Joe Baca

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.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I support the Children's Health Insurance Program Act. It's a shame that we live in the richest country of the world, yet 3.8 million children are uninsured. 33,000 of these children are in my District. This bill is not about politics, it's about helping hardworking families and the poorest among us. Leaving children uninsured is unacceptable. With health care costs going up, working families are on the edge. Expanding coverage is the only solution. I am disappointed that this bill does not cover pregnant women and children who are legal permanent residents. This is a health care issue, not an immigration issue. A simple pre-natal exam can detect future complications and prevent costly visits to the emergency room. This would save tax payers millions of dollars in the end. No mother who is working here legally and paying taxes should have to choose between buying baby formula and taking her infant to the doctor. No child should die from a sore throat or be denied access to lifesaving treatments. It costs less than $3.50 a day to cover a child through SCHIP. This is not the time to play politics, our children must come first. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I rise in support of H. Res. 443, which recognizes the service of the 65th Infantry Borinqueneers during the Korean War and the continued service of Puerto Ricans in the Armed Services. The Korean War was fought with the sweat and tears of many Americans. The 65th Infantry Regiment was the only Hispanic-segregated unit in United States military history. Mandated by Congress, the unit was compromised by a majority of Puerto Ricans. These honorable soldiers fought at the front of the Korean lines like any other American soldiers. The unit received a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Republic of Korea Unit Citations. In addition, we continue to be fortunate enough to count on the service of Puerto Ricans today. This July, Captain Maria Ortiz, a Puerto Rican, was killed by a mortar attack in the Green Zone in Baghdad. She was the first army nurse to be killed in combat since the Vietnam War. Today I stand proud with my colleagues and thank our Puerto Rican soldiers who have fought and will continue to fight so bravely for the great democracy that we enjoy. As a fellow Vietnam-era veteran, I salute you. I urge my colleagues to support and pass H. Res. 443 and recognize the great work of our Puerto Rican soldiers.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I rise to express my strong support for H.R. 2881, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. The first half of 2007 has included the worst record in history for airline delays. So far, more than one quarter of all flights this year have been delayed. Yet, airline traffic is expected to grow at a rapid pace--with a tripling of the number of passengers flying by the year 2025. H.R. 2881 is an important first step in addressing America's transportation dilemma. It modernizes our aging air traffic control system, and strengthens airport infrastructure to reduce delays and improve safety. This bill provides the necessary funds to improve America's airport infrastructure. H.R. 2881 also includes critical consumer protections by creating a Passenger Bill of Rights, which provides for emergency contingency plans and greater oversight by the FAA into flight delays. In the area I represent, southern California, flight delays and congestion are a major problem. H.R. 2881 provides much needed reforms to help my local airport, the LA/Ontario International Airport, improve its infrastructure--so it may accommodate much of the expected increase in air traffic for the area in the coming years. These reforms will reduce delays, increase capacity, enhance security, and promote new competition at Ontario airport and ultimately help generate much needed economic development and job growth in my district. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 2881 is vital to modernizing America's air traffic system, reducing flight delays, and ensuring our Nation is prepared for the massive increases in number of flights we will see over the next decade. Again, I express my full support of this bill and urge my fellow colleagues to adopt its final passage.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Chairman, I rise to express my strong support for H.R. 1852, the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007. This bill updates the FHA program so it can provide better mortgage options to low and moderate income families and minorities. This is important because the FHA program has not kept up with the needs of underserved communities, especially those in high cost areas like California. As a result, many families have turned to high cost and riskier subprime loans. Because of the high number of subprime loans granted in the last few years--our Nation is now in a home foreclosure crisis. The Inland Empire has the fourth highest rate of foreclosure filings in the Nation and comprised the hardest hit area in California through the first half of 2007. According to the Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire, in San Bernardino County alone there were over 19,000 foreclosure filings in the first half of 2007. The current median home price in San Bernardino County is only affordable for 2 out of every 10 families. H.R. 1852 will raise the FHA loan limit so that these hard-working families get a fair chance at getting a better deal for their home. The reforms in H.R. 1852 will allow the FHA program to reach into these underserved communities to provide low and moderate-income buyers a better deal at a fair price. Again, Madam Chairman, I express my full support of this bill and urge my fellow colleagues to adopt its final passage.