Bobby Scott

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, we are here today to modernize and reauthorize the Nation's premier job training program to help jobseekers and workers connect with well-paying jobs and career pathways. Although the substitute offered by our colleagues does not meet the urgent needs to strengthen the programs, I do want to make it clear that we welcome the opportunity to have further discussion as the bill heads toward the Senate. My goal is to forge common ground wherever we can, and I am hoping that this can be the beginning, not the end, of the conversation. The Republican substitute reauthorizes funding for the formula programs, regrettably, at roughly the same levels as we have today. The status quo is not working. As a result, the substitute will not provide the level of intensive training needed to move people into higher wage jobs. The average amount the adult formula program spends per participant today is about $2,000, not nearly enough to provide quality job training to lead to good jobs with competitive wages, benefits, and other hallmarks of job quality. The Republican substitute continues the unacceptable status quo with respect to underinvestment in training. To meet the moment, the underlying bill also codifies SECTOR grants, which are demonstrated to be effective in training workers for jobs in high-demand sectors. The gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) talked about electric cars. We need a lot of training in that area, but regrettably, the substitute omits the SECTOR grants. Our committee meetings held last year highlighted bipartisan support for reentry programs for justice-involved individuals. In response, the bill codifies the program at the Department of Labor and commits $250 million for fiscal year 2023, more than double the amount appropriated this year, and provides stable funding amounting to $2.3 billion over 6 years. With 600,000 individuals released from our prisons and jails each year, close to half of them experiencing repeat contact with the criminal justice system within a year, funding levels in the substitute do not come close to meeting the critical needs to invest in services to help these individuals obtain and retain employment. We also reject the requirement of the substitute for non-Federal match to receive a grant. This matching requirement is not part of the existing grant program and would exclude many grassroots organizations that are best positioned to meet the needs of justice-involved individuals in our communities. When we provide subsidies to employers in the form of on-the-job training or customized training, we also need to make sure that it is matched by job quality. The Republican substitute, regrettably, leaves too many disconnected youth behind. To help our youth, whether in school or not, gain life skills, the bill invests almost $1 billion in fiscal year 2023 for summer and year- round youth employment opportunities. The evidence is abundant that these youth employment opportunities increase lifelong earnings and reduce engagement in the criminal justice system. The Republican substitute also fails to meet the moment and address the needs of the workers in the 21st century, so I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment. In the remaining time, Madam Speaker, I would like to thank members of my staff on the Committee of Education and Labor. They worked hard on this legislation, starting with Kevin McDermott, Scott Estrada, Lorin Obler, Phoebe Ball, Danyelle Honore, Jessica Schieder, and former staff members Richard Miller and Katie McClelland. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for her leadership on this legislation. Today the committee action agencies, or CAAs, form a network of more than 1,000 organizations that meet the unique needs of communities to help lift low-income individuals and families out of poverty. For decades community action agencies have been central pillars to our communities. They administer programs such as Head Start, to provide quality early childhood education for low-income children and support their families; Meals on Wheels, to support seniors experiencing hunger and isolation; and LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that helps people keep up with their utilities. In fact, it is the only Federal program whose broad mission is to address poverty conditions and allow community action agencies to tailor services for low-income individuals in their communities, and they do this with the goal of giving a hand up, not a handout. Community action agencies' work is made possible by the community services block grant, the CSBG. Unfortunately, the CSBG program has not been reauthorized since 1998 creating uncertainty in the program. The bipartisan Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022 reauthorizes CSBG for 10 years, the longest period in history, and improves the statute to help CAAs expand their work and reduce poverty across the country. This includes increased authorization levels and raising the CSBG program income eligibility thresholds to expand access to their services. This will put CSBG on solid footing so that the program continues to meet the complex and changing needs of low-income individuals and communities without changing local control to this important program. I thank the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici), the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson), the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik), the gentleman from California (Mr. DeSaulnier), and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Comer) for championing this bipartisan legislation. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. The chair of the subcommittee has said a lot about the charitable choice provision and the fact that faith-based entities have long participated in community action programs from the very beginning in the 1960s, and there is no evidence that they will stop participating. Charitable choice purports to advance religious freedom, ensuring participation of faith-based organizations. The fact is, they are going to participate. Some may not because they cannot operate without discriminating. Well, that is their right. But if you are going to take Federal money, you should not discriminate. This language that is being offered, the language that is not in the bill, authorizes broad religious discrimination against employees and fails to adequately protect religious liberty rights of beneficiaries in taxpayer-funded social services. Now, when a church runs a program, they can hire whoever they want based on religion with church money. But when you take Federal money, there ought to be equal opportunity in hiring. So, the charitable choice language, which is not in the bill as it is, requires equal opportunity, so if you apply for a job, you won't be discriminated against. Unfortunately, this charitable choice thing kind of redefines the victim of discrimination. When somebody applies for a job under charitable choice and is told, ``We don't hire your kind because you are the wrong religion,'' we have redefined the victim in that as the agency discriminating because if we don't let them discriminate, we are violating their religious liberty. What about the person who applied for the job? They have been denied a job solely on the basis of religion. It is my view that that is the one who needs the protection. We don't need to protect the right to discriminate. In fact, that is why a broad coalition of civil rights, labor, and health organizations supports the removal of the language that allows that kind of discrimination, and that is in the letter that the chairwoman has offered. That letter says, in part: ``Charitable choice does not protect religious freedom; rather, it uses the guise of religious freedom to justify discrimination against employees and put people who need government services at risk.'' I think it is time that this language be removed, as this bill before us does, so that the real victims of discrimination who are being discriminated against can get the protection of the Federal Government as they have since the 1964 civil rights bill.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, as a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I rise today to pay tribute to the founding Chair of our caucus and a dedicated public servant, the late Secretary Norman Mineta, who passed away on May 3, 2022. It was an honor to serve my first term in Congress alongside Congressman Mineta. Norman was the son of Japanese immigrants who were held in an internment camp during World War II, and he would later became one of our country's highest-profile Asian American political leaders. In 1971, Norman was the first Asian American to lead a major U.S. city when he was elected Mayor of San Jose, California. In 1974, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives from California's 13th congressional district. He went on to serve ten terms in Congress and served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In 2000, President Bill Clinton appointed Norman to be U.S. Secretary of Commerce and he became the first Asian American to hold a cabinet position. President George W. Bush appointed him U.S. Secretary of Transportation in 2001, making him just the fourth person to serve in the cabinet of two presidents from different political parties. He was highly influential in creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Madam Speaker, I ask that all my colleagues join in paying tribute to an extraordinary American and public servant.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, last month, one of the most impactful and consistent forces in urban education policy retired. Jeff Simering stepped down as the Director of Legislative Services for the Council of the Great City Schools, ending his fifth decade of working to improve schools in urban school districts. His impact on education, and especially those who have taught and learned in our urban schools, has been immeasurable. Jeff had been with the Council since 1994, where he directed the federal legislative activities of the Council, worked with federal agencies, and advised member school districts on the implementation of national legislation. Prior to joining the Council, Jeff operated a consulting firm that aided school districts and worked directly for Chicago Public Schools. Jeff received his law degree from the University of Baltimore. Jeff fought for urban schools to get the resources they needed for decades. While at Chicago Public Schools, Jeff worked with some of the legislative titans of the time--Sid Yates and Dan Rostenkowski--to ensure Chicago Public Schools had the resources to support its students and teachers and foster diversity. Throughout the 90s and beyond Jeff was one of the preeminent experts helping guide Congress on how best to target federal education funding to the school districts which needed it the most. Jeff provided counsel to Members of the Education and Labor Committee for decades. His advice helped inform us on how to target resources and pursue reforms to strengthen schools. Most importantly his advice assisted us in producing more effective legislation. For instance, Jeff was instrumental in helping the Committee construct funding formulas that ensured school districts with concentrations of low-income children in rural, urban and suburban America received their fair share of resources. Jeff fiercely represented his clients--urban schools and the children who attend them. And above all, Jeff knew how to help the Committee come to a bipartisan consensus on issues. For example, Jeff's assistance led to bipartisan agreement on multiple Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorizations, including the Improving America's Schools Act in 1994, the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001, and the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015. His work also influenced the reauthorizations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1997 and 2004, and the Career and Technical Education Act in 1998 and 2006. Best wishes to Jeff on his retirement. His knowledge and approach will be missed. I hope in the coming months and years, he will be able to spend more time with his family, play tennis, and ride his Harley. I thank him for all he has done to support our Nation's schools.