Joe Baca

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I wish to join with my colleagues in honoring a very special American, Alfred Rascon. I want to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania, Mr. Fattah, and the gentleman from New York, Chairman McHugh, for bringing this measure to the floor today. I was honored to participate in the White House ceremony earlier this year when Alfred Rascon was presented with the Medal of Honor. I can't think of a more deserving person to receive the Medal of Honor than Alfred Rascon. Each and every American should be deeply proud of this veteran, a true and authentic American hero. Alfred Rascon waited well over thirty years to receive this highest of all distinctions. Alfred Rascon's bravery and courage on the battlefields of Vietnam should have brought this honor to him much sooner. The ceremony at the White House was one of the most emotional and moving events I have ever witnessed in my entire life. Bestowing this special distinction upon this American hero was long overdue, and the honor we bestow upon Alfred Rascon today is both fitting and proper. Earlier this year, following the White House event honoring Alfred Rascon, I introduced legislation that will bring honor and distinction to America's most highly decorated veterans. As a veteran of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, I was surprised to learn that the Medal of Honor, awarded to our veterans in the Nation's highest honor for their heroic efforts, is made primarily of brass. Congress awards its own gold medal to distinguished Americans, and this medal costs as much as $30,000, and is made of gold. My legislation, H.R. 3584, would replace the brass in the Congressional Medal of Honor we award to America's brave Americans with gold. The Congressional Budget Office has indicated my bill would cost only $2,300 per medal. I don't think that's too high of a price to pay for our most heroic Americans. Many of the recipients of the Medal of Honor already paid the ultimate price for our Nation and for our freedoms and liberty. We need to remember our veterans and think about them every day. There are more than 25 million veterans in the United States. There are 2,700,000 veterans living in California. Today, I invite my colleagues who honor and respect America's veterans to join with me in honoring Alfred Rascon by supporting H.R. 4430, the measure to name the Alfred Rascon Post Office, and by supporting my bill for a more fitting Medal of Honor, H.R. 3584. Once again, I wish to thank my colleagues for this opportunity. This is an honorable recognition for a highly honorable and courageous American, Alfred Rascon.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I oppose H.R. 3125, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act. I am concerned that the bill creates unfair carve outs. In-home gambling on horse and dog races is allowed, but tribal Internet gaming is prohibited. I fail to see how dog races are acceptable but tribal gaming is not. This bill does not deserve our support. The bill is so riddled with exemptions it is opposed by the Traditional Values Coalition, which says that the bill does little to address the problems it purports to solve. Tribal gaming has been essential in furthering economic development on our reservations. It has allowed for medical clinics and upgrading of substandard housing. It has lifted Native Americans from poverty. It has given them self-determination over their destiny. It has furthered Native American sovereignty. It is important we recognize all Native Americans have given to this country. For that reason, earlier in the year I introduced H. Res. 487 to honor Native Americans. Native Americans have shown their willingness to fight and die for this nation in foreign lands. They honor the American flag at every powwow. Native Americans should be treated fairly. We should not burden them with restrictions we are unwilling to place on others. The bill is opposed by the Department of Justice, AT&T, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Computer and Communications Industry Association, Covad Communications, Center for Democracy and Technology, National Congress of American Indians, Electronic Privacy Information Center, ACLU, Traditional Values Coalition, Seniors Coalition, Free Congress Foundation, Americans for Tax Reform, CATO Institute, American Association of Concerned Tax Payers, and Coalition for Constitutional Liberties. For all of the above reasons, I am opposing H.R. 3125.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I request that the Congress reflect on the memory of Ruth Firschein, of Palo Alto, California, who passed away this week. Known by her family simply as ``Grandma Ruth,'' Ruth spanned nearly a century during her remarkable life. Born in a village in Eastern Europe, Ruth immigrated to the United States as a young woman. She followed the classic path of many immigrants, landing in New York City, working hard to make a living in a new country, marrying, raising children, and assisting with the operation of a small family printing business, Firschein Press. Although circumstances did not permit her to complete more than a grade school education, she took her children to the New York City Public Library, and taught them that books and knowledge are the key to understanding and success. The Firschein apartment was filled with books and artwork, radios and science experiments. People who met Ruth were impressed by her intelligence, wit, charm, and leadership qualities. She served as an officer in a number of synagogue and charitable groups, freely giving of her time, and expressing her views enthusiastically, without hesitation or reservation. Ruth witnessed much during her long life. She liked to tell about the time cossacks occupied her village and had a saber fight in the kitchen of her family's home. One of the swords accidentally struck her. Years later, she would point to the small scar and tell of the soldiers' remorse. One of them told her he had a little girl just like her at home. Ruth was a link between the past and the present. She witnessed the birth of airplanes, televisions, computers and rockets. She watched as new waves of immigrants came to this country, retracing her life and her steps. In her later years, she would sit with new Russian immigrants, listening to their stories, and trading her own. She was a natural storyteller, and we are fortunate that a number of her stories have been recorded on tape. Ruth leaves behind three children and several grandchildren. They remember her legacy of love for the world. She will be missed.