Joe Baca

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res 1134, supporting the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month. Mental Health Month helps to educate our communities that mental health is a fundamental and humane priority for America's well-being. The quiet suffering of the afflicted, the familial pain shared by their loved ones, and the societal stigma associated with mental illness all make mental health very important to all Americans. We must realize the toll mental illness has taken on the young. One in five children has a mental disorder. Furthermore, suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers, and every one in four Latina teens report seriously contemplating suicide, a rate higher than any other demographic. Mental illness continues to be a silent illness for our veterans and soldiers returning from serving overseas. More than one in five of our troops suffer from major depression or post traumatic stress disorder. No longer should these conditions be swept under the rug, these are difficult situations that a lot of military families are facing every day. Today senior citizens compose 12 percent of the population, but account for 16 percent of all suicides, higher than for any other age group. Our seniors are the foundation of this country and their mental health needs are underserved. These are alarming and concerning statistics. Yet, many of us still don't know the extent of the mental health problems America is suffering from. Untreated mental illness costs the American economy over $150 billion annually. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution and educate our communities that mental health is a fundamental and humane priority for America.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for yielding. I want to thank our chairman, Collin Peterson, for his leadership. I want to thank the minority ranking member, Mr. Goodlatte, in supporting this historic farm bill which I strongly support. As Chair of the Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry Subcommittee, I am strongly supportive of this bill that increases nutrition by $10.364 billion. Right now, there are 38 million Americans who do not have enough food to eat. This farm bill helps these people. It fights hunger in America by making an historic investment in nutrition programs that will help 13 million American families. This will help an additional 10 million Americans, including 320,000 working poor families, 380,000 elderly and disabled, plus our veterans. This will help put food on the table for many individuals that don't have food. This farm bill also ensures that low-income elementary school children will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables in schools by expanding the USDA snack program to all 50 States leaving no child behind who is left hungry. I ask you to support this farm bill. It is an important farm bill. I urge everyone to vote for it.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield such time as she might consume to the gentlewoman from California, my good friend, Grace Napolitano.

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, I would like to thank Chairman Frank; Ranking Member Spencer Bachus, the minority member; and I'd also like to thank Representative Judy Biggert, who is also a cosponsor of the legislation and who is managing this on the floor this morning. I also want to take time to thank all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives for their support. This is bipartisan legislation that has 406 cosponsors out of the 435 Members. The title of the bill is H.R. 406, and there are 406 cosponsors. I also want to thank my staff for their hard work and dedication to the passage of this legislation. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 406, the Alice Paul Women's Suffrage Congressional Gold Medal Act, a bill to honor Alice Paul, a woman who dedicated her life to equality. This legislation is supported by the National Council of Women's Organizations, the Alice Paul Institute, the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, the League of Women Voters, MANA, the 4-E-R-A, and the National Organization of Women. This legislation awards Alice Paul and the movement she spearheaded the Congressional Gold Medal, to recognize her role in the women's suffrage movement and in advancing equal rights, and I state equal rights, for women. Many people do not know about Alice Paul, but today they will. It is my hope that this legislation will ratify that fact. Because of Alice Paul and the work of other suffragists, we have the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution that guarantees that women have the right to vote. Women have the right to be Members of Congress, State officials, and to participate in local policies and the ability to run for public office. That's why here in Congress, we currently have 87 women in Congress. Because of Alice Paul, Speaker Pelosi can be the Democratic leader right here in the 110th Congress. Because of Alice Paul, Senator Clinton can run for the highest office in the Nation and maybe be the President of the United States of America. Alice Paul was a remarkable person who made America more democratic by fighting for equal rights and creating opportunities for women. She advocated for women in our country as well as in the Americas, within the confines of the United Nations. Alice Paul helped draft the equal rights amendment in 1923. In 1923. Alice Paul lobbied to ensure that sex discrimination was included in title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I want to stress the blood, sweat, and tears that went hand in hand with the women's suffrage movement. Alice Paul truly gave of herself. She motivated, she empowered women to fight, to have courage, and to challenge the status quo. Alice Paul's leadership was unyielding, tenacious, and never self- serving. She suffered imprisonment, solitary confinement, and force feeding when officials tried sabotage her hunger strike. She dedicated her life for women's rights. A true American. A true champion. An American worthy of our gratitude and never-ending respect. Her work must be honored and preserved by congressional acknowledgment. The Congressional Gold Medal is only a small token in comparison to the legacy that Alice Paul gave us all. Alice Paul's contribution to America cannot be understated. For this reason I urge all Members to support its passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 406) to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Alice Paul in recognition of her role in the women's suffrage movement and in advancing equal rights for women, as amended.

