Laura Richardson

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss the Conference Report for H.R. 658, the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act. I want to thank Chairman Mica, Ranking Member Rahall, the other conferees, and the leadership for finally bringing an FAA Reauthorization bill to the floor. Nearly five years has passed since the last FAA Reauthorization Act passed by the Congress and signed into law by the President expired. Instead of passing a new clean reauthorization bill five years ago, the reauthorization process was subverted by the desire of some members across the aisle to hijack the FAA reauthorization process as a to advance narrow ideological interests. This politicization of what had previously been a nonpartisan approach to developing aviation legislation was a great disservice to our nation, particularly in the economically challenged conditions of the past several years. Every day thousands of men and women give their best to ensure that the American civil aviation industry remains the best in the world. And no group of persons suffered more from Congress' failure to pass a short-term clean FAA extension last August than the airline pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, baggage handlers, mechanics, technicians, customer service representatives, security personnel, and others whose livelihood depends upon a functioning civil aviation sector. This past August, House Republican leadership, giving in to the demands of its extremist Tea Party faction and ignoring the long- standing Congressional tradition of passing clean extensions of the FAA reauthorization bill, broke precedent and attached to the bill several controversial ideologically extreme policy riders to weaken unions and kill jobs, knowing full well it would never be approved by the Senate. Then it adjourned and left town for the August recess. This abdication of responsibility resulted in the furlough of more than 4,000 FAA non-partisan career civil servants who in many cases had spent more than two decades working to provide the public with safe, modern and efficient air travel. This Republican-initiated FAA shutdown resulted in work stoppages on 217 construction projects worth more $11 billion that had been undertaken to upgrade the nation's air traffic control and safety infrastructure. This House majority's irresponsible action' more than 86,000 construction jobs at risks around the country and unconscionably jeopardized the ability of nearly 90,000 household to pay their rent or mortgages, educate their children, and put food on the table. In addition to the havoc wreaked on the families of the employees involved, the Republicans' forced shutdown of the FAA cost the American taxpayer $300 million in lost airport fees. To make matters worse, instead of passing the savings resulting from the lapsed airline ticket tax on to air travelers, almost every one of the airlines raised their ticket prices and pocketed the money. By any measure the House Republicans political gambit was a colossal blunder and the resulting public backlash led the chastened majority to drop the odious anti-labor provisions and pass a clean FAA extension thereby providing time for the parties to reconcile their differences and reach agreement on the long-term reauthorization measure before us today. Turning to the merits of the bill before us, there is much in it that I approve and support. First, the conference report maintains funding at current levels, authorizing a $63.4 billion investment in our Nation's aviation system for fiscal years, FY, 2012-15. Of this amount, approximately $13.4 billion is allocated for the Airport Improvement Program, AIP, $38.3 billion for FAA Operations, $672 million for Research, Engineering & Development, and $10.9 billion for FAA's Facilities & Equipment. Second, the bill provides about $ 1 billion in funding authority for FAA's Next Generation, NextGen, air traffic modernization program, approximately the same as the past two years. When fully implemented, NextGen will complete the transformation of an antiquated air traffic control system based on World War II-era technology to one based on 21st Century GPS technology. Additionally, the bill accelerates the development of a NextGen satellite-based navigation system to provide pilots with more accurate information to track aircraft and weather. And to strengthen accountability for the progress on the NextGen program, the Conference Report sets a schedule for FAA and creates the new position of Chief NextGen Officer to oversee the effort. Third, stripped from the Conference Report is the controversial House Republican provision that would have increased the percentage of employees who must vote in favor of a union before the National Mediation Board could certify the union as their representative. Had this provision not been dropped, it would have unfairly tilted the playing field against employees because a union could be certified only if it won the votes of a majority of all employees in a particular group, not just those who actually voted. It is clearly unfair to consider a vote not cast as a vote against. To put it another way: there is a gigantic difference between not voting and voting No! I am pleased that this anti-democratic provision has been dropped from the bill. Fourth, the bill establishes a process for mediation and binding arbitration of impasses between the FAA and the collective-bargaining representatives of employees to help ensure that disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently without any disruption to the aviation system. Fifth, the bill requires the FAA and OSHA to move forward with long- stalled rules to extend OSHA protections to flight attendants. Sixth, the bill will help relieve congestion at many of the nation's interior hub airports by authorizing eight new round-trip flights between Reagan National Airport and airports located more than 1,250 miles away. Finally, I am also pleased that H.R. 658 includes protections for passengers. For example, air travelers have greater assurance they will be treated fairly while traveling. Tarmac delays are something we have all experienced at some point while traveling and can become frustrating to passengers who have no information as to when they will begin their travel. Now, airlines and airports would be required to have emergency contingency plans to take care of passengers who are involved in long uncomfortable tarmac delays. Passengers will no longer have to sit and wait on the tarmac wondering if they will ever move or be fed. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and having served on its Aviation Subcommittee, I have worked tirelessly with my colleagues to secure passage of a clean FAA reauthorization bill. But I cannot support a reauthorization bill containing anti-labor provisions that undermine the rights of workers to bargain collectively over the terms and conditions of their employment. Regrettably, this bill does. The bill contains statutory amendments to the Railway Labor Act which undermines 75 years of experience by the National Mediation Board's, NMB, in conducting representation elections in the air and rail industries. By removing the NMB's explicit statutory discretion in determining whether an election is mandated, this provision imposes new roadblocks for employees seeking union representation. Another provision undermining the ability of employees to secure union representation is a proposed change in the way union run-off elections are handled. Under the proposed language, if Union A receives 40 percent of the votes and Union B receives 25 percent of the votes and the remaining 35 percent of the employees vote ``no union,'' then the run-off will be between Union A and no union. This is true even though 65 percent of the employees indicated they wanted a union and soundly defeated the ``no union'' option. Most problematic, however, is the provision in the bill relating to ``showing of interest,'' requiring 50 percent of employees to sign up just to have an election. That is the same percentage of employees that would warrant union certification were the Employee Free Choice Act enacted into law. This is the first time in history that Congress is legislating a showing of interest requirement in any federal labor law. Were this ``showing of interest'' provision to be applied in a merger setting, a larger employer that merges with a somewhat smaller airline will virtually guarantee there will be no unions on the merged property because where large numbers of employees are furloughed, it is virtually impossible for unions to meet the 50 percent threshold. Taken together, these provisions constitute impose an intolerable burden on the ability of working men and women to bargain collectively over the terms and conditions of employment. I cannot support a legislative proposal that includes such provisions. As one who born and raised in the House of Labor, educated in the School of Business, and who spent 14 years working in the corporate world, I stand ready to continue working with my colleagues, the Administration, industry and labor to develop and pass legislation that is beneficial and in the best interests of management, labor, government, and the public. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill and once again urge this House to come forth with a clean long-term FAA reauthorization that will not impede workers rights.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a particularly exciting event that will be held this weekend in my district. On February 10th-12th, The UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will take place at the Home Depot Center Velodrome in Carson, California. The competition will welcome 230 athletes from 30 countries, including United States athletes: Allison Jones, Greta Neimanas, Clark Rachfal, Jennifer Schuble, Aaron Trent and California's very own, Anthony Zahn. The UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships are the world championships for track cycling and is open to male and female athletes with physical disabilities such as amputation, visual impairment, spinal cord injury, wheelchair-users and cerebral palsy. The UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships serves as the final qualifying event for U.S. athletes to be nominated to the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Cycling Team which will compete at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London this summer. Mr. Speaker, the Paralympics are a major international multi-sport event, similar to the Olympics, for athletes with physical disabilities. Over 4,000 athletes from 146 countries compete in the games, which run in parallel with the Winter and Summer Olympic Games. The goal of the Paralympics is to empower persons with disabilities through sport. Since its creation, the Paralympic games have been inspiring those with physical handicaps to realize their potential and strive to achieve their dreams. The Paralympics are making a difference in the lives of thousands of physically disabled people every day by focusing on participants' athletic achievements and ability rather than their limitations. Mr. Speaker, I have always been a big supporter of the Paralympics and their goals and that is why I am pleased that this year, the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held at the Home Depot Center in the 37th Congressional District. This marks the first time that the Home Depot Center will host a Paralympic event in its facility's history and just the second time ever, that the UCI Para- cycling Track World Championships will be held in the United States. The Home Depot Center, home of Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA, is designated as an ``Official U.S. Olympic Training Site,'' and is the first and only permanent indoor track of international standard in North America. It is a state-of-the-art facility that has brought much attention and prestige to my district. In March 2011, I was able to join U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano in support of the ``See Something, Say Something'' campaign, which has since expanded to include The Home Depot Center. The campaign raises public awareness of indicators of terrorism and violent crime and encourages average citizens to identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that my district is able to host such an extraordinary event that continues to empower people with disabilities and in the process, inspire people around the world. I am sure that the people of California will embrace the spirit of the Games and will cheer on the athletes as they compete for the Paralympic games this summer.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1162, which authorizes the transfer of lands within and around the Olympic National Park in the state of Washington. H.R. 1162 would incorporate specified federal lands within the Olympic National Park and specified land owned by the Quileute Tribe into the Quileute Indian Reservation, held in trust by the federal government. The Quileute people and their reservation are in danger. Most of the reservation is located within the flood zone and most of the tribal infrastructure, including their school, elder centers, and housing, is within the tsunami zone. This legislation will provide protection to the 375 residents of the Quileute Indian Reservation by transferring a few hundred acres from the vast Olympic National Park to the Tribe. As a member of the Native American Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress to address the needs of Native Americans. This legislation will provide the Quileute Indian Tribe with approximately 275 acres of land currently located within the Olympic National Park and approximately 510 acres of land along the Quillayute River. Mr. Speaker, the proposed land transfer will allow the people of Quileute Indian Tribe to relocate their schools and other structures to safer lands. Based on information from the Department of Interior, CB0 estimates that H.R. 1162 would have no significant impact on the federal budget. California is home to over one hundred federally recognized tribes. Tribes from my state and from other states such as the Quileute Indian Tribe from the state of Washington need protection from natural disasters such as tsunamis and floods. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1162 and allow the Quileute Indian Tribe to relocate their people and reservation to safer land away from the frequent tsunami risk that threaten the Tribe.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize February as American Heart Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and spreading knowledge in order to save lives. Heart disease is the gravest health risk for women in the United States and will take the lives of 420,000 women this year. During this month, I encourage all women to strive to be more proactive about our health and well-being. Mr. Speaker, heart disease is a harsh reality in our nation and is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Because information is the most powerful tool against fighting heart disease, let us advance women's heart health through advocacy and education. It is a fact that the chance of developing heart disease can be dramatically reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk. Many, but not all, cases of heart diseases can be prevented. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons women have to fight heart disease. Women should be aware of risk factors that can lead to heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and family history. By working together, we can help women live stronger and longer lives. While heart disease affects women of every race and circumstance, African American women have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than Caucasian women and are less aware of their cardiovascular risk factors. I urge all women in the United States to be more proactive about their heart health. It is never too early to take action to improve our heart health, and the Obama Administration is committed to helping Americans fight chronic illness such as cardiovascular disease. Under the Affordable Care Act, all new individual and group health plans must now provide recommended preventative care and services without a copayment, coinsurance or deductible. These potentially lifesaving screenings include blood pressure, cholesterol tests as well as counseling on losing weight and eating well. In addition, the Affordable Care Act has administered over $100 million in funding for up to 75 Community Transformation Grants, which are aimed at helping communities implement projects proven to reduce chronic diseases, such as heart disease. These grants will help improve health, reduce health disparities, and lower health care costs. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize February as American Heart Month. This month let us rededicate ourselves to helping our sisters, mothers, daughters, friends and communities become more aware of the risks and symptoms of heart disease. February 3, 2012 is National Wear Red Day and I urge my friends, family and colleagues to wear red in support for the more than 42 million women are living with or are at risk for heart disease. Together, we can overcome this disease.