Niki Tsongas

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the town of Tyngsborough, Massachusetts. Known as the ``gateway to the White Mountains,'' Tyngsborough is a unique and diverse community, defined by innovative businesses, rich history, and hardworking families. I am proud to honor the people of Tyngsborough for their spirit of innovation and success as they celebrate this milestone. With its distinct location along the Route 3 corridor between Boston and New Hampshire's mountains, Tyngsborough continues to draw new residents and businesses as it grows in both size and prosperity. Leading companies in the fields of software, energy, materials, and technology have chosen Tyngsborough for their headquarters. Tyngsborough's location also makes it a popular leisure destination thanks to the 1,000-acre Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest, which features miles of trails for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross- country skiing, and snowmobiling as well as ponds and streams for fishing and water sports. This land has long held special significance to the Native Americans who first settled along the banks of the Merrimack River above the Pawtucket Falls. The preservation of the natural beauty afforded by the river and woods is an important goal of the community and one that I particularly applaud. I am proud to honor Tyngsborough's bicentennial, and I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the people of Tyngsborough another 200 years of innovation and success.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Juan and Luis Yepez, small business owners in Lawrence, MA, for receiving the Small Business Administration's 2009 Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery. The SBA gives the Phoenix Award to individuals who display selflessness, ingenuity and tenacity in the aftermath of a disaster, while contributing to the rebuilding of their communities. The entrepreneurial Yepez brothers are owners of Mainstream Global, a small computer product distribution company. The Yepez brothers chose to locate their business in the old industrial City of Lawrence and to become part of the surrounding community. Unfortunately, in May 2006 the company's facilities along the banks of the Merrimack River flooded, destroying hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment and forcing a three-month shutdown of the business. Despite this setback, Juan and Luis kept their twelve employees on payroll throughout the recovery process, and now, in the midst of a deep recession, they have expanded Mainstream Global to a staff of thirty-two. The Yepez brothers continue to be committed partners in the rebirth of Lawrence by investing in the renovation of other old, abandoned mill buildings in the downtown, converting these buildings into office space, educational facilities, and affordable housing. I congratulate the Yepez brothers for their outstanding contribution to the City of Lawrence and its residents, and their dedication to the revitalization of our community.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dan Sallet of Ayer, Massachusetts upon his retirement from the Ayer School Committee. Respected throughout the community for his commitment to public service, Mr. Sallet is leaving the School Committee after 14 years of dedicated service, including serving as Chairman for six years. Sallet was instrumental in leading the schools out of significant financial difficulties in 2006-2007 and was a prime mover in establishing the Ayer Tri-Board, a joint committee of Selectmen, School and Finance Committees, which works cooperatively to develop budgets and resolve financial issues for the town. Mr. Sallet's words are respected as the voice of reason at Ayer Town Meetings. Mr. Sallet has also represented the community as a member of Devens Education Advisory Committee (DEAC) and on the finance subcommittee for the Devens Disposition Executive Board. Mr. Sallet has also been active in Ayer youth baseball, soccer and basketball programs. Mr. Sallet and his wife Julie have lived in Ayer since 1994 with their three children, Connor, Patrick and Molly. I thank Mr. Sallet for his commitment to our community and congratulate him on his many years of service to the Town of Ayer and its children.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Chairman, I would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia. I am pleased to rise in support of this Democratic budget resolution which makes a much-needed investment in early education. We have heard much about the costs of action but not enough about the costs of inaction. As we look ahead to an increasingly competitive global economy, it has never been more important to ensure that our citizens are well prepared. Simply put, we will not again experience sustained economic growth if we do not invest in educating our future workforce now. A number of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have proposed a freeze on all non-defense spending for the next 5 years. I understand their concerns about fiscal responsibility. And I know their proposals are well-intentioned. However, I can think of nothing worse for the health of our economy in the short term and in the long term than restricting access to education. As we all know, State and local governments around the country have been forced to lay off teachers, cut programs, and reduce the number of children able to participate in early education and after-school programs. Education provides access to a better life, and early childhood education sets a foundation upon which later academic success is built. If we take the shortsighted approach offered by our Republican colleagues, any small amount of savings we gain today will quickly be overwhelmed by the very real losses to our productivity