Grace Napolitano

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 237, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 220, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a young woman, Kimberly ``Kim'' Anne Holloway who unexpectedly passed away on March 2, 2002 due to complications from a kidney infection. I ask my colleagues to join me, together with her family and friends in mourning for her untimely death. Kim was born on June 10, 1974 in Santa Monica, California to Daniel and Hilda Holloway. Growing up in LaPuente, California, she graduated from William Workman High School and proceeded to Mount San Antonio College. Kim was an honor student and talented athlete who excelled in soccer and track. To help pay for college, she worked as a scheduler at Disneyland in Anaheim. Kim later transferred to California State University at Fullerton, and was looking forward to graduating in June. Kim loved the simple things in life; literature, music, movies, and like every other teen, fashion. But what endeared Kim to her family and friends was that she was always there when they needed her. Always ready to help out her brother or sisters, or a friend in need. Mr. Speaker, a person's life is not measured by the length of their stay here on Earth, but rather by the quality of the life they lived. By this measure, Kimberly Anne Holloway is richer than many of us could ever become. She was a dedicated student, a hardworking employee, a loyal friend, and most importantly, a loving daughter.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Ron Cawdrey, a remarkable community activist and public servant who recently passed away at the age of 65. As we join his family and friends and mourn for their loss, it is only appropriate that we remember Ron and his significant contributions to the community. Ron Cawdrey served as an officer on almost all the civic organizations in the City of Redondo Beach: the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Redondo Beach Roundtable, the Eagles, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and most importantly, the city council are greatly indebted to a man whose mission in life was to serve his fellow citizens. Few individuals have been more devoted to their hometown than Ron has to Redondo Beach, a fact that was recognized when he was presented the first Mayor's Lifetime Community Service Award. It is rare to find people whose sense of civic duty, are on par with Ron Cawdrey. At the young age of 19, Ron began his journey of public service by managing youth baseball teams. He had a six-year interruption when he was drafted and proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Upon his return, Ron continued to pursue his passion in community service and became actively involved with local Democratic politics along with the local union, where he ultimately served as vice president of the Communications Workers of America, Local 9400, representing 10,000 members in California. Ron Cawdrey will be remembered and missed not only by his family but also by a grateful community. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ron Cawdrey for his exemplary service to his community and his country.

Ms. NAPOLITANO

Ms. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I was in the Chamber intending to vote ``yes'' on rollcall 56. Had I voted I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 56. Announcement by the Chairman Pro Tempore

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and salute a heroic WWII Navy veteran and a forty-six year resident of the 34th district, Authur Edward Unzueta. Arthur represents the best of what it means to be an American; an individual devoted to both family and country. He served his country courageously and it is because of countless veterans like him that we are able to enjoy the freedoms we do today. Arthur has had a distinguished naval career in service to his country achieving the rank of Gunner's Mate Third Class UNSR. His awards include, the Navy Good Conduct Medal for exhibiting outstanding performance and conduct during three years of continuous active enlisted service. He was also awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver and four bronze campaign stars for service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and the World War II Victory Medal for service in the United States Armed Forces during the period 1941-1946. In addition, he earned the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and the American Campaign Medal for service in the American Theatre during WWII. After three years, two months and six days of dedicated service, Arthur was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in January 19, 1946. The selfless attitude that characterized Arthur during his time in the military is evident in his devotion to his family and home. A resident of the 34th district since 1955, Aurthur is the proud parent of three, Gary, Sally and Paula and devoted husband of fifty-three years to Patricia. Today Aurthur takes pleasure in his retirement from a long employment at Owen's Illinois, a glass and china manufacturing company, surrounded by his four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and his two beloved boxers. Arthur is a model American citizen and one I am proud and honored to represent. His bravery and courage have earned him our most heartfelt appreciation and respect. Please join me in thanking Arthur for his service to our country, dedication to the community and devotion to family and home. He remains an example to us all of a true American.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Burt Hunt, a treasured Principal of Alvarado Intermediate School in my community of Rowland Heights, California. With great respect, he is retiring from the Rowland Unified District after thirty-six grateful years in education. Mr. Burt Hunt exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. His life has been dedicated to serving others and helping students achieve a higher standard in their academic education. Mr. Burt's major contributions to the community have touched the lives of many. Burt began his career as a teacher at Hurly Elementary School, which was a poverty-stricken area. He then moved on to become the principal of Blandford Elementary School in 1974 and then moved back to Hurly Elementary School as the principal. Here, with his leadership, Hurly Elementary proudly became a California Distinguished School. In 1988, Burt became the principal of Alvarado Intermediate School, where he began a program of reform that stressed the academic, social, and emotional need of his students. The program showed students improving academically and those with remedial needs began to have success. In 1994, Alvarado Intermediate School proudly became the first secondary school in the District to gain recognition as a California Distinguished School. With the leadership of Burt, Alvarado Intermediate School was again recognized by becoming the District's first National Blue Ribbon School. It is with great honor that I commend Burt Hunt for his commitment to helping the children of his community become educated. His presence as a leader as a principal will be sorely missed. However, his tradition and leadership will be remembered and continued by those who knew him.