Adam Schiff

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Bob Hope Airport as it celebrates its 80 anniversary of service. Since its opening as United Airport on Memorial Day in 1930, the Bob Hope Airport has grown to accommodate 5 million passengers a year with more than 80 daily non-stop flights, making it a vital member of the Southern California airport system. Previously known as the Union Air Terminal, the Lockheed Air Terminal, the Hollywood-Burbank Airport and the Burbank-Glendale- Pasadena Airport, in 2003, the Burbank Airport changed names once again, now paying homage to the great Bob Hope, one of our country's legendary entertainers and a long time resident of California. In its 80 years, the airport has been a witness to some of our country's greatest triumphs as well as some of our greatest struggles. Movie and aviation stars alike attended the 1930 opening of the airport amidst a three day celebration in which 200,000 people participated. Ten years later and with the approach of World War II, it developed a reputation of being the primary airport of Los Angeles. During the war, the airport was the birthplace of many important aircraft, including B-17 Bombers, Hudson Bombers and over 10,000 P-38 Fighters. However, a testament to its vitality, in the middle of the chaos, the airport remained open as a commercial airport, connecting citizens with the rest of the country and showing that although its name has changed through the years, its commitment has not wavered. Today there are 2.5 million people living within 15 miles of the Bob Hope Airport, and its airline service continues to be a dependable link to the rest of the nation. In 1977, three cities in my congressional district, Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena joined to form a separate government agency, the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, and today the airport operates under their control, demonstrating efficiency and safety. On the occasion of the Bob Hope Airport's 80th anniversary, I would like to recognize the nine authority commissioners, President Joyce Streator, Vice President Frank Quintero, Secretary Don Brown, and Commissioners Bill Wiggins, Charles A. Lombardo, Dave Weaver, Rafi Manoukian, Chris Holden and Francis D. Logan for their commendable work, and thank all those who have served previously in this role. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Bob Hope Airport on this milestone anniversary, and wish the airport continued success in the future!

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Betty White, who is receiving the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's (GLAZA) Beastly Ball Award. Betty began her impressive performing career in the 1940s on the radio. Her first big break was in 1949 when she joined Al Jarvis on a daily, live, local television show, which she eventually hosted. In partnership with writer George Tibbles and producer Don Fedderson, she formed her own production company and produced her first comedy series, Life with Elizabeth, receiving an Emmy in 1952. Appearing frequently on major variety and game shows, she was a recurring regular with Jack Paar, Merv Griffin, and Johnny Carson, and a regular on Mama's Family. Ms. White's first appearance on The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the show's fourth season led to her becoming a recurring cast member, and her portrayal of Sue Ann Nivens, the Happy Homemaker, brought two Emmys for supporting actress in 1974-75 and 1975-76. She received her fourth Emmy for Best Daytime Game Show Host for Just Men. Nominated seven times for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for The Golden Girls, she won the Emmy in 1985, and won a sixth Emmy for Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 1996 on The John Larroquette Show. Since 2000, Betty has appeared in Ally McBeal, That 70s Show, Boston Legal and The Bold and the Beautiful. In May 2010, Betty hosted Saturday Night Live, resulting in the long-running show receiving its highest ratings ever. In June of this year, she will appear in a new weekly TV Land Series, Hot in Cleveland. Betty's movies for television credits include Chance of a Lifetime, Stealing Christmas, Annie's Point, and Animal Planet's The Retrievers. Her big screen endeavors include Hard Rain, Dennis the Menace Strikes Again, Bringing Down the House, The Proposal, and You Again, which will be released in September 2010. Along with the Emmys, Betty has won numerous awards during her seventy-year career. They include the Pacific Pioneers in Broadcasting's ``Golden Ike'' Award, the Genii Award from American Women in Radio and TV, the American Comedy Awards' Funniest Female Award as well as their Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, she was honored with the Career Achievement Award from the Television Critics Association, the Life Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting from the American Women in Radio and Television. In 1995, Betty was inducted into the Television Academy's Hall of Fame. Betty's work on behalf of animals is close to her heart and legendary. She is President Emeritus of the Morris Animal Foundation, serving as a Trustee since 1972, a member on the Board of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association since 1974 and an eight-year Los Angeles Zoo Commissioner. Among the awards she has received for her work for animal welfare include the American Veterinary Medical Association's Humane Award, the Jane Goodall Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, and an honorary doctorate from Western University Veterinary School as ``Doctor of Humane Veterinary Sciences.'' In 2006, Betty was honored by the City of Los Angeles with the title of ``Ambassador to the Animals.'' The time, energy and devotion Betty has given to GLAZA is extraordinary, and the residents of the greater Los Angeles area have benefited enormously from her generosity. I ask all Members of Congress to join me in commending Betty White upon receiving the 2010 Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's Beastly Ball Award.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 310, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Marshall

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glendale Chamber of Commerce as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. The Glendale Chamber of Commerce, established in 1910, is a local organization committed to sound and stable economic growth in the City of Glendale. In accordance with this mission, the Chamber aims to provide the leadership required to keep the business community's goals in focus and to keep Glendale competitive as an economic hub for the greater Los Angeles area. As the city's ``Voice of Business,'' it works to increase prosperity by encouraging the growth of existing business and nurturing new enterprises. Initially created as an informal institution modeled after earlier improvement organizations, the Chamber responded to the expansion of the city by adopting a more formal structure. It officially established an annual membership fee and hired a manager in 1921. The Chamber's early successes are many. In the first two decades, it successfully lobbied for a new post office, worked to establish the city's Grand Central Airport, worked for the adoption of the uniform building code, lobbied for the establishment of a Department of Motor Vehicles office in town, and lobbied for the establishment of a Superior Court in the city. As Glendale's population has grown from 2700 in 1921 to 270,000 today, so too has the Chamber sought to expand and improve its service to the community and its member businesses. In accordance with its mission statement, it strives to nurture the growth of private businesses, maintain the city's economic productivity, and promote a free market economy. As a strong community partner, the Chamber works full time to fulfill the tenets of its mission, its efforts spearheaded by a talented group of business and community leaders serving as its Board of Directors. In large part due to the Chamber's efforts, Glendale has transformed from an agrarian community to a major financial and retail center in Southern California. I am proud to recognize the past and present members and supporters of the Chamber for their unique contributions to Glendale's local community, and I ask all Members to join me in congratulating the Glendale Chamber of Commerce for 100 years of dedicated service.