Grace Napolitano

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 20, 2006, I was absent due to a family obligation. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following way: ``Aye'' on rollcall No. 295, an amendment by Mr. Schiff to H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 296, an amendment by Mr. King to H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 297, an amendment by Mr. Chocola to H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 298, an amendment by Mr. Flake, No. 2 to, H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 299, an amendment by Mr. Flake, No. 3, to H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007. ``Aye'' on rollcall No. 300, an amendment by Mr. Hinchey, No. 1, to H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007. ``Aye'' on rollcall No. 301, an amendment by Mr. Hinchey, No. 2, to H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 302, an amendment by Mr. Flake, No. 6, to H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 303, an amendment by Mr. Flake, No. 7, to H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007. ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 304, an amendment by Mr. Flake, No. 9, to H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007. ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 305, final passage of H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 20, 2006, I was absent due to a family obligation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 293, suspending the rules and agreeing to H. Res. 731--Commending the Patriot Guard Riders for shielding mourning military families from protesters and preserving the memory of fallen service members at funerals.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 20, 2006, I was absent due to a family obligation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 292, agreeing to H. Res. 877--Providing for the consideration of H.R. 5631, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 20, 2006, I was absent due to a family obligation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 294, suspending the rules and agreeing to H.R. 5228--To require representatives of governments designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism to disclose to the Attorney General lobbying contacts with legislative branch officials, and for other purposes.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, June 19, 2006, I was absent due to a family commitment. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 291, final passage of H. Res. 826--Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Youth Sports Week should be established.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, June 19, 2006, I was absent due to a family commitment. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 289, final passage of H.R. 5540--Sergeant Jacob Dan Dones Post Office Designation Act.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, June 19, 2006, I was absent due to a family commitment. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 290, final passage of H.R. 5504--Larry Winn, Jr. Post Office Building Designation Act.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my esteemed colleague, Joe Baca, for taking the lead on this very important issue, and to the gentleman from Texas, Charlie Gonzalez, for yielding to me. I also find it very disturbing that extremists are using the immigration debate to stir up racial division and hatred. Whether it is in the form of violent anti-immigrant video games, in hate speeches, in racial slurs, in graffiti, in our schools, or in political debate, it is wrong. I am here to ask you to ask our countrymen to say enough is enough. It is not a moral nor a decent way to treat or speak about our fellow human beings. Along with many of my colleagues, I implore individuals, families, and communities all over the country to stand up against this hatred.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 794, recognizing the 17th anniversary of the massacre in Tiananmen Square. I would like to thank Chairman Henry Hyde, Ranking Member Tom Lantos and Congressman Chris Smith of the House International Relations Committee, as well as the International Relations Committee staff, for their work on this bill. House Resolution 794 rightfully commends all persons who are peacefully advocating for democracy and human rights in China. The resolution condemns the ongoing human rights abuses by the government of the People's Republic of China, and calls on that government to cease the inhumane treatment of pro-democracy activists, prisoners of conscience, minorities, and religious groups. The resolution includes language regarding Dr. Wang Bingzhang, a family member of constituents from the great city of La Puente, CA. In June of 2002, Dr. Wang was abducted in Vietnam by Chinese authorities and held in solitary confinement in China for six months, during which time the Chinese government denied any knowledge of his whereabouts. In December of the same year, the Chinese government reversed itself and acknowledged he had been in their custody. Dr. Wang was then issued a life sentence after a closed, half-day trial. Dr. Wang has been refused a fair trial, and the Chinese government has refused to release any evidence to substantiate Dr. Wang's alleged crimes. Dr. Wang is currently being held in Shaoguan prison in Guangdong Province, where he is on a hunger strike. Prison authorities continue to deny Dr. Wang access to Western medicine which he needs for his serious health issues. I thank the Members of the International Relations Committee who supported this bipartisan resolution. I look forward to the committee's continued work to end the deplorable, appalling and unjust treatment of dissidents by Chinese authorities. My staff and I will continue to work on this critical issue, and I look forward to Dr. Wang's release and return to his family.