Diane Watson

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 273) supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month, and for other purposes.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. WATSON. I have no further speakers, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, the importance of financial and fiscal responsibility cannot be overstated. Personal financial literacy is essential to ensure that individuals are prepared to manage money, credit and debt and become responsible workers, heads of households, investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders and citizens. That is why I am pleased to support H. Res. 273. Personal savings as a percentage of personal income decreased from 7.5 percent in the early 1980s to a negative 0.2 percent in the last quarter of 2005. As the resolution notes, 92 percent of college students acquire at least one credit card by their second year in college, yet only 26 percent of people between the ages of 13 and 21 reported that their parents actively taught them how to manage money. The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy seeks to improve the personal financial literacy of young adults. Jump$tart's purpose is to evaluate the financial literacy of young adults and to develop, disseminate and encourage the use of financial education standards for grades K-12 and promote the teaching of personal finance. To that end, Jump$tart has established 12 must-know personal financial principles for young people to improve their financial future. These 12 principles should be followed by adults as well. The 12 financial principles stressed during the Financial Literacy Month for Youth are map your financial future; Do not expect something for nothing, and high returns equal high risk; Know your take-home pay, compare interest rates, pay yourself first, and money doubles by the rule of 72; to determine how long it would take your money to double, divide the interest into 72; And your credit past is your credit future; Start saving young, stay insured, budget your money, do not borrow what you cannot repay, and let me add one more thing, pay all your taxes. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution supporting the goals of Financial Literacy Month and urge all my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to Representative Dennis A. Cardoza of California.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Ernest Gallo, who learned his craft of winemaking from a recipe in the basement of the Modesto public library with his brother Julio and with $5,900 of borrowed money, developed one of the largest wine empires in the world. They founded the E. & J. Gallo Winery in 1933 at the end of Prohibition. The Gallos rented a building and made an ordinary wine for 50 cents a gallon. They made $30,000 their first year of business. Mr. Ernest Gallo was an aggressive business leader who worked long hours and then went home and worked some more. His company made wines under more than 40 labels and employed 4,600 workers with wine sales in over 90 countries. For decades the name ``Gallo'' was synonymous with inexpensive California wine. Mr. Gallo battled that image with advertisement; with humor; and to a large extent, by buying up wineries with more exclusive labels than his own company. Robert Mondavi of Napa Valley, and a friend, said, ``Ernest was a visionary. He was committed to making America a wine-drinking country.'' Mr. Gallo lived and breathed wine. He aired wine commercials on TV and participated on wine promotion boards. He chaired the Wine Institute and mentored generations of winemakers. He erected wine billboards and traveled the country checking on wine displays in supermarkets. He enjoyed drinking his own wines, particularly a product that morphed over years from ``red table wine'' to ``Cabernet Sauvignon.'' Mr. Gallo had an uncanny talent for tapping into consumer tastes with sweet products such as Boone's Farm, which was so popular in the 1970s, which caused a worldwide shortage in the apple concentrate it was made from, and other products like Ripple and Thunderbird. He moved upscale in 1974, introducing high-quality, cork-finished varietal wines, but the venture failed. He also developed E. & J. brandy and Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers. Additionally, Mr. Gallo developed its Gallo of Sonoma line and began buying upscale competitors, including the Mirassou and Louis M. Martini labels, and introducing foreign brands Ecco and other types of wine. Mr. Gallo died unexpectedly in his Modesto home on March 6 of this year. He lived to the ripe old age of 97. And his brother Julio Gallo passed in 1993. I commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardoza) for introducing H. Con. Res. 88, honoring the life of Ernest Gallo, and I urge its swift passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 88) honoring the life of Ernest Gallo.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 71, to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, a leading association for 1.3 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this resolution, and I thank Mrs. Maloney for her leadership as the author of the resolution and as one of the Chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus. The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, known as AHEPA, was born out of the cruelty and subjugation imposed upon many minorities by hate groups during the early 20th century. The organization was founded in Atlanta in 1922 to respond to growing attacks on Greek Americans and Greek American businesses by the Ku Klux Klan. It has since grown to become the largest and oldest American- based, Greek-heritage grass-roots membership organization. AHEPA's initial interests were to cultivate Greek-owned businesses and help its members assimilate into American culture. Today, AHEPA's mission is to carry the legacy of Greek culture throughout generations. The organization continues to do this through diversification, language immersion and educational enrichment. AHEPA is known for its philanthropic resources which fund equal opportunity