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I was unable to be present for votes on May 24, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on each of rollcall Nos. 291, 292, and 293.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, in the short time that I speak here today, thousands of gallons of oil will burst out of a broken well in the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. That oil will add to a catastrophic spill that is now spreading across a widening swath of ocean, coming ashore in Louisiana and devastating the economy of the gulf coast. Every attempt to cap the gusher has thus far failed, and it seems we can anticipate several more months of damage to our coastline, our fisheries, and our environment. As a Nation, we have been on an oil binge since the 1850s, when we started running out of our previous nonrenewable energy resource, whale oil. The wide-scale destruction that the whale hunts of the 19th century visited on our seas is now mirrored by the damage that offshore drilling is visiting upon the gulf. Two decades ago, Congress first recognized the danger of offshore drilling and passed a moratorium banning it outside of Alaska and the gulf. In California, many will remember the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill that spewed out almost 100,000 barrels of oil over 8 days. Lax safety standards and corner-cutting were the immediate culprits in that spill, but the gulf spill shows that, even with today's advanced technology, offshore drilling is fundamentally dangerous. Thousands of gallons of oil is spilled each year during normal operations. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita sent over half a million gallons into the Gulf. And even without spills, piping and onshore operations destroy wetlands, disturb wildlife, and limit tourism. Californians are not willing to risk our tourism and fishing industries or our pristine environment with additional offshore drilling, and I'm happy that the Governor has stepped back from his plan for more drilling off the coast near Santa Barbara. Instead of more drilling and more spills, Californians are leading the way to a high-tech, clean energy future. A few blocks from my office in Pasadena, you'll find a business incubator that has turned clean-energy ideas into successful companies employing hundreds of Americans. One of these companies is now deploying modular concentrating solar power stations in the Mojave Desert, using mass-produced panels and modern manufacturing techniques to create some of the cheapest solar power in the world. Others are working on more efficient solar cells for rooftops and many other revolutionary technologies. This kind of technological innovation isn't limited to Southern California. Renewable energy is booming in Texas and Massachusetts, South Dakota and Georgia. And with the first mass-produced plug-in hybrid cars appearing this fall, clean energy will soon be fueling our vehicles as well. But our American-made high-tech boom is threatened by subsidies that keep fossil fuel prices artificially low, stifling competition and sustaining our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. Some of those subsidies are directed, like tax breaks for oil companies. The administration's budget proposes ending $45 billion worth of subsidies that tilt the playing field away from clean energy. Other subsidies are indirect, like limited liability for oil spills and air pollution. In the L.A. Basin, endemic smog caused by fossil fuels is a hidden tax on every resident, costing millions of dollars in additional health care and lost work hours. Last year, the National Academy of Sciences estimated that health care and other costs created by gasoline consumption come to about 30 cents a gallon, without considering global warming. That cost is absorbed by all of us in the form of hospital bills and asthma attacks. We must rebalance our energy subsidies so that clean energy can compete on an equal footing with oil, coal, and natural gas. We need to act quickly because China is now a leader in clean energy technology. In a few short years, the Chinese have developed a vibrant industrial base that produces more photovoltaic cells than any other nation. Meanwhile, China's demand continues to grow. It's the world leader in hydropower, second in wind power, stimulating a job-intensive domestic industry to meet the demand. To boost its green economy, China created a stimulus package worth hundreds of billions of dollars. And Chinese universities and research centers are quickly gaining expertise in developing the green technologies that will power economic growth for upcoming decades. We can recapture our leadership role by supporting renewable energy companies here at home, realigning our energy incentives, and investing in research and development that will create new technologies. This week, we considered the America COMPETES Act, which outlines a doubling of Federal research over the next decade. Although this bill is opposed by those that favor the same energy sources now devastating the Gulf, I'm confident we will pass this critical measure, and with this investment we will ensure that new energy ideas are created here at home by American students and American entrepreneurs. But we must also ensure these ideas are turned into American companies, providing green- tech business with the tools it needs to grow, train, and hire workers. We must establish renewable energy standards like the one in California that is stimulating investment up and down our State. Mr. Speaker. In the short time I speak here today, thousands of gallons of oil will burst out of a broken well in the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. that oil will add to a catastrophic spill that is now spreading across a widening swath of ocean, coming ashore in Louisiana, and devastating the economy of the Gulf Coast. Every attempt to cap the gusher has failed, and it seems we can anticipate several more months of damage to our coastline, our fisheries and our environment. As a nation, we have been on an oil binge since the 1850s, when we started running out of our previous nonrenewable energy resource--whale oil. The wide-scale destruction that the whale hunts of the 19th century visited on our seas is now mirrored by the damage that offshore drilling is visiting upon the Gulf. Two decades ago, Congress first recognized the danger of offshore drilling and passed a moratorium banning it outside Alaska and the Gulf. In California, many will remember the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill that spewed out almost 100,000 barrels of oil over eight days. Lax safety standards and corner-cutting were the immediate culprits in that spill, but the Gulf spill shows us that even with today's advanced technology, offshore drilling is fundamentally dangerous. Thousands of gallons of oil is spilled each year during normal operations. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita sent over half a million gallons into the Gulf. And even without spills, piping and onshore operations destroy wetlands, disturb wildlife and limit tourism. Californians are not willing to risk our tourism and fishing industries, or our pristine environment, with additional off-shore drilling, and I'm happy that the governor has stepped back from his plan for more drilling off the coast near Santa Barbara. Instead of more drilling, and more spills, Californians are leading the way to a high-tech, clean energy future. A few blocks from my office in Pasadena, you'll find a business incubator that has helped turn clean-energy ideas into successful companies employing hundreds of Americans. One of these companies is now deploying modular concentrating solar power stations in the Mojave Desert, using mass-produced panels and modern manufacturing techniques to create some of the cheapest solar power in the world. Others are working on more efficient solar cells for rooftops, and many other revolutionary technologies. This kind of technological innovation isn't limited to Southern California--renewable energy is booming in Texas and Massachusetts, South Dakota and Georgia. And with the first mass produced plug-in hybrid cars appearing this fall, clean energy will soon be fueling our vehicles as well. But our American-made high-tech boom is threatened by subsidies that keep fossil fuel prices artificially low, stifling competition and sustaining our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. Some of those subsidies are direct, like tax breaks for oil companies. The Administration's budget has proposed ending $45 billion worth of subsidies that tilt the playing field away from clean energy. Other subsidies are indirect, like limited liability for oil spills and air pollution. In the Los Angeles basin, endemic smog caused by fossil fuels is a hidden tax on every resident, costing millions of dollars in additional health care and lost work hours. Last year, the National Academy of Sciences estimated that health care and other costs created by gasoline consumption come to about 30 cents a gallon, without considering global warming. That cost is absorbed by all of us, in the form of hospital bills and asthma attacks. We must rebalance our energy subsidies so that clean energy can compete on an equal footing with oil, coal and natural gas. And we need to adapt quickly, because China is now the leader in clean-energy technology. In a few short years, the Chinese have developed a vibrant industrial base that produces more photovoltaic cells than any other nation. Meanwhile, China's demand continues to grow--it is the world leader in hydropower and second in wind power, stimulating a job-intensive domestic industry to meet the demand. To boost its green economy, China created a stimulus package worth hundreds of billions of dollars. And Chinese universities and research centers are quickly gaining expertise in developing the new green technologies that will power economic growth for upcoming decades. We can recapture our leadership role by supporting renewable energy companies here at home, realigning our energy incentives, and investing in the research and development that will create new technologies. This week, we considered the America COMPETES Act, which outlines a doubling of federal research over the next decade. Although this bill is opposed by those that favor the same energy sources now devastating the Gulf, I am confident we will pass this critical measure. And with this investment, we will ensure that new energy ideas are created here at home, by American students and American entrepreneurs. But we also must ensure that those ideas turn into American companies. We must provide green-tech business with the tools they need to grow, train and hire new workers. We must establish renewable energy standards, like the one in California that is stimulating investment up and down the state. We must strengthen our electrical grid, so that new sources of energy can be added without stressing the system. And we must update our electrical meters, so that homeowners can pay less if they shift some of their energy use to off-peak hours. Our new whale oil has lasted longer than the original, but it is easy to see now that it no longer makes sense, for our economy, for our national security, or for our environment. We face a challenge we can and will meet, but it is not one we can face if we put our heads in the sand and invest more money, lives and effort in the last century's energy source. Instead we must move forward to the new renewable energy future, that awaits us--the most industrious and inventive nation on Earth.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. I thank the gentleman for yielding. DNA is perhaps the most powerful and most reliable tool at the disposal of criminal investigators today. As a former Federal prosecutor during the early days of the DNA revolution, I have seen firsthand the power of DNA to prove the guilt or innocence of a suspect. In 2008, I proposed an amendment to the Debbie Smith Act reauthorization that would have put in place a 10 percent bonus in Byrne/JAG grants for States to collect DNA profiles from anyone arrested for certain serious felonies. It passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote, but the clock ran out in the Senate. I could not be more pleased that Congressman Harry Teague has taken up the banner on this issue. I hope this year we can finally get it across the finish line. You have heard the tragic story of Katie Sepich, for whom this bill is named. Katie was a bright, vivacious 22-year-old from New Mexico who was murdered in 2003. Police were able to extract the DNA profile of her attacker from beneath Katie's fingernails, but they got no match to anyone in the offender database. When they finally did get a hit on the attacker's DNA, they discovered that the murderer had been arrested repeatedly for burglaries after 2003, but because he was never convicted, he was not required to submit a DNA sample for the database. Had New Mexico had arrestee testing at the time, Katie's killer would have been taken off the streets years earlier. There are 23 States, including my home State of California, that have now adopted DNA collection upon arrest or indictment for at least some violent felonies. By doing so, these States increase the power of the national database to solve crimes. The bonus in Federal law enforcement grants provided by Katie's Law will encourage additional States to adopt arrestee testing law. The legislation preserves civil liberties protections by requiring the FBI and the States to expunge the DNA of suspects who are acquitted. We know the power of this technology. We also know the cost of delay, the cost of an inadequate database, and it is simply this: that as we wait to run these samples or if we miss the opportunity to test the samples of those arrested for violent felonies, we know with a virtual statistical certainty that people we could take off the street, people that have committed rape or committed murder, will, in the interim between the time we do take the sample of the arrestee or between the time we do erase the backlog, will go on to murder others, to rape others. And what a tragedy it is when we have this tool not to utilize it to its full extent. I want to thank my colleagues for their leadership on this issue. Harry Teague has been a great champion. Congressman Reichert has been a great champion, and we are indebted to their leadership on this. This legislation is the product of years of work and debate in Congress. It will help law enforcement use DNA to solve crimes, and it will keep in place existing civil liberties protections. So hats off to Representatives Teague and Reichert for their leadership on this issue and to Chairman Conyers and to Chairman Scott for their support as well. I urge its adoption.