Charlie Gonzalez

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise on this day during Teacher Appreciation Week in recognition of a very special person, Clyde Lehmann. Mr. Lehmann has been selected to receive the 2004 Milken National Educator Award. The Milken National Educator Award is a very prestigious award that acknowledges quality teachers, and highlights how they are required to ensure the academic success of America's students. It is bestowed upon K-12 teachers in recognition of demonstrated excellence in teaching. Awardees are chosen based upon their: Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by outstanding instructional practices in the classroom, school and profession; outstanding accomplishments and strong long- range potential for professional and policy leadership; and engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community. Mr. Lehmann has certainly earned such an award. As a Latin teacher at Northside Health Careers High School, he uses creativity to keep his students interested in learning. He accomplishes this by using poetry, performance, song, and even travel to pique students' interest in his classes. His unfaltering dedication to the achievement of his students is reflected in their impressive academic successes--a large number of Mr. Lehmann's students have earned gold and silver medals at National Latin competitions. He has demonstrated his interest in and passion for Latin through his teaching. This passion has seemingly been contagious--four of his former students have become Latin teachers. Mr. Lehmann has demonstrated his devotion to Latin by engaging in related activities outside of the classroom. This teacher's devotion to his realm of study has led him to sponsor the Health Careers Latin Club which, with one hundred members, is one of the largest organizations on campus. Along with his wife, Mr. Lehmann has organized summer tours of ancient sites in Rome for his students. Additionally, he also has twice served as the president of the San Antonio Classical Society. I am very proud of Mr. Lehmann and his professional accomplishments. Nothing is more important in one's life than education. I am pleased to acknowledge a man whose knowledge, commitment, drive, and enthusiasm have clearly been a meaningful, positive influence on his students' lives.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 118, 119, 120, had I been present I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Davila Family, a family that has contributed to the San Antonio community for 100 years. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant impact that this family has made on San Antonio for a century. In 1904, the Davila Family opened its first business, a small grocery store, in San Antonio's Westside. This laid the foundation for a long and fruitful relationship with the community. Frank Davila Sr. and his wife, Mary Louise, opened this store at the corner of El Paso and Colorado Streets, the heart of the Westside. Over time, this little community grocery store grew and evolved with the city. The family-owned operation grew into four grocery stores and the very popular Davila's and The Derby Drive-Ins. This expansion blossomed under the skillful guidance of Rodolfo Davila Sr. and his wife Delia. With each new generation of Davilas, the family enterprise has continued to find new ways to serve the community. In 1955, Rodolfo Davila Jr. opened the Davila Pharmacy four blocks from the original Davila Food Store. Now, the pharmacy is run by the fourth generation of the Davila Family, Rudy III and Rosette. They have become a vital component of the Westside by providing important healthcare services to their neighbors. I am proud to celebrate the on-going tradition of the Davila Family and I value the impact that they have had on individual San Antonians' lives for a century. I wish them many blessings for continued success and strength as our beautiful city continues to grow and change. There is no doubt that the Davila Family will continue to thrive and evolve along with San Antonio, maintaining a legacy that will be remembered and appreciated for generations.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) for yielding me this time, and I rise in strong support of H.R. 254. As previous speakers have already expressed their gratitude, I do not want to be remiss. I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Oxley); the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), the ranking member; the gentleman from New York (Mr. King); and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), our subcommittee chairman, who has been the driving force behind this and has given us an opportunity as Democrats to participate in this particular piece of legislation. We do thank the gentleman most sincerely, who will be sorely missed upon his retirement, although we are still trying to convince the gentleman to reconsider his decision. The thing I wish to point out is maybe the third time will be a charm. We have passed this a couple of times. This is a piece of legislation that actually has been endorsed by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. I think it is important to make some distinctions because I think it can be misinterpreted, and then we get into controversies that are truly not necessary. I am gratified by the remarks of the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), but I want to make sure Members do not misunderstand the import of this legislation. So I guess I need to spend a couple of seconds on that. This is not a piece of legislation about NAFTA. This will not define you as to whether you opposed NAFTA when it was passed, you still oppose it, or you favor it. It is not of that dimension. It is not about trade dimension programs or immigration. Does it have some impact? Yes, it could increase the quality of life for residents on both sides of the border, and so that might have some indirect consequences on these other problems that we face and we try to grapple with in a cooperative fashion with our neighbor Mexico. But this is a very simple bill. We know what it is not. But what is it? It is a bill that seeks congressional authorization to allow the United States and Mexico to finalize their agreement concerning improving the functioning of NADBank and the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission. That is all it is. It is no more than that. In summary, this agreement streamlines the organization of these two institutions, expands the low-interest loan capacity of the bank, and expands NADBank's grant-making capacity to make it more efficient and effective. Mr. Speaker, some of the communities that benefit from NADBank financing have average per capita income in the range of $5,000, and that is on the United States side of the border. Conventional financing alone is simply not an option for communities this economically disadvantaged, and I am sure the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) can speak to that point. NADBank gives border communities the financial tools to modernize their water supply and protect their air quality. It is quickly becoming a critical link in efforts to protect the public health of the United States-Mexican border citizens. I recognize and, in fact, agree with some of the concerns raised by others concerning the challenges in our relationship with Mexico. Fortunately, the NADBank was created to address some of those challenges. Regardless of Members' opinions regarding the United States and Mexican relations, it is hard to disagree with the mission of NADBank: to improve the quality of life of some of the most disadvantaged communities in America.