Maxine Waters

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker and Members, I'd first like to thank Barney Frank for all of the efforts he's put into helping homeowners and the leadership that he's provided on this committee, the Financial Services Committee. I'd like to thank Marcy Kaptur. She has been a stalwart, not on the committee but working every day because she's in one of the hardest hit States, but so am I in California. It is unthinkable that we could have used TARP funds for every major corporation, all of the banks, all of the too-big-to fail, and yet we would deny homeowners in the heart of his State some assistance. What are we saying? These are people who have followed the American Dream, and we have found that all kinds of exotic products were put on the market. Many of them were tricked into signing on the dotted line, and now we have whole communities that are being boarded up, that are in foreclosure, communities that are being driven into the ground because cities can't afford to keep them up. We've done everything that we could do. We had the NSP. We have assistance to unemployed folks. We're trying to do everything with not a lot of help from the administration or from the regulatory agencies in general. The HAMP program simply has not worked. We need to send a message and a real substantive message to the people and homeowners of America that we care about them. We don't want them put on the street. We don't want them losing their homes. The services or the too-big-to-fail banks, everybody has made out on the backs of the American public. What's wrong with using some of the TARP money for legal assistance? People are trying very hard to fight these battles alone. They can't get in touch with the services. They're trying to figure out where the notes are, who really owns the mortgages. We have found that all kind of robo-signing is going on. This whole industry has failed us and we are allowing these homeowners to swim out there alone by themselves with no help. Let's help the American people. This is the least that we can do as we close out this 111th Congress. We can not only send this message, but we could stand up and demand that they get the kind of help that will keep them and their families in their homes.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, who unexpectedly passed away this week. My husband, Ambassador Sidney Williams, and I are very saddened that friend is no longer with us. We first had the opportunity to meet Ambassador Holbrooke during diplomatic training in 1993. Sidney and Richard had recently been appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as the Ambassadors to the Bahamas and Germany, respectively. As is required of the spouse of an incoming Ambassador, I also went through training to understand certain diplomatic protocol and procedure. I have fond memories of that time, and I remember Richard as an extremely bright, articulate, and worldly man. He had an imposing presence, a keen intellect and a sharp wit, which had clearly served him well in the decades he trotted the globe making peace, shaping policy, and advancing our interests abroad. Shortly after we met, he was dispatched to serve as the key negotiator to the 1995 Dayton peace accords, which ended the Bosnian War. I remember thinking that they could not find someone with more expertise or wherewithal to undertake such a complex and important task. Whether in Vietnam or Afghanistan, the Johnson administration or the Obama administration, a dais at the United Nations or the theater of war, Richard served our country and the international community with grace, with strength, and with distinction. Our diplomatic community, indeed, our country, has lost a tried and true public servant. During this difficult time, I take some comfort in knowing that the world is a better place because of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, and I hope anyone who knew him will do the same. My husband and I extend our deepest sympathies, our thoughts and our prayers to his wife, his children, his family and his many friends and colleagues.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, I hereby notify the House of my intention to offer a resolution as a question of the privileges of the House. The form of my resolution is as follows: Authorizing and directing the Speaker to appoint a bipartisan task force to investigate the circumstances and cause of the decision to place professional staff of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct on indefinite administrative leave, and for other purposes. Whereas the Constitution of the United States authorizes the House of Representatives to ``determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behavior, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member''; Whereas in 1968, in compliance with this authority and to uphold its integrity and ensure that Members act in a manner that reflects credit on the House of Representatives, the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct was established; Whereas the ethics procedures in effect during the 111th Congress were enacted in 1997 in a bipartisan manner by an overwhelming vote of the House of Representatives upon the bipartisan recommendation of the ten member Ethics Reform Task Force, which conducted a thorough and lengthy review of the entire ethics process; Whereas, the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct adopted rules for the 111th Congress; Whereas rule 6(a) of the Rules of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct states ``the staff is to be assembled and retained as professional, nonpartisan staff'; Whereas rule 6(c) of the Rules of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct states ``the staff as a whole and each individual member of the staff shall perform all official duties in a nonpartisan manner''; Whereas rule 6(f) of the Rules of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct states ``All staff members shall be appointed by an affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the Committee, Such a vote shall occur at the first meeting of the membership of the Committee during each Congress and as necessary during the Congress''; Whereas, on November 19, 2010 two members of the professional staff of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct were placed on indefinite administrative leave; Whereas, on November 19, 2010 the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct canceled and has not rescheduled the adjudicatory hearing for a Member of Congress, previously scheduled for November 29, 2010; Whereas all of these actions have subjected the Committee to public ridicule and weakened the ability of the Committee to properly conduct its investigative duties, all of which has brought discredit to the House; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That-- (1) the Speaker shall appoint a bipartisan task force with equal representation of the majority and minority parties to investigate the circumstances and cause of the decision to place professional staff of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct on indefinite administrative leave and to make recommendations to restore public confidence in the ethics process, including disciplinary measures for both staff and Members where needed; and (2) the task force report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives during the second session of this Congress.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to a question of personal privilege.