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Mildred Garcia, President of California State University, Dominguez Hills, who was recently named the new president of California State University, Fullerton by the California State University Board of Trustees. California State University, Dominguez Hills--located in my congressional district--has benefitted greatly from Dr. Garcia's leadership. Dr. Garcia is the first Latina to ever hold the title of president at a university in the CSU system, and her track record of success at CSU Dominguez Hills offers a shining example to university presidents across the nation. Her hard work and commitment to public education has helped to raise the status of the university in our community and across the state of California. Dr. Garcia, the daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants, grew up of humble means in Brooklyn, New York. The second youngest of seven children, Dr. Garcia worked as a secretary to put herself through college and understood that the key to opportunity and success is a good education. After receiving two masters degrees from NYU and Columbia, Dr. Garcia went on to obtain her Ed.D. from Columbia University, Teachers College. Before coming to CSU Dominguez Hills, Dr. Garcia taught at Arizona State University and spent ten years as the president of Berkeley College in New York. Over the past four and a half years, Dr. Garcia has worked diligently to elevate the status of CSU Dominguez Hills. When she began her tenure at Dominguez Hills, the university was struggling to meet enrollment targets and had an incoming freshman class with an average high school GPA below 3.0. Dr. Garcia has been able to raise enrollment levels to a record high of 15,000 students. In 2010-11 CSU Dominguez Hills received 27,036 student applications, an increase of 62 percent compared to 2006-07. CSU Dominguez Hills is also enjoying higher retention and graduation rates, and is becoming a more popular option for students just graduating from high school. Dr. Garcia has also been successful at increasing alumni donor participation by 400 percent, and securing the university's first-ever endowed professorship. During Dr. Garcia's tenure as President of CSU Dominguez Hills, her leadership and commitment helped to make the university a hub for higher education in the South Bay and greater Los Angeles. In 2008 CSU Dominguez Hills was awarded the highest possible evaluation from Western Association of Schools and Colleges, receiving a rare 10-year reaccreditation. Upon Dr. Garcia's arrival, CSU Dominguez Hills faced a $2.8 million structural deficit, with the state appropriation of $71,489,966. Under her leadership, the university successfully eliminated its structural deficit in spite of the continued decrease in state appropriation, which today is $59,766,882 (a 16 percent decrease). Under Dr. Garcia's leadership, CSU Dominguez Hills has won federal grants to help expand online education access to students, improve the quality of teaching in high-need schools by creating model teacher preparation and teaching residency programs, and provide students the support they need to complete their studies and graduate. All of these initiatives have helped to make CSU Dominguez Hills graduates active players in our economic recovery by improving community spirit, inspiring local business growth and lowering the local unemployment rate. Last summer, Dr. Garcia was chosen by President Barack Obama to serve on the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. As a member of this commission, Dr. Garcia has been tasked with advising the President and Education Secretary Duncan on ways to improve the success rates of Hispanic students across the country. At the conclusion of this academic year, Dr. Garcia will take her talent for leadership to California State University, Fullerton, one of California's largest universities. Although CSU Dominguez Hills is sad to see Dr. Garcia leave its campus, the legacy of her work and her impact on the community will continue to have an influence the university for years to come. I am proud to have worked closely with Dr. Garcia to help make CSU Dominguez Hills a model urban public university, and I am sure she will bring the same enthusiasm for success to CSU Fullerton. Although she will no longer be working in my district, I am positive that Dr. Garcia and I will continue our work together to ensure that every student in California has access to a quality and affordable college education. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Mildred Garcia for her appointment to become the next president of CSU Fullerton.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.J. Res. 98 because it is an empty gesture designed to waste time and provide a stage for political posturing. One hundred and seventy four House Republicans voted for the Budget Control Act in August which raised the federal debt limit and allowed the country to make good on the promises it made to the American people. Under the Budget Control Act, the debt limit increase that the President is requesting is automatically matched, dollar-for-dollar, by drastic spending cuts that target the poorest among us. Those cuts would hurt the people I represent in California's 37th District, and so I voted against it. Despite strong opposition from both sides, the Budget Control Act was passed, with a number of useless and unfair provisions, including this disapproval resolution, which lets House Republicans who voted for it in August turn around and withdraw their support. In this way, they can stand here today and make the same irresponsible arguments that they made last summer. Instead of working together to implement the American Jobs Act which would help create jobs and improve economic growth, they have chosen to squabble over the ability of the President of the United States to do his job. As ridiculous as it sounds, this is the trick that House Republicans are trying to play. It is entirely symbolic, of course, because if this resolution were to become law, it would result in the first default in U.S. history. A vote for this resolution is a vote against the full faith and credit of the United States and a slap in the face to its citizens. This kind of behavior is the main reason that Congress has lost the trust of the American people. It creates tremendous uncertainty within the business community and impedes economic growth. It also provides a terrible example to the rest of the world that should be able to look to us for guidance in times of turmoil. I urge my colleagues to reject this empty legislation and focus on creating a responsible, long-term budget that puts people back to work.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, an appropriate reminder of Dr. King's legacy, the civil rights struggle and the importance of serving one's community to make the country stronger. Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy is a symbol of the American values of progress, peace, and equality that have come to define American exceptionalism. Although we still have a long way to go to reach Dr. King's promised land, the strides taken toward racial equality since his March on Washington are a testament to the power of his non-violent message. On this day, we not only celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, but we commit ourselves to giving back to our communities. Dr. King's spirit compels us to use this day to volunteer our time in service of our neighborhoods. This year, millions of Americans across the country demonstrated their commitment to Dr. King's vision of a better world by offering their help to countless service projects and activities nationwide. Dr. King once said ``the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.'' It is on this day--nearly 44 years after his death--that we remember his words and continue our struggle toward racial, social, and economic justice. While an assassin may have felled the Dreamer; the dream of Dr. King still lives in the hearts and minds of people of goodwill everywhere in the world. In these tough economic times, it is important to remember the message Dr. King espoused--non-violence, determination, peace, and justice. These values have seen us through the tumultuous uproar of the 1960s and continue to persevere today. Dr. King's words not only inspired social movements in the United States, but were a heavy influence in Poland, the nations of eastern and central Europe, and more recently in Egypt and Tunisia. Dr. King, Jr., recognized that the struggle for civil rights and workers' rights were inextricably linked. Both required that the basic rights of all people are equal and ought to be honored equally, whether by an employer or by the United States government. It is by the light of his example that we should confront the hardships that face this generation of American citizens. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the gift of hope that Dr. King gave to so many and to remember the dream that he so eloquently articulated. We remember Dr. King's sacrifice and resolve to keep his dream alive through tolerance, altruism and community service.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Lawrence Kenneth Davis, Korean War Veteran and father of California State Assemblyman Mike Davis. Lawrence Davis died on Saturday, December 4, 2011, at his home in Long Beach. He was 81 years old. Mr. Davis was born on June 27, 1930 in North Carolina. After graduating from Highland High School in his home state, he went on to attend college at Johnson C. Smith University where he served as a member of the Varsity Football team. While there he met Myrtle Elizabeth Antrum, who he would later marry. After graduation, Lawrence began his career as a faithful employee of Piedmont Heat Treating Company. Mr. Davis was full of life, eager to learn and deeply involved in his community. While employed at Piedmont Heat Treating Company, Davis worked diligently to receive certification as a metallurgical technician. Mr. Davis' strong work ethic and passion for his trade was demonstrated in whatever task he was assigned. After his time at the Piedmont Heat Treating Company, Mr. Davis became the Chief of Security at Burt Lynn Middle School where many took note of his passion for his job. He also worked as a referee at local basketball games and entertained the audience with tunes such as ``The Stars and Stripes Forever'' and would ``wow'' the crowd with his roller skating skills. After moving to California, Mr. Davis' love for learning would lead him to enroll in Los Angeles Trade Technical College where he earned his Associate's Degree in Science. It was in Los Angeles that Lawrence Davis chose to raise his family. His son, Mike Davis, would go on to become a member of the California State Assembly and Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on Mr. Davis life let us remember his commitment, love, and passion for service to his community and his country. His inquisitive and youthful nature left a lasting impression on those he encountered every day. I would like to request a moment of silence in his honor and memory.