Raúl Grijalva

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. GRIJALVA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, this week will mark the 20th anniversary of the creation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, a joint conservation strategy implemented by both the United States and Canada to protect and restore wetland habitat stretching across North America. Soon after the establishment of this comprehensive strategy in 1986, the Congress, led by the Dean of the House, John Dingell, authorized the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to establish a matching- grant program to take the goals of the North American plan off the drawing board and into the landscape of the North American continent. As many Members know, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act has demonstrated time and time again that it is one of our greatest wetlands conservation success stories. Grants under the act have not only generated hundreds of millions of non-Federal matching funds; these contributions have been converted into acquisition, conservation, protection and restoration of millions of acres of wetlands across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Few Federal programs deliver such a bang for the buck. Although the current authorization of appropriations does not expire until next year, there is no reason why we should not reauthorize this highly popular and effective conservation program to ensure its future success. I commend the sponsors of this legislation, most notably Resources Chairman Pombo, ranking Resource Committee Democrat Member Nick Rahall and Congressman John Dingell, for their steadfast interest in this act and for their leadership in wetlands conservation. I urge every Member to support this reauthorization.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, it is always important to provide opportunities for the public to participate in conservation activity, yet in the case of our Federal fish hatcheries, the development of an enthused and motivated cadre of volunteers will help to partially address the chronic operations budget shortfall that severely limits existing visitor service programs. One shining example of how a volunteer effort can enable a hatchery to become part of the fabric of its surrounding community is found at the White Sulphur Springs Natural Fish Hatchery in West Virginia. This hatchery, which is located in the district of the ranking Democrat member of the Resources Committee, Nick Rahall, has partnered for years with civic organizations such as the Rotary Club, its local friends group to coordinate widely popular recreational events such as annual fishing derbies, the hatchery's Centennial Celebration, and annual Freshwater Folk Festivals. Clearly, as the volunteer program at White Sulphur Springs Natural Fish Hatchery demonstrates, our natural fish hatcheries could benefit from enhanced opportunities for volunteer participation, and I urge Members to support this legislation which seeks to make that goal a reality.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. GRIJALVA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, this legislation has been championed by our colleague from Florida, Allen Boyd, without whose efforts it would not be on the floor today; and I want to thank him for that. The majority has already adequately explained the bill. I would only note that the expansion of this Coastal Barrier Resource Unit will significantly increase the total area of lands that will now become ineligible for Federal flood insurance. And because this region of the Florida panhandle is experiencing a frenzy of coastal development, this factor was a pivotal consideration in the committee's approval of H.R. 479. The net conservation benefit in this instance was considered sufficient to protect the integrity of this coastal barrier unit, despite the strong reservations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove some small areas of private land from the existing unit. We on this side of the aisle do not object to this legislation.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. I rise in strong support of this legislation and to congratulate our colleague from New Mexico, Mr. Tom Udall, who has worked tirelessly over the last year to bring this bill before us. The bill will enable the settlement of the Pueblo de San Ildefonso's land-related claims against the United States. After several years of negotiating, all parties are prepared to resolve the case that has been pending for nearly 55 years. I salute Congressman Udall for his tenacity in getting this bill through the House. Mr. Udall could not be here today, but I have his statement to submit for the Record. I urge my colleagues to support S. 1773.