Lynn Woolsey

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, throughout my career in public life, and even before, nothing has motivated me more than a desire to end wars and violent conflicts. When I was a small girl saying bedtime prayers or making a birthday wish when blowing out the candles, I always asked for world peace. So it's no surprise that over a decade ago, I opposed the Iraq war before it even started. It was appalling that we would invade a nation that hadn't provoked us, had nothing to do with 9/11, and did not have weapons of mass destruction. It was a lonely fight at that time. But I didn't do it to be loved. It was a matter of principle. Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters, and I formed The Triad--Woolsey, Waters, and Lee--to organize our opposition. We held forums, we developed an Out of Iraq Caucus, we traveled around the country, and in January 2005, I offered the first amendment here on the House floor calling for our troops to be brought home. Some in my own party thought that it was a mistake, that we wouldn't get any votes--or enough votes--and that we would be embarrassed. Well, I told them that even if I were the only one voting to bring our troops home, I would not be embarrassed. Well, as it happened, we got 128 bipartisan votes that very first time. So you see, Mr. Speaker, when you lead, people follow. Because of a handful of progressive leaders and progressives in our country that were vocal and fearless, eventually public opinion turned. It turned against the Iraq war and turned towards peace. If we and other outspoken advocates hadn't ignored conventional wisdom and hadn't pressed for peace, the war in Iraq could still be going on today. In April, Mr. Speaker, of 2004, I started speaking from this very spot on the House floor about my strong anti-Iraq war convictions. Eventually, these speeches focused on Afghanistan, where we've now been waging war for more than 11 years, despite more than 2,000 Americans dead and nearly $600 billion wasted and even though we are undermining our own interests in failing to bring security and stability to Afghanistan. Over the last 8-plus years, I've spoken here nearly every day that I could to drive home what a moral disaster and strategic failure these wars have been. When constituents and others call or come up to me or write and thank me, I say, But we're still there. I don't deserve thanks until all of our troops are home. You know, Mr. Speaker, because you've been here for many of them, that my speeches haven't just been about bringing our troops home. They've offered a new vision for global engagement. From here I've outlined my SMART Security platform, which calls for development and diplomacy instead of invasions and occupations; civilian surges instead of military surges. SMART Security means helping other nations educate their children, care for their sick, and strengthen their democratic institutions. SMART Security says we can make America safe by building international good will and by empowering people with humanitarian assistance instead of sending troops or launching drone attacks. It's the right thing to do. It's the smart thing to do. And it costs pennies on the dollar compared to military force. So, Mr. Speaker, today I'm delivering that message for the 444th and final time on the House floor to speak on a 5-minute Special Order. This is the last of my Special Order speeches on war and peace and SMART Security. I'm retiring from Congress at the end of this year, and I believe part of my legacy will be that I worked diligently for peace and a safer world. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to acknowledge that sometimes I've been accused of wanting a ``perfect world.'' But I consider that a compliment. Our Founders strove to form a ``more perfect Union.'' Why shouldn't we aim for a perfect world? You see, I'm absolutely certain that if we don't work toward a perfect world, we won't ever come close to providing a safe, healthy, and secure world for our grandchildren and their grandchildren. I thank my wonderful staff who have helped me over the last 20 years to work for a perfect world, which means peace, health, and security for all.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, on December 11, 2012, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to record my vote for Rollcall No. 620. Had I been present I would have voted: Rollcall No. 620--``yes''--On approving the Journal.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Thank you, George, for doing this. Thank you for honoring those of us that have been here and now are leaving. I arrived feeling very green and feeling very good 20 years ago. I had no idea how little I knew about how to get something done in the Congress. I knew where I had burned in my belly, I knew what issues were important to me, and those issues have stayed important to me for the last 20 years. But I had the advantage of working with some very wonderful senior Members who generously helped me along, and I had the privilege of having very talented staff who built the stage that I could dance on. You can't do that unless it's teamwork, and I thank everybody that has been a part of these last 20 years. It's been quite a ride, and I'm glad I did it. Thank you very much, George.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, we observed World AIDS Day, a time to remember those lost to this horrific disease and to recommit ourselves to prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure. For more than 30 years now, HIV/AIDS has exacted a huge toll, killing more than 25 million people. Every 9.5 minutes in our country, someone is infected. But this is predominantly a disease of the developing world. A shocking 33.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS today, almost all in the world's poorer countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Too many of them don't have access to the medication and overall health care infrastructure that they need. AIDS is linked to many other problems of poverty, malnutrition, and other infectious diseases as well. It contributes to instability and a sense of hopelessness in countries that are already susceptible to violence and terrorism. If we don't contain and defeat this epidemic, it will undermine democratic governments, it will continue to impede economic growth overseas, and it will threaten us right here in the United States. In other words, this isn't just an economic issue or a health care issue; it's a national security issue. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, over the last decade, ``acting in our national security interests'' has come to mean invading and occupying foreign nations. The Iraq war lasted 9 years and was responsible for untold human misery. The Afghanistan war, now in its 12th year, continues to damage our national security interests instead of enhancing them. It hasn't defeated the Taliban, nor has it alleviated crushing poverty or produced a stable democracy in Afghanistan. And then there's the cost--some $10 billion a month. That would be a staggering amount of money for a successful policy. For a failed policy, it's downright scandalous. And it is rarely mentioned in all the conversations about so-called deficit crises and fiscal cliffs. USAID and other civilian arms of government could do a world of good towards solving the AIDS crisis with a fraction of that money. Why does the Pentagon get a blank check while agencies that dispense aid have to fight for every single nickel that they receive? Why do we spend without restraint on wars and weapons that destroy lives but we squeeze those programs that save lives? For many years now--and you have all heard me; this is my 443rd 5- minute speech on this issue. For many years now, I have been promoting the idea of SMART Security. SMART Security means protecting our interests not with military force or by maintaining a massive nuclear arsenal, but by investing in development and diplomacy and through humanitarian assistance and partnerships around the world. At the AIDS Conference in Washington this past summer, there was a panel discussion on how, in the struggle against HIV/AIDS, we can do more with less. And what I want to know is: Why do we have to settle for less when it comes to HIV/AIDS? This is a humanitarian crisis. Our sense of moral decency should compel us to invest whatever it takes to bring an end to it. It's not just the right thing, Mr. Speaker; it's the smart thing to do for our national security. Let's bring our troops home, let's implement SMART Security now, and let's have the resources available for what we really need to invest in around the world.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, on November 15-16, 2012, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to record my vote for Rollcall Nos. 605-608. Had I been present I would have voted: Rollcall No. 605: NO--On Ordering the Previous Question Rollcall No. 607: NO--On Agreeing to the Resolution Rollcall No. 608: YES--Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act Rollcall No. 609: NO--Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, Congressman Mike Thompson, to acknowledge and honor Janet Orchard's record of public service upon her retirement from the Cotati City Council. Ms. Orchard was first elected to the Council in 2002, re-elected in 2004 and 2008 and served as Mayor in 2002, 2006, and 2011. During her tenure, the Council adopted the city's mobile home rent stabilization ordinance and formula-based fast food ordinances, and approved Cotati's first medical marijuana dispensary. She was also instrumental in helping shape the downtown area through her advocacy for the city's Downtown Specific Plan, the Cotati Arts Project and the establishment of the Cotati Historical Society Museum. Ms. Orchard conducted all of the research needed to secure the adoption of a living wage ordinance, ensuring that all city employees would receive adequate pay, and was instrumental in the adoption of a policy allowing Cotati to recognize the Mexican Matricula as a form of identification. Her most enduring legacy is the creation of Falleti Park in downtown Cotati. Slated for high density housing development, Ms. Orchard worked with the property owners and the County Open Space District to save the parcel as a reminder of the city's rural heritage. Along with these accomplishments, Ms. Orchard represented the city on the Sonoma County Mayors and Councilmembers Association Legislative Committee, chaired the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, served as a Director of the North Bay Watershed Association and as liaison to the Association of Housing, Community and Economic Development Policy Committee. Mr. Speaker, although Ms. Orchard is retiring from the Cotati City Council, we are confident that she will continue to be an active participant in civil life in her community. Accordingly, it is both fitting and proper that we acknowledge her today.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, it's the time of year when families reunite and renew their very close connections--connections that are actually, in most instances, the most precious parts of our lives. This Thanksgiving I know all of us were grateful for the company of those we love the most. But more than 2,000 American families sat at tables where there was one less serving of the Thanksgiving meal just a week ago. Those families lost a loved one in the deadly war in Afghanistan-- now more than 11 years long and a tragically reckless policy. I'm personally grateful for the service of all of our Afghanistan veterans and for their sacrifice and for the sacrifice of our military families. But sometimes I don't know how we as a Congress and a Nation can look them right straight in the face after everything we've put them through. The benefits of this war don't come close to justifying the devastating human cost--not just fatalities, but disfiguring wounds, lost limbs, traumatic brain injury, and demons of post- traumatic stress. They all add up to tragedy at the utmost. For too many of our veterans, the transition back to civilian life is a daily struggle. Many face not just health care challenges but joblessness, housing and credit troubles, and overall economic anxiety and stress. We've had enough of this. Why would we want to extend a war that has given so much misery and so much heartache and so few actual national security benefits? The American people have rendered their verdict on the occupation of Afghanistan. Poll after poll shows they want it over. Who can blame them? In fact, the public opinion was so clear during the last Presidential election that both candidates for President in this year's campaign were saying that they would end the war. But the question, Mr. Speaker, is, When? The current 2014 timetable is not nearly aggressive enough--not when we're losing brave servicemembers every single week, not when our military presence is sustaining the very extremists we're trying to defeat, and not when American taxpayers are paying the bill to the tune of $10 billion a month, at least. And now it seems that our policymakers might be planning for a significant military presence in Afghanistan beyond 2014. According to a new New York Times article last weekend, one of the options on the table calls for 10,000 American troops and several thousand more NATO troops to remain on the ground after 2014. Sources say that General John Allen, our top commander in Afghanistan, prefers to keep as many as 60,000 troops for another year. As The Times editorial board points out, this is not the ``steady pace'' of troop withdrawal that the President has promised. This is unacceptable. We ought to have a role in Afghanistan, but it cannot and must not be a military role. We need more humanitarian aid, more support for education, health care, democracy promotion, civil society, and so much more. But we will not make America safer and we will not make Afghanistan stronger by continuing this war. The only morally decent and strategically sensible approach is to bring our troops home now--certainly before 2014.