Gary Miller

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the REAL ID Act. I am pleased to join my colleagues in supporting a bill that not only tightens lax standards and loopholes in the current driver's license issuance process, but strengthens a judge's ability to determine whether or not an asylum seeker is truthful, and provides for the completion of the 14 mile long San Diego Border fence that has been halted by radical environmentalists. This bill will help implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and complete the intelligence reform we started during the last session of Congress. The 9/11 Commission found that travel documents were as important to the terrorists as were their weapons. The simple fact is that if the 9/ 11 terrorists had not been able to enter the United States and operate freely--to obtain driver's licenses, open bank accounts, rent homes and cars, and board airplanes--they would not have been able to commit mass murder on that fateful day. To ensure that future terrorists no longer have access to legal loopholes to enter and remain at large in the United States, the REAL ID Act will establish minimum document and issuance standards for Federal acceptance of driver's licenses and State-issued personal identification cards. In addition, this legislation will require applicants to provide proof they are in the country legally, and tie the expiration date of the documents with the expiration of an alien's authorized term of stay. I believe that this bill enhances the security of all our Nation's identity documents so we are able to establish that people are who they say they are. The bottom line is that our current laws fail to prevent those who may be harmful to the security of our Nation from operating freely and undetected in the United States. The ongoing stories of how terrorists took advantage of our broken immigration system provide the strongest evidence that we need to pass the REAL ID Act to make America safer. If the war on terrorism is to be ultimately successful, it is more important than ever that we take the necessary steps to strengthen security at our borders and provide law enforcement agencies the tools they need to identify those individuals who enter or remain in the United States illegally. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the REAL ID Act and demonstrate that the security of our Nation is our top priority.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to La Habra High School in La Habra, California as they celebrate their Golden Anniversary. For the past 50 years, La Habra High School has been more than just an institution for learning; it has become the pride and joy of a community. The teachers and administration work together to inspire students to become life long learners. The school boasts alumni that are not only productive members of society, but have paved a path for future generations to follow. Most importantly, the students of La Habra High School understand the importance of learning and the value of a proper education. Over the years the school has earned many distinctions including the coveted Blue Ribbon Award by the U.S. Department of Education. Mr. Speaker, La Habra High School has proven to be a first rate educational institution that fosters a positive learning environment for the future of our children. I ask my fellow colleagues in Congress to join me in congratulating the teachers, administrators, alumni, students and parents as they celebrate the school's 50th Anniversary.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and congratulate Mr. Ali Razi on his accomplishments during the past year as President of the Building Industry Association of California, Baldy View Chapter. As President and Member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Razi has toiled to meet the growing demand for quality, affordable housing for San Bernardino County residents. A graduate of King's College, London University, Mr. Razi earned a degree in Civil Engineering, and later obtained a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, Mr. Razi went on to lecture at Tehran Polytechnic University, and in 2002 received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from California State University, San Bernardino. In addition to serving as a cardinal investor in higher education, Mr. Razi has distinguished himself as an eminent force in housing development and construction. Prior to 1984, Mr. Razi served as Principal and CEO of Ira Engineering and Construction Company, heading the construction of large international projects. In 1984, Mr. Razi co-founded the Stratham Group, a major owner and developer of Southern California real estate. Since then, the firm has acquired and developed more than 10,000 apartment units, single family homes and parcels of land. Mr. Razi received personal recognition as Builder of the Year for 2000 by the BIA, Baldy View Chapter. In 2003, his company was acknowledged as building company of the year. Throughout his career, Mr. Razi has held a series of prestigious titles. He has demonstrated diligence to education and dedication to successful land development. I am proud to recognize Mr. Razi's achievements and honor him for his steadfast efforts this year as President of the BIA of California, Baldy View Chapter and grant him my best wishes in his future development endeavors.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the 9/11 Recommendation Act. I want to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) for his efforts in the area of oversight that he had. I think he did an excellent job, and this bill was improved by his efforts. However, the gentleman from Wisconsin's (Mr. Sensenbrenner) issues that he dealt with were removed from this bill, and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) looked at this House issue and said, how did 9/11 occur? How did the perpetrators attack this country, and what can we do in this bill to make sure that does not happen again? That language was removed, and when we talk to the people back home, these are commonsense issues. The gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) injected language that said we are going to expedite construction of the gap of the 14-mile barrier in between San Diego and the border of the United States. That language was removed; and if we look at that 3-mile gap, it looks like a herd of cattle had stampeded through there every day. We cannot tell who came into this country illegally, but that was removed. The other one struck is any requirement for proof of lawful presence in the United States for a driver's license. The 9/11 perpetrators came to this country, they obtained driver's licenses through a legal fashion in 10 States that make them available, and this bill would have said that that will never happen again. The only way 9/11 happened and occurred is because these terrorists were able