[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 15]
[House]
[Pages 21398-21402]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     LIBERIA DESIGNATION EXTENSION

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the 
rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3123) to extend the designation of 
Liberia under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act so 
that Liberians can continue to be eligible for temporary protected 
status under that section.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 3123

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF DESIGNATION.

       (a) In General.--The designation of Liberia under section 
     244(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
     1254a(b)(1)) is extended through September 30, 2008.
       (b) Applicability.--Subsection (a) shall be applied so as 
     to render eligible for temporary protected status and work 
     authorization, in accordance with subsections (a), (e) and 
     (f) of section 244 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a), an alien who 
     is a national of Liberia (or in the case of an alien having 
     no nationality, is a person who last habitually resided in 
     Liberia) and is otherwise eligible under subsection (c) of 
     such section, if the alien--
       (1) was granted such status under the designation of 
     Liberia that is effective until October 1, 2007 (71 Fed. Reg. 
     55000);
       (2) applied for such status under such designation, and 
     such application is still pending; or
       (3) is eligible for late initial registration under section 
     244(c) of such Act and the regulations implementing such 
     section.
       (c) Requirements.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security 
     shall publish in the Federal Register procedures for aliens 
     to register for temporary protected status under the 
     extension made by this Act, and to apply for any applicable 
     work authorization or extension of work authorization. Such 
     registration period shall be not less than 60 days long.
       (d) Extension of Current Work Authorizations.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any work 
     authorization provided under section 244 of the Immigration 
     and Nationality Act pursuant to the designation of Liberia 
     that is effective until October 1, 2007, is extended until 
     not earlier than April 1, 2008.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Cannon) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  H.R. 3123 extends Liberia's current temporary protected status 
designation, which is due to expire on September 30 of this year, for 1 
year.
  As many of us know, Liberia was founded by former American slaves 
with the help of our government. Since 1989, however, the country has 
been ravaged by two brutal civil wars which have displaced hundreds of 
thousands of people and destroyed Liberia's economy and infrastructure.
  In recognition of these intolerable conditions, the United States for 
the past 16 years has accorded special protection status to prevent 
approximately 3,600 Liberians residing in our Nation under temporary 
protected status from having to be returned to their homeland in the 
midst of those wars. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security has 
determined to terminate these temporary protections in light of the 
fact that Liberia's civil wars have finally ended and in anticipation 
of the political stability that Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, its newly 
elected President, will bring.
  While there is no question that President Johnson-Sirleaf has put 
Liberia on the road to recovery, that road will unfortunately be rather 
long. Currently, 85 percent of Liberians are unemployed. The country is 
suffering from severe shortages in electricity and running water. As 
for medical care, Liberia has only 26, yes, that is only 26, physicians 
who must serve a population of 3.4 million people.
  Recognizing her country's fragile state, President Johnson-Sirleaf 
has acknowledged that Liberia is unable to accept and absorb the 3,600 
Liberian nationals currently residing in the U.S. under TPS. I am sure 
we all recall President Johnson-Sirleaf's visit and address to this 
body and our interest in making sure that she succeeds in bringing 
peace and democracy to her country. Accordingly, we are deeply 
concerned about the consequences that could result if thousands of 
Liberians in the United States are forced to return to their homeland 
before it is ready and able to accept them.
  For these reasons, I ask that you join me in supporting H.R. 3123, 
which simply extends this protection status for 1 year. I should also 
note that this bipartisan measure is supported by President Johnson-
Sirleaf and the Liberian Government.
  I would also like to extend a special thanks to Republican Whip Roy 
Blunt