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, each May we honor Asian Pacific Americans and celebrate the extraordinary contributions they make to enhance our communities and our Nation. Since the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843, generations of brave men and women have come to our country seeking new lives for themselves and their families, the promise of the American Dream. Their perseverance in the fight for equality and opportunity despite obstacles such as racial, social, and religious discrimination, is truly inspiring. I am proud to represent one of the most diverse congressional districts in the country. One in four of my constituents is of Asian Pacific heritage, many of whom are of Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese descent. We share our customs and traditions, and ultimately, our community and our Nation are enriched by the presence of Asian Pacific Americans. They have distinguished themselves as entrepreneurs, educators, and members of our Armed Forces. And the 29th Congressional District boasts an impressive list of Asian Pacific American civic leaders who are strongly committed to our community, including: John Chiang, serving California as controller, is the highest-ranking Asian Pacific American elected State official. Representing California's 21st Senate District is Carol Liu, and serving the 49th Assembly District is Assemblyman Mike Eng. On the local level, we have Alhambra Mayor Stephen Sham; Alhambra City Council member Gary Yamauchi; Alhambra Unified School Board members Chester Chau and Robert ``Bob'' Gin; Garvey School Board members Janet Chin, Henry Lo, and John Yuen; Monterey Park Mayor Anthony Wong; Monterey Park Council members Mitchell Ing, David Lau, and Betty Tom Chu; San Gabriel Mayor Albert Huang; San Gabriel Unified School Board member Philip Hu; South Pasadena Council member Mike Ten; South Pasadena Unified School Board member Joseph Loo; Temple City Council member Vincent Yu; and Temple City Unified School Board member Janet Rhee. The contribution of Asian Americans to our community, our State, and our Nation are not limited to these individuals. Our Nation has benefited from the contribution of Asian Americans for decades. The Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, commonly known as the ``Go for Broke'' regiments, courageously served our Nation during World War II and earned several awards for their distinctive service in combat. During this Congress I introduced legislation to pay tribute to the ``Go for Broke'' regiment by awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress' highest civilian honor. And continuing the spirit of service to our Nation, I am happy to announce that two of my service academy nominees who received appointments this year are Richard Hyun Kim, a resident of Temple City and student of Temple City High School, who will be attending the Military Academy at West Point this fall, and Marcus Nguyen, a San Gabriel High School student from the city of Alhambra, who received an appointment to the Naval Academy. We're so lucky to have these wonderful people in our community. As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I urge all of us to reflect upon and celebrate the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our history, our way of life and the future we will share as citizens of this great Nation.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California. In 1896, Griffith J. Griffith donated 3,015 acres to the City of Los Angeles for Griffith Park and several years later in December of 1912, he offered funding for a public observatory to the Los Angeles City Council. When Mr. Griffith died in 1919, he left funds for construction of the Observatory and the Greek Theatre in his will. The groundbreaking for the new Observatory building occurred in June of 1920, and in 1934, the Astronomers Monument was dedicated. The formal dedication of Griffith Observatory was on May 14, 1935, and it opened to the public the next day. Soon afterward, the Observatory began its school field trip program, which ran continuously until 2001 and brought millions of students to the Observatory. The Observatory has played a crucial role in our nation's history-- whether during the 1940s, when military pilots trained in the planetarium theater to learn to navigate by the stars and the 121st Coast Artillery members were garrisoned at the Observatory, or in the hundreds of motion pictures filmed at the Observatory, including The Phantom Empire, Rebel Without a Cause, and Jurassic Park. The 75 years have brought many exciting additions and changes at the Observatory. 1958 saw the retirement of the first Observatory Director, Dr. Dinsmore Alter, after 23 years. In the 1960s, the original Zeiss Mark II planetarium projector was replaced with a Zeiss Mark IV projector, Apollo astronauts were trained to navigate by the stars in the planetarium theater, and Dr. Clarence Cleminshaw retired after 34 years of service as the Assistant Director (1935-1958) and Director (1958-1969). In November of 1973, Laserium premiered--a program that continued until January 2002. After Dr. William Kaufman's resignation as Director (1970-1974), Dr. E.C. Krupp became the fourth Director of the Observatory, a position he currently holds after over 36 years, making him the longest-serving Director. The 1970s also saw Griffith Observatory designated as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 168 and the official incorporation of the Friends Of The Observatory by Dr. Krupp and Debra and Harold Griffith. In 1985, the fiftieth anniversary was celebrated on May 14, Halley's Comet brought in unprecedented crowds, and on January 1, 1989, the Observatory was featured on a Rose Parade float in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. In the 1990s, a master plan for the Observatory's future was approved, the Astronomers Monument restoration was completed, and huge crowds saw live telescopic viewing of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 crashing into Jupiter. In 2002, the Observatory closed to the public after 67 years of service for renovation and expansion and on October 30, the groundbreaking for the project occurred. After a $93 million makeover, the Observatory building and grounds reopened to the public on November 2, 2006. Since that time, the Observatory has continued serving the public with new educational school programs and events. I consider it a great privilege to represent Griffith Observatory and I ask all Members to join me in congratulating this iconic, cultural landmark upon its seventy-fifth anniversary.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 24. The proud history of the United States Marine Corps began with the founding of the Continental Marines in 1775 to conduct ship-to-ship fighting, provide ship security and discipline, and assist in landing forces. Today, the Marine Corps is an elite, light, rapid deployment fighting force which includes over 203,000 active duty personnel and almost 40,000 reservists. For almost 235 years, the men and women of the Marine Corps have served a vital role in protecting the United States and Americans around the world. These warriors deserve equality with the other branches of our armed services. After World War II, the War Department was designated as the Department of Defense as a means to update tradition. In 1947, the Army Air Corps separated from the Army and was established as the United States Air Force. The Marines are not seeking separation from the Navy. The long and proud tradition of our Navy and Marine Corps working side by side would simply be codified by the passing of H.R. 24 and officially recognize the Marines Corps as equal partners in protecting our Nation. In his speech at a recent news conference supporting this name change, retired Gunnery Sergeant and a familiar face to all of us who enjoy The History Channel, R. Lee Ermey, said: ``We're not asking for a promotion. We're not asking for more money. We don't want a uniform change. The only thing we want is for future Marines who shed blood for their country to at least get respect and receive honorable mention in the department they fall under.'' This name change does not increase military spending, increase the size of the military, create another department, or change the internal budget process for the Navy or the Marine Corps. Nor does the change diminish their proud traditions. This change strengthens their relationship and shows the world that they stand together through a formal recognition of this partnership. I urge all Members to support H.R. 24.