Joe Baca

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Chairman, I rise today to ask for support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, ENDA, H.R. 3685. People who do their jobs well, pay their taxes and contribute to their communities should not be singled out for unfair discrimination. This notion lies at the core of American values. Yet, millions of Americans are fired from their jobs, refused work, or paid less because of their sexual orientation. Sadly, this discrimination is legal in 39 States. This is why Federal protection is so important. H.R. 3685 provides employment protections similar to those of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This bill will provide judges with the tools necessary to end discrimination. It will protect Americans, hard-working Americans who deserve the same freedoms and governmental support given to all working Americans. Please support this important legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose the Peru Free Trade Agreement. This Peru Free Trade Agreement does not guarantee American jobs will stay right here in the United States. That is the bottom line: jobs that need to stay right here in the United States. American families have lost jobs because past trade agreements did not lead to the creation of jobs right here at home. American families are earning less now than they did before. Three million jobs have been lost, and we have an $800 billion trade deficit. We need to create jobs here. We need to help hardworking families who are struggling. Many of these American families that are struggling today to make it, we need to help them. American workers deserve it. Americans at home deserve to benefit from the global economy. We need to protect jobs, and I state we need to protect jobs from further offshoring caused by unfair trade agreements, and we have seen what has happened. Now is not the time to rush ahead with more of the same damaging NAFTA-CAFTA style trade policies that have proven to hurt the American workers, and we have seen how it has hurt the American workers and the livelihoods of many, that will benefit all and not just the wealthiest few. Vote for American workers and not for the Peru Free Trade Agreement.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for overriding the President's misguided veto of the Water Resources Development Act. This bill is long overdue. The projects funded in this bill are critical to the health, safety and quality of life in our communities around the country. This bill is necessary to better protect Americans against severe weather and flooding--and also ensure all Americans have access to clean, safe drinking water. The President's veto of WRDA is another example of misplaced priorities. We continue to spend $10 billion in Iraq, but won't spend the money necessary to make sure we never have another Katrina. This bill is about saving lives. In my district we have perchlorate contamination in much of the drinking water. H.R. 1495 invests money in researching and solving this problem--because no parent should ever have to worry that their child is going to get sick from drinking tap water. I urge my colleagues to cast a vote to keep America safe and healthy--and override this mistaken veto.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support H.R. 3867, the Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act. I want to thank my colleague, Chairperson Velazquez, for her leadership. Small business is the backbone of our economy. And I state, small business is the backbone of our economy. Over 4 million minority businesses represent almost 20 percent of all firms in this country. They generate nearly $7 billion annual revenue and employ almost 5 million workers. And I state, 5 million workers. Minorities make up 32 percent of the population of this country, but they only represent 18 percent of all small businesses. This bill will close the gap, and I state, will close the gap by improving the Small Business Administration's small and minority business procurement programs and will help disabled veterans, women, minority businesses, both Hispanic, black, Asians and others, and provides small business minority businesses the assistance they need to grow and prosper. Like in the Inland Empire where the majority of businesses are small businesses and represent the largest growth and the engine that drives the economy in the State of California, SBA 8(a) programs, which open the doors to more than half of all Federal minority business contracts, have not been updated since 1988. This bill revamps the program to improve 8(a) firms' ability to secure in the Federal sector. It is time to level the playing field so the small minority business firms have equal access to Federal contracts. Every dollar invested in the 8(a) program results in over $4 million in contracts to minority entrepreneurs. This translates into more jobs across the Nation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Clay in reference to H.R. 778. I would also like to thank my good friend Zoe Lofgren for her work with the California delegation and her leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor in a bipartisan fashion. And I state ``in a bipartisan fashion'' because it impacts the whole State of California. Last week's disaster was a painful time for all of us in the communities of Southern California. Recent estimates show that the fire destroyed over 2,800 structures, including over 2,000 homes. And the fires also destroyed more than 500 acres of land in an area that doubles the size of New York City. Seven people were killed, 113 firefighters and 26 civilians were injured, and I state, 113 firefighters and 26 civilians were injured. These are people that were willing to fight the fires to save not only their own, but to save