tomorrow. Recognizing this basic fact, businesses, both large and small, have made supporting education one of their top priorities for their communities and for Congress. And this is certainly true in my State of Massachusetts. I represent old industrial cities where public education dollars pay a critical role in helping all of our children gain the skills that they need to succeed in our knowledge-based economy and in helping newcomers integrate into our American society. During the last administration, we failed to properly fund education, particularly for the youngest and most vulnerable. But through the economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we have already begun to reorient our priorities by including funding for Head Start, Early Head Start, and other early education programs. This Democratic budget builds upon those investments and helps to strengthen and expand these programs, including proven home-visitation programs. These funds are critical because an active Federal partner can play a strategic role in concert with local and State partners to keep the education pipeline firm. I thank the gentleman from Virginia, and I call on my colleagues to support this budget.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 273 and to honor the people of Greece on the 188th anniversary of their independence. This occasion is truly a celebration of the shared traditions and values of American and Greek democracy. Over a million Americans, including the family of my husband Paul, claim Greek heritage. This vibrant community contributes to the fabric of our nation and further reinforces the bond between the United States and Greece. I had the opportunity to visit Greece just last year as part of a Congressional Delegation to the region and saw firsthand the progress Greece has made in bringing prosperity to its people. Greece has also stepped forward on the international stage to assist others in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. Through their active engagement in international peacekeeping efforts, the Greek people have shown their leadership on the world stage as well as their commitment to the democratic ideals we share. Our common values have built an unbreakable bond between our two nations. This bond stretches back to the founding of our country and the establishment of the modern Greek state. It is only fitting that the House of Representatives celebrate the 188th anniversary of Greek independence; express support for the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are committed; and honor the contributions of Greece to the global community throughout its 188 years as an independent nation. As an original cosponsor of this important resolution, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 273 to honor the 188th anniversary of Greek independence and to recognize the essential role that Greek culture has played in the development of democracy around the world.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. I care deeply about the health of our Nation's cities. Cities, large and small, are our Nation's economic engines, and their well-being is critical to the prosperity and well-being of all Americans. Our cities generate wealth and economic development for entire regions; provide the foundation for an educated workforce; offer solutions to climate change and sustainable development; act as gateways for goods and knowledge; and serve on the front lines of homeland security. They are centers of our Nation's cultural activities and sports, and a repository of architectural and historic riches. They represent the diversity and strength of our country. When cities suffer, our Nation as a whole suffers. During the last 8 years, our cities have suffered because we have failed to properly invest in them when economic times were good. Between 2001 and 2009, programs critical to ensuring the health and vitality of our cities, from social services to infrastructure, to economic development, have been cut or flat-funded, even as the Bush administration set records for deficits in debt. Instead of making continuous modest investments in the health of our cities when the economy was good, President Bush chose to shortchange them, bequeathing our country a significant shortfall in infrastructure, housing, services, and veterans' care. The debt exploded under the Bush administration, and we have little to show for it. As a result, in President Bush's 2009 budget request, interest payments alone were almost four times more than education funding, five times more than veterans' health care costs, and almost six times more than funding for homeland security for fiscal year 2009. I represent older industrial cities in the Merrimack Valley where for years the government failed to act, and the consequences were severe. It took decades to recover, and it was only after the Federal Government reengaged to the National Park System that we began to turn the corner. As we enter a severe economic crisis, we now face dual challenges left over from the last administration. We need to stimulate our economy by reinvesting in the health of our cities and towns, and we need to take smart, tough action to address our national debt. I thank the chairman, and I yield back my time.