Grace Napolitano

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I have come today to the floor to urge my colleagues to support the amendment offered by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall), which simply restores the Urban and Community Forestry Program. This is, indeed, a bipartisan bill and I am very thankful to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) for their hard work on it. In fact, this program restores the green infrastructure that is disappearing so dramatically in our cities and in our towns throughout America. And we are really substituting cement and asphalt for trees and greenery. The Urban and Community Forestry Program would also make it possible for youth at risk to learn how to clean up their communities and educate their parents and neighbors about conservation practices like waste removal, recycling, planting, et cetera. We must continue to teach our youth and involve them so that we can continue growing these green trees for effectively preserving the natural environment. Studies have shown that preventing the spread of deforestation in our cities decreases energy and storm water runoff costs, increases air quality and improves the liveability of our communities and our neighborhoods. It does attract businesses who love to have their employees in a greener community, the better employees. Mr. Chairman, this also is the only current Federal program that can so comprehensively help improve the environmental quality of urban Americans. Note that this is not an increase in funding authorization of the CARA bill. Instead, it simply allows the program to receive some of the funds already earmarked for the USDA bill. This is almost a four-to-one match, the one Federal program dollar with in-kind and donated services. More than ever, we need to not only sustain but also encourage the livelihood of projects like the Urban and Community Forestry Program. I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) for introducing this amendment, and I encourage all my colleagues in this House to support the inclusion of the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program in this final version of H.R. 701.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 134, I was unavoidably detained in a meeting with constituent Board of Supervisors. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor and great pleasure today to recognize the extensive service of the Honorable Janet R. Henke to the people of the City of Whittier. Janet Henke has long been an active and dedicated member of the community and for the past eight years has served as a member of the Whittier City Council, including one two-year term as mayor from 1996 to 1998. Councilwoman Henke has a long history of involvement in education and the arts. Through the Whittier Presbyterian Church, she served as a youth choir director for twenty-two years, starting in 1960, and as the preschool music director for seven years. From 1977 to 1986, Mrs. Henke worked for the Montebello Unified School District. Janet Henke's community service has included serving as a program chair of the PTA; Ruling Elder of the Whittier Presbyterian Church; member of the Friends of the Whittier Hills; Co-Vice-President and President of the Whittier Area Education Study Council; President of the Shelters Right Hand; and as a director on the boards of the YMCA, Rio Hondo Temporary Home and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. For sixteen years from 1973 to 1989, Mrs. Henke served as a trustee on the Whittier City School Board. She served as vice president of the board for three years and another three years as president. Mrs. Henke's recognized commitment to education was further evidenced by being elected four times, from 1978 to 1985, to serve in the Delegate Assembly of the California School Board Association. Mr. Speaker, it takes dedicated individuals who are committed to serving their community--individuals like Janet R. Henke--to build strong, vibrant, livable towns and cities. The people of Whittier are indeed fortunate to have enjoyed the benefits of decades of generous public service by this outstanding American and leader. I am proud of my friendship with Janet, and extend to her the best wishes for every continued happiness and fulfillment.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the outstanding achievements of the North Park Middle School Band from Pico Rivera, California. Time and again this forty-eight member marching band, through the leadership of director Ron Wakefield, concert master Karen Panganiban, drum major Jannette Aldana, assistant concert master Marytza Padilla, and administrative assistant Lou Diaz, have demonstrated a will, drive, and dedication whose efforts demand our respect and admiration. The North Park Middle School band has performed in parades and concerts in Florida, Hawaii and Mexico, and their accolades encompass more than a hundred sweepstakes awards in parade competition. They were the first and are still the only middle school band to ever participate in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Today, I am overjoyed to announce that these young men and women will be performing at the National Band Festival in Carnegie Hall on April 21, 2000. It is the only middle school band to have been selected to perform with high school and college bands throughout the country. Next year, they will be performing in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the following spring, they will be our ambassadors of music at a concert in St. Paul's Cathedral in England. The awards and honors that have been bestowed upon this amazing group of individuals enkindles in our community a sense of pride and happiness. These achievements have been made despite great financial adversities. The student musicians at North Park Middle School are a beacon of hope to schools throughout the country, because they have demonstrated that the arts must be an integral part of every school curriculum. They are also deserving of our highest commendation for their outstanding efforts in raising $80,000 so that we might enjoy their illustrious performances. It is my very great honor to recognize the North Park Middle School Band for their tireless efforts, dedication, and commitment. They are an inspiration to all of us.