Bob Filner

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 8, the Border Smog Reduction Act. As a border Congressman, I am glad to join my colleagues as an original cosponsor of this legislation to address the critical issue of unsafe emissions from vehicles that cross the international border into California. Mr. Speaker, I am the Representative whose district contains the two major border crossings between Mexico and California. In that position, I am fully aware that our location presents our community with a wealth of unique cultural, social, economic and political opportunities. I believe this is one reason San Diego is called ``America's Finest City.'' However, this proximity to our Nation's border also presents us with unique challenges. One such challenge we must address is the emission of vehicles that enter our State from Mexico, but do not meet our State's strict emission standards. It is an increasing economic reality of life at the border that commuters from both nations drive across that border to jobs in the other country and return to their home nation in the evening. Officials of the San Diego Air Pollution Control District estimate that of the approximately 45,000 vehicles that cross the San Ysidro border crossing in my district each day, about 7,000 are commuters. It is currently against State law for any car or truck to drive on our roads and highways without the required smog certification. Despite this, however, and partly due to Mexico's more lax emission standards, countless cars stream across into California spewing unsafe pollutants into our air. Unless these vehicles are stopped for other violations, these emissions go unchecked and unstopped. The legislation before us today is simply about the personal responsibility of the owners of these polluting vehicles. Our legislation will allow border officials to deny entry into our community any commuter vehicle that is not in compliance with our State laws governing motor vehicle emissions. Mr. Speaker, other border States should be aware that the bill addresses only our situation in California, and does not impose requirements on any other State. I also want to assure motorists in the San Diego border area that this legislation affords a 6-month grace period for owners to obtain certification that their vehicles meet California State standards. Mr. Speaker, my constituents in San Diego and Chula Vista and National City deserve clean air. By requiring greater responsibility by auto owners, I believe this legislation will help us achieve our goal of cleaner air for all our communities. I urge my colleagues to support these efforts.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise to celebrate the eight anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the most sweeping nondiscrimination legislation since the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) has opened doors for 49 million Americans, providing hope that they will one day achieve complete social and economic integration. To celebrate this achievement, hundreds of people will gather in San Diego's Balboa Park on July 25, 1998 as part of our region's Disability Independence Day. The theme of the San Diego observance is apt--``Everyone Wins with the A.D.A.!'' The A.D.A. has created jobs and ensured access to public buildings--basic human rights that should be guaranteed to all Americans. We have all benefited, now that people with disabilities can access the workplace, can shop at their local stores, and can visit museums and other public places. We no longer have to be ashamed, now that government buildings or health care centers are open to all citizens. And we can all feel protected--because any one of us could become disabled at any time. Although Congress passed this historic law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, the real heroes are the women and men who fought for the most basic rights in the years and decades before the A.D.A. was passed and those who have challenged the capacity of their communities' infrastructure since its passage. Disabled Americans continually demonstrate how successful people can be once barriers are knocked down! The victory of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act belongs to thousands of disabled Americans in San Diego and all over the nation, who fought a courageous and commendable fight along with their families, friends and advocates. But the celebration belongs to all Americans because we now have the ability to celebrate together! As a society with the promise of equal access for all, we must unite to root out areas where this promise is not yet a reality. In honor of Disability Independence Day, let us rededicate ourselves to ensuring that, truly, ``everyone wins with the A.D.A.''

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, what I want to do this afternoon is to bring to the attention of my colleagues and the American people a glaring injustice that has existed in this country for more than half a century, an injustice that was caused in 1946 and that we in this Congress in 1998 have a chance to remedy. Recently, this Congress passed a resolution of support and congratulations for the 100th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of the Philippines. We celebrated that anniversary as true partners in the world with the Philippine Republic. I said at that time a few weeks ago that a better way to give honor to our allies in the Pacific, a better way to celebrate this 100th anniversary of our close partner, would be to remedy an injustice that was perpetrated on the brave veterans of the Philippine armed forces who fought side by side with the American Army in the liberation of the Pacific in World War II. The Philippine soldiers were drafted into World War II by our President Franklin Roosevelt. They fought side by side and helped to win the battle of the Pacific; and yet, after the war, all the benefits of being a veteran were taken away by the Congress of 1946. There is legislation in this House that is cosponsored by almost 200 of us, legislation introduced by the distinguished Chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and myself, H.R. 836, called the Philippines Veterans Equity Act. Thanks to the Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), we will be having a hearing on this legislation next week on July 22nd, a hearing on H.R. 836, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act. That hearing promises to give the American people a living history lesson of past bravery and courage, much of it long forgotten by our current generation. The American people will hear from brave participants in the battles of Bataan and Corregidor. They will hear from survivors of the famous Bataan Death March in which thousands of Filipinos and Americans died. They will hear from guerilla fighters who, for 4 years in the Philippines, both held up the advance and the consolidation