Xavier Becerra

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on March 15, 2006, I was unable to cast my floor vote on rollcall 43. The vote I missed was an amendment to H.R. 4939. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 43.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, facing unfortunate injustices, relegated to second class citizenship, and anxious to see change come to their classrooms, a group of students banded together in 1968 to protest the conditions of their high schools in East Los Angeles. The civil and non-violent protest took the form of a staged and systematic ``walkout,'' which was not only the single largest protest by high school students ever in the history of the United States, but is also recognized as the event that gave birth to the Chicano civil rights movement. Today, I rise and pay tribute to the efforts of these students who embody change and whose memory reminds us all that peaceful, intelligent activism can right egregious wrongs. That reminder is now ever more visible as this seminal moment in civil rights history has been put to film, premiering tonight here in Washington, D.C., and on Saturday, March 18, on HBO. Called ``Walkout,'' the film provides a sincere and candid look at these student protests exploring the reasons and justifications that led to such a dramatic and historic move. Executive Producer Moctesuma Esparza and director Edward James Olmos have captured the tensions and regretful reality of life for Mexican American students in the public high school system of East Los Angeles. The movie honors the memory of the struggles and obstacles to empowerment that those before us fought so hard to eradicate. Today, we pay tribute to Esparza, Olmos, HBO Films and all those who played a part in bringing this snapshot of history to life. Mr. Speaker, only by dedicating ourselves to remembering how we compromised the civil rights and educational achievement of Latinos in the past can we renew our resolve to face the current attacks that seek to derail the future of our community. In 1968, the Mexican American community sent an unequivocal message that transcended the education system that sought to suppress them: when equality and opportunity are denied, our community will fight back to defend what is right. Through ``Walkout'', we celebrate this resolve.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act of 2006. This bill would create a commission to review and determine facts and circumstances surrounding the relocation, internment, and deportation of Japanese Latin Americans, and subsequently recommend appropriate remedies. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the 1981 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians hearings. This commission concluded that the internment was the result of racism and wartime hysteria. Five years after publishing its findings, then President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 that provided an official apology and financial redress to most of the Japanese Americans who were subjected to wrongdoing and confined in U.S. internment camps during World War II. Those loyal Americans were vindicated by the fact that not even a single documented case of sabotage or espionage was committed by a Japanese American during that time. This act was the culmination of a half century of struggle to bring justice to those to whom it was denied. I am proud that our nation did the right thing. But 18 years after the passage of the Civil Liberties Act, there still remains unfinished work to completely rectify and close this regrettable chapter in our nation's history. Between December 1941 and February 1948, approximately 2,300 men, women, and children of Japanese ancestry became the victims of mass abduction and forcible deportation from 13 Latin American countries to the United States. The U.S. government orchestrated and financed the deportation of Japanese Latin Americans to be used as hostages in exchange for Americans held by Japan. Over 800 individuals were included in two prisoner of war exchanges between the U.S. and Japan. The remaining Japanese Latin Americans were imprisoned in internment camps without the benefit of due process rights until after the end of the war. Japanese Latin Americans not only were subjected to gross violations of civil rights in the U.S. by being forced into internment camps much like their Japanese American counterparts, but additionally, they were victims of human rights abuses merely because of their ethnic origin. Further study of the events surrounding the deportation and incarceration of Japanese Latin Americans is both merited and necessary. While most Americans are aware of the internment of Japanese Americans, few know about our government's activities in other countries resulting from prejudice held against people of Japanese ancestry. Government files thoroughly recorded U.S. involvement in the expulsion and internment of an estimated 2,300 people of Japanese descent who lived in various Latin American countries. Uprooted from their homes and forcibly transported to the United States, these civilians were robbed of their freedom as they were kidnapped from nations not directly involved in World War II. The Commission of Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians acknowledged the federal actions in detaining and interning civilians of enemy or foreign nationality, particularly of Japanese ancestry, but the commission had not researched the historical documents that exist in distant archives. That is why I am introducing the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act of 2006. We must review directives of the United States military forces and the State Department requiring the relocation, detention in internment camps, and in some cases, deportation of Japanese Latin Americans to Axis countries and recommend appropriate remedies, based upon preliminary findings by the original commission and new discoveries. It is the right thing to do to affirm our commitment to democracy and the rule of law. I am proud that there are many Members of Congress and community activists who have come together in this continuous fight for justice. I especially thank Representatives Dan Lungren and Mike Honda for their commitment to this issue and joining me in this effort. The Campaign for Justice and Japanese American Citizens League have been the vanguard organizations driving this effort to ensure that injustice be rectified. Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining with citizens in Los Angeles at the Japanese American National Museum to commemorate the Day of Remembrance. First observed in 1978 in Seattle, the Day of Remembrance has become a significant tradition in the Japanese American community, rooted in recognition, education, and activism for redress and social justice. The Day of Remembrance is observed with educational events around the country on or around February 19 because on that day in 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, a directive that allowed for the mass internment of persons of Japanese ancestry. As we remember and reflect on the tragedy that innocent people experienced during World War II, it is my hope that our government can do the same and right this egregious wrong. A necessary first step to achieving this altruistic goal is swift passage of the legislation being introduced today. Mr. Speaker, let us renew our resolve to build a better future for our community by dedicating ourselves to remembering how we compromised liberty in the past. Doing so will help us guard it more closely in the future. As we remember the 25th anniversary of the first commission hearings and commemorate the Day of Remembrance, I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act of 2006.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise on this first day of National Kidney Month to recognize the efforts of numerous dedicated individuals, many in this body, who work not only to increase awareness about the devastating effects of kidney disease, but who also look for ways to eradicate this debilitating disease once and for all. Today, more than 400,000 Americans are living with the wretched pain and horrible inconvenience of kidney failure, leaving them dependent upon life-saving dialysis three to four times each week. Twenty million more have Chronic Kidney Disease, where patients experience a gradual deterioration of kidney function, the end result of which is kidney failure. The leading causes of these diseases are diabetes and high blood pressure, which disproportionately affect African Americans and Latinos. Diabetes occurs at twice the rate in the African American community as it does in white Americans. As of 2002, two million Latino adults had been diagnosed with diabetes. High blood pressure is also more prevalent in these communities. In fact, one in three African American adults are affected by high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, the prevalence of hypertension in African Americans in the United States is among the highest in the world. Both Chronic Kidney Disease and kidney failure disproportionately affect African Americans and Latinos. African Americans make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population but comprise 32 percent of patients treated for kidney failure, giving them a kidney failure rate that is 4.2 times greater than that of white Americans. Among patients with diabetes, Latinos are between 4.5 and 6.6 times more likely to develop kidney disease than non-Hispanic white Americans. Given that early kidney disease has no symptoms, most people do not realize that they are in danger of kidney failure. Therefore, it is critically important for all of us, whether it be members of Congress, health organizations or our extended families, to do our best to increase awareness of the dangers of kidney disease and encourage our family members, our friends and our neighbors who have high blood pressure and diabetes to ask their doctors to run simple blood and urine tests that can detect potential problems. The good news is that once diagnosed, patients can receive high quality care. Individuals with kidney disease who are able to obtain treatment early experience a higher quality of life and are able to maintain more of their day-to-day activities, including keeping their jobs. This is a situation to which an ounce of prevention results in a gallon of future savings, both in quality of life and in hard dollars for individuals and for the government. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the goals set forth in observance of National Kidney Month, for we must continue to raise awareness about this important issue and to show support for Americans living with kidney disease. But, I am concerned that in an environment in which our budgetary priorities include cutting funding for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease to the tune of $20 million in fiscal year 2006 and '07, we are not doing enough to thwart the increase in kidney failure and the conditions from which it results. We cannot ignore the human suffering and financial consequences of kidney failure. Our failure to make this disease a major legislative priority will cost us greatly in the future.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a day that many Americans, loyal Americans and true patriots of this country rise to remember as well during the month of February. February 19 marks an important day of remembrance for many Americans who remember the ravages of World War II and many Americans who suffered from the ravages of World War II. February 19, 1942, is the year in which Executive Order 9066 was signed, and this was the order that called for the exclusion and internment of all Japanese Americans living on the west coast during World War II. I wish to join with my colleague Mr. Mike Honda, and other of my colleagues who will speak today, to recognize the hard work and struggle of so many Americans who for years have been loyal to this country, who finally were rewarded for their loyalty with the recognition they deserve for having served this country and having always considered it their love. This year happens to mark the 25th anniversary of the 1981 hearings by the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. This commission concluded in 1983 that the internment of Japanese Americans was a result of racism and wartime hysteria back in the 1940s. Five years after publishing its findings, then-President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 that provided an official apology and financial redress to most of the Japanese Americans who were subjected to wrongdoing and who were confined in U.S. internment camps during World War II. Those loyal Americans were vindicated finally by the fact that we have never once found even a single case of sabotage or espionage involving a Japanese American during World War II. The Civil Liberties Act of 1988 was a culmination of half a century of struggle to bring justice to those whom it had been denied. I am proud that our Nation did the right thing. But 18 years after the passage of the Civil Liberties Act, there still remains unfinished work to completely rectify and close this regrettable chapter in our Nation's history. Between December 1941 and February 1948, approximately 2,300 men, women and children of Japanese ancestry became the victims of mass abduction and forced deportation from 13 Latin American countries to the U.S. During World War II, the U.S. Government orchestrated and financed the deportation of Japanese Latin Americans to be used as hostages in exchange for Americans held by Japan. Over 800 individuals were included in two prisoner-of-war exchanges between the U.S. and Japan. The remaining Japanese Latin Americans were imprisoned in internment camps without the benefit of due process rights until after the end of the war. Japanese Latin Americans were not only subjected to gross violations of civil rights in the U.S. by being forced into internment camps much like their Japanese American counterparts, but additionally, they were victims of human rights abuses merely because of their ethnic origin. Today, I want to announce that I soon will be introducing legislation that will create a commission to study the relocation, internment, and deportation of Japanese Latin Americans. It is the right thing to do to affirm our commitment to democracy and the rule of law by exploring this unclosed chapter in our history. Just 2 weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining with citizens in Los Angeles, in my home city, at the Japanese American National Museum to commemorate the Day of Remembrance. This day, first observed in 1978 in Seattle, has become very important in the Japanese American community. It is a time to reflect, to educate, and to act. As we meet today to remember and reflect on the tragedy that innocent people experienced during World War II, it is my hope our government will continue to strive to right any wrongs and to prove once again that the strength of our national values and our eye towards redemption will continue to guide us. A necessary first step to achieving this altruistic goal is swift passage of the legislation which I will soon be introducing. Mr. Speaker, today we should remember because many Americans have.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay my respects to an American treasure: Mrs. Coretta Scott King. An admirable advocate of social justice and peace, Mrs. Scott King will be greatly missed by those who care about equal opportunity for all. Alongside her husband, the late Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., she was a successful leader and advocate for racial peace and fought for social change. Following the death of her husband, she maintained his commitment to racial and economic justice. Her devotion to civil and human rights has no borders as she is recognized at home and abroad for remaining a catalyst for change. Just as Cesar Chavez is remembered for his role in the struggle for human rights and dignity of migrant farm workers, Mrs. Scott King will be remembered for her accomplishments in the struggle for peace and justice, and for her steadfast belief that care and respect should be shown to others not because of the color of one's skin, but because of ``the content of their character.'' Mr. Speaker, as a nation and with the world, we mourn the loss of Coretta Scott King, a civil rights icon in her own right whose accomplished life is laudable, whose care for the human condition is remarkable, and whose loss will be felt by countless millions all across this great country that she helped unite.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, December 17, 2005, I was unable to cast my floor vote on rollcall numbers 663 and 664. The votes I missed included a vote to agree to resolution H. Res. 623, providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules, and a motion to suspend the rules and agree to the senate amendment on H.R. 2520, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall 663 and ``aye'' on rollcall vote 664.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the players, coaches, staff, and owners of the Los Angeles Galaxy for winning the 2005 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Championship and to pay tribute to this historic feat. On November 13, 2005 in Frisco, Texas, the Galaxy became the 10th MLS Champion by defeating the New England Revolution by a score of 1-0 in extra time. This is the Galaxy's second MLS championship and represents only the third time in league history that a team has won the ``domestic double''--the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup Championship in the same year. The team was challenged throughout the entire season both from sustaining several injuries and also player absences due to call-ups by the United States Men's National Team The Galaxy's ability to overcome these adversities is a testament to the skill of the coaching staff and the talent of players who never once compromised team cohesiveness for individual glory. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the individual players for their role in developing this championship team. This year's superb squad was led by team captain Peter Vagenas and a terrific line up that included Chris Albright, Benjamin Benditson, Pablo Chinchilla, Mubarike Chisoni, Steve Cronin, Ednaldo da Conceicao, Landon Donovan, Todd Dunivant, Michael Enfield, Josh Gardner, Herculez Gomez, Guillermo Gonzalez, Alan Gordon, Ned Grabavoy, Kevin Hartman, Ugo Ihemelu, David Johnson, Cobi Jones, Quavas Kirk, Tyrone Marshall, Paulo Nagamura, Joseph Ngwenya, Michael Nsien, Troy Roberts, Marcelo Saragosa, Josh Saunders, Michael Umana, and the 2005 MLS Cup's Most Valuable Player, midfielder Guillermo ``Pando'' Ramirez. The coaching crew was also instrumental in cultivating this triumphant team. The fantastic staff was led by head coach Steve Sampson; assistant coaches Afshin Ghotbi, Billy McNicol, and Ignacio Hernandez; Head Athletic Trainer Ivan Pierra; Team Administrator Anthony Garcia; and Equipment Manager Raul Vargas. Mr. Speaker, my hometown of Los Angeles has the best fans any team can ask for. They are more than just spectators, they are the 12th player on the field--building momentum and inspiring their team to fight on to victory. These devoted and spirited fans contributed to eight sold out home games and brought the average home game attendance to 24,000 people this season. The Los Angeles Galaxy deserves as many accolades for their heroic work off the field as they do for their gallant efforts on the field. During the past several years, the Galaxy Foundation has hosted the Foundation's Feast, which provides Thanksgiving dinner for 200 needy children and families. The Foundation also hosts a special holiday shopping spree for children selected by several local Salvation Army chapters. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Tom Davis, Ranking Member Henry Waxman, Congressman Chris Cannon, and Congressman Danny Davis for their help in bringing H. Res. 574 to the floor today. The Los Angeles Galaxy is a truly remarkable team whose high standards of excellence, professionalism, demonstrated courage, sacrifice, and teamwork should be commended. Their passion continues to captivate a growing and diverse fan base from all across Southern California. Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, please join me and all soccer fans from across the country and the around world in congratulating the 2005 Major League Soccer Cup Champions Los Angeles Galaxy.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Members of this body to support the Rangel substitute. If we recall the words of a famous President this country had, a man of heroic proportions, Harry Truman, he said, ``The buck stops here.'' And, unfortunately, we are forgetting the words of Harry Truman because today it seems like the mantra of the leadership in this House of Representatives is the buck stops with your children or perhaps your grandchildren, because we are in a portion of our Nation's history where we have run up national deficits bigger than we have ever seen in our life. We run up deficits in 1 year that it would have taken 200 years of Presidents to run up in the history of this Nation. Mr. Speaker, in a time of disasters, Rita, Katrina, on and on; in a time of massive deficits; and in a time of war, it is irresponsible to run up the Nation's debt. It is irresponsible to then give money to run up this debt and give it to the wealthiest Americans in this Nation. Mr. Speaker, it is irresponsible to put debt on top of massive debt when we know at the end of the horizon there is still more debt that will come in the years to come: $27,000 is what each and every man, woman, and child in this country owes as a result of our Nation's debt. It is irresponsible, Mr. Speaker, to take Social Security surplus money, which the President said back in 2001 he could protect and never touch as he moved forward with these tax cuts. It is irresponsible, Mr. Speaker, to take those Social Security surpluses and then contribute them to the wealthiest Americans. In essence, we are gifting the Social Security surplus moneys contributed by working Americans; we are gifting that to the wealthiest Americans in this country through these tax cuts. Mr. Speaker, it is irresponsible to move forward with these tax cuts at the same time that we are telling American families, mostly middle class that rely on student loans so they can send their young men and women to college, their young daughters and sons are going to have to pay $5,000 more a year in their student loans so we can take care of the 1 percent wealthiest Americans in this Nation in these bills. It is irresponsible, Mr. Speaker, to move forward in that way. It is irresponsible then to further say we still need to make more cuts and we need to go into the foster care program and take $600 million out of the foster care program which helps us take a child out of an abusive home and move that child into a safe setting. It is irresponsible to take $5 billion out of a child support system that says to deadbeat dads that we are going to take money from them, we need to enforce that, to take $5 billion, make it into cuts, and therefore make it more impossible for us to get those deadbeat dads to help the mothers who are taking care of their sons and daughters in this country. It is irresponsible. Mr. Speaker, it is responsible when we have a Democratic substitute, as Mr. Rangel has, that says we are going to cut taxes, but in a targeted way, for the middle class, in a responsible way by making sure we pay for it so we do not increase the size of the deficit. And that is what should pass, Mr. Speaker. President Truman was right. The buck stops here. Let us do it today for ourselves. Let us not leave the debt to our children.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), who has been like a consistent drum beat on these issues of humanity and preservation of life throughout this world. I want to again thank him for championing another cause that will help, unfortunately thousands, at least in this country, of individuals when we know that there are millions throughout the world. But at least here in this country, this act, if we are able to reauthorize it, will continue to help many people who are trying to get themselves back on their feet. To the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), we want to say thank you for constantly being the light of the vigil and certainly the voices for many people who otherwise would not have that opportunity to have their life restored. Mr. Speaker, we know that torture exists. We know that despicable acts continue throughout the world, and we know that there are people who actually survive some of the most heinous types of crimes that can be committed on any adults and children. And when that happens and some of those people are able to somehow make it to the land that we call the ``land of the freedom,'' it is sometimes very difficult for us to find them if they do not speak out. And many of those folks will not speak out because the last thing they want to do is let anyone know that they, in fact, were tortured, or let the people that tortured them know that they are still alive. But these folks deserve some assistance. It is not only fitting that we try to reauthorize this act, which will provide some assistance to some of the centers here in the United States but also abroad that are providing some noble work to those who need it, but they are doing this in a way that coordinates services that otherwise would have to be used by some of these victims of torture who are here in this country. As the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) said, there are some 400,000 people in this country today who are the victims and survivors of torture. In the county of Los Angeles alone, there are over 10,000 people that we can document that are the survivors of torture. If it were not for the coordination that these treatment centers provide in terms of health care, psychological services and the like, many of these would continue on in a cycle that I unfortunately think would be a cycle of dead-end roads, where they would not know where to go, principally because many come from other parts of the world, and also because they would not know how to navigate throughout this country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2017.