Solomon Ortiz

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, three years ago, Mr. Chen Shui-bian was democratically elected President of the Republic of China on Taiwan. His election by the people of that island showed the world that democracy was alive and well and could easily thrive in a Chinese society like Taiwan. During the last three years, President Chen and the people of Taiwan continue the practice of democracy in their country. Today Taiwan has free elections at every level, a free press, and the highest regard for human rights. Taiwan has set a good example for neighboring Asian nations, and other countries around the world, to follow. President Chen has, on many occasions, stressed that Taiwan and neighboring countries must work together to discuss issues of mutual interests. Any progress toward improved relationships between nations along the Pacific Rim must ensure the interests of the 23 million people living in the Republic of China. I have enjoyed working with Taiwan's Representative in Washington, Ambassador C.J. Chen. He and his aides do a good job of informing Congress of developments in Taiwan. As the people of Taiwan prepare to celebrate their president's third anniversary in office, I hope Taiwan will find success in gaining observer status at the World Health Organization this May. As the outbreak of SARS threatens Asia and the world, Taiwan should be included in World Health Organization activities. Secretary of State Colin Powell recently said, ``infectious disease . . . requires an effective and coordinated response at local, national and international levels.'' SARS is a harsh reminder to the world that diseases know no border, and we must have an effective international coalition to combat SARS, and other infectious diseases we have yet to discover. Taiwan has been affected by SARS; it is only right to include them in the global campaign against it. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the people of Taiwan for their continuing experiment with democracy. As we have noted before: in a democracy, it is not the first election that defines a democracy . . . it is all those that follow.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, in August 2001, this Government began a reckless rush towards higher deficits under the guise of ``tax cuts.'' Obviously the 2001 attacks and subsequent wars added to the deficit, but it was precisely the August 2001 tax cut that began this Government's return to deficit spending. While ``tax cuts'' should mean the Government already has the money to ``return'' to taxpayers--in 21st Century politics, ``tax cuts'' are made without having the money to do it. They are billed as ``economic development'' but really mean: wealthier Americans get nearly all the tax breaks; the greater tax burden is moved to working Americans; and tax increases are now part of the equation among Republicans in order to stem the flow of red ink from this country. Government should always pay its way and not run such enormous deficits. If we are returning taxpayers' money, it must already be in hand, not just hoped for. In a democracy, governments have an open debate about adding $549.5 billion to the Nation's already escalating debt. Today, in the House of Representatives, the leadership is ramming this bill through without allowing Democrats to offer an alternative out of fear that anything else offered on the floor would beat this awful bill It might be another story if there were any evidence that tax cuts worked, in a healthy or unhealthy economy. We know from past painful, expensive, experience that tax cuts do not stimulate the economy, in fact: the weaker the economy, the more damage they do to the economy. I oppose this bill with fuzzy Enron math that adds hundreds of billions of dollars to an already outrageous deficit.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to thank Chairman Ney and Rep. Larson for their appreciation of need to help Americans understand their most basic rights under this government. One of the most popular House publications among my constituents is the pocket-size Constitution of the United States. Nothing is more important to this nation than the fundamental ideas set forth in this grand document that lays out our government, our rights and our responsibilities. Yet, time and time again, it appears that the citizens of this great nation are fundamentally unaware of those rights and responsibilities as established in the Constitution. For instance, in May 2002, a Columbia Law School nationwide survey found that a shocking number of voting age Americans have serious misconceptions about the Constitution. The survey included a question revealing that two-thirds of Americans did not know that Karl Marx' foundation of Communism (``From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.'') was NOT included in the United States Constitution. This government has gone some distance in trying to teach young people the importance of education and civics as they relate to our history and our Constitution. Last year, President Bush launched ``We the People,'' an initiative to encourage the education of United States history. Last fall, the House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing the importance of history and civics in a child's curriculum. So far, however, the best instrument I have seen to teach children about the Constitution is a book called Constitution