Congressional Delegation Activity 2/09 - 2/13/09

Our members of congress were busy with a rush of committee meetings and the push to begin repairing the damage to our economy wrought by the years of Republican mismanagement. They are working in-district this week, so there will not be a roundup this weekend.

Cosponsored - H.R.985 : To maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media.
Cosponsored - H.R.1002 : To adjust the boundaries of Pisgah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina.

Voted Yea - H Res 114 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Voted Yea - H.RES.60 - Recognizing and commending University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford for winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy and for his academic and athletic accomplishments
Voted Yea - H Res 128 - Honoring Miami University for its 200 years of commitment to extraordinary higher education
Voted Yea - H Res 134 - Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s visit to India, and the positive influence that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi had on Dr. Kings work during the Civil Rights Movement
Voted Yea - H Res 154 - Honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives
Voted Yea - H R 448 - Elder Abuse Victims Act
Voted Yea - H Res 117 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week
Voted Yea - H.CON.RES.35 : Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Voted Yea - H R 1 - Agreeing to conference report - passage of economic stimulus bill
Voted Yea - H Res 139 - Commemorating the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth

Extension of remarks as spoken on House floor:

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedication and labors of the people at Greenville branch of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. The Greenville branch of the Food Bank has distributed more than 50 million pounds of food to people in 10 counties since 1999. While this reflects a tremendous amount of success and effort, it also highlights the intensity of hunger facing families in eastern North Carolina.

The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina was established in 1980 to provide food to people at risk of hunger in 34 counties in central and eastern North Carolina. In 2006-07, the Food Bank distributed over 32.6 million pounds of food through 870 partner agencies including soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and afterschool programs for children.

Nearly 30 percent of the people served by the Food Bank's network are children, and another 18 percent are elderly. Thirty-eight percent of the families served are the ``working poor''--people who work hard and still have to choose between eating and other basic necessities such as medicine and housing.
Even before this severe economic downturn, families were struggling to put food on the table. And as the crisis deepens, it is intensifying the struggle for millions of Americans to keep from going hungry.

Food banks across the country are seeing appreciable increases in requests at a time when the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that more than one in ten American households are struggling to get enough food.

In the nation with the safest, most abundant food supply in the world, it is unconscionable that so many people go hungry. There is a moral obligation and a necessary responsibility we have as Americans to ensure a strong country for future generations. I am proud that the good people at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina have answered that call.

Madam Speaker, today I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating and acknowledging the efforts of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, which embodies the essence of what we believe in: local citizens and businesses pulling together to help solve a local problem.

Cosponsored - H.CON.RES.35 : Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Cosponsored - H.R.1002 : To adjust the boundaries of Pisgah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina.
Cosponsored - H.R.1066 : To amend the Peace Corps Act to provide continued funding for the Peace Corps, to increase the readjustment allowances for Peace Corps volunteers and volunteer leaders, and for other purposes.
Cosponsored - H.R.1102 : To require full funding of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Voted Yea - H Res 114 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Voted Yea - H.RES.60 - Recognizing and commending University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford for winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy and for his academic and athletic accomplishments
Voted Yea - H Res 128 - Honoring Miami University for its 200 years of commitment to extraordinary higher education
Voted Yea - H Res 134 - Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s visit to India, and the positive influence that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi had on Dr. Kings work during the Civil Rights Movement
Voted Yea - H Res 154 - Honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives
Voted Yea - H R 448 - Elder Abuse Victims Act
Voted Yea - H Res 117 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week
Voted Yea - H.CON.RES.35 : Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Voted Yea - H R 1 - Agreeing to conference report - passage of economic stimulus bill
Voted Yea - H Res 139 - Commemorating the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth

Speech in support of conference report/ H R 1:

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Conference Report for H.R. 1, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This legislation will start to address the most critical needs of our flagging economy by providing relief to struggling individuals and small businesses, while creating and saving 3.5 million jobs across America.

These are challenging times for families in North Carolina and across the nation. Each month it seems that we get more bad news, or hit a new record on an economic indicator. On Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the unemployment rate was at a 34-year high of 7.6 percent. The increase in the last quarter is the largest since the end of World War II. This increase in the jobless rate is hitting every region, and every state, but North Carolina is particularly hard-hit. We are one of the top five states in terms of month-over-month increases, and one of the top three in increases since last year. Here in North Carolina, unemployment is 8.7 percent. In addition to the unemployed, there are many more workers who are seeing their hours and wages cut.