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my disappointment that the Republican Leadership caved to political pressure and failed to protect critical mental health funds for treatment of our Veterans, as originally provided by the Senate in the emergency supplemental spending bill. Although this supplemental bill will fund many important priorities, it also includes billions of dollars in wasteful spending while ignoring the very practical, immediate mental health needs of our veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. I commend my colleague, Senator Akaka, for his leadership in amending the original House passed version to include an additional $430 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The $430 million sum was specifically designed to supplement direct health care, mental health care, and transition services at the VA, but was misguidedly removed by conferees and is no longer present in this final conference report. To assist our veterans in readjusting to civilian life, the amendment would have included $80 million for Vet Centers, a readjustment counseling service provided by the VA. Over the years, Vet Centers have provided services to a total of 118,811 Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. So far this fiscal year, Vet Centers have provided services to 70,547 of these veterans. Unfortunately, this conference report virtually flat-lines the Vet Center budget. The Senate amendment also included $168 million for the VA's comprehensive Mental Health Plan. This plan establishes a stronger network of primary and mental health care providers in order to better care for the over one third of our returning veterans who have experienced some sort of readjustment issue. Finally, the Senate amendment provided $182 million for the shortfall in service at VA hospitals, where new veterans waiting for their first clinic appointment to be scheduled has doubled this year. Over the course of 2 years, the number of new enrollees waiting for veterans' health care has increased by over 400 percent. Time after time, we have been told by mental health advocates that the VA's capacity is simply inadequate. Recent studies have shown that 35 percent of Iraq veterans have sought mental health services, with 19.1 percent of Iraq veterans and 11.3 percent of Afghanistan veterans reporting a mental health problem. We must be prepared for the VA to handle this demand. Our returning men and women in uniform deserve adequate healthcare and transition assistance, which our country promised to them when they volunteered to serve, and is our duty as a nation to provide. Mr. Speaker, this failure to provide comprehensive assistance for veterans' healthcare should be a wake-up call for those in support of our troops who cannot count on this Administration or the Republican leadership to look out for our veterans needs.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Alan Clayton, who recently retired after more than 24 years of distinguished public service. His leadership in numerous advocacy efforts has helped to improve the life of Latinos in the United States, especially for my constituents in the 38th Congressional District and throughout California. Alan Clayton has been working in public policy and civil rights since 1985. Over the next two decades, he held a wide and lengthy variety of positions fighting for equal opportunity, advocating fair representation, and defending key programs. He has most recently worked as the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity for the Los Angeles County Chicano Employees Association since 1994. His work has been recognized by civil rights organizations, Latino employee groups, and many local agencies. In 1985, while he was a State civil rights representative for the California League of United Latin American Citizens, Alan filed a petition with the Governor and legislature over the lack of representation for Latinos in California State Government. His work lead to a joint legislative task force on the issue, and further efforts resulted in a redistricting for Los Angeles that better reflected representation for the Latino community. On behalf of the Los Angeles County Chicano Employees Association, Alan filed a complaint against the California Department of Health Services in 1987 for their systematic discrimination against Latinos in their hiring and promotions. The complaint was settled in 1992, resulting in the successful allocation of funds towards equal opportunity recruitment. Alan has also been a leader in advocating for Latino empowerment in the redistricting of the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Unified School District. These redistricting efforts in 1991 lead to the election of a second Latino to the Los Angeles Unified School District Board and a third Latino to the Los Angeles City Council. His work on civil rights continued in 1997, when he began a five year effort fighting for a state senate bill that would allow extended outreach to minority groups and women in recruitment programs conducted by public sector agencies. Through his role as Director of Equal Employment Opportunity at the Los Angeles County Chicano Employees Association, Alan co-drafted and was the principle advocate for the Schiff-Cardenas Juvenile Justice Act of 2000. It has since provided over 550 million dollars of new money for juvenile programs administered both by probation departments, governmental agencies, and community based organizations. Since 2001, Alan has played a leading role in increasing representational fairness in Los Angeles County, both through ballot efforts to expand the Board of Supervisors, and through work that has increased the Latino community's ability to elect candidates of their choice for both the school district and city council. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to personally acknowledge and congratulate Alan Clayton for his many years of dedicated work. I ask my colleagues to join me and the many organizations in applauding his important efforts on behalf of California's Latino community. I wish him and his wife Diane continued success, health and happiness in the future.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brandon Jason Archuleta, a distinguished Class President of the United States Military Academy at West Point over four consecutive years, a forthcoming graduate, and my constituent from the great city of Montebello, California. On Saturday, May 27, 2006, Cadet Lieutenant Brandon Jason Archuleta will complete his term at West Point Academy with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in American History and a commission as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army. As a freshman, or ``Plebe,'' at West Point, he was elected by 1200 of his peers as President for the Class of 2006. During his second year he was re- elected to a life-term representing his peers, while he continued to expand his academic accomplishments and his extracurricular involvement. He has received the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Assault badge, while his leadership has been profiled by both MSNBC and the New York Times. Brandon's studies included research into comparative politics, political participation, legislative procedures, defense policy, international security, and the media. In his fourth year, Brandon focused his senior thesis on American Politics. His work highlighted Hispanic Members of Congress and analyzed how concerns over ethnicity impacted their voting behavior and representation. While preparing this thesis, Brandon visited the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), interviewed several members, and was invited to attend a Caucus meeting in Washington where he met Senator Kerry. His study makes a unique contribution to the West Point academic community, as one of the first known research efforts on Hispanic Members of the 109th Congress. Brandon Archuleta was born on November 24, 1983, to Bob and Vera Archuleta. A lifelong Montebello resident, he attended La Merced Elementary and Intermediate schools, becoming heavily involved in the Student Councils at both schools. He became an Eagle Scout, played baseball for several years, and developed artistic skill in both band and drama. Brandon attended St. John Bosco Catholic High School in Bellflower, and remained involved in: the varsity football team, 3 terms as class president, swim team, campus ministry, and the school newspaper. Brandon graduated with honors from St. John Bosco in 2001, and was chosen to deliver their commencement speech on behalf of his graduating class. Shortly after graduating, he traveled to New Jersey where he attended the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, followed by his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2002. As a Field Artillery Officer, Archuleta's first assignment will be with the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. After five years of preparation and training, Brandon is ready for another five year commitment as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to personally acknowledge and commend Brandon Archuleta for his dedication to leadership and continuing service to our country. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Brandon on his many achievements, especially upon his West Point graduation, and honoring his exemplary service as a role model for America's youth. I wish him all the best for his future.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 615, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I do not want to repeat all the accolades that have been showered upon a former Member of Congress who I had the opportunity to meet but unfortunately never was able to work alongside of him. You have heard how he was a trailblazer and how he cared for all minorities, all people that were the unvoiced of America; that he chose his battles to where he would stand on this floor and advocate relentlessly on behalf of all the poor and all the unjust things that were carried out against the many peoples of the United States. I can tell you, though, that from listening to the many stories said about this wonderful individual, you are able to put a picture of a human, humble, dedicated, compassionate, loving family man who devoted his life to politics to make life better for all. And as you have heard, Mr. Speaker, he has become the trailblazer of Latino politics in not only California but in the United States; that, because of him, many of us now are able to stand before great bodies and be able to voice the concerns of those who have no voice in these Chambers. Mr. Speaker, we have great pride; and another accomplishment of this great man is that he and four other individuals, including the father of our seated Member of Congress from San Antonio, Charlie Gonzalez, Henry B. and several others joined together to form the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, which now fosters young Latinos for future leadership of this country. Another great accomplishment. I could go on, and I probably would be repeating a lot of things, but there are a lot of unsaid accolades that this gentleman, this gentle man was able to transmit to those many people who knew nothing of him but knew of his greatness. To his daughter, Lucille, my good friend, we are very, very happy she is here and trust that he is smiling down upon her. General Leave