of power by the invaders and helped prepare the way for the return to the Philippines by General Douglas MacArthur. The story after that is well known, with MacArthur retaking the Philippines and using that as a base to regain the Pacific. What will be clear from this testimony next week at the House Committee on Veterans Affairs will be the bravery, the courage, the honor, the dignity and the loyalty of these veterans of World War II, and what will also be clear is the injustice that was perpetrated more than 50 years ago and the dishonor that was brought really to us as Americans by allowing this action. We took away the rights that they had earned as veterans of the American Armed Forces. To this day, they are still wanting a return of this honor and dignity. Of more than almost a quarter of a million who were alive during World War II, less than 75,000 are alive today. I plead with this Congress and with the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to restore the honor and dignity to these brave veterans in the last years of their lives. Let us pass H.R. 836, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act. Let us restore the honor and dignity of these brave fighters of World War II. Let us grant equity to them now. We have apologized as a Nation for the internment of the Japanese in World War II. We have apologized to those soldiers at Tuskegee who were involuntarily subject to medical experiments which led to their death. It is time as a Nation that we apologize to the brave veterans of World War II who are from the Philippines. Let us pass H.R. 836. Let us give these soldiers their honor and dignity.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, I am pleased to recognize the Community Food Bank of National City as one of twelve recipients nationwide of the prestigious 5th Annual Victory Against Hunger Award. The Victory Against Hunger Awards are distributed to anti-hunger organizations that are using innovative methods to help food banks that are running on empty. These awards, which include checks of $1000 to each winning organization, are sponsored by the Congressional Hunger Center, headed by Representatives Tony Hall and Frank Wolf, and Victory Wholesale Grocers of Springboro, Ohio. By the end of last year's competition, a total of $38,000 in $1,000 checks had been presented by Members of Congress to their winning hunger-fighting organizations. The Community Food Bank is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing emergency food to residents and transients, as well as assisting with needs beyond hunger such as clothing, housing, job placement, medical prescriptions, transportation and counseling. This service began in May of 1991. At that time, it was known as the Deacon's Food Closet of First Baptist Church of National City--the dream of Chuck and Betty Black, members of this congregation. The Food Bank operated one day each week out of a small room at this church site, serving forty to fifty families. In early 1997, a number of churches, social service agencies, and concerned citizens gathered to explore the possibilities for networking together with the hope of more effectively meeting the needs in the community. Out of this meeting came an expansion which includes a new name, a new location, plans to extend the hours of operations to three days per week, and the innovative collaboration of several community organizations. Working together, this wide range of groups and individuals are able to contribute far more to the community than working alone. The Board of Directors is now comprised of members from four community churches including St Matthew's Episcopal Church, First United Methodist Church, First Congressional Church, and First Baptist Church of National City, the Kiwanis Club of National City, Paradise Valley Hospital, the Family Resource Center, elected officials, and other leaders of the community. A side benefit of the expanded Food Bank is that the ecumenical ties and relationships between the congregations of the community have been strengthened and enriched. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new location was just held on Monday, June 22nd, presided over by National City Mayor George Waters who was instrumental in obtaining this new site for the Food Bank. The goal of the Community Food Bank is to eventually work towards a five day operation. There are no paid staff, and a group of volunteers provide all the man and womanpower. The Food Bank holds several food drives each year and actively seeks cash donations to improve the quality and quantity of the food. They work to provide food that represents all major food groups. My congratulations go to the Community Food Bank of National City, to the officers (Chair Rev. Patricia Andrews-Callori, Vice Chair Rev. W. James Kilinsky, Secretary Rev. Adiel De Pano, and Treasurer Ben Martinez), and to all the other members of the community who are working together on this vital project. I am proud of the cooperation of so many community groups and individuals which is making a difference in the lives of many National City residents.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to honor a hero and a pillar of our community--Nick Baca, who died in January, 1998 at the age of 76. Although Nick served honorably in World War II and narrowly escaped death, he rarely spoke of his service and kept the memories buried for many years. In June of 1944, as a Ranger scout with the Second Ranger Battalion, he scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc on the Normandy coast of France to destroy enemy bunkers. He was one of 24 out of 120 who reached the top in a barrage of gunfire and grenades. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was taken prisoner. In December of 1944, he was lined up with his fellow prisoners in a column three men deep to be shot, but miraculously escaped a bullet in the massacre by the German guards. Covered with bodies, Nick lay still so the soldiers with bayonets did not notice him. The man on top of him was stabbed to death by a bayonet and Nick's leg was cut. He hid for several days before making his way back to friendly lines--one of only a handful who survived this massacre of American prisoners of war in Malmedy, Belgium. After the war, he returned as an Army sergeant to his life in Los Lentes, New Mexico where his family had lived since the 1600s. When jobs became scarce, he became the first of his family to leave this area, and he moved to National City, California. Here he established himself in the construction industry and became a leader in the community. He was especially active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was president of an Hispanic social organization in the 1970s. His was a wonderful life. He was a man who did his duty to his country, who contributed to his community, and who raised his family well. He is survived by Eloise, his wife of 56 years, and his children, Rosalie Ortega, George Baca, Robert Baca and Herman Baca, who is a prominent Mexican-American activist in San Diego County--along with 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children and to the larger community who was touched by his presence. We will all miss him.