Aníbal Acevedo-Vilá

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Istook, Ranking Member Olver and the staff of the Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies Subcommittee for their continued consideration and support of the transportation related needs in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. As many of my colleagues are aware, Puerto Rico, with a limited land mass and a very high population density, faces enormous challenges in meeting the demands on surface transportation networks. Through our partnership with the federal government, with local financial commitments tied to necessary planning and project construction, Puerto Rico will meet the growing needs for transportation. Congestion, a serious problem crippling the San Juan metropolitan area, will be significantly reduced by the initial phase of Tren Urbano. The light rail project will grow transit ridership over time and provide an integrated, multi-modal transportation system with buses, publicos, water taxis, pedestrians and automobiles. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is committed to the successful completion of Phase I of Tren Urbano and the development of future extensions. I thank the Appropriations Committee for including $43.5 million in funds for Phase 1 of Tren Urbano. Additionally, under the House passed bill, Puerto Rico will receive significant funds for new bus purchases, and for ferryboat and ferryboat facility improvements. I will work with conferees to safeguard this necessary support Puerto Rico has been provided by the House.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in regard to Section 8125 of this bill which will arbitrarily close Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. I have been aware that this facility could be closed and presume that any such closure will occur through the 2005 base realignment closure process. I was, therefore, surprised and dismayed to find language in this appropriations bill authorizing the closure of Roosevelt Roads. I believe that this provision violates the standard procedures of Congress by legislating on an appropriations bill, that it arbitrarily circumvents the 2005 BRAC process, and that it neglects the importance of this facility both for the U.S. and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. To address this issue, I have two amendments that will permit the normal process of Congress and the Base Closure Commission to take place. My first amendment will simply strike Section 8125. Thus, if the criteria of BRAC finds Roosevelt Roads to deserve closure, then it will take place, but Congress, as with all other bases, will remain out of the process. The economic benefits of Roosevelt Roads estimated by the Navy to be $300 million per year will continue to accrue.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I really appreciate the support of the chairman and the ranking member. As I have spoken to them, my position and the position of Puerto Rico is we do not want the base to be closed because we think it is important for Puerto Rico and it is important for the U.S. But if that is the final decision, then, as with any other bases that have been closed, we need the support of Congress, we need a package, and we need special consideration to the possibility of transferring the lands to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and to the municipality of Ceiba. Actually the mayor of Ceiba, Gerardo Cruz, is here, and also the senator from that district in Puerto Rico Juan Cancel Alegria is here because this is really a main concern in that area. Unemployment is very high in the eastern part of Puerto Rico. So if, based on the gentlemen's statements, if we can work this out in conference, again my position is we want to keep the base open, but if it is going to be closed, we need, we need some clear language from Congress that we are going to get an economic development package for that area and that the possibility of those lands be transferred to the Government of Puerto Rico and the municipality of Ceiba are going to be part of that discussion.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for that commitment. I include the following letters for the Record: House of Representatives Washington, DC, June 23, 2003. Mrs. Connie Patrick, Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, FLETC Glynco Facility, Glynco, GA. Dear Director Patrick: I recently became aware of reports on the effects of increased federal law enforcement training needs. As was noted in Roll Call on June 2, 2003, Department of Homeland Security law enforcement training needs have increased and as a result, other agencies such as the U.S. Capitol Police, may be required to conduct training a federal facilities other than the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA. Rather than address this issue on an agency-by-agency basis, I believe that such trends indicate a new FLETC training facilities. The FLETC facilities at Charleston, SC and Cheltenham, MD are located at former military sites. Such a transfer of government property from one agency to another serves valuable purposes, such as the elimination of land acquisition and plant construction costs and maintaining benefits to the local economy. For these reasons, I encourage you to consider the possibility of locating any future FLETC facilities at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads (NSRR), Puerto Rico. NSRR is currently home to Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility, however, many of the military commands located at NSRR are being downsized, relocated, or eliminated with the recent closure of the Vieques training range. Such ongoing changes will lead to excess buildings, land and other infrastructure. Located a short distance from San Juan, NSRR's assets include numerous buildings, dormitories and classrooms, a modern aviation runway, marine berthing facilities, firing ranges, communication facilities, among others. It is my belief that these plant assets, coupled with the downsizing of NSRR, could enable FLETC to make high use of this facility for federal law enforcement training. Further, NSRR could also be a suitable facility for the training of international law enforcement personnel, particularly those form the Caribbean and Latin America. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet and discuss with you FLETC's future needs and the opportunities that NSRR may afford our nation's future law enforcement officers. Please contact me to determine a time that I could meet with you or an associate of yours to discuss these issues. Sincerely, Anibal Acevedo-Vila Resident Commissioner, Member of Congress.