Mike Honda

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose for being awarded the 2001 National Award for Museum Service, as announced in Washington DC on Monday, September 17, 2001. The Institute of Museum and Library Services, a Federal agency, annually presents the National Awards for Museum and Library Services, honoring three museums and three libraries that demonstrate extraordinary service to their communities. Recipients have innovative approaches to public programming, reaching beyond the expected levels of community outreach and traditional services. These awards are presented by the First Lady to demonstrate the level at which these institutions are enriching lives and connecting people to one another and to the world. In receiving this award, the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose joins just 21 museums in the Nation which have been bestowed this honor since its inception in 1994. The Children's Discovery Museum is the only museum in California to receive this prestigious award, clearly demonstrating San Jose's leadership in creating cultural resources that truly enrich the learning and lives of its children, families and schools. This award establishes San Jose's beloved ``purple'' museum for children as a premier institution in the Nation and as a leader in the museum and library service fields. It honors the community of San Jose, which deeply cherishes and supports the Museum's services, and inspires the dedicated and talented Museum staff to continue their work in creating bright futures for the children of San Jose.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, some Republicans falsely claim that the Ganske-Oberstar bill lacks substantive aviation security technology provisions. They are wrong. The Ganske-Oberstar bill has an entire title dedicated to improving aviation security technology. This title calls on rapidly deploying and fully utilizing viable security technologies. The title calls upon the FAA to implement technology-driven changes to our aviation security system in the short term, including the plan to deploy security-enhancing technologies such as biometrics, database integration, smart cards, and other promising new applications that are available even right now. The Ganske-Oberstar bill looks to the long-term as well, calling for new and substantial investments into FAA's R&D program. The bill doubles the budget for the FAA's Technology Center and increases spending on accelerated research and deployment of technologies for detection of non-metallic weapons and cargo screening. Let us make sure that our aviation security policy is backed up by balanced, bipartisan thinking, not posturing and rhetoric. Support the Ganske-Oberstar bill.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Jason Matthew Dahl, the pilot of United Airlines Flight 93, and a true American hero. He was doing what he loved to do when he lost his life along with thousands of others in the horrible assault on our nation that occurred on September 11. His bravery on that flight was reflective of the American spirit displayed in abundance by countless Americans that day. Jason grew up in the San Jose community, and his parents, who were the proprietors of Dahl's Dairy Delivery, used to deliver milk to Hillsdale Elementary School, where I served as principal. From his childhood years, Jason had a strong desire to fly. His passionate devotion to this endeavor was only matched during his lifetime by his devotion to his family. Jason was born the youngest of five children on November 2, 1957, in San Jose, California, and grew up on Haga Drive, in the house where his widowed mother, Mildred, still lives. He attended Hillsdale Middle School and Sylvandale Middle School, both of which I would eventually helm as principal. He first manifested his affinity for flight during his years at Sylvandale, where he started building radio-controlled airplanes, and would fly these planes with his friend, Roger. He then joined the Civil Air Patrol, and was soon taking flying lessons from Amelia Reid at Reid Hillview Airport. He was a quick study, and was flying solo by the youthful age of 16. During this early period, Jason gave his father a photograph, depicting the two of them standing in front of a Cessna, on which Jason had written: ``Maybe someday this will be a 747.'' Jason attended my alma mater, San Jose State University, from 1975 to 1980, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Operations. While at San Jose State, Jason developed close, lasting relationships with a group of classmates, fellow members of the ``Flying Twenties'' club, who cemented their friendships while pumping fuel at Reid Hillview Airport in order to earn money to rent planes and buy their own fuel. Jason supported himself during his college years working at this job, as well as by flying advertising banners, doing aerial photo surveys, and teaching private flying lessons. After graduating from college, Jason was hired by Ron Nelson Construction as a corporate pilot. A few years later, he applied to the commercial airlines, and he realized his dream when he got the call from United Airlines in June 1985. He steadily moved up the ranks at United, and when he was offered the position of flight instructor, he accepted it. Although Jason loved to fly, working at the training center allowed him to spend more time with his family. Balancing the demands of career and family is a daunting challenge, especially for a pilot, but family was greatly important to Jason. No matter how busy his flight schedule, he always made the time for his wife, Sandy, and his children, Matt and Jennifer. Captain Dahl was an emblem of the American dream. He was a committed family man and a successful pilot. His heroism on the morning of September 11, 2001, saved the lives of countless Americans in Washington, DC, and quite possibly many Members of Congress and others who work in the United States Capitol Building. Jason's mother recently told me that though she accepted his tremendous love of flying early on, she never could quell the concern any pilot's mother has for her child's safety. She said that Jason would reassure her by saying that if he ever were to experience an airborne disaster, he would be sure to go down over trees or an open field, and not over a populated area. Over the woods of western Pennsylvania on the morning of September 11, Captain Jason M. Dahl kept his word.