T&I Committee Approves Bills to Help Kids in Emergencies, Detect Polluted Coastal Waters, amd Give Authorization to Kennedy Center
Press Release
T&I Committee Approves Bills to Help Kids in Emergencies, Detect Polluted Coastal Waters, and Give Authorization to Kennedy Center
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H.R. 3495, the Kids in Disasters Well-being, Safety, and Health Act of 2007, establishes the National Commission on Children and Disasters to address the needs of children who are faced with hazards, including major disasters and emergencies. The bipartisan Commission is tasked with investigating the needs of children in the areas of health, welfare, elementary and secondary education, affordable housing, transportation, and relevant activities in emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
The bill was introduced in response to concerns raised about the nation's inability to meet the special needs of children displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Approximately one quarter of the people who lived in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina were under the age of 18, and more than 400,000 of them were under five.
"The vulnerability of this population presented many unique obstacles. For example, 5,192 children were reported missing or displaced as a result of the hurricanes, and it took 6 ½ months to reunite the last child separated from her family," said Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. "Hurricane Katrina revealed the importance of examining and addressing the special needs of children in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters."
"The Commission will conduct a comprehensive study to examine and assess the needs of children from all hazards, review and build upon the recommendations of other government and nongovernmental entities that work on issues relating to the needs of children in disasters, and report to the President and Congress on its findings, conclusions and recommendations," said Oberstar.
H.R. 3315 names the great hall of the Capitol Visitor Center ("CVC") as Emancipation Hall, in honor of the contributions by slaves who built the Capitol. The CVC, which is under construction and is expected to open in the fall of 2008, will improve security, reduce long lines for visitors waiting to tour the Capitol, and provide a more expansive educational experience. It will be the largest addition to the Capitol in the 212-year history of the building.
"More than three million people visit the Capitol each year. However, few are aware of the untold stories of the black slave laborers, and today little remains on Capitol Hill that bears their imprint -- not even a marker," Norton said. "Naming the CVC's great hall in honor of slave laborers is long overdue, but still will be a token of the respect these blacks never received. It is my great pleasure to support this important legislation."
"The Capitol is an icon -- a symbol of democracy and the deliberative legislative process. Slaves provided the labor to build this citadel of freedom and democracy," said Oberstar. "Not to recognize this cruel chapter in America's past is to deny history."
H.R. 3968, the John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2007, provides more than $120 million for Fiscal Years 2008 through 2010 for the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. The Kennedy Center, which is a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, is the nation's busiest arts facility.
"The Kennedy Center enjoys broad bipartisan support. This bill authorizes appropriations for three years to fund maintenance and operations, as well as capital projects," said Norton.
"The Kennedy Center presented more than 3,000 performances last year and hosted millions of visitors. It provides educational programs for teachers and students across the United States, and this bill enables the Kennedy Center to continue its important work," said Oberstar. "I am very pleased that this authorization bill also includes a provision to design and construct a solar panel system to make the building more energy efficient."
The Committee approved five surveys by the Army Corps of Engineers of water resources needs and possible solutions, as well as several other bills:
H.R. 3712 designates a Federal building in Toledo, Ohio, as the James M. & Thomas W.L. Ashley United States Courthouse. Both James and Thomas Ashley served several terms as Members of Congress. James Ashley is recognized as a champion for abolitionist causes and was the first Representative to call for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would outlaw slavery.
H.Res. 661 honors the accomplishments of Barrington Antonio Irving, the youngest pilot and first person of African descent ever to fly solo around the world. Just 23 when he made the 24,600-mile solo flight in March 2007, Irving also demonstrated a great commitment to community service.
H.Res. 772 recognizes the American Highway Users Alliance on its 75th Anniversary. The organization, founded in 1932, has voiced the interests of motorists and businesses on all major national highway and traffic legislation for the past 75 years, and it has contributed to strengthening the national highway network's mobility and safety.
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