Henry Bonilla

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation ``recognizing the United States Border Patrol's 75 years of service since its founding.'' I have nearly 800 miles of the Texas-Mexico border in my congressional district. I know all too well the extent to which Border Patrol agents meet the daily challenge of keeping our borders safe and curbing the flow of illegal aliens and drugs into the United States with courage, patience and sheer tenacity. They go out every day and fight to keep our borders and our border residents safe. Our Border Patrol field agents are the best in the business. It is an ongoing battle to keep our borders safe, drug-free and crime free. The Border Patrol is faced with carrying out a tremendous task with limited, often outdated and failing resources. Yet, every day they go out to defend our borders. The brave men and women of the Border Patrol put their lives on the line for us. Those of us in border communities know what a crucial role the Border Patrol plays in protecting our borders daily. As a Texan I take pride in recognizing the fact that the founding members of the Border Patrol included Texas Rangers, sheriffs and deputized cowboys who patrolled the Texas frontier during the late 1800s and the early 1900s. I am honored to support this legislation which honors our Border Patrol personnel who serve this nation in defending our borders.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, once again, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) for yielding this time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start out by thanking the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), former high school football star, for joining me in this effort as the lead cosponsor. I truly appreciate the work he has put in on this bill, and we are hopeful that we will prevail. Mr. Speaker, there are parents out there in our communities who are crying out for help and crying out for support. A few weeks ago, I was in the fall parade in Devine, Texas, which is just a few miles south of San Antonio. A young man walked up to me, and told me he was a banker, an executive at the local bank. He did not approach me to talk about banking regulations or the banking bill now pending. He wanted to talk about prayer at high school football games, because in Medina County, for generations, they have traditionally opened games with voluntarily, nonmandated prayers. They have always opened the ceremonies at night by having a prayer. He could not understand how we have gotten to the point in this country where they are suddenly under a threat of legal action to stop them from doing this. He was just wondering what our country is coming to when we cannot have voluntary nondenominational, nonmandated prayer at our high schools if we so desire. I told him that day that I would introduce this resolution, and he was just delighted to hear that here in Congress there were many of us who were already concerned about this and we were going to at least try to take a stand in supporting these parents. During this debate, we have talked about how every day we in Congress open our sessions with a prayer. We have already talked about how we have the words ``In God We Trust'' above the Speaker's podium. We have talked about how the Supreme Court opens each session with a prayer. So we wonder why the Fifth Court of Appeals would rule that voluntary community prayers would be prohibited and under threat of legal action. These prayers are not government-mandated events. High school football games are community events. They are made up of, not only parents, teachers, and students, but sponsors and families from around the community. Some of them do not even have students in school, but like to come out and enjoy the physical activities of a great tradition that we have in some parts of our country. These parents, teachers, and students are not asking us to pass a new law here in Congress. This is a sense of the Congress that simply allows us to go home and tell our constituents that we took a stand on this issue that is very important to them. So let us not delay any longer. Let us take a stand. Let us let the folks back home know that we are on their side in this very important issue.

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of a fall tradition we have in Texas. On weekends, Fridays and Saturdays high school stadiums fill up with people to watch high school football. These are not just events, Mr. Speaker; they are traditions; communities, student bodies, parents, coming together to watch friendly competition and say hello to friends and neighbors. It is about sportsmanship, it is about brotherhood, it is about values. Traditionally, before each game, voluntary nondenominational prayers have been held, primarily to wish the players an injury-free game and to wish everyone a safe trip home on the road that night. This tradition has been threatened by a foolish decision in Federal Court. A parent in a town near Houston apparently felt suppressed by the prayer and filed suit. The 5th Circuit Court agreed, and banned voluntary prayer at sporting events. I think this court decision is wrong. This resolution gives the U.S. Congress the chance to take a stand. Voluntary prayer should not be banned in States. In this day and age when parents and communities search for answers in helping our young people, what is wrong with voluntary prayer before kick off? There are no mandates in this resolution. I ask my colleagues to join me in taking a stand. Let us tell the court it was wrong. Let us encourage it to reverse its decision and let the children pray.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation ``recognizing the contributions of 4-H clubs and their members to voluntary community service.'' 