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the memory of an exceptional woman, Anna Maria Arias. On Monday, October 1, 2001, Anna Maria lost a seven-year battle against aplastic anemia and passed away from complications related to a bone marrow transplant procedure at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston, TX. Anna Maria Arias was born on July 12, 1960 in San Bernardino, California. She attended San Diego State University but her passion for media and journalism eventually led her to Hawaii Pacific University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. When she was offered a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Fellowship to Washington, D.C. Anna Maria saw her opportunity. She accepted the CHCI fellowship and was assigned to the Washington, D.C. bureau of CNN where she became part of the production team at CNN's Crossfire program. As the founder and president of Arias Communications, Anna Maria enjoyed a varied and accomplished communications career. She worked as a radio news anchor, news-writer, and as a media and campaign organizer for presidential and local candidates at the Democratic National Committee. Anna Maria honed her publishing skills and earned the respect of her peers during her five years as managing editor for Hispanic Magazine. Her editorial direction and keen insight into the issues affecting the Hispanic community were instrumental in making the publication one of the most respected media vehicles in the Hispanic market. In October of 1994, she launched a brand new, long awaited Hispanic publication and fittingly named it Latina Style Magazine. To this day, the magazine remains the only national publication that is one hundred percent Latina-owned. With a circulation of 150,000 and a readership of more than 600,000, Latina Style Magazine is the first national magazine that covers issues pertinent to the contemporary, professional, Hispanic working-woman from a Latina point of view. Anna Maria wanted to make Latina Style Magazine not just a medium to express Latina society and culture, but also a source of valuable information to the Latina professional, business owner, and college student to help them succeed in their endeavors. Anna Maria's passion and commitment bore fruit when Latina Style Magazine was selected by the National Association of Hispanic Publications as the Outstanding English or Bilingual Magazine for 1999. During the same year, Anna Maria was honored by the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with the 1999 Entrepreneur of the Year Award and by the Changing Images in America Foundation with the Entrepreneurship Award, Everyone who knew Anna Maria will tell you that from her youth, she was one of the most dedicated individuals they had ever met. Once she set her sights on something, there was no stopping her. When family and ftiends asked why she was choosing to undergo the complicated bone marrow surgery, Anna Maria simply said, ``I have to do this, we have important work to do and this thing keeps getting in the way.'' That was Anna Maria, totally devoted to her work and committed to serving others. Last Sunday, I attended Anna Maria Arias' memorial mass at the Church of Guadalupe and her burial ceremony at Mt. View Cemetery, in San Bernardino, CA. Her husband Robert Bard and her mother Rita Valenzuela spoke of the tremendous courage and determination of one so young. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to please join me in honoring the life and achievements of a great Latina role model and leader, Anna Maria Arias. She has, by example, inspired generations of young Latinas to reach for their dreams. Her enthusiasm, her zest of life, her caring nature, and love for her family, friends and co-workers will never be forgotten. Anna Maria, amiga querida, dios te Ilamo y nos dejoste un gran vacio. Adios.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Pastor Appreciation Day, I rise to honor Pastor Jim Ortiz, senior pastor at ``My Friend's House'' an Assembly of God congregation in Whittier, CA. Having served his congregation for 29 years, Pastor Jim dedicated himself to improving the lives of people throughout the 34th Congressional District of California. It is because of his commitment and exemplary service to his congregation and to the community that I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to this extraordinary man. Born to Puerto Rican parents and a native of New York City, Pastor Jim moved to California with his family and attended Hueneme High School in Oxnard. In 1973, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies and Sociology from Vanguard University (the former Southern California College) and completed graduate studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at the C.P. Haggard School of theology at Azusa Pacific University. Pastor Jim is a model constituent full of kindness, sincerity and dedicated service. His congregation, ``My Friend's House'' was founded in 1971, with the help of his wife Yollie. Their mission is to preach the gospel in a way that it improves people's lives and positively impacts the surrounding community. Under Jim and Yollie's guidance, ``My Friend's House'' has grown to an average weekly attendance of more than 400 people including a large number of young Latino families. Their success helped to spawn three sister congregations in various parts of California. Pastor Jim, whose unique style of communication, is both creative and appealing, allows him to capture listener's attention. His uplifting message is born out of his deep conviction that the gospel of Jesus Christ can transform lives and change society for the better. His exemplary lifestyle inspires others to live a life of charity, humility and compassion. Pastor Jim's countless contributions to the community have touched the lives of many. He established Metro Impact, Inc., a community development corporation consisting of eight ministries dealing with evangelical propagation, economic development, social service and community outreach. Among the various services that Metro Impact offers are, an after school drop-in center for youth, a summer day camp for children, a free computer learning facility and a family enrichment center. Metro Impact also has programs that provide food, recreation and housing for low-income families. At 52 years of age, Pastor Jim is the longest tenured Pastor in the Southern California District Council of the Assemblies of God and also happens to be the youngest. He has devoted most of his life to serving the community and improving the lives of people and families from all over Southern California's 34th Congressional District. Please join me in honoring Pastor Jim Ortiz for all of his hard work and dedication to his family, congregation and community. He is an example of the best in all of us.