Solomon Ortiz

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act. While I support this legislation, the timing of it is no small coincidence given the fact that Congress plans to take up unprecedented trade legislation this year involving this region. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the casual working relationship the people in both the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of China have shared. They each have adapted to their special circumstances with relative ease. I have always supported Taiwan's efforts to embrace democracy and stability in the region. Furthermore, I truly believe that our efforts to engage China and to bring them to the table to work and promote trade and growth will work only to the advantage of the United States. It is with this optimism that I ask my colleagues for the continued support of the people of Taiwan while we also work this session to further strengthen our relationship with China. There are many that consider China a constant threat in the Taiwan Straits. That said, it is my hope that any country in the world, who moves aggressively toward another would be subject to consequences. Engaging and protecting the interests of our trading partners in the Far East is the single most important thing we can do for all our trading partners there. I remain committed to the Taiwanese people and their outlook for the future of their citizens. I also remain committed to the economic engagement of China through trade and the power of the market place.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the lifetime of service of Alberto Galvan, the district manager for the Brownsville- Harlingen area for the Social Security Administration (SSA). Alberto has served the Federal Government for 35 years, retiring just last month. A son of South Texas, born in Harlingen, Alberto was in the United States Air Force (USAF) prior to his service to the Federal Government. In the Air Force, he attended USAF Russian Language School and served in electronic intelligence during his duty in Japan. That would have been impressive duty in those days, our forward listening post to spy on the communists in the Soviet Union. This man who loves his country began working for the Social Security Administration in 1970, where he has worked ever since, winning the SSA Commissioner's Citation, the SSA Regional Commissioner's Citation (twice), and the Outstanding Officer Award (four times). Aside from his many awards, Mr. Galvan has a great deal of contact with my Brownsville district office. As all of you know, the success of our district offices rises and falls on the relationship they have with individuals within the SSA. Thanks to Alberto Galvan, and the wonderful people in my district office, that relationship is strong indeed. The SSA manages the nation's social insurance program, consisting of retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs; so, the ties that bind our interests are quite strong. I want to thank Alberto today for being a really nice man and always being responsive to our inquiries. He takes calls from my office himself and has been largely responsible for training my staff members who deal with Social Security issues. He oversees all of Cameron and Willacy counties in the lower Rio Grande Valley but is primarily responsible for the Brownsville area up to Rancho Viejo, Texas. Since he left the Air Force, Alberto has found another way to put the Russian he learned there to good use. Today, he is the only Russian translator in the Dallas Region of the SSA and is often sent documents to translate, usually birth certificates. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending this outstanding patriot who has made a career serving our great country, first in uniform, and for the last 30 years, administering the Federal social insurance program in South Texas.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great team of public servants in San Antonio, Texas, at the San Antonio District Office of the Immigration and Naturalization (INS) Service, who were the recipients of three separate national awards for excellence bestowed by INS this year. Each year, the Commissioner of INS confers national awards for excellence honoring employees for their outstanding performance. The employees of the Citizenship/Naturalization Unit were honored with the Commissioner's Challenge Award for Immigration Services for reducing the waiting times for all citizenship/naturalization applications and for demonstrating an overall commitment to quality. The same unit was honored with Vice President Gore's ``Hammer Award'' in June of last year for their innovative program to reach out to military applicants who often face transfer overseas or a deadline to reach citizenship before re-enlistment. Getting the waiting time for applications down is a minor miracle. The wait for those wishing to process documents with the INS has been 18 months or more for the past few years. Port Director Ramon T. Juarez was honored with the Commissioner's Challenge Award for Border Facilitation, for his outstanding efforts in managing the Laredo Port of Entry. The Port reduced the waiting time for applicants for admission to 20 minutes or less. San Antonio Investigative Assistant Jerome Bass was honored as Employee of the Year in the Administrative/Technological category. His peers say Bass has an ``unselfish attitude and willingness to lend a hand.'' His dedication to the job brought him national attention. These three awards are indicative of the dedication of the 432 employees in the San Antonio office. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending them for providing the best in government services.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and pay tribute to two Brownsville benefactors, Roy and JoAnn Mitte. Roy, who grew up in the city of Brownsville, moved away, but returns to pay a debt of gratitude by donating $3 million dollars toward the renovation of Dean Porter Park, a park he remembers from his youth. Like so many citizens of Brownsville, Roy has very fond memories of the park, a park many also know as Ringgold Park. After 30 years, Brownsville citizens are getting together to renovate, restore and recreate the park to serve as a central retreat for all to enjoy. A plan has been designed to better meet the needs of our growing community for future generations to come. When Roy used to play in the park, he was a beneficiary of the benevolence of the Sams Memorial Foundation, named after a family who were the first benefactors to enhance the then Ringgold Park; now as an adult he is contributing to the first big renovation since 1960. Almost anyone you talk to who has grown up in Brownsville has a story about their experiences at Ringgold Park. In years past, it was the central meeting place to play at the playground, swim at the largest pool in town and attend social functions at the pavilion, a popular meeting place at the park. It is also the location of the Camille Lightner Playhouse, the city's only theater which is still active in presenting dramatic plays. Now, many years later, it is in serious need of renovation and repair. It is my privilege to pay tribute and express gratitude to the Mittes for their generous contribution which will go a long way toward refurbishing a park that is loved by so many. I would also like to commend the efforts of the Dean Porter Park Renovation Committee for their initiation of this project and their ongoing efforts to revitalize this park which means so much to so many people. Our lives, and the lives of those who follow us here in Brownsville, will truly be enriched by the efforts of the Mittes and their generosity.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Romanian Caucus, I rise today to enter into the record remarks in support of Romania. Mr. Speaker, the Heads of State and Government participating in the Istanbul Summit will designate the Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for the year 2001. Romania has been fostering support for its candidacy since 1996, when President Emil Constantinescu announced his country's bid for the OSCE Chair in 2001. Romania enjoys U.S. support and has succeeded to build consensus around its candidacy among full OSCE members. Romania will be entrusted to chair the OSCE in 2001, and it will join Austria and Norway in the OSCE Troika, starting January 2000. The United States and Romania in 1997, established a strategic partnership resulting in close cooperation and consultations on all issues of common interest, particularly: NATO policies; promoting stability and security in Southeastern Europe, combating non- traditional threats; military and economic reforms in Romania and its region. Romania has also been a key supporter of U.S. and NATO policy in the Kosovo crisis, assisting the U.S. and NATO in actions meant to bring stability to the Balkans. Romania's government and Parliament approved without reservation overflight rights for NATO aircraft at the height of the Kosovo conflict. Romania is among the regional countries which observes the embargo against Former Republic Yugoslavia, despite significant costs. Romania has proven to be a reliable partner of the U.S. and NATO and is consistent in improving its credentials for future integration with NATO. All Romanian political forces, as well as a large majority of the people, support the goals of integration with NATO and the EU. In December 1999, Romania will host the Southeast European Defense Ministerial (SEDM), in which the United States participates. Within this framework, Romania takes part in efforts to operationalize the Southeast European Multinational Peace Force, the first ever attempt at peaceful military cooperation in the region. Romania is the Chairman in Office of the Southeast European Cooperation Process and, as such, has been instrumental in promoting joint positions and actions of countries neighboring Serbia. Active participants in the U.S.-supported Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI), Romania has lead the efforts to conclude a regional Agreement for the fight against transborder crime and corruption which was signed in Bucharest, on 26 May 1999. Romania hosts the SECI Regional Center for the fight against transborder crime and corruption. The Center was inaugurated on 16 November 1999 and acts as a critical instrument for promoting a healthy business climate in Southeastern Europe, combating non-traditional threats and transborder crime. Therefore, it is suggested that: The United States Congress expresses support for Romania's nomination as OSCE Chair in 2001 and readiness to cooperate with Romania in the exercise of the resulting responsibilities. The United States Congress looks forward to sending a large delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Romania, in July 2000. The United States Congress acknowledges and highlights Romania's relevance as a regional role-model for inter-ethnic cooperation, steady evolution towards mature democracy as well as decisive efforts towards a functioning market economy, against the background of difficult challenges of the reform process. The United States Congress encourages an enhancement of U.S.