Diane Watson

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I offer my thanks to Barbara Lee, who is the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and I want to read to you something I will leave to every Member and staff of this House: ``A happy wish for you to receive only the best that this season offers! I thank you for making my experience here one of learning, training, and developing legislative solutions. My motto is `lift as you climb,' so that is why I am so pleased that California Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass will take my place. So, with that said, I appreciate knowing you.'' I want you to know how privileged I have felt serving in this House. As I conclude my 10th year, I go back to Los Angeles to see if I can find another job. I always said that, you know, I can't keep a job. As you heard, I started out teaching school, and I became a school psychologist. That was the most important work I could do because I was able to analyze with the young people what it took to give them a quality education and improve their behavior for improving their lives. Then serving in the California Senate for 20 years and chairing the Health and Human Services Committee, I could guide and fashion legislation that would benefit all Californians. Then to be able to represent the United States of America abroad was one of the highlights of my life, never thinking that I could rise to that level, but it happened. And then crowning my public service, serving here in this House. I want to thank my colleagues, I want to thank the staff, and I want to thank my friends for the privilege you have given me. And I would say to you, so long for now. Hope to see you again next year.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I take great honor in coming and saluting Ambassador Holbrooke. He was a person that we can all be proud of, because among ambassadors, he stood above them head and shoulders and represented the will and the morality of our country around this globe. Being a member of that elite corps is something that will always remain deep in my heart and my mind that I had the privilege of serving 2 years as an ambassador myself. And during the 6 weeks of training that we had, Ambassador Holbrooke was always held as the standard by which we performed our duties for the United States of America. I offer my condolences to his family and his broad global family from the State of California. I'm very proud to have served with him in that department. It was a short period of time, but oh, what an experience. May God bless the family, and I know he's up there presiding over all of the matters that will affect our countries and bring peace. God bless.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, the tax proposal announced by the President further defines the sharp differences in the policies and priorities of Democrats and Republicans. Democrats are fighting for the needs of the middle class and for provisions that creates jobs and expands economic opportunities. Republicans are demanding tax breaks for the wealthy. Democrats continue to fight to maintain tax cuts on income up to $250,000. Republicans continue to demand tax cuts on all incomes. Democrats made a priority of extending unemployment benefits to help out-of-work Americans make it through the recession. Republicans were willing to hold the middle class and the unemployed hostage to benefit the wealthy. Democrats will continue to fight for the economic priorities of middle class Americans, to create jobs, and to grow the economy. These are the principles that define the contrast between the Republicans and Democrats.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I come to memorialize Bob Abbott, a young man who saw the future in terms of technology and who worked on inventing the digital ways of communicating. He was a researcher who looked around the world and saw what was needed in terms of computers. And he helped the team in Silicon Valley solve some of those problems. He died about a month ago. He would be appalled to know that all of his hard work to bring communications together would leave out those who are unemployed. As you know, 39 percent say that not eliminating the tax cuts for those earning more than $250,000 a year would be a travesty. Bob worked so hard to address these issues through his computer communications. We have to be sure that those people who have worked so diligently in manufacturing and in other areas of technology are taken care of when they lose their jobs. In memory of a young man who worked so hard to bring communication skills to all Americans, I say to him we will make a move to see that the unemployed have work in your memory.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Civil Rights icon Willis Edwards for being honored during tonight's ``Heroes in the Struggle'' gala in recognition of his commitment to HIV/AIDS activism. For decades, Mr. Edwards has been dedicated to maintaining a national dialogue on HIV/AIDS. As a member of the National Board of the NAACP he helped to establish the HIV/AIDS Committee of the NAACP, and has served as a member of that committee since 1997. He has spoken across the country and around the world on HIV/AIDS issues, and served as Associate Producer for the film ``The Faces of AIDS.'' Too often people do not want to confront the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but it is advocates like Mr. Edwards who remind us that millions of people around the world continue to contract and to suffer from this deadly virus. HIV/AIDS is but one of the many areas for which Mr. Edwards has served as a leader and advocate over the course of his lifetime, and I am pleased to offer my congratulations for this award he so clearly deserves.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, standing in our way are those who will be holding the middle class hostage in favor of giving added tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires, even though the bonus tax breaks would add $700 billion to the national debt. Ninety-eight percent of Americans face a tax increase January 1. For the typical middle class American family, that can mean the loss of $2,000 next year. The Republicans' demands would mean that those making more than $1 million a year would receive an average cut of $100,000 annually, and the middle class would be saddled with $700 billion in new debt to pay for the multi-million dollar tax cuts for billionaires. But that is the exact policy choice congressional Republicans would have us make, citing concerns about the deficit when it comes to American families, but not when it comes to tax cuts for the wealthiest few.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, as we continue to work our way out of the recession with the help of economic incentives that create jobs and lay the foundation for long-term growth, one of the most important tools is the Make It In America program. Make It In America creates jobs in America, will help reverse the flow of jobs overseas, and will help rebuild the manufacturing base in America, providing good paying jobs for hardworking Americans. It will also help America lead the world economy in the years ahead. By creating a national manufacturing strategy, we will ensure a new prosperity by promoting American competitiveness and innovation. We are looking to building a strong 21st century clean-energy economy that will make Americans more secure. Let's make it in America.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, the following is an exchange of letters that I would like to submit: Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, November 17, 2010. Hon. Howard L. Berman, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing you concerning H. Res. 1677 (``Resolution''), ``Condemning the Burmese regime's undemocratic upcoming elections on November 7, 2010''. As you know, the Resolution was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means based on the Committee's jurisdiction over international trade. I appreciate the productive discussions that we have had on this issue, resulting in our agreement to revise paragraph 9 of the Resolution, which I believe helps to clarify the intent and scope of the Resolution. I appreciate your commitment to reflect this agreement in the final Resolution. In order to expedite this Resolution for floor consideration, the Committee on Ways and Means will forgo action on this Resolution and will not oppose its consideration on the suspension calendar, based on our understanding that you will reflect our agreement in the final Resolution. This is done with the understanding between our Committees that the Committee on Ways and Means does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the Resolution. This letter also confirms my understanding that you will include a copy of your letter and this response in the Congressional Record during consideration of the Resolution on the House floor. Sincerely, Sander M. Levin, Chairman.

