Brian Bilbray

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. BILBRAY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, the Lung Association's concern about the sting operations, have been clarified by the legislative council. My bill does not obstruct sting operations or conflict with provisions in the Synar amendment. These objections are misplaced. All I have to say to the gentlewoman from Washington, D.C. (Ms. Norton), the City of Alexandria, the City of Baltimore had their legislature require them to treat tobacco possession and use by minors as a law. They were not violated by that. Cities have certain responsibilities, as a mayor I know that, but so do legislatures. We serve as that legislature, like it or not. It is a constitutional obligation and for those of us who have spent a lot of time fighting the tobacco industry and fighting consumption for tobacco, for us to walk away from this opportunity for another year, it shows the hypocrisy of an institution that cannot do its fair share of fighting underage consumption.

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Chairman, I am sorry that we have to be discussing this item again this year. It is an item that I had brought before this body two previous years. Last year, I agreed, after a request by the legislative body of the City of Washington, D.C., and the mayor, that they be allowed to address this issue. I withdrew it last year, as a courtesy to the local city council and the mayor, on the possibility that they could address a gap in the law that governs our Federal District. Sadly to say, Mr. Chairman, the action after 12 months has not been forthcoming as indicated at that time. All my bill does, Mr. Chairman, is point out the fact that when we talk about tobacco possession use and abuse by minors, we need to do everything that we can to avoid the problem before it starts. Now I think that we all agree that the most critical thing we can do in the United States to avoid the hideous deaths related to tobacco consumption is to keep our young people from getting involved at an early age. The strategies in many States across the country, including my own State of California, has been to address the purchase and use issue, among minors and adults. The use in public is very strongly restricted in California, but then California and many States have realized that there was a gaping hole in the tobacco approach. The anti-tobacco approach had a gaping hole that sent the wrong message to our young people, and that wrong message was, well, one cannot legally buy it but once they have possession they can smoke it all they want; they can possess it all they want. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to point out how inconsistent that message is to our young people. I am a parent of five children. My children have spent a lot of time here in the Federal District and, frankly, I think all of us should be concerned about the message that we send to young people about the possession and use of tobacco. I do not think any reasonable parent would want the United States Government to send a message that underage use and possession of tobacco is okay, but we also would not want to send the same message about alcohol consumption. Now, I cannot fathom how we have overlooked this issue for so long. We would not do it with alcohol. If young people were walking down the street with a six pack of beer, we would expect the law to address the item. Sadly, here in Washington, D.C., the law does not address children walking down the street with a pack of cigarettes. This mixed message needs to be corrected, and I know there are those that like us, as the Congress, to look the other way, not get involved with this issue, but I think for all of us, especially somebody like myself who not only have children but serve on the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, to say that Washington will set the example that underage purchase, possession, and use of tobacco is not acceptable and it is not something we will stand by and ignore for any longer. Mr. Chairman, all my bill proposes to do is to apply the same regulation technique here in Washington, D.C., as is applied in Virginia and in Maryland. We have both States surrounding this Federal District that have said that minors' possession and use of tobacco is not acceptable and should be outlawed. All I am asking is, as Congress, under our responsibility under the Constitution, as the legislative body that would serve very parallel to what the State legislature in Maryland and Virginia have done and that is to say that minor possession is no longer acceptable within our jurisdiction. All we are saying is that we will no longer stand by while Washington, D.C., remains an oasis, a sanctuary, for underage consumption of tobacco and that we will support the surrounding communities in this strategy of eradicating as much of minor consumption as possible, starting by setting the example that possession and use of tobacco by minors is not only inappropriate it is wrong and it should be illegal. District of Columbia Code Sec. Sec. 25-130. Purchase, possession or consumption by persons under 21; misrepresentation of age; penalties. (a) No person who is under 21 years of age shall purchase, attempt to purchase, possess, or drink any alcoholic beverage in the District, except that a person who is under 21 years of age may temporarily possess an alcoholic beverage if the temporary possession is necessary to perform lawful employment responsibilities. (b) No person shall falsely represent his or her age, or possess or present as proof of age an identification document which is in any way fraudulent, for the purpose of procuring an alcoholic beverage in the District. (b-1) Any person under 21 years of age who falsely represents his or her age for the purpose of procuring alcoholic any beverage shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined for each offense not more than $300, and in default in the payment of the fine shall be imprisoned not exceeding 30 days. (b-2) A civil fine may be imposed as an alternative sanction for any infraction of this section, or any rules or regulations issued under the authority of this chapter, pursuant to Sec. Sec. 6-2701 to 6-2723 (``Civil Infractions Act''). Adjudication of any infraction of this section shall be pursuant to Sec. 6-2723. (c) In addition to the penalties provided in subsections (b-1) and (b-2) of this section, any person who violates any provision of this section shall be subject to the following additional penalties: (1) Upon the first violation, shall have his or her driving privileges in the District suspended for a period of 90 consecutive days; (2) Upon the second violation, shall have his or her driving privileges in the District suspended for a period of 180 days; and (3) Upon the third violation and each subsequent violation, shall have his or her driving privileges in the District suspended for a period of 1 year.

