Jan Schakowsky

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize Nancy Chen, who is retiring after 26 years of service. Nancy is a remarkable woman who has devoted much of her life to promoting and creating policies to help working women and to empowering women and immigrants. Nancy led the Midwest regional office of Women's Bureau for 13 years. This is the only federal agency designated by Congress to address issues and concerns of working women. Part of the U.S. Department of Labor, its mission is to develop policies and standards to safeguard the interests of working women by advocating for their economic security and that of their families; and promoting quality work environments. Nancy directed and developed the regional program through collaboration and partnership with women's organizations, employers, unions, and other government agencies in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Under Nancy's leadership, the regional office has effectively promoted non-traditional occupations for women, including green jobs and careers in science, technology and engineering. She has helped achieve concrete advances in workplace flexibility and pay equity. Nancy's career highlights include public and community service in Illinois and Washington, DC. Prior to joining the Women's Bureau, Nancy served as Director of Asian Pacific American Outreach at the Office of Presidential Personnel in the Clinton White House. Before that, she was Director of U.S. Senator Paul Simon's Chicago office, overseeing the Senator's legislative and constituent program relating to Chicago and northern Illinois for 6 years. As a key advisor, she played an important role in Senator Simon's achievements relating to family immigration legislation and economic development in Chicago's immigrant communities. Nancy serves on the Board of Counselors at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. She is also a member on the Gender Equity Advisory Committee for the Illinois State Board of Education. Nancy's community service includes being the founder and past president of the National Women's Political Caucus of Greater Chicago from 1992 to 1994; member of the Illinois Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights for over 10 years; and co-chair of the Obama's Asian American and Pacific Islander, AAPI, National Leadership Council in 2007 and 2008. Nancy received the 2009 Milestone Award from the Asian American Institute and the first Sandra Otaka Legacy Award from the Asian American Action Fund, Chicago Chapter. She was the recipient of the 2004 Risk Taker and Enabler Award from the Organization of Chinese Americans and the 2009 Distinguished Career Service Award from the U.S. Department of Labor. Nancy is a skilled organizer, an expert networker, true public servant, and a good friend. Her advocacy and the policies that she helped create will continue to empower and strengthen working women even after her retirement. Her accomplishments are many, and I want to congratulate her on her decades of service to women and families.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R 2965, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. I would like to thank Congressman Murphy, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Congressman Frank for their tireless leadership this issue. Mr. Speaker, I am a cosponsor of this legislation because American men and women should not have to choose between the opportunity to serve their country and being honest about their sexual orientation. Yet since 1993, over 13,000 men and women have been discharged from our military under Don't Ask, Don't Tell. There are countless arguments in favor of ending this policy. Polls have demonstrated that an overwhelming majority of Americans, including those in the military, support ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Many of our closest military allies, including Israel, the United Kingdom, and Canada, have implemented policies of open service without negative consequences to unit cohesion or military performance. Particularly at a time when our armed forces are stretched thin, we cannot afford to turn away Americans who are willing and able to serve. The GAO reports that hundreds of men and women with unique abilities, including critical language skills, have been discharged under this policy. However, the most compelling reason for ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell is that this policy is not only damaging, it is discriminatory. It is a policy that forces young men and women to lie about their identity in order to serve their country. In February, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, told the Senate, ``No matter how I look at this issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me personally, it comes down to integrity-- theirs as individuals and ours as an institution.'' Last week, Secretary Gates called for legislative action, stating ``I would hope that the Congress would act to repeal 'don't ask, don't tell.' '' Today, we will move one step closer to finally ending this damaging policy. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the passing of legendary Chicago Cubs third baseman and broadcaster Ron Santo, and to recognize his lifetime of achievement both on and off the baseball diamond. Ronald Edward Santo was born February 25, 1940 in Seattle, Washington. Twenty years later, he made his professional baseball debut at third base for the Chicago Cubs. Over his 14-year major league career, the first 13 with the Cubs and the final season with the cross- town White Sox, Santo hit 342 home runs, had 1,331 RBIs, won 5 Gold Gloves, and appeared in 9 All-Star games. He is considered perhaps the greatest player not currently in the Hall of Fame. Nonetheless, his number 10 is immortalized on the North Side, hanging on the left field pole at Wrigley Field, which Santo referred to as ``my Hall of Fame.'' After a successful baseball career, Santo spent 15 years in business before returning to the Cubs as the color commentator for WGN Radio's Cubs broadcasts in 1990. He spent the next 20 years in the Cubs radio booth, and his passion and enthusiasm for the home team, which surfaced in disheartened groans as often as supportive exclamations, endeared him to a new generation of Cubs fans. Santo always seemed at ease in the WGN booth and established himself as the rightful heir to Harry Carey's oversized throne as the king of Chicago Cubs commentary. Away from the ``Friendly Confines,'' Santo worked tirelessly to raise money and awareness for Diabetes through the Juvenile diabetes Research Foundation. Diagnosed at age 18, his diabetes was unknown even to his teammates until 1971, when Santo decided to use his star power to draw attention to the disease. From 1979 until his death, Santo sponsored the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, helping to raise over $60 million for research and advocacy. Santo's teammate Ernie Banks said of his fellow Cub, ``Ronnie has handled his own ailment like the true champion he is. He is the most courageous person I've ever been around. I'm inspired by him and by his spirit. He is one of my idols, one of my heroes. I love Ron Santo.'' Ron Santo passed away on Thursday, December 2. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senate amendments to H.R. 4994. I continue to believe that we need to make permanent reforms to Medicare's physician payment rules. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities need to know that they will be able to get high quality and timely care and that their doctors will be paid fairly and in a timely fashion. There is never really any question that Congress will act to prevent double-digit cuts in Medicare and TRICARE physician payments, but we should not have to debate these issues on a monthly basis. The bill before us today does not provide a permanent solution as I would like, but it does provide a one-year fix, eliminating the confusion and concern that is created by very short-term measures to prevent cuts. I am pleased that it also includes an extension of the Medicare physician payment add-on for mental health, since we know that access to mental health services continues to be a problem in our communities. While much of the focus has been on the physician payment issue, there are other provisions in the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act that will improve access to care through December 31, 2011. Those include an extension of the exceptions process for Medicare therapy caps so that individuals who need additional services will not be forced to go without. It extends the Special Diabetes Programs, which are so important in dealing with the impacts of this terrible disease. The bill clarifies that orphan drugs are included in the 340B drug discount program for children's hospitals. It continues Medicare's Quality Individual program to help pay for Medicare Part B premiums for low-income seniors and people with disabilities and it extends Transitional Medical Assistance so low- income families don't lose critical Medicaid coverage as they move into employment. Passage of the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act will make sure that the end of this year won't bring with it cutbacks in access to health care for millions of Americans. It gives us all of 2011 to make these year-long extensions permanent, and I will work hard to make sure that we use next year to do so.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 1751, the American DREAM Act, a landmark bill that will provide hope and opportunity to hundreds of thousands of young people in our country. Mr. Speaker, we all know that America's immigration system is broken and badly in need of reform. While H.R. 1751 may not make all the changes necessary to repair our system, it does take an important step forward by fixing one of the most unfair aspects of our immigration laws. Under current law, undocumented immigrants who came to this country before the age of 16, brought by their parents and loved ones, are punished by being prevented from becoming citizens of the United States. I have seen the injustice of this law firsthand. Just last year, Rigo Padilla, one of the top students at Noble Street Charter High School, was detained and scheduled for deportation by immigration officials when authorities learned that he was undocumented. Rigo came to the United States at the age of six and has since excelled in the classroom. Rigo is precisely the type of person we want to support in the United States and yet our immigration laws consider him an ``outlaw.'' The American DREAM Act would change this unjust law by giving students who have good moral character and have lived in the U.S. for at least five years the opportunity to go on to college and/or enroll in America's armed services, regardless of their immigration status. I strongly believe that all youth residing in this country should have access to all military and educational opportunities available. In the vast majority of cases, immigrant students and soldiers will continue to reside in this country for most, if not all, of their adult lives, and it is important that we provide them with all the tools necessary to become full participants in and contributors to our society. I would like to thank my good friend Luis Gutierrez for his tireless efforts on behalf of all immigrants in America today. I also want to acknowledge the incredible hard work of countless youth activists across the country who campaigned for this bill. It is because of their work that the American DREAM Act is one step closer to becoming a reality. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate two extraordinary individuals: Jackie Kendall and Steve Max. This week, they will receive the 2010 Midwest Academy Lifetime Achievement award, in recognition of their decades of work on behalf of economic and social justice. Jackie and Steve will continue their work in the years to come, but they have already accomplished so much. It is not just their own lifetimes that deserve to be honored, it is the impact that they have had on thousands of other lifetimes. Through their work at the Midwest Academy--a non-profit training organization that teaches organizing skills--they have empowered tens of thousands of individuals who have gone on to make tangible improvements in their communities, our country and the world. My dear friend Jackie Kendall has been the executive director of the Midwest Academy for 29 years. She is retiring this year from that position. I know she is looking forward to spending time with her fabulous husband, Jerry, and her children and grandchildren. But I cannot imagine Jackie sitting by quietly when she sees problems that need solving nor can I imagine that those who have come to rely on her for strategic guidance will let her alone. Jackie is one of the most passionate and most creative people I know. I first met Jackie in the grocery store near my home in 1969. The butcher was red-faced and yelling at her and a few other women who had the audacity to ask him the age of the meat he was selling. His answer was, ``Go shop somewhere else, or I'll throw you out on your fannies, you geeks.'' This seemed unacceptable, though quite exciting, to me, so I went to find out. I immediately became involved in this housewives' campaign to get freshness dates on food, and immediately fell in love with Jackie Kendall. The rest is history. Dates on food products are nearly universal and Jackie Kendall went on to organize and inspire many, many more successful campaigns. At the Midwest Academy, Jackie has had a partner in Steve Max, a denizen of the upper West Side of New York City, who helped get the Midwest Academy started in 1973. Working with Heather and Paul Booth, he helped design the original training curriculum--which includes the famous Midwest Academy strategy chart. Steve's clear economic analyses--peppered with the lessons he learned from his rabbi and shares with his listeners--have educated, inspired and entertained generations of activists. Steve Max quite deservedly has a fan base across the country. He has worked with students and seniors, patients and scientists, with New Yorkers and Nebraskans, Pennsylvanians and Arizonans. Steve brings to his work not just an in-depth understanding of historic and macroeconomic forces but an ability to understand very local and distinctive concerns and problems, all seasoned with a unique and hilarious sense of humor. With those talents, he is able to craft specific strategies that work locally and globally. Jackie and Steve have given individuals and organizations the skills and the confidence needed to make a difference in people's lives. They recognize that in today's world it is not always easy to take on powerful interests or to understand how large and complicated entities can be challenged successfully. The Midwest Academy was founded on the principle that--given the right training and tools--individuals can come together and build power. Over the years, they have trained student groups fighting for affordable tuition, seniors opposed to Social Security privatization, and rural groups eager to develop wind power. In those and so many other efforts, Jackie, Steve and the Midwest Academy give people the tools they need to effectively participate in their communities and their government. Jackie and Steve are true fighters for progressive change. They have built a foundation that will stand for generations to come.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H. Res. 1727, a resolution recognizing Rotary International for 105 years of service to the world and commending its members on their dedication to the mission and principles of their organization. As the Representative of the 9th Congressional District of Illinois which is home to Rotary Club International, I want to personally thank them for the service and commitment to making the world a more humane place. Madam Speaker, the Rotary Club's motto, ``Service Above Self,'' is an inspiring example for all Americans. Rotarians not only preach this motto, they live it by developing community service projects that address many of today's most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. I would like to especially recognize Rotary for its 25-year long campaign for the global eradication of polio. Since 1985, Rotarians have raised close to a billion dollars to immunize the children of the world and have pledged to contribute an additional $500 million to the cause. In addition to this generous financial contribution, Rotary has provided an army of volunteers to promote and assist at national immunization days in polio-endemic countries around the world. Due in large part to Rotary's efforts, the number of polio cases has fallen dramatically. In1985, there were 350,000 known cases of polio in 125 countries. Today, more than 200 countries are polio-free. There are only four endemic nations--Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan-- the lowest in history. I want to again thank Rotary International for its 105 years of service. There is no question that the world is a far better place today because of their tremendous work.