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today to remember one of the worst atrocities of the twentieth century--the Armenian Genocide. April 24 will be the eighty-fifth anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. Since that date falls during the April recess and the House will be out of session, I have chosen to make my remarks today. From 1915 to 1923, one-and-a-half million Armenians died and countless others suffered as a result of the systematic and deliberate campaign of genocide by the rulers of the Ottoman Turkish Empire. Half a million Armenians who escaped death were deported from their homelands, in modern-day Turkey, to the harsh deserts of the Middle East. We cannot let succeeding generations forget these horrible atrocities, nor deny that they ever happened. Therefore it is important for the U.S. Government to recognize the Armenian Genocide and do what it can to ensure that the genocide's historical records are preserved, just as the artifacts of the nazi holocaust are preserved. By keeping memories alive through preserving history, we and our children can learn about the chilling consequences of mass hatred, bigotry and intolerance. And hopefully, by teaching and reminding ourselves of past atrocities, humanity will not be doomed to repeat them. The Armenian-American communities throughout the United States, as well as all people of goodwill, stand firm in our resolve not to let the world forget the Armenian Genocide. In solidarity with the victims of the Jewish Holocaust, the Cambodian massacres, the Tutsi Genocide in Rwanda, and ethnic cleansing in the Balkans, we must continually recognize these crimes against humanity and steadfastly oppose the use of genocide anywhere in the world. In closing, I hope that every American will stand in solidarity with our Armenian sisters and brothers to commemorate the eighty-fifth anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Let us honor all victims of torture and genocide by paying tribute to their memory, showing them compassion, and never forgetting the suffering they have endured.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to add to the comments that my colleagues have made in just the last few minutes. But I, most of all, want to thank everyone who has completed their census form so far. Wherever you are, whether you are an American citizen, a recent immigrant or whoever, you are making a difference for your community and setting our Nation on the best path for the new century. For those of you who have not yet filled out and returned your census questionnaires, please, you have 10 days to finish. Do it today. Do it now. Do it this very minute. It is not too late. As of last night, over 60 percent of Americans have completed and sent in their census form. This is very exciting news. But we must keep working with the census, with our communities, with our neighborhoods across the Nation to reach out to the remaining 40 percent of Americans who have yet to return their census questionnaire. As we have heard, 61 percent return has already been received. In my district alone, 68 to 71 percent of the people in the 34th Congressional District have completed and returned their census form. The City of Norwalk completed 71 out of 78 percent targeted; Whittier, 70 out of 72; Montebello, 70 out of 73; Pico Rivera, 68 out of 77 percent; Santa Fe Springs, 71 out of 78 percent; Industry, 69 out of a targeted 33 percent; and La Puente, the best in the area, 70 percent out of a targeted 67. They have overpassed their target. This is better than the anticipated rate out of California and nationwide. However, there are a lot of people that still have to be counted. If 30 percent of our people go uncounted, that is 30 percent less money to pay for schools. That is less money for repairing our roads, for funding hospitals, for providing services to our senior citizens and for our recreational programs for our youth. Now, we all know that some people have had difficulties with our census forms, especially the long form which asked 53 questions. Some people find some of those questions intrusive and awkward. Personally, I question the way in which the form asked about my race and my ethnicity. But what I do not question is that it is vitally important to my community of Norwalk and to my surrounding communities, that I be a responsible citizen and complete and return my census form. An important fact to remember, whether one is filling out the long form or the short form is that one's responses are confidential. The information one gives is not, I repeat, it is not sold to marketing firms. It is not handed over to the IRS, nor to the INS, nor to the FBI. In fact, it is against the law for the Census Bureau to give or sell information to anyone. That is including this House. The law works. In the last census of 1990, not one single case of information leaking occurred. The Census Bureau has gone to great effort within the mandates of Congress to make the forms as brief as possible. The 2000 Census short form contains eight questions, down from nine in 1990, and the long form contains 53, down from 57 in 1990, the shortest form in history. The Census Bureau uses long form data as a baseline. That means the bottom line for every single economic indicator they publish. Without this accurate baseline, we cannot produce any economic information needed to run our Nation's economy effectively, to identify the areas in need, and take on other indicators to be able to help our communities. We need a more accurate count of America's blacks, America's Hispanics, America's Asians, and American Indians. Regardless of what my colleagues on the other side, regardless of their arguments or what they state, for us, it is not optional. For us, it is a necessity. Republicans have done everything possible to harm Census 2000 effort. We must not fall for their rhetoric. This latest effort to paint questions which had been on the long form for over 50 years as intrusive and unneeded is just another attempt to derail the accurate count of census. To the people in my district, to the people of the United States and across this great land of ours, I ask that they please remember how important it is to their community, to our community. So I plea again, please complete and return your census form.