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Rice of Andover, MA for his election into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Regarded as one of the most dominant hitters to have played the game, Rice was a 1978 American League Most Valuable Player and an eight-time All Star. With a .298 career batting average, Rice hit 382 homeruns and 1,451 RBIs during his 16 years in Major League Baseball. Having spent his entire career in Boston, Rice becomes the fourth Hall of Fame player to have spent his entire career with the Red Sox. Rice has also been an active member of his community, contributing his time and effort to several charitable organizations in Massachusetts. In 1979 he was named an honorary chairman of the Jimmy Fund, which supports cancer research and care at the Dana-Farber Institute in Boston. He was also recognized by the Jimmy Fund in 1992 with the Jimmy Award, which honors individuals who have shown ``exceptional devotion'' to cancer research. Some of his other charitable activities include working with the Neurofibromatosis Foundation of New England and raising money for toy drives for local homeless children. Since retiring in 1989, Rice has continued his commitment to the Red Sox, working as a hitting coach and instructor. Rice also serves as a popular studio analyst on the Red Sox pre- and post-game shows for NESN. Rice and his wife, Corine, have lived in Andover since 1975 with their two children, Carissa and Chancey. I congratulate him for his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame and for his notable achievements throughout his career.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in support of legislation we will be considering today to expand the Children's Health Insurance Program. This bill provides coverage to children whose families cannot afford private insurance, and would expand access to health insurance for millions of children nationally--over 200,000 living in Massachusetts. I first voted to override the President Bush's veto of similar legislation on the day I was sworn into office. It was my first vote and one of which I am enormously proud. Tens of thousands of people from my District, and millions more across the country, both Republicans and Democrats, have made their support for this program resoundingly clear. This program is also important to my State of Massachusetts, where the program was first developed, because it is a critical component of the groundbreaking universal Massachusetts Health Care Plan. Today, I stand with a strong bipartisan majority ready to give our Nation's children a chance at a healthy childhood and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for two important bills that we will consider later today. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act both advance the fight to ensure equal pay for women in the workforce According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women make 78 cents for every dollar earned for similar work by their male counterparts. This form of discrimination is unacceptable, and it not just a women's issue, it is a family issue. The Institute of Women's Policy Research found that this wage disparity will cost an individual woman anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million over a lifetime in lost wages. We can easily imagine the impact on a woman's life, as well as her children's. I am proud to support these important measures which make the American promise of opportunity more accessible to women and to their families.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to be speaking on behalf of H.R. 5853, the Minute Man National Historical Park Act, which extends the boundary of the Minute Man National Park located in Concord, Massachusetts, to include historic Barrett's Farm. This bill is a simple, noncontroversial boundary adjustment of 67 acres to the current national park and enjoys the support of the National Park Service and Save Our Heritage, the nonprofit organization which currently owns Barrett's Farm. It may seem like small change, but the preservation of such a significant site is monumentally important to the history of this country. Barrett's Farm is the former home of Colonel James Barrett, the commander of the Middlesex militia during the Revolutionary War. It was also used to store the militia's munitions in the weeks preceding the Battle of Concord and Lexington. On April 19, 1775, General Thomas Gage, the commander of all British forces in North America, ordered 700 of his troops to march to Barrett's Farm and destroy these supplies. Our colonial militia learned of the British plot in advance, and Paul Revere made his famous ride, calling his fellow countrymen to arms. By the time the British reached Barrett's Farm, the colonial militia's guns were safely hidden, and Colonel Barrett had strategically positioned the militia to strike the British Army. Barrett's militia confronted British soldiers at the North Bridge in Concord, where the infamous ``shot heard 'round the world'' was fired, launching our war for independence. Through the hard work and ongoing efforts of the nonprofit group, Save Our Heritage, Barrett's Farm has been kept in excellent condition. Private donations throughout the years have been used for its upkeep and restoration. Our country is indebted to these committed people for preserving this national historical treasure. But it is time for this important location to be part of the larger Minute Man National Park so that the considerable resources and expertise of the National Park Service can be put towards the restoration and permanent preservation of this remarkable piece of Massachusetts' rich revolutionary history. It will also enable park visitors to have a more complete understanding of how and where our American Revolution began. I urge the House to pass this bill to protect Colonel James Barrett's Farm so that current and future generations can learn about the role this site played in the birth of our Nation. I want to thank Chairman Rahall and Chairman Grijalva for their leadership on this bill, and I would also like to thank all the cosponsors of this bill for their support. I urge my colleagues today to vote for this important piece of legislation.