persons who were members of the naacp at its inception but also persons who helped to bring the naacp along the way. james weldon johnson was the first african-american executive secretary of the naacp. but it's important to note that prior to his becoming the first, there were five other executive secretaries, none of whom were african-american. it's important to note that the naacp accords an award annually, it is known as the stengarn medal. this is given to a person who has made great achievements in the area of helping the human rights and civil rights struggle. it's important to note that the medal is named after joel. the spingarn family were great contributors to the naacp. in fact, thurgood marshall was a

great litigater in part because of other persons who made contributions to the naacp, they were great contributors and as a result we had this litigation to go forward. the naacp is an organization that welcomes anyone who desires to be a part of the fight for human dignity and human freedom. i believe that the naacp merits this special expression from the congress of the united states of america and i also believe that we should thank senator dodd becaase he has the senate concurrent resolution number 3 that has 15 senators who have signed onto it and hopefully will pass the senate. i'm asking all of my colleagues to please support this legislation because the naacp made it possible for us to sleep where we sleep, because of shelly vs. cramer, it allows us to eat where we eat because of brown vs. the board of education and other cases associated with

this. so literally, we live where we live, we sleep where we sleep and we eat where we eat because of the naacp. it has earned the right to be recognized by the congress of the united states of america. and i beg that my colleagues would support this resolution. i yield back the balance of my time. you the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from tennessee. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i appreciate the work of congressman green from houston. mr. cohen: i look at him and mr. smith, i think about my weekend trip this past weekend. i went to austin, texas. when i was in austin, i was at the barber jordan airport and the baggage area on the ground floor there's a statue of barbara jordan, what a great member of the naacp she was. and a great american. with that i yield back the balance of my time and ask -- ms. watson requests some time. we'd be pleased if she'd contribute.

i yield her as much time as she needs. spoim the gentlelady is recognized. ms. watson: mr. speaker, and to the authors and co-sponsors of this resolution, i just want to add to the testimonies that you have already heard in support of this resolution, commending the naacp, that many of us would not be here if not for the work and the support of others of the naacp. i am a case in point. i remember being elected as the first african-american woman to the second largest school board in the united states, that's l.a. unified school district, and in the california state senate as the first ever. and i was so proud that members came to me to show me their membership in the naacp.

i then knew that the work that was done over 100 years ago was of such vision for the future of this country and particularly my state of california, the largest in the union, and the first state to be a majority of minorities, that that vision, that hard work, that dedication brought about justice so that the california and the united states of america -- the state of california and the united states of america could be reflective of who we are as a people. the justice, the fairness, the freedom, the liberty all came about for people like me because of this organization and others who supported it. so i am pleased, i am pleasured

and i do hope that all men and women of fair mindedness will support whole heartedly this resolution. thank you, congressman, and thank you, mr. speaker, for the time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. the gentleman from tennessee. mr. cohen: i yield back the balance of my time. and ask for -- the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. all time has been yielded back. the question is, will the house suspend the rules and agree to house concurrent resolution 242. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative -- mr. cohen: mr. speaker, we request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the resolution is agreed to. the yeas and nays are requested. all those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the -- and the chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this vote the yeas are motion will be

postponed. for what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee rise? mr. cohen: mr. speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass house resolution 1422. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the resolution. the clerk: resolution honoring the department of justice on the occasion of its 140th anniversary.%% the speaker pro tempore: pursuant -- pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from tennessee, mr. cohen, and the gentleman from texas, mr. smith, each will control 20 minutes. the chair now recognizes the gentleman from tennessee. mr. cohen: i ask unanimous consent all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. the gentleman from wisconsin, mr. sensenbrenner, will be recognized. so, mr. cohen. mr. cohen: i yield myself such type as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. cohen: mr. speaker, house resolution 1422 recognizes a 140th anniversary of the creation of the creation of the department of justice. since 1870, the department has been tasked with enforcing our laws, ensuring the fair and

impartial administrative justice for all americans. the department has long been served with distinction and courage by attorneys, investigators and prosecutors at main justice and in the field. its divisions and components do important work for the american people in criminal law, civil litigation, environmental law, antitrust law, tax law and the administration of justice-related grants. we especially appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of law enforcement officers serving in components such as the f.b.i., the d.e.a., a.t.f. and the u.s. marshals office. i'd like to highlight three important points today as we commemorate the anniversary of the department. first, the department has played an integral part in promoting justice for all americans. since its creation, the department has handled the legal business of the united states with control over all criminal prosecution and civil suits in which the united states has an interest. through the civil rights division, the department enforces federal law, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, if a

