Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Children's Safety Act; and I offer this amendment, which I believe is acceptable to the Chair and which I believe also is in the best interest of our communities. Today, Mr. Chairman, we consider a bill that sets serious penalties for sex offenders. I want to thank the chairman, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), for bringing this bill up; and of course I also want to thank the ranking members, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), for considering this bill and the amendments. Mr. Chairman, we all agree such offenses are tragic, with effects that scar victims for a lifetime. I am proud this body is considering tough legislation that punishes sex offenders who prey upon youth and innocence. The sex offender registry is a critical tool that helps protect our communities from sexual predators. It allows local law enforcement officers and probation and parole authorities to keep current information about the residence, work, and student information of a sex offender.

Mr. CUELLAR. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour for 7 years of successful service to the people of San Antonio, Texas. The Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour is an annual event which promotes the gift of life. Twelve cyclists spread the message of blood, marrow, organ, and tissue donation throughout the community as they ride. With the help of Texas donor centers, the twelve cyclists not only change lives but save lives too. Each participant rides over 500 miles in a 6 day period in honor of someone needing a transplant. Each non-professional rider is chosen in the spring specifically by a committee made up of the tour director, tour captain, a bone marrow coordinator, and a former participant. The rider not only must be physically capable to ride the entire tour, but their life must have been touched by a donation, meaning the rider or someone from their family has made a donation or received one. Several stops are made along the way to honor recipients, donors, and their families. The stops also give community members the opportunity to learn about blood, marrow, organ, and tissue donation. This gives the community the chance to speak with someone who has experienced a donation. The tour brings communities together and recognizes the importance of being a donor, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to recognize this event here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Byron P. Steele II for his contributions to our community that have led to the dedication of a high school in his name. Dr. Steele is a native Texan with a love for horses, ranching, fishing, and hunting. He has spent his entire life in the greater San Antonio area, devoting nearly his entire career to the teaching community and the students of Texas. In August 1957, Dr. Steele began that teaching career at Collins Garden Elementary School, in the San Antonio Independent School District. While teaching, Dr. Steele worked toward his Master of Education Degree at night. From 1965 to 1968, Dr. Steele directed the Bexar County Head Start Program, designed to provide low-income preschoolers with a comprehensive program to meet all their needs. Dr. Steele is one of the pioneers of this program, which largely owes its success to these early designers. Dr. Steele then returned to public education and became a principal at the elementary, junior high school, and high school levels. He then went on to earn his doctorate before becoming the superintendent of Malone ISD, then Devine ISD, and finally the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, where he remained for eighteen years. At the request of the community, and as a tribute to his devotion to the students of Texas and the SCUCISD, the school board has decided to name the school district's second high school after Dr. Steele. One can never underestimate the value and importance of our teachers and schools, which guide our children from a very young age into adulthood. I am honored to come here today to recognize Dr. Steele's contributions to our community, and I offer Steele High School my best wishes as it begins to carry on the legacy of this great Texan.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Army Spc. Lauro DeLeon, who died one year ago while serving as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lauro joined the Army Reserves before graduating from Floresville (Texas) High School in 2003, seeing the military as a way of financing a college education. He then enrolled at Palo Alto College that fall to pursue a degree in business, but soon learned he had been called up for active duty. Lauro went to Baghdad as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in February 2004. The Mojadi army was attacking the city, and Lauro's unit was stuck in camp for three days before making its way out of Baghdad. During that summer of 2004, Lauro surprised his family with a return home as part of a two-week leave from the Army which he won in a lottery. Lauro, a good Christian man from a good Christian family, prayed that he would be granted the opportunity to go home to his family, and his number was the last one called. Lauro then returned to Iraq to serve with the 644th Transportation Company. On September 8, 2004, the truck Lauro was driving went over an explosive device, killing Lauro and putting the soldier with him in critical condition. While in Iraq, both Lauro and his mother, Grace Lopez, read a chapter a day from the Bible. She passed along a message that helped Lauro make it through the tough times: ``Fear is not of God; whenever you start feeling fear, tell God to remove it.'' It is this faith that carried Lauro through the war, and it is this faith that continues to carry his family after his passing. Along with all of our fallen servicemen and women, Lauro DeLeon has honored our nation by making the greatest sacrifice of all. It is the least we can do to offer these words of remembrance today. As always, our prayers remain with Lauro, his family, and all those representing our country in our Armed Forces.