Solomon Ortiz

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the U.S. Navy in commending Naval Station Ingleside, located on the Bay of Corpus Christi, TX, for recently being recognized as the Navy's best base and winning a Presidential tribute for that honor. NSI was chosen from 135 installations around the world for the Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award, and I am very proud. This recognition is all the more impressive considering the distance this base has covered since its groundbreaking and its first days of operations in 1992. NSI was conceived, and building begun, during the waning years of the cold war in the mid 1980's. When operations began in 1992, the brand new state-of-the-art base had only 500 sailors and NSI was a prominent candidate for base closure, appearing on the base closure list in 1991 and 1993. Since that time, the can-do spirit of the leadership at the base and the unwavering support of the south Texas community have led the Navy to consolidate its mine warfare mission at NSI, and no one has looked back since. By the end of 1996, NSI had more than 4,000 sailors with a payroll of $60 million, making it one of the fastest growing military posts in the Navy. The advent of the Persian Gulf war in 1991 had a great deal to do with focusing the Navy's energies on ensuring that we were prepared to deal with shallow and deep water mines, much like the sort favored by Iraq's Saddam Hussein. By consolidating the mine warfare command in one location at NSI, the Navy saved money while expanding the program. The Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award honors the command best accomplishing their mission, increasing productivity, and enhancing the quality of life for their force. Ingleside's outstanding efforts in innovation and imaginative leadership, retention of personnel, equal employment opportunity, community relations, energy conservation and pollution prevention were responsible for this award. NSI's commander, Capt. Donald Peters, is a creative, dynamic leader. Captain Peters' philosophy of efficiency and innovation prompted him to streamline the base administrative staff. The move saved $2 million the first year Captain Peters put it in place, and $1.5 million the following year. I offer all the men and women at Naval Station Ingleside my heartiest congratulations for their outstanding work, and I ask my colleagues to join me in commending NSI for a job well done.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend David Allex of Harlingen, TX, and to commend his life's work of improving the economic conditions of south Texas. David is a legend in south Texas. He has served as the president of the Harlingen Industrial Foundation, Inc. [HIFI] since its inception in 1968. That is an incredible tenure, but David Allex is quite the economic pioneer. Few people have had the effect that David has had on the economic fortunes of the south Texas business and professional community. David is leaving HIFI, and his presence will be sorely missed. During David's tenure, his efforts attracted a host of industries to the south Texas area. He was actively involved in bringing the following companies to the Rio Grande Valley: Tex Steel, Fruit of the Loom, Anderson, Greenwood and Co., Valley International Cold Storage, Atlantic-Durant Technology, Inc., Tadim, Levi Strauss, William Carter Co., Velcon Filters, and Aloccorp. The high unemployment rate in the valley has always been my paramount concern since coming to Congress. These companies would not have relocated to south Texas if not for David's assertiveness and commitment to the economic development of our area. His vision, innovation, and ideas have made the valley a force in our Nation's new economy. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the quality, loyalty, integrity, and accomplishments of David's service to the economy of south Texas. I offer David my personal thanks and best wishes.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues know, as a former law enforcement official I am deeply concerned about the certification and the effect that it will have because we do have cooperation on both sides, and I wonder how many of us has taken time to travel to the border and to talk to judges from both sides of the border, to talk to police on both sides of the border, because believe me, now we have a tier, a level, of cooperation that begins here all the way down. We are looking at the top. Well, what about the cooperation between State, county and cities? If we decertify Mexico, we destroy this foundation that has taken time to build. I know this. I used to be a sheriff in south Texas. There exists a tremendous working relationship between officers who care, officers who have given of their life, whose families have been threatened. But they have been dedicated to making both countries a better place for their children and my children to reside. It is not easy; it is hard. But the dedication continues to be there, their loyalty to make our areas better. Do we want to destroy this foundation that has taken time to build? We cannot afford to do that. As my colleagues know, last year Mexico captured and extradited to the States, Humberto Garcia Abrego, a world-renown lord, the head of the Gulf cartel. Garcia Abrego was recently sentenced to life in prison. That was an act of enormous national political courage on Mexico's part. As my colleagues know, both sides of the border are poor. We have enormous problems on both sides of the border. I was in law enforcement for 15 years before I came to this House. There is a lot of things that go on that we do not see. A lot of information is traded back and forth between local, State, county officials on both sides, and I implore to my friends: Let us take time before we do anything that we will regret for a long time. There is a lot at stake. Mexico is a country that has pride, sure. Bad apples? We got them on our side, and we continue to lose friends, and I am talking about this great country, because we seem to want to appear worldwide as a knight in shining armor. Everybody is wrong; we are the only ones that are correct and right. Let us not make this mistake. Let us not decertify Mexico.