Solomon Ortiz

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I am extremely pleased to see this legislation come to the floor of the House. This has been a bipartisan effort from the very, very beginning. Mr. Speaker, there are many people to whom this effort means so much, and I want to thank them. They include the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), the ranking member of the subcommittee, and their staffs; along with Committee on Commerce chairman, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley), and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the ranking member, and their staffs; the March of Dimes, for their undying support; Senator Christopher Bond, who moved the companion legislation in the Senate; and my colleague from Texas, (Mr. Bonilla), who as lead cosponsor of this bill worked hard to push this legislation. Lastly, I would like to thank all of the 163 cosponsors who have joined to champion the cause of reducing the rate of birth defects in our country. This legislation was first introduced in 1992, in response to the tragedy that occurred in part of my district of Cameron County, Texas, where a cluster of devastating birth defects escaped detection for several years. In March of 1991, a nurse helped deliver 2 babies in a 36-hour period. Both babies had anencephaly, a lethal birth defect in which the baby either has only a partial brain or is born with no brain at all. This pattern triggered this very competent nurse to review recent hospital birth records where she found a pattern of six babies born with anencephaly in the previous month. These incidents caused unbelievable anguish and misery in my south Texas community. However, I want my colleagues to understand that anencephaly and other birth defects are not only prevalent in south Texas but all over the United States. I was told that there are no means to detect such birth clusters around our Nation, so I introduced this bill to establish a surveillance system. This bill creates regional birth defects centers to study the information about birth defects. It creates a clearinghouse for the Centers for Disease Control so information on birth defects is centralized. Families all over the Nation, from all racial, ethnic and economic groups, share the risk of having a child with a birth defect. Birth defects are preventable. This bill will provide an important first step in helping our country's next generation to be healthy and active members of our communities. Birth defects research is a wise investment. The children and the families of Cameron County sounded this alarm, and I am proud that today Congress answers the call for investigation. Nothing is more important than our kids. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to engage the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment, in a colloquy for a few moments, if I may. Some of my constituents, Mr. Speaker, wrote to me raising a concern about whether the Birth Defects Prevention Act will impose a burden on their religious practices. It is not my intent that this bill detrimentally affect religious practices or religious freedom. Let me ask a question. Nothing in this act is designed to preempt existing State religious accommodation laws which allow those with religious objections to decline to have personal health information about themselves, or their minor children, included in birth defects information collection, analysis and reporting; is that correct?

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman and the ranking member for their support because without that help, this would not be on the House floor today, and I thank my colleagues for their support.

Mr. ORTIZ. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose the English-only provisions being offered to this bill to define the political status of Puerto Rico. I have consistently opposed English-only provisions to bills that have been before the House and do so again today. While I understand my friends who advocate these changes, we simply disagree. As the representative of a border district--as a man who has grown up speaking two languages every day of my life--I understand the dynamics of this proposal. People on one side see the English language as the defining and unifying element of the United States. Those who believe as I do, that the English language is the most important element of economic development in our country, also realize that it is the democratic institutions and history of the United States that define us as a country and a community. This policy, while well intentional, will make some untenable changes. It will rescind the use of bilingual education, a valuable program to children of new immigrants. It will prohibit the use of bilingual voting materials and ballots. In a democracy, su voto es su voz--your vote is your voice. We would be stifling a deep democratic tradition if we kept voting and balloting information out of the hands of those who speak a language other than English. Probably the most insidious thing an English-only policy would do would prohibit the use of dual language public health notices. Now, it has been our experience in South Texas that health care knows no single language, and it has been our experience that diseases know no border. This would be a profoundly bad idea, and it would only hurt everyone, not just those who do not speak English. I would like to associate myself with the remarks of my friend Chet Edwards who said that we need to teach English, not preach it. Spanish is the language of commerce in most countries of the Americas. The Spanish-speaking countries are the largest potential market for U.S. goods--we must not let the opportunity to sell them our products go by. Our schools, and this government, must learn the language of world commerce--which is primarily English, but is also increasingly Spanish. Let us not take a bad idea and make it worse. Please join me in opposing the English only provisions of this bill.