Joe Baca

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, February 19th marks the 65th anniversary of one of the greatest mistakes in our country's long history. On that day in 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the internment of tens of thousands of Japanese Americans. This executive order was also applied to a smaller group of Americans of both Italian and German descent. In recognition of the 65th anniversary of the internments, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 122. This resolution supports the goals of the Japanese American, German American, and Italian American communities in recognizing a National Day of Remembrance for those individuals who were unjustly imprisoned. It is said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. A National Day of Remembrance would increase public awareness of the events surrounding the internment of innocent Americans and their families. While our society has made important strides towards ending racial discrimination and inequality in the 65 years since President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, we still have a long road ahead of us. Just last week, alarming statistics were released on the resurgence of the KKK and other hate groups in the United States. This is why we must pass this resolution. Our government and our leaders cannot make the mistakes of the past. Instead they must guide us to a greater understanding and respect for all Americans.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for allowing me the time to say a few words. And I want to raise my strong voice in support of H.R. 512. This is important legislation that would establish a commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of the American Latino. And I want to thank my good friend, Xavier Becerra, for sponsoring this bill and championing this cause, which is of great significance to many Hispanics, Latinos throughout the Nation, throughout the country, including myself. This is a bipartisan legislation that basically asks for a study to create a National Museum of the American Latino. Bipartisan. Currently, there are over 45 million Latinos in the United States, including Puerto Rico. The social, cultural and economic contributions of Latinos in the United States have an important history, an important history, and are growing daily. We must realize that. American Latinos are natives to many different parts of the world. Some are from Puerto Rico, some are from South America, while others have roots and ties to Mexico. But while we hail from different countries, including from right here in the United States, we have different backgrounds, and many of us share a similar experience and a wealth of common values. A national museum of the American Latino will help share this experience and the values not only with Latinos, but with all. It will be a sense of pride, tradition, culture and arts that would be exhibited to all Americans to see, all individuals. I urge my colleagues to cast a vote in favor and understanding of heritage of all Americans and support this legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House for 1 minute. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 5, which would direct the President to establish Hire a Veteran Week. As a veteran, I want to thank my colleague, Representative Holt, for introducing this resolution on behalf of our brave troops who fight for our freedom. Madam Speaker, unemployment rates for veterans in their twenties are almost twice as high as their civilian peers. This is unacceptable. We're sending 18- and 19-year-olds to fight in a mistaken war in Iraq. The least we can do is make sure that they have a good job when they come home. The system is broken, Madam Speaker. And our veterans are paying the price. Our veterans show us excellence in the battlefield--they will show us excellence in the workplace. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and to give our veterans the dignity and respect they deserve.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on January 19, 2007, Hrant Dink, a distinguished Armenian journalist, was shot dead outside the offices of his newspaper Agos in Istanbul, Turkey. A progressive voice of reason and hope for Armenians living in Turkey and around the world, Hrant Dink fought tirelessly to engage the Turkish community in open discussion of the many injustices Armenians have experienced in the past and present including the Genocide of 1915 and current human rights violations. Hrant Dink struggied daily with the difficulties of disclosing the Armenian Genocide to the public in Turkey, yet he continued to make the difficult his lifelong passion. In his weekly columns, Dink often spoke of the complexities he felt being an Armenian who happened to be a citizen of Turkey--a country that fails to acknowledge that the Armenian Genocide occurred. As a result, Dink was charged and convicted of insulting Turkey's identity. In October 2005, after writing about the Armenian Genocide, he was given a 6-month suspended sentence. Hrant Dink was killed because he was a courageous and outspoken journalist and continued to write his columns in hopes of educating and informing the people of Turkey. As Turkey continues to evolve as a modern secular state, it must understand that democracy requires more than free elections; freedom of the press is essential. I express my condolences to the family, and colleagues of Hrant Dink. He was a courageous, committed columnist, and a mentor and friend to many. He will be remembered and missed.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, tonight the President will give the State of the Union Address. For Hispanics, the State of the Union Address is disappointing. The President has broken his promise on education and cut funding for programs at the expense of Hispanic children. He has failed to support the higher minimum wage, and forced nearly 3 million of our workers to struggle to feed their families. While Hispanics are fighting and dying in a mistaken war, President Bush still has no plan to make our country safer. Even when the country has cried for a comprehensive immigration reform, the President has failed to lead his own party to make the right course or take the right course of action. Last November, Hispanics along with all Americans voted for a new direction for America. Thanks to Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic Caucus, half the Hispanic Caucus are now in leadership positions. Ya es tiempo para una nueva direccion! (It's time for a new direction!)