[[Page 21399]]

who, in talking to Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn last week, agreed that 
we should proceed in this manner. Mr. Blunt is a cosponsor of this 
bipartisan bill, along with the prime sponsors, Representatives Kennedy 
and Jim Ramstad, Representatives Pence and Tiberi, myself, Mr. 
Langevin, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Mr. McCotter, Tim Walberg, John Conyers, Ms. 
Jackson-Lee, and Representative Wynn. So this is a thoroughly 
bipartisan bill, and I would urge my colleagues to support it.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CANNON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Congress has granted the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority 
to grant temporary refuge to aliens from particular countries under 
temporary protected status. If there is an ongoing armed conflict in 
the country and the return of nationals would pose a serious threat to 
their security, if there has been a natural disaster in the country 
resulting in a substantial but temporary disruption of living 
conditions, or if there exists extraordinary temporary conditions in 
their country that prevent aliens from returning in safety, the 
Secretary can grant TPS status to the nationals for as long as 18 
months. He can later extend the TPS period for additional periods of as 
long as 18 months.
  Nationals of Liberia have been granted TPS because of civil unrest in 
Liberia; however, that status expires on October 1 of this year. This 
legislation would direct the Secretary to extend TPS to nationals of 
Liberia through September 30, 2008. I support this legislation.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman 
from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy), the prime author of the legislation.
  Mr. KENNEDY. I thank the gentlewoman from California, and I want to 
commend her for her support.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to lead a bipartisan coalition of Members 
from both sides of the aisle that support the cause of Liberia, and I 
want to thank and extend my gratitude to them and to all parties for 
bringing this bill to the floor today.
  Minority Leader and Whip Blunt, Congressman Mike Pence, Congressman 
Tim Walberg, and my good friend from Minnesota, Jim Ramstad, have come 
together because we all believe in the Liberian-American community.
  I would also like to recognize Congressman Keith Ellison, a true 
champion of the Liberian-Americans, for his steadfast support and 
dedication to this cause, as well as to Chairman Conyers and again to 
Chairwoman Lofgren on the Judiciary Committee for her strong leadership 
on this issue.
  Madam Speaker, as you can hear from this debate, this is an issue 
where we have had a country that has had a unique history with our 
Nation. It is a country that was founded by former American slaves. It 
was a country that was established by this country for those liberated 
American slaves; and it was a country whose refugees came back here 
because of a war that was in part fueled by American guns, where we 
supported former General Taylor and General Doe.
  So it is a tragedy that was exacerbated because America supported a 
civil war that cost the descendents of those American slaves their 
lives. There was torture and killing that forced those former American 
slaves' descendents to have to come back to the United States.
  Now they are here. They have made their own lives here. And the 
thought that we would have to force them to go back instead of them 
making their own decision as to when to go back. I represent a large 
community of over 17,000 Liberian-Americans. They want to go back to 
Liberia, but they want to make the decision as to when they go back. 
They don't want to have to be forced to go back on October 1 because we 
are forcing them. They have made their lives here. They contribute 
heavily to our community.
  In fact, I have spoken this afternoon to several of my constituents. 
One woman, Ms. Harris, has never missed a day of work in the 20 years 
she has been here in this country; another family, the Dennises, who 
have been here; Mr. and Mrs. Akowala. He has two degrees in engineering 
and Mrs. Akowala is a registered nurse.

