Solomon Ortiz

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, coming from a district like mine, where I represent four military bases, and then looking at what is transpiring this afternoon really worries me. All we have to do is go visit the medical facilities at Bethesda and Walter Reed to be able to understand that these troops need our help now, and we talk about giving them more body armor. The only emergency here is the completely inadequate allocation that my good friend Chairman Walsh received. This is nothing more than a budget gimmick that adds $500 million to the deficit, the deficit carried by all Americans, young and old, middle-aged, while at the same time millionaires are continuing to enjoy reduced taxes. This is not fair. Just 2 days ago, we voted to give a tax break in the amount of $70 billion, but we cannot fund it. In fact, we are cutting. I have military bases. We repair helicopters, and many times they have asked for help. We were forced to leave the air base in Uzbekistan. We have to build up our capabilities. At Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan; that is an emergency.

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

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the deficits proposed by this budget. We are at war. This should be a time of sacrifice for all Americans; it is not the time for gutting programs that help working families to pay for tax cuts to the wealthy among us. Sacrifice should be shared, not dumped on some of us. Everywhere I go these days, people ask me when Congress will do something about the budget deficit--whch will mean profound taxes on their children down the road . . . Republicans, Democrats, business people, laborers--everybody. I keep telling them each budget we pass is worse and worse, growing the deficit at an incredible level. People used to say Congress was taxing and spending. These days Congress is borrowing and spending . . . worse, we're borrowing from our children. This budget grows both the deficit and the national debt. The deficits in this budget would, according to the report accompanying the resolution, lead to another debt limit increase of $653 billion--on top of the $3 trillion in debt ceiling increases already approved since President Bush took office. And still . . . this resolution makes deep and harmful cuts to critical services for working families--including border security, education, and veterans' services. Democrats offer a budget today, that this House will certainly reject, that does not include the harmful cuts to domestic priorities while still reaching balance in 2012. It has smaller deficits than the Republican budget, accumulates less debt, and returns us back to paying for what we pass. If we pass this budget resolution today--and I will vote no--this House is following the bad ideas in President Bush's budget, which continues the policies of the past 5 years that deeply cut into the spending for our homeland security, simply to pay for tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. The budget makes long-term damage in our real security . . . at a time the President and many in this Congress are saying the needs on the border are so severe that we must send the National Guard to protect the border. First, let me say how much I oppose deploying the Guard to the border . . . but let's talk about how we got to crisis on the border: it is entirely about calculated disregard to the security forces on the border. The House budget shortchanges homeland security programs--cutting them by up to $488 million this year and up to $6.1 billion over 5 years from the amount needed to keep up with inflation. In December, when the 9/11 Commission issued its final report card, it gave the Bush Administration and this Congress a series of C's, D's, and F's on many areas in homeland security--including border security. The only thing we have given border security is promises, but no money. We know generally how much it would cost for the recommendations the 9-11 Commission said was the very least we must do to make a dent in illegal immigration: $375 million for the detention beds the 9/11 Commission determined we need, $340 million for the Border Patrol agents the 9/11 Commission determined we need. Even with the VA treating more than 144,000 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, the House budget cuts veterans' health care by $6 billion over 5 years, and increases TRICARE health care premiums for more than 3 million military retirees and their families. Despite record enrollment growth from pre-K to college, the House budget makes the largest cuts in education in 23 years and provides $15.4 billion less in funding than promised by the No Child Left Behind Act. Even as college costs have risen 40 percent since 2001, this budget freezes the maximum Pell Grant for college at $4,050--for the fourth year in a row. The budget denies more than 460,000 students low-cost loans and eliminates eight higher education programs, including GEAR- UP, TRIO Upward Bound, and TRIO Talent Search--all of which have made all the difference in the lives of South Texas students. These insulting cuts come just 2 months after the majority in this body voted to raid federal student aid programs by $12 billion. The other thing people are saying to me everywhere I go is: when will Congress raise the minimum wage? Gas prices are going up, food prices are going up . . . the cost of everything is going up EXCEPT for the minimum wage. I urge my colleagues to reject the budget before us.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, this is very simple. The Department of Defense says, Goode amendment, we don't need it. Under present law, the Homeland Security Secretary can call the Secretary of Defense and state that, you know, he needs troops. It is very, very simple because under existing law, it says he can request of the Secretary of Defense assistance from the Armed Forces. In fact, in 2002, the Secretary of Defense authorized such support on a reimbursable basis to organizations formerly components of the Department of Justice and Department of the Treasury and currently components of the Department of Homeland Security. So why do we want something else that we don't need? Not only that, do you know that they will have to spend more money that the Department of Defense doesn't have to train? Oppose this amendment, and when we come to the wall I would just hate for one day for the President of Mexico to come down and say, Mr. President, tear down this wall. Our servicemen/women are spread too thin. This is never a good idea, but certainly not in a time of war . . . to put soldiers in a new, civilian role . . . which has previously resulted in accidental deaths. This damages our readiness. I have been a law enforcement officer, and served in the Army. We are talking about two vastly different things--protecting the borders--and using the military in law enforcement. This new war includes a host of fronts, including law enforcement for domestic interests related to terrorists who try to cross our borders. I've led efforts for more border security: our investment should be in Border Patrol officers and detention beds to hold the OTMs--Other Than Mexicans--we now routinely release into the general population. Even if we caught every single illegal immigrant crossing our border, we would still have no place to hold them, and we would be forced to release them--as we are doing now. We should be focused on the need for professional law enforcement officers/intelligence associated with knowing who is coming across our borders . . . and providing funds to hold them.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition to the amendment; however, I do not intend to vote against the amendment.