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of preserving our Social Security system. Social Security has worked for 160 million people for nearly 60 years. Study after study concludes that Social Security will be fully funded throughout year 2032, and in need of only minor modifications to make up a relatively small shortfall after that date. Mr. Speaker, yes, a careful study should be done, but not a rush to privatize this system. Privatization proponents promise huge profits, but ignore the risks and inequity inherent in their plans. High returns do not come without big risks. And why should we rush to turn over our precious retirement system, which provides a guaranteed benefit, to the whims of a very fickle stock market? Privatization depends on individuals putting their money into retirement accounts, something difficult for low-wage workers, mothers working part-time while raising children, and those who experience family emergencies. Even under a best-case scenario, those who are able to diligently add to their retirement accounts may receive poor investment advice or, worse yet, the entire market could crash. We saw that in our history earlier this century. That is why our Social Security system was established. To provide a fair but guaranteed basic retirement income. Wall Street wants to take a massive amount of American capital, a portion of every single working American's paycheck, and gamble with it. Yes, Mr. Speaker, gamble with it. The problem of a shortfall after the year 2032, not bankruptcy as slick public relations operatives would have us believe, could be solved without dismantling our entire system. The current successful system keeps half of our elderly citizens out of poverty. Earlier today, I joined with several of my colleagues in cosponsoring legislation in support of strengthening Social Security to meet the challenges of the next century. In that bill, 57 of us expressed our support for continuing to guarantee a basic retirement for American citizens. We pledged to fight for adopting solutions to restore full funding of the system after the year 2032 that are nondiscriminatory and equitable to Americans of all ages. Privatization cannot offer that promise, nor any guarantee. The stock market, even with its latest continual rises, is so volatile, so full of risk, that an entire industry has been built around tracking its daily rise and fall by a few or even more percentage points. Social Security, on the other hand, administers its basic retirement, which everyone has been encouraged to supplement with their own savings and investments, in an equitable way. We as a society then do not have to worry about impoverished mothers, fathers, grandfathers, or worse yet, those who have no living relatives. Privatization proposals also fail to offer another guarantee to workers that is one cornerstone of Social Security: A monthly check for workers should they become disabled, or for their school-aged children if the worker dies. Social Security does have enough money to pay all benefits until the year 2032. Sure, adjustments must be made to ensure retirement security for those retiring after that date. Yet even doing nothing, Social Security will pay 75 percent of the benefits then. We must continue to discuss the minor modifications that will continue this reliable program for all future generations. But Social Security, with its guaranteed and fair benefits, does not need to be scrapped, particularly for a privatized gambling program that would guarantee lifetime ``social insecurity'' for most and short- term security for the few on Wall Street. Mr. Speaker, let us keep the Social Security system.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I, too, rise in opposition to the conference report, the so-called education savings account legislation. This bill is simply private school vouchers by another name. Who do we think is going to be taking advantage of these accounts? Not the majority of our parents, who have little left after their monthly expenses. These IRA type accounts will obviously favor privileged families who are more likely to have more money to put into the account. This bill will be an encouragement for well-to-do families to send their children to private schools, offering taxpayer financial subsidies for private schools, while doing nothing, nothing, Mr. Speaker, to improve America's public schools. This bill diverts urgently needed funds from our public schools. Opposite to the thrust of this legislation, we should be passing Federal legislation to direct our limited resources into public schools, where over 90 percent of American children are educated. Instead of subsidized education for the wealthy, we need to put our resources toward reducing class size in our public schools, modernizing and refurbishing our public schools and improving teacher training for our public schools. As Julian Bond, Chairman of the Board of the NAACP, said recently, we should not take Federal dollars out of public education just when it needs help the most. This bill is just the latest in a long series of attempts to benefit the wealthy and to do nothing to help our middle class and lower income families. As a matter of conscience and in support of the vast majority of Americans and their children, I urge my colleagues to oppose this ill- conceived legislation.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chairman, rather than reining in their own policies of ``easy credit,'' big banks and credit card companies want to come down on families who took their bait, and in many instances, began to rely on credit cards to pay for basic living expenses. This legislation before us would even allow credit card companies to make tragic victims of those who did not even rack up credit card debt--women and children who depend on alimony and child support payments to live. There are many problems with this bill. The first is a rigid and arbitrary means test that would bounce many families into Chapter 13 without allowing judges to rule on the specifics of their cases, exposing their families to the potential of losing their family homes. Just as inhumane are the provisions that would make credit card debt non-dischargeable. This would place credit card debt on the same plane as child support and alimony payments and force women to fight credit card companies to maintain their right to receive payments for their families' sustenance. H.R. 3150 would absolve credit card companies of problems largely of their own making. It would turn the bankruptcy system into a debt collection agency for credit companies--with taxpayers footing the bill! Our families, particularly women and children, deserve the right to fair bankruptcy laws, laws interpreted on a case by case basis by judges who currently have the power to ensure that children's needs are met first while the other debts are being repaid.