Translated for Kids. For those who want their children to understand our birthright as Americans--as laid out in the Constitution--this book is an excellent resource to see precisely what the Constitution says, at a fifth-grade level. Constitution Translated for Kids features the actual 1787 text of the United States Constitution on the left-hand side of the page and the translation appears on the right side in the first ever side-by-side, simple translation of the short, yet most supreme, legal and political document of the United States. The book also offers historical context and student exercises that approximate the decisions made in the name of democracy. Democracy demands that citizens be informed. Understanding our history will make tomorrow's citizens more aware of their government and their rights. I thank the House Administration Committee today for bringing this resolution to the floor; and I urge my colleagues to continue our outreach to young people in order to make them aware of what the Constitution says and what that means in our daily lives.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, due to business in my district, I was unable to vote during four rollcall votes. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: No. 155--``yes''; No. 156--``no''; No. 157--``yes''; and No. 185--``yes''.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a fallen soldier who grew up in San Benito, Texas: Marine PFC Juan Garza, who we learned yesterday was killed in action by sniper fire as his unit was taking and holding the Baghdad airport. The price we are paying as a Nation is high in terms of loss of life in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Already, sons of South Texas have been killed and wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, with another still unaccounted for in the Iraqi theatre. PFC Garza was the most recent loss for our community. Garza, who served with the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines Regiment, was killed Monday evening by enemy sniper fire while patrolling the Baghdad airport just outside the Iraqi Capital. His mother said he was shot in the chest and died instantly. PFC Garza was based at Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he was an expert marksman and broke shooting range records there in boot camp. PFC Garza was always a sportsman, competing in football and track. His friends and family remember him for his humor and his target practice. He always aspired to be in the military, and probably got the bug for service from watching the military movies he loved. He was also inspired to join the service by his grandfather, who served in the United States Army. He grew up in San Benito, but moved to Michigan to live with his aunt and uncle. After graduating from Summerfield High School in Temperance, Mich., Garza enlisted in the Marines and was stationed at Camp Pendleton. He loved his country and he loved the Marines. Like most people who join the service, he wanted to help people, to make the world a better place. The world is lonelier today without Juan in it, but the work he did will indeed make it a better place. On the day after Christmas, 2002, he married his sweetheart, and was deployed to the Middle East the next day. This was a tragedy on so many levels. PFC Garza is survived by his young wife, Casey; his parents, Mary Ann and Juan Guadalupe Garza; his baby half-sister, Stephanie Rae Castillo; and his aunt, Jodi Bucher of Temperance, with whom he lived in Michigan. I ask my colleagues to remember Juan Garza's family today, to pray for them as they absorb this enormous personal loss. I also ask that we all continue to pray for the safety of the men and women we have sent to do this dirty, difficult task of ridding Iraq of dangerous weapons of mass destruction.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Army Staff Sergeant Jerry Cortinas, born in Brownsville, who was badly wounded in Afghanistan fighting for the cause of freedom from tyranny, and ridding that nation of the infestation of al Queda forces that hijacked it for their evil purposes. His uncle, Santiago Torres of Brownsville, says Jerry always wanted to do something important in his life. Now he has. He was already in National Guard at age 19 when he wanted to join the Customs Bureau like his uncle, but he was too young. So he just went and volunteered for the Army. Jerry is an excellent soldier, a fact apparent to those who fought with him and who have known him since he returned. He joined the Army's elite Special Forces and made his mark on the first defining war of the 21st Century with the Special Forces. After extensive training in the United States, he departed for Afghanistan. Jerry was in a terrible accident in Afghanistan. During a drill with RPGs, rocket propelled grenades, one of them exploded, killing one soldier and causing painful damage to Jerry's body. He lost one of his hands, and has had extensive facial damage. Jerry was in Walter Reed Army Hospital from December until February. He has since been transferred back to Ft. Bragg for rehabilitation. Like the good soldier he is, he wants to recover and remain in military. He is a good young man who cares for his country and believes his contribution is important to our Nation. I ask my colleagues to remember Jerry as he continues with his difficult struggle with a long rehabilitation. Please also remember his wife, Celina, and their two-year-old daughter, Dion, who are in Fayetteville, NC.