to obtain driver's licenses to come and go freely in this country and to board planes as they chose. Nothing in this bill will stop that from happening. The other issue that was struck is license expiration tied to a visa expiration. It makes perfect sense that if you have a visa in this country, and you get a license while you are here, that your license should expire when your visa expires. The same thing happened with the 9/11 perpetrators. Their visas expired, but their licenses did not, and they were thereby allowed to stay in this country. They also struck expedited removal of illegal aliens. You can implement frivolous lawsuits and stay in this country almost as long as you want, even if you are here illegally. This bill originally would have eliminated that option. It struck the restriction for a terrorist claiming asylum. It does not take a brain surgeon to realize if you are a known terrorist, trained in an al Qaeda camp and here in this country, we cannot deport you. You can remain. The language to make sure that did not happen was, again, in this bill and was removed from this bill. It struck limiting judicial review of orders of deportation. That is common sense and should have been in. Now, I will try to go through these quickly. It struck complete national driver's license standards. You should be here in this country legal as a citizen or have a legal right to be here to get a driver's license. It also struck an interstate driver's license database. That way you could not get multiple driver's licenses throughout multiple States like the terrorists did. There were very good commonsense laws in this that would have become law, and they basically were struck. The one that really does not make any sense struck ``terrorists traveling information sharing.'' You have a terrorist that travels around, and we cannot even share that information by law. That is wrong. The things that were removed from this bill warrant a ``no'' vote on this bill, and I strongly encourage a ``no'' vote. I rise today in strong opposition to the intelligence reform conference report. There is no question that everyone in Congress wants to protect the country from another terrorist attack. That is why I am so appalled that this conference report excludes several House provisions strengthening immigration law. We cannot have real intelligence reform without addressing flaws in our immigration system. I strongly believe that failing to act on important immigration reforms is a grave mistake, since these provisions are central to any legislation designed to prevent future terrorist attacks. By passing this conference report, Congress is looking the other way while potential terrorists are allowed to exploit flaws in U.S. immigration policy. As we work to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, how can we ignore the Commission's call for strengthened identification standards in this country? The Commission found that it was our immigration laws, not those laws aimed at protecting against terrorism, that shaped the terrorists' ability to carry out their plot on 9/11. In fact, the Commission found that travel documents were as important to the terrorists as were their weapons. The simple fact is that if the 9/11 terrorists had not been able to enter the United States and operate freely--to obtain driver's licenses, open bank accounts, rent homes and cars, and board airplanes--they would not have been able to commit mass murder on that fateful day. As long as fraudulent identity documents remain readily available, terrorists will be able to use legal loopholes to enter and remain at large in the United States. It is truly beyond reason that this final conference report would remove House-passed provisions to secure driver's licenses. This is in direct contradiction to the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, which urged Congress to set federal standards for state-issued licenses. Have we already forgotten that the 19 hijackers on 9/11 had 63 driver's licenses among them and that most of these were obtained through fraudulent means? One of the 9/11 hijackers was stopped for a traffic violation a mere two days before the terrorist attacks. Unfortunately, the officer was unable to detect that the terrorist's visa had expired because his driver's license was still valid. The House bill included a requirement that driver's license expiration dates coincide with visa expiration dates so that law enforcement officers could have the information they need to keep us secure. The conference report deleted this important House provision. In addition, while current law allows for the denial of admission to the U.S. on terrorism-related grounds, terrorism cannot be used as a basis of deportability from the country. This means that some terrorists and their supporters can be kept out of the United States, but as soon as they set foot on our shores, we cannot deport them, hindering our ability to protect America from terrorists who have infiltrated our country. The House bill makes aliens deportable for terrorism-related offenses just as they would be denied admission to the country in the first place. The conference report excludes this critical provision, leaving a gaping hole in our national security. The security of our Nation must be our top priority. Great intelligence is nothing without a strong national security. The bottom line is that this bill fails to prevent those who may be harmful to the security of our Nation from operating freely and undetected in the United States. If the war on terrorism is to be ultimately successful, it is more important than ever that we take the necessary steps to strengthen security at our borders and provide law enforcement agencies the tools they need to identify those individuals who enter or remain in the United States illegally. This bill is woefully inadequate because it fails to make immigration reforms that are absolutely fundamental to ensuring the security of our Nation. By passing this conference report without immigration reform, we are sending a message to the American people that we still have not learned from the tragedy of 9/11 that political correctness must never take the place of national security.