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, it is really important for us to acknowledge that this administration and the congressional Democrats have been at the forefront on educational reform and improving our public schools and helping to ensure that our students have the basic skills to succeed in this upcoming global economy of ours. Some of the points that I needed to make sure that I brought out and hit upon is that we have been trying for a very lengthy time to keep Hispanic children in schools. We have made that a priority, to help Hispanic students stay in school. The Hispanic education action plan targeted more than $30 million to help transform schools with high dropout rates, especially districts that have populations that are largely migrant workers. I say to my colleagues, you do not understand, or if you lived in my area you would have a good feel of how important this particular issue is. I have some schools that may have as high as a 70 percent dropout rate from high school of Hispanic children, and that does not make for a good economy anywhere in the United States. Now, if we are able to help keep these young people in school and be able to provide any assistance, whether it is tutoring or any of the kind of family assistance that these children may need to be able to succeed, then we are helping, we are helping communities be more viable and helping our economy, because these young people will eventually become leaders in our areas. We also have to help students finish college. We proposed a new college completion challenge grant to help reduce the college dropout rate with pre-freshman summer programs, support services and increased grant aid to students. This is a $35 million initiative to improve the chances of success for nearly 18,000 students. That may be a beginning, hopefully, because I know that more than 18,000 students not only are needy of being able to receive the assistance, but also are deserving of being able to get assistance from us. We need to turn around our failing schools. There are 11 million low-income students now benefiting from Title I aid to the disadvantaged students, and all our children are benefiting from this higher expectation and the challenging curriculum that accompanies it, which is geared to higher standards. Our 2000 budget provides an additional $134 million, account bit fund, to help turn around the worst performing schools and hold them accountable for results. Now, 30 percent of children served by Title I are Hispanic. That tells us that we are failing our young people. We are not providing them with the tools to be successful, and consequently, I think that this Congress has done a great service to be able to target and begin focusing on those issues. I can tell my colleagues just quickly that the more we provide high- quality teachers, and the more we provide smaller class size, the better our students are going to be. I can point to a group of middle school students that are going to be coming to New York to perform at Carnegie hall. These are middle school students out of one of my schools, one of my district schools, that have not only performed in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, but are also performing a full orchestratic ensemble in New York City. It is because they had a teacher who was of high quality, who cared about these young people and taught them that they can achieve anything they set their mind to. I am very proud of them, and I certainly want to share that with everybody so that others may learn that our youngsters, ages seven, eight, and nine, can also reach those heights. We have increased the funding for Pell grants. We have increased educational funding for migrant families. There are many of these important things for the State that I represent that are becoming viable for our people, and I certainly want to congratulate my democratic colleagues and those that helped us put these measures through. Again, education is the key for our young people to succeed, and I am glad to be here to be part of the thrust to achieve that for them. I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I am so happy that I am hearing the support, the bipartisan support for this measure, and I am also here to join as an original cosponsor of this measure. I would like to also thank my good friend and respected colleague the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier) for offering this legislation and helping it move quickly through the House. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Borski) and others from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for understanding the importance of this particular area of contamination in California that has affected a lot of us that live and work in those areas. The San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Initiative is of critical importance to the people of my district. Those water aquifers, the underground streams running through the San Gabriel Valley which supply drinking water to 1.4 million people, have been known to be contaminated with volatile organic compounds for over two decades. I have been working on this issue and trying to bring it to some kind of closure since I served on the local city council and managed to get a water coalition and been following its nonprogress. Then in the past 3 years, perchlorate and other dangerous chemicals related to rocket fuels have also been found in that water. The contamination is seeping below the spreading grounds at Whittier Narrows and into my district. Volatile organic compounds have seeped from the San Gabriel Basin into the Central Basin and it comes down into my area, a large underground water system that provides water for an additional 1.5 million people in Montebello, Pico Rivera, Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk, Long Beach, and other communities. H.R. 910, the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Initiative, provides the way and the means by which Federal, State and local government agencies and private business can collectively work towards a timely cleanup of the important San Gabriel and Central water basins, and will also serve as my colleagues have heard as an example of how aquifer contaminants can be addressed and effectively implemented to clean up. Since it was a Federal Government defense contract that led to the introduction of the perchlorate and other rocket fuel related chemicals into our groundwater, I believe that the Federal Government has its share of responsibility and should take a role in helping clean up the contaminated area that threatens our communities. This legislation will help more than 3 million people in our county that trust the water that flows from their tap.