Joe Baca

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to pay tribute to a great leader and role model, Chairman Robert Martin of the Morongo Band of Mission, which ia a 1,000 member tribe located near Banning, California. The Banning Chamber of Commerce will honor Chairman Martin for his outstanding service to the local community on November 1, 2012 in Cabazon, California. Before becoming Chairman of the Morongo Tribe, Robert worked across the Southwest United States as a building contractor. He brought new homes to families, new roads to communities, and worked on improving vital infrastructure throughout the Southwest. Chairman Martin has consistently advocated for a better life and sovereignty for the tribal community in the United States. In 1987, Martin led Morongo in a Supreme Court case which confirmed the sovereignty of Indian Tribes' right to establish gaming operations. This monumental case gave the 550 Indian Tribes in the United States greater independence and ability for self governance. After this Supreme Court case, Chairman Martin managed the planning and construction of Casino Morongo, which is now one of the largest employers in all of Riverside County, California. Chairman Martin is passionate about defending and continuing the rich cultural traditions of the Morongo Tribe. Under Martin's leadership, Morongo renewed its commitment to developing the next generation of tribal leaders by establishing a tuition-free preparatory academy on the reservation. Chairman Martin continues to give back to his community by serving on the board for the California Indian Manpower Consortium, the California Indian Child Welfare Consortium, Riverside/San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc., and the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association. I applaud Chairman Martin's tireless work on behalf of the Indian community, which has made a lasting impact on the future and sustainability of Native American tribes across the United States. My deepest congratulations, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Rialto Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Chairman Martin during this time of celebration. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a beloved community member and tireless advocate for Native American rights, Morongo Chairman Robert Martin.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong opposition to H.R. 6429, the misnamed STEM Jobs Act. Make no mistake about it, this bill is designed to reduce legal immigration to the United States. H.R. 6429 doesn't just increase STEM visas, it also eliminates the Diversity Visa program--a legal immigration program that makes visas available to immigrants from countries that have low rates of immigration to the United States. It is wrong to force Congress to eliminate one immigration program, in an effort to support another. This misguided legislation also eliminates rollover provisions for unused visas. Unfortunately, H.R. 6429 lets unused visas go to waste, and forces legal immigrants to continue to suffer in long backlogs. In addition, I have serious concerns that this legislation automatically allows for-profit and on-line schools to participate in the new STEM green card program. It's not too late for my Republican colleagues to change course, and sit down with Democrats to work on a bipartisan bill that strengthens the STEM visa program without limiting legal immigration. I urge my colleagues to stand in solidarity and vote ``no'' on this attempt to reduce legal immigration.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to an outstanding business in San Bernardino, California--Mitla Cafe. This September, Mitla Cafe will be celebrating its 75th year as their family restaurant serving the people of Southern California. Mitla Cafe is the oldest continually operating restaurant in San Bernardino, and one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Southern California. Mitla Cafe serves standard Mexican fare--tacos, burritos, and fresh tortillas. They pride themselves in fresh food, which keeps the locals coming back for more. Today, the restaurant remains in its original location, off historic Route 66 in San Bernardino. This family owned business was founded in 1937, by Lucia and Salvador Rodriguez. Until her passing in 1981, Lucia ran the restaurant with the help of her daughters Theresa, Helen, and Vera. After the death of her mother, Vera continued to manage the restaurant with the same understanding and passion for the community that her mother held. After Vera passed away in 1984, Lucia and Salvador's youngest son, Frank Montano, and his wife Irene continued the family business. Today, Mitla Cafe is managed by the founders' great-grandson, Steven Oquendo. The family restaurant atmosphere and exceptional food keeps residents coming to Mitla Cafe even after they have moved out of the area. From my own personal experience, my family and I have always enjoyed dining at Mitla Cafe. To celebrate their 75th year anniversary, Mitla Cafe hosted an event on Saturday September 8th, which featured live music by the Scott Martin Latin Soul Band. Earlier this June, Mitla Cafe also hosted an anniversary event, featuring Bruce Conte and the Jazz Junkies. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating San Bernardino's oldest restaurant, Mitla Cafe for their 75th anniversary.