to America's heroes that we should all emulate. The Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation awards 4-year scholarships to severely injured veterans who began their service on or after September 11, 2001. The program provides veterans with community support and mentoring, help with job placement, financial assistance for rent or mortgages, and continuing educational opportunities. The Sentinels of Freedom has helped dozens of veterans in States across the country, including California, Texas, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Many military personnel fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are returning home with serious injuries that hamper their transition from military to civilian life. It's critical that we have programs in place that will help these veterans receive a quality education, secure a job, stay in their home, and lead a fulfilling life. I have seen firsthand the exceptional work and dedication of the Sentinels of Freedom and the way this organization helps to improve the lives of veterans. This group is a true leader in the community and deserves our highest respect. I want to thank my colleagues for helping me to recognize and honor the outstanding work the Sentinels of Freedom have performed on behalf of our Nation's veterans.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the Danville-Alamo Branch of the American Association of University Women on its 40th Anniversary. The chapter has a proud history serving the community by supporting political, social, professional, and educational opportunities for women. Through the chapter's work, Danville and Alamo benefit from stimulating speakers and programs, candidates' nights, and community service opportunities. The AAUW Danville-Alamo Branch has been active in local schools, enhancing educational opportunities in the arts, music, languages, science, and math. The branch also started a local Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics conference to expose middle school girls to careers in math and science. The Danville-Alamo Branch also helps girls achieve the dream of a college education through its scholarship programs. Today, the Danville-Alamo Branch has more than 200 members. These members continue to serve the community and advance a wide range of issues that affect women and girls. I wish you a heartfelt congratulations on 40 years of changing lives and making a difference for women.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Michael Shimansky, who passed away peacefully at age 65 on September 15, 2009. Mike Shimansky was the longest serving member of the Danville Town Council since the town's incorporation in 1982. He was elected in 1989 and served for 20 years with a deep rooted sense of public service and strong belief in giving back to the community in which he lived. I knew Mike on a personal basis, and he was a warm and genuine man. His passion for public service extended beyond his role as a Danville Town Council member. He was well known for officiating local soccer games, lacrosse games and track meets. I remember Mike as a fixture at events to raise money for positive causes, such as presiding over Primo's Run for Education, and the Hats Off America Run, which raises money for the benefit of surviving families of our fallen soldiers. Mr. Shimansky also represented the town of Danville through appointments to numerous other boards, committees and commissions. He was currently serving on the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority, Contra Costa Transit Authority, and San Ramon Valley Disaster Council; and as the Contra Costa Mayors' Conference appointee on the S.F. Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board and the East Bay Regional Park District Advisory Committee and the Elections Citizen Advisory Committee. Prior to his election to the town council, Mr. Shimansky served as a member of the town's inaugural Parks and Leisure Services Commission. Mike was also a friend to our veterans in the San Ramon Valley. As a member of the Danville Park and Leisure Services Commission, he was instrumental in the establishment of the All Wars Memorial at Oak Hill Park. A local veterans organization, the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley described him as, ``a truly outstanding and dedicated--beloved man of the community--in which he served and lived.'' Michael Shimansky's passion for public service did not stop at home. In addition to being deeply involved in the local community, he volunteered to help his fellow citizens during times of national crisis, by going to New Orleans to join the American Red Cross' efforts in both the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and during the wildfires that devastated many homes and communities in San Diego County in 2007. Mike was a valued and respected leader who touched the lives of many and improved the quality of life in Danville for decades to come. He always worked for the common good and led by example. In the words of one of his fellow council members, ``People loved him for his work ethic. Every decision he made, he had the people of Danville in mind.'' Michael Shimanksy's efforts as a volunteer and unwavering dedication to public service leave a legacy that will continue to benefit the people of Danville, the State of California and our great Nation for generations to come. It is for these reasons that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Michael Shimansky in sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family and friends.