Statements For the Record
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4213, the American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes and Preventing Outsourcing Act. This legislation accelerates our economic recovery by creating or saving over one million jobs and by providing emergency aid to American families.
Our economic recovery is thankfully underway. The private sector is working again. Jobs are being added. The task before Congress is finding the right balance between addressing the federal budget deficits and debt and supporting American families still struggling with the lingering effects of the recession.
Madame Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the organization. Since it was established in 1985, this group has been dedicated to serving and promoting parks and green spaces in St. Paul, Minnesota and surrounding communities.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 24, the "Marine Corps Identity" bill. This bipartisan legislation would change the name of the Department of the Navy to the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.Res. 1312, a resolution commemorating National Teacher Week. This week in May recognizes the millions of educators who play an integral role in shaping the lives of children across the country.
Mr. Chairman, Dr. Collins, I see the NIH as a public good. Like highways and clean water, the NIH is a benefit to our entire society. But those benefits widespread, long-lasting, and not always immediately profitable. That is why private business does not - and often cannot - make these investments.
Funding for public goods is one of the most important functions of the federal government. The investments this Committee makes in the NIH are critical not only to the health of our citizens but also to the growth of our economy. You made some excellent examples of that earlier.
The air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we use - all of these are our planet's most valuable and irreplaceable resources. All Americans - not just government and businesses - have a responsibility to ensure that present and future generations can continue to fully enjoy those resources," said Congresswoman McCollum. "In his efforts to preserve and protect our environment, Senator Nelson demonstrated the amazing power of a single person's ability to make a difference. His legacy of environmental awareness and activism will live on for generations to come.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1185, a resolution congratulating Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin on his tenth year of service as Chaplain of the House of Representatives.
Reverend Coughlin was sworn in as the 59th Chaplain of the House of Representatives on March 23, 2000 - the first person of Roman Catholic faith to hold the office. In his decade of service, he has opened House proceedings with prayer, provided pastoral counseling and arranged memorial services for the House and its staff.
Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the staff and owners of The Saint Paul Hotel on the occasion of its Centennial Anniversary, which will be celebrated this weekend on April 17th.
Since its grand opening on April 18th, 1910, The Saint Paul Hotel has served as a geographic and cultural landmark for Minnesota's capital city, as well as a gathering place for Saint Paul's many visitors and residents.
Mr. Secretary, your testimony states that every $1 invested in the World Bank results in $26 worth of development assistance delivered. For that very reason I support the U.S. role in advancing the important development work of the World Bank.
Unfortunately, this subcommittee has recently heard misinformation and flat out distortions that undermine the important role the U.S. plays with the World Bank.
Madam Speaker, beyond the walls of this Capitol there are millions of Americans who can't afford health insurance, and they live in fear of getting sick. Millions more are discriminated against by insurance companies because they have pre-existing medical conditions. In my own life, as a child and as an adult, I have lived without health insurance. A dear, dear niece of mine has a pre-existing condition that makes her uninsurable. Passing health insurance reform is not a political game - it is personal.