Allyson Schwartz

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Day. On this day of remembrance, we mourn--as a community, as a nation, and as a world--the 6 million Jews who lost their lives during one of the darkest periods of our history. We pray that those still pained and anguished by the unimaginable suffering may find peace and comfort. And we reflect on what can happen when the world fails to confront evil, hatred, and bigotry. Yom Hashoah is also a time to remember the individual acts of martyrdom and heroism committed during the Holocaust. We recall those brave Jewish martyrs in the Warsaw ghetto armed only with pistols and Molotov cocktails who repulsed the sophisticated weaponry of the Nazis for one month. We recall those righteous gentiles who risked their lives to shelter and protect Jews. And, we recall those who were forced to leave their homeland in search of new lives in unfamiliar lands. My mother, Renee Perl, was one of the many who had to flee their homeland. Forced to start anew at the mere age of 14, she left Austria--alone--spending time in Holland and England before arriving in Philadelphia at 16. Once arriving at the shores of America, my mother--like so many Jews--was hesitant to tell her story--hoping that by trying to forget about the war she could move on. But, little by little, we came to know her story and the enduring pain it caused for her and so many others. As we move further and further away from this period of history, those who witnessed such acts and those of us--who have heard first- hand accounts become fewer. It is our duty to pass their stories along so that future generations can reflect on their courage, valor, and heroism. And, it is our obligation to tell their stories so all of us Jews and non-Jews--can heed the lessons of the Holocaust. Mr. Speaker, I am tremendously grateful for being able to share my family's experience. I know my mother would be proud to know that we are not only paying tribute to those who suffered tremendous pain and hardship, but recalling the Jewish people's great spirit to survive, our continued faith in God, and our unwavering belief in freedom and democracy.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Iran Freedom Support Act. Iran's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons, support for international terrorist organizations, and abhorrent human rights practices pose one of the greatest threats to global security. Further, the Iranian government has made clear its intentions toward the United States. Six months ago, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that a world without the United States is a ``possible goal and slogan''. This is not a veiled threat and we must take him seriously. Our greatest responsibility is the safety and security of the American people. As such, we must employ every option at our disposal to ensure that Mr. Ahmadinejad's stated goals remain unattainable. The Iran Freedom Support Act takes a responsible and sensible approach--tightening and codifying economic sanctions against the Iranian regime. It will hinder Iran's ability to acquire nuclear weapons and fund terrorist groups and it will send a clear signal to the Iranian regime that it will be held accountable for its threatening behavior. The United States must also continue to push the United Nations Security Council for strong action to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions. In the meantime, it is our job to take meaningful steps to eliminate the threats posed by Iran. And that is why I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Miss. McMORRIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 282, the Iran Freedom Support Act. I applaud this bi-partisan effort by Congress to address the increasing threat posed to our country and world by Iran. Many defense experts have predicted that we face no greater threat from a single country than from Iran. Iran's leaders, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, have continuously called for the destruction of Israel, rejected overtures from the world community, including the United Nations, supported international terrorism, and continued to advance their nuclear program with the announcement on April 11 that Iran had successfully enriched fuel-grade uranium. All of these actions are unacceptable. We would be remiss to ignore a country that perilously threatens our allies and the security of the world while simultaneously seeking to advance its unsupervised nuclear capabilities. We must not allow Iran to bully the world or our allies or fail to show Iran that we will take their irresponsible and careless behavior seriously. H.R. 282 will help support democracy while taking a firm stance against the radical and reckless leaders of Iran and those that would support them. At this time, supporting democracy in Iran is an important ingredient to resolving this situation peacefully. One of my top priorities in Congress is to ensure our national security, and I support H.R. 282 as an important step in combating the rising risk of Iran.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I rise to reject the borrow and spend policies included in the Republican budget, a budget that fails to balance the Federal checkbook, ignores our obligations to Americans, and heaps debt on our children and grandchildren at the rate of $1 million a minute. Mr. Chairman, our budget, the Democratic alternative, would balance the Nation's budget by 2012 through fiscal discipline, something the Republicans refuse to do. And in contrast to the Republican budget, we would make the important investments in homeland security, health care, and services for our veterans. Specifically on education, we would restore what the Republican budget does not do. The Democratic budget would in fact invest in educating our children. It would meet our Federal obligations under No Child Left Behind and under special education, and it would not pass along these costs to our local and State governments. It would help young adults be able to get the advanced education needed to have the skills and the technology to be able to compete in the 21st century. We should reject the Republican budget and support the Democratic alternative.