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize police specialist Lisa Campbell of San Ramon for acting on her intuition and training to jumpstart the series of events that unraveled an 18-year- old case and reunited a long-separated family. Ms. Campbell and her colleague Officer Allison Jacobs were able to make our community safer and save an innocent mother and her two young children from horrific circumstances. As a child of only 11, Jaycee Dugard was kidnapped on her way to school. For 18 years, she suffered terribly and was denied contact with her loved ones and the outside world. Had it not been for Ms. Campbell's realization that something was awry with the man requesting a permit to hold an event on the UC Berkeley campus, the abuse of Jaycee and her daughters would not have stopped. Lisa Campbell's and Allison Jacobs' quick action and good instincts prevented innocent people from experiencing further harm, led to the arrest of a dangerous person, and reunited a family tragically separated for almost two decades. I am honored to represent Ms. Campbell, and I am grateful for her dedicated public service.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to honor Officer Allison Jacobs of Brentwood for her work unraveling an 18-year- old case and helping reunite a long-separated family. By acting on their instincts, Officer Jacobs, and her colleague Lisa Campbell, were able to serve justice by acting on suspicious behavior that resulted in removing an innocent mother and her two young children from a monstrous situation. 11-year-old Jaycee Dugard was tragically kidnapped on her way to school. For 18 years, she was subjected to unspeakable abuse. Ms. Dugard was denied contact with the outside world, and had it not been for Officer Jacobs' outstanding performance of her duties, the abuse for Jaycee and her daughters would have continued indefinitely. Allison Jacobs' and Lisa Campbell's intuition, combined with an effective utilization of their training, saved innocent people from further harm, led to the removal of a dangerous person from our streets, and reunited a family torn apart by a deranged criminal. I have the highest regard and admiration for their actions and am proud to represent such an outstanding officer.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, the Small Business Innovative Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program have helped countless small businesses find funding opportunities in the science and technology sectors. That's why I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009, and the manager's amendment offered by Chairwoman Velazquez. I am also pleased that the chairwoman's amendments include improvements include an amendment that I submitted to make sure that the SBIR program is accessible to businesses located in the areas that have been most hard hit by the economic downturn. The State of California suffers from unemployment exceeding the national rate, and the San Joaquin Valley, a portion of which I am honored to represent, has been particularly hard hit. The language I wrote ensures that organizations receiving funding to help small businesses access SBIR opportunities are able to direct their efforts towards companies located in the areas with the highest unemployment. I have worked closely on this issue with my colleagues, Mr. Cardoza and Mr. Childers, and I would also like to thank them for their hard work and support. I am fortunate to travel home to California nearly every single weekend. I have met with innovative small business owners whose product promised to change our country for the better. The manager's amendment will help small businesses in the San Joaquin Valley and elsewhere enjoy the full benefits of the SBIR Program. I am proud to support its passage.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. I would also like to thank Chairman Waxman and Chairman Markey for their leadership on this issue. Before I came to Congress, I developed new energy technologies. I have seen firsthand these industries develop by leaps and bounds. The economic benefits of the American Clean Energy and Security Act will be profound. This bill will create jobs across the country in fields as diverse as construction, engineering, education and others. These jobs will lay the foundation for long-term prosperity. The American Clean Energy and Security Act is also a serious commitment to combating climate change. It is long past time for our country to lead in addressing this threat. Fewer emissions will mean cleaner, healthier air for our children and grandchildren. I am also proud that the legislation includes key provisions that I wrote, including language that will spur the development of a more efficient electrical grid and provide funding for clean-energy job training. I also encourage that during the conference committee process, the opportunity is seized to strengthen the renewable energy standard. This will help ensure that the new energy projects created by this bill will utilize American-made components manufactured by American workers.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 90th anniversary of A&W, a famous and treasured American company. Founded in Lodi, California, a city I am honored to represent, meals and root beer floats at A&W are a tradition for many families. A&W started as a root beer stand owned by Roy Allen, who sold root beer for a nickel a mug on a downtown corner. The soda proved so popular that the company quickly expanded to four sites, and the concession evolved into what is thought to be the country's first ``drive-in.'' Later, Mr. Allen asked Frank Wright, one of his employees, to join him in business and the two formed the partnership that became A&W. There are more than 675 A&W All American Food outlets in 15 countries and territories around the world, and A&W produces the world's number one selling root beer. I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating A&W's 90 years of exceptional service.