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2954, the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2022, which incorporates the bipartisan Retirement Improvement and Savings Enhancement Act, or RISE Act, that the Committee on Education and Labor approved by voice vote last fall. I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal) for his hard work in incorporating this legislation into SECURE 2.0. Our committee was able to reach a bipartisan agreement on the RISE Act, thanks in large part to the leadership of the chairman and ranking member of our Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, the gentleman from California (Mr. DeSaulnier) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen). I want to recognize them and thank them for their important contributions to this bill. American workers deserve a decent wage and the ability to retire with dignity and security. Unfortunately, far too many Americans are working later in their lives and still relying on the next paycheck to cover monthly expenses. This legislation makes meaningful improvements to our retirement system, helping Americans prepare for and achieve the secure retirement that they deserve. I am particularly pleased that this bill incorporates several key priorities authorized by Committee on Education and Labor members. For example, it includes legislation sponsored by the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici), the chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, which creates an online retirement lost-and- found database at the Department of Labor to help workers locate their hard-earned retirement savings as they move from job to job. According to the Government Accountability Office, more than 25 million people who changed jobs between 2004 and 2014 left behind one or more retirement accounts. Establishing this kind of database at the Department of Labor is necessary and long overdue. The bill includes legislation sponsored by the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Manning) that reduces barriers preventing part-time workers from participating in their employer's retirement savings plans. This simple change will benefit many part-time workers, particularly women. It also includes legislation sponsored by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Mrvan) requiring the Department of Labor to review and update guidance from the mid-1990s regarding pension risk transfers. Importantly, Madam Speaker, this bill offers an opportunity to send a message to workers and retirees across the country that their retirement security is a critical priority for every Member of this House. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Manning), a distinguished member of the Committee on Education and Labor.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), a distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means and chair of its Subcommittee on Trade.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Mrvan), a distinguished member of the Committee on Education and Labor.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. I would be happy to enter into a colloquy with my colleague.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding to me and for her comments. It is my understanding that our staffs will continue their efforts, along with their Senate counterparts, to try to find a path forward on this issue that balances the interests of plan sponsors and the retirement plan participants.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici), the chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights of the Education and Labor Committee.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the time. Madam Speaker, as my colleagues have said, the bill makes meaningful and sensible improvements to America's retirement system. It will help workers, retirees, and employers. I again congratulate my Education and Labor Committee colleagues who have authored provisions in this bill, and I want to recognize and thank the ranking member of the Committee on Education and Labor, Dr. Foxx, and her staff for their partnership and work on this important bill with my staff which includes Kevin McDermott, Richard Miller, Daniel Foster, and Eli Hovland who have worked hard on this bill from start to finish. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize and congratulate the Zeta Omicron Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on its 75th anniversary. After being chartered in 1947, at what was then known as Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), Zeta Omicron began a journey to what would be one of Hampton University's finest organizations and a bold representation for positive influence within the community. Since its beginning, its members have continued to display excellence in their commitment to the chapter's founding principles, which are centered on confronting discrimination in education and the military. As a service and social organization, the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Inc. has continued to uplift youth and families through countless acts of service, including raising money for scholarships for high school students every year. In addition to their scholarship program, members also provide meals to families each holiday season and support other organizations through charitable fundraising efforts to advance equity in education and opportunity. The Zeta Omicron chapter also provides youth mentoring programs, which include a conference dedicated to helping students understand the value of education, while pairing those students to important resources. Over two decades ago, the brothers of Zeta Omicron entered the adopt-a-street program and continues this community cleanup effort on Marcella Road throughout the year. As a historically black university, Hampton University has a rich history of excellence and integrity, paired with incredible academic achievement. The Zeta Omicron chapter contributes to that success. What began as an idea from five founding members--Dr. Fred Inge, Dr. Don A. Davis, Herman G. Cook, Arthur Burke, and Colonel William H. Moses--has flourished as a robust organization built to successfully engage with some of the most important community priorities needed to build a better future. Members of this prestigious organization go on to succeed in careers in government, higher education, medicine, law, and more. It is no surprise that the chapter's historical mission of removing discrimination from the education system and the military continues today as a distinguished voice in the Hampton Roads community. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and honor the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi on the celebration of its 75th anniversary and commend its members for their service and achievements over the years.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Beta Chi Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. The Beta Chi Chapter has been the gateway for over 400 men into the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity which was founded 111 years ago by ten founders who overcame racism and other hardships at Indiana University and created an organization that has played a major role in the advancement of African-Americans and American history. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. is dedicated to achievement and the development of leaders and has over 160,000 members and chapters on five continents. Since 1947, the men of the Beta Chi Chapter have endeavored and achieved in many occupations including the military, education, health care, business, entrepreneurship, journalism, law enforcement, and the law. The chapter has embraced community service and has had a positive impact on the Hampton and greater Hampton Roads community through volunteering at the Hampton Boys and Girls Club, organizing and leading activities for the elderly, conducting food drives, and donating turkeys and other food during Thanksgiving. The chapter currently has two philanthropic and scholarship entities, The Ron Young Scholarship and the Kapex Foundation, both of which support and empower students in their college journeys. The chapter members have mentored hundreds of students in their chosen majors and provided valuable advice and connections once students leave Hampton University. In closing, Madam Speaker, let us celebrate 75 years of Beta Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.'s achievement at Hampton University. As the chapter forges onward, it carries with it a continued commitment to supporting Hampton University and the greater Hampton Roads community, while also upholding the high standards of the fraternity and its members.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Hampton University Choir on its 150th anniversary. The Hampton University Choir was established in 1870 as the Hampton Singers just a few years after Hampton University was founded in 1868 as the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. Since then, Hampton University has continued to break new ground in academic achievement as one of Virginia's top Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The university's motto is ``The Standard of Excellence, an Education for Life'', and that is exactly what the Hampton University Choir has exemplified over the last 150 years. As the primary touring ensemble for the university, the Choir has distinguished itself by performing in numerous notable venues across the United States and abroad, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. The Hampton University Choir even performed at the second Inauguration of President William Jefferson Clinton in 1997. I want to congratulate the President of Hampton University, Dr. William R. Harvey, the Director of University Choirs, Omar Dickenson, and the Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs, Dr. Joan Wickham for their years of service and dedication to the Hampton University community. The Hampton University Choir has and continues to be an essential piece of what makes Hampton University so special. Congratulations to the Hampton University Choir on their 150th anniversary. I wish them many more years of success.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 70) condemning threats of violence against historically Black colleges and universities ("HBCUs'') and reaffirming support for HBCUs and their students, as amended.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 70.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, over the last 5 months, more than 30 of our Nation's historically Black colleges and universities, including Norfolk State University and Hampton University in my district, have faced an alarming series of bomb threats. These threats of violence against HBCU students, staff, and communities are deplorable and unacceptable. In response, schools were forced to cancel classes and lock down campuses and dormitories, disrupting students' education and depriving them of their sense of safety. After some prodding, Members of Congress were briefed by the Department of Justice and learned that the FBI is investigating these threats as racially motivated and possibly hate crimes. It should not go unnoticed that these current threats underscore the very reason HBCUs were established in the first place; to eliminate barriers to higher education for Black students by creating safe, affirming, and high-quality institutions. Mr. Speaker, we should all agree that every student in this country deserves to attend a school with a safe and supportive campus. This resolution not only condemns the recent threats of violence but also reaffirms our shared commitment to protecting the safety of HBCU students. I want to thank Congresswoman Adams for her leadership in crafting this resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to send a unified message that these disgusting threats of violence will not be tolerated. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume).

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the majority leader of the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Garcia).

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Maryland.