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, since February 2003, it is estimated that the government-sanctioned violence in Darfur has displaced 2 million people, forced 200,000 people into exile and led to the murder of 300,000 civilians. In July 2004, the United States Congress declared the atrocities in Darfur genocide. Mr. Speaker, I have a deep and personal understanding of the horrors of genocide. My mother, Renee Perl, was forced to flee Austria--alone-- at the age of 14 to escape the Holocaust, leaving behind her family and friends. As my mother fled the Nazis, the world stood by as Hitler sent Jews to their deaths at Auschwitz, Dachau and Treblinka. Six million deaths later, the world pledged ``Never Again''. Yet, only years after the Nazi-era, millions were sent to their deaths in places such as Cambodia, Bosnia and Rwanda, and the world once again took too long to act. And today, millions of innocent Darfurian men, women and children are being persecuted by the Sudanese government and government-backed militias. To date, however, the perpetrators of these atrocities have faced little to no punishment for their actions and the genocide continues. The 20th century taught us how far unbridled evil can and will go when the world fails to confront it. It is time that we heed the lessons of the 20th century and stand up to these murderers. It is time that we end genocide in the 21st century. The bill we are considering today is an important step in this direction. By imposing direct penalties on those responsible for crimes in Darfur, we are sending a strong message to the Sudanese government. But, more must be done. The serious crimes by the Sudanese government and the government- supported militias must be met with serious consequences. We must work for tough international economic sanctions on the Sudanese government. We must continue to support efforts to bring those responsible for crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court. And, most importantly, we must continue pressing for a strong, international military engagement with a robust mandate to protect civilians in Darfur. All across America, millions of Americans are demanding that we take action. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and I urge the administration to do all it can to end this genocide.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to turn back the clock. No, I am not referring to the annual daylight savings time change that occurred this past weekend. Nor am I having a moment of nostalgia. Rather, I am referring to the famous clock that tallies the Nation's growing debt. The surpluses of the late 1990s put the clock that tallies our Nation's debt into retirement. But now, the borrow-and-spend policies of the Bush administration and the Republican Congress put the clock back in operation, adding $1 million to the Nation's debt every minute, for a total of $3 trillion in new debt since 2002. The Republican Party's 2007 budget, which we will vote on this week, continues their borrow-and-spend policies. It also will cause a problem that the designers of the Time Square clock did not anticipate. It cannot accommodate the extra digit that will be required to display a debt of over $10 trillion. American taxpayers, along with our children and our grandchildren, should not be saddled with this debt. We should stop this fiscal irresponsibility and reject the President and the Republican Congress' budget.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am a member of the Brain Injury Task Force--a group dedicated to drawing attention to this tragic and life-altering impairment. I am also proud to represent Nazareth Hospital, a facility that has provided healthcare services to the Philadelphia region for over 60 years and a national leader in the acute and chronic care of stroke. Today, representatives of Nazareth Hospital are on Capitol Hill for Brain Injury Awareness Day. This important event helps to increase awareness for Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, and the specific challenges facing individuals who have suffered brain injury and their families. As many know, brain injury comes in many forms. The two most prevalent brain injuries--stroke and trauma--affect more than 2.2 million Americans, and these numbers are expected to grow. TBI has been called ``the signature injury of modem American warfare'' due to the unprecedented number of service men and women who have suffered from head trauma while deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. This reality, coupled with the growing number of seniors in the U.S., means that our healthcare system will have to provide for more and more brain injury patients in the coming years. There is currently no cure for individuals with brain injuries. So they must vigilantly manage their chronic symptoms, often relying on the care and assistance of their families, friends and facilities like Nazareth Hospital. Nazareth is ahead of the curve--providing high-quality education and case management system for brain injury patients based on years of experience of working with patients, primary care physicians, nurses, family members, and other care givers. Because of their experience, the Department of Defense is considering a partnership with Nazareth. The DOD recognizes that Nazareth has a proven education and brain injury management plan, and believes it might be a system worth applying to military hospitals and clinics. As a strong supporter of public-private sector cooperation, I will be working to advance this shared effort. Together, I know we can reduce the emotional and financial effects of brain injury, and I am honored to represent an organization at the forefront of developing new treatments and discoveries. And, I am confident that Nazareth Hospital's first-rate care, which has benefited so many in my district, will be an asset for DOD as it expands continuing care services for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our Nation.