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Mica amendment, which will go a long way in making certain our skies are safe and free of terrorism. I would like to focus my comments on important provisions in this amendment that will help ensure the civil liberties of all of America's citizens are protected during this war on terrorism. I thank Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Mica for including this language in his amendment, which I had submitted to the Rules Committee as a separate amendment. There is no question that we should be vigilant in our fight against terrorism or that increased security measures will serve to inconvenience some of our citizens. However, forcing certain law- abiding citizens to be repeatedly detained and questioned each time they travel should not be tolerated. This amendment will establish a process for the Transportation Security Administration to ensure those passengers who are erroneously flagged under its new pre-screening system are not unnecessarily delayed on future flights. To illustrate the importance of addressing this issue, I would like to highlight an example of a family in my district who has been repeatedly delayed when traveling. The most recent case occurred this summer, when returning from an oversees trip. The family was met by officials as they deplaned and escorted to a holding room at JFK Airport. During their detainment, officials thoroughly inspected the family's luggage and would not even allow them to go to the restroom without escort. The family was extensively questioned about their background and employment. It took over three hours for the officials to clear and release the family. Unfortunately, the long delay caused them to miss their connecting flight to California. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, this family was delayed due to the nature of our law enforcement databases, which can give rise to ``near matches'' and ``tentative hits,'' resulting in misidentification scenarios. This was not the first time this family was delayed because of the similarity of their name to names that appear on watch lists. Unfortunately, according to the Department of Homeland Security, it will not be the last--the family should expect similar detainment in the future because of this shortcoming in our law enforcement databases. Some of you might say that this is the price American citizens of Middle-Eastern descent must pay to ensure safety in our skies. But we must ask ourselves--how do we protect those unfortunate Americans, who share names that are similar to dangerous people on terrorist watch lists, from being effectively denied the ability to fly? There is no question that we must encourage our security officials to be vigilant. But, it is reasonable to expect that the Transportation Security Administration be able to maintain their watch lists to ensure that the system does not continue to erroneously flag the same law- abiding citizens every time they try to travel on a plane. I believe this can be done in a way that maintains aviation security, improves the effectiveness of watch lists, and demonstrates to our fellow Americans of Middle-Eastern descent that America affords the same freedoms and opportunities to all of its law-abiding citizens, even during this war on terrorism. Specifically, this amendment will: establish a timely and fair process for individuals identified as a threat to appeal the determination and correct any erroneous information; include a method by which TSA will be able to maintain a record of air passengers who have been misidentified; and prevent repeated delays of misidentified passengers by ensuring the record contain information determined by TSA to authenticate the identity of such a passenger. As we work toward policies that secure our homeland, we must not forget that there are U.S. citizens who are of Middle Eastern descent. They have greatly contributed to American society and are deserving of equal treatment under the Constitution of the United States. These various cultures and races became citizens of the United States just as our ancestors did, and they are our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family members. Most of all, they are our fellow Americans. It is unfortunate that these Americans have been forced to bear the brunt of our increased security. In the past, when American law enforcement confronted challenges to our safety and security from espionage, drug trafficking and organized crime, we were able to meet those challenges in ways that preserved our fundamental freedoms and civil liberties. We must meet the challenge of terrorism with this same careful regard for the Constitutional rights of Americans and respect for all human beings. Last week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously approved these provisions and I ask my colleagues to support this amendment today.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Oxley) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), the ranking member. No matter how we spin it, the fact of the matter is this amendment is not about banking, it is about making it easier for illegal immigrants to remain in the United States. U.S. immigration authorities have said the matricula consular is virtually worthless as an identity document. In fact, if Members do not believe them, all one has to do is look at the reputation of these cards in Mexico. Mexican banks themselves do not recognize the matricula consular card as a valid identity document. In fact, no bank in Mexico accepts this card to open a bank account. Despite the fact that its own banks do not accept this card, for 3 years, the Mexican government has aggressively lobbied U.S. banks to accept the document. Mexico's actions to advance acceptance by U.S. banks is a blatant attempt to make illegal immigrants in Mexico as inconspicuous as possible, while facilitating uninterrupted transmission remittances back to Mexico. According to the FBI, matricula consular cards are almost exclusively used by illegal immigrants. Anyone here legally has valid identity documents they can present to open a bank account, such as a driver's license, Social Security number or passport. As a representative from part of the country that bears much of the burden of illegal immigration, it is $5 billion a year in California, I feel compelled to tell Members who do not represent areas impacted by illegal immigration about the impact this amendment will have on those who are forced to live with the problem on a daily basis. Illegal immigration places a strain on our society, and I want every Member in this body to understand, California bears the brunt of the burden of the failed immigration policies of the Federal Government. California has the highest number of illegal immigrants residing within its borders. The estimated number of illegal residents in California is 2.2 million people, or 32 percent of the total number of illegal immigrants in the United States. The cost of illegal immigration in terms of governmental expenditures for education, criminal justice and emergency medical care are significant. For emergency health care, California spends the most of any State treating illegal immigrants in our hospitals. The cost of health care costs for illegal immigrants for California are nearly $650 million per year. For education in California, $2.2 billion each year is spent on educating the children of illegal immigrants. While incarceration of illegal immigrants while securing our Nation's borders falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, it is State and local government who must bear the cost when illegal immigrants are incarcerated, and California incurs greater cost than any other State. In fact, 15 percent of California's inmates are illegal immigrants, costing the State over $500 million a year. It is always easy to come to Washington and speak about compassion for those less fortunate, but when it comes to illegal immigration, the price California pays for Congress's so-called compassion is steep, and it is unacceptable. The fact that States must bear the cost of the government's failed immigration policies make illegal immigration an unfunded mandate. If Congress wants to continue to pass policies to encourage illegal immigration, then we must be willing to reimburse the States for the high costs they incur as they are forced to live with the impact of Congress's unfunded mandate. This amendment should be accompanied by a $5 billion check each year to California for problems of illegal immigration. I oppose this amendment.