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, the majority has already explained this legislation. I would only add that it is our understanding that the State is required, under its master plan for Jekyll Island, to limit development to preserve as open space no less than 40 percent of the island. In light of stringent planning requirements, the corrections provided in the new maps adopted by this legislation should help the State realize its goals under the master plan without compromising the integrity of the Coastal Barrier Resources System. We on this side of the aisle do not object to the consideration of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor a great American who has recently passed away. Last week, Jonathon Solomon, a leader and elder of the Gwich'in Nation, passed away in Alaska. A lifelong advocate on behalf of his people, Jonathon was an inspiration to many and was instrumental in the fight to protect the birthplace of the Porcupine Caribou Herd in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. As a Traditional Chief of Fort Yukon, Jonathon was raised in the traditional subsistence lifestyle, depending on the Porcupine Caribou herd as his ancestors before him had for a millennium. To the Gwich'in, there is no more sacred place than the calving grounds of the caribou herd upon which their way of life depends. Jonathon was one of the leading Gwich'in voices on a myriad of issues. He halted the construction of a dam in the 1960's that would have flooded several Gwich'in villages, and was one of the first native leaders to work on the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. However, it was protecting the sacred calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd that was the most significant issue in Jonathon's life. His work to protect the Arctic Refuge began in 1978, when the House was debating the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. In 1988 when the House was considering oil drilling in the calving grounds in the Arctic Refuge, Jonathon helped organize the first Gwich'in Gathering. At the gathering, the Gwich'in Steering was created, and the first resolution of the Gwich'in Nation, calling for permanent protection of the caribou calving and nursery grounds as congressionally designated wilderness, was passed. In 2002, he and two other Gwich'in leaders were honored with the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for their work to protect the calving grounds in the Arctic Refuge. I had the great honor of meeting Jonathon during one of his many trips to Washington, DC, to talk with Members about the threat of oil drilling to the way of life of the Gwich'in people. Jonathon was ever an optimistic advocate, dedicated to his people, and sure in his cause. His funeral will be today in Fort Yukon, Alaska, and it is my privilege to honor him this morning.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Alfredo Gonzales Kame. Mr. Kame was a great father, grandfather, and soldier. He served this country with honor, even though his family was the victim of discrimination. His father and brother were interned at the Poston Internment Camp in Poston, Arizona. He fought for his country and against the prejudice impacting his family and was courageous in both fights. Mr. Kame, of Japanese and Hispanic heritage, was always proud of his heritage and his service to his country. A World War II veteran from Hayden, Arizona, he proudly served with Company C of the 100th Infantry Battalion. Alfredo enlisted in June 1942 and eventually wound up in Camp Shelby with the 100th. He was deployed to North Africa and was involved in a number of campaigns including Monte Cassino, Anzio-Rome, Belvedere, Rome-Amo, Bruyeres-Biffotaine, German Gothic Line, Po Valley, and Rhineland. He was wounded in battle in Vosges Mountains at Bruyeres, France on October 15, 1944. He was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge, American Campaign Medal, Eurpean African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. After his service in the Army, he returned to Hayden in 1948, where he lived until his death. He worked for 30 years as a mill foreman for Kennecott Copper Corporation and retired in 1983. Mr. Kame leaves a great legacy for his family and his community. He lived his entire life with honor and courage. He fought valiantly in World War II while overcoming prejudice within his country. I rise today to thank Mr. Kame and his family for their sacrifice and to ask that this Congress recognize his selflessness and service to our country.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Craig Snow. Mr. Snow was an extraordinary advocate for all people in need in his community. He was a coach and trainer of those who work in the non- profit sector, a man who led by example as well as by instruction, and a man who inspired others to acts of philanthropy. It would be difficult to imagine Tucson today without the tireless efforts of this remarkable individual. Craig came to Tucson in 1977, as a visiting Lecturer at the University of Arizona. He stayed on to serve as associate director of composition and then as the founding director of the Composition Board of the University. However, at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, Craig realized that immediate action was essential, and he organized brainstorming sessions which resulted in the formation of Tucson AIDS Project. He became the director of the project and led it for 12 years on a path which provided sustenance, direction and education to the sufferers of AIDS and the community at large. He promoted understanding and compassion in a time where few had the courage to face the