Allyson Schwartz

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. The first year of the new Democratic majority is coming to a close, and we have already set our Nation in a new direction. We increased the minimum wage, improving the lives of millions of American workers. We increased fuel efficiency standards and set a new path for energy independence that will create new jobs and enhance our economic competitiveness. We enacted the largest college financial aid expansion since 1944, bringing the American Dream within the reach of millions of children in our country. And we are about to pass the largest increase in veterans health care in American history in honor of the service and commitment of all of our veterans. We accomplished all of this in spite of the stubborn resistance of Republican obstructionists who have tried to undermine our efforts at every opportunity. We did this despite the President's refusal to compromise. This year is coming to a close, but our commitment to change will continue. Hard-working American families can be assured that when we return in January, the Democratic majority will continue to fight for their and our priorities. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, secure and hopeful new year to all Americans. God bless our great Nation.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Neal for his leadership on this bill and rise today to support tax relief for hardworking American families. Our action today will protect 23 million Americans from unexpectedly having to pay the AMT for the first time this year. We in the Democratic majority are committed to enacting fiscally responsible tax relief, but the President and the obstructionist Republicans have made it clear that to them adding to the national debt matters not at all. Under their watch, the national debt has nearly doubled. Rather than making tough decisions, they have opted time and again to push the cost of government on to future generations. Congressional Republicans repeatedly and stubbornly resisted our efforts to ensure that we protect 23 million Americans from the AMT and do so without adding to the national debt. The Democratic Congress is committed to our pledge of fiscal responsibility. We will work to ensure the tax relief we pass today will not add to the national debt. I vote for this AMT tax relief to give 60,000 hardworking American families in my district the tax relief they deserve, and I pledge to work to make sure we don't pass on the cost to future generations.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. I want to thank Chairman Neal for his leadership on this issue and for his dedication to tax relief for middle-income Americans. Why are we again talking about the AMT? We are here because Republicans have made it clear that they prefer political expediency over fiscal responsibility. They have decided that it is fine to pile debt onto the shoulders of future generations. They say so what if we add $50 billion next year to our national debt? So what if we add $1 trillion to our national debt over 10 years? My Republican colleagues have said there is no need to pay for AMT relief because this tax was never intended to hit these people. Did they forget that in 2001 the Republican Congress knew that the first round of Bush tax cuts for the wealthy would be paid partly by pushing 24 million middle-income American taxpayers into the AMT in 2007? Did they forget that for the past 6 years their budgets anticipated tax revenues from these middle-income taxpayers to mask their failed fiscal policies of the last 6 years? No, they didn't forget. They just didn't want to act responsibly. We will not act so recklessly. We will provide tax relief and we will pay for it.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Energy Independence and Security Act before us later today. This landmark energy bill moves our Nation forward towards a new, brighter energy future. It promotes clean homegrown energy by requiring our utilities to produce 15 percent of their power from renewable energy by 2020. It reduces our dependence on foreign oil by raising fuel efficiency standards on our cars by 40 percent. With the price of oil nearing $100 per barrel, this will save consumers billions of dollars. And it saves energy through energy-efficiency standards and incentives like the effort I led to promote the construction of energy-efficient commercial buildings. These policies will create new jobs and build new American industries, while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. And it is all paid for by reclaiming $21 billion in taxpayer subsidies from the oil and gas industry. I urge support of this fiscally responsible, smart new energy policy that embraces American ingenuity, innovation, and leadership and moves America forward towards a cleaner, more secure future.