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I come to this floor today to honor and pay tribute to all fellow Hispanic Americans and to highlight some of their excellent contributions made to us here in the United States. Hispanic Americans have helped shape all aspects of the American experience and have greatly influenced America's culture and our society. Hispanic Americans have played an integral part in our country's exceptional story of success. We have served heroically in every American conflict. You just heard my colleague indicate there were 37 Hispanic Americans who earned the Nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. I believe there were 38. I will settle for 37, but I think it was 38. The United States academic and scientific communities have benefited from the contributions of Hispanic Americans, like physicist Luis Walter Alvarez, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986, while business leader Roberto Goizueta, chairman of Coca-Cola and a Cuban-American business leader is very well recognized and coined the phrase ``Coke is it.'' These are only two of the many examples of Latinos that have made invaluable contributions in the United States. I can name some of the sports figures, but that is not my bag. There are others. There is our Lieutenant Governor in California, Cruz Bustamante. In entertainment, we have Edward James Olmos, to name one of the many. In health in California, we have Diana Banta, who heads the State Health System. Latinos are no longer a new immigrant population. Rather, they are now the legislators, the business people, the nurses, the teachers, the construction workers that keep our communities running. They were among those who passed away in the horrific tragedy on Tuesday, September 11. They were also among the finest who participated in their rescue efforts this past month. My own Norwalk constituent Macolvio ``Joe'' Lopez, Jr., a dedicated construction worker, a Little League volunteer and a family man, was among those who tragically died on United Airlines Flight 175, the second plane to hit the second tower of the World Trade Center. Hardworking Hispanic Americans have made tremendous invaluable contributions to economic development to the United States. Hispanic business generates nearly $200 billion annually and employs over 1.5 million Americans, which makes a tremendous significant impact on our national economy. Latino business has grown by 30 percent in the past 7 years, five times faster than the average United States business; and we are very proud that Latino-owned businesses are the second fastest- growing segment of small business, right behind women-owned business. These numbers, though they show how strong our influence is, still face challenges such as lack of access to capital, and this keeps them from developing and growing, expanding their business. While America benefits from the fruits of Hispanic labor, we, too, should be able to gain access to the American dream and its credit system. Credit extended to women all over the world has been credited to have had a great effect on economic development at the local level. Unique to this business community is the extremely high number of Hispanic female entrepreneurs, ``Latina-Style,'' the magazine that was started by a young woman in California, Anna Maria Arias, who unfortunately died last week, was one of the new entrepreneurs who found a niche and created a much-needed vehicle to give information about Latino leaders and to be able to give information and show the business world that Latinas were very much in the business economy. We have 382,400 Latina-owned business firms in the United States which generated $67.3 billion, a 534 percent increase since 1987, compared to only 120 percent increase for all business. So you can see the relationship. We are the new entrepreneurs. Revenue earned by Latinas will show direct results in the development of Hispanic communities in the United States. They employ women who need a hand. This increased revenue in the hands of Hispanic mothers can and will improve the quality of child care and education provided to our country's most vulnerable population. The potential of Latina-owned businesses, by women, must be embraced and expanded to our international markets. I will tell you why. Women work harder and they work smarter, and we are inclusive, and we show our capability because we will continue to make it work. It is inherent in who we are and what we are about. To be able to include and be able to find a way to generate more business is part of what we as women are all about. Success of Hispanic American businesses will also lead to an increase in home ownership rate. Many people do not realize that there is a nexus. The number of Latinos who own homes just in Southern California alone has surged 51.4 percent in the last decade. Much of this growth is due to the success of Latino business. Hispanic Americans have a great love for the United States and a conviction to make the United States their home. Many times, two whole families will pool their resources to purchase a home, unlike most other non-Latino buyers. Yet while these hardworking Latinos, these ones who are pooling their money and struggling to get credit, are trying to find a way to get credit to buy their home, the difference between the home ownership rate of Latinos and other groups still remains 25 percent points different. Considering all the contributions the Latinos have made and are continuing to make in this country, we have earned access to these loans. Our goals and dreams are the same as all Americans, to share in the American dream, a home of our own, educational opportunities for our children and our grandchildren, and a chance to prosper, and, of course, to gain respect. Congratulations, America. You have opened the door for many. Those many who came, among them Hispanics, have contributed to your greatness, to your world leadership. God bless America.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for yielding time, and I join my colleagues in support of this resolution authorizing the use of military force. Our American public and the free world look to us today for leadership and swift action. We cannot and we will not fail them. The sheer horror of the events that transpired in New York and the Pentagon are unprecedented in our history and they demand strong, decisive and deliberate action. Anything less is an abrogation of our responsibility as congressional leaders and would be interpreted by those who have utter disdain for our country, for our institutions, and for our people as a failure of resolve and the ultimate sign of weakness. Our enemies, whoever and wherever they are, and those who harbor them, must clearly understand that we will never tolerate the acts of terrorism, acts of war, that have been perpetrated upon us and they must understand that there is no escape from American justice. Inaction is capitulation. Of one thing I am certain, we as Americans will never capitulate to terrorism or to any interest that looks to destroy our Nation. There comes a time when action and force become an absolute necessity. The families of those who died in this unspeakable horror, mothers, fathers, children, old and young, deserve to know that they did not die in vain. From this day forward we are a wiser, changed people, stronger, more united, firm in our commitment to our government, our country, our freedom, and to justice. Fear must not be allowed to rule us. God bless America.