Henry Bonilla

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word to engage with the subcommittee chairman in a colloquy about an often forgotten group of Americans, that is, specifically families that live in colonias along the United States-Mexico border. Today as we consider this VA-HUD appropriations bill on the floor, I ask my colleagues to seek justice, fairness and equity for the poor American families living in these colonias. I along with other border area representatives have worked hard to educate our colleagues in Congress about how desperately these colonias need basic infrastructure and sanitation, a lot of things that we that live in neighborhoods throughout this country often take for granted. The colonias are substandard residential subdivisions located along the United States side of the border with Mexico. Most colonias are unincorporated, low income, primarily Hispanic neighborhoods with substandard housing, unpaved roads and inadequate drainage. Even though we are now in the mid 1990s, these American citizens do not have running water in their homes and are forced to use outhouses or substandard septic tanks in their homes. The human cost is staggering. The Texas Water Development Board estimates that in Texas alone, there are 300,000 residents living in 1,200 colonias. Last year, with the help of the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Stokes], we were fortunate to get congressional funding for the first time for colonia water projects and we appreciated the efforts of my friend the gentleman from Ohio very much. This year as we work to set priorities and reduce the Federal deficit, I want to thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Lewis], the chairman, for demanding a meaningful commitment to improving the health and environmental conditions along the 2,000-mile Texas-Mexico border.

Mr. BONILLA. I thank the chairman. The committee has allocated $100 million for projects that will address many of these water problems along the border. I would also like to thank the chairman for his work for the concerns of many other Hispanic issues along the border from Texas all the way to California, the gentleman's home State. He has been more than understanding and compassionate as we have dealt with these tough appropriations matters in the last year.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from New York [Mr. Schumer], the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Torricelli], and the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Barrett] be removed as cosponsors of H.R. 571. The gentlemen misunderstood the substance of that bill, and we have agreed to remove them as cosponsors.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, 40 years ago the town of Marfa, TX, joined with Hollywood to bring to life ``Giant,'' the classic movie etched in the minds of so many Americans as a tale of trial and tribulation. This May 27, Marfa will have the pleasure of hosting a return engagement of this memorable classic with some of the original cast and crew joining in the celebration. Many of us recall the family saga which features Hollywood greats Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor. We especially remember James Dean, a young actor who was relatively unknown back in the summer of 1955 and had just finished filming another movie ``Rebel Without a Cause.'' Five years ago, Presidio County Judge Jake Brisbin came up with the idea to host a ``Giant'' reunion. Marfa Chamber of Commerce manager, Sheila Lujan and many others in the community have been very busy planning this exciting event. A few months ago, however, a fire swept through the Marfa City Hall, damaging the theater and dampening hopes that the reunion would take place. However, the people of Marfa didn't stop for a minute and now, their dream will become a reality. The reunion will include a barbecue and look-alike contest at the Riata Ranch, a screening of ``Giant'' and a roundtable discussion on the famous movie. Robert Hinkle, who taught James Dean and actress Fran Bennett how to rope for the movie, will serve as a panelist. Sponsored by the Marfa Chamber of Commerce, the Big Bend Quarterly, and the Cibolo Creek Ranch, the 40th anniversary ``Giant'' reunion will truly be unforgettable. ``Giant'' brought the spotlight to west Texas and showed America the culture and history of this unique area. The movie's plot helped define what Americans today perceive as the modern-day oilman. Many Marfans, too, still remember that long, hot summer 40 years ago when Marfa took center stage and dozens of people from Hollywood descended upon the town. This reunion will be another historic moment for Marfa. The citizens of Marfa have shown faith and resolve in putting together what is sure to be a grand event. Congratulations and good luck to the community of Marfa.