-Romanian Strategic Partnership, in order to enable Romania to perform as Chairman in Office of the OSCE and to exercise effectively its OSCE area, which includes the Euro-Atlantic as well as Eurasian space. The United States Congress expresses openness to expand inter-parliamentary links with the Romanian legislature, in order to help promote the achievement of common goals and interest.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, during the following rollcall votes, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated below. Rollcall No. 587, ``yes''; rollcall No. 588, ``yes''; rollcall No. 589, ``yes''; rollcall No. 590, ``no''; rollcall No. 591, ``yes''; rollcall No. 592, ``yes''; rollcall No. 593, ``yes''; rollcall No. 594, ``yes''; rollcall No. 595, ``no''.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and pay tribute to Mary Lou Tullos Garcia of Harlingen, a woman who does the most important work in our society, teaching our children. Mary Lou has been selected as the recipient of the National Mujer Award by the National Hispana Leadership Institute (NHLI). The Mujer Award pays tribute to the sustained lifetime achievement of a woman of Hispanic descent who has made significant contributions to the empowerment and well-being of the Hispanic community. Last year's winner of this award was Dr. Antonia Novello, former Surgeon General of the United States. Mary Lou was chosen for this award for her dedication and her work improving the schools and schooling for the severely and profoundly disabled children and youth and for tending to the needs of their families. NHLI, in conferring the award, said that Mary Lou exemplified the vigor and strengths of ``La Mujer Latina.'' The NHLI also says that the award recognizes a woman of Hispanic descent who has served her community well, and acted with justice, love and the deepest of pride in her culture. I am enormously proud of Mary Lou Tullos Garcia for her commitment during her lifetime to those less fortunate than many of us. Our educators in this country are always my heroes because of the hard work they do every single day to teach the next generation of Americans. But, today I am particularly proud of Mary Lou for her dedication to teaching those who are the hardest to teach, and sometimes the hardest to each. The Harlingen community is richer for her presence in the public schools. The lives and families she has touched have benefitted mightily from her work. She indeed embodies the attributes of a Hispanic woman who labors every day, without credit, to make better the community in which she lives. National Hispana Leadership Institute is the only leadership development program in the United States focusing exclusively on the development of Hispanic women who are leaders. It prepares Hispanic women for positions of national influence, public policy and advancing the national Hispanic community. The awarded will be conferred at a black-tie gala on Friday, November 12, at the Walt Disney World/Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mary Lou Tullos Garcia for receiving this prominent award.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and honor Luz Benavides of Corpus Christi, Texas, who has just been awarded the Vida De Oro (Life of Gold) Award, bestowed by the American Association of Retired People (AARP) to recognize those who offer their time and services for the needs of the community. I have known Luz Benavides for my entire adult life and she is the model of someone who lives a life of gold. She is one of three people who will be honored Saturday night at the Omni Bayfront in Corpus Christi for making major contributions to the senior community by virtue of her everyday hard work, nearly always out of the limelight. Luz is 86 years old and a familiar face in the Coastal Bend of Texas, for she is involved in a host of activities, including the Nueces County Senior Citizens organization, the local AARP chapter, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the Senior Community Services, lobbying for issues about which she is passionate, and always helping her neighbors in need. Luz embodies the powerful instruction of Christianity by visiting the sick and helping the needy. She also works with the Salvation Army, helping the homeless people in the Corpus Christi area, helping them find shelter in the winter months. She is a political activist, working tirelessly in issue-related campaigns at all levels and on issues that matter to her and which affect all of us. She speaks mostly to issues that affect the elderly, the disabled and the neglected. Recently, she has lent her voice to the nursing home reform campaign in Texas. She's never owned or operated a car, which is a tricky business in a sprawling city like Corpus Christi. Interestingly, she has never let that be an obstacle to the good deeds she does for the people she helps on a daily basis. When my mother died, Luz found a way to get from Corpus Christi to Robstown, my hometown nearby, to be with me for the funeral. One of the most important things she does is to encourage people to vote and to participate in our democracy. She admonishes people that, ``Su voto es su voz,'' your vote is your voice. There is no greater gift in our democracy and Luz knows that. She will stay at the polls the entire day on election day. That is all the more incredible knowing that she remains on post from the time the polls open until the time they close. She stands the whole time, and unless someone brings her food, she doesn't eat. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing a beautiful person who is being honored for the everyday work she does for the Coastal Bend community, Luz Benavides.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Saxton), my good friend the chairman of the subcommittee, and the ranking member of the committee for their leadership, for being able to pass this in the subcommittee, bringing it to the full committee and onto the floor, and today I rise in support of H.R. 2496, the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act. This is a noncontroversial program that increases the capacity for schools, States and other institutions to conduct wildlife conservation and education programs. I had the honor of sponsoring the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act back in the 103rd Congress when I was a subcommittee chairman of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. The purpose of the program, then and now, is to provide elementary and secondary school students with educational opportunities in the conservation and management of migratory birds. The program supplements our schools by offering an educational component to conduct conservation programs. As economic and population growth continues and increasingly affects our environment and natural resources, we have to work harder to find ways to preserve both our world and our standard of living. Solutions to this challenge, like any challenge, begin with knowledge and understanding, and that begins with education. This is why so many people have embraced educational methods, such as the Junior Duck Stamp Program. This program teaches grade school students appreciation for environmental science and habitat conservation, while rewarding their hard work and effort with support for continuing education. This is a great tool to help educate students who have not had the opportunity many of us have had to spend time with nature and to develop appreciation of our resources and their management. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to tell my friends that over 400,000 students are involved in this program; and, again, I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member, and I ask my friends to support this bill.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Upton motion to instruct our conferees on the matter of removing section 110 of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1996. Those of us Texans who border Mexico would like to continue to be the front door for commerce, not the back door, and I think that this is a great motion. I understand that my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), has good intentions; but while this might not be the appropriate vehicle to do it, I think that it is the right thing to do. Congress' intentions in this bill was commendable, but it was added at the last minute to the immigration bill to address the problem of people overstaying visas. Overstaying visas. Thank God that these people are going back. What will happen if we implement this section? People are going to be afraid to go back because they are afraid that they are going to be incarcerated or picked up. I would like to echo what has been said by my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla). The people who do business along the border have seen long lines of traffic. I think that this is going to be an insult to our borders, to the citizens on the borders of Canada and Mexico. It is essential that the final appropriations conference report include a repeal of section 110 to avoid the problem that has been described by my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), and has been brought to my attention by the people that we talk to. Mr. Speaker, the INS say there is no way that they can implement this system between now and the year 2000. And American businesses do not want to face the prospect of a never-ending string of extensions and cannot afford the uncertainty of not knowing what burdens will be imposed on them and when. I would like to commend the leadership of my good friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton), for bringing this up. I know that already the real-life implications of section 110 are being felt in border communities at this moment, already struggling to direct resources to the current infrastructure and enforcement personnel. We have billions of dollars in commerce crossing our borders each day, so I would like to request my colleagues to vote for the Upton resolution.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Les Hodgson, of Brownsville, Texas, who won an award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on September 27 and will be in Washington, DC, tomorrow to receive his award. Les Hodgson is being noted for his volunteer work to save the Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. Les was named Volunteer of the Year as a recipient of the 1999 Walter B. Jones Memorial and NOAA Excellence Awards for Coastal and Ocean Resource Management. Walter Jones was a colleague of ours here in the House, and he chaired the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee in the early 1990s when I was a member. I am very proud of Les for the very important environmental work he does in volunteering to help save Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. Les is a widely-respected and hard