4-H clubs serve as outstanding youth development programs for the youngsters of rural and urban America. They give our young people great opportunities and skills. They provide a sense of accomplishment through a job well done. 4-H provides career-oriented education and after-school safe havens. But in a larger sense, participation in 4-H has effects far beyond the students participating. By instilling in the youth of today, values and morals which will give them the power to make ethical decisions. 4- H helps develop the leaders of this nation's tomorrow. The ability to recognize and participate, voluntarily, in community service activities is perhaps one of the greatest ethics we can teach our youth. Volunteering to help others is a part of the American culture. American history is full of people who not only recognized that the world is full of need, but also did something about it. They decided to make their communities better places. In today's seemingly self- oriented society it is refreshing to see young people recognize the needs of others and volunteer their time to benefit those who need help. The young people of 4-H programs across the nation have set an example of unwavering cheerful service to benefitting the welfare of others. These youth are truly displaying leadership through service to their fellow man and I take great pride in recognizing their contributions to building better communities. We should follow their example and become involved, the opportunities are boundless.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me. The rhetoric I hear from our friends on the other side of the political aisle today reminds me of Chicken Little, and if we look at their faces, they are telling us over and over again that the sky is falling and we are facing tremendous disaster if we vote for this bill, and I think that the American people are smarter than that by now, to listen to the same message over and over and over again. Mr. Speaker, I think I heard one of my colleagues say this morning that this bill hurts every family in America. I think that their arguments have to start changing to include a little more substance and reality about what we are doing here today. The truth of the matter is, and these are real numbers, that this bill is the People's bill, and we do so much in spite of the budget restraints we now live under that were not only voted upon by this Congress, but signed into law by the President. Mr. Speaker, let us not forget that the President signed the law that we, after we gave him the bill that says we have limits now on what we can spend, because it is no different than any family, than any business out there that has to face fiscal constraints year after year for the benefit of the greater good of the organization, the family or the corporation; and we are having to make some tough decisions, but nonetheless have kept as the highest priority funding for health care, like the Community and Migrant Health Care Centers that the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter) pointed out earlier for the Trio education program that we have increased funding for that that has held so many people in low-income neighborhoods like myself, frankly, when I was a teenager, a program that helped give me that lift to go to college and to graduate from college, and other programs like health professions, nurses and dental hygienists and assistants out there looking for that first break to provide a service for the community. We give more money to these programs, more money than the President has asked for in the first place. Mr. Speaker, if we visit with people out in the heartland who are running these medical programs, for example, they are all recognizing the truth in what we are trying to accomplish. I just met about an hour ago with representatives from the March of Dimes from my hometown in San Antonio, and I told them what we tried to do with programs that provide for folic acid for mothers, expectant mothers, so that we can cut back on birth defects in our country and in our State; and they understand what we are trying to do, and they know that we are trying to help families out there in the heartland. And I am just hoping that as people watch this debate, they will listen to the sincerity of what we are trying to portray here today of our efforts to try to help America in every neighborhood out there whether it involves an education program or a health care program, because I think that if we watch the faces of those who will step up right after me that we will see the face of Chicken Little, and we all remember the story on how misinformed Chicken Little was. Mr. Speaker, I think that in our colleagues' hearts they know that this misinformation that is being put out there over and over again is no longer selling with the American people. Stand with us, stand with the President to understand that we have got to cut spending yet provide for these important services for the American people.