millial status and country origin. the department of justice used its newfound authority to initiate desegregation of school districts across this nation. and throughout its enforcement of the voting rights act of 1965, the department helped curtail the injustice of african-american voters being prevented from exercising the right to vote. the justice department also continues to vigorously enforce the americans with disabilities act, to ensure that people living with disabilities are not discriminated against employment, by public entities in transportation or public accommodations. the great strides we have made in securing rights for all americans to attain an education, access the voting booth and secure jobs and housing regardless of race, gender or national origin are no small batter due to the thanks the department of -- due to the thanks of the department of justice. they've protected americans from acts of terrorism, whether foreign or domestic. since the terrorist attacks at the world trade center in 1993 and the federal building at oklahoma city in 1995 and the attacks on september 11, it has been the department's highest priority to prosecute and bring to justice perpetrators of

terrorism. however, it is important that in its effort to combat terrorism, the department's equally vigilant in upholding justice and observing the constitutional rights of americans that it's responsible for enforcing. this means a commitment to do process and transparency even in the most difficult situations and means congress must be steadfast in its commit to -- commitment to consistent and thorough oversight. the department has taken on an ins colleague -- increasingly active role in public safety. notably the department's efforts to support community-based programs have seen dramatic success. for example, the office of violence against women is charged with providing national leadership and reducing domestic violence through the implementation of the violence against women's act. through 19 violence against women act programs, the department is helping to reduce violence, sexual assault and stocking by strengthening services to victims and holing offenders accountable. most important work in preserving the integrity of women and our commitment to individual freedoms.

in fiscal year 2009 the office of violence against women made nearly 1,100 awards. these helped communities to develop coordinated responses to domestic violence, sexual assault and stocking no -- stalking. the grants have helped communities bringing together dedicated individuals and advocates from diverse backgrounds, to share information and use their distinct roles to improve community responses to violence against women. in addition the department's office of community-oriented policing service, also known as the cops office, has promoted public safety through local investments where police are involved in the community and show that policemen are the friends and get a hold on the community to bring about public safety. the cops program promotes this community policing by funding efforts to state and local authorities intended to put law enforcement profingses where they're most needed, on the streets. that way they can build relationships with the people they serve, have a repour that's necessary. in closing, i'd like to thank my colleague, mr. james sensenbrenner, for introducing this resolution.

i urge my colleagues to support this important resolution and i couldn't let this go by without remembering former u.s. attorney robert f. kennedy, one of my heroes who headed the department of justice. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from wisconsin. mr. sensenbrenner: mr. speaker, i ask unanimous consent that i insert into the record at this time a statement by the gentleman from texas, mr. smith, the running backing member of the committee -- the ranking member of the committee. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. sensenbrenner: i yield myself off time as i may consume. mr. speaker, i rise today to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the department of justice. the judiciary act of 1789 which was passed by the first congress and signed into law by president george washington created the office of attorney general which eventually became the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government. the department of justice began its work on july 1, 1870, through an act of congress with the attorney general at its head. since then the department has evolved into the world's largest

law office and the central agency for the enforcement of federal law. today the department strivings to meet four goals in its pursuit of justice. first, protecting the public against foreign and domestic threats. second, ensuring the fair administration of justice in accordance with the provisions of the constitution. third, insisting both state and local law enforcement agencies, and, fourth, defending the united states in its foreign interests. over the past decade, the department has made significant efforts to protect the children of america. in 2006 through the adam wal much child protection and safety act, the department of justice created a national sex offender registry to better protect children by organizing sex offenders into three tiers. the act also created a nationwide d.n.a. database and allows law enforcement to monitor dangerous sex offenders through the use of g.p.s. technology.

