Since its creation in 2001, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has saved almost 5 million lives by supporting prevention, treatment, and care programs to combat these diseases. Projects in 144 countries are increasing access to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV, expanding treatment of TB and Malaria, distributing bed nets, supporting community-based prevention services, strengthening health systems and funding numerous other proven interventions. This progress not only improves lives, it also brings stability and economic growth to impoverished areas. These investments are working, and this progress must continue.
For more than seven years, America's brave men and women in uniform have done everything asked of them in the war in Iraq. Many have been lost on the battlefield, and Americans mourn their loss; all have performed with courage and valor, and we honor their sacrifice. Today, our nation begins a new chapter in this effort, bringing our final brigade combat team out of harm's way, ending combat operations, and beginning the transition to a civilian-led mission in Iraq.
As we mark this milestone in the war, we remember that thousands of American troops and civilian personnel will remain in Iraq for the next year — helping train Iraqi forces, and offering advice and assistance to Iraq's security personnel. Here at home, we will support our service members still serving abroad, still working and sacrificing to ensure a future of peace and prosperity for all Iraqis. And we will continue to conduct oversight of all operations to ensure a complete withdrawal in a safe and timely manner.
As our combat mission comes to a close, a grateful nation thanks those in uniform who have fought in Iraq — and those who continue to bear any burden in the service of our country.
Just last week, House Republican Leader John Boehner referred to this legislation to protect hard-working American's jobs as a “special interest bailout.”
Special interests? Really? The legislation will save or create more than 319,000 American jobs–20,000 more teacher jobs than reflected in previous estimates from the Department of Education (161,000 teacher jobs saved and 158,000 jobs created or saved, including police officers, firefighters and nurses). These funds are needed immediately to prevent layoffs and actually rehire teachers and prevent law enforcement officers from losing their jobs.
Congressional Republicans would rather extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest few and saddle Americans with a $700 billion bill than support legislation that:
Saves and creates more than 319,000 American jobs — including teachers, nurses, firefighters, and police officers;
Is fully paid-for by closing costly corporate tax loopholes that allow corporations to ship American jobs overseas;
Reduces the deficit by $1.4 billion, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
Thursday, August 5th, 2010 by Office of the Speaker
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) shocked hard-working Americans yesterday when he called dedicated individuals who teach our children, the nurses who care for us when we get sick and the police officers who patrol our streets “special interests.”
Mr. Boehner called Wall Street Reform an “overreaction” and likened the Bush/Republican financial crisis that resulted in 8 million lost jobs and homes and retirement savings of millions of Americans decimated to “an ant”:
By a 61 point margin, Americans support an energy bill that requires utilities to produce more energy from renewable resources — 78% to 17%.
92% of Americans say reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources is an important goal for U.S. energy policy.
By a 37 point margin, Americans support limits on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions — 65% to 28%.
The Democratic-led Congress is moving America in a New Direction for energy independence–working to lower costs for consumers, making America more secure, and launching a cleaner, smarter, more cost-effective energy future that creates millions of clean energy jobs and reduces global warming:
In May, the House passed the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act to provide immediate incentives for consumers who renovate their homes to become more energy-efficient — creating jobs here at home and saving money for American families.
Through the America COMPETES Act, Congress has invested in research and development into groundbreaking energy technology. Energy Innovation Hubs will support research, development, demonstration and commercial application of advanced energy technologies. The bill also creates federal loan guarantees to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers access capital to invest in innovative technologies that will help them become more efficient and competitive.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act, passed by the House last June, will create clean energy jobs here in America, protect consumers, reduce pollution and help free us from our dangerous dependence on dirty foreign fuels.
Through the Recovery Act, Congress has made historic and job-creating investments in a clean energy future, estimated to create more than 700,000 jobs, nearly double our use of renewable electricity, and save consumers up to $98 a year.
Throughout this war, the Democratic-led Congress has given our armed forces the support, armor, tools, and equipment to succeed and stay safe. We've improved oversight and accountability for the taxpayer funds dedicated to the war, and we've worked to return power to the Iraqis, end the war, and move our troops out of harm's way.