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Vote Nos. 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my support for yesterday's decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals--D.C. Circuit regarding the Triennial Review Order. The ruling sends a clear signal that the intent of Congress in the 1996 Telecommunications Act was to create a fair competitive marketplace which fosters job creation. Regulatory uncertainty has been devastating to telecommunications workers and their families. The FCC's Triennial Review Order added to this uncertainty by delegating broadband policy-making to the states. In my view it was not the intent of Congress to put fifty individual states in charge of national broadband policy. Rather it expected the FCC to ensure a competitive national market for this critical technology. It is time for the FCC to put America's consumers and small businesses first and use its authority to ensure true broadband competition. I hope that the FCC follows the D.C. Circuit's lead and uses its authority as intended by Congress to foster an environment that spurs capital investments by telecommunications companies rather than continue down the road of regulatory uncertainty.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a very special woman, Arminta Lestarjette Ulrich, known simply by the name ``Mint'' to her friends. Mint will be celebrating her 109th birthday on February 21. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge this important milestone in her long and fruitful life. Mint has had the gift of living through three centuries in this great Nation--one can only imagine the many changes she has witnessed. She is a living time capsule, a treasure to us. By sharing her memories and experiences with us, we can learn more about ourselves and our Nation. Mint gives us strength in knowing where we came from and hope of who we can become. Her full, rich life began in Cotulla, Texas in 1895. She was one of eleven children: five sisters and five brothers. The stories she tells of her youth allow us to vicariously experience life in the foreign land of South Texas as it was during the early part of the 20th century. For instance, Mint is often heard recounting how she used to ride atop a horse as it swam across the Nueces River. Or, how she used to travel by wagon to Kerrville, Texas, a journey that lasted two to three days. Today, this trip would take roughly three hours by car to complete. Mint moved to San Antonio in 1915 where she began work as a switchboard operator for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. She worked with Missouri Pacific until her retirement. During her career, Arminta developed lasting friendships with workers all over the switchboard system. One of the most enduring relationships she developed was with a young man who worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad--his name was Arthur Frederick Ulrich. Arthur grew to love Mint, but she was already engaged. However, like most young men suffering the pangs of love, Arthur was not dissuaded. He called her everyday and told her, ``I'll get you yet''. This persistence, coupled with her interest in his striking good looks and unquenchable high-spiritedness, made Arthur's prediction come true. Mr. and Mrs. Ulrich were married on April 11, 1929 and did not have any children. Sadly, Arthur passed away in 1983, just six days before what would have been their 54th wedding anniversary. Their relationship was strong and serves as an example of the joy that a marriage can be if it is full of true friendship and love. Mint has attributed her longevity to the use of ``One-A-Day'' vitamins and her lasting good looks to daily use of ``Oil of Olay''. I am suspicious, though, that her secret to long life and happiness also involves her sense of humor, positive attitude, and commitment to friends and family. I am proud to count myself among those who have had the opportunity to know and learn from Mint. Her joy of living and her humanity have helped her to become an enduring spirit that continues to spread joy to those who know her. I wish her many blessings and the very best for her 109th birthday.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 620, 621, 622, 623, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 576, 577, 578, and 579, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all four.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Larry L. Crutsinger, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA for Greater San Antonio and the Hill Country. After thirty-three years of service, Mr. Crutsinger has announced that he is retiring from the YMCA. I would like to join the YMCA in recognizing him for his service to the YMCA movement and its mission to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body. Through his dedicated service and leadership, Mr. Crutsinger has helped the YMCA establish both local YMCA branches and set national YMCA precedents in program innovation to meet the changing needs of children, teens, and families in local communities. The YMCA has become the largest nonprofit provider of after school child care that supports working families with the care, education, and recreation for their children after school and during school holidays. The San Antonio YMCA child care system has been recognized as a model by the Texas Legislature. Mr. Crutsinger has been honored as one of San Antonio's outstanding creative minds for leadership in the development of programs for children and his advocacy for youth. His charitable career has resulted in the creation of three major branch YMCAs, and the expansion of program services and partnerships to serve over 61,000 members and program participants. Together, with 900 staff and over 5,000 volunteer members in the YMCA movement, Mr. Crutsinger developed the teams and resources to deliver