Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, Texas, in its mission of helping change lives through their participation in the AbilityOne Program. In the city of San Antonio, Goodwill has a strong presence, providing over $15,000,000 of services in document management, administration, and custodial maintenance through the AbilityOne Program. The AbilityOne Program provides employment opportunities to those with disabilities. The AbilityOne Program got its beginning in 1938 in legislation known as the Wagner-O'Day Act, passed by President Roosevelt, which provided employment opportunities for the blind. In 1971, the program was redesignated as the Javits-Wagner-O'Day, JWOD, Program due to the work of Senator Jacob Javits in expanding the program to include people with disabilities and allowing the program to provide services to the Federal Government. Goodwill Industries of San Antonio was the first agency in the Nation to take on a contract provided by the JWOD Program shortly after its expansion in 1971, and continues to do so through the AbilityOne Program today. Currently, Goodwill employs over 300 people in 40 diverse commercial, Federal and State contracts. Goodwill is the fourth largest contract services provider in the Nation, amongst 170 other Goodwill locations. Its history of success and development of working relationships has earned Goodwill a 90 percent satisfaction rating for multiple years with their customers. I am proud that the employment of people with disabilities has played a large role in the operation of Goodwill Industries in San Antonio, Texas. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the commitment of Goodwill Industries of San Antonio to ensuring the employment of those with disabilities through the AbilityOne Program.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Elizabeth Foster, who will be inaugurated as President of the Republic of the Rio Grande during the Webb County Heritage Foundation's annual Founders' Day Celebration at Texas A&M International University on May 10, 2008. Each year, the Heritage Foundation selects an individual who embodies outstanding commitment to historic preservation, and this year, that deserving individual is Mrs. Elizabeth Foster. Elizabeth was born on December 5, 1920, in Mission, Texas, to her parents, Louis J. Kowalski, and Dorothy Newhall Kowalski. She spent her early childhood in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where her father was involved in the tobacco business. In 1931, Elizabeth's family moved to Laredo, Texas, when she was 10 years old. Elizabeth attended Heights Elementary School, L.J. Christen Middle School, and graduated from Laredo High School in 1937. She portrayed Princess Pocahontas in the Washington's Birthday Celebrations of 1939 and 1941, and was presented by the Society of Martha Washington in 1940. She married John E. Foster on May 1, 1941. She had 8 children: John, Elizabeth, Dorothy, Alice, Mary, Edward, Sarah, and Stephen, and is a proud grandparent to 10 grandchildren. Mrs. Foster has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through her civic work with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Ladies' Luncheon Club, and the Cotillion Club. She is also an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication of Mrs. Elizabeth Foster to preserving the history of the City of Laredo, and for her inauguration as President of the Republic of the Rio Grande.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Councilman Gene Belmares, who will be presented with the Liberty Bell Award by the Laredo-Webb County Bar Association on May 9, 2008. Gene Belmares is the son of a decorated World War II veteran, Ignacio Belmares, and Elvira Belmares. He grew up in Laredo, Texas, and attended United High School and Laredo Junior College. Gene utilized his marketing skills to great effect in his work with some of South Texas's most prestigious companies such as Thomas Petroleum, Arguindegui Oil, and WestWind Homes. Gene is now enjoying his work with the marketing and sales team at the famous La Posada Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in South Texas that is leading the revitalization of downtown Laredo. Councilman Belmares was elected to the Laredo City Council in 2002, and is seated on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Water Issues, Sports Venue, and Legislative Committees. He is currently serving as Mayor Pro Tempore, and is responsible for the unprecedented fiscal growth of the City of Laredo for the last six years through his work on landmark ordinances and legacy projects. Councilman Belmares also has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his civic work with the March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy, and the American Cancer Society. He enjoys coaching the Gateway Girls Softball League, and the Boys and Girls Club flag football. Councilman Belmares is a truly deserving recipient of the Liberty Bell Award, which is given out annually by the Laredo-Webb County Bar Association to those who have demonstrated exemplary community service, and contributed to good governance in the community. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication of Councilman Belmares to the City of Laredo, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Horace Fincher, the mayor of the city of Lytle, in recognition of his exemplary leadership in the growth of the city during his tenure, which ends on May 12, 2008. Horace Fincher served as Mayor of the City of Lytle for 14 years after having served on the Lytle City Council for 6 years. During his tenure, Mayor Fincher worked to increase the tax base for taxpayers in Lytle by bringing in businesses such as H-E-B, Sonic Drive-In, McDonald's, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, Camino Real Mental Health & Mental Retardation (MHMR) Center, Hurley Funeral Home, and Tri-County Dialysis Center. He also has endeavored in bringing consecutive grant proposals to the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), which is a voluntary association of local governments and organizations in twelve counties that serves its members through planning, information, and coordination activities. Mayor Fincher truly led by example and it is to his credit that the city of Lytle has seen an improvement in its business capital, and a renewal of infrastructure projects. The city is a truly better place because of the dedication that Mayor Fincher has shown in his public service. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have this time to recognize Mayor Horace Fincher, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Councilman Gene Belmares, who will be presented with the Liberty Bell Award by the Laredo-Webb County Bar Association on May 9, 2008. Gene Belmares is the son of a decorated WorId War II veteran, Ignacio Belmares, and Elvira Belmares. He grew up in Laredo, Texas, and attended United High School and Laredo Junior College. Gene utilized his marketing skills to great effect in his work with some of South Texas's most prestigious companies such as Thomas Petroleum, Arguindegui Oil, and WestWind Homes. Gene is now enjoying his work with the marketing and sales team at the famous La Posada Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in South Texas that is leading the revitalization of downtown Laredo. Councilman Belmares was elected to the Laredo City Council in 2002, and is seated on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Water Issues, Sports Venue, and Legislative Committees. He is currently serving as Mayor Pro Tempore, and is responsible for the unprecedented fiscal growth of the City of Laredo for the last 6 years through his work on landmark ordinances and legacy projects. Councilman Belmares also has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his civic work with the March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy, and the American Cancer Society. He enjoys coaching the Gateway Girls Softball League, and the Boys and Girls Club flag football. Councilman Belmares is a truly deserving recipient of the Liberty Bell Award, which is given out annually by the Laredo-Webb County Bar Association to those who have demonstrated exemplary community service, and contributed to good governance in the community. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication of Councilman Belmares to the City of Laredo, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Fernando ``Chito'' Salinas for his induction as a laureate in the 2008 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for his incredible dedication to the city of Laredo, Texas. Fernando Salinas is a 1942 graduate of Martin High School, and attended Tulane University in New Orleans after transferring from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. After attending Tulane, Fernando returned back to work at his family's department store, Los Dos Laredos, in downtown Laredo. Five years later, he worked as a salesman at the famed Joe Brand store, and used his knowledge of men's retail to launch his own new department store, Don Antonio's in 1952. The business flourished during the 1960s, attracting a steady clientele from both sides of the United States-Mexico border. After his retirement from the retail business in 2005, Fernando established a charitable trust that has donated $1.35 million for causes that enrich education, the arts and human services, and pledged nearly $95,000 in scholarships for college-bound students. The scholarships are given to hard-working students at Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University. Fernando has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his philanthropic work at his charitable trust. He has also contributed to the youth of Laredo through his Junior League Achievement sponsorship of Christen Middle School. For his dedication and hard work in making the Laredo business community stronger and better, Fernando will be honored by the Junior Achievement League through his induction into the 2008 Business Hall of Fame. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Mr. Fernando Salinas, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Minerva ``Minnie'' Ramirez for her induction as a laureate in the 2008 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for her incredible dedication to her friends and colleagues in the business community of Laredo, Texas. Minerva Ramirez was born on September 20, 1931, to a hardworking ranch family. She started her first job at the age of 12 sweeping floors at the local schoolhouse, and she began her knack for floral arrangements by making flower arrangements with tin cans and tissue paper in the shape of carnations which were sold for the cemetery. Minerva graduated from high school in 1948 in Hebbronville, Texas, and attended Texas A&I Kingsville. She worked her way through 2 years of college by teaching students at La Alejandrena Elementary School in Zapata County. Minerva was transferred to San Ygnacio, where she met her husband, Robert, and married in 1955. They moved to Laredo, and had three