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sheriff Don Montague and the Hays County Sheriff's Office for their leadership in the National Night Out campaign. Currently celebrating its 22nd Anniversary, the National Night Out (NNO) is a unique crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). Last year's National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and local officials from over 10,000 communities throughout the United States. In all, over 34 million people participated in 2004. This year's event will be held on August 2nd. The key to combating crime is by getting neighbors to know their neighbors--this is one of the main reasons NNO has been so effective. NNO helps heighten awareness of the efforts in crime and drug prevention, while also increasing participation in local crime deterrence programs. NNO strengthens neighborhood spirit, and encourages law enforcement and community partnerships. Most importantly, NNO sends a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and ready to fighting back. I am honored to recognize Sheriff Don Montague and the Hays County Sheriff's Office for their leadership roles in supporting the National Night Out. I encourage all Hays County residents to join forces with the thousands of other communities across the country in promoting cooperative crime prevention; your support is vital in the fight against crime.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the athletic excellence of Maribel Zurita. Maribel Zurita made her pro boxing debut on July 31, 2001, in San Antonio, the city where she was born and raised. San Antonio still serves as her base, and she continues to train in the area. Maribel held the IFBA Flyweight title from 2004 to 2005. Aptly nicknamed ``Little Thunder,'' Zurita more than makes up for her smaller size through a fierce tenacity and effervescent energy in the ring. She possesses a unique combination of grace and toughness which, when complemented by her skill and agility, make her a formidable opponent. Maribel has succeeded in raising the profile of an industry so often dominated by men through her charismatic style and charm. She wins over fans of all ages and nationalities with ease. Zurita brings a professional attitude and a commitment to sportsmanship, characteristics that are all too often absent in many aspects of today's professional athletics. I am honored to recognize Maribel Zurita for her remarkable success in athletics and beyond. Her work ethic and dedication provide an outstanding example for any aspiring athlete.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 450, Interior Appropriations bill, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in supporting the best interests of our Nation by passing DR-CAFTA. I support CAFTA because it is deeply in our national interest, and it is a progrowth, projob vote. In the past I have seen the way free trade has revolutionized south Texas, bringing jobs, prosperity and growth to a part of the country that used to be economically underserved. DR-CAFTA will perpetuate that growth, opening export markets to our American farmers and businesses, thereby creating jobs in farming, manufacturing and industry here at home. When NAFTA was signed in 1993, there were four Presidents, Clinton, Bush, Carter, and Ford, present at the signing. We have a long history of bipartisan cooperation when it comes to the benefits of free trade. I hope to see that tradition continue. American farmers currently face deep tariffs when exporting their goods to Central America, while 99 percent of the CAFTA agricultural products come into the United States duty free. This is a one-way street that needs to be redrawn into a two-way street, a two-way street of fair trade. American farmers are struggling against an unfair international trading system, and they are at risk of failing. CAFTA levels that playing field. According to the American Farm Bureau, CAFTA would expand U.S. farm exports by $1.5 billion per year. CAFTA is also going to bring major gains to U.S. manufacturing. The National Association of Manufacturers recently reported that as a direct result of DR-CAFTA, U.S. manufacturers stand to gain approximately 12,000 new job opportunities for American workers. CAFTA will also create tremendous job opportunities for the 13,000 American small businesses that are currently already exporting to those Central America countries. The economic opportunities created by DR- CAFTA will bring new jobs and the possibility of a middle-class life to millions of Central Americans who are currently living in poverty. If we create economic opportunities in those countries, fewer will be forced to flee to the United States out of economic desperation. The prosperity created by CAFTA will act as the foundation for more a stable and democratic future for Central America. Mr. Speaker, trade has the power to change the world. Out of all the policy instruments that we have here in Washington, few have as much power to change lives, bring hope, and draw people together in a rising tide of prosperity as our ability to promote free and fair trade. I am a supporter of DR-CAFTA because I think it is not only as a smart policy of the United States, but also it is a way to change our whole atmosphere for the better.