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on November 27, 2007, the California School Boards Association, along with over 3,000 school board members from across the state, will gather to honor Dr. Kathy Kinley and her ongoing efforts to improve life and education for our children. As a product of the California school system, Dr. Kinley has become a prestigious member of our community holding a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of La Verne. Before earning her doctorate, she received a bachelor's degree in English and political science from San Diego State University and a master's degree in school administration from California State University, San Bernardino. Dr. Kinley has played a multifaceted leadership role in our school districts. Kathy began her career with the California Education System as a teacher and later went on to serve as principal of De Anza Middle School in San Bernardino County's Ontario-Montclair School District. Along with participating in the classroom, she has also dedicated herself as an active member of CSBA's Delegate Assembly since 1984 and CSBA's Board of Directors since 1996 serving on a number of committees including the Budget Committee, the Legislative Committee and the Federal Issues Council. As President of CSBA, Dr. Kinley has committed herself to closing the education achievement gap that creates a barrier for many Latino, black, American Indian, and underprivileged youth in our California school districts. She has embraced a mission to ensure the futures of all children and has pushed schools to encourage students to aspire above their circumstances, so that they too might become incredible leaders. Along with her colleagues, Dr. Kinley sees the incredible resource that lies in the hands of our children and has dedicated her life and career to ensuring that the resource of our younger generation is protected and cultivated. There is no question of why such an incredible leader was honored with the title of Woman of the Year by the Kudos for Kids Foundation during their 61st annual Amazing Woman Award assembly. Dr. Kinley has made a direct impact on the lives of millions of teachers, students, and families. Our communities have benefited and will continue to see the fruits of her labor unfold. Because of her passion and talent more students will have a chance to achieve their dreams because of her belief that all students deserve an open door to educational excellence. She has made headway in closing a gap that before seemed like an insurmountable goal. It is for relentless dedication, perseverance, passion, and visionary leadership that we recognize, with great gratitude, Dr. Kathy Kinley for today.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, on the morning of September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children were murdered when Islamic terrorists hijacked and crashed four civilian aircraft. This resolution recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those taken from their families and loved ones--and a day for Americans to recommit to the nation and to each other. We pay tribute to the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of first responders, law enforcement personnel, state and local officials, volunteers, and others who aided the innocent victims and bravely risked their own lives and health. And we rise to give thanks to the foreign leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism in the aftermath of these terrible attacks. Mr. Speaker, we will never forget those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The House remains committed to defeating terrorists and their supporters who threaten the United States and to providing our armed forces with the resources and support to do so effectively and safely. Let us honor the victims of 9/11, and reaffirm our commitment to defending America from those who would do us harm.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the reauthorization of H.R. 2786, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act (NAHASDA). However, I want to register my strong opposition to two amendments which were accepted during today's floor consideration: the Watt and Boren amendments. Both of these amendments would prohibit NAHASDA funds from going to the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma until it fully recognizes all Cherokee Freedmen and their descendants as citizens of the Cherokee Nation. The status of the Freedmen descendents under the 1866 Treaty is a complex legal issue with a long history. Currently, it is being addressed before the Tribal Courts system. I think it would be premature for Congress to intervene before the courts have had a chance to examine the legal issues surrounding this case. I also believe these amendments would set a bad precedent for the basic constitutional values of due process and the role of the judicial branch in resolving legal disputes. NAHASDA is intended to provide housing assistance to low-income families on Indian country. These amendments are not only non-germane; they would harm the most vulnerable members of the Nation. I urge my colleagues to wait on the courts to rule on this case before legislating.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 2358, the Native American One Dollar Coin Act. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Dale Kildee, for sponsoring this bill and for all his great work as head of the Native American Caucus. I also would like to thank Chairman Frank for his efforts in guiding this bill through the Financial Services Committee. This bill honors the history of the American Indian culture by authorizing the Treasury Department to mint and distribute coins that commemorate the contributions of Native Americans. By annually changing the design on the reverse side of the Sacagawea coin, Americans everywhere will be exposed to more of the unique histories of our country's native inhabitants. At the same time, this legislation ensures we still pay tribute to Sacagawea, the young woman who bravely guided Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific coast. The Native American one dollar coin is a fitting way to pay tribute to Native Americans while also educating current and future generations on their many contributions to the United States. I urge my colleagues to support increased appreciation of the Native American culture, and cast a vote in favor of H.R. 2358.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I rise in strong support of SCHIP or the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act, CHAMP. There are 45 million uninsured, and 6 million are children. These are children that are being impacted. We talk about having productive children in our school systems, improving the quality of life. You can't do it without a clean bill of health. We have the responsibility for our children. More than 70 percent of uninsured Hispanic children eligible for public coverage are not enrolled. This is unacceptable. The CHAMP Act takes significant steps in reducing the barriers for all children and seniors of color in our community. Unfortunately, some of the Members are using this legislation as an opportunity to debate unrelated health care, specifically, immigration policies and other issues. We need to make sure that we support the CHAMP act. A vote for CHAMP will help more citizen children get access to health coverage which can be a difference between life and death.