H560 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 9, 2011 sustainable, that are green, and that Honorable SHEILA JACKSON LEE of Texas to SECTION 1. JOHN M. ROLL UNITED STATES will help our country meet the needs of the Congressional Award Board. COURTHOUSE. the future. Thank you for your consideration of this (a) DESIGNATION.—The United States court- appointment. house under construction, as of the date of They talked about efficiency. They Sincerely, enactment of this Act, at 98 West First talked about saving money with weath- NANCY PELOSI, Street, Yuma, Arizona, shall be known and erization and putting people back to House Democratic Leader. designated as the ‘‘John M. Roll United work doing it. Manufacturing, wind- f States Courthouse’’. mills, solar, all these things are so vi- (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, tally important, and also transit, all of COMMUNICATION FROM THE map, regulation, document, paper, or other these critically important things to DEMOCRATIC LEADER record of the United States to the United States courthouse referred to in subsection make our employment grow and to The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- fore the House the following commu- (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the help us stay green. ‘‘John M. Roll United States Courthouse’’. Unfortunately, however, Madam nication from the Honorable NANCY The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Speaker, we still have 14 million Amer- PELOSI, House Democratic Leader: ant to the rule, the gentleman from icans who are unemployed; and in the FEBRUARY 8, 2011. California (Mr. DENHAM) and the gen- time that we have spent in this new Hon. JOHN BOEHNER, tlewoman from Maryland (Ms. ED- Congress, we have not spent any time Speaker of the House, U.S. Capitol, WARDS) each will control 20 minutes. talking about job creation, green or Washington, DC. DEAR SPEAKER BOEHNER: Pursuant to sec- The Chair recognizes the gentleman otherwise. The time is now to focus on tion 4(b) of House Resolution 5, 112th Con- from California. jobs. I implore the majority caucus to gress, I am pleased to re-appoint the Honor- GENERAL LEAVE begin the dialogue about jobs because able JAMES P. MCGOVERN of Massachusetts we haven’t talked about it at all. as Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I ask Rights Commission. unanimous consent that all Members f Thank you for your attention to this ap- may have 5 legislative days in which to WHERE IS THE JOB CREATION pointment. revise and extend their remarks and in- AGENDA? Sincerely, clude extraneous material on S. 188. NANCY PELOSI, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there (Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia asked House Democratic Leader. objection to the request of the gen- and was given permission to address f tleman from California? the House for 1 minute and to revise There was no objection. and extend his remarks.) COMMUNICATION FROM THE Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam DEMOCRATIC LEADER yield myself such time as I may con- Speaker, I rise today to ask my Repub- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- sume. lican friends a simple question: Where fore the House the following commu- Madam Speaker, Senate bill 188 is the job creation agenda? In the first nication from the Honorable NANCY would designate the Federal court- month of the 112th Congress, this body PELOSI, House Democratic Leader: house currently under construction in has not taken up a single piece of legis- FEBRUARY 8, 2011. Yuma, Arizona, as the John M. Roll lation that will create jobs and put Hon. JOHN BOEHNER, United States Courthouse. Americans back to work. Speaker of the House, U.S. Capitol, On January 8, our Nation suffered a Let’s look at what we have done: Washington, DC. DEAR SPEAKER BOEHNER: Pursuant to 2 horrendous tragedy. One of our col- H.R. 2, repeal protections of health in- U.S.C. 2081, I am pleased to re-appoint the leagues, the gentlewoman from Cali- surance reform. Created no jobs. H.R. Honorable MARCY KAPTUR of Ohio to the fornia, Representative GIFFORDS, was 359, eliminating public financing for United States Capitol Preservation Commis- carrying out her duties meeting with Presidential campaigns. Created no sion. her constituents in Tucson, Arizona, jobs. H.R. 38, establishing a budget Thank you for your attention to this ap- when a gunman shot 19 people, killing with no numbers. Created no jobs. H.R. pointment. six. Among those killed that day was 519 is on the floor today, to reduce our Sincerely, NANCY PELOSI, Judge John Roll, who was simply stop- annual payment to the United Nations House Democratic Leader. ping by on his way back from attend- and go back into arrears. Again, cre- f ing Mass to say hi to his Congress- ates no jobs. woman. Madam Speaker, my Republican ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Judge Roll was chief judge of the friends claimed that job