Solomon Ortiz

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment. As I travel toward the District, more Hispanics have received the Congressional Medal of Honor than any other ethnic group. They would like to be included in this museum so that they can display their history of bravery. At this moment I have to oppose my good friend and oppose his amendment.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1530, our national defense authorization for fiscal year 1996. I am pleased to join my colleagues in supporting what I believe to be a comprehensive and forward thinking bill to address the defense concerns of the United States into the next century. I would like to commend the gentleman from Colorado [Mr. Hefley] for his work at the subcommittee level, and both Chairman Spence and the full committee ranking minority member, Ron Dellums, for working to forge a bipartisan bill. Military construction is significantly important to our Nation's ability to have a ready and capable force. Mission support, quality of life projects, living spaces, work places, infrastructure revitalization, and environmental compliance are key factors in ensuring that our forces are able to meet the many challenges facing our military today. I have long been interested in reforming the way the armed services provide housing for our men and women in uniform. Three years ago, there was some concern about the future needs of military housing for our servicemen in south Texas--and the community responded by proposing a Naval Housing Investment Board that would combine servicemember and civilian housing through a public-private investment board. The bill before us contains a major new initiative to form public/ private partnerships in an effort to improve military housing. The program provides a series of new authorities to encourage the investment of private capital to assist in the development of military family housing. Since we began our efforts to combine our limited Federal resources with private investment in last year's DOD bill through the Navy Housing Investment Board--the program concept proved so successful that it is being extended to the other service branches with the wholehearted endorsement of Secretary of Defense William Perry. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to vote for this bill. It is a good bill, and specifically it addresses the housing needs for men in uniform.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my remarks on House Concurrent Resolution 53, a resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding a private visit by President Lee Teng-hui of the Republic of China to the United States. I was pleased to offer my strong support for this measure, and am delighted that the House of Representatives endorsed this important resolution. This resolution is a sensible request. We should all recognize that the Republic of China is a full-fledged democracy, and its government policies conform to those of other democratic nations. Additionally, the Republic of China is one of the most important economic powers in the world. Specifically, the Republic of China has established a program of economic assistance to many underdeveloped nations, and has joined major international organizations such as the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation [APEC] forum. The Republic of China has also been involved in international humanitarian relief efforts, such as helping the refugees of the Persian Gulf war. More importantly though, the Republic of China is willing to be a helpful partner in the international community. While the United States does not want to jeopardize its relations with other governments, we should grant an exception to allow the President of the Republic of China to make a private visit to our country. The nature of the visit by President Lee Teng-hui, to receive an honorary degree from Cornell University, is a reasonable appeal, and should be so recognized by our government. As Members of Congress, I would believe that we would want to maintain our relations with the Republic of China, and am pleased that the House passed this resolution.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. I thank the gentleman, and I would like to yield, Mr. Speaker, to the ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture and one of the most senior members of the Hispanic Caucus, the gentleman from Texas [Mr. de la Garza]. Mr. de la GARZA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my distinguished colleague for allowing me to join him and my colleague, the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Tejeda] on this occasion. For all of us it has been a very sad occasion. Texas, the Nation, and perhaps all of the continent mourn the loss of such a young, talented, productive life as that of Selena Quintanilla Perez. Mr. Speaker, young people from throughout Texas and in my area in south Texas mourned, cried. They had a candlelight vigil, as has been mentioned. They went to churches. They drove with the lights on, with mourning black ribbons on the antennas of their cars. But the outpouring of love was not at the point in time when she died. It has been there all along. They had come to her concerts. They had come to see her, to touch her, to listen to her. One thing that I think we should look at is that the youngsters, children, see through falsehood. Children know who is real and who is fake, and the youngsters throughout the area that I live in, and throughout all the other areas, came and believed in Selena. They wanted to touch her, they wanted to be like her, and I think this is very important because they have shown us that here in such a short period someone has reached the pinnacle in their professional life that is a very difficult life. Mr. Speaker, the music business is not easy. Traveling in that atmosphere is not easy. The temptation for drugs, for