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sgt. Edward J. Anguiano, a missing soldier from Los Fresnos, Texas. Sgt. Anguiano, assigned to the 3rd Combat Support Battalion out of Ft. Stewart, GA, is an Army mechanic who graduated from Hanna High School. The 24-year-old serviceman has not been seen since his convoy was ambushed March 29 in Iraq. He remains one of the few U.S. soldiers whose status is unresolved. His mother's anguish is evident in her question the day she was told Edward was missing: ``Does it mean that he is dead and they can't find him or that he is alive and they can't find him? What does that mean?'' That is a painful limbo for a parent and family. There's a yellow ribbon tied to a tree in front of Edward's home on Melon Street for him. He is one of several soldiers believed captured by Iraqis in an ambush on their supply convoy at An Nasiriyah in southern Iraq. Edward, like all the servicemen for our nation, is an outstanding and brave young man. This soft-spoken soldier is a survivor who is motivated, disciplined, and attentive--all traits his family is depending on to help him survive in captivity. His family is clinging to the memory of the last time they saw him, at Christmas. His family has said that Edward did not express fear of battle or doubts about serving in the military. He was doing what he wanted to be doing. They are finding strength in their faith and through prayer. I ask my colleagues to remember Sgt. Edward J. Anguiano and continue to pray that he is found soon. Please pray, too, for his family: his mother, San Juanita Anguiano; his two sisters, Rebecca and Jennifer Garzoria; and his uncle, Vicente Anguiano Jr.--a veteran like so many other family members.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the supplemental bill before the House today. As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have been anxiously awaiting this supplemental since current war operations are being funded out of this year's third and fourth quarter accounts. I thank the committee for your rapid action on this bill. Our young men and women are performing magnificently right now in Iraq, as well as in Afghanistan. It doesn't matter if you agreed with the first strike policy, our troops are on the ground and operating with great professionalism. It falls to the Congress to make sure our troops have what they need to prosecute this war on all fronts. I thank the appropriators for largely keeping the control over the spending in this bill with Congress, not giving away our Constitutional authority to the executive branch. While I'm glad we are addressing some homeland security needs, what concerns me is a lack of proper funding for our nation's first responders, the first line of defense for us here in the United States. I was surprised the committee is recommending even less for homeland security than the president requested. September 11--and the anthrax attack the following month--taught us that we are vulnerable here in the United States. We must employ the lessons we learned from those attacks and ensure these men and women are adequately funded. We still have every reason to believe there will be a retaliatory attack here in the U.S., and we are still woefully unprepared. That does not need to be the case, but to date we have vastly under-funded our first responders. I am disappointed the committee did not adopt Mr. Obey's amendment that would have added in more funding for this priority. I represent a border and coastal district, with needs related to border security, Coast Guard funding, port and container security, plus other priorities. The constant refrain is: we cannot afford it. Here's the reality: we can't afford not to fund these urgent needs. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to find the money new agencies of the Department of Homeland Security need to conduct the tracking of foreign nationals from countries suspected of supporting terrorist activities, something we need to be doing better. Our border stations need more money for the infrastructure to accurately and completely use biometrics in the entry-exit system of our tracking programs . . . to follow both those who aren't citizens and cargo originating outside the country. All the money in the bill appears to be for the Canadian border. While it was the Canadian border that the Sept. 11 hijackers crossed, the cost of increased security level along the Mexican border is being ignored. I'm pleased to see money for Coast Guard operations. But our Coast Guard needs more funding for both infrastructure and operations. They are living up to their missions heroically, but their mission to protect every single mile of shoreline in the nation. We must provide complete containment security at every port in the nation. South Texas is home to 2 deep seaports--making us a vulnerable place for those who want to get weapons or people into the country. I appreciate our directing the authority for rebuilding Iraq to the Secretary of State, not the Pentagon. The Pentagon runs wars . . . diplomats run peace. This war will touch many more of us before it is over. Already, South Texans are bearing the painful price for the war in Iraq, including young Edward Anguiano from Los Fresnos, Texas, who was listed as missing just this past weekend. Our community is praying for Edward, his family, and other children of Texas who are serving in this war. We pray for the troops' safety, and for a rapid conclusion to this war.