Zoe Lofgren

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remaining winners of the first annual Cesar Chavez writing contest held by the East Side Union High School district in San Jose, CA. I had the great privilege of attending the award ceremony honoring the student winners on March 31, 1995, and would like to continue sharing the essays and poems written by the student award winners with my colleagues. On April 4, 1995, I began by sharing the essays and poems of the Grand Prize Winners and three of the First Place Winners. On April 6, 1995, I shared the five remaining First Prize entries, and the first three of eight Second Place winning entries. Today, I will share the remaining five essays and poems of the Second Place Winners. The Second Prize winning essays and poems of Marie Aloy of Mount Pleasant High School, Mark Papellero of W.C. Overfelt High School, Raymond Ramirez of Piedmont Hills High School, Ester Martinez Estrada of Santa Teresa High School, and Anthonette Pena of Silver Creek High School follow: Untitled It was all very irrelevant to me. I'm not a farmer. I didn't live during the Great Depression or the years following. I don't grow fruit or pick it for that matter, and I'm not even of Hispanic descent. The dates and strikes and marches are just another group of history facts that I am asked to know and memorize for one reason or another. So far my life and the life and accomplishments of Cesar Chavez have no relation or commonality to bind him to my memory--except for one thing. Something that I value greatly, that earns my genuine respect and admiration, I found hidden in a comment made about the great and greatly known Cesar Chavez. Actually it was his nephew Rudy Chavez Medina who inadvertently helped me find my way to relate to Cesar Chavez. Rudy came and spoke to us a few days ago about his famous uncle and mentioned offhandedly that his uncle Cesar was never afraid to ask for help. He was not the type to put himself on a pedestal for everyone to worship. When a goal was achieved he didn't credit it to his magnificent leadership. He praised everyone involved, and humbly made himself equal to every individual in the crowd. In a position of such great power I am amazed and in awe that this man could remain so wonderfully humble. The ``equality'' of the man staggered me. He had opportunities, as all celebrated leaders do, to leap from poverty into a more comfortable life. But I'm sure he knew that that separation between his life and the lives of the farmers and laborers he inspired would lessen his effectiveness as a leader. So he sacrificed his own comfort for the welfare of the organization, for the thousands who needed his guidance. They say he is comparable to Gandhi and took his passive resistance techniques from Martin Luther King, Jr. as well. He never put peoples' lives in danger. He wanted only a better world and envisioned achieving that new existence in a peaceful manner. No riots or destruction, only marches and calm demonstrations. Usually human nature turns people to the dark side of things. It is uplifting to learn about someone who wanted only to help and made sure that he didn't hurt anyone in the process. No facts or figures, just feelings. That is what binds us together and that is what creates a bond in my mind and heart. I never really knew who he was, and the bits and pieces I had grasped had little to do with my life. Now I know who he was and what he did. I know that he was humble to the core and self-sacrificing in all that he did and a truly great man.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remaining winners of the first annual Cesar Chavez writing contest held by the East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA. I had the great privilege of attending the award ceremony honoring the student winners on March 31, 1995, and would like to continue sharing the essays and poems written by the student award winners with my colleagues. On April 4, 1994 I began by sharing the essays and poems of the grand prize winners and three of the first place winners. Yesterday, I shared the five remaining first prize entries, and the first three of eight second place winning entries. Today, I will share the remaining five essays and poems of the second place winners. The second prize winning essays and poems of Marie Aloy of Mount Pleasant High School, Mark Papellero of W.C. Overfelt High School, Raymond Ramirez of Piedmont Hills High School, Ester Martinez Estrada of Santa Teresa High School, and Anthonette Pena of Silver Creek High School follow: Untitled (By Marie Aloy, Mount Pleasant High School) It was all very irrelevant to me. I'm not a farmer. I didn't live during the Great Depression or the years following. I don't grow fruit or pick it for that matter, and I'm not even of Hispanic descent. The dates and strikes and marches are just another group of history facts that I am asked to know and memorize for one reason or another. So far my life and the life and accomplishments of Cesar Chavez have no relation or commonality to bind him to my memory . . . except for one thing. Something that I value greatly, that earns my genuine respect and admiration, I found hidden in a comment made about the great and greatly known Cesar Chavez. Actually it was his nephew Rudy Chavez Medina who inadvertently helped me find my way to relate to Cesar Chavez. Rudy came and spoke to us a few days ago about his famous uncle and mentioned offhandedly that his uncle Cesar was never afraid to ask for help. He was not the type to put himself on a pedestal for everyone to worship. When a goal was achieved he didn't credit it to his magnificent leadership. He praised everyone involved, and humbly made himself equal to every individual in the crowd. In a position of such great power I am amazed and in awe that this man could remain so wonderfully humble. The ``equality'' of the man staggered me. He had opportunities, as all celebrated leaders do, to leap from poverty into a more comfortable life. But I'm sure he knew that that separation between his life and the lives of the farmers and laborers he inspired would lessen his effectiveness as a leader. So he sacrificed his own comfort for the welfare of the organization, for the thousands who needed his guidance. They say he is comparable to Gandhi and took his passive resistance techniques from Martin Luther King, Jr. as well. He never put peoples' lives in danger. He wanted only a better world and envisioned achieving that new existence in a peaceful manner. No riots or destruction, only marches and calm demonstrations. Usually human nature turns people to the dark side of things. It is uplifting to learn about someone who wanted only to help and made sure that he didn't hurt anyone in the process. No facts or figures, just feelings. That is what binds us together and that is what creates a bond in my mind and heart. I never really knew who he was, and the bits and pieces I had grasped had little to do with my life. Now I know who he was and what he did. I know that he was humble to the core and self-sacrificing in all that he did and a truly great man. The Lives of Workers (By Mark Papellero, W.C. Overfelt High School) 4:00 am Wake up! Time for work! Here's a piece of bread and tiny glass of powder milk. Now go or you'll be late! 5:00 am Plow. Have to work hard. Plow. Need to support the family. Plow. Need to survive. Plow. Simple. 6:00 am The sun rises. Plow. Plant. Need clean water. Plow. Plant. Pesticides in my lungs. Plow. Plant. Tired. 7:00 am The sun grows warm. Plow. Plant. Lift. Need to rest. Plow. Plant. Lift. Pesticide grows strong. Plow. Plant. Lift. Sweat. 8:00 am The sun is warmer. The grower comes. He demands. He orders. He pushes. He is mad. He gets his way. 9:00 am The sun gets hot. Plow. Plant. Lift. Carry. The work is too much. Plow. Plant. Lift. Carry. I am the pesticide. Plow. Plant. Lift. Carry. The condition needs to change. Plow. Plant. Lift. Carry. Sweat and Ache. This treatment has to stop. We have to overcome. Plow. Plant. Lift. Carry. Six more hours left.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize more of the winners of the first annual Cesar Chavez writing contest held by the East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA. I had the great privilege of attending the award ceremony honoring the student winners on March 31, 1995, and would like to continue sharing the essays and poems written by the student award winners with my colleagues. On April 4, 1995, I began by sharing the essays and poems of the grand prize winners and three of the first place winners, and today I will share the five remaining first prize entries, and the first three of eight second place winning entries. On April 6, 1995, I shared the remaining five essays and poems of the second place winners. The first prize winning essays and poems of Lisette Munoz of W.C. Overfelt High School, Ahmed Desai of Piedmont Hills High School, Brenda Reyes of Silver Creek High School and Eulala Reynolds of Yerba Buena High School follow: Cesar Chavez (By Lisette Munoz of W.C. Overfelt High School) To some he was a hero but he only saw himself as a man. A man I believe put on this earth to help the disadvantage. His struggle was not easy for he faced much prejudice. An acquire prejudice brought upon be ignorance. His people, he saw hunched over in the fields, sweat upon their brows, pain in their backs, hands blistered and skin darkened from the sun. All eyes were wide open, everyone looked around but no one took stand. Cesar Chavez felt something in his gut this was `El Movimiento.' He stood amid the mist of the pesticides and began to walk, and surprisingly, the people followed. He then knew that all the people needed was a leader who was dedicated to his cause. He fasted so that people would listen. He pointed out the forgotten ones. Babies deformed by the hands and inventions of man. He did what he needed to go change would come about. He did all this but his body couldn't withstand the battle. He entered the souls of all of his followers, and his spirit became the agila on our flag, soaring to continue the unfinished struggle. Dedicated to a Dedicator (By Ahmed Desai of Piedmont Hills) In a modern world dominated by models who are athletic superstars, rarely is society given the gift of a true hero. The late Cesar Estrada Chavez was and continues to be such a unique individual who deserves the title of ``genuine model.'' Chavez is an inspiration to many, and a teacher to all. There is much that he stood for, and even more that today's youth can learn from him. A servant not to his own wants and desires, but rather to those of his community, Cesar Chavez reminds the young to put the needs of others before one's own. He utilized the tactics of civil disobedience and peaceful protests only to bring about change for the better and for society, and not for his personal gains or rewards. Armed with a strong dedication, yet a descendant of a poor background and a minority ethnic group, Chavez proved that anyone, anywhere, with perseverance, can succeed and make a difference. Withstanding and conquering numerous obstacles, he neither gave up nor lost hope. He worked long and hard, rested little, and made nothing come between him and his goal. As a result of years of continuous struggles, Cesar Chavez achieved his goal and gained rights for farm laborers. Youths of today can see themselves in Chavez, as they prepare their future aspirations and discover ways to accomplish them. As a model, Cesar Chavez teaches youngsters that the best and only method for success is through dedication and persistence. Cesar Chavez lives on as a leader to whom teens can relate and look up. He was human and knew his strengths and limits. He did not only talk about ideas, but took charge and did things to make them a reality. Chavez, even with his short stay on earth, proved that a lot can be done in and with so little. Moreover, he made the most of what he had and did not ask for more than what he felt was deserved. The lifestyle that he led includes many lessons that can be beneficial to today's new generation. Let us reflect the past actions