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, the House of Representatives is fortunate to have the leadership and commitment to critical transportation investment in Chairman Don Young, Ranking Member Jim Oberstar, Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri, and Subcommittee Ranking Member William O. Lipinski. As Congress moves toward consideration of the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century, we need to provide the necessary increased investment to meet the growing needs of surface transportation. I am confident that with the strong leadership on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the reauthorization process will provide growth in the surface transportation program in order to ensure safe and efficient surface transportation networks. Investment in surface transportation is critical to our economy, the environment, and quality of life. Transportation related investment produces new jobs and is directly related economic activity. Investment in efficient transportation networks also relieves and prevents congestion, a serious environmental challenge and costly burden facing regions throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Transportation investment goes beyond moving people and goods and providing fertile ground for economic growth and prosperity. Transportation is about safety and the health of our citizenry, whether they travel on highways, urban arteries, subways, bikes or as pedestrians. Puerto Rico has tremendous mobility related challenges that we are addressing through an important partnership between the Commonwealth, Congress, and the federal government. While Puerto Rico is a small island only 100 miles by 30 miles in size, our population is nearing 4 million people. Puerto Rico has one of the highest vehicles per mile of road ratio in the world. Congestion and related economic and environmental problems are a serious challenge facing Puerto Rico. Geographical constraints, a growing population, and economic growth all necessitate significant continued transportation investment. Puerto Rico is nearing the completion of Phase 1 of the New Start Tren Urbano project in metropolitan San Juan. I will seek authorization of Phase 2 of this important project, for transportation that will enable necessary continued growth in the program so that safe, efficient intermodal networks result throughout. Through adequate investment, we can build today to meet the increasing demands of the future. Investment in transportation infrastructure produces more than highways, new start light rail projects, or high-speed ferryboats. Transportation investment is also about safety, economic development and quality of life. I urge my colleagues to support the leadership of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee who will fight for necessary investment in transportation to meet the growing needs of tomorrow by necessary investment today.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduced the Puerto Rico Karst Conservation Act of 2003. This bipartisan legislation is a common sense legislative approach that will protect a vital ecosystem in Puerto Rico, the Karst Region. The region is comprised of a unique geological and hydrological system of limestone caves, sinkholes and underground rivers, collectively known as karst, and is widely valued to the livelihood of Puerto Rico. The Karst Region of Puerto Rico, located along the North and Northwest coasts of the Island, has many outstanding features. This region is home to the largest remaining tropical rainforests in Puerto Rico, and has a greater density of tree species than anywhere else on the Island. These forests provide habitat to a wide array of plants and animals, too many of which are endangered or threatened. In fact, the Karst Region has been identified as a secondary habitat for the restoration of the Puerto Rican parrot, a bird that is among the ten most endangered birds in the world, and the existence of which has plummeted to only 24 birds in the wild. In addition to the extraordinary flora and fauna of the Karst Region, the water and watersheds are the most unique feature of the Karst Region. While rivers and streams are widespread throughout Puerto Rico, the vast majority of the water in the Karst Region flows underground. Where this water flows out of the ground, from springs and along the coast, it provides fresh water to nearly one-quarter of the Puerto Rico population. In addition, specific manufacturing and industrial sectors, such as the pharmaceutical industry, rely on the Karst Region's supply of clean water for their business. Without a doubt, the Karst Region sustains a large percentage of wildlife, human life, and the economy of Puerto Rico. Yet Puerto Rico has among the highest population densities of any jurisdiction in the United States. Large, undeveloped tracts of land are becoming increasingly less common on the Island. However, the Karst Region has remained rural in nature, and has not been beset by the development and growth of the rest of Puerto Rico. The hills and unique geology of the Karst Region have forestalled similar population growth. Unfortunately, threats to the Karst Region are growing. Continued population growth will create increasing pressure on the conservation of this important region. Development of roads, resorts and other infrastructure in the region would fragment wildlife habitat, reduce water quality, and would reduce the preserved nature of the Karst Region for the rest of time. But the Puerto Rico Karst Conservation Act will help conserve the lands and waters of the Karst Region, and stave off the threats of development. This bill, I believe, is an ideal piece of preservation policy. It places the responsibility of conservation and management not with any single entity, but requires that lands in the Karst Region be acquired and managed in a cooperative fashion. Using funds collected in a fund established on the books of the U.S. Treasury, the Karst Fund, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will distribute grants to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, conservation organizations and others for the purpose of acquiring and managing lands for conservation in the Karst Region. Acquired lands, purchased only from willing sellers, may only be managed for conservation, and the bill includes provisions that will protect those lands from development. Resources in the Karst Fund are derived from the existing programs of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Forest Legacy Program, from receipts generated from the Caribbean National Forest and GSA sale of property in Puerto Rico, from donations, direct appropriations, and from interest derived in the Fund. While the U.S. Forest Service is authorized to acquire lands, authority that in fact exists in current law, the agency focus will be on technical assistance and management guidance rather than actual land acquisition. It is my belief that this bill is the most appropriate manner of approaching the conservation needs of the Karst. The Federal Government can bring important resources and experience to the table, yet the land will be primarily acquired and managed by local entities, who are best able to relate to, understand, and advocate for the conservation of the lands of the Karst Region. I am proud and honored by the support that this bill has gained from my colleagues. Congressman Jimmy Duncan of Tennessee has joined me, along with six of my distinguished Democratic colleagues, to introduce this bill in the House, and I greatly appreciate their support. In addition, Senator Tom Harkin and Senator Richard Lugar, recognizing the vital importance of protecting the Karst Region, have introduced companion legislation in Senate. Their support is essential to the eventual success of this bill, and I appreciate their leadership on this issue. Protecting the Karst Region of Puerto Rico is a large and important task. However, this legislation that I have introduced today will enable resources to be brought to the protection and conservation of the lands and water of the Karst Region. As many regions in the United States are now suffering due to a lack of water resources, affording this protection to the Karst Region will help ensure water quality and availability into the future. The cooperative nature of this conservation effort will, in my mind, enable it to succeed, and through this unique partnership, the magnificent and unique Karst Region will be preserved for this, and future generations of Puerto Rico.