Xavier Becerra

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gekas), the chairman of the subcommittee, for bringing this matter to the floor. I wish we could all say that it is the complete solution to the problem that we encounter, that many families in America encounter, but it is not. We are taking a step forward. We were pleased to receive the word from the President recently that he also believes that we need to address the problem under section 245(i), but we are going to come back. We are going to be back here again because this will not be the final solution. In 4 months you will not address the problems that are facing American families. You cannot tell a spouse or a father or a daughter to stop trying if 4 months cuts them off. That is not how you handle policies in Congress. We need to move forward, but we are not going to do it in 4 months. I say we are going to come back. We shall return. Madam Speaker, we have to recognize something. In the past we were just trying to get this Congress to do the right thing. Well, at least now we are getting Congress to do the right thing; but we have to get Congress to do the thing right. That is where I hope that we will recognize that this is a way to go about it. It is not going to deal with the problems that many of America's families will face if we truly are about family unification and if we are concerned about family values. We will recognize that. It is not good enough if we leave one child out, if we leave one spouse away from home. It is not good enough if we tell that one father, that one daughter, that one sister, sorry, they missed the cutoff date. It is time for us to try to deal with this in a permanent way. Madam Speaker, we are here on the floor. We are going to move forward, but I guarantee my colleagues, we will be back. I appreciate the work that is being done on both sides of the aisle. I hope the President recognizes that Members are working this issue, and we will work together to try to fashion a solution to this that will tell American families that we believe in family unification, and the value of American families being part of the fabric of life. Madam Speaker, I support this measure understanding that we will still have to come back.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. My colleagues, why the need to circumvent the rules of this House and the Senate? Why not follow the legislative process in this Congress? Why do we have this bill, so-called reconciliation bill, before us today? Why, especially when this bill's benefits go mostly to the wealthy and not enough to the rest of middle America? Why is it that in this proposal the tax cuts that are within it would benefit the richest of Americans; that 1 percent of Americans would get 44 percent of the benefits of this bill and yet 60 percent of Americans earning some $44,000 or less, 60 percent of America, will receive something on the order of about 16 or 17 percent of the entire wealth in this package? Why are we rushing so quickly to do this? Why must we evade the process? Why can we not go through the committee process? Why can we not have this inspected in the light of day? Why can the sun not shine on what we are doing? Why can we not, in fact, feel the same urgency for our energy crisis as we apparently feel in this Congress towards giving tax cuts which will benefit mostly the wealthy? If we are in need of acting quickly in any regard in this body at this moment it is in regards to the energy crisis, which will affect middle America today. When those blackouts occur, those who have money can buy their way out of them. Yet here we are today not following the legislative process that we are accustomed to, to try to rush through a package of benefits that will not help most of middle America. This is a major use of our time, and it is a major use of taxpayers' money, because every day the lights are on here we are spending money. I would urge my colleagues to use more caution, more prudence in moving forward. Because, quite honestly, if we need to act today, it is on dealing with this energy crisis that will hit every single home of middle America. That is why today it does not make sense for us to evade the process, go around it, circumvent it, not show the American public what we are doing completely, which will not affect most of the people having a chance to watch this debate. It is time for us to get down to the business this Congress was elected to do. It is time for us to take care of urgent matters, such as the energy crisis now, and deal with tax cuts in a fair and prudent manner for all of America. The tax proposal that comes in the Democratic alternative is exactly that. It provides immediate relief to all Americans, and it does it in a fair way; and it makes sure that we protect Social Security, Medicare, education, crisis for our farmers in the heartland, and does it in a way that still saves us money to take care of crises like the energy crisis we are facing. That is where we need to go. And I would hope that this Congress would heed the call of Americans who say, keep my lights on. Give me fair tax relief, but keep my lights on.