Ms. WATSON

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

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume. Every 4 years during the FIFA World Cup, the world is captivated and obsessed with soccer. We watch young men take to the field representing their respective nations, and we proudly fly our national flags and sing our national anthems. But the World Cup is not just a soccer tournament. As a truly global event, it is a vehicle for bringing the world closer together. In 1994, the United States hosted what has been hailed as the most successful World Cup in history. Spread across the country in nine host cities, we accommodated more fans than any previous World Cup, reached a record television audience around the world, and in the process fueled the development of the beautiful game in America. Hosting the World Cup again would be a great honor for our Nation, and I wholeheartedly support H. Con. Res. 327, which supports the USA Bid Committee's efforts to bring the 2022 FIFA World Cup back to the United States. In May of this year, the USA Bid Committee presented our bid to FIFA, which, in addition to information on logistics, includes a 10-year plan to use soccer as a tool to promote education, health, development, and peace. In addition to bringing the world's attention to the United States for one month in 2022, hosting the tournament would also generate a tremendous amount of revenue. The USA Bid Committee estimates that ticket sales alone will generate over $1 billion and visitors are expected to spend an additional $5 billion on accommodations, transportation, and communications. The licensing and sponsorship of the tournament will likewise bring revenue into the country, and the spotlight on the United States will encourage investment in our economy. I commend the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen) for authoring this important resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in expressing strong support for the 2022 World Cup bid. 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 to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 327) to recognize and support the efforts of the USA Bid Committee to bring the 2018 or 2022 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup competition to the United States.

Ms. WATSON

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. This resolution marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of noted Italian architect Andrea Palladio. Born Andrea di Pietro in Padua on November 30, 1508, Palladio was widely acclaimed as the leading architect of the Italian Renaissance. Best known for his villas, churches, and public buildings, Palladio incorporated many traditional architectural elements of ancient Rome in his work to become the favorite architect of Venetian high society. Palladio's treatise, ``The Four Books of the Architecture,'' canonized what was to become known as the Palladian architectural style, which continues to influence Western architecture to this day. Some of Palladio's surviving villas have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Not only do his works remain an important part of Italy's rich cultural legacy, but his influence on architecture is evident throughout much of Europe and America as well. Thomas Jefferson made great use of the Palladian style in constructing his own masterpiece, Monticello, and establishing lasting standards for public architecture in the United States. In fact, one has to look no farther than the building we are presently standing in to see firsthand Palladio's influence on architectural design. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution and to express our gratitude for the impact that Andrea Palladio's life and career has had on architecture in our country. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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 resolution under consideration.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 259) recognizing the 500th anniversary of the birth of Italian architect Andrea Palladio.

Ms. WATSON

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

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maine, Michael Michaud.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1672, which commemorates the Persian Gulf War of 1991 and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to the well-being of Persian Gulf War veterans. More than 20 years ago, on August 2, 1990, Saddam Hussein ordered his army into Kuwait, starting a crisis that would lead to war. Although some predicted that Iraq's incursion would be limited, within hours Iraqi forces had seized downtown Kuwait City and were headed south toward the Saudi Arabian border, occupying all of Kuwait along the way. What followed was the largest build-up of American forces since the Vietnam War. Within a short period, members of the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as 300 combat aircraft, were headed for Saudi Arabia. By the end of September 1990, there were nearly 200,000 American personnel in Saudi Arabia ready to repel an Iraqi attack. Realizing the magnitude of Iraq's invasion, the President ordered additional soldiers to the Persian Gulf. During that period, an international coalition was formed, with more than 30 nations joining the effort to repel Iraqi aggression. On November 29, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution authorizing the use of force if Iraq did not withdraw from Kuwait by January 15; and on the morning of January 16, 1991, allied forces began the first phase of Operation Desert Storm. After a 38-day air campaign, Operation Desert Sabre, a massive ground attack, was launched by American and coalition forces into both Iraq and Kuwait. One hundred hours after the ground campaign began, the President declared a cease-fire. Mr. Speaker, our men and women in uniform did win that war. Their bravery in battle liberated a country and defended our friends from Saddam Hussein's aggression. We recall with special appreciation the 383 men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice and the 467 who were wounded, as well as the thousands of veterans who, to this day, suffer from illnesses related to their Gulf War service. Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us recognizes the historical importance of the 20th anniversary of the Persian Gulf War. It honors the noble service and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces that have served in the Persian Gulf during that war and since, and it encourages all Americans to participate in commemorative activities to pay tribute to the veterans of the Persian Gulf War. It also calls upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing the war's 20th anniversary and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to peace and prosperity in the Persian Gulf region. I strongly support this resolution, and I encourage all of my colleagues to do as well. 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 to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1672) commemorating the Persian Gulf War and reaffirming the commitment of the United States towards Persian Gulf War veterans, as amended.

Ms. WATSON

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

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 yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey, Rush D. Holt.