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, this is a great time to reflect on the greatness of our country. With California celebrating it's 150th anniversary of the state's admission to the union, one automatically recalls that inspiring phrase, ``Go West, young man!'' and the beginning of our trail blazing history. As Californians, we can rejoice in the adventurous and rugged spirit of our forefathers and be grateful that these men and women were willing to risk life and limb for a new and unknown life in California. Just envisioning those covered wagons poised on the pinnacle of the Sierra Mountains and looking down on the promised land brings a shiver to my soul. Those were truly trying times and those first California settlers were truly brave people. I am proud of my roots--my father is from the East, specifically Alabama, and my mother is from Northwest Australia. However, my family and I are grateful for those brave spirits who ventured from the East because we now have the opportunity to benefit from their risk and foresight. San Diego is the jewel of California, and I have had the privilege of representing one of the most beautiful and inspiring districts in our nation. San Diego is the area where Father Junipero Serra set up one of the first missions in California. This early history can be explored in the preserve of Old Town San Diego. Presently, the residents of San Diego relish in telling all of their friends and relatives outside of Southern California about the incredible weather they enjoy year round--70 degrees and no humidity! California's 49th congressional district boasts such natural wonders as the sensual coastline from its southernmost point in Imperial Beach to the rocky cliffs of Torrey Pines' nature preserve. The 49th also holds in its stead the tranquil, deep waters of the San Diego Bay, which is home to Sea World as well as large naval bases that rival the ports of Hawaii--North Island Naval Air Station and the 32nd Street Naval Station. With San Diego being blessed with both an awesome shoreline and an incredible bay, residents and tourists alike can enjoy surfing and sunning on the beach or sailing and kayaking on the bay all year round. An event that I enjoy the most is Sand Castle Days held every August in my hometown of Imperial Beach. This is a world-renown event that gathers the best amateur and professional sand castle designers from around the country and the world in the tiny Southern California beach town. Every year, we are surprised by the intricate designs created by the simple substance of sand. If cultural arts are on your agenda, San Diego has set the stage for such incredible Broadway productions as ``Damn, Yankees'' and a revision of ``Hair'' from creative playhouses like the La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park. Each September for a weekend, the streets of downtown San Diego come alive with the hip and grooving sounds of homegrown musical groups as well as famous, well-established rock bands during a phenomenal music festival known as ``Street Scene.'' The 49th also has a diverse collection of famous art museums--from the modern art of the La Jolla Contemporary Museum of Art to world classics at the San Diego Museum of Art or American artists at the Timken Museum of Art or native pieces from around the world displayed at the Mingei International Museum. Balboa Park is a cultural center located in the heart of the 49th District. It is a serene, green oasis situated in the middle of a bustling major metropolis. Not only is the San Diego Museum of Art located in this vast cultural enclave, but adults and children alike can learn about the wonders of science at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, delve into man's past at the Museum of Man, and be engulfed in the beauty surrounding us at the Natural History Museum. The most popular world famous attraction in the area is the San Diego Zoo. Just this past summer, our zoo became one of the first in history to have a baby Giant Panda live past her first year after being born in captivity. Hua Mei has become the biggest celebrity in San Diego. Visitors from all over the world have made special trips to catch a glimpse of this giant bundle of joy. But long before Hau Mei's birth, the world famous San Diego Zoo has seen the births of many beautiful creatures, such as black rhinos, giraffes, and many endangered species. Another famous site in San Diego is located on the island city of Coronado. Hollywood superstars have flocked to the legendary and historic Hotel Del Coronado. The ``Hotel Del'' built in 1888, as one of the oldest standing wood structures of Victorian architecture is a national historic landmark that has a rich and colorful heritage. Ten U.S. presidents have stayed in this extraordinary hotel, starting with Benjamin Harrison in 1891, and since Lyndon Johnson, every president since has visited the ``the talk of the Western world.'' Charles Lindbergh was honored at the Hotel Del after his successful transatlantic flight. Subsequently, the international airport in downtown San Diego is named after this famous aviator--Lindbergh Field. In 1958, the outrageously funny movie ``Some Like it Hot'' with Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis used the Hotel Del as a stage and backdrop. Speaking of celebrities, San Diego has also been the home of such movie celebrities as Gregory Peck and Rachel Welch, who grew up on the beaches of La Jolla, and Eddie Vedder, lead singer for the popular rock group, Pearl Jam, spent much of his youth at the clubs and beaches of San Diego. Surfing sensation and Nobel Prize recipient Kary Mullis is a friend who continues his research at UCSD. Helen Copley is a powerful newspaper woman who still boasts the only major newspaper in the area, the San Diego Union Tribune. The famous scientist who discovered penicillin, Dr. Jonas Salk, called La Jolla home and also founded the internationally acclaimed Salk Institute, where scientists from around the world come to study and make scientific breakthroughs. Marine biologists enjoy the access to the sea from their perch in La Jolla and contribute to the Stephen Birch/Scripps Aquarium. Dr. Roger Revelle established a name and reputation in the area, and is responsible for the academic achievements and popularity of the University of California at San Diego. Other major universities in the 49th District, include the private and catholic University of San Diego, San Diego State University, and Point Loma Nazarene College. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the same course played by professionals of the PGA at the public Torrey Pines Golf Course, while watching hang gliders glide off the rocky cliffs or sunbathers at world famous Black's Beach. Grabbing food in San Diego is a delicious and unique experience--from the quick service of authentic fish tacos at local sensation Rubio's Restaurants to the more formal and decadent dining at any of the restaurants located in the historical Gaslamp District in the heart of downtown San Diego. And no one can visit San Diego without sampling the delights of authentic Mexican fare while viewing the adobes and churches of the first San Diego settlers in historical Old Town. The activities, people and places in California's 49th Congressional District are as numerous and diverse as its residents. There is no other place like it in the world and it is an honor representing its interests and people in Congress. Happy Birthday, California! And a big thank you to those brave men and women who risked their lives to conquer the unknown and establish such a wonderful place as San Diego and the State of California.

