Laura Richardson

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2136, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act, which establishes the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones Fire Suppression Demonstration Incentive Program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems or other fire suppression or prevention technologies. I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Fudge, who introduced this legislation in honor of our distinguished colleague Stephanie Tubbs Jones. The late Congresswoman Tubbs Jones introduced the College Fire Prevention Act in each of the last four sessions of Congress and passed a resolution regarding Campus Fire Safety Month. I am pleased that the legislation she worked so hard on is finally coming before the House. As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, fire prevention for students is an important issue to me. There are between 1,500 and 1,800 fires each year in college residence halls, dormitories, and sorority or fraternity houses. But when fire suppression technology is present in student housing, the chance of surviving a fire increases by 97 percent and the likelihood of property damage is 35 percent less. H.R. 2136 establishes an incentive program within the Department of Education (DOE) that will promote the installation of fire sprinkler systems or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing or dormitories. The program will provide competitive matching grants that will fund up to half of the installation costs and priority will be given to applicants that demonstrate the greatest financial need. In addition, the legislation would reserve at least 10 percent of the funds in grant program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. At least 10 percent will be reserved for fraternities and sororities. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation to keep our students safe. I am pleased that Congress is taking action to promote increased safety measures in college dormitories as well as providing the funds in support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2136.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2136, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act, which establishes the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones Fire Suppression Demonstration Incentive Program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems or other fire suppression or prevention technologies. I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Fudge, who introduced this legislation in honor of our distinguished colleague Stephanie Tubbs Jones. The late Congresswoman Tubbs Jones introduced the College Fire Prevention Act in each of the last four sessions of Congress and passed a resolution regarding Campus Fire Safety Month. I am pleased that the legislation she worked so hard on is finally coming before the House. As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, fire prevention for students is an important issue to me. There are between 1,500 and 1,800 fires each year in college residence halls, dormitories, and sorority or fraternity houses. But when fire suppression technology is present in student housing, the chance of surviving a fire increases by 97 percent and the likelihood of property damage is 35 percent less. H.R. 2136 establishes an incentive program within the Department of Education (DOE) that will promote the installation of fire sprinkler systems or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing or dormitories. The program will provide competitive matching grants that will fund up to half of the installation costs and priority will be given to applicants that demonstrate the greatest financial need. In addition, the legislation would reserve at least 10 percent of the funds in grant program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. At least 10 percent will be reserved for fraternities and sororities. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation to keep our students safe. I am pleased that Congress is taking action to promote increased safety measures in college dormitories as well as providing the funds in support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2136.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1362, which honors the tremendous accomplishments of the late Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, who passed away on May 9, 2010 at the age of 92. Born in 1917 in Brooklyn, NY, Lena Horne was one of the most prolific and accomplished performers of her time. At the young age of 16, Ms. Horne began her career when she joined the chorus line of the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. Over the years, her phenomenal talent garnered increasing critical acclaim and widespread recognition, as she became one of the most prominent figures in American entertainment. I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Conyers for honoring the legacy of this superb American actress and songstress. Despite the segregation-era law that prohibited African Americans from playing leading roles in white films or plays, Ms. Horne's talent attracted widespread national attention. She was beloved for her part in the 1943 musical Cabin in the Sky. Additionally, for her role in the Calypso musical Jamaica, Ms. Horne was nominated for a Tony Award for ``Best Actress in a Musical.'' Ms. Horne's musical career was equally impressive. In 1957, her live album entitled Lena Horne at the Waldorf-Astoria became the best selling album by a female recording artist in the history of the RCA- Victor label. In the 1950s, Ms. Horne appeared in a number of popular television shows including, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dean Martin Show, The Judy Garland Show, and The Andy Williams Show. Lena Horne's pursuits were not limited to the stage. She was an outspoken activist committed to fighting racism and Jim Crow. She attended the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech and performed on behalf of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the National Council of Negro Women. During World War II, she refused to perform before segregated audiences and protested shows in which German Prisoners of War were seated in front of African American soldiers. I salute the artistic talent and inspirational life led by Lena Horne. I commend her contribution to the richness of American performance art and vocal stances against oppression and discrimination. Lena Horne captivated and inspired a nation and she will be greatly missed. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1362.