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the ranking member from California, for yielding me this time; and I too rise in support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, there are no words to describe the unbelievable horror and the traumatic shock that all Americans feel in the aftermath of yesterday's cowardly attack upon our great nation. These murderers, terrorists, and their sponsors clearly do not understand America. If they did, they would have known that American resolve and the spirit of democracy and freedom cannot be broken by these heinous actions of brutality and disregard for all human life. While they intended to weaken the very core of our national identity, all they did was strengthen our devotion to one another, to our government, to our great country and to our never ending support of liberty not only here, but around the globe. In the faces of the emergency personnel working to rescue innocent victims in New York and at the Pentagon, and in the faces of thousands of Americans waiting in line to donate blood can be seen the enduring strength of America and demonstrates the devotion that brings us all together for healing. In these hard, dire times, when we are faced with the cold reality of terrorism, it is heartening to see that all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, regardless of religious beliefs, race, or ethnicity are coming together to show the world that the United States will not tolerate terrorism nor will we ever abandon our values of democracy and freedom. Let us also remember that at our very core we are and always will be a Nation of feeling, caring immigrants. That has been our enduring strength and it is the future of the Nation. But do not mistake that for weakness or for indecision. We stand united behind our President and our leaders in the sure and certain faith that we will indeed persevere and bring justice to all those responsible for these atrocities. We are committed. Thank you America. God bless us all.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to rise in recognition of the 75th anniversary of Pico Water District in Pico Rivera, California. Currently serving 5,233 households, the Pico Water District is performing important work during this crucial period of addressing California's water shortage. Just before the Pico Water District was founded, the 243 homes in the area were served by five small water systems. In 1926, the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce called together the town's citizens and urged them to create a more modern water system. The citizens of Pico Rivera recognized that their old-fashioned water system was lowering the value of their homes. After much consideration, they agreed to consolidate their small systems into one large system. They voted to form the Pico Water District under the State Water Act of 1913. The newly elected Board of Directors for the Pico Water District held their inaugural meeting on September 20, 1926, and have been in operation ever since. As in 1926, California is again at a point in time when we are realizing that we must modernize our water system. If we are perceived by others as a region that is water deficient, it will be difficult to sustain the businesses that complement our high-tech and biotech industrial base and our diverse agricultural economy that is so important to our nation and the global marketplace. I applaud the Pico Water District for doing its part by continually modernizing its system while providing the residents of Pico Rivera with low cost, high quality water service. The Pico Water District currently has nine functional wells available to deliver water. The present energy crunch is being met in Pico Rivera by a water district prepared to provide uninterrupted excellent service. In fact, in the past 75 years, only natural disasters such as earthquakes have interrupted the District's water service. The Pico Water District provides only the highest quality water to its customers. Every week, numerous bacteriological and chemical tests are performed by the District. As a result of this meticulous work and the high standards maintained by the District, the quality of Pico Rivera's water has never been challenged by the Health Department. This high quality service is provided at very reasonable rates. In fact, the Pico Water District remains the only water district in Los Angeles County that does not tax its customers. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing the hard work of the Pico Water District. The high quality of service the District provides should serve as a model for water providers throughout California. Since 1926, the Pico Water District has worked as a cohesive unit to provide water to its customers. Please join me in commending them as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I also rise in support of the amendment. There have been many calls from small businesses throughout my State that are looking at the reinstatement of some of the funding, so I am very happy to support both the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) in their effort to be able to do that. The current Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations (CJS) Bill, particularly the SBA program funding levels, is perhaps the worst bill in this nation's history for small businesses. The current CJS appropriations bill called for several loan and technical assistance programs to be zeroed out in fiscal year 2002. The total cut from $860 million down to $728 million in SBA's overall budget. This would cause over 10 critical programs to be zeroed out, including New Markets Venture Capital Companies, BusinessLINC, the HUBZone program and the Small Business Investment Company Program. Cutting access to capital and technical assistance resources in a time of serious economic uncertainty creates a dangerous scenario where small businesses and the jobs they create will suffer in the long-term. That scenario begins with the nearly $40 million dollar cut in the 7(a) Loan Program and the zeroing out of the ``Program for Investments and Microentrepreneurs'' or PRIME. The Velazquez-Kelly Amendment is a bipartisan proposal that looks to restore a measure of that funding to the 7(a), BusinessLINC and PRIME programs. the 7(a) loan program adjustments The 7(a) Program history of success is founded in over $76 billion in loans to entrepreneurs since 1992. Last year alone, the 7(a) Program provided for 43,000 loans totaling $10.5 billion for small businesses. Unfortunately, the current bill calls for the 7(a) Program