working man. Camping with his dad when he was young instilled a healthy respect for the environment that surrounds us. As co-owner of a shrimping business, his volunteer work to save the Kemp's Ridley sea turtles is very unique. He spends his own time and money patrolling the South Texas beaches to find turtle nests during nesting seasons. Additionally, he has used his relationship with other organizations, such as the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), of which he is past president and the Texas Shrimp Association, to successfully supplement support for these conservation efforts. In 1996, Les helped Ocean Trust, a non-profit research and education foundation that protects ocean resources, get access to the turtle camps to produce a film on the Kemp's Ridley. In 1997, he began building a camp at Tepehaujes, the 2nd-largest nesting beach north of Rancho Nuevo. He persuaded the NFI Shrimp Council to donate $30,000; Les himself purchased building materials and donated labor from his company, and organized the volunteers. When the camp was dedicated, Les stood in the back, crediting the people he persuaded to help make this a reality. When Ocean Trust named him The Outstanding Steward in Marine Conservation in Los Angeles, typically, Les was unable to personally accept the award since he was leading a group of turtle project officials to Mexico. Les is indeed the man for this high honor. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the everyday excellence in our communities who labor to leave this world in a better shape than when we began. Please join me in commending Les Hodgson for his unselfish efforts to better the environment.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Mr. Hector Nevarez who recently retired from the Federal Government after 30 years of distinguished service. I would like to commend him for his patriotism in serving our nation. Our men and women in uniform and their families owe him a special debt of gratitude for his hard work in improving their quality of life over the course of his career. As the director of the Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools, and as superintendent for Department of Defense overseas schools in Panama and Cuba, he raised the quality of these school systems to sterling heights. In doing so, he earned the respect and confidence of all those he served. I know that his recent efforts as the director of support and deputy executive director of congressionally mandated Commission for Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance contributed significantly to the enactment of legislation this year that greatly improves the benefits for servicemenbers and veterans. He did very important work as the Federal Advisory Committee Act official for the President's panel on the disposition of Vieques. This sensitive position required the utmost in personal and professional integrity which he embodied throughout. In these executive level positions, Mr. Nevarez displayed impeccable character and leadership worthy of the Senior Executive Service rank he holds. He epitomizes the value of including everyone in the government of our country and the values of fair play that are a tradition in our culture. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him the best as he moves into another phase of his life, and I am sure that he will be as successful as he has been in Government.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of Taiwan's National Day, I wish to convey my best wishes to the people of Taiwan, congratulating them for their successes in the past and extending my sympathies to all the earthquake victims and their families. My prayers are with them. Taiwan is a model of success in Asia. Through hard work and ingenuity, Taiwan has emerged as one of the strongest economies on the Pacific Rim and is a showcase democracy in the world. The accomplishments of Taiwan, whether economic or political, are truly impressive. I am confident that Taiwan's future successes will remain impressive, despite the recent earthquake which has severely damaged Taiwan's economy and infrastructure. Godspeed and good fortune to our friends in Taiwan as they rebuild their nation.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask for the support of the House in passing H.R. 1749, the resolution to support Taiwan for membership in the World Health Organization. Let us begin by asserting a simple truth: disease and disaster know no borders. This resolution will be progress made possible by a policy the United States adopted in 1994, which encouraged Taiwan's participation in various international organizations. When I was in Taiwan in August, I met and spoke personally with the country's surgeon general. We talked about the virtues of Taiwan's admission to the WHO, and that was prior to the devastating earthquake which killed and injured so many people. The international response to Taiwan in this hour of need was slowed by the fact that Taiwan was not a member country of the WHO. Taiwan's progression on matters related to health care is legendary in Asia. They have the highest life expectancy levels in Asia; they have implemented successful vaccination programs; and their maternal and infant mortality rates are comparable to those of Western nations. It was also the first Asian nation to eliminate polio and it was the first country world-wide to innoculate its children (for free) for hepatitis B. Taiwan has a world class economy and their health care system is quite advanced. Their membership in the WHO would be just as beneficial (or more so) to the other member nations as it would be for themselves. This bill requires the State Department to find a role for Taiwan in one of the most important international organizations, the World Health Organization. The WHO is dedicated to eradicating disease and improving the health of people worldwide. So, let me end where I began * * * infectious disease and disasters are not limited by political borders, and Taiwan's exclusion from WHO is tragic. Taiwan's young people and the elderly population, who are particularly vulnerable to many emerging diseases, such as the Asian Bird Flu, simply should not be without the knowledge and expertise shared by the member nations of WHO. Please join me in passing this resolution.