Ms. WATERS. To the Members, I will only take about 7 or 8 minutes. I know that they are anxious to go home. On Tuesday, I introduced a privileged resolution that calls for a bipartisan task force to investigate the disciplinary action taken against two professional staff members of the Ethics Committee. Since then, I have had a chance to speak with dozens of Members regarding concerns about the ethics process and the impact it has on this institution. Regardless of region or political ideology, they all agreed that we must take every opportunity we can to improve the ethics process and, by extension, increase the faith of the American people in our ability to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. We now have such an opportunity. There have been press reports of misconduct by the committee attorneys responsible for handling my case, which has been with the committee for almost 1\1/2\ years. Although we do not know the circumstances surrounding their conduct nor the disciplinary action taken against them, we can all agree, as Majority Leader Hoyer stated last week, that the developments are ``troubling.'' To be sure, this issue is of great concern to me. However, after talking to Members, I have confirmed that it is also of great concern to you--my colleagues and friends--because the issue of transparency and fairness in the ethics process is one that transcends any individual. What is at stake is the integrity of this institution that we all cherish and of which we are privileged to be a part. If information regarding this matter is not made public, we will continue to see press reports and commentators across the political spectrum publicly criticizing the ethics process. Allow me to read you some of the press quotes on this issue. ``You have ethics issues in the Ethics Committee. These two attorneys are left on the government payroll. We still don't even know why they dismissed them.'' This is from ``The Willis Report,'' Fox Business, 12/ 1/10. ``Can you imagine, in a court of law, if the prosecutor basically got completely taken off of the case, and suddenly the defense lawyer walked in, and there was somebody new? It's like bells and whistles would go off.'' This is from ``AC 360,'' which is Anderson Cooper, CNN, 12/1/10. ``I am confident some of the folks on the committee are more political than anything else.'' That is from someone who has been very critical of me, Melanie Sloan of CREW, quoted in Talking Points Memo, 12/1/10. ``Rarely has the ethics process looked worse.'' This is by Dana Milbank, Washington Post, 12/4/10. Unfortunately, if a resolution like the one I noticed passed, its authority, like the authority of the investigation against me, would expire at the end of this Congress, which could come as early as next week. The investigation and report called for by the resolution would have to be completed immediately, which apparently is not feasible now given the calendar. Many colleagues who share the concerns I have raised about the disciplinary action of the committee are also concerned that a task force established now would have insufficient time to finish its work. I share that concern and have been working with my colleagues over the last few days to find an alternative that would allow for the exploration of this important topic without further undermining the process by not allowing for adequate time and resources. Because news about the committee's activities just came to light last week, the options seem to be limited. We all know how a vote on a privileged resolution plays out. The leadership, for reasons which are both practical and political, would use a parliamentary procedure, either a motion to table or a motion to refer, to essentially kill the bill. This maneuver is not unique to this resolution. It is, as history shows us, seemingly standard practice. Functionally, that would be the end of this particular resolution, and it could have the unintended consequence of suggesting falsely to the public that the House as a whole is not concerned with the integrity of the ethics process. In fact, during those conversations with colleagues, Members have come alive, and the basic concepts of justice and fairness have permeated every conversation. They have suggested that this issue is one that should be explored willingly, not just by the force of a vote by the whole House, and that parliamentary procedure should not thwart transparency. Let me note that, while they expressed concern with some of the events that have occurred as related to my case and the implications for the broader institution, Members also indicated they believe that our colleagues who lead the Ethics Committee--Zoe Lofgren and Jo Bonner--fundamentally share our commitment to justice and fairness despite the circumstances which have led us here today. This is a view that I share as well. Although the committee is built on secrecy and confidentiality, it should have the ability to be flexible and provide transparency in extraordinary circumstances. This is one such extraordinary circumstance when the House as a whole and the public need the committee to reveal information so we can have confidence in the process. Those who know me know that I am aggressive by nature and philosophy. I believe that it is important that we be relentless about our constant search for truth and justice. But here, upon the advice of my colleagues whom I trust and admire, I am not pushing for a vote on this resolution today. In doing so, however, I am requesting that the committee set the record straight, on its own accord, in a bipartisan manner, with a joint statement signed by the chair and ranking member, as provided by its rules, which both protects the confidentiality required by the committee and respects the public's and this body's right to know the circumstances of the events that led to the discipline of the two attorneys leading the case against me. Today, I will again notice the House with my privileged resolution. I am hopeful it will not be necessary to take it up, because the Ethics Committee will, indeed, set the record straight. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1751. The DREAM Act is bipartisan targeted legislation that gives students who are already here and have grown up in the United States a chance to contribute to our country's well-being by serving in the Armed Forces or pursuing a higher education. This bill is good for our economy, our security and our Nation. If you take a look some of the bill's key provisions, you will see that this was well thought through. This is no throwaway. This is no giveaway. These students have to earn the right to this DREAM Act. I would simply ask my colleagues to consider, having been brought to this country as a child, it is something that we can do to make sure that we integrate them into our society and they contribute to it in a substantial way. I would ask for an ``aye'' vote on this important legislation.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, I hereby notify the House of my intention to offer a resolution as a question of the privileges of the House. The form of my resolution is as follows: Authorizing and directing the Speaker to appoint a bipartisan task force to investigate the circumstances and cause of the decision to place professional staff of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct on indefinite administrative leave, and for other purposes. Whereas the Constitution of the United States authorizes the House of Representatives to ``determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behavior, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member''; Whereas in 1968, in compliance with this authority and to uphold its integrity and ensure that Members act in a manner that reflects credit on the House of Representatives, the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct was established; Whereas the ethics procedures in effect during the 111th Congress were enacted in 1997 in a bipartisan manner by an overwhelming vote of the House of Representatives upon the bipartisan recommendation of the ten member Ethics Reform Task Force, which conducted a thorough and lengthy review of the entire ethics process; Whereas, the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct adopted rules for the 111th Congress; Whereas rule 6(a) of the Rules of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct states ``the staff is to be assembled and retained as professional, nonpartisan staff''; Whereas rule 6(c) of the Rules of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct states ``the staff as a whole and each individual member of the staff shall perform all official duties in a nonpartisan manner''; Whereas rule 6(f) of the Rules of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct states ``All staff members shall be appointed by an affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the Committee. Such a vote shall occur at the first meeting of the membership of the Committee during each Congress and as necessary during the Congress''; Whereas, on November 19, 2010 two members of the professional staff of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct were placed on indefinite administrative leave; Whereas, on November 19, 2010 the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct canceled and has not rescheduled the adjudicatory hearing for a Member of Congress, previously scheduled for November 29, 2010; Whereas all of these actions have subjected the Committee to public ridicule and weakened the ability of the Committee to properly conduct its investigative duties, all of which has brought discredit to the House; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That-- (1) the Speaker shall appoint a bipartisan task force with equal representation of the majority and minority parties to investigate the circumstances and cause of the decision to place professional staff of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct on indefinite administrative leave and to make recommendations to restore public confidence in the ethics process, including disciplinary measures for both staff and Members where needed; and (2) the task force report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives during the second session of this Congress.