of Cesar Estrada Chavez, a great humanitarian. Feliz Cumpleanos, senor Chavez. Battle (By Maria Gonzalez of Santa Teresa High School) He fought for what was right, It didn't matter if it was Day or night. He fought for our race, And battled face to face With the dangers we find When we are the alien race. Latino, Hispanic, Chicano Some of the names he was called. Proud to be who he was, And what he stood for, Equality. He was a leader urging us to Fight. A leader explaining our right's. Our right's as people Our right's for freedom Our right to come to this Country, fight the odds, and Win. ``Who Is He?'' (By Brenda Reyes of Silver Creek High School) The fields were his life. Los files eran su vida. The crops in the fields were his life. Las cosechas que crecian en los files, eran su vida. The people picking the crops in the fields, were his life. La gente que cortaba la cosecha en los files, eran su vida. The pesticides that fell upon the people, became his enemy. Los insecticidas que caian sobre la gente en los files, se convirtieron en su enemigo. They became his concern. Ellos se hicieron su preocupacion. His struggle. Su batalla. His fight. Su pelea. But no one cared. Pero a nadie le importo. ``I will make a difference'' he said. El dijo, ``Yo hare la diferencia.'' ``I will bring justice'' he said. El dijo, ``Yo traire justicia.'' ``Something will be done!'' El dijo. But no one listened. Pero nadien escucho. ``No grapes'' he yells. ``Uvas no'' El grita. ``Who is he mommy?'' a little girl asked. ``Quien es el mami?'' una nina pregunto. ``I do not know'' the mom answers. ``No lo se'' contesto la madre. ``One day I will be like him, mommy.'' the girl said. ``Un dia sere como el mami.'' dijo la nina. ``I will fight for what I believe, and I will be a leader.'' ``Yo peleare por mis creancias y sere una lider.'' ``Many will believe in me, and I will believe in myself too.'' ``Muchos creran en mi, y yo crere en mi misma tambien.'' ``Crowds will come to listen to my words of wisdom, and there will be those that will want to stop me.'' ``Grupos bendran a oir mis palabras de sabiduria y habran unos que quedran interponer.'' ``But no one will suceed.'' ``Pero nadie lo hara possible.'' ``I will organize may own march's, and those who believe in me will follow.'' ``Yo organisare mis propias marchas, y esos que crean en mi, me seguiran.'' ``The sore blistered feet will be my reward.'' ``Los pies mayugados y ampollados, seran mi rcompensa.'' ``I will have hunger strikes, as he.'' ``Yo trende guelgas de hambre, como el.'' reward.'' ``Y los grunidos de mi estomago, seran mi recompensa.'' ``I can't wait to grow up mommy.'' ``No pudo esperar para crecer mami.'' ``I want to be just like Cesar Chavez.'' ``Quiero ser igualita que Cesar Chavez.'' ``It can be done, huh mommy?'' ``Si se puede, eh mami?'' ``Yes honey, it can be done.'' The mom smiles. ``Si mija, si se puede.'' La mama sonrie. Cesar Chavez (By Eulala Reynolds of Yerba Buena High School) Raw, callous, sun, rain Eternal work, labor, pain Grief, hurt, no reward Living land a sharpened sword Struggle, family, one thing clear Survival, essential, defeat near Uprooted and adrift behold! For this an endless story told! What one voice and truth is heard? A man with whom a piercing word? Loud for absorbed by truckloads of women and men Who fight for justice again, again The power of nonviolence but yet a war Lead by him to soothe the wound The wound an open cut, a pool desolate, defeat, doom The union ``La Causa'' it's birth not a breech Gallo wine, grapes, lettuce beseech For had ``La Causa''slowly climbed its way The picket march exist today Child labor put to ends By well pronounced fighting friends Cesar Chavez stood brave, tall His lifelong dream, ``live for the cause'' For now over is the war Still the wound remains, the scar. The second prize winning essays and poems of Lauren Droira of Andrew Hill High School, Eva Zuniga of Independence High School and Troy Arevalo of James Lick High School follow: Cesar Chavez's Testimony to Modern Society (By Lauren Droira of Andrew Hill High School) A splendorous eagle soars through the boundless skies above on a quest to grasp the seemingly unattainable star. Off in the horizon a muffled road: Come accompany us in accomplishing such a dream which appears so far. Ferocious winds encompass the creature, though it valiantly persists onward, an astonishing feature. Cesar Chavez: a dauntless, intrepid warrior; One who strived throughout his entire existence to eradicate the actual barrier. Racism? Latino farmers impetuously toil throughout the day, Hoping to be paid by the sun's final ray. Injustice? Living conditions were quite squalor, Personal wages as meager enough to leave a child's stomach hollow. Such reasons fed the brewing red fire of desecration; Protests, tumults, riots were born Mr. Chavez as the chieftain. ``SOCIAL JUSTICE!'' exclaimed the impoverished multitude, And the truth was revealed bare and crude. Now this great moment in time, Has influenced the viewpoints of society's mind. One can rationalize that such minorities stand beneath the human category, if you will, Regardless of their customs, ethnic backgrounds, or skill. Regressing to the era of John Locke and his corresponding theories, One recalls the Natural Rights: the right to life, liberty, and property. To whom was such theory directed towards? Why the people of the world, of course! Analyzing this statement, one can discover some significant aspects; CORRECT! Humans possess rights to live independently, to survive, and to own, though obliged to comply with the present-time precepts. For instance, this world can be pictured as a vast rainforest filled with thousands of different species, Among such myriad of creatures exists humanity. Each member must stand in one accord in order to endure The process in maintaining freedom and composure. Sacrificing every ounce of material obtained for his fellow agriculturers, Including the faithful supporters, Chavez eventually was depicted as a unique, symbolic figure for migrant worker's ethics, Simultaneously promoting social justice. Influentially, Chavez's devotion and dedication in transforming the ``old society'', Has conclusively become our tenacity to continue striving for equality. Yet beyond its effects on society's established regulations, Chavez's perseverant character has modified even the most desperado of people into diligent beings possessing substantial aspirations. During his amazing fulfillment, Cesar Chavez's speaking contained moral relevance. ``The beauty of life is not what surrounds us, but the compassion and charity we have within our hearts.'' Human beings tend to rank others according to outer bearings, Though interior values possess greater meanings. Considerate, abased, and anxious, Cesar Chavez could very well represent a golden sack of morals, so virtuous. Similar to Dr. Martin Luther King and Ghandi, Who both likewise elevated the social rights of their corresponding people utilizing a manner of fiery resolution and obstinacy, Cesar Chavez can be illustrated as the deliverer of his own compatriots, The stalwart defender who blanched the obscure unrighteous spots. In history such standard bearer that prominently Exudes in determination to conquer the epitomy, Specifically for his fellow workers and racial minorities, Is highly commended in the present times, And will be in the future minds. Charity (By Eva Zuniga of Independence High School) All too many times while I was young, I was asked who my hero was. I had never stopped to think about the importance of this question until recently. Throughout my education I was given research assignments that required me to learn the lives of many people. I knew that these people were important to many people and I thought what they done was great but, I never felt a touching emotion for these people. I asked many people including teachers and friends what makes a hero heroic? However, I never found an answer that was suitable to me. I decided to compose a search of my own on what a hero should be and I realized that the characteristics of a hero couldn't be found in an encyclopedia article nor in a definition in a dictionary. It was a feeling you feel in your heart. It's a definition you create on your own to fit your personal beliefs. After reading about the life of Cesar E. Chavez I finally felt gratitude for a man who has brought so much knowledge to the lives of many. Cesar was born into a family with little of their own and nothing to spare. He learned the ways of life from his work in the farming fields of California. With little education and a strong will in life Cesar grew to be a leader, a man who took action, someone who speaks up, a man who will fight until he wins or die trying. He helped his fellow farm workers by gathering people who believed that working in the fields where poisonous gases are sprayed and threaten the lives of men, women and children. He rallied against every health problem, every underpaid and overworked individual farm worker. This wasn't a job for Chavez, it wasn't something he was paid to do. It was what he believed and what he knew his people deserved. Many times Chavez risked his life for the welfare of his people. He starved himself for long periods of time to express his strong beliefs and he sacrificed anything to bring his people to a better way of life. Chavez fought for the dreams of thousands of people and their families. The time, the effort, and the courage that Cesar has shown us we should honor and respect. He has taught many lessons, fought many battles and he has left us with the knowledge to fight on. Cesar Chavez (By Troy Arevalo of James Lick High School) He struggled, with persistence, for the rights of the oppressed, And in striving to bring about a change, he did not rest. Despite the disheartening atmosphere in which he matured and grew, Chavez became the type of leader only of which there are a few. The needs of his people fell upon uncaring ears, And through his fight for liberation, there fell many, many tears. Although many Mexicans were helped by Cesar Chavez in bringing an end to their plight, he emphasized that his crusade was for all people, it was not just a Mexican fight. Chavez's organization of unions attracted many powerless people who would not confront the growers who proved to be formidable, but to gain liberation, he was surely capable. Because of his efforts in trying to help the California farm workers, his movement gained empathy from much of the nation, but there was still prejudice from many, many people against the workers in the organization. In order to form the union, Chavez went from door to door. In the end, when the workers had gained their liberation, it did not matter that they were all poor . After spending five years of life for his people's liberation, Chavez finally succeeded, but these rights were by far not easily gained, but greatly needed.