Mike Honda

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 225, H.R. Res. 96-- Constitutional Amendment Requiring a super majority vote to increase taxes, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me. I would like to commend the chairman and the ranking member of the Committee on Science and the chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Research for their leadership on this issue. Investment in research and development is one of the single largest contributing factors to the Nation's past, present, and future economic growth. The U.S. high technology industry spends more on R&D than on any other industry, but because corporations feel acute pressure to focus scarce research dollars on market-driven product development, the Federal Government must play an integral role in the longer-term basic research that leads to fundamental innovations. Federal support for basic research has contributed to the development of the Internet, personal computers, the silicon chip, lasers, fiber optics, supercomputers, and magnetic resonance imaging. The first graphical web browser, high-speed networks, artificial intelligence, databases, and the graphical user interface all have their roots in government-sponsored research. Over the past few years, funding for research in the physical sciences has declined as a fraction of overall R&D spending. Funding for the National Institutes of Health now makes up over half of all non-defense research, and the proposed research at NIH funding this year is as large as NSF's entire budget. This funding imbalance threatens long-term research at a time when we are quickly approaching the physical limits to semiconductor performance. A new technological revolution is needed if we are going to continue improving computer performance like we have in the past few years. It is essential that we invest in basic research to provide the scientific basis for this technological revolution so that we can maintain the gains in productivity that lead to economic growth. A sustained public and private investment in R&D will also foster a skilled American work force, stimulate new technologies, and maintain U.S. dominance in vital industries, elements critical to retaining the United States' global economic leadership in the new millennium. The 2001 report of the Hart-Rudman Commission on National Security for the 21st Century determined that ``the scale and nature of the ongoing revolution in science and technology . . . pose critical national security challenges to the United States.'' To address the challenge, the commission recommended a doubling of all Federal funding for science and technology research and development by 2010. I believe we should strive to achieve this goal, and I recommend and urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4664.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, due to their poor economic planning, today Republicans are attempting to, increase the amount the Federal government can borrow--not through a direct, democratic vote--but by slipping it quietly into the Supplemental Appropriations bill. They're not specifying how much they want, they're not telling us how they plan to spend it, and most importantly, they're not telling us how they plan to pay it back. Every Member in this body knows that an increase in the debt limit has a monumental impact on our economy. However, under this Republican procedure, there is no chance to debate or offer alternatives to one of the most important decisions made by this Congress, The state of our economy affects the lives of all American families and businesses, not just today, but especially in future years as the Baby Boomers begin to retire. However, what we know today is that the federal government is in a deficit, and $4 trillion of the surplus has disappeared in one- year--the largest fiscal reversal in our nation's history. Mr. Speaker, before approving a substantial increase in our borrowing authority, Congress has an obligation to review our long-term budget policies in light of the dramatic reversal in our nation's fiscal condition. We should not, as the Republicans are proposing today, blindly pile debt onto future generations. It is fiscally irresponsible.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, Thomas Jefferson once said: ``The whole art of government consists of being honest.'' I've come here to speak today about transparency in government. The Republican leadership is attempting to increase the amount the Federal Government can borrow--not through a direct, democratic vote-- but by quietly slipping it into the Supplemental Appropriations bill. They're not specifying how much they want, they're not telling us how they plan to spend it, and most importantly, they're not telling us how they plan to pay it back. Why is telling the truth such a terrible thing to the Republicans? Why is the Republican majority afraid of being open and honest with the American people? I hope it's not about getting elections because this is about being fiscally responsible. Every Member in this body knows that an increase in the debt limit has a monumental impact on our economy. However, under this Republican procedure, there is no chance to debate or to offer alternatives to one of the most important decisions made by this Congress. The state of the economy affects the lives of all American families and businesses, not just today, but especially in the future as Baby Boomers begin to retire. We are in danger of placing an unnecessary burden on present and future generations. The Federal Government is in a deficit, and under a Republican leadership, a $4 trillion surplus has disappeared in one year--the largest fiscal reversal in our Nation's history. Before approving a substantial increase in our borrowing authority we must review our long-term budget policies. As elected officials charged with the public trust we must not act without a comprehensive plan. Just as we are clear with the goals of the supplemental appropriations bill, we should also be clear with the specific and transparent action on raising the debt limit. It should be a separate and distinct action. I've listened to a majority of this debate and all the Republicans continue to say is ``Where's your budget?'' I sit on the budget committee. I participated in those discussions. And I'm