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1362, which honors the tremendous accomplishments of the late Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, who passed away on May 9, 2010 at the age of 92. Born in 1917 in Brooklyn, NY, Lena Horne was one of the most prolific and accomplished performers of her time. At the young age of 16, Ms. Horne began her career when she joined the chorus line of the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. Over the years, her phenomenal talent garnered increasing critical acclaim and widespread recognition, as she became one of the most prominent figures in American entertainment. I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Conyers for honoring the legacy of this superb American actress and songstress. Despite the segregation-era law that prohibited African Americans from playing leading roles in white films or plays, Ms. Horne's talent attracted widespread national attention. She was beloved for her part in the 1943 musical Cabin in the Sky. Additionally, for her role in the Calypso musical Jamaica, Ms. Horne was nominated for a Tony Award for ``Best Actress in a Musical.'' Ms. Horne's musical career was equally impressive. In 1957, her live album entitled Lena Horne at the Waldorf-Astoria became the best selling album by a female recording artist in the history of the RCA- Victor label. In the 1950s, Ms. Horne appeared in a number of popular television shows including, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dean Martin Show, The Judy Garland Show, and The Andy Williams Show. Lena Horne's pursuits were not limited to the stage. She was an outspoken activist committed to fighting racism and Jim Crow. She attended the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech and performed on behalf of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the National Council of Negro Women. During World War II, she refused to perform before segregated audiences and protested shows in which German Prisoners of War were seated in front of African American soldiers. I salute the artistic talent and inspirational life led by Lena Horne. I commend her contribution to the richness of American performance art and vocal stances against oppression and discrimination. Lena Horne captivated and inspired a nation and she will be greatly missed. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1362.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2546, the Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2009, which will prohibit a condominium association, cooperative association, or real estate management association from preventing a resident from displaying a military service flag on his or her property or living space. This important measure will ensure that the families of our servicemen and servicewomen have the right to honor their brave loved ones for their service to this country. I would like to thank Chairman Frank for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Boccieri. I am deeply grateful to Congressman Boccieri for his service to this nation and I thank him for helping to ensure that no American is deprived of the opportunity to honor a family member who is courageously defending our country. Madam Speaker, I am deeply saddened by accounts of individuals being required by condominium and apartment owners to remove the service flags flown in their windows or on their porches in honor of family members serving overseas. Every American deserves the right to honor a loved one serving in the military. Our Nation should never discourage expressions of support for its troops. Fortunately, this legislation will ensure that never again will a mother be told that she cannot honor her son or daughter, whose service fills her with pride and for whose wellbeing and safety she prays daily. Madam Speaker, California's 37th district is home to over 24,000 veterans and hundreds of brave men and women currently enlisted in the Armed Forces, many of whom are fighting in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am forever grateful for their service and consistently work to ensure that they receive recognition for their courage and the support they need upon returning home. I stand in solidarity with their families in honoring their bravery and hoping that those who are currently deployed soon return home to be reunited with their loved ones. With Memorial Day just over a week away it is important that we take time to honor and express our gratitude for the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. We must also commit ourselves to standing by the families of our brave men and women in uniform. My district has a long history of supporting military families. Long Beach is home to the Gold Star Manor, which provides affordable and quality housing to mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the service of their country. We must continue supporting the family members of our men and women in uniform and always express our gratitude for our troops' willingness to risk their lives on behalf of our Nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2546.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2546, the Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2009, which will prohibit a condominium association, cooperative association, or real estate management association from preventing a resident from displaying a military service flag on his or her property or living space. This important measure will ensure that the families of our servicemen and servicewomen have the right to honor their brave loved ones for their service to this country. I would like to thank Chairman Frank for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Boccieri. I am deeply grateful to Congressman Boccieri for his service to this nation and I thank him for helping to ensure that no American is deprived of the opportunity to honor a family member who is courageously defending our country. Madam Speaker, I am deeply saddened by accounts of individuals being required by condominium and apartment owners to remove the service flags flown in their windows or on their porches in honor of family members serving overseas. Every American deserves the right to honor a loved one serving in the military. Our Nation should never discourage expressions of support for its troops. Fortunately, this legislation will ensure that never again will a mother be told that she cannot honor her son or daughter, whose service fills her with pride and for whose wellbeing and safety she prays daily. Madam Speaker, California's 37th district is home to over 24,000 veterans and hundreds of brave men and women currently enlisted in the Armed Forces, many of whom are fighting in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am forever grateful for their service and consistently work to ensure that they receive recognition for their courage and the support they need upon returning home. I stand in solidarity with their families in honoring their bravery and hoping that those who are currently deployed soon return home to be reunited with their loved ones. With Memorial Day just over a week away it is important that we take time to honor and express our gratitude for the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. We must also commit ourselves to standing by the families of our brave men and women in uniform. My district has a long history of supporting military families. Long Beach is home to the Gold Star Manor, which provides affordable and quality housing to mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the service of their country. We must continue supporting the family members of our men and women in uniform and always express our gratitude for our troops' willingness to risk their lives on behalf of our Nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2546.