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of January as National Stalking Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to increasing public understanding of the crime of stalking as well as helping to improve law enforcement's response to stalking in an attempt to hopefully putting an end to this terrifying crime. As a nation, we need to take the necessary action to prevent stalking before it occurs. Unlike other crimes, stalking is not a single, easily identifiable crime, but a series of acts directed at a single person with the intention to cause fear through threats, intimidation and/or nonconsensual or unwanted communication. Victims of stalking face profound consequences, such as high levels of stress, fear and anxiety. Stalking is a dangerous reality that affects thousands of Americans every year. In the United States, stalking affects 3.4 million people each year. Further, one in six women and one in 19 men in the United States have been victimized by stalking at some point in their lifetime. January offers time to focus on a crime that is vastly under- reported. Due to threats, intimidation, fear of retribution, or lack of an adequate support system, a large number of victims do not report stalking to law enforcement. Stalking is often a precursor to more serious crimes and it can be dangerous if left unreported. If you or someone you know is the victim of stalking, I urge you to come forward and get the protection you need. As of September 1993, all 50 states and the District of Columbia had passed some type of anti-stalking legislation and in 1996, Congress passed the federal stalking law. This is great progress. Until the passage of anti-stalking laws, victims had few remedies and limited options. The Obama administration has taken significant strides to identify and prevent stalking. President Obama was the first President to proclaim January as National Stalking Awareness Month and his administration has gone to great lengths to create a strategy to combat violence against women. In addition, stalking is one of the four crimes addressed in the Violence Against Women Act and the Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women is a leader in the fight to reduce stalking. While we are currently taking steps in the right direction, there is room for progress. I would like to take time to commend Peace over Violence and Safe at Home, for all the work they do to protect victims in my district. Peace over Violence is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing stalking and domestic violence in the Los Angeles area. Peace over Violence offers Emergency, Intervention, Prevention, Education and Advocacy services as well as a 24-hour hotline for victims. Safe at Home, California's address confidentiality program, is administered by the California Secretary of State's office. The program provides a free post office box and mail forwarding services designed to help stalking and other domestic violence victims. Safe at Home offers services that include confidentiality for children, as well as confidential name change, voter registration and the suppression of Department of Motor Vehicle records. Both Peace over Violence and Safe at Home provide victims of stalking with protection, relief and a sense of safety. Stalking is serious, unpredictable and can often escalate over time. To effectively respond to stalking, we must do more to promote public awareness about stalking and support victims of this crime. Let us work together to advance protection services for stalking victims and expanded educational services. The more people learn to recognize stalking, the warning signs and the dangers, the better chance we have to protect victims and prevent tragedies. Mr. Speaker, as I rise today to observe National Stalking Awareness Day, I encourage all Americans to come together to prevent stalking before it occurs and I encourage victims to get help by reporting harassment and stalking to the proper authorities.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou on being reelected as President of the Republic of China, also known as Taiwan, on January 14, 2012. This free and fair election continues Taiwan's long tradition of being a strong and stable democracy. On October 10, 2011 Taiwan celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding. In the past century, Taiwan has matured into a free-market, multi-party democracy that is a model for the world. Taiwan is an important partner in maintaining peace and stability in the region. As a proud member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I have had the privilege to travel to Taiwan last year as part of a bipartisan delegation. I had the pleasure of meeting President Ma Ying-jeou and other government officials. I was strongly encouraged by their commitment to maintaining strong ties with the United States. As a Member of the Homeland Security Committee, I also discussed Taiwan's request for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program with President Ma. I raised my concerns with President Ma about the need to strengthen their passport security standards before I would be comfortable in supporting Taiwan's inclusion into the Visa Waiver Program. I was pleased to hear that Taiwan has strengthened their passport standards, and I was proud to send a letter with some of my colleagues to Secretary Clinton recommending that Taiwan be included in the Visa Waiver Program. On December 22, 2011, the U.S. State Department announced Taiwan's nomination for inclusion into the Visa Waiver Program. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating President Ma on his reelection as the President of Taiwan. I look forward to maintaining the strong U.S.-Taiwan relations under his leadership.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. This legislation, which provides $662 billion in funding for fiscal year 2012, is not perfect but I will vote in favor of it for three principal reasons. First, it provides for troop and equipment readiness. Second, it provides much needed help and support for military families. Third, it authorizes critical investments in technology to ensure that the United States is prepared to defend against emerging threats now and in the future. Mr. Speaker, it is of utmost importance that our troops deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world have the equipment, resources, authorities, training, and time needed to successfully complete their missions and return home. This bill does that. H.R. 1540 also provides their families with the resources and support they need and deserve. Specifically, the bill provides for enlistment and reenlistment bonuses, retention and accession pay for critical skills, and hazardous duty pay. As my colleagues across both aisles would agree, it is our responsibility to ensure that our troops that have sacrificed for us receive the resources they need for success and the benefits they deserve. Further, the bill recognizes the importance of investing in future capability and technology to meet emerging challenges on the battlefield of today and in the future. We live in an age in which the security challenges facing our nation are ever-evolving and increasing in technological sophistication and complexity. We must take the necessary steps to ensure that the United States stays in the forefront of technological advances and is equipped with vigorous capabilities in order to be able to successfully detect, deter, and defeat terrorist plots, cyber attacks, and other emerging threats. The bill before us will help us meet these challenges. Let me briefly highlight some of the key provisions included in this legislation which I support: I. Troop and Equipment Readiness 1. Provides $22.8 billion for the training of all active-duty and reserve forces to increase readiness; 2. Authorizes $396.8 million for C-17 modernization; 3. Provides $6.3 billion to fund Navy ship and aircraft depot maintenance; 4. Provides $4.5 billion for Army and Marine Corps equipment reset and depot maintenance; 5. Provides $7.7 billion for Air Force weapon system sustainment; 6. Allocates just under $1 billion to support the Army's planned return to full-spectrum training; and 7. Provides $13 billion for Military Construction, base realignment and closures, and military family housing. II. Help for Military Families 1. Provides a 1.6 percent military pay raise 2. Ensures fair TRICARE premiums III. Investing in Future Technology 1. Extends important budget authorities to allow defense laboratories to recruit and retain the brightest scientists; 2. Expands developmental test and evaluation management for major defense acquisition programs; 3. Directs an assessment of mechanisms to employ non-U.S. citizens with critical scientific and technical skills; and 4. Expands pilot program for the integration of technology protection features during research and development to include contractor cost- sharing. Mr. Speaker, I do not support the provisions in the bill regarding the treatment of detainees suspected of terrorism. I believe they are decidedly unhelpful and thus agree with the administration and those distinguished legal scholars who assert that mandatory military custody is ``undue and dangerous,'' and that these provisions would ``severely and recklessly undermine'' our Nation's counterterrorism efforts. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support the NDAA for FY 2012 because it authorizes the needed investments to keep our nation safe and enhances our defense infrastructure, along with taking care of our military personnel, and authorizing continued funding for the C-17 air transport.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 1801, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the Committee of Homeland Security and as an ardent supporter of the men and women of the armed services, I am pleased to return today as we're on the floor to consider the Senate amendment to H.R. 1801, the Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act. This legislation requires the Transportation Security Administration to develop a plan for providing expedited screening to our military personnel at airport security checkpoints. As the gentleman from Minnesota just alluded to, the Senate amendment took a good bill and made it even better by expressly including new safeguards. Last Congress, on a bipartisan basis, an earlier version of this legislation was accepted as an amendment during the consideration of the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act, which passed this House by 397-25, which was not acted upon by the Senate. H.R. 1801 properly recognizes the preciousness of time--nothing more important than time--to the patriotic men and women serving in our armed services, but it does not compromise aviation security. Our troops help keep our country safe. While first ensuring safety, the least we can do is devise methods to help speed up the screening process for our troops who are in uniform and who are traveling on airplanes while on official duty. Since 2001, there have been more than 2 million troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. As our military presence in Iraq winds down, more servicemembers will, thankfully, be coming home. We owe it to them and to all of our servicemembers to do all we can to smooth their travels so that they can get home and into the arms of their loving families. This legislation establishes adequate parameters that will ensure that our troops and their families, including the 236,963 military personnel in my home State of California, will be given the opportunity to board an aircraft in a security-approved expedited manner. If approved today, this legislation will go directly to the President for his signature. With the enactment of H.R. 1801, we have the opportunity to show the country, despite all the acrimony that has been punctuated in this 112th Congress, we can accomplish good things for the American people when we focus on areas of common ground and when compromise is embraced. So I urge my colleagues to support this legislation with the Senate amendment. Mr. Speaker, I am compelled to build upon this current debate of H.R. 1801 and use this opportunity to urge the Republican leadership to bring to the floor additional bipartisan, commonsense homeland security legislation. This is the only bill reported by the Committee on Homeland Security to be considered before the full House. There are a number of other Homeland Security bills on the Union Calendar that warrant consideration by the full House as well. Among them is H.R. 1447, introduced by Ranking Member Bennie Thompson. This legislation seeks to enhance TSA's coordination with private- sector stakeholders on aviation policy. Also on the Union Calendar is H.R. 1165, authored by Representative Jackson Lee, which would strengthen the TSA Ombudsman office. With bipartisan support, both of these bills were ordered reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. Despite having received bipartisan support from the committee, these bills have lingered on the Union Calendar for 40-plus days. I urge the Republican leadership to schedule these bills for consideration, as I am confident they will return to this House with overwhelming bipartisan support. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Ms. RICHARDSON. I yield myself the balance of my time. As you've heard, Mr. Speaker, the measure before us represents discrete, commonsense homeland security legislation. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of this motion to suspend the rules and to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1801 so that this measure can be presented to the President for his signature. I would like to congratulate the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Cravaack) and the staffs on both sides of the aisle for their work not only in this Congress but for their work in the 111th Congress, which was when this was brought forward in the prior TSA act. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 3630, the GOP Tax Extenders Package. This bill does nothing to create jobs, support the middle class or stimulate our economy. Instead, the Republicans have decided to play politics at the expense of ninety-nine percent of American families. As we wrap up this year's legislative business, individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits, physicians anxiously awaiting certainty that they will be adequately reimbursed for treatment they deliver to Medicare patients and millions of middle class families facing a tax increase are depending on us to put politics aside and act responsibly. Unfortunately, the GOP Tax Extenders Package is mere political theater that takes an irresponsible approach to solving these issues. Mr. Speaker, President Obama called on Congress to extend the payroll tax deduction in order to save working Americans an average of $1,500 over the next year. If Congress does not act by the end of the year, American families making an average of $50,000 per year will see their taxes raised $1,000. At a time when the average American is struggling to make ends meet, it is essential that we extend the payroll tax cut to ensure that middle class American families can spend the money they've earned. Lowering the rate Americans contribute to Social Security out of their paychecks will help stimulate consumer spending, create jobs and revive our economy. While the Republican bill we are considering today extends the current payroll tax cut by two percent and addresses the SGR ``doc fix'' for two years, there are a number of ideological poison pills attached to this bill that simply make this measure unacceptable. First, the bill cuts Medicare provider rates by over $21 billion and significantly increases the number of Medicare beneficiaries required to pay higher premiums for services they need. Second, the bill would cut over $21 billion from Affordable Care Act programs, which will increase the ranks of the uninsured by 170,000 Americans. Although we are making progress in ensuring that more Americans have access to quality and affordable health insurance plans, the Republicans are recklessly attempting to roll back provisions of the Affordable Care Act that have proven successful at increasing access to healthcare. The Prevention and Public Health Trust Fund, an essential piece of the Affordable Care Act tasked with promoting healthy lifestyles and prevention treatment to keep Americans healthy, would suffer a deleterious $8 billion cut. Further, this bill would roll back the amount of time benefits are provided to recipients of emergency unemployment compensation. The current program allows beneficiaries to receive unemployment compensation for up to 99 weeks; however, the Republican Tax Extenders Package would lower that amount of time to 59 weeks. As we are all aware, the current job market is extraordinarily bleak. With the unemployment level in my district hovering around twenty percent, shortening the length of time benefits are provided would have a devastating impact on those who rely on unemployment compensation as their main source of income. Mr. Speaker, cutting back emergency unemployment compensation from 99 to 59 weeks hurts the most vulnerable members of our society. That is why I submitted an amendment to this legislation that would extend current unemployment benefits for 2012, if the implementation of subtitle B of title II is found to have a disproportionately adverse effect on workers aged 55 and older by the Secretary of Labor. Had my amendment been made in order and adopted, it would have provided much needed relief to job-seeking seniors in this tough economic environment. Time is running out. Republican brinksmanship on must-pass legislation continues to damage job creation and create uncertainty for businesses and the markets. In their Pledge to America, House Republicans promised to focus on jobs and keep extraneous and controversial provisions out of must-pass legislation. This bill is yet another example of their broken promises to the American people. For all these reasons I cannot support H.R. 3630, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against this bill.