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 2831, The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007. I want to thank my friend, Congressman George Miller, for sponsoring this bill and for his tireless efforts on behalf of working American families everywhere. This past May, the Supreme Court handed down a decision with disastrous consequences for many Americans. With their ruling on the Ledbetter v. Goodyear case, the Court severely limited the right of workers to sue their employers for discrimination in pay. If allowed to stand, this decision will strip many of the rights of employees who have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, or religion. Today's bill rectifies the Supreme Court's misguided decision. By restoring the longstanding interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act--Congress is ensuring that every American has the basic workplace protection they deserve. Currently--women earn 76 cents to every dollar a man earns. This is unacceptable. Discrimination in the workplace must no longer be tolerated. We must ensure equal pay for equal work. It is our duty to protect the rights of every American--no matter their skin color, gender, or income level. I urge my colleagues to protect the rights of working Americans and to vote in favor of H.R. 2831.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support for this farm bill. Let me say that clearly this bill does not increase taxes. As chair of the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry, I want to say that I am especially proud of this farm bill, what it does for the nutrition of minorities, seniors, disabled, single parents and for our veterans. Right now there are 38 million Americans who do not have enough to eat. Eleven percent of the population are going hungry. Today in the Latino community and the African American community, that rate is double. This farm bill fights hunger in America by making an historic investment in nutrition. Our nutrition title will benefit over 13 million American families. Currently the average food stamp recipient receives only $21 a week. That is unacceptable. This farm bill will make food stamps keep up with the cost of living. Gas, health care, housing and grocery bills have gone up, but food stamps haven't kept up. We are going to change that. This is going to help working families, our disabled, our senior citizens, our veterans and our single parents. Most importantly, it is going to help our children. Fifty percent of food stamp recipients are kids. That is what this farm bill is about: feeding our children; leaving no child behind. This farm bill will ensure that children will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables in all schools by expanding the USDA snack program to all 50 States. This farm bill ensures that senior citizens and disabled adults have enough to eat by continuing the Commodity Foods Supplemental Program and expanding access to farmers' markets. What it will also do is help military families. For the first time, this bill exempts military combat pay from being counted against the income of men and women who are fighting for us. Madam Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill. It is an excellent bill that meets needs across America and helps all of us. We're also going to make it easier for them to handle their paperwork processing by allowing telephone signatures. And what about our military families? This is the first Farm Bill to exempt Special Military Combat pay from being counted against our military families who are trying to make ends meet while their loved ones are serving in places like Iraq or Afghanistan. We have fought to ensure that Food Stamps cannot be privatized--and we have taken an extra step in this Farm Bill to remove the stigma in the Food Stamp program. We are going to eliminate embarrassing coupons, transition everyone to EBT cards and change the name of the program to the Secure Supplemental Nutrition Access Program, or SSNAP. Now our working families will be able to go to the store, swipe their SSNAP cards and bring food home to their children with dignity. We also help support our food banks and soup kitchens by giving large increases to The Emergency Food Assistance Program. The ``TEE-FAP'' not only serves our homeless, but provides life- saving assistance to our families after natural disasters, like Hurricane Katrina. Simply put, this Farm Bill strengthens our Nutrition safety net like no other firm bill has ever done before! This farm bill is also historic in its commitment to diversity in Agriculture. This bill increases agriculture opportunities for underserved communities such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian-Pacific Islanders. We give $150 million dollars in mandatory funding for outreach to small and socially disadvantaged farmers. This bill also requires an annual report to Congress to see if our outreach to minority farmers is working. The Farm Bill also creates an Advisory Board to deal with civil rights violations. We require that 10 percent of conservation funding go to our small and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The Farm Bill also creates new programs and increases funding for minority serving institutions and tribal colleges. In addition--we have preserved the Davis-Bacon provision to ensure workers in rural America earn a decent wage. We have worked hard to create a Reform Farm Bill that includes all of us--farmers, working families, minorities, urban communities, rural America. This bill is a good bill that will ensure that all Americans get a fair shot. It makes a historic investment in nutrition and increases opportunities for traditionally underserved communities. I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 535, a resolution to honor the leadership, in raising awareness of hate crimes, of David Ray Ritcheson, a Mexican American who was severely assaulted on April 23, 2006, and passed away last week. Role models come in all shapes and sizes. Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr, Cesar Chavez, are all great role models who led by example. Just a few months ago, in our halls of Congress, David Ray Ritcheson at the young age of 18 exposed the harsh reality of hate crimes through his personal experience. Today, we honor his efforts and leadership on this issue. After having survived one of the most horrific hate-motivated criminal acts, David Ray courageously testified in support of the ``Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007,'' H.R. 1592, which passed the House on May 3, 2007. In his testimony he stated: ``It has been a blessing to know that the most terrible day of my life may help put another human face on the campaign'', ``education can have an important impact by teaching against hate and bigotry''. We must continue his efforts. My prayers are with his family in their time of need. We must not forget one of our present day's great role models. David Ray has and will continue to be a strong reason why hate crimes must be exposed. I urge my colleagues to carry on his efforts to put an end to all hate crimes, and vote for this important legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, HACU, National Internship Program in providing Hispanic students invaluable real world working experiences that have allowed these students to make more educated career choices. Over the past 15 years, the HACU National Internship Program (HNIP) has offered more than 6,500 meaningful paid internships with federal and corporate partners during spring, summer and fall sessions. HNIP has become the largest Hispanic college internship program in the United States. On July 26, 2007, the HACU National Internship Program will celebrate its 15th Anniversary at a Gala in Washington, DC. This gala will showcase the achievements of former and current interns as part of a summer-long itinerary of special events marking this remarkable program's first 15 years. We applaud HACU and the HACU National Internship Program for exposing these students to public- and private-sector career opportunities and specifically helping address the historic underrepresentation of Hispanics in the federal work force. The HACU National Internship program began in 1992 with 24 interns. In 2006 alone, the program provided internships to 616 college students in 22 federal agencies and nine private corporations. This competitive program selects top students from among HACU's 450 member and partner colleges and universities, which collectively serve more than two-thirds of all Hispanic higher education students. HNIP provides meaningful work experiences to these students by matching their skills and career goals with the objectives of federal and corporate partners, enabling these students to make more informed career choices. The Office of Personnel Management, OPM, also recognizes the value of the HACU National Internship Program and has included it as a best practice in its fourth annual report on Hispanic Employment in the Federal Government. As the youngest and now largest ethnic population, Hispanics already make up one of every three new workers in the overall workforce, and by 2050 are projected to make up one of every two new workers. Yet, it is well documented that Hispanics remain the only underrepresented ethnic group in the Federal Government. Today, Hispanics represent 7.5 percent of the Federal workforce--5.1 percent below the current civilian labor employment level. With the help of HNIP we are lowering this gap and creating a pipeline of qualified Hispanics in the Federal workforce. We salute the HACU National Internship Program and applaud its success at opening the doors of opportunity for new generations of exceptional students while enhancing workforce diversity.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a veteran who served in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Division in support of H.R. 2956, the Responsible Redeployment From Iraq Act. This war is a failure, and it's time to bring back our troops. We can no longer stay the course. Mr. Speaker, the President's policy has been a complete failure. We have lost too many lives. There are too many wounded who will never have normal lives. We're proud of our troops and the service they have provided to our country. But our troops are now trapped in the middle of a civil war that we cannot end. This is something that the Iraqi people must do for themselves. Our military presence in Iraq is not making our country safer. Instead, the war has taken the lives of 3,610 soldiers. In my district alone, we have lost 13 brave men and women, and when I see their faces and their families that have to deal with these individuals that have lost their lives, we're proud of them, but they've lost their lives, and the families who continue to suffer. CA-43's Fallen Soldiers in Iraq Rialto Staff Sgt. Jorge A. Molina Bautista: Hometown: Rialto, California, U.S. Age: 37 years old. Died: May 23, 2004 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Marines, 1st Light Armored Reconnaisance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Incident: Killed by hostile fire in Anbar province. Spec. Luis D. Santos: Hometown: Rialto, California, U.S. Age: 20 years old. Died: June 8, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. Incident: Died of injuries sustained when a makeshift bomb exploded near his Humvee during combat operations in Buritz. Spec. Victor A. Garcia: Hometown: Rialto, California, U.S. Age: 22 years old. Died: July 1, 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. Incident: Killed by enemy small arms fire in Baghdad. Pfc. William A. Farrar Jr.: Hometown: Redlands, California, U.S. Age: 20 years old. Died: May 11, 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Army, 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, Darmstadt, Germany. Incident: Killed when a makeshift bomb device detonated near his vehicle in Iskandariyah. Son of Rialto Police Captain Tony Farrar. Bloomington Cpl. Joseph A. Blanco: Hometown: Bloomington, California, U.S. Age: 25 years old. Died: April 11, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Army, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Tex. Incident: Died of injuries sustained when a makeshift bomb exploded near his Bradley fighting vehicle and he subsequently came under small arms fire during combat operations in Taji. Fontana Lance Cpl. Fernando S. Tamayo: Hometown: Fontana, California, U.S. Age: 19 years old. Died: December 21, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Marines, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. Incident: Died while conducting combat operations in Anbar Province. Sgt. Bryan A. Brewster: Hometown: Fontana, California, U.S. Age: 24 years old. Died: May 5, 2006 in Operation Enduring Freedom. Unit: Army, 3rd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum N.Y. Incident: Killed when his CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed during combat operations east of Abad, Afghanistan. San Bernardino Cpl. Nicanor Alvarez: Hometown: San Bernardino, California, U.S. Age: 22 years old. Died: August 21, 2004 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Marines, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Incident: Killed by enemy action in Anbar province. Pfc. Alex Oceguera: Hometown: San Bernardino, California, U.S. Age: 19 years old. Died: October 31, 2006 in Operation Enduring Freedom. Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Incident: Killed when a makeshift bomb detonated near his vehicle in Wygal Valley, Afghanistan. Cpl. Sean R. Grilley: Hometown: San Bernardino, California, U.S. Age: 24 years old. Died: October 16, 2003 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Army, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. Incident: Killed while negotiating with Iraqis congregating near a mosque after curfew in Karbala when the Iraqis opened fire. Spec. Timothy D. Watkins: Hometown: San Bernardino, California, U.S. Age: 24 years old. Died: October 15, 2005 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Army, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga. Incident: Killed when a makeshift bomb exploded near his Bradley fighting vehicle during combat operations in Ar Ramadi. Ontario Spec. Jose R. Perez: Hometown: Ontario, California, U.S. Age: 21 years old. Died: October 18, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany. Incident: Killed by enemy small arms fire in Ramadi. Sgt. 1st Class Rudy A. Salcido: Hometown: Ontario, California, U.S. Age: 31 years old. Died: November 9, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unit: Army National Guard, 1114th Transportation Company, Army National Guard, Bakersfield, Calif. Incident: Killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy vehicle in Baghdad. As a veteran, I say that this war was wrong because you could not convince me why we were there in the first place. The President sent our troops away without proper training or equipment or proof of weapons of mass destruction. The President believes that Iraq is making our country safer. This is not true. It has put more of us in greater risk. Our military is stretched too thin. We are at risk of not being prepared for any future emergency. The Iraq war has cost billions of dollars, $650 billion, $10 billion a month. The money could be used to defend homeland security, for police officers, for highway patrol officers, for fire fighters, for sheriffs, for education, for health care and our seniors. A change in course in Iraq is overdue. We must bring our troops home now. It's time for a new direction. We must support this resolution.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. I want to thank my colleague for yielding. I rise also to support the Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007. I want to thank my good friend from California, Chairman Maxine Waters, for sponsoring this vital legislation. I also want to thank our chair, Chairman Frank, for his leadership and guidance in this committee. Mr. Chairman, in 2004, when the administration decided to change the funding formula for section 8 vouchers, drastic cuts were made to the number of vouchers available. These cuts hurt needy families throughout the Nation and throughout my district. We are talking about seniors, low-income families, disabled, the poor, the disadvantaged. In my district alone, section 8 housing vouchers, public housing units, provide affordable housing for more than 32,000 people. Can you imagine, 32,000 people right now, children and others, that would not have a home, not have a place to rent, that would be homeless if it hadn't been for section 8? This bill reverses the cut and adds an additional 20,000 vouchers so that families are not forced to choose between paying for food, their medication or rent. We are talking about people that can't afford housing, even right now, with the inflation and the cost that is going on right now. We have got to make sure that they have a home, they have stability, and they have a roof over their head, especially for our children. I appreciate my colleague on the other side, Gary Miller, supporting this legislation as well. We worked on some of the amendments. I appreciate that very much. It also contains key provisions that strengthen section 8 programs, including protection for individuals with limited English proficiency and the expansion to Moving To Work programs. I urge my colleagues to support this most vulnerable program that helps us, and especially as it pertains to helping the poor, the disadvantaged. I ask my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. This historic piece of legislation is the relief our working families have been waiting for and I am proud to stand with this Democratic-led Congress to make college educations more accessible for our youth. Housing, gas, food, utilities, and health insurance prices are going through the roof. Our middle-class parents are working overtime to keep up with the cost of living and hopefully save for retirement. It has become increasingly difficult for our families to save for college. With tuition prices increasing an average of 3.5 percent each year, American families are facing an uphill battle. As a result, more and more of our children are coming out of school with staggering amounts of debt and many are being forced to attend part-time in order to work and pay for books and student fees. In my home State of California, the average 4-year public school student will walk away with over $15,000 in debt after graduation. This is not how we should be sending our youth into the workforce. H.R. 2669 is going to slash the interest rates on student loans, saving the average American student about $4,400 in interest payments over the life of their loan. Furthermore, we're going to help our families take on less student debt by making Pell Grants keep up with the real cost of tuition. During the Republican-controlled Congress, the maximum Pell Grant amount remained unchanged at $4,050 since 2003. H.R. 2669 is going to increase that figure to $4,310 in 2007 alone. By next year, it will be $4,900 and by 2011, it will be $5,200. In my home State of California, over 600,000 Pell Grant recipients stand to benefit from the legislation we're going to pass today. That means our children will be in a better position to save for retirement, become homeowners, and contribute to the economy. H.R. 2669 will also make landmark investments to our minority serving institutions. Black, Hispanic, Tribal, Native Hawaiian, and Asian- Pacific Islander-serving institutions stand to receive $500 million in aid to teach and equip our minority youth, particularly in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. H.R. 2669 provides an additional $228 million for Upward Bound, which will fund 188 additional programs to help prepare low-income, first generation students for college. Finally, H.R. 2669 will provide loan forgiveness for students who pursue careers as public school teachers. Each would receive up-front tuition assistance of $4,000 per year, to a maximum of $16,000. This will provide aid to at least 21,500 undergraduate and graduate students who commit to teaching a high-need subject in high-need schools for four years. As the youngest of 15 children, I was the first in my family to attend college. I can tell you from personal experience that it has made all the difference in the world. I worked hard to get through school and I'm grateful for the assistance I received to complete my education. And it's time for the government to step up and give our children the same support. The College Cost Reduction Act is the kind of reform my constituents need and I am proud to support this legislation. I urge my colleagues to do the same and support H.R. 2669.