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant, Mayor Mary Rhodes, who is retiring in April after 6 years of distinguished service as the mayor of Corpus Christi, TX. On April 4, 1997, the day before the election to succeed her, Special Olympics, Inc. will host a benefit honoring the mayor. I want to join them in commending Mayor Rhodes' service to our community. Mayor Rhodes came to the mayor's office knowledgeable of the Corpus Christi municipal government. Prior to her service as mayor, she served for 4 years as a member of the Corpus Christi City Council. Mayor Rhodes' other official activities include serving as chair for the Metropolitan Planning Organization and as a board member of the Texas Municipal League. She has also participated in various civic organizations such as the United Way, the League of Women Voters, and the City Council of Parent/ Teacher Associations. Mayor Rhodes has done much to help the children of Corpus Christi through programs to enhance their health and education. Like me, she speaks to schools as often as possible. We both support DARE, an antidrug program, and Operation Supply Our Students, a program aimed at providing school supplies to low-income school districts. Perhaps one of Mayor Rhodes' greatest legacies is her progress in finding solutions to the long-term water needs of the area. The 1996 drought made many Texas communities realize how very valuable water is to our economic fortunes and personal well-being. She and I worked together on a bill last year that set in motion a plan for Corpus Christi and Nueces County to get the water our community needs. Corpus Christi is in a better position today to secure water for our population and economy as a result of her service, and I am proud to have worked with her as mayor. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mayor Mary Rhodes for her service and in wishing her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Raul A. Besteiro, Jr., an adjunct professor with the alternative certification program at the University of Texas- Brownsville, for his recent election to the presidency of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools [SACS]. He was elected to this position at SACS' annual gathering in Nashville, TN, in December, after 38 years of membership. SACS is a voluntary agency, one of six regional accrediting organizations in the United States. It boasts a membership of more than 11,000 accredited public and private educational institutions, from colleges and universities to elementary schools. The organization was founded in 1895, and works with schools across the South from Virginia to Texas. As president of this prestigious organization, Mr. Besteiro will lead the formulation of policy for accreditation of the region's member schools and colleges. He was chosen to lead this association by virtue of his hard work on behalf of schools, children, and education over the years. He has been actively involved with the association's process of ensuring that member institutions meet established standards. There is no one who can do a better job with this great responsibility than Raul Besteiro. Mr. B., as he is affectionately known throughout south Texas, has spent his adult life dedicated to the excellence of schools in Brownsville and to the cause of education in general. Mr. B. was an integral part of the Brownville Independent School District from 1958 to 1989, as a teacher, an administrator, and a superintendent. He has proven himself to be a unique educator for the community of Brownsville with the example of his life's work. That dedication to education continues within the realm of his new position. In the 101 year history of SACS, Raul Besteiro is both the first Texan--and the first Hispanic--to lead the organization. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Raul for his life's work in the field of education. I hope you will join me in wishing him well as he furthers the cause of education as the president of SACS.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and pay tribute to Ms. Angelica Maria, the newly selected Mr. Amigo. Every year, members of the Mr. Amigo Assocation, who represent the city of Brownsville, TX, travel to Mexico City to select a new Mr. Amigo to serve as the honored guest of the Mr. Amigo festivities in Brownsville. The Mr. Amigo festivity is a 4-day international event which invites the United States and Mexico to celebrate the distinct cultures of these neighboring countries. During the Mr. Amigo celebration, which originated as a pre-Lenten festival, Brownsville citizens participate in a series of parades, dances, and parties to demonstrate the goodwill of both countries. It is a major function which is eagerly anticipated by many South Texans as well as our winter visitors. We are honored to recognize Ms. Angelica Maria as the 33d Mexican citizen chosen by the Mr. Amigo Association. Angelica Maria ``La Novia de Mexico'' is one of the Spanish-speaking world's most loved entertainers. Angelica is a four-decade veteran of the movie, stage, television, and recording industry. She first garnered international recognition in 1952, when, as a child, she starred in an award-winning role as the year's best child actress in ``Mi Esposa y Yo.'' For over 44 years, she has traveled all over the Spanish-speaking world amassing an impressive list of smash hits as a recording artist, stage actress, and star of television and movies. Her first American rock hit, ``Eddie, Eddie,'' in 1962, propelled her to the top of the record charts. One of her most recent hits was a collaborative effort with the former Mr. Amigo, Vicente Fernandez. She has also appeared with former Mr. Amigo recipients Armando Manzanero and Marco Antonio Muniz. Recently, another former Mr. Amigo, Raul Velasco, dedicated his entire 3-hour television show ``Siempre En Domingo'' in tribute to her 44 years of artistic success. Angelica Maria's life's work is an impressive list of 56 movies, 16 television soap opera starring roles, 44 television dramas, 54 record albums, and numerous musical spectaculars in theaters and night clubs from Santiago, Chile, to New York, Madrid, Spain, and Los Angeles. A litany of 171 awards in recognition of her brilliant career is highlighted by the ``Candileja de Oro 1996'' for her most recent success in the leading role of Esperanza in the television hit ``Bendita Mentira.'' Ms. Angelica Maria is a perfect recipient of the Mr. Amigo Award. For she has, over the long period of her career, taken