Mr. ORTIZ. I think this is a good amendment and we accept the amendment, Mr. Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor all teachers today on National Teacher Day. I want to thank teachers everywhere for their devotion to children and a better tomorrow. Teachers are our greatest public servants; they spend their lives educating our young people and shaping our Nation for tomorrow. Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students. Even as we thank our teachers for the invaluable work they do, there are proposals to cut funding from numerous educational programs, including GEAR-UP and the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program. Education should be one of our top funding priorities; talking about it does not help the teachers and students who desperately need promises fulfilled. An education provides today's children with valuable and necessary skills to lead a productive life in tomorrow's society. Education makes children less dependent upon others and opens doors to better jobs and career possibilities. Education is the silver bullet to improve this Nation's standing worldwide . . . and our teachers know that. I have supported teachers and their efforts to provide quality education to our children, and will always continue to do that. I fought for Texas teachers' Social Security benefits by advocating the amendment to the Teacher Social Security Protection Act that protected them. I have fought to protect those benefits that ensure better salaries for teachers across the Nation such as grants to pay off student loans and funding for Teach for America. Still, we must all do more to show our continued appreciation for our Nation's leading role models. Today, let us remember the essence of why teachers are our most important public servants. There is a story about a dinner conversation with a puffed up CEO who demeaned a teacher at the table by asking: ``What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher? What do you make?'' The teacher smiled a contented smile, and enlightened her dinner companions: ``I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make kids enjoy learning. I make them dream, wonder, question, criticize, apologize (and mean it) . . . I make them write, work, and discover. I make them responsible. I make them achieve. You want to know what I make? I make a difference. What was it again you make?'' Amen . . . teachers make a difference in every single life they touch, and today I thank each teacher for the work they do and the lives they change every day.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this bill. I want to thank Chairman Hunter and my ranking member, Mr. Skelton, for their skills and leadership in addressing the military issues before us today. This bill provides for the needs of our troops and their families. I want to thank the staff also for their hard work and all they have done to get this bill out and get it on the floor today. One of the most important parts of this bill is the attention given to the immediate readiness needs of our men and women in uniform. The bill takes action in addressing shortfalls in operations, training and maintenance, funding that the Department of Defense failed to address in their budget submission. Over $850 million is moved into vital functions, such as ship steaming days, pre-positioned stocks, depot maintenance and training. As the ranking member on the Readiness Subcommittee, I have worked very closely with my good friend, Chairman Hefley, to address these shortfalls while balancing the need for our military to transform itself to maintain its standing as the world's premier fighting force. We hate to see Chairman Hefley leave, who has done a great job and who is retiring. Thank you for your leadership and commitment in building housing for the families and all you have done for our troops. We will never forget what you have done. Also leaving is another good friend that came to Congress with me, Lane Evans, who did a heck of a job looking after the welfare of veterans on this committee. I thank again Chairman Hunter and Mr. Skelton for bringing us to where we are today. Vote for this bill.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act--of which I am a proud co-sponsor. Like so many of my colleagues, I was horrified that members of Topeka, Kansas, based Westboro Baptist Church were verbally abusing-- and interrupting--the funerals of service members who gave the last full measure of devotion to this Nation. My constituents and I have been revolted by this offensive activity. It matters not what your individual position is on either war we are currently prosecuting--in Iraq or Afghanistan--certainly we can all agree protesting at military funerals is a cruel and unnecessary hardship on our military families during their most difficult hour. I respect the first amendment rights of protesters, and I do not believe this legislation would restrict that right. The restrictions placed in this bill would allow families the privacy to conduct funerals, while still preserving the constitutional right of political protest either before or after family funerals conducted within the National Cemetery System. We can best respect fallen service members by respecting the principles for which they made the supreme sacrifice. Today's bill respects them by honoring those principles of freedom--even when a callous few ineffectively attempt to demean their dignity--and it allows their families to grieve without being victimized by those who feel the need to denigrate fallen soldiers and their families at a most private moment. I ask that all our States pass similar legislation at their State cemeteries, and I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this bill.