Bob Filner

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Eliseo Medina, executive director of Local 2028 of the Service Employees International Union and the newly-elected executive vice president of the Service employees International Union, who will be honored with a Leadership Award by the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council on April 27, 1996. Eliseo Vasquez Medina entered the labor movement through the table grape vineyards of Delano, in California's San Joaquin Valley, where he joined the grape strike led by Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers, AFL-CIO in 1965. Quickly recognized as a natural leader and organizer, he was sent by Cesar Chavez to Chicago with a phone number and a bag of buttons to head up what became a successful boycott organization in the Midwest. From there he was sent wherever the need existed for his energy, intelligence, and organizational skills. Within a few years, Eliseo Medina was elected to the executive board of the United Farm Workers, where he became second vice-president to Cesar Chavez. When the agricultural Labor Relations Act was passed in California, he returned to lead numerous successful election drives and negotiate numerous historic contracts. Beginning in 1978, Eliseo Medina began the second part of his career as an organizer in diverse industries. He was tapped by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees [AFSCME] to organize employees of the University of California. Thereafter, he moved on to organize the Teas State Employees Union. Five years later, the Service Employees International Union brought him to San Diego, where he has led and honed its Local 2028, increasing its membership threefold and providing service and leadership to thousands of my constituents in the 50th District of California. Just this week, Eliseo Medina returned to Chicago, where the Service Employees International Union elected him to one of its highest levels of leadership, executive vice-president. Mr. Speaker, I join labor leaders in San Diego and across the country in congratulating Eliseo Medina for receiving the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council's Leadership Award. I know he will always be striving to improve the quality of life for the working people of San Diego.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph S. Francis, executive secretary-treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, who will be honored with a Distinguished Service Award by the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council on April 27, 1996. After four terms and 16 years of exemplary service, Joe Francis is stepping down from his leadership position with the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, whose affiliates number 103 local unions representing approximately 108,000 members. His strong leadership, vast experience, and organizing skills have contributed much to the San Diego labor movement. Raised in New Bedford, MA, Joe Francis moved to San Diego in 1953. Working first at Convair, he took a volunteer position as shop steward. Six years later, he joined the San Diego Fire Department, where he became involved in the local Firefighters Union. He was elected as director of the Union Board in 1965 and later served as secretary and then president of Local 145. In 1980, after 21 years in the fire department, he was elected to the office of executive-treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council with two-thirds of the vote. Noted for his calm but direct demeanor, Joe Francis reached out to the labor community during his term and brought attention to a broad list of concerns. The Labor Council made great strides under his leadership. It is no wonder that the San Diego Business Journal called Joe Francis ``San Diego's Top Labor Leader.'' His involvement in countless community organizations is a testament to his dedication. He currently serves on the boards of United Way, the San Diego County Board of Economic Advisors, and the San Diego Technology Council. He previously served on the boards of the Salvation Army and the Regional Employment Training Consortium, among others, and was president of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation. As he relinquishes his current post with the Labor Council, Joe Francis will retain his position as executive director of San Diego Labor's Community Service Agency. Mr. Speaker, I join labor leaders in San Diego and across the country in congratulating Joe Francis for receiving the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council's Distinguished Service Award, and I wish him well in all future endeavors.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this important legislation to take the transportation trust funds off-budget. Historically, investment in transportation infrastructure has helped countries achieve and maintain world power status. Similarly, it has been our own commitment to infrastructure investment has been responsible for creating the most advanced and efficient economy in the history of the world. In the past, it was this financial commitment to America's infrastructure that completed the transcontinental railroad, built the Interstate Highway System, and created world class airports and harbors. However, we all know that funding for future projects is increasingly difficult to secure today. And as a result, our ability to maintain, improve and build highways, roads, harbors, railways and airports is severely hampered--and commerce, transportation and recreation are all adversely restricted. We cannot continue this neglect and we must provide an opportunity to guarantee a sound financial future to both maintain and develop America's infrastructure needs. Pumping gas and paying the Federal gas tax of 18.3 cents per gallon is probably the most common link the average American has with the Federal Government on a daily basis. Most of the money from this tax flows into the highway trust fund and has helped finance such San Diego highways as Interstates 8 and 15. My own district has several infrastructure projects that are of national significance and need funding. Re-establishment of the San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railroad--the ``Jobs Train''--and completion of State Route 905 and Interstate 15 would all facilitate the increase of international trade expected from our Nation's new Federal trade policy. Yet because transportation trust funds are not being spent for their intended use, these nationally important projects must compete for fewer available dollars and are viewed as pork for my congressional district. Transportation funding choices should not be between projects that mitigate congestion and pollution, increase safety or implement trade policy--these are all worthy projects. We must release the trust fund