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an exceptional educator and leader in the Northeast Philadelphia community. Sister Francesca Onley has been the guiding hand at Holy Family University, a fully accredited Catholic University in Northeast Philadelphia, for 25 years. Holy Family University celebrated Sister Francesca's year tenure on Thursday, November 29, 2007, at a Silver Anniversary event, with the proceeds designated to establish an endowed scholarship in her honor. Under Sister Francesca's leadership, Holy Family attained university status, created an endowment where there was none, added 2 additional campuses, and substantially increased the number of full-time students. More recently, under Sister Francesca's direction, the University completed an education technology building, housing some of the latest technologies for preparing future teachers, including adaptive technology to help integrate disabled students into the regular classroom. Sister Francesca recently accepted the invitation of the University's Board of Directors to continue as President through 2011. She attributes her success to the fact that she relies upon simple rules of leadership about economy, timely goals and delivering what you say you will deliver, on time! As a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Sister Francesca does not receive a salary for her work as university president. Sister Francesca Onley grew up in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia, not far from the Holy Family campus. She graduated from Nazareth Academy High School, later becoming its principal. She earned her bachelor's degree in education and business, as well as a doctorate in higher education administration from Holy Family. Sister Francesca serves as chairperson of the International Association of University Professors--UN Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace. That organization's mission is to institutionalize peace education in universities around the world. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sister Francesca Onley for her years of service to Holy Family University, her devotion to education and innovation, and her efforts to promote peace.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the efforts of Upper Dublin Township to adopt environmentally conscious practices and to encourage use of alternative energy sources. Upper Dublin Township currently relies on 100 percent clean, renewable energy for its municipal energy needs and encourages its residents to use clean energy for their homes and businesses. It was the Commonwealth's first municipality to switch to 100 percent clean energy. Upper Dublin Township has demonstrated its commitment to protecting the quality of the quality of water, land and air resources. Efforts have included increasing reliance on renewable energy, creating community incentives to increase recycling, preserving open space, educating the community on sustainable practices, and reducing pesticide use through Integrated Pest Management. With much of it's land developed, Upper Dublin Township has recognized the need to focus its environmental efforts on influencing the behavior of its residents and businesses. Madam Speaker, Upper Dublin Township sets an example of how sustainability can work for suburban communities. Thanks to policies and programs enacted by the Board of Commissioners and the Environmental Protection Advisory Board, Upper Dublin Township is helping to move the 13th Congressional District towards greater use of renewable resources. I am proud to represent the people of Upper Dublin Township in Congress and applaud their success in working to reduce our dependence on imported sources of energy, and create a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. I congratulate them for their critical efforts and wish them continued success with this endeavor.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Last Wednesday, I attended the funeral of one of my constituents, a 25-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Force. His name was Officer Charles Cassidy. Officer Cassidy was shot and killed in the line of duty on October 31, 2007. He was 54, and he left behind his wife, Judy, and their three children, Jody, Casey and Cody. I would ask everyone here tonight in the House of Representatives to join me in a moment of silence for Officer Cassidy and the 62 other officers killed in the line of duty this year in our Nation. Thank you. The pain I witnessed at Officer Cassidy's funeral, that of his family, of his fellow officers, and the citizens of the entire region is why I rise tonight to ask my colleagues to join me in condemning the significant and deplorable wave of violence against police officers across this Nation. In the Philadelphia Police Department alone, in the past 2 months, five other officers have been shot while protecting our city. They will all survive their wounds and continue to serve the citizens of the city of Philadelphia. They are: Officer Richard Decoatsworth on September 24, 2007, who was shot in the face with a shotgun while making a traffic stop. He survived his injuries after 5 hours of surgery. I saw him at the funeral last week. Officer Sandra Van Hinkel on October 28, 2007, was shot in the right leg during a gunfight near a nightclub. And Officer Marino Santiago on October 30, 2007, was shot in the shoulder while responding to a shooting that left three people hospitalized. And just last night, the city was once again shocked to learn that two undercover narcotics officers were shot while serving a warrant at a suspect's residence on Oxford Avenue not far from my Philadelphia district office. And last May, I stood on this floor to remember another fallen police officer, another constituent, Philadelphia Police Officer Gary Skerski. Unfortunately, Philadelphia is not alone in this battle against violent crime. Cities big and small are coping with the threat and the reality of violent crime. So far this year across the country, 63 officers have died from gunshots. We cannot tolerate any more of this violence against our citizens or against our police officers. We, the political and civic leadership of this country, must commit our will to tackle the wave of violence and the lack of respect for the rule of law and law enforcement. This means bringing all the forces we have within law enforcement and also within delinquency, criminal justice, human services, probation and parole, education, employment, mental health and drug addiction services to face the reality of what is happening and to say that this violence is no longer acceptable, that this violence must stop. It also means that the President and this Congress must respond with action and the resources to enable Federal and local initiatives that will get illegal guns off our streets and put violent criminals behind bars. Congress should quickly complete our work on the COPS Improvement Act and the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill to help our communities and the officers who face these very real threats every day on the streets of our cities. And they need better technology, improved equipment and training, and they need more police officers on the street. I urge my colleagues to join with me in the effort to push these bills to finalization and to do all that we can to stop this deplorable violence in our midst.