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remind my colleagues that April 25th is World Malaria Day. On this day, global health advocates around the world will be raising awareness about malaria, and the fight against this deadly disease. Malaria is an acute and often fatal disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The World Health Organization estimates that annually, there are approximately 250 million cases of malaria and nearly 1 million deaths, primarily among children in Africa under five. Malaria is highly preventable and treatable with existing tools, including insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying of insecticides, and anti-malaria drugs. Through the President's Malaria Initiative, contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, and other investments, the United States has played a prominent role in the global effort to fight this deadly disease. This effort is already showing impressive results, but ensuring that available anti-malaria tools reach all of the people who need them will require greater dedication of resources from the U.S. and our partners. Furthermore, drug and insecticide resistance mean that today's tools are likely to lose their efficacy over time. Therefore, it is critical to invest in research on new tools, including drugs, insecticides, diagnostics, and, eventually, a malaria vaccine. The past several years have seen remarkable gains against malaria. Securing and expanding these gains will require continued U.S. leadership and investment.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. Day in and day out our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and the Coast Guard put their lives on the line to protect our own. Our men and women in uniform are the bravest among us, making unparalleled sacrifices to protect our precious liberties and freedoms, and we must do everything in our power to support them. This legislation is an important component of our ongoing effort to give back to our veterans and their families. It will provide long overdue support to those who care for the disabled, ill and injured veterans. It will enhance health services for 1.8 million women veterans, including care for newborns for the first time in history. It will expand mental health services for veterans and health care access for veterans in rural areas. It will end co-pays for veterans who are catastrophically disabled. Today we have an opportunity to provide for our veterans and families the valuable benefits they need, have earned and deserve. On behalf of our brave men and women in uniform, as well as their friends and family, I join my colleagues in strong support of the bill.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Armenian Relief Society as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. The Armenian Relief Society, ARS, established in 1910, is a non- profit organization devoted to community and cultural service. Initially a mostly women's organization, it empowered women to take leadership roles and act for the betterment of society, and encompass the importance of serving the needs of Armenian genocide victims. As time elapsed, the goals of the ARS branched out to reach all communities in distress--Armenian and non-Armenian alike. In addition to disaster relief and assistance during wars and epidemics, the ARS has broadened its activities and developed a mission and a common purpose. Today, they address social, educational, developmental, and cultural roles within communities. Over the course of a century, the organization has launched chapters in more than 26 countries. The ARS situated its western roots in Fresno in 1915 and has expanded to include 26 chapters in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Utah. Hence, the ARS of Western USA was established in 1984 in response to the growing needs of expanding communities. Geographical location has never steered members off their precise course of making a difference in local communities and around the world simultaneously. The ARS's passion to help people has blossomed into various constructive projects. Since its establishment in 1980, Armenian Relief Society Social Services Centers have aided approximately 60,000 people annually regarding issues such as immigration, counseling, and services for the elderly. In the year 2000, the ARS Child, Youth & Family Guidance Center was created to provide a gateway to individuals and families suffering from problems such as marital and family conflicts and substance abuse. Supportive professional therapists offer individual and group psychotherapy, family psychotherapy, and crisis intervention. With the support of generous donors, the ARS continues to support such centers as well as schools, scholarship programs, cultural centers, health-care clinics, and orphanages to name a few examples. Today, ARS chapters also work hand-in-hand with other charities such as the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and YWCA. I am proud to recognize the past and present members and supporters of the ARS for their unique contributions to the global community, and I ask all Members to join me in congratulating the Armenian Relief Society for 100 years of dedicated service.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Dr. Lew Allen, Jr., who passed away on January 4, 2010 at the age of 84. From the mid-1950s through the late 1960s, Dr. Allen worked as a physicist in the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, as a project officer for the Air Force Special Weapons Center, as a special staff officer for the Space Technology Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Director of the Secretary of the United States Air Force. By the 1970s, he was Director of Special Projects and Deputy Commander of Satellite Programs for the Space and Missile Systems Organization, chief of staff Headquarters Air Force Systems Command, director of the National Security Agency, and chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force. In 1982, because of Dr. Allen's expertise in the military space program, he was recruited to serve as director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, JPL. During the years he led JPL, the laboratory launched Galileo to Jupiter, Magellan to Venus, The Infrared Astronomical Satellite Mission--the first-ever space-based observatory to perform a survey of the entire sky at infrared wavelengths--and sent the Voyager 2 spacecraft on its flybys of Uranus and Neptune. A champion of technology, Dr. Allen invested funds into research and development projects that paved the way for new capabilities in space observations. Dr. Allen was the recipient of numerous military awards and decorations including the Department of Defense Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal. Additionally, he received the George W. Goddard Award from the Society of Photo-Optical Engineering, the Goddard Memorial Trophy, and the Rotary National Space Trophy. Two awards were named in his honor: the General Lew Allen, Jr. Award presented by the U.S. Air Force, and the Lew Allen Award for Excellence presented by JPL. The Air Force award recognizes sustained job performance, proven leadership, job knowledge and military qualities. The JPL award is given in the early years of an individual's professional career and recognizes significant accomplishments and leadership in scientific research or technological innovation. Without Dr. Lew Allen, Jr.'s extraordinary contributions, the field of science and technology would not be the same today. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kay Rosser of South Pasadena, California. Each year in March, in recognition of Women's History Month, we pay special tribute to the accomplishments made by our nation's most distinguished women. Kay began her volunteer work in South Pasadena when her two daughters were in elementary school during the early seventies. Kay helped in the classroom and with Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, special projects dealing with teen suicide and teen alcoholism. She was instrumental in creating the Theatre Arts Angels, a parent support group for the South Pasadena High School drama program. She has been a volunteer in the South Pasadena Public Library since the early nineties and was a member of the Board of Trustees for 7 years. Today, she is still intimately involved with the library and co- chairs the Library's Restoration Concerts, a classical and jazz concert series that benefits the restoration of the library's community room. Embarrassed to have major artists perform on the library's aging piano, Kay plunged herself into researching and leading the effort to raise $35,000 to purchase a refurbished Steinway. When the funding for the piano was complete, Kay led the effort to raise more donations to fund a Quartet in Residence, the highly acclaimed New Hollywood String Quartet, now performing in its third season. In addition to her work in South Pasadena, Kay has been a volunteer coordinator for 13 years with Plaza de la Raza, a school of performing arts with afternoon classes in music, theater, dance, and the visual arts offered to children in East Los Angeles and beyond. In 1990, Kay worked as an assistant to the Chairman of Volunteers for the Los Angeles Festival, and in 1993, she became Chairman of Volunteers and recruited over 1,000 volunteers for the Festival. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Kay Rosser. The entire community joins me in thanking Kay for the meaningful impact she has had on the 29th Congressional District.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Shirley Hwong of Monterey Park, California. Each year in March, in recognition of Women's History Month, we pay special tribute to the accomplishments made by our Nation's most distinguished women. Shirley has lived in Monterey Park with her husband Leo for over 35 years. Shirley served on the Monterey Highlands School Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, for more than 10 years. She held the roles of PTA president and treasurer and did significant fundraising to help teachers and students. She was also involved in the Mark Keppel Alliance at Mark Keppel High School for 4 years and successfully fundraised for the Mark Keppel Band. Shirley has proven to be invaluable in her ability to raise money for charitable causes. In 2005, she was a chairperson of ``City with a Heart'' fundraising for Hurricane Katrina relief. They raised more than $55,000 to help the victims in New Orleans. She has also been quite active in raising money for the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library. She was on the Monterey Park Community Relations Commission for 8 years. For all 8 years on the commission, she was the chair of the Harmony Festival Ball. Shirley is currently a commissioner of the Sister Cities Commission and has been a chairperson for the past 2 years. She helped raise money at last year's Sister Cities International Mardi Gras Ball, of which over $7,000 was donated to the Monterey Park Fire Department for emergency laptops that were much needed. In 2008, she went to the South Korean sister city Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea with 4 other people from Monterey Park. Shirley has served 3 terms as vice president of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance of Greater San Gabriel Valley and is currently serving as a board member. Shirley was also active with the Monterey Park Rotary Club for 5 years. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Shirley Hwong. The entire community joins me in thanking Shirley for the meaningful impact she has had on the 29th Congressional District.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Yvette Herrera of Burbank, California. Each year in March, in recognition of Women's History Month, we pay special tribute to the accomplishments made by our nation's most distinguished women. Yvette currently works in the non-profit sector as a planning director for United Way of Greater Los Angeles. During her tenure at United Way, she developed outreach to the growing Asian Pacific Islander communities in both the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys and raised funds coordinating United Way workplace campaigns. Yvette has served as board president of the Burbank Community YMCA since 2008. During her term, the YMCA built and opened a much needed parking lot and conducted its most successful annual campaign, meeting the challenge of raising $100,000 in donations during difficult economic times. In 2009 she co-chaired a first-time event for the Asian Pacific Women's Center, which exceeded its fundraising goal, netting over $25,000 for victims of domestic violence. In 1993, Yvette was honored at the White House as National Big Sister of the Year for her volunteer efforts to help develop multi-cultural programming as well as fundraising for Big Sisters of Los Angeles and modeling the agency's first Asian Big-Little Sister match. Yvette mentored Jessica over the course of 16 years, beginning when her Little Sister was in kindergarten and continuing through Jessica's graduation from Cal State Northridge in 2005. No longer officially matched, they remain good friends today. Yvette actively supports her alma mater and was recognized as the Scripps College Outstanding Recent Alumna in 2000. She is a graduate of the statewide leadership development program for women, Leadership California, and currently serves on their board of directors. Her previous community service includes serving as president of the Asian Pacific Women's Network and co-chairing the City of Los Angeles Asian Pacific Heritage Month Celebration. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Yvette Herrera. The entire community joins me in thanking Yvette for the meaningful impact she has had on the 29th Congressional District.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Juanita West Tillman of Altadena, California. Each year in March, in recognition of Women's History Month, we pay special tribute to the accomplishments made by our nation's most distinguished women. Juanita has been a resident of Pasadena and Altadena for 55 years. She taught for 26 years in the Los Angeles Archdiocese and Pasadena Unified School District, PUSD. During her career at PUSD, Juanita served on school leadership teams, school site councils, school library grant writing committees, Pasadena Historical Society Curriculum Committee, Language Arts Textbook Adoption Committee, LAAMP Family Leadership Team, and in a professional development academy and literacy academy. While teaching, Juanita acquired a real estate license and, upon retiring, she joined her daughter, Lynnette West-Cater, as co-owner of Westlyn Realtors. Juanita has volunteered as a mentor and advisor for children and youth, served on boards of service and community organizations, and has been effective in getting citizens registered to vote and out to the polls. She is a founding member and past president of Pasadena Delta Foundation, which is the first African American organization in the Pasadena area to establish a six-figure scholarship endowment fund; past president of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Gamma Lambda Chapter and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Pasadena Alumnae Chapter, respectively; chairperson of the Education Committee of the Pasadena NAACP Branch; current treasurer of the Pasadena Council of Women's Clubs; member of the Friends of the Pasadena Playhouse where she volunteers as an usher; and member of First AME Church where she serves as a Class Leader providing encouragement and service to her class members. Juanita served on the John Muir High School principal selection committee in 2003 and the teacher selection committee in 2007 and continues to be an advisor and active supporter of Mentoring & Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD), a male-mentoring program at John Muir High School. She also assisted in planning the Entering the College Zone, a National Black Child Development program. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Juanita West Tillman. The entire community joins me in thanking Juanita for the meaningful impact she has had on the 29th Congressional District.