Rubén Hinojosa

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Altmire).

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to recognize a distinguished member of our Education and Labor Committee, Mr. Rob Andrews from New Jersey, for 1\1/2\ minutes. (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to recognize a very well- recognized member of our Education and Labor Committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop) for 2 minutes.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Chairman, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Chairman, it is an honor to be able to close this debate on the higher education bill, one that is going to be one of the most meaningful pieces of legislation that I have participated in, together with our chairman, George Miller, and with our good friend, Buck McKeon from California, who has been a real gentleman and a great leader in higher education. I believe that this will open the doors to so many men and women throughout the country. It will raise the level of education attainment in many regions of the country. All I can say is we are delighted that we can be working with leaders of the quality of Buck McKeon and Mike Castle, and many others on the other side of the aisle. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HINOJOSA. I wish to give 30 seconds to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Chairman, how much time remains?

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 32, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to recognize the distinguished gentleman, the majority whip of our caucus, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn) for 2 minutes.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, as chairman of the Subcommittee on Higher Education, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. This legislation will complete our work on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act and build on the historic investment we made last year in the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. We opened the 110th Congress taking a fresh look at our higher education laws. Especially, we called for ideas to close the college access and completion gaps for low-income and minority students; to improve the financial aid application and delivery system; to improve preparations so that low-income and first-generation college students are ready to succeed in college academically, financially, and socially; leverage more resource for need-based aid; and yes, to address the escalating cost of a college education. This bill offers comprehensive, bipartisan solutions to all of these issues. I would like to thank Chairman Miller and the ranking members of the full committee and the subcommittee, especially to my good friend Congressman McKeon of California and Congressman Keller of Florida, for working with us to craft a bill that every Member of this Chamber should be proud to support. Mr. Chairman, we must be strong and determined to pass H.R. 4137 because we are falling behind in producing college graduates. During our hearings, we learned that the United States has gone from first to fourth place in the world for college graduates in the workplace. We are only one of two industrialized nations where older workers are more likely to have a college degree than younger workers. This comes at a time when the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a shortage of 3 million college-educated workers as early as the year 2012. The gaps in college access and completion is large and growing for low-income and minority students because of the high costs of a college education. According to the Education Trust, since 1994, white students have increased in college completion by 12 percent. African American students have only increased by 5.5 percent, and the Hispanic students only by 3 percent. Given that over 40 percent of our public school children are racial or ethnic minorities and one in five is Hispanic, it is imperative that we act swiftly and decisively to close the gaps. Mr. Chairman, this is what the College Opportunity and Affordability Act will do. H.R. 4137 will close the college access and completion gaps by increasing the authorized Pell Grant maximum to $9,000 and providing access to Pell Grants and the Academic Competitiveness and SMART Grants year round. The legislation recognizes the critical role that minority-serving institutions will have to play if we are to produce the college graduates our economy needs to thrive. These institutions represent less than one-third of all of the colleges and universities in our country, but they enroll more than half of all minority students in post-secondary education. H.R. 4137 authorizes increased investments in building the capacity of these essential institutions and ensures that they are full partners in teacher preparation and our national competitiveness and innovation agenda. Additionally, H.R. 4137 includes the minority-serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity program, which is a major step forward in ensuring that these colleges and universities can maintain a state-of-the-art educational delivery system. I am particularly proud of our whole committee's work to strengthen minority access to STEM fields through a youth engagement in STEM partnerships and programs that focus on preparing teachers for these high-need fields. The College Opportunity and Affordability Act also addresses gaps at the post-baccalaureate level. It has been exactly 10 years since I introduced legislation to create a graduate program for Hispanic- serving institutions, and with the passage of this long awaited legislation, we