Joe Baca

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would thank Judy Biggert. Thank you very much for being a cosponsor of this important legislation. I want to thank Tim Murphy and, of course, my good friend Dan Burton, who, as well, is an excellent golfer I've had the opportunity to play golf with on many occasions. And he does hit the ball a long ways. Although we have a difficult time in getting it in the hole in three or four, whatever the course may be. Tim, I know that you had the privilege, like I, of playing with Arnold Palmer; and it's really quite a memorable experience. For those of us who have an opportunity to walk down the 18th hole, talk to him, look at his personality as a human being. He's one that's touched the life of many individuals. For people that have watched him play golf and have played golf, and not everybody can exert and be as good as Arnold Palmer was--and is, still today--and what he has done for the game itself not only for individuals that go there that when you're playing a lot of times, he is one that was a risk taker, a challenger. He's the one that said when it was impossible to hit that kind of a shot, he would dare and hit in between woods, try to hit over trees, try to make sure that if there was a lake, he says, ``I'm going to get to the tin cup of the world.'' He was the tin cup, except he got there and didn't have to take 12 strokes to get there. That's one thing about Arnold Palmer is he lifted the game to another level because he believed in the challenge of it. He just didn't believe in just being that safe person and getting a par on a par 4 or getting a par on a par 5 or par 3. He always went for that birdie or that eagle because a lot of times he reached it. As I stated before, can you imagine what he would have been today if he had the kind of equipment that we have right now in hitting the balls and in playing. He's one that excelled in terms of having the excellence, because for those of us that even get over a putt, it's very difficult to be over a putt and then all of a sudden, you have to make that putt. I happened to be playing the other day, and I had maybe a two-and-a-half-foot putt for a birdie. I missed it. Can you imagine him? He had the nerves to make sure that he not only made that putt but made every other putt. Nerves of steel. And for that, we will always remember that he touched the lives of many individuals, and I think that's important for a lot of us, to know of a human being that really cared about people, that wanted to make people a lot better, and he did it through golf. He felt that golf was an opportunity for himself to excel and show the world that others can participate in this game and give back. He always believed in giving back to the community, and that's what he's done. That's why our lives are a lot better, and he's touched the lives of many individuals today that will always look at him, that have followed him throughout the world in Arnie's Army, now the Congressional Army that he has out here, to say, Arnie, we now realize that you did more than just golf. You did a lot for human beings in this world right now. That's why, Mr. Speaker, I ask us all to make sure that we support H.R. 1243, to provide the award of the Gold Medal on behalf of Congress to Arnold Palmer in recognition of his service to this Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship.

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to thank Chairman Frank, Ranking Member Spencer Bachus and my colleague, Judy Biggert, who is also a cosponsor of this legislation. I want to take the time to thank my colleagues in the House of Representatives for their support on this bill. It truly is a bipartisan bill. I also want to thank my staff for their hard work and dedication. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1243, to honor Arnold Palmer with a Congressional Gold Medal. Arnold Palmer's golf record is one history will forever remember. He is a legend and a giant amongst golfers. I have had the opportunity to play with Arnold Palmer before. My son, Joe Baca, Jr., mayor pro tem, City of Rialto, was also in attendance. This was the most memorable outing I have had the pleasure of experiencing. It was an experience the two us will never forget. It was like a dream come true. I had to pinch myself to make sure that this wasn't just a dream. Not only is he a golf legend, but also a genuine person with a great sense of humor. Walking these 18 holes with him will forever be one of my greatest moments in life, besides, of course, marrying my wife and having my four children. His drive and passion for the game is an example of sportsmanship of the highest caliber and was an inspiration to me. However, I ask that Arnold Palmer be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his leadership as an American. Palmer was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania in September of 1929. He learned golf from his father, Deacon Palmer, who was the head professional and greenskeeper at Latrobe Country Club. At the age of 7, Palmer broke 70 at Bent Creek Country Club. Can you imagine the rest of us with the kind of equipment that we have today and his having that equipment and breaking 70 at that tender age? My Lord, that is something else. As a youngster, Palmer was only allowed on the Latrobe course in the early mornings or late afternoons when the members weren't playing. He attended Wake Forest University on a golf scholarship. He left upon the death of close friend, Bud Worsham, and enlisted in the Coast Guard where he served for 3 years and continued to hone his skills. Palmer gathered himself and returned to competitive golf. His win in the 1954 U.S. Amateur Championship made him decide to try the pro tour for a while, and he and his new bride, Winifred, whom he had met at a Pennsylvania tournament, traveled the circuit for 1955. As a member of the Professional Golfers Association, PGA, which also stands for ``posture, grip and alignment,'' Palmer won the 1955 Canadian Open in his rookie season. He raised his game systematically for the next several sessions. With the help of his unfailing personality and lucrative business ventures, Arnold Palmer has almost single-handedly brought golf out of the elite country clubs and into the consciousness of mainstream America, which is where most of us are from, mainstream America. Palmer won his first major championship at the 1958 Masters, cementing his position as one of the leading stars in golf. Palmer is credited by many for securing the status of the Open Championship--the British Open--among U.S. players. After Ben Hogan won the championship in 