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution expressing sympathy for the victims of the earthquake in Taiwan. I would like to echo what has been said by my good friends the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier). I have a great many friends and acquaintances in Taiwan, having traveled there often on trade missions to seek jobs for my south Texas district. I was there just last month on such a mission. I appreciate those countries who have offered emergency aid to Taiwan in the aftermath of this earthquake. Taiwan is an emerging democracy on the Pacific Rim, and they are a valuable and important player in our international global economy. Taiwan has been enormously forthcoming and helpful when there has been similar natural disasters and emergencies in other countries. It is appropriate and honorable for those countries to return that favor to Taiwan now in Taiwan's hour of need. The American people and people of all faiths are praying today for the victims and the country as well as the rescuers who are working very, very hard. We are waiting to hear from Taiwan what their specific needs are in the aftermath of this earthquake. I hope that what my good friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) has requested is that those of us that can contribute, to make contributions to the government of Taiwan so that they can help the local people who are in dire need.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1059, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2000. I want to specifically address the provisions in the Act relating to military readiness. First, I would like to express my personal appreciation to my colleagues on both the subcommittee and the full committee for the manner in which they conducted the business of the subcommittee during this session. I want to express my appreciation to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bateman), the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence), and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), for the outstanding work and leadership they provided to the committee. We had the opportunity to see readiness through the eyes of the brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen who are entrusted with the awesome responsibility of carrying out our national military strategy. We heard them talk about the shortage of repair parts, the extra hours spent trying to maintain old equipment, and the shortage of critical personnel. Fortunately, this year we were able to do something about their concerns. Now, I had an opportunity to go to Korea and talk to our troops and their families. They know what this bill contains. They know that this bill contains a pay increase. They know that this bill does something for the shortage of housing. This is the reason we need to continue to support this conference report. I do remain concerned about our inability to provide additional support for other critical elements of our readiness support activities. That includes the stability of our dedicated civilian employees who are also being asked to remain productive while facing the constant threat of the loss of their jobs. This area also deserves our attention. Mr. Speaker, when I traveled up the coast of Thailand and visited the sailors assigned to the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk, they were so grateful because of the action that we had conducted right before recess. Let us not send them the wrong signal. I urge my colleagues to support the fine legislation in the conference report.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding young man and American who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, Mervyn Mosbacker. Mervyn is the new U.S. attorney for the Southern Judicial District of Texas. He is a native of Brownsville, TX, and an eminently qualified lawman. Last year, Mervyn was recommended unanimously, by members of the Texas Delegation who represent congressional districts in the Southern Judicial District of Texas, to fill the vacancy for the position of U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas in Houston. The White House nominated him, and the Senate confirmed him in short order. Mervyn was an attractive candidate to us for his position for many reasons, not the least of which was the ease with which this clean-cut young lawyer already working in the U.S. Attorney's Office already would glide through the vetting process. Mervyn was born in Mexico and his mother, who currently lives in Brownsville, is from Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas. He will bring a very unique understanding of the needs of this judicial district to the U.S. Attorney's Office. He knows what is important to us here in South Texas