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time. We were told during this debate on Social Security that we could save Social Security by privatizing it, and the American people got it and said no. We were told by the Republican Congress and the President that we could cut taxes and still be fiscally responsible; and today we have the largest deficits we have ever seen, and the American people are beginning to get it. We were told that if we went to Iraq we were saving America from mass destruction; and today we know it was a misrepresentation and deception, and the American people today are getting it. Today, we are being told that we have to cut $12 billion in health care for seniors, disabled, and children. We are being told we have to cut $14 billion from students who are trying to go to college. That amounts to about a $5,800 cut in student loan programs for each and every middle-class American child who wants to get a college education. We are being told we have to get $5 billion out of the enforcement programs that would compel deadbeat dads to pay their child support, and we are being told we have to cut $600 million out of foster care programs that rescue abused and neglected children from dangerous households. We are being told we have to do that for what, to reduce the deficit? To pay for the cost of Katrina? And guess what? The American people get it. It is not going to be for that. It is going to be for this, the tax cut that will do what we see here. Every one of those cuts I just talked about, those children, those seniors, those disabled, they fall here. They have incomes up to about $40,000. They represent over half of America's tax-paying families. They will get out of this tax cut that we will see come up tomorrow or soon thereafter 1 percent of this tax cut. Who gets the lion's share? That over-50 percent lion's share will go to this percentage up here, one-fifth of 1 percent of all American tax-paying families. That is the folks who make $1 million or more. The American people are getting it. Unfortunately, too many people here in this House of Representatives are not. We cannot pass this type of fiscally irresponsible budget and tell the American people we are doing good for them. We have got too many good men and women in Iraq fighting for the freedoms that we say we are trying to uphold, and here we are giving money to the wealthiest Americans. Vote against this reconciliation bill and get it for the American people.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, since the landmark Joint Declaration was signed during the inter-Korean summit that took place on June 15, 2000, 11 rounds of family reunions between South and North Korea have taken place. Over these 5 years, more than 10,000 people have been given the chance to do something they have not done in over 50 years--and that is to once again feel the warm embrace of their family. This past Saturday, November 5, 2005, a 12th reunion began at North Korea's Mount Kumgang Resort and will last through today, November 10, 2005. And so Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this historic event, as these incredibly emotional and heart-warming reunions underscore the unimaginable pain experienced by families forced apart in 1950 at the outbreak of the Korean War. A renewed sense of urgency surrounds these reunions as divided family members are well into their senior years; many of whom have already passed away and were never afforded the opportunity to do that which so many of us are blessed to do daily: converse face to face with a daughter or brother or mother or father. Great strides have been taken to expand the breadth and depth of these reunifications to allow for greater participation. In addition to the face to face meetings, South Korea has incorporated live television and video feeds for those family members who cannot make the trip to Mount Kumgang. South Korea has also committed to hold family reunions on a regular basis and institutionalize both the exchange of letters and the process of confirming the fates and whereabouts of separated family members. Already, the status of some 20,000 individuals--living and deceased--have been confirmed. Furthermore, South Korea is currently constructing a family reunion center that will serve as the permanent location for hosting future reunions. A seldom-cited fact is that there are more than 10 million separated family members--a staggering one quarter of the nation's population-- currently in South Korea. In addition, there are more than 500,000 Korean Americans here in our own country who also share the pain of having separated family members in North Korea. The South Korean government has held talks with North Korea on the topic of including Koreans from all over the world in the reunification efforts. As a result of the second and third round of ministerial meetings that were held in 2000 between the two Koreas, 115 Koreans living overseas, including 84 Korean Americans, have been afforded the opportunity to see and be with their separated family members. The South Korean government has stated that it will make all efforts possible to continue to create greater opportunities for Koreans living abroad to meet their divided family members. So far, about 1,000 Koreans living overseas have applied to participate in the reunions, 600 of whom live right here in the United States. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize and pay tribute to the 12th round of inter-Korean family reunions. Perhaps it is also fitting for all of us here in this body to take a moment to reflect on the importance of family, recognizing that the time we spend with them is so precious and must never be taken for granted. I also wish to express my personal appreciation and commend the government and people of South Korea for all they have done to institutionalize these important reunions and encourage them to continue their full commitment to family reunification.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, November 7, 2005, I was unable to cast my floor vote on rollcall Nos. 570, 571, and 572. The votes I missed included a motion to suspend the rules and agree to Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religious, Nostra Aetate, and the continuing need for mutual interreligious respect and dialogue; a motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act; and a motion to suspend the rules and agree to Supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes Nos. 570, 571, and 572.