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I was briefed on current security and commerce issues by the executives of the Port of Philadelphia. These men and women operate the world's largest freshwater port and one of the Nation's strategic military seaports. While there, we discussed the key role the Philadelphia and other U.S. ports play in our national and global economy, the fact that the United States is the leading maritime trading Nation in the world, and how last year more than 11 million containers, carrying our basic necessities and supplies, came to our Nation's ports and how our seaports account for 75 percent of international commerce. We also talked about how a significant disruption in our port system would be devastating to our economy, causing massive shortages of food, oil, and other vital commodities. Yet despite these facts and despite universal agreement that our vessels, our containers, and ports are potential terrorist targets, this administration approved a deal allowing a United Arab Emirates-controlled company to oversee operations at six major U.S. ports, including the Port of Philadelphia. My colleagues, this administration quietly tried to move this deal forward without informing Congress or without informing the American public. Even knowing the serious threats against us, this administration relinquished its right to conduct an in-depth national security investigation of this proposed acquisition and, instead, approved the deal. It is unacceptable that this administration was prepared to allow a country whose key agencies, including security and monetary agencies, have allegedly been infiltrated by al Qaeda; and in fact, this was a country which was the port of origin for two of September 11's hijackers, and they want this company controlled by this country to operate vital U.S. ports. This administration has behaved with no accountability and no responsibility regarding U.S. oversight and control of our ports. For years, despite knowing the needs and the threats, this administration repeatedly turned a blind eye to port security. Since September 11, this administration has provided only 16 percent of the funds needed to secure our ports, and has neglected to issue security standards for our ports, including a long delay on important port worker ID cards. These failures are outrageous and unacceptable. So today, my Democratic colleagues and I are calling on Congress to address one of the most immediate national security issues facing our Nation and the American people today: Dubai Ports World deal. Clearly we should take up this matter immediately before considering the National Food Uniformity Act, legislation that tramples on our States rights and fails to improve the health of our Nation's food supply. I urge a ``no'' vote on the previous question.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, the President's budget is fiscally irresponsible and cuts services vital to American families. I rise today in opposition to the President's proposals to cutting funding for homeland security. I represent the Port of Philadelphia, the world's largest freshwater port and one of the Nation's strategic military seaports. Over 3,000 ships load and offload at the Port of Philadelphia each year, making it one of the busiest ports on the Atlantic coast, and the fourth largest port in the United States for the handling of imported goods. In addition to the port, the greater Philadelphia region is home to other critical transportation economic infrastructure, such as a large portion of Amtrak's northeast corridor, SEPTA and PATCO high-speed lines, and major highway infrastructure. Situated around this transportation hub are almost 5.7 million people. These factors led to the Insurance Services Office, which assesses risks for the insurance industry, to conclude that Philadelphia is among the 10 cities most vulnerable to a terrorist attack. Madam Speaker, the President's cuts to port security and first responder funding will adversely affect the ability of Philadelphia and cities across the Nation to protect those who live, work and visit the city, to protect them from traditional and emerging threats. Specifically, the President's budget slashes funding by 25 percent for first responders. These are the very dollars that allow American cities to equip, hire and train police officers and firefighters. The President's budget eliminates funding for law enforcement terrorism prevention, and the President's budget eliminates funding for port security grants which were created by Congress in 2002 as a means of directly funding the installation of security perimeters, surveillance technology, and other very important counterterrorism measures at our ports. These cuts come at a time when the administration is allowing our major ports, including Philadelphia, to be managed by Dubai Ports World, a UAE-owned company, a company located in a country whose key agencies, including security and monetary agencies, al Qaeda has claimed to have infiltrated since 2002. While the President justifies this decision by saying that the Federal Government, not Dubai Ports World, will be responsible for security, he has proposed to eliminate funding for port security by the Federal Government. Neither justification nor the President's proposals will make Americans safer. My colleagues, while it is good that the Nation is finally focused on the critical issue of securing our ports, our rhetoric and our passion about Dubai must be matched by the funding necessary to keep our ports and our citizens safe. That is why when the House Budget Committee votes on the President's proposed budget in the coming weeks, I will lead the fight to restore these and other harmful cuts to port security. The security of our Nation depends on our making the right investment and the right funding choices to protect America. I yield back.