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill, and I would like to rise in respect to the chairman, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), for all the hard work he has done with this issue. Mr. Speaker, I have had the privilege of cofounding the Literacy Council of San Diego County that serves over 3 million people in Southern California. And I must say sincerely that as we discussed opportunities and access for our citizens, there was an interesting term brought up called Charitable Choice. I would just ask all of us to remember what kind of choice this country is giving to the 20 percent of English-speaking learners who do not have a choice of being able to do what we ran into in San Diego County while I was chairman. They could not fill out an application for a job. They could not even find applications to be able to get government services to get training for the job. A lot of people may think this is an issue of just a child learning to read or an adult learning to read, and that is somebody else's problem, because my family knows how to read. My children are going to good schools. My parents know how to read. My brothers and sisters are literate. But let me tell my colleagues as someone who operated a system of criminal justice and social welfare that is larger than 32 States of the Union, that I found that 20 percent to 40 percent of the people that were in welfare and were in our criminal justice system were functionally illiterate. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I would just say if we want to fight crime, if we want to fight unemployment, we need to support bills like the gentleman's, and I thank him very much for his proactive stance on this project.

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Mr. Shuster) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the ranking member, who I learned very early when I got to this floor is very concerned about the quality of the waters of this Nation and the surrounding area, someone who has spent a lot of time working on this issue and is very concerned about it. I would also like to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and the ranking member of the Committee on International Relations. I would just like to say sincerely, I want to thank the gentleman from Waveland, Mississippi, home of Little Jays, for being able to give such a great background for this bill, articulating this piece of legislation. I appreciate the fact that he got into the details so that the rest of us do not have to restate them. I think that we can talk about the general issue. The general issue, Mr. Speaker, is the fact that as we have set a policy in this country nationally, that the waters of the United States are, and should, remain clean, pure, and safe. Sadly, over the last 25, 30, 40 years, we have had places where there were major breakdowns. Frankly, they are not always places where we can blame our own industrial commercial or economic or political or public irresponsibility. The Tijuana River happens to flow through a community of over 1 million people in the Republic of Mexico; and it flows north like the Nile, not south like the Mississippi. And, it flows towards the United States into an estuarian preserve that has been set aside as a critical habitat preservation by the United States, and then flows into the oceans of the United States and flows north through the communities of Imperial Beach and Coronado. I, for one, happen to be an individual who was raised as a child in Imperial Beach and grew up with the hideous problem of pollution in our waters that did not come from our neighborhood, but came from our neighbors. I would just ask everyone to be very sensitive of the fact that when a young person is raised, it is bad enough for that person to go to their beaches and find out that they cannot go into the water, it is unsafe, it is polluted, it is a danger to their life and to the wildlife around them, but to then also be told in less than tactful ways that it is somebody else that did this to you, that a foreign government or foreign people imposed this on your life and your little part of paradise. I think for too long we have allowed that to occur. As the Federal Government over the last 30 years has demanded and required local communities to come up and participate in the cleansing and the cleaning of the waters of the United States, sadly, the United States for too long has found reasons not to go to our neighbors to the north or the south and say look, neighbor, good neighbors do not pollute each other's backyard. Do not threaten the children of the person on the other side of the fence. Sadly, that has happened for all too long. Mr. Speaker, today we are asking for support of a bill that will work with Mexico in addressing a Mexican problem that is being inflicted on American citizens. Today, we are asking for support of a bill that says, Mexico recognizes that it has created an environmental problem and is willing to work with us at treating their sewage in Mexico, not in the United States. Now, my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner), joined with me and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham) and with the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) and with the gentleman from California (Mr. Packard). Every member of the delegation of San Diego County that represents over 3 million people finds that it is time that the Federal Government try to think outside the box, try to encourage innovative approaches without compromising environmental options. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to say as somebody who has worked on this issue for over a quarter of a century, that I really think that we have fallen on an idea that may set an example not just for our current relationships with Tijuana and Mexico. It may be something that our committees of international relations may want to look at, and work with committees like the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on an international-national policy, that we pay for outcome and treatment, not for projects that may, or hopefully will treat; that we pay for the actual protection of the environment rather than the promise of the protection of the environment. Now, this bill does not get the job done all by itself, but it opens the door that allows us as a region and as a Nation to start cooperating with Mexico in a way that we will ask Mexico to meet us halfway, that we will participate in the creation of service and infrastructure capabilities to avoid the environmental damage that has happened in the past; to clean up a problem that has been ignored for all too long and to address the fact that Mexico not only has a challenge that we are willing to work with them on, but has an opportunity to take this problem and create it into an asset: reusable water. Mr. Speaker, I think that we have to recognize that H.R. 3378 provides the means to implement a plan that the City of San Diego, the mayor of Tijuana, the Surfrider Foundation consistently has found is not only the right answer here, but may be the answer to many other places where we have problems like this. The citizens of the City of Imperial Beach and Coronado and San Diego have waited far too long for the United States Government to protect them in their environment, to hold our neighbors to the same standards that we require of our own citizens, and to do it in a manner that does not cause conflict, but creates consensus and cooperation. This bill should be used as a blueprint as how we can work with foreign governments to be able to have an outcome-based environmental strategy. This bill will enable us to be able to show how governments and peoples can work together for not just the good of the environment, but for the community at large that shares the environment. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues who strongly express their care and need and their desire to protect the environment to support this bill, and support the concept that if we really care about the environment, then we will care about it in every square inch of this Nation, and we will do what we can, when we can, where we can. The Tijuana sewage problem has gone on for too long. My children, Mr. Speaker, are second-generation sewage kids. They have grown up under the cloud that their beaches may be polluted at any moment. I want to make sure that my grandchildren do not have to be threatened with their beaches being closed, their environment being polluted. I want to thank the ranking member who is here today for his very, very committed involvement in this, and I want to say clearly that I know the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner); I have worked with him a long time. Bob would like to be here; we have very critical work he is doing in San Diego, and the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Packard) all join us in saying please join us in protecting our part of the United States, to treat our citizens with the equity that every other American has been guaranteed, and let us do it while we are working with a bright, new, cooperative future with the Republic of Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3378, and urge my colleagues to again cast the votes on behalf of the environment and public health of the San Diego-Tijuana border region. Just over a year ago, Mr. Speaker, the House voted 427-0 in support of a Sense of Congress brought by myself and my colleague Mr. Filner; this resolution expressed the Sense of Congress that the governments of the U.S. and Mexico should enter into negotiations of a new Treaty Minute, to allow for the siting of secondary sewage treatment infrastructure in Mexico, and the development of a privately funded Mexican facility to provide for the treatment to secondary levels of raw sewage originating in Mexico, which continues to present a public health threat to citizens and their environment on both sides of the border. My colleagues, by supporting this amendment last July, you were recognizing the need to ``think outside the box'' in order to provide a comprehensive solution for one of the most vexing international environmental and public health challenges we face today. The overwhelming support for that resolution has paved the way for the bill we are considering today--H.R. 3378, the Tijuana River Valley Estuary and Beach Sewage Cleanup Act of 2000. My colleague Mr. Filner and I introduced this bipartisan bill to fulfill the intent of that Sense of Congress, and after its consideration and approval by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the International Relations Committee, we stand here today at a historic point in U.S.- Mexico environmental cooperation, poised to move forward in a mutually beneficial manner. Before proceeding any further, Mr. Speaker, I want to specifically thank Transportation Committee Chairman Shuster and International Relations Committee Chairman Gilman, and their respective ranking members, Mr. Oberstar and Mr. Gejdenson, for all their hard work in helping to bring this bill to the floor. It is a credit to the vision of these gentlemen that the San Diego-Tijuana border region now stands to benefit from the comprehensive solution that H.R. 3378 will provide, and I thank them for their ability to see what can be accomplished here, and their willingness to work with me and my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to do so. Many of you are well aware of the ongoing health and environmental threats which have existed along this border region for decades, as a result of renegade flows of untreated sewage from Mexico. We have reached a critical point in the rapid growth of the San Diego-Tijuana border region; already, we are experiencing peak sewage flows into the U.S. from Mexico in excess of 75 million gallons per day (mgd), and it is essential that any treatment works that are built are able to respond to and address these ever-increasing flows. We are here today in support of a proposal which will help to meet and address this threat in a substantive manner. The facilities which would be constructed in Mexico under H.R. 3378 would allow for development of 50 mgd of treatment initially, with the ability to expand its capacity as needed to deal with future flows. Other alternatives would be inadequate to meet the region's needs, lack the ability to be expanded to treat increasing future flows, and provide no long term solution for the region. An added and significant benefit of the facilities which will be developed in Mexico under this bill is their ability to reclaim and reuse treated wastewater (which would belong to Mexico) and make it available to the rapidly expanding business and industrial sectors of Tijuana. In this growing and arid border region, water is a particularly scare and valuable commodity, and water which can be reclaimed and reused from these treatment facilities can reduce the high demand for precious potable water supplies for drinking and other uses in Mexican households. In addition to the strong bipartisan support which Congress has already demonstrated for this approach, there is significant support in the border region as well, ranging from the City of San Diego, Mayor of Tijuana, and the Surfrider Foundation, a conservation organization which is committed to healthy oceans. I have a brief statement from the Surfrider Foundation which I would ask to be entered into the record at this point, along with a letter of support from the Mayor of Tijuana, which I would also ask to be included. I would like to add, Mr. Speaker, that I am extremely encouraged by the responses to this proposal from both the Mayor of Tijuana, and from representatives of the incoming President of Mexico, Vicente Fox. Let me quote two excerpts from the Mayor's letter to me: . . . Bajagua represents the kind of entrepreneurial solution that will not only help comprehensively meet both of our constituents' sewage treatment needs, it will also provide a much needed source of water for the citizens and businesses of Tijuana. As you know, I am a member of the PAN. As such, I feel comfortable stating that the Bajagua project is representative of the type of private sector solution that President-elect Fox would like to use and extol as a model in Mexico during his administration. Mr. Speaker, we ought not to underestimate the historic and precedent-setting potential of our vote here today. In addition to providing a comprehensive means by which to address this border sewage problem, we have the opportunity to establish a new relationship and way of doing business with our neighbor to the south. With this successful blueprint, going ``outside the box'' to develop solutions to long-standing problems will hopefully become the rule, rather than the exception. It is exciting to see the binational eagerness to move forward with this project, and that enthusiasm can be sustained and directed at other challenges as well. Mr. Speaker, throughout my career in public service, I have wholeheartedly supported and fought for the appropriate treatment of these renegade flows in order to protect our beaches, estuaries, and the United States citizens who have had to live with this problem for far too long. I am more than willing to spend whatever time and money may be needed in order to deal with this problem comprehensively and conclusively, but both time and available dollars are extremely precious commodities, particularly when the public health continues to be at risk. Fortunately for these citizens and their impacted communities, such as my hometown of Imperial Beach, this opportunity has emerged to ``think outside the box'' and implement a progressive and comprehensive strategy that will benefit the entire region well into the future. There is tremendous and achievable potential in this approach which, once implemented, can provide a long-term and comprehensive solution to a chronic environmental program. It would be my hope that the success of this project will influence policy-makers in both Mexico and the United States, who will recognize the wisdom of moving away from the old method of doing business and in this new and innovative direction in order to better and more effectively address other environmental challenges faced by both nations. If we are successful in implementing this process, the children of families in both San Diego and Tijuana will be able to go to their beaches, play in the estuaries, fish and swim in the oceans, and live their lives in their communities without the chronic stigma and health threat of the sewage pollution which has been an unfortunate fact of life in this region. I want to again thank my colleagues for the support they've demonstrated for these goals, and again urge their support for H.R. 3378. Tijuana, Baja California, September 6, 2000. Hon. Brian Bilbray, House of Representatives, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Bilbray: On behalf of the City of Tijuana, I would like to extend and invitation on your next visit to the region to visit with me in Tijuana and discuss the issue of cross-border sewage flows. Specifically I would to discuss our support and encouragement for the Bajagua proposal, which I understand is currently undergoing review in the United States Congress. Our reasons for support are various and we can discuss them in more detail at our meeting, but in short, Bajagua represents the kind of entrepreneurial solution that will not only help comprehensively meet both of our constituent's sewage treatment needs, it will also provide a much needed source of water for the citizens and businesses in Tijuana. As you know, I am a member of the PAN, As such, I feel comfortable stating that Bajagua project is representative of the type of private sector solution that President-elect Fox would like to use and extol as a model in Mexico during his administration. Please let me know of your availability to meet and discuss this and other issues of mutual concern, I look very much to your visit. Sincerely, Francisco De Lamadrid, Mayor, City of Tijuana.