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to talk about the American people today. They are some of the most resilient people in the world. But over the last 2 years, even the most optimistic individual has been fearful. Just 2 years ago, we were losing 727,000 jobs a month. The stock market dropped 3,000 points, making 401(k) plans look like 201(k)s, and we feared for the next generation, that they would have enough money to live on. But what a difference a year makes. The Democratic Congress, working with the new Obama administration, has moved in a new direction, first of all by passing the Recovery Act. Instead of losing jobs, we have been gaining jobs. Since passing the Recovery Act, the stock market has risen dramatically, real estate is coming back, and home sales are coming back. When you look at the job growth, it is going up again. These are the changes, and these are the differences that we can see that are facts and not fiction.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1337, expressing the sympathy and condolences of the House of Representatives to those affected by the flooding in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi in May 2010. I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Oberstar for their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Cooper, who authored this legislation. As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communication, Preparedness, and Response, I stand with my colleagues in expressing our deepest sympathy to those affected by this recent flooding. The State of Tennessee was hit by unprecedented rainfall that resulted in the massive flooding of areas in and around Nashville. According to the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the two-day rainfall totals of 13.53 inches more than doubles the previous record of 6.68 inches set in September, 1979. Unfortunately, the storms causing the rainfall claimed the lives of 31 people across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones. In addition, the storms destroyed homes and displaced thousands of people across Tennessee, and the flooding affected travel along hundreds of roads throughout Tennessee, including interstate highways 40 and 24. Schools and universities across the region were closed. However, in this time of need, citizens and emergency responders worked together to aid their neighbors after the storm. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to the people of the State of Tennessee and the surrounding States, who continue to work to protect people from the floodwaters and aid in the recovery efforts. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I stand with my colleagues today to honor the emergency responders across Tennessee for their bravery and sacrifice during this tragedy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1337.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 268, which supports the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week and requests that the President of the United States issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States and interested groups to observe National Women's Health Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. This is an important measure that will increase public awareness of the critical issue of women's health. I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Hinchey, for his dedication to ensuring that women's health is a national priority. Mr. Speaker, it is important that our nation adopt a heightened focus on the issue of women's health. Women of all backgrounds should be encouraged to reduce their risk of common diseases through preventative measures, such as engaging in regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet, and visiting a healthcare specialist to receive regular checkups and preventative screenings. These healthy habits begin at a young age and so we must stress the importance of preventative health measures to children in homes and schools across the country. Unfortunately, there is a high prevalence of disease and health complications among minority women. African-American women, Asian- American women, and American Indian women all face a high risk of contracting diseases. As the representative of a district that is home to large African American and Latino populations, as well as the largest Cambodian population in the country, I understand the crucial importance of improving public awareness about women's health and the unique health challenges for minority women. Thanks to the historic passage of health care reform, we have taken a giant step in the right direction for women's health. All Americans will have access to affordable, quality care and no longer will women be discriminated against by insurance companies. We owe it to all women in this country--now and in future generations--to continue this effort to increase awareness regarding women's health. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res 268.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1094, which honors the tremendous accomplishments of the late Cynthia Delores Tucker. Ms. Tucker dedicated her life to advancing the interests of women and minorities in the United States. Raised in Philadelphia during the Great Depression, Ms. Tucker overcame great hardships to become one of our Nation's leaders in both the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for women's rights. After a life full of achievements and milestones, Ms. Tucker passed away in 2005 at the age of 78. We owe our national gratitude to Ms. Tucker, an American hero who made the United States a more fair and tolerant country. I thank Chairman Conyers for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congresswoman Watson, for her commitment to ensuring that the legacy of Cynthia Delores Tucker always shines as a beacon of social progress. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Tucker became politically active in 1950, when she worked to register African American voters during Philadelphia's mayoral campaign. She went on to play a central role in the Civil Rights Movement and marched with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from Selma to Montgomery in support of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In January of 1971, Governor Milton Shapp appointed Ms. Tucker as Pennsylvania's secretary of state, making her the first African American female secretary of state in the country. While serving as secretary of state, Ms. Tucker was a leader in the successful effort to add an Equal Rights Amendment to Pennsylvania's State constitution, guaranteeing equal rights for women under State law. She also oversaw the lowering of the Pennsylvania voting age from 21 to 18 years old. In 1984, Ms. Tucker founded the National Political Congress of Black Women, an organization dedicated to supporting the interests and well- being of African American women and their families. Ms. Tucker was also the first African American president of the National Federation of Democratic Women and founded the Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Non-Violence. Additionally, she founded the Bethune- Dubois Institute in an effort to promote the cultural and educational development of African American youth. In her later years, Ms. Tucker spearheaded a campaign against gangster rap music containing lyrics glamorizing criminal lifestyles and disrespect of women. In this effort to combat the negativity in gangster rap music, Ms. Tucker initiated a boycott of companies that produced such music and spoke out in objection to the NAACP honoring rapper Tupac Shakur with its Image Award. William Tucker, Ms. Tucker's husband of more than forty years, once described her as ``one of the most fearless individuals I have ever known. She will take on anyone, anything, if that is what she thinks is right. . . . I tell her there are times you have to compromise, but she is not one who will readily entertain the idea of compromise about anything.'' It was this dedication to social progress and unwillingness to settle for anything short of equality for all that makes Ms. Tucker a national hero. I salute the dedication and resilience that characterized Ms. Tucker's work throughout her life. I am truly grateful for her efforts to help women and minorities achieve equality and justice. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1094.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1320, expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens and law enforcement agencies in New York and Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism. I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Thompson for their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleagues Congressman McMahon, Congressman Himes, and Congressman Hall, who authored this legislation. As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communication, Preparedness, and Response, I am an original cosponsor of this resolution. I am pleased to join my colleagues in recognizing the New York City first responders who safely evacuated hundreds of people from Times Square and responded in a prompt and effective manner, as the result of extensive terrorism preparedness efforts that are supported, in part, by the Department of Homeland Security. H. Res. 1320 recognizes the efforts of these men and women as well as the action of two alert citizens, Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson, who notified the New York Police Department about a suspicious vehicle that was parked on 45th Street in Times Square. It is due to the exceptional professionalism and investigative work by the New York Police Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire Department of New York, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut that a suspect was apprehended only 48 hours following the attempted bombing. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this bill because it is important to recognize and honor the men and women who put themselves in harm's way all day, every day, doing the important work to keep our homeland safe. I am proud to stand with my colleagues today in support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1320.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1299, which recognizes the men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty as law enforcement officers. This is an important measure that pays tribute to the selfless men and women who lost their lives as they worked to protect the American people. These brave individuals deserve our national gratitude for their sacrifice. I thank Chairman Conyers for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Poe, for his dedication to ensuring that the men and women who protect our families and communities are honored for their bravery, service, and sacrifice. Careers in law enforcement are inherently dangerous and the men and women who decide to serve as police officers should be commended for their bravery. Today, there are more than 900,000 law enforcement officers in the United States who risk their lives every day to protect our communities. Following the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, more than seventy law enforcement officers were killed while rescuing victims and restoring a sense of order during this time of national tragedy. September 11, 2001, was the deadliest day for law enforcement officers in the history of our nation. More than 18,600 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty throughout the history of the United States. These police officers were killed while responding to disturbance calls, making arrests in robberies, investigating suspicious circumstances, making traffic stops, and countless other efforts to protect the American people and ensure the safety of our communities. In my district in Long Beach, California, 28 police officers have died in the line of duty. In a Peace Officers Memorial Day tribute, Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster eloquently stated, ``All of our officers and firefighters chose a profession where they could no longer sit still and proclaim that somebody should do something. Thinking about taking action and actually taking action is what separates the good from the great; the well intentioned from the heroes.'' I agree with Mayor Foster. Law enforcement officers are true American heroes. I salute the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers at the Federal, State, and local levels. I extend my deepest sympathy to the loved ones of police officers who have been killed while working to protect the American people. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1299.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1187, which recognizes Federal employees for their outstanding service to our Nation and stresses the importance of promoting their safety and security while they are at work. H. Res. 1187 is an important measure that raises public awareness in regards to both the excellent work performed by Federal employees and the need to protect them on the job. I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Moran, for recognizing the importance of seeking ways to improve the safety and security of Federal employees. Federal employees work long hours every day to ensure that Government is working for the American people. In return, we must do what we can to show our appreciation for their service. This includes ensuring their safety while at work. Unfortunately, recent events show that we can do more. Mr. Speaker, as Chairwoman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency, Communications, Preparedness, and Response, I am particularly attuned to the threats facing our Federal employees. Between 2001 and 2008, more than 1,200 attacks have been made on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) buildings. The February 18, 2010 attack on the Austin, Texas IRS building claimed the life of two-tour Vietnam veteran Vernon Hunter. The March 4, 2010 shooting that injured two Pentagon guards represented the fourth attack or security scare on a Federal building in 2010. These unfortunate events show that we must adopt a heightened focus on protecting Federal employees and securing Federal workplaces. Additionally, we should also be grateful for the service of the state and local government employees throughout the country and work to ensure that they, too, are safe at work. As the representative of thousands of state and local government employees, I understand the importance of the work they perform to ensure that our states and cities are run fairly and efficiently. We must be dedicated to their workplace safety. In addition, these attacks should also serve as a reminder of the need to enhance our security efforts not only for government employees, but for all Americans. The areas in and around my district contain multiple infrastructure sites of national importance, such as the Port of Long Beach, the Gerald Desmond Bridge, and the Alameda Corridor. Due to the constant flow of goods through these sites, they are vulnerable to attack and intentional sabotage. We must enhance our national security efforts to ensure that these sites, and the hundreds of others across the country, are secure and that the American people are safe. Mr. Speaker, we must continue to protect the people who serve us every day. I applaud the Federal employees who dedicate their lives in making sure government is working on behalf of the American people. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1187.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5019-- Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010. I want to thank my colleague Representative Welch for bringing this important bill to the floor. In our current economic crisis we need to seize on opportunities to create jobs, and with our need to find the energy to power our country, we need to find every kilowatt of savings we can. This bill will help accomplish both of those goals. Home Star is a short-term program to create jobs, save energy, and lower families' energy bills. Home Star will restart the assembly lines at factories that manufacture energy efficiency technologies and will put construction workers back on the job installing these improvements in the homes of millions of American families. There are huge energy savings available through basic retrofits, which will save people money and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. By encouraging people to help themselves through the installation of specific energy-saving technologies, including insulation, duct sealing, windows and doors, air sealing, and water heaters, we will all benefit. Home Star is expected to allow 3 million families to retrofit their homes to be more energy efficient. Consumers are predicted to save $9.2 billion on their energy bills over the next 10 years as a result of Home Star's energy efficiency investments. And Home Star will create 168,000 new jobs here in the United States. Construction jobs cannot be outsourced, and more than 90 percent of energy efficiency technologies are manufactured here in America. We also must do everything we can to continue to encourage the development of an energy efficiency industry in this country. Foreign countries are threatening to take our market share in manufacturing energy efficient technologies and we cannot let this huge market go offshore. This bill will help create a larger market for these products and solidify our position as a market leader. This bill is a win-win-win, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5019, the ``Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010.'' I am a proud cosponsor of this important legislation, which will create thousands of good paying jobs, help millions of consumers and families, and make our nation more energy efficient and independent. This bill is good for business, good for labor, good for families, and good for America. It is little wonder that it enjoys broad based and bipartisan support. I thank Chairman Waxman for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Welch, for recognizing the positive effect that home energy retrofitting can have on our economy, our energy supply, and our planet. Madam Chair, our nation faces a serious energy crisis. We must adopt a comprehensive energy strategy that weans us off of our dependence on foreign oil and ensures our nation's long term prosperity. This strategy has to include becoming more efficient in our everyday use of energy, and that starts in our homes. H.R. 5019 will spur home retrofits by offering rebates to homeowners who install energy saving products, such as insulation, duct sealing, air sealing, water heaters, and windows. Retrofitting will save homeowners $9.2 million on their energy bills over the next 10 years. Additionally, investing in the green economy creates jobs. This bill will create 168,000 new jobs by restarting the assembly lines that produce energy-saving devices and creating a demand for home construction and installations. Construction and installation jobs cannot be shipped overseas and 90 percent of energy efficiency technologies are manufactured here in the United States. As importantly, this legislation will help the individuals in this country who are the most vulnerable. I know individuals in my Congressional district and across the country are struggling to pay their bills as energy costs skyrocket. Many do not know how long they will be able to afford hot water, heat for the winter, or cold air to make stifling summers bearable. This bill will lower energy costs for those individuals and help them ensure that they can afford safe and decent living conditions for themselves and their families. This bill is supported by a wide-ranging coalition of religious, conservation, and pro-growth groups. H.R. 5019 is the right thing to do for our economy, our environment, and our communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5019.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1295, which celebrates the role of mothers in the United States and supports the goals and ideals of Mother's Day. Mother's Day is one of the most important holidays in our country. It is critical that we honor and recognize the central role that mothers play in raising the youth of our nation and shaping the future of our country. I was fortunate enough to be raised by a wonderful mother who lovingly cared for me and taught me the skills that I would need to excel in my adult life and career. There are more than 82 million mothers in the United States and each one of them deserves to be recognized on Mother's Day. Mothers work tirelessly every day to raise their children in loving households while juggling careers and countless other responsibilities. We owe special recognition to the single mothers across the country, who work longer and harder to ensure that their children have the resources and care they need to experience a fulfilling childhood and grow into well-rounded adults. We also must not forget the grandmothers and aunts, in California's 37th district and across the country, who raise their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. No one requires them to assume this responsibility; many of them have already raised or are currently raising children of their own. But they do so selflessly and without complaint, loving these children as if they were their own. Mother's day is a celebration of these individuals too--it is a salute to all of the women across the country who shape the lives of America's youth. We can never repay the mothers of this country for their hard and often thankless work. Especially in these tough economic times, many of them struggle financially, taking on extra jobs to make sure that they can put food on the table and send their children to school in new clothes. These individuals deserve our support. This Congress has responded to that need with the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which will ensure for women across the country that equal work gets equal pay. We also passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will help mothers provide themselves and their children with quality health care and end health insurance discrimination against women. Ensuring this basic fairness is the least we can do for the mothers who mean so much to our country. Our nation's most influential leaders shared this reverence for our nation's mothers. George Washington once said, ``All I am I owe to my mother, I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.'' Abraham Lincoln echoed this sentiment, concisely stating, ``All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.'' I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1295.