the lives of many individuals who were impacted. This past weekend, I had a chance to see the devastation firsthand and visit with many of our evacuees in the shelter included in my district, with a total of 4,000 that we evacuated into the district at the Orange County Fairgrounds in my area. And while we can never really understand the losses suffered by so many, we share their pain. We share their pain. We stand together today united as one House first and foremost to say thank you for the heroic actions and sacrifices of the first responders. And I say ``the first responders,'' the firefighters who are willing to put themselves on the line to save many others, law enforcement officers, the National Guard, and many of the volunteers. We also stand here to say to the people of Southern California, we are with you. We are committed to rebuilding our homes and communities in California and rebuilding the lives of those who have lost so much. Our first priority right now is to make sure that everyone is housed, clothed and fed, and after that we will begin to rebuild. But once the smoke is cleared, we will work towards a long-term solution to do everything we can to prevent disasters like this from ever happening again. We have to take a realistic look at the situation. All data indicates that the fires nationwide are increasing in size and intensity. Those of us in Congress must respond to these warnings. Our planet is changing; we must acknowledge that. We need to meet the new challenges we are facing. We need to better fund our firefighters and our Forest Service. And we have to take a serious look at where we build our developments. We must do everything in our power to prevent destruction of life, property, and our environment. Let us take the time to reflect on what we have lost. And we thank God, and I say we thank God for what we still have. Let us say thanks to those heroes who pulled us through this horrible week. Let all those who have lost a home or a loved one know that we stand with you. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3963. This bill is not about politics. It is about hardworking families, the poorest amongst us. It's about 10 million children who will benefit, 10 million children that we have to put a face on. Our children. As Christians, as humanitarians, we must think of the individuals who need help, children like Kristofer and Felecity Famutimi from San Bernardino County who were hospitalized because they needed sickle cell anemia care. Their families were financially strapped. SCHIP is the only reason that they were able to pull through. For a month now, SCHIP has been under attack in the news. Enough is enough. Our children must come first. Our children must come first. We have worked hard on a bipartisan basis to include provisions by the other side. We have included language to minimize substitution of employer-sponsored coverage with SCHIP and phase out childless adults after 1 year and even clarify that CHIP is only for U.S. citizens. Only for U.S. citizens. They are trying to use scare tactics by saying that undocumented children will be able to receive it. It is only for U.S. citizens. This bill is not perfect, but we have done our part to work out the differences. Let's get our priorities straight. We spent a lot of money on the war, a war we should have never been in. Now we are talking about our children right here in the United States who need help. It is our responsibility. Our children deserve it. We must do better. I ask my colleagues to support this bill. It is important for the poorest children. Support H.R. 3963.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today in remembrance of a distinguished member of the Rialto community, Officer Sergio Carrera, Jr. While serving his community, Sergio Carrera, Jr., 29, a 4-year veteran of the force and a member of the SWAT team, lost his life in the line of duty. Despite efforts by doctors at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, Officer Carrera passed away leaving his wife, Louise Andrea Carrera, 2-year-old son, Sergio Carrera III, and 1-year- old daughter, Izabella. A dedicated member of the Rialto community, Officer Carrera was hired by the Rialto Police Department in June 2003 and loyally served 4 years of his life to ensure the safety of the citizens of Rialto. Along with Carrera's, wife and children, his father, Sergio Carrera caring mother. Aurora Carrera, and siblings, Shirley Magana and Susan Colao, mourn the sudden loss of their dear son and brother. While it is with sadness that we mourn the unexpected death of this valiant officer, we think of him with joy and fondness as we recognize his devotion to family, friends, and the city of Rialto. The use of his life to protect and ensure the safety of our community is unquestionable. Although now gone, in his absence we will remember the significance of selfless servitude that so many of our public officers show for our citizens on a daily basis. I thank Officer Sergio Carrera, Jr., for dedicating his life to the city and people of Rialto, CA. I am honored to consider him a hero and I truly appreciate all he gave to our community and our country. Barbara, my family, and I extend our deepest condolences to Officer Carrera's family during this difficult time. May God bestow his comfort upon them as they grieve the loss of their loved one.