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, the thing that we are trying to correct here today is we do not have a problem with the 50 school districts that pay Social Security, but we do have a problem with the 1,100 or more school districts where they are not allowed to pay Social Security. This is why the Green amendment is a good amendment. We are trying to correct a deficiency that exists. We have a lot of soldiers and sailors who are fighting this war. They do pay Social Security. When they come back and they decide to take up the profession of teaching, they are going to lose their benefits. This is a true fact. This is what we are trying to correct. The teachers across the State of Texas are mostly women, and they are not wealthy people. If I had worked so many years and my spouse dies, I should be qualified to receive what my husband has paid into.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I loved Floyd Spence like a brother and he would be honored by the fact the House is honoring him in Lexington, South Carolina, by naming a post office to commemorate his life and service to the United States. He was a dear friend, a colleague, and a stalwart for our nation's armed services and the country. In addition to his zeal and dedication on behalf of his constituents in South Carolina, I admired his outlook on life. Floyd was determined to squeeze every drop of life he could from his time on this earth . . . and he succeeded. He was supremely dedicated to his duty to South Carolina, to our armed services, and to the United States of America. I know this because I traveled with Floyd to places on every part of the planet to inspect our military bases. Wherever we went, he and I were the ones who insisted we talk to the enlisted men, not just the generals. Floyd served in the military; he and I were among the few Members of this House who served in uniform. Floyd was a great hero, and a great friend to thousands of people here on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, throughout the services, and in his beloved South Carolina. I still miss that giant of a man with the funny laugh he was quick to share. The camaraderie often noted as now missing in the House of Representatives has led our critics, and ourselves, to say that we lack either bi-partisanship or simple human trust. But because of my friendships with so many of my Republican colleagues, most notably my friend Floyd Spence, I know the trust we engender here is real and it works on behalf of the American people. I thank the committee for honoring my friend, our colleague in this momentous way. Floyd would be so proud. I am proud for him and his family.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution demanding Iraq abide by the Geneva Conventions in the treatment of prisoners of war. While war is hideous and deadly, civilized nations of the world over 50 years ago came together to make the situation of POWS less awkward and more humane. Iraq is a signatory to the conventions. The Geneva convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War requires the humane treatment of prisoners of war, and that POWS be protected against acts of violence or intimidation, insults, and public curiosity. The convention also explicitly prohibits the infliction of physical or mental torture; provides that POWs may not be exposed to fire in a war zone; and requires that a government holding such prisoners grant representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross free access to all POWs. Congress demands that Iraqi authorities abide by the principles and the obligations of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, and we condemn the failure of Iraqi authorities to treat prisoners of war in strict conformity with the conventions. Congress also demands that Iraqi authorities permit the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit all U.S. prisoners of war and any other prisoner of war at the earliest possible time, in accordance with the requirements of the conventions. The U.S. government has informed the Iraqi authorities that we will treat all captured Iraqi prisoners in accordance with the Geneva Convention. We are a peace-loving nation roused to war, but we are not inhumane; we will treat the prisoners of Iraq with respect and decency. We demand no less from the other signatories of the convention. This resolution warns all Iraqi authorities that anyone mistreating any POW is in violation of the conventions and will be a war criminal this country will chase down and prosecute to the full extent of U.S. and international law. I join my colleagues in commending the bravery and professionalism of the members of the U.S. armed forces and its coalition partners. My heart is heavy for the families and loved one of those who are killed, wounded, missing in action, or taken prisoner by Iraqi authorities. Know that we do not leave our men and women on the battlefield, we will fight to find them and bring them all home.