I have heard from North Carolinians from across the Second District about the need for swift action. H.R. 1 addresses the need by making investments in our economy that will produce new jobs while providing tax relief for 95 percent of Americans. With 3.6 million jobs lost in the past year, the 3.5 million jobs created by this bill will put us on track to an economic recovery.

Some of these jobs will be created, and created quickly, by the $25 billion in school construction bond tax credits in this bill which I have worked on with Ways and Means Chairman CHARLIE RANGEL for more than 12 years. The tax credits will create more than 11,000 jobs in North Carolina alone. This funding will allow work to start on stalled and delayed school building projects and address overcrowding and deteriorating schools. The jobs created by making these investments in our future will invigorate our economy today, and provide a strong foundation for the working families of the future. I am proud that the tax credits in this bill will give local school districts support to improve their schools and the education they provide.

As the former Superintendant of Schools in North Carolina, I have a special understanding of the needs of our students, and I am pleased that H.R. 1 includes significant investments in education. In addition to the ABCs Act tax credits, the bill includes $39.5 billion to help schools modernize their facilities and prevent layoffs or cutbacks to essential educational services. It provides $25 billion to support our most vulnerable students through Title I and IDEA, and $4 billion for early childhood education to ensure that kids have the right start on the path to learning. This package also invests in higher education with a new tax credit for individuals seeking a college education and a $500 increase to Pell Grants. We must give the next generation the tools to support learning throughout their lives, to enable them to compete in our 21st Century economy.

To jump start our economy and turn the tide on unemployment, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 makes investments to create or save 3.5 million jobs. At the same time, it provides a down payment on our most important national priorities. H.R. 1 will also get the stagnant economy moving again supporting targeted infrastructure investments to improve bridges and roads, modernize public buildings, and expand mass transit. H.R. 1 also strategically invests in America's ``green sector,'' supporting alternative and environmentally-friendly energy, like the biofuels we grow and produce in North Carolina, and new technology that creates energy from waste products. It also expands energy tax provisions like the Production Tax Credit and Clean Renewable Energy Bonds while providing the funds we need to transform our energy distribution system and weatherize and modernize our homes and public buildings to increase efficiency.

Millions of Americans will see their taxes reduced by H.R. 1, and others will receive support in making purchases that help our economy. More than 95 percent of the nation's taxpayers will see an increase in their take-home pay through the ``Making Work Pay'' tax credit, $400 for individuals and $800 for working families. H.R. 1 will prevent 26 million families from being subjected to the Alternative Minimum Tax. It also includes relief for Americans that will spur our economy by providing an $8,000 tax credit for first-time home-buyers.

In addition, the small businesses that form the backbone of our economy will get relief under the recovery package. H.R. 1 includes bonus depreciation to help them invest in new equipment, loss carry back to help them weather reduced sales, a delay of the 3% withholding tax on payments to businesses

that sell goods or services to governments, and a cut in the capital gains tax cut for investors in small businesses who hold stock for more than five years. It also provides incentives for businesses that create new jobs.
For those suffering in the economic downturn, this bill provides temporary support to help struggling families make ends meet and help workers train and find jobs. It extends and improves unemployment benefits, increases food stamps and food support, and provides aid to seniors, disabled veterans, and Social Security recipients. It extends Trade Adjustment Assistance for displaced workers, and extends and improves local job training, job placement, and vocational rehabilitation initiatives. This spending quickly makes its way into the economy, and will help those most in need.

Our country is facing difficult times, and though we have many challenges to meet, this package is a bold step in the right direction. I support H.R. 1, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for its passage.

Sponsored - H.R.963 : To enhance transparency and accountability within the intelligence community for activities performed under Federal contracts, and for other purposes.

Cosponsored - H.R.1002 : To adjust the boundaries of Pisgah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina.
Cosponsored - H.R.1030 : To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage research and carry out an educational campaign with respect to pulmonary hypertension, and for other purposes.
Cosponsored - H.R.1066 : To amend the Peace Corps Act to provide continued funding for the Peace Corps, to increase the readjustment allowances for Peace Corps volunteers and volunteer leaders, and for other purposes.