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the motion. There is no one in this body who represents more territory along a border of the United States bordering another country than I do. I have almost 800 miles of the Texas-Mexico border in my congressional district. It is a wonderful area. The section that we are discussing today, known as section 110, was put into law sometime ago by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), my dear friend, with very good intentions. However, as he knows, and other Members of this body know, there are many communities along the Mexican border and the Canadian border that are terrified that the implementation of this program will cause greater congestion at the border than we even see today. If any of my colleagues were to visit any of the communities along the Texas-Mexico border, Laredo, Texas, for example, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, El Paso, they will see long lines of traffic and pedestrians clogging the border at points of entry. In some cases, in the heat of summer, traffic is backed up several hours. It is extremely difficult to move traffic, to move commerce back and forth in the spirit of free trade that we have, today for example, with Mexico and Canada. The chambers of commerce and the people, the good entrepreneurs, the small business people, those that are trying to move goods and products and services, and shoppers going back and forth across the border have enough to deal with now and would greatly be concerned about a new system that would be implemented. I know that the process that is being discussed and proposed into law right now is designed to facilitate traffic. I realize that is the intention. But in all practicality, those of us who live along the border and know the border communities understand that unless this process is refined tremendously, we are greatly concerned that it would impede traffic even more than we are seeing now at these ports of entry. That is why I strongly support this motion by the gentleman from Michigan, who is greatly concerned as well about traffic along the Canadian border. Again, this is something that even communities that are not right on the border, communities that are in existence a few miles inland from the northern border with Canada and from the Mexican border on the southwest are greatly concerned that this will have a ripple effect with communities that would feel the brunt of the additional traffic jams and the problems with pedestrians crossing at these checkpoints. So I commend the gentleman from Michigan for offering this motion. I know that this is probably going to be a motion that will perhaps not see the light of day in this session, because the conference report, my understanding is, is already closed. However, I think it is commendable this issue remain out front, because it is very important to all of us on the northern border and the southern border who believe so strongly that free trade must continue to flow across without any kind of additional barriers that may be implemented with section 110.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chairman I rise in support of this Conference Report for the Agriculture Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2000. We members of the subcommittee were charged with developing an appropriations bill, not a bill to address every agriculture authorization issue pending before Congress. There are several very important agriculture issues that call for attention. They should be addressed, and considered on the House floor. But these are not issues that should hold up a badly needed appropriations bill. In fact, I do not recall over the last two weeks hearing any complaints regarding the regular appropriations bill. There are some very good provisions in this appropriation. Each one of us would probably like to change some part of this bill, but we have to remember this bill provides for $8.7 billion in emergency assistance for agriculture producers. I have had calls streaming into my office from producers, and I am talking the producers, not the Washington lobbyists, asking me to support the bill. They know that the items in the disaster package are too important to lose. In this bill there is $5.5 billion in direct emergency financial assistance. There is help for cotton's step 2 program, help for livestock producers and $1.2 billion for disaster funding. No, this bill may not be perfect, and there are things that may not be in the bill that we would like to have seen in the bill, but I do not believe we can turn our backs on $8.7 billion in financial assistance and our producers.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule and of this resolution. This bill's message is fundamentally simple: political violence is unacceptable in a democracy. There must be no compromise with terrorists. My colleagues, the eyes of the world are on us today. An assortment of jackals and thugs are watching. Osama bin Laden, watching from his home in the mountains of Afghanistan; Terry Nichols and Ted Kaczynski from their cells in federal prisons, all of these people are watching. They are waiting to see if America has the strength of its convictions. They are waiting to see if the President will succeed in raising the white flag in the war against terrorism. My colleagues it is up to us to disappoint this coalition of evil. It is up to us to uphold our commitment to the rule of law and justice. This is not a partisan issue, and this is not an issue about race. Good people from all ethnic groups in this country denounce violence and support strongly law and order in this country. This is about our commitment to democratic principles in the face of terror. Senator Moynihan spoke up eloquently when he joined our cause and made it clear that this offer of clemency is wrong. The First Lady has acknowledged that political gain cannot justify such a serious abandonment of law enforcement principles. My colleagues, let us not forget that another set of eyes are watching us as well. These are the victims of terror, the jurisdiction who are with us, the survivors who lost their loved ones, and the victims who are watching us from above. Let us not tell them that we are abandoning them now because of political expediency. Our decision today should be open and shut. Please join me in reaffirming the American leadership in the war against terror. Please join me in reaffirming our commitment to justice. Let us slam the door that the President has opened for terrorists. Please join me in standing up to terrorism and supporting this rule and this resolution.