issues the AIDS epidemic underscored. As a result of Mr. Snow's actions and foresight, Tucson developed one of the most forward thinking AIDS support organizations in the world. As the crowning achievement of his tenure with the Tucson AIDS Project, he was instrumental in bringing several Tucson AIDS support organizations together to form the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. Craig's activism went above and beyond. He also created a consulting firm, which specialized in working with non-profit, care giving organizations. His constant theme was to help the helpers of humanity to do their work better. He assisted groups as diverse as the Brewster Center for Battered Women, the Primavera Foundation for the Homeless, Child and Family Resources, the Center for Adolescent Parents, and KARE, a group that helps grandparents raising grandchildren. His vision and work helped these organizations, and many others, improve their outreach, organizational structure, and constituent services. Craig also served as a priceless facilitator among government bodies, non- profit organizations and the people they served. Craig had a wonderful manner of using every social occasion and interaction to encourage and enlighten every person he met. Then, when they were ready, he would enlist their help in working for a cause which suited them and where they could be the most effective. No friend or acquaintance of Craig Snow's was left untouched. Mr. Snow lost his long battle with bladder cancer this year. As a community we must celebrate Craig's life and embrace his take on life; to live fully and at every level. He will be sorely missed and as a community we must honor him by committing ourselves to providing service to those in our surrounding community.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say we need to bring our troops home. Before continuing, though, I must say that this resolution before us, unfortunately, is perfectly irrelevant to the choices facing the American people and this Congress. It is transparently political, does nothing to get us out of our predicament in Iraq, and is a crude attempt to intimidate and smear those who wish to honor the desire of the American people by bringing our troops home. This resolution attempts to reinforce the lies that led us to war which have been refuted and disproved many times over. All of the lies that were offered to justify sending our men and women to fight and die have evaporated in the light of truth. All that we are left with is this argument that we're there now, so we have to stay ``as long as it takes.'' This is nonsense. This is the same illogical rhetoric that kept our Nation in Vietnam, the rhetoric that doubled the cost of that conflict in American lives. More than half the combat deaths in Vietnam occurred after Richard Nixon was elected on a promise to bring the war to an end, and after the American people had already decided that they did not want one more soldier to die in Vietnam. Our vital task today in this Congress is to prevent a repeat of that tragedy in Iraq, to stop the bleeding, to make the will of the American people, which is to bring our troops home, the policy of our government as soon as possible. Our task today is to save the lives of our troops who remain in Iraq by bringing them home. We in this Congress have a choice. The American people have a right to exercise a choice on this issue, as to whether our men and women will continue to fight and die in a war based on deception and fantasy, or to start bringing the troops home. The American people have decided that it was a mistake to choose to go to war in Iraq. The American people deserve some answers, as to how we could spend so much in Iraq and achieve so little. They deserve to know why all this money is being spent on a war of choice, when one on eight Americans lives in poverty, and when 46 million Americans have no health insurance, including 13 million children. No one in this body wants to see terrorism and the rule of force prevail in Iraq. Some on the other side say otherwise, but I believe they know better. Bringing the troops home is necessary not just for the future of Iraq, but also for the people of the United States. We must stop the hemorrhaging of tax dollars that could go to meet our Nation's vital domestic needs. This war of choice in Iraq is undermining the very fabric of American society. By the end of this year, the costs of the invasion and occupation of Iraq will total $450 billion; $450 billion spent in Iraq, who knows how much of it going to corrupt, crony contractors. All of the President's statements amount to excuses for an open- ended, seemingly never-ending commitment of our troops to occupy Iraq. He is trying to salvage the terrible wager he made in Iraq by doubling down the bet with human lives: Iraqi and American. While this debate today is a belated effort to inform the American people, it is nevertheless an empty gesture. It is time to admit our mistake in Iraq and begin to bring our troops home with honor.