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize more of the winners of the first annual Cesar Chavez writing contest held by the East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA. I had the great privilege of attending the award ceremony honoring the student winners on March 31, 1995, and would like to continue sharing the essays and poems written by the student award winners with my colleagues. Yesterday, I began by sharing the essays and poems of the grand prize winners and three of the first place winners, and today I will share the five remaining first price entries, and the first three of eight second place winning entries. Tomorrow, I will share the remaining five essays and poems of the second place winners. The first price winning essays and poems of Lisette Munoz of W.C. Overfelt High School, Ahmed Desai of Piedmont Hills High School, Brenda Reyes of Silver Creek High School, and Eulala Reynolds of Yerba Buena High School follow: Lisette Munoz of W.C. Overfelt High School Cesar Chavez To some he was a hero but he only saw himself as a man. A man I believe put on this earth to help the disadvantage. His struggle was not easy for he faced much prejudice. An acquire prejudice brought upon be ignorance. His people, he saw hunched over in the fields, sweat upon their brows, pain in their backs, hands blistered and skin darkened from the sun. All eyes were wide open, everyone looked around but no one took stand. Cesar Chavez felt something in his gut this was `El Movimiento.' He stood amid the mist of the pesticides and began to walk, and surprisingly, the people followed. He then knew that all the people needed was a leader who was dedicated to his cause. He fasted so that people would listen. He pointed out the forgotten ones. Babies deformed by the hands and inventions of man. He did what he needed to go change would come about. He did all this but his body couldn't withstand the battle. He entered the souls of his followers, and his spirit became the agila on our flag, soaring to continue the unfinished struggle. Ahmed Desai of Piedmont Hills High School. Dedicated to a Dedicator In a modern world dominated by models who are athletic superstars, rarely is society given the gift of a true hero. The late Cesar Estrada Chavez was and continues to be such a unique individual who deserves the title of ``genuine model.'' Chavez is an inspiration to many, and a teacher to all. There is much that he stood for, and even more that today's youth can learn from him. A servant not to his own wants and desires, but rather to those of his community, Cesar Chavez reminds the young to put the needs of others before one's own. He utilized the tactics of civil disobedience and peaceful protests only to bring about change for the better and for society, and not for his personal gains or rewards. Armed with a strong dedication, yet a descendant of a poor background and minority ethnic group, Chavez proved that anyone, anywhere, with perseverance, can succeed and make a difference. Withstanding and conquering numerous obstacles, he neither gave up nor lost hope. He worked long and hard, rested little, and made nothing come between him and his goal. As a result of years of continuous struggles, Cesar Chavez achieved his goal and gained rights for farm laborers. Youths of today can see themselves in Chavez, as they prepare their future aspirations and discover ways to accomplish them. As a model, Cesar Chavez teaches youngsters that the best and only method for success is through dedication and persistence. Cesar Chavez lives on as a leader to whom teens can relate and look up. He was human and knew his strengths and limits. He did not only talk about ideas, but took charge and did things to make them a reality. Chavez, even with his short stay on earth, proved that a lot can be done in and with so little. Moreover, he made the most of what he had and did not ask for more than whet he felt was deserved. The lifestyle that he led includes many lessons that can be beneficial to today's new generation. Let us reflect the past actions of Cesar Estrada Chavez, a great humanitarian. Feliz Cumpleanos, senor Chavez. Maria Gonzalez of Santa Teresa High School. Battle He fought for what was right, It didn't matter if it was Day or night. He fought for our race, And battled face to face With the dangers we find When we are the alien race. Latino, Hispanic, Chicano Some of the names he was Called. Proud to be who he was, And what he stood for, Equality. He was a leader urging us to Fight. A leader explaining our right's. Our right's as people Our right's for freedom Our right to come to this Country, fight the odds, and Win. Brenda Reyes of Silver Creek High School. ``Who is He?'' The fields were his life. Los files eran su vida. The crops in the fields were his life. Las cosechas que crecian en los files, eran su vida. The people picking the crops in the fields, were his life. La gente que cortaba la cosecha en los files, eran su vida. The pesticides that fell upon the people, became his enemy. Los insecticidas que caian sobre la gente en los files, se convirtieron en su enemigo. They became his concern. Ellos se hicieron su preocupacion. His struggle. Su batalla. His fight. But no one cared. Pero a nadie le importo. ``I will make a difference'' he said. El dijo, ``Yo hare la diferencia.'' ``I will bring justice'' he said. El dijo, ``Yo traire justicia.'' ``Something will be done!'' he said. ``Algo se hara!'' El dijo. But no one listened. Pero nadien escucho. ``No grapes'' he yells. ``Uvas no'' El grita. Who is he mommy?'' a little girl asked. ``Quien es el mami?'' una nina pregunto. ``I do not know'' the mom answers. ``No lo se'' contesto la madre. ``One day I will be like him, mommy.'' the girl said. ``Un dia sere como el mami.'' dijo la nina. ``I will fight for what I believe, and I will be a leader.'' ``Yo peleare por mis creancias y sere una lider.'' ``Many will believe in me, and I will believe in myself too.'' ``Muchos creran en mi, y yo crere en mi misma tambien.'' ``Crowds will come to listen to my words of wisdom, and there will be those that will want to stop me.'' ``Grupos bendran a oir mis palabras de sabiduria y habran unos que quedran interponer.'' ``But no one will suceed.'' ``Pero nadie lo hara posible.'' ``I will organize my own march's, and those who believe in me will follow.'' ``Yo organisare mis propias marchas, y esos que crean en mi, me sequiran.'' ``The sore blistered feet will be my reward.'' ``Los pies mayugados y ampollados, seran mi recompensa.'' ``I will have hunger strikes, as he.'' ``Yo trende guelgas de hambre, como el.'' ``And the grumbling of my stomach, will be my reward.'' ``Y los grunidos de mi estomago, seran mi recompensa.'' ``I can't wait to grow up mommy.'' ``No pudo esperar para crecer mami.'' ``I want to be just like Cesar Chavez.'' ``Quiero ser igualita que Cesar Chavez.'' ``It can be done, huh mommy?'' ``Si se puede, eh mami?'' ``Yes honey, it can be done.'' The mom smiles. ``Si mija, si se puede.'' La mama sonrie. Eulala Reynolds of Yerba Buena High School. Cesar Chavez Raw, callous, sun, rain Eternal work, labor, pain Grief, hurt, no reward Living land a sharpened sword Struggle, family, one thing clear Survival, essential, defeat near Uprooted and adrift behold! For this an endless story told! What one voice and truth is heard? A man with whom a piercing word? Loud for absorbed by truckloads of women and men Who flight for justice again, again The power of nonviolence but yet a war Lead by him to soothe the wound The wound an open cut, a pool desolate, defeat, doom The union ``La Causa'' it's birth not a breech Gallo wine, grapes, lettuce beseech For had ``La Causa'' slowly climbed it's way The picket march exist today Child labor put to ends By well pronounced fighting friends Cesar Chavez stood brave, tall His lifelong dream, ``live for the cause!'' For now over is the war Still the wound remains, a scar. The second prize winning essays and poems of Lauren Droira of Andrew Hill High School, Eve Zuniga of Independence High School, and Troy Arevalo of James Lick High School follow: Lauren Droira of Andrew Hill High School. Cesar Chavez's Testimony to Modern Society A splendorous eagle soars through the boundless skies above on a quest to grasp the seemingly unattainable star. Off in the horizon a muffled roar: Come accompany us in accomplishing such a dream which appears so far. Ferocious winds encompass the creature, through it valianty persists onward, an astonishing feature. Cesar Chavez: a dauntless, intrepid warrior; One who strived throughout his entire existence to eradicate the actual barrier. Racism? Latino farmers impetuously toil throughout the day, Hoping to be paid by the sun's final ray. Injustice? Living conditions were quite squalor, Personal wages as meager enough to leave a child's stomach hollow. Such reasons fed the brewing red fire of descreation; Protests, tumults, riots were born Mr. Chavez as the chieftain. ``SOCIAL JUSTICE!'' exclaimed the impoverished multitude, And the truth was revealed bare and crude. Now this great moment in time, Has influenced the viewpoints of society's mind. One can rationalize that such minorities stand beneath the human category, if you will, Regardless of their customs, ethnic backgrounds, or skill. Regressing to the era of John Locke and his corresponding theories, One recalls the Natural Rights: the right to life, liberty, and property. To whom was such theory directed towards? Why the people of the world, of course! Analyzing this statement, one can discover some significant aspects; CORRECT! Humans possess rights to live independently, to survive, and to own, though obliged to comply with the present-time precepts. For instance, this world can be pictured as a vast rainforest filled with thousands of different species, Among such myriad of creatures exists humanity. Each member must stand in one accord in order to endure The process in maintaining freedom and composure. Sacrificing every ounce of material obtained for his fellow agriculturers, Including the faithful supporters, Chavez eventually was depicted as a unique, symbolic figure for migrant worker's ethics, Simultaneously promoting social justice. Influentially, Chavez's devotion and dedication in transforming the ``old society'', Has conclusively become our tenacity to continue striving for equality. Yet beyond its effect on society's established regulations, Chavez's perseverant character has modified even the most desperado of people into diligent beings possessing substantial aspirations. During his amazing fulfillment, Cesar Chavez's speaking contained moral relevance. ``The beauty of life is not what surrounds us, but the compassion and charity we have within our hearts.'' Human beings tend to rank others according to outer bearings, Though interior values possess greater meanings. Considerate, abased, and anxious, Cesar Chavez could very well represent a golden sack of morals, so virtuous. Similar to Dr. Martin Luther King and Ghandi, Who both likewise elevated the social rights of their corresponding people utilizing a manner of fiery resolution and obstinacy, Cesar Chavez can be illustrated as the deliverer of his own compatriots, The stalwart defender who blanched the obscure unrighteous spots. In history such standard bearer that prominently Exudes in determination to conquer the epitamy, Specifically for his fellow workers and racial minorities, Is highly commended in the present times, And will be in the future minds. Eva Zuniga of Independent School. ``Charity'' All to many times while I was young, I was asked who my hero was. I had never stopped to think about the importance of this question until recently. Throughout my education I was given research assignments that require me to learn the lives of many people. I knew that these people were important to many people and I thought what they done was great but, I never felt a touching emotion for these people. I asked many people including teachers and friends what makes a hero heroic? However, I never found an answer that was suitable to me. I decided to compose a search of my own on what a hero should be and I realize that the characteristics of a hero couldn't be found in an encyclopedia article nor in a definition in a dictionary. It was a feeling you feel in your heart. It's a definition you crate on your own to fit your personal beliefs. After reading about the life of Cesar E. Chavez I finally felt gratitude for a man who has brought so much knowledge to the lives of many. Cesar was born into a family with little of their own and nothing to spare. He learned the ways of life from his work in the farming fields of California. With little education and a strong will in life Cesar grew to be a leader, a man who took action, someone who speaks up, a man who will fight until he wins or die trying. He helped his fellow farm workers by gathering people who believed that working in the fields where poisonous gases are sprayed and threaten the lives of men women and children. He rallied against every health problem, every underpaid and overworked individual farm worker. This wasn't a job for Chavez, it wasn't something he was paid to do. It was a what he believed and what he knew his people deserved. Many times Chavez risked his life for the welfare of his people. He starved himself for long periods of time to express his strong beliefs and he sacrificed anything to bring his people to a better way of life. Chavez fought for the dreams of thousands of people and their families. The time, the effort, and the courage that Cesar has shown us we should honor and respect. He has taught many lessons, fought many battles and he has left us with the knowledge to fight on. Troy Arevalo of James Lick High School. Cesar Chavez He struggled, with persistence, for the rights of the oppressed, And in striving to bring about a change, he did not rest. he matured and grew, Chavez became the type of leader only of which there are a few. The needs of his people fell upon uncaring ears, And through his fight for liberation, there fell many, many tears. Although many Mexicans were helped by Cesar Chavez in bringing an end to their plight, He emphasized that his crusade was for all people, it was not just a Mexican fight. Chavez's organization of unions attracted many powerless people who would not confront the growers who proved to be formidable, But to gain liberation, he was surely capable. Because of his efforts in trying to help the California farm worker, his movement gained empathy from much of the nation, But there was still prejudice from many, many people against the workers in the organization. In order to form the union, Chavez went from door to door. In the end, when the workers had gained their liberation, it did not matter that they were all poor. After spending five years of his life for his people's liberation, Chavez finally succeeded, But these rights were by far not easily gained, but greatly needed.