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Emanuel ``Trooper'' Ledezma, a rising star in San Antonio, Texas. Emanuel was born in 1982 to two Mexican immigrants who came to our country to achieve the American Dream. Emanuel immediately took an interest in boxing, joining his brothers at the San Fernando Gym. Although Emanuel has been a dedicated boxer since the young age of 9, he realized the importance of education and service, graduating from Clark High School and enlisting in the United States Army in early 2002. Emanuel served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division while he was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 2003 he was deployed to Iraq for a tour of duty, and while there, he received numerous medals including, among others, Operation Iraqi Freedom, National Defense Medal, and two Army Accommodation Medals. While enlisted and stationed at Ft. Bragg, Emanuel joined the Ft. Bragg Boxing Team and traveled throughout North Carolina in competitions. He now trains at the Zarzamora Street Gym and plans to make San Antonio and his family proud by pursuing and succeeding at boxing at the professional level. Being fluent in both English and Spanish, Emanuel hopes that his cultural and ethnic roots can help him reach out to Latino youth and show them the importance of education, hard work, and perseverance. Emanuel is a true representation of the ``American Dream'' that his immigrant parents came to this country to achieve, and I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the San Antonio Spurs for winning their third National Basketball Association Championship in seven years. The 2005 World Champion Spurs deserve recognition for this achievement, and the class and sportsmanship they displayed in victory. The Spurs won their third championship against a most worthy opponent, the tough and determined defending champion Detroit Pistons. In this seven-game series, both the Spurs and the Pistons blew each other out for two games apiece, but in the last three games each team showed the championship-caliber mettle that made this series a classic. The Spurs displayed the skills, determination, and courage to overcome an opponent displaying the same qualities and playing with the same philosophy. This provided for scintillating games five, six, and seven, in which each team would give no ground, and the winner deserved the victory. This final, championship round featured two juggernauts of team defense, and the results showcased the simple beauty of the game the focus not strictly on the hype of individual scoring and acrobatic plays. The pride and joy of the Spurs and Coach Gregg Popovich is cohesive and tenacious defense that takes victory for its own. The San Antonio Spurs are champions not only on the court, but off. The Spurs are the paragon of professionalism and teamwork, and while this may not sell for the casual fan, it sells very well for the fans in San Antonio and South Texas who admire these values. The San Antonio Spurs are both a vital member of the community and a community concept viewed with pride by all San Antonians. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to enter the names of these champions into the Record: Tim Duncan; Manu Ginobili; Tony Parker; Bruce Bowen; Nazr Mohammed; Robert Horry; Brent Barry; Devin Brown; Rasho Nesterovic; Beno Udrih; Tony Massenburg; Glenn Robinson; Head Coach Gregg Popovich, and Chairman Peter Holt. I congratulate them on this momentous victory, and thank them for the pride and happiness they bring to all San Antonio.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Gilberto Velez and Pastor Samuel Rodriguez for their leadership in the Hispanic Church. Dr. Gilberto Velez, Policy Director for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, was recently recognized by the Assemblies of God as one of America's premiere Pastors. Gilberto began what would eventually become the Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia through a home Bible study in Laredo with a handful for people, in March of 1995. Just last week, the Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia celebrated their 10th anniversary with a brand new 3,300 seat facility. Because of its growth and vision, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference President Samuel Rodriguez has chosen the Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia as the Evangelical Hispanic Church of the Year, a role model for other Hispanic Churches and Pastors to follow. Through the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Pastor Rodriguez serves 15 million Evangelical/Born Again Christians in America, and helps advocate for family, socio-economic, and political empowerment for some 40 million Hispanics worldwide. Samuel's efforts cross ethnic and denominational lines, preaching to all people regardless of culture or creed. I am honored to recognize Samuel Rodriguez and Dr. Gilberto Velez. Their commitment to faith and the empowerment of the Hispanic community has set an example that we should all be proud of.