Solomon Ortiz

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, due to personal medical reasons, I was unable to vote during the following rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the following rollcall Nos.: 1174, 1175, 1176, 1177, 1178, 1179, 1180, 1181, 1182, 1183, 1184, 1185, and 1186.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor ``The Biggest Little Town in Texas'': Robstown, Texas. Robstown has been ``Celebrating a Century'' this year, as the city turns 100 years old. This centennial celebration and resolution are especially important to me because Robstown is my hometown. I was born and raised there, attended the public schools there, and held my first job as a ``printer's devil'' at the local newspaper there. Cotton and vegetable farming played an important role in the history and economy of Robstown, named after prominent local Robert Driscoll. Robstown is a town where citizens are deeply committed to public service. We've sent sons and daughters to shape history in local, state, and Federal offices. County Commissioners, Sheriffs, District Attorneys, District Judges, Federal Judges, State Representatives--and this proud Member of Congress--can all trace their roots to Robstown. Noted actress and singer, Kathryn Grant Crosby, wife of the late great crooner Bing Crosby, also hails from Robstown. Robstown also has a great athletic tradition. Gene Upshaw, former NFL great for the Oakland Raiders, is from Robstown. Humberto ``Lefty'' Barrera, bantamweight boxer on the historic 1960 Olympic team, who later earned an engineering degree at night school, also called Robstown home. Our students also excel in the classroom, including the Robstown High School Cotton Pickers, who have achieved much in the fields of academics and athletics. All year long, we have recognized the ``Century of Celebration'' which included a formal celebration on June 1. One of our greatest traditions is the annual Cottonfest, held in October. This year's was bigger and better than ever before. Live music, arts and crafts, sports competitions, cook offs, contests, carnivals, and historical exhibits provide something for everyone. We also have much to look forward to, as our town continues to grow. Robstown enters the 21st century at the crossroads of international trade due to its proximity to railroads, interstate highways, sea ports, and airports. Robstown will serve as a rail hub by connecting major railway companies--Texas Mexican Railway, Kansas City Southern, and Union Pacific--with direct links to Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Houston, San Antonio, and Laredo. Robstown is also home to the new Nueces County fairgrounds and an entertainment venue. My hometown is the future home of an inland port, which will be the first such port in the United States, and the future home of an Army storage facility. And no trip to Robstown would be complete without a filling yourself up with South Texas' best BBQ at Joe Cotten's. Cotten's is an iconic restaurant where many of you have joined me for lunch South Texas style. It is where presidential candidates, athletes, businessmen, cowboys, writers, astronauts, Generals, Admirals, other celebrities, and thousands of others have eaten over the years. Robstown is the best of our communities in South Texas--friendly, family-oriented, and proud of their history. It was in Robstown where my mother taught me my most important lesson: to always serve the community that gave me so many opportunities growing up. ``To whom much is given, much is expected.'' Please join me in honoring Robstown on the city's 100th anniversary. I'd like to thank Mr. Clay and Mr. Issa.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, and I want to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter and the members of the full committee and the staff for doing a great job. The bill before us begins to address our growing concerns about the readiness posture of our Armed Forces; yet the breadth and the scope of our readiness has been deeply damaged by virtue of operations and many years of ignoring this problem. Our troops and their equipment have been stretched by extended combat operations, and the strain is evident in declining readiness, shortfalls in training and difficulties in equipping our forces. These problems have grown to immense proportions, and this bill is a significant step to reverse the decline and to rebuild our military. Included in the bill are some significant readiness policy initiatives and investments that will help restore the readiness posture of our military. First, this bill establishes a Defense Readiness Production Board to identify critical readiness requirements and to mobilize the defense industrial base to speed up the production of military equipment. This board will bridge the gap between readiness needs and resources to help repair our worn-out equipment. The bill also creates a $1 billion Strategic Readiness Fund to give the board and the Department of Defense the ability to rapidly attend to pressing readiness needs. This bill begins to address other shortfalls in maintenance and training by providing $250 million for unfunded training requirements and an additional $150 million to restore aviation maintenance shortfalls. And we're very concerned about the readiness of our National Guard. Our bill requires the Department of Defense to begin measuring the readiness of National Guard units to support emergencies in their home States, such as the recent tragic tornadoes in Kansas. These readiness reports will allow the Congress and each State's Governor to evaluate the needs of each State and address problems before a disaster occurs. To help restore the shortfalls, the bill includes a $1 billion investment in National Guard equipment. We also include provisions that require plans and reports to Congress on reconstituting our prepositioned war stocks. We also authorized more than $21 billion for military construction, family housing and to implement base realignment and closure. These funds include money to support grow-the-force initiatives for the Army and Marine Corps and to provide facilities to accommodate new recruits and missions. Other significant provisions include