here asking, Where is ``your'' budget? Where is your plan to restore us to balanced spending? Where is your plan to protect social security and Medicare? And where is your plan to protect the welfare of our children and grandchildren? In light of the dramatic reversal in our Nation's fiscal condition, spurred in no small part by a reckless Republican tax cut, we should not, as the Republicans are proposing today, blindly pile debt onto future generations. There is no doubt that this bill contains what we need to fight terrorism. We all agree that some of this spending is necessary. But let's pay for this war on terrorism without attaching extraneous provisions. Never forget that undue patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. Waving the flag for the war on terrorism should not be an excuse to cover mortgaging our future. Supplemental appropriations bills are designed to be targeted spending in emergencies, not wish lists for proposals that would otherwise never stand the rigors of an open process. Mr. Chairman, I stand on the floor today in full support of our troops fighting terrorism here and abroad. However, we can be strong militarily without becoming weak economically. We must take care of our people at home. Social Security must be protected, and Medicare for our seniors must be preserved. It's simple math: The GOP tax cut + increase of the debt limit without a plan = The 1-2 punch to bring us back to an era of Reaganomics and deficit spending. I heard that we are using the argument on Social Security and prescription drugs to scare seniors. I say we are not scaring seniors. I say that what the Republican want to do with our budget is scary. We're just telling the American people they should be scared straight by the tactics of the Republican leadership. In Summary: It's time for the House Republicans to be straightforward with the American people. I support an emergency supplemental bill, but we should not use it to bury provisions that would otherwise not see the light of day. We need transparency within government and an honest and open process. We need to practice fiscal responsibility. We must ensure our national security, but we cannot forget our domestic responsibility.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of Lillian Silberstein, the Executive Director of the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) Silicon Valley Region. I would like to recognize Ms. Silberstein's extraordinary and tireless service to the people of Santa Clara County and thank her for her 30 years as the NCCJ's Executive Director. She will be honored with the Community Service for Exemplary Leadership Award on Friday, May 17, 2002. NCCJ was known as the National Conference of Christians and Jews when Lil first started in a small office at a tiny desk by herself. The growth of the NCCJ Silicon Valley as one of the largest and most innovative chapters in the nation has been due to her tireless efforts and passionate dedication. ``Lil'', as she is affectionately known to all, has succeeded in her mission: to break down barriers, ending the silence of intolerance, and building common understanding between diverse groups of people in the community. She has successfully organized programs across Silicon Valley to open communications concerning the most difficult issues of race, religion, gender, socio-economic issues, ability and disability with the goal of building bridges between people. She has eased communications between prisoners and their jailers, given at-risk teens a safe place to express their painful struggles and confront their own barriers, and organized countless efforts, large and small, to help people get along more successfully together. In Silicon Valley, where diversity is the norm, Lillian Silberstein's work has been critical. As a result of her hard work and unwavering dedication to tolerance and justice, Lillian Silberstein has compiled an impressive record of community achievements, which have earned her the deep respect and admiration from all corners of this complex community. Her vision of justice has been a guiding force throughout the Silicon Valley and an example to many other growing and diverse communities around the country. Somewhere in the annals of the United States of America we must find a way to register the deeds of those humble architects of our communities whom fame does not reach, because they reach into our hearts and our futures in the most important ways. Lillian Silberstein is among that special group of citizens. We thank her for making a better tomorrow for us all.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my opposition to H.R. 4737, the Republican welfare reform bill; a bill that will push millions of American families off the welfare rolls into a life of poverty. America is the land of opportunity and in today's economic market, education is the key to that opportunity. Higher levels of education lead to higher earnings. Greater educational opportunities also increase women's income, raise their children's educational goals, and have a dramatic impact on their quality of life. Research shows that families headed by someone with a high school diploma earn almost 50 percent more than families headed by someone without at least a GED. In California alone, recipients who participate in education and training activities enjoyed earnings almost 40 percent higher than those of untrained recipients after 5 years. Welfare laws need to emphasize general education as a critical first step to achieving economic security. However, the Republican welfare reform bill goes in the wrong direction by restricting State discretion to provide education and training to welfare recipients. The bill goes so far as to remove vocational education from the current law's list of work-related activities that count toward the core work requirement. When reviewing our Nation's welfare laws, we must also remember that work first policies do not just affect adult individuals. We are talking about families, with children who require quality and affordable child care while parents are working. It is an unfortunate reality that many of the jobs performed by TANF parents involve late night hours or irregular shifts, when quality child care is hard to find. These circumstances are especially harsh for families with young children and