As our combat mission in Iraq comes to a close at the end of this month, we will continue to support and train Iraqi forces. Every day, the Iraqi people will assume more responsibility for their future — a future that the American people hope is one of peace and prosperity. This is the future for Iraq that our nation has sacrificed greatly to help ensure.
Our nation, and especially our troops, will still be required to make sacrifices; and those who wear our nation’s uniform have always demonstrated that they will bear any burden in the service of our country. But as our combat mission in Iraq comes to an end, we feel gratitude for those who have served, and optimism for the future.
Tonight the House considered the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (HR 847) under suspension of the rules to provide medical monitoring and treatment to responders and survivors of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. It also reopens the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund to provide monetary compensation for those physically injured by the 9/11 terrorist attacks or by response activities and debris removal. Speaker Pelosi in support:
The American people are looking to us to do the right thing for the people, the men and women who answered the call of duty and continue to suffer from ill health effects on their service. It is my understanding that the people affected by this live in 433 of the 435 Congressional districts. Because people not only rushed in from New York and surrounding areas, they came and brought their expertise and their health from all over the country. And therefore, the consequences of their bravery are felt all over the country, and the impact on their health is an important part of the challenge that they face and that we owe them for.
This legislation fulfills our obligation to those Americans. Helping those who jeopardized their health to rescue others, secure necessary medical treatment, especially for the unique exposures suffered at Ground Zero, ensuring survivors and victims' families can attain compensation for their tragic losses through a reopened 9/11 victim compensation fund. My colleagues, you all remember that following 9/11, there was a compensation fund established for those families of those who lost their lives. Well, many of these people are losing their lives. They certainly have lost their health. And we owe them.
Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) took to the floor to respond to Members on the other side of the aisle offering excuses for opposing the bill explaining, “if you believe this is a bad idea, to provide health care, then vote no–but don’t give me the cowardly view that ‘if only it was a different procedure’”:
The final vote was 255-159 in support of the bill, short of the 2/3 majority needed for passage under suspension of the rules. 155 Republicans voted against the legislation.
Under “Don't Ask Don't Tell”, more than 13,000 men and women in uniform have been discharged from the military and thousands more have decided not to re-enlist. Fighter pilots, infantry officers, Arabic translators and other specialists have been discharged at a time when our nation is fighting two wars. By a vote of 234-194, the House passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2011 (HR 5136) by Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) tonight to repeal the discriminatory policy upon:
(1) Receipt of the recommendations of the Pentagon’s Comprehensive Review Working Group on how to implement a repeal of DADT (due December 1, 2010) and
(2) A certification by the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and President that repeal is first, consistent with military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion & recruiting, and second, that the DoD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to implement its repeal.
It would also include a 60 day period after certification before the repeal took effect.
Rep. Murphy: “When I served in Baghdad, my teams did not care whether a fellow soldier was straight or gay. We cared if they could fire their M-4 assault rifle or run a convoy down ambush alley. Could they do their job so that everybody in our unit would come home safely. With our military fighting two wars, why on earth would we tell over 13,500 able-bodied Americans that their services are not needed? This policy hurts our national security and has cost the American taxpayer over $1.3 billion already on this unjust policy. Our troops deserve a Congress that puts their safety and our collective national security over rigid, partisan interests and a close-minded ideology.”
Speaker Pelosi:
Speaker Pelosi: “America has always been the land of the free and the home of the brave. And our men and women in uniform make it so. We are so because they have been willing to fight for our country. Let us honor their service by recommitting to the values that they fight for on the battlefield.”
Leader Hoyer:
Leader Hoyer: “The military supports the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and I believe we ought to listen…As a reluctantly anonymous service member recently wrote online: ‘I will risk my life, and in return, I ask to be treated simply like anyone else in the service–nothing more and nothing less.’”