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time. Let me begin by complimenting the principal authors of this legislation. I know that the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin) have been working for many years to get us to this point. I want to applaud their efforts to try to improve the retirement system we have which will allow pensions to be a more fruitful vehicle for people in this country who work to have a chance to really live out their retirement in comfort. I believe that we have reached a new age, though. This is an age where chances are a teenager has secured a credit card before he or she has secured a driver's license. With that being said, it seems to me that we have to do everything we can to make it possible for all Americans to save and not just to save but to save for their retirement. It is time for us to make it possible for all workers in this country to engage in pension investments. Unfortunately, we are not there yet. While H.R. 10, I believe, does a tremendous job of improving those opportunities for workers who currently have access to pensions, I believe we have to go that extra mile now and talk about a lot of America's workers, principally low- and moderate-income working Americans who have not yet had the opportunity to invest in pensions. It is time for us to do that, because if we do not, we will pay the price once they retire. Let us remember that H.R. 10 gives incentives principally through increases in opportunities to invest, to put more money in, whether it is your IRA or your 401(k). But if you do not have the money left over at the end of the year to invest, you cannot take advantage of those vehicles. It is time for us to give the incentives for lower-income workers to do exactly that, to say, I am going to save, I am going to pinch a little bit more because if I do, I am going to get a tax credit for having done so. For that small businessman or woman who would love to be able to offer his or her workers those pension opportunities, if we give them a credit, the incentive, it is going to cost you a little bit of money but we are going to give you some of that back because we are going to give you a tax credit for having participated, what we in essence have done is said to all Americans, all workers in this country, we want you to also participate in these savings. H.R. 10 does a tremendous job of making retirement savings even more important to the average American who wants to prepare for retirement. What we do not do through H.R. 10 is go the extra mile and talk to low- and moderate-income working Americans and say we want you to participate as well. We need to bring them into the fold. If we do not, we will pay the price in the end of the game. I think what the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin) have done is a tremendous effort. I think if we pass the Neal substitute, we make this an even better bill and we do it for all Americans. I urge everyone to vote for the Neal substitute.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 86th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, in hopes that we will work to ensure that our country's foreign policy reflects a respect for human rights, and renounces ethnic cleansing and genocide. This Special Order brings forth an opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians that lost their lives as a result of this tragic event. As we arrive at this anniversary once again, the United States should now more than ever promote healing with Turkey and the Armenian community in this nation and abroad. By acknowledging the great tragedy of the Armenian Genocide, we would be doing something today that is right for the wrong endured by Armenians 86 years ago. Although we are conscience of the current crisis in the Middle East and value our relationship with Turkey, it does not diminish the need to recognize what Armenians experienced during the early 20th Century. There are many people across the world who will agree that this is a highly sensitive and serious issue to discuss. But in order for us to correct the errors of the past we must never forget they took place by officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide and standing up against such atrocities. On this April 24th, 2001, we remember and mourn the loss of all the Armenians killed from 1915 to 1923. But we also look forward to the day when we will see peace and stability realized by not tolerating acts of severe cruelty and injustice. Unfortunately, genocide is not yet a vestige of the past. In more recent years we have witnessed ethnic killings in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Kosovo. We must continue on with a commitment to prevent such assaults on humanity from occurring again. There are many Armenians living in California today who form a strong and vibrant part of the State's community. The strength they have displayed in overcoming the suffering is an example to us all. Surrounded by countries still hostile to them, to this day the Armenian struggle continues. Our nation must work to prevent further aggression and assure Armenians throughout the world that they can live free of threats to their existence and property. Now with an independent Armenian state, the United States has an opportunity to contribute to a true memorial of the past by strengthening Armenia's emerging democracy. Mr. Speaker, as we remember and honor the dead, we also honor the living. Out of the ashes of their history, Armenians all over the world have clung to their identity and have prospered in new communities. For my part, I will vigorously fight to help improve the lives of Armenians in the United States and abroad.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on April 3 and 4, I was unable to cast my votes on roll call votes: No. 76 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 768; No. 77 on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 91; No. 78 on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 56 as amended; No. 79 on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 66; No. 80 on agreeing to the resolution H. Res. 111; No 81 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 642 as amended; No. 82 on agreeing to the substitute amendment to H.R. 8 offered by Mr. Rangel; No. 83 on motion to recommit H.R. 8 with instructions; and No. 84 on passage of H.R. 8. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on roll call votes 76, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, and ``nay'' on roll call votes 77 and 84.