1953, few American professionals had traveled to play in The Open due to its travel requirements, relatively small prize purses and the style of its links courses. That means traveling across the country for the game of golf and for the love of the game of golf to ensure that others love the game and are as compassionate as he is about the game. Palmer's Open wins in the early 1960s convinced many American pros that a trip to Britain would be worth the effort. He secured his popularity among the British and European fans and, of course, the American fans. In all, Arnold Palmer won 92 professional events. Can you imagine what that's like? Ninety-two. Some of us can't even win when we go out and play on a weekend. Ninety-two professional events. His most prominent professional titles were four Masters--and I repeat four Masters--in 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964--wow--two British Opens in 1961 and 1962 and the memorable U.S. Open Championship at Cherry Hills in Denver, Colorado in 1960. In 1960, he won the Hickok Belt as the top professional athlete of the year and Sports Illustrated magazine's Sportsman of the Year award-- something that a lot of us are striving for that we'll probably never, ever make, but we congratulate him on that award. In 1967, he became the first man to reach the $1 million in career earnings on the PGA Tour. Can you imagine the amount of money during that period of time and what he would have won now if they'd paid the same amount of money? He'd be equal to Tiger Woods, I believe, but that wasn't the case. They didn't pay as much. Palmer won the Vardon Trophy for the lowest scoring average four times in 1961, 1962, 1964, and 1967. Can you imagine the lowest scoring? Well, most of us get the highest scoring award right now versus the lowest scoring award on the average, and that's quite a compliment, you know, for someone to receive. Arnold Palmer also represented the U.S. in the Ryder Cup matches seven times as either a player or as a captain. Seven times. You know, when we've had the Ryder Cup that has come here in our congressional, I'm glad that I've been a member of our Ryder Cup. We've been successful in defeating that cup; but can you imagine Arnold Palmer being there seven times as either a player or as a captain? That's quite an honor. He was the last playing captain in 1963 and captained the team again in 1975. Palmer was eligible for the Senior PGA Tour from its first season in 1980, and he was one of the marquees named who helped it become successful. That's giving those individuals who play on the young tour an opportunity to continue or it's creating hope for seniors who want to become professionals. There are others who have become professionals as seniors. Thanks to Arnold, those gates were opened to allow individuals to get there. He won 10 events on the tour, including five senior majors. He retired from tournament golf on October 13, 2006. One of his favorite drinks is a combination of half iced tea and half lemonade. You thought I was going to say some kind of mixed drink or liquor. No. Half iced tea and half lemonade. It's a drink which is often referred to as the ``Arnold Palmer'' in his honor. That's a great drink for those of you who haven't had the Arnold Palmer. I'm not soliciting, asking you to go out and do that, but that's great. It's a good drink to get when you're out on the golf course. I ask that we honor Arnold Palmer with a Congressional Gold Medal because of the way Arnold Palmer lives his life. He is a perfect example of how Americans should live--and I state: how Americans should live. Arnold Palmer's way of life is a perfect example of how all Americans should give--how Americans should give. He is a devoted husband, father and grandfather who cares for his family and who has helped many other families during times of hardship and struggle. He has helped many other families during times of hardship and struggle, and that's what we're going through right now in this Nation and in this country with the recession that we're in and with many people losing their homes and their jobs. Arnold Palmer's work in philanthropy shows his dedication towards helping others. He is known to have an unfailing sense of kindness, and has used the game of golf as a means of sharing. He proactively helps others survive extreme health emergencies. As a cancer survivor, he knows firsthand how devastating health issues can be. Arnold Palmer served as Honorary National Chairman of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation for 20 years. That means he dedicated himself for 20 years to the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. He played a major role in the fund-raising drives that led to the creation of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women in Orlando in the 1980s. The hospital has been healing women and children from central Florida and around the world with care, compassion and a leading edge in medical care. The Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies has left a permanent mark on the lives of thousands of families from around the world--and that's around the world. The Arnold Palmer Prostate Center--and I state ``prostate center'' because most of us may be having it, but we want to make sure that we look at prevention. He has recognized every cancer patient as unique because of his prostate cancer center. It offers a variety of programs, including counseling, nutrition, support groups, a cancer lecture series, exercise for cancer patients, and arts in health care, because he cares about those patients or those individuals who have been affected with prostate cancer. Even my bishop, Bishop Barnes, had prostate cancer, and I remember that. It's for individuals who care about others and who want to improve their quality of life, which is what Arnold Palmer has done for them. Arnie's Army Battles Prostate Cancer is a unique funding-raising and awareness campaign of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. This program is designed to help organizers and participants use golf as a fund-raising tool to raise money for better treatments and for the cure of prostate cancer. Every dollar raised by Arnie's Army tournaments--and I state ``every dollar''--goes directly to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. That means every dollar goes to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The Arnold Palmer Cancer Pavilion fulfills a longtime dream of his to offer outpatient oncology and testing. They are committed to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in his home town. The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve Trust's mission is to permanently improve and maintain property preserved by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation. We thank Arnold Palmer; his late wife, Winnie; his two daughters, Peggy and Amy; and his five grandchildren, Emily, Katherine Anne, Anne Palmer Saunders, Nicola Wears, and Samuel Palmer Saunders, for making America a better place. He, too, is a role model, an example that, if you lead by example, others can be better, and he has done that in what he has demonstrated and in what he has done as an American. Although Arnold Palmer does not feel comfortable being called the ``king of golf,'' Arnold Palmer is royalty, royalty in the eyes and hearts of those he has helped. We thank Arnold Palmer. We thank you for your life's work. His legions of fans were often called Arnie's Army. Well, now we can be called Arnie's Congressional Army. So he no longer just has the army out there. He has Arnie's Congressional Army. You are a true American, an American deserving not only of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and of the U.S. Navy's Lone Sailor award, to name a few, but Arnold Palmer deserves to be honored with a Congressional Gold Medal. For this reason and for many reasons unsaid and of stories unsaid and for the people who have met him, I urge all Members to support this passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I am touched by the unwavering spirit of the American people during these tough economic times. We continue to work hard and last week we all paid our taxes. In fact, thousands of immigrants also paid into our tax system through payroll taxes and sales taxes. There are 12 to 14 million undocumented immigrants that are living and working in this Nation trying to build a better life for their families. I state, a better life for their families. We cannot forget that this country was founded by immigrants who prayed for a better life and who were willing to work hard to make it happen. By providing a path to citizenship, it is estimated that new legal immigrants would provide $407 billion to strengthen the Social Security system over the next 50 years. We must bring this working population out from the shadows and allow them to become active contributing members of our society. I urge my colleagues to work with the CHC and President Obama to support comprehensive immigration reform that will fix our economy and respect all families.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, in October 1987 the first issue of the Inland Empire Hispanic News was published. To date, we celebrate the 22nd Anniversary of this initial publication. The paper has been widely accepted by both the Hispanic public and the Inland Empire as the premier publication in the distribution areas, with a probable 4.5 person readership per individual paper. The Inland Empire Hispanic News has continually published the tabloid on a bimonthly basis for the past 22 years and has successfully reached out to the Inland Empire communities of Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Colton, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Upland, Riverside, and Corona. Since its incorporation, the Inland Empire Hispanic News has been recognized with well over 35 awards varying from congressional, state, city, and other civic and non-profit organizations for its journalistic contributions to the Hispanic community and the Inland Empire. The newspaper was founded by Mr. Graciano Gomez, who saw an urgent need for a newspaper that would exemplify the positive Hispanic attributes, and further the education, socio-economic and business issues prevalent in the Inland Empire. Mr. Gomez understood that in order to advocate for the greater Hispanic community, he needed to provide a common unified communication vehicle that highlighted both the positive accomplishments within the greater community, as well as the public policies and issues at hand. Mr. Gomez organized a meeting with diverse community leaders and founded the Board of Directors consisting of Ray Abril Jr., Aurelio De La Torre, Esther Mata, Arthur Milian, George Martinez, Ray Nieves, and of course Mr. Graciano Gomez as Chairperson and Publisher. The Board established that the major goals of the Inland Empire Hispanic News would be the advocacy of education, economic development, volunteerism, and political activity that were of critical interest to the greater Hispanic community. The Inland Empire Hispanic News has since been one of the leading newspapers to highlight important public and social policies in regards to health, education, economic development, and business news. It captures the heart of the greater Inland Empire community by sharing the inspiring stories of outstanding role models of leaders in the community, business, education, and non-profit sectors, and individuals and families who are making positive contributions to our society. The paper has also become a primary source for many interested in current issues, news events, advocacy opportunities and available resources. With the hard work and commitment of Mr. Gomez and his wife of 30 years, Mrs. Trini Gomez, the Inland Empire Hispanic News provided input from elected officials, governmental agencies, community based organizations, individuals, business and other sources relative to issues and interests of the greater Hispanic community. Since the publication's inception, Mrs. Trini Gomez has played a vital role in the development and on going operation of the newspaper. Together they have made this dream of a creating a vital resource for the Hispanic population within the Inland Empire a reality. However, the dream of this newspaper, its mission and great accomplishments would not have been possible without Mr. Graciano Gomez. Mr. Gomez was raised in the Inland Empire, graduating from Redlands High School in 1943. Immediately following graduation he was called into the United States Air Force, serving in the India/Burma Theater of War. After being honorably discharged in 1946 he was employed at Norton Air Force Base. In 1952, he resigned in order to accept a position in the County of San Bernardino. He served 34 years with the County of San Bernardino and associated agencies and was recognized for his civil service career by state and county officials. Since his military discharge in 1946, Mr. Gomez has established himself as a professional pillar of the Inland community, while also continuing a passion and commitment for community service. After experiencing many injustices, Mr. Gomez is driven to advocate for the Hispanic community within the Inland Empire. He is dedicated to promoting quality education for all youth, and encouraging civic volunteerism, as well as political and socio-economic involvement. His continual service to the Inland Empire has been recognized with over 73 awards varying from the diocese, congressional, state, city, and other civic and nonprofit organizations. One of his greatest accomplishments however, is the establishment of the Inland Empire Hispanic News in 1987. In honor and celebration of the 22 years of publication of the Inland Empire Hispanic News, we would like to congratulate Mr. Graciano Gomez for his life long service and commitment to the greater Hispanic community. The Inland Empire Hispanic News has demonstrated an ability to outreach and bring to light the important issues affecting the Hispanic community and by doing so has been an inspirational influence of positive change within the Inland Empire.