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with deepest sympathy that I pay a special tribute to my constituent Sgt. Arthur A. Mora, Jr., who was killed in Balad, Iraq on October 19 when his vehicle was hit by enemy fire. His passing at the age of 23, marks the end of a young and promising life which had already exemplified duty, honor and heroism. Arthur will be remembered as the quiet student at El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera who missed having his photo taken for the senior yearbook. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 27, 2000. Upon completion of basic training, Arthur was assigned to the 1st Battalion, the 3rd Air Defense Artillery, and the 3rd Infantry Division followed by Bravo Battery 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Camp Pelham, Korea. He returned to the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry at Fort Stewart, Georgia. In July 2005, Sgt. Mora was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Mora's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Ribbon, the Army Service Medal, and the Korean Defense Service Medal. Family members say they draw comfort in knowing that Arthur was doing what he wanted. He was a young man who loved the military and would have most likely made a career in the Army. Arthur is survived by his wife Veronica, daughters Olivia, Celina and a newborn son, Christopher, whom he had never seen. He is also survived by his mother Sylvia Mora of Montebello, sisters Michelle, Celia, and his brother Paul. His family and friends will miss this caring young man greatly, and to them I extend my sincerest heartfelt sympathy and pray that they will receive God's comforting graces in their time of sorrow.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the second largest Armenian-American community in the state of California to welcome His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church. We are honored that His Holiness will be visiting our state during his October pontifical travels. Catholicos Aram I has served the Armenian Apostolic Church with distinction since he was consecrated as spiritual leader in July of 1995. His major priority has been to reorganize and revitalize the work of the church, particularly in the areas of theological education, cultural activities, youth outreach, and the promotion of peace, justice and human rights. Additionally, he has increased the social service work of the church, improving assistance to orphans, to vulnerable children, to the elderly, and to the disabled. I am particularly grateful that His Holiness will be visiting the 38th Congressional District on Oct. 8th, where he will attend a ceremony at the Armenian Genocide Monument at Bicknell Park in the city of Montebello. This is the only Armenian Genocide Monument to reside on public property in the United States. It is a reminder to our communities of the horrible atrocities that befell the Armenian people 90 years ago, and the world's continuing struggle against genocide wherever it occurs. Mr. Speaker, it is a special privilege to serve my constituency on the Committee on International Relations, which recently passed H. Con. Res. 195, Commemorating and Recognizing the Armenian Genocide, and H. Res. 316, Affirming the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide. H. Con. Res. 195 acknowledges the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire, and H. Res. 316 recalls the proud history of U.S. intervention in opposition to the Armenian Genocide. I hope the full House will have an opportunity to vote on and pass these important bills. The United States Congress must honor the many survivors of the Armenian Genocide who have made our nation and my district their home. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming His Holiness Aram I as he visits the Armenian Genocide Monument in Montebello, CA. This will be a rare opportunity for the Armenian Apostolic community in my district to hear from their spiritual leader. My district, the Los Angeles region, and the state of California are deeply honored by his visit.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise to honor the life of Thomas Steiner, a five year veteran of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). On April 21, 2004, he was the victim of a senseless hate crime committed in front of the Los Angeles County Municipal Court in the city of Pomona. As he was walking to his car following traffic court testimony, a 16-year-old ``wannabe'' gang member pulled his car in front of Mr. Steiner, stepped out and opened fire, killing the officer. The California State Senate will soon consider a bill that would rename the interchange of State Highways 60 and 71--Thomas's favorite region to patrol--in his honor. Tom was born February 14, 1969, and spent his childhood in Virginia and Ohio, before his parents settled in Long Beach in 1984. He graduated from Millikan High School in Long Beach and then pursued several different majors at Cal Poly Pomona. When he heard that the CHP was looking for accounting majors, he chose to study accounting. Tom always had been both attentive to details and desirous of being in law enforcement. He was not a perfectionist. He was just particular. Even as a child playing pick-up baseball, he never allowed cheating. He also loved helping people. Tom knew that being a CHP officer was the right career for him. Tom's passion was fatherhood. He loved his stepson Justin, whom he called J.T., and his son Bryan, with whom he would walk home from preschool every Friday afternoon, holding hands. He