children with disabilities. Even when childcare is available, most jobs do not pay enough to cover food, housing and utilities, let alone cover the child care bill. This is especially critical in my district of San Jose, which has some of the highest child care costs in the State of California. Congress needs to stand up for working families by making safe, quality child care accessible for all children. Fifteen million children in this country are now eligible for day care assistance, but are not currently covered because States lack sufficient resources. However, the Republican welfare reform bill increases mandatory child care funding by only $1 billion over the next 5 years--barely enough to keep pace with inflation, and nowhere near enough to implement the bill's new participation requirements. The Republican welfare reform bill also neglects a critical community in this country--legal immigrant families. Legal immigrant families work and pay taxes, yet cannot access TANF benefits. Legal immigrants pay the same taxes as citizens. This country reaps $50 billion from taxes paid by immigrants to all levels of government. Legal immigrants should therefore share equally in taxpayer funded services. Current TANF regulations place undue burdens on State and local governments, who are forced to use state funding to extend benefits to these deserving families. This is especially true for states with large immigrant populations, such as my State of California which has a 25 percent immigrant population. The Republican welfare reform bill does nothing to correct this injustice. In fact, it maintains the current restrictions against legal immigrant families. Welfare reform will only succeed when it is adequately funded. Our Nation's families cannot be expected to succeed off the welfare rolls if they lack access to TANF benefits, educational opportunities, and affordable child care. That is why I am please to support the Democratic proposal that maintains State flexibility, focuses on real work, and helps families escape poverty and achieve permanent employment. The Democratic proposal has tough work requirements, promotes education as a means of financial stability, and increases childcare funding $11 billion over 5 years, so that the tough work requirements can be met without harming the children of those receiving benefits. The Democratic proposal also lifts the ban on federal funds for legal immigrant families. Mr. Speaker, accountability is a two-way street. Congress must commit the necessary resources to make welfare reform a success. Only then will we leave no family behind.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor of the House of Representatives today in the name of democracy, in the name of hope, and in the name of peace. As long-standing supporters of Israel, we recognize and respect Israel's unquestioned right to self-defense. The United States has a long history of promoting and supporting democracies. It has long considered Israel its closest ally in the Middle East, because Israel is a democracy. It is because of our passion for democracy that we cast votes against the procedural steps needed to bring House Resolution 392 to the floor. These procedural steps prevented any amendments or any substitute resolutions to be considered by the Congress. We were not permitted to consider or debate either Senator Lieberman's or Congressman DeFazio's language. We were not given the opportunity to meet with our constituents and hear their thoughts and concerns on this divisive and complicated matter. Nor were there any hearings on this resolution. This is wrong and does not speak to debate that is central to our democratic process. While we support House Resolution 392 in its final form, we have concerns that this resolution presents a one-sided view of a many-sided reality. We cannot ignore the suffering of the Palestinian people and the loss of innocent civilians. We cannot ignore the economic hardship the Palestinians have endured as they continue their attempts to create their own Democratic nation. And we cannot ignore the physical damage done to Palestinian infrastructure in Jenin, in Ramallah and other towns in the West Bank. Even with the Resolution's shortcomings, we believe it is critical to speak out against acts of terrorism that have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Israeli civilians. The United States is scarred by its own September 11 experience and we have a new and somber national consciousness of terrorism on our soil. We continue to hold out hope that the Israelis and the Palestinians will be able to achieve the peace of the brave that has proven so elusive. We are confident that the United States will be a true partner for peace and help bring a 21st Century Marshall Plan of resources and hope to those who today carry a rage of desperation.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 129 I was unavoidably detained with other matters. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 130, I was unavoidably detained with other matters. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 131, I was unavoidably detained with other matters. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize James E. Veny for his exemplary service to the community. Jim Veny was born and raised in White Plains, New York, and attended White Plains High School. In the summer of 1963, Jim joined the U.S. Navy and was selected to be a part of the Navy's Nuclear Power Submarine Program. During his tour, Jim attended various naval schools, traveled around the world, and was a featured soloist of the U.S. Navy's Naval Choir at Great Lakes, Illinois. Jim served one year in the Vietnam War, concluding a seven-year career in the Navy. After the Navy, Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction from Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, New Hampshire. In 1975, he completed his formal academic studies by receiving a Masters in Business Administration degree from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College. Fortunately for those of us in the Bay Area, Jim moved to San Jose in July of 1980, working for FMC (Food Machinery Corporation, which is now United Defense). In 1983, he was appointed Community Relations Manager at United Defense, focusing the department on four areas of need in the community--the