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 359. This important legislation would require the Secretary of the Interior to study the potential creation of a historic landmark in honor of Cesar Estrada Chavez. I want to thank my friend, Congresswoman Hilda Solis, for sponsoring this bill and championing this cause which is of great significance to so many Americans, myself included. Cesar Chavez provided hope for thousands of people. Perhaps best known for founding and leading the United Farm Workers of America, Chavez used non-violent tactics that included boycotts, fasts, and strikes to bring attention to the dangerous working conditions in the field. His efforts helped to produce the first industry-wide labor contracts in the history of American agriculture. Cesar Chavez' legacy has empowered, encouraged and motivated countless individuals. He is a continuing example that with hard work, dedication and love, change can happen and oppression can be conquered. His famous words, ``Si se puede'' (Yes you can), still inspire us today. I cannot think of anything more American than standing up for one's right to justice, fairness, and equality. I urge my colleagues to cast a vote in recognition of Cesar Estrada Chavez, and to support H.R. 359.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to commemorate a significant milestone and to commend the leadership of the Laborers International Union of North America, LIUNA, Local 777 and its International Union, for their unyielding dedication to fight for the rights of working Americans. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the county workers in Riverside County joining LIUNA Local 777. Thanks to the profound efforts and devotion of the original organizing committee and subsequent rank and file leaders, Local 777 has become a powerful, dynamic, and active organization committed to improving the quality of life for workers. Local 777 continues to grow today. From its humble roots of 57 founding members working for the City of Indio in 1993, Local 777 boasts a current membership of nearly 9,000. LIUNA's membership, which includes workers in the health sector, construction, mail handlers, school employees, higher education employees, and more, have had a positive impact on the community in Riverside, and throughout the whole state of California. The organization has remained dedicated to their mission of ensuring hard-working Americans are given fair wages, good benefits, a safe work environment, and a chance to fulfill the American dream. Besides protecting worker's rights, LIUNA also is very active in communities throughout California. The organization sponsors informative training, education, and safety programs that benefit all citizens. It is with great pride that I recognize the Laborers International Union Local 777 of Riverside County. On this important anniversary, we rise to thank them for all they do to protect working American families.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Thank you, Mr. Inslee, for allowing me this time to speak on the comprehensive immigration legislation that is pending on the Senate side. I appeal to the Members of the Senate on a bipartisan basis to vote on allowing for the cloture of the legislation to move forward on behalf of the 12 million and some undocumented here in the United States. Undocumented means there are people, not only Hispanics, Irish, Italians, Asians, African American. It impacts a variety of different individuals. Without allowing cloture, we will not be allowed an opportunity to fix the immigration legislation as it stands right now and will allow the continued abuse that exists. We need to protect American families and working families. We need to make sure that we allow this legislation to move forward. On behalf of democracy, I appeal to all of the Members on a bipartisan basis to allow this legislation, to allow the debate to continue. It is important that all of the Senators tonight, those individuals that can, and I would like to commend Senator Reid, Senator Salazar, Senator Menendez, Senator Kennedy, Senator Feinstein, Senator Graham and some of the other individuals who have taken a stand in support of a comprehensive legislation. We need you to allow this process to continue. If this process does not continue, America will lose. The taxpayers will lose. It is our responsibility. When we talk about national security, we need this legislation to allow the process to continue. When we talk about protecting, and I know some of us don't like the legislation. There are individuals that say I don't like provisions of the guest worker program or the border aspects or the enforcements. I think we will be able to fine-tune it and work on it to allow the process to where we can fix the legislation. On behalf of working families and on behalf of protecting the American people, we need this process. We need this legislation on behalf of humanitarian issues. We should not have people living in fear, not knowing whether they are going to be here for the next couple of years or what is going to happen to the 12 million and some. It is important. Senators on your side of the aisle, please allow this process to continue to happen. Vote for the cloture. Then you can vote on provisions, whether you like or dislike other portions of the bill. But allow us to continue to have the debate in order to make sure that we continue to protect the American people and we continue to protect working families and we end illegal immigration as it is right now and fix it. It is important.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I will vote against H.R. 65, the Lumbee Recognition Act. This was a very difficult decision. I have only had to vote on a few issues that have caused me so much difficulty. One being my vote against the war in Iraq. The same difficulty is here today. Today's votes will decide the future for the Lumbee tribe. However, H.R. 65 determines the future of many more individuals, such as the entire Native American Community and our Nation as a whole. There is too much information arguing both for and against giving Federal recognition through the legislative process to this tribe. As a Hispanic, I understand what it is like to have to fight for equality. As an American, I treasure and understand the importance of sovereignty, of liberty, independence, autonomy and freedom. I believe that the best method to decide whether to develop a new sovereign relationship is to have the Lumbee directly apply to the BIA. The Lumbee tribe should apply for recognition via the administrative process and I support allowing this to occur. My vote today will follow that decision because of the many questions regarding their name, the criteria to be Lumbee, and their bloodline. I want the Lumbee tribe to know that I respect the individuals whose strength, courage and determination have allowed them to fight for their people and to continue the struggle.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support H.R. 1427 and thank my friend, Chairman Frank, for leading the bipartisan effort in the Financial Services Committee on this important legislation. This bill restores accountability by creating a modern, world-class regulator of the GSEs. It will also help us meet the critical shortage of affordable housing across the country through the creation of an Affordable Housing Fund. In addition, Representatives Bean, Neugebauer, Moore and Miller have offered an amendment which I support. It clarifies that the new GSE regulator does not have the power to reduce the portfolios of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac based on artificial, so-called ``systemic risk.'' This bill already gives the new regulator the FULL authority to supervise the GSE portfolios for safety, soundness and mission. I am not convinced that we should give it powers that bank regulators don't already have. I'm also not convinced that this amendment would in any way weaken the regulator's ability to make sure these companies operate safely and soundly. It is critical that we do not limit the GSE's ability to provide homeownership for low, middle income, and minority families. With their help, the GSEs have been able to increase homeownership rates across this country to a record level of 68 percent. That's impressive, but there is still much work to be done. Homeownership rates in our minority communities are still far below the national average and nearly 2.2 million American families across the country are facing foreclosures. This issue has a great deal of personal meaning for me. I grew up in a family of 15 children without a lot of money. I have been lucky enough to have worked hard and been able to achieve the American dream of owning a home. Yet the dream of homeownership remains unattainable for millions of families. And many other families stand to lose their homes this year. The new affordable housing fund created by H.R. 1427 will go far to help these families. And the new regulator created by this bill will ensure the safety and soundness of the GSEs so that they can continue their important mission in underserved communities for many years to come. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on May 18, 2007, the Latino and immigrant communities of the Greater Washington Region will gather to celebrate with Ms. Sonia Gutierrez her 35 years of selfless dedication to the larger community and to the Carlos Rosario International School. Sonia Gutierrez was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. She received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Adult Education specializing in Supervision and Administration of Adult Education Programs. Ms. Gutierrez, is the CEO & Founder of the Carlos Rosario International Career Center and Public Charter School, and has spent 35 years as a principal, counselor, advocate, and organizer to more than 60,000 adult immigrant students. Ms. Gutierrez began her career in the District of Columbia Public Schools in May 1972 as a counselor in the Program for English Instruction to Latin Americans (PElLA). There she began her mission: to provide holistic education to adult immigrants with little formal education in their native countries, enabling them to succeed by addressing their social and academic needs. In October 1972, Ms. Gutierrez became the Director of PElLA and transformed the small, under-funded English as a Second Language (ESL) program into a comprehensive adult education program. In 1974, the Office of Right to Read of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare designated it as one of the best literacy programs in the Nation. As PElLA outgrew its facility, Ms. Gutierrez began a 2-year effort to secure a school building for the program. In 1978 she was successful in relocating the program to the old Gordon Junior High School in Georgetown; PElLA then merged with the old Americanization School with an initial enrollment of 800. Sonia Gutierrez has made a tremendous impact on the Washington, DC region and on the field of adult education. She has had a direct impact on the lives of over 60,000 people in the last 35 years. Many thousands more have benefited as the adult education model she developed has proliferated across the globe. The students served by the Carlos Rosario International School have been given the chance to achieve their dreams because of her belief in them and their potential, and her passionate leadership of the school. Ms. Gutierrez has triumphed over great adversity in leading the school to be the thriving model it is today. Today, it is arguably the most recognized school in the District of Columbia Public School System. Under her leadership it was recognized as a national model for adult education by the United States Department of Education. She has helped other schools replicate the model across the Nation as well as in Korea and Germany. When many adult schools were closed by the District of Columbia in 1996, she pushed on, ignored suggestions to retire, and reestablished the Carlos Rosario International School. Sonia Gutierrez is a civil rights activist, a leader and visionary. She is a fierce defender and advocate for urban school systems and the families who attend them. Sonia has been a model of leadership. Her commitment to fairness, excellence, and compassion has inspired many to make a difference in this world. It is for this perseverance, passion, visionary leadership, and the immeasurable impact on the lives touched by her work that we recognize Ms. Sonia Gutierrez' 35 years of service to the community.