her unique screen, television, and stage performances to numerous countries, including the United States. A true ambassador of her country and of her culture, she has been praised by numerous organizations for her unconditional commitment to improve mutual understanding and cooperation between Mexico and the United States. Ms. Angelica Maria should be recognized for both her artistic ability and her contribution to her commitment to bicultural relations between the two nations. Mr. Amigo, Ms. Angelica Maria, will receive the red-carpet treatment when she visits Brownsville as the city's honored guest during the upcoming Mr. Amigo celebration. During her stay on the border, she will make personal appearances in parades and other festival events. Official welcome receptions will be staged by organizations in Cameron County, TX, and the cities of Brownsville, TX, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending congratulations to Ms. Angelica Maria for being honored with this special award.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. I know Frank is listening to us. As many are well aware, he was a strict dietitian. Frank had a very special diet. Not only did he take care of his soul, he took care of his body. Sometimes I was a little embarrassed to eat with Frank, because he would ask for stuff that the kitchen could prepare: No butter, no cokes, no sweets, no nothing. I looked at Frank, and I would say, how do you still stay healthy? This is the way I stay healthy, and I eat all the greasy stuff for Frank. But again, I thank the leadership for giving us this time to praise Frank. The gentleman from Texas [Mr. Bonilla], he and his family were very close to him. In fact, his mother is here visiting with us today, and visiting Frank's office.

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

Mr. ORTIZ. That is right, Mr. Speaker. Frank was a good leader. As we well know, he was very reserved. The gentleman and I and Frank and some of our friends would sit behind there and joke and kid about south Texas, and talk about our friends. He was a great father, a very dedicated American, a gentleman who gave freely of his life, whether in public service or in the military, like he did. I am so happy that we are naming a post office after Frank. This is a way that we can pay tribute to a great American who has contributed so much to our society, to our country. I understand, at the same time, that they are sponsoring or raising funds for a contribution for Frank Tejeda's scholarship fund. Those Members who might be listening to us who would like to contribute, to also honor Frank in another way, feel free to call my office or call the gentleman's office. In a resolution before the House yesterday that commemorated Frank, Member after Member from both sides praised Frank for the way he acted and the way he led our country. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my good friend, the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Bonilla]. I would also like to thank the leadership on both sides for giving us time to bring this bill to the floor. I know the gentleman was close to Frank. We have lost a great friend, a great American, but I know, my friend, that you are in a better place. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill renaming the Terrell Wells Station in San Antonio as the Frank M. Tejeda Post Office Building after our friend and colleague. Many friends across the Nation as well as in Texas and the close-knit south Texas community have grieved mightily for our friend Frank since his death last Thursday night. For this reason we want to commemorate him in a very public way, and the best way to do so is to name a post office in his honor. In the resolution before the House yesterday that commemorated Frank, Member after Member rose to praise him for his outstanding service from the jungles of Vietnam to the corridors of power in Austin and Washington. As these Members spoke, there was a recurring sentiment voiced. Frank Tejeda was an uncomplicated man--he meant what he said and he said what he meant. He was a true leader who believed in the value and decency of the working class. I believe that remembering Frank by naming a post office in his honor would be an outstanding tribute to a man who gave his life for his country, many times over.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. His death really did not hit me until the day I came back, which was on a Tuesday, because that phone call that Frank always made did not come through. When we came here to the House Chamber, Frank was not around. But we know that he is in a better place. Frank, really his last days, he drew himself closer to God. Even though his future, there was a lot of uncertainty in his future, he had faith. He knew he was going to go to a better place. Again, I would like to thank all our friends in this Chamber for recognizing and contributing to this special order that we have today honoring a great American, Frank Tejeda, and of course his great mother and relatives that are with us today.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I was reminiscing with some other Members a few moments ago when Mr. Becerra was relating to us here at this committee hearing involving veterans from Puerto Rico, he made a statement how Puerto Rico had lost a great number of men at this great battle and how they had to withdraw and retreat. And Frank asked Mr. Becerra, would you yield to me? Mr. Becerra was kind enough to yield to Mr. Tejeda, and he said, let me make a correction, Mr. Becerra. Marines do not retreat, they do not withdraw, they regroup. So even though Frank was a quiet man, a very reserved man, he had a great sense of humor. Another time I remember that yesterday I was talking about his diet. Frank had a very special diet. No greasy food, no Cokes, no candy, no bread. So a friend of ours came to town, and he took us to a restaurant. And Frank asked him, do you have shrimp, and he said yes, I like to have boiled shrimp. He got an order of boiled shrimp and he got another one. Then he asked, what kind of steaks do you have? He did not eat red meat. He said tuna. He said, give me one tuna steak. And then he says, can I have another one? This is a fact. The gentleman from New Mexico [Mr. Richardson] and the gentleman from Arizona [Mr. Pastor] were with us, and I began to