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. I rise today to commemorate the 82nd birthday of a true American hero, the late Cesar Chavez. For 10 years, I have fought for a national holiday to honor Cesar Chavez, a man who not only carried the torch for justice and freedom, but was the beacon of hope for thousands without a voice. As a cofounder and president of United Farm Workers, Cesar used nonviolent tactics to bring attention to the dangerous working conditions in the fields and the plight of exploited farm workers and their right to unionize. The reach of his accomplishments stretches far beyond the Latino community. The battle for social justice is far from being over. But in the words of Cesar Chavez, ``si se puede!'' During these hard economic times, let us not forget that history teaches us many things. True leaders are those who fight for those without a voice, and he was one that fought for many of those who didn't have voices. As we approach his birthday, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 213, a resolution that educates our youth about Cesar Chavez and his accomplishments and I urge the creation of a national holiday for him.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the boy's basketball team from Eisenhower High School--in my hometown of Rialto, California--for winning the CIF State title this past Friday. With their 73-61 victory over the Rocklin Thunder--from Sacramento, California--the Eagles captured the first ever State title for a school from San Bernardino County. The win was the 23rd consecutive victory to end the season for the Eagles, and came after tough playoff wins over State powerhouses Loyola and Leuzinger from Lawndale, California. Everyone said they were too small, but led by head coach Steve Johnson, the undersized Eagles used speed and a tenacious defense to beat Rocklin. On behalf of my family--Barbara, Joe Baca, Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer Baca--I want to thank the players, coaches, parents, and school administrators, who all contributed so much to Eisenhower's historic run. On Saturday, April 11th, their courage and relentless efforts will be recognized with a ticker-tape parade in Rialto. I thank Eisenhower for the hope this achievement has brought to our inland communities during this time of economic difficulty.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the boy's basketball team at Eisenhower high school, in my hometown of Rialto, for winning the California Interscholastic Federation Division 2 state title on Friday, March 20. The Eisenhower Eagles ended their 32-3 season with a 73-61 victory over the Rocklin Thunder. Friday's win was the 23rd consecutive victory for the Eagles, and occurred in front of a crowd of over 10,000 in Sacramento. Eisenhower's remarkable run to the state title came after a 28-3 regular season, and playoff victories over state powerhouse Loyola, and a win against high rated Leuzinger. Their historic victory marks the first ever California Interscholastic Federation state title for a school from San Bernardino County. Everyone said they were too small, but led by head coach Steve Johnson, the undersized Eisenhower squad achieved victory against a taller Rocklin team by causing turnovers with quick-handed tactics and dominating the Thunder in transition points up and down the court. Coach Johnson has led the Eagles program back to greatness only two years after taking a several year hiatus from coaching. I specifically want to recognize all 9 Eisenhower players, and thank Andrew Bock, Bryan Bock, Alex Varner, Nicholas Carter, Keyon Sayles, Devin Garner, Nazareth Richardson, Bernard Ireland, and Kirby Gardner for their hard work and commitment to excellence throughout the season. I also want to recognize the parents, assistant coaches, and school administrators--who all played a critical role in Eisenhower's State Championship run. Brendan Lane, star player for the opposing Rocklin Thunder, said about the Eagles, ``They're relentless. They get every rebound and every loose ball. They come after you the whole time.'' On behalf of myself, my wife Barbara, Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Jennifer, and Natalie Baca, I congratulate the Eisenhower Eagles for their relentless effort, not just in the title game but throughout the season. I thank Coach Johnson and all the Eagle players, for their grit and determination, and the hope their achievement has brought to the Inland community in these times of economic difficulty.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, in this time of economic uncertainty, I rise to thank one company who is actively working to create new jobs and practice a clean, environmentally friendly business model, AT&T. Through a new $18 billion initiative, AT&T is pledging to increase its broadband capacity. Not only will this initiative increase Internet speed and accessibility for customers, but perhaps more importantly it will create 3,000 new jobs. Over the next ten years, AT&T also plans to create or save an additional one thousand jobs through a plan to invest $565 million in replacing its current fleet of vehicles with 15,000 domestically manufactured Compressed Natural Gas and alternative fuel vehicles. Research shows that this new fleet will save 49 million gallons of gasoline over the next ten years. It also will reduce carbon emissions by 211,000 metric tons in this same time frame. Madam Speaker, I applaud AT&T for its initiative in taking the lead in the movement to green our economy. Not only will these new initiatives help lead our nation out of its current economic downturn, but they also help to create an environmentally sustainable future for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. These actions set AT&T apart as an exemplary company, and I hope that others will soon follow their lead.