will be one step closer to enacting this long overdue program. Additionally, our bill includes the Patsy Mink Fellowship program to provide support for women and minorities to complete graduate degrees and join the ranks of university faculty where they are severely underrepresented. H.R. 4137 will improve early college preparation by strengthening programs that are very important to fill the pipeline such as GEAR UP, the TRIO program, the HEP and the CAMP programs and emphasizing financial literacy and early financial aid estimates. I'm a strong believer of reading and writing literacy, and that's why I am so in favor of programs such as Reading is Fundamental, which is going to help us in graduating more students from high schools. This bill will leverage resources through great partnerships. One example is the new Grants for Access and Persistence program which will leverage State and private resources to increase student aid so that low-income, first-generation college students are prepared to enroll and succeed in college. This bill takes real steps to address college costs through public information, accountability, and incentives at the State and institutional levels to keep tuition increases low and college within reach of all students. H.R. 4137 protects students and families by bringing sunshine and real consumer protection to the student loan programs both at the Federal and the private level. Finally, the legislation before us today recognizes our collective obligation to the men and women returning from war and seeking to resume their lives. Our Nation owes all our veterans the support to achieve their dreams through a college education after so valiantly serving our country. H.R. 4137 establishes a new scholarship program for veterans and their families. It ensures fairness for veterans in student aid; it also authorizes Centers of Excellence for veteran student success to provide a one-stop support system on college campuses to help veterans succeed in college and to graduate. Mr. Chairman, this legislation is ambitious and thorough because that is what these times demand. I encourage all my colleagues in Congress to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4137. Let's get this job done. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to recognize the gentleman from New Jersey, a distinguished member of our Higher Education Subcommittee (Mr. Holt), for 2 minutes.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained over the past few days to come to the floor of the House of Representatives to cast my vote on certain rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' for rollcall Nos. 1125 and 1160. I would have voted ``yea'' for rollcall Nos. 1124 through 1138, rollcall No. 1142, rollcall No. 1145, rollcall Nos. 1152 through 1158, and rollcall Nos. 1161 and 1162. I would have voted ``nay'' for rollcall No. 1159.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Edinburg North High School for achieving silver medal status in the 2007 U.S. News and World Report ranking of the best high schools in the Nation. Of the over 18,000 high schools in the country, only 505 were recognized as gold or silver medal winners based upon their performance on state tests and success in providing college level work for all of their students. Edinburg North High School demonstrates that academic excellence is not restricted to the economically advantaged. More than half of its students participate in the free and reduced price lunch program. Over 95 percent of the students at Edinburg North are Hispanic, and many students are the children of migrant and seasonal farm workers, The Edinburg North students and community may not be economically advantaged, but they are rich in family values, tradition, and potential. It is these characteristics that have served as the foundation for their success. In 2004, Edinburg North High School was recognized with the College Board Inspiration award for its success in expanding Advanced Placement opportunities for students. Edinburg North High School made access to challenging courses a number one priority. It instituted an ``open- door'' policy for advanced placement courses, more than doubling the number of students taking at least one advanced placement exam. This focus on rigorous courses has opened the doors to higher education for students of Edinburg North, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. As a result, Edinburg North graduates have been courted by some of the most selective institutions in the nation, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dartmouth College, Columbia University, and Rice University. The silver medal awarded by U.S. News and World report shows that Edinburg North High School's tradition of excellence is continuing. I would like to congratulate the entire community for this achievement and would like to specially acknowledge the leadership of Principal Ramiro Guerra, Superintendent Gilberto Garza, Jr., and President of the Board of Trustees Carmen Gonzalez. Excellent schools are only possible when there is excellent leadership. Please join me in applauding the achievements of Edinburg North High School. I urge them to keep up the good work.