surpluses from their budget bondage and stop this Federal game of Mask the Deficit. The existence of these surpluses only reinforces the public's belief that they are not getting an honest return for the taxes they pay to Washington. This issue is not only about tax fairness, it's also about jobs and about economic productivity. Since the 1950's, as much as 25 percent of America's productivity growth can be credited to improvements in our transportation infrastructure. Recent Department of Transportation studies show that every $1 billion invested in highway construction and enhancements yields 42,000 high-wage jobs. Similarly, work to complete SR 905 and I-15 in San Diego and to re-establish the Jobs Train would create thousands of jobs. The more that infrastructure spending is curtailed, the higher the yearly trust funds surplus grows. The higher that surplus goes, the more it offsets deficit spending in other general fund programs. It's a $31 billion bonanza, and it's a fraud! For me, the Truth in Budgeting Act is about keeping faith with my constituents in San Diego--people who pay into these funds and expect their tax dollars to be spent on building and maintaining the world's premier transportation system. The people of America--and the people of San Diego--deserve to see their transportation dollars at work building and maintaining highways, railroads, airports, and harbors.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to recognize the Annual Community Mobilization Conference and Training on Gangs, Violence, and Drugs which was convened in my hometown of San Diego, CA on April 4 and 5. This is the seventh annual conference that has been convened by Nu- Way Youth and Social Services, a local community-based organization. The conference is a national, collaborative event that brings parents, educators, law enforcement officers, probation officers, prosecutors, health and social service providers, together with civic, political, and spiritual leaders to discuss the latest technologies and strategies for combatting juvenile crime in our communities. Mr. Speaker, this conference is not the result of a Federal program or government funding. In fact, this conference receives no government funding at all. This conference is a true collaborative project. And by its very nature, it reinforces the notion that ``it takes a village to raise a child''--and it challenges all of our citizens to accept the responsibility and join in our struggle to keep our youth free from the influence of gangs and drugs. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that Nu-Way, a valuable resource in the fight against gangs, drug abuse, and violence, is based in my congressional district, and I applaud the efforts of Nu-Way and the Community Mobilization Conference for their important role in our fight against juvenile crime.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to House Joint Resolution 159, the supermajority bill, because I am convinced it is really a super loophole bill. This bill will require a two-thirds vote--a ``supermajority''--for any legislation that increases revenue. While this may sound like a good idea it is, in fact, a terrible idea for our country. Closing existing tax loopholes will also raise revenue, therefore this legislation will require supermajority votes to close tax loopholes. Closing tax loopholes should not require a supermajority--it is not fair, it is not right, and it is not constitutional. I introduced H.R. 1497, the Insurance Tax Fairness and Small Insurance Company Economic Growth Act, to close a tax loophole in the life insurance industry. By closing a huge loophole in Section 809 of the tax code, my legislation will level the playing field in the life insurance industry, provide tax relief for small life insurance companies and raise nearly $2 billion annually for the U.S. Treasury. However, if this supermajority amendment is approved, a minority of this House could prevent closing this or any other tax loophole. Protected by the supermajority requirement, loopholes will continue to ensure tax unfairness and inequality--the ``super loophole'' is born. Legislation like mine, which targets nearly $2 billion in unpaid taxes, demonstrates the financial irresponsibility of supermajority constitutional amendment. My bill is about fairness and equality; this amendment is about neither. By requiring a supermajority vote on loophole closings and other tax corrections, this bill will tie our legislative hands and prevent us from taking the necessary actions to make our tax system fairer. Legislation such as H.R. 1497, should be addressed individually by Congress and not be made inconsequential by this proposed constitutional amendment. For more than 200 years, the U.S. Constitution has guaranteed certain rights, privileges and protections. It has never guaranteed nor protected the right to a tax loophole--and now is not the time to start doing so. Oppose the supermajority, defeat this bill and prevent super loopholes.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the revival of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra on March 15, 1996. Two months ago, the orchestra was silenced--and there appeared to be little hope for its restoration. The orchestra's reawakening was the result of generous gifts from the Price Charities and the Jacobs Family Trust, an outburst of support from the community as a whole, and most of all from the musicians of the San Diego Symphony. Not only did each musician forgo more than $2,700 in lost salary, but their work and dedication to their institution inspired community support. Although not all of my constituents attend the San Diego Symphony, even those who stay at home made very clear their belief that San Diego needs a great professional orchestra. Every major metropolitan area in this country has such an institution at the heart of its musical life. San Diego Symphony Orchestra musicians teach our children how to play musical instruments and provide our children's first exposure to serious music. Symphony musicians play for other artistic institutions in the community, such as opera and ballet companies, and perform in our schools, churches, and synagogues, making all of them shine with their professionalism. And the symphony brings our downtown to life at night providing lifeblood to many businesses. The San Diego Symphony Orchestra is as important to our community's health as are the Chargers, the Padres, first-rate hospitals, and our major institutions of learning. The San Diego Symphony has not only provided San Diego with great music, but has brought great musicians to live in our community and, through its internationally recognized recordings, has let the world know that San Diego is not only a great place to visit, but is one of America's great cities. That is why I have consistently fought for support of the arts. The arts are a vital part of the American adventure and a major American industry. Support for the arts not only enriches us spiritually; it is a wonderful investment in our economy and in our children. In this era of global competition, in no area do we compete more effectively than in the arts. Let us hope that the generosity of the Jacobs Family Trust and the Price Charities and the dedication, generosity, and solidarity of the musicians will allow the San Diego Symphony to serve all the residents of the San Diego area for many more decades of excellence.