creation was PRO TEMPORE U.S. District Court for the District of their number one priority. The Amer- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Arizona and was first appointed to the ican people said loud and clear that job ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair Federal bench by President George creation should be their number one will postpone further proceedings H.W. Bush in 1991. priority. During the previous Congress today on motions to suspend the rules His commitment to serving the pub- we made that priority, which is why we on which a recorded vote or the yeas lic predated his appointment to Fed- are in the midst of 12 consecutive and nays are ordered, or on which the eral court. For nearly 40 years, he dedi- months of private sector job growth. vote incurs objection under clause 6 of cated his life to public service and the I ask my Republican friends to put rule XX. law. Before becoming a Federal judge, aside ideology and join with the Demo- Record votes on postponed questions Judge Roll was a judge on the Arizona crats in making job creation their will be taken later today. Court of Appeals, serving as presiding number one priority. f judge and vice-chief judge. Earlier in f JOHN M. ROLL UNITED STATES his career, he was an Assistant U.S. At- COMMUNICATION FROM THE COURTHOUSE torney for the District of Arizona. He DEMOCRATIC LEADER Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I also served the citizens of Arizona at move to suspend the rules and pass the the local level, first as a Tucson assist- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- ant attorney and later as the deputy fore the House the following commu- bill (S. 188) to designate the United States courthouse under construction county attorney in Pima County. It is nication from the Honorable NANCY fitting to honor Judge Roll in this way, PELOSI, House Democratic Leader: at 98 West First Street, Yuma, Arizona, as the ‘‘John M. Roll United States given his reputation as a respected ju- FEBRUARY 8, 2011. rist and his service to the law. Hon. JOHN BOEHNER, Courthouse’’. The Clerk read the title of the bill. Although we are honoring the life of Speaker of the House, U.S. Capitol, Judge Roll through naming a Federal Washington, DC. The text of the bill is as follows: DEAR SPEAKER BOEHNER: Pursuant to sec- S. 188 courthouse after him, we must also tion 803(a) of the Congressional Recognition Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- honor and remember the others who for Excellence in Arts Education Act (2 resentatives of the United States of America in were killed and wounded that tragic U.S.C. 803 (a)), I am pleased to appoint the Congress assembled, day. Among those killed was one of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:22 Feb 10, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09FE7.007 H09FEPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE February 9, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H561 Representative GIFFORDS’ staff mem- cases. Judge Roll also worked closely Chief Judge Roll was a dedicated pub- bers, a pastor, a secretary, a home- with Congresswoman GIFFORDS to jus- lic servant, as our colleagues have ref- maker, a grandmother, and a 9-year-old tify to Federal officials the need for erenced, serving as a Federal judge in little girl who had just been elected to construction of the Yuma, Arizona, Arizona, a State judge, and a pros- her student council; each of them sim- U.S. Courthouse to adjudicate the ecutor for the city, county, and at the ply going that day to meet their Con- growing backlog of these cases. Federal levels. Chief Judge Roll was a gressman, never thinking their lives Madam Speaker, given Judge Roll’s proud son of Arizona, moving to Ari- would be in danger. extraordinary service to his country, it zona as a little boy, living there for the And in this tragedy, we must not for- is so fitting and proper that we honor vast majority of his life, receiving his get the heroes, those who took action, his memory by designating that very undergraduate and law degrees at the risking their own lives, stopping the same courthouse—the U.S. courthouse University of Arizona. gunman and preventing more deaths now under construction in Yuma, Ari- Tragically, Chief Judge Roll was one and injuries. zona—as the John M. Roll United of the six Americans who were taken Our prayers continue to be with Con- States Courthouse. This action today, from us during the horrific shooting in gresswoman GIFFORDS, the others who Madam Speaker, will clear the bill for Tucson. He died while helping to save were wounded and the families of all the President and hopefully provide a the life of Ron Barber, as has been the victims. In honoring Judge Roll by small comfort to Judge Roll’s wife, mentioned, a staffer for Congress- passing this legislation, it is important Maureen, his three children and his woman GIFFORDS—protecting him. He that we do not forget that all the