arts, diversity, social service, and education. Jim quickly learned that to do community work and to make an impact he had to get personally involved. Jim has served on the boards of the following organizations: the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County, the 100 Black Men of Silicon Valley, and the African American Community Service Agency. Over the years, Jim's greatest commitment has been to the education of young people, and he has been recognized by organizations in San Jose for this commitment. Most recently, he has been the recipient of the Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators 2001 LaVerne Owens Community Service Award, the City of San Jose 2000 Excellence in Education Award, and the 1998 KNTV `Spirit of Excellence Award' for community service. Working with students in the community is more than a job for Jim--it is a way of life. Under Jim's guidance, United Defense adopted San Jose High Academy in 1983, and over time created a summer high school internship program. This unique program allows students to learn about the corporate environment, while gaining valuable work experience and earning money. Clearly, Jim Veny has shown a lifetime of commitment towards making the community a better place, and his experience with San Jose High Academy has shown that individual involvement can make a difference for the better. We in San Jose are thankful for Jim's commitment to our community.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 120, I was unavoidably detained by important matters involving my district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today we rise to recognize the achievements of Mary Hiland, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliance For Community Care of Santa Clara County. We would like to recognize Ms. Hiland's extraordinary and tireless efforts to the people of Santa Clara County and thank her for her 25 years of service in the nonprofit mental health field. Mary Hiland served as President/CEO for the Alliance For Community Care from January 1977 to March 2002. One of the largest nonprofit mental health agencies in Silicon Valley, ALLIANCE was formed on January 1, 1997, through the merger of four nonprofit agencies. Under Ms. Hiland's leadership, the resulting new organization grew significantly. Today, ALLIANCE serves over 4,000 youth, adults and older adults affected by mental illness through a comprehensive array of in-home, crisis residential, vocational, outpatient treatment and rehabilitation programs. Ms. Hiland's career in the nonprofit mental health field began after she graduated from San Jose State University with both a Masters degree in Social Work and Public Administration. In 1986, she joined the faculty of SISU College of Social Work part-time and taught courses in public policy and management. Her community service includes serving on several Boards of Directors, task forces, and participation in numerous committees. Ms. Hiland is past president both of the Association of Mental Health Contract Agencies and the Association of United Way Agencies. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the California Council of community Mental Health Agencies and the Center for Excellence in Nonprofits. Ms. Hiland was the recipient of the 1994 Soroptomist Woman of the Year Award for he advocacy for people with mental illness. In 1999, she received the National Society of Fund Raising Executive Spirit of Philanthropy award for her contributions in building a new United Way. In 2001, she was honored as a Community Champion for Mental Health and received the first Silicon Valley Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award. We wish to thank Mary Hiland for her contributions to the field of mental health in Santa Clara County.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to remember an old and dear friend of mine, Mr. Gordon Nom Chan, who passed away suddenly on December 24, 2001. Gordon's life was distinguished by his service to others, and his contributions to the community will be greatly missed. Coming from a family that has been exemplary in community service for three generations, Gordon was a longtime community and political leader in Santa Clara County, and one of the most prominent Chinese American leaders in the California Bay Area. Gordon Chan immigrated to the United States from Macau in 1947 at age twelve, to help his father in Northern California. While growing up, Gordon worked forty hours a week at the family farm while attending school. He attended Menlo-Atherton High School, the College of San Mateo, and California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, where he met the love of his life, Anita. He graduated from Cal Poly in 1959 with a B.S. degree in ornamental horticulture, and he married Anita on December 27, 1959. Gordon began serving his fellow Americans when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1959. Following two years of service, he joined the family flower business, T. S. Chan Nursery. After more than 30 years as a leader in the chrysanthemum and rose growing business, Gordon's entrepreneurial interests turned to real estate development, property management, and the Mayflower Restaurant Group. Gordon was a true community leader. Not only was he a long-time member and multiple-term president of the Bay Area Chrysanthemum Growers Association, he also served on the Santa Clara County Farm Bureau, the Santa Clara County Planning Commission, the 1990 Redistricting Commission, the Open Space Commission, the California Cut Flower Commission, and the County Fair Board. He was a founding member of the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project of San Jose, and served as chairman and interim director of Asian Americans for Community Involvement. Gordon was an active member of the First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco for over 40 years, and he was also quite active in the San Francisco Chinatown, where he served on many Chinese benevolent associations. He was particularly active in the Hee Shen Benevolent Association, where he served as college scholarship chairman. Gordon was a state guest at the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate. All in all, Gordon N. Chan was a remarkable man whose contributions to American society were invaluable. He lives on in our collective memory, providing a true role model for young minorities in this country, and especially in the California Bay Area. And the groundwork he has laid for members of the Chinese American community in the American political realm will continue to serve as an enduring foundation for years to come.