Mr. BACA. First of all, I would like to thank the gentlewoman Mrs. Bachmann and, of course, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano for their compassionate speech about H.R. 406. A true hero, a woman who will leave a legacy not only for our country, for our Nation, but for our children and others, and especially I say for my daughters, I have two daughters, to know that they now have the right to vote. And I was inspired by a movie that I saw entitled Iron Jawed Angels. That is how I happened to find out about Alice Paul and her history and contributions. I think too much time has passed and she should have been recognized some time ago. Were it not for she had done, many of us would not be in office right now because it also impacted many of us minorities. Not only did women gain the right to vote, but many minorities now have the ability to vote under the 19th amendment because of women's suffrage. So I congratulate her. I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``aye'' for H.R. 406.

Mr. BACA. Does the gentlewoman from Illinois have additional speakers?

Mr. BACA. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this bipartisan housing stimulus package. The foreclosure crisis is hurting communities all across the Nation, and my district has been especially impacted: 4,523 families in my district have already lost their homes this year. Over 11,000 families in San Bernardino County are currently in default. And the San Bernardino-Riverside area in the Inland Empire, ranked #2 nationwide in foreclosure filings this year. Everyone pays when there are foreclosures! Crime increases, home values decline, schools are affected, and cities run deficits which impacts revenues for local police, fire, and social services. H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act which passed today, will help stabilize communities harmed by empty homes closed by foreclosure. It will provide loans and grants to States to buy and rehabilitate these properties and restore home values in neighborhoods. The broader housing package is also important for many reasons: FHA Stabilization will allow lenders to refinance mortgages with FHA- insured loans to keep families in their homes. FHA Modernization increases FHA loan limits permanently to help high cost housing areas like the Inland Empire. The $7,500 Tax Credit for Homebuyers will help first-time homebuyers purchasing their first home. Low-income Housing Credit Reform modernizes the credit to increase affordable housing in underserved neighborhoods. The increase in Mortgage Revenue Bonds will allow states to issue more bonds for housing and use the proceeds to refinance subprime mortgages. Finally, my amendment to the financial services committee bill, H.R. 5830, will promote in-person housing counseling to reach homeowners in default. This is more effective than sending a letter in the mail and will help prevent many foreclosures. I urge my colleagues to support this housing stimulus package. This is the right thing to do and will keep people in their homes.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 493, to prohibit discrimination based on genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment. Thanks to breakthroughs in science we are able to genetically test for potential health problems. This is information about ``potential'' health problems that an individual can use to reduce the likelihood of contracting an illness. Awareness of potential health problems is the first step; but individuals still need health care coverage to access the proper testing and treatments. During the 1970s, the sickle-cell anemia craze led to discrimination against African Americans and unnecessary public fear. To prevent this type of public fear and discrimination against any individual, this bill bars employers and health insurance companies from discriminating against an individual based on genetic information about potential health problems. The bill protects the consumer, by denying health insurance companies from setting higher premiums based on genetic tests. Individuals should not be penalized because of their genetic make-up; this is something no one has control of. Just because an individual is Hispanic and a likelier candidate for heart disease, should not lead to a higher insurance premium based on the results of a genetic test. Higher premiums are unrealistic and harmful to American families that already are struggling to pay for health care coverage for themselves and their children. Parents should not skip out on vital fact-finding genetic tests about potential health problems because of fear of loss of health care coverage or loss of their job. We need to protect our families and protect their health care coverage. I urge my Colleagues to support H.R. 493.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Chairman, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 5522, the Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act of 2008. H.R. 5522 would direct OSHA to improve engineering controls, and worker training. OSHA would be directed to issue a final standard to include requirements for building design and explosion protection within 18 months; and to include combustible dusts in the Hazardous Communication Standard. This bill reduces workplace hazards; Workers have a right to work in a safe environment with trustworthy safety standards; Workers should not have to fear dust explosions or resultant fires; In February, 6 people died and 42 were injured when sugar dust exploded in a silo at Imperial Sugar Company's largest refinery in Savannah, Georgia. Families should not have to worry that their loved one will not return home due to a dust explosion. OSHA must immediately protect workers in these plants. I urge your support of H.R. 5522.