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, last month the Department of Homeland Security reported that over 100,000 parents of U.S. born children were deported between 1998 and 2007. And the Homeland Security inspector stated that these figures are incomplete because the agency does not keep track of how many children each parent has. This past Saturday, I hosted an event in my district for families to come and share their stories about how they have been impacted by the broken immigration system. The audience on several occasions had to hold back their tears as they heard the stories of how families, like the Serrano family from Bloomington, California, have been separated from their parents. Children like those in the Serrano family are the real victims of this outdated immigration system that separates families. As Speaker Pelosi said this morning at a meeting with Latino leaders, ``We must immediately end raids that separate families.'' I urge my colleagues in the House and the Senate and President Obama to work with CHC toward comprehensive immigration reform.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, President Obama has said ``our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.'' Yet there are those that are full of hate and anti-immigration rhetoric that cannot see the rich contributions immigrants have made to this country. Racial profiling in my district alone is alarming and the controversy of enforcement practices must be investigated. We will not stand for enforcement-only approaches that create a mistrust of law enforcement amongst the public. We need comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the real issues, respects families and includes enforcement and security of our Nation. Congress needs to be proactive on this issue, instead of reactive to the negative few who preach enforcement-only failed approaches. I urge my colleagues with the help of the CHC to have President Obama and Speaker Pelosi work towards comprehensive immigration reform.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor a loving mother, adoring grandmother and great-grandmother, passionate lawmaker and cherished friend, Nell Soto. Working in the citrus groves as a child during the Depression, Nell eventually grew up to become influential and well-respected in the California Legislature. A sixth-generation Pomona resident, her passion for positive change and betterment of the community began early on in her life. Walking precincts as early as 1948 to help elect President Truman, she eventually became a pioneer of Latino political activism during the 1950s and 1960s. Actively involved in supporting the rights of farm workers, she walked the streets of Delano, California with Cesar Chavez. She also played an active role in the anti-war movement of the 1960s, including helping Senator Bobby Kennedy win the California primary. These are only a small sample of the impressive events she was a part of and one of the many reasons as to why she became an inspiring role model to us all. Nell's fight for change carried on into politics where she helped elect her husband, Phil Soto, to the California Assembly in 1962. Nell herself was first elected to office in 1987 as a Pomona City Councilmember, serving for twelve years and becoming a prominent figure in the community. In 1993, she was appointed to the South Coast Management Quality District board and truly became aware of the growing concern of the environmental hazards that were affecting the community. This is where she first made her true mark as a champion of environmental protection. Concerned by the increasing rise of pollution in the Pomona area, she recognized how this was especially affecting all of the hardworking people in fields. Understanding that they were constantly being exposed to these toxins, she continued to push for greater reform. Only a year after the death of her husband in 1997, she was elected to the California State Assembly. However, shortly thereafter, she replaced me in the State Senate when I left to become a Congressman in 1998 and then returned to the State Assembly in 2006 after her Senate term limits expired. Bringing her determination to create a better life for the people in her community, she formed a task force in the State Senate to help water districts in Fontana, Rialto and Colton address perchlorate contamination of groundwater, an issue that is very dear to my heart. Nell was instrumental in helping deliver $20 million in federal funding to the Inland Empire to buy replacement water. Nell always stood up to fight for the poor, the undeserved, and for the community as a whole. She was a forceful voice for Latinos everywhere, making sure our community and its issues were heard. In addition to believing in the protection of the environment, Nell was also a fierce advocate for issues related to education, housing, public safety and transportation. Always prioritizing children and families at the top of her agenda, she helped establish legislation to create safer school routes for children and get parents more involved in their children's education. In addition, Nell was instrumental in securing 5000 new jobs by helping turn the General Dynamics plant in Pomona into a furniture plant, as well as helping to secure $22.5 million for the Pomona Metro Link and Transit System. She was also responsible for helping secure $5 million from the state budget for numerous parks and community centers within her district. I have always been grateful for Nell's friendship, a woman who has always been an inspiration to my family and I. She always supported me, from the time I entered the Board of Trustees, to when I served in the State Assembly, State Senate and still as I came here to serve as a Member of Congress. I thank her for always making a point of attending one of my events or at least sending a representative if she couldn't come herself. I know I am not alone when I say that I have lost a truly amazing friend, one who will be remembered for her hard work, true commitment to family and tireless efforts to better her community. I am proud to have known a woman who was so loved by all of her family and friends. Nell is survived by her children, Philip Jr., Michael, Patrick, Anna and Tom, as well as her eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. I would like to express my greatest sympathies for her family's loss. Let us take a moment to remember this great woman and her admirable dedication to instilling positive change and leading an exemplary life, one whose footsteps we all hope to follow. The thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara and children Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., Jeremy, Natalie and Jennifer and I are with her family at this time. God bless Nell Soto for love of God, country and mankind.