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. Over the past two days wildfires have exploded across Southern California, causing loss of life, and tens of thousands of acres of property and forest damage in San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Orange Counties. In the Inland Empire, fires have burned many acres of land across the northern part of my district in Lytle Creek, 300 acres in the Sierra Lakes neighborhood of North Fontana and 160 acres in Ontario. Thankfully those fires have now been fully contained and no homes have been reported damaged. Unfortunately, there are currently more than 5,000 acres of land still being consumed by fires in the Mountain communities adjacent to my district. At last report, more than 136 homes have been destroyed and evacuations continue in this area. Schools in San Bernardino, Fontana and Ontario have all been closed. Children and families, friends, and even some of my staff have been affected. Evacuees are receiving shelter at the National Orange Show which is down the street from my district office in San Bernardino. At last count there were around 1,800 evacuees being housed there. Unfortunately we are hearing reports that not everyone affected by this disaster is receiving shelter. The center is being administered by the American Red Cross but they are only accommodating evacuees from designated evacuation areas. Those that are homeless and victims that are evacuating themselves from non-designated areas filled with smoke are not being serviced. We should not allow self-imposed regulations to prevent service to people that are in need. We must serve all residents, including homeless individuals, regardless of identification or citizenship status. All told, an estimated 350 homes will have been destroyed by these devastating fires. This means there are going to be many homeless families that will need food and shelter. In addition, we fear that our hospitals will see an influx of people with respiratory problems. The Inland Empire is a major railway and highway transportation hub but these fires have practically shut down access to many affected communities by closing down Highway 330 and HWY 18 leaving only one road, HWY 38 available for vehicles to go up and down the mountain. We need help containing these fires so that rescue and recovery personnel can get to these communities. The San Bernardino County's Department of Public Health has issued an air quality warning because of high soot levels in the air caused by the fires and the high winds. Inhaling these dangerous chemicals will undoubtedly create respiratory problems for many of our residents. I hope the American Red Cross and other federal assistance is available to our local first responders to ensure the public health needs of all affected individuals are met. I thank President Bush for his quick response in declaring a state of emergency in the areas affected by the wildfires. In a letter sent earlier today, I asked that he gives all federal support possible, including personnel, equipment, and funding, necessary for a speedy recovery. I also thank the brave men and women on the ground, who continue to fight the wildfires and evacuate those in harm's way. Throughout the day, I will be meeting with individuals from the U.S. Forest Service to remain as informed as possible on the coordination of federal and local activities. We are working to determine the best possible course of action to prevent further spread of the wildfires, and determine what future steps must be taken to ensure a quick and full recovery for those individuals and families whose lives are affected. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry I plan to hold hearings to explore what lessons we can learn from these fires to be better prepared in the future and what steps we must take from here to ensure the fastest recovery possible.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 237. I want to thank Representative Filner for his commitment to this resolution in support of our veterans. And I say ``the support of our veterans.'' As a veteran myself who served in both the 101st and 82nd Airborne Division, I am proud to stand with our brave men and women. Today, there are over 23 million veterans living in the United States; 165,000 in Iraq and Afghanistan. In my district, we have over 32,000 veterans. There are also many veterans who serve in Congress, and I want to thank those Members who have served this country. And I salute each and every one of the Members who have served our country. To my fellow veterans, I commend you for your service. When our troops commit to serve our country, they make a promise to serve and to protect this country. We also have a moral responsibility to protect the returning veterans and their families. Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan must receive the best treatment. Sadly, for the last few years, I don't believe that our government has held its end of the bargain. The conditions at Walter Reed show us that in many cases our veterans are not receiving the care they deserve. This resolution reminds us that Veterans Day is not just a day off from school or work. This is a special day of reflection to honor those who have defended our country. I visited Israel a few years ago. There I learned how truly they respect and honor veterans in that country. Israel calls for 1 minute of silence across the whole country. The country's emergency siren goes off at 10 a.m., and all TV and radio stations are also interrupted and programs sounding the alert. Everyone then stops whatever they are doing, working, driving, anything else, and stands in silence for those heroes who have served their country. That's paying respect. My resolution also encourages schools to educate our young people about the contributions of our veterans to this country because they ultimately have made the sacrifice for the freedoms that they have to be in school and to be all that they want to be. This year, as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I have worked closely with Hispanic veterans and the Medal of Honor veteran winners from World War II until today. The stories of courage and sacrifices I've heard from them were nothing short of amazing. They deserve to be recognized and thanked, as well as every veteran who has served our country. I also believe a special thanks is necessary to the veterans and military families that are left behind. Too often we forget about the families and veterans who are left behind. They have sacrificed so much for their loved ones and for America, for America that we stand up with, America that we have always been with. You are the support system and the backbone for all of these veterans. On November 11, on Veterans Day, do not forget those who are the true heroes of this country. Reflect on the true meaning of Veterans Day, and remember the sacrifices made by so many proud American sons and daughters that we will honor on that day. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Veterans Day is about our heroes.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 721. This resolution recognizes the 60th anniversary of the landmark Mendez v. Westminster decision. I want to thank my friend, Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, for sponsoring this bill and championing the continued fight for civil and equal rights for the Latino community. The Mendez v. Westminster decision ended segregation of Mexican American students in the state of California, and set the precedent for the history making Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954. I stand here today, a Mexican American serving in Congress, because of the courage of people like Sylvia Mendez and her father, Gonzalo Mendez. They, along with other brave individuals, stood up for the 5,000 Hispanic-American children who were victims of unconstitutional discrimination, by being forced to attend separate ``Mexican'' schools in the school districts of Orange County. This resolution recognizes the significance of this anniversary, and honors Sylvia Mendez for her continued efforts to fight for equality. It also encourages our schools to teach students about the historical significance of the Mendez v. Westminster case, and the positive impact it had on the future of America. I urge my colleagues to show their support in the continuing fight against school segregation, and to cast a vote in favor of H. Res. 721.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Tim Ryan and others for organizing a special order to discuss the dangers of allowing Mexican trucks on American roads. I rise today because I am concerned that allowing Mexican trucks open access to American roads will threaten American wages and the safety on our highways. There is no question that foreign competition from lower paid Mexican drivers will compromise the hard and dedicated fight by American workers. American workers deserve fair wages for their hard work and Mexican workers should not be exploited either. There are concerns about safety including whether Mexican trucks are safe and what allowing them on U.S. highways would do. There is no question that road safety and vehicle standards in Mexico are not the same as what we require in the United States of America. I believe that both the United States and Mexico should have a strong and healthy workforce but the U.S. worker should not be the compromise. Let us protect the American worker and not compromise the safety and well-being of our children and families.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the SCHIP program. President Bush's veto on SCHIP has abandoned at least 24,000 children in my District alone. President Bush claims we want ``gimmicks'' and ``funding schemes''--we don't want gimmicks we want insurance for 8.7 million uninsured children. Children like Kristofer and Felecity Famutimi from San Bernardino County, whose hospital care for sickle cell anemia crippled the family financially. Their mom, Ola had to quit her job to take care of them. SCHIP is the only reason they have pulled through. President Bush claims that Democrats are ``putting health coverage for poor children at risk--to gain political points''. I am not voting for politics, I am voting for the 33,000 children in my District who are currently uninsured. Covering 800,000 children costs the same as 1 week of the war in Iraq. It is time America gets her priorities in order. I urge my colleagues to secure the futures of our Nations' poorest children by voting to override the President's veto.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I commend my friend Grace Napolitano for her leadership on this amendment. This amendment is about protecting American jobs, and I state, about protecting American jobs. It's about ensuring the safety of our workers and our communities. It's about securing our Nation's borders. We must not let the railroad industry outsource this important work. The safety and security of our Nation depends on it. Ten thousand trains enter the United States from Mexico each year. We must ensure the highest standards for safety inspections of these trains. American workers know how to do it best. This amendment ensures the highest safety, training and enforcement standards are met. In the wake of 9/11 and in light of the train derailments we've seen, and I know that in my district we had one, it is the least we can do to enhance the safety of our community and ensure our Nation's safety. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of Grace Napolitano's amendment.