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks to recognize National Minority Cancer Awareness Week. Cancer continues to devastate American families throughout the United States. The Congressional District I represent lies in the Cancer belt of California, with increase in the number of cases diagnosed every day. Minorities in my area continue to be significantly impacted and every day are faced with the question of what to do and how to pay for costly treatments. National Minority Cancer Awareness Week is recognized on the third week of April to raise awareness of the alarming incidence and effects cancer has amongst the minorities. This awareness contributes to much needed outreach education to those most affected. High cancer rates among minorities are a widely known fact, and sadly due in large part to the health disparities in access to high quality prevention, early detection and treatment services. In Congress, I have continued my efforts in combating Breast Cancer by partnering with Senator Dianne Feinstein in reauthorizing the Breast Cancer Research Stamp for another two years. Without research we are all in the dark. Thanks to this stamp, research for breast cancer has increased by over $50 million. Increasing awareness is vital at a time when we are facing cuts in Medicaid funding to States, and a shortage of funding to important programs like S-CHIP and WIC. Families need to realize that cancer does strike disproportionately in the minority community. Sadly, many patients find out about a cancer diagnosis after it is too late. This is especially tragic when we know that only about 5 percent of all cancers are strongly hereditary, most cancers result in damage (mutation) to genes that occur during one's lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. African Americans have the highest death rate for all cancers than any other group. In fact, African American men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men. The American Cancer Society also reports that an estimated 152,000 African Americans will be diagnosed and more than 62,000 African Americans will die from cancer this year. For Hispanics in the United States, the data is just as alarming. Cancer is the second leading cause of death for Hispanics in the United States. Moreover, cancer rates are higher for Hispanics for the cancers of the stomach, liver, cervix, and gallbladder. These are alarming statistics that are only a reflection of the devastating effects of cancer in our minority communities. Cancer touches the lives of not just only the patients, but the family as well. American families are the backbone of our society, it is essential that we help them in any way we can. Increased research and educational outreach is the first step. We are all facing the detrimental effects of the skyrocketing gas prices and a devastating number of foreclosures; these families affected with cancer especially need our help. No one should have to choose between paying for medicine and paying for gas to get to a doctor's appointment.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Res. 1079, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month and thank my friend and colleague Mr. Hinojosa for offering it. I also want to thank Mr. Hinojosa for his leadership of the Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus (FELC), of which I am a proud member. This year, the theme for my annual women's conference was ``Financial Literacy for Women,'' to recognize the importance of educating and encouraging women to take steps that could result in a better financial future for themselves and their families. At this conference, I invited speakers to motivate the women in my district to think about their finances and plan for the future. That's what this resolution is all about, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life-- women, men, young and old--recognize the importance of managing personal finances, increase personal savings and reduce their debt. In these tough economic times it is important that we all prepare for our financial future. The past few months we have seen rising prices for gas to food, more Americans losing their homes or the value in their homes, and rising unemployment. Earlier this year, the New Direction Congress passed an economic stimulus package to help families with high costs of gas, health care and groceries, and to jumpstart our slowing economy. Recovery Rebates will be in the hands of 130 million Americans, starting early in May. The strain of the economic downturn on middle-class families demands a second growth and relief package now--and Congress will work in a bipartisan way to find solutions for the immediate crisis and for a long-term economic recovery for America. I am a proud member of the House Financial Services Committee and last week, we held a markup of legislation that will help address the foreclosure crisis. The first bill, H.R. 5818 provides $15 billion in loans and grants to States to allow them to buy up repossessed properties. This will help ensure that abandoned homes don't stay on the market too long to keep home prices from dropping even further. The second bill, H.R. 5830 allows the FHA to insure up to $300 billion in subprime loans so that these families in danger of foreclosing can refinance into a more affordable loan. It also provides money to housing counselors to increase their efforts in underserved, poor, and minority communities. Congress is doing its part to help stabilize our economy and help keep families in their homes. This resolution supports our efforts by calling on the President to issue a proclamation calling on the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities to observe Financial Literacy Month with community programs and events. This outreach will help us raise public awareness about financial education and is particularly important for our country's present and future economic well-being. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1079.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1338, the Paycheck Fairness Act. The author has introduced this legislation for the last 10 years. It's time that we stand together for the fair payments act. It is 2008, and yet our wives, daughters, sisters still face gender- based wage discrimination. I am proud to advocate for equal pay because this is not a women's issue. This is an American issue. Discrimination on wages based on gender is unacceptable. Congress has a duty to tackle this issue. The wage gap hurts families' ability to pay for basics like groceries, child care, health care. Today 41 percent of women are heads of households and are sole income earners. We're in a recession. People have lost their homes right now. The gap continues to be there. Gas prices continue to go up. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1338, and allow for all women to receive fair treatment and equal opportunity.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on June 14th, 2008, the Congregation Emanu El of San Bernardino, California, will present to Caroldyne and Hershel Swedlove the prestigious Rabbi Norman F. Feldheym Award. The Rabbi Norman Feldheym award was established in 1983 to pay tribute to those members of the Congregation Emanu El that reflect the Rabbi's qualities of love and loyalty to the synagogue, service to their community, and the personal traits of humility and kindness. The Swedloves have been members of the Congregation Emanu El since 1966. They have long been active in supporting the congregation's endeavors, most notably their annual sponsorship of the Rosh Hashanah congregational luncheon. Caroldyne has been especially active in the community, as a member of the Sisterhood of Congregation Emanu El. She has taught in the Religious School there, while also volunteering in the Sisterhood Gift Shop. Hershel was a regular volunteer in the congregation's major fund raising activities, an effort that enabled the synagogue to pay off its mortgage. I am sure that the Swedloves are most proud of their family's involvement in the synagogue as well. Their four sons Jerome, Sheldon, Randall, and David all attended the religious school, were Bar Mitzvahed and confirmed in the synagogue and are now all active members of the Congregation as well. The Swedloves have been an important part of the Jewish community in the Inland Empire for years, as members of Paradise B'Nai B'rith and the Redlands Jewish Club, and as supporters of Jewish homes for the Aging and the Western States Jewish Historical Society. As owner- operators of Morris Automotive Supply in Fontana since 1962, they have been prominent members of the business community as well. Well known for their family traditions and unquestioned integrity, the Swedloves have been honored by the Fontana Chamber of Commerce for their excellence. I am honored to recognize Caroldyne and Hershel Swedlove for their commitment to our community. I congratulate them on an honor well deserved on the 117th anniversary of the chartering of the congregation in San Bernardino. May both the Congregation Emanu El and the Swedloves continue to serve San Bernardino for years to come.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5613, the Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008. After unsuccessful attempts at S- CHIP over the last several months, over 33,000 children in my district are still uninsured. Now the most vulnerable of beneficiaries of Medicaid, children and the disabled, are faced with a major crisis. This bill has bipartisan support, this is not about politics. It's about helping hardworking families and the poorest among us. This bill includes a moratorium of 7 CMS regulations, preventing the stripping of over $20 billion in Federal Medicaid funding over the next 5 years to States for vital programs and services. These programs and services will only shrink and shrivel if they are put against the wall to eat up these costs. Even school districts, like Rialto Unified School District from my district, will face difficult challenges in providing direct health services to the 30,000 students it currently serves. Cutting these valuable services at a time when many States, including California are facing record budget deficits is not an option. The poorest amongst us on Medicaid are most affected. We cannot turn our backs during these troubling times of increasing foreclosures and rising gas prices. Cancer does not distinguish between incomes, why should health care coverage? I support H.R. 5613, and urge my colleagues to do the honorable thing and vote for this bill.