Grace Napolitano

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I was absent during rollcall vote No. 356. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. Res. 1409, Expressing support for designation of June 20, 2010, as ``American Eagle Day'', and celebrating the recovery and restoration of the bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I was absent during rollcall vote No. 357. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5502, the ECO-Gift Card Act, which amends the effective date of the gift card provisions of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I was absent during rollcall vote No. 355. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. Res. 1368, Supporting the Goals of National Dairy Month, which will commend dairy farmers for their hard work and commitment to the U.S. economy and preservation of open space.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2008) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate the development of hydroelectric power on the Diamond Fork System of the Central Utah Project, as amended.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I certainly want to commend my colleagues for working on this particular bill, and I thank them very much for the bipartisan way this was carried out. Water has no boundaries, no color, no political designation, and we need to continue working on these issues that are going to help the American people be able to have clean, sustainable green power. So, with that, I want to thank the staffs on both sides for their marvelous work.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2008, introduced by our colleague Representative Jim Matheson, would declare as final the cost allocation of $161 million to hydroelectric power generation on the Diamond Fork System in Utah and would defer those costs indefinitely in accordance with section 211 of the Central Utah Project Completion Act of 1992. H.R. 2008 is a perfect example of a win-win situation. This legislation will facilitate the development of 50 megawatts of clean hydroelectric power while generating revenue for the government for the use of its water facilities. This has been another collaborative effort, and I am very glad that we are able to bring it to the floor. I ask my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. I want to thank my colleague for being with us today and to all of my other colleagues who are supporting and endorsing this bill, especially the staff of the Water Subcommittee on our side and on the minority staff. The collaborative effort that has gone into this is exemplary of how we can work together to get things done, and I am very happy that we are able to do that in this bill. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, H.R. 4349 would update the statutory allocation of electric power generated at the Hoover Dam, located on the Colorado River, to its various users. The current allocation of this hydropower resource expires at the end of fiscal year 2017. In this regard, H.R. 4349 would increase the amount of electricity to be marketed by the Western Area Power Administration, known as WAPA, and provide to Native American tribes and other previously excluded entities the opportunity to acquire Federal power. The revised allocation would remain in effect from 2017 to 2067. H.R. 4349 has 43 bipartisan cosponsors. This hydroelectric generation, which provides a renewable, affordable, and accessible resource to the American Southwest, is, in this bill, being made now available to additional users through this legislation. Western Area Power has committed to implement a full and transparent process in the allocation of this resource. We expect that the State regulatory agencies of Arizona and Nevada will follow the same procedures and commitment to an impartial and unbiased allocation determination. Hydropower is a valuable resource for our country. The 50-year time frame for allocation of this resource matches the commitment by collaborators to fund the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. The conservation program is a nationally recognized example of how diverse stakeholders can, together, find solutions without litigation that allow everyone to use the Lower Colorado River to promote economic growth while supporting compliance with the Endangered Species Act and then protecting more than 100 species which the Lower Colorado River floodplain has within the river. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 4349, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4349) to further allocate and expand the availability of hydroelectric power generated at Hoover Dam, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank both the congresswoman from California (Ms. Matsui) and the congressman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) for talking about H. Res. 1258, recognizing May as Mental Health Month. As you've heard, there are many instances where we ignore this fact, and we are currently trying to erase the stigma. That's the biggest issue that we have in the United States. Today we must continue to shed light on those who suffer in silence with mental illness. It knows no boundaries. As you've heard, it goes into any race, any gender, any class, any religion, any political party, everywhere. It does not discriminate. Every day our children, our soldiers, our veterans, our family members, our coworkers and friends carry their wounds and pain on the inside. It is an invisible illness that often goes unseen and unmentioned, even as it leaves a trail of devastation in its wake. Recent reports show that military suicide has claimed more lives of our servicemen and -women than the Afghan war, and that approximately one in five servicemembers suffer from major depression or post- traumatic syndrome. It is now recognized by military leaders that there is a great big issue, and they're trying to provide services to those men and women so that they can return to semi-normal life when they return to their respective residences. Also, findings by the National Alliance of Mental Illness, NAMI, show that most mental illnesses are highly treatable, yet only one in three individuals suffering from mental illness seek or receive treatment. We must protect our soldiers' and their families' right to effective mental health services. They have earned it protecting our freedom. Today, suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15- 24. Again, third leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24. With each young life lost to suicide, we lose some of our Nation's future. We must continue to de-stigmatize mental illness so that all individuals, including our youth, know that it is okay, it's not shameful to ask for help and receive the treatment needed, because no child should ever feel this world would be a better place without them. The mental health and well-being of all Americans are critical issues that affect not only the quality of life and health of our communities, but as importantly, our national economic stability. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, serious illnesses cost Americans at least $193 billion, with a ``b,'' billion a year in lost earnings alone, never mind what businesses lose in over $500 billion a year. Mental illness is also the leading cause of absenteeism and lost productivity in the workplace. We need to learn how to prevent suicide. We must take those classes, and we must learn what those signs are so that we can begin to at least address those issues with our own, if not those near us. I respectfully encourage all my colleagues to support this resolution and thereby recognize May as Mental Health Month. Knowledge and prevention are key to continue eradicating the myths and stigma behind mental illness. If allowed to go ignored and untreated, this will only pass on to our future generations. We must unite on this critical issue and recognize the scientific facts and findings of mental illness to ensure access to professional help, including early detection and intervention. In closing, I leave you with words from two young women from my district whose lives have been saved by a suicide prevention program we started in 2001. From Patty, 15 years old: ``Thank God we have this program, because if I didn't have this treatment, I would be dead at this time.'' From Ofelia, 17 years old: ``After my mom and dad died in an accident, I wanted to die. This program and my therapist helped me to go off my depression and two suicide attempts.'' These are just more reminders of who we must represent and who we must continue to try to help and why we were elected to serve everybody.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank both the congresswoman from California (Ms. Matsui) and the congressman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) for talking about H. Res. 1258, recognizing May as Mental Health Month. As you've heard, there are many instances where we ignore this fact, and we are currently trying to erase the stigma. That's the biggest issue that we have in the United States. Today we must continue to shed light on those who suffer in silence with mental illness. It knows no boundaries. As you've heard, it goes into any race, any gender, any class, any religion, any political party, everywhere. It does not discriminate. Every day our children, our soldiers, our veterans, our family members, our coworkers and friends carry their wounds and pain on the inside. It is an invisible illness that often goes unseen and unmentioned, even as it leaves a trail of devastation in its wake. Recent reports show that military suicide has claimed more lives of our servicemen and -women than the Afghan war, and that approximately one in five servicemembers suffer from major depression or post- traumatic syndrome. It is now recognized by military leaders that there is a great big issue, and they're trying to provide services to those men and women so that they can return to semi-normal life when they return to their respective residences. Also, findings by the National Alliance of Mental Illness, NAMI, show that most mental illnesses are highly treatable, yet only one in three individuals suffering from mental illness seek or receive treatment. We must protect our soldiers' and their families' right to effective mental health services. They have earned it protecting our freedom. Today, suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15- 24. Again, third leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24. With each young life lost to suicide, we lose some of our Nation's future. We must continue to de-stigmatize mental illness so that all individuals, including our youth, know that it is okay, it's not shameful to ask for help and receive the treatment needed, because no child should ever feel this world would be a better place without them. The mental health and well-being of all Americans are critical issues that affect not only the quality of life and health of our communities, but as importantly, our national economic stability. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, serious illnesses cost Americans at least $193 billion, with a ``b,'' billion a year in lost earnings alone, never mind what businesses lose in over $500 billion a year. Mental illness is also the leading cause of absenteeism and lost productivity in the workplace. We need to learn how to prevent suicide. We must take those classes, and we must learn what those signs are so that we can begin to at least address those issues with our own, if not those near us. I respectfully encourage all my colleagues to support this resolution and thereby recognize May as Mental Health Month. Knowledge and prevention are key to continue eradicating the myths and stigma behind mental illness. If allowed to go ignored and untreated, this will only pass on to our future generations. We must unite on this critical issue and recognize the scientific facts and findings of mental illness to ensure access to professional help, including early detection and intervention. In closing, I leave you with words from two young women from my district whose lives have been saved by a suicide prevention program we started in 2001. From Patty, 15 years old: ``Thank God we have this program, because if I didn't have this treatment, I would be dead at this time.'' From Ofelia, 17 years old: ``After my mom and dad died in an accident, I wanted to die. This program and my therapist helped me to go off my depression and two suicide attempts.'' These are just more reminders of who we must represent and who we must continue to try to help and why we were elected to serve everybody.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1327) honoring the life, achievements, and contributions of Floyd Dominy.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1327 was introduced by our colleague, Representative Adrian Smith, and myself to honor the passing of Mr. Floyd Dominy, the man who was responsible for planning, coordinating, and building many of the Federal water projects that exist in the entire Western United States today. House Resolution 1327 recognizes the longest-serving commissioner in the history of the Bureau of Reclamation, serving Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. Mr. Dominy, who, until his death, liked to be referred to as Mr. Commissioner, rose from the plains of Nebraska to become one of the most influential water developers in the world. The legacy of Mr. Floyd Dominy impacts nearly every person in the 17 Western States. Water for cities and agriculture and reservoirs for recreation, along with hydropower from Bureau of Reclamation dams, provided the West with the ability to grow. The history of the West was built on the shoulders of men and women who saw challenges as opportunities. Floyd Dominy built the Bureau of Reclamation and its engineers into a world-class organization that helped the West and the world develop and manage limited water resources. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support the passage of House Resolution 1327. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, indeed, Mr. Dominy was a U.S. hero, if nothing else. He left a great legacy for the world, not just the United States; and we're exceedingly proud. He passed away 4 months ago at the age of 100 years old plus 4 months. My condolences to his family. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2288) to amend Public Law 106-392 to maintain annual base funding for the Upper Colorado and San Juan fish recovery programs through fiscal year 2023, as amended.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Salazar was right. We met yesterday in Greeley, Colorado, with a lot of stakeholders of the Colorado River Basin who indicated to us that their economy is at stake. They professed to us that the Endangered Species Act actually helped maintain the quality of the water in the rivers. So, to me, that's a further indication of how important this particular bill is, to continue the collaboration of all the entities who would come to the table, put their differences aside and quit getting into litigation that is more costly to the taxpayer. With that, I request that we support H.R. 2288. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. I will yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Colorado.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I won't go into any other dialogue other than to yield, for as much time as he may consume, to the gentleman from Colorado, Congressman Salazar.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. I yield, for as much time as he may consume, to the gentleman from Colorado, Congressman Salazar.