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I support the Weiner-Stabenow amendment to increase the appropriations for Community Oriented Policing Program, COPS. The amendment includes funds for law enforcement in Indian country. We believe that public safety is important to all of us. We believe that public safety is important not only in training and prevention and public safety in our schools, it is important that we provide adequate funding. As we look across the Nation, across the States, that is one of the highest priorities that we have is public funding and public safety and funding for law enforcement. The Commerce, Justice, State appropriations bill provides zero funding for Indian country law enforcement initiatives, zero funding for tribal courts, zero funding for COPS grants set aside for Indians. We have the responsibility for Native American Indian as well, to every other individual as well. What we basically do is we provide public safety in other areas but when it comes to tribal, we do not provide the funding here. This is wrong. We must fund these programs. It is important that we recognize Native American Indians who have given to this country. For this reason, earlier this year, I introduced H.R. 487 to honor Native Americans. Native Americans have shown their willingness to fight and die for our Nation in foreign lands. Native Americans honor the American flag at every pow wow and a lot of us have attended those. It is shameful that the Republican leadership zeroed out funding for Native American law enforcement in this bill. This funding is critical in light of the information from the Justice Department and the confirmation that while national crime continues to drop, crime rates continue to rise and continue to rise in Native American sovereign country. Violence against women, juveniles and gang crime and child abuse remains a serious problem. It does not matter where it is at, it is a problem that exists, and we must provide public safety. We need to support funding for Native American laws and enforcement. It is the right thing to do, and this bill would provide the funding in that area. It is the just and right thing to do.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, this week Goldy S. Lewis will turn 79. I salute her, and wish her a happy birthday and best wishes. Ms. Lewis is the co-founder of Lewis Homes in my district, which now goes under the name of Lewis Operating Corp., and has been active in the real estate development industry since 1955. She is still very active in the business. As we look to providing housing, it is important that we recognize the pioneering efforts of those who have sought to further the American dream of having a place of one's own. Our community is better off, because of it. A graduate of UCLA, Ms. Lewis has received numerous honors, including American Builder Magazine 1st Award of Distinction, 1963; West End YMCA Homer Briggs Service to Youth Award, 1990; City of Hope Spirit of Life Award, 1993; Professional Builder Magazine Builder of the Year Award, co-recipient, 1988; National Housing Conference ``Housing Person of the Year'' Award, 1990; Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Inland Empire, 1990; Woman of the Year, California 25th Senate District, 1989; Distinguished Chief Executive Officer (with husband, Ralph M. Lewis), California State University, San Bernardino, 1991; City of Rancho Cucamonga Ralph and Goldy Lewis Sports Center, 1988; several other parks and sports fields named for the Lewises, including Lewis Park in Claremont. She has been listed in Who's Who in America (with her husband, Ralph M. Lewis), since 1980. I have been very impressed with the extensive civic commitment of Ms. Lewis and her family. She has served on the City National Bank Advisory Board; UCLA Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning Dean's Council; Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall of Planning and Development, University of Southern California; UCLA Foundation Chancellor's Associates; National Association of Home Builders, Building Industry Association of California, Baldy View Chapter; International Council of Shopping Centers; Urban Land Institute. She has served on the UCR Foundation Board of Trustees since January 1998, and was named (with her husband Ralph M. Lewis) Management Leaders of the Year, 1993. In summary, it is indeed a pleasure to reflect on her many achievements, and to hope that she has many more, now that we have entered the new millennium.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in opposition to H.R. 4577, the Labor-HHS-Education appropriation bill. Once again, the Republicans are cutting taxes for the wealthy. The Republicans have lost sight of what the American people want: to improve our schools, preserve Medicare and social security, enact a Patients' Bill of Rights, provide for prescription drug benefits, and eliminate the debt. H.R. 4577 is bad for America and it is bad for my district. The bill cuts $400 million from after-school programs, 100,000 school counselors, 100,000 teachers, programs to recruit teachers, math and science programs for 650,000 children, school safety programs for 40 school districts, programs for 1.6 million elderly, and programs for the disabled. Education, because education is my top priority, I am concerned that the bill cuts $3.8 billion from the President's educational programs, such as class size reduction and school construction. I state that California will lose at least $369 million for the education under this bill. I state that California will lose $369 million for education under this bill. Just as we invest in the future of space programs, we need to make sure that we invest in our future, because children are our future. We need additional programs for math and science. We should not be cutting programs. We need to plant the seeds so that our children can guide us for tomorrow. If we do not plant the seed, it will never flourish. Education is the foundation that provides us with a change. All kids should have an opportunity. Cuts in after-school programs. The Republican plan cuts after-school programs by over $400 million, or 40 percent of the President's proposal. It will throw children out into our streets instead of having them safely in schools. They will be placed as a burden on our churches to care for our young people. School counselors. It eliminates funding for over 100,000 school counselors, so the kids will not know which classes to take. I was a counselor, and I know the importance of having counselors that can direct our children and tell them what classes they need to take to make sure that they are prepared academically not only to graduate from high school, but at the same time