                              {time}  1930

  Both degrees are very important in this country. Both of whom 
contribute heavily to our economy. Their children were born here. But 
if they were forced back and their children are Americans, what 
happens? They go back to a country where 85 percent of the country is 
unemployed, where there's little running water, little electricity. Can 
you imagine what we'd do to that country? It's barely on its feet right 
now. What do we do? We do not stabilize the country that's getting on 
its feet. I think we further destabilize it.
  Further, I think the best policy for us to help stand up to Liberia 
is to help and give them the remittances that Americans here in this 
country, the Liberian Americans here send back every year to Liberia. 
And that, I think, is a good policy for this country.
  For all of these reasons, not the least of which is Ciehanna Stevens. 
She is married to an Iraqi war veteran hero who's on his fourth tour of 
duty. He's a citizen of this country. He's a Liberian American, fourth 
tour of duty serving his country. She will be deported. Imagine, the 
wife of an Iraqi war hero on his fourth tour of duty to be deported. 
That, to me, is an outrage. We need to pass this bill for all the 
Liberian Americans who contributed to our country.
  Mr. CANNON. Madam Speaker, I'd like to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).
  Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
3123, legislation that would extend by 1 year temporary protective 
status for all Liberian refugees living in the United States.
  I also count it a privilege that this is a bipartisan piece of 
legislation. I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Kennedy and others 
in working on something that is the right thing to do.
  Currently, all Liberian refugees living in the United States under 
temporary protective status have until October of this year, and then 
they'll be forced to return to Liberia.
  As someone who had the privilege, and I say that sincerely, of 
helping a Liberian refugee start a brand new life in America, living in 
my home, forcing these Liberians out of our country is the wrong 
policy.
  Liberia has been torn apart by two long civil wars over the past 2 
decades, and while civil war finally ceased in 2003, Liberia is still 
years from developing the infrastructure needed for Liberian refugees 
to return.
  Liberia's path remains very difficult. With an unemployment rate of 
85 percent, shortages of running water and, according to the United 
Nations, a mere 26 physicians practicing medicine in a country of 3.4 
million people, Liberia cannot absorb the estimated 3,600 Liberians who 
would be required to return.
  Some of the estimated 3,600 Liberian refugees who are here legally in 
the United States came to our country when civil war broke out in 
Liberia in 1991, and they're now raising children born in America.
  This legislation addresses an urgent situation faced by Liberian 
refugees who have legally come to America, many over 15 years ago, 
established careers, bought homes, raised American-born children and 
become valued members of their communities.
  One of the unintended consequences of the temporary protective status 
is it did not foresee that civil wars would continue many years, 
leaving refugees in America stuck in a state of flux.
  The United States Government must allow these law-abiding, 
hardworking Liberian refugees the chance to not only continue 
contributing to American society as they do, but also to continue 
playing a pivotal role in furthering Liberia's recovery from years of 
strife and turmoil.
  This is the right thing to do. It's an opportunity that we have. It's 
an opportunity for resources to a foreign country that is a friend of 
ours that costs us very little because they, the refugees, are the ones 
primarily giving back.

[[Page 21400]]