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 14. This bill reauthorizes several federal programs aimed at curtailing the prevalence of child abuse across this country. While each Congressional district in the nation is affected by atrocities against children, in our South Texas community, we were vividly reminded this month of the horrors people visit on children. Recently, three young children, ages two months to three years old, were brutally murdered by their parents in Brownsville. These children were the latest innocent victims in society's ongoing struggle against child abuse. There is nothing this House can do to change the sad, sick hearts of those who abuse our children. But we can offer local communities resources to combat this serious problem. This legislation will increase grant funding by 114 percent for child abuse prevention and will offer roughly $80 million for community-based grants to target and combat child abuse. This bill will require the overburdened child welfare systems to ensure abused or neglected children under age 3 have access to early intervention programs. We know that without early intervention, children become harder and harder to reach. It is the child welfare programs that are our most effective anti-crime weapon. When we reach children early, we have a chance at preserving their morale and directing their emotions in a healthy way. This bill incorporates private partnerships by improving the supervision of casework and promoting partnerships between state child protective service systems and private organizations. Estimates are that child protective agencies receive 3 million reports of child abuse or neglect involving 5 million children in the United States. More than 1,200 children die each year as a direct result of this neglect. This abuse is most often associated with delinquency, drug abuse and other vices on part of the parents, which was the case of the young Brownsville victims. This cycle of violence evolves from abused children to troubled adults who then victimize their own children. Intervening in this cycle, as early as possible, is the best recourse we can offer. I am also pleased that we are also considering today H. Res. 113, to provide Congressional recognition to Child Help USA for sponsoring a ``Day of Hope'' which will be observed on April 2, during Child Abuse Prevention Month. While Congress cannot change the dark hearts of those who abuse innocent children, we can at least focus public attention on this important subject and offer additional resources to those who fight this heartbreaking fight every day.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 47 on March 6, 2003, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership. We appreciate that.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), for bringing this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, America's greatness is in our form of government. Our strength is the character of our people and our justice is delivered by brave men and women in the uniform of the United States. Since the Nation was attacked on September 11, Americans have bled and died, rescued countrymen, cleaned up the damage, and carried justice to our enemies in al Qaeda and their sponsors in Afghanistan. This resolution tells our men and women in uniform that this Nation is eternally grateful for their service, an important message to the troops in an atmosphere of question about the Iraqi mission. This war has required sacrifice for many people: Our Armed Forces, including guardsmen, reserves, their families and their employers. Our citizen soldiers have undergone a serious hardship since this began, as many are beginning their second and third deployment. As we express our condolences to the families of great soldiers lost in Afghanistan and around the world, let us remember that all of our soldiers will give to this effort, and some will give their all. I still hope that the war in Iraq can be averted, but that hope grows dimmer each day. I thank our troops for their bravery and sacrifice. We pray to God to protect our troops and to give us guidance and wisdom to do what is right.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I do agree with the chairman, and I know at least in my district we have had guardsmen and reservists being activated. They are loyal to that country and they believe in what they are doing. And let me thank the gentleman from California for his kind words, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, the original intent of this bill was a worthy one: to reimburse Social Security benefits if they are misused by people representing the recipient. That's not controversial . . . but the provision reducing the spousal Social Security benefits for countless teachers, school support personnel, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants is most certainly controversal--and I intent to oppose the entire bill since it contains this provision that will adversely affect teachers and others across Texas. These are people we should be protecting. We need to understand that targeting pensions of teachers and other school employees will discourage qualified individuals from entering the classroom at exactly the time when the nation is experiencing a shortage of teachers. We say we are committed to education . . . yet in this bill we are profoundly uncommitted to educators. The teachers across the state of Texas are largely women and are not wealthy people. They depend on the benefits of both them and their spouses; nearly all are part of two-income families. We are being monumentally unfair to them by changing the rules late in the game. Since we are ramrodding this bill through the House with non- controversial bills today, be on notice that our opposition efforts will not end here. I am a co-sponsor of HR 594, a bill introduced in the 108th Congress that will eliminate the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provisions that target our teachers and other public servants by denying them the opportunity to retain their full spousal Social Security benefits. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply disappointed that this provision was included in an otherwise good bill.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, due to official business in my district, I was unable to vote during the following rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated below. Rollcall No. 37 ``no,'' rollcall No. 38 ``no,'' and rollcall No. 39 ``yes.''