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable Cesar Gonzalez, Mayor of the City of San Benito, for his many years of dedicated service to the South Texas community. His extensive efforts and accomplishments throughout his career as a public servant have impacted both the city and people of San Benito. Mayor Cesar Gonzalez's leadership and involvement in the lives of South Texans has earned him the reputation of being a devoted family man and hardworking businessman. His commitment to the prosperity and development of the City of San Benito and the State of Texas underscores his unwavering community spirit. Mayor Gonzalez's first service to our country was in the United States Air Force. He went on to serve as a livestock inspector with the U.S. Government. Both positions were only stepping stones leading to a prolific and remarkable public career. At the local level, Mayor Gonzalez helped form the first San Benito Boy's and Girl's Club as well as in the establishment of the Cameron County Livestock Show. He also served as president of the San Benito Quarterback Club, served as a Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America, and remained a longtime affiliate of the San Benito Chamber of Commerce. He extended his public service efforts throughout the Rio Grande Valley serving as president of the Lower Rio Grande Development Council, secretary-treasurer to the Lower Rio Grande Development Economic Authority, Vice President of the Lower Rio Grande Certified Corporation, and as Industrial Developer of the Year. Mayor Gonzalez's public participation has stretched beyond the local scope of his close-knit community to the entire Texas population. His positions include: Chairman of the Texas Municipal League Insurance Board, Chairman of the Texas Department of Human Resources, Chairman of Border Cities and Counties and as President of the Mayor's Association of the State of Texas. These distinguished positions illustrate his lifetime of service, both to South Texas and to the State of Texas, yet they do not speak to his kind heart and charming ways. He is an exceptional human being who is much beloved in South Texas. I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in celebrating the life of service of an outstanding public official. Mr. Speaker, the Mayor Cesar Gonzalez's three years as City Commissioner, astounding 22 years as Mayor of the City of San Benito, and lifetime of public service are a source of Texas pride.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Porter Cowboys, winners of the University Interscholastic League Class 5A boys' soccer state championship. These young players came painstakingly close to defeat, but rose to victory in a 2-1 double-overtime win, earning Brownsville's first 5A state championship, and the pride of South Texas. The Cowboys came back from a 1-0 deficit against the highly regarded team of Coppell in a match that went to two 10-minute overtime periods. The agility and perseverance of this team gained the recognition of even the rival coach who could not deny the heart the Cowboys put forth. Less than a minute later, Porter tied up the game 1-1, after Coppell's only goal. The winning shot scored with 3:42 left on the stadium scoreboard, leaving the Cowboys' solid defense squad to protect the lead. The team left it all on the field to earn the Rio Grande Valley's first 5A title in soccer. With such dedicated players and skilled coaching, it seems only right that their remarkable qualities led them to this year's championship. Their triumph is significant to both the team and their fans because it tells the story of how the road to victory is paved by those who never give up. The Cowboys' success comes from sheer persistence and true teamwork. These young men have learned the supreme principles of both sports and life. They have experienced that winning is great but success is sweeter when teamwork and faith defy expectations and confront challenge. These are the young champions: Eric Chapa, Edgar Sanchez, Aldo Sierra, Juan Razo, Jose Alvarado, Peter Ruiz, Victor Vela, Cristian Sierra, Wilfredo Fernandez, Edgar Acuna, Jorge Briones, Jovanny Briones, Alex Lara, Humberto Lopez, Gerardo Herrera, Mario Perez, Gerardo Martinez, Diego Rodriguez, Michael Cedillo, Angel Cardenas, Jesus Sanchez, Miguel Vasquez, Jose Mojica, Jorge Gandara, Abpsa Cardenas, Jose Sosa, and Abel Perez. The coaches who led them to victory are Luis Zarate, Arturo A. Puig Jr., Pedro Valdez, and Miguel Marroquin. I congratulate the Porter Cowboys who through their unwavering endurance and determination have brought great pride and joy to all of South Texas. I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in commending this outstanding band of champions who have learned the most important lessons of competition, faith, and commitment. Mr. Speaker, these young men have inspired us and made us exceptionally proud.