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1905. Today, it is vital that the U.S. sends a strong message to the Iranian government. A nuclear capable Iran is our greatest security threat in a region currently defined by conflict, chaos, and uncertainty. We must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons through any and all means necessary. There needs to be strong economic sanctions and focused diplomatic efforts. As a nation it is also essential to prepare a strategy in the event that sanctions and diplomatic efforts are not successful. Allowing Iran to become a nuclear threat is not an acceptable outcome. That is why we must pass H.R. 1905, which increases the economic pressure on Iran's leadership to abandon their illicit efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran has the power to threaten and provoke regional allies without consequence. We must stand with our allies in these dangerous and challenging times to prevent a nuclear capable Iran. We must pass H.R. 1905 before it is too late for sanctions and diplomacy to reduce the Iranian threat.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to congratulate Emma Shaw, a beloved and respected community member of San Bernardino, who is celebrating her 100th Birthday on August 9, 2012. Born in Tallulah, Louisiana, Emma was raised and began her education in Louisiana where she attended Madison Parish Training School. During her schooling, she met her future husband George Shaw, whom she married on February 6, 1933. Emma and George Shaw lived in Tallulah for nine years, until moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1942 in search of a better life for their family. Two years later, in 1944, the family moved to San Bernardino, California, where the Shaw family has resided since. In San Bernardino, George Shaw worked hard as a construction worker, and was also the only African American barber in San Bernardino for many years. Emma worked as a housekeeper to help provide for her 11 children. Although times were tough and money was tight, Emma always found extra time and resources to give back to her community and those in need. Since moving to San Bernardino, Emma and her family have been active members at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, and later the Greater New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ. Emma is known for her kindness and generosity; all who know Emma affectionately call her ``Mother Shaw''. Emma often shares her wealth of experiences that she gained over the years in order to educate and pass on her wisdom to the younger generations. I wish Emma the best as she celebrates her 100th Birthday with a large family gathering on August 11, 2012. Her 8 living children, 45 grandchildren, 87 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren will join Emma in celebrating this monumental milestone. My congratulations go out to Emma, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Rialto Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating a beloved community member, Emma Shaw.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, this Monday, Colton Joint Unified School District held a dedication ceremony for the new Joe Baca Middle School in Bloomington, California. Next week, 800 students from the surrounding communities in Bloomington and Rialto will begin to attend classes there. I am truly humbled to receive this distinguished honor, and I thank the Colton Joint Unified School District. I want to especially recognize Superintendent Jerry Almendarez; all of the school board members of the Colton Joint Unified School District; Ignacio Gomez, whose beautiful artwork will be displayed at the school; and Congressman Gary Miller for his bipartisan support. Growing up the youngest of 15 children in a poor household, I never would imagine that one day I would have a school named in my honor. I never thought I would live to see this day. Again, I want to thank everyone involved and give a special thank you to my family for their continued love and support.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, the American people need a tax plan that will help grow the middle class and create jobs right here in the United States. The American people want jobs to take care of their families. Sadly, the Republicans are holding the tax breaks for 98 percent of Americans hostage so that they can prevent millionaires and billionaires from paying their fair share of taxes. The Bush tax cuts for the ultra rich have failed to create any new jobs. They must be allowed to expire. Instead of working together on a bipartisan tax plan to strengthen our economy, Republicans are pushing for a plan to balance the budget on the backs of seniors and the middle class and to end Medicare as we know it by turning it into a private voucher system. Congress must stop protecting billionaires at the expense of Medicare and the middle class. Let's work together. Let's work together on a bipartisan plan that will cut taxes for 98 percent of Americans, that will protect Medicare and that will create jobs right here in the United States.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, the American people need Congress to take bold action to create jobs. While our economy is slowly improving, unemployment remains at 11.9 percent in my hometown of San Bernardino County. In the last 500 days since the Republicans took control of the House, they have refused to move forward a real plan to put more Americans back to work. Instead of working to create jobs, Republicans have passed a budget that gives away $3 trillion in tax breaks to big corporations and the ultra rich. It ends Medicare as we know it by turning the program into a private voucher system. Just last week, the Republicans again voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which benefits millions of Americans. It's time to stop the political games and get to work on finding real solutions to the problems we face. We must end the Bush tax cuts for the rich, protect Medicare, and work to create new jobs for all Americans--and assure that we don't outsource those jobs as well. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BACA. I'd like to thank the chairman and Member Dicks for allowing me this effort on this legislation. I also want to thank my colleague, Gary Miller, for supporting this amendment. This is a Baca-Miller amendment. It is bipartisan. It directs $10 million to be moved from the Operations and Management portion of the Department of Defense budget to the Research and Development portion of the budget. Moving these funds will allow the DOD to develop cost- effective solutions to environmental problems. These funds will allow the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program to support, and I state, grants. This is a grant, it's not an earmark, that provides clear water. My communities in California, including Gary Miller's district, in the Inland Empire must deal with perchlorate contaminated water. Perchlorate is a rocket fuel additive that can be harmful to women, children, and the elderly, that affects both Gary Miller's and my district. This contamination has resulted in millions of dollars in cost to the region for cleanup litigation. Congress should actively support the DOD effort to develop solutions to problems like perchlorate contamination. I ask my colleagues to support the Baca-Miller amendment, a bipartisan amendment. Again, I thank the chair and the ranking member, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of ``S. 2165; U.S.- Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012.'' Since 1948 the U.S. and Israel have shared a special bond. Israel is our greatest ally in a region defined by conflict. Today, there are significant events in the Middle East that present unique security challenges. From the upheaval in neighboring states to the defiance of the IAEA by the Iranian regime, Israel is under constant threat. The Israelis should not be forced to live under duress from a nation that denies the holocaust and Israel's right to exist. As a nation we must never waiver in our support of Israel's inherent right to self-defense against these threats. Congress must provide the technology and weapons systems that provide a military advantage over aggressors. This enhanced cooperation between the U.S. and Israel will provide stability in an increasingly unstable region. Israel must have the capability and consent to defend themselves or the region will fall deeper into chaos. I urge my colleagues to support this responsible legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Affordable Care Act. This law is already providing relief to millions of Americans, and almost 20 percent of Californians. Already, nearly 3 million people with Medicare in California have received free preventive services or a free annual wellness visit with their doctor. The Affordable Care Act strengthens Medicare and reduces costs for seniors, by eliminating the donut hole that hurt many of our seniors in the past. Right now, there are 435,000 young adults in California under the age of 26 who now have coverage because they were able to stay on their parent's plan--like Ms. Sandra Rodriguez and her daughter of San Bernardino, California. And, over 8,600 uninsured California residents who were denied coverage because of a ``pre-existing condition'' are now insured because of this law. Finally, Americans are in charge of their health care, not insurance companies. Repeal takes our nation in the wrong direction. We need to move forward and ensure health equality for all.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, tomorrow the House Agriculture Committee will mark up the farm bill that will devastate many of our children, seniors, and veterans. This misguided bill will cut $16 billion from the SNAP program, a program that puts food on the table for over 46 million Americans. This debate isn't just about the numbers; there is a human cost. If these cuts are allowed to stand, 2 to 3 million low-income individuals will lose SNAP eligibility, and 280,000 children will lose access to free school meals. These are children who may have the only meal provided to them in school, and it will change their attitudes and their behaviors in school. And 210,000 households in my State of California will receive reduced benefit levels. In California, 6 million people rely on SNAP, including 2 million children. In my district, they suffer from the fourth highest rate of food insecurity in the Nation. It is a moral responsibility that we protect the SNAP program. We must pass a responsible farm bill that includes no nutritional cuts.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition of Representative Bishop's amendment in H.R. 2578, the Conservation and Economic Growth Act. This amendment would give the Department of Homeland Security unrestrained authority over more than 49 million acres of land encompassing major regions heavily populated by Latinos. These new ``operational control zones'' would harm communities economically, socially, and environmentally. DHS would be explicitly exempt from complying with dozens of environmental, public health, and safety laws within 100 miles along the Mexican and Canadian borders. Even Secretary Napolitano and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol indicated that environmental protections do not hinder their ability to secure our borders. This amendment proves to be unnecessary and a threat to our public health. Also, it jeopardizes the natural parks and public lands that many people use as recreation across our nation. I understand our nation faces many challenges, but this is no way to enhance border security. We must respect the liberty of all Americans, enjoy our natural landscape, and ensure every person's right to a healthy life. I urge my colleagues to vote against Representative Bishop's amendment.