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here in support of H. Res 51, a resolution that honors the contributions of Catholic schools. As we get ready to celebrate Catholic Schools week, it's important to highlight and celebrate the contributions of the nearly 8,000 Catholic schools that exist in our Nation. Catholic education has long been characterized by a commitment to high and appropriate standards in all aspects of its educational mission. The history of Catholic schooling embodies a constant effort to promote academic excellence for a diverse group of students in an environment permeated by religious values and beliefs. Aside from America's Catholic schools being internationally acclaimed for their academic excellence, catholic school students also learn responsibility, and how to become persons of character and integrity. Father William Davis of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said, ``High achievement rates, high retention rates, high moral values and high student and parent satisfaction are the distinctive marks of a Catholic school.'' In my district and the surrounding areas, Catholic education is rather prevalent. The San Bernardino diocese contains at least 32 Elementary schools and 2 High schools. A new Preparatory high school is also in the works for the Coachella Valley area. Catholic schools foster a sense of community. They encourage their students to be loving family members; and to be responsible adults within the workplace, as leaders of the world and as inhibitors of their communities. I commend Catholic schools for holding high educational standards, instilling good moral values, and community sentiments. Let us recognize and honor the valuable traits Catholic schools possess. I urge the rest of Congress to stand with me, and support H. Res. 51.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 52, legislation paying tribute to Reverend Waitstill and Martha Sharp, an American couple who left the comfort and safety of their home in Massachusetts to save the lives of Jews in danger of being killed during the Holocaust. Waitstill Sharp was a Unitarian minister and his wife Martha was a social worker. In the late 1930s, amid the horrors of the Holocaust and a refugee crisis in Europe, the American Unitarian Association asked numerous ministers to cross the Atlantic and offer assistance. The Sharps agreed, despite the dangers and despite having young children at home whom they would have to leave behind in the care of friends and neighbors and members of their congregation. In February 1939, the Sharps arrived in Prague, Czechoslovakia, where one of the world's largest Unitarian congregations was assisting Jewish refugees and others who opposed the Nazis, including trade unionists and political dissenters. A month later, the Germans occupied Prague, increasing the urgency of the Sharps' mission but also the risk. They remained in Prague almost six months. Through their courage, creativity and persistence they were able to lead hundreds of people, likely thousands, to safety. They again heeded the call to action, returning to Europe in 1940, this time based in Marseilles, France, where they helped smuggle people across the Pyrenees into neutral Portugal. The escape routes that they established enabled hundreds of refugees to survive. Among those whom the Sharps saved from persecution and slaughter at the hands of the Nazis were many children, including Jewish children who are now elderly, living freely in America, and remember with gratitude the couple who saved their lives almost 70 years ago. I should note that the Sharps and others who worked to save Jews not only had to worry about the Nazis and the Gestapo, Vichy officials, collaborators and informers but also had to overcome bureaucracy and anti-Semitism even among the U.S. State Department. Historians have documented that inaction, indifferences, failures and even outright hostility by American officials resulted in the tragic death of Jews during the Holocaust. But today we do not dwell on this; instead we honor the Sharps for persevering despite such obstacles and adversity. Some of the Sharps' surviving relatives and admirers claim they were merely ordinary people who did what anyone would have done in the face of suffering. While I would like to believe that all people of compassion would come to the aid of people in need, especially when lives are at stake, sadly I know that is not the case. It was not true during the Holocaust, and it is not true today as millions of people in America and around the world suffer poverty, hunger, disease and even genocide and yet still not enough is being done to help them. The special and extraordinary nature of the Sharps' actions is clear by the rare and high honors they have deservedly received. In June 2006, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority in Israel honored Reverend Waitstill Sharp and Martha Sharp posthumously as ``Righteous Among the Nations'' for risking their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. And in September 2006, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. honored the Sharps. There were definitely other brave, compassionate people who were inspired by their faith, values or their sense of right and wrong and therefore took steps, both small and large, to help Jews during the Holocaust. Some provided food and shelter, some refused to inform on their neighbors or cooperate with authorities enforcing murderous policies, some actively resisted against the Nazis, and some helped transport Jews to safety. But this was not the norm in Europe during the Holocaust. And we know the tragic, horrific results: over 6 million Jewish men, women and children perished. So today we acknowledge the Sharps as American heroes, and I would add as heroes of humanity. Martha Sharp is the first American woman-- and she and Waitstill are only the second and third Americans--to be added to the honor roll of 21,000 ``righteous'' gentiles, or non-Jews, whose efforts saved countless lives during the Holocaust. We also commend the Unitarian Universality Service Committee. UUSC was founded to support the Sharps' work and helped rescue Jews and other refugees from Nazi persecution. The organization has continued to do good work in support of human rights all over the world and is actively engaged in efforts to stop the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. As we honor the Sharps, let us be inspired by their heroic example and let us all commit ourselves to doing what we can--and what we must--to bring an end to human suffering.