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I rise in strong support of this resolution, H. Res. 404, which congratulates the Philippines on the 100th anniversary of its independence from Spain in 1898, supports their efforts to strengthen democracy and human rights, and thanks the Philippines for fighting on the side of the United States in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. I have personally met with both the President-elect and the Vice President-elect recently, and I know that they will continue the strong relationship between our two countries. Mr. Speaker, I would like to suggest to my good friends who are speaking on this and who have sponsored this resolution today that there are two additional concrete steps that this body could take to adequately express the high regard we have for the Philippines on this 100th anniversary of their independence. The first concrete act we could do is pass the bill, H.R. 836, an act introduced by the distinguished chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), and myself. It is a bipartisan bill called the Filipino Veterans Equity Act. It has nearly 200 cosponsors at this time. What the Filipino Veterans Equity Act says is that it is time to restore justice and honor and dignity to the veterans of World War II who fought side by side with us. These were soldiers of the Philippines who were drafted to serve in our Armed Forces by Executive order of President Roosevelt. They defended the American flag in the famous battles of Bataan and Corregidor. Thousands of them died during the Bataan death march, and many who survived were imprisoned under very inhumane conditions. The Filipino soldiers who fought under the American flag foiled plans for a quick takeover of the region and allowed the United States the time that we needed to prepare our forces for victory in the Pacific. But unbelievably after the war was over in 1946, the Congress of the time voted to take away the benefits and recognition that these Filipino veterans were promised. In the infamous Rescissions Acts of 1946, we said, thank you for all your work and help, but no thanks. It is now 52 years later. Families who live in both the United States and the Philippines have been waiting for the justice, recognition and benefits that they deserve. H. Res. 404 thanks them for their service, but we need H.R. 836, sponsored by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), to complete the job. A second concrete step that we can take is to pass H. Res. 312, which was introduced by the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood). This resolution outlines the compromise to return one of the famous Bells of Balangiga to the people of the Philippines. The two bells were brought to the United States early in the 20th century by American troops who were engaged in hostilities that had erupted between American and Filipino soldiers. These bells are currently on display at Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. The Republic of the Philippines has repeatedly requested the return of the bells. H. Res. 312 would return one bell and retain one bell in Wyoming. Two replica bells would be made so that each country would have one replica and one original bell. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Philippine Declaration of Independence, as a measure of friendship, another way to recognize this, in addition to the resolution we have on the floor now, let us share these priceless bells which are national symbols to the Filipinos.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the U.S. Holocaust Assets Commission Act. I believe this legislation is the most logical and responsible way in which to respond to the growing international appeals to address and resolve the issue of the ill- gotten bounty of the Holocaust. The United States Federal Government must honorably and accurately determine what, if any, assets of Holocaust victims came into its possession and control and their current location and status. Only then, with this precise accounting, can we go about the duty of deciding what actions are necessary and appropriate to find the rightful owners or heirs to these resources. The time is now to close this disturbing and unfinished chapter of one of the darkest periods in this century, and the U.S. Holocaust Assets Commission Act is the first step in the right direction toward achieving this just goal.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Walter James Porter a founding member of the Rotary Club of Southeast San Diego, a retired educator, community activist and ``all-around good guy!'' Dr. Porter and his wife Betty, also a retired educator of distinction, have served the community of San Diego with dedication and compassion for many years. While Dr. Porter's career was in the field of education, he is also widely known for his many civic and social contributions. Dr. Porter was a early founder of the San Diego County Human Relations Commission, and the San Diego Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. His early political involvement began as a staff member to then California State Assemblymember Peter R. Chacon and later as an associate of such important California political figures as former Congressmen Mervyn Dymally, Gus Hawkins, and State Senator Bill Green. Dr. Porter has always been in the forefront of grassroots political organizations in the community. Most recently, he joined the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Democratic Club, of which he is a charter member. With his very busy schedule, he still finds the time to contribute to such worthy community organizations as ``100 Black Men'' and the very prestigious Alpha Pi Boule of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, which consists of a sterling body of professionals that represent some of the best and brightest minds in my Congressional District. However, Dr. Walter Porter's most glowing accomplishments in the educational field continue to be the brightest star in his galaxy of achievements. His pioneering efforts during the era of the Model Cities Program, most significantly marked by the opening of the Educational Cultural Complex, today stand as a testament to his ingenuity. On Friday, June 5, 1998 during an evening of light-hearted fun, friends, associates and community leaders in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Southeast San Diego, will sponsor a roast in his honor, Dr. Walter Porter is more than a versatile jazz aficionado, and more than the visionary of Adult and College Education. Dr. Walter Porter is this community's icon of professionalism and leadership!