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on March 20, 21, 22, 27, and 28, I was unable to cast my votes on rollcall votes: No. 51 on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 67 as amended; No. 52 on motion to suspend the rules and agree on H. Con. Res. 41; No. 53 on motion to suspend the rules and agree on H. Con. Res. 43; No. 54 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1042 as amended; No. 55 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1098; No. 56 on motion to adjourn; No. 57 on agreeing to the resolution H. Res. 93; No. 58 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1099; No. 59 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 802 as amended; No. 60 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 247 offered by Mr. Traficant of Ohio; No. 61 on passage of H.R. 247; No. 62 on agreeing to the resolution H. Res 84; No. 63 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 801 as amended; No. 64 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 811 as amended; No. 65 on agreeing to the resolution H. Res. 100; No. 66 on agreeing to the substitute amendment to H. Con. Res. 83 offered by Mr. Kucinich; No. 67 on agreeing to the substitute amendment to H. Con. Res. 83 offered by Mr. Stenholm; No. 68 on agreeing to the substitute amendment to H. Con. Res. 83 offered by Mr. Flake; No. 69 on agreeing to the substitute amendment to H. Con. Res. 83 offered by Mr. Spratt; and No. 70 on agreeing to the resolution H. Con. Res. 83. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 69; and ``nay'' on rollcall votes 56, 57, 65, 68, and 70.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on March 13 and 14, I was unable to cast my votes on rollcall votes: No 46 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 834; No. 47 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 223; No. 48 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 725 as amended; and No. 49 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 861. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes 46, 47, 48, and 49.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. I thank the ranking member for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, we need a plan to cut taxes that will be responsible, that will be fair and will invest in our future. We would not be allowed to buy a house anywhere in America if we could not prove that we could pay that mortgage on that home. Yet today Congress is telling America, we can buy a house, we do not have to tell you where the budget is, nor do we have to tell you how in the next 10 years we will get the money. We just have projections and we will assume we will have the money. Now, if that is considered responsible, then you will see how we get back to those deficits that we had for years and years and years. We finally have a surplus. Let us stick with those surpluses that we have and not get back into deficit spending. Is it fair? One in three California families with children will not get anything out of this Bush tax plan. Does it invest in our future? Well, there will not be enough money to strengthen Social Security and Medicare. There will not be enough money to invest in education. There will not be enough money to promote economic growth in our neighborhood and certainly there will not be the money to pay down the national debt which will be now hoisted on our children in the future who will have to pay for our sins and for our work if we pass this bill. Let us be fair, let us be responsible, and let us invest in our future. Let us vote for the Democratic substitute and bring down the Bush tax plan.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on March 6 and 7, I was unable to cast my votes on rollcall votes: No. 26 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 724; No. 27 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 727; No. 28 on approving the journal; No. 29 on agreeing to the resolution H. Res. 79; No. 30 on motion to suspend the rules and agree on H. Con. Res. 31; No. 31 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 624 as amended; No. 32 on motion to suspend the rules and agree on H. Con. Res. 47; and No. 33 on passage of S.J. Res. 6. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``aye'' on roll call votes 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, and 32; and ``nay'' on roll call votes 29, and 33.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleagues to express my grave concern over the way minority students are treated by this Congress. On February 2, 2001, Republican Education and the Workforce Committee members voted to change the manner in which minority higher education issues are considered by the committee. Under these changes, consideration of issues affecting Historically Black Colleges and Hispanic Serving Institutions will take place in a new Select Education Subcommittee, while all other higher education issues will be handled by a newly formed Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness. Minority higher education institutions are an important part of our nation's educational system. Established under the Higher Education Act, these institutions continue to expand educational opportunities for financially needy and minority students. However, these new rule changes imposed by the Education and the Workforce Committee set minority education back at least 50 years, to a time when minorities were ``separate but equal''. When the 21st Century Competitiveness Subcommittee meets to discuss improving higher education and increasing the competitiveness of our college students, they will make crucial decisions that affect all students in higher education institutions, except those that are served at minority serving institutions. These recent changes are unacceptable, and send a dangerous message to minority students throughout the nation. Congress must not support this blatant inequality, and I call upon the Majority to correct this injustice.