recognizing the dangers of technology assisted exploitations crimes against children, the department of justice launched project safe childhood. an effort that resulted in record numbers of arrests and prosecutions of individuals seeking to commit sexual crimes against children. the amber alert system, a department of justice directive, works to protect and save the lives of abducted children. since the expansion of the system in 2003, more than 500 missing or exploited children have been safely recovered. alerts are broadcast over the internet, television and radio programming, electronic highway signs, lottery tickets and text messaging. shortly after the september 11 attack, i introduced the u.s.a. patriot act which afforded the department of justice new tools to detect and prevent terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking. the provisions of the act

updated laws to reflect new threats and new technologies,, facilitate better cooperation amongst government agencies and updated increased penalties for convicted terrorists. since the act's passage in october, 2001, numbers of terrorist convictions and prosecutions by u.s. attorneys have soared. make no mistake, the u.s.a. patriot act has contributed to the prevention of another large scale terrorist attack on american soil. the justice department has also made a commitment to protect americans residing in areas riddled with gun and gang violence. it responded to the significant increase in the number of firearms-related crimes in small geographic areas by creating a violent crime impact team initiative. since 2004, it has arrested more than 14,000 gang members, drug dealers, fellons in position of -- possession of firearms,

including violent criminals, including 2,800 that have been identified as the worst of the worst criminals. i applaud the work of the department of justice in its efforts to defend the american people and to administer justice. while respecting and ensuring the rights and dignity entitled to all. i encourage my colleagues to support house resolution 1422 and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from wisconsin yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from tennessee is recognized. mr. cohen: i want to thank mr. sensenbrenner for bringing this important resolution, honoring the department of justice, and i should have earlier thanked mr. smith and mr. sensenbrenner for their work on the naacp resolution, and i have no further speakers and yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from tennessee yields back the balance of his time. the question is will the house suspend the rules and agree to house resolution 1422. those in favor say aye.

those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair -- mr. cohen: madam speaker, we'd request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 having responded in the affirmative -- the gentleman from tennessee. mr. cohen: i ask for the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from tennessee is recognized. mr. cohen: we request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the yeas and nays are requested. all those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20 and the chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

ms. watson: madam speaker. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from california seek recognition? ms. watson: madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and agree to the bill h.res. 879 as amended. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: house resolution 879, resolution supporting the goals and ideals of american education week. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from california, ms. watson, and the gentleman from utah, mr. chaffetz, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from california. ms. watson: madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. watson: madam speaker, i now yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. ms. watson: madam speaker, on behalf of the house committee on oversight and government reform, it is my great privilege to rise in support of h.res. 879. this measure encourages the people of the united states to observe national education week by reflecting on the positive impact of all those who work together to educate america's children. america education week spotlights the importance of providing every child in america with a quality public education from kindergarten

through college and the need for everyone to do his or her part in making public schools great. madam speaker, america's success in the 21st century will be determined by the ability to innovate, foster entrepreneurship and constantly improve the skill base of our work force. we believe that the evolving demands of the global economy make education vital to sustainable, social and economic success. we also believe that education is a fundamental human right %- and is the single most important investment in the future of individuals, communities, the nation and the world. we in congress and we as a nation must make it one of our highest priorities. h.res. 879 was introduced by

our colleague, the gentleman from illinois, representative walter minnick, on october 29, 2009. the measure was referred to the committee on oversight and government reform which ordered it reported by unanimous consent on may 6, 2010. the measure has the support of over 70 members of the house. i thank the gentleman from idaho for introducing this measure, and i'd also like to thank chairman towns and ranking member issa for their support for the bill. and i urge my colleagues to support this measure and i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady reserves the balance of her time. the gentleman from utah, mr. chaffetz, is recognized. mr. chaffetz: thank you, madam speaker. i yield myself such time as i may consume.

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. chaffetz: thank you. i rise in support of h.res. 879, supporting the goals and ideals of american education week. teachers want to teach students . and we can't forget about the librarians, the coaches, janitors, the crossing guards, the administrators, all those who dedicate their time, effort and talent to make sure that our kids are enjoying a safe environment and they're welcomed in the classroom and that they truly learn. teachers simply do not receive the gratitude that they deserve. most people can remember that one teacher who inspired them in some way and urged them to explore a subject further. many of us simply would not have the same lives or careers without special training to guide us. for me that was mr. kobiashi in the fifth grade who inspired me to have a true appreciation for the environment and true understanding of our oceans and