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the South Texas Independent School District for having 3 of its high schools listed among the 100 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. The South Texas Independent School District shatters the myth that low income and minority students cannot achieve academic excellence. Eighty percent of the school district's students are of Hispanic heritage. Over 50 percent are eligible for free or reduced priced lunches. These outstanding high schools are open enrollment--they do not pick and choose among the best and brightest, rather they foster excellence in any student willing to make the commitment to a rigorous program of study. Of the more than 18,000 public schools in the United States, the South Texas Independent School District placed 3 high schools: The Science Academy, the Business Education and Technology Academy, and the High School for Health Professions in the gold medal category for excellence in school performance on state tests and for success in providing college level coursework to all of their students. They demonstrate that high achievement is possible system-wide when you bring together the right leadership and community support. I would like to commend the superintendent of South Texas Independent School, Dr. Marla Guerra and the president of the school board, Mr. Ernesto Alvarado for their leadership and stewardship of the school system. They have maintained and deepened the tradition of high achievement that has been the hallmark of the school district since the first magnet high school opened it's doors in 1984. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the achievement of the Science Academy, led by Principal Michael Aranda and ranked number 23 in the nation. Please join me in celebrating the national recognition of the Business Education and Technology Academy led by Principal Magdalena Gutierrez and ranked number 54 in the nation. Let us cheer the accomplishment of the High School for Heath Professions, led by Principal Barbara Heater and ranked number 64 in the nation. The national recognition of the talent and potential of our young people in South Texas is long overdue. I commend South Texas Independent School District for nurturing tomorrow's leaders. I applaud our community of students. parents, and educators for demanding the best and exceeding expectations. In closing I would like to share with you the secret of South Texas Independent School district's astounding success. They set high standards for academic and personal development and shared values. Their goal is that each graduate of South Texas Independent School district: is a compassionate, caring individual; has a passion for life-long learning; is an effective communicator; is a producer of quality work; is creative and curious; appreciates the differences in people; is a competent problem-solver; is a responsible and ethical citizen; strives for a balanced professional and home life; contributes to the community well-being through service; and is academically and occupationally skilled. The Science Academy, the Business Education and Technology Academy, and the Health Professions High School in the South Texas Independent School District are among the best of the best high schools in the nation. They produce graduates who are ready, willing, and able to contribute to their communities. I congratulate them on winning national recognition and encourage them to keep up the good work.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the McCrery amendment in the nature of a substitute. I support the underlying bill, H.R. 3920, which is important to our State of Texas and to our Nation. The Education and Labor Committee, on which I serve, is separately considering the reauthorization for the Workforce Investment Act. The Trade and Globalization Assistance Act is not the appropriate bill for addressing it. Rather than address the root causes of why little actual job training services are provided under WIA, the McCrery substitute gives Governors and not consumers, the American workers, greater control over critical resources. Mr. Speaker, most alarming is the fact that the minority believes it can simply change the bureaucratic elements of the WIA system and ensure those who need training receive it. Actual job training has fallen 50 percent under WIA, compared to JTPA. Only 200,000 adults and dislocated workers have received training, out of 8 million unemployed individuals. The Department of Labor estimates that less than 50 percent under WIA funds are being used for core, intensive and training services. In real terms, appropriations for WIA have dropped by over $1 billion during this administration's clock in the last 6 years. Just this past year this administration has proposed a cut of $1 billion, including a rescission. Fortunately, our Appropriations Committee has restored this funding. It should also be noted that WIA expired in 2003, and the minority had ample opportunity to reauthorize WIA but failed to do so. Representative McKeon only introduced the WIA reauthorization bill earlier this month, essentially with the same proposals that failed to pass the previous two Congresses. Moreover, given the length of time that has transpired from the 108th Congress when the Workforce Investment Act was due to be reauthorized, until today, it is essential that we give this critical piece of legislation a fresh look. Mr. Speaker, we have a changing economy and labor force, which means that there are new challenges and new opportunities that we should consider. The Education and Labor Committee has actively begun the WIA reauthorization process. The Subcommittee on Higher Education, of which I am the chairman, held two hearings in June and July, and received recommendations from stakeholders on WIA reauthorization. The subcommittee also asked all interested parties to submit proposals to the committee, and the committee staff is reviewing those recommendations that have been submitted by over two dozen organizations and continues to meet with interested groups on WIA. Committee staff has offered to work with the minority staff as WIA proceeds through the committee. Regrettably, WIA programs have suffered funding cuts over the past 7 years, largely because the administration requested the cuts and opposed congressional efforts to approve WIA funding. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject the substitute amendment and to vote for passage of the underlying bill. Regrettably, WIA programs have suffered funding cuts over the past 7 years largely because the administration has requested the cuts and opposed congressional efforts to improve WIA funding. It is my hope that we can generate bipartisan support to reverse that trend. I urge my colleagues to reject the substitute amendment and to vote for passage of the underlying bill.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 58) expressing support for designation of the month of October 2007 as ``Country Music Month'' and to honor country music for its long history of supporting America's armed forces and its tremendous impact on national patriotism.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H.J. Res. 58 into the Record.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, country songs foster an appreciation of the many important sacrifices made by soldiers serving in the Armed Forces. I want to share with our Members of the House that tomorrow, Tuesday, I will be accompanying Sergeant Daniel Pena from my congressional district, a young man 28 years old serving his third tour in Iraq. While on patrol, their Humvee stepped on a land mine that exploded. One of his colleagues riding in that Humvee was killed, and he lost his right arm and his right leg. He came back to the United States where he has stayed in Walter Reed the last 2 months and received an artificial arm and leg and has now been released by Walter Reed Hospital. I'm going to accompany him and his father and mother to Weslaco, Texas, where he is going to receive a hero's welcome. I'm pleased to tell you that I requested that country songs like ``Only in America'' by Brooks and Dunn and ``Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly'' by Aaron Tippin be played as part of the patriotic music that we're going to have at that celebration of a hero's welcome. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, we have no other speakers on this resolution, and I yield back my time.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the designation of October 2007 as ``Country Music Month'' and to celebrate the long heritage of patriotism in country music. The Country Music Association celebrated its first National Country Music Month in 1964, and October 2007 marks its 43rd annual observance. I would like to thank my fellow Texan, Congressman Ted Poe, for bringing this bill forward today. The themes invoked in country music resonate with important American values such as responsibility, determination and hard work. Country songs foster an appreciation of the many important sacrifices made by our men and women serving in the Armed Forces. Songs like ``Only in America'' by Brooks and Dunn and ``Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly'' by Aaron Tippen encourage patriotism and the pursuit of the American Dream. In addition to powerful patriotic lyrics, the country music industry has also directly supported the cause of our Armed Forces. Portions of the proceeds from some patriotic compilations have gone to support the USO's active duty troops and families of fallen soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I express my support for Country Music Month and congratulate the genre on its many contributions to American society. I urge my colleagues to pass the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1473, the Anthony DeJuan Boatwright Act. It is named in honor of Anthony DeJuan Boatwright who suffered a terrible tragedy at a licensed child care facility in Georgia. In the wake of her son's accident, Anthony's mother, Jackie, has become a child care advocate who has worked tirelessly to help provide better information to parents navigating the child care system. This important legislation is modeled after laws in the States of Georgia and Virginia. H.R. 1473 amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program in order to help parents receive more information about potential child care providers. The Child Care and Development Block Grant is a very important Federal program providing almost $5 billion to States to help low-income families afford child care. Almost 2 million children receive child care subsidies through this child care program, and it has enabled millions of families to enter or remain in the workforce. H.R. 1473 strengthens the Child Care and Development Block Grant by adding a safety standard. H.R. 1473 requires licensed child care providers to give written notice to parents about whether or not they have liability insurance and requires child care providers to post publicly whether or not they have liability insurance. H.R. 1473 also requires States to recommend to licensed child care providers that they carry liability insurance. Child care quality can influence whether a child arrives at kindergarten ready to succeed. Providing parents with additional information about the child care providers in their communities will help parents make the right choice for their children and for their families. I would like to thank my friend and colleague the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barrow) for bringing this legislation forward. In moving this bill forward, we can help other families avoid the terrible loss suffered by Anthony DeJuan Boatwright's family. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1473.