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3843, a bill that commits the U.S. Government to support and fund the Small Business Administration. As my colleagues have heard, this is a truly bipartisan bill. I commend both sides, as well as Ms. Alvarez, the administrator, and staff because this is something truly, truly remarkable. SBA programs, including its loan and microloan programs, technical assistance services, and small business development centers, have helped our Nation's small businesses grow and prosper. To communities like mine, that are so dependent on small businesses, this assistance is a true lifeline and must be preserved and strengthened. I strongly believe assisting small business makes good business sense. There is a false perception that most people work for large corporations and for big business, but that is just not so. A&G Auto Sounds from east L.A. is a family-opened business that is being assisted in a purchase of a building by the SBA. Let me give my colleagues some clear and convincing reasons why we must support our small businesses. Small businesses have created more than 10 million new jobs in the last 4 years and are a critical component in the implementation of the Welfare to Work initiative. From 1992 to 1996, small businesses, those that are with less than 500 employees, created all of the net new jobs. Nearly 8 million women- owned firms now provide jobs for 18.5 million people, more than are employed in all of the Fortune 500 industrial firms combined. That is quite an achievement. Minority-owned businesses have dramatically increased from 8.8 percent to 12.5 percent of all firms. And Hispanic-owned businesses are now the second fastest growing sector, behind women-owned business. Let us not forget that small business is the vehicle by which millions of our constituents access the American dream. Small businesses create many opportunities for women, for minorities, and for immigrants. Our small business owners work harder and longer. Fifty percent of small business owners work an average of 51 hours a week, as opposed to 34.6 in private industry. And another 26 percent work more than 60 hours a week. These are people with drive, with strong ambition, with new creativity, and with a desire to succeed. They thrive on challenge, and they help make our country the great country it is. We must pay attention to the needs of our small businesses, or we risk losing or at least hampering an important and necessary job creator that has led the way in the last decade to our current economic recovery. We cannot and must not turn our backs on them now. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for all small businesses by voting for H.R. 3843 and renew our commitment to the Small Business Administration.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, my district lost a veteran community leader on Monday with the passing of Betty Wilson, the first woman to serve as mayor in Los Angeles County. Born in Danville, Illinois on June 13, 1915, Betty Wilson and her husband Sterling Wilson moved to Santa Fe Springs in 1949. Working as a field deputy for Los Angeles City Council members for 25 years, Betty developed a keen understanding of public service. She was actively involved in efforts to make Santa Fe Springs a city, and when voters approved incorporation in 1957, they also elected her to the city council. The council then chose Betty to be the first mayor of Santa Fe Springs. As one of the founders of Santa Fe Springs, Betty played a key role in shaping the city's mission to be a business community. She served on the city council for four decades, retiring in 1997, and also served as mayor a total of 11 times. Betty's dedication to public service is evident by the number of organizations she has been involved with and the awards she has won. Betty was Chapter President of the Santa Fe Springs Business and Professional Women's Club; a member of the Santa Fe Springs Women's Club; Honorary Member of the Soroptimist International of Santa Fe Springs; and the Los Angeles County Children's Services Task Force. She was President of the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities, chaired the League's Human Resources Committee and served on the League's Revenue and Taxation Committee, Action Plan for Local Government Task Force, and Transportation Task Force. In addition to being the first woman mayor in Los Angeles County, Betty was the first woman to chair the National League of Cities. Long active in the Sister City Program, Betty served three terms as President; became President Emeritus of the Town Affiliation Association of the U.S., Inc. (Sister Cities International); and was the Council Liaison to the Santa Fe Springs Sister City Committee, Community Program Committee and Beautification Committee. Betty chaired the International Municipal Cooperation Committee; served as an Executive Committee member of the Southern California Joint Powers Insurance Authority; was co-Chair and Council Liaison for the Santa Fe Springs Emergency Preparedness Conference for Business and Industry; and sat on the Advisory Council for the Salvation Army Transitional Living Center in Whittier. Betty Wilson's long list of community commitment has been recognized by her listing in ``Who's Who in American Women'' and in ``Outstanding Civic Leaders of America.'' She was awarded the ``Peace Dollar'' for her work in the Sister City Program, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for distinguished service in furtherance of the goals of international understanding through participation in the U.S. Sister Cities Program. Betty also received the United States Air Force Award for the advancement of peace through air power; the California Business and Professional Women's Club Civic Award; the National Civic Committee's People-to-People award; and the annual Good Scout Award by the Boy Scouts of America. Betty and her husband Sterling, who passed away in 1990, were named the 1985 ``Residential Citizens of the Year'' by the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce. Betty is survived by her son Robert, daughter Jacqueline, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her family and friends will miss her greatly and to them I extend my sincerest heartfelt sympathy and pray that they will receive God's comforting graces in abundance.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, March 8, 2000, I was unavoidably late in returning from California. If I had been here to vote, I would have voted ``yea'' for all of the following: H.R. 1827--Government Waste Corrections Act; H.R. 2952--To redesignate the Facility of the U.S. Postal Service in Greenville, South Carolina as the Keith D. Oglesby Station; H.R. 3018--To designate the U.S. Postal Office in Charleston, South Carolina as the Marybelle H. Howe Post Office; S. Con. Res. 91--Congratulating the Republic of Lithuania on the tenth anniversary of the reestablishment of its independence from the rule of the former Soviet Union; and H.J. Res. 86--Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Korean War and the service by members of the Armed Forces.