children: Carmen, Minita, and Robert Jr. Minerva taught and served as assistant principal at Ochoa Elementary for 17 years and became principal of Zachry Elementary School in 1981. She started a flower shop, Carmin's, from the carport of her home in 1965, and the business grew so successful that Minerva retired from her teaching profession in 1986. One of her career highlights was being picked as the florist for the visitation of Pope John Paul II in San Antonio, Texas, in 1988 at the San Fernando Cathedral. Minerva has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through her work as an educator to the youth of Laredo, and her contributions to the business community. For her dedication and hard work as a business entrepreneur, Minerva will be honored by the Junior Achievement League through her induction into the 2008 Business Hall of Fame. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication of Mrs. Minerva Ramirez, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madame Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. and Mrs. Shashi and Priya Vaswani for their induction in the 2008 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for their incredible dedication to the youth in the City of Laredo, Texas. Shashi came to Laredo from Canada with his family in 1981 as a high school sophomore, and married his wife, Priya, in 1987. They lived and worked in the Carribean and the Rio Grande Valley before moving back to Laredo in the early 1990s. Shashi and Priya opened About Time, a video arcade, in the 1990s. In 2004, they were able to open a La Quinta Inn and Suites, which allowed them to use a part of their profits to fulfill their dream of establishing the Laredo Heat soccer franchise. The Heat Youth association now has 28 teams playing in Laredo, and this interest in soccer as a physical activity would not have happened if not for the Vaswanis. Shashi and Priya plan to fund improvements to Texas A&M International University's two soccer fields with the goal of making the fields the home base for future Laredo Heat games. They strongly believe in the value of physical activity as a complement to the full education of the youth in Laredo. They have learned the value of hard work and sacrifice and have stressed their belief in the importance of a college degree to young soccer players. This couple has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through their business entrepreneurship and their work with the youth in Laredo. For their dedication and hard work in making Laredo a better place for children in exercising their physical talents, they will be honored by the Junior Achievement League through their induction into the 2008 Business Hall of Fame. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication of Mr. and Mrs. Shashi and Priya Vaswani to the City of Laredo.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. I just want to thank again the Chairman, Mr. Oberstar; Mr. Thompson, Mr. Cummings, the ranking member from Ohio, and of course the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul). I yield the balance of my time.

Mr. CUELLAR. Thank you, Madam Chair. I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and also Chairman Cummings and the ranking member from Ohio for the work that they have done on this particular bill, and also, Chairman Thompson, from the Committe on Homeland Security, for the work that they did on this bill together. I also understand, Madam Chair, that this amendment is acceptable both to the majority and the minority, and it's also bipartisan. I believe Congressman McCaul will be speaking on this amendment in a few minutes. Madam Chair, today the U.S. House of Representatives has an opportunity to improve the important and critical mission of the United States Coast Guard. One of the Coast Guard's most important functions is providing safety and security in international waters. I was born in Laredo, Texas. Laredo is located on the international border between the United States and Mexico. Our border is divided by the international waters called the Rio Grande River. There have been many efforts to improve security along the U.S.- Mexico border. Some of those partnerships between the local and Federal Government law enforcement agencies have proven to be beneficial. The border security responsibilities shared by law enforcement departments are complicated for the first responders from the local communities that are located on the international waters of the Rio Grande. The safety of the international boundary is a national security concern, as the level of violence in Mexico increases and spills across the border. Drugs, cash, and people continue to cross the border into the United States, despite our efforts. I am consistently asked and contacted by local officials in my district who are asking for more support in their border security effort, specifically for help in patrolling the international waters of the Rio Grande. Unfortunately, the local law enforcement agencies and the border patrol have limited resources for patrolling the international water boundary. As the Rio Grande represents over 1,200 miles of international border, I believe that it is time to address the critical need to provide security on the Rio Grande River and not just along the shores of the Rio Grande River. My amendment would charge the U.S. Coast Guard to analyze what the current mission is along the international waters, including personnel and assets assessment. My amendment also asks the U.S. Coast Guard to identify what resources will be needed to increase the Coast Guard presence along the international boundary. Madam Chair, there has been many discussions as to how to best secure the United States border along with Mexico. My amendment would simply allow us to consider the possibility of increasing the Coast Guard's presence in the area of unquestionable, the international waters of the Rio Grande River. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by Representative Zoe Lofgren. As you know, in order to obtain a TWIC, a port worker must be fingerprinted. The problem is that it's not always possible to get an image of the person's fingerprint, as has been mentioned a few minutes ago. From excessive sweating to dry skin, all of that can impede the capture of a useable fingerprint. Dry skin is a common occurrence, age, genetics, disease can also cause dry skin. We need to address this. As you know, the TSA is supposed to issue credentials to at least 850,000 workers by the end of September. Because of these limitations, we need to have a plan, TSA needs to have a plan, and this is why this amendment is important. A person's skin should not prevent them from getting credentialed for a job that they need. I urge support of this amendment.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Citizen and Community Preparedness Act of 2008, which reaffirms the Federal Government's commitment to helping our communities prepare for and respond to acts of terrorism, natural disasters and other emergencies. I am glad to be joined today in introducing this bipartisan bill by the Ranking Member of my Subcommittee--the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response--the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Charlie Dent. I am also pleased to have Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, as well as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, as original cosponsors of this legislation. They are true leaders in the area of emergency preparedness and have been instrumental in the drafting of this bill. If a disaster--whether large or small--occurs in a community, local responders and disaster-relief organizations will be there to help, but citizens need to be ready as well. In fact, when individual citizens, families and communities are prepared, the fear, anxiety, and loss that accompany disasters is substantially minimized. It is imperative that citizens know what to do in the event of an emergency and be ready to either shelter in place or evacuate their homes. People must be ready to care for their basic needs should they be displaced for a period of time. As we move toward the 3-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the 7-year anniversary of 9/11, we must not lose sight of the lessons learned from these disasters. While I recognize that the most effective emergency preparedness programs and messages are delivered locally and not from Washington, we must ensure that the Department of Homeland Security is working with State and local partners, providing them with the tools they need to get the message out. Following the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001, Federal, State and local government officials agreed that the formula for ensuring a more secure and safer homeland consists of preparedness, training, and citizen involvement in supporting first responders. As a result, the Citizen Corps Program and Ready campaigns were created. To date, with limited resources available, over 2,000 communities in all 56 States and territories have established Citizen Corps Councils to help inform and train citizens in emergency preparedness, and promote volunteerism. However, I think these programs can be improved. The legislation I am introducing today formally authorizes the Citizen Corps Program and provides it with the necessary funding to be effective. It also authorizes key Citizen Corps components administered by the Department of Homeland Security--Fire Corps and CERT. Fire Corps promotes the use of volunteers to assist fire and rescue departments in non-operational roles such as fire safety outreach, youth programs, and administrative support. The Community Emergency Response Team, CERT, program concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985 and has since spread to over 1,000 communities nationwide. Under the CERT Program citizens are training citizens in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. As our Nation continues to glean lessons from the catastrophic events of Hurricane Katrina, the Federal Government must ensure that preparedness efforts help our Nation's most vulnerable populations. To that end, this legislation requires the Secretary to work closely with organizations representing the elderly, the disabled, the hearing and visually impaired, communities with language and income barriers, and children to promote preparedness. This legislation will also create a pilot program to enhance citizen preparedness at primary and secondary schools, as well as on university or college campuses, by providing training, exercises, and public awareness campaigns. Finally, my bill directs the Secretary to carry out a public affairs campaign utilizing diverse media outlets to get the word out to the public to assist them in preparing for acts of terrorism and other emergencies. Addressing the issue of citizen preparedness continues to be a major issue for our Nation. In fact, the National Governors' Association 2007 State Homeland Security Directors Survey, which polled the 56 State and territorial homeland security