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, today I pay tribute to Karen Manning, MSN, RN, CNA, CRRN, of Salem State College and president of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN), a constituent from my congressional district. Ms. Manning will soon complete her year as the 2007-2008 national president of the ARN, a professional organization representing professional nurses who work to enhance the quality of life for those who are affected by physical disabilities or chronic illnesses. During her tenure as president at ARN, Ms. Manning has been a strong leader and advocate for rehabilitation nurses, as well as the patients ARN serves everyday. Since 1974, ARN has been the leading source for the latest rehabilitation information, resources, professional development and career opportunities for rehabilitation nursing professionals. ARN members are nurses, with a broad range of clinical experience, dedicated to helping individuals affected by chronic illness or a physical disability adapt to their disabilities, achieve their greatest potential, and work toward productive, independent lives. Presently, ARN comprises a nationwide network of more than 5,500 rehabilitation nurses who practice in many settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, home health agencies, subacute and long-term care facilities, and private companies. A resident of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, Ms. Manning has earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Boston and her Masters of Science in Nursing, with a concentration in nursing management, from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1994. Ms. Manning is currently pursing her Doctorate degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University. In addition to Ms. Manning's academic achievements, she has also authored chapters in both the Rehabilitation Nursing Core Curriculum and Safe Patient Handling and Movement in Rehabilitation--published in 2007 and 2008, respectively. She has presented numerous times on topics relating to current trends in rehabilitation, the future of nursing, and the future role of rehabilitation nurses. Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me today in recognizing the outgoing president of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, Karen Manning, MSN, RN, CNA, CRRN, for her dedication and exemplary work in the field of rehabilitation nursing. We thank you Ms. Manning for your ongoing service to the healthcare profession.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Reeve Fidler of Groton, Massachusetts, who will receive the Congressional Award bronze, silver and gold medals. It is my privilege to honor Reeve who has worked to better himself and his community. The Congressional Award recognizes initiative, achievement, and service in young people. Reeve exemplifies all of these qualities. The award's recipients represent the best of America--they are committed to self-improvement, hard work, and community service. Reeve performed over 400 hours of community service, managing the snack shack at his town's athletic fields. The profits he earned selling concessions went to fund the town's youth soccer program. Reeve also volunteered as a teacher's aide at the Groton Children's Center. In addition to helping his community, Reeve set personal development goals. He received certification to become a soccer referee and subsequently worked as an official for youth games in his town. To complete the physical fitness goal, Reeve played for his high school's varsity tennis team, and for his expedition requirement, Reeve explored the coast of southern Maine. It is also important to acknowledge that Reeve and the other extraordinary young people receiving the Congressional Award were not alone in their work to achieve their goals. Along the way, they were guided by the helping hands of parents, teachers, and mentors, who provided constant encouragement and support. Today, I honor Reeve's hard work and dedication. His dedication to community service and personal development should be admired and emulated.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for S. 682, the ``Edward William Brooke III Congressional Gold Medal Act.'' It is my privilege to honor this most distinguished gentleman who broke barriers and tirelessly served his community and country with great conviction. Edward Brooke was the first African American elected to the United States Senate by popular vote. I am proud that he accomplished this feat in my home state of Massachusetts, which he represented from January 1967 until January 1979. He has been Captain Brooke, Professor Brooke, and Attorney General Brooke. He has fought for civil rights in our country and against apartheid in South Africa. For his many accomplishments, he has received numerous medals and awards, most notably the Bronze Star and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Senator Brooke paved the way--his election to the United States Senate was a milestone in the march toward racial equality--and his impact continues today, as we watch the first African American nominee run for President, carrying Senator Brooke's legacy forward. In a political world growing increasingly divisive and polarized, Senator Brooke has always had the distinct ability to separate the political from the personal. My husband, Paul, ran for the Senate against Senator Brooke in 1978. Although the race was tightly contested, Senator Brooke was always respectful, always warm, and Paul, in turn, greatly admired him. It is appropriate that we express our gratitude with this legislation. Senator Brooke, in his life and through his service, broke barriers and created new opportunities for so many, and in so doing, moved our country further down the path towards the America that we all hope will someday be a reality.