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Catherine ``Cathy'' Keen of Glendale, California. Each year in March, in recognition of Women's History Month, we pay special tribute to the accomplishments made by our Nation's most distinguished women. Cathy has served the Glendale community primarily in the area of child advocacy, spending many years as an officer in the Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, at the elementary, middle school, high school, and council levels, including president of the Glenoaks PTA for two years. She was awarded the California Golden Oak Service Award by the State PTA, the highest level of award bestowed by the PTA. She also served as president of the Glenoaks Elementary School Foundation in 1994. Cathy is active in Las Candelas, a philanthropic group which works to improve the lives of emotionally disturbed children. Cathy served as president of Las Candelas for two years and has chaired their biennial benefit twice, raising $140,000 for programs for emotionally disturbed children. In 1993, she was a finalist for the Glendale News Press Woman of Achievement, nominated for her help with the family of a dying child. She chaired the Glendale Healthy Kids, GHK's popular ``Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?'' for nine years and also served on the Board of Directors of GHK for six years. She served as president of the Board of GHK and filled in as executive director when they were without one. Cathy personally published the GHK newsletter for five years and received the GHK Volunteer of the Year Award. Cathy is currently serving as president of the Kiwanis Club of Glendale, the second woman in eighty-nine years to hold this position. In Kiwanis, she has served as Chairman of Youth Services for two years, overseeing nineteen Kiwanis projects to help our community youth, and has served on the Board of Directors. Cathy also publishes the weekly KiwaniNews and is a regular reporter for the news when not serving as president. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Catherine Keen. The entire community joins me in thanking Cathy for the meaningful impact she has had on the 29th Congressional District.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Gay Toltl Kinman of Alhambra, California. Each year in March, in recognition of Women's History Month, we pay special tribute to the accomplishments made by our Nation's most distinguished women. Gay has been active with both the City of Alhambra and the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce. As vice president of the Housing and Urban Development Committee for the City of Alhambra, Gay assisted the Alhambra Historical Society in obtaining a grant for the Alhambra Historical Society Museum. Gay also served as president of the Civil Service Commission for the City of Alhambra. While a member of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, Gay formed the committee to plan for a Chinese New Year Festival Parade, which still takes place today, and then was chair of the parade. Gay also served as Chair of Transportation on the Government Affairs Committee for the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce. Gay has been involved with Soroptimist International of Alhambra, San Gabriel, and San Marino. As president of the chapter, Gay helped bring in a record of nine new members, established the Friendship Link exchange where members of SI Burnley, England visited, helped establish the link between Alhambra Curves and La Casa de San Gabriel Community Center, and was the chair of various committees. She also founded the Soroptimist Camino Real Region's Friendship Grant Committee, which provides hospitality and professional education every two years for a Soroptimist from another part of the world. Currently, she is the Alhambra, San Gabriel, and San Marino chapter's co-vice president of programs, chair of the Woman of Distinction Award Committee, and co- chair of Reading is Fundamental, which buys books for third graders in the Alhambra and San Gabriel School Districts. In addition to Soroptimists, Gay has given her time to various organizations throughout Alhambra. For the Alhambra Historical Society, she has served as president and publicity chair. As a board member for the Alhambra Educational Foundation, she started the Authors Festival, which brings over eighty children's authors, storytellers, and illustrators to the Alhambra Unified School District. As chair of the Alhambra Red Cross Council, she helped restore the presence of the Red Cross in Alhambra and taught volunteer training classes. She has been secretary for the Alhambra Toastmasters, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and is currently head usher at Alhambra's All Souls Church. In addition, she helped design Alhambra's float for the Tournament of Roses Parade. On top of all this, Gay has been active outside of Alhambra with the YMCA West San Gabriel Valley, the Special Libraries Association of Southern California, the Los Angeles County Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages, the League of Women Voters Greater Pasadena Area, and the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Dr. Gay Toltl Kinman. The entire community joins me in thanking Gay for the meaningful impact she has had on the 29th Congressional District.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Carole Rodenbucher of Temple City, California. Each year in March, to recognize Women's History Month, we pay special tribute to the accomplishments made by our nation's most distinguished women. In 1985, when her son Ryan was at Young People's Village Preschool, Carole started volunteering by attending all off-site outings and working on the first ever Camellia Parade float entry. Since 1988, Carole has served as the Parent-Teacher Association, PTA president at Emperor Elementary School and at Temple City High School, TCHS. She also held several PTA executive board positions and chairmanships. She served on the Emperor School Site Council for two terms (two years each) as chairman and secretary. Carole volunteered as Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 169; Webelos Leader; Den Leader Coach; and Tiger Cub coach, secretary, treasurer, and committee chairman (seven years). She was also on the Lucky Baldwin Round Table Staff and Scout Expo, Pow Wow, Cub Scout, and Webelos Day Camps both at Trask and Cherry Valley. The most fun she had was teaching ``Cooking with Carole'' for three years at Camp Trask. She also served as the assistant to the Webelos Day Camp Director at Camp Trask for five years. In 1999, Carole was a chaperone for the TCHS trip to Germany, and in 2003, 2004, and 2005, Bob and Carole were chaperones on the TCHS Washington DC trips. In 2003, Brett was part of the State Department exchange program with Russia, and the family had a Russian exchange student live with them. In 2005, Carole joined Friends of Foster Children, San Gabriel Valley. She has served as a director; secretary; Ways and Means; chaired the 2009 luncheon; and for Sugar Plum acted as secretary and Outside Groups Coordinator as well as volunteered on several committees. Carole, her husband Bob, and her two sons Ryan and Brett have coordinated the Camellia Festival Grandstand Seating for the last twelve years. Carole is the General Chairman for 2010 and was Assistant General Chairman in 2009. Carole was in charge of the TCHS Grad Night Ram Discount Card in 2000 and 2004, helped on the game booths for Grad Night 2004, and continues to volunteer at Grad Night celebrations. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Carole Rodenbucher. The entire community joins me in thanking Carole for the meaningful impact she has had on the 29th Congressional District.