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Kasich and the House Budget Committee for recognizing that we should not balance the budget at the expense of economic opportunity. In fact, the whole point of even having a balanced budget is to promote opportunities for the good and the future of the Nation. I am proud to be a Member of the 104th Congress which recognizes this factor. I appreciate having had the chance to testify before the House Budget Committee on this critical issue and for their action. I strongly oppose the Clinton's administration's Immigration and Naturalization Service [INS] budget for including a border crossing fee. The INS fee is an excessive burden to American businesses along the United States border with Canada and Mexico. Illegal immigration is a national problem and measures to enforce our laws should be financed by all Americans, not only those living on the border, who face the burden of illegal immigration. The American border communities already have the undue hardship of illegal aliens depleting valuable medical and social services. The Clinton border crossing fee is yet another blow to the economic viability of American border communities already devastated by the devaluations of the Mexican peso and the Canadian dollar. The hardworking, taxpaying Americans in the border towns of Presidio, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Laredo are facing ruin. thousands of hardworking Americans have joined the rolls of the unemployed because of current economic situations. To impose an additional levy would reduce commerce and violate the spirit of free trade and economic opportunities and hundreds of thousands of American working men and women. Taxes assessed by the INS on Canadian and Mexican shoppers will reduce purchases of American goods and services. It is imperative that the administration abandon this proposal and that the House Budget Committee work toward this goal. The impact of a crossing fee on the average foreign-based shopper is considerable. We must think and take into consideration how this affects the Americans who live and work in our border communities and stop treating them like second-class citizens. It is important that these Americans are not singled out by the administration.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge all my fellow Members to vote for H.R. 961, Clean Water Act Amendments. This is much needed legislation. The Clean Water Act includes an unfunded Federal mandate which places a terrible toll on our State, county, and local governments and the taxpayers who pay their bills. In my hometown of San Antonio, TX, the Federal stormwater regulation--a provision of the Clean Water Act--has forced the municipal water districts to raise taxes on property owners. This egregious assessment is listed on monthly water bills as the FED STMWTR FEE, so constituents know this levy is a direct result of Federal mandates. Let me tell you, they are upset. Many small businesses' water bills have risen from $30 to $200 a month. This is money that could have gone for employee raises or company improvements and investments. The city of Laredo, TX, also in my district, faced a $3 million-a- year bill from unneeded stormwater regulation. This city on the border with Mexico has to comply with United States Federal regulations while Nuevo Laredo, it's sister community on the Mexican side, does not. This means that the discharged water does not get any cleaner. The stormwater fee is irrelevant in Laredo, but it's required. In fact, it is a lot like money flowing down a sewer. Well intentioned, but of no practical use. Please vote for this sensible legislation. Far too many American communities are in dire financial situations and cannot afford these costly and, in many cases, unnecessary burdens.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1345, the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act. Unfortunately, the continued deterioration of the District's financial status and the inaction of local officials has left us no other choice but to pursue this legislation. The oversight board created by this bill will stabilize the District's financial health. For far too many years local officials have been unwilling to accept responsibility and make the tough decisions that must be made. Presently, the demands of municipal unions are given priority over the needs of schoolchildren. This govenrment-union conglomerate threatens the safety of this community. Citizens do not know from one day to the next if they will have police, fire, and medical protection, or if they will have basic services like waste disposal or street repair. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned for the long-term future of the District of Columbia. The Oversight Board will help bring financial stability to the District government, but what happens after the Board dissolves? The Congress must help the District maintain long-term stability, stability that will exist long after the Financial Oversight Board dissolves. To attain this security, I propose the adoption of a city manager form of government. This form of government would bring long- term fiscal accountability to the city. I support maintaining home rule for the citizens of Washington, DC, and believe that a city manager would be instrumental in preventing the need for future Federal intervention. Currently, the city bureaucracy is bloated and out of control. There is no accountability and a clear lack of professionalism. A financial control board can help bring the current crisis under control, but this Board should not be a permanent fixture for the District government. If an oversight board is in place for only 5 years, as currently suggested, then long-term solvency can only be solved by restructuring the D.C. government. A city manager would increase bureaucratic efficiency. A full-time, professional city manager would be responsible for the bureaucratic structure presently controlled by the Mayor. The manager would be hired by, and accountable to, the city council, with appointments and terminations to be approved by the House and Senate oversight subcommittees. Appointing a professional to run