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, I rise today to honor a great friend and community leader who passed away recently--Roberta Calvert Heyer. Roberta Heyer was an accomplished painter, landscape artist, educator, civil rights activist, and civic leader. A San Diego State University graduate with a master of arts degree in art history, Roberta taught elementary school in the 1950's, and art history at Cuyamaca and Mesa Community Colleges from 1976 to 1989. Her knowledge and expertise in art and historical architecture led to her appointment to the Old Town Planned District Review Board, where she served for 5 years. A resident of the Encanto community since 1958, Roberta organized workshops at her neighborhood school, Encanto Elementary School, to provide art education to students. In the 1960's, Roberta served as vice president of the local Citizens for Racial Equality. Her work in establishing human relations programs in San Diego schools to foster racial harmony and understanding was recognized by an appointment as the city of San Diego's representative to the County Human Relations Commission. Roberta won the respect and admiration of her friends, family, and community for her sense of humor, her community involvement, and her dedication to our democratic principles and values. In this lifetime, we come across a small number of special people-- those who touch our minds, hearts, and souls with their activism, optimism, and dedication to making everyone's life richer. Roberta was one of those chosen few. My thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, Warren, and her family, friends, and the community. This world needs more people like Roberta Calvert Heyer--she will be missed.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for a number of resent rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: rollcall No. 20, ``no''; rollcall No. 21, ``yes''; rollcall No. 22, ``yes''; rollcall No. 23, ``no''; rollcall No. 24, ``yes''; rollcall No. 25, ``yes''; rollcall No. 26, ``no''; rollcall No. 27, ``no''; rollcall No. 28, ``no''; rollcall No. 29, ``no''; rollcall No. 30, ``yes''; and rollcall No. 43, ``yes''.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1963 and H.R. 1972.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank both the Congressional Black Caucus for reserving a special order to observe Black History Month, and the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Cardin] for reserving a special order yesterday to honor our distinguished colleague, Congressman Kweisi Mfume. Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago this month, as a freshman Member of Congress, I delivered my first speech on the floor of the House of Representatives in honor of Black History Month. I could not have been more proud to dedicate my first address in this Chamber to the celebration of African-American freedom and accomplishment. As many of my colleagues know, I have a special link to the African- American struggle for freedom. Some 35 years ago, I rode though Mississippi as a freedom rider and witnessed first-hand the desperate and often brutal attempts to preserve segregation. In that summer of 1961, Mississippi was a war zone. Innocent black Americans were beaten and killed. Angry mobs attacked black men and women at will. Random gunfire contributed to an environment of terror and fear. I spent several months in a Mississippi State Penitentiary isolation cell as a result of my efforts in the struggle for equality. We have come a long way since then. Today, African-Americans have more opportunities open to them then ever before. African-Americans attend our Nation's finest schools, are some of America's most successful entrepreneurs, and hold office at the highest levels of state and federal government. African-American children can base their hopes and dreams on a host of African-American heroes: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, Maya Angelou, and many other who have led the fight for equality and justice. But we still have much to accomplish. Thousands of people whose names do not yield national recognition bravely continue the struggle every day for the rights of African- American. The spirit of Black History Month applies to these local heroes who stand as more than a symbol of success to African-American youth. These are people who offer a helping hand, a smiling face, or a word of encouragement to young African-Americans. These are people who make a personal and direct contribution to the lives of young African- Americans in their communities. There are many such heroes in California's 50th Congressional District. As the focus of this year's Black History Month is on African-American women, I will mention one who, along with her husband, has made a profound difference in the San Diego community. Evelyn George of San Diego realized 18 years ago that the money her husband, Aaron, spent on cigarettes could be used on something more constructive. She implored him to give up his smoking habit, and together they transformed their home into a Christmas wonderland for neighborhood children each December--complete with ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, caroling angels, a nativity scene, and nearly 5,000 holiday lights. After 18 years, Aaron George has become known as the ``Black Santa'' of San Diego, handing out more than 2,700 candy canes, signing some 325 autographs, and posing for more than 250 pictures for area children this year alone. This Christmas was a difficult one for Mr. George. Evelyn, his wife of 42 years, passed away in July. In her honor, Aaron has promised to maintain the display every Christmas, bringing joy to the lives of hundreds of young San Diegans. There are thousands of other African-Americans in San Diego and across the Nation making unique and positive contributions to their communities. But there is also reason for concern in the African- American community. Division and hatred, always lurking in the depths of interracial relations, have begun to surface again with unprecedented ferocity, threatening the strides that whites and blacks have made together. No one understands this threat better than Congressman Kweisi Mfume. During his 9 years in Congress, he has emerged as a