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Rangel for his leadership on this bill, and I rise today in support of tax relief for hard-working American families. This Congress is committed to moving our country in a new direction. We recognize that families across this country are struggling with everyday living expenses, and with this bill we are going to help millions of Americans get tax relief. Our work will protect 23 million Americans--including over 60,000 of my constituents--from the unexpected and difficult cost of the Alternative Minimum Tax. The Alternative Minimum Tax, the AMT, was originally intended to ensure that the very wealthiest taxpayers pay their fair share of taxes. But the AMT is increasingly being paid by middle-income families, and in fact, next year tens of millions of these hard-working taxpayers will be engulfed by the AMT if this Congress does not act. This bill provides tens of millions of middle-income homeowners with immediate property tax relief. It expands the child tax deduction, helping millions of families. And it ensures that parents, who often work tirelessly to send their children to college, will get tax deductions for college tuition. This middle-class tax relief is based on the principle of tax fairness. And it is paid for. Unlike tax efforts under the Republican Congress, our bill will not add to the national debt. It will not leave debt to be paid for by our children and grandchildren. It will not add to the debt that weakens the dollar and undermines our economy. The Democratic majority is unambiguous. We are committed to fiscal responsibility, to paying as we go, to making the tough decisions required to refocus national priorities, and to giving middle-income families the break they deserve. A vote for this bill is a vote for tax relief and tax fairness. It is a vote for economic growth. And it is a vote for honest budgeting. Mr. Speaker--our constituents didn't send us here to make easy decisions--they sent us here to make responsible ones. And today, the Democratic majority will make the responsible decision of providing tax relief to millions of working families.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate George Washington High School in the city of Philadelphia, PA, on their outstanding participation in the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. Students and teachers have contributed their time and skills to preserving the remarkable experiences of our war veterans from all service branches, from World War I to the present day Iraq War, as well as the civilians who supported them. I am privileged to represent these students and teachers in Congress. The Veterans History Project preserves the legacy of those who have served through the establishment of a permanent national collection, housed in the Library of Congress, of videotaped and recorded interviews, written memoirs, and wartime letters, diaries, and photographs. Stories and materials are available to anyone visiting the library. In addition, a web page is created for each veteran who contributes an interview. As our Nation's World War II and Korean veterans grow older, it is critical that we record their stories. Their experiences offer a priceless window into their dedication and love of country. As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, this effort has special personal meaning for me. We have much to learn from those who have served our Nation, and I wholeheartedly support this important project. On this Veterans Day, November 12, 2007, I am proud to recognize George Washington High School's Veterans History Project participation at a special event, Preserving Their Stories: A Salute to Veterans History Project Volunteers, at the Hiway Theatre in Jenkintown. This special celebration will bring together Americans, both young and older, with veterans of all ages, to honor their common service to their fellow citizens and country. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate all of the Veterans History Project participants for their contributions to capturing the experiences of war veterans, thus honoring the lives and contributions of these extraordinary Americans.