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with deepest sympathy that I pay a special tribute to my constituent John ``Jack'' Rahder, of Whittier, who passed away in an automobile accident on February 10. With his passing, Whittier lost an exemplary citizen--a great husband, father, grandfather and community volunteer. Jack will be remembered for the tremendous support he gave his wife throughout her career and in her current position as the City of Whittier's Planning Commissioner. Helen was by his side in that tragic car accident and luckily she survived, though with many injuries. We pray for her speedy recovery. Publicly, Jack will be widely remembered for his tremendous efforts as a volunteer--an endeavor to which he dedicated himself full-time after his retirement in 1990. Through his involvement with community programs at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Jack delivered tons of surplus food and supplies each week from a regional food bank in Los Angeles to low income families in Whittier. It was fitting that Jack gave so much of his time and energy to a community that was deeply interwoven with his own life. He was born in Whittier on October 17, 1939. His mother, Doris Burton Rahder, was a longtime Whittier resident and 1927 graduate of Whittier High School. As a child, Jack moved to the Central Valley with his family and graduated from Bakersfield High School and the Northrop Institute of Technology. He then worked as an aerospace designer for Boeing and Northrop, and later became a pilot for United Airlines. Even though he lived in Bakersfield, Jack strengthened his ties with his hometown when he married Helen McKenna, also of Whittier, in 1978. Five years later, they returned to Whittier with their six children. Jack is survived by his brother Keith, his children David, Robbie, Teri, Chris, T.K. and Katie and ten grandchildren. His family and friends will miss him greatly and to them I extend by sincerest heartfelt sympathy and pray that they will receive God's comforting graces in abundance.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the concurrent resolution, introduced by my colleagues John Conyers, Jr. and Joseph Crowley, that condemns the discriminatory practices prevalent at Bob Jones University and all individuals who espouse similar beliefs. As members of a diverse society who desire mutual respect for and by all, we should never let bigotry go unchecked. Bob Jones University has been perpetuating its anti-Catholic and racially bigoted practices and beliefs for decades. It is about time that the institution be condemned. Bob Jones University claims it is neither racist nor anti-Catholic. However, the University's policies and preachings create an environment where it is permissible to view those of different religions and races as inferior. Once that environment is established, all other forms of discrimination can ensue. In my own state of California, we have witnessed all too often what such an environment can lead to: police brutality, such as that endured by Rodney King; the passage of harsh anti-immigrant measures, such as proposition 187; and the grinding, persistent prejudice that blocks too many hardworking families and individuals from realizing their full potential. Many people throughout California and across the nation have been working hard to counteract the damage done by thoughts and acts of hatred and intolerance. At a time when we as a nation should be focusing our efforts on healing our wounds, it is troubling that an academic institution would be dedicated to unraveling the fabric of our multicultural society. Our nation will only be weakened if we fail to speak out against policies that seek to divide, segregate and denigrate people on the basis of race or religion.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, in the near future, I will have the honor of presenting Korean War veteran Manuel Marquez Cervantez with the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge at my District Office in Montebello, CA. Mr. Cervantez, born in Clint, TX, and now a resident of Valinda, joined the U.S. Army on May 10, 1951 at the age of 20. After completing his basic training at Camp Roberts, CA, he served in the U.S. Army's 2nd Division during the Korean War. Mr. Cervantez and his platoon fought valiantly on the Korean front lines for eleven and a half months, sustaining many casualties. He was honorably discharged from the Army on November 7, 1956. Corporal Manual Cervantez married his wife, Manuela, in 1955 and together they raised six children--Maria, Cecilia, Elizabeth, Frances, Dolores, and Manuel Cervantes II. Manuel and Manuela are the proud grandparents of 17 grandchildren. I am proud to count Manuel Cervantez as one of my constituents. His bravery, service, and dedication to our great Nation are an inspiration for us all.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievements of Coach Marijon Ancich. It may come as no surprise to the students and faculty at St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, California, nor in fact, to those in the entire southland who follow high school sports, that one of their own has won the NFL/ KABC High School Coach of the Year Award. This award is given to the high school coach who best exemplifies the meaning of sports and who goes above and beyond the call of duty. That only begins to describe the life and career of this year's most deserving recipient. At age five, during the height of World War II, Marijon Ancich fled Yugoslavia with his mother and brother to escape the advancing German army. They arrived in New York, but it would be seven years later that his family moved and eventually settled in Southern California. Little did the twelve-year-old Marijon know that he would someday, touch the lives of thousands of young men. Believing in sports as more than just a game, Coach Ancich instilled in his players a set of values and ethics that would help prepare them for the world. Over a hundred of his players have become coaches around the country and he has helped over two hundred students win athletic scholarships that enabled them to attend some of the most prestigious universities in America. In his 37 years as a dedicated football coach, Marijon Ancich has brought home three California Interscholastic Federation championships, and his record of over 300 wins makes him one of only two coaches to have reached that milestone in the history of California high school football. For those who know Coach Marijon Ancich, this award is long over due. But to say that this latest accolade is the culmination of all his hard work would be a disservice. For the people of St. Paul High School know there is more to the coach than the awards on his mantle. To them, he is a man who is active in the community, a man devoted to his beautiful wife Jacquie, and father to seven wonderful children. He is one of their own: a man who truly exemplifies the very finest traditions and values of the American family and the American sportsman. It is with deep respect for his many outstanding achievements and the tremendous contributions he has made to countless young people throughout his illustrious career that I commend him and thank him on the floor of the House of Representatives and further extend our warmest wishes to him and his fine family for every continued happiness and success.