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico like the majority of States is confronting a number of challenges as it strives to provide quality health care to its 4 million citizens. Our local government is committed to strengthening the health care system. In fact, the Commonwealth finances approximately 85 percent of the costs of Medicaid in Puerto Rico, a burden no other jurisdiction has and one that is becoming unbearable. For us to move forward, it is essential that the Federal Government be an active and strong partner in this endeavor. As Congress considers creating a prescription drug benefit as well as enacting fundamental Medicare reform, I urge my colleagues to ensure that any Medicare legislation approved by Congress addresses the needs of the U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico. Since its inception, Medicare has provided health care for seniors living in Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, we must not exclude now our 525,000 seniors from any new basic health care coverage. Therefore, it is essential that beneficiaries living in the island have access to the same level of prescription drug coverage under the same terms and conditions as is offered to all others throughout the country. In addition, any Medicare prescription drug program must provide appropriate subsidies for low-income beneficiaries in Puerto Rico as in other all jurisdictions. Puerto Rico's workers and employers pay their full share of Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes to the Federal Government. Beneficiaries who live in the island are as much a part of Medicare as those living in Florida, California, or Nebraska. Limitations on the benefits of subsidies that have no foundation in health care policy but based on geographic location would undermine the social insurance nature of this vital programs and would fail the fundamental goal of providing uniform Medicare benefits to all. The second issue that I expect Congress to address in the Medicare reform bill is the payment to hospitals in Puerto Rico. While all U.S. hospitals receive 100 percent Federal reimbursement, hospitals in Puerto Rico only receive 50 percent through a special formula. No other jurisdiction receives this type of treatment under the Medicare system. As a result of this disparity, our hospitals operate under extreme financial constraints and some have even decided to withdraw from the program. Again, U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico pay the same Federal payroll taxes as any other jurisdiction. They deserve equity. Therefore, Medicare reimbursement to Puerto Rico hospitals should be equitable with all other U.S. jurisdictions' hospitals. Finally, I urge Congress to enact legislation to correct the great disparity that currently assists in Medicare payments to physicians in Puerto Rico. This is the same disparity that rural physicians across the country experience today. In fact, our physicians currently have the lowest geographic cost-of-practice index value in the entire United States despite the fact that the city of San Juan has the eighth highest cost of living in the United States. As a result, not only are our rural areas suffering; physicians in metropolitan areas such as San Juan are carrying a great burden when they treat Medicare patients. Mr. Speaker, doctors in Puerto Rico provide the same time and skill to patients, and they must be paid appropriately for their great, noble work. I would like to finish by thanking my colleagues in the House and Senate who have continuously supported us on resolving these critical issues to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries in Puerto Rico are afforded quality health care. They all realize that fairness is essential to quality health care, and that is as true in Puerto Rico as it is elsewhere in the United States.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Chairman, I rise to commend Chairman John Boehner and Subcommittee Chairman Buck McKeon for including certain language in their manager's amendment to H.R. 1261, the Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003, and also Ranking Member George Miller and Congressman Kildee for their support in this matter. These adjustments will remove definitions from the bill that would have created ambiguity with regards to providing workforce investment funding to Puerto Rico for high school dropouts and jobless-out-of- school youth, and would likely have resulted in reduced funding. As reported from Committee, H.R. 1261 required certain data points to be included in the allocation formula to be taken from the Current Population Survey--a survey that DOL does not conduct in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The effect of this requirement would be that funding for important, youth-focused workforce training and education programs in Puerto Rico would likely be cut to these programs in Puerto Rico. While a hold harmless provision in H.R. 1261 would limit the size of any cut to these programs in Puerto Rico, the high unemployment rate of the Commonwealth emphasizes the need to obtain all intended, formulated and available funds for workforce investment. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is an important program for unemployed and underemployed people in Puerto Rico and all the United States. Many people, youth and adult alike, find greater opportunity through the training, education and other benefits provided through WIA, and our economy will improve only by making such investments in our workforce. Again, I greatly appreciate the consideration of Chairmen Boehner and McKeon in making this correction to the Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act. I know that their intent in passing this bill through the House is to improve the delivery of workforce investment, training and education, and to affect positive impacts on our economic situation. Certainly, the manager's amendment will improve the reauthorized Workforce Investment Act's application in Puerto Rico, and will enable more funding and workforce services to benefit high school dropouts and jobless-out-of-school youth.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, a couple of years ago, I met a young girl from Vieques by the name of Marakiani Olivencia. She came up to me with a small container of sand in her hand and shared with me her desire to return that sand to Vieques with me after the Navy bombing practices ended. With passion and sincerity this girl represented what so many had felt for so long. I told her that sooner or later such a day would come, and we would return that sand to Vieques together. Indeed, such a day is upon us. As of today, Vieques is no longer a Navy bombing range, and has become the newest addition to the National Wildlife Refuge System. I have with me a copy of the letter and memorandum of agreement signed between the Navy and the Fish and Wildlife Service making official that land transfer and ask that it be made part of the Record. For the first time in over 60 years, Viequeses awoke this morning, their island not having been bombed last night, the island not to be bombed today, and knowing for certain that the island shall never be bombed again. Now the shore of Vieques will be dominated only by