to go on to a community college, a State college, or to a university. Class size reduction: The Republican plan will result in larger class sizes. It rejects the President's plan to hire additional 100,000 new teachers. In California alone, we have implemented the class reductions that have been very effective in the State of California where the grades have begun to increase for a lot of our children. We had small classes; we owe the same opportunity to our children. We can remember that when most of us were baby boomers or going to school, our classes were small and we were able to learn in that kind of environment. This presents a very difficult environment for a lot of our children that will have 35 students in a classroom to 45 students in the classrooms. We need further reduction in classes. Teacher quality: It will cut incentives for hiring good teachers by $1 billion. There are over 30,000 teachers needed in California alone this year. Our schools need to succeed, not to fail. We need to increase teachers' salaries from $32,000 to approximately $36,000, and provide incentives for our teachers. Programs: The Republican plan will cut reading and math for up to 650,000 children. It cuts reading tutorial programs for our children. It will cut $68 million from programs for education technology centers, yet the President just recently said that we are going to provide additional money in science and technology. Especially, it affects a lot of our institutions across the United States. And we need to make sure that our children advance and are meeting the future in that area. School safety: The Republican plan will result in unsafe schools. One-third of our schools need extensive repairs or replacement of buildings. Republicans rejected $1.3 billion for urgent safety and health repairs at 5,000 schools. Our children will be in classes with unsafe wiring, roofs could fall or leak. It is important that we provide an atmosphere and an environment that is conducive to learning. When our children feel that they are safe in schools, that do not have leaky roofs, that we provide that kind of environment, their attitude and self-esteem will change and it will be a lot better. Republicans cut $51 million from the President's request to fight drugs in schools. We need to keep programs like DARE programs, ``Say No to Drugs,'' Red Ribbon Week, the Police Athletic League, the Friday Night Live, the Boys and Girls Club, Los Padrinos program, the City of Fontana Drug Court program, the drug treatment/recovery programs for adolescents established in legislation that I carried, AB 1784. The Republicans have eliminated funding to make our schools safe. The Republicans eliminated funding for a program to make our schools safe from violence in over 40 school districts. We need to avoid more tragedies. That is why I am carrying H.R. 4428 which would create school safety programs! The elderly.--The Republican bill cuts funding to protect elderly Americans. It eliminates 95% of the funding to improve quality of care in nursing homes. It will cut pension and health care plan protections! It rejects a Medicare prescription drug benefit. The disabled.--It will put the disabled on the streets, including our veterans, who have fought for our country. The bill cuts employment assistance to 3,100 homeless veterans! The Republican plan helps the wealthy.--At the same time the Republicans are slashing programs, they are giving tax breaks to the very wealthy! Democrats believe in responsibility. But the Republican plan spends down the bank account. It does not save for a rainy day. It is a poor investment in our future. The war on poverty, illiteracy, and disease.--There are hundreds of thousands of American citizens living without basic services that most Americans take for granted! We need to take immediate action to give them the opportunity to succeed. We should have the courage and commitment to provide adequate living conditions. No matter where they live, children must be given an equal opportunity to live healthy and safe lives. Seniors should have food, shelter, and medicine! We should remember the words of Cesar Chavez, ``Si se puede!'' There is hope to take care of our children and seniors! Conclusion.--We must look to the future. For our seniors and our young people. We must do the right thing. We must oppose H.R. 4577. It is bad for my district! It is bad for America!

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule and against the PNTR China agreement. I feel that this is injustice and inequality to the environment and human rights and most importantly to the workers' rights. The issue is about principle, right and wrong, the future of this country. It is about the future of this country and protecting American jobs in the global economy. I do not oppose China's current trade status. I believe in annual review of China's smart policy. Bishop Barnes from the San Bernardino diocese came to me to express his concern over religious freedom and humanitarian rights to the people, not only in this country but throughout the world as well. Close to 4 million veterans and 52 percent of Americans believe that this agreement would hurt American workers and that it is dangerous to American society. Yet some feel that this is best for the American people. This country's judicial system is based on what is called reasonable doubt. No man is convicted if there is reasonable doubt. In this agreement, there is more than reasonable doubt; and yet some want to convict this country and its workers and say yes to a country that has violated every rule. I say ``si se puede.'' Say no to this rule. Say no to the PNTR China agreement

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, May 27th at 10 a.m. we will be dedicating the new Bob Molina Memorial Park and Fountain in Rialto. Bob Molina passed away on July 7, 1998, after battling an illness. Those of us who knew him were moved by his incredible determination, positive attitude, and cheerfully optimistic disposition. Bob distinguished himself as a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for 36 years, serving as Shop Steward, Business Agent, and President, as well as on the Executive Boards, grievance committees, and negotiation teams. He was a tenacious fighter for the members he represented; he battled for higher wages, improved pensions, and the highest quality medical benefits; and he struggled for contract language providing for a safe workplace and decent working conditions. As we dedicate the Park and Fountain, it is fitting to note that Bob Molina demonstrated his commitment to the community through his service as a Little League Coach, Pop Warner Coach, and Girls' Softball Coach, as well as the Cub Scouts. He also served our nation in the United States Navy. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. During his 32 year marriage, he and his wife Barbara had 9 children and 14 grandchildren. This Park and Fountain honor Bob Molina's lifetime of service to his nation, community, cherished Teamsters Union, and beloved family. It is a symbol of his outstanding qualities that included hard work, concern, and dedication that enhanced the lives of the many people who had the pleasure of being touched by his life.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I am offering an amendment to the defense authorization bill that will bring honor and distinction to America's most highly decorated veterans. As a veteran myself who served in the 101st Airborne Division and 82nd Airborne Division, I was surprised to learn that the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to our veterans as this Nation's highest honor for their heroic efforts is made primarily of brass. Congress awards its own gold medal to distinguished Americans, and this medal costs as much as $30,000 and is made of solid gold. My amendment would replace the brass in the Congressional Medal of Honor we award to America's brave Americans with gold. I do not think it is too much of a price to pay for our most heroic Americans. It would only cost about $2,000 per medal. Many of the recipients of the Medal of Honor already paid the ultimate price for our Nation and for our freedoms and liberty. We need to remember our veterans and think about them every day. There are more than 25 million veterans in the United States. There are more than 3 million veterans in California. That is why I am holding a veterans' fair on Saturday recognizing veterans. Today, I invite my colleagues who honor and respect America's veterans to join me in supporting my amendment for a more fitting Medal of Honor to individuals.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with much sadness that I inform my colleagues of the passing of a great individual, a person who graced our world and our lives with so much love and compassion and family value. Adolfo Ribera, the husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, passed away on May 12, 2000 in Barstow, California. He was 76 years of age. Born in Walfenburg, Colorado and raised in Ribera, New Mexico and husband of Aurelia Ribera. He was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a WWII Veteran in the Philippines, worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for thirty one years and a former member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union. He was an avid baseball player and known as an outstanding softball fast-pitch player. He and I were teammates and the teams we played on won many league championships. We played for the City's Softball Fast Pitch League in Barstow, California. Adolfo lived a full and a very fulfilling life, a life graced by his wife, whom they were blessed with eight children: Ralph, Veronica, Elizabeth, Adolfo, Frances (deceased), William, Tina; and also blessed with twenty-two grand children, nine great grand children. These children brought tremendous joy and inspiration into his life. He is survived by one brother: Eddie, and his brothers who are now deceased are: Hilario, Trinidad, Joe. Survived by four sisters: Mary, Eloisa (daughter is Barbara married to Congressman Joe Baca), Piedad, Theresa and Frances who is now deceased. Adolfo was and remains so much a tremendous person in our thoughts and in our memories. We appreciate so much and will long remember the many good and positive things he brought to his family and lives that he touched. I join with Adolfo's friends and family members in honoring such a truly remarkable and outstanding person, a husband, father, grand father, great grandfather and to all those who loved him. He was a strong person, the backbone to his family. He possessed honesty, strength, leadership and courage. He was considered a true friend in every sense of the word. I join with all of those who loved Adolfo Ribera in extending our prayers to the family and hope that they find peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. A Rosary will be cited at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, May 15, 2000, 7:00 p.m., 505 E. Mt. View, Barstow, California. The funeral will be at 9:00 a.m. also at the church.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, today is equal pay day. We should recognize women and pay them equally. They are our grandmothers, mothers, wives, colleagues, teachers, caregivers, citizens and leaders. Women's role in the home and work place is critical. That's why I am pleased to co-sponsor H.R. 541, the Paycheck Fairness Act, and H.R. 1271, the Fair Pay Act. And I am pleased to sponsor the 8th annual women's event on August 4th at Cal Sate University San Bernardino. Many working women lack the basic benefits they need to care for their families. So we have kids with illnesses going to school; kids who have not eaten breakfast; and kids hanging out on the street because their mothers work two or three jobs. We need laws to improve child care and after-school care. On the job, working women are looking for higher pay, better benefits and most of all the ``3-R's'': respect, recognition and reward for a job well done. Working women want a stronger voice--not only in decisions on the job but in the policy making area. Women deserve our support.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained for rollcall vote No. 154. Had I been here, I would have voted no.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I regret that a White House meeting on providing a prescription drug benefit for America's seniors prevented me from voting on the point of order to H.R. 3709, the Internet Nondiscrimination Act (rollcall number 154). If I had not been meeting with the President, I would have voted against the point of order. While I share the concern of the gentleman from Michigan about the impact of mandates on state and local governments, this is too important a bill to cut off debate. The American people have demanded that we roll up our shirt sleeves and solve this issue. I have heard from hundreds of my constituents, who are concerned about the possibility that we will tax this new technology to the point where it is no longer viable. I see science and the Internet as the key to the future of America and the Inland Empire. We must allow Internet companies to flourish. In fact, I invite Internet-based industries to come to the Inland Empire, where we will create 15,000 new jobs through the LAMBRA enterprise zone legislation I authored. We have entered a new era of prosperity and unlimited possibilities for our children. We have a great future if we encourage Internet-based companies through bills such as H.R. 3709.