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the amendment of the gentleman from Louisiana. It is a big step toward cutting red tape for good, solid, reputable telephone companies. It is long overdue. This is not 1934, it is 1999, and it is long overdue that we take action now.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, the American worker makes up the lifeblood of our economy and we can all agree in this Chamber that our utmost concern is their safety and well-being in the workplace. Every employer in America understands that it is to their advantage and the employee's advantage to keep workers healthy and happy on the job. In fact, we should all be celebrating today here that because of the safety measures that have been taken in the private sector. Working with some folks in OSHA, we have dropped employee injuries by 17 percent. The number of injuries dropped by 17 percent since 1995 because of the changes that employers have made in the workplace. There is no crisis at hand. Let us be honest about what we are debating here. We are debating a power grab by a government agency and by America's big labor unions who are trying to get a stranglehold on America's businesses both small and large. The debate we have here today is about the rush to promulgate and to write a rule dealing with repetitive stress injuries, with ergonomics, something that would be far more dangerous to the American worker if it is written too fast versus waiting for sound science to guide them versus having political science guide them. Imagine for 1 second if OSHA rushes to write a rule without sound science, a one-size-fits-all rule that would apply to florists as it would to people who work in manufacturing plants, to people who work in auto parts stores, at restaurants and on farms and ranches throughout this country. What a nightmare this would be for the American workers. They would suddenly have their bosses having to spend gobs of money, money that could go to raises and better benefits and instead trying to comply with a one-size-fits-all regulation. Let us all remember that the first draft that OSHA had of this rule was 600 pages long. Imagine if you are working in a bakery out in the heartland in America, you are working in a dentist's office, in a lab, in an auto parts store or a restaurant and you suddenly saw this regulation show up on your doorstep. That is why the calculation of what this would cost the American workers in this country is at about $4 billion, because this is the kind of penalty we pay in our American society when we have a one-size-fits-all regulation hastily written and showing up at the doorstep of America's workplaces. All we are asking in this bill and in this rule is to allow us to stop the rush. There is no need to rush. We can wait for the sound science to take over and have the political science take a back seat so that we can do this the right way. There is no guarantee. When this National Academy of Science study is ultimately completed, it could in fact recommend that an ergonomics regulation move forward. We understand that. But let us let the scientists decide, let us let the researchers decide. Let us not turn this process over to a power-hungry Federal agency and labor unions that are also behind it.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the fiscal year 2000 District of Columbia Appropriations Bill. This legislation is a well crafted bill that supports initiatives which reduce crime as well as promote educational opportunities for District residents. The bill makes these significant improvements at a cost to federal taxpayers $230.6 million less than last year's bill. In addition, the bill continues current prohibitions on the use of these federal funds for abortions and needle exchanges. I opposed several amendments which restrict the use of local funds or write local law. While these amendments are well intentioned and would be appropriately considered by this Congress in regard to federal law or the use of federal funds, Congress should not write local laws. We Texans don't want Congress making our local laws, and I respect the right of the City of Washington to decide their local laws, whether we agree with them or not. One of the foundations of our liberty is our federal system which divides responsibility between federal, state and local authorities. I believe we must respect constitutional divisions and focus on federal responsibilities. The fact that I object to these local decisions is not the issue.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, the Spirit of '76 lives today. Two centuries ago, our forefathers rose up in revolt against a oppressive tyrant under the banner of no taxation without representation. They understood oppressive taxation was a form of tyranny, and they committed themselves to secure liberty against all odds. Who would have through that we would triumph against that century's superpower, the British Empire. Yet, we all know we beat the odds and achieved the freedom we all enjoy today. Today, taxpayers have had enough of a system that treats them as criminals, rather than customers. We need to abolish today's tyrant, the Internal Revenue Service, and replace it with a system that treats you--the taxpayer--fairly. Today, 76 Members of Congress are joining together to recreate that spirit and battle against the odds to make this goal a reality. We are introducing legislation that puts the Congress on a path to abolishing the IRS and implementing a more fair, and simple tax system. The struggle for freedom is never ending. I committed to he people of the 23rd District that I would fight to abolish the IRS as we know it. Today 76 Members of Congress are joining together to keep that commitment and end this modern day tyranny. The Founding Fathers did not allow the long odds to deter them in their struggle for liberty. That Spirit of '76 lives today. My colleagues please join the 76 of us in recreating that spirit and cosponsor the IRS Replacement Act.