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the passage of the College Student Relief Act of 2007. This legislation will help families with the cost of college. Let's make college affordable and accessible for all students. In California, the average student is graduating with over $15,000 in debt. Students are relying more on student loans. The cost to attend a 4-year public university has increased by 41 percent since the year 2001. Students can't afford to finish because the costs are too high. This legislation will help over 200,000 students in my home State alone. It also will give an opportunity for students to fulfill the American Dream in obtaining higher education. We must do something about this now. It's good for our students and working families. It's good for our Nation and our future. Let's support this legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the chairman, Mr. Miller, for carrying this legislation. It is very important to thousands of students and giving them the accessibility to education. It is about time. As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I believe this bill is a good start in helping Hispanic students across the Nation. I thank Congressman Ruben Hinojosa as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Education Taskforce for working to ensure Hispanic students have equal opportunity. Let's make sure that college is affordable and accessible for all students. We need to prepare our students to make sure that we have a workforce for the 21st century. The only way we can do that is to make sure that all students have access to affordable education. We know that most of the students right now are relying on student loans. Forty-one percent right now have increased the student loans since the year 2001. So more students are relying on student loans. We want to make sure that it is affordable for every student. Hispanics: 33 percent of Hispanics in their communities are under the age of 18 and the number of Hispanics attending colleges are growing in numbers. We want to make sure that they have access and an opportunity to fulfill their goals. It is not just about attending college. It is about completing college and making sure they become part of our workforce. In order to have a strong America, we must make sure that they fulfill their dream and opportunity. I am like many of those, the first one out of a family of 15 that was able to graduate; out of 15, the first one to graduate and obtain college. I went through the military, obtained the GI bill, obtained loans. We want to make sure it is accessible and individuals have that opportunity. An educated nation is a successful nation. The only way we can do that is providing this service. I encourage everyone to support H.R. 5. I thank Mr. Miller for carrying this legislation and caring about many individuals, and I thank my colleague across the aisle too as well, because he has cared about education. We need to support this legislation to make sure that every student has access to affordable education, to make sure that we have the workforce that meets the needs of the 21st century.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. All of us here, representing Congress have the distinct honor and privilege of working in the one place where America's history meets the law of our land, the one place that displays the many historic monuments, memorials, and permanent images of our Nation. One of the most powerful images in Washington for me is the image of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., conveying his dream during his 1963 ``March on Washington'' on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Dr. King dedicated his life to achieving equal rights for all Americans and had a clear vision on that day in 1963 for what America should look like today. Dr. King understood government has a fundamental responsibility to meet the needs of all Americans regardless of race or economic class. His vision was for true equal economic opportunity for all. In his ``I Have a Dream'' speech, Dr. King spoke of the ``fierce urgency of now.'' He said, ``This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism.'' Those words were true in 1963 and continue to remain true today. My Democratic colleagues and I are working hard to ensure that Congress fulfills its responsibility to realizing Dr. King's dream. Within these first 100 hours of this Congress, we have already passed legislation to make the American people safer, make our Congress more honest and open, make life better for our seniors, and to give a living wage to all Americans. As our Nation celebrates Martin Luther King Day, we remember him as a beacon of change. Dr. King helped change America by leading the civil rights movement. He gave people the faith and courage to work peacefully for change to stop racial discrimination, and promote equality and opportunity across America. So on this day, and everyday, let us recommit to changing and working to bring about opportunity for all Americans. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate Dr. King's birthday, let us carry out his vision for social justice, equality, and peace. Let us continue to work together for the common cause, in the effort of humanity and brotherhood, so all people may enjoy a better way of life and a higher dignity.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, the rising cost of prescription drugs has become a serious problem for millions of our national seniors. Forty- three million are enrolled in Medicare. In fact, more than 20 percent of seniors in Medicare are minorities: 3.9 million are African Americans, 3.1 million are Latinos, and 1.7 million are other racial and ethnic minorities. Many of them are already on fixed income. Many of these high prices are forcing them to choose between medicine and paying for their rent or doing without something else. What Republicans pushed through in the Medicare drug program promised to bring the drug prices down. Yet they have gone up. Yet they plan to protect the rich drug companies' profits and do not go far enough to lower these expenses that are affecting a lot of our minorities. I know firsthand because I have experienced that. It is clear that this legislation has failed to bring down the drug prices. Giving the Secretary the authority to bargain with the drug manufacturers