advisors, cited citizen preparedness as one of the top 5 priorities for their States. It is now time to stop paying lip service to the issue of citizen and community preparedness and to start acting. In closing Madam Speaker, let me say that our citizens' lack of preparedness is often cited as an impediment to an effective emergency response. I believe this legislation will make strides to change that fact and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Mujes de Ecelencia, one of the most prominent women's organizations in my congressional district, for embarking upon a remarkable educational campaign outreach on health care issues to women in Roma, Texas. The informational campaign outreach, which finished on April 18, 2008, is a mixture of private-public partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and agencies that all strive to bring awareness to important issues that affect women and their families. Mujes de Ecelencia has consistently worked to provide the latest information about drug and alcohol treatment, family counseling, tobacco awareness, and other health care matters to women in south Texas since 2002. I applaud Mujes de Ecelencia for bringing together businesses, organizations, and local agencies in the informational campaign marketed towards women's health care issues, and for their continued work in advocating for women in south Texas.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 5819, the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act. The creation of the Small Business Innovation Research program has benefited small businesses across the United States. Through the SBIR program, small businesses have been given the opportunity to provide innovative solutions that benefit the Federal Government through the research and development of new products. I applaud the chairwoman's efforts. Nydia Velazquez has worked extremely hard with all members of the committee to make sure that we properly make the changes to the SBIR program. I commend the chairwoman, and the ranking member, also, for their diligence in protecting and encouraging the participation of small business concerns owned by women, veterans and minorities, all businesses. I would like to thank the chairwoman and the committee staff for working with me to add a provision that I brought forward to make sure that Congress has a clear picture of how exactly involved these underrepresented small business concerns have been in the SBIR and the STTR program. I believe Congress can best make improvements to valuable programs and initiatives if we have an effective reporting requirement. This legislation will require that annual reports on the SBIR program include information regarding the SBIR program involvement of small business concerns that are owned by women, minorities and veterans, and again, I emphasize, all the small businesses that we have. By evaluating what SBIR awards have been distributed to these underrepresented businesses, my opinion is that Congress can best determine how to further involve businesses owned by women, minorities and veterans. Again, I thank the chairwoman for the effort, and the ranking member. I support this legislation and I ask Members to support it.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Teyran ``Ty'' Patterson, an American hero, who recently passed away on May 30, 2007, in the line of duty as Texas Game Warden for Johnston County. Ty was born on November 18, 1978, to Joe and ViAnn Patterson in the City of Seguin in Texas. He was a devout Christian and lived the values of his faith through his work as a Texas Game Warden. Ty was a 1998 graduate of Seguin High School and earned a criminal justice degree in 2004 from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. After graduating from Southwest Texas State University, Ty began work as a Texas Game Warden. He was committed to law enforcement and to the community by providing public service. Ty was a young, ambitious, caring man--no one was a stranger to him. On May 30, 2007, Ty answered the call of duty, without regard to his personal safety or well-being, to assist his fellow officers and a family in their hour of need. It was during this call that he lost his life. Ty is survived by his parents, Joe and ViAnn Patterson, his sister, Crystal Patterson, his brothers Joe Patterson, Jr. and Demetrius Hall, and his grandmothers Thelma Smith and Katie Smith. He will be greatly missed by his family and by those who had the great fortune to know Teyran ``Ty'' Patterson. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize Mr. Teyran ``Ty'' Patterson, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend H-E-B, one of the largest grocery store markets in Texas and in my congressional district, for embarking upon a remarkable energy initiative to power their stores using wind power by signing onto Windtricity, a renewable energy option provided by CPS Energy. Windtricity allows H-E-B to utilize electricity generated by wind turbines in West Texas. This new endeavor by one of Texas' leading corporate citizens demonstrates the commitment of H-E-B to building sustainable communities and leading others in environmental initiatives in communities across Texas. Wind energy is the world's fastest growing energy source and is also one of the oldest forms of renewable energy. Wind turbines are an increasingly popular method of generating electricity with very little environmental impact. Many wind farms are built in geographical areas conducive to prevailing winds such as in the Panhandle and western