the sound of the surf, the birds, and the wind. The thousands of Puerto Ricans living in Vieques achieved their long-sought peace. Today ``Pas para Vieques'' is a reality. For generations, the Viequeses have not known life without bombing. Thousands of families have lived their whole life with the concussion of bombs and shells upon their island at night, during the day, in the coastal waters. Vieques became a bombing and training range for the Navy in the 1940s during World War II. Without a doubt, much has been changed since then. While the bombing has continued, awareness about the island of Vieques has grown. Viequeses and Puerto Ricans reached out, and shared with people what was happening to their island. Well, over a hundred Members of Congress actively supported bringing an end to the bombing. I must note a few of them, particularly the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and my colleagues, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez), the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano). I must also thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), ranking member of the Committee on Armed Services, the Congressional Black Caucus, activists, and many common citizens of the United States and elsewhere who became involved in the effort to return peace and to end bombing of the island of Vieques. Puerto Ricans also enjoyed strong leadership on this issue by President Bill Clinton and President Bush, who both realized that this was an issue of human rights and the citizens of Puerto Rico have suffered for too long. Having worked with the White House and both Commanders-in-Chief on this issue, I know that our national security and the well-being of thousands of citizens in Vieques were taken into consideration when making this determination. On behalf of Puerto Rico, I thank President Clinton and President Bush for ending the bombing of Vieques. Puerto Rico will never forget your resolute commitment. Today is a day of discovery, wonderment and joy. Unfortunately, last night a small group of people rushed the fence of the range and recklessly overturned vehicles, set fires and destroyed government property. It is unfortunate that some have undermined the peaceful protest of the past. Prayers of thanks, fireworks, parades and excitement will accompany the joy of today. I strongly condemn those few who have shown disrespect to the United States, Puerto Rico and Vieques. All must know that the overwhelming majority of Puerto Ricans are proud of their bond with the United States, and our support for the common defense is resolute. While we celebrate the end of the bombing, much work remains. Over 60 years of explosions, bombings, waste disposal and burning have left much of the Vieques range littered with a deadly combination of unexploded ordnance and toxic chemicals. I am confident that in cooperation with EPA, Fish and Wildlife, the Pentagon, the Puerto Rican government and Vieques, we will be able to reclaim this land. So to Markiani, the young girl who brought me the sand from Vieques, I say our day is upon us and we may return to the free shores of Vieques and take with us the sand to fulfill the dream you shared with me. But Markiani, you cannot yet play safely on all of the beaches until the cleanup is completed. Your ultimate dream is that the lands be returned finally to the people of Vieques. One day all of Vieques will be reclaimed, safe for the people to fully enjoy without fears of bombing or the residue of Naval training. As one era ends and another begins, we celebrate the long-awaited peace for Vieques. The aforementioned letter is as follows: Department of the Navy, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC, April 30, 2003. Hon. Craig Manson, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Manson: Public Law 106-398, as amended by Public Law 107-107, directs that upon termination of Navy and Marine Corps operations on the Island of Vieques, the Secretary of the Navy shall transfer to the Secretary of the Interior, without reimbursement, approximately 14,572.791 acres located on the eastern end of Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. A description of the property is attached. Note that this transfer excludes the approximately 96-acre parcel known as Parcel C, which was acquired on April 29, 2003 by the Department of the Interior. As agreed to by Mr. Sam Hamilton, Southeast Regional Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, all Navy and Marine Corps operations on the Island of Vieques will terminate at noon, April 30, 2003, and the Department of the Navy hereby transfers its interests in and jurisdiction over the approximately 14,572.791 acres of East Vieques to the Department of the Interior at that time. The Commander, Atlantic Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command is responsible for implementing this transfer on behalf of the Department of the Navy. He may be reached at the following address and phone number: Rear Admiral Michael K. Loose, CEC, USN, Commander, Atlantic Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, 1510 Gilbert Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23511-2699, 757-322-8000. I request that you acknowledge the Department of the Interior's acceptance of jurisdiction, custody, and control for this property by signing and returning a copy of this letter. Please do not hesitate to contact my staff or me with any questions on this transfer. Sincerely, Hansford T. Johnson, Secretary of the Navy Acting. Attachment. attachment Acknowledgement of the Acceptance of transfer for Jurisdiction over, Custody of, and Control for approximately 14,572.791 acres located on the eastern end of Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. This transfer shall be effective at 11:59 A.M., EDT April 30, 2003. Craig Manson, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, today I will introduce the Caribbean National Forest Wilderness Act. This legislation is simple. It recognizes the vital importance and need for the conservation of the Caribbean national forests, the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system, and will designate approximately 10,000 acres of this forest as the El Toro Wilderness Area. This year is the 100th anniversary of the Caribbean National Forest, and I can think of no better tribute than protecting the primitive nature of this forest for our future generations. The Caribbean National Forest, known in Puerto Rico as El Yunque, contains many significant ecological and biological assets. The Puerto Rican parrot, one of the 10 most endangered birds in the world, calls El Yunque its home. In addition, the forest has 240 species of trees and 120 terrestrial animals, four of which are listed as endangered species. El Yunque sees nearly one million visitors per year and is an important provider of environmental education for tourists and Puerto Ricans alike. Mr. Speaker, this same bill passed the House last year, and I appreciate the support of my colleagues. I would like to thank the ranking member of the Committee on Resources, the gentleman from West Virginia, and the other Members who have joined me as cosponsors of this legislation. Wilderness is a fitting designation for these 10,000 acres of El Yunque, and I look forward to working with the Committee on Resources and my other colleagues to move this bill forward.