the city would increase the likelihood that congressionally mandated cuts and reforms would be appropriately instituted. The District government needs a leader who can insure tax dollars are not wasted and services are delivered. The council-manager form of government is compatible with the implementation of a financial oversight board. The District faces many problems that can only be solved by making tough decisions that will undoubtedly be unpopular with some constituents. A city manager will make home rule finally work. HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros and California Governor Pete Wilson both served as mayors under a council- manager form of government in San Antonio and San Diego respectively. These are 2 of the 10 largest cities in the country. As a matter of fact, many of the Nation's most successfully run cities have council- manager systems in place. Some examples are: Dallas, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Austin, TX; San Jose, CA; Cincinnati, OH; Norfolk, VA; Little Rock, AR; and St. Louis, MO. Sadly, elected representatives in the District of Columbia have addressed political problems without concern for the consequences. The division of responsibilities between the District and Congress has led, and perhaps encouraged, local officials to finger point rather than solve problems. Mr. Speaker, I believe the District of Columbia is one of the greatest cities in the world. All America has a vested interest in seeing this city succeed. We cannot succeed without consideration of a long-term solution. I trust the Congress will give this proposal serious consideration.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, ever so often, someone comes along who rises above the crowd, yet is so well grounded that we all feel special. Selena was like that. Despite international recognition and having been awarded the highest honors in the music industry, she always remained ``de nosotros.'' She brought a great deal of pride to the Mexican-American community of Texas. Adults respected her for her promotion of family values. Young people took pride in her achievements. We all enjoyed her music and admired her great beauty and talent. It is ironic that we lost Selena during the spring when the most beautiful and colorful of Texas flowers open up and bloom. We were looking forward to seeing her blossom. Yet, she will always remain near in our hearts. We have her music and we have our precious memories. She loved her, husband, her family, and us--her fans--and we loved her, too. She will be missed.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. I appreciate the gentleman's remarks. Again to emphasize that we are trying to stop these shrimp, flies, snails, and spiders from costing people more money.

Mr. BONILLA. The gentleman would agree that 10 percent of the cost of the hospital because of a fly or in the case of Texas, because of a snail or beetle could add up to millions of dollars and perhaps billions?

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words, and I rise in opposition to the amendment. Mr. Chairman, 10 percent can be a lot of money. Last night my friend, the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Fields], raised a question about an effort in San Antonio to control the water supply for several counties by declaring a snail that no one has ever seen endangered and put it on the list and threatening the entire economy of south Texas. Others have attempted to shut down five or six military bases in south Texas by using some bug or spider to declare the endangered species list. Think of what 10 percent of buying a metropolitan area with a million people in it would mean to the U.S. Government. There are many other examples around the country. At this time I would like to yield to my friend, the gentleman from California [Mr. Pombo], to relate how 10 percent might affect the development of construction of a hospital, perhaps, because my understanding is that there are even flies on the endangered species list in California that are a big problem.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, today, commemorates Texas' independence from a despotic government. During the Texas revolution, 1835-36, Texians, as they called themselves, struggled, fought, and ultimately achieved a victory over a much larger foe. These freedom loving men, women, and children sacrificed their all in the pursuit of liberty. One of the greatest symbols of the ultimate sacrifice for Texas freedom-- the Alamo--is in my hometown of San Antonio, TX. The Alamo, originally a mission inhabited by European priests and their native American flock, still stands in tribute to the 189 fallen defenders. Many of the defenders of the Alamo were natives of other American States. Represented and well honored are men from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Vermont, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Missouri, Maryland, Arkansas, and New York and the Volunteer State of Tennessee. To my fellow members from these States--Texas and Texans are grateful for their sacrifice. Let us also not forget that amongst those who died defending the cradle of Texas freedom and who fought along side of such famous names as Travis, Bowie, and Crocket were Spanish surnamed, native born ``Tejanos.'' These Tejanos were proud to fight for a just cause. I am proud of their legacy and I am proud of my Texas heritage. Remember the Alamo! Viva Los Tejanos! Long Live the Lone Star State, and God Bless America!