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Gordon Hayes Medlin, also known as Gordy, who passed away last week. Gordy was born in Modesto, California, in 1922 and moved to Stockton in high school. Later Gordy enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve in World War II. Twenty-four years ago, inspired by the nearby Gilroy Garlic Festival, Mr. Medlin cofounded the Stockton Asparagus Festival. This festival is a 3-day food and entertainment festival celebrating asparagus, one of the signature crops of San Joaquin County, California. Attendance at the festival often reaches 100,000 people. To this date, the festival has raised more than $4.5 million for participating charities. Mr. Medlin's influence on the community is tremendous, and the results of his efforts will continue to be felt for years to come. I am saddened by Gordy's passing and proud to honor his lifetime of service and good work.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. I rise in proud support of H. Res. 426. I thank the gentleman from Texas for his words and support. We're basically here to honor police officers and law enforcement professionals. I introduced this resolution last Tuesday in recognition of National Police Week. H. Res. 426 commends police officers and law enforcement professionals for the hard and often dangerous work they perform to keep us safe. Almost 47 years ago, in October of 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a resolution designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it occurs as Police Week. Since then, police officers have held events during Police Week honoring their fallen brethren and officers who worked tirelessly to keep us safe. May 15 just passed, but our law enforcement officials should be celebrated daily. So far this year more than 40 officers from around the country have lost their lives in the line of duty. Four officers from California, including Sergeants Mark Dunakin of Tracy and Ervin Romans of Danville, both from my district, were killed earlier this year. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of these dedicated officers. In honor of their memory and in thanks for the hard work and selfless dedication of our Nation's police officers and law enforcement professionals, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. These brave men and women deserve our respect and gratitude. I further encourage my colleagues to support our law enforcement professionals not just during Police Week but every day of the year.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today to congratulate the students of Tokay High School in Lodi, California for winning their regional Science Bowl competition, hosted by the Department of Energy. The National Science Bowl is an academic competition testing students' skills in math and science. Only 67 high schools from around the country are asked to participate in this National Competition, and Tokay students recently visited Washington, DC to compete in the national finals. Math, science, and technology education are keys to our nation's future, and Tokay's students are an example of excellence. I hope that Tokay students continue to participate in the National Science Bowl and that I see them back next year.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I just want to say I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois for her leadership on this issue for housing counseling. Again, I have seen too many families that are in trouble and could have used help early on in the process or that are in trouble and could use help now to salvage the best of a bad situation. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to offer this amendment to the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act. This important bill will crack down on many of the most common predatory lending practices that have contributed to the housing crisis. H.R. 1728 also includes essential provisions to establish an office of housing counseling to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed mortgage decisions. I am proud to represent the city of Stockton, California, a city that unfortunately suffers from one of the Nation's highest foreclosure rates. Back home, I have hosted several foreclosure assistance workshops where mortgage counselors approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development provided unbiased advice to struggling homeowners. I have seen firsthand how effective these counselors are. But counseling resources remain very stretched. The amendment I offer today simply helps counseling agencies serving areas with high rates of foreclosures to get their fair share of grant funding. I am proud to support the bill we are considering today, and I would ask all of my colleagues to join me in making sure that the areas most hard hit by the housing crisis receive the counseling resources they need. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Sandra Cantu, a child whose life was tragically cut short. Eight-year-old Sandra lived in Tracy, California, a town I am honored to represent. Now known as ``Tracy's precious angel,'' Sandra was a cheerful, friendly girl whose joyful life was evident whether she was doing cartwheels or playing on the jungle gym. She brightened the lives of everyone she came into contact with, even those who never met her, as was seen in the number of people at her memorial last week. Her horrific kidnapping and death are a tragedy beyond description. No parent should have to experience the loss of a child, especially at such a young age. I am touched by the outpouring of support for Sandra's family from the Tracy residents and for the tireless work of the Tracy Police Department. Sandra Cantu will be missed, and I join those who grieve as we celebrate her short life.