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Santa Rosa Symphony on the occasion of its orchestral opening of the Green Music Center. The Green Music Center is a recently-completed music and art venue on the campus of Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California. Named after Donald and Maureen Green, it is comprised of the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall and the Schroeder Recital Hall as well as a multi-use education facility and an elegant hospitality center. The symphony made its debut performance as Resident Orchestra of the Green Music Center on September 30, 2012. In 1998, the Board of Directors of the Santa Rosa Symphony marked a new era by joining Sonoma State University to raise funds for a new concert hall. Although this was no easy task, persistence paid off. Donald Green has been the spirit of the project; start-up financial support and leadership from Don and his wife Maureen, the vision of Sonoma State President Ruben Arminana, and the assistance of Sandy and Joan Weill plus hundreds of supporters of the Santa Rosa Symphony has made the Center a reality. With this project, the symphony enhances its dream of being one of the leading regional symphony orchestras in America. Fourteen years later, the completion of the Green Music Center and Weill Hall is an impressive and important step towards fulfilling that vision. On September 30th, the Santa Rosa Symphony celebrated 85 years of music and stepped over the threshold of its new home at the Green Music Center. The symphony also recognized three talented individuals who helped develop and usher in this new era: Conductor Emeritus Corrick Brown, Conductor Laureate Jeffrey Kahane and current Music Director Bruno Ferrandis. The first performance was mesmerizing as Maestro Brown conducted Beethoven's overture, Consecration of the House as an appropriate beginning in the acoustically-superb Weill Hall, and Maestro Ferrandis took the podium for the remainder of the program. It included Ravel's Bolero, Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto performed by Kahane, Copland's great Canticle of Freedom, featuring the 100-voice Symphony Honor Choir, and ended with three encores. To mark this long-awaited moment, the Symphony also commissioned an orchestral work. by Petaluma resident and critically-acclaimed contemporary composer Nolan Gasser. His Sonoma Overture evoked the natural beauty of Sonoma County and recognized the energy and dynamism of its cities, industries and people. This was truly a transformative moment that seldom is afforded any American orchestra--to call a world class concert hall its home, rivaling the Vienna Philharmonic's Musikverein concert hall and the Boston Symphony's Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood. In addition to being a home for the symphony, the Center will serve as a venue to showcase excellent music from around the Bay Area and beyond. In fact, just a day before the symphony's opening performance, renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang dazzled at the Green Music Center's grand opening with a one-night-only recital. And only a week later, on October 6th, Music Director Bruno Ferrandis partnered with the Kronos Quartet to perform Mozart's Overture to The Magic Flute, Mahler's Symphony No. I, Titan, and the world premiere of Concerto for String Quartet, Orchestra and Electronics, The Last Internal Combustion Engine by composerin-residence Edmund Campion. Mr. Speaker, we congratulate the Santa Rosa Symphony for all its hard work. Truly a new dawn is breaking for this orchestra and for Sonoma County that will both invite and challenge them to new heights of artistic excellence and community engagement.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, since the House last convened in late September, about 30 more Americans have given their lives in the war in Afghanistan. The total number of fatalities has now passed 2,000. And as of October 7, we've been at war in Afghanistan for a staggering 11 years. There are more than 2,000 families that will have an empty chair this Thanksgiving, more than 2,000 families with a void that can't possibly be filled--husbands and wives who will have to go on without their life partner, children missing a parent, parents who are suffering the terrible grief of losing a child. The human cost has become too steep for our Nation to bear. We can't ask our troops and their families to endure any more sacrifice for a military occupation--now more than a decade old--which has not accomplished its goals and is undermining our national security as well. And of course, the fiscal burden is one that rests on the shoulders of every single taxpaying American. The Afghanistan pricetag would be high even for a successful, well-executed policy that was actually making America stronger. But to waste the people's money to the tune of $10 billion a month on this failure is a national scandal. To every one of my colleagues who has spoken on this floor about excessive government spending, it's time to look at the cost of foreign wars before we start cutting domestic programs that our very own people need to survive. It's not just progressives like me who believe we need a change in policy, Mr. Speaker. There is a clear consensus among the American people. They agree that this military occupation is bad for America, bad for Afghanistan, and bad for the cause of peace and stability around the world. I think it was pretty telling that, during the recent campaign, even the Republican candidate for President ended up supporting a withdrawal of troops by 2014. But in my opinion, that's not nearly soon enough. Now that the Presidential campaign is over, we must accelerate that timetable and end this war as soon as is safely possible because every remaining day that we have troops on the ground is another day that gives strength to the very extremists that we're trying to defeat. The time has come to invest in Afghanistan the right way, with humanitarian aid and civilian support rather than military force. It's time for a SMART Security approach that puts development and diplomacy first--not just in Afghanistan but throughout the developing world and in other nations where terrorism poses a threat. It's not only the right thing to do, Mr. Speaker; it's the most cost-effective way as well. It's pennies on the dollar to invest in humanitarian support for nations rather than military involvement. On Sunday, many of us took part in Veterans Day parades back in our home districts. In doing so, we heard expressed that our Nation is so grateful for the service of these men and women, those who left their families and their communities to serve their country. I bow to no one in my respect for our veterans and those currently deployed overseas. But I believe the best way for us to support them right now and the best way to honor American values is to end the war in Afghanistan and bring our troops home.