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise in support of H.R. 4783. Today, we have the opportunity to right the wrongs perpetrated on both black farmers and Native Americans in this country. The history of shameful and, yes, rampant discrimination against black farmers and the shameful mismanagement of Native Americans' oil, gas and water rights are being addressed here today. We vote today to settle the Pigford II Black Farmers case against the USDA and the Cobell case on mishandled Native American oil and gas claims against Interior and several tribal water rights claims. The Black Farmers case against the USDA goes back decades. I was a member of the Judiciary Committee and the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from 1996 to 1998 when we worked with the Clinton administration, and we were able to waive the statute of limitations so we could get Pigford I up before us. Yet thousands of black farmers lost their farms; many are dead, and many of them did not get their paperwork filed. This bill provides $1.15 billion to settle the Black Farmers case and $3.4 billion to settle the Cobell claims. Mr. Speaker and Members, institutional racism and discrimination must be aggressively fought and eliminated. I am so proud of John Boyd and all of the Members of this Congress who have worked so hard, Mr. Rahall and the rest of them, to do what needs to be done. I am pleased and honored to serve as a Member of Congress where we are dealing with justice and fairness and equality today.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and work of Jule Sugarman, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 83. I extend my thoughts and prayers to his wife, his children, and his family and friends during this very difficult time. Some of my colleagues and those listening in the gallery or on television may not recognize the name Jule Sugarman, but they have no doubt heard of or been impacted by the Head Start Program, which he founded and helped design and implement as part of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1927, Mr. Sugarman came to Washington to attend American University, and later served in the Army for two years. He amassed a record of achievement and dedication to public service, the American people, and to children and families specifically: serving as New York City's human resources administrator; Washington State's Department of Social and Health Services; executive director of the Special Olympics International; and deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Jimmy Carter, just to name a few of his accomplishments. But I would like to thank Mr. Sugarman explicitly and affectionately for his work on getting the Head Start program up and running. I can unequivocally say that Head Start changed my life and turned it in a new direction. I vividly remember working as a service representative for the Pacific Telephone Company in Los Angeles in the mid 1960s, and getting excited over a newspaper advertisement I saw for the new Head Start program. They were seeking staff for this initiative, which would be run by Sargent Shriver out of the Office of Economic Opportunity. Being a mother of young children, and seeking a career path where I could help people and make a difference--despite not having official teaching credentials--I eagerly applied to be an assistant teacher. To my surprise and delight, I was hired as a Head Start assistant teacher. In Los Angeles County the Head Start Program worked closely with community nonprofit groups like the International Federation for Settlements and Neighborhood Centers, so I worked with great people who were truly committed to putting children on a solid path to an education, combating poverty, and making our communities a safer, better place to live. Head Start encouraged me to finish my education; taught me the importance and value of community organizing; made me acutely aware of the many issues facing our young children; and inspired me to get involved in politics to make a difference in the lives of others, particularly the least of these. Now I am well aware that in 45 years many things have changed--some good, some bad--for our nation's children and schools. But I am convinced that Head Start's original mission to ``promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enroll children and families,'' is as relevant as ever. I look forward to supporting it in each and every way that I can. Thank you, Mr. Sugarman. Thank you for your wisdom, your foresight, your progressive philosophy, and your dedication to putting all children on an equal playing field. I, and millions of other Americans, continue to be inspired by your compassion, your humanity, and your life's work, all of which made our country greater.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Highland Elementary School in Inglewood, California, located in my district. Highland was recently named a Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education, a coveted award recognizing high-performing and improving schools across our country. This year, Highland shares this distinction with 304 other schools among the thousands of schools in the United States. Highland and its teachers, administrators, staff, students, parents and community members have really been on a roll. In addition to the Blue Ribbon award, the school was also named a California Distinguished School, and Highland is a two-time Title One Academic Achievement School and California Business School of Excellence. I am very appreciative of the efforts by this Congress and this Administration to focus on education and the future of our young students. We must remain committed to improving schools and providing opportunity for all Americans to learn. In my district, like many communities in urban America, test scores are below average, buildings are in disrepair, and graduation rates are too low. I was so encouraged to hear about Highland's honor because one of the two ways to qualify for the Blue Ribbon award is by having schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds improve student performance to high levels. Improving test scores early on is crucial to getting kids on the right path to a solid education and key to securing critical resources that will help our schools turn around. I want to particularly honor Highland principal Susan Ippongi and Inglewood Unified School District superintendent Gary McHenry for their leadership and their dedication to schoolchildren in Inglewood. I am looking forward to meeting them in November when representatives from the Blue Ribbon schools come to Washington to be formally recognized for their achievements. I am very proud of Highland's ability to excel over adversity, and particularly proud of the young boys and girls who are studying hard for a bright future. They are giving Highland Elementary School, our community, our city and our country a good name.