will result in lower costs for 22 million Medicare enrollees in part D. I ask that we support H.R. 4. This is commonsense legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alice Paul, a woman who dedicated her life to equality, to give her a Congressional Gold Medal. Alice Paul was a remarkable person who made America more democratic by fighting for equal rights and creating opportunities for women to participate in politics. Thanks to Alice Paul, Nancy Pelosi was able to become Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Even after her death, her influence continues to be significant on our society and culture. Yesterday marked the day that on January 10, 1918, the House of Representatives first voted to give women the right to vote by approving the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Alice Paul spearheaded the effort to pass the 19th amendment, granting all American women the right to vote. Because of Alice Paul's legacy, my daughters, Natalie and Jennifer, have the right to participate in the electoral process. My grandchildren and their children will forever have this right. Alice Paul's contribution to America cannot be understated. Without her, women may not enjoy many of the rights they have today. Please cosponsor this important legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2 and thank the gentleman from California for being bold enough to carry this important legislation to help the American people. I rise today to call for a vote to raise the minimum wage. This increase must happen for humanitarian justice. Americans are suffering. Let's get back to basics. The minimum wage has not increased. The minimum wage was passed 10 years ago, and during the 10 years, people have struggled to put food on the table, gas prices have increased, the cost of public transportation has increased, the cost of clothes has increased, the cost of housing has increased, the cost of buying food has increased, not to mention every other cost of living in America has increased. This bill is not about continued greed or about outsourcing, but it is about American families and improving their quality of life. Let's get back to basics: $5.15 an hour is poverty. We need this bill because 40 percent of minimum wage workers are the sole bread winners in their families. Nineteen percent of minimum wage earners are Hispanic Americans, and 15 percent are African Americans. It is time. It is time to care for working families of America and to give them a wage that is just, a wage that is fair.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important legislation to make Americans safer. One of the most important functions of government is to protect people. On September 11, 2001, our Nation suffered the devastating terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and at the Pentagon. Thousands of people were killed, many were injured, and all of us were scarred. We vowed to do whatever was necessary to protect our homeland. We owe it to the victims and their families. We owe it to all Americans. And we are taking a big step to make Americans safe. Congress is now following the recommendations made by the bipartisan commission formed to report on the 9/11 failures. This Commission had both Republicans and Democrats, men and women who have served our country well. They worked hard to produce a report that would help us understand what needed to be done. The 9/11 Commission issued 41 recommendations to the Administration and Congress that were designed to improve homeland security, prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, and develop strategies for preventing the spread of Islamic terrorism. Many of these recommendations have only been partially implemented. Others have been ignored. For more than 5 years after the September 11 attacks, Republican leaders refused to take action on many of the recommendations essential to the security of the American people. The 9/11 Commissioners have routinely given the Bush Administration and Congress failing grades on implementing the recommendations and taking actions to protect Americans. So it is important that we pass this legislation. This bill includes many provisions to improve homeland security, including steps to prevent terrorist attacks by speeding up the installation of explosive detection systems to monitor passengers and baggage at airports, requiring 100 percent inspection of air cargo over the next 3 years and 100 percent scanning of U.S.-bound shipping containers over the next 5 years. These steps are especially important to the people I represent in the Inland Empire of California because our region is an important transportation route for cargo arriving in the United States at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and at LAX airport. We must make sure that dangerous weapons or chemicals or other hazardous material are not brought into our country and then traveling on highways or railroad tracks or stored in warehouses in the San Bernardino area. With this legislation, we are also creating a grant program to help first responders have the equipment they need and make sure they can communicate with one another in an emergency. These are just some of the important and necessary ways we are making Americans safer by passing this legislation. I am proud to support H.R. 1 to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia's independence. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia re-established its freedom in the South Caucus region in 1991. Since then, Armenia has committed itself to becoming a modern and thriving nation-state. Despite many external threats, Armenia has fought to overcome trade obstacles and grow its economy. The Armenian Government has also remained a close ally to the United States and is even now providing personnel to the present war in Iraq. The tragedies of the Armenian Genocide from 1915 to 1917 did not dampen the spirit of these persevering people. Armenia has thrived and its people carry on its rich culture and heritage all over the world. Today, over 1 million Armenian-Americans reside in the United States, and of that, more than 500,000 Armenian-Americans make my home State of California their home. We in the United States do not take our freedom for granted and are committed to spreading democracy across the globe. As we celebrate the independence of Armenia, let us remember that freedom is a universal right that should be afforded to anyone, anywhere.