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in the coming weeks, American families will come together to celebrate the holidays and the start of a new year. Together, they will reflect on the events of 2005, and prepare for the challenges of the year ahead. Sadly, for many families, this season will be a difficult one, and I rise today to pay tribute to those American families whose lives have been personally impacted by ongoing military operations around the world. Mr. Speaker, I offer my deepest gratitude to the families of the men and women who are currently serving our nation overseas. I add my prayers for their safety and well being. And, I extend my humblest sympathies to the families of those brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. In particular, I would like to take this opportunity to honor four American heroes and their families who reside in the Thirteenth Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Major Jeffrey Toczylowski, age 30, was killed during combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, on November 3, 2005. He was a dedicated soldier who had asked loved ones to remember that, if he was killed in action, that he died doing something he believed in and that he had no regrets. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in Ambler, Jenkintown, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sergeant Francis Straub, Jr., age 24, and Specialist John Kulick, age 35, were killed when a mine detonated and their unit received small arms fire while investigating a rocket-propelled grenade incident in Bayji, Iraq on August 9, 2005. Both of these men answered the call to serve--Sergeant Straub had dreams of becoming a Philadelphia Police Officer and Specialist Kulick was the most senior member of the Whitpain Fire Department. My thoughts and prayers are with their families, who live in Philadelphia, Jenkintown, and Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Specialist Kurt Krout, age 43, was killed when an improvised explosive devise detonated near his military vehicle in Anaconda, Iraq on August 6, 2005. He was a committed soldier who joined the Marines at age 17. He had reenlisted as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1995, and volunteered for deployment to Iraq in June 2004. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in Lansdale and Spinnerstown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, during this holiday season, I know the dedication of these soldiers will be remembered by their family, friends, loved-ones, and the nation. And, I ask my colleagues, and all Americans, to join me in honoring their service and sacrifice for our nation.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on December 9, 1981, Daniel J. Faulkner, a five-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department was shot and killed while making a routine traffic stop. Although he was only 25 when he left us, Officer Faulkner achieved many things. He was a loving husband, an active church parishioner, and a respected member of his Northeast Philadelphia community. Since Officer Faulkner's murder, more than 115 brave men and women in uniform have given their lives while serving and protecting the communities of Pennsylvania. My colleagues, these fallen officers paid the ultimate price for their service to our Nation. They left behind family, friends and colleagues. And we must never forget their contributions to the safety, security and betterment of our neighborhoods. So today, I rise to pay tribute to and remember the 140 law enforcement officers who died this year in the line-of-duty in our Nation. In particular, I rise in honor of the four fallen law enforcement officers from my home state of Pennsylvania: York County Sheriff Deputy Edward ``Skip'' Schroeder; Easton Police Department Officer Jesse Sollman; City of Philadelphia Officer Paris Williams; and Newton Borough Police Department Officer Brian Gregg. Mr. Speaker, these officers' sense of dedication will forever be remembered by their family, friends, loved ones, and the Nation. And I know that all of my colleagues, and all Americans, join me in honoring their sacrifice in the line of duty.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, during an absence yesterday, I regrettably missed rollcall votes 609-611. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: Rollcall No. 609: ``yea''; rollcall No. 610: ``yea''; rollcall No. 611: ``yea.''

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the men and women who are so bravely serving our country in Iraq and around the world. Our best and bravest continue to perform selflessly and admirably. We owe them our deepest respect and appreciation. We also have an obligation to provide them, and the American people, with a clear set of objectives, a comprehensive strategy to achieve these objectives, and a roadmap to return home once these objectives are achieved. But, the Bush Administration has not done this. My colleagues, people all across the country, Republicans and Democrats, want to know why our intelligence was wrong. They want to know why our troops don't have the necessary body armor. They want to know what our objectives are and what progress has been made in achieving them. And, they want to know what concrete steps must be taken to achieve troop withdrawals. Yet, the Administration's only response to these legitimate questions is to criticize those that ask them as unpatriotic and provide the empty rhetoric of ``stay the course''. This is irresponsible, morally reprehensible and shameful--to our troops, to the American people, and to our democracy. It demoralizes our mission and is a direct challenge to the freedom and liberty that so many of our troops have fought and died for. It is Congress's fundamental responsibility to investigate whether faulty intelligence led us to war; to provide our troops with the necessary training, equipment, and supplies; and to ensure that our nation has a clearly defined strategy to achieve success in Iraq and provide for the return of our troops. Mr. Speaker, it is time that Congress fulfills our obligations. Our troops have shown time and time again that when presented with a challenge, they will achieve it. They have done their part; it is time we do our part.