vic- five grandchildren, in honor of his serv- had just come from mass. I spoke to his tims that day should be honored and ice. wife, Maureen, the other day, and she remembered. I urge my colleagues to join me in said that was his regular routine on I support passage of this legislation supporting S. 188. Saturday, to go to mass in the morn- and urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time. ing. He then went from there to see I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I Congresswoman GABBY GIFFORDS at yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from b 1220 Congress on Your Corner, and you Arizona (Mr. QUAYLE). know what happened next. He was Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I Mr. QUAYLE. I thank the gentleman going to talk to her about securing re- yield myself such time as I may con- from California for yielding. sources for the overwhelming court sume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- system. This was characteristic, as he S. 188 is a bill to honor the life and port of S. 188. dedicated his entire life to ensuring public service of Judge John McCarthy I can think of no one more worthy of justice. He was known as a scholar of Roll, who was gunned down, along with this honor than Judge John Roll. Nam- the law and a man of integrity. He is others, at a community meeting in ing a Federal courthouse after Judge an example of the public servants who Tucson, Arizona. Roll won’t make the pain of his passing are doing serious and significant work Judge Roll graduated from the Uni- any easier for his family and close in the judiciary every day. versity of Arizona Law School in 1972, friends, but it will help ensure that his We had the honor, when we went to and he spent the next 40 years of his exceptional legacy and final act of her- Tucson with the President to visit life dedicated to public service. Upon oism will never be forgotten. While the GABBY and to meet with some of the graduation from law school, Judge Roll painful memories of the Tucson trag- families, to also take pride in the fact served as a bailiff in the Pima County edy will eventually begin to fade, there that Justice Anthony Kennedy from Superior Court and soon became Dep- will always be a John M. Roll United the Supreme Court came on the trip, uty County Attorney for Pima County, States Courthouse in Yuma. and Sandra Day O’Connor, who is from where he prosecuted criminal cases Madam Speaker, John Roll’s job was Arizona, was there that evening as until 1980. to look out for the people of Arizona. well. They were joined by other jus- After his service as Pima County That’s what a good judge is supposed to tices who served with Judge Roll as a prosecutor, Judge Roll moved to the do. And John Roll was a great one. tribute to him personally and offi- U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona, We’ve heard from friends and col- cially. It was wonderful to hear the where he served both as a civil attor- leagues about how fair he was in the beautiful statements that they made in ney and criminal attorney until 1987, courtroom and how he worked to make our conversations about Chief Judge primarily prosecuting drug cases for sure that Arizona’s judicial system— Roll, and they all sang the praises of the Federal Government. Judge Roll with its ever-growing caseload—was Maureen Roll. then served as a State court judge working efficiently for the people. And So I hope it is a comfort to Maureen, until he was appointed to the Federal it was no surprise, Madam Speaker, to their three sons, and five grand- bench by President George H. W. Bush when we learned that Judge Roll died children that so many people are sad- in 1991. while helping to save the life of Ronald dened by their loss. We’re praying for From this perch, Judge Roll earned Barber, one of Congresswoman GIF- them at this very sad time. This court- his reputation as a giant amongst the FORDS’ staff members. So even at the house will long stand as a tribute—and legal community in Arizona. Judge very end, Madam Speaker, Judge Roll an appropriate tribute—to Judge Roll. Roll was respected by his colleagues was doing what he did every day before Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I and the attorneys that appeared before that—looking out for the people of Ari- yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from him as someone who devoted his life to zona. Arizona (Mr. GOSAR). the rule of law and afforded all who ap- For your service to our great State (Mr. GOSAR asked and was given peared before him a fair opportunity to and this country, Judge Roll, we offer permission to revise and extend his re- present their case. our deepest thanks. We will never for- marks.) Judge Roll’s 20-year service to the ju- get you or the other good Americans Mr. GOSAR. I stand here today in diciary ended tragically on January 8, who passed away on that terrible day. support of Senate Bill 188. Judge Roll 2011, when he was shot