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the following committees and their subcommittees be permitted to sit tomorrow while the House is meeting in the Committee of the Whole House under the five-minute rule: the Committee on Commerce, the Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It is my understanding that the minority has been consulted and that there is no objection to these requests.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment by Mr. Volkmer. Last October, the 103d Congress passed the Sheep Research and Promotion Act. This program could establish a national check-off program to provide funds for promotion, research, and information programs that will benefit sheep and wool growers. This bill has been promulgated into rules that will enable the Department of Agriculture to implement the check-off program. This proposed self-help program was designed to allow promotion activities to begin when current authority expires January 1, 1996. A delay in the rulemaking process will leave the U.S. sheep industry without a much needed national promotion program for sheep and sheep product promotion, research and information. I want to emphasize that the check-off imposes no cost to the Government; the sheep industry check-off reimburses the cost of referendum, administration and compliance. This new program is needed to promote equity and fairness for American ranchers and help them compete in the global market. Again, this rulemaking has absolutely no cost to the Federal Government. The cost of the referendum and all oversight costs are paid by the sheep industry. This check-off is similar to the 18 other commodity check-offs. The sheep industry should have an opportunity to vote on a self-help promotion similar to other agriculture industries like cotton, beef, and pork. During the last Congress we passed a bill that phases out the Wool Act this December. The new check-off program would kick in on January 1, 1996. The moratorium places this program in jeopardy. The death of the act means ranchers have to find a new way to do business so they can still provide for their families. This self-help program will allow then to help themselves promote their products. More than 350,000 Americans in small communities depend on income generated by the sheep industry. Wool sales contributed approximately $70 million to rural communities in 1992, and the sheep industry contributes about $2 billion to the GNP. The sheep industry is a vital cog in my district's economic engine. The 23d District of Texas has 86 percent of the sheep which produced 86 percent of the wool over the past 2 years in Texas. I am proud of this industry and proud of what they do to help the rural and Texas economy. This program is another tool to assist in building up and maintaining a strong domestic industry. I ask my colleagues to support the Volkmer amendment.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, today, I join a bipartisan group including Messrs. Condit, Combest, Smith, Edwards, and Hayes, in offering an amendment which will help put a stop to the am very proud to be a part of this effort. In its current form the Endangered Species Act--though well intentioned--works contrary to, and often against, one particular species--the human being. Many hard-working ranchers, farmers, and homeowners in Texas have a greater fear of the golden cheeked warbler than they do of Federal tax hikes and tornadoes. In my own hometown of San Antonio, TX, the entire source of water has been held hostage by Federal agencies and courts over a small fish called the fountain darter. This amendment is an important first step to allay some of those fears and bring common sense to the ESA process. We in Congress must act and insure that human beings no longer play second fiddle to spiders and snakes. Specifically, this amendment will suspend the further listing of endangered or threatened species and the designation of new critical habitat until the Endangered Species Act is reauthorized by Congress. The ESA's authorization expired in 1992. This measure is a realistic vehicle toward reforming the ESA. Passage will compel Congress to consider human factors and bring balance to the ESA when it considers the reauthorization. ESA must be reconstructed with amendments which not only protect the environment, but respect property rights. Protecting property rights does not mean that threatened species cannot be protected. It simply means that human costs should be considered when the ESA is imposed. It also means that Government agencies, such as the Fish and Wildlife Service, should be creative in finding ways to balance these goals, rather than slamming the heavy fist of the Federal bureaucracy down on landowners. The Federal Government should work in concert with the true stewards of the land, instead of threatening them with fines without warning. Please join us in this important bipartisan effort. It is long since past time that we bring sanity and common sense to the ESA process. This will stop current abuses and make possible real reform of the ESA.