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, in these tough times, we should make every effort to increase access to higher education for all Americans. Making college more affordable doesn't just help students, it strengthens our economy. Unfortunately, if Congress does not act soon, interest rates on student loans will double for over 7 million students in less than 2 weeks. July 1 is around the corner. It's time for a serious solution to help our Nation's children. Instead of working towards a compromise, Republicans have put forward a plan to cut health services for women and children. Republicans just don't get it. Once again, they're too busy cutting taxes for millionaires and billionaires instead of working for our middle class. Republicans are showing their priorities are out of touch with hardworking Americans. We need to act now on student loans. Let's help all of these students have access to education.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2938, the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act. I support this important legislation because I believe we should all be bound by the agreements we make. In the late 1990s, Arizona tribes' gaming ventures were being threatened by litigation and anti-Indian gaming interests. As a response, a number of tribes formed a coalition to create a joint negotiating position before entering into tribal compact discussions with state officials. One of these tribes was the Tonoho O'odham Nation. Following this agreement, proposition 202 was passed, limiting Phoenix area casinos to seven. Through all this time, the Tonoho O'odham Nation never expressed any hesitation to the agreement they signed with other tribes or Proposition 202, until now. I ask my colleagues to support this important measure because it upholds the good faith negotiations that were conducted to reach this joint power resolution between the Arizona Tribes. I ask my colleagues to support it because it upholds the integrity of all the other tribes who have and still are living up to their word. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, after a lifetime of service to our Nation, America's seniors deserve a secure retirement, a strong Medicare and Social Security safety net. Sadly. The House Republicans are choosing to give tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires over paying for Medicare. The GOP budget will give those already making over $1 million a year an average tax cut of $394,000. All told, the Republican budget gives away $3 trillion in tax breaks to big oil companies that ship jobs overseas and the ultra-rich, and it does not reduce the deficit. That is wrong. We should be giving tax breaks to hardworking middle class families, small businesses, and not the wealthiest few. We must end the Bush tax cuts for the rich. No new taxes, no new jobs. No new taxes, no new jobs. Let's work together on a bipartisan budget plan that protects Medicare and makes all Americans pay their fair share.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to pay tribute to a beloved community member and role model, Charles ``Chuck'' Powell. Chuck passed away on May 10, 2012 at the age of seventy-eight. Chuck was born on July 3, 1933 in Franklin, Ohio, to Charles and Mamie Powell. He spent several years in Ohio, working as a steelworker until he joined the Air Force and relocated to the March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. During his time in the Air Force Chuck met his future wife, Geri Linton, whom he was married to for 56 years. Chuck served as a milk distributor in Bloomington for 40 years, and was affectionately known as the ``milk man'' to all he served. During his free time, Chuck enjoyed coaching his sons youth baseball teams. Chuck was also an avid golfer, and member of El Rancho Verde Country Club, where he previously served as President, and Vice President. His sons have fond memories of bonding over golf, the sport he loved. I remember Chuck's competitive nature, his fondness for smoking his pipe, and how he loved a good debate with friends. We often played rounds of golf together; he was a close and dear friend of mine. I knew Chuck as having a deep passion for golf; he was always trying to improve his putting stroke in order to compete with the best golfers. Although Chuck was an outstanding golfer, I will always remember him Chuck for his charm, sense of humor, and ability to connect with everyone he met. Chuck is best known by his family for his big heart and memorable advice for the people he touched. His children and grandchildren have fond memories of times with their father and grandfather. His son noted that he will never forget his father's sense of humor and the phone calls they would share after a good round of golf. Chuck's grandchildren could always count on him to give sound advice and to put a smile on their face, even during the worst days. Let us take the time to pay tribute to a wonderful man. Let us celebrate the life he led, and the positive example he set for others. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy and spirit will continue to live on through the lives of everyone he has touched. Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Geri Powell; his three sons, Bob, Neal, and Scott; two siblings, John and Margaret; and six grandchildren, Alyssa, Brooke, Tyler, Tori, Christine, and Chloe. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Chuck's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to pay tribute to Charles Powell.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to an outstanding philanthropist and entrepreneur, Martha Green. On June 9, 2012, Martha will be honored with the Tzedakah Award from the Congregation Emanu El for her commitment to charity and passion for bettering her community. Martha was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, where she learned to love cooking. Martha moved to California, where she has owned several cooking schools and kitchen stores in Redlands, Las Vegas, and San Bernardino. In 1974, Martha began her first cooking class the back of her husband's mattress store, where she taught a class on microwave cooking. In 1978, she expanded her cooking classes and opened a cooking equipment store in Redlands, California. Since beginning her first cooking classes, Martha has opened the bakery, Dough'Lectibles and the restaurant, The Eating Room in downtown Redlands. Martha's expertise and creativity in cooking has helped her gain widespread recognition throughout the Inland Empire. Martha has combined her passion for cooking with her drive for helping the local community by hosting approximately 30 fundraising cooking classes annually. Additionally, Martha is known for her celebrity auctioneering in the community, where she has been able to raise over $2 million to support local charities. Martha has not only dedicated her life to cooking, but also has generously assisted many local organizations such as SOS Read, the Children's Fund, the Redlands Bowl Association, the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital and Sacred Heart Church. Her genuine spirit and high energy has contributed immensely to these organizations. On top of her cooking classes, restaurants, and philanthropic events, Martha is a realtor, and also hosts a radio cooking show, which airs on weekdays at 8:33 a.m. and 4:32 p.m. on KVCR 91.9 FM. Additionally, Martha is the author of Martha Green's Cooking Things, a cookbook that offers over 300 recipes. Martha's generosity and culinary passion has impacted Inland Empire immeasurably. Her bright personality and dedication to charitable events has made a lasting impact in our community. I extend my congratulations to Martha Green as she is honored with the Tzedakah award by the Congregation Emanu El on June 9th 2012.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, investing in education is an investment in our Nation's future. In these tough times, we should make every effort to increase access to higher education for all Americans. Unfortunately, if Congress does not act soon, interest rates on student loans will double for over 7 million students. If these rate hikes go into effect, it will be cheaper to buy a home than to buy a college education. Sadly, the GOP seems to want higher education reserved only for the wealthiest Americans. Instead of working to help more Americans achieve a college education, Republicans are playing games with the health of women and children. Once again, Republicans are showing their priorities are out of touch with hardworking Americans. We need to act now to keep student loan interest rates low so all Americans have an opportunity to obtain an education.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chair I want to thank Chairman Buck McKeon and Ranking Member Adam Smith for their efforts. I also want to thank Reps. Gary Miller, David Dreier, and Ken Calvert--and Senator Diane Feinstein for their support of this bipartisan amendment. My amendment directs the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a study of water resources in the Rialto-Colton Basin in California. The USGS study would look at perch lorate contamination in the area's groundwater. Perchlorate is a rocket fuel additive that impairs thyroid function in humans--and has been found to be harmful to women and children. This contamination is the direct result of the area having been acquired by the U.S. Army in 1942--to develop an inspection, consolidation, and storage facility for weapons bound for the Port of Los Angeles. Having lived in Rialto for decades, I am very aware of the perchlorate problem we have in our drinking water. Currently the EPA is undertaking a $25 million dollar effort to clean up the contamination. But for the efforts of the EPA to be successful, we must first know the full scope of the problem. We can only gain this crucial information by conducting an extensive study--and my amendment would make this study a top priority for the USGS to expedite. This study is critical to the health and well-being of my constituents. The contamination at the Rialto site was measured at more than one thousand times the drinking-water standard for perchlorate, according to the EPA. My constituents deserve to have clean drinking water for themselves, their families, and our future generations. According to the USGS, groundwater makes up 79 percent of the available drinking water supply in the Inland Empire. How much of this supply is polluted--we don't know; and we won't know unless the USGS does a comprehensive study! I urge my colleagues to join me in bringing relief to the people of the Inland Empire--and to support my amendment.