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Upper Dublin High School in Upper Dublin Township, PA on their outstanding participation in the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. Students and teachers have contributed their time and skills to preserving the remarkable experiences of our war veterans from all service branches, from World War I to the present day Iraq War, as well as the civilians who supported them. I am privileged to represent these students and teachers in Congress. The Veterans History Project preserves the legacy of those who have served through the establishment of a permanent national collection, housed in the Library of Congress, of videotaped and recorded interviews, written memoirs, and wartime letters, diaries, and photographs. Stories and materials are available to anyone visiting the Library. In addition, a Web page is created for each veteran who contributes an interview. As our Nation's World War II and Korean Veterans grow older, it is critical that we record their stories. Their experiences offer a priceless window into their dedication and love of country. As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, this effort has special personal meaning for me. We have much to learn from those who have served our Nation, and I wholeheartedly support this important project. On this Veterans Day, November 12, 2007, I am proud to recognize Upper Dublin High School's Veterans History Project participation at a special event, ``Preserving Their Stories: A Salute to Veterans History Project Volunteers,'' at the Hiway Theatre in Jenkintown. This special celebration will bring together Americans, both young and older, with veterans of all ages, to honor their common service to their fellow citizens and country. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate all of the Veterans History Project participants for their contributions to capturing the experiences of war veterans, thus honoring the lives and contributions of these extraordinary Americans.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Abington Senior High School in Abington Township, PA, on their outstanding participation in the Veteran History Project of the Library of Congress. Students and teachers have contributed their time and skills to preserving the remarkable experiences of our war veterans from all service branches, from World War I to the present day Iraq War, as well as the civilians who supported them. I am privileged to represent these students and teachers in Congress. The Veterans History Project preserves the legacy of those who have served through the establishment of a permanent national collection, housed in the Library of Congress, of videotaped and recorded interviews, written memoirs, and wartime letters, diaries, and photographs. Stories and materials are available to anyone visiting the Library. In addition, a web page is created for each veteran who contributes an interview. As our Nation's World War II and Korean veterans grow older, it is critical that we record their stories. Their experiences offer a priceless window into their dedication and love of country. As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, this effort has special personal meaning for me. We have much to learn from those who have served our Nation, and I wholeheartedly support this important project. On this Veterans Day, November 12, 2007, I am proud to recognize Abington Senior High School's Veterans History Project participation at a special event, Preserving Their Stories: A Salute to Veterans History Project Volunteers, at the Hiway Theatre in Jenkintown. This special celebration will bring together Americans, both young and older, with veterans of all ages, to honor their common service to their fellow citizens and country. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate all of the Veterans History Project participants for their contributions to capturing the experiences of war veterans, thus honoring the lives and contributions of these extraordinary Americans.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Philadelphia-Montgomery Christian Academy in Springfield Township, PA on their outstanding participation in the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. Students and teachers have contributed their time and skills to preserving the remarkable experiences of our war veterans from all service branches, from World War I to the present day Iraq War, as well as the civilians who supported them. I am privileged to represent these students and teachers in Congress. The Veterans History Project preserves the legacy of those who have served through the establishment of a permanent national collection, housed in the Library of Congress, of videotaped and recorded interviews, written memoirs, and wartime letters, diaries, and photographs. Stories and materials are available to anyone visiting the Library. In addition, a Web page is created for each veteran who contributes an interview. As our Nation's World War II and Korean Veterans grow older, it is critical that we record their stories. Their experiences offer a priceless window into their dedication and love of country. As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, this effort has special personal meaning for me. We have much to learn from those who have served our Nation, and I wholeheartedly support this important project. On this Veterans Day, November 12, 2007, I am proud to recognize Philadelphia-Montgomery Christian Academy's Veterans History Project participation at a special event, Preserving Their Stories: A Salute to Veterans History Project Volunteers, at the Hiway Theatre in Jenkintown. This special celebration will bring together Americans, both young and old, with veterans of all ages, to honor their common service to their fellow citizens and country. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate all of the Veterans History Project participants for their contributions to capturing the experiences of war veterans, thus honoring the lives and contributions of these extraordinary Americans.