Voted Yea - H Res 114 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Voted Yea - H.RES.60 - Recognizing and commending University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford for winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy and for his academic and athletic accomplishments
Voted Yea - H Res 128 - Honoring Miami University for its 200 years of commitment to extraordinary higher education
Voted Yea - H Res 134 - Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s visit to India, and the positive influence that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi had on Dr. Kings work during the Civil Rights Movement
Voted Yea - H Res 154 - Honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives
Voted Yea - H R 448 - Elder Abuse Victims Act
Voted Yea - H Res 117 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week
Voted Yea - H.CON.RES.35 : Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Voted Yea - H R 1 - Agreeing to conference report - passage of economic stimulus bill
Voted Yea - H Res 139 - Commemorating the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth

Cosponsored - H.R.948 : To amend chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, to create a presumption that a disability or death of a Federal employee in fire protection activities caused by any of certain diseases is the result of the performance of such employee's duty.
Cosponsored - H.CON.RES.49 : Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.
Cosponsored - H.J.RES.1 : Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
Cosponsored - H.R.978 : To recognize and clarify the authority of the States to regulate intrastate helicopter medical services pursuant to their authority over public health planning and protection, patient safety and protection, emergency medical services, the quality and coordination of medical care, and the practice of medicine within their jurisdictions.
Cosponsored - H.R.982 : To terminate the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Cosponsored - H.R.1002 : To adjust the boundaries of Pisgah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina.

Voted Yea - H Res 114 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Voted Yea - H.RES.60 - Recognizing and commending University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford for winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy and for his academic and athletic accomplishments
Voted Yea - H Res 128 - Honoring Miami University for its 200 years of commitment to extraordinary higher education
Voted Yea - H Res 134 - Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s visit to India, and the positive influence that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi had on Dr. Kings work during the Civil Rights Movement
Voted Yea - H Res 154 - Honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives
Voted Yea - H R 448 - Elder Abuse Victims Act
Voted Yea - H Res 117 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week
Voted Yea - H.CON.RES.35 : Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Voted Yea - H R 1 - Agreeing to conference report - passage of economic stimulus bill
Voted Yea - H Res 139 - Commemorating the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth

Cosponsored - H.CON.RES.50 : Honoring and saluting Motown Records of Detroit, Michigan, on its 50th anniversary.
Cosponsored - H.R.979 : To limit excessive and luxury expenses by recipients of assistance under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, and for other purposes.
Cosponsored - H.R.1002 : To adjust the boundaries of Pisgah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina.

Voted Yea - H Res 114 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Voted Yea - H.RES.60 - Recognizing and commending University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford for winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy and for his academic and athletic accomplishments
Voted Yea - H Res 128 - Honoring Miami University for its 200 years of commitment to extraordinary higher education
Voted Yea - H Res 134 - Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s visit to India, and the positive influence that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi had on Dr. Kings work during the Civil Rights Movement
Voted Yea - H Res 154 - Honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives
Voted Yea - H R 448 - Elder Abuse Victims Act
Voted Yea - H Res 117 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week
Voted Yea - H.CON.RES.35 : Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Voted Yea - H R 1 - Agreeing to conference report - passage of economic stimulus bill
Voted Yea - H Res 139 - Commemorating the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth

Sponsored - H.R.1002 : To adjust the boundaries of Pisgah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina.

Cosponsored - H.R.948 : To amend chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, to create a presumption that a disability or death of a Federal employee in fire protection activities caused by any of certain diseases is the result of the performance of such employee's duty.
Cosponsored - H.CON.RES.49 : Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.
Cosponsored - H.R.978 : To recognize and clarify the authority of the States to regulate intrastate helicopter medical services pursuant to their authority over public health planning and protection, patient safety and protection, emergency medical services, the quality and coordination of medical care, and the practice of medicine within their jurisdictions.
Cosponsored - H.R.1078 : To establish the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn, New York, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot Counties, Maryland, and for other purposes.

Voted Yea - H Res 114 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Voted Yea - H.RES.60 - Recognizing and commending University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford for winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy and for his academic and athletic accomplishments
Voted Yea - H Res 128 - Honoring Miami University for its 200 years of commitment to extraordinary higher education
Voted Yea - H Res 134 - Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s visit to India, and the positive influence that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi had on Dr. Kings work during the Civil Rights Movement
Voted Yea - H Res 154 - Honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives
Voted Yea - H R 448 - Elder Abuse Victims Act
Voted Yea - H Res 117 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week
Voted Yea - H.CON.RES.35 : Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Voted Yea - H R 1 - Agreeing to conference report - passage of economic stimulus bill
Voted Yea - H Res 139 - Commemorating the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth

Extension of remarks - Centennial of Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust -

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Centennial of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, or HCLT, and to recognize the contributions which the HCLT has made to the Western North Carolina community, and especially land conservation efforts, over the past 100 years. The HCLT works to preserve the natural areas, scenic beauty, and green spaces of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau for the enjoyment and benefit of the public.