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 584, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere happiness that the House of Representatives passed by a vote of 256- 152, the Claims Resolution Act. I regret that I was unable to vote on this landmark legislation and would like the record to reflect that had I been able to vote, I would have voted yea. The Claims Resolution Act includes provisions that many black farmers and American Indians have literally been waiting decades for. H.R. 4783 contains funding to implement the settlements of the Pigford class action lawsuit involving past discrimination against black fanners by the Agriculture Department and the Cobell class action lawsuit involving funds for American Indians mismanaged by the Interior Department. I voted for this legislation twice earlier this year as the House has passed funding for the Pigford and Cobell settlement--first in passing the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act and then in adopting an amendment to the FY 2010 Supplemental--but both bills were blocked by Republicans in the Senate. That is why I am so pleased that Senate was finally able to pass this important legislation and now, with passage in the House, it will go to the President's desk for signature, finally closing this dark episode in American history.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. I rise today in support of this resolution to ensure that all Holocaust survivors in the United States are able to live with dignity, comfort and security and congratulate Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz on its introduction. An estimated 127,000 Holocaust survivors live in the United States today, including over 3,500 in the Chicago area, many in my congressional district. The Village of Skokie is home to one of the largest concentrations of Holocaust survivors in the country, and they inspired the building of the world-class Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie. Holocaust survivors are five times more likely to be living below the poverty level than other older Americans, and over half fall beneath 200 percent of the Federal poverty threshold. These men and women have survived the worst of human abuses and many have special needs as they age. It is critical that we uphold the dignity of Holocaust survivors and ensure their well-being in their remaining years. I would like to applaud the efforts of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and other such organization that are working tirelessly to honor and assist Holocaust survivors in our community. We must all do more to ensure that Holocaust survivors can spend their remaining years living in comfort, dignity and security.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5297, the Small Business Jobs Act. Legislation that provides much needed lending to millions of small businesses and offers tax incentives to help small businesses grow, hire, and fuel our economy. As we all know, small businesses are a key engine of our economy, creating two-thirds of the new jobs over the last 15 years. America's 27 million small businesses continue to face a lack of credit and tight lending standards, with the number of small businesses loans down nearly 5 million since the financial crisis in 2008 under President Bush. Last month, I went on a tour of small businesses throughout my district. I have also met individually with many small business owners who are struggling to stay open. While visiting these businesses, I saw firsthand the serious challenges they face while the United States struggles to overcome its most significant economic crisis since the Great Depression. It was clear to me that they have all the tools necessary to prosper but need our financial institutions to function properly and provide them the resources to succeed. H.R. 5297 will provide small businesses with this opportunity by increasing access to capital and spurring investment and growth throughout our country. In fact, it is estimated that this bill alone will create 500,000 new jobs in America. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this legislation, which will provide our small businesses with the assistance they need to compete in this difficult economic climate. I know it will have a substantial impact on my district and strongly urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, and to strongly urge the United States to do everything in its power to combat global inequalities. This week, as the UN gathers to discuss these important priorities, we must demonstrate our shared commitment to meeting the challenges we face as a global community. The Millennium Development Goals aim to significantly reduce global injustices including extreme poverty and hunger, inferior education and healthcare systems, and unequal opportunity between the sexes by 2015. Of particular importance is the effort to cut in half the number of people worldwide--nearly one billion--who suffer from undernourishment or malnourishment. Before the recent global economic and agriculture crises, many developing regions of the world were on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals for hunger. Now, the tremendous progress seen in Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean has been stymied. It is imperative that we address this issue now. Increased food security leads to advances in health, education, and equality in developing nations, all of which are vital to fostering international goodwill and national security. Rashieda Weaver, president of the African Youth Coalition Against Hunger, Malnutrition, HIV and AIDS, and a constituent of mine, believes the key to solving this crisis lies in a strong local response, particularly through supporting women farmers. Women produce the majority of food in many developing regions, including up to 80 percent in Africa and 60 percent in Asia. However, in many developing nations, inferior education and economic injustice leaves women, and as a result their families and communities, unable to maximize their output. The U.S. should support programs that emphasize empowering women to produce at their full capacity, which studies show can increase yields by up to 20 percent, reducing hunger in the process. As we approach the deadline, I urge my colleagues to embrace and support the Millennium Development Goals, and take steps to eradicate food insecurity worldwide.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act. It is essential that we get this legislation to the President's desk as soon as possible. In the wake of the Great Recession, state budgets across the country, faced with historic funding gaps, simply do not have the funds available to respond to the increased demands placed on Medicaid and school budgets. Unless we provide help by passing this bill, they will need to take resources away from other essential services, laying off firefighters and police officers. H.R. 1586 extends Medicaid assistance for an additional 6 months, and provides Illinois with $545 million, to ensure that women and children, seniors, and people with disabilities do not lose access to their health care. There has been a bi-partisan call for this funding-- sixteen Republican governors have publically expressed their dire need for this money. For the past several month I have heard from physicians, nurses, hospitals, patients, small clinics, all asking that Congress act to extend Medicaid support. Today their call has been heard. Local school districts, teachers, and parents have also been in touch regarding the need for financial support during these tough economic times. H.R. 1586 provides $10 billion in educator support that will save 5,700 teacher, school counselor, and school support service jobs in my state alone. Because of this legislation, teachers will not be greeted with class sizes of 50 students, or worse, a pink slip, on their first day of school. It will help ensure that our children can continue get the education they need to be productive members of their community and be able to compete in the 21st century global economy. This bill will save and create an estimated 319,000 jobs. That includes teachers, firefighters, police officers, nurses--all critical employees who get a paycheck from the state. It will also save private jobs. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that for every 100 layoffs in the public sector, the private sector sheds 30 jobs. This bill is not a handout provided during tough times--this is smart policy that will stem job loss and get us out of the Great Recession sooner. Although this legislation is critically needed, I am greatly disappointed that the Senate included as a ``pay-for'' a provision reducing ARRA-enacted increases in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or food stamps, beginning in 2014. SNAP provides vital, short-term support to individuals during their greatest time of need, ensuring that there is food on the table for themselves and their children. While we need to pass this bill today, I am committed to working with my colleagues to find the funding to restore SNAP funding before 2014.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, today marks 20 years since the historic Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. It is one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation of the last quarter century. Passage of this groundbreaking law came as a result of the efforts of legions of activists. I want to recognize two individuals, in particular, who made ADA possible. The late Justin Dart, a true civil rights leader, was instrumental in the fight to pass the law that made discrimination against people with disabilities illegal. He showed us the path, and we continue to look to his lessons as we chart new ground. His spirit is with us on this anniversary and every day that we fight for justice for all. I also want to recognize Marca Bristo, who has been an unflagging national leader in the fight for people living with disabilities. I am lucky to call her a friend but Bristo has also been a teacher. She has educated untold numbers of people, including me, by opening our eyes to the barriers standing in the way of people with disabilities. Bristo has been at the helm of Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago for decades. As an organizer in the critical work of disability rights years before the ADA was passed in Congress, she, too, was incredibly influential in creating and shepherding the law to passage. Since ADA's passage, we have taken many steps to build on its foundation--and we've accomplished many of our goals in recent years. This includes a historic health care bill that will prevent insurance companies from denying coverage, dropping coverage, setting discriminatory annual or lifetime limits on benefits, or charging higher premiums to people with disabilities. We have passed mental health parity legislation. And we are providing more home- and community-based options for care. Yet, we cannot sit back and become comfortable with what we have achieved with--and since--passage of the ADA. We know we have much more left to do. Every person must be guaranteed full access to safe housing, good jobs, educational opportunities, quality health care, cutting edge technology, and economic prosperity. Our great country can be made even greater by providing every person with the opportunity to contribute and live comfortably in their community. We must work to enforce the ADA, not reward those who disobey it. There is simply no excuse for anyone who violates the Americans with Disabilities Act; laws that protect the rights those living with disabilities are no less important and no different from any other legal protection. We have to make sure that the Community Choice Act is passed and implemented, to further expand the infrastructure so individuals can get convenient, quality care in the settings that everyone prefers: at home and in our own communities. We must expand opportunities for independence. That is why I am the sponsor of H.R. 1408, the Inclusive Home Design Act, to require that new, single-family homes that get federal assistance meet minimum standards so those with disabilities can come and go