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michele Kragan Balaban for her long and distinguished record of service to the Silicon Valley Jewish community. This Saturday, I will be joining many friends and community members to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Hillel of Silicon Valley at ``Hillel Goes to Hollywood,'' a gala which will benefit this campus organization that fosters Jewish identity and connections at eight colleges and universities in the South Bay Area. Michele, known to many as ``Mishy,'' was selected as this year's distinguished guest of honor for her many contributions to Hillel of Silicon Valley and the entire South Bay Area Jewish community. Mishy Balaban has contributed to the growth of numerous Silicon Valley Jewish organizations. She served for many years as a member of the Allocations Committee, and then as campaign chair and president of the Women's Division, of the Jewish Federation of Greater San Jose. She was also a member of the Yavneh Board of Trustees, and helped to establish Yavneh's Technology Fund. Last year, in her capacity as president of the Yavneh Parent Association, she made great strides in revitalizing that organization. Under Mishy's guidance as president of the Advisory Board of Hillel of Silicon Valley, the chapter expanded to include students at the College of San Mateo, De Anza College Evergreen College, Foothill College, San Jose City College, Santa Clara University, and West Valley College, in addition the pre-existing members at San Jose State University. This expansion also included a move to a new home, significantly increased professional and volunteer staffing levels, and affiliation with International Hillel, the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. The evolution of Hillel of Silicon Valley into a full-fledged institution of the Jewish community can be greatly attributed to the continuing dedication of Mishy Balaban. She has put her community before her own needs, and set the standard for volunteer leadership. Mishy is the recipient of the ``Exemplar of Excellence Award'' from International Hillel for her work with Hillel of Silicon Valley, which, I think everyone in the Silicon Valley Jewish community would agree, thrives today thanks in large part to the dedication, love, and energy of this impressive woman.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, what I have is going to take a little bit more than the time allotted. It is interesting in this country, in America, we talk about diversity and understanding. We also talk about inclusion rather than exclusion. This amendment is exclusionary. What the executive order does from 1964, as the gentleman had explained, was that this is fine-tuning, and people need direction. As an administrator myself, when I take a law, an administrative regulation, the right to be able to extend it even further is our prerogative. That is probably what that department did when you read that memo. That is all about service. That is about client service. We in this office, we in our jobs, we understand client service and we want to extend ourselves the best that we can. The real point of this in terms of language is comprehension. If you do not have comprehension, you are not going to be able to take medicine properly. You are not going to be able to understand things properly. As an educator, comprehensive input is key.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today I join with my colleagues, Representatives Stark, Eshoo, Farr, and Lofgren in honoring the retirement of a dedicated public servant, John Neece. John's retirement as Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Clara and San Benito Counties Building and Construction Trades Council ends 21 years of exemplary service to his community. A native of San Jose, California, John Neece attended Lowell Elementary and Roosevelt Junior High, and graduated from San Jose High in 1962. After becoming a member of the Ironworker's Apprenticeship Program, John went on to join the Santa Clara and San Benito Building and Construction Trades Council in 1979. John became the youngest Chief Executive Officer of any council in the State, as well as the youngest delegate from the State of California to the International Iron Workers. Through John Neece's visionary leadership, the Building and Construction Trades Council became the important organization that it is today: a source of strong advocacy for workers and labor. A former ironworker himself, John utilized his insight, energy and vision to become the Trades business agent. As an organizer and a leader, John has been successful in creating growth in the union movement and cooperation with other local unions and developers. His efforts made the Trades Council a crucial force within the Bay Area. However, John Neece's service has not been limited to the building and construction industry. John has participated in various community programs in Santa Clara County and volunteered his time on numerous boards throughout Silicon Valley. John is an Executive Board Member and Second Vice President of the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council, and serves on the Board of several agencies such as the Valley Medical Center Foundation and the Joint Venture Silicon Valley Board and Visioning Council. John has also served in the past on the Boards of the Red Cross Capital Campaign Committee and the Red Cross Disaster Relief Program. Mr. Speaker, John Neece leaves behind a life-long legacy of excellence and professionalism. It has been a great pleasure for my fellow Members and I to work with him, and it is an honor to be able to pay tribute to him here. John Neece has been a great friend to us all, and we wish him well.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, this is not a perfect bill, but I do take heart in the words of the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young), those of the subcommittee chair, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), and our leadership, that we will come back and address those issues. This is not a perfect bill, but after careful consideration, I have concluded that the common good must not be jeopardized in an effort for immediate perfection. Tonight we will pass this bill. Tomorrow, we will renew our work to impose stringent new security standards and provide critical Federal assistance to the many sectors and individuals left out in this bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my reluctant support for this important and time sensitive legislation. Just minutes after the tragic events of last week, the Department of Transportation acted swiftly to ground our Nation's entire commercial aviation and general aviation fleet--an unprecedented action aimed at averting any additional harm to innocent Americans. As a result of the DOT's groundstop order and limitations on service, the airlines are hemorrhaging, many teetering on the verge of insolvency after losing billions of dollars in just days. The dire state of the airlines led to this week's downward spiral of the financial markets, moving our economy closer to recession. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I quickly took up the call for expeditious congressional action to provide our ailing airline industry with a cash infusion and loan guarantees. I argued that while our airliners wait at the gate, Congress must not. Tonight, a week and a half after terrorism struck America, Congress considers a multi-billion dollar bill to aid the industry that has been most devastated. It is not a perfect bill. I am distressed that this bill fails to address the plight of over 100,000 airline employees who have or will soon be laid off. I am quite dismayed that this legislation provides no aid to the many related sectors that have been devastated by last week's attacks: the travel industry, flight academies, and aviation manufacturers. I am equally disappointed that this bill fails to introduce substantive security measures to ensure the integrity of our nation's aviation infrastructure. The Nation's airlines will continue to lose money, so long as Americans lack confidence in the security of air travel. However, after careful consideration, I have concluded that the common good must not be jeopardized in an effort for immediate perfection. Tonight, we will pass this bill. Tomorrow, we will renew our work to impose stringent new security standards and provide critical federal assistance to the many sectors and individuals left out of H.R. 2926.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues to offer my prayers to families of the victims, those that have been injured or lost, those who seek bravely to find life among the rubble. I join with my colleagues in strong support of this resolution. All four flights yesterday were bound for my home State of California. Many families in our very area are still waiting for family members and loved ones who will never return. In their memory, I am proud to stand today with all of my colleagues to inform the enemies of the United States that they may have shaken the foundations of our buildings, but they will never, they will never shake the foundation of our democracy. The unwavering strength of our democracy can be found in our people and in our beliefs and in the enduring ideal of our Republic that states ``All men are created equal.'' Mr. Speaker, many have likened yesterday's attacks to the surprise attack made upon Pearl Harbor in 1941. When I saw the many acts of bravery and compassion in the streets of New York and at the Pentagon, I firmly believe that we as Americans have lived up to the lineage of valor from that fateful day. I firmly believe that we will find those responsible, and that the fullest measure of our justice will be meted out. There is one legacy I pray that we do not embrace: the abandonment of our most cherished ideals when blinded by rage. Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher said it best last night: ``We must learn from the past to make sure that we do not repeat the injustices visited upon one ethnic group in 1941.'' I pray we bring those responsible to justice, and that we do so justly, in a manner unclouded by hatred or racial prejudice. That is the foundation of our democracy.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 2563, the so-called Bipartisan Patient Protection Act, as amended. Patient protection is common sense legislation that America needs and deserves. The original bill, as proposed, provided much needed security for the 160 million Americans who receive their health coverage through managed care. It gave healthcare consumers the same protections offered in other industries. It provided accountability, minimum standards of care, and broader access to health-care options for Americans citizens. Recently, a constituent of mine, Andrew B. Steffan of Campbell, California has had an outrageous experience, showing exactly why this important legislation is needed. This past April, Mr. Steffan experienced difficulty breathing and chest discomfort and was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. In the ambulance he was monitored by EKG and was administered oxygen to help him breath, and nitroglycerin for his chest pain. He was later diagnosed with coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure. I can only begin to imagine the fear and anxiety experienced by Mr. Steffan and his family on that day. What is even more incomprehensible are the problems faced by Mr. Steffan after his hospitalization. His insurance determined, after the fact, that he should have been transported to the hospital by ``other means'' and refused to pay, despite the fact that the attending physician at the hospital stated that he needed to be transported because he required cardiac monitoring. How can an insurance professional determine after the fact that an ambulance ride was or was not necessary? Moreover, how can a health- care provider refuse to cover basic emergency services that a normal person would consider necessary? It is bad enough when serious health problems develop. One should not have to deal with a larger problem from one's insurance company. The need for this type of legislation is inarguable. However, the Norwood Amendment, agreed to in a secret handshake deal with the President, has sabotaged any chance for real medical reform. This amendment, which takes us backward, not forward, contains numerous provisions which enable managed care providers to never face the consequences of their actions. Under the amended bill, HMOs are held to a different standard than doctors and hospitals. While HMOs would be shielded, with a limit of $1.5 million for punitive damages, doctors and hospitals would be hung out to dry. It allows insurance companies to make bad decisions and never be held accountable. Under the Norwood Amendment, the injured patient must prove that ``the delay in receiving, or failure to receive, benefits is the proximate cause of personal injury to, or death of, the participant or beneficiary.'' In any medical malpractice case--unlike a running a red light being the proximate cause of the ensuing accident--there is rarely, if ever, a single cause of the injury. The amendment overturns the good work done by states in protecting patients. Furthermore, certain cases can be removed to the federal courts, where it is much more difficult for patients to achieve justice. Yes, America's citizens need healthcare protection. But a sham, ineffective bill is not the answer. What good are patient protections if these rights cannot be effectively enforced in court? I urge my colleagues to follow the lead of the other body and pass forceful, effective, meaningful legislation.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern for the health and safety of the American Worker. Ergonomic hazards contribute to hundreds of thousands of injuries each year, we must do more to address the problem. Unfortunately, instead of dealing with this serious problem, the President with help from the majority party in the House of Representatives, took the drastic step of overturning workplace safety regulations that had been carefully studied for the past 10 years. The ergonomic rule that was overturned earlier this year protected over 100 million working women and men in this nation and covered over 6 million work sites around the country. These critically important ergonomic regulations would have prevented 4.6 million musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome and other ailments related to repetitive motion, force, awkward postures, contact stress and vibration. Now the Bush Administration, in conjunction with its Labor Department, is going through the motions, dare I say ``repetitive motions`` of having ``field hearings'' to