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Hawthorne Math and Science Academy, HMSA, in Hawthorne, CA. HMSA, a dependent charter high school of the Hawthorne School District located in my congressional district, was recently honored with a Blue Ribbon Award by the U.S. Department of Education, a coveted award recognizing high-performing and improving schools across our country. This year, HMSA shares this distinction with 304 other schools among the thousands of schools in the United States. I am very proud of the students, faculty, staff, parents, and community members of HMSA. In addition to receiving this prestigious award--the first school within the Hawthorne School District to do so-- HMSA was also named a California Distinguished School and was listed-- again--as one of the nation's top 100 high schools by U.S. News & World Report. I want to especially honor Principal Esau Beruman, who is only in his first year as principal of HMSA. I suspect we will continue to see great things from HMSA under his leadership, and I look forward to meeting him and one of HMSA's teachers when they come to Washington, DC in November to be officially honored by the Department of Education. HMSA has made great strides to create a rigorous and comprehensive academic regimen that prepares its students for college and helps them become well-rounded young adults. It boasts an impressive 97 percent graduation rate. As its own mission statement reads, ``HMSA is committed to creating a challenging, rigorous, standards-based curriculum for all students, regardless of gender, ethnicity, primary language, or special needs status, within a safe and cooperative learning community.'' I believe the school is not only living up to that standard, but superseding it. The students of HMSA should be particularly proud of their strong work. They are giving their school, our community, our state, and our country a good name through their dedication, their drive, and their excellence. Congratulations to HMSA on this latest, but surely not the last, accolade.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3814) to extend the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30, 2011.

Ms. WATERS. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of S. 3814, the National Flood Insurance Program Reextension Act of 2010, which would extend the National Flood Insurance Program through September 30, 2011. The flood insurance program provides valuable protection for approximately 5.5 million homeowners. Unfortunately, the lack of a long-term authorization has placed this program at risk. The program has lapsed three times now since the beginning of this year, for 2 days in March, for 18 days in April, and again from June 1 to July 1. These lapses meant that FEMA was not able to write new policies, renew expiring policies, or increase coverage limits. This also means that each day, 1,400 home buyers who wanted to purchase homes located in flood plains are unable to close on those homes. Given the current crisis in the housing market, this instability in the flood insurance program is hampering that market's recovery and must be addressed.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I rise to join with Latinos and Latinas in California's 35th Congressional District and all across the United States in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts today. This month is a great opportunity to learn about and to recognize the history of Hispanics in our state and our country, their significant accomplishments and their important ongoing contributions. The Hispanic community in America, which now numbers almost 50 million people, is diverse. The largest group is Mexican-Americans, many of whom tomorrow will be celebrating 200 years of Mexico's independence from Spain and later this year will commemorate the centennial of the Mexican Revolution, when the people of Mexico rose up against an oppressive dictatorship to establish a democratic government that promoted equality and human rights. Despite the diversity among Hispanics, members of the community share common values with one another and with all other Americans: faith, family, and love of country. The Hispanic dream--the hope of a better, more prosperous future--is the American Dream. Economically, culturally, and politically, Latinos are a vital part of our district, our state and our nation. American life has been enriched by Hispanic contributions in business, education, government, and the arts for more than 200 years. As we celebrate the progress, success and achievements of the Hispanic community, we must also recognize the considerable challenges the community faces. Many Hispanic families and businesses have not fared well economically over the last several years as the failed economic policies of the Bush Administration led to the worst recession since the Great Depression. Hispanics, like African Americans and other minorities, have been particularly impacted by the economic downturn, with higher rates of unemployment and predatory subprime mortgages. Over the last year and a half, the Democratic-led Congress has been working hard to improve the lives and meet the needs of America's Hispanic families--from the economy, to small businesses, to making college more affordable, to health care, to veterans. We must do all we can to better ensure that all Latinos, like all Americans, have a meaningful opportunity to improve their lives and pursue the American Dream. I will continue to be a strong advocate for Hispanics and all of my constituents.