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my distinguished colleague the gentleman from Southern California (Mr. Martinez) for yielding me the time. I want to commend him for his hard work on behalf of education and support of America's teachers. Mr. Speaker, I want to also recognize my colleague the gentleman from Southern California (Chairman McKeon). I commend him for his hard work on the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education, Training and Life-long Learning. I also want to commend our colleague the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger) for sponsoring this important education resolution. Education is an important aspect of America. Education is the foundation and it is the fruits that we bear in improving the quality of life. Education defines who we are. I want to commend many of our teachers who are out there today in our public schools. As it has been stated, they are teaching in an area where it is very difficult, conditions are not the best, they are teaching in diverse areas with a multitude of many languages. I believe that if a lot of us look at America and where we are today, we are here today because we have had good teachers that were willing to sacrifice and are willing to teach us and are willing to work with us. Too often in today's society we fail to recognize these teachers that are willing to give of their time and effort to make sure that the quality of life is improved. When we look at every business person, every individual in our society, they have been touched by some teacher some way along the lines. Whether it had been in elementary, whether it had been in intermediate, whether it had been a secondary, or whether it had been at a community college or State college or university, it was these teachers who cared and motivated these students, who gave them the self-esteem that said that they have the confidence to go on in society and be what they want. That is why it is important that we today remember and recognize and support this H. Res. 492 in distinguishing this week as the 15th Annual Teachers Appreciation Week. America's investment in education represents an investment in our future. The measures of investment we make in our children's future reflects America's commitment to our future growth and future strength. On Friday, in conjunction with Teachers Appreciation Week, I am sponsoring an educational summit in San Bernardino. This summit will bring together teachers and students, along with officials of the public and private sector. This summit will explore education in the new millennium and improve technology in teacher training. As we seek to show our appreciation of America's teachers, it is important that we give them the tools needed to get the job done. Last week I introduced legislation to give teachers added help by bringing technology into the classroom and training teachers as they prepare for the 21st century. This bill will help teachers achieve the technology training that they will need in order to educate students today and tomorrow. We must demonstrate to America and recognize and give teachers the honor they fully deserve. I strongly urge support of our teachers. I appreciate this resolution.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, this week is Cinco de Mayo week, a time to celebrate the tremendous courage and bravery of Mexican Americans. I have introduced House Concurrent Resolution 313. This resolution calls for a presidential proclamation to recognize the struggle of Mexican American people as we celebrate this holiday. The Mexican American people have fought against great odds for their freedom. Cinco de Mayo is indeed a great day to be filled with celebration, symbolism, and remembrance. It is about culture, tradition, heritage, and pride. It marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Pueblo. Many of us come from different places, but we share a common bond: we are united and proud Mexican Americans. I would also like to salute the students from the Inland Empire Mariachi Youth Education Foundation of Southern California, who have been performing this week in our Nation's capital. My daughter, Jennifer Baca, is one of those performing and exposing individuals to this culture, tradition and heritage as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It represents a dream come true for many of these students. This Friday we will remember Cinco de Mayo. It is an important day in the history of Mexico and California.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, due to a speaking engagement outside the Capitol I was unable to cast a vote today on H. Res. 488, the rule to waive the two-thirds requirement for same day consideration of H.R. 434. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I share the concern of America's workers that the Caribbean Basin Initiative contained in H.R. 434 will jeopardize American jobs.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I was not able to be here, but had I been here I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 144.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, this week we celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It is a time to celebrate the tremendous courage and the bravery of Mexican Americans throughout our history. I wish to take this opportunity to invite many of the individuals today as we begin to celebrate Cinco de Mayo to a festivity that will be going on in this area. I currently have invited 28 students from the Inland Empire Mariachi Youth Education Foundation to perform Wednesday at the upper Senate park here in the Capitol. This is an opportunity to learn about cultural traditions and music and heritage. It is an opportunity for many of the individuals to see kids between the ages of 6 to 17 that will be performing here in Washington. For these kids, this is the first time that they have come to Washington, D.C., the first time that they have flown. It is an opportunity to share in part of that heritage, part of the culture, part of the tradition, part of the enrichment, part of that motivation. I encourage my colleagues that are out there, Members who have an opportunity to attend, please come and watch these kids perform as we begin to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I inform my colleagues of the passing of a great individual, a person who graced our world and the lives of so many people with love and compassion. Martha Manuel Chacon, who passed away on March 28, 2000, was a beloved tribal elder