review the effects of ergonomic related injuries. These problems have been studied for the past 10 years, how much more information does this administration need to be convinced that this is a pressing matter? I have seen recent testimony by Amy Dean, Executive Officer of the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council given at one of the Labor Department's ergonomic standard hearings. I believe this testimony illustrates the real life consequences of not protecting workers in this nation from ergonomic hazards and so I include it in the Congressional Record for the information of my colleagues. Testimony of Amy B. Dean, Executive Officer South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council, July 24, 2001 My name is Amy Beth Dean and I am the Executive Officer of the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council. The Labor Council represents more than 100,000 working families throughout Silicon Valley In this community, there are union members in every occupation. We work in manufacturing. We work in construction. We work in health care. We look after young children, We're even the people who keep this building clean. But far more important than any of those differences in the work we do, are the values we all share--values that begin with the belief that each of us has the right to a safe and healthy workplace. That's why I'm here today. A number of years ago a British journalist once wrote that, ``in politics, being ridiculous is more damaging than being extreme.'' By destroying OSHA's ergonomics standard--and then stacking these forums in favor of big business--the Bush Administration has demonstrated itself to be both. And American workers are paying for George Bush's extremism every single day. Since George Bush and the Republicans in Congress killed this safety standard, more than 500,000 workers have suffered carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries. That's one more worker every 18 seconds. What kinds of workers are we talking about? Some of them are people who work in poultry processing plants. Some work with heavy equipment. Others work in places like nursing homes and warehouses. But many of these women and men work in high technology. They're clerical and technical workers. And many are professionals. They're people like Patricia Clay. She works at the Referral Center at the Valley Medical Center. She worked for five years at a desk that was too high. She raised the issue with her supervisor, but her employer was indifferent. Eventually, she began noticing that something was wrong with her right hand. She found out it was carpal tunnel syndrome. Eventually, she lost so much strength that, after a while, she couldn't hold anything over two pounds. That meant she couldn't even pick up the baby grandson she was helping her daughter to look after. A week ago, Patricia Clark had surgery, but her doctor tells her she'll never be the same that she was before. We know from experience that, with the right equipment and practices, injuries like those suffered by Patricia can be avoided. Just ask anyone who I'm not talking about workers suffering an ache every now and then, but sometimes excruciating pain. I'm talking about the kind of pain that keeps you from leading a normal life. Well, those workers at the Mercury News were lucky. At that time, thanks to the effort of the San Jose Newspaper Guild-- and the cooperation of the Mercury News--changes were made. The paper began investing in the kind of equipment computer users need. And guess what? By 1998 repetitive strain injuries declined by 49%! But, the fact is, not every worker has an employer who wants to do the right thing. The fact is that far too many employers still believe they don't have an obligation to provide safe and healthy working conditions. Employers who would rather see workers wear wrist splints or undergo physical therapy, or even suffer through surgery than invest in computer keyboards that are safe to use. It's the women and men working for those kinds of employers who need this ergonomic standard most of all. And those are the very people George Bush chose to betray. I know that three questions are being asked of those participating in these forums. You've asked what is an ergonomics injury. You've asked how OSHA can determine whether an ergonomics injury was caused by work. And you've asked what the most useful and cost effective government measures are to address ergonomic injuries. It seems to me that if the Department of Labor reviewed the 10 years of research and expert testimony it compiled to draft the ergonomics standard it could find the answer to those and many other questions. Instead, I have a fourth question I would like to ask this Administration. When a young newspaper reporter's hands are numb after hours of typing at an obsolete keyboard, who is going to help her to drive her car? When a baby cries out in the middle of the night and the pain in her mother's arms and hands is so severe from working at an obsolete keyboard that she can't reach down to lift that child from her crib and that young mother is left standing there with her heart breaking, who will be there to comfort her baby? Will it be the company she works for? Will it be Secretary Chao? Or will it be George W. Bush? I have no further comments.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this Senate bill 468, a bill to designate the Federal building located at 6230 Van Nuys Boulevard in Van Nuys, California, as the James C. Corman Federal Building. In February, 2001, the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) introduced similar legislation, H.R. 621, in the House. Congressman Jim Corman represented the 21st Congressional District in California for 20 years, from 1961 until 1981, years which saw the Vietnam War, urban riots, Watergate, and the first manned flight to the moon. Jim Corman was born on October 20, 1920, in Galena, Kansas, and in 1933, after his father died, he and his mother moved to the Los Angeles area. During World War II, Mr. Corman served in the Marines. After the war, he worked his way through UCLA and the University of Southern California law school. He began his public career in 1957, when he was elected to serve in the Los Angeles City Council, and in 1961, he was elected to Congress and was named to the Committee on the Judiciary. In addition, he served on the House Committee on Ways and Means. President Johnson named Congressman Corman as one of the 10 people named by the President to the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders. It was informally known as the Kerner Commission. During his tenure on the commission, he was optimistic about finding the causes and developing solutions for racism in America. In 1978, he became President Johnson's point man for welfare reform. Having suffered the indignities and trappings of poverty as he was growing up, Mr. Corman displayed a particular energy and devotion to solving welfare problems. During his 20 years of service, his concern for senior citizens and the poorest members of our