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and pay tribute to Mr. Alberto Vazquez, the newly selected Mr. Amigo. Every year, members of the Mr. Amigo Association, who represent the City of Brownsville, Texas, travel to Mexico City to select a new Mr. Amigo to serve as the honored guest of the Mr. Amigo festivities in Brownsville. The Mr. Amigo festivity is a four day international event which invites the United States and Mexico to celebrate the cultures of these neighboring countries. During the Mr. Amigo celebration, which originated as a pre-Lenten festival, Brownsville citizens participate in a series of parades, dances and parties to demonstrate the goodwill of both countries. It is a major function which is eagerly anticipated by many South Texans as well as our winter visitors. We are honored to recognize Mr. Alberto Vazquez as the 34th Mexican citizen chosen by the Mr. Amigo Association. Mr. Vazquez was born in Guaymas, Sonora. He filmed 34 movies with outstanding Mexican Stars such as Soler, Marga Lopez, and last year's recipient of Mr. Amigo, Angelica Maria. Mr. Vazquez has recorded 108 records, many of them receiving gold and silver status, and listings on the top spots of the international record charts. He has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout Mexico, the United States and Latin America. Alberto Vazquez recently released his latest record ``Cosas de Alberto Vazquez,'' which includes such hits as ``Te he Prometido,'' ``Tus Ojos,'' ``Anoche me Enamore,'' and ``El Ultimo Beso.'' Mr. Alberto Vazquez is a perfect recipient of the Mr. Amigo award. For he has, over the long period of his career, taken his unique screen, television, and stage performances to numerous countries, including the United States. A true ambassador of his country and of his culture, he has been praised by numerous organizations for his unconditional commitment to improve mutual understanding and cooperation between Mexico and the United States. Mr. Alberto Vazquez should be recognized for both his artistic ability and his contribution to his commitment to bicultural relations between the two nations. Mr. Amigo, Mr. Alberto Vazquez, will receive the red-carpet treatment when he visits Brownsville as the city's honored guest during the upcoming Mr. Amigo celebration. During his stay on the border, he will make personal appearances in parades and other festival events. Official ``welcome'' receptions will be staged by organizations in Cameron County, Texas, and the cities of Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending congratulations to Mr. Alberto Vazquez for being honored with this special award.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend who is a brilliant legislator, and a patriot whose passion is peace. I have been honored to serve with Ron Dellums on the House Armed Services Committee, where we worked together as Members and which Ron later chaired. Since 1995, Ron leads the Democratic Members on the National Security Committee in the creation of defense policy in an incredibly fair and democratic fashion. There are a host of things that people can say about our friend Ron Dellums, but the thing that will most often be associated with him, by those who worked closely with him day in and day out, is his dedication to basic fairness. I told someone once that Ron Dellums had more integrity in his little finger than most men will ever have. But there is no doubt at all that Ron's legacy here in the House of Representatives, and in the House Armed Services or National Security Committee, will be his innate fairness in all the things that he did. I imagine that most of you know this already, but Ron has a most decided opinion about nearly everything that has to do with U.S. defense policy. During our service together, we agreed almost as much as we disagreed. But there was never, ever any question about how Ron would approach policy questions--he bent over backwards to make sure everyone was able to express an opinion and make their argument. He never exclusively favored his side of the opinion while he was Chairman--or anytime--he heard arguments, took the vote, and cherished the democratic principals that bind us all together. He believes very strongly in the concept of reduced Pentagon spending, and has strongly advocated his concerns via amendments to the Budget Resolution and Defense Authorization Bill. But that philosophy never conflicted with how he conducted the business of the committee that wrote defense policy. He is a man who personifies the dignity of public service. He is also a student of the human condition and an avid student of U.S. Defense policy. His study of the former has led him to develop deep friendships that surpass party and politics; and his study of the latter makes him one of the most knowledgeable Members of the National Security Committee. His depth of knowledge of the issues makes him a formidable advocate for U.S. taxpayers in the budget wars we fight in Congress each year. Ron, I will miss you very much, on many levels. Most of all, I will miss your personal presence and your friendship on the Floor of the House each day and in the National Security Committee. I also will miss your intelligence and your wit as a colleague in the realm of making public policy. Your presence will be sorely missed, mi amigo. Adelante . . .