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Peak Center in Lansdale, PA on their outstanding participation in the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. Community volunteers have contributed their time and skills to preserving the remarkable experiences of our war veterans from all service branches, from World War I to the present day Iraq War, as well as the civilians who supported them. I am privileged to represent these volunteers and staff in Congress. The Veterans History Project preserves the legacy of those who have served through the establishment of a permanent national collection, housed in the Library of Congress, of videotaped and recorded interviews, written memoirs, and wartime letters, diaries, and photographs. Stories and materials are available to anyone visiting the Library. In addition, a Web page is created for each veteran who contributes an interview. As our Nation's World War II and Korean veterans grow older, it is critical that we record their stories. Their experiences offer a priceless window into their dedication and love of country. As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, this effort has special personal meaning for me. We have much to learn from those who have served our Nation, and I wholeheartedly support this important project. On this Veterans Day, November 12, 2007, I am proud to recognize the Peak Center's Veterans History Project participation at a special event, Preserving Their Stories: A Salute to Veterans History Project Volunteers, at the Hiway Theatre in Jenkintown. This special celebration will bring together Americans, both young and older, with veterans of all ages, to honor their common service to their fellow citizens and country. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate all of the Veterans History Project participants for their contributions to capturing the experiences of war veterans, thus honoring the lives and contributions of these extraordinary Americans.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his kind words. I rise in strong support of the Peru Free Trade Agreement which passed the Ways and Means Committee with an impressive unanimous vote. This agreement represents a new direction for trade policy in the United States. For the first time, the trade agreement before us includes fully enforceable labor and environmental standards. The lack of these standards was exactly why many Democrats, including myself, opposed the Central American Free Trade Agreement in 2005. Inclusion of such standards is a significant achievement and will mean better working conditions for Peruvian workers, a cleaner environment in Peru, and expanded economic opportunity for both of our countries. That is why so many organizations who were previously opposed to bilateral trade agreements have praised the Peru FTA. For instance, the AFL-CIO called the Peru FTA, ``an important step toward a trade model that will benefit working people.'' The United Auto Workers said the agreement represents, ``substantial progresses in achieving this long-standing objective of the labor movement.'' Chairman Rangel and Chairman Levin did remarkable work to advance a new kind of trade agreement. I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish to further this agreement when the three of us traveled to Peru in August and met with Peruvian President Alan Garcia. President Garcia is a true friend of the United States. Building a strong economic relationship with Peru will also build a stronger political and diplomatic relationship with this important ally in Latin America. Every Member who votes for this agreement can feel proud that they've supported a trade agreement that represents the interests of Americans. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this agreement. It's pro-worker, it's pro- business development, and it's pro-environment. It is a new kind of trade agreement for the United States. Vote for the trade agreement with Peru.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, the American people are clear, they want this Congress and the President to ensure that America's children have access to health coverage. American parents on behalf of the children who get health care coverage under the CHIP program are clear: CHIP is working. Health care under CHIP is affordable and is accessible. We have compromised, but we are determined. We are determined to continue and to extend CHIP for America's children, 10 million American children of working families. This bill before us is reasonable, it is smart, and it is responsible. A majority of Congress agrees; yet the President and some in Congress are still unsure. The choice is clear: Vote for health care for America's children or stand in the way. The American people are watching, they are waiting, and maybe, most importantly, they are hoping we will do the right thing and 10 million American children will have access to health coverage. Let's make it happen. It's time to make this vote work. Today is the day for a majority of Republicans to join us.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. The President has rejected legislation to strengthen and expand CHIP for 10 million children of hardworking American families. The President's veto makes it clear that he has chosen to ignore the financial struggles of working families in this country who are unable to afford health care for their children. His veto makes clear that health care for America's children simply is not a priority for him; and the Republicans in this Chamber who support his veto today illustrate that they, like the President, does not understand or have chosen to ignore how well CHIP has worked and how positively it has impacted the lives of millions of American families. The Nation's Governors, health care providers, children's advocates, insurance executives, labor unions, religious leaders, parents and grandparents all support CHIP's affordable coverage for millions of American children. They know the President's veto is shortsighted, it is callous, and it is wrong. Today is the day of decision to stand with the President or to stand with America's children. Ten million American children and their families are waiting.