parts of Texas. I applaud H-E-B for joining in this remarkable partnership with Windtricity that shows a great commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations of Texans in our communities. I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Specialist Jose Rubio, of 464th Armored Battalion of the United States Army, who was killed in the line of duty by an IED roadside bomb in Baghdad. Specialist Jose Rubio was born on March 19, 1983, in Reynosa, Mexico. He attended school in Mission, Texas, and graduated from South Texas College in 2005 with an associate's degree in Computer Science. He married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, in May of 2006, and had a son, Nicolai, who is now 11 months old. He is survived by his mother, his six siblings in Reynosa, Matamoros, and Rio Bravo. Specialist Jose Rubio will be forever remembered for his service in protecting the freedoms and ideals of our country and I extend my condolences to his family, and to his wife, Jennifer. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the service of Specialist Jose Rubio in the United States Army.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize a man that made a significant impact on my hometown of Laredo, former Mayor Aldo Tatangelo. Mayor Tatangelo passed away last Friday, but not before leaving a mark on our great city. Mayor Aldo Tatangelo served as mayor in Laredo from 1978 to 1990. He is remembered by those closest to him as being a man of honesty and fairness, a man with a vision to improve the city that he loved so much. Immediately upon taking over as mayor, Tatangelo ordered taking care of a lot of services for Laredo, including the restructuring of the city's Public Works Department, oversaw comprehensive drainage projects, established a pension system for city workers, and created many departments to make sure that the quality of life was improved. Mayor Aldo Tatangelo pushed for affordable housing for low-income residents, and he also, when he left the office, was active in civic affairs and encouraged young people to get involved in public service. I rise to recognize a Laredo hero, former Mayor Aldo Tatangelo, and thank him and his family for the great work that they did.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor LTG Ricardo S. Sanchez on being the recipient of the 2008 Border Texan of the Year. General Sanchez is a truly deserving recipient of this honor, which was given to him for his extraordinary contributions to the security of our Nation over the past 33 years. He served overseas in service of his country in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor, 197th (Separate) Infantry Brigade, which then transitioned to the 3rd Brigade, 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) once redeployed. General Sanchez also has served in the Federal Government as an investigator in the Office of the Inspector General Agency, and in the years following his brigade command tour in 1994, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, and later as Director of Operations and Director of Strategy, Policy and Plans, with the United States Southern Command in Miami, Florida. General Sanchez served as commander of the Multi-National Brigade (East), KFOR, in Kosovo in 1999. He also served as commanding general of the 1st Armored Division, which was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in May 2003, and then was nominated to his present rank of lieutenant general in June 2003. He commanded the V Corps and simultaneously became commander of the Combined Joint Task Force 7, responsible for one of the largest combat forces deployed in U.S. military history in Iraq. General Sanchez was the longest-serving corps commander in V Corps history, and he retired on November 1, 2006, after 33 years of service. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star Medal with ``V'' device and oak leaf cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with two service stars, the Liberation of Kuwait Medals, and the NATO Medal. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication and commitment of LTG Ricardo Sanchez to the United States of America as the deserving 2008 Border Texan of the Year.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 111th anniversary of the Washington Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) in Laredo, Texas. The Washington Birthday Celebration is a nearly month-long event held in Laredo, Texas. It is the largest celebration of its kind in the United States that honors the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The festival receives over 400,000 attendees, and consists of various celebrations including the Society of Martha Washington Colonial Pageant & Ball, Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball, parades, a carnival, an air show, and live concerts. The WBCA was founded in 1898 by the patriotic Improved Order of the Red Men, Local Chapter Yaqui Tribe No. 59, whose members included prominent Laredoans of both Mexican and American ancestry. The first celebration was a great success, and its popularity grew when the Washington Birthday Celebration Association of Laredo, Inc., received its state charter in 1923. In the following year, in 1924, the Celebration featured its first Colonial Pageant, which showcased thirteen young women from Laredo, representing the thirteen original colonies. The International Bridge Ceremony is the welcoming ceremony between officials and dignitaries from Mexico and United States as a sign of international good will between the two nations. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the 111th anniversary of the Washington Birthday Celebration Association in Laredo, Texas.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the history behind the Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball festival during the 111th Washington Birthday Celebration in Laredo, Texas. The iconic figure of Princess Pocahontas holds a special place in the heart of the festivities, and made its first appearance in the first Washington Birthday Celebration, which was hosted by the Improved Order of Red Men. In 1897, this fraternal organization created a celebration around the birth of George Washington, and part of the initial festivities centered around an Indian ambush, but with a twist. Princess Pocahontas rode into town and rescued the city, as much as she did for Captain John Smith. This story represents the important link between Laredo and its connection to the Native American community during the Washington Birthday Celebration festivities. Today, Princess Pocahontas is chosen from the annual beauty festival, which introduces audiences to various aspects of Native American culture. Princess Pocahontas is accompanied by her court of Indian maidens and chieftains during the festival, and they pay homage to the Great Spirit with Native American rituals and dances. One quintessential part of the Princess Pocahontas tradition is that she rides on a horse, with the key to the City of Laredo in her hand as a reminder of the first ceremony in which she saved the citizens of Laredo in the first Washington Birthday Celebration. This year, Princess Pocahontas will be portrayed by Ms. Liza Nicole Gonzalez at the 111th Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball on February 16, 2008. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the long history behind the Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the bipartisan economic stimulus plan that will help strengthen our Nation's economy and help millions of American taxpayers and their families. In my congressional district, the median household income is $36,000, and those families face rising prices in utilities, food, and health insurance, which stretch their monthly budgets to nearly the breaking point. Also, nearly 39 percent of these households are headed by single mothers living below the poverty level, who struggle to feed and clothe their children with limited budgets, as they are the sole earners. The stimulus package will provide at least $900 to single mothers and their families, which helps alleviate their burden. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to support the bipartisan economic stimulus plan, and I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us today in supporting this legislation.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Joe LaMantia, Jr., on being the recipient of the Golden Eagle Award from the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during the 9th Annual Noche de Gala. Joe has shown exemplary leadership in his civic service to the south Texas community with his extensive involvement in the Lions' Club, American Heart Association, Rio Grande Cancer Treatment Research Foundation, South Texas Communities for Youth Service, and the Special Olympics. Joe is also the founder and chairman of the preeminent South Texas Academic Rising Stars, STARS, organization, which gives opportunities to the youth in south Texas in pursuing their dreams of higher education. He has made their dreams possible, and it is for this reason alone, that he truly deserves the Golden Eagle Award from the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Today, STARS partners with hundreds of local and national businesses, organizations, colleges, and universities to raise over $12 million in scholarship funds. This is truly a hallmark of Joe's success as a businessman, and as a committed husband to his wife, Derrelene, father to his seven children, and grandfather to his 26 grandchildren. Joe has come a long way from his initial start in farming in Carrizo Springs with produce operations in Chile and Mexico. The Rio Grande Valley became home for his family, and the base of his business, L&F Distributors, which has allowed him to deepen his ties to the south Texas community through his philanthropic work with STARS. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication and commitment of Mr. Joe LaMantia, Jr., and his organization, STARS, to the children in communities all across south Texas. I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in full support of H.R. 3963, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. The SCHIP program in the State of Texas has been extremely successful in providing crucial access to health care for children. SCHIP coverage provides children with coverage for a full range of health services. Uninsured children are five times more likely than insured children to use the emergency room in hospitals as their main source for medical care. The cost of an emergency room visit is more than $144 compared to only $36 for a primary doctor's visit. A number of these emergency visits should be made to primary doctors with SCHIP coverage. The current SCHIP enrollment for the children in the State of Texas is about 353,000, and there are over 1.4 million uninsured children in the State of Texas, which is the highest rate of uninsured children in the Nation. Madam Speaker, I am glad to support the SCHIP reauthorization act and ask my colleagues to support this bill.