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, in the near future, I will have the honor of presenting World War II veteran Eduardo P. Garcia with the Prisoner of War Medal at my District Office in Montebello, CA. Mr. Garcia, born and raised in El Paso, TX, and now a resident of East Los Angeles, joined the U.S. Army on August 9, 1943, at the age of 26. After 8 weeks in boot camp, he was assigned to the 180th Infantry regiment, 45th Infantry Division and had his first taste of combat in North Africa. In January 1944, Mr. Garcia's regiment was reassigned to assault the beaches of Anzio, Italy, as part of the Allied effort that eventually ended Mussolini's fascist rule. On May 26 of that year, Mr. Garcia was wounded in battle just outside of Rome. But his wounds did not end his service in the war. Corporal Eduardo Garcia was released back to his regiment in August 1944 as it began to liberate Southern France. The following month, during an intense battle with many American casualties, his regiment was surrounded by German forces and captured. Mr. Garcia and his comrades were marched to Germany where they were held in a prisoner of war camp. Life in the Nazi POW camp was harsh. Prisoners were given little to eat and were forced, in their weakened condition, to march through the snow from one POW camp to another. Those who fell from exhaustion had to be carried by their fellow soldiers or risk being shot to death by the German guards. After enduring eleven months of Nazi capture, Russian forces freed Eduardo Garcia and his comrades from their POW camp in July 1945. Corporal Eduardo Garcia was discharged from the U.S. Army on October 31, 1945. He was decorated with the European, African, and Middle Eastern Campaign Medals, the Good Conduct medal, and the Purple Heart. Eduardo Garcia went on to marry his late wife, Carmen, and raise four children. Since 1962, he has lived in Los Angeles and now has eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. I am proud to count Eduardo Garcia as one of my constituents. His bravery, service, and dedication to our great nation are an inspiration for us all.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen) for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to further address the urgent need for decent prescription drug coverage for America's elderly citizens. Prescription drugs help keep our seniors well and they help hold down the cost of medical care in America. Many of these drugs, such as the blood pressure and cholesterol medication, serve as the valuable ounce of prevention, saving lives, cutting medical treatment costs. The need for prescription drug coverage has always been a major priority among senior citizens. Now, with the steep increases in prescription drug costs and the growing importance of these drugs in preventing and treating diseases, the need for prescription drug coverage for all Medicare beneficiaries is more important than ever. Opponents of a Medicare prescription drug plan would say that most Medicare beneficiaries already get prescription drugs through other sources, and therefore, they do not need the government's help. However, we do know that the Medicare program generally does not cover prescription drug costs. It is estimated that over 13 million Medicare beneficiaries have no prescription drug coverage. Opponents of a Medicare prescription plan claim that Medicare beneficiaries get their prescription drugs from retiree health plans. However, there is only a very lucky few, about one-quarter of these, that have access to employee-sponsored retirement plans. Opponents of the prescription drug benefits state that many seniors may also purchase drug coverage through a Medigap prescription drug policy. However, these are very expensive. Depending on the State, the premium could run from $100 a month up. These costs increase substantially with age, as drug coverage under this plan becomes priced out of reach. The burden particularly affects women, who make up 73 percent of those over age 85. Opponents would say that if seniors want prescription drug benefits, they should enroll in a Medicare HMO. However, they are not available in all parts of the country. In addition, the Medicare+Choice plans limit coverage to $1,000 or less for each beneficiary per year. Recent studies also show that seniors who buy their own medicine because they do not belong to HMOs or have additional insurance coverage are paying twice as much on average than HMOs and insurance companies, Medicaid, Federal health programs, and other purchasers. Pharmaceutical companies are charging competitive prices that are tantamount to price discrimination against our seniors. These seniors, Mr. Speaker, live on fixed incomes. They either have to choose between food, oil to warm up, or to medicate themselves to be able to live. They cannot afford to take the drugs that their doctors prescribe them, and they stretch, as we have heard, many different ways, or they do not take them. We should not force them to choose between paying for food, paying for heating costs, or paying for medicine. We cannot afford not to cover drug prescriptions. What we will save as a result of seniors' access to these medicines is going to exceed the cost that may be incurred as a result of debilitating illnesses that seniors will suffer if they cannot get these drugs. We must stop this price discrimination. We in Congress cannot continue to stand by and see our elderly, our seniors, mentors, and family members suffer. Let us enact an effective Medicare prescription drug benefit and support H.R. 664 offered by the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen).