  And so I ask, Madam Speaker, that we, as a Congress, roll up our 
sleeves in this way and support this legislation to give one simple 
year to remain for this country to move ahead.
  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 4 
minutes to one of the co-authors of the bill, the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Wynn).
  Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, let me begin by thanking my colleague, 
Patrick Kennedy, for his leadership on this issue.
  I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3123, the bill which I have 
cosponsored which would extend the ability of Liberians living in the 
United States to maintain their temporary protective status designation 
allowing them to legally remain in the United States, which has become 
home for many of these Liberians displaced by conflict and civil war in 
their native country.
  Founded by freed American slaves, with a flag and a Constitution 
based on our own, Liberia has always had a special relationship with 
the United States. In fact, I used to live in a little community in 
Warren County, North Carolina, called Liberia.
  But Liberia has had a troubled history in the past few decades. From 
1989 to 1997, civil war in Liberia has claimed the lives of almost 
150,000 people and displaced 850,000 more.
  In August of 2003, the U.N. Security Council established a U.N. 
peacekeeping mission of up to 15,000 soldiers. Although peace has 
allegedly been restored, these 15,000 troops are still in Liberia 
today.
  Based on the election of Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson in 2005, the 
Department of Homeland Security decided that conditions in Liberia were 
such that temporary protective status for Liberians currently living in 
the United States should end.
  This is illogical. Many of the roughly 3,500 Liberians in the United 
States today on temporary protective status have been living in the 
United States since 1991, over 15 years. They own homes, pay taxes and 
are pillars of the community.
  This Saturday I sat with a gentleman who had a 13-year-old daughter. 
He said, she's never been to Liberia. She only knows America as her 
home. Many of their children are like this. They've never known any 
home other than the United States.
  That alone would be good reason to grant this extension. But the fact 
is that Liberia still has 15,000 U.N. peacekeepers stationed there. 
Less than 2 weeks ago, Liberia's former House Speaker and a former top 
military commander were charged with treason for attempting to 
overthrow the Liberian Government in an alleged coup.
  The Sirleaf-Johnson administration is performing admirably in 
rebuilding Liberia's crippled economy. But there are no jobs or homes 
for returning Liberians.
  Many in the Capitol city of Monrovia lack running water or access to 
electricity, and waterborne illnesses like hepatitis A and typhoid 
fever are common.
  Eighty percent of Liberians are unemployed. The Liberian Government 
has pleaded for an extension of temporary protective status, saying it 
is not ready to accept the return of these Liberians.
  Unless we pass this bill, we'll make illegal immigrants of those 
responsible, hardworking, taxpaying Liberians that fled violence and 
war in Liberia to seek peace and safety in the United States.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this excellent 
bipartisan bill supporting an extension of temporary protective status 
for these Liberians.
  I urge my colleagues' support for this measure.
  Mr. CANNON. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield 
back.
  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes now 
to a cosponsor of the legislation, the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. 
Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, let me thank the gentlelady 
from California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren) for her leadership on the Judiciary 
Committee as a member of the Judiciary Committee and cosponsor of this 
legislation.
  Might I add my appreciation to Mr. Kennedy for his leadership and the 
bipartisanship of this bill.
  I pay tribute also to the Liberian community in Houston, Texas, and 
ask my colleagues to recognize the long history of suffering that 
Liberians experienced under the presidency of Charles Taylor. The 
horrific and heinous crimes, the mutilation of young children, the 
using of child soldiers all speak to the importance and the crucialness 
of extending the temporary protective status for these who are here in 
this country who fled because of political persecution and fled because 
of the atrocities that they would experience.
  This is a temporary protective status of individuals who have been in 
this country working, paying taxes, and raising their children. We've 
experienced this over the years of the past administration, looking to 
try to find some way to provide permanent status for these refugees who 
have fled persecution. We have not done that yet. However, this is a 
very good step to recognize their contributions to the United States.
  I hope that my colleagues, in reflection of the atrocities that 
Liberia experienced, will recognize that there is a very, very 
difficult pathway for them to return back to Liberia.
  I do, however, want to applaud the leadership of the new president of 
Liberia and to recognize the work that she has done. But she, too, has 
admitted that they are making steps, step by step, and the importance 
of providing the sanctity and safety of the individuals here in the 
United States is crucial.
  I rise to support H.R. 3123, and would ask my colleagues to support 
it.
  And again, I salute the Liberian community for the suffering but yet 
the contributions they've made to the United States.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise in support of H.R. 3123, which 
addresses the plight of displaced Liberian nationals, a group of people 
that is of great regional and global importance. H.R. 3123 recognizes 
the importance of extending the designation of Liberia under section 
244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. I thank the gentleman from 
Rhode Island, Mr. Kennedy, for excellent work in bringing this 
legislation forward.
  H.R. 3123 extends the designation of Liberian refuges under section 
244(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act through September 30, 
2008 and expands the designation of Liberia under the Immigration and 
Nationality Act as a country whose nationals are eligible for temporary 
protected status and work authorization in the United States. In 
addition, H.R. 3123 sets forth eligibility requirements for Liberian 
nationals or persons having no nationality whose last habitual 
residence was Liberia.
  Madam Speaker, let us remember that from 1989 to 1996 the Liberian 
civil war claimed the lives of more than 200,000 Liberians and further 
displaced a million others into refugee camps in neighboring and 
distant countries, including our own. The United States and other 
countries have provided relief to Liberians. By supporting this bill we 
can show our affection and commitment to people of Liberia.
  The United States has a historical connection to all Liberians, but 
we also have a moral responsibility to end the killings and mass 
displacement of innocent citizens. The termination of TPS designation 
of Liberia would place many Liberians that fled to our country for 
refuge at risk of being returned prematurely.
  Madam Speaker, the elimination of TPS designation means that on 
October 2, 2007, former TPS beneficiaries will return to the same 
immigration status they maintained before registering for TPS, or to 
any other status they may have acquired while registered for Temporary 
Protection Status. Accordingly, if an individual did not have lawful 
immigration status at the time of receiving TPS benefits, and did not 
obtain any other status during the TPS designation period, he or she 
will revert to being without lawful status. Such individuals are 
expected to depart the United States on or before October 1, 2007. 
Those who do not comply with this requirement may be subject to 
removal.
  The Liberian people living in our country deserve better treatment 
and protection than the current Immigration and Nationality Act can 
afford. Congress needs to permit the extension of section 244 which 
enables the people to re-