all the living creatures. and just inspired me to be a better person. i still remember him to this day and can't thank him for the service and many lives he touched along the way. those are special people and they ought to be recognized for their efforts. i know that while this resolution is important they truly get the satisfaction that they deserve and they need by inspiring those young people throughout our country. yet, for all the effort and tireless hours that teachers put in every single day we forget to thank them formally as well. we need to do more to thank teachers and educators for their hard work. madam speaker, i ask members to support this resolution. it gives us a week to thank the educators for their work. hopefully this week we'll inspire all americans to think about the work that educators do, not just during american education week, but every day so we begin to give them the thanks and appreciation that

they truly owe. and those parents and the others affected in the community support their teachers, educators and all the support staff and all the living parts that make these things happen so they can truly feel the love and support of a nation and make that environment the very best environment it can be for our kids to learn. with that, madam speaker, i'd like to reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentlelady from california is recognized. ms. watson: madam speaker, i'd like to give the gentleman from texas, representative ruben hinojosa, three minutes. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from texas is recognized for three minutes. mr. hinojosa: thank you, madam chair. i rise today in support of h.r. -- resolution 879. i want to thank the national education association, n.e.a., and its 3.2 million members for

designating november 15 through november 21 as american education week. i also wish to acknowledge and thank representative minnick from idaho for introducing this important resolution, and i thank the gentlelady from california for giving me time to speak. as subcommittee chairman for higher education, lifelong learning and competitiveness, i congratulate all of our teachers, higher education faculty and staff, custodians, substitute educators, bus drivers, clerical workers, food service professionals, workers in skilled trades, health and student service workers, security guards, technical employees and librarians for working tirelessly on behalf of

our children, parents and communities. our nation's public schools and colleges and universities continue to be the great equalizer and the backbone of american democracy. they open the doors of opportunity to millions of graduates every year. in order to access families sustaining jobs in our economy, it is imperative that all children, all youth and adults receive a high-quality education and are equipped with 21st century skills to thrive in our nation's economy. as our nation strives to build a world-class educational system, increase graduation rates at all levels and improve literacy for adult learners, we recognize our teachers, our principals, our faculty and school personnel for their professionalism and

extraordinary commitment to care for and educate our children, youth and adults for a 21st century work force. i commend president obama, i commend chairman miller and my colleagues for making historic investment in education and for ensuring accessibility and affordability in higher education with the enactment of the health care and the education reconciliation act of 2010. i urge my colleagues and our nation to observe american education week and the invaluable contributions of our nation's educators. you all make a world of difference in the lives of our students and families. i thank you. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman's time has expired. the gentleman from utah is recognized. mr. chaffetz: madaa speaker, we have no additional speakers. it doesn't appear that the

majority has any additional speakers. if that's the case -- ms. watson: i have no additional speakers. mr. chaffetz: we'll yield back the balance of our time. thank you. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from utah yields back the balance of his time. the gentlelady from california. ms. watson: yes, i understand that we do have another speaker, madam speaker. it's mr. minnick from california -- excuse me -- the gentleman from idaho for two minutes. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from idaho is recognized for two minutes. mr. minnick: madam speaker, i thank the gentlewoman from california and extend her an invitation to come to idaho anytime, madam chair. you'd be a good addition. madam speaker, i rise in support of house resolution 879, celebrating the goals and ideals of american education week.

public schools are the backbone of america's democracy and the key to our continuing competitiveness in the 21st century global economy. in 2010 the 89th american education week will take place november 14 through november 20. each day will spotlight the importance of providing every child in america with a quality public education from pre-k through college. as federal legislators, we must continue to support american public education and make it the very best in the world. dedicated american educators, teachers, principals, administrators and the trade organizations work tirelessly to serve communities throughout the nation with care and professionalism. american education week celebrates the effort and achievements of these dedicated professionals and encourages community, parental and elected government official involvement

in our public schools. as a parent of four children, all of whom benefited from an outstanding public school education, i've witnessed firsthand the extraordinary lengths to which our hardworking teachers go to helping american youth to learn. i applaud the nearly 15,000 teachers and thousands of support staff in idaho and those throughout this great nation who devote their professional lives to ensuring our children are equipped with the skills, knowledge and work ethic required to succeed in 21st century america. let's all enthusiastically endorse american education week. i urge my colleagues to support this resolution and recognize the efforts and sacrifices of america's educators. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman's time has expired. the gentlewoman from california the gentlewoman from california is recognized.