The HCLT has been in operation since 1883, though known then as the Highlands Improvement Association. The first land purchase was effectuated in 1909. This initial purchase was for 56 acres of land on the Summit of Satulah Mountain, overlooking the town of Highlands, for $100.

The HCLT is the oldest land trust in North Carolina and one of the oldest in the United States. The trust protects over 1,700 acres in Western North Carolina. Included in the protected lands are two sites of particularly significant historical importance. The Hill property in Horse Cove is significant for its role during the Trail of Tears. The site was used as a holding area for Native Americans before they began the treacherous trip to Oklahoma, leaving their native homes and villages behind. The second site, the Warren Property, was an original land grant from the first pioneer to the area, Barak Norton. The unique property was featured in the October 2008 issue of ``Southern Living Magazine'' for the breath-taking vistas.

Among the more recent endeavors of the HCLT are various educational and philanthropic projects. The HCLT raised more than $450,000 to purchase a property to be used as a park in the town of Highlands, North Carolina. They also preserve properties which protect rare and endangered species of plants and trees, included in this is the original Satulah Mountain land. Satulah Mountain is home to many species of endangered plants and wildflowers which are studied by university students from all over the world. In conjunction with these efforts the HCLT strives to remain active in the community through the Mountain Retreat, an 80 acre conservation easement used for many Elderhostel programs, focusing on Appalachian culture, music, and heritage.

Madam Speaker, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust has made an indelible contribution to land preservation in Western North Carolina and I commend them for their continuing dedication to both conservation and community.

Cosponsored - H.RES.134 : Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s visit to India, and the positive influence that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi had on Dr. King's work during the Civil Rights Movement.
Cosponsored - H.R.1002 : To adjust the boundaries of Pisgah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina.
Cosponsored - H.R.1020 : To amend chapter 1 of title 9 of United States Code with respect to arbitration.
Cosponsored - H.R.1064 : To provide for evidence-based and promising practices related to juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang activity prevention and intervention to help build individual, family, and community strength and resiliency to ensure that youth lead productive, safe, healthy, gang-free, and law-abiding lives.
Cosponsored - H.R.1078 : To establish the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn, New York, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot Counties, Maryland, and for other purposes.

Voted Yea - H Res 114 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Voted Yea - H.RES.60 - Recognizing and commending University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford for winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy and for his academic and athletic accomplishments
Voted Yea - H.CON.RES.35 : Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Voted Yea - H Res 128 - Honoring Miami University for its 200 years of commitment to extraordinary higher education
Voted Yea - H Res 134 - Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s visit to India, and the positive influence that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi had on Dr. Kings work during the Civil Rights Movement
Voted Yea - H Res 154 - Honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives
Voted Yea - H R 448 - Elder Abuse Victims Act
Voted Yea - H Res 117 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week
Voted Yea - H.CON.RES.35 : Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Voted Yea - H R 1 - Agreeing to conference report - passage of economic stimulus bill
Voted Yea - H Res 139 - Commemorating the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth

Cosponsored - H.R.948 : To amend chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, to create a presumption that a disability or death of a Federal employee in fire protection activities caused by any of certain diseases is the result of the performance of such employee's duty.
Cosponsored - H.R.963 : To enhance transparency and accountability within the intelligence community for activities performed under Federal contracts, and for other purposes.
Cosponsored - H.R.1002 : To adjust the boundaries of Pisgah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina.
Cosponsored - H.R.1020 : To amend chapter 1 of title 9 of United States Code with respect to arbitration.
Cosponsored - H.R.1064 : To provide for evidence-based and promising practices related to juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang activity prevention and intervention to help build individual, family, and community strength and resiliency to ensure that youth lead productive, safe, healthy, gang-free, and law-abiding lives.

Voted Yea - H Res 114 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Voted Yea - H.RES.60 - Recognizing and commending University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford for winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy and for his academic and athletic accomplishments
Voted Yea - H Res 128 - Honoring Miami University for its 200 years of commitment to extraordinary higher education
Voted Yea - H Res 134 - Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s visit to India, and the positive influence that the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi had on Dr. Kings work during the Civil Rights Movement
Voted Yea - H Res 154 - Honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives
Voted Yea - H R 448 - Elder Abuse Victims Act
Voted Yea - H Res 117 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week
Voted Yea - H.CON.RES.35 : Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Voted Yea - H R 1 - Agreeing to conference report - passage of economic stimulus bill
Voted Yea - H Res 139 - Commemorating the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth