Joe Baca

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. The people of this great Nation share a common spirit and heritage. Whether born on the soil of this land or having chosen to come here in search of a better life--one free of political, social, and economic oppression, we are a Nation of pioneers. We believe in the American dream, and the promise that through our labors we can achieve educational and economic success. No barrier is too imposing, no obstacle to tall that it should stand in the way of pursuing this dream. Two of my congressional predecessors, Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Jacob Javits, advanced legislation in the 1960s that promoted this dream by laying the foundation for an organization called TELACU. Since its founding in 1968, TELACU has become the largest community and economic development corporation in the United States. TELACU is a pioneered institution committed to service, empowerment, advancement and the creation of self-sufficiency within the Latino community. Brought to life through a small investment appropriated by Congress, TELACU has grown to become an organization with nearly $500 million in assets, creating thousands of jobs, affordable homes, loans to small business people, and most importantly, numerous educational opportunities for our Latino youth and veterans. TELACU established the LINC TELACU Education Foundation, LTEF. For more than 2 decades, the Education Foundation has been working towards removing the formidable barriers that prevent Latino youth from achieving academic success. Latino youth not only struggle against the effects of low-income households, inadequate support and counseling, but a lack of professional and academic role models, all of which contribute to why only 39 percent of Latino high school graduates in Los Angeles County go on to higher education. TELACU Education Foundation realized that there is no more vital asset in any community than its human capital, which is why they began their efforts to reverse these trends. For more than 2 decades, the LINC TELACU Education Foundation has contributed to the development of our future Latino leaders through a variety of programs designed to maximize the potential of our youth. The LINC TELACU Scholarship Program, established in 1983, is one program that helps students realize their dream of a college education by providing scholarships, supplemented by other essential support. In conceiving the foundation, TELACU discovered that while financial assistance is vital for college students to achieve academic success, other factors are also important. Students who are the first in their families ever to attend college often lack the support system necessary to achieve their dream. Socioeconomic factors, family responsibilities, cultural identity and financial stress create very real conflicting challenges to academic life. The LINC TELACU Scholarship Program provides its youth not only with monetary assistance, but also counseling, leadership training, classes in time management and other subjects that will help them succeed in college. TELACU has partnered with corporate donors, private individuals, and a vast network of colleges and universities, providing the driving force behind one of the most effective national institutions ever to impact the educational needs of the Latino community. The LINC TELACU Education Foundation has accepted this challenge head on, combining important financial assistance with highly effective programs that ensure college completion. The foundation supports 600 college students and serves 2,000 elementary, middle and high school students and veterans each year. The success of this extraordinary foundation is best summarized by the numbers: Its scholar retention and college graduation rates are an astounding 100 percent. Madam Speaker, I join today with community leaders throughout my State to express our Nation's gratitude to TELACU, the LINC TELACU Education Foundation and for scholarship programs like this one, for believing in the dream of higher education for all of America's next generation of leaders.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor and remember a loving husband and father, successful businessman, and dedicated community activist, Mr. Bing Sum Wong. Bing passed away on April 24, 2007, in San Bernardino, California. He was 95 years old. Bing spent his early childhood years in Kwangtung, China, and at the age of 13, moved with his father to San Bernardino. From this humble beginning, Bing went on to become one of the most successful businessmen in San Bernardino, as well as a great friend to the community. Bing opened his first restaurant in 1933, in Calexico. In 1956, after more than 20 years in the restaurant business, Bing and his wife Ting opened Bing's famous Cathay Inn, located on Highland Avenue. The restaurant was a huge success, and gave Bing the opportunity to focus on one of his true passions, education. In 1963, the Bing Wong scholarship foundation was formed. Since then, more than $600,000 has been distributed to students pursuing education. Today, the scholarships are given annually to three separate age groups: kindergarten students, seventh-grade students, and high school students. Bing was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of San Bernardino- North, and a founding board member of both the American Security Bank and the Gom-Benn Village Society. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the San Bernardino community, including an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Cal State San Bernardino. The Norman F. Feldheym Library board of directors named a lecture hall after Bing in 1985, and an elementary school under construction in San Bernardino was named after him this year. Bing is survived by his wife of 76 years, Ting Wong; his three daughters Nanci Wong, Janice Lee, and Josephine Wong; nine grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. Let us take the time to pay tribute to this wonderful man. Let us celebrate the life he lived and the example he led. The thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara, my family and I are with his family at this time.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleagues and my friend Albio Sires for yielding me the time. I would also like to thank Chairman Lantos and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen and then, of course, my friend Dan Burton and the leadership for their support and their effort in bringing this bipartisan resolution to the floor. I rise today in support of H. Res. 347, a resolution honoring the significance and impact of Cinco de Mayo. This Resolution 347 recognizes the Cinco de Mayo holiday, which commemorates May 5, 1862, the date in which the Battle of Puebla was fought by Mexicans who were struggling for their independence and freedom. While Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over France in this key battle, it was also but one of many battles for the courageous Mexican people who won their long and brave struggle for independence and freedom. Today the Cinco de Mayo holiday is not only the commemoration of the defeat of the French foreign army, it is also a celebration of virtues of individual courage and patriotism of all Mexicans and Mexican Americans who have fought for freedom and independence against foreign aggressors. Cinco de Mayo is also a day to celebrate the rich cultural heritage that Latinos have brought to the United States. Latinos are the fastest growing minority population in the country, representing 45 million people, 17 percent of the total population. The Latino community has made many important contributions in all aspects of life: the arts, sports, the business world, sciences. Latinos have also fought in all American wars beginning with the Revolutionary War, earning 41 Medals of Honor overall. In World War II, 500,000 Hispanics fought, 65 Puerto Ricans fought. Thirteen Medals of Honor, 11 Mexican Americans, one Puerto Rican. Today there are over 30 Latino Members in the United States Congress. This statistic points to what a driving force the Latino community has become in our country economically, socially, and politically. Cinco de Mayo also provides us with a great opportunity to look back at our own heritage as Americans. We must remember that our country was built by people from different homelands with different diverse cultures held together by common bond with a willingness to fight and die for freedom. Unfortunately for Latinos, there are many inequities that have put our communities at a social and economic disadvantage. My colleagues and I in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are working together in a bipartisan basis to end these barriers to increase opportunities for Latinos, particularly in areas of education, health care, homeownership, and equal representation in corporate America. As Americans, we must unite to achieve these common goals. In a large sense, Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the right of a free people to self-determination, just as Benito Juarez once said: ``The respect of other people's rights is peace.'' I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 347.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. As the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I consider helping ensure equal access to homeownership for all Americans a high priority of mine. Therefore, I've grown increasingly concerned over the past several years about the disproportionate amount of higher priced subprime lending that is concentrated in the minority population and in minority neighborhoods. According to the 2005 HMDA data, 52% of African Americans and 40% Latino are in high-cost, subprime loans as compared to 19% of white families. I wonder whether some or most of these families could have qualified for a better, more affordable loan but were instead steered into a subprime loan by a lender or broker eager to make a profit. To be fair, not all brokers and lenders are bad and even subprime lending has value for some borrowers. The House Financial Services Committee has held two hearings this year on the issue of predatory lending and we are currently assessing legislative solutions. The research shows that while hybrid adjustable rate mortgages and other subprime loans may be appropriate for some families, they are not suitable for others. We're concerned that the lending abuse in the market has become a very serious problem. The subprime market has seen significantly higher levels of foreclosure and default than the prime market, and the rates of foreclosure and default are rising. For Hispanics, almost 20 percent who received high-interest, subprime loans are likely to go into foreclosure. Specifically, 73,000 out of 375,000 subprime loans made to Hispanics in 2005 are likely to foreclose. And the Center for Responsible Lending predicts subprime mortgages originated from 1998 through third quarter of 2006 will wipe out $164 billion in homeownership wealth for 2.2 million American families. In my district in California, the Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire reports that the foreclosure rate is now 3 times higher than it was just 1 year ago. Now 1 of every 315 homes in the Inland Empire is currently in default and has started the foreclosure process. By no means am I advocating that we get rid of subprime lending. Subprime lending has empowered a number of borrowers to get into their first home, including roughly 85% of Latino families. So we can't let perfection be the enemy of the good. But we need better safeguards to protect subprime borrowers so they are not taken advantage of and receive loans they can afford, even after the teaser rates go up. We also need to put an end to abusive practices and overly relaxed lending standards. Lenders and brokers must price borrowers into homes according to the final, fully indexed rate and fully amortized repayment schedule; not just the teaser rate. And they need to explain the terms of these loans in plain English so that borrowers understand how much they are paying each month even after the rates adjust. Lenders should also explain the risks involved with payment shock and prepayment penalties. It's time we put unscrupulous lenders who are steering minority families into unsuitable loans out of business. Over the past 10 years, minority homeownership rates have improved, and in some cases for Hispanics, the homeownership has grown at a rate three times higher than that of other nonHispanic groups. The growth of the supbrime lending has contributed greatly to this achievement. But no one gains when people are thrown out of their homes. The housing market falls and entire neighborhoods are affected. This in turn impacts local economies and will ultimately impact our national housing market. We all know that homeownership is the key to the American dream and the means to household wealth and savings. Let's work to protect these hard-working families who are facing foreclosures and keep them in their homes.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 1676, the Native American Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007. This important legislation reauthorizes the Section 184 Indian Loan Program, which offers home ownership, property rehabilitation, new construction, and refinance opportunities for Native Americans. I want to thank my friend, Mr. Boren, for sponsoring this bill and championing this cause which is of great significance to so many Native families in this country. Section 184 advances the opportunity for Native Americans seeking homeownership and addresses the issue of lack of mortgage lending for homes in Indian Country. The Section 184 program guarantees single-family residential loans for Native American borrowers, thereby increasing the homeownership for Native Americans. While many Native Americans struggle to own a home and provide for their families, H.R. 1676 eases that burden. The program provides a 100 percent guarantee of the outstanding principal and interest and payment of other necessary and allowable expenses. Section 184 allows for many Native Americans to become first-time homeowners. According to HUD, since the start of the program roughly 4,200 loans have been guaranteed. Almost 200 tribes participate in the Section 184 program nationwide, 31 of which are from my home State of California. In the Inland Empire alone, the Saboba Band of Luiseno Indians, the Cabazon Band of Cahulla Mission Indians and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians have been able to provide homeownership for many families through this program. H.R. 1676 will help close the homeownership gap and increase for Native Americans in my area and all across the country. Let's help all Americans achieve the dream of owning a home. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, yesterday the House of Representatives, the State of California, and the Nation, lost a leader and a good friend of ours, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. We certainly will miss her. My wife, Barbara, and I extend a heartfelt condolence to her family, friends, staff, children, her five grandchildren and to Jim. Today we pay tribute to a real trailblazer, a pioneer, the first African American woman to chair a committee, a positive role model, a person who created hope for many individuals, a person who was a well liked and well respected individual. In a role as a public servant, she touched the lives of many individuals. Here in the House, I have heard many individuals talk about how she was a nice person and how she was well liked. As Chair of House Administration she worked closely with the Congressional TriCaucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in trying to obtain the fairness and equality for all of us. She was pleasant to work with. I have had the opportunity to work with Juanita and served with her in the California State Assembly prior to coming to Washington, DC. She has always been a strong advocate for the poor, the disadvantaged and those that were underrepresented. I know that she spent much time going into my district and speaking to a lot of the poor and disadvantaged in San Bernardino, in the Inland Empire, because she cared about the poor, not only in that area, but she cared about equal representation. She wanted to ensure that we had the numbers or bodies of people who represent us here in Congress. She worked for me in my campaign when I first ran out there. She worked with me also in a variety of areas, but one of those that has been mentioned tonight has been the Alameda Corridor. She really took it to heart because she knew the Alameda Corridor and what it meant was a lifeline to California, to Southern California, in the area of transportation, not only to the L.A. International Airport, but Ontario International Airport that is also affiliated with that area. Juanita really believed, because she knew the infrastructure and the growth and the population in the area, and she put a high priority on transportation. She was a friend and a loyal supporter, and I am grateful. As a friend, she will be deeply missed, but she will not be forgotten. She fought for justice, she fought for equality so that all individuals will not experience the prejudice and racism that most of us have experienced throughout our life, that she wanted life to be better for others. She is a strong voice for many. Juanita Millender- McDonald will be remembered for her dedication to public service, tireless work on behalf of her constituents, and standing for the rights of women and minorities, and, overall, her desire to make our country a better place. We love you, Juanita Millender-McDonald.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, the Rabbi Norman F. Feldheym Award was established to pay tribute to those members of Congregation Emanu El, located in my home district of San Bernardino, California, who have conspicuously and exceptionally reflected Rabbi Feldheym's qualities of love for and loyalty to the synagogue, and service to the community. I stand here today to honor Margie Orland for receiving this distinguished award. Margie has been an extraordinarily devoted leader of Congregation Emanu El. She began her service as a member of the Congregation's Board of Directors in 1986, and since then she has served as Secretary, 2nd Vice-president, Vice-president, and from 2002-2004, as the President of the Congregation. She has been an inspirational leader of the Congregation, giving evidence of her deep love for Judaism, a strong participation in worship and education, and an exemplary commitment to Jewish values and their application in contemporary society. For over twenty years Margie has rendered extraordinary volunteer service to the congregation in a variety of ways including serving as chairperson of the first Mitzvah Day, her work on numerous raffles and commemorative journals, her work on the Purim Shalach Manot project, and co-chairing the Centennial Torah project. In addition to her dedicated involvement with Congregation Emanu EI, Margie has served give terms as president of the Redlands Jewish Club. She also has chaired the Redlands Home Discussion Series for over fifteen years and currently serves as president of Jewish Family Services of the Inland Communities. Margie has also been very active in the wider community of Southern California. She has been a long time supporter and volunteer at both the Girls and Boys Club of Redlands and the Loma Linda Children's Hospital. She also currently serves as president of Start Out Smart, a local literacy program aimed at parents-to-be. Margie and her husband, Burt, are proud parents of two sons, David and Michael, and grandparents of Tanner, Kaley, Jacob and Jared. She is known as a loving and dedicated friend to those throughout the Congregation. Madam Speaker, this year marks the 116th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation Emanu El. It is fitting, on such a momentous occasion, that we stand here today to honor Margie Orland, for outstanding service to her Congregation, her family, and her community.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank our Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on Veterans Affairs for addressing this important issue of those men and women who served during World War II, and that is our chairman, Ciro Rodriguez. It is important that people realize the contributions of many of our Hispanics who served during that period of time, that we are visible and that we were not invisible during that period of time and that we made many contributions to this country during that period of time. So I rise today in honor of the over 500,000 Hispanics who bravely served our country during World War II with honor and with integrity and were proud to wear the uniform. And for those of us who wore that uniform, men and women who were willing to ultimately sacrifice for this country, it is an honor for us and our family members when we put on that uniform and fight for this country. Madam Speaker, 65,000 Puerto Ricans also served during that period of time. Thirteen Medals of Honor were given out, 11 were Mexican American, two were Puerto Ricans. So when you can look at the contributions of these individuals and many others, as a veteran, I am proud of our heritage and our long history of continuing to fight for this country. More Hispanics fought for this country's freedom and security during World War II, and I state that is an important fact to understand, and it is important that it be included in part of our history of the contributions that Hispanics have made. More Hispanics than any other minority group have served this country with distinction. Just one example is Company E of the 141st Regiment of the 36th Texas Infantry Division. This company was made up entirely of Hispanics, bilingual individuals who were willing to serve for this country. After 361 days of combat in Italy and France, the 141st Infantry Regiment sustained 1,126 casualties, 5,000 wounded and more than 500 missing in action. In recognizing their extended service and valor, the members of the 141st were awarded three Medals of Honor, 31 Distinguished Service Crosses, 12 Legions of Merit, 492 Silver Stars, 11 Soldier's Medals, and 1,685 Bronze Stars. We were, and are, visible and participated and gave our lives during World War II. And that is an important fact for many of our children and others to know the contributions of many of our men and women who served us, who sacrificed for this country. Hispanic women also made a huge contribution to the American war effort. Madam Speaker, 200 Puertoriquenas served during the Women's Army Corps, which was one of the first service opportunities for women in American history. Bilingual Hispanic women also worked in important positions within the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in areas like communications and interpretation. They also worked as specialized bilingual nurses and logistics specialists all over the world, providing the United States military the services vital to the war effort and to this country. Hispanic veterans have made huge contributions to American society after serving our country in this war. Dr. Hector P. Garcia of Corpus Christi founded the American GI Forum in 1948 to advocate on behalf of veterans rights, and as our chairman indicated, many veterans who came back home, who served this country, were trying to buy homes and trying to receive the same benefits that many other individuals were given in this country but yet were denied those same rights, whether to buy a home, obtain a education, have the same rights as others. I know because I experienced the same thing when I returned back after serving this country and was trying to rent a home, and they would not rent to me, and of course, they rented to my wife. In doing so, the GI Forum became an important civil rights organization for Mexican Americans. Another organization that came out of the World War II generation of Latinos was the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, or MALDEF, in 1968. Mexican American World War II veterans, such as Pete Tijerina, Ed Idar and Albert Armendariz, came together to advocate for low-income Mexican Americans who needed fair treatment within the American legal system. As a Hispanic, a veteran and as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I cannot tell you how humbled I am by the sacrifice of these brave men and women who came before me, who ultimately gave the sacrifice, who believed in this country and continue to believe in this country and will continue to fight for this country because we know it is an honor to serve for the United States and its principles and what it stands for. I am particularly honored to know of a dear friend of mine who served during World War II, David Guerra Galvan, who recently passed away on March 23 when I went back to the district. He was born in my district and was a resident of Rialto, my hometown, for 50 years. David served his country in the Army during World War II as a paratrooper and in the 101st Airborne Division. During his European tour, David was also transferred to the 82nd Airborne Division as part of a detachment for the personal protection of General Dwight Eisenhower. After his military service, David continued to serve his country as a data communications operator at Norton Air Force Base. He retired after 40 years of outstanding service to the Armed Forces in 1990. David was a dear friend of mine, and he is a perfect example of the hundreds of thousands of veterans that we are honoring today who have served our country and will continue to serve our country. David Galvan was a Hispanic, he was an American and a proud American, and he loved this country. He spent his entire life serving our Nation and his community and his family; as well as my brother Abilio Baca who served in the Armed Forces in the Army during the Korean conflict; as well as my brother-in-law, Ted Dominguez, who served during World War II. I feel honored to have followed in David's footsteps by serving in the 101st and 82nd Airborne during my military service, and I thank him and I thank all of the many men and women who served during World War II. They are our heroes. They are our role models. They have paved the way for generations of proud Hispanics. They are the ones who ultimately paid the sacrifices so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have here today because they were willing to step up to the plate. They stepped up to the plate and were willing to die for this country. That is why we have the freedoms that we have today, and we must not forget the legacy of what they have left for us. They have opened the door. They paved the way. They provided that for us. Let us remember those veterans who have served this country.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor and remember a soldier, civil servant, loving husband, father, and grandfather, David Guerra Galvan. David passed away on Friday, March 23, 2007 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California. He was born in San Bernardino, California, and was a resident of Rialto, my hometown, for 50 years. David served his country in the Army during WWII as a Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged with Distinguished Service from July 1944 to June 1946 and Good Conduct medals during the European Occupation. During his European service, he was transferred to the 82nd Airborne Division and assigned to a special detachment for the personal protection of General Dwight Eisenhower. After his military service, David attended Skadron College of Business in Los Angeles. He began working for the Federal Government at Norton Air Force Base in the Defense Communications Agency as a Data Communications Operator, subsequently becoming Supervisor of the AUTODIN Switch Center. He retired after 40 years of highly commended and outstanding performance for the Air Force in November 1990. David was an active member of the community and a close personal friend. I would often see him and his family at the 9 o'clock mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Rialto. David loved to hear our daughter Jennifer singing Mariachi Music, and to dance with his beloved wife, Carmen. After a tough day, I could always count on David to call and ask me, ``Hey Trooper, how you doing?'' I will always appreciate all of the support and friendship he has given me over the years. David is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carmen; daughter Debby Galvan; sons Jeff and Randy; grandchildren Leanne, Jason, Erick, Joshua, Lauren, and Jack; sister Mary Valdez; and brother Joseph. Let us take the time to pay tribute to a wonderful man. Let us celebrate the life he lived and the example he led. Although he is no longer with us, David's legacy and spirit will continue to live on through the lives of everyone he has touched. The thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara, my family and I are with his family at this time.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. Today, the House will consider a fiscally responsible budget which I proudly support because it contains the right priorities for America's families. This budget strengthens our national defense and honors our promises to California's brave troops and veterans. It provides the largest increase for veterans' health care in the history of our country-- providing $3.5 billion more than the President's budget. This will help to ensure that the 2,310,967 veterans in California receive care worthy of their sacrifice. This budget also puts children and families first. For example, in California, 1,380,800 children do not have health insurance. It helps these children by increasing funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program--SCHIP--reducing the number of uninsured children across the county. In addition, this budget also provides substantially more funding for California's 6,518,000 children enrolled in public elementary, middle and high schools--providing nearly $8 billion more in 2008 and 11 percent more over the next 5 years for education and training programs than requested by the President. This will increase resources for No Child Left Behind, special education and Head Start--rejecting harsh cuts and underfunding for these critical education programs included in the President's budget. Under the President's budget, 421,277 California children will go without promised help in reading and math and Head Start--a vital program for 98,432 California children--is cut by 1.5 percent below the 2007 level. It also recognizes that the 3,575,200 small businesses in California are the engine of the economy. To spur economic growth and support small businesses, the budget rejects the President's proposal to cut the Small Business Administration by 26 percent from last year's request. And it restores funding for environmental programs cut by the President's budget--including restoring $28,270,000 in clean water revolving loan funds in California that help improve wastewater treatment. Finally, this budget supports middle-class tax cuts and protects middle-income families from a tax increase by setting up a reserve fund for a long-term fix for the alternative minimum tax, AMT. In 2004, 606,000 California families were subject to the AMT--and if nothing is done to fix the system, an estimated 4,434,000 families here in California will be subject to the AMT in 2007. In sum, this budget will restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to Washington; strengthen our national defense; and invest in the next generation and America's prosperity; and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 80th birthday of an American hero, the late Cesar Chavez. For 7 years, I have fought for a national holiday to honor Cesar Chavez, a man who not only carried the torch for justice and freedom, but was the hope of thousands of impoverished people. Cesar Chavez believed in ``la causa,'' the cause; and he believed in ``la huelga,'' the struggle. As we approach his birthday, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 76, a resolution that educates our youth about his heroic life, celebrates his accomplishments and honors him with a national holiday. The battle for social justice is far from over. But in the words of Cesar Chavez, ``si se puede.''

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act. I voted against this war 5 years ago and believe we should never have gone into Iraq. But as a veteran, I stand by our troops and am committed to supporting all of our troops--before, during and after service. There are 32,000 wounded soldiers from the Iraq conflict alone and they need medical attention and assistance to get back on their feet. However, our veteran healthcare system that is in shambles. Internal reports, the media, and Congressional hearings are revealing the same kind of problems across the board--chronic under-funding, neglect, improper conduct, and lack of accountability. There will be hundreds of thousands of veterans who will need care over the next decade as they return from Iraq, Afghanistan and other fronts in the Global War on Terror. And our military and veterans healthcare systems are not prepared. Unless we act now, the situation will fall apart. The recent tragedies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center underscore the urgency of the issue and the hardships faced by our military families across the country. Mr. Chairman, I recently visited our returning veterans at Walter Reed Medical Center and as I spoke to these men and women and listened to their stories, I was almost brought to tears. They told me of doctors who weren't giving them the attention they needed. Others shared how they had to prove to the medical staff that they were really injured. One wounded soldier and his father in particular really struck a chord in me. This young man is from my home state of California and he told me how his father completely shut down his business, packed his things, and flew 3,000 miles across the country to make sure his son got the proper support and attention. As if this brave soldier's sacrifice wasn't enough. Now his family has to put their lives on hold to ensure that he recuperates fully from his battle wounds. After my visit, I took a long time to think and reflect on what I had seen. And really at the end of the day, all could think was that it just wasn't fair. This young man is one of the lucky ones. His family could afford to make that sacrifice. But what about the countless military families who are barely making ends meet and simply can't afford to quit their jobs? Mr. Chairman, the bottom line is the American people shouldn't have to do these things. We're fighting all over the world to spread democracy and peace at the expense of these young men and women and their families. And yet what kind of example are we setting for the rest of world when we don't honor those who bear the scars of battle? Veterans and military healthcare is one of the most neglected programs in this country. It is immoral, it is embarrassing, and it is just plain irresponsible. We have a duty as a government to take care of each and every soldier who has been injured in the line of duty in defense of our great Nation. H.R. 1538 takes a step in the right direction by comprehensively examining the cracks in military healthcare and fixing them. The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act reduces the caseloads of our medical case managers so service members and their families get help when they need it. It also creates a system of patient advocates for outpatient wounded service members so that they get the right treatment. The bill also establishes a toll-free hot line so that service members and their families have someplace to turn to when they see neglect or improper conduct. We're also going to look at the training all of our military healthcare employees get from top to bottom. We're going to make sure the people who are treating and working with our troops and veterans have the right tools and information to give them the best service possible. The bill also creates an Army Wounded Warrior Battalion pilot program to track active-duty soldiers in ``outpatient status'' who still require medical care. H.R. 1538 will also look at overhauling the disability evaluation process. Average disability claims take a year and appeals are taking about two years to process. We have an enormous backlog of claims within the VA system and we need to fix the problem immediately. Finally, we're going to help our troops better transition from military healthcare systems to veterans' healthcare systems. The transition will include an official handoff between the two systems with the electronic transfer of all medical and personnel records before the member leaves active duty so that there are no gaps in coverage or service. The American people have already paid too high a price for this war. 3,233 soldiers have died in Iraq, including 10 men from my own district. We need this bill to ensure that we honor the sacrifices of all our troops and their families by at the very least providing quality, timely healthcare. That's why I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1538.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 37. This resolution honors Dolores Huerta for her commitment to protecting the rights of women and children everywhere, and improving the lives of farm workers. I want to thank my colleague from California, Rep. Hilda Solis, for sponsoring this resolution. Since 1955, Dolores Huerta has been a preeminent figure in the civil rights movement. She has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of workers, women, and children. Dolores has lived a life full of compassion and love for her fellow man. Her actions helped to change the way farm workers were treated and further established fair treatment and respectable working conditions for them. As a strong female leader, Dolores Huerta defied cultural and gender stereotypes. She has been awarded the Eleanor D. Roosevelt Human Rights Award and was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame in 1993. Together with Cesar Chavez, she founded the National Farm Workers Association, now the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee. Beyond her professional work, she is a proud mother of 11 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I urge my colleagues to send a message of support for the rights of all workers and to honor the accomplishments of a true revolutionary, Dolores Huerta, by supporting H. Res. 37.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 1195. This bill will make essential technical corrections to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act. I want to thank my friend, Rep. James Oberstar, and the Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for bringing this legislation to the floor. This legislation will provide support for vital projects to my home state of California, and in particular to the city of San Bernardino, located in my district. I commend the Chairman for his foresight in giving states the flexibility our districts need to carry out these important transportation projects. I am particularly pleased this bill includes a technical correction for High Priority Project # 2826. This change will allow transportation officials in the Inland Empire to double the number of grade separations constructed on the Alameda Corridor East. There is no doubt this project will go a long way to help reduce congestion and improve road safety for residents in my home district and all Californians traveling to and from the Inland Empire. I urge my colleagues to support our local communities and cast a vote in favor of H.R. 1195.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act. I voted against this war 5 years ago and believe we should never have gone into Iraq. But as a veteran, I stand by our troops and have always committed to providing for them regardless of politics. And H.R. 1591 supports our troops before, during, and after service. It mandates proper training and equipment, it requires that our troops get the rest they need between deployments to stay sharp, and provides for our wounded as they return from battle. This bill also sets deadlines for the Iraqi government so that we can start shifting responsibility to the Iraqi people and bring our troops home by 2008 at the very latest. Mr. Speaker, we have 160,000 American troops on the ground in Iraq right now, many of which lack proper equipment and training. We also have 32,000 wounded soldiers from the Iraq conflict who need medical attention and assistance to get back on their feet. Unfortunately, we have a veteran healthcare system that is failing. Report after report indicates under funding, neglect, improper conduct, and almost no accountability. If the tragedies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center have taught us anything, it is that wartime spending shouldn't just stop with tanks and guns. It needs to extend to taking care of our wounded heroes and their families after they return from the battlefield. Mr. Speaker, I recently visited our returning veterans at Walter Reed Medical Center. And what I saw there just broke my heart. Some of our wounded told me their doctors weren't giving them the attention they needed and that they even had to prove to the medical staff that they were injured! One man in particular really touched my heart. I met a wounded soldier from my home State of California who told me about his father who had dropped everything, closed his business, and flew to Washington so that he could take care of his son full time. This young man's family not only had to risk their son for this war, they're now sacrificing their livelihood to help him recuperate. And yet sadly, he's one of the lucky ones. What about the majority of military families who simply can't afford to quit their jobs, move cross-country and take care of their husbands, wives, and children? The fact is, Mr. Speaker, the American people shouldn't have to put up with these hardships. They shouldn't have to worry that their family members in uniform are getting the best care possible. How poorly does it reflect on us as a Nation when we don't adequately take care of our veterans when they come back home? Veterans healthcare is one of the most neglected and underfunded programs in this country. This isn't just embarrassing, it is unconscionable. We have a duty to minimize the risk to our troops and their families by making sure they have the very best training, the finest equipment, and stay deployed only as long as absolutely necessary. Furthermore, we have a moral obligation to take care of each and every soldier who has been injured in the line of duty in defense of our great Nation. H.R. 1591 addresses these responsibilities and that's why I will vote in favor of this bill today. The American people have already paid too high a price for this war. 3,233 soldiers have died in Iraq, including 10 men from my own district. We owe it to these heroes to set a deadline for withdrawal and let our soldiers move on with their lives. We owe it to our families who are praying for the safety of their loved ones to take care of our troops every step of the way. That's why I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1591.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Frank and Chairwoman Waters for their hard work and dedication in helping the thousands of victims that have been left homeless by the hurricane on the gulf coast. Thank you for caring and wanting to take action. I rise in support of the Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act, H.R. 1227. Eighteen months have passed since Katrina hit, yet thousands are still struggling to get back on their feet. This bill is about the thousands of people struggling to get back on their feet. Last year, the TriCaucus Chairs, Grace Napolitano, Mike Honda and Mel Watt, met in Houston to cohost a townhall meeting on Katrina, where they listened to Katrina victims who had been displaced to Houston. Since then, we have learned that 99,000 families are still living in trailers, including 65,000 in Louisiana, 31,000 in Mississippi, and thousands more individuals are still living with relatives in States throughout the Nation. Families, workers and businesses can't return to the gulf area until they have homes to return to. We need to rebuild. Their lives are being impacted, and it is affecting their ability to improve their quality of life. This is their home. This is their castle. We need to rebuild. The administration's slow response has been a major factor in the pace of recovery. The President didn't even mention Katrina in his 2007 State of the Union Address. Billions of dollars are going to rebuild Iraq, while American families are waiting for assistance right here at home in America. Shame. Enough is enough. We can't afford to leave these families behind. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1227.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor and remember a great community activist, role model, loving father, husband, and grandfather, John Chacon, Sr. John was born in El Paso, Texas, on July 6, 1935, but he called California home, as he resided in Ventura County for over 63 years. John graduated from Oxnard High School in 1955. In 1957, John married the love of his life, Frances ``Pancha'' Castro, with whom he shared 50 years of happy marriage. Professionally, John worked over 25 years for W.B. Post and Nick Wargo Construction Companies. He was a lead paving foreman for 19 of those 25 years. At the age of 52 John retired, but he remained active in the community, particularly with his labor union. He was an active member of Laborers Local 585 for 46 years. John's accomplishments in the community are too many to list here, but some of his most notable include: membership in Los Compadres del Rio, membership in the Rio Mesa High School Boosters Club, and a founding, charter membership in the Mexican-American Golf Association. John's passions included golfing, gardening, camping at Lake Cachuma, backyard barbecues with family and friends, and listening to mariachi music. John was well-known throughout the community for cooking his famous ``tripas'' and his secret salsa recipe. He made friends everywhere he went, and could never go anywhere in the community without someone recognizing him. On March 4, 2007, John passed away from a sudden illness. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Frances; son, John Jr.; daughters, Rosemary and Barbara; grandchildren, Jennifer, Vincent, Francesca and Analisa; and his four sisters. Let us pay tribute to John for the man he was and the example he set for all of us to follow. His dedication to family and friends, and his love for his community was evidenced in all that he did. Although he is no longer with us, John's legacy and spirit will continue to live on through the lives of everyone he has touched. Madam Speaker, let us pay our respects to John Chacon, Sr. He will always have a place in our hearts for everything he gave to his loved ones and community.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that I be excused from today's votes due to official business at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I regret that I was not able to cast these votes; however, if I had been present I would have voted in the following way: ``yea'' on H. Res. 64; ``yea'' on H. Res. 228; ``yea'' on H. Res. 222.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 107. This bipartisan resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah. I want to thank my friend from New York, Congressman Gary Ackerman, for introducing this resolution. More than 7 months have passed since July of 2006, when Hamas terrorists crossed into Israel to attack a military post, killing two soldiers and wounding and kidnapping a third, Gilad Shalit. Less than 1 month later, Hezbollah terrorists crossed into Israel and ambushed Israeli troops patrolling the border with Lebanon, killing three soldiers and kidnapping two, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. These despicable acts occurred despite Israel's good faith efforts, which included its total withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May of 2000. These two terrorist groups have withheld all information on the health and welfare of the men they have kidnapped. Defying the most basic standards of conduct, they have prevented medical personnel and members of the International Red Cross from having access to the kidnapped Israelis. In spite of these terrorist attacks, the strength of the Israeli people has not wavered. In these difficult times, our support of Israel must not waver either. The United States must stay committed to the welfare and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic nation with secure borders. Our Congress must stand in one voice and condemn Hamas and Hezbollah, and their primary sponsors, Iran and Syria, for these cross border attacks. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting Israel and condemning these heinous acts, and cast a vote in favor of H. Res. 107.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 180. This bipartisan resolution honors the life and achievements of Leo T. McCarthy, and expresses profound sorrow on his recent death. I want to thank my friend and colleague from California, Representative Eshoo, for sponsoring this resolution. Leo McCarthy was many things in his life. He was an airman, a politician, and a life-long public servant. But above all things, he was a decent and compassionate man. Leo was first elected to the California Assembly in 1968. He served with honor and distinction as its Speaker from 1974 and 1980 and went on to serve as Lieutenant Governor of California for three terms. Leo's accomplishments in office express the compassion and love he possessed for his fellow man. His leadership helped change the way California looked at issues like child care, breast cancer research, elder care, and treatment for the mentally ill. Beyond his professional work, he was a loving family man, and dedicated friend and mentor to countless of my California peers. I urge my colleagues to honor the life of this good man. May he rest in peace.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. I appreciate the comments by Mr. Dreier. I appreciate his leadership on this important issue of water. It is critical to the Inland Empire. This is one that needs to be addressed, and he has constantly addressed the issues of water in the Inland Empire, not only now, but in the past. And I rise in support of H.R. 122, the Inland Empire recycling project. And I appreciate Grace Napolitano's leadership in this endeavor because this is a bipartisan effort for the Inland Empire and its region in the area. This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue, but an issue that pertains to water and water that is important to a lot of us in that region and throughout the State of California. This project is important for my district. And he not only mentioned his district that covers Upland and Rancho Cucamonga, but it is important for my district and across Southern California because it would help solve California's state-wide water shortage. We all have been warned about global warming and the impact it is going to have in terms of the future and the possibility of the lack of water. Well, this addresses some of that. By recycling the water in our region, we will be able to increase the local water supply and reduce our dependence on imported water from San Francisco Bay delta area. The Bureau of Reclamation has ranked this project as one of the most cost-effective new water supply projects in California; I state, the most effective, cost-effective water supply projects in California. And it is also endorsed by all cities, including Fontana and Ontario, as well as community groups and business groups, and environmental leader groups, and I state, environmental groups and leaders throughout the Inland Empire. I rise to give my full support, and I urge my colleagues to do the same on this important issue on water that impacts not only the Inland Empire but the State of California, and I ask full support.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Employee Free Choice Act. Too many workers are being harassed by their employers because they want to form a union. We must put an end to scare tactics. This bill restores the right of workers to bargain for a better life. It will help 6 million workers join for better wages, benefits, working conditions and improving the quality of life. No more employer harassment. Simple and fair. The card-based system is pressure free. When workers choose, bargaining results are more peaceful, worker- friendly. Please vote for this important legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 198, a resolution commemorating Black History Month. Black History Month is a time for us to explore, highlight, and create awareness about the history of African Americans. It is an opportunity to celebrate their development and growth as a community, as well as a chance to recognize their contributions to society. Black History Month is also a time to acknowledge that the struggle for social justice and equality for all is a battle we continue to fight. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) founded Black History Month. They have chosen this year's theme to be, ``From Slavery to Freedom.'' This theme is dedicated to the struggles of peoples of African descent to achieve freedom and equality in the Americas during the age of emancipation. It is also a time to recognize the achievements of countless African Americans that influenced our Nation's history throughout the periods of reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression; the civil rights movement, and to present day. Individuals such as Harriet Tubman, who led the Underground Railroad, Frederick Douglas, who launched a newspaper to advocate abolition, Hiram Revels, who became the first Black U.S. Senator in 1870, W.E.B. Du Bois, the NAACP forerunner, the artists and writers of the Harlem Renaissance, Thurgood Marshall, who became the first Black Supreme Court Justice, and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are just a few African Americans who have helped provide a path to freedom. During the month of February, we should remember and learn from the past, while continuing to learn in the present to prepare for a brighter future. Knowing and understanding Black history is important not only for African Americans, but also for our entire nation. Black history is American history, so let us recognize these individuals for their great contributions. I urge the rest of my colleagues to stand with me and support H. Res. 198.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, it is with deep affection that I tribute to the life of Viola DeLeon Munoz, long time San Bernardino community political leader and dear friend, better known by those who loved her as Vi. Vi passed away in her Yucaipa home amongst the comfort of her family at the age of 75 on February 6,2007. She was born on June 22, 1931 in Houston, Texas, but called the Inland Empire home for most of her life. Vi was a dedicated public servant. She devoted herself to advancing her community, fighting injustice, and engaging herself politically by supporting Democratic and Latino candidates. I still remember meeting with her, the day her and her husband Jess developed the Latino Chicano Democratic Club. Vi's involvement with Democratic clubs, voter registration and her passion for improving the lives of Latinos in the Inland Empire are just a few areas in which she inspired those of us who know her. Vi was also a business woman and financier for 37 years. The business that she and Jess owned earned her the recognition as one of the most successful business partners in the area and was the catalyst for Vi's commitment to the betterment of her community. It also served as the central point within the community, where many local leaders discussed political, economic, and social issues. Some of her many accomplishments include: President and member of the 65th Assembly District committee, vice-chairwoman of the party's Chicano-Latino Caucus, and member of the San Bernardino County Democratic Central Committee since 1996. Vi was also the founding member of the Yucaipa Democratic Club, the Comision Femenil Mexicana Nacional, and the Chicana Service Action Center. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jesus (Jess) Munoz, Sr., sons Jesus Munoz, Jr., and Kenneth Munoz, daughter Beverly Munoz, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Vi has left behind a wonderful legacy of community and political activism. The many relatives and friends who loved her dearly, know that she will be missed. Vi touched us all with her kind deeds and leadership in our community. My wife Barbara, my family and I extend our deepest condolences to Vi's family. May God bestow his comfort upon them at this time.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 63. I thank the Armed Services Committee chairman, Mr. Skelton, for carrying this legislation in support of our military troops and opposing the President's plan to send at least 21,500 more troops to Iraq. I speak today as a proud veteran who served in the United States armed service as a paratrooper in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Division. As a veteran and as a Congressman, I voted against this war in year 2002 because no one could convince me why we had to be there in the first place. I was tormented with this decision. I talked to many of my constituents. I called the bishop in my area. I couldn't see what invading Iraq had to do with securing the homeland. No one in the administration could convince me that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. But we sent our troops there anyway, without proper training or proper equipment. This administration was in such a hurry to invade Iraq that we sent our military in there with defective body armor and Hummers that couldn't withstand the roadside bombs. In fact, before Congress made any appropriations for an Iraq invasion, the President took $600 million from our troops in Afghanistan and sent it to Iraq. The administration has refused to listen to its own generals, to Congress or to the American people. They just do what they want. After September 11, I was willing to do anything to make our country safe, like all of us. We came together in a bipartisan way. I believed in fighting terrorists in Afghanistan was the right thing to do, but the current situation in Iraq proves what we have been saying all along, that the Iraq war has not and will not make America safer. Instead, it is costing the American taxpayers $200 million every day. The money that we spent in Iraq could have sent 17 million high school students to college. Can you imagine, 17 million students going on to college right now that we could have provided assistance to, or paid for 6 million new school teachers, reduced the student ratio, funded the No Child Left Behind Act, or help with Katrina. But more money has been spent on this war, and yet it is costing us money for those that are losing their lives right now. Over 3,000 men and women have given their lives for this war, and over 23,000 are coming home wounded or disabled. Mr. Speaker, over 10,000 of these troops are so severely wounded that they will never be able to serve again. Let me tell you, and you have to look at them, never able to serve again. Now the President wants to send 21,500 more troops to the most dangerous part of Iraq. Why? Why are we sending our troops to fight in another country's civil war? Mr. Speaker, this isn't a strategy for success. This is a desperation attempt by the administration who can't admit that they made a mistake. They made a mistake, and they need to admit it. And the sooner we come to this realization, the better off this country will be. As a veteran, I understand that sometimes war is necessary, but as a veteran, I also know that war should always be the last resort because war means someone's sons and daughters won't come home. That means separating parents from their children, leaving their homes, someone making a sacrifice. In my home State of California alone, we have lost 325 men and women in Iraq. Back in my home district, we have lost 10 outstanding young men. It just breaks my heart. Mr. Speaker, you don't put the American families through this kind of pain unless you are sure, beyond any shadow of doubt, that there are no other options. The President had failed to convince me in 2002, and I am still not convinced to this day. I say let's support this resolution. Let's bring back our men. General Leave