society became his trademark and part of his legacy. Jim Corman saw the fruition of his efforts in the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which he considered the greatest accomplishment of his political career. Jim was well-liked. He was a hard worker and a first-rate legislator. It is fitting and proper to honor Congressman James Corman with this designation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I just want to enter into the Congressional Record my thanks for the leadership of the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). The reason I rise on this issue, Madam Speaker, is because just this past week I was visited by a constituent who is a Russian immigrant. He came to this country as a refugee. He was trying to reunite his family, his adult son and his family, and it turns out that he had a change of categories in Russia. Because of that, he lost his standing as a refugee and became an immigrant applicant. That made him go to the end of the line. The reason the father came to me is because he exhausted all his administrative remedy and all he had left was hope, the hope that he may live long enough that his son may be with him in this country as a legal immigrant. But then he would have to wait 4 to 6 years. He is an elderly person. He asked me if there was any way to change this ruling so that he would be allowed to see his son who has been in Russia for all these years. I had no answer for him because the rules are the rules. He wanted to follow them, but he wonders if there is a way we could shorten that. This bill may not give him much hope in the sense that he may not live long enough, but it will give him hope that his son may enter into this country under his petition currently, and that if he does pass away, he will at least have the satisfaction that his petition will remain current. So to that end, I rise to support this with all my emotion, all my support, for this family who face this possibility, and I have seen this, but with the hope that the family will ultimately be reunified. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert) for this bill.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Elio Rodoni, who has been named Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau's 2001 Farmer of the Year. Mr. Rodoni, is the son of Andreina and the late Dante Rodoni, and the younger brother of Mario Rodoni. Mr. Rodoni's sister Jeanne passed away two years ago. Mr. Elio Rodoni celebrates this great honor with his many friends, colleagues, and family. Mr. Rodoni and his wife Joy have three children, Catherine, Stephen, and Robert. Both of Mr. Rodoni's sons farm in the Watsonville and Moss Landing areas. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to honor Mr. Rodoni, who has been a member of the Farm Bureau for over 35 years. Mr. Rodoni grew up on a Brussel sprout farm on the coast just north of Santa Cruz, in the 15th Congressional District. He always helped on the farm, and knew early on that he wanted to be a farmer. The skills that Mr. Rodoni developed as a child, combined with the knowledge he gained from his involvement with Future Farmers of America while he was a student at Santa Cruz High School, led the way to Mr. Rodoni's successful career as a farmer. Mr. Rodoni, who began working fulltime as a farmer immediately after graduating from high school, purchased an interest in a Brussel sprout farm in 1960. He later ran this farm with the help of his partners, brother Mario and his late sister's husband Mac Morelli. Mr. Rodoni has served as a dedicated and innovative member of the Santa Cruz County Community, and the entire farming community. As a member of the Future Farmers of America, he helped with displays at county fairs, served as a delegate to the California State Convention, and was chapter president during his senior year at Santa Cruz High School. For most of his life, Mr. Rodoni has dedicated his time and energy to his farms. He was one of the first farmers to utilize mechanical harvesting, and has always understood the importance of diversity in his crops. He is a hardworking farmer, and knowledgeable businessman. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to the Mr. Elio Rodoni for his contributions to the farming community and the 15th Congressional District. I commend and congratulate him on this important occasion.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a commemoration of the acknowledgment by African slaves in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, of their newfound freedom. It is also a celebration of the opportunity for African Americans to be free to express self-improvement and to gain more knowledge. This freedom was granted to all those in the United States of African decent by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Unfortunately, in some parts of the country, news of the Proclamation did not reach people in a timely manner. In fact, it took two years to get word out to African slaves in Texas that their freedom had been granted. Although word was given to the slaves late, we must remember that it is never too late to join the effort to fight against racism around the world. Some in this nation may not want to recall the atrocities of our past, however, we must not forget our history. While this nation has a great legacy to be proud of, we must also remember the mistakes of our past and learn from them. Today, we cannot act as if nothing is wrong when negative assumptions are made about an individual because of the color of his or her skin. The question that still remains is how do we move forward. A few months from now, South Africa will play host to what will be the third World Conference Against Racism. This event is scheduled to take place in Durban, South Africa August 31st to September 7th 2001. As a nation, our participation in this conference is vital. As citizens of the United States of America, we all want to see our country moving forward stronger than ever. By supporting this conference, we can make an effort to moving this country, as well as the world in the right direction. I believe strongly that this day, June 19th is not only a celebration for African Americans, but also a celebration for our country as a whole. It represents all of the hardships that African Americans had to go through in helping construct this country and finally getting freedom and respect for the hardships they endured. As a citizen of this great country, I feel that it is America's duty to come together in showing respect to our fellow Americans on this day.