converted his garage into a pool hall, with walls adorned with old Sports Illustrated covers, for both boys to enjoy. Also on the garage wall was Tom's collection of shot glasses from the different cities his father, Ron, had visited during his many business trips. It was a reminder that his father had valued his son Tom, and that now Tom valued his sons. Tom is survived by his wife Heidi who will now raise 5-year-old Bryan and 14-year-old Justin. He is also survived by his parents, Ron and Carol, and his sister Julie. Our country owes a great debt of gratitude to Tom. He died doing the job he loved, a victim of perhaps the ultimate hate crime: the assassination of a law enforcement officer solely based on the victim's status in the community, the uniform worn and what it represented. I met his father and with fellow CHP officers at the dedication of a memorial worthy of Tom's commitment to the safety of others. Join me in wishing our sincere sympathy to his family. We and the entire law enforcement community, especially the California Highway Patrol, mourn for a lost brother. I ask that all of my colleagues join me to honor this fallen hero who has made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Gilbert Arenas Castillo on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Like many immigrant-Americans, Mr. Castillo came to this country as a young adult seeking to fulfill his dream of a better life in a new land. His story is the classic immigrant tale of leaving the comforts of family and home behind in the adventurous and challenging pursuit of the American Dream. In attaining his version of the American Dream, Mr. Castillo purchased a home and together with his devoted wife Delia Gutierrez Castillo raised a family of 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren; became a United States citizen; exercised his civic duties including voting regularly; became a land lord; retired following a successful career; became a certified television technician; and recently earned his high school diploma--at the age of 79! I can think of no better honor to salute Mr. Castillo's achievements on the occasion of his 80th birthday than to enter into the Congressional Record the story of his life as he wrote it on the recent occasion of his high school graduation. Mr. Speaker, I extend my best wishes to Mr. Castillo and his family on his 80th birthday, and I hold him up as a model example of the American Dream come true. Autobiography of Gilbert Castillo I was born in Mexico City, Mexico on July 18, 1925. I had a very difficult childhood. At the age of ten I began hearing stories about the United States of America, the land of promise. It was soon my dream to go to the United States. I was told that there your dreams can be achieved. In 1943, when I was 18 years old, I had the opportunity to come to the United States as a contract worker. I came to work in Texas at the Santa Fe Rail. I was one of many Mexican Immigrants working for the railroad. It was hard work laying rails down and the weather was unforgivable. It was either extremely cold or extremely hot but nonetheless I fell in love with this great country.. I was only able to work under contract for six months then I had to return to Mexico. A few months later I signed another contract to come back to work in the U.S. I was working in the fields of Madera, California as a field hand or as we were referred to back then as a ``bracero''. I did this for six months. For the next year and a half I worked in several different restaurants as a bus boy. Those jobs took me from Sacramento to San Francisco. They were very exciting times. I was happy to be living in the U.S.A. In 1946 I returned to Mexico. I spent the next two years in Mexico dreaming of returning to this country. In 1948 I returned to the United States. I was working in a restaurant in 1949 when I met a beautiful lady named Delia. We fell in love and got married. We spent 52 years together. Delia was a wonderful wife and mother. She was completely dedicated to the family. She passed away in December of 2001 and is greatly missed. We had a total of six children. Our eldest son Gilbert Jr. works for Southern California Edison, Evelyn our eldest daughter works for the County of San Bernardino County, and her husband David is a CPA for the City of Redlands. Our two other daughters Blanca Stella and Judith are both police officers as is my son-in-law Rudy. Our son Victor works for U.S. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard and was a member of the 1992 Presidential Electoral College, and our youngest son Christopher works in the home construction industry. In 1955 I started working for General Motors in South Gate California. I worked there for 28 years assembling automobiles. While I was working for G.M. I went to night school and received a certificate in electronics. It took me two years to complete that course, but at the end I was a certified television technician. On my spare time I repaired televisions, radios and stereos. I became a U.S. citizen in 1976 and have exercised my voting power ever since. My wife Delia also became a citizen in 1995 and was also very proud to be an American. In 2002 I decided to return to school and work towards attaining my high school diploma. Going back to school has been very beneficial for me. It has kept me busy, attending five days a week. It has kept my brain sharp and eager to learn more. It has also given me the opportunity to make new friends. In fact, I met a wonderful lady named Josephine. She is very special to me and we have become very close companions. My goal is to continue my education. I would also like to learn a new trade. I'm looking in to a refrigeration course. I will be eighty years old in July of this year, and I still believe that you can achieve your dreams at any age. I love this country and the opportunities it has given me. With a little hard work and dedication you can accomplish anything in this great country no matter how old you are. I am proud to be an American. May God bless the United States of America.