before and after school Y School age summer day camp sites; two residential camping sites; and nine Y Teen sites in this ten-county region; and all in the effort to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities today and tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Larry Crutsinger for his hard work and dedication to the YMCA and the people it has served over the years, and my distinct pleasure to wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, next week Old Spanish Missions Inc. will launch the $15 million Las Misiones--Preserving San Antonio's Living History capital campaign. This campaign will provide critical funds to preserve and restore the San Antonio Missions. These missions are among the most important historical sites in America. Today I am paying tribute to this important campaign to keep the unique history and culture of San Antonio alive. The King of Spain sent families to establish missions that became the heart of San Antonio. Though the missions were originally built to expand Spanish New World influence northward from Mexico, the missions' Franciscan Fathers have, throughout San Antonio's history, provided valuable charitable services and ministered the needs of the native people who were displaced by the settlements. Each of the San Antonio Missions has its own story, which together comprise a significant part of the tumultuous and beautiful history of central Texas. Mission San Jose was used as a garrison during battles. Mission Concepcion became the center of religious activity. Mission Espada is known for its unusually crooked archway--perhaps a mistake by the builder. Mission San Juan's rich farmlands made it a regional supplier of agricultural produce. At a time when our city is developing faster than ever, the Las Misiones campaign is preserving an important piece of our past, so the stories of the San Antonio Missions will not be forgotten. Today I thank the Las Misiones Campaign for helping save these crown jewels of San Antonio by educating the public and raising funds to prevent their deterioration. Over 1.5 million people visit the San Antonio Missions each year and they have become San Antonio's third biggest tourist attraction. As President Lyndon B. Johnson once said, ``If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.'' To those of us who cherish the relics of the past, we should be indebted to the Las Misiones Campaign for their work to care for the buildings whose foundations were laid by our ancestors many years ago.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a sponsor of H.R. 2225.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Dr. Anne S. Kiehle, Superintendent of Fort Sam Houston Independent School District (ISD). Dr. Kiehle's many contributions to education over her distinguished 36 year career has been recognized by her fellow educators. She has served as president of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TESPA) as well as an active member of numerous educational organizations including the National Association of Federally Impacted School (NAFIS), Military Impacted Schools Association, and American Association of School Administrators (AASA). Additionally, she participates in the National Center for Educational Research and Technology (NCERT), the Association of Supervisors and Curriculum Development (ASCD), and the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). Dr. Kiehle, who assumed top leadership role at Fort Sam Houston ISD in May 1996, has guided the school district to its current ``Exemplary'' status as designed by the Texas Education Agency which rate student performance, drop-out rates, and attendance. Dr. Kiehle is also responsible for Fort Sam Houston ISD's involvement in the Military Child Education Coalition, an international organization whose mission is to establish partnerships and provide networking of schools and military installations regarding educational issues related to the military child. She has worked with MCEC officials on local arrangements for a Department of Defense Roundtable Discussion for education of military students. Technology has been one of Dr. Kiehle's major initiatives beginning with networking of the school district, providing district personnel and students with computer hardware and software for instruction, record keeping, and increased communication with families both here and overseas. Distance learning capabilities have been added for student and district personnel. Fort Sam Houston ISD schools have experienced major facility renovations and new construction as part of the Long-Range Facility Plan developed under Dr. Kiehle's leadership. Early in her administration, a new JROTC Building was built on the Cole campus, with the existing building renovated into a multi-purpose Professional Development Center. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to commend Dr. Anne S. Kiehle for her hard work and dedication to Fort Sam ISD. It is the perseverance and dedication of women like her that have made Fort Sam Houston ISD a great institution for students to attend.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bryan DeBates, an inspirational and loving teacher in San Antonio, Texas. As a 5th grade teacher at Timberwilde Elementary School, Bryan DeBates dedicates his life to the success and education of his students. His outstanding work in the classroom was recognized by Time Warner Cable and given the Crystal Apple Teacher Award. Each year, Time Warner Cable honors 20 classroom projects and the teachers who develop them with the Crystal Apple Teacher Award. This award recognizes outstanding teachers who create learning experiences using cable technology. Mr. DeBates' project involved a space experiment that used electrical circuits to repair and operate a space station. Thanks to the innovation and creativity of Mr. Bryan DeBates many 5th grade students learned how electrical circuits work within the confines of a space station. Time Warner Cable seeks ways to support the educators and institutions that help shape our nation. Time Warner Cable strives to enhance the level of education in the classroom by expanding the power of cable television's 21st century technology and high-quality programming to teachers, students, and parents both inside and outside the classroom. It is remarkable to see how teachers like Bryan DeBates can use this technology to make this possible. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to honor Bryan DeBates. It is the perseverance and dedication of teachers like him that will lead our youth to a brighter future.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I would be happy to yield to my colleague, the gentleman from San Antonio, Texas (Mr. Smith), for an explanation of the resolution.