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the University of Santa Clara. The University of Santa Clara became California's first institution of higher learning in 1851 and is celebrating its Sesquicentennial Year in 2000-2001, on the same campus it has occupied continuously since its founding. This campus is home to the beautiful Mission Santa Clara. The University of Santa Clara excels in meeting its goal of educating women and men of competence, conscience, and compassion. The more than 55,000 alumni of Santa Clara University are leaders in business, industry, government, the spiritual community, education, the arts, athletic endeavors and civic life throughout the United States. The University of Santa Clara began its graduate division in 1912 and today provides highly respected graduate programs in Law, Business, Counseling Psychology, Education, Pastoral Ministries, and Engineering. The University of Santa Clara opens its doors to the community twelve months a year with special programs, exhibits, and events that inform and entertain visitors to the campus. Outstanding leaders of Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, and the world are regularly welcomed to visit the University and share their experiences and insights. The campus community of the University of Santa Clara includes many individuals who serve on community and church boards. These community members also dedicate hours of volunteer time to homeless shelters, elementary and secondary schools, to those who seek justice; in short, they participate fully with the broader community. In California, a state that leads the nation in accepting immigrants from around the world, the University of Santa Clara continues to be committed to preserving ethnic and cultural diversity on its campus. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to the University of Santa Clara on its Sesquicentennial Anniversary, and I commend and congratulate the University on this important occasion.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, in light of the fact that this Sunday is Father's Day, I would like to share with you a letter sent to me by the stepson of a dear friend of mine. I believe it captures the essence of this important holiday for Dads, like myself, all around the country. Dear Mr. Honda: While my name may not be familiar to many in Washington, D.C., I'm sure that the name of my stepfather will--Norm Mineta. This past year has been an amazing journey for my family-- and for my family, that's really saying something. My stepfather's life reads like a story one would learn about in a history book or a novel. At the age of twelve, he was taken from his house and detained in an internment camp along with 120,000 others in this nation who happened to be of Japanese ancestry. After the Second World War ended, he and his family returned to San Jose and he attended and graduated from the University of California Berkley. Later, during the Korean War, he joined the Army where he served as an intelligence officer. After his military service he worked in the family business at the Mineta insurance company until once more he answered the call to public service. Norm served in the San Jose City Council, as the Mayor of San Jose, and 21 years as the Representative for the 15th Congressional District of California. After he left the Congress, he worked for Lockheed Martin as senior vice president for almost five years until President Clinton tapped him for the position of Commerce Secretary. After the 2000 election, President Bush chose him to serve America once more as the Transportation Secretary. Norm's list of firsts is beyond impressive--it's amazing. He was the first American of Japanese descent to serve as a Mayor of a major city in the continental United States. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, he was the first Asian Pacific American to serve as Chairman of a full Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives (Chairman of the transportation committee). He was also the first Asian Pacific American to serve on any President's Cabinet, and the first Cabinet member to serve in successive administrations for two different political parties. And this only scratches the surface. You could fill volumes with all of my stepfather's achievements. In fact, someday, I'm certain they will. But there is a deeper reason why I am writing this letter. As I witnessed all of the events taking place in my family's life over the past year, and I read all of the articles and stories about my step dad's life, and I heard all of the speeches, I noticed that something was missing-- the most important something. Who Norman Y. Mineta really is, not just what he has done in public life. Norm is one of the kindest, most decent man I have ever been privileged to know. As a Member of Congress, Norm would go to events at the White House, as other important people did. He would stand in the receiving line to meet the President and when his time would come he would shake the President's hand saying, ``Hello Mr. President. I'm Norm Mineta from California.'' To which every President would respond, ``Norm, I know who you are.'' Later he would say to my mom, with wonder in his eyes. ``The President said he knows who I am!'' Norm Mineta is a man who puts family above all else. His biography in ``Who's Who in America'' does not describe how he canceled all of his plans the day my family's dog, Tribble, died. His resume does not reflect the pride he felt when my stepbrother, Dave Mineta, was elected to the school board of Pacifica, California. Nor do the official records of the Congress contain the fact that he cried when Dave asked his father to swear him into his new position on the school board. Norm was so excited when my brother Mark and his wife called home to tell the news that they were pregnant with their first child. As a father, he took as much pride in the fact that in my stepbrother, Stu Mineta, was hired at a regional airline as a pilot as he did in his own appointment to the Cabinet. After coming home from a long day at the office, Norm would always takes times, and considerable joy, in playing with his two dogs. Norm has been known to fall asleep whenever the family comes together to watch a movie. Watching a movie on video with Norm often involves constantly prodding him to make sure he is still awake. Often times he will fall asleep, but deny this to us when we call him on it. Norm has been a wonderful husband to my mother in more ways than I could ever begin to describe. He refers to my mother as ``honey'' and ``dear'' in public, but in private, he calls her ``pal,'' and that is what they truly are--the best of friends. My life with Norm has been a wonderful blessing. Life doesn't always happen the way you plan and sometimes people get divorced. Such was the case with my mother and father. And to this day, I love my father very much. I have been blessed twice, for God brought into my life Norman Mineta. A man whom history will remember much longer than it will remember most of us. I am also very fortunate because Norm is a man that I will remember is ways that the history books will never be able to capture. Our nation will remember Norm as many great things, veteran, Mayor, Congressional leader, two-time Cabinet Secretary, but the greatest of these titles and accolades to me, will always be ``Dad.'' Sincerely, Bob Branter.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 148 and 149, I was unavoidably detained, as I was the keynote speaker at my daughter's graduation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay'' on both votes.