freely and seniors can age in place. This is a common sense solution that ensures livability as well as sound economics. Building new homes that are accessible from the start cost several hundred dollars, while retrofitting can cost several thousand dollars or more--forcing some people to move into a nursing home. We must also expand the realms of access for people living with disabilities--especially to new technologies that did not exist at ADA's inception. Therefore, I am also a sponsor of H.R. 4533, the Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind Act, to require that consumer products like home appliances and office equipment are manufactured so that they are fully accessible to blind consumers. On this 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I wholeheartedly thank the countless individuals who worked tirelessly to lay the groundwork for ADA in the decades that preceded its passage. Without their passion and activism, we would not be celebrating today. I also thank those who continue the fight, and I look forward to helping to build upon the enormous successes of the ADA--in this Congress and in those to come.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. One in every four American households relies on Social Security, including 33.5 million retirees, 7.8 million disabled workers, and 4.2 million children. Its benefits are modest. The average retiree benefit is about $14,000 a year, less than $12,000 for women retirees, but essential. One in four retirees depends on Social Security for almost all of their income. On August 14, Social Security turns 75 years old. It has never missed a check, and is cherished by Americans of all ages. We are able to celebrate its anniversary because in 2005 Democrats beat back President Bush's and congressional Republicans' privatization efforts. Today there are new Republicans calling for privatization. Once again, Democrats will step forward to protect and strengthen Social Security so we can celebrate this national treasure for generations to come.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Park Ridge Find Arts Society as they celebrate 50 years of providing free summer concerts for the community. The purpose of the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society is to provide a musical showcase and the means for enjoyment of serious music through free community concerts, and to engage in such activities and programs that will foster all of the fine arts. The concerts draw crowds of 1,500 to 3,500 people, with a season total of more than 30,000 concertgoers. These concerts are a wonderful way not only to bring beautiful, professional music to the community, but also to bring neighbors together and build a sense of community. Summer in Park Ridge is enriched by these wonderful weekly concerts in Hodges Park. Frank York established the Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra and the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society 50 years ago and remained at the helm of the organization, driven by his vision of excellence, until 2005. Throughout the organization's history, it has maintained the highest artistic standards. The Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra is produced and coordinated by the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society to perform the summer concerts. It is a fully professional orchestra, made up of superb musicians from throughout the Chicago area, devoted to bringing the excitement and beauty of great classical music to the northwest suburbs. I want to recognize the great work of the people who make sure that the concerts are of the highest quality and are available to the community each summer: Barbara Schubert, musical director and conductor; Emily Toy Kosaka, president; Daniel Aranda, vice president; Dennis Van Mieghem, treasurer; Dawn Himley-Grandi, secretary; and the board of directors: Ken Boyce, Pam Boyce, Kevin P. Costello, Doug Crawford, Mike Grandi, Mary Jersey, Russ Jersey, Jim Lange, Paul Lundberg, Debbie Maggio, Mike Maggio, Jack Owens, Christel Owens, and Nancy Tordai. The orchestra and its concert series in Park Ridge is truly one of the great jewels of the northwest suburbs.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Next week, on July 6, His Holiness will celebrate his 75th birthday, an occasion that will be marked by Tibetans and Tibet supporters across the world. The Dalai Lama was born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, to a farming family in village in northeastern Tibet. At the age of 2, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, the manifestation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. He was later taken to Lhasa to be enthroned as the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people. Throughout his life, His Holiness has championed nonviolence and peaceful means for resolving conflicts around the world. He has advocated compassion, respect for human dignity, tolerance, and understanding between the world's great faiths, and dialogues between religious leaders and scientists. For these lifelong commitments, he has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Congressional Gold Medal, and many other honors. Fifty one-years ago, the Dalai Lama was forced into exile. From that moment he has worked tirelessly to achieve a solution for Tibet and to relieve the ongoing suffering of his people. The Dalai Lama has been courageous and patient in pursuing his ``Middle Way Approach'' of a peacefully negotiated resolution to the Tibet issue with China. Tibetans in Tibet continue to risk their lives in calling for the return of the Dalai Lama to his homeland. The U.S. Congress has been resolute in its support for the Dalai Lama and his pursuit of freedom, democracy and human rights for Tibetans and others around the world. I had the great personal pleasure of meeting His Holiness during his visit to the United States Capitol in October 2009. I look forward to Congress giving him another warm welcome on his next visit to Washington. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 75th birthday of the Dalai Lama and offering our continued appreciation of his life's work of promoting compassion, peace and human rights for all.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, this week, the first round of provider payments with a 21 percent cut was sent to physicians who treat Medicare beneficiaries. This drastic reduction in reimbursements is quite simply unacceptable. Doctors in my district who provide life-saving care to seniors and people with disabilities have called me to say they won't be able to see Medicare patients much longer. Patients have called begging that we prevent the cuts. I am a strong supporter of a permanent fix to the flawed sustainable growth rate that continues to create instability for providers and uncertainty for Medicare beneficiaries. H.R. 3961, which passed the House in November 2009, would have responsibly fixed the flawed formula--but Senate Republicans have refused to come to the table to negotiate a permanent solution. For that reason, while I will vote for this bill to stop the pay cuts, I think it falls far short of what is needed. Under the pay-go agreement, we had agreed to fix physician payments without taking money from other parts of Medicare until December 31, 2011. I am disappointed that we have not stuck to this original agreement. Senate Amendments to H.R. 3962--also known as the physician payment fix--is not perfect legislation. But without action this cut will create a crisis for Medicare beneficiaries and providers. I simply cannot allow that to happen, and will vote in support of this bill. This bill will ensure that doctors who see Medicare patients over the next six months receive fair payments. It will ensure that senior citizens and persons with disabilities have access to their doctors. And it gives us time to permanently fix the flawed formula. It is not perfect, but it would be irresponsible not to act.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3993, the Calling Card Consumer Protection Act. I congratulate my colleague Mr. Engel for introducing it. Today, more than 276 million American households--89 percent of the U.S. population--have cell phones. But prepaid calling cards remain a huge industry--worth $4 billion in 2007. They are particularly popular among college students, as well as military personnel and immigrant communities--people who frequently make international calls. My district is one of the most diverse and international in the Nation. Almost one-third, 31.6 percent, of my constituents are foreign- born, first-generation American residents. So calling cards are very important for them. Unfortunately, the calling card industry is full of deceptive advertising and hidden fees. A card may say it is worth 250 minutes, but you may get 200 or 100 once you actually use it. Too often, calling cards have no information listed about connection fees, varying rates- per-minute, fees charged each week that you do not use the card, or even fees for just hanging up. When those fees aren't fully disclosed to consumers, we have a serious problem. Earlier this year, in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, I heard from many of my Haitian constituents who were using calling cards to try to reach their loved ones. Because of the high fees placed on the cards and the lack of clarity about fees and terms, they were going through dozens of cards without ever having a call connected. At the time, I sent letters to a number of calling card companies. I encouraged them to reach out to their local Haitian communities and to give refunds or issue free cards to customers who bought their cards and had the time run out before the call connected. Mr. Engel's bill would ensure that fees, rates, expiration dates or limitations of calling cards are clearly and fully disclosed to consumers. This is an important consumer protection bill and I encourage all of my colleagues to support it.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report on H.R. 2194, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act. I would like to thank Chairman Berman for introducing this legislation, of which I am a cosponsor, and for his tireless work in support of halting Iranian aggression. Iran's nuclear ambitions not only pose a critical threat to the security of our close ally, Israel, but they also threaten the stability of the entire Middle East region and the world. As we saw clearly last summer, the Iranian regime suppresses democracy and violates human rights at home, and they continue to sponsor terrorist organizations abroad. The bottom line is this: Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. This legislation builds on recent multilateral sanctions negotiated by President Obama. After strong leadership by the Obama Administration, the U.N. Security Council recently passed internationally-binding sanctions against Iran's banking, finance, shipping, and energy sectors, as well as against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The bill we are considering today will augment and strengthen those ongoing multilateral efforts. This bill expands the current U.S. sanctions regime to target entities involved in selling refined petroleum to Iran or in aiding Iran's domestic refining efforts, as well financial institutions doing business with blacklisted Iranian entities. It provides a legal framework under which state and local governments can divest their portfolios of foreign companies involved in Iran's energy sector. Mr. Speaker, time is not on our side, and Iran continues to progress toward nuclear weapons capabilities. This legislation contains the most comprehensive package of Iran sanctions ever considered by Congress, and it will give us a full range of economic tools to immediately apply strong pressure on the Iranian regime to abandon the pursuit of nuclear weapons. This legislation sends a clear message to Tehran that the regime's nuclear program, human rights record, and support for terrorists are unacceptable. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important legislation.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1359, a resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. I would like to thank Congressman Ackerman for introducing this important resolution, of which I am a cosponsor, and to commend him and Chairman Berman for their leadership on this critical issue. On Friday, Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit will have spent 4 years in captivity. Since June 2006, Shalit has been held by Hamas and denied the humane treatment mandated by international law, including regular communication with his family and visits by the International Red Cross. He has been forced to appear in Hamas propaganda, intended to extort the Israeli government. Shalit was 19 years old at the time of his abduction. Human beings should not be used as bargaining chips. Gilad Shalit must be immediately and unconditionally released, and all prisoners must be afforded the basic protections of international humanitarian law. I am also proud to support this resolution because it expresses Congressional support for both the Jewish state of Israel, which must have recognized and secure borders, and a democratic, viable, and independent Palestinian state. I strongly believe that a negotiated, two-state solution offers Israelis and Palestinians alike the best prospect for long-term security and stability. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Gilad Shalit.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. About 80,000 senior citizens and people with disabilities have already fallen into what we call the doughnut hole. What is that? That is a gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage and is a result of--you know, we just heard criticism of so-called ObamaCare--but the Republicans passed a bill called Medicare part D. But what it says is that Mrs. Jones, after a certain amount of money that has been spent on her prescription drugs stands in line at the drugstore and says, I'm ordering a refill of my prescriptions. And the druggist says, Well, Mrs. Jones, that will be $100. She says, What do you mean, I thought I was insured? They say, Oh, no, you've gone over the amount of money that the government will give you, and now you're going to have to pay $3,000- plus out of pocket in order to get covered again. Well, we finally have done something about that, and checks are going to start going out this week to people, the 80,000 that have fallen into the doughnut hole, of $250 to try and help them pay for that, and we're going to ease out the prescription drug doughnut hole.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chicago Blackhawks on winning the 2010 Stanley Cup. After an incredible season, no team is more deserving. The Blackhawks lightening-fast pace and tremendous skill level delivered the team the second-best league record in the regular season. Coach Joel Quenneville guided his team masterfully through the playoffs, where the Blackhawks defeated the Nashville Predators, Vancouver Canucks, and San Jose Sharks to win the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl as Western Conference champions. Led by captain and Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Toews, who equaled the Blackhawks single-season playoff scoring record with 29 points, the team met the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup finals. Each player on the team made significant contributions as they battled the Flyers until the overtime period of game six, where Patrick Kane notched the series-winning goal, earning Chicago its first Stanley Cup since 1961. As a lifelong fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, I take great pride in congratulating the team on an incredibly thrilling season. I thank them for bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Madhouse on Madison.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am a strong supporter of stabilizing Medicare physicians' payments permanently. Short-term fixes create instability and uncertainty for physicians and patients. But if we don't act now, on June 1 our doctors are going to see their Medicare payments cut by over 20 percent, and I am simply not willing to allow that to happen, which is why I'm voting ``yes.'' This bill will ensure that doctors who see Medicare patients over the next 19 months will receive fair payments. It will ensure that senior citizens and persons with disabilities have access to their doctors. And it gives us time to permanently fix the flawed formula. It's not a perfect solution, but it is essential for the health and well-being of seniors and disabled persons on Medicare. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in support of this en bloc amendment, which includes my amendment to improve oversight of contractors in Afghanistan. The United States employs over 100,000 contractors in Afghanistan, and we need to ensure that we have adequate oversight. Reckless behavior by contractors can endanger our mission in Afghanistan, and failure to adequately oversee money can leave billions of taxpayer dollars vulnerable to waste, fraud and abuse. My amendment requires the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction to report to Congress on existing contractor oversight and make recommendations for increasing oversight and preventing contractors with a history of waste, fraud and abuse from getting future contracts. I would like to thank Chairman Skelton for supporting this amendment, as well as cosponsors Congressmen McGovern, Conyers, Hinchey and Moran.