national leader and advocate for the rights of African-Americans. His leadership abilities were brilliantly displayed during his 2-year term as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, a period during which the caucus achieved unprecedented levels of influence. Individuals of Congressman Mfume's character and intelligence rarely are able to keep their value secret for long. It was to no one's surprise, then, that Congressman Mfume was chosen to be chief executive officer of the NAACP, a proud organization that has fought for the rights of African-Americans since the early part of this century. The House of Representatives will lose a great leader, an ardent advocate and a brilliant legislator as Congressman Mfume leaves to assume his new responsibility. But our loss is the NAACP's gain. I am confident that Congressman Mfume will make great strides in the advancement of the rights of African-Americans and continue his effort to improve interracial relations throughout the country. These goals are given special significance during the celebration of Black History Month.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to be present for two recent rollcall votes. Had I about been present on rollcall vote No. 11, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall vote No. 12, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, I want to tell you very briefly the story of yet another Gingrich hostage. Mr. Gingrich and company are not only shutting down the Government and shutting out Federal employees, they are causing real hardship for real American families, like the Blanchfills of Chula Vista in my district in southern California. Michael Blanchfill served his country for 20 years as a Navy medic. Several years ago, as he was about to be deployed for Desert Storm, he was diagnosed with Huntington's chorea, a fatal disease. Michael's wife, Loretta, has been forced to quit her job as a restaurant manager to care for her stricken husband. The Blanchfill's daughters, April and Rachel, also help care for their father, who can barely walk or talk. April has been inspired by her father's illness to study medical technology at Edutec Professional College, but now her studies are threatened because of the lack of funding due to the current shutdown. The Veterans' Administration Hospital in San Diego should provide therapy for Michael, but now no doctor is available to treat him nor will the VA supply him with a wheelchair during this shutdown, nor will the daycare for Michael be provided. And, of course, no home care will be available to permit Loretta to return to work. So Michael Blanchfill, a Navy veteran who served his country, desperately needs his country's help. As a medic, he was never taken a prisoner, but now he is a hostage, a Gingrich hostage to extremist demands. Mr. Speaker and Mr. Gingrich, let us focus on the real needs of real families like the Blanchfills. Let us pass the necessary resolutions now.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to be present for a number of rollcall votes at the end of last session. I was paired for several of the votes, but on other votes I would have voted as follows: Rollcall 871, ``no.'' Rollcall 872, ``no.'' Rollcall 873, ``yes.'' Rollcall 874, ``yes.'' Rollcall 875, ``no.'' Rollcall 878, ``no.'' Rollcall 879, ``no.'' Rollcall 880, ``no.'' Rollcall 881, ``no.'' Rollcall 883, ``no.'' Rollcall 884, ``no.''

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today with a great deal of sadness to honor the memory of Peter G. Velasco. A true labor pioneer, Pete Velasco was among the Filipino-American farmworker leaders whose tenacity inspired Cesar Chavez in the first grape strike in Delano, CA, and provided a strong foundation for what late became the United Farm Workers, AFL-CIO. Even before his many years of work as an officer in the farmworker movement, brother Pete Velasco was an early and enduring example of the multifaceted contributions of the Filipino-American community to our society. Working first in the Los Angeles food service industry, he went on to distinguished service in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II before returning to the Central Valley of California as a farmworker. Not content merely to try to eke out a living in the fields, Pete Velasco helped to organize his fellow workers, forging the first link between farmworkers and the AFL-CIO, which later proved essential to Cesar Chavez' work as president of the new, united organization. Today we can see a resurgence in the AFL-CIO that has at its roots the contribution of many men and women--among them ``Brother Pete''-- over many years. May that resurgence provide a way that we can all celebrate the life of Peter G. Velasco and the movement he helped to build.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind this Congress of an important impending date in the North American Free Trade Agreement [NAFTA] which this Congress approved. On December 18, the agreement requires the participating nations to open their border states to each other's commercial truck traffic. It is appropriate to remember this date as I introduce ``The Border Infrastructure Improvements Act of 1995'' to ensure that border cities have the necessary transportation infrastructure to implement this federal trade policy. Historically, investment in transportation has helped countries achieve and maintain world power status. The vast empires of Greece, Rome, England and Spain all benefited from their extensive infrastructure networks. Similarly, our own investment in our roads, highways, airports, sea ports and railroads has been responsible for creating the most advanced and efficient economy in the history of the world. This situation continues to be true today, and business leaders and elected officials remain united in this belief that improving our transportation infrastructure is the key to growing our economy. This belief was reinforced by the passage of NAFTA. Soon, many more Mexican trucks will be begin crossing our bridges, travelling our roads and highways, and visiting our harbors and airports. When Congress approved NAFTA, we all knew that ensuring its success would require that all parties provide the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the flow of trade. We believed that inherent in the passage of this legislation was a commitment to build, repair and maintain the physical infrastructure to implement this Federal trade policy. This seemed to be a good sign for America's bridges, roads, highways, and sea ports that service the points of entry for foreign trade. Unfortunately, this has not been the case and the physical needs of the trade treaty still have not been addressed. While I welcome the prospect of free trade with our North American neighbors, I am concerned that our infrastructure is woefully unprepared