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4766, the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006. Language is an important part of one's culture and heritage. Unfortunately, many languages are dying off at a tremendous rate. Native American languages are especially vulnerable and might soon become extinct if we do not take action to preserve them. It is predicted that by 2050, only 20 indigenous languages will remain viable in the United States. Serving as a member of the Native American Caucus and having worked closely with the Native American communities of Southern California as a Congressman (and previously in the California State Assembly and State Senate), I am committed to helping preserve Native American language and culture. In fact, I think Congress should take additional steps to help educate all Americans about Native American culture and traditions--and to honor the contributions that the ``first Americans'' have made to the larger American culture. That's why I introduced a resolution a couple of years ago to encourage schools across the country to honor Native Americans for their contributions to American history, culture and education. The House passed this resolution, H.R. 168, during the 107th Congress. And that's why I have been working to establish a Native American holiday. I believe that a national holiday would help raise awareness about American Indians. When I served in the California Legislature, the San Manuel Band asked me to introduce a bill calling for such a holiday. We passed it in California, and now I have introduced similar legislation, H. Res. 76, in the House of Representatives. So I understand what is at stake today: We have a chance to prevent Native languages from disappearing forever. This is why we must pass this legislation. Native American languages can be revitalized through language immersion programs. Language immersion programs have the ability to create fluency among students. In addition, students who participate in such programs often have higher rates of academic success then their peers who do not. This legislation therefore would be one way to raise the academic achievement of Native American students. The Native American Language Preservation Act would contribute to an already existing Native language grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services by allocating grants for language immersion programs which would not only help keep the language alive, but also help ensure that Native languages are accessible for the next seven generations to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4766. Let's preserve and honor Native American heritage and save our Native languages.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 471 and extend my congratulations and appreciation to the Professional Golfers' Association of America for 90 years of continued excellence. Today, the Professional Golfers' Association is the largest working sports organization in the world. The PGA of America was first formed in 1916 by department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker and a group of 35 professional and amateur golfers. The organization's objectives were to promote interest in the game, elevate the standards of the golf professional's vocation, protect the mutual interest of its members, hold meetings and tournaments for the benefit of members, assist deserving unemployed members to obtain positions and to establish a benevolent relief fund for deserving members. These goals are still very much intact. The PGA has also been able to grow interest in the game, protect its members, and even provide assistance to America in its times of need. For example, after the outbreak of World War I, the PGA of America purchased and maintained an ambulance to be used by the American Red Cross. The PGA of America did this again after the outbreak of World War II. In 1954, the PGA of America formed the PGA Foundation, a public philanthropic foundation dedicated to growing interest in the game while enhancing the quality of life for all people, especially underrepresented people. More recently, the PGA of America has contributed a great deal to the United States in providing relief following September 11th and Hurricane Katrina. The PGA of America donated $500,000 to match Ryder Cup donations for September 11th relief funds and raised $1.3 million for Hurricane Katrina Relief Funds. The PGA of America has not only provided monetary contributions but has also offered different programs such as the Urban Youth Golf Program in Louisville. The PGA Foundation provides resources and funding for local PGA professionals to conduct golf lessons for more than 300 urban youth. This program offers free participation and possible scholarships to attend the University of Louisville. The PGA of America has forged partnerships with other organizations such as Special Olympics International to make golf accessible as an official game in the Special Olympics and has created educational programs such as ``Golf in Schools'' which teaches students in elementary through high school about golf as well as such important topics as diet, nutrition, physical fitness and the importance of having a positive mental outlook. Again, Mr. Speaker, I express my support for H. Con. Res. 471. Let us honor the PGA of America for its dedication to its members, its philanthropic work, and its service to the game that so many of us love.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. I rise today to express strong opposition to the majority's failure to seriously address the important issue of immigration reform. Congress has had a real opportunity this year to produce meaningful bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform. But instead Republican leaders have decided to play election year politics and cater to their base with bills like these. These bills are further proof that Republicans are not serious about real reform on immigration. On the other hand, Democrats are serious about immigration reform and border security. If our amendments had been adopted over the last five years, there would be 6,600 more Border Patrol Agents and 2,700 more immigration enforcement agents along our borders. Republicans instead have held ``sham'' hearings that produced no results--nothing, zero. Second, they have not moved forward with a House-Senate conference on border security/immigration reform legislation. Finally, they are trying to fool our American public by bringing up these token bills that will not be even considered in the Senate. These narrow-minded bills would have little impact on closing the numerous security gaps along our borders. Let's not confuse, again and again, the real concern here. After five years Republicans have nothing to show except for a few votes on band-aid attempts to address a complex issue. It's time for a new direction.