feel sorry for the guy that was paying. He was another friend of ours. And then he said, do you have lobster? And he ordered lobster he ended up eating with a green salad. This was Frank Tejeda. He had not eaten all day. Many times we go to a restaurant, and he would order stuff that I could not eat. So I would eat all the grease, and Frank would eat all the good stuff. But I will never forget the day when Frank came back, 1995 during the Hispanic Caucus dinner. Frank came back and I could see that Frank was a little depressed, you know. I could sense something was wrong. And I asked Frank, he would not tell me. Then after a while he said, I want to talk to you. He says, you know that I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and they cannot perform surgery, and they gave me 3 months to live. And I said Frank, do not joke around like this with me. He says, I am not joking. Frank, we were sitting back at that corner when that day he got ill, it started with a headache, just a bland headache, and he says, I want an MRI. I said Frank, I have headaches every day. He said, I know my body. He did. He went back and he tried to--he had to convince three doctors to run an MRI on Frank. The day he was coming back, he was called and told that he had been diagnosed with cancer. The good Lord gave Frank 13 additional months. Thank God that I learned a lot from a great American, Frank Tejeda.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the gentleman for asking for this special order today in memory of a great American and a great friend. Mr. Speaker, I was one of those fortunate Members of Congress who was able to visit with Frank about 3 weeks before he died and, as we all know, Frank loved his children. And even before Frank was diagnosed with this cancer, he was telling me about the heavy schedule and how important it was for him to attend some of the soccer games that his boy, Frankie, played. He said this is one of the things I miss the most, being with my family. When I visited with Frank this last time again, we talked about the family and about the marine that he was, how he loved the military. But at this moment we are very fortunate to have Frank's mother with us in the gallery, Mrs. Tejeda, Frank's sister, and members of his family, as they were recognized last night during the President's State of the Union Message. For 4 years Frank and I sat together in that same corner listening to the State of the Union Message and looking forward to seeing what was in that message that we could dissect and take back to our district and tell people how we would be able to change their lives, and impact on their lives something on the positive side. Frank was a very religious individual. This last year I would ask Frank to go out with me to attend certain functions, and Frank would say, I am sorry, I cannot go with you because this is my prayer time. I have to go to my home and spend time talking to my God and reading my Bible. Frank was also kind and forceful and generous and committed to those he served. After Frank fought for his country, he fought very hard for veterans, farmers, and Hispanics in Texas and in Washington. Frank was a wonderful person who died far too soon, too young. He taught us all how to be better people and he set an example for all of us to live by. Frank had a quiet strength. His decent life spoke volumes about Frank. He was very uncomplicated. When he wanted to tell you something, he was very blunt, but he spoke the truth. At this moment, I would like to include the rest of my statement for the Record, because I know that there are many, many friends who would like to take time in this special order today to honor a great hero, a great friend, Frank Tejeda. I thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Becerra], the chairman of the Hispanic caucus. Because he was contented, he was unflappable. Frank was also kind, forceful, generous, and committed to those he served. After he fought for his country, he fought hard for veterans, farmers, and Hispanics in Texas and Washington. Frank was a beautiful man who died far too soon--too young. He taught us all how to be better people, and he set an example for all of us to live by. Frank had a quiet strength. His decent life spoke volumes. He was uncomplicated--he meant what he said and he said what he meant. His word was literally his bond. His story was very much the American story--about the ingenuity and creativity of one man's rise from obscurity to power. Frank was an inspiration to me. Frank exemplified the very best in public service, honesty, and integrity. He was a true leader who believed in the value and decency of the working class. He always said he was proud to be a marine grunt--he didn't want it any other way. That same ideal moved him to work hard all his life and to stick up for the working people he represented so well. Frank always approached problems with commonsense solutions and an engaging sense of humor. This Chamber still feels empty without Frank--yet I know that Frank is watching us now and telling someone we are making too big a deal over him. For that was Frank--simple, low-keyed, and focused. Frank showed enormous grace and courage over the past year while dealing with the pressures of cancer and chemotherapy. As always, the highly decorated and respected marine fought the valiant fight. He was such a disciplinarian--with his professional life, with his personal ethics, and with his physical health. I greatly admired him-- as did many Texans. Frank Tejeda was one of the best friends I ever had. We need to remember Frank's children--Marissa; Sonya; and Frank III-- and his mother Lillie during this difficult time. His mother was here with us last night, honored by President Clinton as an American hero in Frank's stead. We should also remember his sister Mary Alice Lara--who accompanied their mother last night--and his brothers--Juan Tejeda, Ernest Tejeda, and Richard Tejeda in our prayers. Frank Tejeda was a giant among men, and among leaders. Frankie--I love you brother. You leave us a beautiful memory. We will all miss you, but we will cherish your memory. I thank the gentleman from California for sponsoring this special order.