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 322, honoring the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the modern State of Israel's independence. After the horrible actions of the Holocaust, Israel was established as an independent nation. She has since blossomed into a successful, democratic, and booming nation. In times of uncertainty over the last 60 years, Israel has been a friend and a strong ally to the United States. I stand here with my colleagues and reaffirm this bond of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. We support Israel and commend the progress made as she continues to work towards peace with her Arab neighbors. I also commend all our Jewish friends in the United States whose tireless efforts contribute to Israel's success. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 322, reaffirm our friendship, and congratulate Israel on this memorable occasion.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on April 19, 2008, the city of Fontana and neighboring cities in the region will gather to celebrate the grand opening of the Lewis Library and Technology Center located in Fontana, CA. The idea for the Lewis Library and Technology Center was birthed out of the need to create a library that would house the needs of the growing community. City officials and local developers believed that a more technologically advanced library was necessary to enhance personal, professional, recreational and lifelong learning goals, a task that was unattainable through the already existing ``Emerald Street'' Library. The Lewis Library and Technology Center is the first significant new building in the region. This library creates not only a new awareness for the city, but a newfound awareness and appreciation for the Inland Empire Region. specifically the San Bernardino County area. In addition to representing a new image for the city and the region, the Lewis Library and Technology Center provides accessibility to surrounding cities like Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Colton, Ontario, Bloomington and San Bernardino. Fontana is the 5th fastest growing city in the State and the 8th fastest growing city in the Nation--population 183,640 and growing. Fontana is also a melting pot with 12 percent Black, 60 percent Hispanic, 25 percent White, with a wide variety of cultures and languages. Roughly 41 percent of our 42,000 school-age children in the classrooms are designated ``English Language Learners.'' That's 17,176 kids who need your help. The library will fulfill the community's desire for improved library services as well as establish an icon for a maturing and growing city. The Lewis Library and Technology Center will for years to come be symbolic of the city's diversity and will be representative of the advancements that have been made in Fontana. The library will be a historic monument for the city and the region. It is on behalf of the children of our community and our region that we recognize this great work and give tribute to the grand opening of the Lewis Library and Technology Center.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Chairman, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 5715, the Ensuring Student Access to Federal Student Loans Act. Access to education and equality of opportunity are rights that every American deserves. H.R. 5715 helps to protect these rights--by ensuring the turmoil in the U.S. financial markets does not keep students from accessing the federal loans they need to pay for college. Because of the current stress in the U.S. credit markets, these protections are necessary now more than ever. This responsible bill increases the loan limits on federal college loans by $2,000 for undergraduate students, and also increases the total loan limits available to students over the course of their education. H.R. 5715 also gives parents more time to begin paying off their federal PLUS loans; and helps struggling home owners by making sure that short term delinquencies in mortgage payments don't prohibit eligible parents from taking federal loans; 225 thousand students in the state of California alone use need-based student loans. It is critical that Congress takes every step necessary to ensure the credit crunch does not prevent even one of them from receiving the education they deserve. I urge my colleagues to help keep America the land of opportunity, and to cast a vote in favor of H.R. 5715.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on May 16, 2008, the San Bernardino community will gather to honor Chuck and Bobbie Terrell as they are presented with the prestigious Golden Baton Award from the San Bernardino Symphony Guild. In the Guild's 77 years of its existence, this will only be the ninth time that this honor has been awarded. The Guild is honoring them not only for their significant contribution to the San Bernardino Symphony but also for their commitment and dedication to the San Bernardino community as a whole for having spent over 50 years in the field of education. After honorably serving his country in the United States Marine Corps, Chuck began his career by teaching social science at Azusa High School in 1956. Over the next 10 years, he served as a teacher, a counselor, the director of activities, the unit administrator, and finally, as principal, starting in 1963. During those years, Bobbie supported her husband by raising their children, and also stayed active in her church, the Jr. Women's Club and the United Way. In addition to performing his duties as principal, Chuck received his education doctorate from the University of Southern California. From 1966 to 1977, Chuck served as superintendent of schools for the communities of Needles, Corona and Norco. Bobbie received her B.A. in