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of Junipero Serra High School which is located in Gardena, California in my district. Serra High has become the first in California state history to win a state football championship and a state basketball championship in the same school year. Even more remarkable and more important is the fact that for three years running, 100% of Serra High School's graduating seniors were accepted to college. Junipero Serra High School is operated by the Department of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Serra High School was founded in 1950 and graduated its first class in 1953. Over the years, the school has played a very important role in the life of the community, graduating over six thousand students in the South Bay area. Serra's recent achievements add immensely to its already strong legacy. In December, the Cavaliers became the California Interscholastic Federation's Division III state champions in football with a victory that was ``as much a triumph of athletic skill as one of perseverance from year to year and play to play,'' as local newspaper the Daily Breeze stated. Against Marin Catholic High School, the Cavaliers won 24-20, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the very competitive California high school football climate. In March, Serra High School captured the Division III basketball championship with a 63-59 overtime victory over Oakland's Bishop O'Dowd completing the historic double victory. Not Santa Ana's Mater Dei, not Concord's De La Salle, not Los Angeles' Crenshaw High, not Long Beach Poly--no athletic powerhouse, private or public in California, had completed such a feat until Serra High did it. At the end of the 2009- 10 school year, Serra's athletic program was rated by ESPN as the fourth best all-around high school athletic program in the USA and the number one program in California. I also understand the Cavalier Track team came within two points of being state champions and that the Girls Basketball and Track teams have also excelled. I congratulate President Erick Rubalcava, Principal Michael Wagner, Athletic Director Ted Dunlap, Head Football Coach Scott Altenberg, Head Basketball Coach Dwan Hurt, their assistant coaches, the entire school staff and all of the amazing faculty and students at Serra for their excellence both in academics and athletics.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1401, expressing gratitude for the contributions that the air traffic controllers of the United States make to keep the traveling public safe and the airspace of the United States running efficiently. I thank my colleague from New York, Mrs. McCarthy, for offering this resolution. Air traffic controllers dedicate themselves to the protection of the flying public. Their job is important, and it is stressful and demanding. Air traffic controllers must make split second decisions at times when the lives of hundreds of passengers are in danger. They perform this work professionally and in doing so provide a great service. My district in Southern California is home to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the busiest airports in the world. LAX is an economic hub for my district and for the region--it brings people and business to Los Angeles and Southern California from all over the country and the world. LAX is also a job creator for many of my constituents, and this includes the men and women who serve as air traffic controllers, working to keep passengers, aircraft, and area residents safe. A little more than a year ago, on June 28, 2009, an air traffic controller at the Southern California TRACON facility--Ron Chappell-- issued a traffic advisory to a jet aircraft landing at LAX after he saw another target on his radar screen at an unknown altitude and approaching the jet. This response by Mr. Chappell likely averted a deadly crash. I salute him and his fellow air traffic controllers who work in Southern California and throughout the United States to keep us safe. I offered an amendment to prohibit consolidation of the Federal Aviation Administration's regional offices and air traffic control facilities without congressional oversight and public comment which was included when the House reauthorized the FAA earlier this year. I am concerned that consolidation of air traffic control offices and facilities could have an effect on the safety of flying. In addition, consolidation would result in the loss of many jobs, including jobs of some of my constituents as the Western-Pacific Regional Office which serves all of Southern California is located in Hawthorne--a city in my district. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association recently presented me the Champion for Aviation Safety Award for my work to protect local jobs in Southern California and to keep passengers and the communities surrounding LAX safe. I truly appreciate this honor and will continue to be a strong advocate for air traffic controllers and passenger safety. Members of Congress are perhaps some of the most frequent flyers, especially those of us who represent constituencies far away from Washington. We owe air traffic controllers--as well as flight attendants, pilots, ground crew, ticket agents, and others--a debt of gratitude for keeping us and our fellow passengers safe, and for keeping us moving safely and quickly so that we can get back to our constituents and our families in a timely manner. So I am proud to rise in support of this resolution, Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady from New York for offering it.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and unable to vote on H.R. 5604, rollcall No. 452. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I stand in support of this gentleman's amendment. In April, my subcommittee held a hearing on flood and wind insurance legislative proposals. And at that hearing, the gentleman from Mississippi testified about the way the insurance industry abused the flood insurance program following Hurricane Katrina by claiming that if so much as a drop of water touched a home, that all the resulting damage was the result of flood and not wind, even if there was damage to the contrary. Insurers were able to maintain their bottom line at the expense of the financial solvency of the National Flood Insurance Program. Nobody has worked harder on these issues than he has. He deserves support for this amendment, and we will continue to support his instructions about what we should be doing in the future.

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in opposition to the motion.

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the ranking member from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito) for her cooperation and the work that she has put into the formulation of this very, very important bill. I would like to thank Members on both sides of the aisle for the cooperation that we have seen exhibited on this bill, and I think that the Members on both sides of the aisle have done a fabulous job representing their constituencies on this issue. It is time for us to have a reauthorization for 5 years, given the lapses that we have had and the risks that we have placed homeowners at when we don't have flood insurance coverage. And so Members have come one by one on this issue explaining what is going on in their districts, and of course, we have had a lot of criticism about FEMA. We have had Members explain that neighbors are getting together to fight some of the mapping that is being done. All of that has been brought to our attention, and we've been able to deal with most of those complaints, not only in this bill but, of course, in the manager's amendment. We have some people who are going to bring amendments to the floor from both sides of the aisle, and I'm confident that with the work that has gone into this bill, the amendments that we will have on the floor--many of them will be adopted--that we will see a good, solid piece of legislation move from this floor that will address the concerns of so many of our constituents across this country. I'm proud of this legislation. I thank not only the Members on both sides of the aisle but the staffs from both sides of the aisle who have worked so hard to ensure that we address these concerns. So, now, with this authorization for 5 years, with the delayed time so that people have the opportunity to prepare, with the installment, with the way that we have done all of this, including putting an advocate in, our constituents are going to get some justice, some real attention; and I think they will be proud of the work that we have done. American Insurance Association, Washington, DC, July 15, 2010. Hon. Barney Frank, Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Spencer Bachus, Ranking Member, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman and Representative Bachus: The American Insurance Association (AIA) would like to express its strong support for the House Financial Services Committee reported bill reauthorizing and reforming the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), H.R. 5114. The recent lapses in the NFIP followed by the use of short-term extensions have caused disruptions to homeowners, businesses and hindered real estate closings nationwide. A long-term NFIP reauthorization will bring much-needed stability to the market and fiscal soundness to the program. However, we strongly oppose the amendment to be offered by Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS). The Taylor amendment would negatively impact ``Write Your Own'' (WYO) companies and significantly alter the way in which claims are processed by the NFIP. Consumers want reasonably priced insurance for the risks they confront. To help meet that objective, insurers must be able to contractually define the parameters of their exposure. Adopting the Taylor amendment will cause WYO companies to take a hard look at their continued participation in the program and jeopardize our support for the underlying bill. We look forward to continuing to work with you to enact a long-term NFIP reauthorization. Sincerely, Leigh Ann Pusey, President and CEO, American Insurance Association.

Ms. WATERS

Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5114 and to insert extraneous material thereon.