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support today of H.R. 450. The greatest burden that free enterprise and entrepreneurs and those who wish to pursue the American dream have today, the greatest problem they have is the regulatory burden they face every time they walk out the door, trying to create more jobs, trying to be more productive in this country. Yesterday we were visiting with one of the representatives from the administration, and it was pointed out to us that there has been a problem in recent years with job growth and job creation, and I pointed out to them that one of the greatest reasons, perhaps the greatest reason, that there has not been as much job growth in this country in recent years is because the entrepreneurs, the small businesses, those who believe in free enterprise have to operate with handcuffs every day because the regulatory burden is so great. Mr. Chairman, I am delighted that this effort we are undertaking today is a bipartisan effort. There is strong support on both sides of the aisle. I am excited because small business people in America can once again look to Congress and understand that they will have a friend and an ally in Congress as they get up to work every morning, oftentimes 7 days a week, to create jobs and be more productive in America. Later on today, Mr. Chairman, we will also offer an amendment that will address private property rights. Regulatory burdens that have been imposed on people who own homes, small businesses, farms, and ranches across America mean people no longer have property. Regulations have also been a tremendous burden on them, and I am delighted that this amendment that we will be offering later on, which we will elaborate on, is a tremendous bipartisan effort, as well, that we are excited about presenting today.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, today we have an opportunity to better the lives of millions of Americans by passing the Condit amendment and putting a stop to the abuses of the Endangered Species Act. The Condit amendment should actually be called the Condit-Smith-Combest-Bonilla- Edwards amendment because it has been a good bipartisan effort to move this amendment forward once and for all putting a moratorium on the listing of endangered species in critical habitat in this country. Too many times in this country we have seen development of constructions of hospitals stop because of the designation of a fly on the endangered species list. We have seen homes being torn down in some cases. You cannot even clear brush on your property anymore because the radical left wing environmentalists in this country think a rat might be living in your bushes and, therefore, do not give you an opportunity to do what you want on your property. This is a vote for property rights, a vote for restoring some of the basic free enterprise values in this country that we hold dearly. Vote for the Condit amendment today.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my good friend from Texas [Mr. Ortiz] as an original cosponsor of the Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1995. Similar legislation was introduced by my colleague from Texas last year. This legislation sets up a national tracking system which is based on a tried and true model in the area of cancer, where the Centers for Disease Control has worked in partnership with States, funding programs to monitor the incidence and research the environmental cases. The surveillance program would identify and address the causes of birth defects, including risks from environmental chemicals, diet, occupational hazards, personal habits and infections; evaluate and put in place the most effective prevention strategies for such birth defects as spina bifida and fetal alcohol syndrome, and design targeted intervention strategies responsive to community concerns for special problems in minority, rural, and other underserved populations. Mr. Speaker, more children die from birth defects in the first year of life in the United States than from any other cause, including prematurity and low birth weight. Birth defects are also a leading cause of childhood disability. A significant proportion of common birth defects are preventable. This bill would provide important information to future parents and grandparents to educate them on how to implement prevention strategies that are responsive to community concerns. Preventive education has already been a positive factor in Texas. For example, studies indicate that women should consume at least 0.4 milligrams of the B vitamin folic acid every day to reduce the risk of having a child born with serious birth defects of the brain and spine. These studies were helpful in finding answers to the higher incidence of neural tube defects among Hispanics on nationwide basis and especially along the border. In south Texas, getting the urgent message out about folic acid is a major means of preventing birth defects. Folic acid is needed before a woman becomes pregnant. A woman can find the nutrient in green leafy vegetables, beans, orange juice, and a variety of other foods. Every couple wants to have a healthy baby; however, birth defects cut across all geographic areas, classes, and races. Until we can discover a cure for birth defects, it is essential that mothers and fathers-to- be plan ahead and give their child the prenatal care that every child deserves. It's a wise investment in our children. This bill is the important first step in helping our next generation be healthy and active members in our communities.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. I will not yield.