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Bahia Grande Restoration Project's 60 partners upon their receipt of the Department of the Interior's 2005 Cooperative Conservation Award. This award acknowledges the collaboration activity among diverse agencies working to restore our environment. The legacy we leave our children and our grandchildren is the condition of the Earth beneath our feet. Some of the most fragile--and at the same time, most important--parts of that legacy are the delicate wetlands that buffer our continent. The project's participants have demonstrated an understanding of this delicate intersection of wetlands and our continent by finding new and creative ways to sustain the Bahia Grande wetland in South Texas. Through their teamwork and innovativeness, the Bahia Grande partners have managed to walk the line between environmental and economic prosperity to achieve an ecologically and economically successful community. Federal, state, local and tribal governments, as well as private groups, nonprofit institutions, and nongovernmental entities have worked together on discerning a path to solve what seemed to be an unsolvable problem, further exemplifying the cooperative spirit this award honors. The Bahia Grande suffered from the construction of the Brownsville Ship Channel in the 1930s, which blocked the natural tide action necessary to maintain the basin under water. The basin eventually dried up and began blowing clouds of dust, jeopardizing the health of nearby residents and damaging area schools. With the help of many people, these consequences were addressed and mitigated. By allowing the Port of Brownsville to flood the Bahia Grande, the moisture will prevent the dry sand from blowing around and affecting the health of those in the area. What was once an idle dust bowl plaguing surrounding cities has now become the largest wetlands restoration effort in U.S. history. Once completed, more than 10,000 acres of the Bahia Grande wetland system will be permanently flooded and restored. I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in honoring the active support and involvement of those contributors in the Bahia Grande Restoration Project. Mr. Speaker, they have recognized the importance of environmental conservation on our lives; and for that, we must recognize them.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a representative of a coastal district in South Texas, I rise in support of the SAFE Port Act. I also want to make a particular point today. This Congress has promised all manner of border security and port security to the tune of billions of dollars . . . yet we have--to date--funded our promises for port security at only $900 million. That's quite a distance between what we say and what we actually do. I'm for the bill before us today; but more than that, I am for actually spending the bill's $7.4 billion for port and cargo security programs. Many members, including myself, are disappointed that the bill did not contain language to have 100% of port cargo screened. I will support the amendment to add the requirement to screen 100% of port cargo. Over the last five years, the Administration and the majority in Congress have appropriated less than $900 million for port security grants--despite the Coast Guard's determination that $5.4 billion is needed over 10 years. Over the last five years, the Presidential budget has never requested dedicated funding for port security. In South Texas, we understand how vital port security is and we fear the day a weapon of mass destruction could be brought into a U.S. port in a container and cause hundreds of thousands of casualties. We cannot continue to tolerate the vulnerabilities in our port system. U.S. seaports handle more than 95 percent of our nation's foreign trade-- with millions of containers arriving in our ports each year. We should include a comprehensive global container scanning system that scans the contents of every single container bound for the United States before it leaves an overseas port. The proposal of 100% scanning of containers is not unrealistic; it is endorsed by two experts in port security--Stephen Flynn, a former commander in the Coast Guard, and Adm. James Loy, the former head of the Coast Guard. Two of the busiest terminals in the world--both in Hong Kong--scan 100% of cargo containers. Cmdr. Flynn and Adm. Loy wrote in an op-ed in the New York Times in February saying, ``This is not a pie-in-the-sky idea. Since January 2005, every container entering the truck gates of two of the world's busiest container terminals, in Hong Kong, has passed through scanning and radiation detection devices. Images of the containers' contents are then stored on computers so that they can be scrutinized by American or other customs authorities almost in real time. Customs inspectors can then issue orders not to load a container that worries them.'' If Hong Kong terminals can do it, certainly America can require other terminals to do it. The Hong Kong pilot program has shown that 100% scanning can work without slowing down commerce. If two of the busiest terminals in the world have been successful at 100% scanning, it is time that Congress insists on it for those who wish to ship to our ports--it is what we must do to protect the lives of all Americans.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency, I was unable to vote during the following rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated below. Rollcall No. 109: ``Yes.'' Rollcall No. 110: ``No.''