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding community leader, Mrs. Judith Bobbitt, Somerton Elementary School District's Superintendent. She will retire this year from a lifetime commitment to education as a school administrator. Mrs. Bobbitt's dedication to serving students and encouraging them to become contributing citizens of the State of Arizona and our great nation is remarkable. She has worked in public education for more than 40 years and has served as an instructional leader and role model to hundreds of teachers and school administrators. Her leadership style is admired by many. She has led efforts to reform public education so every child has an equal opportunity and equal environment to maximize learning. Mrs. Bobbitt led Somerton Elementary School District through an explosive growth in a diverse district where 95 percent of students are first generation Americans of Mexican descent and three percent are members of the Cocopah Nation. Her efforts to improve the State's funding of school construction frequently found her testifying at the Arizona State Legislature addressing equity issues. She established and founded the South Yuma County Adult Education Consortium and made the Somerton District a leader in Adult Literacy. Under her leadership, she developed the Migrant Even Start Program in Somerton and worked with numerous community-based agencies to promote lifelong learning. Mrs. Bobbitt was appointed the 2000 National Chair of the Interstate Migrant Council and was recognized as All Arizona Superintendent of the Year for Mid-Sized Districts in 1998. The integrity with which she leads was acknowledged by her appointments as a Public Board Member for the Arizona Bar Foundation, Puentes de Amistad, and Somerton Boys and Girls Club. In addition, she was elected President of the Yuma County Education Foundation, Somerton's Rotary Club, and Yuma County's School District Association. Mrs. Bobbitt has demonstrated great leadership and thousands of students are now beneficiaries of her vision of equality and personal best. I would like to personally commend Mrs. Judith Bobbitt for her tireless commitment to our community. Her life and work is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, here we are again debating a bill that has been rejected by Congress and the American people too many times to count. So how many times do we have to go through this obsessive exercise? How many times will we waste our time debunking the myth that drilling in the Arctic will solve our energy problems and make us energy independent? How many times do we have to reject the notion that drilling will not harm the native peoples or the environment of the Arctic? How many times will the sponsors of this measure try to hide the fact that it will do nothing to reduce gas prices? Mr. Speaker, our country needs real solutions to our energy problems, namely, one that is affordable, stable and reduces the impact on the environment. Instead of wasting our time with this stale proposal that has been rejected so many times, let us spend time on incentives for clean air technologies and stop this head-in-the-sand approach to energy policy. This is a great country. Let us start acting like we have the will and the ability to face the challenges of the future, and we can begin by rejecting H.R. 5429.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Joachim Matthew Chavez, a life-long teacher and strong advocate of public education. Mr. Chavez will retire this year from a 30 year career as a public school educator. Originally from Yuma, Arizona, he graduated from Yuma High School, home of the Criminals and later attended Arizona Western College and Northern Arizona University. He started his career teaching History and English in Parker, Arizona and later moved to Somerton, Arizona where he spent most of his professional career. He created and developed the district's first Biliteracy Program where students learned to use their native language skills as a base for English instruction. He later served as the District Director of the Bilingual Programs. He was named Somerton's Teacher of the Year in 1988 and again in 1990. His dedication did not stop at the school gate but he also committed himself to teaching Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) courses in the evenings and weekends to farmworkers in the Yuma Valley. An active member of the religious community, he taught religious education for over 25 years. As an involved parent, he was a Little League Baseball and Youth Soccer Coach, Ballet Folkloric sponsor, a parent Band Booster, and a supporter of the Cibola Thespian Group. He and his wife Annette have become role models and mentors to many young teaching professionals. Fully bilingual themselves, they provided area families an opportunity to learn about how parents can have a lasting impact in their children's education. Mr. Chavez has been credited with elevating the district's English Language Learning program to a level of significant academic achievement among students. I would like to personally commend Mr. Joachim Matthew Chavez for his tireless commitment to our community. His life and work are examples of service and of hope.