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of our community leaders, America's bankers. Everyday, America's bankers serve their communities whether it's through lending to home buyers, supporting small businesses or even softball sponsorships. Still, if their actions don't fit into the arbitrary mandates of the Community Reinvestment Act, banks are strapped with large fines and their good deeds go unnoticed. Banks are the primary engines for small business lending everywhere. Banks, especially small banks, invest in their communities and reflect their communities. If they don't, they simply do not survive. The rising tide of CRA threatens to put these community leaders out of business. The CRA has gone far, far beyond its original intent of ensuring fair lending. Banks are now forced to have employees whose entire job is devoted to CRA compliance. Instead of working for their communities, these folks are working for CRA federal bureaucrats. Instead of helping families buy their first home, bankers are living in fear of their next CRA review. Our colleagues in the Senate have already approved much-needed changes in CRA. Let's end the bureaucratic nightmare of CRA and give bankers a chance to truly serve their communities.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent Pecos, Texas, a community which hosts the world renowned rodeo every 4th of July week. Folks from all across Texas and other states flock to Pecos for this annual event. In the mid 1800's in cow towns across the state of Texas, a new sport, the Rodeo was created. By 1883, a little town in West Texas, Pecos, launched the first full fledged rodeo. This annual event occurs during the week of our celebration for independence, July 4th. Tomorrow, July 1, 1999, the tradition continues as the annual Pecos Rodeo begins with several fun filled activities and events. The first Pecos rodeo was held near the town courthouse. What used to be the old rodeo grounds is now the Pecos Community Center, Civic Auditorium, and the Texas Highway Patrol. At one time the audience would use the bumpers and hoods of their Model ``T's'' and ``A's'' as position for viewing the Rodeo. The national western pastime, marks an era of dust, cow hide, and leather popping for the traditional cowboy who utilizes his talents and abilities to entertain all citizens of the western country. The annual event for Pecos was actually the first ``true`` rodeo ever held, with full fledged advertising and an array of different prizes and contestants. During that time, Pecos was proud to have the most saloons in West Texas. As legend tells us, every saloon comes with rowdy cowboys. These cowboys would compete in the Pecos rodeo to prove their ``excellence`` by competing for the grand prize. The winning cowboy would have the ultimate bragging rights. However, as time changes, so do the participating cowboys. The average cowboys now include college and high school students who compete on a regular basis. As the weekend events begin, we must remember that even though cowboys and horses are the main attraction for the rodeo, the true life and blood of this spectacular event are the volunteers and spectators who make this a true success for the Pecos community. The rodeo has definitely established extensive contributions to the quality of life in Pecos.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of his outstanding coverage of the San Antonio Spurs, I hereby enter this column by Buck Harvey into the Congressional Record. This column appeared in the San Antonio Express News on the morning after the Spurs beat the New York Knicks to claim the NBA title. [From the San Antonio Express News, June 26, 1999] Time of Their Lives? Just Replay the Tape (By Buck Harvey) New York.--Within minutes Tim Duncan aimed a camcorder, which is just like him. He's young, but he's already old enough to know to value these moments. So at midcourt in Madison Square Garden, Duncan turned his camera and caught Avery Johnson and Gregg Popovich hugging. He captured the celebration of three generations of Robinson men. And then he panned this scene and created something he should stash in a vault. Even with so much still awaiting him--with a Hall of Fame career really just beginning--Duncan will someday look back at this tape and wonder how such a special group ever came together. Nice guys, finally, finished first. San Antonio already knows as much. The city waited more than a quarter of a century for a title and, when one arrived, it came unexpectedly, from a 6-8 nadir, with a coach everyone wanted to impale. Even after a three-month march across the country--proving night after night and in city after city they were the best--everything stood oddly quiet when Latrell Sprewell drove baseline one last time. When Sprewell stumbled, the city felt as Popovich did. ``Kind of stunning,'' Popovich said late Friday. ``You wonder if it's really true. Duncan can always go to his VCR for verification, and he'll be somewhere in the picture, too. At one point he gave his camcorder to Malik Rose. Then he will see a few frames of the league's best player, as smooth with his feet as he is with his mind. The Knicks were as made for Duncan as the Lakers were, with little size to contest him, and his three-basket spurt to begin the fourth quarter showcased every skill. As for the MVP of the 1999 NBA Finals: Wouldn't Karl Malone rather have this award than his? But the film will drag just about then, as two, bullish defensive teams clawed at each other. And that's why the Spurs