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in full support of the Democratic amendment to the Republican Supplemental for Homeland Security. I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of the democratic substitute. Regardless of the speed of our success in Iraq, regardless of how we personally feel about our role in Iraq, we must recognize that our Homeland needs to be our first priority for defense. We must provide appropriate funding to our first responders and our preventative Homeland defense. The Democratic substitute recognizes our pressing needs. The Democratic substitute provides additional funding for the protection of our ports and infrastructure, state/local first responders, and extremely vulnerable nuclear facilities. For example, in the Republican supplemental Puerto Rico would receive most needed resources for Homeland defense; however, the Democratic substitute provides additional resources to the Commonwealth. In fact, the Democratic substitute provides all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories additional resources. The city of San Juan in Puerto Rico has one of the most important ports of any U.S. Jurisdiction--it is one of the most popular stops for Caribbean cruise liners and one of the most active commercial ports. We need those additional dollars to provide the most effective fortification of our vulnerable infrastructure and ports-of-entry. I commend all of my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, for bringing this important issue to the floor and to full democratic debate. I, also, commend them for acknowledging the importance of our Caribbean ports-of-entry.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to two Puerto Rican soldiers who died recently in the Middle East. Sergeant Orlando Morales, a soldier who served in Special Operations in Afghanistan, and who died after being wounded in an ambush last Saturday as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Morales' Special Operations battalion took on hostile fire during a reconnaissance mission. Marine Corporal Robert M. Rodriguez was killed in action on March 27 when his tank crashed into the Euphrates River during combat operations northwest of An Nasiriyah. The United States and Puerto Rico lost true patriots in both these brave men. While I did not personally know them, there are thousands of dedicated soldiers like them active in the Armed Forces from Puerto Rico and of Puerto Rican descent. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones and with our troops in the Middle East. I am here today to recognize their sacrifice to the United States and to Puerto Rico. I want to also take this opportunity to let my colleagues know that Puerto Ricans today, as throughout our history with the U.S., remain in steadfast commitment to our armed services. We must forever recognize the tens of thousands like Sergeant Morales and Corporal Rodriguez who have died or have been wounded in combat. During the Korean War, General Douglas MacArthur said of the forces of the much-heralded 65th Infantry, the fighting Borinqueneers from Puerto Rico, and I quote, ``They are writing a brilliant record of achievement in battle and I am proud indeed to have them in this command.'' I ask my colleagues to honor these soldiers and to recognize the ongoing Puerto Rican commitment to the United States military.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to Sergeant Orlando Morales, a soldier who served in Special Operations in Afghanistan, and who died after being wounded in an ambush on Saturday in Geresk, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Morales' Special Operations Battalion took on hostile fire during a reconnaissance mission. The United States and Puerto Rico lost a true patriot in Sergeant Orlando Morales. While I did not personally know this man, there are thousands of dedicated soldiers like him active in the armed services from Puerto Rico. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, and with our troops in the Middle East. I am here today to recognize Sergeant Morales and his ultimate sacrifice to the United States and to Puerto Rico. I want to also take this opportunity to let my colleagues know that Puerto Ricans today, as throughout our history with the U.S., remain in steadfast commitment to our armed services. I ask all my colleagues to respect the commitment of the Puerto Rican soldier. We must forever recognize the tens of thousands like Sergeant Morales who have died or have been wounded in combat. During the Korean War, General Douglass MacArthur said of the forces of the much-heralded 65th Infantry, the fighting Borinqueneers from Puerto Rico, ``They are writing a brilliant record of achievement in battle and I am proud indeed to have them in this command. I wish that we might have many more like them.'' There are thousands more like them today, as Puerto Rico has undergone the greatest mobilization of reservists and National Guardsmen since Korea. I ask my colleagues to honor the soldiers like Sergeant Morales and to recognize the ongoing Puerto Rican commitment to the United States Military.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 3 minutes. The amendment that I am offering today requires certain procedures be established and followed when a child is reported lost or missing in a Federal building. The purpose of this set of procedures, called Code Adam, is to prevent child abductions in Federal buildings. Code Adam has proven extremely successful in thwarting many attempted abductions through the issuance of a Code Adam Alert in commercial establishments.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary. I appreciate his support for this amendment. As the chairman said, this was created by Wal-Mart in 1994 as a private initiative, and it has become one of the country's largest child safety programs. With the help of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that also is supporting my amendment, over 36,000 stores across the United States have already used it successfully. Code Adam, as the chairman just mentioned, is named in memory of 6-year-old Adam Walsh, whose abduction from a Florida shopping mall and murder in 1981 brought the horror of child abduction to national attention. I ask for Members' support for this bipartisan amendment. Its enactment will complement existing security procedures and others being considered in this bill, including the AMBER Alert, in order to guarantee immediate preventive action against successful child abductions. Effective procedures required by this amendment include notification of security personnel that a child is missing, issuance of a Code Adam alert, and distribution of the child's description to all employees using fast and effective means of communication. It also provides that all points of egress must be monitored while the Code Adam alert is in effect and the local law enforcement be notified if the child remains missing after all established procedures are followed. I am very proud to say that Puerto Rico has already enacted a law adopting Code Adam in its government buildings. With the adoption of this amendment, all Federal buildings will also establish Code Adam to ensure that we are prepared to respond quickly if a child is reported missing. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the Code Adam amendment. Let us draw from the success achieved in stores across the country and adopt it in Federal buildings, those that belong to the people of the United States, and where all of us, but especially our children, should be safest. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson).