to be slashed from $114 million in fiscal year 2001 to $77 million in fiscal year 2002. This would result in approximately 20,000 fewer loans being made. The amendment would begin by restoring $10 million to the 7(a) Program bringing the fiscal year 2002 funding level up to $87 million appropriations--this is still well below fiscal year 2001 appropriations. The BusinessLINC Program Adjustments The BusinessLINC Program would promote mentor-protege relationships between small businesses in low-income and high unemployment areas and large companies. While the fiscal year 2001 appropriation called for $7 million, the current legislation would eliminate the program by zeroing out appropriations for fiscal year 2002. The Velazquez Amendment would add $2 million to the CJS appropriations bill--unfortunately this still represents more than a 60 percent cut in the program. The PRIME Program Adjustments PRIME establishes a technical assistance program for disadvantaged Microloan participants located in low-income communities. But more importantly, PRIME creates a system where before the loan process even begins, entrepreneurs are brought to discuss every detail of the process--and in doing so are able to better determine whether a loan is or is not necessary. The fiscal year 2001 appropriation was at $15 million for PRIME--H.R. 2500 as reported out of Committee would zero out the program in fiscal year 2002. While the amendment would add $5 million back to the program, it still means the program will be operating at a 66 percent cut from the previous year. The offsets for these funding increases will come from three of the biggest agencies in the federal government. The Congressional Budget Office has scored the Velazquez-Kelly Amendment ``budget neutral.'' While these offsets come at a price to other agency budgets, we believe these requests are not excessive. The Department of Commerce General Administration budget would be reduced by a total of $2 million--which keeps it at the current funding level. There is also off budget funds, such as working capital funds, that can also help offset this reduction. The State Department would be reduced by $8 million in their Diplomatic and Consular programs. This account received $400 million in increase in their overall budget. Finally, the State Department's Capital Investment Fund would be cut by $7 million. This Fund was increased by $113 million over the current funding level--which represents a 100 percent increase. The cuts in the program represent a cut at the heart of SBA's ability to deliver key financial and technical assistance to small businesses. This is especially important as the economy slows and mainstream capital sources begin to tighten credit standards--particularly in the high-risk pool of small business lending. In addition, it will retain the services these programs provide to businesses in low-income areas--companies that are frequently well- removed or simply ignored by conventional lending sources. While the amendment would add only a small portion, approximately $17 million, back to these programs, it would allow them to remain an important part of the public policy of the SBA well into the future.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. (Mrs. NAPOLITANO asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jesus Carreon for his unfailing leadership and his dedication to the Southern California community. Dr. Jesus ``Jess'' Carreon, current President of Rio Hondo College, will be leaving the district to assume a new position as President of Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Carreon has been an active contributor to the Southern California community for quite some time. After spending his childhood in the San Diego area, he pursued his Bachelor's Degree from the University of San Diego. He later earned his Master's of Science Degree from the University of California, Irvine, and his Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California. After completing his own education, Dr. Carreon immediately became a teacher. Since then, he has been involved in the educational process at nearly every level. He served as Assistant Dean of Instruction at Laney College in Oakland and as Assistant Dean of Vocational Education at San Bernardino Valley College. Dr. Carreon later served as Vice President of Instruction at El Camino Community College and, most recently, as President of Ventura College. Jess has made immense strides during his tenure as President of Rio Hondo Community College. In addition to greatly improving the school's image, Dr. Carreon has worked tirelessly to increase Rio Hondo's involvement in the community. Under his leadership, members of the school's management team were awarded seats on Chambers of Commerce in each of Rio Hondo's sending districts. In addition, Dr. Carreon pioneered the creation of the school's first satellite campuses in the towns of El Monte and Santa Fe Springs. Still, Dr. Carreon's involvement reaches far beyond the classroom. When not teaching, he serves on local community boards and acts as an advocate for economic development. He sits on the Board of Directors for both the American Association of Community Colleges and the Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. Dr. Carreon is an active member of Whittier and San Gabriel economic councils and, in 1999, was named President of the National Community College Hispanic Council. Dr. Carreon's expansive knowledge and considerable expertise have made him a popular speaker at the regional, state and national levels. He lectures frequently on a host of topics, including economic development, workforce preparation, and leadership. Dr. Carreon has devoted his life to improving education throughout Southern California and the 34th Congressional District. He is a model citizen, active throughout the community. I want to personally congratulate Jess for all his contributions and wish him success in his new position.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary man, Mr. Howard L. Hogan, who is retiring after 36 years of dedicated service to the El Rancho Unified School District. A native of California's 34th Congressional District, Mr. Hogan was born and raised in the town of Whittier. After graduating from Whittier High School in 1958, Howard attended California State University at Long Beach, where he received his Bachelor of the Arts Degree in 1962. Upon completing his undergraduate education, Mr. Hogan immediately began his teaching career. He taught one year with the Santa Ana School District before serving his country in the United States Army. After his service, Howard rejoined the workforce as a teacher with the El Rancho Unified School District in 1965. Since that day, over 36 years ago, Mr. Hogan has involved himself in all levels of the educational process. He has been a teacher of the industrial arts, a high school dean, a high school counselor, and an assistant principal. In 1986, he became Principal of the El Rancho Adult School, a position he has held ever since. In the last 15 