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Christi Lehman in gratitude for her service, respect for her work, and congratulations on her promotion to Vice President at Connolly & Company. I am also personally indebted to Christi for her help in 2004. Christi handled media relations for me with an adept hand and a cool maturity. Her ability to generate new ideas and pitch them to the appropriate media is consistently rewarded with tremendous results. Brought on board as a media expert for Connolly & Company in 2002, Lehman excels in public relations through her creative approach and unique style. She has coordinated numerous media events and widely covered press conferences. Recently, she has focused on companies or individuals involved in litigation--ensuring their public image and message is protected and promoted. I am honored to recognize Christi Lehman on her promotion to Vice President at Connolly & Company. She is a gifted writer who understands the media, but most importantly, knows how to produce real results. I continue to appreciate her support on both a personal and professional level, as I congratulate Christi on her outstanding work.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Gary Job Corps for 40 years of successful service to the people of San Marcos, Texas. Located on a campus of 1,000 acres at the former Gary Army Air Field, Gary Job Corps is the largest of 118 Job Corps campuses nation wide, enrolling nearly 2,000 young men and women. It represents the fulfillment of President Johnson's 1964 promise to develop a national job training program for youth, a promise he made while visiting the former Southwest Texas State University. For 40 years, Gary Job Corps has been helping young men and women achieve their academic and professional dreams. In addition to providing vocational training for careers in the health occupations, business, computers, cooking, and numerous other industries, it has sent on its alumni to the student bodies of Texas State University, Alamo Community College, and other institutions of higher education. Gary Job Corps has helped countless young Texans achieve their life goals, and has helped bring economic growth, educational achievement, and the promise of a better future to Central Texas. I am happy to have this opportunity to congratulate Gary Job Corps on the occasion of its 40th anniversary, and I wish all of its staff and students many more years of success.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and service of Sergeant Roberto Arizola Jr., who died serving his country as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Arizola died on June 8th, 2005 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the Army's 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, of Fort Gordon, Georgia. Roberto was awarded the Army Achievement Medal in 2000 for his extraordinary performance in operations ``Joint Endeavor'' and ``Joint Guard'' in Bosnia- Herzegovina. A superb soldier, Sgt. Arizola was an even better friend, husband, and father. Roberto was kind and loving, possessing a charismatic personality that brought joy to those lucky enough to share in his company. Sgt. Arizola died a soldier, defending the lives of those unable to defend themselves. The father of a seven-year-old son, he died so that other families and other children might live. He gave up a safe life in a free country so that others might grow up in safety and freedom. Sergeant Roberto Arizola gave his life to protect ordinary people from those who would do them harm. He leaves behind him an example of extraordinary service and courage. He died a hero, and he deserves the thanks of a grateful nation.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Commerce Bank and President Ignacio Urrabazo on the opening of their new headquarters. The headquarters will serve as the bank's primary location for the Laredo market. Commerce Bank is dedicated to providing convenient and superior services to its customers, even if that means traveling to a customers' place of business, or working far beyond a banker's traditional hours. Customers are known by their names, not by their account numbers. This personal attention allows services to be tailored to the specific needs of their clients. Commerce Bank President and CEO Ignacio Urrabazo sees the expansion as part of a larger commitment to help accommodate the outstanding growth that Laredo is currently experiencing. Mr. Urrabazo supports a community-oriented banking approach, and is active in minority causes. In 1999, he co-founded Minbanc, a nonprofit organization which works to support and promote the continued success of minority-owned banks across America. Mr. Urrabazo also endeavors to encourage minority businesses in the oil and gas industries. I am honored to recognize the Commerce Bank and its President Ignacio Urrabazo on the opening of their new headquarters in Laredo. The outstanding work put forth by the Commerce Bank and President Urrabazo helps foster Laredo's continued economic growth and success.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, I thank both Chairman Wolf and Ranking Member Mollohan for their help, and I thank the chairman for his bipartisan approach to address this very, very important approach to a violent situation.