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, when I told my 10-year-old last night that Ringling Brothers was coming to the House, he laughed out loud. I told him that it was highly appropriate. After all, we have our own ringmaster, we have our own clowns. I heard yesterday that a Member of the other body asked what do we do, how do you stop an elephant if they go berserk in the Capitol? Well, I understand he was talking about the need for assault weapons here in the Capitol. The next thing you know, we will be hunting giraffes. But the real issue is that the elephants have gone berserk in the Capitol; it is called the contract on America. How do you stop them? There is an election in 18 months. Until then, it is bread and circuses here in our three-ring circus.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I came to Congress this January 4 with the hope I could change things, but it is business as usual here in Congress. Last week on a voice vote the House passed a bill that would allow tax deductions for health insurance for the self-employed, something I support. But hidden in the conference report, unknown to me, was a very special provision that will give tens of millions of dollars in tax breaks to one very rich publisher. There is an old saying that says to the winner goes the spoils, and if that saying is true, then Mr. Rupert Murdock, the Speaker's own publisher, made out like a bandit. While the Republican Congress has been busy cutting student loans and school lunches, Mr. Murdock's friends have been cutting him a sweet deal, to the tune of $63 million. But the sweet deals do not end there. If you are a billionaire, then this 100 days have been better than the Twelve Days of Christmas. The Republican Santa Clauses have been busy giving away tax presents to the few dozen wealthiest people in this country. If you have the means to leave the country, renounce your citizenship, move to a mansion, you can save on U.S. taxes. Must be nice, huh? Only middle-class families have been saddled with the bill to pay for these billionaire tax breaks.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I certainly will support this bill because it does something, although not very much, and I did want to express my concern and distress at the very limited and minimal nature of this bill. There is a lot I have not agreed with in the so-called Contract With America, but one of the things I was looking forward to working on with the Members on the other side was to enhance substantially penalties for child pornographers and those who would prey on vulnerable, innocent children. Regrettably, that did not happen. This bill was introduced in the afternoon of March 15, and we held our hearing at 9:30 a.m. the next day, March 16. When I looked at the bill, I saw that there is a 17-month increase for the creation of child pornography up to--and it is not even an increase, it is a recommendation, big deal--70 months for creation of child pornography is a inadequate. I would point out that even now with the already limited sentences recommended by the Sentencing Commission, more than 25 percent of the time those wimpy penalty are not imposed. When I offered an amendment in the full committee for life imprisonment for those who would create child pornography, who would abuse children, that amendment was ruled not germane and properly so. The reason why it was not germane was that we did not take time to write a bill that would really go after those who would abuse children. We need to take a look at the underlying statute, not just advisory recommendations by the Sentencing Commission. I know that there are plenty of people in California doing longer periods of time for very minor offenses. When we compare those sentences to these recommendations it is an embarrassment to me to say that this is the best we can do. I have a great deal of regard for the gentleman from New Mexico [Mr. Schiff] and the gentleman from Florida [Mr. McCollum] with whom I have worked. We do not agree on everything, but they are fair and reasonable people. I understand they are under a deadline. They have been given deadlines. The gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hyde] indicated that he had been given a deadline to get this matter to the floor. They did what they had to do. The result will be our Speaker coming down with a laminated copy of the Contract With America, taking a hole puncher, but it is not going to help the vulnerable children of this country. It is not anything worth doing. It is a grave disappointment to me. A lot of people ask whether punishment is actually a deterrent when it comes to crime. I think legitimate questions can be asked about that. But when it comes to child pornography, a lucrative business that rewards people who would abuse children, who would force them to do sexual acts on video, it is a lucrative business. If the abusers of children for money knew that they faced life imprisonment, I think it would have a salutary impact. I think it would be a deterrent to those who would harm the children of this country. We know from studies that children who are abused have lifelong, often lifelong problems with the abuse that they underwent. There is nothing worse than to harbor and assist those who would hurt our children in this manner. I understand and hope that we will do better later this year. I look forward to working on it later this year. But the tragedy is, this is our chance. We could have been here today We could have done something real. We could have done something tough. But instead all we have got is a little hole punch, a little phrase, and it does not mean very much.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I don't have a chart about tax cuts, and I do not plan to give a talk about tax cuts specifically, today, except that we have talked a lot about the need to help the middle class, and there is a big argument on whether this tax cut really helps the middle class or just the wealthy. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about something that really is important to the middle class and to the working families of this country. That is the chance to make sure that your child can go to college after they got straight A's in high school. That opportunity is about to be severely undercut. The plans in the works are to cut about $20 billion in student loans over the next 5 years, as well as 750,000 students off the work study program. I would argue that these cuts are unwise, they are pennywise and pound foolish. We know that we have a lot of problems in this country, but when I think about the problems that I see in San Jose, the kids that are getting in trouble, I know that there are not kids hanging out on the street corner dealing drugs or holding weapons when they are on the honor roll. In our country, I was on the county board of supervisors in Santa Clara County until January 4 of this year and I can attest that there is not a single ``A'' student in the juvenile hall. The more we put into education, the more we put into achievement for our young people, the more we will see problems resolved and a country that is full of excellence and hope instead of despair. I think the cuts that are proposed in the student loan program have a lot to do with that and I am hearing about the middle-class cuts and the $500 per family and how that will help. I am cognizant that the cut per student that is proposed for 4 years of undergraduate education is about $5,000, and if you have 2 kids, as is common, going to college, that is over $10,000 in cuts that you are looking at as a family. The $500 is not going to make it. It will take 21 years of $500 tax credits to make it up. I know. My children are 10 and 13. I do not have 21 years to save up that money at that rate. I heard the Speaker say that we should be a country of excellence, we should be a country that rewards those who work hard and try to get ahead, and I think back on my own life and the opportunities that this country gave to me. I worked the night shift in a factory in my last year in high school. My parents were working people, they were great people, but they did not have a lot of money. We just barely made ends meet. Through working and through student loans and through scholarships, I was able to go to college and I was able to have a part of America that I would not have had otherwise. I remember several years ago I was out visiting Overfelt High School in east San Jose, an area that educates the children of blue-collar families, working families, and I gave a talk to three combined classes and encouraged them to get A's in school and look ahead and go to college, and then I left. About 2 years later, I was invited back and I was talking to the students and afterwards a young girl came up to me and she said, ``You changed my life.'' I was shocked. I did not remember her. She said, ``You told me I could go to college and not to worry about how to pay for it. I have just been admitted to the University of California, I am going to major in physics and here is my honor roll.'' She got on the honor roll because she believed if she worked, if she got A's she would have a chance to go to college. That is what this country has been all about and that is what a $20 billion cut in student loans will destroy. We say that we are for the middle class. If we are for the middle class, let's take care of the thing that matters most to each of us and that is our children. Along with that, I think about the benefit for this country. After World War II, a whole generation of men were given the opportunity to go to college through the GI bill. At the time, it was looked upon as a benefit for veterans, but in fact in addition to a benefit for veterans, it was a benefit for the country, because a whole group of people whose parents were not rich had the chance to get an education, and those people became engineers, they became scientists and they built Silicon Valley and the affluence that they built through their education carried the economy of this country to this day. If we were to put that kind of emphasis on the middle class, on the children, on the future, and our need to develop high-technology jobs and a highly skilled work force, we would not have to be worrying about the deficit or the future. What we need to do is to invest in the future, and I would argue this and relate this story. A gentleman came to me in San Jose 2 weeks ago and said, ``Don't give me a tax break. Put it all in education. Let's give this country a future.''