years, he has brought significant change to the District, working constantly to elicit excellence from students. Throughout the years, Howard has been a fervent advocate of adult study, emphasizing the importance of life-long education. As Principal of the El Rancho Adult School, he supported and directed the creation of a new site for the program. This school, designed to serve the needs of Southern California's adult community, is something that Mr. Hogan and the entire neighborhood take great pride in. After 36 years of unwavering service, Howard's retirement is greatly deserved. He plans to devote his retirement to personal business matters, volunteer activities, and, most importantly, his wife, Jo Anne. Howard Hogan is an ideal citizen who has shown enthusiasm and commitment to the students of El Rancho Unified School District. In his 36 years as a teacher, he has made limitless contributions to both faculty and students alike. I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Howard for all his accomplishments and wishing him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I came in at the tail end of this; and I certainly want to add my two cents. I have been in the labor market, so to speak, over 50 years. It may seem kind of crazy, but I have been. In those years, I have seen the different types of coverage that employees have had because during my work period I can remember when an employee would have an illness or a need to have surgery. There was never any question about the services to be rendered to that individual by the coverage the company afforded them. There never was a question about whether or not it was legitimate or not. It was assumed that if the employee was determined to have a need, that need would be filled by the provider. Well, things have changed. And through the years, we see that the companies have put in place deterrents for people to get the type of care that they are entitled to, because the insurance company provides it for them and they determine that they are the ones who are going to determine whether or not it is going to be treatable. Well, that affects us all. I have had numerous phone calls from constituents just recently, a gentleman, a business owner no less, who has been in business many years, diabetic, had a foot infection. He was waiting for the provider to tell him whether or not he could get services in a hospital to take care of an infection. That is a very serious thing for a diabetic to have a toe infection. So I asked him to go to the top and make his wishes known. He was a businessman that should have been able to reach somebody besides an accountant telling him, well, wait until the decision is made. We have many people whose lives hang by a thread and the more that they are made to wait the chances for their survival diminish. I think it is important for the people to understand that we want to have the ability to pass such legislation so they should also be aware that as we go through this session that we would like to have their input so that we can then be more cognizant of what we need to do. We already have all kinds of information. However, it is not happening; and I think it is time that we move forward and get through Congress this year an effective bill of rights that allows any individual, legitimately needing a service, to be able to obtain it.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of California's prominent educators and public servants, Mr. Norm Kirschenbaum, who will retire on August 2nd after 39 years of dedicated service to his community. For the past four decades, Mr. Kirschenbaum has been an integral part of the district's public school system. Involved in the educational process at nearly every level, Mr. Kirschenbaurn has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, educational director, and assistant superintendent before being asked to head the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in 1999. His advancement through the ranks is most certainly deserved. Under his leadership, the district has achieved tremendous growth in the student Academic Performance Index. In addition, because of his unfailing dedication, the district has seen an increase in number of schools receiving California Distinguished School accreditation and has achieved a balanced budget. In his many roles as educational coordinator, Mr. Kirschenbaum has worked tirelessly to improve management. An acknowledged trainee in Stephen Covey's ``Seven Habits of Highly Effective People'', Mr. Kirschenbaum started a district-wide program to train administrators, teachers, and support staff using the Covey model. Mr. Kirschenbaum's achievements extend far beyond the district. Throughout the years, he has served on several state educational committees. In that capacity, Mr. Kirschenbaum helped to pioneer California's groundbreaking Holocaust and Genocide Framework. As a member of those committees, he worked to establish a foundation for effective year-round education. His extensive accomplishments in this area were sufficient to garner national recognition. Perhaps the most amazing thing about Mr. Kirschenbaum is that, despite his many accomplishments, he remains humble. In a recent meeting of school officials, Mr. Kirschenbaurn acknowledged the importance of working cooperatively in education and noted his delight in doing his part. ``All this'', he said, ``could only have been possible through a team effort on the part of our entire school community. Our primary mission of raising student achievement in an environment that values the importance of relationship building and becoming more client focused has made the difference. I'm proud to have had a part in shaping this direction for our district.'' Mr. Speaker, today I would like to personally commend Norm for his dedication to the students of Hacienda La Puente Unified School and the greater Southern California educational system. He is a model of the passionate American educator and devoted citizen. I know the rest of the House will join me in congratulating Norm and wishing him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to rise today to honor a very special man--Dr. William Wilkinson, a long time physician and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Beverly Hospital in Montebello, California. Today, in recognition of Dr. Wilkinson's numerous contributions to the hospital and community at large, a record of achievements and service spanning more than 40 years, Beverly Hospital will dedicate its new Senior Resource Center in his name and establish the ``Dr. William Wilkinson Nursing Education Fund.'' Dr. Wilkinson has a long litany of accomplishments which speak to his sense of duty and responsibility to the sick, to his profession and to the community that is so much a part of his life. He has been on the Beverly Hospital Board of Directors since 1971 and also served as its President; was an official physician for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles; a member of the Founding Board of Directors of MERCI--Mentally and Emotionally Retarded Children (1962); a Clinical Instructor for the Department of Family Medicine at the University of California at Irvine (1974-1988); an Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Southern California beginning in 1980; and a Trustee on the Beverly Hospital Foundation Board. In addition, Dr. Wilkinson was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Teacher of the Year (1986-1987) while at the University of California at Irvine. Mr. Speaker, I would like all my colleagues to join me in saluting Dr. William Wilkinson for his selfless and untiring efforts on behalf of others. His devotion to his work and his commitment to others--the needy, the poor, the sick, the young and old alike--have endeared him to so many of his fellow medical professionals and to the countless people who have received his comfort, advice and professional care. It is indeed fitting today that we honor Dr. Wilkinson for all he has done to make life better for so many.