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Reyes amendment and in opposition to the Traficant amendment, and I thank my friend from Ohio for raising this issue. I live in the district that has the busiest border crossing in the world. We need the attention to this issue. We need the help of this Congress to fight those drugs. But I tell my colleagues, this is the wrong way to do it. We should ask ourselves, I say to the gentleman (Mr. Traficant) and those who spoke from Georgia and Illinois, why is it that the Members of this body who represent the 2 cities that are the biggest on the border, that have the busiest crossings on the border, and many other of the border Congress people oppose the Traficant amendment? We know something about the border. We know that this fight has to be increased. But we have constituents who we are bound to protect. We believe, and we have evidence, and my colleagues have heard it today, that those who are trained in the best equipped, best disciplined, most efficient fighting machine in the world are not equipped or trained to fight this fight. Our constituents are at risk with American troops at the border, and may I remind my colleagues, this is a friendly country. Nobody has said that yet. The last invasion I recall was maybe the Alamo, but this could do serious damage to that relationship. It could do serious damage to our constituents. Yes, I say to the gentleman from Ohio, (Mr. Traficant), let us fight this war, but let us not limit ourselves to the old and easy ideas of ending the scourge; let us go beyond the conventional solutions of this greater force, move toward more innovative proposals. We who represent the places where the gentleman is concerned about are against the gentleman's amendment. I urge my colleagues to join us in defeating the Traficant amendment.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, as the ranking Democrat member of the Subcommittee on Benefits of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I want to also commend the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn), for his leadership on H.R. 3039, the Veterans Transitional Housing Opportunities Act for 1998. This bill, as the gentleman has explained, will provide the transitional housing so desperately needed by the hundreds of thousands of veterans who sleep on America's streets each night. There is virtually no disagreement that one-third of the homeless men in this country are veterans. In my hometown of San Diego, it is estimated that 40 to 50 percent of the homeless are veterans. I am very troubled that this very difficult problem never seems to get better. The number of homeless veterans never seems to decrease. I conclude from this that our approach must change. And although H.R. 3039 is not a panacea, I am convinced this program can provide the assistance and support necessary for homeless veterans to reestablish themselves as solid contributing citizens. This program emphasizes self-sufficiency by requiring housing providers to make available job counseling to veteran residents and by requiring veterans to find and keep a job and to pay a reasonable fee for their housing. H.R. 3039 will provide a hand up, not a handout. I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn) for his willingness to reexamine the funding mechanism that was included in H.R. 3039 as introduced. Although the officials of the Veterans Administration did not fully articulate their concerns regarding this section of the bill until rather late in the process, the issues they raised were indeed important, and I am pleased we were able to come to an agreement on the funding issue. H.R. 3039 is an excellent bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this measure.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Yes, we must be relentless, Mr. Speaker, in our war on drugs, but not at the expense of the soldiers whom we must rely on to fight that battle. H.R. 3809 gives us tools in this tough battle but puts those who will use the tools into straightjackets. Provisions of this bill will rob Customs employees, who are the frontline drug enforcement personnel, of both their hazard pay to work essential nighttime shifts and their negotiating rights. This makes no sense at a time when we are asking these soldiers to work harder and smarter with new high-tech equipment. I say to the distinguished chairman of this committee and to the distinguished gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth) that we are not talking here about union bosses, we are not talking about special interests, we are talking about the men and women who are fighting the war on drugs. This bill would allow Customs Service management to back out of agreements made with rank-and-file employees. And because armies are dependent on the loyalty and respect between soldiers and officers, we cannot win the war on drugs if management makes agreements with employees but then has the congressional approval to break them at will. Congress will waste taxpayers' money if it authorizes expensive cutting-edge equipment while at the same time undermining employee morale and labor standards. A drug interdiction program for the century depends on 21st century equipment and a 21st century work force. The Customs Service will not be able to retain or attract the high quality employees needed to operate upgraded equipment if it downgrades the labor standards. This bill should not be passed in its present form, Mr. Speaker. The aim of this bill is good, but it has not gone through the normal legislative process to fix the problems. Let us defeat this bill today, fix the problems, bring it back under regular order for a unanimous vote of support. Let us make this war on drugs, I say to my friends on the other side of the aisle, unanimous. Let us not politicize it with this kind of bill that was brought with only a few days' notice, that undermines the men and women who are going to fight this war.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, last week, my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush) spoke to us in this Chamber about the unfair treatment of two dedicated Navy officers, Chaplain Willie Williams and Lt. Commander Cheryl Washington. Simply stated, this case is a tragedy. It is a tragedy in all aspects. The first tragedy was the heinous assault, a gang rape, that occurred at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego. Lives have been altered, changed and ruined. And only through tremendous faith and human will can this incident, this crime, ever be reckoned with and overcome. The next tragedy was the treatment of a Navy Chaplain who only wanted to tell the truth. Someone who only tried to do what was right and just. Someone who saw wrong and tried to right it, who tried to make sure that justice prevailed. Yet, he also became a victim. The next tragedy, the one that is most disappointing, the one I hope that can be rectified, is the tragedy of the response of the United States Navy. The brave men and women of our Nation join the military services for many different reasons. Some join because they want an education, and they see the military as a way to break the bonds of poverty and to better themselves. Some join because they seek an adventure, an adventure that is not available to them in the small town where they live, or the crime-ridden streets of their city, or the mundaneness of their neighborhoods. Some join to ``be all that they can be.'' They want to prove to themselves that they are able to meet the physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Others join because they want to belong to a group, a group that has a purpose. There are as many reasons to join our Nation's military as there are people who have signed