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr, Speaker, I rise today to honor a city in my District on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its establishment. Incorporated in 1962, Rohnert Park has become an integral part of Sonoma County's historical and cultural heritage. The land that would become Rohnert Park was known as Rancho Cotate when it was granted by General Mariano Vallejo to one of his soldiers in 1844. During the next century, the land would change ownership many times and experience much development. After World War II, when Sonoma County experienced a surge in growth, the City of Rohnert Park was conceived and developed by two Sonoma County lawyers, Paul Golis and Maurice Fredericks, who had a vision of a vibrant planned community in the heart of the valley. Their concept stressed the importance of ``neighborhood units'', groups of houses centered around schools and parks, in order to provide ample recreation to city-dwellers. Through collaboration and hard work, Rohnert Park was established in 1962. Today it is proud to serve its residents with many recreational amenities and attractions. Rohnert Park is home to two municipal swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course, and bike, hiking, and equestrian trails. The city also contains Sonoma State University and the Green Music Center. Mr. Speaker, Rohnert Park is an important city in the heart of Sonoma County. Please join me in honoring Rohnert Park on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Rep. Mike Thompson to recognize the outstanding career of John Lowry. John is retiring after 28 years of service with Burbank Housing. His inspirational leadership in providing affordable housing in Sonoma County, California has given thousands of disadvantaged and low-income Sonoma County residents a place they can call home. Originally from New York City, John graduated from New York University and holds BA and MA degrees with majors in economics, politics and history. He later decided to obtain a general contractors license and build his own home. This sparked his interest in self-help housing, which he would later incorporate into Burbank Housing's Homeownership Program. John began his career of providing affordable housing to Sonoma County California as a project manager on Burbank's first two projects. He was their second employee. Under John's leadership, the non-profit has grown to 140 employees who build, manage and maintain 2,700 affordable rental units as well as helping another 750 families own their homes. John's work has been lauded by his peers, including being named an Inspirational Non-Profit Leader. The Sonoma County Housing Coalition has honored him with both their Lifetime Achievement Award and their Housing Hero Award. John also serves our community by working with the California Coalition for Rural Housing and the Home Builders Association of Northern California. He has served on the board of Nonprofit Housing Association of Northern California as well. In retirement, John plans to continue working to influence state and local housing policies. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we thank John Lowry for his many years of service on behalf of the people of Sonoma County. He has worked tirelessly to demonstrate his unwavering belief that low-income people of all ages, backgrounds and special needs deserve to live in decent, affordable housing. For this, he deserves our appreciation.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Berner, who will be retiring after 28 years as Executive Director of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) in Marin County, CA. Bob's inspiring leadership has resulted in the protection of countless family farms and ranches and the preservation of thousands of acres of farmland in Marin County. Today, largely through his guidance, MALT is recognized as a national leader in agricultural land preservation. Prior to MALT, Bob was Executive Director of The Foundation for San Francisco's Architectural Heritage and Vice-President of Finance at The Nature Conservancy. He is a founding member and current co-chair of the California Council of Land Trusts and a member of the steering committee of the Bay Area Open Space Council. He holds a law degree from Duke University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. MALT was founded in the 1970s by a unique alliance of environmentalists and ranchers who realized that development proposals for Marin County would destroy cherished farmland and beautiful open space. Bob took the reins at a time when much of the economic focus in the region and the nation had been on non-agricultural development. He proved that it is possible to foster growth and economic opportunity in agriculture. Thanks to his efforts, Marin is and will continue to be, home to renowned dairy, meat, and organic produce which are served in the Bay Area and beyond. Mr. Speaker, Robert Berner's diligent work has helped establish an effective national model for agricultural land preservation, enabled countless Marin County farms to thrive, and provided consumers with organic, local produce, dairy, and meat. Please join me in honoring his distinguished career.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. I thank the gentleman for leading this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we were debating work requirements under the TANF program. Well, after we've all listed the issues that the Republicans have refused to address in this Congress, we can say that we know a bunch of people who should be subjected to a work requirement. They take home a lot of Federal dollars. They're actually on the public dole, but they don't seem to be doing very much work. And I'm talking about the do-nothing Republicans in this Congress. I don't blame them for wanting to hurry home for their campaigns because a lot of their jobs must be in jeopardy. On the other hand, when they get there, they might find their constituents pretty frustrated that they haven't done their jobs and they have not met their responsibilities. Every single day that we're here, my colleagues across the aisle put forward bills that have no hope of becoming law and exist only to promote Republican talking points. Time and time again, they have chosen gridlock and confrontation over progress and cooperation. They haven't lifted a finger to pass the President's jobs package, even though it contains many, many ideas that the Republicans supported in the past. They want to destroy health care reform instead of building on it. They have refused to work with Democrats on education issues, failing to invest in our children, who are 100 percent of our future. They haven't done a thing to support the middle class and give them hope for the future. It's no wonder the Congress has record-low approval ratings. But, Mr. Speaker, most disappointing of all to me is the Republican Congress's failure to lead on issues of national security and war and peace. While we're on recess, the war in Afghanistan will turn 11 years old. Eleven years--and more. More than 2,000 Americans are dead, thousands more are wounded, and taxpayers are out more than half a trillion dollars, all for a policy that continues to undermine our national security goals instead of advancing them. The brave servicemembers who are putting life and limb on the line in Afghanistan don't get a recess. When we adjourn, they will continue to be very much ``in session.'' Their ``district work period'' is in districts in Afghanistan, where the Taliban is poised to strike--some at the most dangerous places imaginable. The war isn't just morally reprehensible; it's fiscally irresponsible. And the very same Members who want to cut every domestic program to the bone have barely blinked an eye when it comes to billions and billions of dollars in misplaced war appropriations. When is the Congress going to catch up with the American people? Certainly not between now and the election, because we've gone home. The people we work for know that it makes no sense to continue military occupation, that it's doing more harm than good, creating more terrorists than it's defeating, making us less safe, not more. The American people have made it abundantly clear: they want us to be here. They want us to be debating this war. They're done with this war. They want us to vote to bring our troops home safely. The country faces huge challenges. Our people are crying out for leadership, and the Majority wants to turn out the lights. Actually, they have gone home. Americans desperately want the Congress to do something to create jobs and jump-start the economy, something to create peace and security; but the Republicans in Congress have gone home. They have left the work site. They're gone.