Rep. John Lewis (D-GA):
Rep. Lewis: “Just like the military helped end segregation based on race, we should have put an end to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell long ago. It is an affront to human dignity and to the dignity and worth of every man and women serving in our military. We cannot wait. We cannot be patient. We must end discrimination in the military and we must end it now. Discrimination is wrong and we must end it.”
Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA):
Rep. Davis: “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell weakens our national security by asking servicemembers to lie, firing them for being gay, and telling able recruits we don’t want you. Please, America can do better.”
Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN):
Rep. Walz: “The greatest privilege I've had in my life was serving this nation for almost 25 years in uniform. I know how important it is to fill our military with qualified, professional, motivated volunteers. We are blessed in this nation, that’s exactly what we have. It’s time for us to honor their professionalism and know that they’re ready to end this discriminatory practice.”
Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) closed debate:
Rep. Murphy: “Former Air Force Sergeant David Hall was walking in this gallery when I was walking in today and he mentioned to me, he said, Sergeant Hall wasn’t asked, Sergeant Hall didn’t tell. Someone outed him for being gay and he was kicked out of the Air Force. He had already served in the Middle East. He said to me, and I quote, ‘I assure you, I’m still fit for military duty. Please stop discharging patriotic Americans who just want to serve the country that they love.’”
Yesterday, Speaker Pelosi, Susan Davis (D-CA), Chair of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Member of the Armed Services Committee, Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Member of the Armed Services Committee, and Donna Edwards (D-MD), Member of the Science and Technology Committee, returned from a Congressional Delegation to Qatar, Afghanistan, and Germany. Today, they held a press conference to discuss their trip:
The delegation arrived in the Middle East on Friday and visited American troops at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, part of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM):
On Saturday, the delegation arrived in Afghanistan and met with U.S. Forces and were briefed by U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry and General Stanley McChrystal, commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan. They also met with President Hamid Karzai in Kabul to discuss the political and security situation in Afghanistan.
On Sunday, the delegation visited with troops in Kandahar–thanking them for their service. Sunday was also Mother’s Day and the delegation spent some special time with the women serving, many of whom are mothers:
In Qalat, Afghanistan, also on Mother’s Day, the delegation held a roundtable discussion with Afghan women on the challenges women face in Afghanistan:
On Monday, the delegation arrived in Germany and were briefed by senior commanders of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) on military operations in Europe and toured the flight line of Ramstein Air Base, including a review of the contingency response and tactical airlift units:
The delegation then visited troops wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq who have been airlifted to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center–thanking the Wounded Warriors for their service:
Marine First Lieutenant Justin Trowbridge of Williamsburg, VA is being treated for a gunshot wound received during a firefight in Afghanistan:
The delegation then flew to Stuttgart, where General William “Kip” Ward, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and Lt. Gen. John Gardner, Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command (EUCOM), led briefings on operations in Africa, Europe, and with our NATO partners in Afghanistan and Iraq. The delegation concluded their visit to Stuttgart by thanking our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines for their service.
Today, the House passed a resolution recognizing the vigilance and response of the people of New York and local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel in the foiled terrorist attack in Times Square on Saturday night:
Expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens of New York City, the New York Police Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire Department of New York, other first responders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism.