to handle this new traffic. I believe many of our roads and highways at our borders are not yet prepared to handle this tremendous increase in commercial traffic. My own district has two unfunded NAFTA mandates that our community alone cannot address--completion of State Route 905 and revitalization of the San Diego & Arizona Eastern rail line, the ``Jobs Train''. State Route 905 serves as the only link connecting the nation's second busiest southern commercial border crossing to the national inter-state highway system. This road, however is currently a four lane city street! It was not intended to carry the additional border traffic that will soon be coming. And it was never intended to be a tool to implement international trade policy. I know this is also the case in numerous other border crossing communities. The ``Jobs Train'' rehabilitation would revitalize San Diego's rail link to the eastern bound rail lines. Repairing and improving this now abandoned railroad would provide quicker access to eastern markets for trade arriving through the Port of San Diego and the border crossing. Our cities and states undergo a constant struggle to build and maintain their own infrastructure. They do not have sufficient funds to single-handedly complete projects which support federal trade policy. Not funding these projects is the worst kind of unfunded mandate. The Federal Government must meet its responsibility. Under my legislation, the Federal Government will honor this commitment to the cities and States affected by the new trade policies of NAFTA. This bill guarantees that the necessary infrastructure to implement this policy will become a federally funded priority. Today, America finds itself in a unique opportunity to again demonstrate this infrastructure investment policy and help stimulate its own economic growth. It is an opportunity that we cannot afford to miss. We are fortunate in America to have this opportunity to control our own economic future. We are a young and vital country, filled with optimism and vision. Let's hope that we act on that vision while the opportunities are still there. If we succeed, our nation will continue to be a better place to live for generations to come. I encourage my colleagues to join me in this effort to provide this vital infrastructure to help our nation take full advantage of the new global market.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I will be opposing the rule and the bill. It is clear from the statements that we have heard and every editorial, every statement that I have read over the last few months, that if we had a reasonable and carefully crafted reform to the provisions of the antifraud cases that give rise to securities class actions, that would attract a resounding consensus in this body and around the country. Instead, this legislation has attracted extraordinarily firm opposition from a broad group of people who have been involved in these issues. Virtually every witness with a reasonable claim to being objective and impartial testified in opposition to the initial Republican proposals earlier this year. The group representing securities regulators from all 50 States oppose it; groups representing the officials in State and local governments who issue municipal bonds oppose it. The U.S. Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities oppose it, along with more than 1,000 local officials, ranging from district attorneys to town treasurers to county commissioners. The AARP, the National Association of Senior Citizens, the Gray Panthers all oppose it, as do the National Council of Individual Investors. Consumer Reports, Consumer Federation of America, and a host of other consumer groups oppose if. The AFL-CIO, the Teamsters, the Machinists, the Communications Workers, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and the United Auto Workers, all these who manage more than $100 billion in pension funds for retirees, oppose it. The Fraternal Order of Police and International Association of Firefighters also strongly oppose this legislation. Mr. Speaker, if one reads the press beyond the Beltway, it overwhelmingly opposes it. If there is strong support for reasonable measures to stop frivolous lawsuits, but opposition to this bill, does that not tell us a lot? I urge my colleagues to demonstrate that this bill should be fixed by voting ``no''; ``no'' on the rule and ``no'' on the bill.

Mr. FILNER

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

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chairman, I, too, rise in support of the Clement- Bachus amendment. Mr. Oberstar talked about rural help. This will also help urban areas. In San Diego, for example, the 511 program will help us revise a railroad that will go from the port of San Diego to connect up with the national rail system to the east coast. It will completely transform the economy of San Diego if we were able to revive this line under the program that 511 authorizes. So, Mr. Chairman, both sides, this amendment is important. It will help the economy of the United States in many, many areas. Mr. Chairman, I want to rise in support of the proposal put forward by Congressman Clement to amend the 511 Loan Guarantee Program. I commend Congressman Clement for his initiative. In my view this program is essential to the continuation of service on light density Rail lines that are necessary to continued employment and community well-being throughout the United States. This is an area of great interest to me. As the House may recall, together with my colleague, Congressman Cooley and Congressman Ray LaHood, I engaged in a colloquy with the chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee to support this basic policy. This is an excellent proposal to help support the critical rail infrastructure of this country. The directly competitive truck and barge industries receive great funding windfalls from transportation infrastructure investment. Critical regional and shortline railroads have no access to similar funds. Reactivation of the 511 program will insure the reconstruction and repair of a significant portion of America's rail infrastructure which is operated by regional and shortline railroads. The 511 Loan Guarantee Program has been authorized since 1976. In the 1970's and 1908's it was primarily used to assist large financially troubled railroads. The Clement amendment will help meet the infrastructure needs of small railroads. In recent times, funds have not been available for investment in regional and shortline infrastructure at the very time these companies have taken over 35,000 miles of failing railroad line. Most of these lines were headed for abandonment by the large railroads. An example of such a small railroad can be found in my own district. In 1984, a Texas firm which operates shortline railroads, established