Mr. GONZALEZ. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. GONZALEZ. I am happy to yield to the chairman for a few words regarding this particular resolution and the Spurs.

Mr. GONZALEZ. Further reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. GONZALEZ. Further reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois.

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, it is a great honor to join my colleagues. This is an occasion of bipartisan pride, and it is a wonderful occasion; but the Spurs did not get there, and it was not an easy road for them. I think Members know those playoffs were tough, and I would like to acknowledge the adversary and that is the New Jersey Nets, which put up a noble fight; but the better team did win for many, many reasons. It was not just athletic ability, though. I think some of my colleagues have touched on what makes this team so special. It is about character, and when we talk about individuals like David Robinson, we understand what character is all about. It has been pointed out this is a Naval Academy graduate who put in his military obligation and finished that and then went on to his professional basketball career. We also speak about Tim Duncan, and we have forgotten a very important chapter in Tim Duncan's life, and I think Members may have heard this story before, but these are role models. These are the kinds of models that we need to display and demonstrate to all of the youth in this country. Tim Duncan had an opportunity to leave Wake Forest early. He did not have to get a degree, but his family instilled that kind of appreciation. His mother wanted him to graduate. As a result of a promise made to his mother, he remained at Wake Forest before he pursued his professional basketball career; and it has been an incredible time for not just Tim Duncan, but for all his fans. This type of class, this type of character starts at the very top; and I have to say that you start with the owner, Mr. and Mrs. Holt. Next, look at the coach, Coach Popovich. Then look at the first string, but also at the bench; and this is a lesson to all of us. We cannot all be starters, but we can all make a contribution because this championship belongs to that entire team. Also the staff that supports the Spurs and the very special San Antonio fans second to none in the United States. It was a class act, and one of skill and challenge. If you have character, I think you will always be a winner. In this instance they do have the ring. They are going to have the trophy, but I think they have something which is so much more important, and that is an accomplishment which is earned through character, skill, dedication, and commitment.

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 279.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support of H. Res. 159, expressing this Congress's sorrow at the passing of Texas State Representative Irma Rangel. Representative Rangel was a fighter for the rights of the economically disadvantaged in Texas and it is fitting that this Congress recognizes her contribution to our country. In 1977 Irma became the first Mexican-American woman elected to the Texas Legislature. She served for 26 years the people of Kingsville in South Texas. She was a strong advocate for increasing access to education for the people of South Texas as well as for all Texans and she served as Chairwoman of the Texas House of Representatives Committee on Higher Education. Her relentless energy resulted in significant increases in higher education funding in South Texas, the expansion of the state's community college efforts and the creation of a much needed pharmacy school in her District. Mr. Speaker, Irma Rangel was a Texas pioneer. Her tireless commitment to her job inspired many others, especially Hispanic women in Texas, to pursue a career in public service. I thank Congressman Hinojosa for introducing this legislation and I yield back my time.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, the news for the Telecom industry is still not good. While there are certainly signs of recovery, there is also significant weakness in the industry. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, April 28, that capital spending by the six major telecom operators was down an average of 19 percent in the first quarter, compared to the same quarter last year. This is 19 percent lower than already low capital spending. One reason for the lack of spending is regulatory uncertainty. The Federal Communications Commission ruled in February that some of its regulations on broadband should be eliminated. The only problem is that the FCC still has not issued its rules, so companies cannot make their capital spending plans. Cuts in capital spending mean fewer jobs for those workers who make telecommunications equipment, and those who install it. It means less broadband availability for under-served areas. It means less competition in broadband services. The FCC needs to work to reverse these trends, and should start by issuing the order it agreed on more than 3 months ago.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I had some prepared remarks, but in response to my colleague's remarks about these 53 individuals not being at the Alamo, I would say this. They are exhibiting the same type of courage and bravery that the defenders of the Alamo exhibited on that eventful day. They are standing up for principle. They are saying our voices will be heard. We are duly elected representatives of equal status with every member of the majority party in that Texas Legislature, and what the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) has attempted to do is export a corrupt and unfair system that in which we engage in this House floor to the Texas floor, and we have 53 brave and courageous Democrats that are saying, no, we will not allow the gentleman to export that kind of divisive political game into our House of Representatives. So I applaud and I commend these individuals, and it is time that someone would say something. After all, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) has indicated that Democrats are irrelevant. Each one of us in this Chamber represents the same number of people. Since when is anyone irrelevant in the Texas House of Representatives or the United States Congress?