had a reason to be scared. As Sprewell jumped back for jumpers--as he felt it--the Knicks looked capable of jumping back to the Alamodome. That's where other clips will be necessary. Splice in some footage from Salt Lake City when the Spurs took home court, then from Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Portland. Show how the Spurs closed out everyone on the road, with toughness, with defense. Why should this one have been any different? The Spurs' defense held the Knicks without a point the last three minutes, which is no shock as to those who listened to Popovich's huddles during that time. ``We are going to win this,'' he kept saying, ``with our defense.'' They would need one more basket, though, which brings Duncan to his final frame. On the baseline, at his spot, left open again, was someone who once stood 5-foot-3 in a New Orleans high school, who grabbed the only scholarship offer he got, who was cut on Christmas Eve and at his friend's wedding. There is a basketball god, all right: Avery Johnson needed only a second to swish the jumper he's been working on for a decade. AJ deserves this ring. Robinson deserves this ring. Sean Elliott, Mario Elie, Jaren Jackson . . . name one who doesn't. They were cast as soft victims, by Malone and Charles Barkley and Damon Stoudamire. By a lot of people without rings. But they rarely showed resentment. They were so enjoyable that one New York newspaperman admitted he came to their interview sessions this week when he didn't have to, just so he could listen to them. They dunked and didn't beat their chests. They didn't turn on each other when they could have. And someday, when Duncan wants to look back, he will turn on his VCR and remember the time of their lives. Men gathered from Drexel, Navy, American International, Southern and Pomona-Pitzer. Some without fanfare, all with something to prove. And they won.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, from San Antonio, we have an incredible story of nice guys finishing first. This past weekend the torch of basketball greatness was passed from the Chicago Bulls to the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are now the NBA champions. They are an unusual bunch for our time: selfless, no hot dogs, no hams on the team, just hard-working men who demonstrated the highest form of character. They are gentlemen who set good examples for our young people. They showed that you can play great offense, great defense, and also be a great person. To owners Julianna and Peter Holt, to Coach Gregg Popovich, to the starting lineup of Sean Elliott, Mario Elie, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and the little general who made the big shot, Avery Johnson, congratulations on blowing away the New York Knicks to become the new World Champions. You've given us, the long-time fans of South Texas, an experience we will cherish forever.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the 62nd Annual Sonora Wool and Mohair Show and the 39th Annual National 4-H Wool Judging Contest. Both of these events are scheduled for June 15-17. The Sonora 4-H program serves as a model for the youngsters of rural America. Year after year the program has distinguished itself with entries from the nation's top youth. It is my honor to report this event today and I wish continued success to this outstanding organization. The Sonora Wool and Mohair Show has been the foremost event of its type for more than half a century. The popularity of the youth's wool judging contest began when the program was added to the event in 1947. It remains popular with young people today. it is annually attended by many successful youth teams. The show is sponsored by the Sonora Lions Club and Sonora Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Sonora Wool and Mohair Company and the Texas Agriculture Extension Service. A variety of activities fill the three-day event. These include an All-Texas Show for 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters, an open show for all U.S. producers and the National 4-H Wool Judging Contest. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that my colleagues from all areas of the United States join me in recognizing the Sonora 4-H program. Programs such as these give our young people many great skills. Wool judging requires hours of study and evaluation, equipping students with great research skills. More importantly, the competition gives participants a sense of accomplishment through a job well done. For the next few days all eyes will focus on Sonora.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. This is a classic case of the proponents of an amendment using misinformation and emotional rhetoric to try to push their cause. I think I heard the word earlier in one of the arguments in favor of the amendment, the word ``barbaric'' used to describe the animal damage control program that currently exists, also called Wildlife Services, now. I stand corrected. But I ask my friends who suggest that this program might be barbaric for them to think for a second about children who might be afflicted by wildlife who are bitten by an animal afflicted by rabies. When you think of the possibility of the eradication that we try to do in Texas, in Texas, for example, children playing in their yards and in States all across the country and throughout the Southwest, playing in their yards, who might be afflicted by rabies because of some coyote or some other animal that might be crossing through a playground that might be afflicted, I would suggest that that is barbaric for anyone to think that a program that exists to protect the safety of children in playgrounds, that is pretty barbaric to suggest that that program is ineffective. Also think about we just had a plane crash last week; and