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of this great day in American history--the day that marks the end of the Iraq war. Although for years we all hoped and prayed that this day would come, there is an overwhelming feeling of relief when hope becomes a reality. Today we stand together as a nation and rejoice as we look forward to the return of thousands of men and women whose countless sacrifices, remarkable service, and enormous achievements in the name of our great Nation will never be forgotten. Nearly 1.5 million Americans served in the war in Iraq, with 30,000 wounded and nearly 4,500 casualties. In my district, we suffered the loss of 12 remarkable servicemen. We remember Long Beach residents: Pfc. Stephen A. Castellano; Sgt. 1st Class Randy D. Collins; Sgt. Anthony J. Davis, Jr.; Sgt. Israel Garcia; Pvt. Ernesto R. Guerra; Pfc. Lyndon A. Marcus, Jr.; Spec. Roberto L. Martinez Salazar; Spec. Astor A. SunsinPineda; Pfc. David T. Toomalatai; Pfc. George D. Torres; and Staff Sgt. Joshua Whitaker, as well as Carson resident Pfc. Daniel P. Cagle of Carson who were all killed in action. Perhaps the most consequential victory of the War on Terror came earlier this year when Osama bin Laden's life was finally ended by a group of Navy SEALs who deftly carried-out a covert operation at bin Laden's secret compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. I am extremely thankful for President Obama and his Administration's firm leadership in the effort to bring bin Laden to justice. With a renewed sense that justice has been served, we must return our focus now to protecting our citizens at home, and assuring our veterans a prosperous future. As President Obama said earlier today ``It's important for us to express our thanks in words, but it's even more for us to express our thanks in deeds.'' It is now our turn to stand up for our troops at home as they courageously stood up for us in battle. Our troops are returning home to a tough economy. They are returning home to an unemployment rate for veterans that is 2.5% higher than the national average. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put aside our differences and come together in our commitment to ensure veterans returning home receive all the resources they need. No measure of action we take in Congress can ever truly repay our troops for their sacrifices, but I vow to do all that I can to ensure that the country they fought and sacrificed for gives back to them all that they deserve. Finally, Mr. Speaker, while keeping the American people safe should always be our top priority, now we must refocus our priorities and our resources into protecting our homeland, educating, training and employing the American workforce, and ensuring our veterans a prosperous future in the nation they fought to defend. Over the last ten years, American taxpayers have spent billions rebuilding Iraq. We must now be willing to make the same investment of time and resources to rebuild our economy so that it provides a standard of living and quality of life worthy of the heroic sacrifices made by the men and women who risked their lives to defend our way of life and freedom.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. A beautiful Sunday morning on December 7, 1941 in O'ahu, Hawaii was darkened by a surprise and brutal attack on the United States Naval Station at Pearl Harbor. More than 2,400 Americans lost their lives that day while over 1,200 suffered from injuries protecting not only the base and the country they loved. The attack led to the entry of the United States into World War II, the most transformative event of the 21st century. In addressing the Congress the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said that ``yesterday, December 7, [is] a date which will live in infamy.'' Today we remember those who sacrificed their lives that day in the defense of our country and honor the patriots who continue to carry the memory of this day through their daily lives. Mr. Speaker, the attack on Pearl Harbor brings back the same emotions we experienced on September 11, 2001. We were stunned, shocked, horrified, but united in our resolve to protect our homeland and defeat our adversaries. Long Beach, California, which is located in my district, played a critical role in this effort. It was one of the leading centers of military activity on the West Coast. Along the Pacific coast of Long Beach were several Navy shipbuilding and repair yards, Coast Guard stations, supply depots, and transport facilities. It is no exaggeration to state that Long Beach was a critical component of the ``Arsenal of Democracy'' that was the United States. Mr. Speaker, the war that began on December 7, 1941 with the attack on Pearl Harbor ended on August 15, 1945, with Japan's unconditional surrender. In keeping with our national character, the United States did not gloat in victory, extract reparations from a vanquished foe, or occupy and oppress a conquered people. Rather, the United States helped Japan rebuild its economy and transform itself into a great democracy. The peace treaty that was signed on September 2, 1945, on the decks of the U.S.S. Missouri ushered into being a friendship that grows stronger and more important with every passing year. Japan is now one of our strongest allies and major trading partners. As we reflect on the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, let us remember the sacrifices of the men and women who perished that day in defense of the land we love.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Motion to Instruct Conferees, which instructs House conferees to insist on the inclusion of certain amendments intended to improved the sexual assault prevention and response in the Armed Services that were contained in the version of National Defense Authorization Act passed by the House on May 26, 2011. While 1 in 6 women in the United States will experience some type of sexual assault in her lifetime, as many as 1 in 3 veteran women report that they have experienced some form of Military Sexual Trauma during their service. Due to shame, guilt or fear of not being believed, countless victims do not report their assault and it has been reported that as few as 13 percent of these sexual assaults are reported to the proper authorities. Mr. Speaker, not only do cases of sexual assault largely go unreported, but response protocols necessary to protect victims of assault need to be improved. In addition, more must be done to protect these victims after they report their abuse. Victims of sexual assault face a lack of confidentiality, protection, support, and access to legal counsel once an incident is reported. Currently, victims of rape or sexual assault do not have the right to a unit or duty location transfer following an assault. The result is that victims of these unspeakable crimes often have to continue serving alongside their assailant. As of this date, the Department of Defense has not yet adopted policies that will enable sexual assault victims to escape constant contact with their attackers. Mr. Speaker, this is a huge problem. Something must be done. Fortunately, the problem of rape and sexual assault in the military has been addressed by provisions in both the House- and Senate-passed versions of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012 (NDAA). In both the House and Senate versions, the NDAA makes improvements in the military's response to sexual assault and to provide greater protections for our service men and women in the armed forces. Our hope is to ensure zero tolerance for sexual assault in the military. However, the House and Senate versions of this act differ significantly. The House version of the NDAA has stronger provisions regarding sexual assault in the military by strengthening legal protections for the victims, providing support and guidance to victims, and by strengthening the systems in place to prevent future assaults. That is why the Motion to Instruct directs House conferees to insist on the inclusion of these provisions in the compromise legislation negotiated in the Conference. Among the House-passed improvements are provisions: ensuring that sexual assault victims be afforded legal counsel if desired; protecting the confidentiality and victim advocates; requiring that commanders transfer duty stations; and requiring adequate training and education programs to prevent sexual assault. Mr. Speaker, we have a duty to protect our men and women in the military, who put their lives on the line for our country. We have a duty to make our armed forces safe for all men and women who wish to serve. It is dangerous enough risking one's safety in defense of our country on foreign shores. It is simply intolerable for American servicewomen and men to have to assume the risk of sexual assault from their comrades. The provisions in the version of H.R. 1540 passed by the House reflects a zero tolerance policy when it comes to the sexual assault of members of the Armed Forces by members of the Armed Forces. That is why I strongly support this Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 1540. I urge all of my colleagues to do likewise.