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Hinchey amendment. This amendment is a fair and fiscally responsible way to fix a huge problem in our country. Because of mistakes made in lease agreements in the 1990s and other subsidies contained in last year's Energy Policy Act, we currently are allowing energy companies, who already are reaping huge profits, to take oil and gas from our public lands and waters without paying any return to the taxpayer. The situation as it currently stands will result in the loss of many billions of dollars in revenue. So while our constituents suffer from skyrocketing gas and home heating prices, oil companies are able to take publicly owned resources for free. Both oil company executives and the President said that there is no need for incentives because oil prices are so high, to encourage companies to drill for new sources. Yet, this Republican leadership has thus far failed to take any action to address the situation. Energy companies should willingly come forward to renegotiate the leases in question. They should refuse more subsidies. To continue to benefit so much from mistakes made in the 1990s and to take subsidies when they are not needed is corporate irresponsibility at its worst. My constituents are angry about taxpayer handouts to an industry awash in cash. This amendment is a fair way to deal with an issue that is currently defying common sense and fiscal responsibility. Vote ``yes'' for the Hinchey amendment, and in that way, protect our consumers and in that way respect the hardworking American taxpayers.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Democratic substitute. I was proud to put my name on that substitute because I believe that it does more for students than the underlying bill in front of us today, and because, quite frankly, I want our children and our grandchildren to be able to afford to go to college. H.R. 609, coupled with the $12 billion Congress cut from student aid and the President's zero funding of key student loan programs, is setting us back, not forward. I remember when the Federal Government actually helped students go to college, when a Pell Grant covered almost all of tuition expenses in a public university. Today, a maximum Pell Grant barely covers a third. I oppose 609 because it includes many provisions that hurt students in the long run and omits many others that would have helped them. If the Rules Committee would have allowed the amendment to prevent the Department of Education from carrying out the $664 million recall of the Federal Perkins loan fund, a recall mandated by the President's 2007 budget, that is potentially 463,000 lower-class and middle-class students and their families who will lose out on a key part of financial aid. We did nothing about that. Another example is the single definition of an institution of higher learning I think poses a dangerous threat. It opens the door to potential future abuse of Federal aid by for-profit institutions. We should be protecting our students from fraud, not welcoming it through the door. H.R. 609 falls short again on funding Pell Grants. A $200 increase through the year 2013 barely covers the real costs, and the President has frozen the maximum grant at 4,050 for 4 consecutive years. I think the substitute does provide for the real value of Federal aid in helping students realize their dream and helping their families realize the dreams of their kids going to college. But I think what the substitute says, above all, is that we can and we must do better. In December, the House Republicans voted to cut $12 billion from the Federal student aid program. Democrats came out in force and not one of us voted in favor of that bill. I ask my colleagues to join me again in opposing H.R. 609 because it is not enough, and support the Democratic alternative and then vote ``no'' on the final passage of the Missed College Opportunity Act.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge and lend support to the well over 1 million people who marched across American cities and towns in a peaceful, nonviolent way for fairness, dignity, and humane and respectful treatment of immigrant workers in our Nation. This ground swell of humanity wanted some very simple things. They wanted the principles of fairness and equal protection under the law to be applied in a fair and just way. The people who marched are for comprehensive, reality-based immigration reform by this Congress, a reform that acknowledges the economic value, necessity and, yes, indeed, the codependency of our economy on the immigrant workforce; that also recognizes the inherent value of human beings and reaffirms the process of rigorous examination and process to attain permanent legal status and eventually citizenship. And it reaffirms a reality-based immigration reform, reaffirms the need for security in this country by assuring that the people that work here, that function here, are not hidden in the shadows but part of the workforce, integrated into that workforce and protected by the same laws and principles that all working people in this country enjoy. I think what is happening in this country on the question of immigration is really about the future of our country. We have, as a Congress, a choice on immigration reform. We should not continue on the path set by this Congress in the Sensenbrenner bill, a bill that asks us to criminalize 11 million human beings in this