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Hoeffel Amendment because I believe that in order for schools to perform at 21st century levels, we must provide them with 21st century technology and training. Our teachers and administrators must be better trained if we are to maximize the use of computers and the Internet in schools. The Hoeffel Amendment will ensure that while classroom teachers seek out advanced technology training that their districts will support them. This amendment truly reflects our willingness to put our money where our mouth is. This amendment says we support our teachers. Through my experience as a high school teacher and principal, I know that high achievement is dependent upon the learning environment. That means up-to-date, safe buildings, high quality teachers, and goods tools to promote learning. We need to work with teachers and high tech businesses to integrate technology into classroom curriculum. We also need to encourage high tech businesses to lend their employees to our schools in order to ensure the most up-to-date technology skills. I urge my colleagues to support the Hoeffel Amendment.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brandon Silveria, a courageous young man committed to fighting underage drinking and drunk driving. Over the last seven years, many of my fellow Members have had the opportunity to meet and introduce Brandon to students in our districts. After consuming a few drinks at a high school party and then driving his friends home, Brandon fell asleep and crashed head-on into a tree. With his family at his side, Brandon spent three long months in a coma. To this day, Brandon faces daily difficulties--recurring and persistent seizures and noticeable speech and walking limitations. Despite these difficulties, Brandon made a commitment to apply his experience to the lives of high school students throughout the United States. He recalls his personal story to others urging them to make the right choice about underage drinking. Through a partnership with The Century Council, a national non-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking and funded by America's leading distillers, Brandon and his father, Tony Silveria, travel to high schools across the country to educate students about the life consequences of underage drinking and driving. May is National Prom and Graduation month. Appropriately enough, this month Brandon will speak to his one millionth student at his hometown high school in Los Gatos, California. Brandon is a special young man with an important mission to our next generation of leaders. Brandon and The Century Council are to be commended for their efforts.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness and express my concern over the serious situation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On April 11th while students at University College of Addis Ababa were peacefully protesting the fact that the government had disbanded the student council and closed the student newspaper, federal security police were sent in to crack down on the protests. In the wake of this crackdown over 50 students were seriously injured. Amnesty International reported that ``over 40 students required hospital treatment from head wounds or fractures'' and two students were killed. The crackdown continued through April 17th and there have been reports of more than 41 people, including university and secondary school students, being killed during this period. Since April 17th, Human Rights Watch reported, ``Students were dragged out of local churches and mosques, where they had sought refuge, and taken into detention [and] more than two thousand students were detained during these raids.'' The use of unprovoked and heavy violence inflicted by the federal police, who were armed with live ammunition, against peaceful student demonstrators and the public must not continue. I am also extremely concerned about the recent arrests of key Ethiopian human rights workers such as Dr. Mesfin Wolde-Mariam and Dr. Berhanu Nega for allegedly inciting students to protest. To my knowledge, formal charges have not been filed and these men's whereabouts are not known. These men should be accorded due process of the legal system and be provided adequate medical care if needed and they should be released if no charges are filed against them. I will be watching the events in Addis Ababa closely. I put those who would continue to harm innocent students and human rights advocates on notice that they are being monitored.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today is a significant day for American families. On one hand, it represents injustice, marking the amount of time required for a women to earn the same pay as a man: an additional three months into the next year. On the other hand, this day marks the continuation of an ongoing struggle, the battle for an American ideal: Equality. Today, I stand in support of working women and the American family. Today, I stand in support of equal pay for equal work. On Equal Pay Day, we are reminded of the facts in the contemporary American workplace: The average working woman working full time earns about 76 cents for each dollar earned by the average man; The median wages of female college graduates fall behind those of male college graduates by $14,665; This pay disparity applies for all age groups. For example, women ages 35-44 earned about 72 cents per dollar and women ages 45-54 earned about 70 cents per dollar, compared to men. The inequality in pay is not just morally wrong; it renders real harm on American families and our national economy. This gender wage gap means $4,000 less per American family and over $200 billion less in the American economy. We need to act now, and that is why I support H.R. 781, ``The Paycheck Fairness Act,'' authored by my distinguished colleague, the distinguished gentle lady from Connecticut, Rosa DeLauro. This bill creates stronger enforcement, greater measurement, and better incentives against discrimination in wages based on gender. These are the facts, and they challenge our national integrity. They challenge our commitment to equal rights and equal treatment. They challenge us to action. The majority of Americans support equal pay for equal work. It is time for Congress and the President to finally hold our nation accountable to the promise and ideals embedded in our Constitution.