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on February 27 and 28, 1 was unable to cast my votes on rollcall votes: No. 16 on motion to suspend the rules and agree on H. Con. Res. 39; No. 17 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 256; No. 18 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 558; No. 19 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 621; No. 20 on motion to suspend the rules and agree on H. Con. Res. 27; and No. 21 on motion to suspend the rules and agree on H. Res. 54. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday I will enjoy the privilege of joining with citizens in Los Angeles at the historic Japanese American National Museum dedicated in its mission to ``remembering our history to better guard against the prejudice that threatens liberty and equality in a democratic society,'' in commemorating the Day of Remembrance. Truly by reflecting on our history we secure the promise of the ``streets of gold'' that our ancestors dreamed about. An America ripe with opportunity for all people--and a spirit refined by our struggles to build a brighter future as we secure the riches of the blessings of liberty. On Saturday, we will gather to remember a solemn past so we can look onward towards a future of promise. We look back solemnly to a relocation center at Rohwer Arkansas where a young boy was forced to spend much of his childhood. But we see a more promising future as this boy, Los Angeles' very own, George Takei, overcame that experience to become a household name as an original cast member of one of America's most celebrated television programs. We look back solemnly at a relocation center called Heart Mountain in Wyoming where another innocent young boy was stripped of his freedom. But we see a more promising future as this boy, Norman Mineta, became the first Asian Pacific American ever to serve on a presidential cabinet. We look back solemnly as mothers and fathers stood behind barbed wires branded as traitors to the very flag for which their sons fought as valiant soldiers of the 442nd Combat Regiment. They helped secure our freedom even as we robbed that very freedom from their loved ones. But we look to a more promising future as last year President Clinton finally awarded this country's highest military citation, the Medal of Honor, to 22 of these heroes. Those medals are just a dim reflection of the brilliance of their courage and resilience. We can never repay their sacrifice for our nation. These are the ones who have worked tirelessly to bring us where we are today. But there is still much more work that needs to be done. This year's Day of Remembrance theme behind which we gather, ``Building a Stronger Community Through Civil Rights and Redress'' is appropriately fitting as we work together towards the America we dream of today. Together we have achieved much but there is still much more left to do. I am proud to continue our struggle for civil rights. Along with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I worked this last year in Congress to secure needed funding to build a memorial center right outside of Los Angeles at the Manzanar relocation center. My colleagues and I wanted to make sure that the camp stands to remind us never to erect another one again. We must remember our past so we can build a better future. Further, during the 106th Congress we worked in combating the sickness of hate motivated crimes, establishing the first ever Presidential Commission on Asian Pacific Americans, defending bilingual education, enabling minority owned businesses, and fighting against the troubling trend of racial profiling. This year I followed closely the story which our keynote speaker, Ms. Alberta Lee, will speak about. Indeed, Mr. Wen Ho Lee's case sent shockwaves not only through the Asian Pacific American community but through all of us dedicated to civil rights--and those of us who know our history. Fifty-nine years ago after the tragic bombing of Pearl Harbor an entire group of American's became suspect and victims of racial profiling. The only ``evidence'' the United States had against them was the color of their skin. Unfortunately that was enough for President Franklin Roosevelt to sign Executive Order 9066. And so without a trial, more than 100,000 people of Japanese descent lost their freedom. It was not until 1983 that a Presidential Commission characterized the internment as an act of racism and wartime hysteria. After all those years the government never uncovered even a single case of sabotage or espionage committed by an American of Japanese ancestry during the war. Yet more than 100,000 people had already lost their The second part of this year's Day of Remembrance theme is redress. Truly in order to move forward we must address the wounds of the past. After decades of struggle, President Reagan signed the historic Civil Liberties Act into law that finally gave redress to those who suffered by our government's mistakes. We celebrate this victory even today because the achievement remains monumental. However, we are still only looking over the horizon as we look forward to a new day when this chapter of our history is finally brought to a close. The sun has not risen on the new day because it has not yet set on the old. There is still unfinished work that must be done before we can move forward into a brighter future. Last year, I introduced bi-partisan legislation in Congress to finish the remaining work of redress. 