Statements For the Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service and sacrifice of General Vang Pao, who passed away yesterday evening in Clovis, California. General Vang Pao was a historic Hmong military leader who led his people against communist forces during a turbulent time in Laos from 1961 to 1975.

Madame Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the rules package proposed by the new Republican majority in the House.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3082, a continuing resolution that would fund federal government operations on a temporary basis through March 4, 2011. Regrettably, one of the last votes of the 111^th Congress has become the first vote of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

Mr. Chair, last night, I voted against a fiscally irresponsible $858 billion tax cut package. Every penny of this budget-busting bill will be borrowed--much of it from China--and the burden placed on the backs of our children and grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2965, the Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. This will be the second time this year that the House votes to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

I'd like to thank Chairman Waxman and Representative Frank Pallone and as well as my colleagues on the other side of the aisle Congressman Lee Terry.

House Resolution 1600 acknowledges the critical role of physician assistants (PA) by designating a week in 2010 as National Physician Assistant Week.

Every year in the world's poorest countries millions of girls are forced into marriage. These girls - as young as age 8, but often 13, 14, 15 years old - are sold by impoverished parents to settle debts or they are given away to become wives to men years or even decades older.

Madam Speaker, tonight I rise with the sad honor of recognizing the retirement of my friend, colleague, Congressman Jim Oberstar. He has served the residents of Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District with distinction for more than 36 years. Jim is the dean of the Minnesota congressional delegation, and all of us, House and Senate, are deeply grateful for his commitment to our State.