and killed while Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I lost his life in the tragic shooting in attending a local event sponsored by am pleased to yield 1 minute to the Tucson 1 month ago, and I believe it is the gentlewoman, our colleague from leader, the gentlewoman from Cali- a fitting tribute to honor his memory Arizona, GABBY GIFFORDS. Judge Roll fornia (Ms. PELOSI). and service to our country by desig- attended the event in the course of his Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentlelady nating the Yuma courthouse the John duties to thank Congresswoman GIF- for yielding. I thank her and you, Mr. M. Roll United States Courthouse. FORDS for sending a letter to the Chief Chairman, for bringing this resolution Judge Roll loved his country. His Judge of the Ninth Circuit Court of Ap- to the floor to name a Federal court- service as a Federal judge and the chief peals requesting that he declare Judge house in Yuma, Arizona, for John M. judge for the United States District Roll’s Federal district a judicial emer- Roll. It will be called the ‘‘John M. Court was admirable. He served self- gency because it was besieged with a Roll United States Courthouse.’’ How lessly, as he always worked to ensure high number of immigration and drug appropriate. that the rule of law was upheld.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:22 Feb 10, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09FE7.011 H09FEPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H562 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 9, 2011 Judge Roll loved Arizona. Attending Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I of the fairness and of the devotion to the University of Arizona for his under- yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from his faith. graduate work and the University of Arizona (Mr. FLAKE). The fact of the matter is Judge Roll Virginia for his law degree, he returned Mr. FLAKE. I thank the gentleman was tough, but you were always going to the State he loved to serve Pima for yielding, and I thank the com- to get your appropriate day in court. County, Arizona, and the United mittee for bringing this resolution for- Therefore, I hope naming this court- States. ward. I rise in support of it. house in Yuma that he painstakingly Judge Roll’s patriotism was evident Madam Speaker, as Judge John Roll spent time on helping design and get in the fact that he went out to talk pored over the plans and designs for a right is just the first step in a fitting with his Representative at the local new courthouse to be built in Yuma, tribute to a life well lived. Congress on Your Corner event. His Arizona, I am sure his intentions were Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, one love for his country inspired him to not to cement a legacy in brick and of the things that we don’t talk about serve and motivated him to come and mortar. To those who knew him, main- very often is that there are different support GABBY GIFFORDS. taining a reputation as a fair, ethical ways that people choose to serve. Some Judge Roll lost his life trying to pro- and intelligent jurist was legacy choose to serve in elected office. Some tect another. His act of courage will al- enough. choose to serve in uniform. Judge Roll ways be remembered and his upstand- One Tucson attorney said, ‘‘One of chose to serve in our judiciary. It is ing character will never be forgotten. the finest compliments you could give one of those parts of our system that My thoughts and prayers are with his him was that you got a fair day in Judge Roll rightly recognized as one in family today. court.’’ which it is important to hear with fair- The United States and Arizona has In fact, when the ability of the Ari- ness those who come before the court. lost a distinguished public servant, but zona Federal court system to ensure Every aspect of Judge Roll’s service in- he will always be remembered for dili- such timely care and attention in all of dicated, with regard to those who ap- gence and dedication to our Nation. its proceedings came into question by peared before him, that he operated May God be with Judge Roll’s family what he called a ‘‘tsunami of felony and functioned fairly in his courtroom. and all the victims of the shooting in cases,’’ Judge Roll declared a judicial It is why he was so respected. Tucson. emergency for the District of Arizona. As we look at his 20-year service, Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I An Arizonan since childhood, a two- ending so tragically just in January of yield 2 minutes to another of our col- time graduate of the University of Ari- 2011, perhaps several months ago, one leagues from Arizona, ED PASTOR. zona and a public servant within the would not have thought what the name (Mr. PASTOR of Arizona asked and State for nearly 40 years, Judge Roll of the courthouse would be under its was given permission to revise and ex- was a tireless advocate. His mission construction in Yuma, Arizona. Yet, tend his remarks.) today, because of Judge Roll’s service Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. First of all, would bring him to seek the assistance of his Representative, Congresswoman and the tragedy that met him, it seems I want to thank my colleague from so obvious that this courthouse should Maryland for yielding the time. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS. Eventually, their efforts helped to secure approval of the be named for such an important public About 3 years ago, Judge Roll in- servant. Given Judge Roll’s extraor- formed us that the courthouse in funding for the Yuma courthouse. With the construction of this build- dinary service to the country, it is true Yuma, which is in southeastern Ari- that, in his memory, we will remember zona, lacked the space because of the ing set to begin this July, Judge Roll labored over the finishing touches. To him as a public servant, but we will increased cases dealing with the drug also remember the purpose for which cases and immigration cases that the him, the building represented a means to an end to better serve the people of he served this country in our judiciary. Federal court was facing in the Yuma The John M. Roll United States Arizona. The Judge John M. Roll area. Courthouse will be a place in which, United States Courthouse will now rep- not just his wife, Maureen, and his b 1230 resent and commemorate Judge Roll’s family will be able to recognize their It was very interesting. At the time, legacy as a selfless public servant. memory, but will be one that other at- Let me just say that I, along with the request was kind of unusual be- torneys and judges and litigants will some of my colleagues here, had the cause, in the line of things, at least in recognize as a place of fairness, as a honor to attend his funeral. I heard the court itinerary, the Yuma court fair representation of his service to was not under consideration, but Judge stories of selfless service, of care and of this Nation. Roll impressed on the delegation that what an incredible, wonderful jurist he So I do join my colleagues in sup- this was sorely needed in the Yuma was to represent the United States porting S. 188. area, which prompted the Arizona dele- Government—to ensure that justice Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise gation to work in bringing forth some was served and for his service to the today to honor the memory of Judge John moneys. I have to tell you that, in the people of Arizona. There was such an Roll, a tireless advocate for justice and a last appropriation bill that passed this outpouring of love and support for the model public servant. By designating the Fed- House, which was the omnibus bill, family and, basically, just an honoring eral courthouse under construction at 98 West Chairman JOSE´ SERRANO, from New of the legacy of this great man. So I First Street in Yuma, Arizona, as the ‘‘John M. York, was able to appropriate the mon- am glad we can do this small part to Roll United States Courthouse,’’ Congress has eys to have this courthouse con- ensure that people remember what he chosen to pass the legacy of a champion for structed. has done for the State and for his coun- justice to many generations of Arizonans and Also, I want to thank the leadership try. Americans. of the Congress, of the House of Rep- Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I A native Pennsylvanian, Judge Roll moved resentatives, for bringing this bill for- reserve the balance of my time. to Arizona as a child. He graduated from the ward. It is very appropriate that we Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I University of Arizona with his Bachelor’s De- name this courthouse in the name of yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from gree in 1969 and his J.D. in 1972. He began Judge Roll, who was the presiding Arizona (Mr. SCHWEIKERT). his legal career as a bailiff in the Pima County judge of the Arizona courts. As you Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Madam Speaker, Superior Court later that year. have been told—and rightfully so—he I never met Judge Roll, but if you were Judge Roll became an Assistant City Attor- was a jurist, a scholar, and a man who judged by the comments, the love, the ney for the City of Tucson and Deputy County had a deep belief in God; but more than number of touches I’ve received just in Attorney for Pima County, prosecuting criminal that, he was a father, a good husband, the last 24 hours, we have a gentleman cases until 1980. He later joined the U.S. At- and one who continually supported the here with an amazing history, an amaz- torney’s Office where he led the organized efforts of his community. ing reputation. Just walking up the drug crimes task force, specializing in large So on behalf of the Arizonans, we stairs, while coming here onto the floor drug cases, from 1982 to 1986. From 1987 to thank this House for naming this of the House, I was on the floor with a 1991 he served as a judge on the State Court courthouse in Yuma, Arizona, in honor local attorney, named Steve Twist, of Appeals, and in 1991 also held a post on of Judge Roll. May he rest in peace. who could not stop sharing comments the Pima County Superior Court.