Whereas on Saturday, May 1, 2010, an individual drove a vehicle loaded with explosive materials to Times Square in New York City and attempted to detonate a car bomb;
Whereas on the same day, two alert citizens, Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson, notified the New York Police Department about a suspicious vehicle that was parked on 45th Street in Times Square;
Whereas on the same day, New York City Police Officer Wayne Rhatigan, while patrolling on horse, responded to the reports of a suspicious vehicle and acted swiftly with his colleagues in the New York Police Department and the Fire Department of New York to thwart the detonation of the car bomb;
Whereas New York City first responders safely evacuated hundreds of people from Times Square and responded in a prompt and effective manner, as the result of extensive terrorism preparedness efforts that are supported, in part, by the Department of Homeland Security; and
Whereas in response to the Times Square incident, the Transportation Security Administration has enhanced ongoing efforts to increase security on various transportation modes: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives–
(1) commends the actions of Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson for promptly alerting appropriate authorities about the suspicious vehicle in Times Square on May 1, 2010;
(2) urges all Americans to remain vigilant about potential terrorist or suspicious activity within their own communities and report such activity to the appropriate authorities;
(3) recognizes the New York City Police Department, in particular Police Officer Wayne Rhatigan of Mounted Unit Troop B, the Fire Department of New York, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, led by Lieutenant Mark Torre and other first responders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut for their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism;
(4) recognizes the exceptional professionalism and investigative work by the New York Police Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire Department of New York, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut in apprehending a suspect only 48 hours following the attempted bombing; and
(5) urges all Federal agencies to continue to work with State, local, and tribal partners to bolster preparedness for and prevention of terrorism.
I thank the gentleman for yielding and thank him for bringing this resolution to the floor so that we can all rise and sing the praises of those in New York whose vigilance and sense of community, whose courage, the courage of our first responders, the professionalism, commitment, and determination of our local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, and the people of New York. We salute them.
They were prepared. They were ready to act. They calmly did what was necessary. And because of their swift action, the people of New York — and the entire nation — remain safe.
I thank Congressmen McMahon, Himes, and Hall and all of our colleagues who have sponsored this resolution, recognizing the bravery and again the vigilance of individuals and officers in New York and Connecticut, as well as the leadership of the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Obama Administration.
In the wake of this foiled terrorist plot, we are inspired by the true character of the American people.
We recall that our country's spirit can always be found in the hearts and deeds of its citizens, people like Lance Orton and Duane Jackson, 'two alert citizens,' – and aren't we fortunate for that? — as this resolution calls them, who notified the NYPD of a suspicious vehicle in Times Square. The whole country learned of their vigilance, their sense of community.
Our country's resolve rests with police officers such as Wayne Rhatigan of the NYPD, who responded immediately to the scene and, with his fellow officers and with the men and women of the New York Fire Department, thwarted the detonation of the car bomb.
Our country's strength remains with first responders, who run into danger when others run out — who safely and promptly evacuated Time Square, protecting those in harm's way.
Our country's determination lies with law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels, who worked together, pursued leads, and detained the bomber just two days after the attempted attack — never resting until the job was done.
At moments like this, Congress reaffirms our first responsibility as we do each day, Mr. Speaker, as we pledge to protect and defend the constitution of the United States from all enemies foreign and domestic. That responsibility is to protect the American people as well. That is our first responsibility.
As this resolution states, we 'urge all Americans to remain vigilant about potential terrorist or suspicious activity within their own communities.'
We must follow the example of the people of New York who, as President Obama said, 'have reminded us once again of how to live with their heads held high.'
Mr. Hall, in his closing remarks, said that the attempt by this terrorist to instill fear was thwarted. The goal of terrorists is to instill fear. The damage is one thing to them, but instilling fear is really their goal. In that way, in both parts of their attempt, the attempt was thwarted. The violent attack was thwarted, but also, as the President said, we will not be intimidated.
This past weekend, everyday Americans joined our police officers, firefighters, first responders, Homeland Security officials, FBI agents, and other law enforcement personnel as heroes. They are all heroes and we salute them as such on the floor of the House.
Their efforts represent the best in America. Their response serves as an inspiration to us all to stay prepared and do everything we can to keep our great country safe.
Again, I thank Mr. Pascrell for bringing this resolution to the floor, joined in a bipartisan way, in saluting the heroes of New York.
…New Yorkers have reminded us once again of how to live with their heads held high. We know that the aim of those who try to carry out these attacks is to force us to live in fear, and thereby amplifying the effects of their attacks — even those that fail. But as Americans, and as a nation, we will not be terrorized. We will not cower in fear. We will not be intimidated. We will be vigilant. We will work together. And we will protect and defend the country we love to ensure a safe and prosperous future for our people. That's what I intend to do as President and that's what we will do as a nation.