country, that raises the specter of mass deportation and that ignites a flame of intolerance and division that this country is not about. We don't need a path to create second-class citizens. We don't need a path that hides from our economic reality. We don't need a path that ignores the business interests. We don't need a path that forgets fairness and equity under the law. And we don't need a path that creates division and discrimination as a rule of law. We cannot shun our values as an immigrant nation. This is a wrong path. And while possibly it is a short-term political victory based on division and based on creating a wedge issue that splits people in this country, it is a long-term defeat for this Nation. I believe that we can do better. We can create a situation for the people of this country and for the immigrant workers in this country that is not blanket amnesty, that is not about open borders, that understands security is a priority issue, but also understands that comprehensive reform is the most important way to deal with this issue. So let us not, as we debate this issue and as we continue to grapple with this very vexing and complex issue, let us not forget we are dealing with human beings, let us not ignore our economic reality, and let us put together a comprehensive package that accommodates both those realities and at the same time reaffirms the traditions, the values, the hopes and the aspirations of immigrants that have made this country what it is, that will strengthen it in the future, and that will continue the progress and the enlightenment this Nation needs.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on Arizona's 94th birthday to commend one of Arizona's most talented sons, Mr. Eduardo ``Lalo'' Guerrero, ``the Father of Chicano Music.'' From the beginning of his career when his first group, Los Carlistas, represented Arizona at the New York World's Fair of 1939 until his death last March, Lalo Guerrero symbolized the best of American and Latino culture. Born December 24, 1916 in Barrio Viejo, the oldest neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, Mr. Guerrero sang songs that spoke directly to the Chicano people of the southwest throughout the course of his 60-year career. The child of immigrants, Mr. Guerrero attributed his musical talent to his mother Concepcion, who taught him to play the guitar. He has been quoted modestly, ``I only wrote and sang about what I was.'' By doing so, Mr. Guerrero became a voice for people who rarely were shown in mainstream culture, a fact he sang about in his famous song ``No Chicanos on TV.'' No other Chicano artist has come close to writing and recording more great songs in virtually every genre of Latin music, including salsa, nortena, banda, rancheras, boleros, corridos, cumbias, mambos, cha chas, socially relevant songs, swing, rock & roll and blues. In addition to being a world-class singer, he also created children's music, comedy songs and parodies. Mr. Guerrero stood beside other great leaders in the community, among them Cesar E. Chavez and Ruben Salazar, writing corridos about the struggles and importance of social protest. Celebrating his bicultural roots, the music pioneer and activist was the first to record bilingual songs, becoming a symbol of hope and strength to his people. Mr. Guerrero is credited by such artists as Carlos Santana, Linda Ronstadt, and Los Lobos for opening the door for Latino musicians. In 1996, Mr. Guerrero was awarded the National Medal of the Arts by President and Mrs. Clinton. In 1980, the Smithsonian Institution declared him a ``National Folk Treasure'' and he received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1991. Mr. Guerrero was inducted into the Tejano Hall of Fame and was honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Mexican Cultural Institute representing the Mexican Government, Luis Valdez's The Teatro Campesino and Ricardo Montalban's Nosotros Organization among other prestigious groups. Los Angeles and his adopted home of Palm Springs, California have declared ``Lalo Guerrero Day'' in those cities and proclamations have been awarded from numerous other cities and organizations. Mr. Guerrero is an American original. He is a son of this Nation, a Nation of diverse people, cultures and music. Lalo Guerrero exemplifies the richness of our country and the hope of all people. His story is a gift to us all.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, Grayce Bodgen Arnold was originally from Philadelphia, PA, and arrived in Arizona through her husband, John Patton Arnold, who had been commissioned by Popular Mechanics and the Triple A Automotive Association to publish the first motor tourist guide of Mexico in the mid 1950's. The family, then including their first two children, moved to Nogales, AZ. The family later moved to settle in Tucson, where their third child, Janie, was born. Throughout this time Grayce had been developing her cooking and artistic talent. While she lived in Doylestown, PA, her neighbor Sara Lee was a constant presence in Grayce's kitchen, sampling her cooking. At the same time she was also working on her artistic talent, she worked with famed Tucson artist Ted DeGrazia at his studio. In