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a dear friend and a man who commands great respect in the greater south Texas area, Bishop Rene Gracida on the occasion of his silver jubilee of his episcopacy. Twenty-five years ago, on January 25, 1972, Bishop Gracida was consecrated a bishop by Cardinal John Dearden in St. Mary's Cathedral in Miami, FL. He came to the diocese of Corpus Christi in 1983, and since that time, he has ordained 65 men to the priesthood. During the celebration of his 25th anniversary, Bishop Gracida will ordain three more men to the priesthood for the diocese of Corpus Christi and three to the diaconate for the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. Bishop Gracida has been a powerful presence in Corpus Christi and the south Texas area. He is respected by many people in the community, including this Member. I wish him the very best on his anniversary and look forward to his service in the community for many years to come.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I was profoundly sorry last Friday to say good-bye to my friend, Frank Tejeda. I last saw Frank about a month ago. We talked a little bit about politics and congressional business, but mostly we talked about our families and how much we love our families. Frank loved his children so much. I told him stories and jokes, and I saw in his eyes the life and determination I have always seen in my friend Frank, the fighter, the marine. I will miss him more than I can say. He was an all-American patriot, serving his country from the jungles of Vietnam to the corridors of power in Austin and Washington. He had a similar rise in his education fortunes, dropping out of high school when he was young and later graduating from prestigious ivy league schools such as Yale and Harvard. He was uncomplicated. He meant what he said, and he said what he meant. His word was his bond. His story is very much the American story, about the ingenuity and creativity of one man's rise from obscurity to power. Frank was an inspiration to me. I, too, had to drop out of high school when I was young to fight my way through supporting my family, joining the service, and getting a GED. My service was in the Army military police in France before the United States became fully engaged in Vietnam. Frank's service was for the Marines in Vietnam, winning a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and a host of other decorations in a hostile theater, and he was recently awarded the Silver Star. In fact, I had been making arrangements for Vice President Gore to fly to San Antonio to present the Silver Star to him when he died. Frank exemplified the very best in public service, honesty, and integrity. He was a true leader who believed in the value and decency of the working class. He always said he was proud to be a marine, and he didn't want it any other way. That same ideal moved him to work hard all of his life and stick up for the working people that he represented so well. He was a hero who believed strongly in the power of our democratic process, and our democratic process was made better by the virtue of his service. He is a marvelous role model for south Texas today. Frank had an enormous impact on the military community in San Antonio and Washington. He was an important part of the Committee on National Security. During the entire base closure process in 1993 and 1995, he was a vigilant defender of the San Antonio area bases. He made eloquent presentations before the BRAC Commission. Frank always approached problems with common sense, commonsense solutions, and an engaging sense of humor. He was deeply loved and will be missed by those who knew him within the defense establishment. I know I will miss him each time I walk into this Chamber. Over the past 4 years, Frank and I and other Members with me in that corner down there, we laughed at our jokes, exchanged what we call a south Texas chisme, and went over matters before our National Security Committee or other things that affected south Texas. Right now this Chamber feels empty without Frank. But there is one thing I know each and every Member of this House, envied Frank, who was a Texas State senator, who basically drew his own congressional district during the 1990's redistricting process. Frank showed enormous grace and courage over the past year when dealing with the pressure of cancer and the challenge of chemotherapy. As always, the highly decorated and respected marine fought the valiant fight. He was a disciplinarian with his personal life, with his personal ethics, and with his physical health. I greatly admired Frank, as did many Texans. Frank Tejeda was one of the best friends I ever had. I urge my colleagues to remember his children, Marissa; Sonya; and Frankie III; and his mother, Lillie, during this difficult time for them. I also ask that we remember his sister, his only sister, Mary Alice Lara; and his brothers, Juan Tejeda, Ernest Tejeda, and Richard Tejeda, in our prayers. Frank Tejeda was a giant among men and among leaders. Our country, our State, and this House lost a meaningful piece of our fabric. Tonight is the State of the Union. For 4 years we sat together here with our colleagues and watched the President give the State of the Union. We will miss you tonight, my brother, but we will cherish your memory.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Vice President/ Premier Lien of Taiwan on his interest in continuing to lead Taiwan's move towards democracy, enhanced human rights, and global competitiveness. I understand that Vice-President/Premier Lien recently reviewed Michael Porter's book ``The Competitive Advantage of Nations.'' In the review, he indicted that the book has great relevance to the future development of Taiwan. Lien calls Porter's work ``the leading edge of contemporary thought that can influence government policy.* * *'' Mr. Speaker, I know that the residents of Taiwan are hard working, dedicated individuals who have demonstrated their strength by becoming one of the most successful business environments in Southeast Asia. Not only have they excelled economically, but politically, they enjoy a strong and vibrant democracy. They also enjoy more individual liberty and personal freedom than any of their neighbors. I share Vice President/Premier Lien's belief that there is a definite relationship between political and economic freedom and continued international financial success. Clearly, Vice President/Premier Lien believes in a dynamic free market and I endorse his position to promote economic opportunity for everyone. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to learn more about the changes that have taken place in Taiwan during the last few years.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I know that I speak for many of my colleagues in offering my congratulations on the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China. Taiwan is a model of 21 million hardworking men and women, who have achieved enormous economic success and political freedom, as well as international admiration and respect. President Lee Teng-hui and Representatives Jason Hu should be very proud of the achievements of their citizens. I support their continued pragmatic campaign to promote international recognition of the efforts, and successes, of the 21 million men and women living on Taiwan. I would also like to congratulate Dr. Lyushun Shen on his transfer back to Taiwan for a promotion as the Director of the North American Affairs at the Republic of China Foreign Ministry. As an outstanding diplomat, his services in the past 3 years as the congressional liaison director at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington, DC has strengthened our bilateral relations. I wish him the best in his new position. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in offering best wishes to the Republic of China on the 85th anniversary of its creation, and thanking Dr. Lyushun Shen for his contribution to a greater understanding of the issues relating to Taiwan.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great American, Brig. Gen. James R. Joy, USMC, retired. General Joy's retirement from the Directorship of Morale, Welfare and Recreation Support Activity, Manpower Department, Marine Corps Headquarters, completes a brilliant military career. In June 1957, James Joy was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon his graduation from the basic school in February 1958, Joy reported to Camp Pendleton to serve as a platoon leader with the 1st Marine Division. Just 1 year later, Joy received orders to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Oriskany CVA-3, as the executive officer of the Marine detachment. Followintg sea duty aboard the Oriskany, Joy was promoted to captain during a 3-year tour at Marine Corps Air Station, Santa Ana, CA. In 1963, Joy came to Washington, DC, for duty with the 13th Infantry Battalion, USMCR, but soon went to Vietnam with the 26th Marines. It was during this tour that he was promoted to major. Joy returned to Quantico in 1967 to attend the Command and Staff College, and upon graduation was assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, in Washington, DC. A second tour in Vietnam came in July 1971, followed by duty as the commanding officer of the Marine Barracks in the Canal Zone, with additional duty as Marine officer on the staff of the commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Southern Command. It was in this position that Joy was promoted to lieutenant colonel. Joy then spent 3 years at Headquarters Marine Corps, in the operations division, operations training department. During the 1978-1979 academic year, he attended the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. Upon graduation, Joy reported to Camp Lejeune for duty for the 2d Marine Division, where he ultimately served as chief of staff. He was promoted to colonel in July 1979. General Joy was assigned duty as Fleet Marine Officer on the staff of the commander, 6th Fleet in May 1982. There, he was promoted to brigadier general. In 1983, he was assigned as the assistant division commander, 2d Marine Division, at Camp Lejeune, NC. Four months later Joy became commanding general of the 22d Marine Amphibious Units in Lebanon. The following February, he became the commander of the joint task force in Lebanon. In May 1984, Joy was selected for deputy commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Deputy Commanding General, Eastern Recruiting Region, Parris Island, SC. Shortly thereafter, in June 1985, Joy became the Director of the Personnel Procurement Division, Manpower Department, at Marine Corps Headquarters. Joy retired from active duty on June 1, 1988, and the very next day assumed his current position as director of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Support Activity, Manpower Department. Throughout his career, General Joy earned numerous awards and decorations, and has continually proven himself to be among the best this country has to offer. As a member and former chairman of the House Panel on Morale, Welfare and Recreation, I know that General Joy's knowledge and expertise have been invaluable to our efforts to improve the lives of those who serve in our Nation's Armed Forces. His guidance will be sorely missed. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this American patriot, and wish him continued fulfillment in his retirement.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3910, which provides emergency drought relief for the city of Corpus Christi and 24 other cities in the surrounding area and the Nueces River Authority for the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority. As many people know, Texas is suffering the effects of a very severe drought, and these two areas have been particularly affected. Cities in my district have been restricting water use for months, and my constituents have lost many cattle and crops in these areas. In fact it has been estimated that the drought has cost farmers and ranchers $2.4 billion in direct losses. Without relief, we will soon be losing jobs and industries. In my district, the city of Corpus Christi and the surrounding water service area are in an emergency situation. Our available water supply is down over 70 percent in the last 36 months and is projected to be completely depleted within 24 months as the current drought continues. Our water supply comes from the Nueces River project, a Bureau of Reclamation project which has cost considerably more than originally contracted and has produced much less water than local leaders were led to believe. Because of this combination, the city is having trouble finding the resources needed to obtain more water reserves. H.R. 3910 allows the city of Corpus Christi and the Canadian River Authority to defer their principal and interest payments, without penalty, on their