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the people of Armenia and their countrymen throughout the world, whose democratic struggle has been dealt a severe blow. We are greatly saddened at the untimely death of Armenian Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsian, who was assassinated along with a number of cabinet officials and lawmakers yesterday in the chambers of Parliament in Armenia. The forty-year-old Premier was a young and intelligent leader who had just been appointed Prime Minister by President Robert Kocharian last June. Though he clearly had many more brilliant years ahead of him, his stellar accomplishments in moving his country toward the road of democratic rule elevated him to the second highest political office in Armenia. The former athletic instructor, who was elected to parliament and served as Defense Minister prior to assuming the Premiership, was a man who embraced the ideals of free-market democracy. Along with several of my colleagues, I had the honor of meeting Prime Minister Sargsian here in the U.S. Capitol just four weeks ago. We discussed trade, commerce, and the establishment of closer relations. I shared with him the great honor I have to represent one of the oldest Armenian-American communities in my Los Angeles County district. I related to him how earlier this year, I visited the Armenian Mesrobian School, the Armenian Social Services Center, and the Holy Cross Cathedral, and was tremendously impressed by the efforts and resources that Armenian-Americans dedicate to the betterment of the entire community. I stand with my Armenian-American constituents who are undoubtedly in a state of shock over yesterday's violent acts. My heartfelt sympathy and earnest prayers are with the Armenian-American community, the people of Armenia and the families of the victims of this senseless tragedy.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Madam Chairman, certainly I want to recognize the great work that has been accomplished in this amendment by my colleagues, the women of the Congress. I am very much in favor of and support this amendment to H.R. 2. Had WEEA been in effect when I was in school, I do not think it would have taken me 40 years to get to this stage, to this floor, and to this Congress. Yet, while gender equity efforts have made gains, we talk about our women's performance, about how we want to help our young people, our young women; we are not in an age where we can say we can rest, it has been taken care of. We have a lot yet to do. We have made quite a few gains, but there is still a lot of work to be accomplished. The passage of this amendment will help us get there. In my State of California, possessing high-tech skills is a key to success. However, far fewer young women take computer science courses compared to boys. My colleagues have heard those statistics. We do not want the next generation of women to be left behind. We want them to be able to have equity and to compete fairly. It is our duty, and it is our responsibility as leaders of our communities to bring down those barriers that block young women from future success. Passage of this amendment to H.R. 2 will help ensure that the next generation of young women are not shut out of the high- tech revolution or out of any other career they choose to follow. Support and vote for this amendment to H.R. 2. Madam Chairman, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) for yielding me this time. It is really wonderful to have this measure here before us. The gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) and the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) have done an excellent job in bringing this forth to this floor. Mr. Speaker, California is one of the biggest markets for products, especially in international trade. We recognize that women are the fastest growing segment not only in California but throughout the United States of the new business. These new businesses are so vitally important to the United States economy which is now currently providing more jobs than Fortune 500 companies, if one can envision that. Women- owned businesses now provide more jobs than the Fortune 500 companies. These nearly 8 million women-owned businesses provide jobs for 18.5 million people and generate $3.1 trillion, with a T, we have heard it before, I want to reiterate it, in revenue for this country. Women-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment of business. From 1987 to 1997, the number of people employed by women-owned businesses grew by 262 percent. They have been booming and will continue to boom with some help from us. These are just some of the reasons why we cannot and we must not neglect women-owned businesses. With the welfare-to-work programs currently under way and the ever- growing labor pool, the jobs that these small businesses will provide are sorely needed to address the shortfall in jobs in the United States. Unless we pay attention to the needs of small business owners, we risk losing or at least hampering an important job creator. These women-owned businesses need help in identifying loan institutions. I am not sure how many of us really understand that with the merger of large banks, small business, especially women-owned business, find it harder and harder to get loans from banks and loan institutions. This will be one area of assistance to provide for sorely needed identification of these institutions, help the business women develop business plans and follow through to make sure and ensure their success. That is why I support H.R. 1497, the Women's Business Centers Sustainability Act. This provides for 10 new women's business centers that can help diverse and up-and-coming community entrepreneurs. We need them and we need to help them be able to grow and foster that job growth in our communities. In the very communities we talk about, these women entrepreneurs need just a little help in obtaining more information and making the contacts necessary to become successful business owners. This bill is a step in the right direction. I certainly look forward to moving more in the future to help women-owned small business. These 10 new centers are certainly going to provide a boon for our economy. I look forward to working with the committee and my colleagues.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, as a former Member of the California Legislature, it is with particular sadness that I offer this Memorial Tribute to a pioneering colleague, the Honorable John Moreno, late a retired Member of the Assembly, 51st District from 1962-1964. Assemblyman John Moreno was one of the first Latinos elected to the California Legislature in the 20th Century. A native son of Los Angeles, California, he won election in 1962 from what was then the 51st Assembly District, encompassing parts of East Los Angeles, Santa Fe Springs, Pico Rivera and Montebello. These same communities that I now proudly represent in my 34th Congressional District, were very honorably and well represented by my distinguished predecessor during a time of historic growth and achievement in the State of California. One of Assemblyman Moreno's major accomplishments in office was winning passage of a bond issue to build Rio Hondo Community College in the 1960's after three earlier bond measures had failed. He also helped the college district avert bankruptcy through legislation that allowed it to prolong a tax override and complete construction of the campus in 1966. Assemblyman Moreno demonstrated leadership on a host of important legislation including civil rights, aid to the aged and support for farm workers. He served on the state Compensatory Education Commission and co-authored a bill that funded special programs for disadvantaged students, including youths from migrant families and those who were learning English. John Moreno began his political career as a member of the first City Council of the City of Santa Fe Springs, California. He was