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer some context for our debate today surrounding the NADBank as it relates to my district in South Texas. I support NADBank and believe it is an important part of border development, particularly the small rural communities like San Benito and La Feria in South Texas. Hopefully, NADBank will continue to work with these municipalities to maximize their infrastructure. But NADBank's recent decision to offer grants and resources in terms that are twice as favorable to Mexico, over injured South Texas farmers, is very troubling to me. Very briefly, it was Mexico's non- compliance--for over a decade--with a 1944 treaty that apportions the waters of the Rio Grande that bankrupted hundreds of South Texas farmers and precipitated the need for NADBank to offer assistance-- however late--to those injured by Mexico's action. Here's what has troubled me about this; there are 2 primary reasons: First, NADBank is offering up to 50 percent of the cost of irrigation projects to South Texas farmers in grants and the balance in low- interest loans, while making the same assistance available to Mexican agricultural interests at 100 percent grants. Since the actions of Mexico were the instigation of the injury to South Texas farmers, it is galling that NADBank is giving Mexican farmers 100 percent of the cost of their projects in grant funding, while South Texans are getting half that. Secondly, the entire reason NADBank has a package offering relief to farmers for irrigation needs is the enormous, permanent injury to South Texas farmers directly due to Mexico's violation of the 1944 treaty. I have been perplexed as to the reason that all four border states have access to the relief package. If the injury was to South Texas farmers, then that is who should be the target of the relief. Of note, this bill does recognize several important things for the first time: Mexico is in default of the 1944 Water Treaty; Mexico has accumulated 1.5 million acre feet of water debt to the U.S.; and the NADBank Board should support projects in the lower Rio Grande Valley. While NADBank is an important part of border development, the decision to give South Texas farmers--injured by Mexico's deliberate action--half what they are offering to Mexican farmers is a step in the wrong direction. Part of the problem with this policy is that it was formulated in Washington and dictated to San Antonio by officials in the Departments of Treasury, State, and the Environmental Protection Agency. When Washington dictates decisions to states and local governments without their input, those decisions are more likely to inspire anger and resentment than gratitude. I ask my colleagues to remember this action and to encourage NADBank to re-think the wisdom of how they are distributing funds under this program.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a retiring lawman, Agent Eugenio Solis, a unique patriot who has enforced our laws and chased the bad guys his whole career. I am enormously grateful to him for his life's work. Eugenio Solis has served South Texas with 32 years of law enforcement altogether, both as a patrol officer and as a narcotics agent. He has over 27 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety. His superiors say he is one of the best undercover agents we have. Undercover work is dangerous, dirty work, and doing it well takes a special talent and untold bravery. Agent Solis can make a deal on the street happen quickly; he has a nose for nasty business. He can expertly hook a bad guy, buy drugs * * * and either get out of there fast, or arrest the bad guys. Over the years he has established relationships and made contacts with all manner of federal and local officials, offering him sundry resources and contacts that make him effective on the streets. His legendary exploits are so well known around South Texas that he has even been recruited by other law enforcement agencies to do undercover work. In his undercover capacity, he has been fortunate; he has never had to draw his gun. You cannot work undercover and not have a good sense of humor, and Eugenio Solis indeed possesses that. He is a famous kidder and practical joker, which can often mean that when he's swept up with the druggies to avoid detection, his fellow officers will leave him handcuffed for several hours in good-humor retribution. Even in his retirement, he continues to work--currently with a drug task force in Kingsville. Mr. Speaker, the men and women on the front lines in our drug war are necessarily in the shadows, their faces unseen and their names unknown * * * because that is the way the business works. He has a strong, loving family to support him. That support is vitally important to an agent whose business requires him to deprive his family of his time and attention. Druggies do not keep a schedule. His wife, Sylvia--and their children: Eugenio III and Eduardo, and granddaughter, Shelby--have been his greatest support network. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Eugenio Solis for his years of dedication to law enforcement, for standing on that thin blue line that protects our neighborhoods from the bad guys.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I offered my condolences to the families of the brave men and women who flew into the heavens, representing the Earth below them as well as any flight crew could. The mix of men and women, 6 Americans and an Israeli, reflected the international cooperation of the space program, and the diverse ethnic makeup of the United States. I met Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson some time ago. I saw him in my office in 1999 when he and other astronauts were in my office to see me after his previous trip into space. They gave me a collage of pictures from aboard their spaceship, with an American flag and mission patch. This hangs in my office and I will always remember Commander Anderson--and the other astronauts who perished with him--as special, courageous patriots. While the tragedy will again spark the debate over the need for human space flight, in this era of technological gains, the need is clear for humans in space. For this nation to be a power in space, we must continue to be in the forefront of human exploration of space. Americans are forever looking forward, dreaming of the stars. While we mourn the fallen astronauts, our nation looks forward at the new frontier of space. All progress in the past 40 years has taken humans only as far as the moon and our first colony on the International Space Station. That is only the cusp of the exploration of our universe. Already, we have placed a rover on mars and the possibilities and wonders of space travel and exploration are endless. We don't do that for sport; the science conducted in space without the confines of gravity is simply amazing. Today we are enjoying the benefits of the scientific and technological advances space scientists have brought back to Earth over the past 40 years--from medical science to computer chips. The research conducted aboard the spaceship Columbia was for the good of the entire human race. The small scientific steps they were taking for our nation, and the world, continue to be giant steps for mankind, the sort that propel us forward into new space and scientific frontiers. We must never take for granted the absolute danger of each trip into space. It's called a frontier for a reason: it is dangerous and unknown. Our astronauts all know that. They ride a rocket into space, fly among the stars, then re-enter our environment through the outer layer of atmosphere that literally burns at 3,000 degrees. That is an incredibly dangerous ride, each and every time a ship goes up. It is not 100 percent safe, nor are airplanes, yet we will continue to ride in them. The Columbia crew was conducing experiments relating to communications, energy, health and medicine. These are all the areas we must continue to explore as our Earth grows smaller, our energy supplies dwindle, and the cost of medicines spiral. Machines could not begin to conduct meticulous scientific experiments, particularly those on the human body. Only humans have the judgment necessary to explore space; we must not let our fear dictate our exploration of space. There is no question, as long as there are brave men and women in America who dream of the stars and long to travel among them, we will have a strong, robust space program. We must continue to send brave astronauts into space, complete the International Space Station, and go further into this planetary system and galaxy in this century--and we will. We are will fulfilling the challenge issued by President Kennedy in exploring the frontier of space. We have thrown our cap over the wall of space, and we have no choice but to follow. Lastly, let me express my concerns for citizens of East Texas traumatized not only by the streaking explosion above them, but also by the pieces of the shuttle falling from the sky around them. Texans have responded as Texans do--we pitch in and help. I am proud of the local response in the areas of Texas and Louisiana where the debris field stretches. Texans have stepped up to the plate to stand guard over pieces of debris simply because there are not enough NASA officials to guard or collect the tonnage of debris. There is a certain symmetry in losing a space ship in the skies of Texas, the state that gave birth to the modern space program. Texas remains ever a part of the life and legacy of our space exploration. We remain dedicated to the memory of these brave men and women, and are working to find the clues to discover how this tragedy occurred. America mourns our fallen heroes; and we will always reach for the stars in their memory. I thank the leadership of the House of Representatives for sponsoring this resolution.