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support as a cosponsor of H.R. 5337, National Security Foreign Investment Reform and Strengthened Transparency Act of 2006. This legislation clarifies and strengthens the authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to ensure that foreign acquisitions of U.S. companies or assets do not threaten national security. As the tragic events of September 11, 2001 demonstrate, the threats to the security of the United States have increased and evolved in ways that could not have been anticipated when Congress enacted the Exon- Florio provision in 1988. As a result, we can no longer view national security only through the lens of conventional military threats. We must also guard against other types of threats that could seriously harm our Nation such as a disruption of U.S. energy supplies. With global energy supplies tight, and oil and gas prices skyrocketing, a major disruption of U.S. energy supplies would pose a grave danger to the Nation's economy and the safety and security of the American people. This bill recognizes this fact and includes strong measures to ensure that foreign takeovers of U.S. energy companies or assets do not threaten the energy security of the United States. The Committee's Report states: ``H.R. 5337 makes clear that national security encompasses threats to critical U.S. infrastructure, including energy-related infrastructure. The Committee expects that acquisitions of U.S. energy companies or assets by foreign governments or companies controlled by foreign governments will be reviewed closely for their national security impact. If such acquisitions raise legitimate concerns about threats to U.S. national security, appropriate protections as set forth in the statute should be instituted including potentially the prohibition of the transaction.'' Russia is a perfect example. Russia has made it clear that it wants to acquire pipelines and natural gas conversion facilities in the United States. I strongly believe, however, the United States should tread very carefully before permitting such acquisitions. Here's why. In 2003, Russian President Vladimir Putin reasserted government control over Russia's energy industry through the expropriation of Russia's largest privately-owned energy company, Yukos, without paying any compensation to its owners, including U.S. shareholders who lost approximately $6 billion. As a result, Russian energy companies such as Gazprom and Rosneft are controlled by friends and associates of Putin, including individuals who occupy high level positions in the Putin Administration. Putin appears to be using these companies to implement his strategy of using Russia's oil and gas exports as an instrument of political and economic coercion to advance the interests of the Kremlin. If these Russian government-controlled companies gain control of U.S. energy assets, U.S. energy security could easily be put at risk just as was the case when Russia cut off natural gas supplies to Ukraine in January, and later this spring, when Gazprom not-so-subtlety warned European leaders that Russia would sell its natural gas to Asia instead of Europe if they tried to interfere in Russia's plans to control the entire sales and distribution of natural gas throughout Europe. Mr. Speaker, this would be a disaster for America. We must not let this happen to the United States.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 203, the National Heritage Areas Act. This bill contains a small package of resource conservation and management bills, including the Senate passed version of one of my bills--H.R. 18, the Southern California Groundwater Remediation Act. The Southern California Groundwater Remediation Act will fund $25 million for the cleanup of a rocket fuel additive that has contaminated groundwater supplies in the Santa Ana watershed, namely, the Rialto- Colton basin and the Chino basin. Cities in the Inland Empire of Southern California are closing their groundwater wells due to contamination from this fuel and explosive called perchlorate. This chemical is a volatile organic compound and has been found to be harmful to thyroid function. From most accounts, 90 percent of perchlorate in water comes from a federal source, primarily from former military sites and other Department of Defense installations. Three hundred nineteen groundwater wells are impacted in California alone--78 of them in my district. This bill includes a similar provision for contamination in Representative Pombo's region. Perchlorate doesn't just affect the drinking water supply, but our food supply as well. A 2003 study found perchlorate in lettuce grown in areas where the water supply is contaminated with perchlorate. And, perchlorate has even been found in milk. Hardworking families in my region, which has and has had large military and aerospace facilities, are not at fault and should not have to pay for a federally created problem. The communities I represent cannot afford costly toxic cleanup and the alternative is no better. Cities are being forced to raise water rates to outrageous levels, forgo dust control on highways to meet Clean Air Act requirements, and to truck in water from other regions. The region I represent in California is ground zero for this contamination and the Federal Government needs to step up and take responsibility. Including my bill as a provision to S. 203 will go a long way to protect children and elderly in California from dangerous health risks. The House of Representatives has already twice passed H.R. 18 and I am glad the Senate has moved forward in approving my legislative proposal. The communities in my district need this assistance, and I urge my colleagues to please support S. 203 and the many important provisions and bills included therein.