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nova Hindoyan of Pasadena, California. Each year in March, in recognition of Women's History Month, we pay special tribute to the accomplishments made by our nation's most distinguished women. Nova came to the United States in 1975 from Damascus, Syria to attend her brother's wedding. While here, she met Garabet Hindoyan, then a student and now the co-owner of Burger Continental Restaurant in Pasadena. They fell in love and married within the same year. They were blessed with a son and two daughters. Nova has been a long-time dedicated member of the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Inc., (ARS-WR) and has held executive positions as Chair of the Armenian Relief Society of Pasadena Chapter ``SOSSE'', as well as been on the Executive Board of Directors of the ARS-WR as vice chair and chair. She has worked on the ARS Public Relations Committee's special events, Red Cross blood drives, and City of Hope Bone Marrow Registry. Nova has always been an active parent and was on the Parent-Teacher Association while all three of her children were in school. With her leadership, she was able to raise funds for special projects for ARS, most recently for the Society's Centennial Fund. She was also on the Board of Directors of the Old Town Conservatory School of Music in Pasadena, as well as on the Board of Directors and an active participant of the Lark Musical Society. Nova has sponsored foreign students who have come to enjoy her hospitality while they were in school. Today, Nova is on the Board of the Directors of the ARS Central Executive, while staying active in her chapter in Pasadena. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Nova Hindoyan. The entire community joins me in thanking Nova for the meaningful impact she has had on the 29th Congressional District.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Leanne Dickson of San Gabriel, California. Each year in March, in recognition of Women's History Month, we pay special tribute to the accomplishments made by our Nation's most distinguished women. Leanne Dickson has been a resident of San Gabriel for over thirty- five years. She is the widow of James Dickson, owner of Dickson Motor Service, Towing Service, & Auto Repair. Leanne has two adult children, Wendy Dickson Holten and Greg Dickson. Leanne's involvement in San Gabriel has been varied. She has been the Vice President and Box Office manager for the San Gabriel Valley Music Theatre since 2005. At the same time, she has served as treasurer of the San Gabriel Rotary for the last three years. For the San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce, she volunteers her time two days a week and has served as board member and treasurer for three years. In 2008, the chamber honored her as Women's Division Woman of the Year. Leanne is continually doing for others in the community. It seems as though she attends every city function and every community activity, helping out where needed. She has volunteered on the Parent-Teacher Association for twelve years, has been a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain for four years, and was a Girl Scout leader for seven years. In 2008, she donated her time volunteering for the Church of Our Savior's AIDS luncheon. Leanne has actively supported La Casa Community Center and the San Gabriel Valley YMCA with their events. Leanne was the Vice President at Pasadena Federal Credit Union twenty-three years, and she is currently employed part time at the Gazebo boutique in San Gabriel. I.ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Leanne Dickson. The entire community joins me in thanking Leanne for the meaningful impact she has had on the 29th Congressional District.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this historic health care reform legislation. Two years ago, during a telephone townhall with my constituents, one of my neighbors in Burbank told me that her young daughter had become ill. Our children played together in preschool, and they lived just a few doors down. When her daughter became sick, they were able to get her the health care she needed through a program called Healthy Families. She was now, thankfully, all better. But now, my constituent told me, she herself was ill. She and her husband were both self-employed and could not afford health insurance, and she was scared to death to get her illness treated at the emergency room. Her question to me that night was: ``Is there any hope for families like mine?'' The answer tonight is ``yes.'' There is now hope for millions of self-employed Americans who cannot afford health care, and millions more who are small business people struggling to provide health care for themselves and their employees. And there is hope for millions of others who have pre-existing conditions and cannot obtain health insurance. And for millions of seniors who have fallen through the donut hole in their prescription drug coverage. Because tonight's bill will address the needs of each and every one of these Americans who are struggling to afford the coverage they have, or find health insurance when they are without. Our health insurance system is intrinsically linked to our Nation's and California's economic recovery. There are now more than 30 million American citizens who do not have health insurance coverage, and every day, 14,000 Americans lose their coverage. In fact, Californians are more likely to be uninsured than most Americans--over 7 million Californians are uninsured this year. Millions of Americans now receive their care at the emergency room, and millions more must make the difficult choice of whether to pay their medical bills or pay their mortgage because they cannot afford to do both; two-thirds of all bankruptcies and half of all foreclosures are a result of a health care crisis in the family. This recession has highlighted wide and growing gaps in our health care system. Families lose their insurance coverage when a parent in the household becomes unemployed, and too many parents without employment are falling through those widening cracks--unable to afford COBRA, ineligible for public coverage, and precluded by high premiums and/or pre-existing conditions from obtaining private insurance. Collectively, as a Nation, we spend almost twice as much per person on health care as any other country, or about 17 percent of our gross domestic product, and this number is growing every year far faster than inflation. Tonight, I'm voting to pass legislation that will substantially reform the health insurance industry and practices, extend quality coverage to millions of Americans, and hold down national, public, and private health care costs. This bill will help provide stable coverage that cannot be taken away and won't be lost when you change jobs, and will provide additional insurance choices in an invigorated and competitive marketplace. In my district alone, this bill will provide tax credits and financial assistance to over 135,000 families and 15,000 small business owners in order to help them afford coverage, and extend coverage to 80,000 uninsured residents. This bill will close the ``donut hole'' for 94,000 seniors, and extend the life of Medicare. Further, we act tonight in a fiscally responsible manner, reducing the deficit by over $1.3 trillion during the next two decades. Tonight, we make it illegal to deny health coverage to the 15,000 constituents in my district with pre-existing conditions. We ensure that the costs of health care won't threaten their family's finances, that their doctor is paid for making them well and not ordering unnecessary tests, and that their health care premiums are spent on actual care, not paying for paperwork and red tape. I have two young children, and I cannot imagine the dread that a parent must feel who has a sick child for whom they cannot provide care. That is an agony no parent should ever know. Not here. Not in America. I have had one steady guide through my years in Congress, and it is my two children. When they are old enough to know of my work in Congress, I want them to be proud of what their father did when he had a chance to serve this great Nation. And I believe they will be proud of me for casting my vote to provide health care for millions who do not have it, just as I am proud of the generation who went before and provided health care for millions of seniors when they had the courage to pass Medicare. I strongly believe that access to affordable, quality, stable health care is the key to a productive work force, small business innovation, and the economic as well as health security of our families and Nation, and I'm proud to vote for this bill.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 133, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''