addition to her artistic and cooking talents, she also developed her business skills. Through the years, her business ventures brought her in contact with many people, including film stars Faye Dunaway and Joanna Cassidy, and then Governor George W. Bush. Also it was at this time that her designs for Patagonia's first three postcards came out, displaying her civic involvement to promote Patagonia as a tourist destination. In 1976, Grayce's son, Dr. John David Arnold, bought the Miner's Old Home in Patagonia, which was built in 1905. At the time, the house was not in good condition, but was remodeled to be made fit for living, and is where Grayce lived until the end of her life. This is also where Grayce Gift and Candle Shop operated from for almost three decades. Grayce's artistic talents are displayed in her shop, which is more than a shop, instead it is more like part museum and art gallery. Grayce's artistic collections include her award winning sand cast candle dioramas, creative masks and one of her greatest sculptures, her rendition of the Tarahumara man squatting in contemplation in traditional dress. Grayce was inspiring; she was so full of life, physically active and ran her own business until the age of 97. She would be the first to tell you that age is irrelevant, after all, while in her sixties she belly danced, remarried and launched her artistic career. She always told her children, ``be creative, never stop dreaming, and help others.'' She was an amazing woman who will be remembered to those who loved her and to the many whose lives she touched.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a delegation from my district visiting our Nation's Capital. This delegation represents the Blackwater Community School on the Gila River Indian Reservation, who belong to the Akimel O'Otham. I would like to acknowledge Henry Pino, president of the Blackwater Community School Board; board member Francisco Osife; board secretary Peggy Winchester; and the superintendent and principal of the school, Jacquelyn Power. Through the talent and commitment of these individuals, the students of Blackwater are in great hands. Blackwater Community School has a motto--``Quality Education Begins Here.'' It was evident in our discussion today that these educators and administrators live up to such an inspiring motto every day. Blackwater Community School was built in 1939, it was the first operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Arizona, and still educates children and families in its historic, refurbished buildings. The children are in grades kindergarten through second, and a charter expanded the student enrollment to third and fourth grades. Blackwater has led the way as the highest performing school determined by federal and state officials. Most recently, the National Indian School Board Association honored the school with its coveted 4Cs Award. The school also has one of the most successful family literacy programs in the nation that educates pre-school children and their parents together. The program is called Family and Child Education (FACE), the FACE program at Blackwater has earned an enviable reputation as a proud member of the National Adult Education Honor Society. I would like to offer my congratulations to the distinguished delegation from Blackwater Community School for the tremendous job that they are doing on the Gila River Indian Reservation.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the misguided Border and Immigration Enforcement Act of 2005. H.R. 4437 is a misguided bill that will further complicate the immigration crisis. We, as a country, have not seen a significant change in immigration policy in nearly two decades, even though all Americans agree that current immigration policy is outdated and malfunctioning. The majority of surveys throughout this Nation show that the American people are advocating for a comprehensive and realistic approach to immigration reform. As Members of Congress we have the responsibility to modernize our laws, to ensure equity, and to learn from the successes and failures of our predecessors. H.R. 4437 fails to meet these standards on all levels. The bill before us today is an insult to the American people who have requested action on the part of their lawmakers. The bill is neither a solution nor even an attempt to understand the immigration crisis. Rather, it is a collaboration of the most destructive proposals in Congress, put forth to promote a false impression that we are working to address the problem. What we are seeing here on the floor today is an unrealistic, unconstitutional bill based on fear. As a Representative from Arizona, I have had first hand experience with the negative impacts created by ``security-only'' approaches to the border and immigration, such as is promoted by H.R. 4437. Arizona, my District especially, has been victim to this inadequate approach that ignores the real needs in our communities. For example, this year my District witnessed 262 deaths on its border, yet H.R. 4437 would do nothing to help alleviate this human tragedy. Though Americans continue to ask that Congress create orderly, legal venues for new immigrants and for safe and legal ways in which immigrants