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Leo Araguz, a native of Harlingen, Texas, who is being honored tonight in his hometown for the professional athletic accomplishments in his young life. Leo Araguz, a small town guy of modest means, has played professional football, as a kicker, for several National Football League teams. Tonight, his family, friends and community plan a surprise celebration for him in his hometown, and I want to let him know that the House of Representatives supports the efforts of his community to honor his work. Professional sports are the top of the heap for athletes in our country. In Texas, football easily reigns over other sports. Getting to the top in professional football is a difficult thing to do under the best of circumstances, but the circumstances for Leo have never been easy. As a good athlete in school, he almost missed out on sports altogether after a car wreck that badly injured his leg. A full year of therapy not only brought him back to football, but strengthened his legs, which made him decide to concentrate on the kicking game. As a former soccer player, kicking came quite naturally, and a star was born. The strength of his kicking game assisted the Harlingen High School Cardinals in securing several South Texas football honors. In college, at Stephen F. Austin State University, he led his division in punting in 1992. Since that time, he has played for the Miami Dolphins, the San Diego Chargers, and the Oakland Raiders. He has just been re-signed by the Miami Dolphins and will soon go there for training camp. Please join me in commending Leo Araguz for his hard work and his commitment to excellence in the game of football.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly support H.R. 2631, the Military Construction Line Item Veto Integrity Act before this House today. As my colleagues know, we have done so much work these last few months. We have had some very interesting hearings trying to address the needs that we address when we had those hearings and included in the bills and in some of these items that were vetoed. Now, the administration has admitted that they made some mistakes when they line item vetoed some of these projects. This is why today I strongly request my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation. As my colleagues know, during these hearings that we had in reference to the military construction appropriations bills and the authorization bill, we traveled, and we saw the need. I wonder if my colleagues know that some of our pilots are getting out of the military after they serve 5, 6 years, and after we pay a million dollars to train our pilots they get out, and do my colleagues know why? It is because we have housing problems that now we are beginning to address in this bill today. They tell me, as my colleagues know, we train, and then we are deployed two, three different times a year, and at the same time when we are fighting to keep peace in these countries where we are assigned, we have to worry about our families. Why? Because the plumbing does not work, because the electricity does not work, and then we expect our service people to stay when they have to serve under these conditions. They get better job offers in the outside. But let us not forget that included in this bill also, there is a pay raise for service men and women who serve, as my colleagues know, in the military. Again, I want Members to also remember that this has to lead back on pension. We will one of these days regret that because we did not do what the servicemen, people, needs were never addressed, that they are going to be getting out of the military, and this is going to cost more money. This is why I urge my colleagues to vote to override this bill today. It is a good bill, it is good for America.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2 of rule IX, I hereby give notice of my intention to offer a resolution which raises a question of the privileges of the House. The form of the resolution is as follows: Whereas, Loretta Sanchez was issued a certificate of election as the duly elected Member of Congress from the 46th District of California by the Secretary of the State of California and was seated by the U.S. House of Representatives on January 7, 1997; and Whereas A Notice of Contest of Election was filed with the Clerk of the House by Mr. Robert Dornan on December 26, 1996; and Whereas the Task Force on the Contested Election in the 46th District of California met on February 26, 1997 in Washington, D.C. on April 19, 1997 in Orange County, California and October 24, 1997 in Washington, D.C. and Whereas Mr. Dornan's unproven allegations and the actions of the Committee on House Oversight have resulted in an unprecedented attack against Latino voters and created a chilling effect with a message to Latinos that their votes do not count; and Whereas the allegations made by Mr. Robert Dornan have been largely found to be without merit: charges of improper voting from a business, rather than a resident address; underage voting; double voting; and charges of unusually large number of individuals voting from the same address. It was found that voting from the same address included a Marines barracks and the domicile of nuns, that business addresses were legal residences for the individuals, including the zoo keeper of the Santa Ana zoo, that duplicate voting was by different individuals and those accused of underage voting were of age; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight has issued unprecedented subpoenas to the Immigration and Naturalization Service to compare their records with Orange County voter registration records, the first time in any election in the history of the United States that the INS has been asked by Congress to verify the citizenship of voters; and Whereas the INS has complied