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, as a former teacher and principal, I rise in opposition to the Republican budget, a budget that claims to leave no child behind, but in reality leaves many children behind. Just a few months ago, the President and the Congress heralded the enactment of H.R. 1, the Leave No Child Behind Act. Yet as we all know, a bill is meaningless without the necessary funding and many of us wondered if the White House and the House Republicans would put our Nation's money where their mouths were for H.R. 1 when it came time to pass the budget. After looking at the House Republican budget offered today, it has become clear to me that the Republicans have no intention of making good on their promise to improve educational opportunities for our Nation's young people. The Republican budget cuts funding for H.R. 1 by $90 million. It cuts education programs by $1.8 billion, including programs for teacher quality and after-school centers. The Republican budget also eliminates 28 education programs, including dropout prevention and technology training. The Republicans say we on the other side of the aisle have no right to voice our beliefs on their plan because we have none to offer. Let me remind my colleagues that last week I offered an amendment in the Budget Committee that would have increased funding for professional development and teacher quality by $325 million, title I funding for disadvantaged students by $2.15 billion, and after-school programs by $250 million from levels proposed in today's Republican budget. Every Republican on the committee voted it down. Mr. Chairman, I support the President when it comes to the war. I, like all of us in this body, am confident that we will win the global war against terrorism. But I fear this budget may cause us to lose the battle at home to protect and educate future generations of Americans. As a former educator, I urge my colleagues to vote against this resolution that leaves so many of our children behind.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this month. On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low organized the first group of eighteen Girl Scouts in Savannah, Georgia. She believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. Today, there are 2.7 million girls in Girl Scouts of the USA, and over 900,000 adult members. The Girl Scout mission is to help all girls grow strong. To that end, Girl Scouting empowers girls to develop to their full individual potential; relate positively to others; develop values that provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. Girl Scouts of the USA continues today to expand its programs to address contemporary issues affecting girls, while maintaining its core values. The organization's foundation is still based on the Girl Scout Promise and Law, just as it was in 1912. Girl Scouting helps our country's young women discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through an array of enriching experiences, Girl Scouts acquire self-confidence and expertise, take on responsibility, and are encouraged to think creatively and act with integrity--qualities essential in good citizens and great leaders. At the same time, they learn a great deal about science and technology, money management and finance, health and fitness, the arts, global awareness, and much more. I personally have shared in the wonderful experience of Girl Scouting, when a number of the young women volunteered in my office last summer. Juliette Gordon Low envisioned Girl Scouting as a profound force in the lives of all girls. In 2001, Girl Scouts of the USA launched a major initiative to continue to fulfill the foundational principle that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn the leadership and life skills that will help her achieve her goals. Through ``Girl Scouting: For Every Girl, Everywhere,'' Girl Scout volunteers and staff are working to ensure that Girl Scouting is available to every girl in every community, reaching beyond racial, ethnic, socioeconomic or geographic boundaries. The initiative aims to encourage broader membership from minorities, especially among Latina and Asian American girls. It also seeks to increase participation of teenage girls and girls with disabilities. One of the primary missions of Girl Scouts of the USA is to make the positive experience of its programs available to girls everywhere. In addition to schools and backyards, Girl Scout troops now meet in homeless shelters, migrant farm communities, juvenile detention centers, Native American reservations, and even online via the Internet. With ``Girl Scouting: For Every Girl, Everywhere,'' Girl Scouts of the USA hopes to truly reflect the face of America and to ensure that every girl who wants to join Girl Scouts has the opportunity to do so. This goal is in keeping with its long and proud history of diversity and inclusiveness. For 90 years, Girl Scouts has had a proven track record of empowering girls to become leaders, helping adults be positive role models and mentors for children, and helping to build solid communities. I salute Girl Scouts on this tremendous milestone, and am confident that Girl Scouts is sure to continue this tradition for the next 90 years and beyond.