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, in April of the year 2004, I rose in this Chamber to speak for 5 minutes about my conviction that the war in Iraq was a dangerous, immoral policy, and it was hurting America and our national security. Since then, I've delivered a similar message nearly every day that it was possible when we were in session, and once the Iraq war finally drew to a close, I moved on to focus on the ongoing military occupation of Afghanistan, which soon will be in its 11th year, costing us more than 2,000 American lives and more than half a trillion dollars and counting. Today is my 440th 5-minute Special Order calling for an end of these wars and the safe return of our troops to their families right here at home. I'm not proud of having reached that number. I would much prefer that the speeches were no longer necessary. But since I'm retiring from the House at the end of this year, my 20th year in Congress, one of my biggest disappointments is that we haven't shown the leadership, the courage, and the resolve to finally secure peace. We are still mired in this Afghanistan conflict, even though the evidence is overwhelming that it's doing more harm than good, even though it's emboldening terrorists and insurgents rather than defeating them, even though it's breeding resentment of America instead of winning hearts and minds. We are still mired in this conflict, even though a clear majority of the American people no longer want any part of it. I will not return to the House in 2013, so this will be one of my final opportunities to press this point. But as long as our troops remain in harm's way, and as long as this dreadful policy continues, I will continue to speak out and speak up. I know there are many proud and fearless opponents of this war on both sides of the aisle who will continue to lead this effort right here in Congress. Time and time again what I have advocated is not just an end to these wars, but the beginning of a new approach to combating terrorism and keeping America safe. We need to lead with American cooperation and compassion around the world, not American weapons and brute force. We need SMART Security, a plan that puts the focus on development and diplomacy. We need a strategy that gives people hope and improves their lives instead of invading and occupying their lands. This is not only the humane approach, Mr. Speaker, it's also the more pragmatic one, the one that will truly advance our national security goals, and it's a lot more cost-effective. Helping people costs pennies on the dollar compared to waging war. A lot of people have said to me over the years, Woolsey, your problem is that you think we can have a perfect world. Well, consider me guilty as charged. I don't believe there is anything wrong with idealism and ambitious goals because I'm absolutely certain that if we don't strive for a perfect world, we won't ever come close to providing a safe, secure, and peaceful world for our grandchildren and their grandchildren, and that's our job here in Congress.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that my team came in second to Tennessee. Tennessee was the only team that beat them--but beat them twice. They did a stand-up job. So did our kids in Petaluma. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I took part in a moving naturalization ceremony as 50 new people from 20 different countries took the oath that made them Americans--225 years to the day that the Founders signed the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Speaker, there's no constitutional right more precious than the right of self-governance. These new Americans were excited for the very opportunity to vote in this upcoming election. That's why we should do everything possible to ensure that every eligible American can do just that. Unfortunately, several States are throwing up barriers to voter participation, restricting ballot access to silence peoples' voices. Mr. Speaker, guess who is disenfranchised by strict photo ID requirements and the like? It's not Republicans. It's communities of color and low-income families.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Well, here we are, Mr. Speaker, 24 hours before the majority closes shop and sends us home for 7 weeks, and what are we debating? Are we talking about creating jobs for families who are struggling to make ends meet and wondering what happened to the American Dream? No, of course not. Instead, we're taking up yet another divisive partisan measure that will do nothing to kick-start the economy or help people who have been kicked in the teeth by this recession. The Obama administration's TANF waivers promote work. They allow States the flexibility. For example, they allow States to consider education as work, providing education and training, to move people off welfare so that they can find jobs that actually pay a living wage so they can support their families. Mr. Speaker, I've been on public assistance. I know what it's like. It's a bad, bad feeling. It doesn't make you proud. I did it because I had to, certainly not because I wanted to. I would wake up in the middle of the night frozen in fear of what would happen if one of my three children, they were 1, 3 and 5 years old, got ill. What if they broke an arm. They were rowdy little kids. What if they grew out of their shoes before I planned to buy new shoes? It was a very scary time. The day that I went off welfare was the day that I celebrated because I didn't need it. I could stand on my own two feet. But I guess we shouldn't be surprised by this debate. The majority party's current standard bearer has said he believes 47 percent of the American people are essentially--and that would have been me back there with my children--freeloaders and parasites who don't take responsibility for themselves. That's outrageous and it is class warfare. Denigrating the poor and the middle class is a favorite strategy on the right. It should be creating jobs, but it doesn't seem to be the way they go. I would like to suggest, Mr. Speaker, that we stop all this tomfoolery and we think about the people in this country. We know we have a job to do, and that job should be done before we leave here.