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of the first annual Cesar Chavez writing contest held by the East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA. I had the great privilege of attending the award ceremony honoring the student winners on March 31, 1995, which, as you know, marks the birthday of the late Cesar Chavez. I would like to especially thank Joe Coto, superintendent of the East Side Union High School District, for organizing this important event. I am very proud of all the students who participated in the Cesar Chavez Writing Contest, and would like to congratulate each of them on their achievement. By participating in this writing contest, these students paid tribute to Cesar Chavez, who dedicated his life to the struggle for equal rights and equal opportunity. His work fighting for human beings and fair working and living conditions for farmworkers was an inspiration to those who joined him and those who supported his efforts around the world. Cesar Chavez will be remembered for his tireless commitment to improve the plight of farmworkers and the poor throughout the United States. And, he will be remembered for the inspiration his heroic efforts gave to so many Americans to work nonviolently for justice in their communities. These students who participated in this writing contest have been an inspiration to me in my efforts as a recent cosponsor of a resolution that would declare March 31 a Federal holiday in honor of Cesar Chavez. The resolution which is sponsored by Congressman Bob Filner of San Diego currently has 20 original cosponsors and will be introduced this Congress. Mr. Speaker, the students who participated in the Cesar Chavez Writing Contest deserve to be recognized individually for the wonderful essays and poems they wrote in his honor. Rosalinda Gonzalez of Independence High School and Nicole Perez of Mt. Pleasant High School were the two grand prize winners. Each wrote poems about Cesar Chavez's life. Rosalinda Gonzalez' poem is titled ``Cesar Chavez'' and Nicole Perez' poem is titled ``Recollection.'' The first place winners are listed as follows: Sabrina Hernandez of Andrew High School who write the essay titled ``This Spirit We Follow''; Aberin Rodrigo of James Lick High School who wrote the essay titled ``Cesar Chavez''; Kathryn White of Oak Grove High School who wrote the essay titled ``Making the World a Better Place''; Lisette Muniz of W.C. Overfelt High School who wrote the poem titled ``Cesar Chavez''; Ahmed Desai of Piedmont Hills High School who wrote the essay titled ``Dedicated to a Dedicator''; Maria Gonzalez of Santa Teresa High School who wrote the poem titled ``Battle''; Brenda Reyes of Silver Creek High School who wrote the poem titled ``Who is He?''; and Eulala Reynolds of Yerba Buena High School who wrote the poem titled ``Cesar Chavez.'' The second place winners are listed as follows: Lauren Droira of Andrew Hill High School who wrote the essay titled ``Cesar Chavez' Testimony to Modern Society''; Eve Zuniga of Independence High School who wrote the essay titled ``Charity''; Troy Arevalo of James Lick High School who wrote the poem titled ``Cesar Chavez''; Marie Aloy of Mt. Pleasant High School who wrote an untitled essay; Mark Papellero of W.C. Overfelt High School who wrote the poem titled ``The Lives of Workers''; Raymond Ramirez of Piedmont Hills High School who wrote the poem titled ``Chavez y La Causa''; Ester Martinez Estrada of Santa Teresa High School who wrote the essay titled ``A Hero to the Mexican Community''; and Anthonette Pena of Silver Creek High School who wrote the essay titled ``Cesar Chavez.'' Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask you to join me in recognizing these distinguished students and award recipients from my district, who looked to see Cesar Chavez as a great citizen worthy of respect, praise, and emulation. Mr. Speaker, we all look in our history with respect and love for the men and women who devote their lives to the cause of social and economic justice to all citizens. Cesar Chavez is such a man. His memory will live on through the heart-felt poems and essays of these students. I commend each of these remarkable students for their important contribution to preserving the memory of Cesar Chavez. Mr. Speaker, over the next several days I will be entering into the Record the essays and poems of these students. I will start by sharing with you the poems of the two grand prize winners, Rosalinda Gonzalez of Independence High School, and Nicole Perez of Mt. Pleasant High School. Their poems follow: Rosalinda Gonzalez of Independence High School. ``cesar chavez'' Lying there in death In a hot room With only a fan to cool him A crate-looking casket I saw him In the flesh A great man's death People in mourning Over the end of an era An era in which I had no part The marches, boycotts, fasts, La huelga I had only heard of them from my Dad Assembled for a funeral March Was when I understood It is about people By the thousands They came Men, women, children Different races, lifestyles, and creeds Unity As I marched I felt it I was brought back To the days My Dad Spoke of Marching for a cause Together as one Now Is the time For action Our generation is Next in line Educate and make a Change The birth of a new era

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Arcadia Xochihua, a resident of my district. Ms. Xochihua will become a U.S. citizen on Friday, March 31, 1995, at the age of 96. She will be the first person in San Jose and perhaps in the Nation to be naturalized under the new Immigration and Naturalization Service [INS] regulations easing the process for the elderly. Mr. Speaker, let me tell you about Ms. Xochihua. She was born on January 12, 1899, and immigrated from Mexico to the United States in 1923 at the age of 24. She has worked her entire life from processing fruit and vegetables in a cannery to owning and operating several restaurants in the area. Ms. Xochihua has always been a vital part of the community. During the Depression and World War II, she helped people who were less fortunate than herself. During the Depression, she operated a small soup kitchen out of her house for those who needed a hot meal. She also provided clothes for women and children. Until about 3 years ago, she continued to provide room and board for destitute migrant farmworkers. Though Ms. Xochihua never married and does not have children of her own, she is surrounded by her sisters and brothers who have provided her with many nieces and nephews. Ms. Xochihua decided this year, on her 96th birthday, that it was important to her to become an American citizen. She has always been patriotic and loyal to her adopted country and wants to be called an American. Mr. Speaker, the month of March has been dedicated to the late labor and human rights leader, Mr. Cesar Chavez and March 31 is Mr. Chavez's birthday. It would be a fitting tribute to his dedication to social justice for all that Ms. Xochihua becomes a citizen of the United States of America on his birthday. I commend and applaud Ms. Xochihua for her loyalty and her commitment to our country and congratulate her on new citizenship.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Chairman, I would like to add my voice to the debate on welfare reform. A true welfare reform proposal should seek to end dependency, promote employment and offer a helping hand to those who deserve it. What the Republican majority has offered us in H.R. 4, the Personal Responsibility Act, however, is nothing more than another giveaway to big business and the wealthy. By adopting Mr. Archer's amendment Republicans assured that the savings from this legislation will go directly toward the funding of the GOP tax cut bill. The Republican welfare reform bill cuts vital programs that provide financial and nutritional assistance to low-income families. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the GOP bill will likely cause nearly 3 million families to lose $2.8 billion in benefits over the next 5 years. After that, the situation only get worse. Cash payments are reduced 50 percent by the year 2003. Needy families will suffer these losses through the elimination or reduction of programs like aid to families with dependent children [AFDC], food stamps, school lunches, disability payments, foster care and nutrition supplements for pregnant women and infant children. Children and legal immigrants are the real victims of this bill. No needy child should be denied lunch at school or food stamps at home because his or her parents applied after the set allocation had dwindled. Withdrawing assurance of help to children who are needy, hungry, abused, or disabled is simply unacceptable. Children should not suffer because their parents cannot provide. Nor should legal immigrants who have played by the rules and paid taxes be denied in their time of need. Making legal immigrants ineligible for public assistance should they become sick, disabled or unemployed 10 or 20 years after their arrival in this country is unfair and cruel. If the aim of the Personal Responsibility Act is to teach welfare recipients about work, family and responsibility, then why does it scapegoat a group that is the embodiment of these values? Under the Republican proposal States would get the same amount of money block granted to them each year--regardless of changes in the number of needy children or newcomers. This would result in some States being hurt disproportionately. Fewer immigrants and disabled children will be eligible for supplemental security income [SSI], with legal immigrants being denied AFDC, food stamps and Medicaid as well. This bill would be a disaster for my home State of California, which alone stands to lose $15.177 billion over the next 5 years. The House Republican welfare proposal would eliminate Federal funding for family preservation and support and several other programs that work to prevent child abuse and neglect. It would restrict welfare for legal immigrants, resulting in a $7.777 billion loss in Federal funding for California's residents. California would also receive $2.486 billion less in funding for food stamps and $1.099 billion less in nutrition assistance. Not only does this bill cut much needed assistance, but it does shamefully little in the way of moving welfare recipients into the work force. Those individuals who can work should work. But the GOP bill offers no help to people who need training or other assistance to get and hold a job. Unfortunately, the Republican bill is filled with rigid guidelines and unrealistic mandates. It compounds these drawbacks with a surprising lack of practical solutions, such as the opportunity for recipients to improve their education or gain practical work experience. Simply cutting off assistance will not prepare recipients to join the work force or provide them with jobs. True reform would offer education, training and transitional assistance to those individuals who want to exchange a welfare check for a paycheck. The so-called Personal Responsibility Act is nothing more than a tax gift for the rich and a surrender of responsibility to the States. It attacks the very elements of our society we should most want to help-- needy children who do not vote, have done nothing wrong, and desperately need our assistance to survive. It erodes basic American values by denying survival assistance to children and equal treatment under the law to all. This is certainly not my idea of welfare reform and you can be assured that I will oppose it at every turn. As a member of the board of supervisors for Santa Clara County for 14 years, I learned a lot about welfare. The county administers the welfare programs for the Federal and State governments. I know very well the need to change welfare--to make it more effective, less bureaucratic and to promote work. The Republican bill does none of this. It is not reform, but is instead just a budget cut and a cost shift to local government.