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:22 Feb 10, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0636 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K09FE7.013 H09FEPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE February 9, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H563 Judge Roll was appointed to the Federal (1) Approximately $180 million in United b 1240 bench in 1991 by President George H.W. States taxpayer funds overpaid to the United Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- Bush and was unanimously confirmed by the Nations remain in the hands of the United Nations because the United States has not er, I yield myself such time as I may Senate. He served as the chief judge of the requested the return of those funds. consume. District of Arizona from 2006 until his tragic (2) The funds were paid into the United Na- The American people have spoken. death on January 8, 2011. He displayed re- tions Tax Equalization Fund (TEF), which is They overwhelmingly voted for today’s markable fairness and evenhandedness in his used to reimburse United Nations staff mem- YouCut proposal calling for U.S. tax- rulings, and was often recognized by peers bers subject to United States income taxes payer funds overpaid to the United Na- and colleagues for setting aside his personal for the cost of those taxes. tions to be returned to the United beliefs in service of the law. (3) In recent years, the TEF has taken in States. The United Nations holds about According to multiple witnesses, Judge Roll considerably more money than it has paid $179 million overpaid by U.S. taxpayers out, with the United States apparently over- died protecting Congresswoman GIFFORDS’ into the U.N. Tax Equalization Fund. paying into the TEF by $52.2 million in the district office director, Ron Barber, who con- 2008–2009 timeframe alone. This is not about the U.N. finally doing tinues his recovery. His sacrifice will never be (4) According to the United Nations Finan- the right thing by paying for security forgotten by the Arizona community. I believe cial Report and Audited Financial State- upgrades at its headquarters in New many join me in extending heartfelt sym- ments released on July 29, 2010, ‘‘As of 31 De- York. The U.N. is not paying for any- pathies to his widow Maureen, his three sons cember 2009, an amount of $179.0 million was thing. and his five grandchildren. payable to the United States of America After years of avoiding its respon- For many years, Judge Roll pushed for the pending instructions as to its disposition.’’. sibilities, the U.N., with the support of construction of a new Federal courthouse in (5) That balance was allowed to accrue not- the Obama administration, is asking withstanding United Nations Financial Reg- the American taxpayer to bail them Yuma. He worked diligently with my office and ulation 4.12, which states that any such sur- Ms. GIFFORDS’ office to secure the funding, out once again and pay 100 percent of pluses ‘‘shall be credited against the assessed the proposed construction costs. To which finally came through the American Re- contributions due from that Member State covery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. His de- the following year.’’. make matters worse, allowing the U.N. termination and persistence were key factors, (6) Allowing the United Nations to regu- to take $100 million of the refund owed and it is fitting that the building will bear his larly overcharge the United States and to re- to U.S. taxpayers would be an increase for the U.N. budget. name. tain those overpayments, or to spend them This YouCut not only ensures that John Roll was a great example to everyone on wholly unrelated activities, is a disservice to American taxpayers and a subversion of U.S. taxpayers receive the funds owed of what a legal career can mean to a nation the Congressional budget process. to the U.S. Treasury, but it prevents a and a community. His passing was a very sad SEC. 3. REFUND OF UNITED STATES TAXPAYER $100 million increase for the U.N. The day for our State, and I can think of no greater DOLLARS FROM THE UNITED NA- U.N. doesn’t want the American people tribute than to pass on his name to future gen- TIONS TAX EQUALIZATION FUND. to know this; so the U.N. and the State (a) STATEMENT OF POLICY.