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the goals and ideals of World AIDS Day. A day dedicated to bringing awareness to those who have died from the disease and the strides that have been made in the fight against it. This year marks 30 years after the first discovery of AIDS cases in the United States. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 33.3 million people have HIV worldwide, with 1.2 million persons who are living with HIV in the United States. Every 9\1/2\ minutes, someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV. One in five living with HIV is unaware of their infection. By race, African Americans face the most severe HIV burden. The impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic spans the nation with HIV diagnoses having been reported in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. dependencies, possessions, and associated nations. The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is ``Getting to Zero.'' After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the focus is on achieving 3 targets: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths. The goal of ``Zero AIDS Related Deaths'' signifies an increased access to available treatments for all those infected. Currently, only one third of the 15 million people living with HIV worldwide who are in need of lifelong treatment are receiving it. Universal access to antiretroviral treatments for those living with HIV will not only decrease the number of AIDS related deaths, but will increase the quality of life among those infected and decrease transmission. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for all of us to learn the facts about HIV. By increasing the understanding of how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today--we can use this knowledge to take care of our own health and the health of others. Since its discovery, countless researchers, healthcare providers, politicians, and educators have contributed to the global initiative to contain and eventually eliminate the presence of AIDS in all corners of the world. Recent scientific advancements have resulted in revolutionary breakthroughs with the potential to reverse the epidemic in coming years. I ask my colleagues to join me in this goal, to remember those who have died of the disease and to celebrate accomplishments achieved, specifically the increased access to treatment and prevention services. It is imperative that we continue our efforts and work together to increase funding for HIV prevention and education, so that our children will be equipped with sufficient and appropriate knowledge of this growing threat within our communities until HIV/AIDS becomes a memory.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 3463, which simply combines two bills, H.R. 672 and H.R. 359, previously considered during this Congress. I opposed those bills then and I oppose them now. Terminating the Election Assistance commission and the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, is a worse idea and a greater waste of precious legislative time today than they were when the Republican majority first brought these bills to the floor earlier this year. Mr. Speaker, since its creation, the Federal Election Commission has served the valuable purpose of preserving the voting and civil rights of our citizens which was born out of the scandal know as Watergate. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund succeeds in its purpose of leveling the playing field when it comes to corporate versus public funding of campaigns. By terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions, the Republican majority seeks to permanently tilt the playing field in favor of special interest groups and corporate money at the expense of the public interest. Presidential campaigns are currently funded through the voluntary $3 check-off on income tax returns. Given the size of the deficit and the national debt, the amount of money saving by terminating taxpayer financing is de minimis--less than $1 billion--but will achieve a goal long sought by conservatives who have never believed that public financing of campaigns is a permissible use of federal revenues. The Election Assistance Commission is charged with developing standards for voting systems, advising and counseling on best voting practices, assuring that every American has the right to vote, as well as to facilitate such vote, and to make sure that every single vote is counted. The precedent-setting work of the Election Assistance Commission has been recognized by nations around the world. The Election Assistance Commission has also played a central role in improving the accessibility of voting for the country's more than 37 million voters with disabilities. Let us not forget that the Election Assistance Commission was borne out of the 2000 presidential election fiasco with its unforgettable contributions to the political lexicon: ``hanging'' chads, ``pregnant'' chads, ``dimpled'' chads; ``butterfly ballots''; and ``voter intent.'' In response to the 2000 debacle, the Election Assistance Commission has performed valuable work to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of our nation's election systems. It has played a central role in collecting accurate and comparable election data. With our nation's complex and diversified election administration system, central data collection is essential if we are going to improve our citizens' trust and confidence in election results. The Election Assistance Commission develops and fosters the training and organization of our nation's more than 8,000 election administrators. Mr. Speaker, every vote counts--and every vote should be counted--and that is why we must preserve the Election Assistance Commission and oppose this legislation. It is also important to note that abolishing the Election Assistance Commission will not save taxpayers money, but rather simply shift costs to the Federal Election Commission, FEC, and local governments. The FEC is not an agency that can make decisions in a timely and responsive fashion due to its partisan divisions. Consequently, transferring the functions performed by the Election Assistance Commission to the FEC is inconsistent with the national interest in ensuring election integrity, improving voter access to the polls, and enhancing the quality of election systems. Mr. Speaker, the American people elected us to work on their priorities and real problems, like the lack of jobs. They do not want us to waste time on inconsequential matters of interest only to the Tea Party. H.R. 3463 is unnecessary and a diversion from addressing the real challenge facing our country. Therefore, I strongly oppose H.R. 3463 and I would urge my colleagues to join me in defeating this misguided and reckless legislation that puts the integrity of our election systems, and public confidence in campaign financing at risk.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 364, Designating Room HVC-215 of the Capitol Visitor Center as the ``Gabriel Zimmerman Meeting Room.'' Adoption of this resolution would be a fitting tribute to Gabe Zimmerman's commitment to public service and the courage of our colleague Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona. Gabe Zimmerman's devotion to public service knew no bounds and he made the supreme sacrifice in service to the public when he was killed on January 8, 2011, in Tucson, Arizona, at the hands of the same gunman who left Congresswoman Giffords gravely wounded. Like many Americans, the tragic events which unfolded on that day in January left me in a state of shock, anger, and tremendous sadness. As the weeks and months have passed, Americans have looked to each other for strength and have been encouraged by the tremendous progress that Congresswoman Giffords has made in her recovery. Nearly a year later, we pause to remember not only Gabe and Gabby, but all the innocent victims of this tragedy who were gunned down while waiting to exercise their democratic right to have their opinions heard. Madam Speaker, 19 people were shot on that tragic day in Tucson--six of whom suffered fatal wounds. While this tragedy focused national discourse on the need to reassess current gun restrictions and the responsibility of public institutions in reporting potentially dangerous behavior, we were also reminded of the value of maintaining civility in our public discourse. Gabe Zimmerman, Congresswoman Giffords' director of community outreach, personified the spirit of public service and patriotism that has made America great. His work with the people of Tucson made him a popular member of the community, and his passion for social justice transcended his official role as a member of Congresswoman Giffords' staff and left an indelible impact on everyone around him. Gabe's drive to help others led him to pursue a master's degree in social work and a career in politics. Although Gabe's nascent career was cut tragically short, designating room HVC-215 as the Gabe Zimmerman Meeting Room will allow us to memorialize and celebrate his commitment to public service for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 364.