because of our shared experiences. He is familiar with the issues that bring cases to the courts along the border such as drugs, trade law, international law, and illegal immigration. His tenure of service in the U.S. Attorney's Office brings a history of knowledge of how the office works. The position of U.S. attorney is a sacred position of the public trust. This is the advocate of the interests of the taxpayers of South Texas. The U.S. attorney is the Federal representative for the interests of justice under our laws in local areas. It is an honor to hold this position, but it entails an enormous responsibility as well. I am enormously confident that Mervyn Mosbacker will bring South Texas common sense to the Office of United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Mervyn today as he takes the oath of office as U.S. attorney.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 389, I was present and voted, but my vote was not recorded correctly. Had my vote been recorded correctly, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a gentleman who does an outstanding job commanding a Coast Guard Station in my district, Commander Jackie W. Kyger. Commander Kyger is an absolutely superb man. He commands the South Padre Island Coast Guard Station in Port Isabel, Texas, in my district and he will be leaving Friday, August 6, for the private sector. If he carries the same gung-ho, can-do attitude that he has employed in his service to our country into the private sector, I have no doubt he will retire a millionaire. The Port Isabel station has a very tough mission, which centers largely on drug interdiction. They have quite a small station, with a tremendous amount of space to cover. In the last Congress, it came to my attention that the station desperately needed new equipment. They were making do with surplus equipment in their quest to interdict drug smugglers along a large chunk of South Texas coast. We ask our Coast Guard to do so much: search and rescue, boat safety, drug interdiction and fishing regulation enforcement, among others. It is just not right to give them that enormous responsibility without the equipment to do the job. In the next Coast Guard Authorization bill, I made sure to include committee report language stressing the need for new equipment, and as a result, the Port Isabel Coast Guard station recently got two new utility vehicles that are currently being fitted. This speaks to Commander Kyger's leadership ability, ensuring that his people had the proper equipment to accomplish their mission. Mr. Speaker, Commander Kyger will be greatly missed by the larger South Texas community, as well as the Coasties he commands. He is a devoted family man who is also committed to helping the community. He was of great help to a community project known as ``Save Our Children,'' a non-profit group that targeted young people in the Valley, encouraging them to stay away from violence and drugs, and reassuring them that they are indeed loved and are a valuable resource to South Texas. He was also instrumental in forming a partnership with the Boys Scouts of America to create a U.S. Coast Guard Explorers Post, an activity that provides a positive focus for young people after school. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Jackie Kyger, an outstanding patriot, officer and family man on his departure from Coast Guard Station South Padre Island this week.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 354 and 355, on July 30, 1999, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 354 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 355.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a family that has been a large part of the history of my hometown, Robstown, Texas, for the better part of the 20th Century. Next week, the Mays Family will hold a family reunion in the Omni Bayfront Hotel in Corpus Christi, Texas. I am honored to know this fine family, and I want to let my colleagues in the House of Representatives know about these pioneers. Riley and Ella Mays moved to Robstown from Kosse, Texas, in 1912; they were the first black family to live in Robstown, which is a largely Hispanic enclave west of Corpus Christi in Nueces County in the Coastal Bend of Texas. The Mays family is a distinguished and respected family in the community and in the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, which was founded by Riley Mays. Both Riley and Ella saw the need for a Baptist church in the area, so they acquired a building which doubled as a church and as the first black public school in the area. Riley Mays was the first Deacon there and a Sunday School teacher until his death. Ella Mays was a nurse and the first president of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church's missionary society. They both directed the school there. To commemorate the first black family to settle in Robstown and to honor the family patriarch, the city named a street in Riley Mays' honor. Shortly, a historical marker will be established at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church to pay tribute to the Mays family as well. The great and lasting legacy left to their family by Riley and Ella Mays is that the strength of the United States is found in the family unit. This is the tradition that their descendants celebrate each day and it is the tradition that they will celebrate en masse August 6-8, when they hold their family reunion. Riley and Ella Mays had 14 children, and today have over 450 descendants who are active in their communities, schools and churches all over Texas and the United States. I ask my colleague to join me in wishing them well as they gather to commemorate their families' tradition of service to community and country.