—It shall be the erations through the courthouse he fought so Department are now stating that they hard to bring to Yuma. policy of the United States— (1) to direct the United Nations to return should allow this increase because it is Ms. EDWARDS. I yield back the bal- for security upgrades. This is not about ance of my time. to the United States the $179,010,326 overpaid into the United Nations Tax Equalization security. This is the U.N. and the Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I Fund (TEF) as of December 31, 2009, which Obama administration looking for an- have no further requests for time, and the United Nations itself has identified as other excuse to avoid making the dif- I yield back the balance of my time. ‘‘payable to the United States of America’’; ficult choices and requiring account- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (2) to use the voice and vote of the United ability from the United Nations. question is on the motion offered by States to press the United Nations to reform This is not like U.S. embassy con- the gentleman from California (Mr. its TEF assessment procedures to reduce the struction projects where the needs are DENHAM) that the House suspend the repeated discrepancies between TEF income and expenditures; and assessed, where a detailed plan is de- rules and pass the bill, S. 188. veloped on how the security needs will The question was taken. (3) to annually instruct the United Nations to return to the United States any TEF sur- be addressed, on how the funding re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the plus funds payable to the United States. quest is presented, and how the Con- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being (b) CERTIFICATION AND WITHHOLDING.—Until gress will then allocate the funds, no. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. the Secretary of State submits to the appro- After months of requests, my col- Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, on priate congressional committees a certifi- leagues on the committee and I are that I demand the yeas and nays. cation that the United Nations has returned still waiting for the details on this pro- The yeas and nays were ordered. to the United States the $179,010,326 identi- fied by the United Nations in its July 29, 2010 posed construction project and, more The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- recently, on how the U.N. would fund ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Financial Report as payable to the United States, the United States shall withhold it. Chair’s prior announcement, further $179,010,326 from the United States contribu- In news reports, I read that the State proceedings on this motion will be tion to the regularly assessed biennial budg- Department may have already handed postponed. et of the United Nations. over to the U.N. $100 million of our f SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. overpayment into the TEF. The Tax UNITED NATIONS TAX EQUALI- In this Act— Equalization Fund, TEF, is a round- (1) the term ‘‘appropriate congressional ZATION REFUND ACT OF 2011 about mechanism premised on the U.N. committees’’ means— belief that U.N. employee salaries and Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- (A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and benefits should be tax free. The TEF er, I move to suspend the rules and the Committee on Appropriations of the has collected much more from the U.S. pass the bill (H.R. 519) to secure the re- House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations than it has paid out. turn to the United States the $179 mil- The U.N.’s most recent biennial fi- lion overpaid into the United Nations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and nancial report states that the amount Tax Equalization Fund as of December (2) the term ‘‘United Nations Tax Equali- of the U.S.-paid surplus has grown to 31, 2009, and for other purposes. zation Fund’’ or ‘‘TEF’’ means the fund es- $179 million. The U.N. readily admits The Clerk read the title of the bill. tablished under the provisions of United Na- that it does owe the overpaid money to The text of the bill is as follows: tions General Assembly Resolution 973 (De- our U.S. taxpayers. According to the cember 15, 1955) to equalize to net pay of H.R. 519 U.N.’s official financial report, the TEF United Nations staff members. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- surplus is ‘‘payable to the United resentatives of the United States of America in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- States of America pending instructions Congress assembled, ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from as to its disposition.’’ SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) and the This YouCut proposal declares that it This Act may be cited as the ‘‘United Na- gentleman from California (Mr. BER- is U.S. policy to seek the return of tions Tax Equalization Refund Act of 2011’’. MAN) each will control 20 minutes. those funds and the reform of the TEF SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Chair recognizes the gentle- assessment process. And until the Sec- Congress finds the following: woman from Florida. retary of State certifies to Congress

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