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3094, the deceptively named ``Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act,'' and I appeal to my colleagues to join me in rejecting this dangerous legislation designed to undermine the collective bargaining rights of America's workers. I oppose this legislation for three principal reasons: First, it flies in the face of 75 years of judicially-approved, National Labor Review Board (NLRB) case law governing the eligibility of bargaining units, transferring that power away from workers wishing to organize. Second, it would open the door to indefinite delays within the union election process, inviting frivolous litigation designed to cripple the system and prevent fair elections. Third, it would unfairly impose restrictions on the opportunity of workers to receive union information while allowing employers free reign to bombard their workers with anti-union propaganda. In short, this legislation would reduce the power of workers to organize for fair treatment to a level not seen since the late 19th century. At first glance, the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act sounds like a reasonable bill, but its glib appeal vanishes when one examines its intent closely. Proponents argue that by inserting delays prior to a union election, so-called ``ambush elections'' would be avoided. It claims not to interfere with the NLRB's supervision of elections. Mr. Speaker, this claim is disingenuous. The argument that creating employer based delays for a union election will somehow give a union member more time to make a better and more informed decision is questionable at best. Letting an employer delay union elections is unfair to the American worker who wants his or her voice heard. Big Business is not supporting this bill to help unionized workers make more thoughtful decisions. H.R. 3094 is a blatant attempt to silence and confuse. Enacted in 1935, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) was designed explicitly to encourage collective bargaining. Since then, the NLRB and the courts have interpreted this law and developed processes for handling workers who seek to form and manage unions. H.R. 3094 would substitute 75 years of expertise and decades of case law for new and untested processes that favor wealthy special interests and corporate litigators. Creating a legal precedent for unfairly stalling or even halting union elections is the true aim of this act. This legislation takes away the ability of unions to function as a democratically elected entity, prevents it from communicating with its members, and saps its organizational strength. Moreover, the resounding defeat of Ohio's Senate Bill 5, which tried to restrict collective bargaining rights of more than 360,000 public employees in that state, plainly demonstrates the American people's opposition to a legislature's attempt to stifle the rights of workers. Equally troubling is that under H.R. 3094 companies are free to force their workers to listen to anti-union information under the threat of discharge if they try to object. This provision is truly an act of coercion which has no place in the American workplace. The result of this strategy is obvious. H.R 3094 permits employers to intimidate their employees and discourage them from securing workplace rights. This is why the White House recently released a statement describing H.R. 3094 as an attempt to ``undermine and delay workers'' ability to exercise their right to choose whether or not they will be represented by a union.'' Imagine if H.R. 3094 passed. Imagine a working environment where a union wants to cast a ballot, but its obstructed by the employer with a steady stream of delays, bureaucracy, and litigation. Imagine a working environment where one's livelihood is threatened if a worker refuses to attend an anti-union meeting. Imagine a working environment where dissent is not permitted. This would be the reality under H.R. 3094. At one time, this was the reality in our country. It existed in the days of child labor, when the 12-hour workday was the standard, when there were no weekends, no safety regulations, or any of the other workplace protections that we take for granted. America no longer lives in the Gilded Age. American workers fought for over 100 years to achieve the right of collective bargaining for a better future. The democratic core of the right to unionize is under attack by this legislation. H.R. 3094 would be a great leap backward for our country. I urge my colleagues to reject this deceptive legislation and secure the rights of American workers.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1801, and yield myself such time as I may consume. First of all, I'd like to acknowledge the work of Chairman King and Ranking Member Thompson. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I'm pleased that, for the first time in this 112th Congress, the House is considering important transportation security legislation. H.R. 1801, the Risk- Based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act, requires the Transportation Security Administration to develop a plan for providing expedited screening for our military personnel at airport security checkpoints. Since 2001, there have been more than 2 million troops that have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Last Congress an earlier version of this legislation was accepted as an amendment on a bipartisan basis, as my colleague mentioned earlier, during consideration of the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act, which passed this House by 397 votes in the ``aye'' and 25 in the ``nay,'' but it was not acted upon by the Senate, unfortunately. H.R. 1801 properly recognizes the preciousness of time to our patriotic men and women serving in our armed services without compromising aviation security. This legislation will ensure that our troops and their families, including 236,963 defense personnel in my own home State in California, are given the opportunity to board an aircraft in a security-approved, expedited manner. Our troops help keep our country safe. The least we can do is devise methods that help speed up the screening process for our troops that are in uniform and are traveling on airplanes while on official duty. As our military presence in Iraq winds down, it is important that we remain cognizant of the burdens that deployments and travel have on servicemembers and their families in times of war and peace. In addition to travel services, I support and urge this Congress, the administration, and the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen all military services and programs for our troops, including increasing veteran recruitment efforts. Some of the additional military support that this Congress should consider would be, one, providing tax credits for hiring veterans looking for work; two, strengthening much-needed training programs for separating servicemembers; three, encouraging businesses and government contractors to hire the brave men and women who have been deployed and have now returned with developed valuable skills and professionalism while in the Armed Forces; four, ensuring that the servicemembers leave the military career-ready. H.R. 1801 is one of many opportunities for the American public and this Congress to demonstrate their support to those who are serving bravely. Further, it is important to note that consideration of H.R. 1801 marks the first time in this Congress that the House is considering a bill reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. I and other members of this committee look forward to this legislation not being our last. A number of commonsense homeland security bills are on the U.S. House of Representatives calendar and warrant timely consideration. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. If the gentleman from Minnesota has no more speakers, I am prepared to close.

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1801 is needed. It's common sense, and it's a piece of legislation with a history of bipartisan support. I urge my colleagues to support this measure and our troops. Their time is limited, and it certainly shouldn't be wasted in long lines at the airport. Airports all around the country have multiple checkpoints that expedite the security screening process, and our service personnel have earned this privilege as well. Likewise, I urge the Republican leadership to put on the House floor additional Homeland Security bills and bills aimed at easing our veterans' transition from military service to civilian careers. It's late November in the first session of this 112th Congress. It's coming to an end, the public is hurting, and Congress must act. With that, Mr. Speaker, on H.R. 1801 I urge my colleagues to unanimously support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.