although the cause was not a form of wildlife, a flock of geese or birds flying into a plane engine, it is possible that that could occur. This wildlife services program tries to address that problem and keep those passengers safe in areas, many of which are located in the Northeast and in the New England area, tries to keep those passengers safe from any kind of accident like this by providing funds to control those flocks of birds near runways and airports. Now, I would suggest that it is barbaric for anyone to think that a program like this is not a good program that would protect the safety of families and children flying on airlines. So I would suggest that those who are proposing this kind of amendment, using misinformation and emotional rhetoric, should step back for a second and think about the safety of women and children, families of all ages from all parts of the country who might be harmed if this money is not in the budget, think about that and ask themselves if they could live with an accident occurring at an airport or live with a child dying who was afflicted with rabies because there was not enough money in the budget to support this program.

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. (Mr. BONILLA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend the chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies for facing a very difficult task head on and doing the absolute best they could in dealing with our agriculture needs this year. With the falling commodity prices and drought, it was a very difficult task that we faced, and the gentleman from New Mexico has taken care of research activities, conservation funding, distance learning and tele-medicine programs, FSIS programs, and it is amazing actually that we were able to get through this as efficiently as possible and deal with these important problems. I just hope that every Member of this body understands how important it is to support this bill as it is.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, May has been recognized by the Governor of Texas as Mohair Industry Month. More than one million Angora goats are raised in Texas and the lion's share of them are raised in the 23d Congressional District, that I represent. The mohair industry in Texas traces its roots back to 1849 with the arrival of a small flock of seven does and two bucks. The goats were originally from Turkey, near the city of Nakara. Angora goats were highly regarded and jealously protected from exportation by Turkey until the 16th century when they were exported to Spain and France. Today the United States is the second-leading mohair producer in the world and more than 90 percent of that production is in Texas. In 1998 Texas produced more than 4.654 million pounds of mohair. This hair was shipped to more than 10 countries around the world and provided a $12 million infusion into the state's economy. Mohair is said to be the fabric of kings. The rich luster and soft texture of the fiber, in combination with the durability, make it a highly valued textile. Because of its durability Mohair is used to decorate many public places such as symphony halls and theaters. I encourage all of my colleagues to seek out and wear clothes made of mohair. Biblical wise men once wore robes made of this special fabric. It has endured over time and fashion trends. I am proud to honor Texas mohair producers.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, we are on the verge of being forced to hang ``Sorry We're Closed'' signs like this on the gates of our military installations around the world. It is unfortunate that we are on the brink of having a hollow force again. Our troops often reach on the shelves, and there are no spare parts. The ammunition supplies are low. The pay is low. The health care provided is not what it should be anymore. Recruiting is down in the Army. In the Air Force we are losing pilots, a thousand pilots short last year alone. It is mind-boggling to me that there are Members in this body who do not care about our military and the future safety and security of this country. We must never forget how we got to this point in history. We have the greatest economy in the history of the world. We have the greatest workforce. We have the greatest technology. We have the greatest health care ever seen on the face of this planet. It did not happen just by chance. It happened because our military has preserved our freedom and liberty for generations through very difficult times. I, for one, will stand here any day and support an even higher number of funds for our military because they need it. Their families are falling apart because they have been overdeployed. They are doing social work in causes around the world for our Commander in Chief and it is wrong. I say to my colleagues, if we support this cut that is being proposed now by some Members, we will be forced to hang this sign at the gates of our military installations. If we start doing that, we may as well hang one on our country.