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Arizona for bringing this critical issue to the floor of the House, and I join him in calling for a Day of Hope during Child Abuse Month. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to addressing this issue that impacts over 5 million children in the United States. It is also my hope that this will be a year of action by this Congress in working to strengthen our nation's response to child abuse and foster care. Sadly, as is the case on the Mainland, child abuse and neglect are very serious and urgent problems in Puerto Rico. The twin evils of poverty and substance abuse have combined to conspire against our children and have placed too many of them at risk for abuse and neglect. In 2002, the Commonwealth received around 30,000 complaints of abuse and neglect and nearly 10,000 children went through our foster care system, Governor Calderon has made this issue a top priority, and, with an additional investment of $12 million in Commonwealth funds, and no additional support from the federal government, doubled the number of social workers in the Family Department, lowered caseloads to 31, and practically eliminated the backlog of complaints. A pilot program to reduce investigation time to less than 48 hours was implemented successfully and is being expanded, and a new inter-agency, multi- service transitional housing center for foster children was inaugurated. We know this is not enough, but we think it is an excellent start, and the Commonwealth will be more aggressive in reaching out and partnering with the community based and church affiliated organizations on the island in order to succeed. In fact, some of the residential services offered to our foster children are being provided by a variety of community and faith based organizations throughout the Island, such as ``Ave Maria,'' in Bayamon, which is run by priests and shelters children from infancy to five years, and ``Aldea Juvenil,'' in San Lorenzo, a specialized facility for boys with behavioral problems that is run by a local pastor. Mr. Speaker, as you may know, on the mainland a child in need of foster care is entitled to federal/state assistance for foster care through the Title IV-E program. However, because of statutory restrictions, children in Puerto Rico do not have that same guaranteed access. Our children get care, but once the limit of federal support is reached, it is the Commonwealth alone providing the resources. Even when the Commonwealth has earned a performance bonus for its good work, if it means the so-called cap is exceeded, the Commonwealth is denied the bonus. Just last year a $200,000 adoption bonus payment was denied because of limitations on Title IV-E funds--a restriction that children on the mainland do not have to worry about. This resolution calls on us to give children hope for the future. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that my colleagues will join with me this year in working to see that Puerto Rico's abused and neglected children are provided the same access to federal assistance during the darkest times of their lives--without the imposition of arbitrary limits that bear no relationship to their actual needs. If we are able to accomplish this goal, it will get one more positive step in making sure no child living under the laws of our land be left behind. Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from Arizona for bringing this important issue to the floor of this House and I join with him in urging the resolution's adoption.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to recognize Mr. Francisco Javier Blanco, a man whose commitment and service to Puerto Rico and the environment has resulted in countless achievements and a legacy that will last for generations. Mr. Blanco recently retired as director of the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. During his more than 30 years of dedicated service, Mr. Blanco was responsible for guiding the conservation trust through its formation stage and into the impressive organization that exists today. The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, which was created in 1968 through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Interior Department and the Commonwealth Government, is now recognized as a leader among the Nation's land trusts in the area of environmental conservation and preservation. Under Mr. Blanco's direction, the trust has protected 17,000 acres of land as reserves of incalculable natural, aesthetic, and cultural value. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Blanco, the trust continues to make significant contributions to protect Puerto Rico's environment and important history. The efforts and commitment of Mr. Blanco have left a legacy for Puerto Rico to enjoy for generations to come, and for that we are grateful. As Resident Commissioner, I am building upon the strong conservation and historic preservation efforts of Mr. Blanco. The partnership between the Trust, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Government has brought about important protection and restoration of limited resources on a small island, like Puerto Rico, with a high population density. Last year, thanks to the support of my colleagues, I was able to designate portions of three rivers in Puerto Rico as wild and scenic. Soon I will introduce legislation that will protect, through a partnership between the Federal Government and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, critical water resources in the karst region of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, I will also introduce legislation to designate the El Toro Wilderness Area in the Caribbean National Forest, known in Puerto Rico as El Yunque. These efforts, I am proud to say, are of the spirit and dedication of Francisco Javier Blanco. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the Chair's consideration in these endeavors, and hope to work with the bipartisan support in Congress to enact these bills into law.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, this week Puerto Rico is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the University of Puerto Rico, our oldest and most prominent higher education institution. One hundred years ago, the University of the Puerto Rico was founded as a training center for teachers, and opened its doors with just 173 students. Since then, the UPR has evolved to become the foremost Hispanic-serving institution in the United States, and one of the leading universities in the Spanish- speaking world. Today the UPR offers 485 academic programs in practically all areas of learning and has a student body of about 70,000 students. The political, cultural and economic development of Puerto Rico has been closely linked to the UPR. From governors, Supreme Court judges, and NASA engineers to world-renowned authors and poet laureates, all can be found in the UPR alumni. I am proud to be one of thousands of alumni of the UPR that today pay tribute to our alma mater. We look forward to another 100 years of excellence. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the people of Puerto Rico, to the University of Puerto Rico, to its students, and to its alumni on its 100-year anniversary.