the San Diego & Imperial Valley Railroad, which provides freight service over a central line at night when the municipal trolleys are not operating. This small railroad has provided good service and been profitable. Unfortunately, in 1976, major sections of the track were destroyed on the Desert Line which connects the San Diego & Imperial Valley to the National Railroad System. It has long been a major objective of the San Diego Association of Governments to reconnect the railroad to the National Rail Network in the Imperial Valley. This will have major benefits for shippers in the San Diego area and will provide relief for the transit lines which currently carry both freight and passengers into Los Angeles. Even though the track itself is owned by the transit district, management of the San Diego & Imperial Valley Railroad has informed us that they will finance the reconnection if section 511 loan guarantees are made available. I strongly urge my colleagues to support Congressman Clement's amendment that will allow the small regional and shortline railroads, such as the San Diego and Imperial Valley, to maintain their infrastructure needs and continue to provide essential freight service.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues before me have said the issue is not the balanced budget, but who is going to pay for it. Mr. Speaker, I am here today because it is vital to inform the country about the impact of the Gingrich budget on our Nation's veterans. The budget bill is a three-pronged monster: Cuts to the Veterans' Administration, cuts in Medicare, and cuts in Medicaid mean our veterans will not have access to medical care when they need it most. Let me tell you what the impact will be on California's veterans. Twenty thousand California veterans will lose eligibility for Medicaid under the current Gingrich budget. Of those veterans, 12,000 are over 65 years of age, and more than 2,500 of them are in nursing homes. How would any of us serving in Congress like to be told at age 65 or older that we no longer had health care? What are these veterans going to do? By the year 2002, California will be the home of almost a million veterans who are 65 and older. Most of them will be eligible for Medicare, and all of them will be affected by the proposed Medicare cuts. My colleagues on the floor say that is not a cut. I will tell you that these veterans will know that it is a cut. Cut off from Medicare and from many hospitals that will be forced to close, [[Page H 13356]] veterans will have to look to the VA for health care. With the cuts proposed for that system, they will also be limited in their ability to get the care they need. When we called upon our veterans, not one of them said, ``Sorry, I cannot afford to serve.'' When veterans asked their country to keep the promises made to them, how can we say now, ``Sorry, we cannot afford it?'' I simply fail to understand how we can repay the very people who fought for us with massive cuts to the medical care they were promised. We must be vigilant in protecting our veterans and the benefits they were promised. As a Nation, Mr. Speaker, we have a moral obligation to keep the promises we made to our veterans.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today in honor of our Nation's veterans. Once again, we celebrate Veterans' Day. Once again, we have a day off from work. Once again, we may attend ceremonies to honor our veterans. Once again, we will remember briefly the contributions made by so many so that our Nation can remain strong, proud, and free. The year goes by so fast--and so before we know it, once again, it is Veterans' Day. This year, let it not slip past us. Let us take this opportunity to honor our veterans by passing along to our children and grandchildren some of our experiences, thoughts, and appreciation for our veterans. Do our children and grandchildren even know what a veteran is? Do they understand why we honor our veterans? Our kids may play war games, but do they comprehend the incredible sacrifices made by our veterans and their families? Do they know the stories of their own family members who served, and perhaps were wounded or killed, in the two World Wars, in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and many other conflicts? Because this year is the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, many of the commemorations will honor veterans of that war. Last weekend, churches and synagogues across the Nation held a National Day of Prayer remembering World War II veterans and their families. If your house of worship participated, be sure to talk to your children about the meaning of this ceremony. Schools are being urged to participate in National World War II Educational Day, scheduled for November 8. Teachers will be preparing displays and talks centering around the history of World War II and its lessons for today's world. Perhaps a World War II veteran will be visiting your children's school. Ask your children to tell you about the activities at their school. Talk about them over the dinner table. We can also take our children and grandchildren to one of the many Veterans' Day ceremonies being held throughout the country. This year, ceremonies include the site dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Do your children know that this memorial will soon be built? Do they know that last July a Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC? Perhaps your family could plan a trip to Washington to view this new and powerful memorial--which stands proudly adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial--and honors the men and women who served so courageously in Korea. Many cities across the country will be ringing the Bells of Peace and Freedom 50 times at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 11. Let us tell our children that the ringing of the bells signifies 50 years without a world war and our hope that World War II will be the final worldwide conflict. Veterans Day provides us with a unique opportunity to remember and acknowledge that the freedom we enjoy today is due to the sacrifices made by the American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who were willing to fight and die for freedom. We owe our veterans a lifetime of gratitude and respect. Veterans Day provides us with an opportunity to ensure our democratic way of life by passing along the valuable lessons our veterans have learned to future generations. It will be time well spent.