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, today we debate two concepts-- responsibility and planning. Understanding our responsibilities and how we plan to carry them out is the key to determining what America's interest in Kosovo is. Our responsibility as Americans are limited and crystal clear. We must oppose any threat to our national security. Our interests in the Balkans are limited. We have no direct national interest in the region's politics. Our interests are solely limited to preventing any other outside power from increasing its threat to America by dominating the region. Preventing any conflict in that region from emboldening tyrants elsewhere or becoming a threat to our ties with key allies. Unfortunately, our current policy threatens to do just that. When we commit American power we have a responsibility to plan. We must have a plan of action that will lead to the achievement of objectives that is consistent with U.S. interests. There must be linkage between our political objectives and military plans if we are to succeed in achieving our goals. Unfortunately, our mission in Kosovo falls short in both respects. The Balkans are not an area of vital national interest. We have no security interest that remotely justifies the massive commitment of military resources and U.S. credibility that the administration has made. It is both dangerous and irresponsible to place our forces and credibility at risk. It was very clear to me during any recent visit to the region that there is a clear disconnect between our political objectives and our military actions. A human tragedy is unfolding in the region. Having personally visited the refugee camps I understand the devastation faced by the Albanian people. I also know that our first humanitarian responsibility is to do no additional harm. The administration's actions have fueled this too. To this day it remains unclear what the administration's long term political objectives for the region are. We cannot succeed without objectives. My colleagues, I fear that our policy du jour places American lives, strategic alliances and credibility at risk. The lack of policy direction makes success unachievable and threatens to only compound the current humanitarian crisis. This is a political problem which requires a political, not military, solution. Let's escalate our diplomatic efforts to seek a solution to this humanitarian crisis. We still have diplomatic cards to play. Let's not compound the errors of our current policy by military escalation. Let's focus our efforts on achieving a diplomatic triumph. Going to war is the most profound question we will ever vote on as representatives. We must never risk American lives except to protect our vital national interests. My colleagues, I ask each and every one of you to look at the facts. The president has failed to outline a plan with achievable objectives. Escalation only promises more political failure despite military successes. Let's stop this ruinous spiral and seek a diplomatic solution. Please join me in voting against the Administration's war policy.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, our responsibility is to protect America. Our responsibility is to act prudently before placing any of our fellow Americans in harm's way. We have no responsibility to referee bloody disputes wherever they crop up. The fuse on Kosovo has been lit. The Serbs have no interest in relinquishing their historic claims on the territory. The Albanians speak with so many voices that the only certainty we have is that any Albanian leader we deal with will not be speaking for most of his armed compatriots. When we make ourselves this region's policeman we make our young men and women targets for armed fanatics. And committing them will continue to place greater strains and burdens on our over-stretched military. Neither side there likes us. Neither side respects us. Neither side wants us there. Who are we protecting? There is no reason to believe that the Albanian and Serb positions are reconcilable or that either side wants reconciliation. The risks of this strategy are that transparent. The benefits in contrast are little more than wishes and hopes which we have no reason to believe will materialize. Some have argued that defeating this resolution today will kill the peace process. Let me just say that if killing the so-called peace process saves American lives I will always make that choice. We should oppose this deployment because it will only erode our military strength, weaken our nation's credibility and place our military forces at great risk. If you vote to approve this resolution, you should know why, because you may have to explain that to the family of an American soldier. That's not a pleasant thought. I hope, with all my heart, it will never come true, but that's your responsibility if you vote for this resolution. The administration has failed diplomatically. Please don't send our troops over to make some diplomats look good. Please reject this misguided policy which threatens the lives of our military and the security of our nation.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of The Workplace Preservation Act. This bill forces OSHA live up to its promises of protecting workers. Despite its claims to the contrary, OSHA's recently proposed ergonomics regulation is not aimed at protecting workers, it's aimed at protecting bureaucrats. Most people would agree that it is impossible to treat an ailment when you do not know what the ailment is. But that is exactly what OSHA is doing. Scientific and medical experts do not know what causes repetitive stress injuries, much less how to treat them. That is why the National Academy of Sciences has agreed to study the issue of repetitive stress injuries and any possible link they may have to the workplace. Once this panel of experts concludes its studies--then, and only then--will the Federal Government be able to fully examine this issue. How can the Federal Government effectively regulate a situation that the experts do not understand? Apparently, OSHA thinks it knows better than the medical and scientific experts. Despite the fact that the physicians and scientists do not fully understand the issue of ergonomics, despite the fact that the courts have ruled that OSHA is using junk science--OSHA is moving full steam ahead toward issuing one of the most sweeping labor laws in history. Instead of letting the scientists examine the facts, OSHA is dictating its own agenda. American workers should not pay the price for OSHA's mistakes.