Mr. CUELLAR. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage Chairman Wolf in a colloquy with me. I thank the chairman for agreeing to engage in this important discussion with me. As you know, I represent Laredo, Texas, along the U.S.-Mexican border. There has been much violence along the border, including 31 Americans that have been kidnapped on the Mexican side. That is 31 Americans. Twelve of them have been returned, two were killed, and the remaining are unaccounted for. I have been working to increase cooperation with the law enforcement agencies policing the border. In May, I brought together officials from agencies ranging from the FBI to the State Department along with the local law enforcement to help formulate a plan. The Mexican Government on the other side has increased police and federal presence along the border, which is good news, but unfortunately they haven't done enough. We need to respond with strong, decisive efforts of our own to help forge a lasting resolution. I am excited to know, Mr. Chairman, that this bill increases by $23 million the Violent Crime Impact Teams assigned to cities in the United States, and I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), and the members of the subcommittee for the leadership that you have shown. I am also currently working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Attorney General, Mr. Albert Gonzales, to get a team permanently assigned to the Laredo area; but unfortunately at this time we need some funding. I hope the chairman and I can work together to try to get a Violent Crime Impact Team assigned to Laredo. The violence spilling over across the border is great, and I believe this effort can go a long way towards addressing this problem, and so I ask for your assistance in this matter.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church as they dedicate their new edifice. The Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church has served the San Antonio Community for more than 88 years. When first organized in 1917, the church was comprised of a small shed. As membership grew, the Emmanuel A.M.E. Church expanded, moving from building to building to accommodate their ever-expanding group of churchgoers. By putting the principles of true stewardship to work, the Emmanuel A.M.E. Church has grown substantially from their humble beginnings. For Church members, the new edifice reflects God's goodness and grace, as well as their Church's dedication and appreciation for the Lord. The congregation now looks forward to worshipping in their new sanctuary. I am honored to have had this opportunity to congratulate the Emmanuel A.M.E. Church on the dedication of their new edifice. The Emmanuel A.M.E. Church has provided the San Antonio area with guidance and stewardship, helping nurture and enrich faith in their community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Araceli Lozano, Small Business Advocate Women Champion of the Year. Araceli is the Director of the Laredo Development Foundation Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which was established to provide vision and leadership to develop, encourage, promote and protect the business interests of the Laredo metropolitan area. As Director, Araceli works to provide opportunities, motivation, and guidance to current and potential small business owners. Under the stewardship of Ms. Lozano, the SBDC team has achieved an outstanding track record, meeting and exceeding each counseling and training goal. Araceli has consistently reached out to small business owners in rural communities, providing direction to enhance the business skills of these blossoming entrepreneurs. I am honored to recognize Araceli Lozano as the Small Business Advocate Women Champion of the Year. Araceli's dedication and devotion to the growth and success of small businesses is truly admirable.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Alicia Espinoza, Small Business Advocate Financial Champion of the Year. Alicia works as a Commercial Loan Officer for the Commerce Bank where she makes and services all types of loans. With over 9 years banking experience, Ms. Espinoza offers clients a wealth of banking knowledge and financial understanding. Alicia strives to provide personalized attention to her customers. She knows them all by their names, not their account numbers. By offering each customer individualized consideration and tailored advice, she is able to maximize the success of her business transactions. Alicia works hard to serve the needs of her clients, often working beyond a banker's traditional hours. I am honored to recognize Alicia Espinoza as the Small Business Advocate Financial Champion of the Year. Alicia's exceptional efforts continue to perpetuate the economic and social development of her community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Cigarroa Family, Laredo Business Persons of the Year. Joaquin Cigarroa Jr., along with his sons Ricardo, Carlos, Francisco, Joaquin, and daughter Patricia comprise a unique group of medical professionals and business entrepreneurs. The Cigarroas have demonstrated a great ability to seek opportunity and create enterprise within their community. The family has consistently expressed their devotion to Laredo, dedicating their lives to the education and health of their city. The Cigarroa Family has contributed significantly to the development of the healthcare industry in South Texas, partnering in 2004 with others to create the Laredo Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. The family is currently developing the Cigarroa Heart and Vascular Institute. I am honored to recognize the Cigarroa Family, Laredo Business Persons of the year. I applaud the Cigarroas for their commitment to the medical industry and the positive impact they have had on their local economy.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time, and I appreciate that we talked yesterday with the chairman about this particular amendment, but if he would just allow us to make a particular statement. I appreciate the time the chairman gave us, and I understand his point of order. Mr. Chairman, this amendment helps to raise the clean air standards on the border. I am from Laredo, Texas, on the border. And if you would just take the border region and make it a particular State, you would see that it is one of the fastest growing parts of the country, and it is one of the poorest parts of the whole country. If the border region was its own State, it would rank last in access to health care, second worst in death from hepatitis, last in per capita income, and first in the number of schoolchildren living in poverty. Air quality in the border region is just as important as in any other metropolitan area in the country. This particular amendment would help boost air quality by requiring sellers of electricity from the Mexican side to protect the consumers on the American side. We expect nothing less than corporate responsibility from our friends in the domestic corporations, and we expect the same stewardship from foreign companies that have a direct impact on our communities. We live in a world that increasingly requires us to cooperate across the border to solve problems. Trade, commerce, and economic activity do not stop at the border, and the environmental problems that sometimes accompany economic growth do not stop at the border. In conclusion, this amendment recognizes the simple truth that the border region is a community and that air pollution affects all the region's residents, American and Mexican alike. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues for their time and just ask that the chairman consider this particular amendment.