psychology from Cal State Fullerton in 1974, and began teaching elementary school in Chino. For the past 30 years the Terrells have made their home in San Bernardino. Chuck became San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools in 1982 and worked in that capacity until his retirement in 1993. After receiving her master's degree in counseling from Cal State San Bernardino, Bobbie worked in the Alvord School District as an elementary counselor and a resource specialist. Bobbie eventually earned her school psychologist's credential from Cal State San Bernardino and became a school psychologist in the Jurupa Unified School District until her retirement in 1993. Their careers aside, I am sure the Terrells would say that their greatest accomplishment is their family, which includes their children Greg and Kathy, their six granddaughters and two great-grandchildren. In retirement, the Terrells continue to serve their community as they always have. Chuck still serves San Bernardino to this day, as president of the board of trustees for the San Bernardino Community College District. Bobbie has served as treasurer for the San Bernardino Symphony Guild for the past 4 years. Active in the Presbyterian Church, she has also served as treasurer at the presbytery level for 6 years. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the service, sacrifice, and dedication of Chuck and Bobbie Terrell. Their impact on our community over the years serves as a great reminder that a life spent educating others is a life of a true patriot.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I am here in support of House Resolution 838. As a Catholic and as a member of the Rialto St. Catherine's Church, I humbly welcome His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, on his first apostolic visit to the United States. Tomorrow we will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present a special service to His Holiness. In faith, his presence will be felt nationwide by Catholics and non- Catholics. However, His Holiness wants us to focus on Jesus Christ, not the person of the Pope. This is his wish since when he was named at the highest office of the Catholic Church, to humbly quote His Holiness, ``I shall come to the United States as pope for the first time to proclaim this great truth: Jesus Christ is hope for men and women of every language, race, culture and social condition.'' His Holiness comes with unity and hope for everyone cutting through the language barriers. ``Christ is our Hope'' is his message for us. I stand here in support of H.R. 838 and humbly welcome His Holiness to this country awaiting his message of hope and unity.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of honoring Cesar Chavez, an American hero, a role model, and an inspiration to many Americans. In this Congress I have reintroduced H. Res. 76, a resolution urging the establishment of a national holiday for Cesar Chavez. This resolution was introduced and supported by the United Farm Workers of America, Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and many other of my fellow colleagues. We are urging for a holiday to honor Cesar's memory and educate our youth and community about this remarkable yet humble leader who paved the way for many of us. Cesar Chavez is a true American hero. He carried the torch for justice and freedom. He was a beacon of light for many of us Latinos in the community. His legacy will live on in our hearts and hopes and in our dreams. To quote him, si se puede, yes, it can be done. This is the same cry we hear today, a cry of justice and equality and opportunity for all to have the American Dream here in the United States. Cesar represents the true essence of hope for many of us. From humble beginnings, Cesar was born near Yuma, Arizona, grew up in a migrant labor camp, and fought against the exploitation of workers at an early age. In 1944, Cesar joined the United States Navy and honorably served his country as a veteran. With great courage and passion, he fought to preserve the principles of freedom and equality. He used this same courage and passion to stop the exploitation of workers. Cesar was a trailblazer. In the early 1960s, he founded the United Farm Workers to gain nationwide attention of the exploitation of grape farmers, a too often forgotten labor force. He led his organization to increase protection for workers; to increase health and safety standards; to ban child labor from the field; to win fair wage guarantees; to fight against employment discrimination and the sexual harassment of female workers. Cesar's dedication to social justice meant great sacrifices. This year marks the 40th anniversary of his famous public 25-day hunger strike calling for nonviolence. Cesar organized the farm workers to stand together and in one loud voice say, ``From this day, we demand to be treated like men and we should be respected as human beings. We are not slaves. We are not animals. We are not alone.'' I was lucky enough to be part of his funeral, attended by over 50,000 people. I also had the pleasure of meeting with Cesar Chavez on many occasions in the Inland Empire. In his memory, the State of California in September of 1994 enacted a law designating March 31, Cesar's birthday, as a State holiday. However, Cesar's light reaches beyond California and across ethnic barriers and across income levels across our Nation. Ten States officially celebrate Cesar's birthday as a holiday. This month his legacy will be remembered publicly all across the Nation