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask for support of the RESTORE Act. It provides important tools to support U.S. intelligence gathering efforts and protects against terrorists. And it does so while safeguarding Americans' civil liberties. I hope that as the legislative process plays out, the issue of carrier immunity is dealt with in a manner that will facilitate cooperation. Obtaining intelligence to protect our country against terrorists is the ultimate goal and this bill does this in a fair and balanced manner. Innocent Americans will have stronger protections and the intelligence needed to protect our country will not be compromised. Accountability is always a good thing. We will have much needed congressional oversight, compliance reports from the Attorney General and audit reports by the Inspector General of the Department of Justice. The RESTORE Act is a great balance and a positive move in the right direction. Please support this important legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 734, a resolution that discloses the corruptive withholding of information in Iraq. The Administration cannot continue to hide corruption in the Iraqi Government. We cannot allow this abuse of the classification process. Americans have the right to know the truth about the situation in Iraq. The fact of the matter is, our military presence in Iraq is not making our country any safer. Instead, in my district alone, we have lost 13 brave young men to this war. The Iraq War is costing the American taxpayers ten billion dollars a month. With the money we have spent in Iraq, we could have hired an additional 7.8 million teachers. Americans should be outraged by this abuse of the system. Americans are paying for the war with their money and more importantly, the lives of their loved ones. I urge my colleagues to cast a vote for honesty and accountability by supporting this resolution.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 448. This bipartisan resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should establish a National Cancer Research Month. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the American Association for Cancer Research. Thanks to research and expanded cancer education, we have more early detectors, preventative measures, and treatments for cancer than ever before. But we still have a long road ahead of us. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the San Bernardino County alone, nearly 2,500 Americans will die from a cancer-related illness in the upcoming year. Every American is touched by this horrible disease; thanks to great strides, the number of cancer-related deaths is declining. Strengthening research and public awareness of cancer will lead to more scientific breakthroughs that can increase survival rates for cancer patients--and give our cancer survivors a better quality of life. I urge my colleagues to cast a vote for hope, and to support this vital resolution.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. One in seven households now spends more than half of its income on housing and nearly one million men, women, and children are homeless. How can we claim to be the leader of the free world yet allow so many of our own to be chained by the bonds of poverty? Unfortunately, there are no programs to help build housing for low- income households. This bill will construct affordable housing for the poorest among us who need it the most. It will help families who have lost their homes in the subprime mortgage crisis or due to a family financial crisis, such as ill health or job loss. It will also help reduce homelessness and the number of Americans living in unsafe housing conditions. Because of this bill, more nurses, teachers, firefighters, and police officers throughout California will have access to affordable housing. The bottom line is that no family should have to choose between paying for food and medicine and safe, decent housing. H.R. 2895 restores our Nation's promise of a decent home for every American family and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support of H. Res. 717, the ``Privileged Resolution on the Passing of the Honorable Jo Ann Davis'' Today we stand in remembrance of a distinguished member of the 110th Congress, Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, who after a two year battle with Breast Cancer has passed away. Her husband, Chuck Davis, battalion chief for the Hampton Fire Department; two sons, Christopher and Charles Davis, and extended family survive her, remembering the incredible legacy Congresswoman Davis has left behind her. A woman of modest beginnings, Congresswoman Davis knew the meaning of hard work and proved headstrong and committed as she worked her way to becoming the first Republican woman to lead the First District of Virginia. She would maintain her leadership there for 7 years. She has been praised for her commitment to Armed Services, and commended for her commitment to researching and pursuing legislative reform. Her determination to pursue change and prevail over hardships knew no bounds, even in her fight against breast cancer. Even in this moment of memorial, her presence and upstanding character is reflected as we discuss a recommitment of H.R. 1124--a bill providing financial assistance to low-income students and ensuring a brighter future for all Virginian youth. Because of the Congresswoman's ongoing commitment to preserving life on a social and political level, my colleagues and I will make great strides to continue supporting breast cancer awareness and the wellbeing of all Americans. In her memory we will continue to uphold two priorities to which she was greatly dedicated. While it is with sadness that we say goodbye to an incredible woman, we think of her with joy and fondness as we remember her devotion to creating a better America. The use of her life to benefit ``America's First District of Virginia'' is unquestionable and has served to ensure a sense of responsibility among her fellow colleagues in the 109th and 100th Congress. I thank Congresswoman Davis for dedicating her life to service on the behalf of the 1st District of Virginia. I am honored to have worked with her and I truly appreciate all she has given. Her efforts have touched many lives and her exceptional impact upon our country will create a lasting legacy for generations to come. Congresswoman Davis will be greatly missed.