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with both pride and sadness to honor my friend Robert Frank Ohrenschall, a Marin County businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader who passed away on August 28, 2012 in San Rafael, CA. Bob was known for his intelligence, wit, and compassionate heart combined with warmth that enabled him to connect with people. Born on June 9, 1926, Bob grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, graduating from Boys' Latin School in 1944. After receiving a B.A. in American History from Yale University, he first moved to New York City to work for an ad agency, and then served as a U.S. Navy lieutenant during the Korean War. After his military service, Bob came to San Francisco, where he worked for an ad agency and met his future wife, Susan Page. He and Sue were married in 1955 and settled in Greenbrae to raise their four children. In 1960, Bob and his partner Huntley Soyster founded Soyster & Ohrenschall, a San Francisco-based design company which became the leading firm in the field. After the company was acquired in the mid-1980s, Bob was able to devote more time to other interests. Travelling, reading, and family time were among his favorite pastimes. He and Sue visited close to 50 countries and enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren on the West Coast and in Spain. Bob's philanthropy demonstrated his commitment to a broad range of local, national, and international causes, from education to the environment to medical needs in developing countries. He devoted his talent, energy, and personal resources to numerous organizations, including the Eisenhower Institute, San Francisco State University College of Business, Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies, Tiburon-Belvedere Rotary Club, WiRED International and International Diplomacy Council. He also supported the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, Boys' Latin School and College of Marin. From successful business executive to devoted family man, dedicated naval officer to compassionate philanthropist, Bob was a very gifted and caring individual who touched many lives. He connected with people across the political spectrum, referring to himself as my ``embedded republican friend.'' In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his four children, Mark, Ross, Page, and Sally, and their families. Mr. Speaker, Robert Frank Ohrenschall leaves a legacy that will inspire generations to come. I ask you to join me in honoring his life.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County, CA, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Millions of people--and flora and fauna--have benefitted from the law President John F. Kennedy signed on September 13, 1962, ``to save and preserve, for the purpose of public recreation, benefit, and inspiration, a portion of the diminishing seashore of the United States that remains undeveloped.'' Celebrating with the theme of A Natural Sanctuary, A Human Haven, Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) truly embodies these values. From its pristine beaches and forests to its ranches and grasslands, the area provides recreational and cultural resources as well as habitat for a wide variety of species. And nearly one-third of known marine mammal species feed in the waters just off the park's coast. The Point Reyes peninsula has an unusually rich history. Coast Miwok Indians inhabited the peninsula 500 years ago, and, in 1579, Sir Francis Drake and his crew became the first Europeans to meet the Miwoks when they stopped to replenish water and supplies. The survivors of a shipwrecked Manila galleon came ashore a few decades later, foreshadowing a history of shipwrecks that led to the establishment of dramatic lighthouses and lifesaving stations that exist today. In the 19th century, ranchos were developed by Mexican land grantees, and ranching continues today in pastoral zones in which cows share the landscape with native birds, plants, and animals. Lying on the San Andreas Fault, PRNS also displays the effects of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the sign of geological land in motion as the peninsula moves north at the rate of two inches a year. This special area was first conceived as a park in 1938, and today it hosts over two million visitors a year. It is one of the country's most visited national parks. Mr. Speaker, it takes hard work by many visionary and dedicated people to create and maintain a jewel like Point Reyes National Seashore. I am proud to congratulate all of them on 50 years of providing A Natural Sanctuary, A Human Haven.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Spectrum LGBT Center on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. Located in Marin County, CA, Spectrum has been a leader and an integral part of the community for three decades. With a mission ``to promote acceptance, understanding, and full inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people,'' Spectrum has engaged in mobilizing and advocating for people who are LGBTQ, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning, and their friends, families, and supporters. Founded by the Reverend Jane Spahr in 1982 as a support program for LGBT youth in Marin, Spectrum has grown under the leadership of current director Paula Pilecki. The agency now provides programs for seniors, counseling, advocacy, training, and public awareness and coordinates with organizations around the North Bay. This year, it launched the Spectrum LGBT Equality Pledge for businesses and professional organizations that want to show their support. Mr. Speaker, thanks to organizations like Spectrum LGBT Center, we have seen progress over the last 30 years in rights for LGBTQ individuals. There is still much work to do, and we will continue to rely on Spectrum until full equality is achieved. Congratulations to Paula Pilecki and the staff at Spectrum on their 30th anniversary.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Petaluma National Little League All Stars for their amazing run in the 2012 Little League World Series. I couldn't be prouder of the way they represented our community and themselves. Even though they fell short of the national championship, they distinguished themselves as one of the nation's and the world's best youth baseball teams. More than 6,500 teams from around the globe entered the tournament, and the boys from Petaluma finished second in the United States and third in the world. They played more games than any other team in the tournament, winning five and losing two. Even in their final loss to Tennessee, they showed fierce determination and a refusal to give up, rallying for a 10-run comeback to force the game into extra innings. Bradley Smith led the way with an astounding .636 batting average, a tournament-leading 14 hits, a record-breaking 6 doubles and 11 RBI, as well as great fielding and pitching. Hance Smith hit .429, leading the team with 4 home runs and knocking home more runs (12) than any other player in the Little League World Series. Daniel Marzo hit .348 with a walk-off game-winning home run in extra innings against New Jersey, on top of his outstanding pitching. Cole Tomei batted .333 with clutch hitting and dazzling third base defense that reminded many of Brooks Robinson. Logan Douglas, who provided great all-around leadership and top-notch relief pitching, also had a .318 batting average, and his 11 runs scored were the second-highest in the tournament Catchers Austin Paretti and James O'Hanlon provided perfect handling of the pitching staff throughout the tournament, with James contributing timely hits and Austin adding 8 runs scored in only 8 at- bats. Dylan Moore, Blake Buhrer and Kempton Brandis all