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. Recorded thoroughly in government files, the U.S. government involved itself in the expulsion and internment of an estimated 2,000 people of Japanese descent who lived in various Latin American countries. Uprooted from their homes and forced into the United States, these civilians were robbed of their freedom as they were kidnapped from nations not even directly involved in World War II. These individuals are still waiting for equitable redress, and justice cries out for them to receive it. That is why today I re-introduced the Wartime Parity and Justice Act of 2001 to finally turn the last page in this chapter of our nation's history. This bill provides redress to every Japanese Latin American individual forcibly removed and interned in the United States. These people paid a tremendous price during one of our nation's most trying times. Indeed, America accomplished much during that great struggle. As we celebrate our great achievements as a nation let us also recognize our errors and join together as a nation to correct those mistakes. My legislation is the right thing to do to affirm our commitment to democracy and the rule of law. In addition, the Wartime Parity and Justice Act of 2001 provides relief to Japanese Americans confined in this country but who never received redress under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 given technicalities in the original law. Our laws must always establish justice. They should never deny it. That is why these provisions ensure that every American who suffered the same injustices will receive the same justice. Finally, we come today to remember because through remembrance scars are healed and we become more careful to guard against the same injuries again. That is why my legislation will reauthorize the educational mandate in the 1988 Act which was never fulfilled. This will etch this chapter of our nation's history in our national conscience for generations to come as a reminder never to repeat it again. Let us renew our resolve to build a better future for our community through civil rights and redress as we dedicate ourselves to remembering how we compromised liberty in the past. This will help us to guard it more closely in the future. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this much needed legislation.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on January 30 and 31 and February 6, 7, and 13, 1 was unable to cast my votes on rollcall votes: No. 5, on motion to suspend and pass H.R. 93; No. 6 on motion to suspend and agree to H. Con. Res. 14; No. 7 on motion to suspend and agree to H. Con. Res. 15; No. 8 on approving the journal; No. 9 on motion to suspend and pass H.J. Res. 7; No. 10 on motion to suspend and agree to H. Res. 28; No. 11 on motion to suspend and pass H.R. 132; No. 12 on motion to suspend and agree to H. Res. 34; and No. 13 on motion to pass H.R. 2. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I add my voice to the chorus of condolences offered to Congressman Dixon's wife Bettye Lee and son Cary. This unexpected loss is such a tragedy to all of his friends, staff, and constituents--but mostly of course to his loved ones and family. Shocked to learn the news this morning while in Los Angeles, I wish I could be there on the House floor with my colleagues to join in the expressions of sorrow and words of honor. As the heartfelt eulogies flow from Washington D.C. to the rest of the country, many are reflecting on the lifelong contributions and inspirational leadership of Congressman Dixon. A superb public servant and guiding mentor to so many of us, Congressman Dixon will be greatly missed in the halls of Congress and in the heart of Los Angeles. Again, to his closest family and to all who respected and honored Congressman Dixon, my deepest condolences.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by extending to the Gonzalez family my most sincere condolences on the passing of a great individual, Mr. Henry B. Gonzalez. I was very fortunate to have a chance to serve with him, and it was a fitting tribute to be able to say that I served with someone whom I had respected for so many years and grew to believe was a mentor for many people who thought that oftentimes justice and opportunity would not be there for them. Henry B. Gonzalez lived to serve the people, to champion the toil and sacrifice of working men and women, to give robust life to their voice, and to defend the precious victories for those whom too often society made winning very difficult. Whether one was on the front line, in a dark alley, before an unfriendly court, or whether one was just fortunate enough to be in this, the people's House, one could not and will not ever find a greater fighter, a more compassionate and passionate and eloquent advocate, or a more decent and esteemed human being than Henry B. Gonzalez. For many of us who saw him, we saw when he would be the only one to stand. Sometimes people did not understand why and where he was going, but by the time he was done, that light was very clear at the end of that tunnel. For many, they could not understand how for so many years this man could continue, but he did. We are very fortunate that we are joined in this House of the people by someone who has had a chance to know him better perhaps than anyone who stands here and speaks, and that is our Congressman, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez), who can continue to fight for many of the things that our esteemed friend, Henry B., always stood for. It is in that vein that I think that most of us come here to say to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez), to the rest of the Gonzalez family, that Henry B. cannot die. He lives, because what he stood for lives in the hearts of people from the beginning of time. And yet, there are people who will need to have Henry B.s because there are those who are still struggling. I say to the gentleman and to all of the family, Henry B. has not left us, because there are many who wish to keep that fire going, and that fight. I thank Henry B. for having entered into the lives of so many of us, and for continuing to be there as we continue that fight.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, it is with utmost pleasure and privilege that I rise today to recognize Mr. Jeff Horton, a leader in educational reform and an outstanding educator from Los Angeles, California. His efforts on behalf of the children of Los Angeles and the State of California will be remembered and appreciated for generations to come. A native of California and graduate of La Habra High School, Mr. Horton's commitment to education began over 30 years ago. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Yale University in 1970, Mr. Horton embarked on his journey as an educator by teaching English in Florence, Italy. He went on to teach English, Speech, and Reading at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles from 1975 to 1989. Mr. Horton's dedication to the Los Angeles community has not been limited to the classroom; he has championed efforts to desegregate our schools, establish an independent civilian police review board, and expand adult literacy programs. Eventually, Mr. Horton's drive to improve the quality of education for all children inspired him to run for elected office. Jeff Horton was first elected to the Los Angeles Unified School District's Board of Education in 1991 and was reelected in 1995. Students in his district hailed from some of the most diverse urban areas of Los Angeles--from Hollywood, Koreatown, Silver Lake and Echo Park to West Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. As a board member of the largest school district in California, Mr. Horton served as Chairman of the Board's curriculum standards for six years. He initiated the practice of publicly recognizing schools for academic achievement and attendance. In addition, Mr. Horton was intimately involved in the development of district-wide learning standards for all academic subjects. These learning standards were adopted by the school district in June of 1996 and are currently under consideration by the State of California. As a passionate advocate for disenfranchised children, Mr. Horton actively fought to protect the special needs of child abuse victims. During his tenure as a board member, he was instrumental in securing funds for the school district's child abuse office. In doing so, Mr. Horton made it possible for children with special needs to always have a place to turn for safe and confidential assistance. In 1999, Mr. Horton was appointed to the Los Angeles County Board of Education and currently serves as the President of the California School Board's Association. As a board member he has brought with him 30 years of outstanding experience, educational commitment and compassion. Jeff Horton's legacy is one that we should all praise and celebrate. He is a living reminder to us of the powerful changes one person can make in society. Mr. Speaker, along with family and friends of Jeff Horton who gathered at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach, California on Wednesday, November 29, 2000 to celebrate 30 years of educational commitment and professionalism, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me today in saluting this exceptional man and good friend.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on November 2, 3, 13, and 14, as well as December 4, 2000, I was detained with business in my District, and therefore unable to cast my votes on rollcall numbers 592 through 599. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes 592, 593, 594, 597, 598 and 599; and ``nay'' on rollcall votes 595 and 596.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on October 28 and 29, 2000, I was detained with business in my District, and therefore unable to cast my votes on roll call numbers 570 through 576. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on roll call votes 570 through 576. In addition, this morning, I was unavoidably detained, and therefore unable to cast my votes on roll call numbers 577 and 578. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on roll call votes 577 and 578.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, this morning I was unavoidably detained, and therefore unable to cast my vote on rollcall No. 553, on the Motion to Adjourn. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote 553.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on October 24, 2000, I was detained with business in my district, and therefore unable to cast my votes on rollcall numbers 541 through 543. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 542, and ``nay'' on rollcall votes 541 and 543.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on October 18, 2000, I was unavoidably detained and therefore unable to cast my vote on rollcall No. 531, H.J. Res. 631, on Agreeing to the Resolution Honoring the Members of the Crew of the Guided Missile Destroyer U.S.S. Cole Who Were Killed or Wounded in the Terrorist Attack on that Vessel in Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted ``yea.'' Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in honoring the members of the crew of the U.S.S. Cole who died on October 12th as a result of a cowardly act of terrorism, and I send my heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones. I also rise to honor those serving on the U.S.S. Cole who were wounded in the attack, and wish them a speedy recovery. Finally, I salute those members of the crew who fought valiantly to save their ship and rescue their wounded shipmates. Indeed, I wish to express my deep gratitude to all of the men and women of our Armed Forces who routinely put their lives on the line.