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Thank you very much, Mr. Gonzalez, for carrying this issue this afternoon, and thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor the more than 69,300 legal permanent residents who are currently serving in the United States Armed Services, which represents 43 percent noncitizens and 5 percent of the armed services who are serving now. Their courage, their honor and their sacrifices prove what we've always known, that you don't have to be born in America to love America. Each and every person who serves in the Armed Forces generally loves his country and is willing to give their ultimate sacrifice. And these individuals gave their ultimate sacrifice for this country, for a dream of coming here. Each individual was prepared to lay down his or her life to protect what is sacred to all of us, hope, freedom and opportunity, not only for them, but for all of us who believe in this country, because we know ultimately every person who has served in our military has been willing to lay down their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms, the freedoms that we have today. And the 69,300, 43 percent noncitizens, or 5 percent of the United States, believed in the same sacrifice as other individuals who have served us. They know that our freedom comes from men and women who are willing to serve this great Nation. When I look at the names of immigrant soldiers who've died in Iraq and Afghanistan, it makes me realize why America is the greatest country in the world. And when we look at those individuals who served in World War II, the 500-some thousand, how many of those were noncitizens and immigrants? And when we look at my district, or the State of California, 26 foreign-born soldiers from my State have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. And they come from all over the world. But whether they come from El Salvador, Korea, Mexico, Jamaica or Honduras, when they put on that United States military uniform, they do it as Americans and with pride. Douglas Jose Marencoreyes, a young man from my district, was an immigrant to this country from Nicaragua. Corporal Marencoreyes came to this country with his family in search of opportunity and hope. Yet he was willing to serve in the Armed Forces when many others were not even willing to serve. And yet he found that by serving in the military that it was an honor. The same goes for Sergeant Jorge Alberto Molinabautista, an immigrant from Mexico who lived in my hometown of Rialto, California. Both of these young men died while serving in the global war on terror. And they did so proudly, with honor, with honor for what they believed and what this country stands for, for the freedoms, so they know that their children and others can enjoy the freedoms that we have, because this is the greatest Nation, the greatest country; and they knew it and they served for this country. Both men were posthumously awarded citizenship for their service to this Nation. Why? Because nothing would have honored the sacrifices more than to be recognized and acknowledge their love for this country. Mr. Speaker, our country is currently engaged in a great debate regarding immigration. And there are many who want to diminish or even deny the great contributions of immigrants to our Nation's history, economy, and culture. And many of these have contributed and continue to contribute to our country because they believe in this country. They come here for hope, for freedom and opportunity and are willing to serve and die for this country. But as we move forward in this debate, let us not forget the 69,300 immigrants soldiers out there in the battlefields, those who are willing to risk their lives every day to protect the same people who are criticizing them, the same people who are criticizing, they're willing to stand up and defend those individuals because they believe in the principles and the freedoms and opportunities of this country. I urge the American people to support all troops, all individuals and the sacrifices of every one of our soldiers, regardless of where they were born, because at the end of the day they are willing to give their lives for this country and to sacrifice for this country. Each one of them are patriots and are true American heroes.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Con. Res. 105, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National Suffragists Day. This resolution promotes awareness of the women's suffragist movement and the brave individuals who fought to make the right to vote a reality for all women. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Berkley, for sponsoring this important legislation. The women's suffragist movement has a long history in America. Today it may seem hard to believe, but less than one hundred years ago, women did not have the right to vote in federal elections in this country. National Suffragists Day would honor women such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who together founded the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869. These two leaders, along with other courageous women such as Lucretia Mott, Alice Paul, Paulina Kellogg Wright Davis, and countless other brave Americans, fought tirelessly to achieve their God-given rights to freedom and opportunity. I have introduced legislation of my own to posthumously honor Alice Paul and raise awareness of her powerful contributions to the suffragist movement and American society. Finally, due to the sacrifice, hard work, and diligence of women like Alice Paul, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in the summer of 1920, giving women the right to vote on a national level. While today's resolution honors some great Americans of the past, it also provides us with an opportunity to look at the current state of women in our country. We have come a long way as a nation since the summer of 1920. My home state of California is represented by two female Senators. We have a woman serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives, and a very strong female presidential candidate. Still, there is much more that needs to be done. Inequalities in pay, health care discrepancies, and a lack of good and affordable childcare still haunt many women in the United States today. We must remain vigilant. We must ensure that all Americans have an equal opportunity for success and happiness. With that in mind, I urge my colleagues to cast a vote for honoring and increasing awareness of suffragists in America, and support H. Con. Res. 105.