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Every day, hardworking moms and dads without health coverage worry about their children getting the care they need. Under this President's watch, the number of uninsured children in this country has grown for the first time in years, and what has the President done? Nothing. That's right, nothing. This President has done nothing. Will Republican Members of Congress stand with the President and also do nothing, or will they stand with America's children? Ten million children and their families are waiting to find out.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, today the President has before him legislation to strengthen and expand CHIP for 10 million children of hardworking American families. And if the President lives up to his promise, he will veto this important bill and turn his back on American families. The President's veto makes it clear that he simply does not understand the financial struggles of working families in this country who are unable to afford health care for their children. The President's veto makes it clear that health care for America's children simply is not his priority. CHIP, the public-private partnership, has enabled millions of American children and hardworking lower-income, middle-income families in this country to afford high-quality private health coverage. Our Nation's Governors, business community, health care providers, children's advocates, insurance industry, labor unions, religious leaders, parents and grandparents support this affordable commonsense plan. All but the President and his Republican allies in Congress support extending CHIP to more of America's uninsured children. The President's veto is shortsighted, callous and wrong. We must override the President's veto and vote for health care for America's children.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Philadelphia Fire Department's Engine Company 52 on celebrating its 100th anniversary. Since 1907, a dedicated unit of firefighters has served the Wissinoming community in the lower Northeast section of Philadelphia from this same location. I am honored to represent them in Congress. In Philadelphia 271 years ago, Benjamin Franklin established the first Fire Department in America. He noted that once a fire was ``cried out, active community members would with one mind apply themselves with all vigilance and resolution . . . to the hard work of conquering the increasing fire.'' From this beginning, he developed societies of firefighters to attend to all fires in their neighborhoods. These companies formed the basis of the firefighting and fire prevention efforts of our city's current Fire Department. Engine Company 52, originally known as the Wissinoming Fire Company, was dedicated to serving the community along a tributary of the Delaware River. Originally housed in a large red brick two-story building at Jackson and Van Kirk Streets, the top floor of the fire company was the home of the neighborhood school. Behind the building was a stable for the horses that pulled the firefighting equipment and a tower where fire hoses were hung to drain and dry. As the community grew, so did the fire company still known as ``The Fifty-Two's.'' In 1951, the city built a new firehouse on the site. Today, Engine 52 is known as ``Pipeline 52'' because of its large capacity equipment used to supply water to other companies when major fires occur; in more recent years ``Medic 32'', an Emergency Medical Service unit has been added. Today, the ``Fifty-Tooz''--as they call themselves--serve a residential and business community, protecting the lives of those who live and work in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. As in the days of Benjamin Franklin, they ``apply themselves with all vigilance and resolution,'' as well as dedication and courage, to protect their community. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate all of the members of Engine Company 52 for their service, dedication and sacrifice. I look forward to continuing our work together and ensuring another 100 years of success, safety and security.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, after all the loss of life, personal sacrifice and billions of taxpayer dollars, the President still does not have a plan for securing the peace in Iraq and bringing our troops home. After the continued failure of the Iraqi Government to make progress on political, social and economic benchmarks, the President chooses to stay the course in Iraq. After nearly 4\1/2\ years, Iraq remains politically unstable and tragically violent. Instead of changing course and offering a viable plan to conclude America's military involvement, the President calls for an open-ended commitment to keeping our troops in Iraq for years to come. It is time to demand a new direction for Iraq, to focus our military on combating and defeating terrorism, to insist on a comprehensive diplomatic strategy to move the Iraqi Government toward national reconciliation, and to bring our troops home. This Congress stands by our troops. They've performed with great honor and they've accomplished all that we have asked them to do. It is time to bring them home. Vote ``yes'' to demand a redeployment plan. Vote ``yes'' to demand accountability from this President to bring our troops home from Iraq safely and responsibly.