contributed clutch performances, including Kempton's two home runs against Tennessee; Blake's big hit to spark a rally against New Jersey; and Dylan's overall solid work in the field, on the mound and at bat. Porter Slate scored 8 runs out of the leadoff slot while playing stellar defense at second base. Quinton Gago's home run against the Southwest would still be going if it hadn't hit the side of a hill. And his dominant pitching performance against Texas gave the team a huge lift. Andrew White provided outstanding relief pitching, not just in the Little League World Series (where he earned the team's only save), but throughout District 35 and regional play. Not enough can be said about the coaching staff, led by manager Eric Smith. He, pitching coach Trevor Tomei and assistant coach Mike Slate built a cohesive group that gasped and applied the fundamentals of the game. Their commitment to the team and the families was nothing short of remarkable. They didn't just teach the boys on-the-field skills; they instilled in them poise, determination and drive. The Petaluma National Little League All Stars are talented ballplayers, but they also succeeded because of grit, hustle and desire. Most importantly, at every step along the way, they revealed themselves to be poised young men of strong character. They demonstrated sportsmanship in victory and in defeat. They were models of teamwork and discipline, qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives. And they were backed up by a tight-knit community that couldn't have been more enthusiastic and supportive. There were generous fundraising efforts to allow family members to travel to Williamsport to see the games in person. There was hardly a movie theater, restaurant or bar in town that wasn't showing the games. Their effort was inspiring. It filled us with pride. What fun it was to see them have so much fun. The Petaluma National Little League All-Stars exemplify what is best about youth sports. They have been true to the mission and values of Little League Baseball. Their performance on and off the field is a testament to their coaches, their parents and their teachers. These boys are unquestionably champions. They are America's future, giving us great confidence for our country. Today we honor and salute the Petaluma National Little League All-Stars.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute the Little League 12-year-old All-Stars from my hometown of Petaluma, California. I salute them for their amazing run in the 2012 Little League World Series. I couldn't be prouder of the way they represented our community and themselves. Even though they fell short of the championship, they distinguished themselves as one of this year's best youth baseball teams, finishing second in the country and third in the world. Even in their final loss to Tennessee, they showed fierce determination, rallying for a 10-run comeback to force extra innings. Each and every player contributed to the effort. Bradley Smith led the way with an astounding .636 batting average, a tournament-leading 14 hits, a record-breaking 6 doubles, and 11 RBIs, as well as great fielding and pitching. Hance Smith hit .429, leading the team with 4 home runs and knocking more home runs--12--than any other player in the tournament. Daniel ``Danny'' Marzo hit .348 with a walk-off home run against New Jersey, on top of his outstanding pitching. Cole Tomei batted .333 with clutch hitting and dazzling third-base defense that actually reminded many of Brooks Robinson. Logan Douglas, who provided great all-around leadership and topnotch relief pitching, also had a .318 batting average, and his 11 runs scored were the second-highest in the tournament. Catchers Austin Paretti and James O'Hanlon provided perfect handling of the pitching staff, with James ``Jay-O'' contributing timely hits and Austin adding eight runs scored in only eight at-bats. Dylan Moore, Blake Buhrer, and Kempton Brandis all contributed clutch performances, including Kempton's two home runs against Tennessee, Blake's big hit to spark a rally against New Jersey, and Dylan's overall solid work in the field, on the mound, and at bat. Porter Slate scored eight runs out of the leadoff spot while playing stellar defense at second base. Quinton Gago's home run against the Southwest would still be going if it hadn't hit the side of a hill. And his dominant pitching performance against Texas gave the team a huge lift. Andrew White provided outstanding relief pitching, not just in the Little League World Series, but throughout district 35 and regional play. Madam Speaker, not enough can be said about the coaching staff: Manager Eric Smith, Trevor Tomei, and Mike Slate. Their commitment to the team and to the families was nothing short of remarkable. They just didn't teach the boys skills and fundamentals; they instilled in them poise, determination, and drive. The Petaluma National League All-Stars are talented ballplayers, but they also succeeded because of grit, hustle, and desire. They revealed themselves to be young men of maturity and strong character. They demonstrated sportsmanship in victory and in defeat. They were models of teamwork and discipline, qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives. These boys exemplify what is best about youth sports, being true to the mission and values of Little League baseball. Their performance on and off the field is a testament to their coaches, their parents, their teachers, and their individual character. These boys are unquestionably champions. They are tomorrow's leaders, and they give confidence for our country's future.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Too many American women-- sisters, daughters, nieces, wives, friends, neighbors, and coworkers-- are losing their lives to this disease. This year alone, more than 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 15,000 will die of the disease. Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer among women, and the deadliest of gynecologic cancers. If ovarian cancer is treated before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is 93 percent. But, because there is no ovarian cancer screening or early detection test, many women won't learn their diagnosis until the odds are against them. We must do everything we can to make women aware of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of ovarian cancer before it is too late. Doctors recommend that women see a gynecologist if they experience any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer daily for more than a few weeks. We must all become familiar with the early symptoms and share this information. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting investments in medical research. We must ensure that the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are receiving the funding they need to put an end to ovarian cancer. Investments in medical research will lead to breakthroughs in screening, early detection, and treatment. Today, I stand with the ovarian cancer community in their efforts to increase awareness of the symptoms, boost federal funding for ovarian cancer awareness, and expand federal research to improve treatments and develop a desperately needed screening or early detection test. Please join me in recognizing September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to increase public knowledge about this deadly disease and save lives.