alcohol, is insurmountable at times for many of those, and this young lady--and we talk here about family values and moral values--here is a family that worked together, that stayed together, and it is a tremendous loss for them and for us because all of the endeavor has been done in a family style, in a family group, in helping each other along the way. I think it also should be of importance to us--and it has been mentioned--she recently was in San Antonio with the San Antonio Spurs visiting schools, stay in school, do not get into drugs. She devoted so much time to working with the youngsters. But there is no age limit to those who are admired and listen to her music. I know personally in my family that, from everyone in the family, regardless of age, enjoyed her music and looked at her in a very respectful, admiring way because she had what in Spanish is called El Don de Gente. That is an old Spanish saying that is given to a very special few that can touch you and make you feel they are part of you, that can speak to anyone regardless of stature, regardless of economic level. Those that have that special talent are but a very, very few, and she had that very special talent. So I join my colleagues, and I urge, as my two colleagues have said, to the youngsters to remember to stay off of the drugs, to stay in school, and to work with others of good will. Mr. Speaker, I am reminded of an old song in my youth, ``The Old Lamp Lighter,'' which ended with the old lamp lighter, he made the world a little brighter wherever he would go. This was what Selena Quintanilla Perez was all about. She made the world a little brighter wherever she would go, and there have been the flowers, and there have been the signs, and there will be a tomb with a monument, I am sure, of some kind. But she will remain in the hearts, and the minds, and in the souls of everyone. But she will go beyond that, and there is an old Spanish saying also that one of the Spanish explorers, when they first came to the area where we live was asked by one of his soldiers, ``Will anyone ever know we came through here?'' So he took his sabre and on the side of a rock wrote the date and his name, and at the bottom he put, ``Paso por aqui,'' he came this way. So I would join my colleagues in saying that the world is a little better, she shed light, good light, wherever she went like the old lamp lighter, and no one should ever forget that, once she came our way in 23 short years in the minds, and memories and hearts of all of those who heard her music, all of those who met her and admired her. The Nation, and we as a people, and the Hispanic culture, and the music world, all of them would have been benefited and will continue to benefit because a young girl that lived only a very short 23 years paso por aqui. I thank my distinguished colleague for allowing me this time.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding young international recording star and businesswoman, Selena Quintanilla Perez, known throughout the world as simply ``Selena.'' She was murdered on Friday by a disgruntled employee. Today, I want not to dwell on the circumstances of her tragic death, but on the way that she faced adversity, overcame the odds, and how she really lived each and every day of her 23 years. Selena was born near Houston, Texas and began singing in Corpus Christi at age 5 with her father's band, Los Dinos. When she began performing at age 9, the band became known as Selena y Los Dinos. She grew up in the humble Molina barrio of Corpus Christi where the neighbors all know each other. In 1994, she took home the Grammy Music Award for ``Selena Live,'' in the category for Best Mexican-American Album. This year, her album, ``Amor Prohibido'' or ``Forbidden Love'' went quadruple platinum. Ironically, Selena's newest song, ``Foto y Recuerdos,''-- ``Photographs and Memories''--was No. 4 on the Latin charts on the day she died. Her song, ``Amor Prohibido,'' earned another Grammy nomination for this year. Selena was known as the Queen of Tejano music, which is the late 20th century version of the popular Tex-Mex conjunto, an accordion based rhythmic style of music. Selena has described her music as a combination of polka, country, and jazz. Last month, at the Tejano music awards, she won seven major awards, including female entertainer of the year. However she or anyone else wishes to categorize her music, Selena's music touched the hearts and souls of her listeners. She spoke to the everyday obstacles and triumphs in our lives. She spoke to the fears, anxieties, hopes and ecstasy in all of us, simply because she knew well all these aspects of the human spirit. While Selena's hits were recorded in Spanish, her first language was English, and she had just begun recording in English in an attempt to cross over into the pop mainstream. She was still recording her first album in English when she died. She was one of our young people who could reach across the divides that separate us as a society to show this country, through her music, how much we share as human beings. Selena was a woman who paid back the generosity of her community. She always went to the schools and spoke to the children about drug abuse, honesty, and staying in school to get an education. Her community loved her so much, I have never seen such an outpouring of support and love from a community. People all over Texas drove with their headlights turned on, and tied black ribbons to their car radio antennas, on in silent tribute. She was genuinely kind and plesant, always with a generous manner for her fans or her hometown people. She was one of us. She was a role model for the young people in the community. The young people mimicked her songs and her easygoing persona. They admired the fact that she never forgot her roots, and they felt stronger because they shared those roots. Young people could look to Selena and