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA

Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Madam Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of this body some disturbing events in Puerto Rican politics during recent years. Specifically, I will talk about the corrupt and unethical actions of Puerto Rico's statehood leaders. I would like to start by saying that for many years Puerto Rico enjoyed an impeccable reputation of clean government. I am sad to say that this tradition was tainted by former Governor Pedro Rossello and his administration. During his administration, as Puerto Rico later discovered, there were many corruption schemes and rotten administrators pocketing millions of Federal and local funds. The irony is that the leadership of the Statehood Party, the party led by Governor Rossello for almost 10 years, became the leaders of the first corrupt government in the history of Puerto Rico. A party that claims to admire American democracy, a party that wants Puerto Rico to become a State of the union, was the party that embezzled Federal funds that belonged to our elders, our sick, and our children. In 1997, the statehooders came to Washington to push for a statehood bill. They used millions of dollars in lobbying and political support to convince Congress that all Puerto Ricans wanted to become a State and used millions to silence the other voices from Puerto Rico. Now we know that this campaign was partially financed by illegal money. It is amazing that, even today, the leaders of the Statehood Party are unwilling to recognize the depth of the corruption and continue to try to spin the issue as one of political persecution. They have gone as far as accusing the U.S. District Attorney's office in Puerto Rico of promoting prosecutions just for political reasons. They have no remorse. As a result of the Federal and local investigations of this statehood corruption scheme, during the last months we have witnessed the conviction and indictment of many of the highest-ranking statehood leaders. In this chart, you will be able to see how far corruption went under the Statehood Party's government in the island. This is the Statehood Party's Hall of Shame. The list of corrupt officials and the depth of the corruption are impressive. Here are some of the cases. In the legislative branch, Speaker Edison Misla-Aldarrondo, Speaker of the House, convicted. Jose Granados-Navedo, Vice President of the House, resigned under scandal. Norberto Nieves, legislator, convicted. Jose Nunez, legislator, indicted. Anibal Marrero, Vice President of the Senate, resigned under scandal. Senator Victor Marrero, convicted. Senator Freddie Valentin, convicted. Let us see the executive branch: The personal assistant to the Governor, Angie Rivera, the person that had the key to the Governor's office, convicted. Marcos Morell, secretary-general, executive director of the party, disbarred by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico because of conflict of interest doing business with the government. Bernardo Negron, president of the Federation of Statehood Party Mayors, convicted. Andres Barbeito, director of the Pensions Administration, indicted. Luis Dubon, the owner of the Statehood Party headquarters building, convicted. Angel Luis Ocasio, deputy chief of staff to the Governor, convicted. Eduardo Burgos, another deputy chief of staff to the Governor, convicted. Jose Cobian, deputy finance director of the Statehood Party, indicted. Victor Fajardo, Secretary of Education, convicted. Oscar Ramos, administrator of the State Insurance Fund, under special prosecutor investigation. Daniel Pagan, secretary of the Natural Resources Department, indicted. Although Mr. Rossello has not been indicted, the extension of these corruption schemes leads to one of two possible explanations: number one, he was part of this scheme; or, number two, he is such an inept administrator that he should not be trusted again with the duty of managing a government or any institution. When I first arrived as a freshman in Congress 2 years ago, I was informed that millions of dollars in Federal funds had been frozen or were at risk of being frozen because of this situation. The task of Governor Calderon and me was to assure compliance with Federal requirements to make the funds once again available. The projects and programs affected include child care, nutritional assistance, title I, Head Start, TANF, the urban train project, housing and E-rate. After just 2 years, our efforts brought the desired results: the new administration in Puerto Rico implemented measures to comply with the Federal programs' requirements and the Federal Government of Puerto Rico was able to receive the frozen funds. I want to clarify that the Statehood Party Hall of Shame has nothing to do with the national parties here. It is a cancer in the statehood movement. For example, Pedro Rossello was a well-known and active Democrat, and Edison Misla-Aldarrondo, the former Speaker of the House, was the Republican Party National Committee man. The common denominator is they belong to the leadership of the Statehood Party. When the leaders of the Statehood Party come to Washington to lobby behind the backs of the people of Puerto Rico, I urge you to ask them, where were they when their party leaders were using Federal funds for personal and political purposes? Remarks of Congressman Anibal Acevedo-Vila To Be Entered Into Record Madam Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of this body some disturbing events in Puerto Rican politics during recent years. Specifically, I will talk about the corrupt and unethical actions of Puerto Rico's statehood leaders. I would like to start by saying that for many years Puerto Rico enjoyed an impecable reputation of clean government and true public service. Leaders such as Luis Munoz Marin, Roberto Sanchez, Rafael Hernandez Colon, and Luis Ferre, earned the trust and respect of the people for their honesty in the management of the public treasure. I am sad to say that this tradition was tainted by former Governor Pedro Rossello and his administration. In 1992 Mr. Rossello took office with a platform of government reform and ambitious public projects. He governed until the year 2000. During his administration, as Puerto Rico later discovered, there were many corruption schemes and rotten administrators pocketing millions of federal and local funds. The irony is that the leadership of the Statehood party--the party lead by Governor Rossello for almost 10 years--became the leaders of the first corrupt government in the history of Puerto Rico. A party that claims to admire American democracy, a party that wants Puerto Rico to become a state of the Union was the party that embezzled federal funds that belonged to our elders, our sick and our children! In 1997, the statehooders came to Washington to push for a statehood bill. They used millions of dollars in lobbying and in political support to convince Congress that all Puerto Ricans wanted to become a state and used millions to silence the other voices from Puerto Rico. For years many of you in Congress witnessed the costly and aggressive campaign that the Puerto Rico statehood leaders orchestrated to advocate for statehood. Now we know that this campaign was partially financed by illegal money. I wonder how much more of that money was dirty money! Moreover, Mr. Rossello disregarded for years pleas by the opposition, by the press, by the civil society in general to investigate his government and his party. Instead of looking into the allegations he decided to conceal the facts, to protect his friend and to defend the corrupt