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, due to a medical evaluation on Tuesday, July 20, 1999, I was absent for rollcall votes 311-315. If I had been present for these votes, I would have voted as indicated below. Rollcall No. 311--``Yes''; Rollcall No. 312--``No''; Rollcall No. 313--``No''; Rollcall No. 314--``No''; Rollcall No. 315--``No''.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, due to a medical evaluation last Friday July 16, 1999, I was not present for rollcall vote 307. If I had been present for this vote, I would have voted ``no''.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend James A. Clark, an outstanding and innovative young man from Brownsville, Texas. Competing with over 10,000 other applicants, James won a Silver Award in the Discover Card Tribute Award Scholarship for his outstanding contribution in the area of Trade and Technical Studies. The scholarship rewards student achievement in areas beyond academics. Winners must not only have a strong academic record, they must also possess special talents, be strong leaders, overcome personal obstacles, serve their community, and embark upon unique endeavors. Academic success is definitely an important aspect of a young person's education. It requires hard work, interest, creativity, and discipline. However, real learning also occurs outside the classroom. A special talent cannot fully flourish without dedication and hours upon hours of practice. Leadership requires self-sacrifice and temerity; overcoming personal obstacle calls for faith and perseverance; and community service requires dedication, compassion, and unselfishness. James Clark, as a winner of the Discover Card Tribute Award, demonstrated all of these qualities. While I am very proud of James, I know he did not do this alone. I commend his parents and his teachers for supporting and encouraging him in this proud undertaking. I especially commend the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), not only for its active participation in bringing the program into fruition, but also for its support and development of effective school leaders who ensure the highest quality in public education. I appreciate the efforts of the private sector, like the Discover Card, who are serving a larger interest in recognizing the efforts of outstanding students. They support the AASA in its mission to prepare schools for the 21st Century by improving the condition of children and youth, connecting schools and communities, and enhancing the quality and effectiveness of school leaders. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in applauding James Clark. He exemplifies the high level of academic success, leadership, dedication, creativity, and community service that all Americans, young and old, should emulate.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in commending a giant in the U.S. entertainment industry, Johnny Canales. Tomorrow, on July 14, Johnny will receive the keys to the City of Brownville from Mayor Blanca Vela at an event intended to showcase how the United States educational system works. It is sponsored by the Students in Free Enterprise Alumnus, and will be televised live on Telemundo. Johnny and his beautiful wife, Nora, have always been interested in the educational system of this country, but now have a personal stake in it since they now have a baby who will begin an education in 4-5 years. As the Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on the Arts and Entertainment, I am delighted to tell you about my long- time friend, and Corpus Christi native, Johnny Canales. Johnny Canales is an extraordinary entertainer who touches the hearts, and tickles the fancies, of viewers and listeners of all ages and all income brackets throughout the world. He is a host-extraordinare. Today, and for many, many years, he has hosted ``The Johnny Canales Show,'' a popular television show which showcases Hispanic talents from the Southwest and Mexico. Johnny's signature line then and now, when introducing groups or singers, is: ``You got it.'' He brings stature and commitment to any endeavor with which he is associated. In 1992, when I was serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), I had Johnny come to Washington to co-host the Institute's annual gala, the largest gathering of Hispanic elected officials in the country. True to form, he charmed each and every person there. I was most impressed with the reception Johnny got over in Mount Pleasant, the predominantly Hispanic enclave in northeast Washington. CHCI once held afternoon concerts the day prior to the annual gala to share the sense of commonality with people in the community who could not afford the price of tickets to the Gala. Johnny hosted the talents that would play at the Gala the following evening. Knowing that Johnny Canales would be the host was as big a draw as the bands which would be playing. I watched in awe as little boys and girls, largely of Central American heritage, cautiously walked up to Johnny to shake his hand . . . inevitably, they all said, ``You got it,'' mimicking his signature line. Mr. Speaker, since our business keeps me here this week and away from my friends who are celebrating Johnny's career, I hope all of you will join me in commemorating this patriot and great Hispanic talent.