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. I want to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for their leadership on this legislation. As a new member of the House and of the committee, it has been a pleasure participating in the bipartisan and respectful process that both of you have created. H.R. 5658 addresses our immediate readiness challenges while maintaining our commitment to modernization that will keep our country safe and deter threats in the future. We are all in agreement that operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are having a severe impact on our readiness. This legislation puts us on track to restore our readiness and our capability to respond to emerging threats around the world. It also increases our capabilities in Afghanistan by providing performance standards for Provincial Reconstruction Teams, training and equipping the Afghan National Security Forces, and increasing the Commanders Emergency Response Fund. And this bill takes significant strides to improve the quality of life for our men and women in uniform and their families. H.R. 5658 includes a 3.9 percent pay increase. It rejects on a bipartisan basis the proposed increases in TRICARE fees and copays. Finally, I appreciate that the committee included a provision that I have advocated for that would give flexibility to the Department of Defense to increase the loan repayment amount for medical personnel in the National Guard and Reserve. Mr. Chairman, as my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee have stated, this is a good bill. It addresses the readiness needs of our military, keeps us on track for modernization to meet future threats, and takes care of our military personnel and their families. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1106 which expresses support for designating April 2008 as National Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a very real issue for many of my constituents whose families have been affected by this condition. I hear about the challenges that these families face at each Congress on Your Corner I host and receive many constituent letters on this issue. My district is fortunate to house the Melmark New England headquarters. This organization is dedicated to serving children and adolescents with the autism spectrum disorders. Founded in 1998, Melmark, New England recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. At a recent visit in celebration of this occasion, I had the opportunity to see first hand the importance of early intervention and proper treatment for those individuals living with autism. I commend Melmark New England and organizations like it across the country that provide quality treatment to those living with Autism. My hope is that passage of this resolution will help to expand these programs by highlighting the need for early intervention services and appropriately trained teachers to teach, assist, and respond to special needs students.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of Sergeant Alex Jimenez and to express my continued support for Alex's family during this most difficult time. On May 12, 2007, Sergeant Jimenez and Private First Class Byron Fouty, members of the 10th Mountain Division, were ambushed south of Baghdad. There has been no information regarding their whereabouts since that time. On June 27, the United States Army changed Sergeant Jimenez's status from duty status whereabouts unknown to missing or captured. We may not know where Alex is, but he is never far from our thoughts. Family members like Alex's father, Andy, or his wife, Yaderlin, have weathered agonizing uncertainty while demonstrating support for their loved one's service to our country. We owe them a debt of gratitude. The community in Lawrence, Massachusetts, has been extremely supportive. A POW ride will take place this weekend in honor of Sergeant Jimenez and in support of his family. The Jimenez and Fouty families are not alone as we all pray for the safe return of Alex and Byron. Sergeant Jimenez put his life in danger for our country. We cannot leave him or any other behind. I support legislation to create a select committee on POW/MIA affairs to help these families learn the whereabouts of their loved ones.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the bipartisan House Concurrent Resolution 322, celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary. In the winter of 1982-83, I traveled to Israel with my husband Paul when he served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I had heard the passionate concern about Israel's tenuous geographic position from many in the Jewish community who were close to Paul and me--from my two brothers-in-law as well as from Paul's closest confidantes in his Senate office, his Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, among others. But hearing and empathizing are very different from seeing and experiencing. On the trip to Israel, I saw and experienced. When one stands on the Golan Heights and looks out as I did at the slender strip of land that Israel occupies between her adversaries and the Mediterranean, the primacy of security as the overriding factor in Israel's relations with its neighbors is brought vividly home. The other impression I came away with from that trip was how diverse and democratic Israel is and how important it is for the United States to support this vital democracy, both for Israel's sake and our own. Israel is a model of the values we seek to promote around the world, including her recognition of her female citizens as full participants in all aspects of society. Beyond that, she is a critical ally and strategic partner. We must continue our commitment to the unique relationship we have with Israel in the years ahead.