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 117, the Rangel amendment/substitute, I was detained with constituents and arrived as the roll closed. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. There is another issue that deals with environmental issues, and that is the tertiary treatment of water now being effectuated in some areas, including in California water that is treated before it is released into the ocean. EPA is now mandating that treatment plants be set up, costing taxpayers billions of dollars, in order to do a fourth treatment before that water is released into the ocean, or at least a third of it is treated. This water, which is used for irrigation in green spaces, in government areas for commercial and industrial use, is to be given a fourth treatment. Now, imagine that we have an agency, EPA, that is saying that we will now have to consider doing a fourth treatment to water that is already given the highest treatment before release for any other use. I think that we need to be very careful. Although we want to protect the health concerns of our citizens, and we are certainly concerned about the after-effects of anything that we release for consumption, although we do not drink tertiary-treated water, it is used for commercial and industrial and irrigation purposes, we are also aware that the costs that are going to be borne to do a treatment for which there has not been any validity given to it, that fourth treatment. We must find ways of being able to work with the environmental community to give that fourth treatment, whether it is through settling ponds, so that it can filter through nature's way, or be able to utilize it in melding through the rivers and aquifers, so that we do not saddle the taxpayers with additional burdens of paying for additional costs to set up agencies to do a fourth treatment on water. That is a very important issue for anybody who is concerned about their aquifer refurbishment so that we have enough water in times of drought. That is very important and a very safe way of being able to deal with water shortages and other issues that are now facing us in many areas of our country.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) for the opportunity to speak on our President's budget and the environment; that topic is very near and dear to many of us from the West Coast. President Bush certainly has not received any honeymoon from the Nation's environmentalists: global warming, oil drilling in Alaska, arsenic levels in drinking water, all of the issues that have garnered headlines as environmentalists and others have argued with the President's position. President Bush also stated last week in a Los Angeles Times article that he is committed to clean air and clean water. We hear him. We honor him. I have the perfect opportunity for him to demonstrate that commitment and achieve an early, bipartisan environmental safety victory. There is a 10\1/2\ million ton mountain of radioactive uranium scrap in a city called Moab in the State of Utah. That particular site is leaking 57,000 gallons a day of poison into the Colorado River, which is one of the main sources of tap water for over 20 million Americans, some 18 out of California, and then others from Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona. And it is the main source of tap water for all of these individuals. Even though Moab is several hundred miles upstream from where we are, from the point of where southern California draws its water, and no unsafe level of radioactivity or toxic substances to date have been detected in our area, it is a matter that requires our immediate attention. Let me tell my colleagues a little bit about this. This is a very dangerous situation that scientists and environmental groups and many public officials from those areas have referred to as a radioactive time bomb. Picture a truncated mountain or an ancient ruin that is covering 130 acres and in circumference rising 11 stories high. This is the ominous legacy of a nearby uranium ore mill, which for 28 years processed uranium ore for our national defense during the Cold War. These mill tailings, or scrap, were dumped into an unlined pond that eventually grew into this huge mountain. Because of the mountain's concave top, rainwater funnels through the tailings, out the bottom, as a brew 650 feet away that includes arsenic, lead and ammonia. That is just to name a few of those contaminants. Pressed to clean up this toxic site, the Atlas Corporation that ran it filed bankruptcy in 1998. Now, who can predict when this mountain's poisons will endanger our health and that of our children, of our grandchildren and their grandchildren? As a grandmother of 14, there is a question I sure do not wish to contemplate. We must act now. We cannot wait. Last year, Congress passed and former President Clinton signed a bipartisan legislation for the Department of Energy to take control of this site of Moab, to clean it up, take it over from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This would not have been possible without the support of Members of Congress on both sides, the generosity of the Ute Indian Tribe who had agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Energy to allow them to acquire the Department's naval oil shale reserve. This Federal land, rich in gas reserve, was taken away from the Ute Tribe by the Federal Government in 1915. In return, the pledge made by the Ute Tribe dedicates a portion of the gas royalties towards the cleanup and removal, not capping, removal of the uranium tailings pile. Our legislative goal this year will be to get this $10 million for cleanup in the Department of Energy's nondefense environmental programs. I remind my colleagues, this is not a line item in the budget. It was not included in our President's budget. It is such an important issue, and yet it was not even considered for entry into our budget for this coming year. The cleanup is not just a priority to the residents of the 34th Congressional District, my district; it is an issue for agencies like the Metropolitan