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, November 4, 2005, I was unable to cast my floor vote on rollcall No. 569. The vote I missed was on agreeing to the conference report for making appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 569.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, October 28, 2005, I was unable to cast my floor votes on rollcall Nos. 555 and 556. The votes I missed included agreeing to the Conference Report on the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Appropriations Act of 2006 and agreeing to the resolution condemning Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's threats against Israel. Had I been present for these votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 555 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 556.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to highlight the issue of underage drinking. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the first use of alcohol typically begins at age 12. Additionally, research tells us that the majority of kids are accessing the alcohol they drink from family and friends. According to Teenage Research Unlimited, 51 percent of 13-15 year olds say they will be faced with making a decision regarding alcohol in the next three months. The good news is that parents are the leading influence on kids' decision not to drink alcohol. It is critical that parents and other trusted adults initiate conversations with kids about underage drinking well in advance of the first time they are faced with a decision regarding alcohol. Yesterday, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus teamed up with The Century Council and Nickelodeon to launch Pregunte, Escuche, Aprenda: tLos ninos y el alcohol no mezclan! The program was developed in collaboration with LULAC, Aspira Association, the National Latino Children's Institute, National Hispanic Medical Association and MANA, among others and is an adaptation of the English program, Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix. The program is designed to reduce underage drinking, particularly among children ages 9-13. The information is useful for parents, other trusted adults and kids and includes strategies to help facilitate conversations about the dangers of underage drinking. I commend The Century Council and Nickelodeon for giving Latino parents and children across the Nation such a valuable communications tool to initiate those critically important discussions regarding alcohol.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, October 17, 2005, I was unable to cast my floor vote on rollcall Nos. 521, 522 and 523. The rollcalls I missed included a vote on approving the journal, a vote recognizing the importance and positive contributions of chemistry to our everyday lives and supporting the goals and ideals of National Chemistry Week, and a vote expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to raising awareness and enhancing the state of computer security in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes 521, 522 and 523.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, I was unable to cast my floor vote on rollcall 479. The vote I missed was a motion to suspend the rules and pass H.J. Res. 61, supporting the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 479.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, this is a much needed piece of legislation; so let us pass this bill and then move on to the more pressing question of how to craft a long-term solution as part of a full recovery plan for all those affected in the gulf States. We need to do more to try to provide flexibility to the States so they can use these funds quickly, but at the same time we have to make sure that we are not hampering these States from doing what they believe is best for all of the victims that have suffered as a result of Hurricane Katrina. I hope that we are able to work in a bipartisan fashion to move forward legislation which will address the needs of people who are unemployed today, they were unemployed before the hurricane, and now will suffer even more difficult times trying to find work, along with those who have now been displaced as a result of the hurricane. I hope that we will deal with the fact that there are many legal immigrants in this country on their way to becoming citizens who, under the current law, would be constrained from being able to be assisted by these TANF dollars unless we provide the States with flexibility to do so. Everyone is a victim regardless of their color, regardless of where they came from. If they were there, they are a victim. And I hope that this Congress can move quickly not just to do what is needed now but into the future.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. David J. Morales, a dear friend, loving family man and devoted civic leader who passed away Saturday, July 9, 2005 after a valiant struggle with leukemia. David was laid to rest on Friday, July 15, 2005 surrounded by those who loved and admired him. We are comforted knowing that today he rests in peace. David Morales was living proof that adversity exists to be overcome. Born to Pablo Morales and Bernardina Diaz Morales in Salinas, California on March 5, 1945, David was the youngest of 13 children. Before he had reached his first birthday, David's mother had succumbed to breast cancer. Thus began his life in his beloved Los Angeles where he was raised in the San Fernando Valley by his godparents, Ventura and Felicita Borbon. Living modestly, David learned the lessons of life at an early age. He sold fruit and scrap metal that he found on his family farm. He began to nurture the strong entrepreneurial spirit that would guide his personal and career success that awaited. But before then, at the age of 14, David faced yet another tragedy--his beloved godmother Felicita passed away. To finish high school, David moved in with an older brother. His brother would teach him to be a commercial painter, the trade that would shape his future. In 1975, risking everything he had in order to support his family, David created Borbon, Inc. Over the past 30 years, Borbon, Inc. has become one of the largest commercial painting contractors in the country. A union painting company based in Southern California, Borbon Inc. has been recognized numerous times by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the most successful Latino-owned enterprises in the Nation. But here I must pause, because those of us who knew him are very familiar with David's rags to riches story. David had the heart, the brains and the guts to succeed. But