Bureau of Reclamation water projects. This bill will allow them to develop the funding necessary to build facilities for the necessary, additional water reserves. The bill expedites the permitting process for facilities on Bureau of Reclamation property without bypassing the NEPA process. It also requires the Bureau to recalculate the repayment schedule of the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority to allow for property and facilities transferred to the National Park Service. I want to thank the chairman of the Subcommittee on Water and Power Resources, the gentleman from California [Mr. Doolittle] and of course the ranking member, the gentleman from Oregon [Mr. DeFazio] and my good friend, the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Thornberry] and members of the staff for their work and help with this bill. I also want to thank the gentleman from Alaska [Mr. Young] and the ranking member, the gentleman from California [Mr. Miller] for their help in bringing this bill to the House in a bipartisan effort. I introduced this bill because of the importance of the situation in Texas, and I ask for the strong support of my colleagues.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. ORTIZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3487, the National Marine Sanctuaries Preservation Act. This bill contains language I introduced in the Committee on Resources to amend the boundaries of the Flower Garden Banks Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico to include a nearby area known as Stetson Bank. The Flower Garden Banks Sanctuary was established by Congress in 1992, and has been a model for the National Marine Sanctuary Program. It is located 120 miles off the Texas coast and protects the northernmost living coral reefs on the U.S. Continental Shelf. The Sanctuary Program has demonstrated our ability to preserve and protect valuable marine resources, such as the coral reefs of the Flower Garden Banks, while sustaining the important multiple uses of the surrounding marine environment. Stetson Bank is a small coral bank approximately three-quarters of a square mile in area. Currently, it is a no activity zone under Mineral Management Service regulations which prohibit exploring, developing, or producing oil, natural gas, or minerals. Stetson Bank provides habitat for a spectacular array of fish and invertebrates and is a feeding ground for manta rays, whale sharks, and spotted dolphins. These resources have made this area a popular destination for sport divers to spearfish and collect shells; activities which have resulted in depletion of the natural resources and severe anchor damage to the coral formations. These effects have led local scientists and sports diving groups to request inclusion of Stetson Bank in the protection and preservation measures of the Flower Gardens Bank Sanctuary. This will help ensure these valuable resources will be preserved for future uses. I would like to thank Chairman Young, ranking member Miller and their staffs for their help bringing this bipartisan legislation to the floor. I would also like to thank the petroleum industry representatives for their help. I believe this is a piece of legislation that will add to the economic and ecological riches of the gulf, and I urge the support of my colleagues.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this conference report and would like to particularly lend my strong support and endorsement of the military construction title of the bill. I greatly appreciate the leadership of both sides of the aisle and in both Chambers for their commitment to compiling what I believe to be a truly bipartisan legislative package to address our Nation's military construction backlog. The military construction portion of the bill places a very strong emphasis on quality of life initiatives and addresses our military's need for modernization. I am extremely pleased that we have been successful in protecting the priorities of the House by allocating the quality of life programs the bulk of additional funds which have been made available for military construction this year. I think that it is important to point out to my good friends and colleagues that during the entire deliberation process, we were careful to fund those projects that were identified by the military services as a top priority. Furthermore, this conference report continues our commitment to stretching housing dollars and increases the funds available for public-private partnership initiatives. I think that this portion of the Defense authorization bill makes a strong statement of this Congress' bipartisan concern for our military and commitment to maintaining readiness and modernization. The conference report is certainly not perfect, but on balance I believe that this is a good bill that emphasizes readiness and quality of life projects, and I congratulate the gentleman from Colorado, Chairman Hefley, the gentleman from South Carolina, Chairman Spence, and the gentleman from California, Mr. Ron Dellums, our ranking minority member, for a job well done. I encourage my friends and colleagues to vote for this conference report.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advise my colleagues of the passing of Dr. Hector Garcia of Corpus Christi, who was my personal hero and one of the most important Americans of our time. Dr. Garcia was a different breed of patriot and citizen. Long before the issue of civil rights was on anyone else's agenda, Dr. Hector Garcia recognized the need for equal rights for the citizens of the United States, particularly in our little corner of the world in south Texas. Rather than make the larger elements of society uncomfortable with a direct public assault on the status quo, Dr. Garcia began making quiet inroads into the system. Dr. Garcia encouraged all of us to become involved. He articulated clearly, then, why it was necessary for Hispanics to show an interest in the workings of our city, our community, and our country. He underscored the basic workings of democracy, preaching his message about the strength of numbers, the necessity of registering to vote, and the power of voting. Today, Dr. Garcia's message is the political gospel to which we all adhere. While others fought the system, often unsuccessfully, Dr. Garcia worked within the system to open it up for everyone to participate. He