One of the things I have noticed over the past year, as our country has faced some of the greatest economic difficulties imaginable, is that there have been very few easy or inconsequential votes taken on this floor. Our nation's problems…

Today I rise in support of H.R. 4213, the ``Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010.'' After weeks of needless delay, this legislation will ensure that the estimated $2.5 million Americans who lost their coverage will again have…

Today I rise in support of H. Res. 1472, ``Expressing support for designation of the week of September 13, 2010, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.'' The future of this country depends upon the level of education we…

Ladies and gentlemen of the House, on April 20, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling platform sank the vessel, resulting in the death of 11 men and injury to at least 17 others. This April 20 disaster has now become the most…

Ladies and gentlemen of the House, 1 week ago the House passed historic campaign finance reform that was designed to curb improper corporate and foreign influences on the American electoral system. Everybody in this House is in support of…

This is a bipartisan bill. It's uncomplicated. It revises old law that's been discriminatory and left on the books. It ensures that BP and other corporate violators that caused the Deepwater Horizon explosion-resulting oil spill are held…

Ladies and gentlemen of the House, this is the most disturbing debate that I have engaged in in the 111th Congress. And to hear what I've already heard from one of the most distinguished members of this Judiciary Committee is a little bit…

Today, I rise in strong support of the American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes and Preventing Outsourcing Act. We cannot afford to ignore the job crisis any longer. I believe today's legislation will help Americans struggling with this…

The number of children in foster care continues to rise in the United States. The current population exceeds 500,000 children. Most of these children are placed into foster care due to parental abuse or neglect making them vulnerable to…

Mr. Speaker, Lena Horne has now left us, but she has been known around the world as an outstanding actress, singer, and civil rights advocate. And this resolution honors her pioneering success, her unwavering commitment to advancing the…

On January 12, 2010, Haiti experienced one of the worst earthquakes in their history. I believe that our trade policy can play a key role in rehabilitating the Haitian economy. As such, I rise in support of my friend Congressman Charles…

This is a day we come to remember and honor the life and legacies of one of America's most celebrated civil rights leaders, the late Dr. Dorothy Height, who passed just yesterday and was one that brings back many memories for many of the…

I knew and worked with her on a regular basis. She was attending all of the functions. Up until recently, I could see her anywhere in Washington if there was a civil rights event or women's event, a national event, and so it was good to…

Today I rise in support of H.R. 1585, the ``Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act.'' This legislation will help combat the obesity epidemic facing our youth by promoting physical education for students by providing grants to schools…

I would like to close by thanking all the presenters, particularly singling out my dear friend on the Judiciary Committee, Judge Poe, who has done a very good job here. It occurred to me that Dorothy Height has already received so many…

This resolution honors the life and achievements of my dear friend, the late Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks. With Dr. Hooks's passing last week, our nation lost a champion for justice and an iconic figure of the Civil Rights Movement…

Today I rise in support of H. Res. 1246 with a heavy heart to express my deepest condolences to the country of Poland, its people, and the Polish American community. This weekend the country of Poland suffered a tragic loss. Saturday, I…

This resolution was brought to the Judiciary Committee's attention by our friend Solomon Ortiz of Texas, which recognizes the leadership and historical contributions of Dr. Hector Garcia to the Hispanic community and to the Nation in his…

We are facing a crisis with our young adults--many of whom are unable to find work during this economic downturn. According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds is 25 percent. This is simply unacceptable…

Today I rise in support of H.R. 4849, the ``Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010.'' Today's legislation would provide much needed tax relief to small businesses, as well as assistance to states for infrastructure…

Members of the House, it is a sad day that we must find that a Federal judge has betrayed his office and should be impeached, and yet that is our task today. It is assigned to us by the Constitution to protect the institutions of…

There are few issues of state as weighty as those we discuss today. The decision to engage in military conflict affects us all in innumerable ways. There are the obvious effects on our military men and women who risk their lives abroad…

Today I rise to commend Chairman Miller and Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers for their work and dedication on this issue. We all want our children to have the highest quality education and educational experience available. That cannot happen…

As one who has found that the USA PATRIOT Act needs a great deal of improvement and that there have been many excesses and sometimes abuses of these broad powers over the years, I have found that too little consideration of the impact of…

This has been an important debate, and I would like to take this opportunity to commend the leader of the Republicans in the House, and especially one Member on the Judiciary Committee, Lamar Smith. We have had a very civil debate. I…