with the Committee's request and, at the Committee's request, has been doing a manual check of its paper files and providing worksheets containing supplemental information on that manual check to the Committee on House Oversight for over five months; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight, subpoenaed the records seized by the District Attorney of Orange County on February 13, 1997 and has received and reviewed all records pertaining to registration efforts of that group; and Whereas the House Oversight Committee is now pursuing a duplicate and dilatory review of materials already in the Committees possession by the Secretary of State of California; Whereas the Task Force on the Contested Election in the 46th District of California and the Committee have been reviewing these materials and has all the information it needs regarding who voted in the 46th District and all the information it needs to make judgments concerning those votes; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight has after nine months of review and investigation failed to present credible evidence to change the outcome of the election of Congresswoman Sanchez and is pursuing never ending and unsubstantiated areas of review; and Whereas, Contestant Robert Dornan has not shown or provided credible evidence that the outcome of the election is other than Congresswoman Sanchez's election to the Congress; and Whereas, after nearly a year and the expenditure of over $500,000, the continued probe of the Sanchez election represents a direct attack on Latino voters and an attempt to silence the voice of new citizens; and Whereas, the Committee on House Oversight should complete its review of this matter and bring this contest to an end and now therefore be it; Resolved, that unless the Committee on House Oversight has sooner reported a recommendation for its final disposition, the contest in the 46th District of California is dismissed upon the expiration of November 7, 1997.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Corp. Hector A. Somoza, a U.S. Marine, who proudly serves and defends this great Nation. Following his family's distinguished patriotism, Corp. Hector A. Somoza has served in a honorable manner with the U.S. Marine Corps for 3 years, and most recently as a maintenance management clerk at the basic school, Quantico, VA. Cpl. Hector A. Somoza, son of Jose D. Somoza a former sergeant in the armed forces of El Salvador, was born on July 25, 1974, in San Miguel, El Salvador. He immigrated into the United States in 1992 and attended Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA. In 1994 after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon his graduation from recruit training, at Parris Island SC, and after completing Marine combat training in the school of infantry, North Carolina, he was assigned to the 12th Marines. Third Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan as a basic electrician. During his tour in Okinawa he participated in the exercise, ``Fire Dragon `95,'' which took place in Mount Fuji, mainland Japan. Next he was assigned to the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico. After completing his third year of service in the military's most elite branch of service, and on behalf of a grateful Nation, we take this opportunity to award Cpl. Hector A. Somoza with the good conduct medal. It is an honor to pay tribute to a young man who continues to serve this Nation with distinction.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, in 1947, on a simple platform more than 10 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, a thriving industry was born. America's domestic offshore oil and gas industry is a significant and crucial component of the U.S. economy. The industry came of age as our country was moving from a wartime to a peacetime economy. Companies, trying to meet the enormous public demand for oil and gas during this time, turned their sights from dry land to the frontier just beyond the water's edge and its ensuing problems. Offshore exploration posed new challenges, such as underwater exploration, weather forecasting, tidal and current prediction, drilling location determination, and offshore communications. Despite the difficulties in such an undertaking, Kerr-McGee Corp. struck oil on a beautiful Sunday morning on October 4, 1947. This monumental event on Ship Shoal Block 32 in the Gulf of Mexico marked the birth of the offshore petroleum and natural gas industry as it is known today. Kerr-McGee was a small yet determined exploration and production company that predicted the eventual outcome of their daring feat and discovered commercial oil in the world's first well drilled in the open water. Comparisons with yesterday always compel us. Fifty years ago, the cost of the first offshore project exceeded $450,000. Today, the costs can reach around $1.2 billion per project. The first year of production netted 99,371 barrels; today's new deepwater offshore facilities can produce over 100,000 barrels of oil per day. In 1947, the first effort to extract oil from the outer continental shelf occurred 10\1/2\ miles from shore in 18 feet of water; today the industry is developing oil and gas reserves over 168 miles from shore in thousands of feet of water. Today, there are nearly 200 drilling rigs currently producing gas and oil energy for the United States. Since their exploration began, the industry has developed 3-dimensional seismic translation of geophysical data which uses high speed computers to provide scientists a clear picture of energy reserves beneath the seafloor. The industry has also pioneered the development and application of remotely operated vehicles and is at the forefront of the development and use of a satellite positioning system. So who is driving the advance of domestic offshore industry? It is the men and women of Aker Gulf Marine of Ingleside, TX, who built Shell's record-setting Mars facility. It is the employees of Halter Marine shipyard in Sabine, TX, who specialize in construction, repair and modification of mobile offshore rigs. It is the workers in Chiles Offshore and the AMFELS yard in Brownsville, TX, who are building a jack-up rig capable of drilling in 360 feet of water. The industry provides nearly 40,000 petroleum-related jobs located offshore and another 46,000 jobs indirectly related to Gulf of Mexico oil and gas operations. As we enter the 21st century, our Nation is facing the challenge of protecting our environment and wisely using our natural resources. I am confident that the offshore industry will continue to provide reliable and affordable energy supplies to meet America's evolving needs. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 50th anniversary of the offshore industry and the 25th anniversary of the National Ocean Industries Association.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to CWO Three Nelson Canales, a father, a soldier, and a patriot. Following his family's long and distinguished tradition of serving the Nation through the armed services, Mr. Canales joined and served in distinguished fashion with the U.S. Army for 8 years as an officer, and most recently as an aviation maintenance officer with the Army National Guard, National Guard Bureau, in Washington, DC. Chief Warrant Officer Three Canales, the son of retired U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Adolfo Canales, was born on October 13, 1960, in San Juan, PR. He graduated from the Interamerican University in San Juan, PR, attending as a U.S. Army ROTC scholarship recipient. Serving in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1991, Chief Warrant Officer Three Canales graduated from flight school in 1985 followed by multiple tours: first serving with the Attack Battalion, next the 1st Infantry Division, followed by the 82d Medical Detachment (Air Ambulance), next the chief protocol-Republic of Honduras (U.S. Embassy/JTF), and his last assignment was with the U.S. Military Intelligence Battalion as a special electronic mission aircraft pilot for the RC-12 reconnaissance aircraft. After completing his service in the U.S. Army, Chief Warrant Officer Three Canales joined the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1992. When the nation is in need, it is a great relief to know that there are men and women, like Chief Warrant Officer Three Canales and his family, who will respond to the call of duty. On behalf of a grateful nation, let us all join his wife Kimberly and their daughters Leah Beth and Anna Kris, to pay tribute to a man who has served this nation admirably and continues to do so with distinction.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the fiscal year 1998 defense authorization bill. As always, there were a host of issues before the conference, and I am proud of the way we worked through each one of these issues. Most importantly, this bill represents an overview of our defense needs in the post-cold war period, and it prepares us for this next century. As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Military Installations and Facilities, and a member of the Subcommittee on Military Readiness, I am delighted that the bill strongly addresses many of the quality-of- life issues that speak directly to how we provide for those who wear our Nation's uniform. Housing for our military personnel has been falling apart for the last several years. This bill recognizes that fact and funds housing and barracks, child care centers, health care, and provides a well- deserved pay raise for our service members. The national readiness of our military has long been a prominent concern of mine, and this bill addresses some of the fundamental problems that could weaken our readiness. One of those readiness issues with which I have been involved is the issue of depot maintenance. The depot provisions in this bill remove politics from BRAC and ensure that no bidder on maintenance work on closing bases will be given preferential treatment. This is a good agreement which represents an honest compromise of ideas, without compromising the national defense of the United States. Mr. Speaker, remember, this conference report includes a pay raise.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, for many years now, I have joined my colleagues in congratulating the leaders of the Republic of China [ROC] on their National Day. Today I congratulate President Lee Teng-hui and the people of Taiwan on the ROC's 86th National Day. President Lee has just completed a very successful Latin American tour and Taiwan has been invited to join the System of Central American Integration. President Lee is an energetic man who is moving forward on a number of diplomatic recognitions for Taiwan. In the months and years ahead, I hope that Taiwan will continue to enjoy its prosperity and freedom.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 398 and 399. I was unavoidably absent. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on both accounts.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a very special law enforcement agent, who, by virtue of her quick-thinking and intuition, captured one of the most-wanted robbers in the United States and recovered a portion of the biggest heist in U.S. history. As a former law enforcement officer myself, I have a unique understanding of the difficulties facing peace officers. I also know how important it is for law enforcement officers to follow their instincts. On August 30, 1997, customs senior inspector, Virginia C. Rodriguez, was spot checking passengers coming across the border, and her intuition told her that something just wasn't right about passenger Phillip Johnson traveling from Matamoros, Mexico, to Brownsville, TX. Upon closer questioning, Johnson remained calm, but this law enforcement officer just felt like something was not right about this guy. So she went through his luggage and came across $10,000 and several fake identification cards with various aliases. The agents at the port of entry soon realized that the quick work and level head of Ms. Rodriguez had snagged the man who pulled off the biggest robbery in U.S. history. Phillip should have stayed in Mexico. Ms. Rodriguez, a former Border Patrol agent, represents the very finest in the law enforcement tradition. She used all her skills, including the most important, intuition, to go above and beyond the call of duty. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending and thanking this outstanding law enforcement agent who lives in Harlingen, TX.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to my good friend, an exchair like me. Today, I think that his intentions are very, very good. I was in the military as well, and I was trained as a military officer where I defended my country, whoever I was defending to kill the enemy, and as a military veteran and as a former law enforcement officer, I understand the unique perspective of those who strive to keep the peace on the border and the view of those in Congress who believe we should put resources we already have in a place that they are needed. And it is not that we do not need more people. If we feel that we need 10,000 more people on the border, let us get qualified people to do the job. The missions are distinctively different. The military, as when I was in the military, are trained differently, as we are in law enforcement. For 50 years the United States spent millions of dollars and our energy on fighting the war against communism, and in 1989 we saw the Berlin Wall come down. It would be a mistake of enormous proportions if we erected our own wall along our southern border in the form of the military. Mexico is our neighbor, friend, and economic partner. It would be a mistake to station troops who have been trained to kill the enemy on the international border. We should also consider the damage to the readiness of the U.S. military when our soldiers get away from their mission. It would be a great mistake to do that. We are not for illegal immigration. In fact, I believe in strengthening our border, but with people who are well trained, who are qualified to do just that. We do not want to put a Band-Aid on one problem, only to create a new one where we forfeit the civil rights process in the United States. I think that, yes, we do need help. War zones are not only in south Texas. We find war zones right here in Washington, in many neighborhoods. This is the wrong approach. My friend knows that I have worked with him on many, many other issues. As a result of the troops being stationed on the border, one young American citizen was killed. When I talk to immigrants who come here from Mexico and other Central American countries and other countries around the world, they do not want to stay here. They would like to go back to their countries, but because of the economic problems that they have, they come to this great Nation. This is why I support GATT, this is why I support NAFTA, because this will take care of some of the problems they face. Vote against this amendment.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and to express my opposition to the amendments offered by Mr. Royce and Mr. Paul to H.R. 2159, the fiscal year 1998 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. These amendments would do nothing but hurt American businesses and American workers. Mr. Chairman, at a time when American businesses are facing increased competition in the global marketplace, it is inconceivable to me that we, the very Government charged with helping our businesses, would obstruct the most important means to this end. To those who support the elimination of OPIC, I implore them to give up the isolationist belief that if we ignore foreign trade deficits, they will simply go away. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We must engage our competitors in the global marketplace or we will become a second place economic power. Mr. Chairman, there is a reason we have trade deficits with some foreign nations--they actively support their businesses to a much greater extent than we do. If we cut OPIC, we tie the hands of American businesses just as they are poised to step into the ring. My colleagues have to understand this essential fact: the global marketplace is not going to go away. If we stick our heads in the sand and let foreign businesses get the upper hand in the global marketplace, then we are turning our backs on our own people and our own future. Let us make no mistake, Mr. Chairman, we need OPIC.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and to express my opposition to the amendments offered by Mr. Royce and Mr. Paul to H.R. 2159, the FY 1998 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. These amendments would do nothing but hurt American businesses and American workers. Mr. Chairman, at a time when American businesses are facing increased competition in the global marketplace, it is inconceivable to me that we, the very government charged with helping our businesses, would obstruct the most important means to this end. To those who support the elimination of OPIC, I implore them to give up the isolationist belief that if we ignore foreign trade deficits, they will simply go away. Nothing could be farther from the truth! We must engage our competitors in the global marketplace or we will become a second place economic power. Mr. Chairman, there is a reason we have trade deficits with some foreign nations--they actively support their businesses to a much greater extent than we do. If we cut OPIC, we tie the hands of American businesses just as they are poised to step into the ring. My colleagues have to understand this essential fact: the global marketplace is not going to go away. If we stick our heads in the sand and let foreign businesses get the upper hand in the global marketplace, then we are turning our backs on our own people and our own future. Let us make no mistake, Mr. Chairman, we need OPIC.