in over 25 States and over 35 cities. These nationwide actions are about respect, respeto. For this reason, I continue to call for the respect of a great man, a trailblazer who changed the world by using nonviolence. Cesar taught us that all workers deserve respect and dignity. Cesar, a common man with uncommon vision; a humble leader that forged together national coalitions of students, middle-class consumers, religious groups, minorities and others. The significance and impact of Cesar's life transcends any one cause or struggle. In 1994 he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in America. And yet we should have a holiday for him. His slogan, si se puede, yes, it can be done, still rings in the hearts of many Latinos and non-Latinos that it can be done and never give up because you can achieve whatever you want. Yes, I say si se puede, one day Cesar Chavez will be honored, respected and remembered throughout this Nation with a holiday. This is only the beginning. Nationwide we are raising awareness of a great man who has honored our Nation, who has served our country and sacrificed himself for the betterment of others. We will keep his legacy alive.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor a civic leader, innovative visionary, loving father and grandfather--Angel Diaz. Angel was born in Los Angeles, CA, and eventually moved to Richgrove with his family where he attended Delano High School. After graduating from Porterville College in 1961, he served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge in 1964. Upon Angel's return to the Delano area, he began an inspiring life of activism due to his passion and fervor for community betterment. As a founding member of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. he also founded Adelante, a networking database that connects over 2.5 million registered Latino households in order to relay important community messages with the greatest priority necessary. Having sat on numerous boards in positions of authority, Angel is regarded with the utmost respect by community members and leaders alike. In the past, he has served as California State president of Adelante, commissioner on the Civil Service Commission of Kern County, president of MAPA of Kern County and State 15th Senate District, State and National vice president for the Mexican American Political Association, and State vice president of the Latino American Political Association, in addition to being a member of many more. Furthermore, Angel's influence in the Central Valley as a successful advocate for health safety regarding water contamination distinguishes this man as a genuine fighter and champion for Latino children and families everywhere. Apart from owning Diaz Enterprise. Angel is also the founder and CEO of California Migrant Leadership Pre-school. It is through this school that Angel is able to successfully convey the importance of establishing a solid foundation for the educational development needs of children in order to prepare them for further academic advancement. As a result of his involvement with this school, Angel has met with a wide spectrum of politicians and community' leaders to compel them to recognize the positive ripple effect it creates for our society. Angel Diaz is not only an empowering leader, but a true friend not only to me and my family and the Latino community. I am grateful for Angel's admirable dedication to instilling positive change and leading an exemplarily life, one of whose footsteps we all hope to follow. God Bless him for love of country and mankind.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor and remember a civic leader, champion for worker's rights, loving mother and grandmother--Margot Wright. Margot passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2008. She was born in Mansfield, Ohio. She attended the Ohio State University, and remained an enthusiastic Buckeye's football fan throughout her life. In 1967, she moved to California and came to my hometown of Rialto. Here she began a long career as a tax-collections worker in San Bernardino County. Margot soon became an integral part of the Rialto community. She volunteered her time and home to feed overworked police and firefighters, help keep score at little league baseball games, and at the same time raised two wonderful children as a single parent. During her career, Margot became very involved with her local union. She held numerous terms as president of the San Bernardino Public Employees Association, the union that represents most San Bernardino County workers and counts over 11,000 members. Margot was known as a fighter, someone who took her union duties seriously and stood up to protect her fellow employees. I had the great privilege of getting to work with Margot firsthand in the community. Even just a few years ago, she was still an outspoken advocate for her community--when in 2005, she helped lead the support for the Rialto Police Department during their battle to keep the city from contracting with the County Sheriff's Department. Margot is survived by her son Todd, who is a retired Rialto police officer, her daughter Terri, and three grandchildren. Let us take the time to pay tribute to this wonderful woman. Let us celebrate the life she lived and the example she led. Although she is no longer with us, Margot's legacy and spirit will continue to live on through the lives of everyone she has touched. The thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara, my family and I are with her family at this time.