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to honor a community leader who passed away this week--Jesus ``Chuey'' Garcia. Chuey's life was woven together by his efforts to improve the lives of those around him, especially in the San Diego community of Barrio Logan. The center of this activity was his Chuey's Numero Uno Restaurant, which became a focal point for friends and family and a site for charitable fundraisers and community meetings. Chuey often offered his restaurant to local community groups, and every Christmas would prepare in his kitchen a holiday meal for orphans in Tijuana. Chuey Garcia first came to the United States in 1927 from his home in Central Mexico--and he never let circumstances stop him from achieving his dreams. A true reflection of the American dream, he worked as a field worker, cook, and chef's assistant. By 1950, he was head chef, and after running a kitchen for 3 years, he became and entrepreneur and opened the restaurant we all came to know and love. He made a real difference in the lives of many in the Latino community, and served as a role model for all of us who know that one citizen can make a difference. In our lifetime, we all come across a small number for special people--those who touch our minds, hearts, and souls with their optimism and dedication to making everyone's life richer. Mr. Garcia was one of those select few. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. I know how people looked to Chuey Garcia for guidance and inspiration--and I know how many people share my grief at the loss of this amazing man.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] for yielding and for his lifetime commitment to the state of Israel and to peace in the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, with due respect to the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton], who always presents the most persuasive arguments, I rise in strong support of relocating the U.S. Embassy in Israel to its ancient capital in Jerusalem. Mr. Speaker, for 3,000 years, Jerusalem has been the cultural, religious, and spiritual capital of the Jewish people--and yet our 200- year-old Nation still does not afford it the proper dignity virtually every other nation enjoys. In fact, Israel is the only country in the world where the United States neither recognizes the designated capital of the host country nor has our embassy located in that city. Let me remind my colleagues, no matter what happens as the peace process unfolds, Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel. We must bring an end to this 50-year debate about when is the right moment to move the embassy to Jerusalem. [[Page H 10683]] Tomorrow, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin will participate in a congressional ceremony in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the 3,000th anniversary of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. What better time than now for Israel's strongest supporter to finally acknowledge that Jerusalem is the eternal, undivided capital of Israel and to begin the process of relocating our embassy there. I call on my colleagues today to make a clear statement to one of our strongest allies--and support this resolution.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise to place into the Record the results of a recent California statewide voter survey on Indian gaming. In the spring of this year, California tribes commissioned an independent research company, J. Moore Methods of Sacramento, to survey a cross-section of 1,000 registered voters across the State. A letter from Clifford La Chappa, tribal chairman of the Barona Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Georgia Tucker, tribal chairperson of the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and Anthony Pico, tribal chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, states: We needed reliable data to begin to understand public attitudes towards all forms of gaming. An objective survey was crucial as an intentionally-biased study would have served no one. What we now have is a solid sampling of public opinion we can share with community and state leaders. Voters were clear in their message of support. Sixty percent of the state's registered voters back Indian gaming with support reaching a hefty 73 percent in San Diego County. The opinion poll also reveals voters do not believe tribal gaming needs further government regulation, and they are opposed to Nevada casino interests operating gaming facilities in California. The findings show 82 percent of San Diegans support continued operation of Indian reservation casinos, compared to 75.9 percent support statewide. Overall, 54.7 percent of California voters approve various forms of legalized gambling in contrast to 29.2 percent opposed, with 16 percent expressing no or mixed opinions. These figures show the general public favors reservation gaming to such an extent that politicians who are against Indians using gaming to improve economic conditions are not listening to the people. Survey findings show 58 percent of California voters oppose Governor Pete Wilson's position not to negotiate gaming compacts with California tribes. In San Diego County, 57 percent of voters surveyed said they opposed the governor's position. Seventy percent say they ``do not feel'' gambling in general required additional government regulation, and a majority of 50.3 percent expressed opposition to legislative restrictions on Indian reservation casino gaming. By a 53 to 35 percent ratio, state voters also oppose expansion of legal gaming into new communities to compete with Indian reservation gaming. Californians agreed that the best place for new gambling facilities is on Indian reservations. This preference exceeded support for expanded gaming at race track (20.9%), additional card rooms (6.4%), and Nevada-style commercial casinos (15.1%). Other survey findings included: 79 percent Republican men agree Indian gaming is good because it is eliminating welfare dependency among Indians. 85 percent of Republican women agree that Indians, not state governments, should be accountable for keeping tribal gaming free of corruption. 73 percent of Democratic women agree with the use of gaming revenue to improve life on the reservations. California voters clearly are telling us that while they support gambling as a valid form of recreation, they feel it is best confined to certain areas. Voters support Indian gaming for two reasons: most facilities are located in relatively isolated rural areas, and Californians see gaming as the best opportunity Native Americans have to provide for their people and to secure a solid economic base for the future. Reservation gaming is a fair play issue, in many respects. The public knows Indians have suffered in the past and that many continue to suffer the worst of all human statistics. Today the public can support reservation gaming because it takes nothing away from the larger population and gives tribes an even chance to become self-supporting. In fact, as you are already aware, reservation gaming in San Diego County and throughout the state creates jobs and significant economic benefits to the wider community.''