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I know the gentleman is from the great community of Bay St. Louis. It is just that I always remember that one of the great landmarks of Bay St. Louis has to be in Waveland; and the gentleman's office, at least your campaign office, is obviously the greatest location for crawfish anywhere in the United States, and that is Little Jays.

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Chairman, I would like to also thank the gentleman from Arizona for showing the type of bipartisanship and the ability to set politics aside. I think the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), ranking member, ought to be commended along with the gentleman from Arizona for working on the common goal of allocating additional funds to enforce existing laws in combatting gun violence. As a supporter of moderate gun safety legislation measures in the past, and in fact the items that are being discussed by the Senate- House Conference Committee at this time, I think we all can agree that it is important that we allocate necessary funds to those agencies tasked with enforcing existing laws. It has been an important goal of mine and many of my colleagues that we focus on those laws that combat gun violence and provide additional funding to the Federal, local, and State agencies in charge of enforcement. The gentleman has seized this opportunity with this bill through this appropriation process to achieve this goal, and I commend the gentleman for it, and his committee and his ranking member. Now, Mr. Chairman, as the gentleman is aware, I wrote a letter to the gentleman from Arizona regarding this issue last year, and I will submit the letter for the Record. But I just want to stop a second and say to the chairmen and ranking members, during these appropriation processes, many Members will stand up on the floor and talk about provisions that were not included in the legislation or in the appropriations bill. I just thought it was important for me as just one Member of this body to stand up and include a ``thank you'' for having this funding and this focus there. I look forward to working with the committee at reducing gun violence by implementing common sense gun safety laws, but more importantly in focusing on enforcing those laws and making them actually work. Mr. Chairman, the letter I referred to is as follows: House of Representatives, Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, April 7, 2000. Hon. Jim Kolbe, Chairman, Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service and General Government, Committee on Appropriations, Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Kolbe: I am requesting your support in the Fiscal Year 2001 Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act to increase funds for those programs designed to reduce youth gun violence, prosecute criminals who commit crimes using a firearm, and enforce existing gun laws. While I support moderate gun safety measures being discussed in the Senate-House Conference Committee, such as requiring trigger locks on new guns and to close the loophole on background checks on individuals who purchase firearms at gun shows. I also believe it is essential that we focus on those existing laws that combat gun violence and provide additional funds to those federal, local and state agencies in charge of enforcing these laws. I understand the difficult choices that need to be made in the current era of operating under a balanced budget, but it is my belief that a top priority during the upcoming appropriation process should be to allocate additional funding for the Department's of Justice and Treasury. Specific funds that will enable law enforcement agents to continue implementing and administering those laws that will enable law enforcement agents to continue implementing and administering those laws that will keep firearms out of the hands of felons and potential criminals. Additionally, increasing funds to hire new prosecutors and to expand intensive firearm prosecutions will aid in keeping these law breaking criminals off the streets. As the Senate-House Conference Committee debate the issues surrounding gun control, it is important that this Congress work concurrently by allocating funds to enforce existing laws. This is a bipartisan issue that can lead to real results and I would like to assist in any way to bring these goals forward. Mr. Chairman, please feel free to contact me for any additional information. Thank you for your consideration of this issue. Sincerely, Brian P. Bilbray, Member of Congress.

Mr. BILBRAY. Yes, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona.

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I would like to engage in a colloquy with the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe). Mr. Chairman, I rise today to commend the chairman and the ranking member for increasing funding that they have included in this bill for firearm-related issues, specifically: $62.2 million to expand the Integrated Violence Reduction Strategy; 76.4 million to expand the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative, which will expand to 12 more cities, a total of 50 now, which includes the rapid gun tracing analysis to allow State and local law enforcement and new ATF agents to work in a task force operation with local law enforcement for illegal arms investigation; $26.4 million to support ATF's Ballistic Identification System; and $25 million for a nationwide comprehensive gun tracing.

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of Mr. Billy Robbins, President of the Technolink Association. The Technolink Association is a coalition of business, political, academic, high-tech and life science industry leaders creating linkage and resources for emerging and start-up companies in Southern California. For over 40 years, Mr. Robbins has brought an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to practicing Intellectual Property Law. A true pioneer in futurist thinking, he took the initiative to invest time and equity over the last four years to create and build the Technolink Association. Mr. Robbins, who is of counsel at Fulbright and Jaworski, focuses his practice on patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret law litigation and transactional practice. His practice also includes domestic and foreign licensing and technology transfer. He received his BSEE in 1950 from the University of Arkansas and a J.D. from the University of Southern California. He has authored a number of articles and has been appointed by the People's Republic of China as a Senior Technical Advisor under the government's STAR program. As President of the Technolink Association, he has taken the lead in bridging the gap between start-up innovators and large companies to help build the new economic structure of Southern California. He personally shepherded several new high tech and biotech companies through the beginning stages of their business. Mr. Robbins has testified before and spoken on several panels about the importance of creating high tech clusters to support the needs of emerging companies. Mr. Speaker, it is leaders like Billy Robbins who are highlighting the contributions of dynamic individuals and businesses and allowing all Americans to prosper in our ``new economy.''