up. Mr. Speaker, there is one underlying reason that is shared by all the enlisted personnel and officers who currently serve, who have ever served, and who sit today at a school desk and dream of serving. They all love this country, and they all want to see that America stays strong, independent and free. They all believe that they can make a difference in this country and that their best opportunity for making that difference is through serving our country by helping to defend it against aggression. That is why this case is so sad and heartbreaking. Chaplain Willie Williams, Lieutenant Commander Cheryl Washington, and scores of others have been let down, have been treated unfairly and unjustly, have been abused, and have been betrayed. They have been betrayed by the people who they served with, the people they trusted to do what was right, the people they willingly allowed to lead them, whom they willingly would follow into battle. If this continues much further, Mr. Speaker, they will have been betrayed by the institution that they loved, the United States Navy. I was first contacted by Chaplain Willie Williams in January of this year. He had some very serious allegations to make. He claimed that a young woman had been sexually assaulted numerous times and that, when he reported this, he himself became the subject of investigation, and that the subsequent investigation was conducted with a complete lack of integrity, thoroughness, and efficiency. I found this allegation, Mr. Speaker, very troubling. I represent a ``Navy town.'' Many of you in this body have made official trips to San Diego to review our naval facilities there. There is no better Naval port in the world and no place where the quality of life for the men and women serve in the Navy is better. Thousands of Navy personnel retire to San Diego. In short, the Navy has been good to San Diego, and San Diego has been good to the Navy. Whenever I am approached by anyone who tells of a Navy injustice, I tend to be skeptical. I want to believe the Navy, Mr. Speaker; but, with this case, there is something that was just not right. There was something that did not ring true. I hope that this case is not over. Chaplain Williams has been court martialed. But he tried to do the right thing. He tried to stand up for fair play, he tried to stand up for justice, and he tried to stand up for the truth. I hope the Navy has not ignored these and chosen to follow a path that is littered with racial discrimination, yes, Mr. Speaker, cover-up and vindictiveness. Mr. Speaker, I call today on Navy Secretary Dalton, as did the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush), to personally review this case and be sure that no stone is left unturned, that every step is taken to ensure that it is a road to justice that is traveled by our very own United States Navy.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf). He has thanked a lot of people, and I think people across America and around the world should know that a piece of legislation like this does not just come about without persistence, without passion, and without leadership. In the 6 years that I have been here, he has led the way, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), for speaking about human rights and preservation of human rights, freedom from religious persecution, all over the world. We are grateful for him and for his leadership. This would not have passed without him, and we are all grateful to him.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Tong, Molly Busico and Michael Busico, as they are honored by the San Diego- Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO for their dedication to helping working families and organized labor. Mary Tong has worked for the labor movement for more than twenty years. She began her tireless efforts while still a teenager as she helped organize agricultural workers. In 1993, she founded the Support Committee for Maquiladora Workers. As the Committee's Executive Director, she faces considerable risks to support the unionizing efforts of maquiladora workers. Mary played a critical role in assisting the workers at the Han Young plant to accomplish an historic feat by establishing the first independent union in the maquiladora industry in the Tijuana border region. In battling the corporations that move jobs south to Mexico to attempt to exploit workers, pay starvation wages, and disregard health and safety standards, Mary continues to break new ground in bringing together workers across borders. Molly and Michael Busico are a labor family, and they are also a labor business. They give generous financial support to San Diego's labor movement through their family business, American Income Life. Molly and Mike volunteered to fund the Labor Council's Organizing Program and financed a toll free number and other campaign materials including banners and bumper stickers. Through American Income Life, they graciously host hospitality rooms for various union conferences. Molly and Mike collect food on a monthly basis and donate it to the Labor Council's Community Services Program. When things get particularly busy, Molly volunteers in the Labor Council office. The Bosicos attend affiliate rallies together, and recently the entire family participated in the Strawberry Workers March in Watsonville. The Bosicos are a good example of the family that organizes together, stays together. These three individuals are being honored by the Labor Council as Friends of Labor--members of the community whose work has strengthened labor's efforts and who have touched the lives of thousands of San Diegans. It is truly fitting that the House of Representatives join in this recognition, and I am proud to salute this year's honorees: Mary Tong, and Molly and Mike Busico.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United Domestic Workers of America/AFSCME, AFL-CIO, as they are honored by the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO for their contributions to the labor movement and to the community as a whole. The UDW Organizing Committee is being recognized by the Labor Council with its ``Organizing Award'' for their historic organizing drive in which they made over 10,000 house visits and signed up 3,200 home care workers in a record 3\1/2\ months last summer. These home care workers, who provide domestic and personal care services to the elderly and disabled, earn minimum wage with no benefits. While they give their service in caring for the sick and infirm, they have no sick leave, no health insurance, and no retirement. Even though their work is controlled by the county and paid by the state, they are not recognized as permanent employees. They are called independent providers and have no employee rights. To correct this situation, the new members of UDW have set up organizing committees in San Diego's five supervisorial districts, prioritized their demands for improving their jobs, trained 30 new delegates for the UDW State Convention, and initiated a membership service program to include emergency assistance, legal consultations, life and medical insurance, and representation at benefit appeal hearings. UDW is also working on legislation and local initiatives to establish legal recognition and collective bargaining rights for independent providers. Having completed these successful accomplishments, UDW is now in the second phase of its campaign to organize the remaining 6,000 independent providers. As a friend and supporter of UDW for many years, I want to sincerely congratulate the UDW Organizing Committee and its members on receiving this significant award from the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council for your many long hours and labor-intensive work in the cause of justice!