housing, hospitals, specialty schools and academic scholarships. While AHEPA primarily is a membership organization for Greek Americans or Americans of Greek descent, membership is open to all Americans who support the organization's mission. This is the finest tradition of Philhellenism, and reminds us that the modern relationship between the people of America and of Greece was forged by their parallel struggles for freedom from foreign tyranny, and by the inspiration we both take from the democracy first developed centuries ago in Greece. For 85 years the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association has remained an organization that embodies the true meaning of America. I commend AHEPA, and ask that my colleagues support this commendation. I urge all my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 71. Mr. Speaker, I reserve my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 71) commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the Nation's 1.3 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I would like to submit the following poem for the Record, written by Albert Carey Caswell: At A Way Ed At A Way Ed, To our world you so gave, all in what you said! In how you so searched for the truth, for in your heart we so found the proof . . . as you read! A--pioneer Who to all hearts so endeared, a man who knew no fear! For your mission was so clear, with your words of wisdom here . . . to enlighten all, so very clear! A man of color, of Great Hue! Who lived & fought for what is right & what is true! An inspiration, a hero for our children to view! Another great American, in this our great land . . . of That Old Red, White, and Blue! A tall man, Of kind voice, of quiet warm grace the peoples choice . . . who above all others would so stand! With his beard and ear ring, to the cause of truth himself he would bring . . . this man! Ed, you had such charm . . . in your own soft grace! The coolest of cool, that's what we'll remember whenever we hear your voice and see your face! For in the world of journalism, you shall always hold such this your fine high place! From the jungles of Nam, With Bob Dylan your lyrics were on, With The King Ali . . . all hearts were so touched so warm! As forever in our hearts, you shall now live on! For Life is so short, But, in your Sixty Minutes . . . In your time, here on earth are so many magic moments to report! You were Champion, A Fine Man . . . a great work of art, who now so stands . . . you were that sort! At A Boy Ed, You made it iook so easy, a bright ray in the light of truth . . . in all you did and what you said . . . How you taught so many, all in this . . . the fine life you led! Ed . . . You've got one more exclusive, You've got one last bag to pack, One last plane to catch . . . as an Angel who'll now so etch! God's waiting in Heaven for you, for that greatest of all interviews . . . we'll miss you, God Bless! At A Way Ed

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I just want to say that this is long overdue. Madam Speaker, I am elated that this bill is finally reaching the House floor for a vote--that we might finally be granting a voice in Congress to half a million patriotic taxpaying Americans. I know that my colleague, Eleanor Holmes Norton, is elated as well. Democracy for District residents is long overdue. There are over 500,000 residents living in DC and they pay some of the highest income taxes in the Nation, but they do not have full representation in Congress. This is unacceptable. DC residents should have the voice and voting rights that the other 50 States in this country share. Voting is fundamental to the Democratic process. It is the one act that allows the widest participation of the American public in our political process. Every voter who goes to the polls should be assured that his or her vote will be counted and the candidates they put in office will be able to have the voting power to voice their needs in this House. Madam Speaker, I am hopeful that when this bill passes, I will soon be able to call my colleague from the District of Columbia Congresswoman Holmes Norton and she will be joining me on the floor to vote and represent the people of Washington, DC to the fullest.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, every day the Bush White House is losing more credibility with the American people and with the Congress. Late last year the Justice Department fired eight U.S. Attorneys for purely political reasons. Last week, Attorney General Gonzales came to Capitol Hill and swore that the terminations had nothing to do with politics. But then 2 days ago we learned that these decisions were not made exclusively by the Justice Department. The political purge reached the highest levels at the White House and was actually prompted by President Bush. So much for no political involvement from the White House. Mr. Speaker, this information would have never come out if the new Democratic Congress did not take its oversight responsibility seriously. U.S. Attorneys should be free of political pressure and that is simply not the case with the Bush White House. We will continue to demand answers from an administration that is not too interested in working with Congress. It would be nice if they would finally learn their lesson and realize that it is time to level with both the Congress and the American people.