Water District and others who import the drinking water from Colorado for over 17 million urban Southland residents. Efforts to clean up these uranium wastes are being championed by all of them throughout the western States of Utah, Nevada Arizona, California and other States. The gentleman from California (Mr. Filner), the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Cannon) are all moving in a broad bipartisan coalition to press for the removal of this radioactive uranium waste and the cleanup of this site that affects millions of Americans. My colleagues and I will work diligently to educate our new Secretary of Energy and Members in the House and Senate about this looming catastrophe. In these exciting days of this new Congress, and with our new administration, we all look forward to joining with our president, with Secretary Abraham, and with colleagues on both sides to serve the best interest of our western States to ensure that clean water from the Colorado is available for future generations and will protect not only the environment but the precious sites that exist in that area. I do not know how much time the gentlewoman has left; but if I have another few minutes, I have another issue of environment that I would like to mention.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend an exemplary and truly outstanding public educator who has contributed enormously to the success of many minority and other students in the California public education institutions. Dr. Douglas X. Patino recently retired from California State University-Long Beach as Vice Chancellor, University Advancement. As Vice Chancellor he brought the CSU from its infancy in development to a position of leadership in California, exceeding fundraising records among comparable institutions. It is truly a proud honor to recognize today the outstanding contributions this gentleman has made in education and public service. Dr. Patino has served in numerous positions in education and state government, including executive positions in the cabinets of Governor Bruce Babbit of Arizona and Governor Jerry Brown of California. He also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Partnerships Foundation and The Patino Group in San Rafael, California. His community service activities include currently serving as Trustee of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation in Flint, Michigan; President Clinton's appointee to the Enterprise for the Americas Board in Washington, DC; as a Board Member of the Centro Mexicano Para La Filantropia, Mexico, D.F.; The California Wellness Foundation, Woodlands Hills, California and The Campanile Foundation in San Diego. He is a leader in developing philanthropic services along the US/ Mexican border. When he was President of Hispanics in Philanthropy and a member of the Council of Foundations, he introduced international foundations to border issues. His foundation, the New Partnerships Foundation, is an active supporter of a childcare center in Tijuana, BC, Mexico. Throughout his career, Dr. Patino has received multiple honors and awards for his work and devotion to public service including being named as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics (1995, 1997 and 1998) Hispanic Business; The Azteca Award for Public Service to United States Farm Worker Families, California Human Development Corp. of Santa Rosa; The Leadership and Public Service Award, United Way of the Bay Area and National Concilio of America; Chair of the Board of Directors of Hispanics in Philanthropy and presented with The Outstanding Leadership Award by the American Public Welfare Association, Washington DC. More importantly, Dr. Patino has been an inspiration, motivator and a friend to many would-be students. He has helped many of these students achieve great educational goals and served as a mentor and financial supporter as well. Dr. Patino has taken students into his heart and his home, helping them to make their way through to a better life. Dr. Patino, his wife Barbara, his son Viktor, who recently graduated from California State University, Long Beach and is now working for the State of California Parks and Recreation Department, are long time friends and I sincerely wish them every possible success in their future endeavors.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a friend and lifelong resident of my 34th Congressional District in Norwalk, California. Mr. Jim Leedy recently passed away and I am proud to honor him for his devout community service in organizations like the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Blind Association and the Rancho San Antonio Boys Home. Jim was born in Los Angeles in 1935 and educated in the Los Angeles Public Schools. He married his high school sweetheart Kathleen in 1956 and was drafted into the Army in 1958, spending his time in Korea. After an honorable discharge, he and his wife bought a home in Norwalk, where they lived for forty wonderful and memorable years and raised two children, Jim and Theresa. Jim was a truck driver by trade, however most of his life was spent helping others in various capacities. He became active in the Knights of Columbus in 1972 and was preparing to become a 4th degree Knight when he passed away. Under the leadership of Jim as Community Director, the Norwalk Knights of Columbus won-top honors in Community Service at the State convention in 1977. Since then, Jim has remained very active and involved in many different service areas of the Knights of Columbus, as well as the VFW. During the last two years of his life, Jim served as Family Director for the Knights of Columbus under two different Grand Knights. Even when he was not holding a specific office, Jim constantly worked on programs to better the community, organizing and raising funds for numerous charitable organizations. Jim was also actively involved in St. Linus Church and gave much of his time to helping others. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Jim would use his truck to pick up and deliver food baskets to the needy. He also picked up and delivered wreaths and trees for Christmas and palms during the Easter season for the church. In addition to the service organizations that Jim belonged to, he took it upon himself to volunteer to deliver baked goods from local markets to the Norwalk Senior Citizens Center, Rio Hondo Woman's Shelter, Norwalk Social Service Center, and woman's detention center in Norwalk. He did this Monday through Friday every week of the year. The people he delivered bread to affectionately called Jim the ``Bread Man'', and he could always be counted on for a great big ``bear hug'' and a smile no matter what task he was undertaking. Neighbors and friends used to say that there was nothing Jim would say ``no'' to when he was asked to do for others. I am grateful to have known Jim Leedy and experience his warmth and compassion that touched so many around him. I wish to express my deepest sympathies to Jim's wife Kathleen, his children, Jim and Theresa, grandchildren and step grandchild.