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5121, the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2006. I am proud to be a cosponsor of a bill that restores the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) program back to California's housing markets. The FHA program has not kept up with the needs of underserved homebuyers. According to HUD estimates, the number of working families served by FHA has declined considerably with only 3 percent of home buyers using FHA loans. I am especially concerned that this decline has had a disparate impact on the State of California. In 2000, FHA insured 109,074 mortgages in California. But last year, FHA insured only 5,137 loans. This is a decrease of 95 percent in just five years--by far the largest in the country! Many of my constituents are being priced out of the housing market because the cost of housing is too high. In fact, the median home price in San Bernardino County is $403,000 which is only affordable for 2 out of every 10 families. For these families FHA is not an option because the program's maximum mortgage limit is too low. As a result, FHA fell from providing 5,543 single family loans in my district in 2000 to just 199 loans last year. The FHA program has all but disappeared in my district, placing housing further out of reach for underserved communities! If we don't pass the reforms in this bill, minority and low income families are left vulnerable in the housing market. Without FHA loans first-time and minority homebuyers with less-than perfect credit are left with fewer safe and affordable options. This creates an incentive for predatory lenders to steer them into more expensive and riskier loans. H.R. 5121 will help reverse this trend by improving the FHA program so that FHA can offer better mortgage options to low and moderate income families and minorities. It reforms the FHA program by raising the loan limits for high cost areas from 87 percent of the conforming limit to 100 percent of that limit. This change is critical to California, where home prices and new home construction have eclipsed FHA's current limit of $362,790. We must pass H.R. 5121 because it will allow the FHA program to reach underserved communities. All hard-working people deserve a fair deal in the homebuying process with a real chance to create better, more economically secure futures for their families. Mr. Speaker, I express my full support of this bill and urge my fellow colleagues to adopt its final passage.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, as another Fourth of July has passed us by, Americans are again reminded of the sacrifices so many have made and continue to make in order to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. None of these freedoms would be possible if it weren't for the brave men and women of our United States Armed Forces. I stand here today to honor one such individual, Chief Master Sergeant David G. Harlow. On August 26, 2006, Chief Harlow will retire from reserve duty, after more than 29 years of federal military service in the defense of our great nation. Chief Harlow was born in Riverside, California, and attended Charter Oak High School, where he excelled at Track and Field. After his graduation from Charter Oak, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in July of 1966. Upon completion of his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Chief Harlow was assigned to Whellus Air Force Base in Libya, where he worked in information management. In July of 1968, he was reassigned to the 7272nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, at Kingsley Field in Oregon, where he served as an Information Management Specialist. Upon completion of his active duty service in July of 1970, Chief Harlow was licensed by the Department of Treasury as an International Customs House Broker in the cargo industry. Over the next few years, Chief Harlow became known as one of the top professionals in his field, and in 1980 he authored a book entitled ``Importer's Guide to U.S. Customs.'' In August of 1981, Chief Harlow entered the Air Force Reserves at Norton Air Force Base in California, and was placed in the 445th Aerial Port Flight, where he became the Unit Training Manager. In July of 1985, he was reassigned to the 37th MAPS unit at March Air Force Base where he eventually became the Superintendent of Operations. In 1989, Chief Harlow was promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant. In November of 1990, he was reassigned to Saudi Arabia in support of operation Desert Storm, and served as his unit's Deployment Team Chief. Upon his return from Operation Desert Storm, Chief Harlow was awarded the ``Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year'' award and was promoted to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Later, he was reassigned to the 56th Aerial Port Squadron, where he introduced a set of training exercises known as the Aerial Port Field Exercises. This program trained Aerial Port Squadrons in the areas of mobility deployment and chemical attack survival. Chief Harlow's program was so successful that it led to the 56th Aerial Port Squadron being awarded the Air Force's prestigious ``Aerial Port of the Year Award''. In June of 2000, Chief Harlow was promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and became the Superintendent of Squadron Operations. In June of 2005 he was reassigned to the 50th Aerial Port Squadron as Superintendent of Squadron Operations. Chief Harlow has received numerous decorations including the Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal with Seven Oak Leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air force Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service medal, the Air Force Good Conduct medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Throughout his extraordinary service to our country, Chief Harlow has always been a dedicated and loving family man. He is married to his wonderful wife, Laurie Harlow. Together they have two sons, David and Daniel, as well as four grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is with an extreme sense of respect and pride that I stand here today to recognize Chief Master Sergeant David G. Harlow. His contributions to his family, the United States Air Force, and this great nation serve as a wonderful example of patriotism for all Americans to follow.