| Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act Of 2012—Motion To Proceed |
May 14, 2012 |
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Ron Johnson, R-WI
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"Mr. President, by now, it should come as no surprise that the Senate has not passed a budget in over 3 years. I believe it has been 1,111 days. When I go to back to Wisconsin—and I think it is probably true of my colleagues—the people of Wisconsin, and I think the people all over America, want us to work together and solve our debt and deficit issue. Since I have been here, the Republicans have fulfilled the responsibility to show what the plan is for stabilizing our debt and deficit. The House passed a budget in the last 2 years, but the Democrats in the Senate have not. It is because they simply refuse to be held accountable. That is a real shame."
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| Congratulating Cumberland School Of Law |
May 10, 2012 |
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Spencer Bachus, R-AL
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"Mr. Speaker, as a body that daily ponders the law and the effects of law, it is only fitting and proper that we honor an institution dedicated to excellent legal education and commend Cumberland and Judge John Carroll on a job very well done. The city of Birmingham, our great state of Alabama, indeed the entire nation owes a debt of gratitude to Cumberland School of Law for its educational prowess, its historic legacy, and its integral part in preparing the next generation of our nation’s leaders."
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| Asian Pacific American Heritage Month |
May 10, 2012 |
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Judy Chu, D-CA
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"I am Arax Nazarian. My story is about hope—how I almost lost it and then found it again. In April 2009, my family and I arrived in the U.S. as refugees from Iran. We fled our country seeking opportunities for a better life and to raise our son in a safe place without harsh discrimination. We came here without any money. But we had lots of hope. The U.S. was going through one of its worst economic downturn in 2009. I worried about how I could get a job to support my family, repay my debt and help my parents back home. I spoke very little English. I didn’t have any work experience in the U.S. I also needed some time to adjust to a new society, new culture, and new rules. I applied for different full time jobs but I was denied repeatedly for different reasons. I was studying days and nights to improve my English and at the same time working in any odd jobs that I could find. But I was barely making ends meet. I felt helpless, desperate, frustrated and sad. I was losing hope. My worry and sadness must have shown on my face. Because my 11-year old son came to me one day and said, “Don’t worry, Mom. I don’t need a new bow for my violin and I am not interested in going on the school’s field trip. I just need your smile.” I choked back the lump in my throat with a sense of guilt that I could not provide for my child’s needs. I also felt a tinge of pain and pride in my heart that my child would sacrifice his own needs for his mother. I must not give up hope. A ray of hope came to me when I heard about the Transitional Subsidized Employment program. I started my first Work Experience job at PACE’s Home Energy Assistance Program Department where needy families get helped by paying their gas and light bills. Through this on-the-job training opportunity I became more skilled and confident. I learned about my new society, work environment, rules and regulations. Little by little I adjusted myself to a new life here in the United States. Then I was offered a permanent job and I am now working at PACE Weatherization Department as a Program Support Clerk. I have earned recognition and respect from my coworkers. And the best of all, I am able to support my family. I am happy that I am no longer dependent on public aid. My husband has a peace of mind to focus on his education in pursuing his carrier as an Electrician. My son has been growing up with good manners. He is one of the best students in his school, and receiving many awards. I hope the program will continue to give other people the same opportunities I received. These programs give people hope, create jobs and change people’s lives. They gave me my hope and changed my life."
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