a driving force behind city incorporation in 1957 and later served as Mayor. Before entering the Assembly, he taught elementary and high school for 11 years in Pico Rivera, Whittier and Los Angeles. He served in the Navy during the closing months of World War II, then attended the University of Southern California, earning a Bachelors degree in 1951. After leaving the Legislature, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he taught school and opened a home improvement business. He later moved to New York City and ran his business there until retirement in 1992. The Honorable John Moreno was one of just a few remarkable minority candidates to break through the heavy obstacles of institutional racism during an era when legislative districts were routinely gerrymandered to prevent Mexican-Americans and other minorities from holding elective office. He and his few Latino colleagues paved the way for future generations of Latino elected leaders, including myself, where today the Latino Legislative Caucus in the California Legislature numbers 7 state Senators and sixteen Members of the Assembly, including the past two consecutive Speakers of the Assembly. John Moreno passed away August 19, 1999 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. He was 72 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Judith Anderson, four daughters and two sons from a previous marriage, and two sisters. Mr. Speaker, I join with his many friends and admirers, former constituents and the cities and communities of his Southeast Los Angeles County district in mourning his loss and paying tribute to his many outstanding accomplishments and dedicated service to others.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Robert P. Miele on his retirement after 34 years of distinguished service to the people of Los Angeles County, California through his work at the County Sanitation Districts. Over the course of his long career at the Sanitation Districts, Bob Miele has worked diligently to protect the health and safety of Los Angeles County's residents by helping to build the Districts into one of the largest, most efficient and technologically advanced wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal systems in the world. Bob began his career at the Sanitation Districts in 1965 as a Project Engineer, after completing his Master of Science degree in Sanitary Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. He rose steadily through the ranks to become the Head of the Research Section of the Technical Services Department, the Assistant and finally the Head of the Technical Services Department, a position he has held for the past twenty years. As Head of the Technical Services Department, he has overseen the day-to-day operations of a truly impressive organization. The Sanitation Districts serve five million people and nine thousand industries in Los Angeles County. In addition to providing advanced wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal, the Districts also perform effluent and water quality monitoring, laboratory support, scientific research, and importantly in Southern California's dry climate, reclamation of millions of gallons per day of water that can be reused to keep Los Angles County green and replenish its vital aquifers. Bob Miele's leadership has been important in ensuring the great successes of these operations. Bob is also deserving of highest commendations for the many outstanding contributions he has made to state and national organizations concerned with water quality and sanitation. Throughout his illustrious career he has served as a member, a chairman, and a founder of numerous organizations including: The California Association of Sanitation Agencies, the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, the Waste Reuse Association of California, the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies, and others. As a former Director of the Southeast Los Angeles County Sanitation District, I am very pleased to offer this tribute to Robert P. Miele for his outstanding record of exemplary service to he Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and to extend sincere best wishes to him in his retirement.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with deepest sympathy that I pay a special tribute to my constituent Lucille Evelyn Hooper, who passed away in Whittier, California on Tuesday, September 7, 1999. Lucille was the mother of my dear friend Robert John Hooper, who is a dedicated teacher and Democratic Party activist and leader in my 34th Congressional District. Lucille Evelyn Hooper was born in Los Angeles, California on July 26, 1921. She was raised in Alhambra, California where she attended local schools, Alhambra High School and Western Business College. Lucille was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad for twenty years. She was a lifelong member of several service clubs, including the assistance League and P.E.O. Lucille's hobbies were travel and fashion. A dedicated wife and mother, Lucille is survived by her husband Jack Hooper, daughter Andrey Lynn Baugh, son-in-law Steve Lee Baugh, son Robert John Hooper, daughter-in-law Mary Catherine Hooper, and granddaughter Olivia Holland Hooper. Lucille Evelyn Hooper bravely battled cancer for over five years, from June 1994 until her death. Her friends and family will miss her greatly and to them I extend my sincerest heartfelt sympathy and pray that they will receive God's comforting graces in abundance.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I certainly want to thank my colleagues from New York and Connecticut for proposing this amendment to restore the funding for this very important program, the housing opportunities for people with AIDS, to its 1999 level of $225 million. I hope that all my colleagues will help and support this Nadler-Crowley-Shays amendment, which will shift $10 million from the National Science Foundation's $3.7 billion to HOPWA, where it is so sorely needed. To me it is a matter of people versus science. I do not like it, but it is my only choice. HOPWA is a program where every single dollar counts. 75,000 people across the Nation currently depend on HOPWA for their housing. This program provides essential assistance with rental and mortgage payments, utility bills, obtaining information about affordable housing opportunities, and also provides technical support for the community residences for people with AIDS. Any cut in HOPWA funding will kick, literally kick sick people onto our streets. We have enough of those people already in our streets. We do not need additional ill people. Survival with AIDS requires taking expensive medication and following a very special diet. When someone is already faced with a daunting challenge of coping with AIDS, the last thing they need is to worry about their housing. That is one of the stresses they face, and that is one of the things we can help with. If we cannot provide people with AIDS with stable housing, many of them will surely die prematurely, because it is almost impossible to provide AIDS patients with the health services they require if they lack a stable place to live. Let us not turn our backs on our fellow Americans who are afflicted with AIDS. Let us not throw them out on the streets like used rugs. We must vote ``yes'' on the Nadler-Crowley-Shays amendment. I ask my colleagues, please, please, support this amendment.

Mrs. NAPOLITANO

Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, the Moab site is the fifth largest uranium tailings pile in the country and by far the largest situated near a river. The pile is unlined, in a floodplain, and just 750 feet from the water's edge, currently leaking contaminants into the Colorado River. The water affects 25 million people and at least four States. It is truly an environmental crisis and we must act now to protect the safety and well-being of our citizens. Mr. Chairman, I urge support of this very important amendment.