of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians. She was totally dedicated to providing a better way of life for her tribal members as well as for future generations of Serranos and all Native Americans. Mrs. Chacon's legacy will live on forever in the many lives she touched during her 89 years on this Earth. She demonstrated to all of us complete and total honesty and strength as well as leadership and courage. Martha Manuel Chacon was and remains so much a tremendous person in our thoughts and in our memories. I appreciate so much and will long remember the many good and positive things she brought into the lives of so many people and to the lives of the people of the San Manuel Tribe. I join with Martha's friends and family members in honoring such a truly remarkable and outstanding person, someone who gave so much to those she loved. Each of us is better and more fortunate for what she unselfishly gave to us and gave to our world, a world made so much brighter and gentler by her life and her presence. Mr. Speaker, I join with all of those who loved Martha Manuel Chacon in extending our prayers, knowing that God's heaven will forever be blessed and graced by her presence. Tribal Matriarch Chacon Dies at 89 (By Joe Nelson) San Bernardino--Martha Manuel Chacon was the backbone of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians--possessing honesty, strength, leadership, and courage. She was considered a true friend in every sense of the word, family members say. After a lifetime of service to the San Manuel tribe, Chacon died Tuesday at St. Bernardino Medical Center in San Bernardino. She was 89. Chacon was the granddaughter of Santos Manuel--for whom the tribe is named. Manuel was responsible for saving the tribe during difficult transition times in 1866, when settling in one place was a challenge because American Indians routinely were forced to move from one location to another as land got swallowed up. It was Manuel who was key in settling the tribe near Highland, were it has remained to this day. Chacon helped bring electricity to the reservation in the 1950s and running water to tribal homes in the 1960s. Her leadership helped the tribe improve its quality of life and plan its future, members said. One thing family members said they will remember about Chacon was her strong connection to Serrano ancestry, culture and heritage. Chacon's daughter, Pauline Murillo, 67, remembers the stories her mother told her when she was a child--part of the American Indian oral tradition. Chacon often would converse with family members in the Cahuilla language. ``We shared the customs. She would call me or I would call her and we would speak Indian,'' Murillo said. As a young adult, when jobs were scarce and she faced extreme poverty, Chacon commuted to Los Angeles and spent the work week there as a house cleaner to make ends meet. She would return to the reservation on the weekends to be with her family, Murillo said. The time away never negatively impacted Chacon's relationship with her family, relatives said. ``She was a very strong person. She was like the backbone to our whole family,'' said granddaughter Audrey Martinez, who serves as the tribe's secretary-treasurer. Chacon is survived by her husband, Raoul; children Pauline Murillo, Roy Chacon, Rowena ``Rena'' Ramos, Sandy Marquez, Raoul ``Beanie'' Chacon Jr., and Carla Rodriguez; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. A rosary will be recited at Chacon's home on the San Manuel Reservation at 7 p.m. Monday. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, also at Chacon's home. Donations in Chacon's memory can be sent to: Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Foundation, 11234 Anderson Road, Room A607, Loma Linda 92354.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of legislation introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), my colleague from the Inland Empire. As a cosponsor of the bill, I join him in the war against meth labs. This bill increases penalties for drug criminals and puts them out of business. Meth labs create harm to a lot of our children and our communities. It contaminates drinking water. It contaminates the soil in our area. There are more than 2,500 meth labs in the Inland Empire. That means children living at home exposed to chemicals with drug dealers, your children playing next to meth labs. Your spouses or your loved ones are at risk. That means 13 lab fires and explosions in San Bernardino County last year. That means homes blowing up and police being placed at risk. This is why the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department supports this bill. It is time to say no to drugs. Support this bill.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for doing an outstanding job in getting out the word to all American people of the responsibility that we have in assuring that every American is counted. It has taken a lot of effort and a lot of time on her part. I commend her for her part, because she realizes the importance of what it means to our Nation to have everyone counted. She is to be commended for her leadership, her vision, and her foresight in assuring that every State receives its fair share of dollars. And the only way that it is going to be done is by doing an accurate count. By doing an accurate count, I am really appalled at what is going on and am outraged by what is going on or has been suggested by parties on one particular side that has said that it is optional to count. It is not optional. It is our responsibility, it is everybody's responsibility, it is Americans' responsibility to make sure that we all are counted. It is irresponsible and unpatriotic not to be counted. Let me tell my colleagues I stand here as a veteran, a veteran who has served our country, and many other veterans who have served us, they believe they have fought to assure that we enjoy those freedoms that we enjoy today because they were willing to put themselves and to sacrifice, that we enjoy those freedoms today to make sure that everyone is counted, that everyone enjoys the freedom that we have to assure they participate in our American democracy. They cannot participate in that American democracy if they do not participate and they are not counted. I ask every individual to participate. We now have had 61 percent of individuals that participated at this point. That is not enough. We need 35 percent additional of the total of Americans to participate in filling out their forms. We need every individual to fill out their form. We are in an information age. We need reliable information in order to make good decisions for this Nation. Without good data, we cannot administer the