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the five honorees who will be receiving awards tonight, March 23, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Legal Aid Society of Santa Clara County. The honorees will include the Rotary Club of San Jose, the law firm of Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, Santa Clara law professor Eric Wright, and deputy district attorney Rolanda Pierre-Dixon. Plaintiffs cocounsel Morrison & Forester will be receiving the prestigious W. Robert Morgan Legal Services Award for donating its services to school desegregation suit against San Jose Unified School District. President of the board of the Legal Aid Society, Susan L. Sutton said, ``Our mission is to be the catalyst for community--we want to ensure that the right thing happens on behalf of our client community without regard to the client's ability to pay. We understand that in some segments of the country that's an idea that has gone out of fashion. But it's still a notion of some currency here in San Jose, good people of this community need to be recognized for their contributions. That is why we created our Advocates for Justice Program.'' The Legal Aid Society of Santa Clara County provides legal advice and representation for the indigent community in civil matters including family law, custody, visitation, support, and domestic violence, government benefits, health access advocacy, consumer rights, landlord- tenant law, fair housing, home financing and foreclosure issues, individuals rights and immigration, offers family law and housing self- help clinics, and mediation assistance in landlord-tenant matters. The following honorees were selected for their community contributions: Rotary Club of San Jose. This 435 member volunteer organization participates in a broad spectrum of community activities. The club is honored by LASSCC for its works in conjunction with the San Jose Housing Authority, building the 102 unit Marrone Garden complex off Branham Lane in San Jose. Jim San Sebastian chaired the Rotary committee that had the mission to promote a moderate income senior citizen housing complex in San Jose, for which the club donated personal, professional, and financial assistance beginning in 1988. The project opened in September 1994, and since that time the club members continue to provide assistance to the residents. The Rotary Club's financial contributions totaling $100,000 stacked a library, bought a piano, and provided art work for the project of one bedroom apartments that are available for seniors. The Rotary members' contribution of time was priceless. Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati. For its pro bono and philanthropic aid to the community, particularly for the efforts of Larry Sonsini in setting the tone of the largest private law firms in the county. The work of Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati in the Silicon Valley has resulted in jobs for local residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities as various high technology clients have prospered. LASSCC believes a growing economy offers more access to the community's mainstream of its client base. That alone would be basis for an Advocates for Justice Award. But Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich, & Rosati has contributed generously to charitable causes with attorneys time and their money. Prof. Eric Wright. Professor Wright has brought a number of agencies together in creating the East San Jose Community Law Center. Professor Wright sought and obtained two separate grants in 1993 to establish a low-income law office in East San Jose. Starting on a shoe-string budget the law center represented day laborers on their wage and hour claims at the outset. After receiving a grant from the Legal Services Corporation and from the U.S. Department of Education, the center branched further into employment law and immigration law services. Professor Wright is the unpaid center director and has added a community law practice class to the Santa Clara University Law School curriculums well as a street law class involving students in teaching law to middle school and high school students in low income areas of San Jose. Deputy District Attorney Rolanda Pierre Dixon. Ms. Pierre-Dixon's job requires her to prosecute domestic violence crimes. It doesn't require her to give more than eight speeches a month on that issue to schools and community groups. She is recognized as the Advocate for Justice for her tireless voluntarism on domestic violence issues and her work with community legal groups, including serving on the board of LASSCC. She is past president of the South Bay Black Lawyers, the chair of the Santa Clara County Bar Association and committee on minority access to the Santa Clara County Bar Association. Morrison & Foerster. The winner of the W. Robert Morgan Legal Services Award is Morrison & Foerster. Their activities cover a full range of public interest work from staffing of legal services clinics and counseling over 140 nonprofit organizations, to handling high impact litigation. The areas of greatest effort during the past year were assisting children in poverty, civil rights and civil liberties cases, representing immigrants, handling issues of W. Robert Morrison is a founder and benefactor of LASSCC where personal and professional activities exemplify the highest possible commitment to community service. Morgan & Foerster attorneys spent over 65,000 hours on pro bono work in 1993, and average of 123 hours per lawyer. Among other accomplishments, the firm won a $1 million civil rights jury verdict for Latin women who were strip-searched after they were arrested while attending a school board meeting; obtained HMO coverage of life-saving home nursing care for critically ill infants; won an order safeguarding a Chinese citizen brought into a U.S. court to give testimony coerced with threats of execution; and sought writs of habeas corpus for persons under death sentence in four States. All of these distinguished recipients should be commended on their extraordinary work in the service of others.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Mr. Bart Charlow for his uncompromising advocacy on behalf of mental health care in Santa Clara County, CA, which includes the 16th Congressional District that I represent in this 104th Congress. For 15 years, Mr. Charlow has actively helped families--and particulary children--touched by mental illness to overcome disability and lead rich and productive lives. As president and CEO of the Adult and Child Guidance Center in San Jose, CA, he fashioned mental health services specially designed to address the needs of many of the community's most neglected populations. As a result, the Adult and Child Guidance Center offers one-of-a-kind programs for adolescents, the hearing impaired, and Southeast Asian immigrants, among others. True to its charitable nature, the center strives to provide a treatment alternative for those who fall short of public-sector assistance. Those who know Mr. Charlow know that his efforts carry far beyond his own organization. During my tenure as a local government official, I worked closely with Mr. Charlow and others to build a comprehensive system of mental health care for the needy and to preserve those vital health services as local government budgets for such services shrank. As president of the local contract agencies association and delegate to the countywide mental health board budget committee, he was key to these efforts. Mr. Charlow has participated on too many community boards to mention at this time, yet it is worth noting that he has placed a particular emphasis--importantly--on efforts helping children. Mr. Speaker, on March 27, 1995, Mr. Charlow will be honored by colleagues and friends for his intelligent and passionate leadership in the field of mental health. I would like to express my own gratitude to Mr. Charlow on behalf of my constituents in the 16th district and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in congratulating the eight winners of the Second Annual Morgan Hill Awards. These awards are presented by the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. The female volunteer of the year is Mrs. Elena Moreno, a longtime educator and resident of Morgan Hill, who has served the community for 60 years. She has been and is currently on numerous boards ranging from the American Association of University Women to Head Start to the California Retired Teacher's Association. Mrs. Moreno was instrumental in instituting the wildflower program in Morgan Hill area schools. She has also served as a docent for school groups at the Morgan hill Historical Museum. As part of a dance troupe called the Fabulous Flappers, she performs tap, jazz, rock, and Latin dances for retirees functions, convalescent homes, benefits and many other events in the area. The male volunteer of the year is Mr. Curtis Wright, another longtime resident of the Morgan Hill area. Mr. Wright is a past mayor of the city of Morgan Hill, former city councilman for Morgan Hill, past president of the Morgan hill chapter of the American Heart Association and past president of the Pet Assisted Therapy. He has also been instrumental in encouraging businesses to relocate in Morgan hill by forming the Economic Development Council. As president of an advertising agency in San Jose, he has used his promotional abilities and advertising expertise to help launch successful events in the Morgan Hill area. Mr. James Yinger has been selected to receive the Educator of the Year Award. Mr. Yinger is currently the principal of the Nordstrom School, currently a regional nominee for the California School Recognition Program. This school, under Mr. Yinger's tenure, has been recognized for its outstanding integrated GATE, Gifted and Talented Education, program. As an education leader, he takes the initiative to make changes that will have a positive effect in the school system from organizing a safety patrol program to extending daycare for disadvantaged students. The Bridge Counseling Center, which is a private non-profit community-based mental health agency, has been awarded the