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the distinguished career and legacy of Mr. George Putnam. When asked what the most important elements in a newsman's character should be, Mr. Putnam replied, ``an insatiable curiosity, objectivity, perseverance but, most of all, integrity.'' These are some of the sterling qualities that have guided his illustrious 70 year career as a broadcaster, reporter and commentator. In 1995, Mr. Putnam was awarded the prestigious Los Angeles Area Governors Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He has been the recipient of four Emmys, six California Associated Press Television & Radio Association awards, and eight annual Radio & Television News Club awards. Legendary radio commentator Walter Winchell called Gorge Putnam's voice ``the greatest in radio and television.'' From his first broadcast in 1934 at WDGY in Minnesota to his current show, Talkback, on KSPA-AM, George Putnam has earned the respect of his listeners and his peers. It is with great pleasure that I wish him a Happy 90th Birthday, and acknowledge his lifelong contributions to the journalism industry.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 142, legislation I have sponsored to dramatically improve the water supply reliability of the Santa Ana watershed and the water basins in San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties. I thank Committee Chairman Pombo and Water Subcommittee Chairman Calvert for recognizing the importance of this bill to providing innovative solutions to the challenges posed by chronic water shortages in Southern California. Many states today are faced with the formidable task of providing reliable and safe water resources for a rapidly increasing population. This is no exception to California and its growing population of more than 30 million people. Southern California's arid climate makes it difficult for this region to find variable and dependable sources of water. The Interior Department's ruling to reduce the availability of Colorado River water to Southern California has exacerbated the area's water supply problems by reducing approximately 700,000 acre feet of water this year alone. Such water supply deficiencies discourage economic growth, imperil the environment and compromise the health and safety of Southern California residents. As a result of dwindling supplies and increasing demands, communities continue to seek non-traditional methods to produce dependable water sources, including through water recycling and desalination. H.R. 142 would enhance Southern California's water supply by constructing a water recycling project, a desalination demonstration and reclamation project, and a regional brine lines project. Upon full implementation, these projects will create an estimated 50,000 new acre feet of water annually for the region. prado basin natural treatment system H.R. 142 will provide Southern California with additional new water annually through the construction of a water recycling project. The Prado Basin Natural Treatment System will naturally treat the Santa Ana River flow through wetlands development. By assisting Mother Nature in the creation of these wetlands, we will improve the water quality of the Santa Ana River, thereby recharging the Orange County Water District's groundwater basin. Currently-constructed wetlands have demonstrated an ability to reduce nitrate contaminants to level that permit water supply use. The expanded program will result in more than 1,200 acres to treat three tributaries to the Santa Ana River. This will mean additional treated water that can be made available to the citizens of the region. The new system will help drought-proof the region and protect against salt water intrusion. In addition, the restoration of natural wetlands allows for the amount of water to be stored behind the currently underutilized Prado Dam to be increased. In a region that is prone to droughts, the expansion of this water supply will deliver non-potable (non-drinkable) water for irrigation and industrial purposes so that our limited supply of potable water can be reserved for drinking water purposes. lower chino dairy area desalination demonstration and reclamation project H.R. 142 expands groundwater desalination in the Chino Basin from the current 9,000 acre feet per year to 40,000 acre feet per year, which would provide a vital new drinking water supply for a rapidly increasing population in San Bernardino County, including Jurupa Community Services District, Santa Ana Mutual Water Company in Riverside County, and the cities of Norco, Chino, Chino Hills and Ontario in San Bernardino County. As former President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, ``We need a farsighted program for meeting urgent water needs by converting saltwater to fresh water.'' Once deemed impractical and costly, desalination has evolved into one of America's most effective and reliable solutions to water supply shortages. Desalination provides drinking water directly into the delivery system and is blended with other sources of potable water in many cases. The construction of a desalination demonstration and reclamation project in the Lower Chino Dairy Area offers a viable method of meeting the region's water supply needs into the future. basin natural treatment system project One of the main challenges to desalination is the transport of the salts, also known as brine, to outfall stations. H.R. 152 seeks to address this obstacle by providing a means to safely and efficiently discard excess brine from desalination plants. Specifically, this legislation calls for the construction of a regional line to transport excess brine to the Pacific Ocean, where it can be safely filtered through an ocean-outfall pump station. This will prevent many of the environmental hazards that can occur from inadequate disposal of excess brine, thus protecting groundwater reserves