laws of this country fairly. The Census Bureau has long forms on a baseline for every single economic independent indicator to be published. Without an accurate baseline, we cannot produce economic information needed to run this Nation's economics effectively. Not too long ago, I came here and was elected during a special election. I voted for the budget at that time. It was the first budget that I ever voted for. It was approximately a $790 trillion budget. When I look at that budget, I am saying, how much of that money is coming back to California? In California we have continued to do an undercount. In Fontana recently, we have had a lot of growth and development in that area. We need to make sure that we do have an accurate count in that immediate area. We are going to lose a lot of funding that goes back, monies that need to go back for education, monies that need to go back for parks and recreation, monies that need to go back for special ed, monies that need to go back for infrastructure and transportation, monies that need to go back for health services, monies that need to go back for senior citizens. If we do not do an accurate count, we will not get the monies that we deserve. It is our responsibility to make sure that we receive the funding that is necessary for all of us. It cannot happen unless we take our responsibility. I urge all Americans to make sure they fulfill their obligation, they take that responsibility. We are in a country where we have those freedoms. Many other individuals do not have those freedoms. We have the freedom to complete the form and look at every dollar that we reserve. If California wants to reserve its dollars to get back what it deserves, we need to make sure that an accurate count is done. The only way that California will get the additional dollars is that we make sure we do that count. We have 52 Members in the State of California. We need to continue to make sure we ask for an accurate count. We need to make sure that blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, the American-Indian population, and the total population is actually counted. We need all of them to participate, to make sure they do fill out their forms, that they are not frightened and sabotaged by anyone telling them not to complete the form. I ask them to please complete the form. We urge them. It is important for this Nation. It is important for our country.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I support the rule, and I would like to commend members of the Committee on Rules for including the manager's amendment that I proposed. As amended, I support the legislation. As previously discussed, this is an opportunity for homeownership that presents an opportunity for pride for many individuals to own a home. I know what it was like. I came from a family of 15, being the 15th in the family and not owning a home, and I remember the very first time that my parents could afford to buy a home. This opens an opportunity for many other individuals who will have that same opportunity to take pride and have dignity in a home. It is positive for our communities throughout the Nation that individuals will be able to afford to buy their home. My amendment expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development should consult with other agencies to make additional properties available for law enforcement officers, teachers, and fire fighters. As we expand HUD's existing programs to cover fire fighters in this bill, it is essential that we encourage HUD to work with other agencies to find additional properties. These individuals have made great sacrifices for our communities, and that is fire fighters, and that is the amendment that I propose. We should recognize them for their unselfishness and their heroic actions. They are a part of our community. They are role models in our communities. My amendment is supported by 230,000 fire fighters of the International Association of fire fighters. It is also supported by the San Bernardino Community College District which trains fire fighters through ongoing programs. I urge adoption of this rule and support of the legislation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for the outstanding job she has done in leading us, in leading the Nation on what is so important to all of us and the effect it is going to have on this Nation over the next decade. It is important for someone to take that leadership role, and she has taken that role. She has gone out to the various States telling all of us of the importance of the count. I commend her for her efforts. Now, the responsibility is up to us. The responsibility is up to all Americans. This is not about political wedges, this is about improving the quality of life. Some of us like myself who are veterans have to remember that we serve this country; and veterans have fought so we would enjoy those freedoms, those freedoms that we have today; and those freedoms meant the ability to participate in a process. We have a responsibility to participate in that process. It is our American duty, it is our American responsibility, it is our civic duty to participate in this process. Right now, Mr. Speaker, 53 percent to 56 percent have responded. That is not enough. I ask the rest of the American people to please respond to what is important, what will guide this Nation not only now, but in the future. It is the responsibility of churches, our community organizations; it is a partnership between business and ourselves to make sure that everyone counts. If we hear anyone that states not to turn in the form, not to fill it out, then they are being irresponsible. They are not doing their civic duties. We have heard that from former governors that have indicated that, from other Members that have indicated that. We have to remember what the real responsibility is. I know, because in California alone, we have 52 Members that represent us. I have heard most of the constituents in California talk about the lack of money going back to the State of California. We are all going to fight for monies coming back to the State of California, and this is another vehicle of getting monies back to California by ensuring that an accurate count is done, that the Federal dollars are returned appropriately. If we do an accurate count, then the monies will be returned back to California. We lost or have the potential of losing $2.2 billion if we do not get an accurate count. In my district alone, we lost $50 million over the last 10 years because an accurate count did not occur. What does that mean to us? That means that we did not do good data- gathering, we did not participate in the process. We should have participated in