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, it is with utmost pleasure and privilege that I rise today to recognize a wonderful American, Mr. Dionicio Morales, for his pioneering efforts as a leader within the Mexican American community and his commitment to improving the lives of others. As a first-generation American, Dionicio Morales has surpassed social and economic barriers throughout his life, and forever changed the opportunities available to Mexican Americans in this country. Mr. Morales' own life embodies the American dream. Having come from modest roots, as the son of farmworkers who spent many years of his childhood living in a tent, he has become a nationally respected community advocate for over three decades. Specifically, Mr. Morales has served as an advisor to the United States Secretary of Labor, was a Presidential appointee to the President's Committee on Community Relations, and the Advisory Committee of the North America Development Bank, and was a former member of the California State Apprenticeship Committee, the California Employment Development Advisory Committee, the Century Freeway Commission and the United States Senate Task Force on Hispanic Affairs. The crowning professional achievement of Mr. Morales' life however, was the founding of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) in 1962. On the eve of the civil rights movement, Mr. Morales was a trailblazer in establishing a structure to empower Mexican Americans to obtain professional training and employment. Mr. Morales has served as the President and CEO of MAOF since 1962, and has grown the organization into a full-service social service entity which currently provides not just job training but also child care, Head Start programs, English as a second language courses, citizenship classes, family services, and much more. MAOF has played a pivotal role in the lives of many Mexican Americans and Mr. Morales' contributions have not gone unnoticed. In addition to the many honors and board memberships bestowed upon him, Los Angeles County showed its appreciation to Mr. Morales and MAOF be dedicating ``Dionicio Morales Plaza'' at Belvedere Park in Los Angeles. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Morales embarks upon the next chapter of his life in retirement, it gives me great honor to join those who are honoring him tonight at MAOF's 33rd Annual Aztec Awards Gala in Los Angeles. It is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me today in saluting this exceptional American.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on September 14, 2000, I was detained with business in my District, and therefore unable to cast my votes on rollcall numbers 472 through 476. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``aye'';'' on rollcall vote 475, and ``no'' on rollcall votes 472, 473, 474 and 476. Mr. Speaker, I am unable to support the Conference Report for H.R. 4516, the Legislative Branch Appropriations for F.Y. 2001, because it bypassed the normal appropriations process. Moreover, this legislation raises Members' salaries while falling half a million dollars short of the Administration's budget to fund more important priorities of the American people. However, there are several provisions in the report which I strongly support. I applaud the conferees for fully funding the Administration's law enforcement initiatives, including a proposal to add 600 AFT agents to more fully enforce existing gun laws. In addition, I strongly support the provision which would repeal the 3 percent telephone excise tax that was levied as a luxury tax over 100 years ago to fund the Spanish American War. Finally, the $258 million for the U.S. Customs Department's automation program in the legislation is critical, and I am pleased the conferees recognized its importance. I look forward to enacting these measures in a bill that better funds other needed priorities, which is arrived at through a more thorough discussion between Members of Congress.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you proudly to congratulate California, the Golden State, on 150 trailblazing and industrious years. It is often said that ``as California goes, so goes the nation,'' for we are a diverse and forward-looking lot. Well, it might also be said that as Los Angeles--and specifically, the 30th CD--goes, so goes the nation, because we are positively among the most richly multi-lingual and multi-cultural communities in the world. I am proud to represent a district steeped in tradition with landmark communities such as: Koreatown, Chinatown, Eagle Rock, Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Glassel Park, Highland Park, Montecito Heights, El Sereno, Echo Park, Silver Lake, Mount Washington, Monterey Hills, Elysian Valley, Lincoln Heights, Boyle Heights, Mid-Wilshire, and East Hollywood. My district surrounds downtown to the North, West, and East, and contains landmark institutions known to everyone such as the Southwest Museum, Los Angeles City College, Occidental College, Children's Hospital and the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center. Specifically, my district contains over 573,000 people which, much like the city of Los Angeles, is home to a multiplicity of languages spoken. Like California, my district is now a majority-minority region where the number of ethnic minorities, including significant numbers of Latino and Asian American residents, actually form the majority of the total population. In addition, there are large groups of Armenian, Jewish, Russian, and Egyptian Americans who have made their home in the 30th CD. More than half of my constituents were born in other countries, adding yet another dimension to this amazing mosaic of individuals. Whether visiting Hollywood, attending a Dodger game, or enjoying the culture and cuisine of Koreatown and Chinatown, the 30th CD is a joy to represent. The 30th CD is a wonderful part of the great city of Los Angeles. Mr. Speaker, and my fellow colleagues, I enthusiastically applaud the hard work and contributions of my constituents in the 30th CD, along with those of the other 51 congressional districts who have helped make California what it was yesterday, what it is today, and what it will be in the future . . . a new frontier.

Mr. BECERRA

Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on September 12, 2000, 1 was detained with business in my District, and therefore unable to cast my votes on rollcall numbers 460 through 464. Had I been present for the votes, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall votes 460, 461, 462, 463, and 464.