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, a few minutes from now, Members of the House and the Senate will head to the Capitol steps. We're going to the Capitol steps for a moment of remembrance to honor those who were killed in the attacks on September 11, 2001--September 11, 2001, a day that will forever be seared into the memory of American citizens and the world. Eleven years later, Mr. Speaker, spouses still grieve; children still feel the void; parents are still devastated by the loss of their children. It was a tragedy for individual families and for the entire Nation. One of the lingering tragedies of that day is that it led to policy decisions with terrible consequences that we're still living with today. Over the last decade-plus, violence and mayhem have just led to more violence and mayhem. Our continued military occupation of Afghanistan has not brought the stability. It has not brought security. It has not brought a strong democracy to that country. Afghanistan remains one of the poorest and most dangerous places on Earth. The Taliban has not been driven into oblivion. The terrorist threats continue. And according to a New York Times article this past weekend, even U.S. commanders are admitting that the Taliban remains ``resilient'' while al Qaeda is ``evolving'' and ``adapting.'' Mr. Speaker, while we in the House adjourned for the month of August, there was no recess for our troops. In fact, since we were last in session, another 60 U.S. servicemembers died in Afghanistan. Countless more suffered wounds to the body and to the brain. And then there are the Afghan civilians, many of them children, who are being killed every single day. How do we tell the families of these children that this is all for a good and just cause? We can't. Mr. Speaker, it's time to stop conducting national security policy on the principles of revenge and retaliation and on the false hope that we are making it better. The right way to secure and ensure security is to put America's best foot forward, to lead with our compassion and not our military power. That's what my SMART Security platform is all about. It puts development and diplomacy front and center, and it makes war a last resort. It is based on a commitment to improving the lives of Afghan people, alleviating power, creating economic opportunity, rebuilding infrastructure, improving education, and attacking public health problems in that area. We can't do this with the military surge. We can only do it with a civilian surge--a surge of experts, of aid workers, of technical experts, from engineers to midwives. Of course, our development agencies are doing this kind of work, and they're doing the best they can possibly do, but not nearly the scale that's necessary to make this possible. Compared to billions of dollars every month that we spend on the war, we're investing just a tiny fraction of that on humanitarian work that is so badly needed. Public opinion has turned dramatically against this war, and yet our most visible leaders continue to lag behind the people that elected them. The President of the United States says he will end this war in 2014, which is a good goal, but it is not nearly soon enough. His opponent, on the other hand, in the most important speech of his life a few weeks ago, didn't see fit to even mention Afghanistan--not even once. So, Mr. Speaker, when we gather on the steps of the Capitol, as I bow my head, it will be in remembrance of those who died 11 years ago today, and it will also be with a fervent prayer of hope that we can honor their memory by finally ending the war in Afghanistan and finally bringing our troops home.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, on July 25, 2012, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to record my vote for rollcall No. 438. Had I been present I would have voted: rollcall No. 504: ``yes''--Holt of New Jersey Part C Amendment No. 2.

Ms. WOOLSEY

Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, more than 2,000 U.S. troops have been killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, that dramatically understates the human cost of this war, a war that is now nearly 11 years old. A recent Time magazine cover story details the silent killer of our brave servicemembers--the tragically high suicide rate among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and other members of the service. The article describes how one Army helicopter pilot, who had flown 70 missions in Iraq over 9 months--70 missions over 9 months--waited on the phone for 45 minutes to speak to the Pentagon crisis line when he was in severe distress. The last communication his wife received from him was a text in which he said, ``Still on hold.'' Several hours later, she found him in their bedroom with a fatal gunshot wound to the neck. A second victim, an Army doctor who wasn't deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, wrote an email to his wife minutes before hanging himself. It read: Please always tell my children how much I love them, and most importantly, never, ever let them find out how I died. Mr. Speaker, we can no longer deny the devastating mental health impact of repeated deployments, of continued exposure to explosions, horror, carnage and destruction. Of course, in an institution like the U.S. military that values courage and toughness, there's a reluctance to admit to depression and anxiety. Sometimes that manifests itself in the worst possible ways. For example, one Army major general wrote an angry diatribe on his blog about the selfishness of troops who killed themselves or were leaving others to ``clean up their mess.'' He admonished: Act like an adult, and deal with your real-life problems like the rest of us. It's about time, Mr. Speaker, that we lost that attitude because we're losing brave Americans at a terrifying clip. In fact, according to the Time article, more soldiers have taken their own lives than have died in Afghanistan. While veterans make up 10 percent of the adult population, they account for 20 percent of the suicides. We are starting to see more awareness of this problem, thank Heavens. Secretary Panetta says the right things, but it's time to back up rhetoric. It's time to back it up with more resources because the fact is only 4 percent of the Pentagon's medical budget is devoted to mental health, about the same amount that we spend on the Afghan war every day and a half. We spend $2 billion a year to treat servicemembers suffering from psychological trauma, but we spend $10 billion a month on the war that is the root of much of that trauma in the first place. Even if the Afghanistan war ended tomorrow, Mr. Speaker, so much damage is already done. We would still be left with a huge crisis that will require more resolve than we are seemingly prepared to muster. I would expect every Member who has enthusiastically supported this war to just as eagerly support what it takes to fight the suicide epidemic this war has caused. It's time to stop the bleeding to make sure our heroes are removed from the conflict that is inflicting so much damage. We can start winning the war on suicide by ending the war in Afghanistan. Let's bring our troops home now.