Mrs. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Mrs. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 456, a resolution to vehemently condemn the terrorist attacks that occurred in Amman, Jordan. On November 9, 2005, hundreds of innocent Jordanians gathered to celebrate a wedding ceremony--one of the greatest tributes to life, family and humanity, for virtually every culture in the world. Yet what was supposed to be a joyous celebration was brutally cut short when followers of the terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi carried out four simultaneous terrorist attacks. These unbridled and hateful acts killed 59 people, including the mother and father of the bride and the father of the groom. Mr. Speaker, the line between good and evil could not be clearer. The line between those who cherish life versus those who seek to destroy it could not be clearer. The line between those with compassion in their hearts versus those with hatred could not be clearer. The attacks in Jordan, just like those before it in Indonesia, Egypt, Spain and the United States, demonstrate that terrorism does not discriminate by race, ethnicity or region. Instead, terrorists indiscriminately target those seeking to live a peaceful, loving and free life. All across Jordan, innocent and freedom-loving Jordanians fully understand this. Thousands of Jordanians have taken to the streets in protest of Zarqawi, ``the coward.'' In the wake of these attacks, King Abdullah has announced a ``National Agenda,'' which seeks to instill a more free and democratic political process and society. We must hunt the terrorists down and kill them. There is no other way to respond to those so committed to the destruction of life. We must also stand with the Jordanian people and the Jordanian Government. And, this resolution does just that--making it clear that Congress and the American people are behind them during this difficult period.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the budget reconciliation process is supposed to be about reducing deficits, enacting fiscal discipline, and setting priorities. Yet the Republican majority's reconciliation package, you have heard it all tonight, fails to meet any of these goals. It fails to reduce deficits. Instead, it adds $20 billion to the Federal deficit. It fails to enact fiscal discipline or move us toward a balanced budget. Instead, it will continue to borrow from foreign countries to meet our basic obligations, further increasing our debt and leaving it to be repaid by our children and our grandchildren. And it fails to set priorities that benefit millions of average Americans. My constituents in Philadelphia and in Montgomery County are all hard-working Americans. In fact, all hard-working Americans deserve for us to do better than we will tonight. So I say vote ``no'' against this budget because voting ``no'' is a vote for fiscal responsibility. Vote ``no'' on this budget, and by doing so, insist that we make the right investments to build a safer, stronger Nation. Vote ``no.''

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, an estimated 45.4 million adults in the United States are smokers; with tobacco usage accounting for nearly one in five deaths in the United States. Only about 5 percent of daily smokers who attempt to quit are successful for 3-12 months. That is why the American Cancer Society has designated the third Thursday of November as the Great American Smokeout--a day for smokers to join in solidarity and collectively kick this fatal habit. The health consequences of smoking are grave. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. More than 170,000 Americans will die of smoking-related cancers this year, including lung, mouth, kidney, stomach and cervix cancer. Moreover, smoking affects family, friends and loved ones. I applaud the American Cancer Society for all they do to eradicate smoking. Their local, state and national efforts help to discourage young people from taking up this deadly habit and the resources they provide have helped numerous smokers quit. The American Cancer Society is a worthy ally in our fight to improve American's health and safety. I commend the American Cancer Society on their 29th Great American Smokeout and for all they do to maintain the health and well-being of all Americans.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the budget reconciliation process has been used since 1974 as a vehicle to set priorities, enact fiscal discipline, and reduce deficits. The last three budget reconciliation packages, which were passed in 1990, 1993, and 1997, each attempted to reduce the deficit by an average of $367 billion over 5 years. However, this year, the Republican majority has decided to split the budget reconciliation package into two parts. The first, which will come before this Chamber this week, likely on Thursday, will make deep cuts to vital government initiatives that directly improve the lives of millions of average Americans. The second, which may not come to the floor until after Thanksgiving, would further extend tax cuts to corporations and to individuals in the very highest income brackets. When taken together, the Republican reconciliation package will add $35 billion to the Federal deficit over the next 5 years, a fact that should disprove the other side's claim that this is an attempt to enact fiscal discipline or restore our budget to balance. It does not. The fact that we are handling this process in piecemeal does not hide the majority party's preference for providing tax cuts that benefit only a limited number of people and corporations rather than making the investments in our future that will enable hard-working families and our communities to meet their obligations. For example: instead of repairing tomorrow's workforce by helping more Americans, including tens of thousands of young people striving to be prepared for jobs of the future to obtain college degrees, the Republicans are slashing $9 billion from government- sponsored student loans. Instead of working to expand access to health care, even in the face of a major flu epidemic, the Republicans are working to restrict access and to limit eligibility for Medicaid, the very program that ensures that mothers and