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the goals and ideals set forth by the 2006 National Crime Victims' Rights Week taking place April 23 through April 29. The efforts to raise public awareness for--and participation in--the rights and concerns of crime victims in the United States is the noteworthy message advocated by Victims' Rights Week, whose theme this year is ``Victims' Rights: Strength in Unity.'' Crime is an indiscriminant crisis that impacts all constituencies. This week is one in which all people are encouraged to strengthen the voice of those victims and survivors of crime through involvement in crime prevention, victim assistance, and community safety. It is not only through my tenure as a former law enforcement officer that I know firsthand the tragedies of crime, but it is also through the knowledge and experiences that people have shared with me. A member of my staff has been affected by the consequences of crime very recently. Her nieces were victims of a domestic dispute that escalated into an appalling scenario. The criminal shot both his wife and six-year-old daughter in the head before failing in his suicide attempt. He was found guilty of attempted capital murder, injury to a child, and aggravated assault. The long-term repercussions from this horrifying episode will be felt by all family members for the rest of their lives. The mother and child will live their entire lives with the physical disabilities they incurred, as well as the psychological trauma. The daughter suffers from seizures, and the mother has lost vision in one eye, which remains permanently closed. To help families and victims through such difficult moments, I am proud to support the observance of Victims' Rights Week, which acknowledges crime victims and upholds their rights. The encouragement of public participation promoted by the Victims' Rights movement will support crime victims and address the impact of crime on communities with a single voice. I ask the House of Representatives to join me and my fellow Victims' Rights Caucus colleagues today in honoring the observance of this noble cause--which through its advocacy for victims' justice, increased public awareness, and community collaboration has revolutionized American criminal jurisprudence.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I hope the House will join me today to pay tribute to an exceptional patriot and Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Army, Sergeant Major Michael Roy Dudley, upon his retirement from active military service. Sergeant Major Dudley's remarkable career spans over 31 years in the United States Army culminating with his appointment to Principal Announcer of The United States Army Band, ``Pershing's Own'' and Non- commissioned Officer-in-Charge of the United States Army Chorale. He was also a producer, performer and announcer for numerous inaugural events for Presidents Carter, Reagan, G.H.W. Bush and Clinton. He was the announcer for the nationally televised September 11 Pentagon Memorial Services on September 11, 2002; internment of the Unknown Soldier from Viet Nam at Arlington National Cemetery; narrative soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra and the Penn Woods Festival Orchestra at Penn State University for the 2000 National Governors' Conference performing Aaron Copland's ``A Lincoln Portrait.'' He has been the featured announcer and soloist numerous times for The United States Army Band's concerts at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York City from 1993 to the present. Sergeant Major Dudley's talent and professionalism has been instrumental in the flawless performance of these international events. Other significant performances by Sergeant Major Dudley include: The White House performance for the signing of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel; featured vocal soloist for Gerald Ford and Friends Gala in Vail, Colorado; White House State Dinners and Christmas receptions (1975-present); numerous performances for the Kennedy Center Honors Program and the July 4, 1976 Bicentennial Concert of the United States with Johnny Cash on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Sergeant Major Dudley has truly represented The United States Army and The United States of America in an exemplary manner which was quintessential to the overwhelming success of these very important events in the history of our nation. This soldier is the recipient of the United States Armed Forces Legion of Merit award for exceptionally meritorious conduct in his performance of outstanding service to this country. He has established a renowned reputation both nationally and globally as a musical ambassador of goodwill. I ask my colleagues to join me today to thank Sergeant Major Dudley, his wife, Mary Lou, and his entire family for the commitment, sacrifice, and contribution that they have made throughout his honorable military career.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate South Texas' Flour Bluff High School's Navy Junior ROTC on winning their 10th consecutive Navy National Championship. These cadets have earned the state championship for the past 12 years and this year's victory marks their extraordinary 10th straight win in the national competition. This year they placed first in armed drill exhibition, academics, unit inspection, and overall drill. This is a group that sincerely enjoys the challenging intricacies of competition. Flour Bluff's NJROTC's unparalleled record comes from their ability to inspire future participants with their pride and dedication to excellence. They function like a family--always helping and learning from one another. Through the team's support and collaboration, they carry away memorable victories and lifelong friendships. These cadets' discipline and enthusiastic dedication enhance their natural talent. Such sacrifice and practice are indicative of our nation's military future, an opportunity many of these young people seek. They are indeed our best and brightest, and I am so proud of all of them. In high school competitions, as in life, the path to success requires hard work and an eager spirit. Competitions teach today's youth about teamwork and common effort, the fundamental components of life and work. Year after year, the Flour Bluff cadets continue to bring distinction to their school and bring hope for the future of America. Their skill, perseverance, and commitment to quality are an exemplary representation of what South Texas has to offer. These are the cadets who earned Flour Bluff's 10th consecutive Navy National Championship: Adrian Altamirano, Sade Auzenne, Arielle Carchidi, Sara Carmony, Leslie Cox, Dirk de Haan, Valerie Dimalanta, Miranda Edson, Julisa Ellerbe, Tomas Falkenberg, Deon Farmer, Devin Galindo, Melinda Garibay, Pancho Gonzales, Tyler Grant, David Guillen, Caz Haas, Jonathan Hada, Gustavo Hernandez, Josef Horn, Matthew Horn, William Joyce, Cassandra Leal, Gilbert Lozano, Ellysa Luehrs, Conor Morrison, Steven Murawski, Ruby Neisser, Amielyn Nillo, Danielle Pletcher, Rudy Ponce, Roxanne Reeder, Daniel Samuelson, Rafaelle Sheehan, Jaclyn Stewart, Tanis Thompson, Tempestt Thompson, Tyler Warren, Eric Webb, and Jeremiah Widder. The coaches who led them to victory are CDR Armando R. Solis and assistants HMCS Lee Holloway and SKI David Pitts. I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in recognizing these young champions who know first hand how to compete and win graciously. Mr. Speaker, these young students have inspired us to continually strive for success.