already here can declare their presence, H.R. 4437 does not even come close to fulfilling these requests. In fact, it promotes a shadow culture in which immigrants need and want to hide, which then puts our country at a greater security risk. With one hasty line, this bill makes all immigrants criminals. It turns an immigration-law violation into an aggravated felony. Thus, legal permanent residents, who initially may have had an unlawful entry but were able to pursue a legal venue thereafter, would be categorized as felons and prevented from becoming U.S. citizens as the current law allows. H.R. 4437 also endangers checks and balances and progress that our Nation has made towards equality. With its expansion of expedited removal programs, H.R. 4437 removes important checks that currently protect against erroneous arrests and deportations. In the realm of civil rights, immigrants that are victim to domestic violence would be discouraged from seeking protection in fear of being charged with an aggravated felony. Furthermore, immigrants dealing with Federal agencies or the judicial system would no longer have the opportunity to appeal, thereby weakening even more checks and balances in our government. I am ashamed of the Republican leadership for bringing this bill to the floor, for ignoring the American people, and for supporting a bill that will expand the immigration crisis. Worse than all the harm that this bill would cause is the fact that it fails to include any of the immigration reforms that Americans have asked for. It includes penalties for employers, but no provisions allowing them to attain needed employees. It criminalizes immigrants, but provides no solutions for a legal venue for entry. As lawmakers, we can do better. We can bring to the floor a comprehensive and realistic approach to immigration that addresses border security, changes to current immigration law--including earned legalization--and upholds labor rights for all U.S. employees, be they citizens or foreign born. H.R. 4437 is not this bill. It ignores the need to address societal, economic and national security shortfalls and I encourage my colleagues to denounce this insulting response to the American people and vote ``no'' on H.R. 4437.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4437, the Border and Immigration Enforcement Act of 2005. H.R. 4437 is an enforcement-only approach that fails to provide real family security, real national security, and real economic security for our country. It is neither comprehensive nor realistic. If this Nation really wants to create an effective border security policy, we need to have a debate that includes a discussion about actual solutions to our problems, which means taking all of the political grandstanding and baiting out of the equation. H.R. 4437 is unrealistic, it is based on fear, and it is financially irresponsible and even unconstitutional at times. It joins rank with the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Depression-era repatriation of U.S. Citizens to Mexico, two of our country's most embarrassing moments. As a first-generation son, a native-born son of an immigrant that came to this country, I hope we do not close the door to that legacy.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Lucy Popson, an outstanding teacher in our community. Mrs. Popson is the proud recipient of the Arizona Teacher of the Year Award for 2005. The Teacher of the Year Award honors teachers that are not only exemplary in the classroom, but teachers that are involved in the community as well. Nominated teachers are identified as leaders by parents, students, and co-workers. They gain the admiration of everyone they work with, and their efforts on behalf of education are notable. Lucy Popson exceeds these criteria. She is dedicated to her students and to her community, teaching at Walter Douglass Elementary school for 23 years, and third-grade for the past 11 years. Mrs. Popson always makes sure her students are learning and she strives to make every student understand the material. She is a teacher that understands the different needs of students, teaching material in multiple styles to ensure that no student is left out in the learning process. Mrs. Popson strives to make her lessons fun and interesting. She is proud of her students and has a superior ability to help all her students achieve. When Mrs. Popson was asked about her feelings upon receipt of the award, she stated, ``This is a team effort . . . Teaching is not one person. It's a bunch of people working together.'' She brought this statement to life when she dedicated her award to all those who help her in the Plowing Wells School District. Teaching is a talent that few possess and even fewer choose to pursue as a career. All teachers in our community need to be recognized for their enormous efforts to enrich the lives of children. It is teachers such as Lucy Popson who deserve awards for their daily achievement of helping students. I honor Lucy Popson for her generosity, kindness, and compassion and thank her for committing herself to the profession of teaching.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. GRIJALVA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)