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I rise also in opposition to the Paul amendment that is not cognizant of the fact that suicide is the third leading cause of death amongst youngsters. It would affect current funds used by States for mental health services and future planning to address this issue. It is a major medical concern, and this amendment does not provide for a solution. This amendment must not pass because it is harmful not only to our youth but to our families, to our Nation, and would risk increasing the current statistics.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Ms. NAPOLITANO

Ms. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 256, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Amendment No. 21 Offered by Mr. Hostettler

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Asian Pacific Heritage Month and honor the Asian Pacific Americans who make such a positive impact in the state of California and my district. California is home to more Asian Pacific Americans--4.6 million--than any other state and it has also seen the greatest increase in this population since 2000. In my congressional district, more than 76,000 Asian Pacific Americans contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of our communities. Their effect in the community has also been felt on an economic level, including the many thriving small businesses they run. It has also been felt on a spiritual level, as a number of Buddhist temples--including the nation's largest in Hacienda Heights--has helped raise cultural awareness throughout our communities. Since the early 1800's, Asian and Pacific Americans have been crucial to the development of our country. They helped build our transcontinental railroads and have fought for our nation, beginning with the Civil War. While our country wrongly imprisoned many Asian Americans in internment camps during World War II, Japanese Americans and Filipinos valiantly fought for this country and our freedom and continue to do so today. It took our country much too long a time to apologize and compensate the Asian Americans that were wronged. And it is shameful that the United States continues to fail Filipino veterans by not keeping our promise to give them full veteran's benefits for their service. I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 302, which would repeal the provisions that deny benefits for those who served our country, fought in the organized military forces of the Philippines and as Philippine Scouts in World War II. As the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I have also seen the same type of barriers placed before our Asian and Pacific American brothers and sisters that have troubled my fellow Latinos. We are working with the Tri-Caucus--consisting of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus--to close the gap in affordable health care coverage and accessibility that continues to heavily impact all of our communities. Together in the last session of Congress, we cosponsored the Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act, H.R. 3459, and expect to reintroduce the bill in the coming weeks. So many issues, especially dealing with healthcare, small business assistance and education difficulties for bilingual students, affect both of our communities. I am committed to reducing the inequities for all our minority populations. As we celebrate our nation's Asian Pacific heritage this month, be assured I will continue to work year round to ensure future generations have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Kevin Gano, who recently retired after more than 30 years of distinguished public service. His innovative approach to law enforcement has had a tremendous positive impact on the safety and gang presence in my hometown of Norwalk, California, for more than a decade and a half. Kevin Gano entered the justice arena in 1973. Over the course of that decade in the California cities of West Covina and La Verne, he held a variety of positions as a uniformed officer ranging from patrol officer to major crimes investigator to field sergeant and watch commander. In 1987, he served as senior administrative assistant to the City Manager in Upland, California. In 1989, Kevin was named Norwalk's first director of the Department of Public Safety. He immediately began working to combat a gang warfare problem that had gotten so bad that area schools had taken to conducting drive-by shooting drills during which students would practice taking cover under their desks. He introduced the ``Silver Bullet,'' an RV that was deployed to at-risk communities to establish a visible police presence in the areas of suspected gang or drug activity. He worked to hold parents of gang members responsible for the children's actions. He targeted taggers--gang members who sprayed graffiti around the community. He led the way as the first leaders in the area to push for a gang injunction that imposed curfews for gang members, prohibited them from communing together in public and carrying items that could be used as weapons. The measure imposed fines and jail time for offenders. He did all this knowing that he could eventually become a target of the gang members, and he was. In July 1994, one gang painted ``Gano 187'' on an alley wall, a reference to state's penal code for homicide. His methods were so extraordinarily successful that in 1995, the FBI named Norwalk one of the 25 safest communities in the country, an honor it would receive for the next three years. Kevin was not complacent, even after crime, graffiti and truancy statistics fell dramatically in the city. He remained committed to combating the root of the problem. In 1995, he helped establish the Public Safety Cadet Youth Program that is still in place today. The program is aimed at giving youngsters leadership and problem-solving skills and a sense of responsibility while increasing their self-esteem through positive social interaction. Kevin's public role was not limited to his work for the city. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors not only appointed him a commissioner and vice chair for the California Department of Children and Families but took portions of his program and implemented it in other areas around the State. California's governor appointed him to serve on the Metropolitan State Hospital Advisory Committee. And the State Department of Juvenile Justice tapped Kevin as an advisor on youth crime prevention and intervention strategies. His expertise in this area was so well recognized that he was called upon to write two bills that have since become State law. I am proud to say that I authored one of those bills, which have subpoena power to school truancy boards. But it is Kevin's personal and behind-the-scenes approach that makes him more than a public servant. On an annual basis, he has unofficially adopted numerous Norwalk children and their families by providing them with basic essentials and resources they need to make it through their daily lives. He has always been willing to lend a hand and spend hours off the clock counseling or advising youngsters and parents alike. Kevin stepped down from his position on April 15, 2005. The impact of his work will continue to endure in the city. You can see it just by walking around, an activity that was risky in sections of the city when he came to Norwalk 16 years ago. His legacy also manifests itself in the lives of children who are not only staying alive and away from gangs but making a positive impact on society. Not surprisingly, two of the children who have emulated his commitment to public service are his own: his son Kevin is a police officer in the City of Buena Park and his daughter Jeannette is a Recreation Supervisor with the City of Claremont. After 30 years dedicated to making his community safer, I know Kevin will enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with them and his wife of 34 years, Darlene. As a friend and a resident of Norwalk for more than 40 years, I thank him on behalf of my 38th Congressional District for all he has done to improve the lives of our community.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I am sitting here listening to the information being disseminated in regards to small business. I have been for many years a small business entrepreneur, if the Members will. I have sat on the committee for 6 years and have seen how the funding for some of the programs that are most helpful to minority business and other small business have dwindled and we have had to fight, especially for women-owned businesses. One year it was from 8 million, increased by 3 million to all of 11 million for the whole of the United States. Yet women-owned businesses were the biggest growing segment of new business in the United States. So here we have areas that need help. The ability for some of our small business to grow, to be able to start up, grow, to be able to expand, to create the jobs. Small business is the recovery engine of our United States; and yet we are saying these are important things, that it does not really say anything about it, it just does not say anything about them to help them grow in these hard economic times that we are facing right now. When we are talking about the reimbursement of business license, that is a local issue. That is local government. It has nothing to do with the Federal Government. Those are reimbursement issues that procurement at the local level is handling. That has nothing to do with assistance in programs that will enable small business to be able to produce the jobs that we need to recover. And, yes, there are a lot of other issues that I could bring up, but I stand here and cannot help but wonder why they are so adamantly opposed to add provisions in a bill this year that we can institute to be able to further along our engine of recovery through our small business assistance.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, this amendment establishes a diesel truck retrofit and fleet modernization program. It authorizes $200 million funding between 2006 and 2008. This amendment is modeled after a very successful program which my colleagues and I initiated in 2001 through the gateway cities region. The gateway region is comprised of 27 cities throughout southern Los Angeles County, one of which has the highest pollution area in the State of California, that I and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Linda T. Sanchez) and other Members represent. In 2000, the gateway region was identified in a study as having some of the highest levels of toxic exposure caused by diesel emissions in that whole region. As you know, 80 percent of the goods received at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are transported by trucks through our cities, and this traffic heavily impacts the region's infrastructure, the quality of life, and the health of the area's residents, particularly the young and vulnerable elderly. Diesel engine emissions contain cancer-causing substances such as arsenic, benzene, et cetera, et cetera. I urge all of my colleagues to vote for the amendment.