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 290, a resolution honoring the lives, and mourning the loss, of four Oakland police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Madam Speaker, these were men of flesh and blood, with dreams and hopes and families, and their lives were cut short by senseless violence this month. I just want to say a few words about each one of them in honor of their sacrifice. Sergeant Mark Dunakin lived in my district and served in Oakland for 18 years as a police officer, the last 10 of which as a sergeant in the criminal investigation division. His work investigating homicides made our streets safer and more secure. Sergeant Dunakin, from Tracy, California, leaves behind a wife and three children. Sergeant Ervin Romans, who was also a resident in my district, was considered one of the most skillful and knowledgeable members of the Oakland Police Department's SWAT team. Sergeant Romans, a former Marine, made a number of high-profile drug arrests during his tenure in the narcotics department. He was known for his dedication and work ethic. Sergeant Romans, a resident of Danville, also leaves behind a wife and three children. Sergeant Daniel Sakai, only 35 years young, studied forestry at UC Berkeley, where he also served as a campus community service officer. He began his dedication in service to community as a Boy Scout, eventually obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He leaves behind a wife and a young daughter who will miss him dearly. Officer John Hege recently achieved his dream of joining the department's motorcycle unit before that fateful Saturday. Before he joined the force, he was a teacher in Hayward. He continued to work with teens even after he became a police officer, serving as a high school baseball umpire. He was known for his cheerful attitude, friendly nature, and his eagerness to help those in need. Madam Speaker, these officers represented the best our society has to offer. They will be sorely missed, but their dedication to duty is an example for all of us. I join all of northern California, and the Nation, in mourning their loss and honoring these heroes.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor four police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty in a tragic shooting in Oakland this past weekend. I join all of Northern California in mourning their loss and honoring their sacrifice. Two of these brave officers lived in my district. Sergeant Ervin Romans of Danville, California, was a member of the SWAT team and had served with the Oakland Police Department for 13 years. He was a recipient of the department's Medal of Valor for bravery. Erv, as he was known, leaves behind his wife and three children. Sergeant Mark Dunakin of Tracy served with the Oakland Police Department for 18 years. He was known and respected as a passionate guardian of public safety. Sergeant Dunakin grew up in Pleasanton and is survived by his wife and three children. These heroic officers dedicated their lives so that we might live in safety. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and their loved ones during this difficult time.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, earlier today my vote in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 76, which was rollcall No. 144, was not properly recorded due to an electronic error. I would like the Record to reflect that I would have voted ``yea'' on this resolution.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of National Kidney Month and in honoring Tanya Lombardi, a courageous kidney donor. Four years ago, Tanya joined a local book club in Danville, California. There she met Maxine Moir. Maxine needed a new kidney, but couldn't find a donor. In response, Tanya offered her kidney to Maxine, displaying great compassion and courage. This past December, Tanya provided Maxine with a miraculous holiday gift. Since the successful transplant, Tanya and Maxine take weekly walks and remain close friends, a friendship extending from a unique and incredible relationship that began at the book club. Selfless donors like Tanya gave more than 13,000 kidneys in 2008, but many more people need help. Brave acts of kindness like those by Tanya Lombardi continue to bring hope to thousands of people and show that each of us can make a difference. I urge my colleagues to join me during National Kidney Month in recognizing the selfless acts of kidney donors across America.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. I thank the gentleman from Illinois. And I rise this evening to add my voice to the chorus of praise for Captain Sullenberger, who on January 15 safely set down a US Airways Flight 1549 on the icy waters of the Hudson River. Captain Sullenberger is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and spent years as an Air Force pilot before going to US Airways. He was always a proponent of safety and training. Captain Sullenberger wasn't one who looked for trouble, but he was one who was ready when trouble came. And on January 15, trouble found Captain Sullenberger and Flight 1549. Captain Sullenberger and the crew of Flight 1549 were ready with less than 2 minutes, the time that I'm speaking here right now, made critical decisions and safely set down the plane on the Hudson River. Because of the heroic action of Captain Sullenberger and the crew of Flight 1549, 155 American citizens are home safe with their families tonight. There wasn't one fatality and not one critical injury. This Saturday, in Captain Sullenberger's hometown of Danville, California, in my congressional district, more than 5,000 people came out on a dark, windy, cool day, a damp day to give praise and to give honor to Captain Sullenberger. And Captain Sullenberger is a true American hero. He is not an action figure from a movie. He is a true American hero. I commend Captain Sullenberger and the crew of 1549 and urge my colleagues to join me by passing House Resolution 84.