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Porter Cowboys, winners of the University Interscholastic League Class 5A boys' soccer state championship. These young players came painstakingly close to defeat, but rose to victory in a 2-1 double-overtime win, earning Brownsville's first 5A state championship, and the pride of South Texas. The Cowboys came back from a 1-0 deficit against the highly regarded team of Coppell in a match that went to two 10-minute overtime periods. The agility and perseverance of this team gained the recognition of even the rival coach who could not deny the heart the Cowboys put forth. Less than a minute later, Porter tied up the game 1-1, after Coppell's only goal. The winning shot scored with 3:42 left on the stadium scoreboard, leaving the Cowboys' solid defense squad to protect the lead. The team left it all on the field to earn the Rio Grande Valley's first 5A title in soccer. With such dedicated players and skilled coaching, it seems only right that their remarkable qualities led them to this year's championship. Their triumph is significant to both the team and their fans because it tells the story of how the road to victory is paved by those who never give up. The Cowboys' success comes from sheer persistence and true teamwork. These young men have learned the supreme principles of both sports and life. They have experienced that winning is great but success is sweeter when teamwork and faith defy expectations and confront challenge. These are the young champions: Eric Chapa, Edgar Sanchez, Aldo Sierra, Juan Razo, Jose Alvarado, Peter Ruiz, Victor Vela, Cristian Sierra, Wilfredo Fernandez, Edgar Acuna, Jorge Briones, Jovanny Briones, Alex Lara, Humberto Lopez, Gerardo Herrera, Mario Perez, Gerardo Martinez, Diego Rodriguez, Michael Cedillo, Angel Cardenas, Jesus Sanchez, Miguel Vasquez, Jose Mojica, Jorge Gandara, Abpsa Cardenas, Jose Sosa, and Abel Perez. The coaches who led them to victory are Luis Zarate, Arturo A. Puig Jr., Pedro Valdez, and Miguel Marroquin. I congratulate the Porter Cowboys who through their unwavering endurance and determination have brought great pride and joy to all of South Texas. I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in commending this outstanding band of champions who have learned the most important lessons of competition, faith, and commitment. Mr. Speaker, these young men have inspired us and made us exceptionally proud.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, due to inclement weather, I was unable to vote during the following rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated below. Rollcall No. 68: yea.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the amendments by my colleagues in Texas, Mr. Hinojosa and Mr. Doggett; our levee system in South Texas has long passed the point of insufficient--we are in an emergency situation. The Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project has several components, including the levee system along the Rio Grande, which is in a state of disrepair. This amendment provides $10 million for IBWC; it has no effect on budget authority; and it reduces outlays by $2 million for FY 2006. The integrity of the 500 mile levee system is the responsibility of the Army Corp of Engineers and the International Boundary and Water Commission. The IBWC has not received any consistent federal funding necessary to rehabilitate this critical levee system. An indirect impact from Hurricane Emily last September brought water levels along the South border to critical levels that we have not seen in decades. It was Hurricane Katrina that gave each American a tutorial on the utter importance of levees when it comes to protecting U.S. lives and property. In the 2 major storms that blew ashore last fall, Katrina gave us a glimpse of the damage possible if these levees are not repaired . . . and Emily that made us hold our collective breath as the waters rose near the top of the levee system. Like New Orleans, the population protected by these levees is enormous. South Texas is a densely populated area, and is the front door of international trade. Millions of lives and the nation's economy could hang in the balance when these levees fail. Evaluations of the present condition of these levees conclude the system is deficient in both hydraulic capacity and structural integrity. The investment we ask to include today as part of this emergency supplemental is a small price to pay to ensure the integrity of these levees when we have the next major hurricane. Hurricane season is rapidly approaching, and this is the last opportunity to fix the levee system before hurricanes start blowing into the Gulf. Let us not be penny wise and pound foolish about the dangers that await us, as we were with the New Orleans levees. We know the damage that can happen . . . and we know it will only come at a profoundly bad time, as millions of residents are trying to flee the coast . . . and the U.S. economy takes a multi billion dollar hit.