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1307, which honors the National Science Foundation for 60 years of service to the United States. This important measure recognizes the National Science Foundation for its continued leadership in promoting groundbreaking research and educational opportunities in the fields of science, engineering, and mathematics--fields that are critical to the United States ability to compete in an increasingly technical global economy. I would like to thank Chairman Gordon for sponsoring this resolution and for his leadership in bringing it to the floor. Since its inception by Congress in 1950, the National Science Foundation has used grants to support the fields of science, engineering, and mathematics. In doing so, it has strengthened our economy and improved quality of life for Americans. Each year the National Science Foundation supports a network of over 200,000 individual scientists, engineers, students, and educators at over 2,000 colleges and universities, schools, nonprofits, science centers and museums, and small businesses. As a former member of the Science and Technology Committee, I understand the importance of science in advancing and protecting our nation. More importantly, as the chairwoman of the Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emergency Communication, Preparedness, and Response, I commend the National Science Foundation for its National Hazards Reduction Program, Approaches to Combat Terrorism Program, and other research activities that have predicted and reduced the risk of both natural and man-made disasters. In or near my congressional district are multiple major critical infrastructure sites, including the Port of Long Beach, the Alameda Corridor, and the Gerald Desmond Bridge. This critical infrastructure is a vital part of the good movement throughout the nation. However, due to the high volume of cargo that travels through them daily, these infrastructure sites also represent real national security risks. Thus, I am particularly attuned to the importance of the National Science Foundation's efforts to engineer secure infrastructure and design programs that help identity and reduce national security threats. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the National Science Foundation is a driving force and a pioneer in the field science, engineering, and mathematics. I applaud the National Science Foundation for continuing to lead the nation by example in building a new generation of leaders in these fields, strengthening our economy, and protecting our citizens. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1307.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1312, a resolution celebrating the roles and contributions of America's teachers to building and enhancing our Nation's civic, cultural, and economic well-being. On National Teacher Day, thousands of communities and schools take time to honor their local educators and acknowledge the crucial role that teachers play in making sure that quality education is a right for every student, not a privilege for some. I strongly support this resolution because I believe that we in Congress must do our part to thank those teachers who have dedicated their lives to providing a quality education for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, or religion. We trust our teachers with our Nation's most precious asset-- our children--and we must pause to thank them for the seriousness with which they take that charge. In my district alone, there are thousands of teachers working hard every single day to make sure that the students in Long Beach, Carson, Compton, Signal Hill, and Watts develop a love of life-long learning and that they have the tools and the knowledge they need to succeed in school and in life. Teachers do more than just teach; they also help build communities. They foster a sense of school community and they bring learning to the neighborhoods and communities that surround our schools. The NEA has asked that on National Teacher Day this year we do more than just pay lip service to our teachers. Better than an apple or a thank you card, a community's active support of the work that educators do to teach and care for the community's students would be ample reward. But our recognition and support should not stop there. Many States have announced this year that they will solve their budget crises by laying off thousands of teachers and staff from our public schools. For example, in my home city of Long Beach, more than 1,000 teachers, counselors and social workers were formally notified in March that they may lose their jobs at the end of this school year. I was particularly upset by this news because Long Beach Unified School District is one of the best urban school districts in the country. It was awarded the prestigious Broad Prize for excellence in Urban Education in 2003, and it has been nominated for the prize four times since the prize's inception in 2002. The last thing we should do is lay off our Nation's teachers, particularly in places such as Long Beach Unified School District where the teachers and staff are out-performing other schools throughout the country. We should celebrate and recognize those teachers and schools that are excelling, and use them as the model for how to improve teachers and schools that are struggling to meet their standards. We are facing one of the worst economic downturns in our country's history and I know that we must make tough choices about where to invest our scarce resources. However, our children are our future and without a proper, high-quality education they will not have the tools they need to succeed. I believe we must honor the commitment our teachers have made to our children by finding ways to balance states' budgets that do not result in widespread layoffs for public school educators and staff. Education is a civil right and we in Congress must do our part to protect that right for all children in all communities around the country. I applaud our Nation's teachers for their dedication to educating our most valued population in this country--our children. Without high- quality teachers in all schools, many of our children would be at a great disadvantage academically. Our teachers, particularly those who dedicate their lives to teaching in underserved communities, do their part to ensure that all children have the tools they need to succeed every day in school and to contribute to society's future. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1312.