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Chairman, I am not a member of this committee; I do not know all of the great international nuances that are being discussed here. But I did come to the floor to speak, because it seems like the debate has gotten to a point to where there may be fingers pointed and charges being made back and forth, but I would just like to remind my colleagues that this debate about what other countries and their citizens may want or need, what the Pope may want or need, we do not sit here as a governing body to represent their opinions. We are here to represent the people of the United States. This is the people's House of the United States. I am a practicing Catholic, although I happen to be a pro-choice Catholic, but the Pope does not direct me how I am going to stand on a policy statement of how the people of the United States' money should be spent. It is not a foreign government's money, and it is not the Pope's money. It is the American people's money, and it is not our money. I just want us to understand that when we talk about forgiveness of debt, we should think about how many Americans are out there right now who say, this sounds pretty good. I would sure love to see Congress cut me the same deal that they are talking about cutting other people all over the world. Mr. Chairman, American taxpayers may be watching tonight saying, it really is true. I am just saying I hope that we understand as we are talking about all of these bigger issues that there are people out there that are struggling to pay their taxes, struggling to be able to play by the rules, struggling to pay for their debts, and then seeing the House of Representatives, the people's House talking and saying, we need to talk about forgiveness of certain debts, talking about it as if it is our personal funds that we are willing to have a charitable contribution out of. I bet, my colleagues, there are a lot of Americans out there who would say, great, Members of Congress, take it out of your pocket and put it in there, but you are taking it out of our pockets as taxpayers and giving it to another country, and giving it and giving it. It is a small, small, minute percentage of what we allocate out of this House, but do we not realize how much it just really rubs the taxpayers wrong when they hear the discussion of even the term forgiveness. I think that maybe we ought to talk about would we not be more productive in making people independent. I just want to go back to this whole discussion of the Pope. He does not pay the taxes and we do not represent him. I follow him as a religious leader of my church, but the Constitution mandates to me and every Member of this body that we represent the people in our district, not even one of the great religious leaders that lives in Rome. I would just say, we may disagree on this issue, on the technicalities of this issue, but I think the dialogue has gotten to where it is either/or: I am going to impugn your opinion for my opinion. I just think that people that are watching today and Members of Congress are watching, and remember, we are forcing this money, let me remind my colleagues, we are forcing this money from American citizens and resident aliens, forcing them under the threat of imprisonment to give us money, and we are sending this money all over the world. Mr. Chairman, we have an obligation to make sure that every cent is responsible and is being responsible in its application and is being held accountable. I think the chairman has pointed out that that cannot be said with all of these funds, and we have the obligation to make it so.

Mr. BILBRAY. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I would say the same argument would be made by many taxpayers, Mr. Ranking Member; but the fact is that they are overburdened again and again and feel like they are over-taxed. The concept of saying they have to choose between child care and helping their family or sending their kids to school or being able to give what they want to their children, or the fact that they need, by force of law, to contribute to the Federal Government money that we then send overseas. I think that this is an issue that we just have to understand the dialog about.

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 322. I want to publicly thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from New York (Chairman Gilman), but most importantly, because he is here today, the gentleman from Nebraska (Chairman Bereuter) for allowing this resolution to come to the floor. Madam Speaker, many of us from all over the country know about the problems and the trials and tribulations of individuals who immigrated to this country from the Republic of Vietnam. I think that it's appropriate to repeat why so many Vietnamese fought and died for freedom and democracy in their country. Over 250,000 Vietnamese from the Republic of Vietnam died in this struggle. Let me say this sincerely, they not only died for themselves, but also in the struggle against tyrannies, against oppression. Frankly, I think too often we talk about a lot of inconsequential issues, but we need to remember that there is a long black wall down at the other end of the Mall. Many Americans and Vietnamese Americans walk that wall and trace out names. I think too often that, when we talk about that long black wall, we think about it as something that is in the past, something that is over, something that somebody else did or another generation did. Madam Speaker, I am here to remind us all that the war may be over; but the struggle for what that wall symbolizes, the struggle for what the Vietnamese people in the Republic of Vietnam were fighting for, the struggle for what American men and women fought and died for is still going on today. There are still individuals in Vietnam who are being tagged as ``hard core'', and who are in reeducation facilities. Now I think we all know what kind of catch word ``reeducation'' means. It basically means, if one does not think like the government, the government will teach one how to rethink so one thinks only their way. Madam Speaker, I think that, as we address this resolution today, we should commit ourselves to the fact that the men and women that are symbolized on our wall at the other end of the Mall and the men and women who died from the Republic of Vietnam will be remembered by our constant quest to make sure that this struggle for freedom does continue. I want to say, though, too, I guess too often we talk about ``hyphenated Americans'', and maybe being a son of a so-called ``hyphenated American'', I am always reminded that we are really not talking about Vietnamese. We are talking about Americans who came from Vietnam. We are talking about people that have made, not only a great struggle in Vietnam fighting Communism, but also a great struggle and great success at becoming new Americans, at becoming what this country has always promised the rest of the world: that if one works hard, one studies hard, one strives to do their best, if one is willing to make a contribution to this free society, this free society will reward one through one's own sweat of one's own brow. I think that we all need to remind ourselves that these immigrants who came from the Republic of Vietnam, and as an example to all of us no matter what our race, what our creed, what our gender, that there still is the opportunity for those who are willing to work hard, to strive, and to contribute. In closing, in San Diego County, we have a very large population of individuals who emigrated from the Republic of Vietnam, and their children now are as American as anyone who has been here for 200, 300 years. I am very proud that, when I go to review ROTC units, when we see the military young men and women lining up in San Diego, we will see the sons and the daughters of men and women who fought for their homeland and emigrated from the Republic of Vietnam in the worst of circumstances, but have learned the best of lessons both from their country of the past and their newly adopted country of the future.