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H. Res. 910, the rule for the Voting Rights Reauthorization. I rise in opposition to this rule because it allows the Voting Rights Act to be weakened by amendments that would strip important provisions from the bill. Democrats and Republicans passed a Voting Rights Act Reauthorization that strengthens and extends the Act's legacy for our future generations out of the Judiciary committee. Democrats and Republicans recognize that this Act is relevant to the situations of millions of Americans. In my district, the Inland Empire, a third of the residents don't speak English as their primary language. In my personal experience, my father, who was born, raised, worked and raised a family in America, did not speak English well--yet he deserved, as all Americans do, the right to vote. We must renew the Voting Rights Act--we must not allow these provisions to expire and thus disenfranchise hard-working Americans who want to do their civic duty. If America is to remain the democracy that has made it strong, all voters must have the opportunity to cast a ballot they can understand. But the King amendment allowed under this rule strikes the sections re-authorizing the Section 203 bilingual ballot requirements. Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act has made our Nation's democratic ideals a reality by ensuring that eligible voters, regardless of language ability, may participate on a fair and equal basis in elections. Three-quarters of those who are covered by the language assistance provision are native-born United States citizens. The rest are naturalized U.S. citizens. It is well documented that language assistance is needed and used by voters. For instance, the U.S. Department of Justice has reported that in one year, registration rates among Spanish- and Filipino-speaking American citizens grew by 21 percent and registration among Vietnamese-speaking American citizens increased over 37 percent after San Diego County started providing language assistance. In Apache County, Arizona, the Department's enforcement activities have resulted in a 26-percent increase in Native American turnout in 4 years, allowing Navajo Code talkers, veterans, and the elderly to participate in elections for the first time. This amendment would effectively disenfranchise language minority voters through the appropriation process. Section 203 has always received bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress and the White House. Section 203 of the VRA requires that U.S. minority citizens who have been subjected to a history of discrimination be provided language assistance to ensure that they can make informed choices at the polls. It does not offer voting assistance to illegal or non-naturalized immigrants. I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and pass the strong and relevant Voting Rights Act that America needs. Mr. Speaker, cognizant of the historic nature of what we are doing and strongly supportive of the legislation that we are bringing to the floor today, I yield back the balance of my time and move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call for a vote on raising the minimum wages. I thank Mr. Miller for being an advocate on behalf of the poor, disadvantaged and trying to equate equality and job opportunities and wages. I just heard from the leader on the other side talk about leave no child behind. But we want to make sure that no child is left behind, and that every child has an opportunity to progress and advance, and that means employment and an opportunity. When you leave a child behind, that means that you have not given them the appropriate wages to go to school, to obtain wages to pay for the schools. Right now we see in America today the cost of health has increased. Energy, college are rising. People can't even afford to buy homes. We have two or three or four or five different families that are working. We have individuals that have two or three different kinds of jobs. Why? Because the minimum wages have not increased. It is time that we look at working families and provide them with that opportunity. Across America we need this minimum-wage increase. Don't complain about immigration and then refuse to pay the American families a living wage. The minimum wage is not only for teenagers in summer jobs or working families. It is for all Americans. Adults over the age of 20 make up the largest share of workers who would benefit from minimum wages increase, and many parents are with children under the age of 18. We are talking about under 18. Forty percent of minimum- wage workers are the sole breadwinners in their families. Too many working families in my district have had to turn to minimum-wage jobs after Norton was closed and Kaiser closed. And we don't have major industries such as some of our cities in the urban communities like us. We depend on those jobs that give them those kind, whether it is a McDonald's, whether it is a commercial store, whether it is an industrial store. It is important that they have those minimum wages increased because they also need to put food on the table. In this country, in the United States, many people are starving right here. Yes, they are literally starving. They can't put food on the table. They can't afford to pay for their gas prices that continues to go up. You fill a tank of gas and it costs you anywhere between 50 to 60 to $75. We need to increase the minimum wages so therefore they can afford to buy gas, go to work and have something to provide for their families. I ask that we support the minimum wage. It is time that we deal with the American people here in the United States and we take care of them. We owe it to them.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Voting Rights Reauthorization Act of 2006. Many brave men and women have fought against bigotry, injustice, inequality to secure the voting rights for all Americans. Many of our veterans who serve now and in the past, of all colors, of all races, have fought for the freedom that we enjoy today. They have sacrificed their lives so that every individual has the right to exercise their voting right. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest achievements of Congress because it has torn down arbitrary barriers to voting participation. The VRA gave dignity, pride and hope to many who have been historically shut out of the democratic process and oppressed by the Jim Crow legacy. I can remember my dad, a U.S. citizen, born here in the United States, when he first cast his first vote and told us the importance of voting. It was during that period of time that we knew the importance of voting and that every person, regardless of the limited English that they had, and my dad spoke very little English, but voted. I encourage all of us to vote for the Voting Rights Act on a bipartisan basis, and both Republicans and Democrats are here to support a strong Voting Rights Act that extends the protection for the future generations.