Non-Profit of the Year Award. This center has become one of the largest and most extensive mental health agencies in the South County region part of Santa Clara County. Recently, the United Way of Santa Clara County presented the distinguished VIDA award to this counseling center. This counseling center has a plethora of services including prevention programs, intervention and treatment. Recently, The Bridge Counseling Center has Center and bringing experts into the Gang Awareness Task Force. The winner in the Civic Category is Mr. Al Alciati, city of Morgan Hill's chief building official. His expertise and knowledge in the building inspection field is recognized statewide. He has served on the California building officials board of directors and was past president of the Peninsula Chapter for the International Council of Building Officials. Mr. Alciati has also given his time and talents to youth in the community by officiating at football and baseball games, and he has been a longtime member of the Live Oak Boosters Century Club. The Guglielmo Winery has been selected as the Small Business of the Year. The winery will be celebrating its 70th year in business in Morgan Hill. The Guglielmo Winery has made many contributions to the Morgan Hill community through support of the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the local Girl and Boy Scouts, and many of the Chamber of Commerce's event through the year. it has been involved with the Santa Clara Valley Winegrowers by serving on the board of directors. The Guglielmo family members consistently donate their time and talents for many community functions and fundraisers. The Partner in Education Award is presented to the Live Oak Foundation, founded in 1981. The sole purpose of this foundation is to raise funds for the district schools. These funds are used to provide scholarships to graduating students and contribute extra funds for academic programs to all the schools in the area. The foundation operates entirely through volunteers who organize fundraising projects and administer the grants to schools. The Nob Hill Foods Co. is the recipient of the Chamber's Large Business Award. The Nob Hill Foods Co. was founded by and still run by the Bonfante family of Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The company has 25 stores serving more than 200,000 local customers a week, and employs over 2,200 employees. This company has built its solid reputation from the outstanding customer service they provide. The Bonfante family are recognized as very strong supporters of the schools and non-profit organizations in our community. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and command these people whose commitment and dedication to the community has greatly enriched the Morgan Hill area.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, today I voted for H.R. 1058 even though I continue to have concerns about some provisions of the bill. Because the bill has been significantly improved and moderated, I was willing to support it as a vehicle for the Senate to complete the improvements. I oppose loser pays or the English rule and I note that the provisions in H.R. 1058 allow judges for good cause to order the loser to pay what that result would not be unjust. In fact, to some extent the language in the bill tracks language found in section IIe of the Securities Act of 1933. Nevertheless, I believe that section 20(B)(c) could be improved. I continue to have concerns about section 20(B)(c)(2) of the bill. I realize that this provision has been moderated considerably and may, in actual practice, prove to be workable. Nevertheless, it is my hope that the Senate will further revise this section so that it might substitute rule ll on a mandated basis. I understand that existing pleadings requirements may need reform, but have concerns that the pleading language in the bill may go to far. This is one area where a more deliberative legislative process would have been extremely helpful in shedding light on what changes should be made. My colleague, Anna Eshoo, prepared a thoughtful amendment to the recklessness standard that was superior to the changes adopted in the bill. Nevertheless, the amendment adopted is an improvement over the original language. Over the past year of study, I have reached the conclusion that, especially for high technology companies, there is a problem of strike lawsuits that requires remedy. While H.R. 1058 is considerably better than H.R. 10, I have concerns about some provisions as I have outlined here. Had I had the opportunity to provide meaningful input into this legislation, I would have written something different. But that luxury is not available to me. Because I am convinced there is a problem requiring remedy, I voted for H.R. 1058. Some vehicle for reform must be passed in order to allow the Senate to act and, I hope, to correct the remaining problems that exist in this bill, when it comes before me again after the conference committee. My standard for judging the Senate's efforts will be, does this prevent abusive lawsuits while preserving the rights of legitimate victims of fraud in the securities arena? I know that the Senate will proceed more deliberately than has the House of Representatives in reviewing this bill. It is a shame that the current processes in this body preclude more thoughtful action and consideration of laws here. It is a shame, indeed, that useful amendments offered by knowledgeable people to improve the bill have not been permitted because of arbitrary time constraints. Had we taken the time, I am convinced we could have crafted a bill that would have attracted broad bipartisan support. I am hopeful yet that we will see a final product out of conference committee that allows for that to occur.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. I yield briefly to the gentleman.

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. I just want to make one point after listening to the debate here. I think it is worth pointing out that the amendment provides the remedy to a landowner who feels they have been abused and their land has been taken and the remedy is to go to court. That is the same remedy that is provided in the underlying bill on line 10, page 4. Ultimately, if you do not agree with the Federal Government, you are going to have to sue to get justice. I do not think there is anything inherently wrong with that. I did want to say a few things as a member of the committee. I believe in the fifth amendment. As a matter of fact, as part of the Bill of Rights, I think it is a very important component of our rules of law and justice here in America. I personally have had some very unhappy run-ins with the Army Corps of Engineers in California, and I am not much of a fan of the Army Corps, but having spent the brief time the Committee on the Judiciary, which we had in marking up this bill, I would like to note that I fear that much mischief will be done by this bill, and I assume it is not mischief intended by the authors or proponents of the action, but when you think back to our law school training, the black acre and white acre, if the white acre is wet, any developer worth his salt is going to make sure that the development potential is focused on what is compensable by the Federal Government. All of the developers that I know in California have not become successful by being stupid. There are sharp characters out there, good businessmen, they know how to play the angles, and that is why they have survived in business. And they will, and I understand why, there is nothing in this bill or law that would preclude them from coming down to the Federal Government because, ``Come on down, we got some free money for you right here under this bill.'' I really do believe this amendment should be supported, although I am not entirely pleased with every aspect of it. I note the law in the area of takings is moving toward a more moderate approach with the Nolan case and the Dolan case, and now noting the regulatory impact must be proportional. I believe the court is going to move further in that area. My concern with the underlying bill and the large reason why I am supporting this amendment is once again we will have a law of unintended consequences moving forward. I believe this is an entitlement program that is virtually open- ended. At least we ought to make it a block grant, like we are doing with the school lunch program, to stem the loss. I have many friends and associates and also supporters who are active in the private property movement in California who called me up and said that we should not support this, this is too extreme. They think the 10-percent limit is way too extreme. They think the Federal Government is going to bleed money off of this bill. I feel the same and would urge support of the amendment.

Ms. LOFGREN. I yield to the gentleman from Illinois.

Ms. LOFGREN. Yes, but if you continue on, there is a note that the fact that compensation may not be due under this act by reason of the section does not affect the right to compensation for takings of private property for public use under the fifth amendment to the Constitution.

Ms. LOFGREN. Reclaiming my time, yes, I am. The argument made was that somehow this was unfair because those who felt that they had a wrong would have to go to court. I point out under the existing bill, unless the agency still has to go to court. So the remedy ultimately is no different under the bill before us or under the amendment before us.

Ms. LOFGREN. Certainly.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Chairman, this morning I mentioned my intention to offer an amendment to define emergencies. I did offer an amendment in committee, and the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Gekas] and I agreed that we would work together to come up with a resolution and, in fact, in all fairness to the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Gekas], I had language, and the language before us now certainly bears his imprint more than mine. I think it is acceptable. I would note that in the committee report, emergency is now defined in a circular manner, specifically exempts an impact analysis requirement of this legislation any regulation that responds to an emergency situation, defining an emergency as an emergency, and this language gives us further guidance. I would like to just make clear, since demanding attention in section B is, if not vague, at least not precise, that it would be the intention of this body that in the following circumstance or hypothetical, for example, if a cure for cancer was found, in order for that drug to be released by the FDA to cure cancer victims, there needs to be a regulatory action. The cure for cancer would certainly have an impact on small business entities around the country. No one wants to stop the cure for cancer from being released. This would allow those procedures to move forward under the definition, if I am hearing the minority counsel correctly, and I would offer this amendment, and I hope, I believe, that it is acceptable.