children and working people with special health needs get the care that they require. And the third example: instead of fully equipping our public safety officers, our police officers, firefighters, and transit personnel with the needed communication equipment, the Republicans would continue to underfund important homeland security initiatives. The Republicans, through the reconciliation process, have made clear that they prioritize tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans and to very few large corporations at the expense of creating opportunities for hard-working Americans and helping Americans meet their responsibilities. Moreover, they have chosen political rhetoric over honest budgeting by failing to consider both aspects of their proposals, the spending cuts and the tax breaks, at the same time in the same bill. Mr. Speaker, I want to urge Members on both sides of the aisle who believe in fiscal responsibility, who believe in sound budgetary principles to oppose this reconciliation measure that we will be considering in the coming days and weeks.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, small businesses, large corporations, schools, families, everyone is worried about how they are going to cover their energy costs this year. Recent efforts to address this issue have failed. We cannot allow another opportunity to bring relief to consumers to go by. We owe Americans an examination of current gasoline prices and ways to bring down these costs, and we owe small businesses our commitment to help them grow and succeed. Mr. Speaker, my motion is simple. It is about ensuring our Nation's economic well-being, it is about protecting the financial security of hard-working Americans, and it is about promoting the continued success of America's small business. I appreciate the chairman's support on this motion to instruct, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Schwartz-Bishop motion to instruct. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my colleague from New York (Ms. Velazquez).

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The motion the gentleman from New York and I are offering has two parts. First, it calls for maintaining the Senate-passed provision requiring the Federal Trade Commission to investigate gasoline prices and determine if price gouging is occurring; and, secondly, it supports allocating $79 million for the Small Business Administration 7(a) loan program, the same level of funding provided last year and the same level supported by 234 Members of the House this year. First, Mr. Speaker, with regard to gasoline prices. Last week, oil companies announced record high third quarter profits. Exxon-Mobil corporation posted more than $9 billion in profits, the largest amount ever by a U.S. company. Royal Dutch Shell Group generated $9 billion, an increase of 68 percent over last year. ConocoPhillips made $3.8 billion, an increase of 89 percent over last year. British Petroleum brought in $6.53 billion, up from almost $5 billion last year. All told, these profit levels have put the world's five largest publicly traded oil companies on track to earn more than $100 billion before year's end. Yet, at the same time that Big Oil's bottom line is going up, so are Americans' energy costs. This year, the average American family will pay $4,500 to meet their energy needs, up nearly 19 percent from last year. These increases in cost are reflected in 30 to 70 cents per gallon cost of gasoline. These increases mean that everyday Americans are likely to pay double-digit increases in home heating oil and costs this winter. From my own constituents in northeast Philadelphia and Montgomery County, these increases are seriously affecting their budgets and forcing them to stretch their hard-earned dollars even further than they have before. Mr. Speaker, Americans believe that private enterprises, American businesses, have the right to earn profits on the products that they sell; but Americans also want to know whether oil companies during a time of national emergency and national sacrifice are making egregious profits at their expense. They want to know why they are paying record high gas prices at the same time that oil refiners' profits are going up more than triple over last year, and they want to know why the cost of gasoline is rising faster than the actual price of crude oil, and they want to know why Congress has failed to examine these questions or to act on their behalf. The gentleman from New York and I believe that we ought to provide our constituents with the answers to their questions and to take action, and that is what our motion is about. It would ensure that the Federal Trade Commission investigates the profits of all energy companies at every level of the process, the refiners, the producers, the distributors, and the direct sales companies; and it would result in recommendations to Congress on actions needed to protect consumers from price gouging. My colleagues, hardworking Americans are looking to Congress to take immediate action and meaningful steps to combat price gouging. The FTC study will examine the costs of the dramatic increases in energy costs and will provide us with a road map on how best to address this problem now and over the long term. My colleagues, a vote for the Schwartz- Bishop motion is also a vote to make sure that our Nation's small businesses succeed. Small businesses are vital contributors to our economy. They are the economic engine that is creating jobs, exploring innovation, and expanding opportunities for Americans in every community across the Nation. The Small Business Loan program is a proven job creator, and should be continued. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Government has an obligation to ensure our national security, promote opportunity, and build economic prosperity. The Schwartz-Bishop motion would do that by helping to protect American consumers and cultivating small businesses. With this in mind, I urge my colleagues to support the Schwartz-Bishop motion. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to instruct conferees.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. A very nice place to live.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop).