know that she had come up out of the barrio and had made a huge success out of her life and her music. They believed that she spoke to them through both her music and her deeds, and they loved her for that. When word spread on Friday that Selena had been murdered, millions of her fans simply stopped what they were doing and just cried, both at the tragedy of a woman dying so needlessly so young, and for their personal pain at the loss. Her life was far too brief. She was only 23 years old when she was murdered, and there is little doubt that her greatest years were on the horizon. I will miss Selena very much. Just 3 years ago, when I was the chairman of the congressional Hispanic caucus institute, she entertained at the institute's annual gala at my invitation, and as always she brought down the house. While she was in Washington for the gala, I took her to the largely Hispanic Mount Pleasant neighborhood to entertain DC's Hispanic community. Since we both came from low income neighborhoods, it was important for both of us to share the abundance of the annual gathering with those less fortunate. That night we took another Mexican star with us, Rosa Gloria Chagoyan. Thousands greeted her and were deeply moved by her music. But most of all she will be missed by those to whom she spoke through her music, to the hearts she touched with her message, and to those who just plain loved the melodic sound of her beautiful sultry voice. This Easter, think of Selena. On this Easter Sunday, who would have been 24 years old. In closing, let me say a word to the young people to whom Selena meant so much. Just bacause she is gone, please do not forget her message--stay off drugs, be honest, get an education, care about each other, get involved--and no matter what--never give up. We will always carry her music, her message and her love in our heart. To her husband, Chris Perez, her parents Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Quintanilla, her brother and Sister and her entire family, we offer our deepest sympathy. May she rest in peace. Mr. Speaker, I yield to my good friend, the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Tejeda].

Mr. ORTIZ. I thank my two colleagues for joining me, and today we are really honoring a real role model. We talk about a close-knitted family. husband, and her father was the manager. Yes, a real role model. I thank the gentleman for coming and joining me today.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman from Colorado, Chairman Hefley, for the outstanding job he has done. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to know that there is no controversy with respect to this legislation. This bill passed the Committee on National Security without dissent. An identical bill previously passed the House of Representatives and has passed the U.S. Senate. It passed the Committee on Resources on January 18 of this year by a vote of 42 to 0. The Department of the Army and the Bureau of Land Management support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I ask for support of this legislation.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I am joined by a bipartisan group of Members in introducing a bill whose objective is to reduce the rate of birth defects in this country. I am particularly pleased that my colleague from Texas, Congressman Henry Bonilla, is the lead cosponsor of this vital legislation. The legislation addresses a national health care issue that crosses all geographic areas and affects children of all races and economic classes and is imperative to the public health of all Americans. Many people may not realize that birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States as well as a leading cause of disability and shortened life expectancy. Currently, over 150,000 children are born with a serious birth defect every year. Nevertheless, the United States lacks a coherent, comprehensive national strategy to address the birth defects problem. As a result, there are inadequate State and local resources that work to combat the incidence of birth defects. Consequently, most Americans have insufficient knowledge about birth defects, and remain unaware of the high rate of birth defects in our country. This legislation, in many ways, is a product of a tragedy in part of my district, Cameron County, TX. It is the result of great anguish and misery experienced by mothers, fathers, and all who sympathize with the loss of a child, or the sadness of a baby born with a deformity. The discovery of this tragedy began to unfold in March 1991, when a nurse helped deliver two 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 no brain at all. This pattern triggered this competent nurse to review recent hospital birth records where she found a pattern of six babies born with anencephaly in the previous month. The Texas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control were notified of the extremely high rate, and a case study of the cluster was initiated. Further research by the Centers for Disease Control and the Texas Department of Health revealed even more anencephaly cases, the largest cluster of such cases ever recorded in such a short period of time in the United States. The revelation of this cluster created an atmosphere of anxiety and fear in this close-knit community along the United States-Mexico border. Families expecting or planning to one day have a child were fearful of the possibility of anencephaly. Many have put family plans on hold, waiting until the cause or causes of this sinister epidemic are found. In an effort to unearth the causes of the cluster, the Centers for Disease Control and the Texas Department of Health began a full blown investigation. Much has been revealed with the unfolding of this intense investigation, which has included an examination of environmental, nutritional, and genetic factors. First, we have learned that