[[Page 21401]]

register for temporary protection status and work authorization.
  Let us give the Liberian people the respect and protection they need 
by supporting H.R. 3123.
  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, if we allow the 
temporary protective status for Liberia to expire this September, more 
than 3,000 Liberians living in the United States will be forced to 
immediately return to a country that lacks housing, jobs, health care, 
education, and other necessary services. Such a result would be 
inhumane to these men and women, but it would also be destabilizing to 
their country, a country that we want to support in their efforts to 
achieve peace and a democracy.
  So I urge my colleagues to please join in supporting passage of this 
important legislation.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3123, 
which would allow Liberians living in the United States to be eligible 
for a 1-year extension of their temporary protected status. This 
measure, introduced by my colleague from Rhode Island, Representative 
Kennedy, will give Liberian refugees in our State an opportunity to 
plan their return home instead of being forced back before they are 
ready.
  For many years, Liberians were ruled by the cruel hands of dictators, 
including Samuel Doe and Charles Taylor. They controlled their country 
by fear and violence, which provoked the United States Government in 
1991 to seek temporary protected status for Liberian nationals who were 
in the U.S.
  Since Charles Taylor was forced out of office, Liberia has made 
progress in peace and democracy building efforts, and the election of 
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2005 has brought stability to the 
region. President Johnson Sirleaf has made many efforts to improve 
relations with both the U.S. Government and Liberian communities across 
our country. However, Liberia's security situation, while stable, is 
still fragile, and its economy and state structures remain devastated 
by war.
  In Rhode Island, our Liberian population has become part of the 
fabric of our community. They work for local companies, they attend our 
schools, and they enrich cities and towns. The majority of Liberians in 
our State wants to return to their homeland, but they understandably 
wish to first ensure the country's safety and stability. In the 
meantime, they are learning how to better serve their country by taking 
advantage of opportunities offered to them in the United States. They 
are an integral part of our communities, and in return, we owe them the 
chance to return when they are ready--and without fear--to Liberia.
  Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
3123, a bill that will extend temporary immigration status for Liberian 
refugees here in the United States. Minnesota is proud to be the home 
of over 1,000 Liberian refugees, people who have became our friends and 
neighbors. Forcing them to return now would be an injustice to not only 
the Liberians themselves, but to everyone in Minnesota who has come to 
care for their welfare.
  The civil war that shook their county in the early 1990s left 150,000 
people dead and nearly a million others displaced. These 1,000 refugees 
turned to America in their hour of need, and Madam Speaker, I am proud 
to serve in the Congress of a country that has been willing to help 
these individuals in their time of greatest hardship.
  It has been well over a decade since these Liberian refugees sought 
Minnesota as a home, and since then they have become upstanding 
citizens, an important part of the fabric that makes up our communities 
and economies and neighborhoods. Madam Speaker, I strongly request that 
my colleagues join me in supporting H.R. 3121.
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 3123 and want to thank the gentleman from Rhode Island, my friend 
Congressman Kennedy, for his leadership and hard work on this issue. 
This bill provides support and assistance to our ally Liberia, during a 
critical time in its social and economic reform and recovery.
  Specifically, this bill extends until October 1, 2008, the 
designation of Liberians living in this country under Temporary 
Protected Status, TPS. The Department of Homeland Security estimates 
that only 3,600 Liberians are currently eligible for TPS. Many of these 
Liberians have been in the U.S. for more than 16 years, and all of them 
have been here for a minimum of 5 years.
  TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals 
of designated countries. In 1990, as part of the Immigration Act of 
1990, Congress established a procedure by which the Attorney General, 
and now DHS, may provide TPS to people in the United States who are 
temporarily unable to safely return to their home country because of 
ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or other 
extraordinary and temporary conditions. During the period for which a 
country has been designated for TPS, TPS beneficiaries may remain in 
the United States and may obtain work authorization. However, TPS does 