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say that I appreciate the support for this resolution. I just want to articulate that the gentleman is not the only one who gets frustrated the way sometimes this House is run. A lot of people were frustrated the way the House was run before the new majority took over. Remember, I have got family that served with the gentleman that talked about the bad old days. So everybody gets frustrated with the leadership, even those of us on the majority side. What we are asking as two individuals here and three individuals here that represent a lot of people out there that do not hold the Members responsible for party affiliation. When my colleagues look across the aisle, I hope they see the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray), representative of San Diego, not just a Republican. And I think we need do more of that. The gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson) is probably the most sincere individual that could ever work on this issue, and I think that my colleagues recognize that she has worked hard with both sides of the aisle. The gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) has made his efforts. All we are asking is that here is a place we may disagree, we might have had disagreements today, but let us finish off the evening by at least saying this is something we can meet halfway and start building a future from now on rather than talking about animosity in the past. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, my colleague the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott) said we know the money is there. Look, there are some of us that are trying to work bipartisan here and have for years. But every time we try to reach across the aisle, we hear the rhetoric about the fact that we are just not spending money, let us keep going. Why this resolution is here is because not until July are we going to know if the money is there. Now, if this is a sin of saying let us not spend or commit money until we have at least the commitment down there that we think is coming down the pike. We are trying to be responsible with this. Now, in all fairness, I just asked any colleagues on the other side how did they sign on to the DeGette bill. I have signed on to the bill of the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette). And though she may be a member of the minority party, she is right on how to address that issue. The gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Whitfield) has got a Republican version. But always we have to take the political cheap shot. We have always got to do that. For once, even on a resolution, if it does not say enough, then it does not do that much damage. Can my colleagues not, at least, try to meet us halfway? Those of us that have met them halfway more times than they have ever come across our side of the aisle are standing here today and asking them, those of us that have crossed the aisle consistently, that on this resolution, all it is saying is, in July, let us see if the money is there and let us make the effort. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson).

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Tanner) that I am not on his committee. The gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson) and I are on the Committee on Health of the Committee on Commerce. Let me assure my colleagues that, even those of us who were on the Committee on Commerce get ruled out of order every once in a while when we know it is the right thing to do, it is common sense to do, but sometimes procedures here stand in the way. I had that on the floor here this week three times. So I appreciate that. We did not have a chance to vote with the gentleman from Tennessee on that issue. We did not have a chance to stand up and speak for him on that motion at that time. But we do have a chance now using this procedure to say party affiliation, procedural guidelines, whatever we want to talk about, there is a consensus here that, if the projections come in the way we are hoping it comes in, that Medicare should be a priority. And I would just say to my colleague from Tennessee that I understand his frustration; I have gone through the same thing. Here is a chance for us, though, to say, yes, we can do what the gentleman wanted to do on that day and at least move the ball forward. And as it was said with campaign finance reform, let us not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. This is an opportunity to move one step forward, and I hope the gentleman will support us on that. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus).

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today we have had a discussion between Democrats and Republicans that I think the American people would prefer to see us avoid in the future. Yesterday, we had some bipartisan efforts of people reaching out across the aisle to work for betterment of this country. Resolution 535 is one of those resolutions that we can do this. This is a chance for us to reach across the aisle in a bipartisan effort to show that Medicare really is a priority of this body; and hopefully, in the future we will find the funds to be able to do all of things that both sides and America would like us to do. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson). Let me point out to every Member, this Member has fought hard to raise this issue, to articulate the issue that we have to continue to do better for our seniors when it comes to Medicare. She has been a constant champion of the fact that Republicans and Democrats need to put their differences aside and truly work for our seniors in America.

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3240) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to clarify certain responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the importation of drugs into the United States.

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield the time for the purpose of management to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Coburn).