for the over six million resident of Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. These projects will help ensure the water needs of Southern California's communities are met, and I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2828, the Water Supply, Reliability, and Environmental Improvement Act, to reauthorize the CALFED Bay-Delta Program and implement water supply technology and infrastructure programs aimed at increasing and diversifying domestic water resources. This reauthorization will help address the critical water crisis in the Southern California region, effectively improving water supply reliability and water quality while enhancing the environment. In addition, this bill provides a model for how to make progress in enormously complex natural resources issues through a partnership of state and federal agencies. Many states today are faced with the formidable task of providing reliable and safe water resources for a rapidly increasing population. This is no exception to California and its growing population of more than 30 million people. Southern California's arid climate makes it difficult for this region to find viable and dependable sources of water. The Interior Department's ruling to reduce the availability of Colorado River water to Southern California exacerbated the area's water supply problems by diverting approximately 700,000 acre feet of water this year alone. The lack of a reliable source of water discourages economic growth, jeopardizes the environment and compromises the health and safety of Southern California residents. It is for this reason that Congress must work to find innovative and effective solutions to the challenges posed by such debilitating water shortages. H.R. 2828 offers such viable solutions. One of the most important elements of this legislation is it will finally allow us to begin the process of developing and constructing water supply, storage and delivery projects. H.R. 2828 will augment the conveyance of water through the Delta, California's most important watershed. This will reduce the demand on imported water from the Colorado River and other unreliable remote water sources. Through the water recycling, desalinization, and groundwater replenishment projects authorized by this legislation, California will become more self reliant and a better steward of its water resources. H.R. 2828 recognizes the importance of improving management and coordination of existing water supply projects for meeting present and future demands for water in California. The bill would bring a focus to developing integrated, regionally-based water management plans as a necessary means to help resolve growing conflicts and foster cooperation between agencies, utilities, and public interests. It also stresses the need for water users to better cooperate and integrate their actions to improve water management to solve broad, multi- dimensional issues. This bill equalizes environmental protection and water supply demands and effectively provides for the agricultural, municipal, commercial, and recreational water needs of the state. Ecosystem-restoration projects will help return California's bays, deltas, rivers, and other natural habitats to their original ecological state. Projects will be authorized as long as the activity has been subject to environmental reviews and approvals under applicable federal and state law. Perhaps one of the most important elements of this bill is that it injects accountability into the process by requiring a cross-cut budget detailing the way in which the various agencies intend to use federal CALFED dollars. Only through such a process will we know if progress is occurring in a reasonable timeframe and, if not, how best to revise the program to accomplish the results that we expect. I would note that H.R. 2828 is the result of several years of work and bipartisanship, which is a true credit to Chairman Pombo and Chairman Calvert. Their decade of effort has given hope to a reality of enhanced water resources for all Californians. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and congratulate Mr. Walter Allen, III as the newly appointed director of the California Youth Authority by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. As the director, Mr. Allen oversees one of the largest youth corrections agencies in the nation, with over 4,000 wards, nine institutions, four camps, 16 parole offices and two regional parole offices. Born and raised in Oakland, California, Mr. Allen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning from California Polytechnic University in Pomona. Following graduation, Mr. Allen began his long and dedicated career in law enforcement beginning as a Police Officer with the Chino Police Department and transitioning to a Special Agent for the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. Over the past 20 years, Mr. Allen has distinguished himself in every avenue of his career where he has earned special agent assignments and leadership appointments. Most recently, Mr. Allen served as the Assistant Chief for the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. In 1997, Mr. Allen became active in local politics and was elected to serve on the city council for Covina, California, where he has actively participated as Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor. Currently, Mr. Allen serves as council member and continues to work towards maintaining a high quality of life for the citizens of Covina. Throughout his life, Mr. Allen has demonstrated his commitment to public service through his career and political activism. He has proven to be an honorable citizen and has admirably embraced his civic duty to his country. I am proud to honor Mr. Allen's achievements and congratulate him on his new appointment.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 658) recognizing National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in the United States.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on this resolution.