Mr. BONILLA. H.R. 831 is color-blind. We should vote for it and against the McDermott amendment.

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 831 is a tax bill and the race card has been played and that is very unfortunate. I happen to be an American of Hispanic descent who grew up in a family where my father often worked 3 jobs to put food on the table and my grandmother worked for 30 years as a maid in a hospital to support herself. In my family, no one ever expected to be treated differently. All we ever expected was a fair shot. People who play the race card sadly have no substance in their arguments. This is a tax break that has not worked. It was originally designed to increase minority participation in broadcasting but this has not happened. In fact, the percentage of minority ownership has actually decreased. If you want to play the race card, look at it this way. You are helping hundreds and maybe thousands of minorities in this country who are self-employed, like Jose Cuevas, small businessman in Midland who needs this tax break; people like Julius Brooks, an African-American small businessman in my district. Let's vote for this bill and against the McDermott substitute because it helps all Americans. When I was young, the Bible taught us and we sang in church that red or yellow, black or white, we are all precious in his sight.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I stand before my colleagues today to pay a tribute to the citizens of Marfa, TX for their courage and commitment in the face of adversity. Recently, the community suffered a tremendous loss when an important, historical building on Marfa's main street was devastated by fire. For more than half a century, the old building was part of Marfa's landscape. At the time of the fire, the city hall, the police department and emergency medical services were located in the building. It also housed most of Marfa's important records. Not only did the fire ruin these important offices and documents, but it also destroyed a piece of the town's history. Although most of you have never been to Marfa, you might recall the town as the setting of the famous silver-screen classic, ``Giant.'' One of the landmarks from the movie, the Palace Theater, also suffered extensive smoke and water damage. However, the destruction this fire caused hasn't slowed the town down one bit. The fire occurred even as Marfa was preparing for a big spring festival celebrating ``Giant.'' Yet, instead of letting the fire ruin their celebration, the citizens of Marfa have pulled together to repair and restore the Palace Theater in time for the May event. Since the fire, the town has pretty much returned to business as usual, although that business is being taken care of in temporary offices. This would not have been possible without the outpouring of help and generosity from so many Marfa citizens. Special thanks goes to Marfa Mayor Fritz Kahl, whose leadership and determination helped the folks of Marfa pull together to get through this sad situation. In addition, such people as County Judge Jake Brisbin Jr., Glenn Garcia, Abe Gonzalez, David and Ellen Kimble, Judy Ledbetter, Charles Mertz, Teryn Muench, Floyd Neal, Carolyn and Bill Renfroe, Blaine Shuffield, Rusty Taylor and many others have made this situation a lot more bearable for the town. The services offered by the Big Bend Regional Medical Center and the Marfa Border Patrol Sector were also very helpful. And the generosity didn't stop at the Marfa City limits. Folks from other west Texas towns came to lend a helping hand and bring extra emergency equipment. Firefighters from Alpine, Fort Stockton, and Fort Davis valiantly fought the blaze right alongside the Marfa Volunteer Fire Department. The spirit of comradery in west Texas is unmatched. I salute the citizens of Marfa for preserving their history and protecting their future. Although a fire destroyed documents and a historical building, it could never shatter the spirit of pride and optimism which runs deep in the hearts of Texans.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, there is an old adage that politics stops at the border. My colleagues, we would all be wise to remember that adage at this time. Do not consider this bill as a Republican bill or as a Democrat bill, but as an American bill. This bill, in a dramatic and fundamental way, affects American independence and liberty. It puts a stop to the U.N. commanding America's fighting men and women. Recently, some of our leaders have been lost, they have abandoned the lessons of our past and allegiance to our traditions, and they have forgotten or ignored America's chosen role as freedom's leader in this world. Instead they have made America a follower, much like a dog following its master, always loyal to every whim and command. So have our leaders abandoned our independence and answered the call and the demands of the United Nations, an organization unsuited to military command and unable to take a firm position of principle. Mr. Chairman, America's pride and tradition demand we assert our independence. America's fallen heroes demand that America no longer serve the whims of foreign tyrannies and dictators. America's destiny to lead must never be compromised. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 729, the Effective Death Penalty Act. I join all Americans in urging my colleagues to support this measure, which is common-sense reform. For capital punishment to be an effective deterrent to criminals it must be enforced swiftly and consistently. Presently, it takes years for the courts and defense attorneys to act upon rulings of the lower courts. This is unacceptable and change is long overdue. The essence of our criminal justice system is justice. A system of appeals is imperative to ensure that the rights of the accused are not violated in any manner. However, this Nation's appellate system is absurdly slow, complicated, and overwhelmingly redundant. H.R. 729 will place necessary limits on habeas corpus appeals, and thus limit the number of appeals and time permitted for the entire process. Mr. Chairman, violent crime in America continues to increase, and the Federal response has been minimal. This bill would establish a 1-year limitation for filing habeas corpus appeals of State court convictions. Additionally, this bill will limit stays of execution for inmates who have not filed for appeal in a timely manner. Most importantly, Mr. Chairman, H.R. 729 would impose a 60-day deadline for Federal district courts to rule on a habeas corpus petition, and calls for a 90-day deadline for Federal district court decisions. This is precisely what is needed to streamline the appellate system, while ensuring that the appropriate safeguards are maintained. restrictions on filing habeas corpus appeals. It is about time that the Government end the continued filing of dilatory appeals that have no merit or evidence to establish a need to address the offender's confinement or execution. The American people are sick and tired of convicted violent felons using this process to delay justice. Moreover, such a provision will help relieve the ever increasing crowding of Federal court dockets across the Nation. Mr. Chairman, I also rise in support of provisions that provide funding for States to defend convictions obtained in State courts. The Federal Government currently provides funding for defense actions on behalf of convicted death row offenders. I strongly support measures to provide similar funding for States defending their right to sentence convicted felons to death. Mr. Chairman, this reform has been necessary for quite some time. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 729, which will help this country serve justice.

Mr. BONILLA

Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, today, Congressman Chet Edwards and I are introducing the Endangered Species Act moratorium amendments. This bipartisan legislation will help put a stop to the current abuses of the Endangered Species Act [ESA]. In its current form the Endangered Species Act--though well intentioned--works contrary to, and often against, one particular species--the human being. Many hardworking ranchers, farmers, and homeowners in Texas have a greater fear of the golden cheeked warbler than they do of tax hikes and tornadoes. In my own hometown of San Antonio, TX, the entire source of water has been held hostage by Federal agencies and courts over a small fish called the fountain darter. This bill is an important first step to allay some of those fears and bring common sense to the ESA process. We in Congress must act and ensure that human beings no longer play second fiddle to spiders and snakes. Specifically, this legislation will suspend the further listing of endangered or threatened species and the designation of new critical habitat until the Endangered Species Act is reauthorized by Congress. The ESA's authorization expired in 1992. This bill is a realistic vehicle toward reforming the ESA. Passage of this bill compels Congress to consider human factors and bring balance to the ESA when it considers the reauthorization. ESA must be reconstructed with amendments which not only protect the environment, but respect property rights. Protecting property rights does not mean that threatened species cannot be protected. It simply means that human costs should be considered when the ESA is imposed. It also means that Government agencies, such as the Fish and Wildlife Service, should be creative in finding ways to balance these goals, rather than slamming the heavy fist of the Federal bureaucracy down on landowners. The Federal Government should work in concert with the true stewards of the land, instead of threatening them with fines without warning. Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation. It is long since past the time that we brought sanity and common sense to the ESA process. This legislation will stop current abuses and make possible real reform of the ESA. Thank you.