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to register my opposition to the provisions of the defense bill inserted by my friend from Ohio which would put 10,000 United States troops on the United States-Mexico border. As a veteran and a former law enforcement officer, I understand the unique perspectives of those who strive to keep the peace on the border, and the views of those in this Congress who believe we should put resources we already have in a place they are needed. However, this is a very bad idea. For 50 years, the United States spent our money and our energy on fighting the war against communism and, in 1989, we saw the Berlin Wall finally come down. It would be a mistake of enormous proportions if we erected our own wall along our southern border in the form of our military. At a time when Mexico is our neighbor, friend, and economic partner, it would be folly to station troops who are trained to kill on the international border. There is a huge difference between law enforcement officers trained to police the civilian population and the military troops who are trained to kill the enemy. We have a problem with illegal immigrants and drugs coming across the border, but the answer to that problem is to increase the Border Patrol staff along the border, not reinforce it with troops trained to shoot to kill. Already there have been two incidents along the border in which the military engaged. As a result, one young U.S. citizen has died and the Texas Rangers seem to be ready to proceed with a murder indictment against the marine who fired the shot that killed him. The reason I support trade treaties like NAFTA and GATT is that they address the economic foundations of this region by expanding economic and job opportunities. We are better served as a nation if we address the economic motivation behind the movement of illegal immigrants and drugs as opposed to positioning U.S. troops to be our cops.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, let me say that I have a lot of respect for the Members who happen to be on the other side of this issue, but I would just like to tell my colleagues something on these two charts that I have. Do my colleagues see these 2 charts here? It has got the names of all the bases that were shut down by the BRAC Commission during the past 4 years. And my question is this: ``Did some of your bases that you had, did they get a second chance to keep those jobs open?'' I am not against contracting out when it makes sense. But what we are seeing here debated does not make sense. As my colleagues know, what about the workers at these facilities? Did they get a second chance? No, they did not. Will this amendment save money? No, this amendment will not save any money. Now let us look and see as to how much money this amendment will cost the taxpayers. The Air Force estimates that the Everett amendment will cost the taxpayers $689 million annually. The GAO estimates that it will cost $468 million. In Ohio, at a base where privatization in place is occurring, the Air Force estimated that it will cost $40 million more annually, same work, same place, same equipment. We cannot afford the Everett amendment. What about the workers of both bases? Kelly? What about Sacramento? I have letters to show my colleagues that they do not support this amendment. These are workers who at one time or another served our country in the front lines. They know the kind of equipment that is needed. They know that they need well-maintained equipment. What better than to have these veterans to work on this maintenance that is required? Vote against the Everett amendment. It will be a great vote.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, I rise in support of the military construction provision in the national defense authorization bill, and I would like to express thanks for the leadership of the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. Spence] and the gentleman from California [Mr. Dellums] that they have provided throughout the course of these hearings that we have held. The bill has $267 million more for military family housing, a significant increase for the quality of life issues. Despite the fact that the military has seen significant downsizing, we are still very concerned about the men and women who serve us in the armed services. It also contains $117 million more for barracks and dormitories to house the men and women who protect our Nation including those stationed overseas. We all take seriously the obligation to address the quality of life concerns of our military personnel. How and where they live has a direct effect on their lives and missions. In fact, of the $750 million that we added to the administration's numbers, 63 percent is to be spent on quality of life facilities. Further funding of $88 million will be spent on facilities like child development centers, fitness centers and items of that nature. I want to thank the gentleman from Colorado [Mr. Hefley], chairman of the subcommittee, who is one of the finest men in this Congress, and again the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. Spence], and the gentleman from California [Mr. Dellums], thank them for their support. I urge support of the military construction authorization.