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate homeownership in America. As part of this homeownership initiative, President Bush is expected to designate June, 2004, as National Homeownership Awareness Month, as he has the past 2 years. To complement this designation, I have introduced House Resolution 658 to recognize National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in the United States. This resolution expresses a sense of Congress and the U.S. House of Representatives that we, one, fully support the goals and ideals of National Homeownership Month, and, two, recognize the importance of homeownership in building strong communities and families. Now is a great time to talk about the American dream of homeownership because for the past 3 years the housing industry has been the pillar of our economy. The housing and refinance market helped keep our recently struggling economy moving until the rest of the economy was able to accelerate. National housing generates more than 22 percent of the Gross Domestic Product and accounts for nearly 40 cents of every dollar spent. America's housing market is the envy of the world. We enjoy the lowest interest rates and the highest homeownership rate of any developed nation. In fact, the national homeownership rate in the United States has reached a record high of 68.6 percent, and for the first time, more than half of all minority families own homes. Homeownership is the single largest creator of wealth for most Americans. It is a key to promoting long-term economic stability for citizens and nations. For these reasons it is imperative we maintain a strong housing market. There are many components involved in helping people achieve the dream of homeownership. We need land to build on, developers to prepare the land, architectural plans and building materials, builders and contractors to construct the home, certainty on who owns what and how much it is worth, and available credit. We need to work to make sure that each component can work and that government helps rather than impedes the process. As many of the Members know, I have been a home developer for over 30 years. I know all too well the impact of regulatory barriers at all levels and the cost of homes. When I came to Congress, I made it my top priority to highlight federal policies that have hindered the availability of housing in this country and to find ways for government to positively impact homeownership in America. I firmly believe that Congress must help cultivate an environment where more Americans can turn the dream of homeownership into reality. I am pleased that the President, in partnership with Congress, has made it his priority to ensure that government does something positive to foster homeownership. The administration is committed to finding ways to increase homeownership particularly among minorities and has set forth an ambitious agenda for HUD, focused on building on the progress that work and finding innovative ways to reform those in need of improvement. To focus more attention on the need of regulatory reform, HUD launched in June, 2003, America's Affordable Communities Initiative, a department-wide effort to help communities across America identify and overcome regulatory barriers to affordable housing. I commend HUD for its commitment to work with States and local communities to reduce regulatory and institutional barriers to the development of affordable housing. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration and Congress to address our Nation's housing needs. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 658, which expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' dedication to forming policies that will help ensure every American family realizes the dream of homeownership. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson).

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to close. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend all of my colleagues on the Committee on Financial Services, on the Democrat side and Republican side, especially the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Oxley) and the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Ney), who have had a real interest in housing, and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), who is a good friend of mine. We have probably done more legislation on housing than any two Members that I know of. But he and I are like-minded on the needs of housing for our future. This is not a Republican, issue nor is it a Democratic issue. It is an issue for our future, for our children, for our grandchildren. Do we want to continue the situation with the shortage of housing in this country, or do we want to change that? In many cases, it is the government's responsibility to look at what we have done, and sometimes we need to step back and change some of that. FHA reform, I applaud my colleague for emphasizing that, again. We are ready for markup on that. It is about time FHA kept pace with the market. It is a good program that works. The gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) and I have introduced legislation to resolve this problem and, hopefully, before this year is over, can have a bill signed into law that will work. But I would also like to commend the builders in this country, the Realtors, the subcontractors, mortgage brokers, the mortgage bankers, the financial markets, the title companies, the escrow industry, all of those people who work hand in hand, putting together a large puzzle to provide housing in this Nation. They do a wonderful job, they work very hard, and we need to do what we can to assist them. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support House Resolution 658. It is a bipartisan bill. It is a good bill. Let us start to continue to look and focus on the housing needs of our country.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute today to a man who served his country with dignity, and lived his life with honor. Mr. Kenneth Wents of Hacienda Heights, California, will always be remembered for his courage and heart. Mr. Wents led a full and exciting life. Even as a prisoner of war during World War II for forty-two months, he faced extraordinary challenges with determination and optimism. Mr. Wents touched the lives of many, especially the generous volunteers of the Greater La Puente Valley Meals on Wheels, who valued him and appreciated his warm spirit. Mr. Speaker, the life of Mr. Kenneth Wents has greatly impacted the lives of many in a positive way. It is my honor to join his family and friends in commemorating his legacy.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, President Ronald Reagan will be remembered in the annals of history as one of the greatest leaders of the United States. His deeds and words will echo in time as the foundation for a smaller, more efficient government, a fairer tax system and the liberation of millions of oppressed people throughout the world. Ronald Reagan was known as the Great Communicator. His words brought hope to those in need, comfort to those who suffered and optimism to an entire Nation trampled by economic and governmental insecurity. Yet President Reagan's ability to communicate went beyond the words that he spoke. He reached out to the nation and the world using not only his voice, but his strength of spirit and supreme character. President Reagan's passing is mourned by each of us. But his legacy will continue through the ideals he aspired for America. A grateful Nation thanks Ronald Reagan, a true American Hero.