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Peace Corps as it reached its 45th anniversary on March 1, 2006. The Peace Corps is an outstanding organization that promotes peace through helping countless individuals who want to help build a better life for the community in which they serve. Since the Peace Corps' inception in 1961, more than 182,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have been invited by 138 host countries to work in areas such as HIV/AIDS prevention, information technology, business development, education, and environmental preservation. The Peace Corps also works to empower people in various communities to take charge of their futures. In addition to serving overseas, the Peace Corps' Crisis Corps Volunteers have helped their fellow Americans. In response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Peace Corps deployed approximately 272 Crisis Corps Volunteers to the Gulf Coast region to assist with hurricane response efforts, through an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This deployment of volunteers within the U.S. was an historic first for the Peace Corps. I would like to take some time now to honor current Volunteers from my District who are working on the front lines of humanity: Christina M. Burke serving in Nicaragua, Lisa M. Droege serving in Honduras, Cibeles Garcia serving in Ghana, Jesse S. Lovegren serving Cameroon, Timothy A. Markin serving in Thailand. By engaging in this meaningful work, these volunteers are making significant contributions to individuals and communities throughout the world. Their family and loved ones should be justifiably proud of their service to the Peace Corps and the extraordinary way they have changed and improved people's lives. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Peace Corps and its global mission towards world peace and humanitarian aid. The thousands of Volunteers serving overseas truly are representative of the honorable cause that defines the Peace Corps.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of diversity in sports and civil rights in America first pioneered by Texas Western's 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship victory. On its 40th anniversary, I join my colleagues in recognizing the lasting impact this title game has etched into the history of American culture. The Texas Western 1966 NCAA Championship triumph over the University of Kentucky is to this day acknowledged as the turning point for not only college basketball but American sports in general. When no other schools in the Southeastern Conference or the former Southwestern Conference would award them athletic scholarships, African Americans had been recruited by and playing for Texas Western since the 1950s. The university's most controversial move, however, came when the 1966 Miners were the first team in NCAA basketball to have an all-black starting lineup. Winning the title game was perhaps not as a great a feat for Coach Don Haskins as was placing five all-black starters against five all-white starters in 1966. Haskins' daring insight combined with the players' undeniable athletic talent produced a game that would rupture the social structure of college sports and forever change the face of American sports. The Miners' 72-65 victory over the Wildcats proved to be more than just an athletic anomaly. It became the social breakthrough that would invite the irrepressible talent and skill diversity has to offer to college athletics. With cultural implications well beyond its sporting ones, this championship win has come to symbolize the glory that could be obtained by athletes--regardless of their heritage--who are bold enough to travel down the road of recognition, integration, and acceptance. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Texas Western's 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship as we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the team's revolutionary civil rights success.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, when we passed the Federal budget last year, Democrats offered an alternative that would have achieved a balanced budget in 10 years, 10 years to spread out the pain of finally paying our bills again and freeing up the future for our children. When we passed this budget last spring, we were told there was no fat in it--it was all bone. When you cut bone, you fall down. Last year, the House struck out on this bill. Today the House is striking out again even if this bill passes today, let it forever be known as the ``3 strikes and you're out'' budget. Strike 1: It hits hard our senior citizens, currently struggling under a difficult Medicare drug benefit, strike 2: It squeezes our middle class that pays the taxes and struggles to pay the household bills, and strike 3: It hits our children and students, who represent the future of this Nation. Three strikes, today Congress hits all 3 components of American society with these budget cuts. But let's get to why this bill is before us today. We're not here because the hurricanes busted the budget. It's not the war, it's just that many people in this House demand that we spend the Treasury's money on tax cuts for wealthier Americans. Period. It's about nothing more than spending this money on tax cuts today which mean tax increases on our children tomorrow. Budgets are a reflection of who we are and what we value. The budget cuts offered in the House of Representatives today--which I oppose-- simply do not represent the values that we say are important to us in this nation. We value each other, we value the rule of law, we value education and keeping our families safe. South Texans have been astounded at the depth of cuts in the Federal budget, which mean Texas students will be less likely to stay in school or go to college. Low income Texas children will be sicker with the cut in health benefits. Seniors will lose essential services. Today's bill will increase the deficit by $17 billion, give more tax cuts to the wealthy, and hurt those who use student loans, who need health care and who benefit from rural programs. We have got to come up with a budget that represents the right priorities for students, seniors, Katrina families and rural Americans. We had an opportunity to vote for such a budget last spring, with the right priorities, that paid down the deficit--authored by John Spratt--but the House rejected it. When the $38.8 billion in spending cuts in this package are combined with the total of $122 billion in tax cuts passed by the House in 2005, Republicans are increasing the deficit by $83 billion over the next 5 years. Plus, when an AMT fix is included over the 5-year period, Republicans are actually increasing the deficit by $321 billion. Calling this a deficit reduction bill is not truthful. It is incumbent upon all of us in Congress to help all Americans, not just the wealthy few. We can do better than this--and we must. This package is cutting vital services upon which working families depend, including the following: GOP conference report slashes Medicaid by $6.9 billion over 5 years and $28.3 billion over 10 years. The conference report allows states to charge Medicaid enrollees more to get the health care that they need-- allowing substantial increases in co-payments and premiums for many low-income enrollees. This increased cost-sharing achieves savings of $1.9 billion of 5 years and $9.9 billion over 10 years. Studies have shown that this increased cost-sharing will result in a decline in enrollees' use of health care services and a worsening of their health status. Seventy percent of the GOP Raid on Student Aid falls directly on students and parents. Seventy percent of the gross savings in higher education in the conference report are achieved by increasing college loan costs for parent borrowers and by continuing the practice of forcing student and parent borrowers in many cases to pay excessive interest rates on their loans. GOP conference report will result in $8.4 billion in reduced child support collections. CBO has estimated that the conference report will lead to $8.4 billion in reduced child support collections upon which hundreds of thousands of struggling single parents rely, pushing more children into poverty and letting deadbeat dads off the hook.