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill to create a Department of Homeland Security (DHS). I was one of the first members of Congress to call for a Department of Homeland Security and a reorganization of the various elements of the government that provide our nation's security--from national defense to border defense. I support this bill because of the overwhelming need for our nation to recognize our challenges in the new defense environment of the 21st Century. We were vulnerable to a degree we did not anticipate on September 11, and it is incumbent upon Congress and other government leaders to stand up to the challenge and find ways to make our country safer. I wish Congress had seen fit to take more control of the personnel decisions to be made in the labor sections of the bill. Whenever we vest all authority in one person we weaken our democracy. We are also weakening this department from the beginning by asking its employees to adhere to rules separate from those rules that govern other government employees. Despite its shortcomings, however, we are well past the time to re- focus our energies on a new organization for our government to protect our borders and our citizens. I thank the leaders of the House and Senate for their hard work on this bill. I also thank the Democratic Caucus for recognizing the importance of this issues and forming the Democratic Caucus Task Force on Homeland Security. This task force paved the way for nearly all the good ideas incorporated in this bill.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4546, the Fiscal Year 2003, National Defense Authorization Act. It represents a down payment on military readiness sustainment that we all recognize as critical to national security. It is not a perfect bill. I wish more money were available to address some of the readiness matters that have been deferred. I remain perplexed when I reflect on the impact that the resource shortages are having on every facet of our military. For example, we need to do more to ensure the readiness of our reserve components. Much more is required to adequately address the training readiness of our dedicated civilian workforce. The core infrastructure maintenance accounts remain short of the desired level of funds. Let there be no doubt that this bill will not do all that needs to be done. But, Mr. Speaker, this bill is better than no bill. I am especially pleased that we were able to reach some accommodations with the administration on concurrent receipt. At a time when we are preparing to become engaged in another conflict situation, we can ill afford not to address a matter than affects those who have already served. While concurrent receipt is not addressed as a directly related readiness matter, no one can deny that it does have a potential significant readiness impact. It is the right thing to do at this time. I urge my colleagues to support the conference report. Today provides another opportunity for us to do our part in providing for the national security of this great nation during a very trying period.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an old friend and a pillar in the South Texas community, Ben McKibbens, the President and CEO of Valley Baptist Health System in Harlingen. Ben is a unique patriot and a consummate businessman, and the hospital system in our community will honor him upon his retirement on November 16, 2002. The health care system in our nation has faced--and continues to face--enormous and mounting problems in the administration of medical services and health care in our communities. It is people like Ben McKibbens who work hard to make hospitals function in an atmosphere of cost cutting. He is true leader both in our community and in the national healthcare network. Born in Kentucky and raised in Mississippi, this son of the South won honors as an alumni from Mississippi State College. He completed his Masters program at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. After residency in Hospital Administration at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama, he moved up the ladder of administration. An exemplary citizen with a caring heart, Ben has been the President and CEO of Valley Baptist Medical Center and Valley Baptist Medical Development Corporation since early 1977. In 1999, he became President and CEO of Valley Baptist Health system and affiliated corporations, which employs about 2,300 people. He has a large breadth of experience. He is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and is a Preceptor to graduate programs in Hospital Administration at the University of Alabama, and Trinity University in San Antonio. He is widely recognized for his efforts to improve regional health care needs for the South Texas/U.S. Mexico border region, a difficult geographical place to manage health care. In 2002 alone, he was honored with an award from the pharmacists of Texas, the Harlingen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the American Heart Association. He has always been enormously helpful when my office has asked for wisdom on issues related to healthcare. He has worked well together with the South Texas and state entities. This true Southern gentleman is now Chairman of the Texas Hospital Association (2001-2002) and serves on the Voluntary Hospitals of America Board. He is also past Chairman of the Baptist Hospital Association and Past President of the Texas Baptist Hospital Association. Ben has been supported throughout his career by his lovely wife Loren, and their children: Ben Jr., Mitchell, Merridy, and Woods. I ask my colleagues to join me today in wishing Ben the best in his retirement.