folic acid has proven to be effective in reducing the recurrence of neural tube defects and may possibly reduce the chance of initial occurrence. In fact, in September 1992, the U.S. Public Health Service issued a recommendation on folic acid stating that all women of childbearing age in the United States who are capable of becoming pregnant should consume 0.4 mg of folic acid per day for the purpose of reducing the risk of having a pregnancy affected with spina bifida or other neural tube defects. The discovery that folic acid can contribute to preventing neural tube birth defects could save many babies each year from disability and death. This news is greatly welcomed. The events in Brownsville, TX, also called attention to the fact that the prevalence of neural tube defects in Hispanic children was twice the national average. Additional studies show that the Hispanic community, on a nationwide level as well as in some Latin American countries, seems to experience higher rates of anencephaly and other neural tube defects than other ethnic groups. In order to address the issue of birth defects, this legislation seeks to establish a national, State-based, birth defects surveillance system with regional centers of excellence to determine the unknown causes of birth defects. The bill also enables States to begin or enhance their own birth defects registries. This will ensure that basic information on birth defects can be gathered and analyzed so clusters like that in Cameron County would not have to be discovered accidentally. The bill also establishes regional birth defects centers of excellence whose purpose is to monitor the changes in the incidence of birth defects by studying surveillance information. This will create a mechanism so that we can act quickly when a cluster is identified, thereby alerting and directing all pertinent Federal, State, and local agencies so that all possible causes, whether environmental, nutritional, or genetic, will be explored. These centers will develop and evaluate preventive services so that we can work to prevent birth defects, and not act in instances after the fact. The bill also establishes a clearinghouse at the Centers for Disease Control so that information is centralized. We must have the capability of collection, storage, and interpretation of data generated from State birth defects surveillance programs and regional birth defects centers, as well as the ability to disseminate that information in a timely and useful manner. The Centers for Disease Control is the Federal agency charged with protecting the public health of the Nation by providing leadership and direction in the prevention and control of disease and other preventable conditions. As the agency responsible for responding to public health emergencies, the Centers for Disease Control was obviously the best choice as the lead agency to coordinate the Federal, State, and local efforts for this national birth defects program. In these times of budgetary constraints, many may have concerns about the cost of this bill. A close examination, however, will show that this bill will actually serve to reduce expenditures. It will help save money by reducing the incidence of birth defects, which cost the States and the Federal Government millions of dollars each year in treatment, special education, insurance, and loss of income. This legislation has already gained bipartisan support, and I am thankful that it has the blessing of so many distinguished Members, particularly Congressman Henry Bonilla. Additionally, I would like to thank Senator Bond for his lead on this legislation in the Senate. I would also like to thank the March of Dimes for their invaluable contributions and dedication to working toward the prevention of birth defects. The March of Dimes' commitment toward enacting the Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1995 only strengthens this legislation. Other major health organizations have also endorsed this legislation, and I am pleased to submit a list for the record. The concept of this bill may have derived from a crisis in Brownsville, TX, however, its provisions are important to the Nation as a whole. Birth defects are not simply a regional problem, they are a health issue that should be addressed seriously by all Americans. The Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1995 will serve as an investment in the health of all people of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1995 by cosponsoring this legislation. National Organizations Endorsing the Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1995 American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Mental Retardation, American Association of University Affiliated Programs, American College of Medical Genetics, and American Counseling Association. American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Public Health Association, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and The Arc. Epilepsy Foundation of America, Learning Disabilities Association of America, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions, and National Center for Learning Disabilities. National Easter Seal Society, National Society of Genetics Counselors, Society of Craniofacial Genetics, Spina Bifida Association of America, and Teratology Society. February 17, 1995.