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2001-2002 Santa Clara University women's soccer team. The SCU Broncos, headed by coach Jerry Smith, took home the first-ever national title in women's sports for Santa Clara University. Santa Clara University's athletic program, under the leadership of Athletic Director Cheryl Levick, has a rich history of dedicated and talented athletes, who work hard on and off the field, and always maintain a strong commitment to teamwork. Santa Clara University has a strong reputation in the athletic and academic fields, has proven successful in recruiting student athletes, and has provided these athletes with an excellent education and a great athletic experience. Santa Clara's student-athlete graduation rate is the highest in their league. Though the SCU women's soccer team has been a dominant force in women's collegiate athletics, the 2001 season has proven to be their best. In 2001, with a season record of 23 wins and only 2 losses, they went on to defeat North Carolina for the national title in a 1-0 victory on December 9, 2001, in Dallas, Texas. Santa Clara University, through its educational and athletic programs, fosters the development of scholar-athletes into outstanding leaders. The leadership skills that these scholar-athletes develop through the mentorship of Head Coach Jerry Smith, Assistant Coach Rich Manning, Assistant Coach Eric Yamamoto, and Assistant Coach Sean Purcell was strongly evident during the championship game and throughout the season. Players Danielle Slanton and Aly Wagner both took the initiative to provide their team with the calm and confidence that only a peer can provide. Aly Wagner has earned the distinction of being named 2001 Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year by the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. It is with great pleasure that I honor all of the members of the Santa Clara University Women's Soccer team: Erin Sharpe, Taline Tahmassian, Zepeda Zepesa, Alyssa Sobolik, Kerry Cathcart, Jaclyn Campi, Aly Wagner, Anna Kraus, Lana Bowen, Leslie Osborne, Jessica Ballweg, Emma Borst, Devvyn Hawkins, Bree Horvath, Katie Sheppard, Allie Teague, Danielle Slanton, Chardonnay Poole, Kristi Candau, Holly Azevedo, Erin Pearson, and Ynez Carrasco. The teamwork and dedication of these athletes has made the Santa Clara University community, and the entire State of California, proud. I would also like to acknowledge the Santa Clara University Bronco's Athletic Staff, Lisa Eskey, Carrie Rubertino, Jonathan Clough and Cheryl Levick. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to commend and congratulate the Santa Clara University Women's Soccer Team, 2001 National Champions. Go Broncos!

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege and a joy for me to be able to praise and recognize our new whip, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi). The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) has been a role model for anyone interested in entering politics and is a shining example of effective leadership. I can think of no better Member to galvanize our efforts here in Congress during these trying yet promising times. The gentlewoman is true to her convictions, whether that be fighting for human rights in China, defending a woman's right to choose, or looking after the well-being of working families, and she will not back down on these critical issues. As whip of our party, it will be the gentlewoman's job to corral votes, listen to Members' concern, and help point this Congress in the direction that will take our Nation to a better future for our children. Mr. Speaker, when I was a candidate with aspirations to become a Member of Congress, I was fortunate to have the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) there for me. My colleagues from California know how helpful she can be, and now the entire party will benefit from her advice and counsel. History will show that to date there have been over 12,000 Members in the United States Congress, of which a little over 200 have been women. And here we are today honoring the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the first woman to the second highest post in our party. It is about time. While breaking new ground and shattering stereotypes of who the leaders of this Nation are, the gentlewoman will bring about a much- needed change and invigorate the political process in a civil way without creating the acrimony and ill will that has all too often defined the partisan politics we have seen in this House. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) and look forward to her leadership as the House Democratic whip. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra).

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis).

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding career of Principal Sue Galbreath-Sly. She is set to retire at the end of this academic year from a long and distinguished life in the field of education. Currently serving in her eighth year as principal of the Julia Baldwin Elementary School, Mrs. Sly, as the students call her, started teaching in 1960. Nearly forty-two years later, Mrs. Sly has served as an educator in three states--Kentucky, Ohio, and California-- at both the elementary and secondary levels, in the classroom and as an administrator. Sue Galbreath-Sly began her career as a teacher in Kentucky in 1960, and the spirit of teaching has remained strong in her to this day. Visiting the principal's office at Baldwin Elementary today, one might wonder if it is a classroom because it is always filled with students seeking Mrs. Sly's guidance and friendship. She successfully presents herself to her students as just another teacher; however, she is anything but ``just another teacher.'' Rather, she is the best kind of teacher, seeing her educational mission as a year-round job--spending weekends chaperoning students to various competitions, fairs, and conferences and recruiting students for summer enrichment programs. Throughout her long career as an educator, Mrs. Sly has been recognized for her excellence not only by her students, but also by her fellow professionals. She has received numerous awards, both as a teacher and a principal. In fact, just last year, her school won the 2000 California Distinguished School Award, a true testament to her exceptional stewardship. Not only does Mrs. Sly help develop and educate our youth, but she also works to develop her fellow educators. For example, she currently serves as a mentor for new principals and an advisor to the teacher credentialing program. She is also active in community outreach, expressing her philosophy eloquently: ``We must expand the four walls of our school site and guide children to take advantage of every learning opportunity.'' As a teacher at Baldwin Elementary, my wife, Jeanne, has benefited from Mrs. Sly's holistic approach to education. As a fellow long-time educator myself, I express my deep respect and sincere admiration for Sue Galbreath-Sly and her life's work.