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 40th anniversary of two truly great Americans, Raul and Mina Besteiro of Brownsville, TX, on June 8, 1997. I cannot begin to tell you how much the Besteiros have given to Brownsville, the greater south Texas area, and our country. Raul Besteiro, an adjunct professor with the Alternative Certification program at the University of Texas-Brownsville, was recently elected president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a 101- year-old educational institution. Mr. B began his teaching career in 1958, moving quickly up through the leadership of the Brownsville Independent School District, eventually becoming superintendent and introducing a new educational concept at the State's largest high school. Mr. B, as Raul is known affectionately known around south Texas, has spent his entire life working to make our community a better place. He has made our community a better place by serving as a consultant to the Port of Brownsville, making the local concerns of the community and the port authority known to lawmakers. His expertise is focused on matters relating to the Gulf of Mexico and the south Texas rail system. He has served as a member of the Brownsville Rio Grande International Railroad and the Texas Turnpike Authority. The love and strength of his wife, Mina, has made all these things possible. Without her constant support and understanding, he would not be able to do the demanding work he does on behalf of the community. Mina is also an educator, starting as a school teacher at BISD. She has dedicated her life to her children and her family. Her long-term commitment has enabled her husband and her children to be so wildly successful. People say the measure of a family's character is most evident in their children. The Besteiro children are a tribute to the loving foundation built by their parents. Mr. B and Mina raised children, all of whom are professionals and many of whom have following in their father's footsteps and chosen education as a vocation. All the Besteiro children--Mina, Pila, Lucy, Adriana, Cess, and Raul III--are valuable citizens in the south Texas community. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Raul and Mina for their long-lasting journey of marriage and family.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a talented and committed public servant, Atim Eneida George Ogunba, the principal officer of the United States Consulate in Matamoros, Mexico, the sister city of Brownsville, TX, on the international border. Consul Ogunba was made principal officer in Matamoros in 1994 and has proven herself an outstanding diplomat in the south Texas-Northern Mexico region. She is a wealth of information to area business people and tourists who wish to come to the United States. My office has numerous dealings with the consulate on a weekly basis. Any time we have asked Consul Ogunba for assistance, she has always been willing to go the extra mile and help. She is an eloquent advocate for the Consulate and has developed a reputation in the State Department, south Texas, and Northern Mexico for fairness, a valuable attribute for a diplomat. Consul Ogunba was an enormous help to me in 1995, when the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros was targeted for closure by the budget cutters at the State Department and in Congress. She worked closely with me on this issue, and we were ultimately successful in persuading the State Department to remove the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros from their list of recommended closures. Ms. Ogunba joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1982, serving in Tijuana, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Washington, DC, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. She is a highly decorated consul officer. She was honored with the Harriman Award for her ``extraordinary contributions to the practice of diplomacy, intellectual courage and a wazzu zeal for creative accomplishment'' in 1994. That same year, she won a State Department Meritorious Honor Award for her service in Costa Rica. As a result of her efforts to spare the consulate in Matamoros from closure, in 1996 she was recognized with the State Department Superior Honor Award for ``creative and inspired leadership as Principal Officer in Matamoros during a difficult period when post faced prospect of closing.'' Her next posting will be South Africa, an experience which will be both challenging and rewarding for her. She studied Africa extensively, both in Nairobi, Kenya, and at Rutgers University here in the United States. I ask my colleagues to join me in offering her best wishes and thanks for outstanding public service.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me today in commending the Republic of China on the first anniversary of President Lee Teng-hui as Taiwan's first democratically elected President. I was part of the official delegation President Clinton sent to mark the occasion last year. President Lee was directly elected by the people of Taiwan as their ninth President and inaugurated 1 year ago today. Despite an attempt at intimidation, democracy won. The United States has vital economic and military interests in this area of the world, and it is important for our country to commend the democratic efforts in this region. One year after his inauguration, President Lee is considered a beacon of democracy in the Far East. Taiwan's democratization should be an inspiring model for governments around the world. The United States is a government that rewards democracy and capitalism, so Taiwan's free and fair elections are indeed cause to celebrate. Both President Bill Clinton and House Speaker Newt Gingrich have made clear that Taiwan is our friend, so it is appropriate today that we pay tribute to this young democracy on the first anniversary of President Lee's inauguration. I also ask my colleagues to join me in commending Foreign Minister John Chang as he begins his second year of promoting stronger relations between the United States and Taiwan.