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res 1301, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Train Day. I want to thank my colleague and friend Chairwoman Brown for her tireless efforts and leadership on behalf of the rail. Looking back, this past year has been one of the most exciting years for rail in quite some time and we have a lot to celebrate on National Train Day. With the Obama Administration's focus on bringing high-speed rail to this country and the funding they have dedicated towards high- speed rail, the future of rail seems brighter now than it has in a long time. Just this past month I helped form the California High-Speed Rail Caucus. The Caucus is working to bring a world class high-speed rail system to California. My home State of California received $2.3 billion dollars of American Recovery and Reinvestment Funds to build a high- speed rail system, and this is on top of the voter approved bond measure which will provide nearly $10 billion for the system. The California High-speed rail line is projected to create 160,000 construction jobs in California to plan, design, and build the system. It is also estimated that an additional 450,000 jobs will be created once the system is up and running. The rail line is expected to reduce congestion, increase mobility, improve air quality, and reduce fatal auto accidents, and it could serve as a model that can be replicated across the country to create a national world-class rail system. I am glad to be recognizing National Train Day with such excitement across the country with the reemergence of rail as a viable transportation alternative. The United States is finally taking steps to catch up with the rest of the world and create a truly world class rail system.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1247, which commends public servants across the United States for their continued service to the nation during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year. This legislation honors the men and women who recognize that service is a solution to serious challenges and selflessly dedicate themselves to the betterment of communities across the country. I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Lynch, for acknowledging the importance of a strong culture of service in the United States. It is important that we continue to honor and commend the public servants who tirelessly dedicate their lives to serving our nation. I have personally witnessed the transformative power of public service in my own state. Last year, in California, the Corporation for National and Community Service helped 230,000 individuals of all ages and backgrounds meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through 366 projects state-wide. We also must honor and commend employees at all levels of government, many of whom dedicate the majority of their lives working to ensure that government is responsive, innovative, and--most importantly-- attuned to the needs of the American people. Public servants in government are critical to promoting and protecting the core American values of democracy and representation. Finally, we cannot forget those in the medical profession who care for the sick, young and old; the teachers who educate our children to become future leaders in our classrooms, colleges, and universities; the police and firefighters who protect our streets and keep us safe; or the construction workers who build our roads and bridges so we can get to work. Public service comes in many forms, all of which are equally vital in promoting the economic and moral strength of our nation. Madam Speaker, it is entirely fitting that applaud those who serve the public good--whether through their careers, community organizations, or on their own in their spare time--and commend them for their efforts improve the lives of millions of Americans. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1247.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1213, which recognizes the need to increase student participation in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). H. Res. 1213 also supports the ideals of National Lab Day, a national initiative designed to bring together educators, scientists and community members in the interest of providing students from kindergarten through 12th grade with hands-on scientific learning experiences. On National Lab Day, which is celebrated every year during the first week of May, scientists and other STEM professionals can give back to the community by volunteering their time to work with educators and students on lab projects. Women and minorities have long been underrepresented in STEM careers. We need to reverse this trend so that STEM professionals better reflect the diverse character of our nation. Several initiatives in my district and the surrounding region have taken steps to make this happen. Great Minds in STEM is a nonprofit organization that operates an afterschool program in the Compton Unified School District in Compton, California that educates students from underrepresented demographic groups in STEM subject areas. STEM UP is another initiative that is working to establish a STEM education program in Southern California that focuses on increasing diversity. The skills taught through STEM education are essential to an increasing number of jobs in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that science and engineering occupations will grow by 21.4 percent from 2004 to 2014, while non-STEM occupations will only grow by 13 percent. Additionally, equipping more Americans with advanced skills in STEM is essential to ensuring America's competitiveness in the global marketplace. In 2006, only 4.5 percent of college graduates in the United States majored in a STEM field compared with 25.4 percent of graduates in South Korea, 33.3 percent of graduates in China, and 39.1 percent of graduates in Singapore. We must graduate more students with the technical knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly globalized and hi-tech economy. I consider increasing educational and employment opportunities in the STEM fields to be so important that I recently introduced the America RISING Act of 2010. This bill will pay the salaries for two years of recent college graduates who are hired by small businesses or larger companies with operations in areas of low employment. It also establishes a higher education opportunity program which will provide funding to recent college graduates to help them obtain two years of additional education and training in the STEM fields. I salute the hard work and dedication of the volunteers, teachers, and students involved in National Lab Day and the organizations committed to increasing participation in STEM disciplines and careers. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1213.