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 70 and the San Diego Construction & Building Trades Council, as they are honored by the San Diego- Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO for their contributions to the labor movement and to the community as a whole. The Labor Council's ``Community Service Award'' again goes to the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 70 for its sixth consecutive and most successful food drive in San Diego County. With the cooperation of the Postal Service, they collected 155,000 pounds of food for needy working families. Also being honored is the San Diego Construction & Building Trades Council, which helped to bring into being a neighborhood computer lab-- the International Learning Center--at the National City Park Apartments. The Construction and Building Trades Council took a leadership role in promoting this project and enlisted the help of local unions who gathered donations. The computer center has a bank of personal computers that is available without cost to the adults and 800 children who live in this apartment complex. Many individuals who could not otherwise gain the computer skills they need to improve their education and job prospects will now be able to do do. The National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 70 and the San Diego Construction & Building Trade Council are truly deserving of the award which they are receiving. I join in adding my sincere thanks to their members, and I am pleased to highlight their service with these comments in the House of Representatives.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 206 and the Ironworkers Union Local 229, as they are honored by the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO for their strong support of the Labor to Neighbor program. The Labor to Neighbor program educates and involves union members and their families in the campaign to protect jobs and the future of working people in San Diego and Imperial Counties. The Sheet Metal Workers Local 206 is being recognized for its leadership role in the Farm Team Project that recruits and develops future candidates for all levels of elected office throughout our area. They also provided major financial assistance for the Voter List Project and for the fight against Proposition 226, the thinly-veiled attack on organized labor's right to participate in our democratic process. The Ironworkers Local 229 is being recognized for their ongoing commitment to Labor to Neighbor, having been also recognized last year with this same honor. Local 229 organized an annual Labor to Neighbor fund-raising golf tournament to support efforts to educate union members on important issues and elections throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties. For these activities, the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO recognizes the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 206 and the Ironworkers Local 229 with their ``Labor to Neighbor Award.'' I am pleased to join in honoring their contributions to the working families of both San Diego County and Imperial County.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Phil Saal, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 542, as he is honored by the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO for his leadership in the successful United Parcel Service (UPS) strike of 1997. Phil and the Teamsters gathered overwhelming public support for working families and the plight of the growing part-time workforce during the UPS strike--and his leadership in bringing the UPS contract to a successful settlement is being acknowledged by this Leadership Award. Under Phil's direction, dozens of strike counselors were trained to provide food and financial assistance to Teamsters during their contract dispute. Five hundred checks, totaling $30,0000, were written to assist workers with their bills, and thousands of pounds of food were distributed. Phil is also a member of the Labor Council's Board of Directors and is a supporter of the Unity Coalition of Organized Labor in San Diego. My congratulations go to Phil Saal for these significant contributions. I can attest to Phil's dedication and commitment and believe him to be highly deserving of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO Leadership Award.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, I rise before you today to honor Michael and Patricia McCoy, two tireless advocates for the environment who recently received the National Wetlands Award for their volunteer leadership from the Environmental Law Institute. The National Wetlands Award, also co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service, recognizes outstanding individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of the nation's wetlands. The McCoys certainly qualify! In a region where the majority of wetlands have been lost to dredging, filling, and other activities, the McCoys' two-decades of activism to preserve and protect the Tijuana Estuary is a remarkable achievement. With their vision and boundless dedication to this cause, Mike and Pat have organized community support, educated the public about wetland resources, and shaped local policy to protect wetlands for future generations. The McCoys have enabled us to leave a living, vibrant legacy to all our children in the San Diego and Tijuana areas. As was said in their nomination for the award, ``the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve owes its existence to the McCoys. Destined to become a marina in the 1970s, this 2,500-acre reserve now includes a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge for Endangered Species, Border Field State Park, an outdoor research lab, and a visitor center that highlights the estuary's wildlife.'' In 1979, the McCoys founded the Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association, dedicated to the protection and acquisition of wetlands and to public education. The Association's volunteers today help staff the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. The McCoys, the Association and its subsidiary, the Friends of South Bay Wildlife, are currently working to establish about 2,400 acres of salt ponds and wetlands as a National Wildlife Refuge in San Diego Bay. Mike and Pat's activities involving the Tijuana Estuary and south San Diego wetlands are too numerous to list, but they include Pat McCoy's supervision, as a volunteer, of the construction of a tidal restoration channel and a U.S. Navy mitigation project to remove concrete from the Estuary. Mike's strong research background is instrumental in strengthening linkages with local universities and creating a unique partnership with San Diego State University resulting in the Estuary being a field station of the university. They have served on or helped to create almost every committee or board that guides the Estuary's fate. From 1983 to 1993, the McCoys helped build a novel wastewater treatment and recovery system in Tijuana, Mexico to treat raw sewage that would otherwise flow north into the Tijuana Estuary. This project became a model for alternative treatment demonstrating water reuse in desert climates and developing countries. I know that Mike and Pat McCoy believe that a thriving wetland is the only reward and testament to their efforts that is needed. Their volunteer work, however, goes so far above and beyond the call of duty, that it is past time to recognize the McCoys with this impressive national award. I want to thank these dedicated visionaries on behalf of all of the people of San Diego County and beyond who will appreciate the beauty of these wetlands. These are the real McCoys!