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, Americans need good transportation choices. We in Congress need to help empower people to make transportation choices that work for commuters, for businesses, for senior citizens, and young people alike. Toward that end, I want my colleagues to see an article that appeared in the New York Times business section, Sunday, August 20, reflecting the broad base of support for the transportation policies we passed in ISTEA. This article was cowritten by Gerald Bartels, the president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and Jeff Blum, transportation policy director of the consumer group Citizen Action. More Highways Alone Won't Ease Traffic (By Gerald L. Bartels and Jeff Blum) Across America, we are building more highways to relieve traffic congestion in metropolitan areas, but it doesn't work. Our roads are simply too crowded--and building more means intolerable costs and environmental problems, while the congestion reappears in a few short years. As we enter the 21st century, public transportation is the only cost- effective way that growing communities can ensure mobility for their citizens. The most cost-effective transportation budget is, therefore, one that balances investments in roads, trains, and buses. Four years ago, Congress and President George Bush developed the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act in an attempt to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution by investing in both public transportation and highway construction. But the budget versions adopted now by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have unwisely abandoned that balanced approach. For Fiscal Year 1996, Congress has proposed to slash funds for public transportation and Amtrak while substantially increasing highway subsidies. 89% of the proposed House cuts in transportation assistance would come out of public transit and Amtrak, though they constitute 15% of the Federal transportation budget. Meanwhile, highway subsidies--52% of the transportation budget--would rise by more than a half billion dollars. The Senate plan, while reducing highway funding by 3.7%, cuts mass transit funding by three times as much. In the Atlanta area, events at the Georgia Dome and Atlanta/Fulton County Stadium, as well as next year's Olympics, depend on the transit system, MARTA. And the growing Perimeter Center commercial district on the edge of town will thrive only with the expansion of public transit, as well as carpooling and pedestrian walkways. America needs efficient buses, subways and intercity trains to keep traffic moving quickly, to keep our air clean and to get people to their jobs. Americans need efficient transit to encourage compact community development that preserves open space and uses infrastructure wisely so that metropolitan areas can sustain growth for generations to come. America needs convenient, affordable transit to allow people leaving welfare to get to jobs. America also needs a healthy balance between local needs and federal resources. Congress should, therefore, promote a balanced transportation policy that: Offers equal Federal matching dollars for public transportation and highways alike: Why skew our building projects toward more highways, if what communities really need is more public transit? Local elected officials should set the priorities and make the allocations of transportation dollars. Continues to assist local transit systems through the transit operating assistance program: Many communities, especially smaller ones, depend on federal aid to keep buses and subways running. The Mobile, Ala., bus system has shut down in anticipation of unbridgeable cuts in Federal assistance. And as many as 60 other systems may follow suit. Maintains the strong Federal interest in transit capital and technological-innovation programs: With little room to expand our packed metropolitan-area highways, the nation must expand public transit. Federal help should be available to regions that cannot afford such a major investment--just as large infusions of Federal capital helped build our world- renowned highway system. At the same time, the Government must continue to support the development of innovation like high-speed intercity rail; low-weight, low-pollution buses; up-to-the-minute schedule information accessible from peoples' homes, and technology that allows buses to pass through traffic signals ahead of cars. Preserves a strong national passenger railroad: In many congested regions, intercity rail is by far the most cost- effective way to travel. Amtrak passenger miles rose 48% between 1982 and 1993. Ridership rose 87% on Northeast Corridor Metroliners, 49% between San Diego and Los Angeles, and 10% between St. Louis and Chicago. Yes, Congress and the President must be hardheaded when it comes to spending our dollars. But when we reduce the budget, let's give public transportation a fighting chance.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, unfortunately at this point in our legislative session, student aid remains on the chopping block-- and communities all across this Nation will suffer. Throughout history, American families have proven that higher education provides the path to a better life--and, today, student loans are the primary source of educational support for most Americans. They represent nothing less than a critical investment in our Nation's future. Financial aid has enabled millions of middle-income families to send their children to college. Each year, nearly 5 million students rely on Federal student loans to finance their own financial investment in education. Despite these facts, the House continues its drive to eliminate yet one more program designed to give struggling families an opportunity to create a better life for their children. This action will put higher education out of the reach of thousands of promising middle-class students. At my alma mater, Cornell University, the loss of the interest subsidy for the Stafford Student Loan Program, one of several loan programs on the chopping block, would have an enormous impact on student indebtedness. If this cut is fully implemented, the annual loss just to Cornell undergraduate students and their families would be approximately $9 million. The House has already voted to cut education spending by approximately $4 billion--16 percent--from the fiscal year 1995 funding level, putting every education program in jeopardy. Further cuts in the joint budget resolution--totaling $10.4 billion for student loans alone--will affect students in academic year 1996-97 and into the next millennium. On May 25, the Senate adopted an amendment to the budget resolution saving these loan programs and disregarding the extreme version passed in the House. The bipartisan 67-32 vote for this amendment spoke plainly to the Senate's support for the student loan program. Let's urge our House colleagues who will be budget conferees to support the Senate position--and support current funding for State student incentive grants, campus-based aid, Pell grants, TRIO, and title III programs. We must not cut our Nation's educational investment nor drastically limit access to post-secondary education. Those with talent and motivation to succeed deserve help in meeting the high cost of higher education, not roadblocks that impede their progress toward being the best they can be. Higher education is a national investment--let's not turn our backs on that commitment.