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I will make a very quick point. For the past few days, we have been talking about education and budget and monies. The Democratic plan is a much better plan. We provide much more monies to support education. Just a while ago it was said that before we give more money, we should have accountability, and that that is why the Republican plan is providing less money than the Democratic Party. But I have to tell my colleagues one thing about accountability. Public Law 94-142, which is a special ed bill, has mandated our local school districts to provide special education. Now, we said that we would support it by 40 percent of the cost of special education, yet over the years we have not supported special education to the local public schools at 40 percent. It is somewhere between 13 and 15 percent. If we were to support public education to 40 percent, say over the next 10 years, what that does, and we do not speak about this, we do not speak about its impact at the local level, it will release the local general fund monies that have been allocated for special ed; support that. We could free that money up, have the local school districts provide the education, further the education at the local level. We believe in local control. We believe in local direction of curriculum instruction, and yet we are not providing and not doing the very thing that we want everybody else to do, and that is to fulfill our promises. Accountability is a two-way street. We mandate. We should support it with our funds that we said we would, and that way the local districts will not be burdened with the mandates that we give them and therefore they can use more of the local monies for the local educational projects that they have for their own kids. We have to go all the way to support special ed at its full 40 percent. Accountability, again, is a two-way street.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to come to the House floor to speak about legislation I introduced last week, the National Education Technology Corps Act of 2001, or better known as NET Corps. As a former science teacher, principal and school board member, I am extraordinarily pleased that Congress is becoming more engaged in the plight of our schools. Much of the discussion centers on how the Federal Government can be more creative and how we can meet the needs of our schools. I agree that we do need to be more creative, and I am confident that the Net Corps Act is as intelligent and innovative as the backers, the high-tech industry, educators, and nonprofits. Representatives from each of these sectors recently attended a press conference in San Jose where they voiced their support for this bill and efforts to improve our education system. I crafted this bill in the spirit of the Peace Corps and Americorps, programs that are based on the premise that American citizens of all backgrounds have something constructive to offer underfunded and underserved communities. It is a shame that in America we must classify our schools as underfunded. As a member of the Committee on the Budget, I argue that it is a sad statement about our national values when our schools cannot offer our children the tools that will prepare them for the information economy. I often talk about accountability. No, not just teacher accountability, but also about holding our political institutions accountable for inadequately serving our schools. I am discouraged by the Republican budgetary earmarks for education. The vote today only reinforces how necessary it is for advocates of schools to be creative. NET Corps is creative and it is smart. The NET Corps program, an expansion of the Corporation for National Service, will recruit high- tech savvy volunteers from academic institutions and high-tech companies. I am particularly excited by the inclusion of the high-tech companies in the NET Corps. The reality is that many high-tech companies already have organized programs and efforts to help our schools. Companies like 3Com and Silicon Graphics, Intel and Hewlett-Packard come immediately to mind. NET Corps rewards these companies for their efforts by providing them a 20 percent tax credit on the time their employees have spent in schools working directly with teachers and school administrators. But NET Corps is not about rewarding companies who are already active; it is about enticing engaged companies to lend their employees to help our children. High-tech companies are receptive to this legislation because they understand that the future of America's IT economy rests on their ability to attract qualified workers. I am pleased to be joined in my effort by my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn). The gentleman from California (Mr. Horn), as a former president of the California State University at Long Beach, understands the great challenges our schools and children face, and he recognizes that NET Corps better prepares teachers to address these challenges. I am proud to have him as a cosponsor, and I look forward to working with him to pass this important legislation. Finally, let me say that since introducing this legislation, I have been contacted by countless high-tech employees, teachers, and parents who support this legislation. They are part of what I call the NET Corps movement. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in this movement. Our children's futures depend upon it.

Mr. HONDA

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, it was once conventional wisdom that if you merely put computers in classrooms, the quality of our children's education would dramatically improve. No doubt, our schools are better because of the presence of computers, but we have learned that our teachers and administrators must be better trained and assisted if we are to maximize the use of computers and the Internet in schools. Today, I will introduce legislation that expands the Corporation for National Service by creating a National Education Technology (NET) Corps that works with our school teachers and administrators to integrate technology into classroom curriculum. NET Corps will work to improve the quality of classroom education for our children by coupling the specific needs of our school systems with the energy and intellect of some of the brightest people in our academic institutions and high tech industry. In addition to recruiting students from America's universities, the federal government will encourage high tech businesses to lend their employees to the NET Corps program--on a part-time or full-time basis-- by offering these corporations a tax credit. Already, my proposal has drawn strong support from Silicon Valley executives, teachers and the non-profit community who recognizes that career opportunities for the next generation of Americans will increasingly come from our fast-paced, knowledge economy. Over two- thirds of economic growth stems from technological innovation--our students must be empowered with high tech skills so they can navigate, adapt and succeed in the Internet economy. As a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador in the 1960s, I believe that NET Corps is an excellent model. I understand the positive impact that direct service programs have in our communities and the lives of volunteers. The NET Corps programs will afford opportunities to our professional men and women to make contributions to our schools and our children. As a former high school teacher and a Member of this body representing Silicon Valley, I'm proud to introduce legislation that will foster a cooperative working relationship between schoolteachers and high-tech savvy volunteers to improve the quality of our children's education.