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an old and dear friend of mine, Dr. Gary Johnson. Dr. Johnson was instrumental in helping me become who I am today. As my advisor in the San Jose State University Counselor Education program, he helped me develop the sense of mediation and personal interactions which are so important in the work I do as a Member of Congress. This Friday evening, December 14, 2001, Dr. Johnson will be honored at a celebration of his impending retirement from the faculty of my alma mater. The College of Education and the Department of Counselor Education at San Jose State University will gather together to pay tribute to Dr. Johnson for his 32 years of dedicated service to the Counselor Education program and to the betterment of our community and public schools. Dr. Gary Johnson has been a leader in the design and implementation of the graduate program in the Department of Counselor Education at the College of Education at San Jose State University since 1969. He has served as a faculty member, program director, and division chairperson. In these capacities, he has motivated and inspired students from diverse backgrounds to maximize their individual potential for the good of our collective communities. Since 1957, the innovative Graduate Department of Counselor Education has trained and graduated over 2,000 diverse professionals. It has maintained a recruitment and training emphasis focusing on cross- cultural issues, community partnerships, career life-span development, non-traditional counseling services, and historically under-represented student populations since 1970. Starting in 1978, the department has supported a bilingual emphasis in its students, a bilingual capability in its faculty, and a cross-cultural emphasis in its curriculum delivery. Many students have chosen Counselor Education as the field in which to re-enter their university studies, receiving their Masters Degrees and going on to pursue successful careers in private industry, education, and community organizations. Many Counselor Education graduates have pursued leadership roles as school administrators and educational reformers. The professional work of these individuals is a testimony to the invaluable work of Dr. Johnson's long and distinguished career. Along with so many others, I take this opportunity to commend Dr. Gary Johnson for his outstanding contributions to the Graduate Department of Counselor Education at San Josee State University, and his outstanding contributions to my life and my professional development and career.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my reluctant support of the conference report on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. While this legislation makes a significant strides in the field of education reform, it fails to honor an important commitment to our nation's children. Over the last quarter century, Congress has been shortchanging the federal commitment to education by grossly underfunding the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, in its annual appropriations process. This failure on the part of Congress has hurt local school districts in their efforts to fulfill their education mission, as they struggle to meet the mandates of IDEA without sufficient federal support. Earlier this year, I sent a letter signed by one hundred and thirty-four Members of Congress urging support of mandatory, full funding of IDEA. Despite the support of a bipartisan group of Members and education groups across the country, this bill fails to fully fund the federal share of IDEA. Congress made a promise to our nation's children, and I will continue to fight to make sure this commitment is met in the future. Mr. Speaker, while I am disappointed that Congress failed to provide this critical resource, I am pleased that this legislation establishes a promising framework for raising student achievement. This legislation will provide greater opportunities for our nation's disadvantaged children and will hold schools accountable for the academic achievement of students across this country. The bill will help schools in need, rather than instantly punishing them; it will give greater flexibility to local schools who make the day-to-day decisions about our children's education; and it will dramatically expand and increase support for locally-designed approaches to help students learn English and achieve academically. I am particularly pleased that the bill increases funding for teacher training, requires states to develop plans to ensure that all teachers are provided professional development to become fully qualified in four years, and does not require mandatory testing of veteran teachers. Mr. Speaker, as a former teacher and principal, I understand that accountability is a two-way street. Education reform will only succeed when it is adequately funded. Our nation's schools cannot be expected to provide a top-quality education if they do not have the resources to do so. This legislation is an important first step in improving our nation's educational system, but it is not the last. Congress must continue to commit the necessary resources to make reform a success. Only then will we truly leave no child behind.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today I join with my colleagues, Rep. Kind, Rep. Sabo, and Rep. Thurman in recognition of Margaret Van der Heide and Rebecca Galuska. In the wake of September 11th, the American people have been donating at a record rate. We donate our money, our possessions, and our precious time to help fellow citizens throughout the nation. These donations are helping people rebuild their lives every day, but there is another type of donation that is desperately needed by Americans all over the country. Today, another seventeen people will be added to the growing list of those who wait for the donation of an organ. As of November 2, 2001, the United Network for Organ Sharing counted 78,802 patients on its national waiting list for organ donation. Even though 22,953 people successfully received an organ last year giving them new life, another 5,597 people on the list died before an organ became available. They died because of the critical shortage of organ donors. Transplants are now used in the treatment of over 225 diseases; this dramatically increased the number of patients added to the list in the last ten years. However, the number of donors has not increased to keep up with this demand. Due to advances in technology and medicine, people with transplants are able to lead full and healthy lives. On December 20th of this year, Margaret Van der Heide of Wisconsin will give her daughter, Rebecca Galuska of Minnesota, a new kidney and a chance to live a full and active life. Organ donation is possible for the majority of Americans. I want to encourage all of you to talk with your loved ones about organ donation and get tested to be a donor. You may be able to give the greatest gift of all this holiday season--a new chance at life.