amazed us all with his wisdom, foresight, and longevity. Dr. Garcia began fighting for the cause of civil rights in 1948--long before others joined that cause. He fought for basic, fundamental civil, human, and individual rights. The seeds he planted all those years ago have grown into ideas whose roots are firmly planted in south Texas. Those seeds have produced today's leaders, and laid the foundation for tomorrow's leaders. As a veteran, I am particularly grateful to Dr. Garcia for his very special service--both during conflict with the enemy, and within the bureaucracy. The American GI forum, which he founded, was originally intended to guide WWI and WWII veterans through the maze of bureaucracy to obtain their educational and medical benefits, and it grew into the highly acclaimed Hispanic civil rights organization. The seeds of Dr. Garcia's inspiration and leadership have sprouted, and they will continue to grow and succeed--just as he planned. Dr. Garcia was a tremendously decent man, and his legacy to us is to treat each other decently as human beings. He embodied the Golden Rule--``Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'' There are a host of people in south Texas who received free medical care from him because they simply couldn't afford to pay him. I will miss him, and I will miss his decency--I believe all Americans will. I believe the best way for us to remember him is to follow his example.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend an exceptional, award-winning broadcasting at KRIS-TV in Corpus Christi who is, regrettably, leaving our community. Dot Peterson, an anchor at a leading Coastal Bend television station, is leaving Corpus Christi to advance professional by as a producer at KOAT in Albuquerque. In television, producers are higher up in the food chain than the people we see on TV giving us the news each evening. Dot has handled the on-air anchor duties in addition to co producing since she came to KRIS. However, seeing Dot deliver the news in a steady and honest way at 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. regularly has made her a trusted figure in the Coastal Bend viewing area. Her dedication to her community is evident through her community service. She serves as a board member of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service, a nonprofit United Way agency--a cause to which she is very dedicated. She is the recent past president of the Womens' Board of All Saints Church. She was also selected as the YMCA Woman of the Year in 1995. Professional awards seem to follow Dot around Texas. In 1986, she anchored the KLDO newscast in Laredo which was recognized by the United Press International as the best newscast in Texas. This year, her newscast on KRIS was recognized by the Texas Associated Press as the Best newscast in Texas. Dot is very much a part of the entire south Texas community that she loves. She has reported in San Antonio, Laredo, and Corpus Christi. She speaks Spanish fluently, she explores all the aspects of the stories she covers, and she asks the tough questions. Tommorrow, I will be with her to promote a cause to supply local school children in disadvantaged school districts. Operation Supply Our Schools asks community members to donate school supplies so resources from the school district can be better directed to meeting other learning needs. It is a cause we both know is important to the area children. It will be Dot's last broadcast in Corpus Christi so I want to take this opportunity to wish her well, and I ask my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi will dedicate the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Plaza in honor of my hero and one of the most important American leaders of our time. I want my colleagues to know more about this living legend, Dr. Hector Garcia. Dr. Garcia is a different breed of patriot and citizen. Long before the issue of civil rights was on the national radar screen, he recognized the need for equal rights for the citizens of south Texas and the United States. Rather than make the larger elements of society uncomfortable with a direct public assault on the status quo, Dr. Garcia began making quiet inroads into the system. Dr. Garcia encouraged all of us to become involved. In the 1950's he articulated clearly the necessity for Hispanics to show an interest in the workings of our city, our community, and our country. He underscored the basic fundamentals of democracy by preaching his message about the strength of numbers, the necessity of registering to vote, and the power of voting. Today, Dr. Garcia's message is the political gospel to which we all adhere. While others fought the system, often unsuccessfully, he worked within the system to open it up for everyone to participate. He has amazed us all with his wisdom, foresight, and longevity. While the Nation began to understand civil rights in the 1960's, they never quite recognized the fact that Dr. Garcia founded the cause so successfully in 1948. He fought for basic, fundamental civil, human, and individual rights. He has been a successful warrior for his cause--democracy, decency, justice, and fairness. The seeds he planted all those years ago have grown into ideas whose roots are firmly planted in south Texas. Those seeds have produced today's leaders, and laid the foundation for tomorrow's leaders. I join veterans, the national Hispanic community, and all Americans who cherish justice in thanking Dr. Garcia for his very special service--both during conflict with the enemy, and within the bureaucracy. The American GI Forum, founded by Dr. Garcia, was originally intended to guide WWI and WWII veterans through the maze of bureaucracy to obtain their educational and medical benefits. Gradually, it grew into the highly acclaimed Hispanic civil rights organization it is today. The seeds of Dr. Garcia's inspiration and leadership have sprouted, and they will continue to grow and succeed--just as he planned four decades ago. Dr. Garcia is a tremendously gracious man, and his legacy to us has been to treat each other decently as human beings. He embodies the Golden Rule--``Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'' I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the continual source of inspiration to many of us in south Texas--Dr. Hector Garcia, physician and American patriot.