Ms. LOFGREN. I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me. You know, as a member of the committee, I enjoyed going through this bill, and I think many of the goals are worthy ones. One concern I have, however, is that I believe we have failed to account for the immutable law of unintended consequences. I believe it is our job to make sure that, when we act legislatively, we know what the outcome will be and we do not get blind-sided by an outcome that we did not intend or expect. One of the issues I intend to raise by way of an amendment later today has to do with allowing for emergency action and defining what that might be. This was an amendment offered in the committee, withdrawn with the pledge that we would work through and try to deal with the issue. Unfortunately, given the press of time and our agenda, that has not yet occurred. I am concerned we do not want to preclude, for example, the release of useful drugs, a cure for cancer, because of the regulatory scheme provided in this bill.

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. LOFGREN

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, as a former member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I rise, today, to acknowledge and extend my heartfelt congratulations to the human relations commission and the friends of the human relations commission of Santa Clara County on the occasion of their 15th Annual Human Relations Awards Banquet being held on February 23, 1995. This event pays tribute to all members and friends of the commission who have given of themselves to serve others. Their dedication to the citizens of Santa Clara Country has enabled hundreds of individuals to realize their full human and civil rights. all, I see such a diversity of backgrounds--business people, teachers, administrators, retired individuals, mothers, grandmothers, fathers. This diversity of individuals, individuals who have shown true dedication and commitment to building a community of unity and equality, has made the human relations commission and the friends of the human relations commission truly successful in Santa Clara County. It is with great honor that I commend the following individuals receiving special recognition for their dedication and service: Mr. Glenn Liptak, recipient of the Robert H. Gonzales Memorial Award. For his commitment that all people will join together for a better community, through work, school, and home. Ms. Sherri R. Sager, recipient of the Betty Ann Sellers Memorial Award. For her unselfish service for the causes of youth, ethnic and religious communities, and the disabled. Mr. Raymond B. Orozco, recipient of the Edna M. McGhee Memorial Award for his countless hours devoted to both the young and old through his community to various organizations. Ms. Samantha Marks, recipient of the Friends of H.R.C. Special Recognition Award for her service on many local boards that serve the needs of the homeless. Mr. Joe Coto, recipient of the Special Recognition Award Human Relations Commission for his work as an educational and civic leader for the betterment of youth in our community. The following individuals are recipients of the Friends of Human Relations Special Merit Awards: Mr. Mark Bonine, for his service and dedication in the gay community and his efforts on behalf of HIV/AIDS prevention and services. Ms. Sandi Douglas-Michel, for her volunteer service to the senior community. Ms. Gilda Carlsen, for her tireless service to the Edenvale Community Center. Mr. Juvenal Castro, for his time given to serve youths as a mentor. Mr. William John Dusel, for his volunteered time, as a retired educator, to the seniors at the Live Oak Adult Day Care Center. Mr. Jose Rafael Espiritu, for his active involvement in the Filipino Community and devotion of countless hours volunteering his services. Mr. Todd Evans, for bringing together neighbors who now work toward the betterment of their community through his work with the Edenvale Community Association. Mr. George Garcia, for his volunteered time and work at St. Maria Goretti's meal site, loaves and fishes. Mr. Gilbert A. Garcia, for his commitment to the welfare and rights of working people and seniors in the community at large. Ms. Leslee Hamilton, for his hundreds of hours volunteering on environmental, governmental and gay and lesbian issues. Mr. Ian I. Hinckson, for his volunteering at the ``Touch of Love'' Prison Ministry and his community service of visiting and helping a disabled man. Ms. Carole Holmes, for her service to and gift of her time to the Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen. This she has done for 7 years. Mr. Domingo N. Hurtado, for his devoted 8 years in working with the homeless through the Emergency Housing Consortium. Dr. Guity S. Jam, for her dedication of time to the children in her community by volunteering in a speech club and in Baha'is children's classes. Mr. Gary Jones, for his work, as president of the Edenvale Community Association, in assisting the businessmen of the Edenvale area to bring them together for the purpose of improving the community. Ms. Jacqueline Kessel, for her work with the Dispute Resolution Program of the Human Relations office and doing a much-valued job of bringing peace and harmony to the community. Ms. Mary L. Lang, for her volunteered time of more than 5,000 hours over 2 years serving a variety of organizations, such as the Braille Transcription Project and Sixth District PTA, to name only a couple. Ms. Martha M. O'Connell, for her work to protect individuals' rights in whatever she is doing. She has helped coordinate the Gay and Lesbian Awareness Week at San Jose State and in 1994 cochaired the Names Project Memorial Quilt. Ms. Rena Modell, for her volunteered time of many hours advocating for midlife and older women by teaching them to advocate for themselves, and also her tireless commitment to working with the Children and Family Collaborative, as well as various Jewish organizations. Ms. Laura L. Murray, for her gift of time to serve children youth of the Eastside Union High School district, the Evergreen school district, and the Antioch Baptist Church. Mr. Larry Paschoal, for his volunteer time and talent serving the needs of epileptics in the community, through his involvement with the Epilepsy Society. Mr. Carl Ray, for his strong commitment to young people. He, along with Vera and Isaac Shaw, have developed Black College Tours making it possible for 250 students to participate over a 7-year period. Ms. Arlene Rusche, for her gift of time to the gay and lesbian community. She is active in BAYMEC and has worked on equal rights legislation. Vera and Issac Shaw, for working tirelessly on Black College Tours for high school students from San Jose. Over 200 students have been able to participate through their work. Mr. Scott Simon, for operating his own vocational rehabilitation program and still having time to volunteer on the Dispute Resolution Program as mediator and program developer. Ms. Pilar Tanga, for her giving over 18 years of service on the Dispute Resolution Program as a mediator. Mr. Manuel Velasquez, for volunteering as a mediator with the Dispute Resolution Program and also working with El Comite, an association of Hispanic county social workers. Ms. Anne Wilkensen, for serving the most needy of the community and being instrumental in creating a Feed the Homeless Program sponsored by St. Christopher's Parish Ladies Guild. Ms. Idalia Willbanks, for volunteering with the Dispute Resolution Program and giving of her time as a bilingual case developer and mediator. Mr. Roosevelt Yates, for being an inspiration to all by visiting and caring for an older disabled individual on a weekly basis, taking him out into the community. Mr. William Zaner, for his volunteering in different homeless programs, as a member of the Emergency Housing Consortium board of directors programs. The following are the individuals receiving Human Relations Commission special merit awards: Mr. Anthony W. Alexander, for continuously working on issues concerning youth and the community, as president of the local NAACP and always striving to fight racism and promoting unity. Mr. Manuel R. Austin, for being very active in East San Jose's growth and development by demanding changes for the good of the community. Ms. Donna M. Bartelink, for her volunteering of many years of service to the community and above all bringing together people to better serve the students of Shoreline High School. Ms. Gloria J. Baxter, for devoting her life to the betterment of youth and families in the community, and working tirelessly building understanding and cooperation in our multiethnic community. Ms. Yolanda Bentancourt, for spending many hours volunteering and sharing her expertise with at-risk youth in the community. Mr. Elias Chamorro, for his work and dedication, as the principal at Overfelt High School, in making the school with its high ethnic minority enrollment a model of how to serve the needs of a diversified community. Mr. Jim Cruze, for his volunteered time of continuing to serve the youth of the Fremont Union High School district and willingness to help students at home if necessary. Ms. Rolayne Edwards, for bringing her expertise to the Dispute Resolution Program of the Office of Human Relations, as a San Jose Attorney. Ms. Lydia Castillo Fontan, Ph.D., for her giving of herself to the service of the Filipino American Community by focussing on education. Dr. Ronald La Mar, for his devotion, as a former educator in the Cupertino School District, of his time to the Pacific Autism Center for Education. Ms. Michele McKay-McCoy, for devoting her time to educating people of various communities on all topics related to child abuse. Mr. William F. Neves, for his work with FISH, an Eastside Emergency Food Program for the needy and currently serving on the advisory board of the Second Harvest Food Bank. Mr. Thomas Quilty, for his taking the time to teach others how the law can be enforced in a fair and compassionate manner and adding a new facet to the Human Relations Commission Observer Program at the Santa Clara County Fair through his peace officer background. Mr. Gabe Reyes, for his involvement and commitment to seeing full participation of Latino students in educational program. Ms. Minnie Rodriguez, for working tirelessly as a volunteer in the Overfelt High School community to seeing that all youth have the same opportunities. Armand Sanchez, Ph.D., for his deep commitment to his students and community, particularly the mental health community, as professor of social sciences at San Jose State University. her life and becoming an inspiration to many others, in spite of having a progressive disability caused by multiple sclerosis. Mr. Russell J. Tershy, for his commitment to providing individuals with the necessary training to find meaningful and well-paying employment, as the cofounder of the Center for Employment Training [CET] and its executive director. Ms. Norma Williams, for finding the time to tutor Vietnamese and Chinese speaking people in English and instructing ESL classes, by using her background as a teacher. Ms. Erica R. Yew, for devoting her time to providing emotional support, educational help, and fun outings for three young girls, as a child advocate for the past 3 years. To all of these individuals who have given of themselves for the service of others, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending heartfelt congratulations.