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I was pleased Fifth District mayors could join me today so I could hear firsthand how the challenges of deficit reduction and economic growth are being felt at the local level. While Congress must bring down our deficit, we cannot jeopardize critical funding that helps sustain our communities. Im committed to a comprehensive plan that reduces the deficit through a balanced mix of spending cuts and revenues, but also continues to make investments in our local communities.

The Prince Georges-Montgomery County Gang Initiative helps protect our communities and youth from the influences of gang activity. Addressing gang activity continues to be a top public safety priority, and Im committed to supporting these coordinated efforts so that we can combat this threat to the stability of our communities.

Im pleased I could join The Diamondbacks editorial board today to discuss the impact on millions of students and their families if Congress fails to extendlower interest rates on student loans. Democrats are committed to making higher education more accessible and affordable, and are focused on addressing this issue. I hope Republicans will work with us on an acceptable bill to keep rates low for students in Maryland and across the country.

I want to thank my friend, Mr. Van Hollen, for the work he's done. I want to rise in opposition to this focus on federal employees.

I was encouraged that this appropriations bill included full funding of $628 million for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) at NASA Goddard SpaceFlight Center. The JWST is critical to local job creation and the future science research, and I am committed to ensuring we make robust investments inour space program.

I am pleased SMECO has been awarded FEMA funding to assist our community in recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Irene. Hurricane Irene had a tremendous impact throughout Southern Maryland, damaging our infrastructure and leaving tens of thousands of residents without power. This funding will help our community recover some of the costs associated with restoring power to our homes and businesses.

I rise in strong support of this resolution, which I am proud to sponsor. This resolution allows the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association tohold its 71st Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby on the Capitol grounds on June 16.

I served on the Labor and Health Committee for 23 years. Bill Natcher from Kentucky used to say this: if you take care of the health of your people and invest in the education of your young people, youll continue to be the strongest and best nation on the face of the Earth.