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill and urge my colleagues to do so as well. This legislation extends the mandate of an important bipartisan panel created by Congress, appointed by the President and working on behalf of the American people. This group keeps a watchful eye on major efforts by the private sector and the U.S. Government to inform and to influence opinions overseas and to improve America's understanding of other lands. Since September 11, 2001, such efforts, known collectively as ``public diplomacy,'' have been recognized as an integral part of our country's work to foster better relations with people abroad. Congress created the predecessor of this panel more than half a century ago. Now it is called the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, and it deserves our sustained and enthusiastic support. The commission regularly delivers its findings and makes recommendations to the President, the Congress, the Secretary of State and the general public with easily accessible reports. These reports also include assessments of the scholarly integrity and political neutrality of the cultural and educational exchange programs of the Department of State. Mr. Speaker, the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy does good and important work. Its mandate should be extended not merely annually, but for nearly 3 years more, as our legislation ensures. I am proud to be the author of this legislation, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this short, but important, bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1003) to amend the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to reauthorize the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished African American actress and singer, Barbara McNair, who passed away in January after a long battle with cancer. She was a trailblazer, who had a successful recording and acting career in an era when few African Americans, particularly African American women, could sustain themselves in Hollywood. Barbara was also my dear friend. Barbara McNair was one of the world's most stunningly dynamic, talented, and beautiful singers, who achieved international fame not only as a singer, but also as a movie, television, and Broadway star. At a young age, Barbara moved to New York where she supported herself with a secretarial job while auditioning off-hours at a variety of New York nightclubs. Persistence eventually paid off when Max Gordon, proprietor of one of the most famous jazz clubs in New York, The Village Vanguard, offered her a job. Soon after, her big break came when she was tagged for a stint on The Arthur Godfrey Show. Not much later, she appeared in shows at world famous nightclubs such as the Purple Onion and the Coconut Grove. Barbara quickly became one of the country's most popular headliners and a guest on The Steve Allen Show, Hullabaloo, The Bell Telephone Hours, and The Hollywood Palace. She also made guest appearances on popular television shows of the day, including Dr. Kildare, I Spy, Mission: Impossible, Hogan's Heroes, and McMillan and Wife. She hosted television's The Barbara McNair Show, a musical and comedy show in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her movie credits include If He Hollers Let Him Go, playing opposite Raymond St. Jacques; They Call Me Mr. Tibbs, with Sydney Poitier; and Change of Habit, with Mary Tyler Moore and Elvis Presley in his last scripted movie role. Her Broadway credits include The Body Beautiful, No Strings, and a revival of The Pajama Game. Barbara McNair not only acted, but also had a successful recording career. Her recordings include Livin' End, I Enjoy Being a Girl, and The Ultimate Motown Collection. Barbara McNair had her share of tragedies and setbacks during her life of 72 years. But through it all, she continued to move forward. Her singular accomplishments as an actress and singer are to be admired and remembered.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), the author of the bill.

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I first want to thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky) and the other cosponsors of this resolution for recognizing International Women's Day in honor of the contributions and achievements of women all over the world and the importance of promoting and protecting their rights. I want to pay special tribute today to my distinguished female colleagues on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, who are performing their important responsibilities with distinction and honor. I also want to recognize my distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), who has achieved the distinction of becoming the first woman to obtain the ranking position on this committee. Today, women all over the world are becoming leaders in science, medicine, the arts, politics, business, and even the military. Despite this progress, women and girls continue to represent the majority of the poor, the chronically hungry, refugees, the HIV- infected, the sick, the uneducated and the undereducated, the unemployed and disenfranchised people. Women are also subject to specific forms of physical and structural violence and discrimination because of their gender. These include sexual violence in both conflict and nonconflict situations, sex trafficking, and domestic violence from their partners and family members. Cruel cultural practices targeted at women include denial of voting rights, freedom of movement, and property rights. Women are also subjected to genital mutilation, forced and early marriages, humiliating and harmful widow practices, bride burnings and honor killings. Women also continue to experience an unequal remuneration for work of equal value, discrimination in hiring and admission to educational institutions, and lack of flexibility for special needs such as paid and extended family leave. It is not enough to simply declare the equality of women, condemn their mistreatment, and increase the number of women in the workplace. We must, in all sectors of society, address the structural mechanisms which deny women and girls access to the same rights and opportunities as boys and men. We must also attack and eliminate the criminal and cultural practices which destroy the lives and freedom and the health of women. Statistics prove that when women are better off in our society, their children are happier, healthier and more educated, and our world is better off. I will do everything in my power to ensure that every piece of legislation we consider in the committee will improve the security, opportunity and prosperity of women, and I know my colleagues will share this important goal. In honor of our wives, our mothers, our daughters, our female colleagues and our Speaker, and women around the world, I am proud to support this resolution, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.