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1278, to recognize April as National Safe Digging Month. The Common Ground Alliance, an association dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of services by promoting effective damage prevention practices, has designated April as National Safe Digging Month in order to increase awareness of safe digging practices across the country. This resolution also celebrates the anniversary of the designation of 811 as the national `Call Before You Dig' number. I would like to recognize Congressman Shuster for his hard work authoring this resolution and bringing it to the Floor. The United States has over 2,500,000 miles of pipelines, of which 2,200,000 are for distribution of natural gas, 320,500 for transmission of natural gas, and 168,900 for hazardous materials including oil. Unfortunately, each year there are over 200,000 incidences of unintentional damage to underground utility infrastructure (including pipelines, electrical, telecommunications, water, and sewer lines). Many of these incidents are a result of an individual who fails to have underground utilities lines located before digging, as some utility lines are buried only a few inches underground. To prevent these accidents, Congress required a 3-digit, nationwide toll-free number be established to be used by State one-call systems in the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002. These one-call notification programs allow homeowners and excavators to have underground utilities located and marked before conducting digging or excavation activities. I am pleased to say that the one-call system has helped reduce the number of digging damage caused by failure to locate underground utilities prior to digging from 57 percent in 2004 to 37.5 percent in 2009. And as April is the beginning of the peak of excavation projects around the Nation, I am pleased to join Congressman Shuster and the Common Ground Alliance in raising awareness about this topic. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in supporting H. Res. 1278.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H. Res. 375, which supports the goals and ideals of Workers' Memorial Day, recognizes the importance of worker health and safety, and encourages the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, employers, and employees to support activities aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of workplace safety. This legislation serves as an important tribute to the men and women who have been killed or injured in the workplace and a reminder of the need for a national effort to ensure that workplaces across the country are as safe as possible. I thank Chairman Miller for his leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, for her dedication to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all workers in the United States. Mr. Speaker, every year, about 5,000 individuals are killed due to workplace related injuries. That is an average of 14 workers each day that die due to an accident in the workplace. In an advanced, industrialized society, these numbers are simply unacceptable. Many workers in my district are employed by the Port of Long Beach, where they operate complicated machinery and move heavy equipment to help facilitate the movement of goods throughout the United States. They deserve our best effort to provide them with a safe workplace as they perform this important work. Recent workplace tragedies, such as the death of the 29 coal miners in the disaster at the Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh County, West Virginia, and the explosion of the Transocean Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico that left 17 workers injured and 11 missing, have made even clearer the need for increased workplace protections in the United States. Hopefully, we can take these horrible tragedies as a call to ensure that the necessary workplace safety and health regulations are in place for all Americans. Regardless of whether you work in an office complex or a textile mill, a steel plant or on an oil rig, every American deserves the assurance of knowing that he or she is safe at work. Mr. Speaker, our nation needs a sustained and heightened focus on safety in the workplace, so that every employee in the United States can work in a healthy environment and return home safely to his or her family at the end of the day. This resolution is an important step in that effort. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 375.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 5013, the IMPROVE Acquisition Act of 2010, which will implement reforms that reduce waste within the Department of Defense, DOD. This important legislation will help ensure that our government's second largest department acts efficiently and effectively in its pursuit of our national security. I thank Chairman Skelton for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Robert Andrews, for his dedication to enacting substantive government reform that protects taxpayers and makes our Federal Government work more efficiently on behalf of the American people. Mr. Chair, in 2009, the DOD's budget was $680 billion, the second largest budget of all executive branch departments. The American taxpayer deserves our best effort to ensure that this money is spent efficiently, effectively, and in areas of the most need. H.R. 5013 will aid in this effort by ensuring the DOD gets the maximum value possible from its acquisitions. The bill will require that the DOD set performance standards and goals for all acquisitions. It then requires all acquisitions to be subjected to regular assessments to ensure that these goals are being met. This legislation also directs the Secretary of Defense to manage and develop a highly skilled workforce that ensures that the DOD gets the best possible value out of its expenditures. The bill requires that an enhanced system of incentives be put in place to encourage employees to reach performance goals. Finally, H.R. 5013 will require that all companies receiving DOD contracts are subjected to comprehensive audits that ensure that their federal dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. I have long been an advocate of increased government efficiency and accountability. As the holder of a master's degree in business administration and a former employee in the private sector, I understand the importance of government being as economically efficient as possible. At a time of economic hardship across in the United States, government should spend its money carefully and efficiently, just like households and businesses across the country. Moreover, increased efficient and accountability is the fair thing for the American people. The American people deserve a government that works for them. If government is going to spend their hard-earned tax- payer dollars, it must do so in a way that gets the best possible value out of every single dollar. H.R. 5013 will help achieve this goal. By ensuring that the DOD limits waste, this bill will play a critical part in the effort to run our government more effectively and in a way that protects the American taxpayer. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5013.

Ms. RICHARDSON

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, what does the unveiling of the Sojourner Truth Memorial in the U.S. Capitol mean to me? I feel extraordinarily proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the unveiling of the memorial to Sojourner Truth in the United States Capitol. I am inspired by the legacy of Sojourner Truth, who was born a slave and overcame daunting odds to become one of the most influential figures in both the women's rights movement and the African-American struggle for equality. The existence of such an eloquent memorial statue in her honor in the U.S. Capitol ensures that her legacy will never be forgotten. Lawmakers and visitors alike will be reminded of her spirit, dedication and courage each time they pass by her memorial. Just as Sojourner Truth paved the way for so many who came after her, this memorial reminds all visitors and those who work and serve here that the fight for freedom is hard fought but worth the victory.