Mr. BILBRAY

Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. Mr. Chairman, there are a whole lot of other things that I want to work with the chairman on. We have maintenance issues at this plant. We built a $200 million plant, and it is not properly maintained; the parts are not there. But I am asking just for this amendment now as a sign that the United States will do everything it can to defend its citizens from foreign pollution on U.S. soil. At this time, I ask both the majority and the minority, this is a chance for us to all pull together. The gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) represents part of this area. I represent the other. Here is a chance to show true bipartisan support, true bipartisan commitment, to defending Americans and protect the environment no matter what their party affiliation, no matter what neighborhoods they live in. Mr. Chairman, I have three amendments before the committee today which I would like to explain for my colleagues. The purpose of my amendments is very straightforward. Let me first express that I have great respect and appreciation for the subcommittee chairman, Hal Rogers, and the challenges he's had to address in order to prepare his bill. I know that the limits of your allocation have made for difficult decisions, and I commend you for assembling such a good bill under these though circumstances. I am also very appreciative of the chairman's willingness to work with me in order to address the difficult public health and environmental problems my district faces as a result of untreated sewage flows from Mexico. In mid-1999, at my request, the city of San Diego initiated a study to determine the usefulness of satellite remote imaging for mapping and monitoring the dispersion of sewage discharges in the United States- Mexico border region. The objectives of this study were to (1) to demonstrate what type of remote sensing data can be useful for imaging effluent plumes, and (2) to validate information obtained by remote sensing data with field data. While the number of image sets available were limited, the results of this study indicate that all the remote sensing data types can significantly contribute to determining the contributions and extent of the sewage runoff discharges that affect the United States- Mexico border region. Among other things, this will help in isolating the true effects of the South Bay Ocean Outfall from ``false'' signals created from effluent from other shoreline sources. The satellite images in this study, two of which I have enlarged here today for my colleagues to see, show distinct near-shore turbidity patterns as well as larger-scale patterns extending further offshore. It is helpful to understand that the major turbidity signals within the near-shore zone are linked to terrestrial effluent discharges or runoff, as opposed to the stirring up of bottom sediments by winds, waves, or tidal currents. The image in figure 1 of the report was not preceded by any appreciable rain for more than three days. There are four areas where fresh discharge can be identified--the Tijuana River, a couple of smaller areas just south of there, the San Antonio Los Buenos treatment facility, and Los Buenos Creek. In figure 2, this image was acquired just 24 hours after a 2-day rain event, and clearly shows fresh runoff plumes from numerous sources. Clearly, this type of imaging can yield tremendous volumes of information which will be critical in helping to monitor, track, and respond to sources of ocean pollution plumes. I have prepared an amendment (#45) that would provide $200,000 to the IBWC, for the purposes of continuing to provide this kind of satellite image monitoring. My amendment would be offset from the Department of State's Diplomatic and Consular Affairs account. I also have at the desk another amendment which these photos will help to explain--located here in the photo, on the border, is the International Wastewater Treatment Plant. As the chairman is well aware, the IBWC has since 1998 been operating the U.S. International Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWTP), which sits along our southern border with Mexico and is presently treating up to 25 mgd of Mexican sewage to primary levels. This effluent is then discharged via the South Bay Ocean Outfall. Since this plant began operation in 1998, its operations and maintenance costs have increased considerably, as a result of several factors. 1. Pumps and other processing equipment consume large amounts of electrical power, and power costs at the IWTP are directly related to the volume of wastewater treated. Power costs at the plant have risen as a result of increased pumping needs at the IWTP, Smugglers' pump station, and Goat Canyon pump station. 2. Perhaps even more important, is the increasing recognition of the need to begin recurring nonannual preventive maintenance and testing-- this includes such things as pump rebuilding, testing of electrical systems, and conveyor overhaul--the basic functions that make the plant work. What we have here is a brand new plant, which is now beginning to reach its maintenance cycles, and in some instances, cycles which were projected as 2 or 3 year are starting to be seen as annual maintenance needs. This may sound like a lot of nuts and bolts, but the outcome is what is critical to me and my communities, Mr. Chairman, and that is whether the beaches are open and safe for people to use. To paraphrase the old saying, for want of a pump, the plant was lost--clearly, this is the situation we must avoid. The IBWC has worked hard to help keep the beaches open in the south San Diego county region, and I don't want to see that change out of maintenance needs. I recognize that the subcommittee worked hard to level fund these Commissions at the existing FY 2000 levels, Mr. Chairman, but I believe we must find a way to provide assurances that basic maintenance needs do not result in threats to the public health and environment in the upcoming summer months. Additionally, as I have discussed with the chairman, it is important to ensure that the IBWC will have adequate funds available to operate the emergency connection to the city of San Diego's Point Loma treatment plant, in the event of an emergency need this summer. My amendment (#16) would transfer $5.1 million to the IBWC's salaries and expenses account, for the purposes of ensuring that this routine but critical maintenance will continue to occur. I want to clarify for my colleagues that, as the chairman well knows, it is in this salaries and expenses account that operations and maintenance funds are located; this amendment is not going for additional salaries, or administrative overhead. The offset for my amendment is provided out of the Department of State's Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities, which is funded in the bill at $498,100,000. I don't mean to diminish the importance of our peacekeeping operations abroad, but I feel very strongly that we must first protect our own borders, in this case from the public health threat generated by flows of Mexican sewage that has been confronting my constituents for decades. Chairman Rogers knows how strongly I feel about this, and is due a lion's share of the credit for the great work this committee has done on border environmental issues up to this point. My third amendment (#17) addresses an issue with which the chairman is very familiar, from our ongoing discussions. With my previous amendment on the IBWC, I talked about ensuring that the IBWC is able to continue operating the plant, which treats captured sewage. This amendment addresses what can be a far greater problem, which is the flows of renegade sewage that doesn't make it into any pipes or plants for treatment. An odd fact of nature is that in this part of the region the watershed, rivers, and urban runoff flow north, into the United States. When there are rain events, or when Mexican infrastructure breaks, fails, or is simply turned off without warning (which happens far too often), raw sewage runs downhill into the canyons along the border and into the Tijuana Estuary, or down the Tijuana River into the flood control channel where it enters the United States and continues toward the beaches in my hometown of Imperial Beach. All the treatment plants in the world won't end our contamination problem, if there are still significant volumes which aren't ending up ``in the pipe''. The IBWC is presently working on a plan to improve the capacity of the canyon sewage collectors which are now in place at Goat Canyon and Smuggler's Gulch, and this will certainly help. But the biggest ``non-point'' source of the United States side (I say U.S. because clearly, as the images from this report show, runoff from Los Buenos Creek is a major problem for both Mexican and United States beaches as the current takes it northward) is the Tijuana River, which is why I've gone to Chairman Rogers with a specific request. I believe it is essential that a diversionary structure be built in the flood control channel as it enters the United States, which could then capture renegade flows and divert them to the IWTP or other facilities for at least some level of treatment. IBWC agrees with this need, and is prepared to move forward with this project. My amendment would provide $500,000 for this purpose to the IBWC's construction account. It is offset from the State Department's Diplomatic and Consular Programs account, which is presently funded at $2,689,000. Mr. Chairman, I have some additional background materials, along with my full statement and amendments, which I would ask be entered into the Record at the appropriate point. I would urge my colleagues to support these amendments, and would reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.