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today express my support for the Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations (CJS) conference report, an extremely important measure for this nation at this time, but I must also express my profound disappointment that a provision that was in both the House and Senate versions of the bill did not make it into the final the conference report. The CJS conference report is important for this nation because it provides a $5.6 billion for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, $3.5 billion for the FBI, and $185 million for the Advanced Technology Program, all areas that are important to meet the new challenges we face as a nation today. Other programs that are funded under this bill that I strongly support are the Violence Against Women Act and the Minority Business Development Agency. However, I feel that the provision that was stricken should have been kept in the bill. The provision simply stated: None of the funds made available in this act may be used by the Department of Justice or the Department of State to file a motion in this court opposing the civil action against any Japanese person or corporations for compensation or reparation in which the plaintiff alleges that as an American prisoner of during World War II, he or she was used as slave or forced labor. On July 18, the House voted by an overwhelming 395 to 33 margin to include language in the bill that comports with these instructions, and on September 10, the other body included identical language in their version of the bill. Clearly, it was the desire of both Houses of Congress to have this language included in the final conference report. No one can deny that our brave veterans who were prisoners of war in Japan and forced into slave labor deserve to have their day in court. They should not have to fight their own government to get a fair hearing. The conferees of this bill stated that the Administration strongly opposed this provision, and is concerned that the inclusion of such language in the bill would be detrimental to the ongoing effort that the inclusion of such language in the bill would be detrimental to the ongoing effort to enlist multilateral support for the campaign against terrorism. I am encouraged that the conferees indicated that they agree that the extraordinary suffering and injury of our former prisoners of war deserve further recognition, and acknowledge the need to address this matter.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from California for the time. I would like to associate myself with his words also. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for this motion to instruct. Before I address the reasons for my support, I would like to take a moment to thank the gentleman from California for his tireless advocacy on behalf of our men and women in our Armed Forces and our veterans. We in Congress always talk about our strong support for the men and women who currently serve and have served in our armed services, and I have no doubt in my mind that this support is genuine. The support we show our soldiers, past and present, is especially timely in light of the Veterans Day celebration we would be celebrating this weekend. The efforts of my colleague from California go well beyond most people's efforts in this regard. On the issue of justice for our prisoners of war during World War II, I am proud to be working with my good friend from California, and I thank him for his leadership on this important matter. Mr. Speaker, the instructions we give today are straightforward and are worth repeating. None of the funds made available in this act may be used by the Department of Justice or the Department of State to file a motion in this court opposing the civil action against any Japanese person or corporations for compensation or reparations in which the plaintiff alleges that as an American prisoner of war during World War II, he or she was used as slave or forced labor. On July 18, the House voted by an overwhelming 395 to 33 margin to include language in the bill that comports with these instructions, and on September 10, the other body included identical language in their version of the bill. Clearly, it is the desire of both Houses of Congress to have this language included in the final conference report. No one can deny that our brave veterans who were prisoners of war in Japan and forced into slave labor deserve to have their day in court. They should not have to fight their own government to get a fair hearing. Some of those who opposed that amendment are claiming that somehow the peace treaty with Japan will be abrogated should this amendment pass. Well, this is simply not the case. Article 26 of the treaty clearly states, and I quote, ``Should Japan make a peace settlement or war claims settlement with any state granting the state greater advantages than those provided by the present treaty, then those same advantages shall be extended to the parties to the present treaty.'' Since other countries such as Denmark, Sweden, and Spain subsequently signed peace treaties with Japan that did not attempt to preclude the rights of their citizens to sue, the rights of our own citizens to seek justice are actually preserved by the terms of the treaty. Indeed, in cases involving Holocaust survivors, the State Department has maintained the U.S. Government does not even have the authority to conclude treaties that bar losses by U.S. citizens against foreign corporations. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record a very insightful piece from the New York Times outlining the diplomatic two-step that took place giving the impression that certain rights were waived when, in fact, they were not.