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. America recently elected not just the first African American to serve as President but also the son of an immigrant. Yet, the positive contributions of immigrants never seem to make it through the smoke of politics that blurs the issue of immigrant reform. We must not forget that we are a Nation built by immigrants. Today, there are 12 to 14 million undocumented, hardworking immigrants contributing to our economy. As we struggle to rebuild our economy, we must not forget that a comprehensive immigration reform is needed to bring out of the shadows hardworking immigrants. We must make sure that all workers are on a level of playing field and that the exploitation of undocumented immigrant workers ends. We must make sure that unscrupulous employers are punished and that families are respected. I urge my colleagues to work with me and for the President to keep his word and work towards comprehensive immigration reform.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor a loving father, loyal husband, adoring grandfather, Charles ``Chuck'' Beeman. Born in Clovis, New Mexico, his family moved to San Bernardino, California where he grew up to become a longstanding, influential member of the community. Having graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1950, Chuck received a track scholarship to attend USC. However, it was his thirst for education that made him truly shine as he earned a doctorate in pharmacy from USC in 1956. In addition to serving in the Army and the Army Reserve, Chuck became a successful businessman, opening Beeman's Pharmacy at St. Bernardine Medical Center in 1963. At the same time, he continued working at Krause Pharmacy on North E Street. In 1971, Chuck expanded his business by opening a second Beeman's Pharmacy across the street in 1971. However, his passion and concern for the community reached beyond his place of work as he was a strong advocate for higher education. Appointed to the San Bernardino Community College District board in 1983, Chuck served until November 2008. Having served for twelve years together on the board, I always respected his leadership and dedication to the community. Through our bipartisan efforts, we were always very supportive of one another. Together, we were successful in helping implement the first Hispanic President of sister schools San Bernardino Valley College and Crafton Hills College. We also were instrumental in securing funding from public and private partnership in order to reinstitute the wrestling program at San Bernardino Valley College. Survived by his wife, Janice, his memory will also be carried on by his children Christopher Beeman, Beth Beeman Dorado, Roland ``Scott'' Beeman and Gary Beeman; his brother; Jerry Beeman; his sister, Lois Waugh; and Chuck's loving twelve grandchildren. As a longtime colleague and friend of Chuck's, I'll always remember his love for model car racing and though new to the game, a great golfer as well. At the last San Bernardino Community College meeting in December where we were celebrating his contribution to the District, I appreciated the mention that we can now add a 78 for his best round of golf to Chuck's long list of accomplishments. I would like to express my greatest sympathies for his family's loss. Let us take a moment to remember this great man and his admirable dedication to instilling positive change and leading an exemplary life, one whose footsteps we all hope to follow. The thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara, my family and I are with his family at this time. God Bless Charles ``Chuck'' Beeman for love of country and mankind.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. I rise today to urge my colleagues, our leadership, Speaker Pelosi, President Obama, to work with CHC on comprehensive immigration reform. Two weeks ago this legislative body passed a significant bill that will help our devastated economy. We cannot forget the other gaping wound here, our broken immigration system. We are making a big mistake if we continue to ignore the 12 to 14 million undocumented immigrants who are part of this economy. This is not something that we should sweep under the rug with more unrealistic enforcement-only fixes to the immigration system. Enforcement-only approaches makes the situation worse by generating an underground economy and encouraging a demand for vulnerable, undocumented workers. I urge my colleagues not to let politics cloud a real solution. The only answer is comprehensive immigration reform.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on May 8th, 2009, the San Bernardino community will gather to honor Mark Edwards as he is presented with the prestigious Golden Baton Award from the San Bernardino Symphony Guild. In the Guild's eighty years of its existence, this will only be the tenth time that this honor has been awarded. The Guild is honoring him not only for his significant contribution to the San Bernardino Symphony but also for his commitment and dedication to the San Bernardino community. A respected lawyer in the Inland Empire, Mark received his Juris Doctor with Honors from the University of California, Davis. In 1982, he became a Shareholder and Senior Attorney at Reid & Hellyer, A Professional Corporation in San Bernardino. In 1994, Mark became a founding member of the Law Office of Mirau, Edwards, Cannon, Lewin & Tooke, A Professional Corporation in Redlands, where his firm practices transactional law in the areas of business, corporate, tax, real estate and estate planning. In addition to his law practice, Mark has always been a very active member of the San Bernardino community. As former President and current First Vice President of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, he has also continuously served on the Board of Directors since 1992 and as a Member of the Executive Committee since 1995. In addition, he was actively involved with the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as President in 1992 and a Member of the Board of Directors as well as the Executive Committee throughout the 1990s. Known for his passionate and selfless volunteerism, Mark has served as an Elder for the First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino, Judge Pro-tem for the San Bernardino Superior Court, founder of Leadership San Bernardino, as well as a Member of the Board of Directors for numerous other organizations throughout the Inland Empire. It is obvious that the community has always been important to Mark based on his continual support of both the San Bernardino Symphony and city as a whole. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the service, sacrifice, and dedication of Mark Edwards. His impact on our community over the years serves as a great reminder that a life spent giving back to society is a life of a true patriot.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor the 60th Anniversary of WWII Private Felix Longoria, the first Mexican American to be buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. Private Felix Z. Longoria was drafted into the United States Army on November 11, 1944, at the age of 25 from Three Rivers, Texas. While on a voluntary patrol on June 1945, Private Longoria was killed in action by a Japanese sniper in Cagayan Valley, Luzon, Philippines. He posthumously received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge for his service and sacrifice. Sadly in 1945, when the remains of Private Longoria were finally identified and returned back to the United States, Beatrice Longoria, the widow of Private Felix Longoria, was turned away and unable to hold a funeral service for her deceased husband at a private funeral home in Three Rivers, Texas. At the time, the city of Three Rivers' sole cemetery was divided by a barbed wire fence, into two sections, one for whites and another for non-whites. This act of discrimination moved Beatrice Longoria to contact Dr. Hector P. Garcia a surgeon general of the area, and the founder of the newly created American GI Forum. Dr. Hector P. Garcia sent out seventeen telegrams to elected and government officials, which stated ``the denial was a direct contradiction of those same principles for which this American soldier made the supreme sacrifice in giving his life for his country, and for the same people who deny him the last funeral rites deserving of any American hero regardless of his origin''. Just recently founded during that time on March 26, 1948, the American GI Forum and its founder, Dr. Hector P. Garcia launched a civil rights movement to help the Longoria family. Then a junior United States Senator, Lyndon B. Johnson, on January 11, 1949, sent a telegram to Dr. Hector P. Garcia that read ``. . . I have today made arrangements to have Felix Longoria buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery here in Washington where, the honored dead of our nation' war rest. . .This injustice and prejudice is deplorable. I am happy to have a part seeing that this Texas hero is laid to rest with the honor and dignity his services deserve''. Thanks to the AGIF, Dr. Garcia and Senator Johnson, Private Felix Longoria became the first Mexican American serviceman to be awarded this honor. On February 16, 1949, Private Felix Longoria was given a full military burial with honors in Arlington National Cemetery. The Longoria family was joined at the service by United States Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, Congressman John Lyle and President Harry Truman's' military aide, General Harry H. Vaughan. The work and legacy of the late Dr. Hector P. Garcia and the American GI Forum that he founded, still continues to this day, in the name of all Veterans and Hispanics in the United States. February 16, 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the burial of Private Felix Longoria, the first Mexican American servicemen to be awarded this honor. On this day, I encourage all Americans to remember the great sacrifices made by our American heroes in all the conflicts in the history of the United States.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. I believe that the stimulus package is very important for working families. And we must pass this bill on behalf of the American people. But our Nation is in desperate need of comprehensive immigration reform, as well. Politicians have used the immigration issue as white noise for every important bill that is brought up here in the House. We can keep dancing around the problems. We need real reform with border enforcement that also addresses the 14 million undocumented people living here in this country. Just yesterday, The Washington Post reported that local counties in the area are stepping up their collaboration with ICE. This will only be creating more fear and dividing our communities and our families. This is why we cannot use a wide brush to paint a solution to deal with the immigration issues. We must not forget that we're talking about families, not just numbers and statistics. I urge my colleagues to help these families and join me in working towards real comprehensive immigration reform. I ask President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi to address this issue of comprehensive immigration.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor a loving father, supportive husband, caring brother and cherished son, Gregory Lee Thomas. Born in Fontana, California, Gregory moved with his family to San Bernardino where he grew up to become a valuable member of the community. Having always held an interest and fascination with cars, working on them in his spare time, he eventually became a Service Advisor for Toyota and resided with his family in Redlands. However, it was the compassion and love for his family that really made Gregory shine. This is what made him the dedicated and devoted husband and father that will always remain in our hearts. Gregory is survived by Angela Thomas, his wife of 15 years, and his two children, Alexia and Michael. He will be sorely missed by his father, Bill, step-mother, Jaennie, brother, Jeff, and sister, Danette as well as all of Gregory's combined nieces and nephews. As a friend of Gregory's father, Bill, I would like to express my greatest sympathies for his family's loss. Gregory was extremely loved and will truly be missed. Let us take a moment to remember this great man, a positive role model to us all. The thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara, my family and I are with Bill and his family at this time. God bless Gregory Lee Thomas for love of country and mankind.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Our country is in desperate need of comprehensive immigration reform to ensure the security and the future of America. Our broken immigration policies have failed to secure our borders and have taken on racial profiling tactics. Our families are being separated and terrorized with unjust border raids, such as the one that was held in my district a couple of weeks ago at a Home Depot parking lot. In the greatest Nation of the world, no one should ever live in fear of being torn apart from their families. We shall not be a Nation of discrimination when our faces promote diversity. We need a cohesive program such as comprehensive immigration. We cannot stand complacent with our broken immigration policies. We need to take action. Mr. President, you called for change. You and Madam Speaker need to deliver on that promise. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing comprehensive immigration.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support concurring to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2--The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. In my District, home foreclosures and unemployment are devastating many families with no end in sight. A facility in my district, the Community Hospital of San Bernardino is being forced to eat the costs or turn children away. This bill will provide needed health care to our most vulnerable, our most in need, America's children. With this bill, the state of California alone will be able to cover an additional 694,000 children who are currently uninsured. SCHIP benefits will be further improved, providing for all children enrolled in SCHIP to receive dental coverage. Parents should not have to choose between putting food on the table or paying for health insurance. For too long we've faced partisan debates that only hinder our efforts. We now have the ``change'' voters want. I urge my colleagues to help these families, do the responsible thing and vote for S-CHIP.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chair, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 1, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The United States is in the middle of its worst economic crisis in a generation. In my district, in the Inland Empire of California--we have the fifth highest rate of foreclosures in the nation; and the unemployment rate has soared above 10%. Too many working families are caught in this economic tsunami; Everyday that we sit by and do nothing--more families are losing their jobs, their homes, and their piece of the American Dream. We must act boldly, and we must act quickly. H.R. 1 contains the right mix of targeted government spending; and tax cuts to American workers and business--that will create 4 million jobs and get our economy moving again! As Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on nutrition--I am especially pleased that the stimulus package includes a $20 billion increase in SNAP funding. This will help to put additional food on the table for over 30 million hungry people! It will also immediately stimulate our economy. USDA economists estimate that this increase will result in $36 billion in new economic activity. I urge my colleagues to support struggling families--and not sit idly by in this time of crisis. Vote yes on H.R. 1.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on behalf of the 14 million undocumented immigrants who would otherwise not have a voice. Immigrants are not only a valuable part of our country's workforce, but they also add to America's rich diversity. Sadly, immigration raids tear apart immigrant families, instill fear, and disrespects America's core family values. We are a Nation devoted to family. No one should live in fear of being taken away from their homes. Strong border enforcement is necessary, but this only addresses part of the situation. Together, we must work to address the 12 to 14 million undocumented immigrants. Every day that we do nothing, a family is torn apart by this broken immigration system. Our current immigration system is outdated. We need a system that addresses the needs of the current immigration situation in America. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing real comprehensive immigration reform. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, the honeymoon is over. Let's begin to address comprehensive immigration on behalf of the 12 to 14 million people here in the United States.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 39, a resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. I thank my colleague from Illinois, Representative Lipinski, for sponsoring this important resolution. Catholic schools are a true treasure--not just in my district in the Inland Empire of California--but throughout the United States of America. Teachers and administrators in America's Catholic schools work tirelessly to educate students of all backgrounds, in communities across the Nation--including some of our most impoverished neighborhoods. They do a tremendous job of teaching and imparting critical values, while often working under the most difficult school funding circumstances. In a time when the No Child Left Behind Act has failed too many of America's best and brightest--the vast majority of Catholic school students not only graduate from high school, but also go on to college. I commend the men and women who make America's Catholic schools a reality and thank them for the commitment and faith they place in the well being of their students. I urge my colleagues to honor the positive impact of Catholic schools on the children of the United States, and support H. Res. 39.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 73, a resolution that promotes the observance of the birthday, life and, legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a historic time in our Nation's Capital with yesterday marking the swearing-in of Barack Obama, our Nation's first African-American President. As we listened to President Obama's inaugural address we were all reminded of how far our Nation has come. This resolution is also a reminder that without Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., there would be no President Obama. Dr. King was a beacon of change on whose shoulders we all stand. His leadership, courage, and conviction helped pave the road for all of us. He understood government has a fundamental responsibility to meet the needs of all Americans regardless of race or economic class. He gave people the faith and courage to work peacefully for change to stop racial discrimination, and promote equality and opportunity across America. Most importantly, Dr. King called upon each of us to truly commit ourselves to changing and working to bring about change for all Americans. President Obama reminded us of that call yesterday when he said that we each have a responsibility to rebuild our country and get us out of this storm. Let us heed this call to action and work hand-in-hand to help bring prosperity back. Together we can do it. Yes we can! I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 73.