not lead to permanent resident status, and TPS holders are not illegal 
immigrants.
  Since 1989, Liberia has been ravaged by two brutal civil wars, which 
have destabilized the region, displaced hundreds of thousands of 
people, and destroyed the country's economy and infrastructure. In 
recognition of these conditions, the United States has protected some 
3,600 Liberians in the U.S. from having to return to Liberia.
  Recently, DHS has decided to terminate these temporary protections in 
light of the fact that Liberia's civil wars have finally ended and in 
anticipation of the political stability that newly-elected President 
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will bring. However, while there is no question 
that President Johnson Sirleaf has put Liberia on the road to recovery, 
that road will unfortunately be very long.
  According to a 2006 United Nations report, Liberia is currently 
enduring an 85 percent unemployment rate and it continues to be one of 
the poorest countries in the world. Improvements to the country's 
infrastructure following the war have come slowly, and it continues to 
suffer from severe shortages in electricity and running water. The 
country also lacks adequate medical care, as a mere 26 physicians 
currently practice medicine for a population of some 3.4 million 
people.
  According to Liberian Government officials, their nation is not yet 
in a position to provide returnees with employment, housing, health 
services, education services, and other necessary amenities and 
services. Due to these and other issues, the Liberian Government has 
stated that the country cannot absorb and provide for the estimated 
3,600 Liberians who would be required to return to their homeland.
  As an aside, Liberians in the U.S. also provide financial assistance, 
including remittances averaging about $6 million monthly, to the 
Liberian economy. These transfers constitute a vital source of 
financial assistance and economic stability during the country's still-
nascent period of recovery.
  President Johnson Sirleaf stated during her address to Congress in 
March 2006: ``For those unable to come back home now, we must appeal to 
you to grant them continuing protection status, and residency where 
appropriate, to put them in a condition to contribute to their 
country's reform and development.''
  For these reasons, and in order to support Liberia as it emerges from 
two decades of dictatorship and civil war, I strongly support H.R. 3123 
and urge its passage.
  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 3123. This legislation extends the opportunity to 3,600 Liberians 
currently residing in the United States to be able to remain here under 
the Immigration and Nationality Act.
  President Johnson Sirleaf has made it very clear that Liberia 
continues to need our support. As Liberia rebuilds after its civil war 
and re-establishes its civil society and government, we must continue 
to work with the Liberian people. Liberians that continue to reside in 
the United States, including the city of St. Paul, need our assistance 
as well. After the civil war Liberians were given the opportunity to 
register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in this country. Today, 
the opportunity to continue to receive this status is in jeopardy. 
However, this legislation will protect those that need our help.
  On October 1, 2007 the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of all 
Liberians residing in the United States is set to expire. This will 
create a devastating effect on the opportunity for prosperity and hope 
of Liberian citizens. H.R. 3123 will alleviate this burden Liberians 
face by extending the designation of TPS.
  Not only has United States provided assistance to the people of 
Liberia and its government, but the Liberians who currently reside in 
this country provide aid to the growing economy and families who remain 
in Liberia. The Liberians in the U.S. provide monetary support to 
families in Liberia but equally important is the ability to provide 
their skills, talent and education they have gained living in the U.S. 
to their countrymen that need help.
  During her address to Congress in 2006 President Johnson Sirleaf 
expressed that Liberia needs to continue to receive these remittances 
and aid to help keep their economy stable. If the Liberian community in 
the United States is not granted TPS again and all are required to 
return to Liberia in a short period of time the economy and 
infrastructure of Liberia will not be able to sustain the influx.
  Liberia and its people need our friendship and support and I applaud 
the gentleman from

[[Page 21402]]

Rhode Island, Mr. Kennedy, for bringing this important bill to the 
Floor. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.
  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren) that the House suspend 
the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3123.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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