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today in support of the Readiness Subcommittee portions of the defense authorization bill. This bill represents a lot of hard work and bipartisan work on the part of the members of this committee. This bill provides nearly $126 billion to the Department of Defense for the operation and maintenance, the needs of our military, and over $12 billion for military construction. In addition, the authorization contains some important policy direction for the Department of Defense. One of the important provisions of the bill would protect the interest of civilian workers in the Department of Defense during public-private competition, another that extends the reimbursement of equipment purchased by soldiers with their own money, and still another will eliminate some of the restrictions that keep our wounded servicemembers from receiving gifts and support from Americans who want to help these soldiers. I am pleased with these outcomes but I am very disappointed with how the conference on this bill was conducted. The majority leadership's delay on appointing conferees for this bill until after the conference report was completed is really shameful. This was not a conference. Only a few Members had a hand in the deliberations and other Members who have an interest in this bill were shut out of this process. I sincerely hope that this will not be the norm for conferencing future defense bills. Our national defense deserves a more careful, inclusive and deliberative approach. The war in Iraq and the global war on terror are creating many challenges for the readiness of our Armed Forces. The services have many pressing needs in every area covered by the Readiness Subcommittee. It is impossible to fully address those needs, Mr. Speaker, but this report reflects a balance of many competing demands to ensure that our troops are equipped and ready to defend our Nation. I appreciate that the Members on both sides of the aisle were able to put this bill together and bring it to the floor this early in the morning.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for his effort at pulling together this bill. Reforming immigration in this Nation--and reinforcing the borders, as I have advocated for over a year and a half--is a difficult proposition. However, the gentleman from Wisconsin and those that are in support of this bill do not seem to understand the complexities of border and immigration policy. The bill before us today would do little to solve the immigration problem, and it is not what we need to reform immigration policy and to reinforce our borders. Any effort by Congress to truly reform immigration and protect our borders must address the root causes of illegal immigration. As President Bush has stated, people come to the country to do the jobs Americans do not want to do. We must understand that it is our labor market that draws them to the U.S., and we must address how the U.S. could absorb the economic blow of losing this part of our labor market that keeps prices artificially low for consumers. Are businesses ready to pay high wages to agriculture workers? Are Americans ready to absorb that cost and pay higher prices for their produce? An honest policy discussion is needed to address the complete problem--our broken immigration system and the needs of our labor market. Although my colleagues on the other side of the aisle claim this bill will secure our borders, it does nothing of the sort. Nothing in this bill guarantees funding for detention facilities, Border Patrol agents, immigration judges or prosecutors. The single most important thing we can do in Congress is invest in homeland security. However, our experience has been this: Numerous Members of Congress put forth ideas about how to fix border security, but funding these ideas has been impossible. Let's use 2005 as an example. One year ago, the 9/11 Commission did what Congress's current majority could not do: It investigated the events leading up to the attacks on the United States, and made solid suggestions to the Nation about how the Government could prevent similar attacks in the future. On the issues of Border Patrol agents and detention beds, the 9/11 Commission said the very least the United States needed to do was add 2,000 agents annually--for 10 years--and 8,000 detention beds annually. Congress agreed, and passed the bill overwhelmingly. How did the President and Congress react when it came time to pay for it all? The President's budget proposed funding 200 Border Patrol agents this year--that's 1,800 short of the least we should do--and 1,900 detention beds--that's 6,100 short of the least we should do. Congress acted a little better, passing an emergency spending bill and a spending bill for homeland security that netted us a total of 1,500 Border Patrol agents--still 500 short of 9/11 Commission recommendations--and 4,250 detention beds--still 3,750 short of 9/11 Commission recommendations. We are playing a shell game with our border security and, by extension, our national security. On the one hand, every single elected official is for more border security. Yet, the leadership in Congress does not have the political courage to pay for it. This is what always hangs us up. There's no money and no political will to change the equation. The American people deserve an honest debate on how to protect our homeland. All of us in Congress understand the world changed after September 11. For that reason, we must put forth a solution to bring out of the shadows the 8 to 11 million people who are in this country now, paying taxes and doing hard labor and have an honest discussion, absent the politics.