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support of House Resolution 32 the Denouncement to the Suppression of Women. Thousands of women a year fall victim to societies that deem them unworthy and in turn suffer at the hands of discrimination and violence. We must recognize that this violence is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women and it must be eliminated. Too many women are continuously tortured, beaten, mutilated and assaulted by husbands, fathers, and complete strangers without hope for support or promise of a safe haven to run to. Domestic violence is the major cause of death and disability for women aged 16 to 44, accounting for more death and ill-health than cancer or traffic accidents. More than 60 million women are ``missing'' from the world today as a result of sex-selective abortions and female infanticide. The World Health Organization has reported that up to 70 per cent of female murder victims are killed by their male partners. As Americans, citizens striving to preserve human life and oppose the discrimination of any person, we must move to impair these malevolent occurrences in full force. United, we must denounce these demeaning practices and fervently demand an end to this persecution and a commitment to preserving the rights of female populations all over the world. No longer can we stand silent while thousands of women fall victim to cultural prejudice and international trafficking. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. The preservation of female rights must be a priority to this the 110th Congress as we continue to work towards ensuring democratic ideals worldwide.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3648, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007. Among large metro areas my district in the Inland Empire has the fourth highest rate of foreclosure filings in the Nation and was the hardest hit area in California through the first half of 2007. In San Bernardino County alone there were 19,185 foreclosure filings during the first half of 2007, representing a staggering 345 percent increase from the previous year. Overall, there is one foreclosure filing for every 33 households in the Inland Empire. These numbers go to show that the subprime crisis we are experiencing today is not an abstract issue. These are real people who are going through painful struggles to stay in their home and keep their families together. Regrettably, when banks and loan servicers decide to help these families by forgiving a part of a loan, that debt is then treated as a source of income which in turn makes the forgiven amount subject to tax. Families who are already facing foreclosure should not have to face the additional burden of paying tax on phantom income. This bill restores fairness for homeowners who are financially and economically distressed by eliminating that requirement. It will play a central role in helping American families avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I'd like to thank my colleagues, Congressman Tanner and Congressman Abercrombie, for their hard work on this issue and their dedication to a new direction forward in Iraq. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3087. Mr. Speaker, a change of course in Iraq is long overdue. The cost of this war is already too high. America has spent over $455 billion and lost more than 3,700 lives in Iraq. This responsible legislation would require the President and senior administration officials to develop and submit a comprehensive redeployment strategy to Congress within 60 days, and every 90 days thereafter. Additionally, this bill recognizes that the U.S. Armed Forces and U.S. civilians have worked valiantly, and that it is time for Iraq to manage its future. The bill also notes that when Congress authorized military force in 2002, it was concerned about an Iraqi government that has since been removed from power. The brave men and women of America's armed forces have served their country valiantly and will continue to do so. But it is time to bring them home from Iraq. We must refocus our mission on the global threat of terrorism. As a veteran, I voted against this war in 2002 because no one could convince me why we needed to be there. Now, after five years of the President's failed policies, Congress must take action. I urge my colleagues to cast a vote for a new direction in Iraq and for the future security of America, and support H.R. 3087.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I rise today to honor Linda Chavez- Thompson, executive vice president of the AFL-CIO, on the occasion of her retirement. Elected to this post in 1995, Chavez-Thompson became the first woman and person of color to be chosen for one of the federation's three highest offices. As a second-generation American of Mexican descent, Chavez-Thompson personifies the American dream. Born in Lubbock, TX to cotton sharecroppers, Chavez-Thompson toiled the fields to help supplement her family's income. After making 30 cents an hour picking cotton, Chavez- Thompson rose through the ranks of the labor movement, beginning her career as a union secretary at the local AFSCME chapter, the labor union to which her father belonged. In her capacity as executive vice president of the labor federation, Chavez-Thompson has worked tirelessly to strengthen State and local labor movements and has served as a strong voice on behalf of civil, human and immigrant workers' rights. She serves as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee, and serves as the president of the Inter-American Regional Organization of Workers, ORIT, which is the Western Hemispheric arm of the International Trade Union Confederation. In retirement Chavez-Thompson