more importantly--and it's no secret--he had Celia Martinez Morales. Together David and Celia raised five accomplished children, David, Lisa, Melissa, Christina and Paul. They gave their children what a youthful David could only dream of, a solid education, a world of opportunity and a reputation stronger than steel. None of that expired on July 9, 2005. David defied great odds to become an accomplished businessman and took it upon himself to provide opportunities to others. He was an anchor of support to the Boys and Girls Club of Buena Park, California and the University of Southern California Mexican-American Alumni Association. As a member of the Latin Business Association and the Buena Park Chamber of Commerce, David sought to open doors for America's next generation of entrepreneurs. In an era where we cannot trust who boards our planes or enters our Capitol, David succeeded on a handshake. In a world marked by indifference and tumbling civility, David was a builder. And in a place we call the City of Angels, David belonged. Mr. Speaker, it is with heart-felt sorrow, yet great admiration and appreciation that I ask my colleagues to join me today in saluting David Morales, a wonderful husband and father, a cherished friend, and an inspirational example of America's dream come true. May his generosity and dedication to opening doors for others be remembered and carried on by his family and those of us who were fortunate enough to call him friend. David, you left us more than you could ever know.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my opposition to the bill we consider today--H.R. 3199--which extends certain controversial provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act. As many of my colleagues have pointed out, the PATRIOT Act is already the law of the land. However, what we consider today--and what I am opposing--are the extension of 16 sunsetted provisions that increase access to personal information. I voted to support the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001; I did so because there was a structured and reasonable limit to how long these questionable provisions would be in effect. In the bill we consider today, the sunsets have been either removed or extended to such unreasonable lengths that they are rendered pointless. In the 4 years since the bill has passed, little effort has been expended to ensure that the civil liberties of the American people are not being violated. As such, I will oppose this bill today, but I do not foreclose supporting this bill in the future should it come back with improved and more acceptable language that provides for the strong oversight we need to effectively combat terrorism while at the same time maintaining our civil liberties.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, it is with utmost pleasure and privilege that I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Barbara Arvi, an outstanding educator and passionate advocate for American Indian culture in southern California. This year, Ms. Arvi retired after 22 years of commitment and exceptional service to the Southwest Museum of the American Indian in Los Angeles, California. Barbara started as a docent with the Southwest Museum in 1983. She leaves now as the very accomplished Director of Education. During her tenure Barbara played an active and critical role in virtually every museum department. She served as curator and co-curator on several exhibits featuring the rich heritage of American Indian cultures. As director of the museum's Intertribal Marketplace, Barbara worked with countless artists from around the country to showcase the art, music and dance of native cultures. She understood so well the importance of infusing the Southwest Museum's programs and exhibits with a true native voice. As a museum educator, Barbara made great strides in promoting accurate and respectful portrayals of American Indian culture and history in classrooms throughout California. She served as a Commissioner and Chair of the Curriculum Review and Salary Point Committee on the Los Angeles American Indian Education Commission of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Barbara partnered with the Arroyo Seco Museum Magnet School to create and implement the Junior Docent program to provide neighborhood youth with hands-on experience and curriculum in museum studies, as well as train students to become active, contributing docents at the Southwest Museum. To Barbara, teaching involved more than the basics. As the founder of the museum's Ethno-botanical Garden, Barbara taught visitors about the importance of California's native plants and ecology. She established the innovative ``Dig-It'' program which provides young students with a simulated archaeological excavation project to teach history, archaeology and ecology. She also developed the American Indian Mentorship Program, which enabled American Indian artists to share their experiences with native youth to foster their skills and interest in the arts. Since 1993 Barbara has played an instrumental role in the success of the nationally recognized Congressional Art Competition, ``An Artistic Discovery'' open to students throughout the country, including students of the 31st Congressional District. Whatever was needed she was always there to lend a helping hand. From opening the doors of the Southwest Museum for the competition's awards ceremony for this congressional district to judging the student artwork, Barbara's participation was all-encompassing. The people of the 31st Congressional District and I are truly grateful to Barbara for her dedication and generosity to our annual student art competition. Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration and pride that I ask my colleagues to join me today to salute an exceptional woman. Barbara Arvi has made the Southwest Museum a meaningful, lasting, and vital cultural center for Southern California and the Nation.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 25, 2005, I was unable to cast my floor votes on rollcall numbers 417, 418 and 419. The votes I missed included a motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended H.J. Res. 59, expressing the sense of Congress with respect to the establishment of an appropriate day for the commemoration of the women suffragists who fought for and won the right of women to vote in the United States; a motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended H. Con. Res. 181, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month, and for other purposes; and a motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended H. Res. 376, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Trade Commission should investigate the publication of the video game ``Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' to determine if the publisher intentionally deceived the Entertainment Software Ratings Board to avoid an ``Adults-Only'' rating. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes 417, 418 and 419.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, President Reagan said it best: Trust, but verify. On CAFTA, that is all we are asking. I think most of us believe that the Central American governments want to prove that they can play by the rules in the international marketplace, but before we agree to open up America's markets, and that means America's jobs, to fierce competition, we must know that the rules will be followed and enforced. Trust, but verify. An agreement that merely says enforce your own existing laws fails President Reagan's test. The truth is if the American public knew that we were about to open up America's markets to further international competition based solely on the good faith of our competitors, they would run us out of Washington. Just as no consumer today would buy or sell a house on a handshake, neither should we open our markets with one. When we shook hands with China and allowed them to receive favored- trading status with America, did we expect that they would respond by pirating America's goods or by paying industrial wages of 60 cents an hour? That is the kind of cutthroat competition that CAFTA will permit, but this time that kind of distorted competition will live and breathe in our neighboring Central American countries, not 6,000 miles away. Will the Central America countries feel the pressure to trade under America's standards or China's standards? Mr. Speaker, no one wins in a race to the bottom. The vast majority of people in the Central American countries, the workers, the farmers, the small merchants, would not win, and certainly U.S. businesses will not win in the long run. Mr. Speaker, it is better to lift all boats so we can trade as partners and as equals. I recognize the importance of trade in our hemisphere. I have supported every piece of legislation for every trade agreement that has come before me in my 12 years in Congress. Regrettably, this is not a trade agreement I can support. It does not reward work in America or Central America. It is not an agreement that deserves our vote. Vote ``no'' on CAFTA.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the distinguished career of Los Angeles television news legend Stan Chambers. Mr. Chambers is a mainstay of Los Angeles broadcast television who has reported the news for the same station, KTLA/WB, for 58 years. In those nearly six decades, Stan has covered every major news event in and around Los Angeles including the assassination of Robert Kennedy, earthquakes, the Los Angeles riots, and the 1984 Olympics. On Saturday, July 30, 2005, the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will pay tribute to Stan Chambers for his outstanding work and illustrious career in news journalism. It is with great pride that I congratulate Stan on receiving this honor that recognizes his illustrious body of work. And though his career journey is as impressive as it is unprecedented, perhaps most laudable has been Stan's commitment to family--and I am quite sure that his wife, Gege, his 11 children, his 33 grandchildren and his 4 great grandchildren would wholeheartedly agree. A lifelong Angeleno, Stan was born in the City of Angels on August 11, 1923. He attended Loyola University and transferred to the University of Southern California following orders from the Naval Officers Training Corps, which he had joined during World War II. The seeds of Stan's journalistic passions were planted in college while working at the university's radio station. Stan began his long and prestigious career with KTLA, the first commercially-licensed television station in the Western United States, in December 1947. At the time, only 300 or so Angelenos had television sets. He remembers fondly a time early in KTLA's existence when the station would consult every television viewer in Los Angeles on the quality of its programming. In 1949, during a precedent-setting moment in television broadcasting, Stan helped build KTLA's reputation for on-the-spot news coverage. The tragedy of Kathy Fiscus, a four-year-old girl who fell into an abandoned well near her home, would be considered by many the most memorable story of his career. Stan began coverage of the rescue operation within minutes of its commencement. A career in television journalism was born. Stan has reported a record 20,000 plus stories in his career. Think back, from every major natural disaster in Los Angeles since 1947, to tragic, high profile stories like the Manson Family murders and the case of the Hillside Strangler, Stan Chambers was there. When amateur photographer George Holiday filmed the beating of Rodney King in March of 1991, he turned to Stan Chambers to report what would be a seminal moment in Los Angeles history. In addition to his coverage of breaking news in Los Angeles, Stan has been the face for the KTLA/WB signature broadcast of the Tournament of Roses Parade since 1949. Interviewing parade luminaries, capturing the reactions of parade enthusiasts, Stan has kept Angelenos entertained as we have watched procession after procession for over half a century. In 2002, the prestigious Tournament of Roses Association presented Stan with a special award for over 50 years of dedication to Rose Parade broadcast excellence on KTLA/WB. Stan has been honored with several Emmy awards, a Golden Mike award, the ``Governor's Award'' from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In January of 1998, the Stan Chambers Building at KTLA was dedicated as a tribute to Stan's 50 years of dedicated service to the station and community. The Mayor of Los Angeles at that time, Richard Riordan, even presented him with a street sign featuring his name that was posted just outside the KTLA studios, at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Van Ness Avenue. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Stan Chambers for his distinguished career in news broadcasting. His contributions to the world of news reporting and to the City of Los Angeles have been extraordinary and unforgettable. As Mr. Chambers' family, friends and colleagues gather with the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists to honor his lifetime of achievement, I wish to add my voice and salute a true pillar of Los Angeles.