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my support for the Small Businesses Investment Expansion Act and to commend my colleague from Pennsylvania for his leadership on this issue. In particular, I appreciate his work to include a provision that modernizes the definition of a small business. In today's economy, there are many small companies entering high technology, capital-intensive industries that require significant investment to bring their products to market. I have seen this firsthand in my home State of Pennsylvania, which is a national leader in biotechnology initiatives. The biosciences have had a significant economic impact on Pennsylvania's economy with more than 125 biopharmaceutical companies and 2,000 bioscience-related companies calling the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania their home. These companies are developing groundbreaking therapy, devices, diagnostics and vaccines that really will treat once-untreatable diseases and debilitating conditions, providing hope for millions of people. But developing new cures is not cheap. It often takes 10 years or more and costs hundreds of millions of dollars to bring a new treatment to market. This means that new bioscience companies can experience years of large cash outlays before they have the opportunity to cover their costs and repay their loans, let alone realize any profit. As the author of a comprehensive proposal, the American Life Sciences Competitiveness Act, I have identified a number of actions that this Congress can and I hope will take to improve access to capital for this life-saving research and product development. I am pleased to lend my support to this bill before us today that would correct the outdated SBA regulations that currently preclude these small businesses, even those with only a handful of employees, from receiving assistance because they rely on venture capital to fund their work. It is time to enable these American small businesses, which are such a vital part of our Nation's economic growth, to compete for Federal grants and other small business assistance so they may pursue cutting-edge technologies and products that will benefit us all.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, as one of the original architects of CHIP in Pennsylvania, I have seen firsthand that it is possible to bring together public and private stakeholders and expand health coverage to millions of children, children of working families who cannot afford the increasing cost of coverage. As the September 30 deadline to reauthorize CHIP quickly approaches, American families are counting on us to ensure health coverage for millions of American children. The Democratic majority understands the needs of working families and has negotiated for weeks to craft a commonsense compromise legislation before us. This plan has a broad-based coalition of supporters ranging from our Nation's seniors and unions and businesses, insurance companies and health care providers, all of whom have come together to support CHIP. American families expect action, and 10 million uninsured American children are depending on us. It is time to put children ahead of politics. Vote ``yes.'' Vote for America's children. Tell the President to end his veto threats and vote to make health coverage available and affordable to 10 million American children.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. As one of the original architects of CHIP in Pennsylvania, I have seen firsthand that it is possible to bring together public and private stakeholders and expand health coverage to millions of children, children of working families who cannot afford the increasing cost of coverage. And now, the Democratic majority is poised to ensure that 10 million uninsured children in this country get the health care they need and deserve. The Democratic majority is delivering on our promise, and I am proud of the work that we have accomplished to expand health care to working families. The American people understand the importance of getting health care to America's children. 270 organizations representing our Nation's seniors, nurses, unions, businesses have put aside their differences to urge for CHIP reauthorization. American families want and need us to maintain and expand CHIP. Their children are counting on us. The next step is for Congress to approve this commonsense, compromise legislation, hopefully with Republican support, and send a strong message to the President to support our efforts towards the goal of insuring every American child.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. As the architect of one of the first children's health plans in the country, I have seen firsthand the success of these public-private, Federal-State partnerships. I am proud of our work here in Congress to make affordable health coverage available to an additional 5 million American children, while also protecting the health needs of our sense. The Democratic Congress understands the health care challenges facing our Nation's working families. We heard their need and we responded. We passed a plan to expand access to quality, affordable health care for our Nation's children, while ensuring that our seniors receive the care that they have been promised. It is unacceptable that 47 million Americans, including 9 million children, do not have access to affordable health coverage. It is unacceptable that American seniors are facing limits in access to doctors they trust and treatments they need, and it is unacceptable that President Bush and his allies in Congress are comfortable with that status quo. It is time to act, and Congress has. We call on the President to stop working against us as we move to ensure health care for America's children.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.