Kirk Watson

This week we learned that the Army refused to release a report it commissioned from the RAND Corporation on the mistakes made in the planning and the implementation of the Iraq war. We all know that mistakes were made. However, it's…

Yes, he had that compassionate spirit. His unwavering concern for individual human rights and his deep knowledge of the world were an inspiration to us all. I remember when my predecessor passed away, I got a call at my embassy saying that…

Today, I join my colleagues, Madam Speaker, to override the President's veto of H.R. 3963, which the President vetoed on December 12. Since then, we received more discouraging news regarding the growing domestic and global economic crisis…

Today, Madam Speaker, January 15, 2008, is an auspicious day for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, as it celebrates its 100th birthday anniversary. Founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa…

I'd like to thank Stephanie Tubbs Jones for providing this opportunity for us to remember someone that I considered a dear friend before I came to the House. I met Julia in the 70s, and we bonded together because we were active in the…

We have lost Paulette Marie McFarland, 58, who was a trailblazer, an innovator in early childhood development, dying of pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, October 23, 2007, at her home in Chatsworth, California. She was born Paulette Marie…

We mourn the passing of a great Congressman whose public service was emulated by leaders present and past. Gus Hawkins has left us with a sterling legacy that was built on the politics of inclusion. While in office, he authored over 100…

Last week President Bush tried to label this new Democratic Congress a ``do-nothing'' Congress. Is he serious? Or did he simply forget that he signed bills into law that were written and passed by this Congress that increased the minimum…

Last week President Bush requested an additional $42 billion from Congress for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, bringing his total funding request for the upcoming year to $190 billion. Also last week, the Congressional Budget Office…

10 years ago, the Children's Health Insurance Program was created in a strong bipartisan fashion to ensure more low-income children have access to quality health care. Today, thanks to CHIP, 6 million children who would otherwise be…

I regret that the Los Angeles Unified School District in California lost one of its most prestigious leaders. Ron Prescott died a week ago, and for over 30 years he represented the district in Sacramento, California, the capital. Ron…

I strongly support the Tropical Forest Conservation Act Reauthorization bill and urge my colleagues to do so as well. I would particularly like to recognize the efforts of Congressman Mark Kirk, the sponsor of H.R. 2185. Congressman Kirk…

Yesterday's hearing in the Government Reform Committee left me with many concerns. I am concerned about Blackwater's role when they get involved in U.S. military operations. In April and November of 2004, Blackwater personnel attached…

Thank you, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones; and thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to congratulate Congressman Meek, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick for putting together a most excellent…

We have lost a popular and well-educated school administrator who was an outstanding student and gifted in music. Early on, her teachers would say of her, ``She could walk amongst kings and not lose her common touch.'' She moved easily…

Congress will take up a continuing resolution to fund the Federal Government after September 30. While the House has passed all 12 of its appropriation bills, Senate Republicans continue to obstruct efforts to finish the process over in…

I was horrified to see us take a step backwards into a period of time when there was fear and hatred displayed on people's faces and in their actions. And certainly we know that with every crime committed there is a punishment. But the…

During the course of the war in Iraq, the American people have paid a very heavy price, not just financially, although the war has already cost over 400 billion taxpayer dollars, but also through the tragic loss of at least 3,775 American…

We have had some fierce debates here in the Congress about our occupation of Iraq. Many Republicans insist that redeploying our troops from Iraq will lead to failure there. My Democratic colleagues and I see it much differently. We see…

This week House Democrats unveiled the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act, a bill that reauthorizes SCHIP, ensures millions of children receive the care they need, and protects Medicare for America's seniors. The introduction of…

The entertainment industry in Los Angeles is what the auto industry is to Detroit or the oil industry is to Houston, a source of skilled, high-wage jobs for average working class families. The On Location training program at West Los…

I rise to congratulate the Consulate General of the United States in Bermuda on their events to celebrate the 231st anniversary of American independence, of which G.K. Butterfield and myself acted as cosponsors. The American Society of…

I find this very odd, this situation we are in. We heard a number of our Republican colleagues come to the floor today to object to particular spending items in the bill, but this might be a first. Mr. Pence has an amendment here to…

I am proud to be the author, with my good friend, Darrell Issa, of this resolution to honor the life of a great American and dear friend, Jack Valenti. Both Washington and Hollywood lost an icon in April with the passing of Jack Valenti…

The importance of financial and fiscal responsibility cannot be overstated. Personal financial literacy is essential to ensure that individuals are prepared to manage money, credit and debt and become responsible workers, heads of…