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National Women's History Month, and particularly this year's focus on female artists. I commend the organizations and communities across the country that celebrated Women's History Month by educating people about the many contributions women in the arts have made. My hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts, is a great example. The hard work of members of the Lowell community made Lowell Women's Week 2008 a great success by bringing together diverse organizations that held art displays and workshops all around women's art and history. In Lowell, women's commitment to the arts coincided with the cities founding as this country's first planned industrial city. At the time of its founding in the late 19th century, the young women working the textile mills also published a literary magazine of essays and poetry entitled: The Lowell Offering. Without commemorative months like this one, some of our most interesting women's history would be forgotten. This resolution rightly honors female artists of the past. But I also salute the many women who throughout our communities tirelessly support the arts through philanthropic means or with their time and effort. I hope the passage of this resolution today does not mark the end of a month of remembrance, but is a catalyst for renewed interest in learning what great women of the past have given us.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey. Like my colleagues, I was disappointed that the President's budget made such a poor investment in the health of our Nation's cities and communities at a time when strong action is necessary to stave off economic ruin for many hardworking Americans. Our cities are our Nation's economic engines, providing vital infrastructure, the foundation for an educated workforce, and for the health of our communities. For any of us who represents a city of any size, we know what a challenge it is, and yet how important it is that the Federal Government be a strategic partner with them. When I asked leaders in the cities of my district how the Federal Government could best help, the answer was unhesitating and unequivocal: Community Development Block Grant funding. CDBG funding has improved the quality of life in the cities of the Merrimack Valley in my district and in thousands of other cities across the country by helping to improve parks, add green space, and create affordable housing. In Lowell, CDBG funds were used to reclaim a contaminated site creating the potential to attract new companies to employ city residents. And they are not alone in putting these funds to such good use. Most recently, the City of Lawrence suffered a devastating fire which destroyed businesses and homes downtown. CDBG funding has been critical for razing and rebuilding these destroyed properties. If CDBG funding is not adequately in place, communities like this, faced with disaster, would have few alternatives to help finance their recovery effort, not to mention the loss of support for vital housing and community and economic development activities that States and local governments have come to rely on. I would like to confirm with the gentleman from New Jersey that the budget resolution before us today thankfully rejects the President's cuts to the grant programs that have proven so critical to helping our communities and provide additional funding for CBDG and other economic development and affordable housing priorities. I would also like to confirm that the budget before us today rejects the President's proposal to eliminate the Social Services Block Grant. Cities in my district rely on social service and community service grants to carry out programs ranging from parenting classes and consumer and tax counseling to child enrichment and adult literacy classes. Without these funds, critical elements of our social safety net will be lost exactly when American families need them most. I thank the gentleman for engaging in a colloquy and for presenting us with a budget that makes both a moral statement about our priorities and a reality-driven investment in the continued growth and vitality of our communities.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution extending warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of Greece as they celebrate the 187th anniversary of their independence. In January, I joined a congressional delegation trip to Greece, Turkey, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I had not been in Greece in over 25 years, and it was wonderful to see how far this most beautiful country has come in the last quarter century, as hosting the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, made a tremendous investment in their infrastructure and cultivated new developments which have greatly enhanced their prosperity. My husband Paul's family emigrated from Greece to Lowell, Massachusetts, when Paul's father was 3 years old. His father is emblematic of a vibrant Greek American community in Massachusetts and across the country whose contributions have helped our Nation survive and thrive. The United States and Greece have longstanding ties based on our common heritage, shared values and a mutual commitment to freedom and democracy. This measure rightly expresses the House of Representatives' support for the important role that Greece has played in the wider region and in the community of nations since gaining its independence 187 years ago. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, today I will proudly vote to override the President's veto of a bill to expand the Children's Health Insurance Program, for the second time. This bill provides coverage to children whose families cannot afford private insurance and would expand access to health insurance to 10 million children nationally, 200,000 of whom live in Massachusetts. I was thinking of our children when I first voted to override the President's veto of this bill on October 18th, the same day I was sworn into office. Tens of thousands of people from my district and millions more across the country, both Republicans and Democrats, have made their support for this program abundantly clear. However, the Bush administration refuses to hear their message. This program is especially important to my State of Massachusetts, where the program was first developed, and remains critical to sustaining the universal Massachusetts Health Care Program. I stand with a strong bipartisan majority ready to give our children a chance at a healthy future, and I urge my colleagues to again override the President's veto.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 409, a bill that will go a long way toward making our highway infrastructure safer. I want to give special thanks to my colleague from Somerville, Congressman Capuano, for introducing this common-sense bill. H.R. 409 expands the National Bridge Inspection Program to include the inspection of highway tunnels. Current law does not contain national standards or requirements for inspecting tunnels. This bill corrects that flaw. In doing so, I believe that lives will be saved. It is, sadly, because of the loss of life that this bill came to be. On the evening of July 10, 2006, Milena Del Valle was killed tragically as she and her husband traveled to Boston's Logan Airport, utilizing the Ted Williams Tunnel. Milena was killed when sections of the concrete ceiling collapsed. A number of investigations were launched in the wake of this tragedy. One, undertaken by the National Transportation Safety Board, cited ``inadequate regulatory requirements for tunnel inspections'' as a major safety issue that merited correction. This bill puts in place those needed requirements, mandatory tunnel inspections, and creates a national list of tunnels, to complement existing lists of bridges. I hope that swift action today in the House will be followed by the Senate, so that any future tragedies like we saw in Massachusetts can be averted, Again, I want to thank Congressman Capuano, and am pleased to support this bill.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I wanted to take a moment to explain my absence for the quorum call on January 15th. I recently returned from visiting U.S. forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of a bipartisan Congressional Delegation trip led by my colleague, Representative Lincoln Davis. The purpose of this Congressional Delegation trip was to meet firsthand with our brave men and women in uniform currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan to thank them for their outstanding service and to learn what additional resources they may need on the ground. I also met with military commanders as well as with national leaders in Iraq and Afghanistan to get the latest information on the security, political, and economic conditions in both countries. I think it is important for all members of Congress to see what is happening on the ground in Iraq, but as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I take that responsibility particularly seriously. As a result of the Congressional Delegation trip, I was unable to participate in the votes held on Tuesday evening. If I would have been here, I would have voted ``present''.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, just 2 weeks ago today, tens of thousands of residents from the Fifth Congressional District of Massachusetts supported my candidacy because they wanted to make sure that all our children have health insurance. Two days later, I began my service to the Fifth District by proudly voting to override President Bush's veto of a children's health care bill that had overwhelming bipartisan support. Unfortunately, the veto was upheld, but the fact remains that millions of children that need health care don't have it. Last Thursday, I again voted to expand the Children's Health Insurance Program, a program that was first developed in Massachusetts and is now critical to the newly enacted Massachusetts health insurance plan. Every concern raised by the President has been clearly addressed in this bill, but he still threatens to veto it. I will stand with the strong bipartisan majority, ready to overturn this veto and give 200,000 children in Massachusetts and millions more across the country a chance at a healthy, safe future. I urge the President to sign the bill.

Ms. TSONGAS

Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, it has been a real honor and pleasure and treasure to be sworn in by the first female House Speaker. Thank you so much. And I want to thank Ed Markey and the members of the delegation who have been so supportive of me as I have journeyed through this most remarkable campaign. It was hard fought, but here we are. Thank you so much for all of the help you provided. It is my great honor to be part of this most remarkable institution. Thank you. My race was about a lot of things. But as we approached the end, it was so valuable to me to be able to say that I want to come here and have my first vote cast to be around children's health. There is nothing more fundamental to the long-term capacity of this country than to take care of its most vulnerable citizens. And so for me to arrive on this day and cast my vote to override the President's veto is something I will always remember, that I was part of this great debate around the future of our country, the generational responsibility we have both to our young and to our old, and to be here on this most remarkable day. I am going to keep this short. We have a lot of work to do. That is one thing I learned throughout this campaign; people want change. They want us to come to the table, solve problems and move this country forward, and I am happy to be here to be part of that most remarkable opportunity. Thank you.