members of his administration. Fortunately the federal authorities did their job in investigating and prosecuting the criminals and the people of Puerto Rico judged the statehood party in the polls. It is amazing that even today the leaders of the statehood party are unwilling to recognize the depth of the corruption, and continue to try to spin the issue as one of political persecution. They have gone as far as accusing the US District Attorney's Office for the District of Puerto Rico of promoting prosecutions just for political reasons. They have openly said that the Federal Court system and local authorities are part of a conspiracy to criminalize statehood, again showing an utter disregard for the truth. They showed no remorse! Do not get me wrong, the statehood movement is a legitimate movement and has many decent and honest members. Unfortunately for them, their leaders have betrayed their cause. There is no conspiracy to criminalize statehood, in fact, most of the convicted officials pleaded guilty in court before their sentences. There is a duty to prosecute the criminals that have hidden behind the statehood banner to steal money and for their own corrupt purposes. It is this leadership that I indict today. This statehood leadership that has inflicted the most damage to the statehood cause in Puerto Rico and the United States. As a result of the federal and local investigations of this statehood corruption scheme, during the last months we have witnessed the conviction and indictment of many of the highest-ranking statehood leaders, including the personal assistant to former Governor Rossello, two of the former Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff, the former Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives and former National Committeeman of the Republican Party in the Island, and the former Secretary of Education that pleaded guilty, to stealing at least $4.3 million of federal Title I funds for his benefit and the benefit of the Statehood Party. In this chart you will be able to see how far corruption went under the statehood party's government in the Island. This is the Statehood's Party Hall of Shame. The list of corrupt officials and the depth of the corruption are impressive. Here are some of the cases that have been brought to Justice so far. Legislative Branch Mr. Edison Misla-Aldarrondo (Speaker, PR House of Rep. And National Committeeman, Republican Party Puerto Rico Committee) Convicted 2. Mr. Anibal Marrero (Vice President, Puerto Rico Senate) Resigned under scandal. 3. Mr. Jose Granados-Navedo (Vice President, Puerto Rico House of Reps.) Resigned under scandal. 4. Mr. Norberto Nieves (Member, PR House of Rep.) Convicted. 5. Mr. Freddie Valentin (Senator, PR Senate) Pleaded guilty. 6. Mr. Victor Marrero (Senator, PR Senate) Convicted. 7. Mr. Jose Nunez (Member, PR house of Reps.) Indicted. executive branch 1. Ms. Maria de los Angeles ``Angie'' Rivera (Personal and closest assistant of Governor Rossello) Convicted. 2. Mr. Victor Fajardo (Secretary, Department of Education) Pleaded guilty. 3. Mr. Daniel Pagan (Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and Environment) Indicted. 4. Mr. Andres Barbeito (Director, Government Pensions Administration) Convicted. 5. Mr. Eduardo Burgos (Former Deputy Chief of Staff; Director, Municipal Revenues Collection Center) Convicted. 6. Mr. Luis Dubon (Owner, Statehood Party Headquarters' Building) Convicted. 7. Mr. Jose Cobian (Deputy Finances Director, New Progressive Party) Convicted. 8. Mr. Angel Luis Ocasio-Ramos (Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor Rossello's Office) Convicted. 9. Marcos Morell (Former Executive Director of the Statehood Party) Disbarred by the Puerto Rico Supreme Court for a conflict of interest doing business with the Rossello administration. 10. Bernardo Negron (President, Federation of Statehood Party Mayors) Convicted. Although Mr. Rossello has not been indicted, the extension of the corruption leads to one or two possible explanations: 1) he was part of the corruption scheme; or 2) he is such an inept administrator that he should not be trusted again with the duty of managing a government. During the investigation in cases such as the Secretary of Education scandal, the federal prosecutors found evidence that at least $1 million from federal funds were funneled into NPP (Statehood Party) coffers. It is widely know in Puerto Rico that the Secretary of Education was a leader in the Statehood Party's GOTV efforts during the political status plebiscite and the general elections. The widespread corruption that I just described had a negative impact in many federal grants and programs that Puerto Rico was entitled to receive. When I first arrived as a freshman in Congress, I was informed that millions of dollars in federal funds had been frozen or at risk of being frozen because of this situation. The task of Governor Sila M. Calderon and myself was to assure compliance with federal requirements to make the funds once again available. The projects and programs affected include Child Care, the Nutritional Assistance Program, Head Start, TANF, the Urban Train Project, Housing and E Rate. After just two years our efforts brought the desired results, the new Administration in Puerto Rico implemented the measures to comply with the federal programs' requirements and the Government of Puerto Rico was able to receive the frozen funds. To do this is difficult to me as a Puerto Rican because the Puerto Ricans are a decent people, hard working people, an honest people. I know that this information may feed some unfair stereotypes. But Congress needs to be cognizant of the truth and I trust that the members of this House will be discerning and will not generalize based on a sad, but isolated case in our history. As a matter of fact, the way this Congress has treated Puerto Rico recently, authorizing the highest increase of federal funds for the Island in the Title I education program and appropriating funds for other important programs is a clear showing that Congress has recognized that Puerto Rico's government is back in good and clean hands. I am here to clear the name of Puerto Rico and to explain how we have extirpated the cancer of corruption. What are we doing? We are cleaning up house and making sure it never happens again. As a result of the corruption scandals in former Governor Rossello's administration, Sila M. Calderon ran for Governor of Puerto Rico with the goal of providing the Puerto Rican people with a transparent government. She has dedicated the past two years to implementing tough measures to restore public confidence in government. I want to clarify that the statehood party hall of shame has nothing to do with the national parties. It is a cancer in the statehood movement. For example, Pedro Rossello was a well-known and active Democrat; and Edison Misla, former Speaker of the House was the Republican Party National Committee man in Puerto Rico. The common denominator is that they belong to the leadership of the statehood party. Although the statehood leadership periodically comes to this capital to express their esteem for the U.S., they misunderstand the values that the American flag represents. When the leaders of the statehood party come again to Washington to lobby behind the backs of the people of Puerto Rico I urge you to ask them where were they when their party leaders were using federal funds for personal and political purposes. Ask them why did they remain in silence? Why they did nothing to fight corruption? Why are they supporting Pedro Rossello's comeback to Puerto Rican politics, the person responsible for this disaster?