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4970, this misguided GOP reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Unfortunately, this bill does not do enough to protect the well-being of all women. I say again that it does not do enough to protect the well-being of all women. This reauthorization jeopardizes the safety of our Native American women and also the safety of many undocumented women. Neither the manager's amendment nor the underlying bill addresses the problems that face Indian country. Instead of empowering tribal police and courts to stop domestic violence, this legislation unfairly places the burden on Native victims. Many of the victims of domestic violence that live on the reservations are unable to hire legal counsel and can't travel hundreds of miles to Federal courts to petition for protection orders. We must protect sovereignty. We must respect sovereignty. Tribal courts are the best authorities to issue domestic violence orders of protection on reservations. Let's stop this partisan bill. Let's work together on a new approach that values the safety of Native Americans and undocumented individuals in a bipartisan fashion.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 365, the National Blue Alert Act. This important bill directs the Attorney General to establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Department of Justice to broadcast information when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. It would also assign a Department of Justice officer to act as the national coordinator of the Blue Alert Communications Network. The Blue Alert System would operate in a similar fashion as the ``Amber Alert'' system and would be implemented by law enforcement agencies and officers at all levels--local, State, and Federal. Law enforcement officers and officials are among the bravest individuals in today's society. Each day, they knowingly risk their personal safety and their lives to ensure that our communities are safer and more secure. As such, we need to be sure to do all that we can to ensure their safety when possible. Building and expanding on the existing blue alert networks in various states will ensure that important information is sent out in an efficient and timely manner. I am proud to stand here today and offer my support for this important legislation. I want to thank the gentleman from New York, Mr. Grimm, for his hard work in bringing this important legislation before us today. And I also want to thank all the brave men and women who work in law enforcement and sacrifice day in and day out for our safety. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 205--The HEARTH ACT, and recognize the vital importance of homeownership and tribal self governance. I am proud to serve as a cosponsor of this legislation and wish to thank Congressman Heinrich for sponsoring this bill. Homeownership is an essential part of the American dream. Native American families desire to own their own homes just like other citizens of our nation. Currently Native families can face up to a two year wait to purchase a home on tribal lands because of the bureaucratic red tape at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This long wait can be harmful to Native people because sellers often cannot wait for the time it takes for Bureau of Indian Affairs approval. This could result in lands within reservation borders being sold away from tribal members. The HEARTH ACT allows tribal governments to approve trust land leases directly, significantly reducing the wait for approval and easing the home buying process for tribal families. In the current housing market, the last thing the federal government should be doing is standing in the way of families looking to buy a home. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting homeownership for out Nation's first people, and ask that they vote yes on H.R. 205.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 568. This hi-partisan resolution signifies the importance of preventing the Government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. I want to thank my friend from Florida, Congresswoman Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, for introducing this resolution. For over 20 years Iran has engaged in a sustained and well-documented pattern of deceptive activities to acquire a nuclear capability outside of what can be considered for peaceful use. The UN Security Council has adopted a number of resolutions since 2006 demanding the suspension of uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities by Iran and its cooperation with the IAEA on all nuclear activities, including the possible militarization of its nuclear program. The IAEA's extensive report documents ``serious concerns'' regarding military dimensions to Iran's nuclear activity in hopes of developing a nuclear device. If Iran is successful in acquiring a nuclear weapon capability, it will force other countries in the region to consider developing their own nuclear capabilities; notably, Saudi Arabia. Iranian leaders have previously threatened the existence of Israel, pledging to ``wipe Israel off the map'' and since 1984 Iran has been recognized by the State Department as an active sponsor of terrorism. I feel just as President Obama has previously stated, ``that the consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran are unacceptable'' and we are determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Our Congress must stand in one voice and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. I ask my colleagues to join me in condemning Iran's nuclear ambitions and vote in favor of H. Res. 568.