will continue to pioneer new territory as the first AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Emeritus. In this capacity, she will continue to provide her leadership to state and local labor councils and communities throughout the country, and will continue her important international work. Her determined work on behalf of all workers, especially women, people of color, people with disabilities and immigrants will continue. In making this difficult decision to retire after more than 40 years of service to the labor movement, Chavez-Thompson expressed, ``You . . . have given me the opportunity of a lifetime, which was to go where I never dreamed I could go, and do more than I ever dreamed I could do.'' For lending her talents, passion and vision to the effort of bringing justice to workers, we are all thankful to Chavez-Thompson. She has marched and spoken on behalf of those who often labor without a voice and has inspired us all to continue this important work for workers across the world.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I rise to support of H.R. 3121 a bill that will modernize and reform FEMA's flood insurance program and thank Chairman Frank and Maxine Waters for their leadership on this legislation. This bill will provide long overdue and much-needed reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program, NFIP, and update the program to meet the needs of the 21st century. Hurricane Katrina caused property damage from both wind and flooding in parts of five parishes of Louisiana, three counties of Mississippi, and two counties of Alabama. Yet insurance companies in those areas have refused to count claims where property damage was a result of both wind and water. Instead, for 2 years they engaged in the practice of denying and delaying claims and took advantage of the desperation of disaster victims who lost everything. This bill provides fair and equitable protection of combined wind and flood losses by allowing property owners to purchase wind and flood coverage in a single policy. It will help us right that wrong for many victims. As we saw during Hurricane Katrina, FEMA's maps are significantly outdated, often understating flood risk and leaving homeowners without enough information to protect themselves. I am pleased that this bill includes provisions to address this problem by requiring FEMA to conduct a thorough review of the nation's flood maps, making the updating and modernization of flood maps an ongoing process, and increasing funding for mapping. H.R. 3121 addresses a number of weaknesses in the Flood Insurance Program that were exposed by the unprecedented 2005 hurricane season. It is a strong bill that will ensure the program's continued viability, encourage broader participation, and increase financial accountability. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, this bill requires the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an interim standard to protect workers in the popcorn manufacturing and flavoring industries and gives time to work on a permanent standard. I urge support of H.R. 2693, the ``Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Act.'' Every time we microwave a bag of popcorn, we are contributing to lung disease. Every time we purchase popcorn at the local grocery store, we are contributing to lung disease. Let's be responsible and start contributing to a solution. Let's make sure that we support workplace safety legislation. There is no excuse for workers to need lung transplants or to die just because they are making popcorn for our pleasure. There is no reason why children should lose a parent from dying of ``Popcorn Lung.'' Yes, this disease is rare, but it is also irreversible and deadly. OSHA must issue control measures and education measures to prevent this from happening and to minimize worker exposure. There is no excuse! Tens of thousands of food processing workers report to work each day and are exposed to this dangerous chemical without any controls. This bill will give OSHA two (2) years to decide on a final standard for permissible exposure limits. That time limit is fair and just. Let's contribute to a solution and put an end to popcorn lung disease! Americans have a right to be safe at work, to breathe easily and to raise their families knowing that their government will protect them from dangerous chemicals. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2693.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 326, the resolution that commemorates the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in our Nation's Capital. As a Vietnam-era Veteran myself, I want to thank my colleague, Representative Hooley from Oregon, for introducing this resolution that celebrates the dedication of a special Memorial that has come to be such a physical reminder of what this Nation went through as a whole. The Memorial takes me back to a time when my friends and I left our families behind. I was fortunate to come back home, some of my friends were not. The beautiful black granite memorial contains 58,256 names of soldiers who died or remain missing. We honor those soldiers. To their families we pay our respects and cannot say thank you enough. Each time I look upon the etched names on the memorial, I am reminded of the deep rooted sacrifice of Americans so many years ago. I wish to have my great, great grandchildren be able to visit the memorial and be able to sense the same thing. It is easy for me to remember, I lived it. However, our future generations must not forget that America would be very different had it not been for the sacrifice of these honorable soldiers. I am glad to be able to be a part of this special recognition. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 5 and reflect the great sacrifices of true American heroes.