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and pay tribute to Ms. Maria Victoria, the newly selected Mr. Amigo. Every year, members of the Mr. Amigo Association, who represent the city of Brownsville, TX, travel to Mexico City to select a new Mr. Amigo to serve as honored guest of the Mr. Amigo festivities in Brownsville, TX. The Mr. Amigo festivity is a 4-day international event in which the United States and Mexico are joined in celebration of 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 well planned, major function which is enjoyed and eagerly anticipated by many south Texans as well as our winter visitors. Ms. Maria Victoria is the 31st Mexican citizen to be honored by the Mr. Amigo Association. She has been a successful artist whose talent dates back to the Golden Cinema Era of Mexican music and films. At the tender age of 9, with the encouragement of her two sisters, Maria debuted in ``La Carpa Mexico'' for which she was paid 9 pesos. In 1949, however, she launched her enormously successful adult career at the Teatro Margo in Mexico City. Her first hit, ``Soy Feliz'', catapulted her to the top of the popularity charts. Then there followed an avalanche of musical hits, to name but a few: ``Esta Sellado'', ``Eso'', ``Como un Perro'', ``Mi Ultimo Fracaso'', ``Mil Besos'', ``Sabes Que Te Tengo Ganas'' . . . She has appeared in such classic Mexican films as: ``Serenata de Acapulco'', ``Si mi Vida'', ``Mujeres de Teatro'', ``No me Vuelvo a Enamorar'', ``Monte De Piedad''. For 14 uninterrupted years, Maria Victoria has turned to comic roles such as TV series, ``La Criada Bien Criada''. Maria Victoria has made 48 movies, turned out more than 100 albums, starred in numerous TV programs, and has made five theater performances on the stage of Mexico City. Ms. Maria Victoria is the perfect recipient of the Mr. Amigo award, for she has, over the long period of her career, taken her unique song, screen, and stage performances to numerous countries, including sold- out performances in the United States. A true ambassador of her country and her culture, she has been praised by numerous organizations for her unconditional commitment to improve mutual understanding and cooperation between Mexico and the United States. Ms. Maria Victoria should be recognized for both her artistic ability, and for her contribution to the commitment of understanding between nations. Mr. Amigo, Ms. Maria Victoria, will receive the red-carpet treatment when she visits Brownsville as the city's honored guest during the upcoming Mr. Amigo celebration. During her stay on the border, she will make personal appearances in the parades and at other fiesta events. Official welcome receptions will be staged by organizations in Cameron County, TX, and the cities of Brownsville, TX, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending congratulations to Ms. Maria Victoria for being honored with this special award.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, a cherished part of the American dream is home ownership. It gives people a sense of permanence and a stake in their communities and in their country. Today, a first of its kind public-private partnership with Fannie Mae and the city of Brownsville, Texas Commerce Bank, the Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME Program, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, and Mercantile Bank NA, was announced for the development and construction of a subdivision to provide affordable housing to hundreds of Brownsville residents. The single-family homes to be constructed at Windwood will be available for purchase by families earning as little as $11,500 per year through a unique lease-purchase financing plan that will transfer fee-simple ownership to qualifying families in 2 years. Today in Texas, 59.3 percent of the families own their own homes. This rate compares with a national home ownership rate of roughly 64 percent, according to the latest U.S. Census figures. As the Representative of families living in the 27th Congressional District of Texas, I am pleased to see the Brownsville Community Development Corp., Fannie Mae, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, and the Texas Commerce Bank spearheading such public-private partnerships which will help young, hardworking families in south Texas move into the home they have always wanted. The Windwood Development will be the largest lease-purchase housing program on a single site ever financed by Fannie Mae's Southwestern Regional Office. Fannie Mae will buy over $11.2 million in first lien loans originated by Texas Commerce Mortgage Co., a division of Chemical Bank. Families wishing to purchase their home under the lease-purchase program must make a $750 down payment, exhibit a credit history acceptable to Texas Commerce Mortgage Co., complete a first-time home buyer education program, and contribute monthly payments for 2 years to an escrow account set up to assist the family in saving the remainder of the down payment and closing costs. This public-private partnership is one of the State's most innovative combinations of public and private sector financing. Anytime a city can completely recover a public sector investment through the immediate creation of a property tax base, while at the same time providing safe, high-quality housing and the opportunity for home ownership for our citizens--we all win. The subdivision at Windwood is specifically targeted to provide the opportunity for young, working families to own a high quality home of their own. This reduces the need for them to live in cramped quarters with their parents, or to pay for building their own home later. The total project is expected to be completed within 2 years and will cost approximately $13 million. Financing partners will include Texas Commerce Mortgage Co.--supplying $11.2 million in one-time assumable loans, the Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME Program-- through the city of Brownsville, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas-- providing $1.6 million in second lien deferred loans, and Mercantile Bank NA--lending $10 million for interim construction and development financing, and Fannie Mae. The Community Development Corp. of Brownsville will be the project owner through the lease purchase period, and will serve the project developer. I commend the financing partners for recognizing the needs of the local community, while at the same time exhibiting the willingness to invest in new solutions to help working Brownsville families realize a part of the American dream. It is only through public-private partnerships such as these that the dream of home ownership will become a reality for many of our working families in south Texas.