the process. What does that mean? We did not get the educational services that we needed, we did not get the health care that was needed, we did not get the special ed that everybody talks about getting, and monies for construction and education, for our seniors and health centers that is so important to a lot of us. It is important that we do that count to make sure that we take care of every aspect, including transportation and monies in the infrastructure. If we do not get monies in, what do we look at in California and the Inland Empire, which has the largest growth in the area? If we do not do an accurate count, how are we going to get the money back to our area? We are asking for funds now. I am fighting and advocating for funds in that area. If we do an accurate count, at least there will be a pool of money so we can go back and put it into our area. It is important that we do that. It is important that we count everyone. If we look at statistics that were done, African-Americans were undercounted in our communities. Latinos were undercounted. Asians, American Indians were undercounted. We have the responsibility that every American is counted. If we do not, California and the Nation loses. I ask everyone to please complete that form. I know that it is easy to talk about the form being long and extensive, and the questions that are there. I had the long form. I completed the long form. It is important for others to do that. For those who feel they do not know how to fill it out, please call the Census. Call your congressional office. We know what it means to the State of California and what it means to the rest of the Nation when it comes to not only the congressional seats, State senate seats, assembly seats, local elected positions in our area. It is not just about that, but it is about what is our civic responsibility. I want to remind all Americans, and I want Americans to remember those veterans who have fought for this country to assure that we enjoy those freedoms; who said, I fought for you to enjoy the freedoms that you have today. Exercise those rights. If we fail to exercise those rights, we fail to serve America. I commend our leader, who has done an excellent job in this endeavor, to make sure that everybody in the Nation knows how important it is to all of us. It does not matter whether we are white, whether we are black, Asian, Native American Indians or Latinos, it is about Americans and our civic responsibility. It is about this Nation and what we stand to gain as a whole. United we will conquer and do what is important for all of us. It is not about political wedges, it is about inclusion. This is about including everybody in that process. This is what we stand for, inclusion of everyone. I ask everyone to be included in this process and to participate.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, the Republican budget contains tax breaks for the wealthy while ignoring working Americans, which I think is an irresponsible and not a fiscally oriented budget that looks toward the future. I believe the budget that has been presented right now from the Democratic side has specifics in terms of the dollars for each of the areas. I am not going to go into depth in that area, but I will go into areas that I feel impact our area. The Republican budget cuts down domestic spending. The Republican budget cuts down the FBI agents and Drug Enforcement agents. This will open up a season for drug dealers. We already have enough drug dealers in our streets. College scholarships. It will cut down college scholarships. This presents an opportunity of hope for many of our individuals to go to school. Many of our individuals will be dropping out if we do not provide the assistance. The Republican party cuts down the air traffic controllers. We are already having a lot of problems with our flights every day, and every day we are looking at the emergency on that level. So if we cut down the funding in that area, look at the impact it has on many of us who fly in that area. Programs for women and children. Women and children will be out on the streets. We look at the services that we need to provide there. There will be more latch-key kids with nowhere to go in my area or many other areas. There will also be a burden on our churches to take care of these individuals because we have not provided the assistance. By contrast, the Democratic plan would invest in education. And it is a high priority. Education is the foundation. It affects behavior and attitudes. It prepares us for the working force of the 21st century. It reduces class size. It builds more schools. It provides scholarship opportunity. It protects our seniors. It provides affordable drug prescription. It preserves Social Security and Medicare that is very important to a lot of our seniors. And our seniors know that that is the one issue that they very much care about when we are talking about Social Security and we are talking about Medicare and protecting them. It eliminates the marriage penalty on low-income households. It invests in public safety. It helps veterans as we just discussed earlier. Democrats have a responsible budget. It pays down the debt before spending and emptying the bank account. The Democrats look at the future. It saves for a rainy day, it is a sensible budget, it deals with tax relief, it deals with opportunities for all individuals of America. It provides for our children, our senior citizens, those who are less fortunate, for the middle class and for all working Americans.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the budget. The Republican budget contains tax breaks for the wealthy while ignoring working Americans, which I think is irresponsible. It is not a fiscally oriented budget that looks toward the future. It contains deep cuts in domestic spending. The Republican budget would cut FBI agents and Drug Enforcement agents, college scholarships, air traffic controllers, and programs for women and children. By contrast, the Democratic plan invests in education, our future in preparing our working force for the 21st Century. It reduces class sizes, protects our senior citizens, builds schools, provides college scholarships, provides affordable drug prescriptions, preserves Social Security and Medicare and pays down the deficit in a responsible manner before spending and emptying the bank account. The Democratic plan looks toward the future and a sensible, balanced tax relief. It is an investment in support and strength of our Social Security and Medicare, and it pays off the debt. It provides everyone with an opportunity to succeed and work hard. It provides our children, our senior citizens who are less fortunate.