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Bertha Ousley Pendleton and her 40-year legacy to San Diego on the occasion of her retirement as Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District. Dr. Pendleton, as the superintendent of one of the Nation's largest school districts, leaves a legacy of excellence. She is a professional in the best sense of the word, a woman of strength, resilience, humor, honor and, above all, dedication to her profession and to the children whom she serves. She is determined that our schools care about all children and that no child is left behind. She is determined that it is not only the squeaky wheel that gets the attention. Her 5 years as superintendent capped a career that began as a classroom teacher in 1957 at Memorial Junior High School in San Diego. Following 11 years in this position, she served as a parent counselor at Morse High School, vice principal of Crawford High, principal at Lincoln High, coordinator and then director of compensatory education for the San Diego Unified School District, assistant superintendent, and deputy superintendent. She also serves as adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene College in San Diego and leads monthly television panel discussions on school issues. Dr. Pendleton has participated in the U.S. Information Agency's AMPART program, lecturing to officials in South Africa on educational issues. She was a member of the U.S. delegation participating in the Urban Education Exchange in London. She has served on visitation teams to review Department of Defense schools in Japan and in England. She hosted President Clinton at the San Diego school where he signed the Goals 2000 bill into law. Dr. Pendleton received her education at Knoxville College, San Diego State University, and USIU, culminating with a doctorate in education leadership from the University of San Diego in 1989. Her contributions in the field of education outside of her own school district and in countless other community organizations is a further testament to her dedication. She served as co-chair of the Advisory Committee for the Danforth Foundation and on the Advisory Council on Dependents' Education in the Department of Defense. She was founder of the Association of African American Educators and was president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She was a member of the American Association of School Administrators-Urban Schools Committee, the Association of California School Administrators, and the San Diego Association of Administrative Women in Education. The list goes on and on. She was a member of the Boards of Directors of Children's Hospital, the College of Retailing, the Natural History Museum, New Standards, Rolling Readers, the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, United Way of San Diego County, and the YMCA. She was on the executive boards of the Children's Initiative, the Council of Great City Schools, and School-to-Career. Dr. Pendleton is also a member of the San Diego Rotary and an elder, treasurer, and member of the Chancel Choir at Christ United Presbyterian Church. Her awards list leaves me breathless. Highlights include recognition by the United Negro College Fund, the University of San Diego, the San Diego Urban League, the California State Assembly, Point Loma College, the San Diego Press Club, the Salvation Army, the National Council of Negro Women, the San Diego Administrators Association, the San Diego City Club, the San Diego Jaycees, the Girls Club of San Diego, the Association of California School Administrators, the National Association of Negro Women, the San Diego Union, and the YWCA. She was selected as Who's Who Among San Diego Women, as one of the 87 people to watch in 1987 by San Diego Magazine, as a recipient of the California Women in Government Award, as Woman of the Year by the President's Council of Professional Women, as Educator of the Decade by Phi Delta Kappa, and as Mother of the Year by the Christ United Presbyterian Church. As impressive as this list is, it really does not do justice to Dr. Bertha Pendleton. She believes that extraordinary measures are sometimes called for in order to help our children reach their potential. She works to instill hope and pride in all of our children. She strives to educate each and every child, so success and contributions to society will follow. She dares to keep alive the dream of freedom for all children. Dr. Pendleton is being honored at a gala event on May 2, 1998, in San Diego, sponsored by the Association of African American Educators. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Bertha O. Pendleton Scholarship to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who pursue a teaching career. As a former president of the Board of Education of the San Diego Unified School District, I am privileged to count Bertha as a friend and trusted associate, and it is my honor to add my congratulations to the many that she is receiving upon her retirement. Her contributions to the San Diego School District and to its children and teachers will live on for decades to come.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for yielding this time to me, and I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), the chairman, and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), the ranking member, for their work on this bill. I rise today in support of H.R. 3528, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998. Because I have seen firsthand the successful use of alternative dispute resolution in my own County of San Diego, California, I am a diehard fan of ADR, as we often call it. Let me share with my colleagues the wildly successful example of the San Diego Mediation Center. This service has grown from humble beginnings in the community of Golden Hill in my congressional district to a county-wide service offering mediation, arbitration, facilitation, training, credentialing, internships and a speakers bureau to the citizens of San Diego County. Since 1983 the San Diego Mediation Center has provided a voluntary and peaceful process for resolving disputes. Alternative dispute resolution is available for neighbors, businesses, private citizens, courts, the legal community, municipalities, government agencies, schools, professional groups, homeowner associations, churches and families. With an agreement rate of 80 percent and a compliance rate of 85 percent the agreements forged through the mediation process have promoted goodwill in the community, reduced the load on the courts, and in some cases prevented violence. More than 10,000 volunteer hours are donated to the service each year by the 200 volunteer mediators who receive intensive mediation training from the center. There is an extensive waiting list of potential volunteers who are hoping for the opportunity to receive training and to become mediators. Public trainings in dispute resolution are also given several times each year by the training staff of the mediation center. The work of the mediation center is well received and highly respected in San Diego. Recently recognized by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association with its Golden Watchdog Award, the mediation center has saved the taxpayers of San Diego $3.7 million by cutting direct costs to the San Diego Small Claims, Municipal and Superior Courts. Mr. Speaker, the work of the San Diego Mediation Center and hundreds of other alternative dispute resolution services throughout the country reduces judiciary case loads and offers disputants an inexpensive and more satisfying way to resolve disputes rather than litigation. For that reason, I applaud H.R. 3528, that will extend this option to litigants in district court civil cases. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.