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bruce Tansill Aiken, a native of Brownsville, Texas, who has dedicated his life to teaching the history between Mexico and the United States. In light of the fact that the Mexican-American War is often omitted from the time lines of this country's history, this is a particularly painful time for those of us who live in the American Southwest. This reality makes the illumination of the relationship between the United States and Mexico pivotal to understanding our future together. As an educator with a specialty in military history, Bruce Aiken has been the leading teacher of local history and area military history for our entire community. Many of those who occupy the Southwest are descended from families who have occupied this place for hundreds and hundreds of years--long before the American Revolution, much less the war for Texas' independence or the War with Mexico. Still others are descended from the immigrants who came to the United States from Mexico in search of a better social and economic life. Mexico has played a role in shaping our country since the beginning of our history--and Bruce Aiken has spent his life teaching people how to understand that integral relationship. After his service in the U.S. Army, Bruce served the Brownsville community as Administrator of the Brownsville Independent School District. From there, he joined the faculty of the University of Texas at Brownsville--and later became the executive director of the Historic Brownsville Museum, an association for which Bruce was the founding director. He is a widely recognized resource on local history for other authors, as well as an author in his own right. His outstanding work was recognized by Governor Ann Richards in 1993 by his appointment to the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board. In 1982 he was appointed to the Texas Professional Practices Commission by Governor Dolf Briscoe. In 1985 the Texas Historical Commission awarded Bruce a Citation for Distinguished Service. Bruce and I worked together on a project that was of great importance to me--establishing the Palo Alto National Battlefield Historic Site, just outside of Brownsville. Palo Alto was the only site of battle waged north of the Rio [[Page E136]] Grande between the U.S. and Mexico during the War. In 1993 Bruce was the co-host of the first annual Palo Alto Conference. This historic conference brought together academics, anthropologists, historians, political scientists, sociologists and military research analysts from both Mexico and the United States. It was the first time such a gathering occurred, and the lessons we all learned were monumental. Mr. Speaker, Bruce Aiken is a special man who has taught the Brownsville community much more about our history than anyone could have ever imagined. He has added to the history of our area, and our community is grateful to him for his efforts to bolster our education so that we will be better able to understand our future. January 19, 1995, has been declared ``Bruce Aiken Day'' by the Board of Directors of the Historic Brownsville Museum Association. I hope my colleagues will join me in paying tribute to Bruce Aiken, a very special patriot, historian and teacher.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill that will help to significantly improve the standard of health care provided for our nation's veterans, specifically those residing in South Texas. This bill authorizes the establishment of a new veterans' medical facility in South Texas. Under the provisions of the bill, the Administrator of the Veterans' Administration (VA) is granted the authority to acquire and construct a medical facility on a suitable site in the Rio Grande Valley in order to more effectively deliver needed medical services to the growing number of South Texas veterans. I am honored that Congressman de la Garza and Congressman Tejeda, a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, are also original cosponsors of this bill. While significant strides are being made in improving both the quality of health care and medical facilities available to our nation's veterans, significant shortfalls still exist in certain areas. The combination of the growing number of patients served by South Texas VA facilities along with the demographic ``aging'' of the veteran population is leading to a situation where existing medical facilities are being stretched beyond capacity. Already, patient usage of the VA medical facilities in South Texas has increased. Additionally, the number of elderly veterans in the State of Texas continues to grow, as does their need for medical care. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that South Texas also receives a steady number of elderly veterans who annually reside in South Texas during the winter months due to the warm climate. The overburdened state of the veterans' health care system in South Texas becomes apparent when veterans from the Rio Grande Valley, in particular from my District, must travel over 10 hours to reach the closest Veterans' Administration hospital. A number of these veterans are physically incapable of driving these distances, and many do not have family members to transport them to these facilities. Our nation's veterans deserve the finest health care services available, and the creation of a medical facility in the Rio Grnade Valley will be a significant and much needed step towards meeting this obligation. The construction of a medical facility in South Texas is the first step in addressing the critical health care needs of veterans in South Texas.