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary. The Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California was established in 1974 with 78 charter members to assist businesses large and small with the necessary skills to become a successful operation. Providing their members with management leadership skills and safety training, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California have created an industry with high standards and quality employees. Founded on the belief of the free enterprise system, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California actively promote the Merit Shop Philosophy whereby contractors pay, promote and recognize their employees based on individual merit. It is this philosophy and their commitment to providing employees with adequate wages, benefits and safe working conditions that has made this association a pioneer in the construction industry. Recognizing the valuable contributions to the industry and the community, I would like to congratulate the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California on their anniversary of thirty successful years.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Alaska has dedicated years to this bill. I applaud him for that. I know it is less dollars than he would like to see because he does understand the problems we face in this Nation. The gentleman from Wisconsin has done an excellent job on the subcommittee. The gentleman from Minnesota has done a wonderful job working his side of the aisle trying to bring together a good bill for this country. I represent California. I have parts of Orange County, L.A. and San Bernardino Counties. We are right on what is called the Alameda Corridor. All the trucks and trains coming from the harbor at Long Beach and Los Angeles come through our districts. Unless you live there, it is almost unbelievable to realize the impact that we face and our commuters face trying to go to and from work not only with the truck traffic from the harbors and the airports on our freeways but with the trains when you are trying to cross railroad tracks and at- grade crossings. Nothing that I can think of is more important that what we are doing this year and we have done in recent years in this bill. The Founding Fathers had an idea of what the Federal Government should do, and one is to protect and defend our borders which we are trying and I believe we are doing an excellent job through the budget on, and the other is to ensure interstate commerce. In this generation, ensuring interstate commerce is making sure that goods can flow on our freeway systems and our rails to provide the goods and services that we need in this Nation. Our roads are coming close to being in a gridlock level in the Los Angeles area and Orange County. We need to resolve the problems we face there today. TEA LU does pay special attention to the infrastructure deficiencies facing our Nation's truck traffic and the freight and it is tremendous some of the issues we have to deal with. In Orange County alone, in my district on the Alameda Corridor through our cities currently we have 50 trains a day. In the near future, those trains will go up to 135 trains per day. The people who have to cross those crossings realize that that is a tremendous burden placed upon them and a tremendous burden placed upon businesses who have to ship their goods and people have to get to and from work. It is just unbelievable. In one city that I represent, Placentia, in a 5-mile-long stretch, there are 11 at-grade crossings plus the associated communities around them. When a train starts going through that town, the whistle blows from the beginning they reach that city limit till the end because of the requirements placed upon them. The people are being overly burdened based on how long they are having to sit and wait to get across those tracks. That is one project that I believe we need to effectively deal with. The chairman has been very gracious on, I believe, all our states, but I will speak to California, on allowing projects that need to be put in this budget up front to help resolve some of the immediate impact that has been placed upon our State. He has made countless trips to California, I met with him on several different functions, explaining his vision for the future. That is why he calls it a legacy for our future, because of his vision of what should happen in the future of this Nation and how people should benefit, from the minute they get up in the morning and get in their car till their car comes home at night. We have a wonderful bill before us. There are going to be some amendments, some I am going to oppose, but I honor the gentleman from Alaska for this great bill.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the achievements of Russell J. Rice, Chief of Police for the city of Placentia, California, who is retiring after 30 years of exemplary service. Chief Rice's leadership and impressive record of academic career and civic involvement has earned the admiration and respect of all those who have had the privilege of working with him. He was named P.O.S.T. Command College, Outstanding Student for Academic Achievement, Class 18, 1994; City of Placentia, Employee of the Year, 1986; Placentia Police Officer's Association, Officer of the Year, 1985; and Disabled American Veterans, Outstanding Police Officer, 1984 and 1985. I would like to congratulate Chief Rice on these many accomplishments and sincerely thank him for his ongoing commitment to the community, which he has served so admirably.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and personal interest that I rise to commend Mrs. Scarlet Treu of Hacienda Heights, California. Since my election to Congress in 1999, Scarlet has served as my Senior Advisory for Asian-American issues in my congressional district. Her knowledge and insight into this important constituency has served me well. Unfortunately, after five years of service, she has decided to retire from congressional politics. Not only has she been an excellent employee, but she has also become a close personal friend. Scarlet's life history is one of inspiration and admiration. Born in Taipei, Taiwan her family was forced to flee from China due to the repressive Communist Regime, Scarlet was able to complete her education at the prestigious Ming Chuang College and earned a degree in business administration. Upon graduation, she went on to serve as the original and founding member of the marketing department for Chase Manhattan Bank's Taipei branch. Immigrating to the United States in 1976, she went to work as an immigration section supervisor and then as a civil litigation specialist for two respected law firms in southern California. Scarlet met her loving husband, Rolf Treu, in 1977 and they set out to establish two law offices before he was appointed to a State judgeship in 1995. Rolf and Scarlet have two wonderful children, Jacqueline and Eric. Aside from her many children-related activities, Scarlet has focused on the needs of her community as well. For many years she has been supportive of and actively engaged in the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association Board, LA County Supervisor Don Knabe's Art Award, the Colima-Hacienda Women's Club, the Hacienda Heights Chinese-American Parents Advisory Board, and various Republican Party political appointments. She also formed my Business Advisory Board which has provided me with a forum to work with community leaders on issues important to their industries. In 2001, Scarlet co-chaired a successful $221 million bond campaign for Mt. San Antonio College that will benefit future generations of students. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Scarlet for her years of service, hard work and personal sacrifices on my behalf.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute today to the City of La Habra Heights, California, as their community celebrates 25 years of cityhood this year. Since incorporating on December 4, 1978, La Habra Heights has succeeded in maintaining a quality environment for its residents by providing excellent municipal services and keeping a strong community spirit alive. The citizens of La Habra Heights continually demonstrate their enthusiasm for their City by actively participating in local government and future city planning. It is indeed my honor to represent the residents of this beautiful city, who have contributed much of their time towards the betterment of their community. Mr. Speaker, on this very special year for the City of La Habra Heights, please join me in commemorating their twenty-fifth anniversary.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 280, ``Recognizing the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association for 100 years of service.'' I was pleased to cosponsor this resolution because over the past 100 years the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) has made valuable and lasting contributions to our nation's infrastructure and economy, and improved the quality of life for all of our citizens. As a developer and member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I know first-hand how important this industry is to the continued growth of our nation. Aggregates are an integral building material used in a variety of construction projects from roads, airport runways, railroad beds, and sidewalks to homes and skyscrapers. It is one of the oldest and most versatile building materials on earth and its numerous benefits include high energy efficiency and durability against natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and extreme winds. In addition to its contributions to quality growth, the aggregates industry has helped to enhance our nation's economy through the creation of jobs and wealth. For every new dollar of output in the aggregates industry, an additional $1.58 is generated in the U.S. economy. The industry contributes $37.6 billion to America's Gross Domestic Product and supports 284,090 jobs in all sectors of the economy with personal earnings totaling $10.74 billion. In 2001 alone, over three billion tons of aggregates were produced at a value of over $14.5 billion--a significant contribution by all accounts. Companies responsible for the production of aggregates also make important contributions to the communities in which they operate. Currently, there is a quarry or sand and gravel pit in almost every county in the United States. Their proximity near a community significantly reduces costs for residential, commercial and industrial buildings and street, road and highway construction projects. When the mines and quarries have utilized the resources available to them, the operation sites can easily be reclaimed by the local community and converted into residential, commercial or industrial properties, parks, recreation areas, storm water management facilities or farmland. Aggregates could not have become the nation's construction material of choice without the significant contributions of NSSGA. NSSGA is depended upon by many organizations, including agencies of the federal government, for crucial work in standards development for aggregate design, construction, and repair. Without all NSSGA has achieved over the past century, our nation would surely be disadvantaged structurally and economically. I appreciate the continued commitment and service NSSGA has contributed to our nation over the past 100 years and look forward to working with them further as we seek to build a better America in the 21st century.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 394, ``Recognizing the American Concrete Institute for 100 years of service.'' I was pleased to author this resolution because over the past 100 years the American Concrete Institute (ACI) has made valuable and lasting contributions to our nation's infrastructure and economy, and improved the quality of life for all of our citizens. As a former developer and a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I know first-hand the vital role concrete plays in the construction of our country. Everything from the roads we drive on to the very foundation of the homes we live in are dependent on this industry. Concrete is an integral building material used in a variety of construction projects from roads, bridges, parking lots, and sidewalks to homes and skyscrapers. It is one of the oldest and most versatile building materials on earth and its numerous benefits include high energy efficiency and durability against natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and extreme winds. The entire family of concrete products, such as ready mixed concrete, concrete block and cast-in- place, are used in all of our nation's communities. Major concrete operations continually function in every congressional district, creating well-paying jobs and boosting local economies. Overall, the concrete industry has an impact on the Gross Domestic Product of more than $200 million annually--a significant contribution by all accounts. Concrete could not have become the nation's construction material of choice without the significant contributions of ACI. ACI, a premiere technical society of the concrete industry, is depended upon by many organizations, including agencies of the federal government, for crucial work in standards development for concrete design, construction, and repair. ACI's resources include an 18,000-member network of public and private sector volunteers committed to advancing the technology of concrete for educational and scientific purposes, increasing the knowledge and understanding of concrete materials, and supporting programs that improve concrete design and construction. Without all ACI has achieved over the past century, our nation would surely be significantly disadvantaged structurally and economically. I appreciate the commitment and service ACI has contributed to our nation over the past 100 years and look forward to working with them further as we seek to build a better America in the 21st century.