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 523, a resolution condemning the unprovoked and incendiary statements made by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. On October 26, 2005, President Ahmadinejad described Israel as a ``disgraceful blot'' that should be ``wiped off the map'', and declared that those who recognize Israel ``will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury''. While Mr. Ahmadinejad's dangerous rhetoric is reason enough for alarm, it is even more frightening that Mr. Ahmadinejad and the Iranian regime have demonstrated a willingness to follow through on these statements. In recent years, Iran has stepped up its efforts to initiate terror against Israel by directly funding and providing safe haven, training and weapons to Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad. And just hours after his speech, Islamic Jihad, benefiting from this support, killed 5 Israeli citizens in a terrorist attack in Northern Israel. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Ahmadinejad has blood on his hands and we must stand strong against this menacing threat by passing this resolution. Furthermore, I call on my colleagues to support the Iran Freedom Support Act, which would tighten and codify sanctions against Iran, and I urge the United Nations Security Council to take immediate action to thwart Iran's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran's bellicose words and aggressive behavior must be met by a strong, united reaction by the United States and the international community.

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, the base realignment process is designed to provide a more efficient and effective military structure. But, BRAC 2005 failed to meet these goals and that is why I will vote against implementing the recommendations of the Department of Defense and the Base Realignment Commission. The base realignment recommendations fall short because they eliminate military resources and installations without producing meaningful cost-savings. And, the base realignment recommendations fall short because they call for the closure of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, a military installation that plays a vital role in our Nation's security. Mr. Chairman, at a time when we are fighting a global war on terror and facing new and very real threats, the Nation must be fully prepared. This BRAC round does not live up to the original goals of the process and, therefore, it should be rejected.

Mr. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania

Mr. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as the proud congressional representative of Abington Township, a township that was recently named one of the 100 best communities for young people by America's Promise-- the Alliance for Youth. The Alliance for Youth and its Founding Chairman, General Colin Powell, launched this first-ever national competition to pay tribute to the communities working to empower and advance our Nation's youth. And, there is no doubt that Abington Township worked hard to earn this honorable distinction. I have had the privilege of representing Abington; first from my seat in the Pennsylvania State Senate and now as a member of Congress. Over the years, I have seen first-hand the community's unity, especially when it comes to advancing the lives of its young people. Together, Abington's school district, police department, community organizations, businesses, and residents have worked hand-in-hand to create an environment that embraces its young residents. They've established the Abington Community Taskforce, which is comprised of parents, caregivers, religious and civic leaders and has launched programs to teach effective parenting skills, create tolerance and respect, and promote community safety. They've successfully established cooperative agreements between the school district and police department, including an anti-drug program and joint fundraising challenges. And, they've created the Community Partnership of Youth and Adults to mobilize community spirit and participation. Abington was included on the America's Promise list because it has demonstrated true public leadership with regard to the needs of children. And, we in Congress must make sure to encourage and support these kinds of grassroots, community-based efforts, like that in Abington, because they play an important role in ensuring that our young people have the strength of character and tools necessary to succeed. Mr. Speaker, I couldn't be prouder of Abington for the outstanding work it has done on behalf of young people, and I look forward to working too with area officials to make sure our neighborhood remains a safe and caring environment. So again, congratulations to Abington on their selection as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People. Keep up the good work!