proposed changes to the National Security Personnel System, depot initiatives and numerous important policy initiatives by the Department of Defense. This is a good bill, and I am pleased to have helped in some way in shaping this bill. It reflects our bipartisan desire to improve readiness and to provide for the men and women in uniform. I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, let me thank Chairman Clay and my good friend Mr. Issa for bringing this bill to the floor, and I want today to congratulate and honor the ``Biggest Little Town in Texas.'' Robstown has been ``Celebrating a Century'' this year as the city turns 100 years old. This centennial celebration and resolution are especially important to me because Robstown, a city of about 14,000 people, is my hometown. I was born and reared and raised there, attended the public schools there, and had my first job as a printer's devil with the local newspaper, the Robstown Record. Cotton and vegetable farming played an important role in the history and economy of Robstown, named after prominent local leader Robert Driscoll. Robstown is a town where citizens are deeply committed to public service. We've sent sons and daughters to shape the history of local, State and Federal offices. They have all served in our military. They've distinguished themselves in military services. We've had county commissioners, sheriffs, district attorneys, district judges, Federal judges, State representatives, and this proud Member of the Congress, who came out from this little town of 14,000 people. Robstown also has a great athletic tradition. Gene Upshaw, of the National Football League and a great football star, came from this little town of Robstown. Humberto ``Lefty'' Barrera, bantamweight boxer on the historic 1960 Olympic team who later earned an engineering degree at night school, also called Robstown ``my hometown.'' Kathryn Grandstaff, from Robstown, she married Bing Crosby, who we all know. Our students also excel in the classroom, including the Robstown High School Cotton Pickers band, and they have achieved much in the fields of athletics and academics. All year long we have recognized the ``Century of Celebration,'' which included a formal celebration on June 1. One of the greatest traditions is the annual Cottonfest held in October. This year was the biggest ever event that we've had. We have live music, arts and crafts, a sports competition, cookoffs, contests, carnivals and historical exhibits that provide something for everyone in the community. We also have so much to look forward to as our town continues to grow. Robstown enters the 21st century at the crossroads of international trade due to its proximity to railroads, interstate highways, seaports and airports. It is the hub in that area. Robstown will serve as a hub by connecting major railway companies, the Texan-Mexican railway, Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific, with direct links to Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Houston, San Antonio and Laredo. Robstown is also home to the new county fairgrounds and an entertainment venue. My hometown is the future home of an inland port, which will be the first such port in the United States, and the future home of an Army storage facility. And no trip to Robstown would be complete without a good filling yourself up with south Texas' best barbecue at Joe Cotten's. Cotten's is an iconic restaurant where many of you have joined me for lunch in south Texas style. It is where Presidential candidates, athletes, business people, cowboys, riders, astronauts, generals, admirals and other celebrities and thousands of others, they even fly on their helicopters to eat at Joe Cotten's. Robstown is the best of our communities in south Texas, friendly, family-oriented and proud of their history. It was in Robstown where my mother taught me my most important lesson: to always serve the community that gave you so many opportunities growing up. To whom much is given, much is expected. Please join me in honoring Robstown on the city's 100th anniversary, and I join my friends Chairman Clay and Mr. Issa today for bringing this bill to the floor.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, due to important 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. 1131: ``yea''; rollcall No. 1132: ``yea''; rollcall No. 1133: ``yea''; rollcall No. 1134: ``yea''; rollcall No. 1135: ``yea''; rollcall No. 1136: ``nay''; rollcall No. 1137: ``nay''; rollcall No. 1138: ``yea''; rollcall No. 1139: ``present''; rollcall No. 1140: ``nay''; and rollcall No. 1141: ``yea''.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a unique American patriot, a South Texan whose pleasure is derived from making other people happy: Efrain Guerrero, also known as ``Happy the Clown.'' If you ever have the pleasure of talking to Happy, you will laugh too loud, and walk away wiping tears of laughter. If laughing is indeed good for our health, Happy is an extraordinary doctor. Like every great American comedian, Happy delves deeply into the human condition--our habits, our reactions, our relationships, and all the things that make us laugh about ourselves, our families, and our lives. Happy has a tremendous connection to people, using humor--and his exceptional personal charm--to inspire them and motivate them. He is an international award-winning entertainer and public speaker throughout Texas and the United States. As a motivational consultant, Happy has made countless presentations to schools, health organizations, and parent groups. His humor is disarming. Happy recently brought down the room as a headliner at Harrah's Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas Nevada. He has written and co-produced comedy CD's, and has been dubbed: a ``Texas legend in entertainment.'' Happy is one of the top twenty-five Latino comedians in the United States. Happy's performances have delighted thousands of diverse audiences who attend his comedy concerts, conventions, and private events throughout the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Happy is a member of the Texas Magician's Association and uses a level of magic in his shows and presentations, for which he has also won numerous awards. He has written and produced five comedy CD's: Happy Live Disconnected, El Pachuco Dude, Dale Gas, Happy Live! Chisquitito . . . and his most recent CD, Barely Reality. Happy also released two comedy DVD's, Happy Live! I and Happy Live! II. On screen, Happy was featured in Harvest of Redemption (April 2005), an independent film about the journey of an angry young man in the Rio Grande Valley, cira 1920. Happy was the original host and co-producer of the comedy show Que Locoi on Galavision's network. Happy's recent comedy show, La Migra Gone Wild! is a Tejano comedian's hysterical perspective of the chaos immigration is causing on both sides of the border ... his latest installment of illustrating and illuminating through humor. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending my friend, Efrain Guerrero ``Happy,'' for his intense and hysterical comedy that gives us all a hard look at ourselves and the world around us.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to boast about one of the great bands to come out of South Texas, Jaime y Los Chamacos. Led by renowned maestro of the accordion, Jaime de la Anda, the band's success can be directly attributed to 15 years of combined talent, and continues to live up to their stage name with youthful energy that appeals to audiences of all ages. The distinct music of the Texas border--whether known as norteno, tejano, or conjunto--has grown together in the modem Mexican-American community. The genres emerged during the late 19th century in northern Mexico, when local bands blended traditional Mexican folk music with the accordion sounds and polka music brought by German immigrants. What emerged were the lively sounds that continue to be heard at any family gathering, beer hall, or fiesta. Los Chamacos combine all these genres with a pop sensibility and a dynamic stage presence. Though proud of their Texas roots, Los Chamacos now boasts of their international appeal, having performed in venues all across the United States and Mexico. They have made numerous appearances on popular television shows and even had the honor of performing for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in Corpus Christi, Texas. Their accolades and awards also speak for themselves: numerous hits on the Billboard Records' Hot Latin Charts, 5 Grammy nominations, the Texas Talent Management Association Show Band of the Year, and the Tejano Music Awards Traditional Album of the Year. Despite their success, the band has remained humble and appreciative of their loyal fans, having appeared in several public service announcements and numerous community events. More importantly, Los Chamacos and their music represent all the aspects that make the culture of South Texas so unique.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, for their 200 years of dedicated research and service to the United States. NOAA and its predecessors conducted some of the earliest oceanographic research and have continued to serve the United States for commerce, defense, and environmental purposes. NOAA is a leader for scientific research and environmental monitoring and protection, providing an outstanding example to the international community. NOAA continues that storied legacy in the 21st century with and oceanographic monitoring, the protection of our natural resources, its stewardship of the marine environment, and as our first line of warning for storms and hurricanes. NOAA programs have provided invaluable service to commerce and defense, serving throughout the country's history in war and peacetime; more than 100 million maps and charts for U.S. and Allied Forces. Their programs promote safe and efficient commerce/transportation and work toward the advancement of a global environmental observation system. Programs also include missions for the conservation of marine resources, coastal management, and protection from storms and other hazards--especially Gulf Coast hurricanes. NOAA's National Weather Service/Weather Forecast Offices at the Corpus Christi International Airport and the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport provide weather and flood warnings, daily forecasts, and meteorological and hydrologic data for the South Texas Gulf Coast area. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service/Seafood Inspection Program in Brownsville offers a voluntary inspection program for fishery products on a fee-for-service basis, as well as other services to local fishermen and fish processors. NOAA's National Ocean Service operates seven tide stations in Texas to monitor sea level trends, provide real-time data for storm surge warning, including South Texas locations in Corpus Christi and Port Isabel. This week I will greet NOAA researchers in my district who are seeking a new location for a weather research center. I look forward to welcoming these distinguished researchers and discussing their needs for the future weather research center.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to bid farewell to a member of the Hispanic family in the House of Representatives; Dean Aguillen of the Speaker's office is leaving the Hill this week, and he will be greatly missed by me and many other members of the House. We labor together, we fight together, and we plot together . . . as a party, as a Caucus . . . and we get close to the staff with whom we work. Dean Aguillen is a San Antonio native and he has seen the House run by Republicans . . . and leaves us with the knowledge that a Democratic Majority is a better deal for the nation. Dean has been a magnificent ambassador for Speaker Pelosi for the Texans and for the Hispanic Caucus. He is always available for us, always works to ensure our needs are met, and answers our questions fully and in a timely way. Dean told me today that he was inspired to get into politics by his local member of Congress when he was a little kid. Henry B. Gonzalez, an icon of Texas politics, had a Saturday morning talk show that Dean never missed. That molded his thinking and motivated him to find his way to Washington. He leaves this place as a much-loved staff member; and he leaves with many, many friends. Dean, we'll miss you man. I know Speaker Pelosi will miss you. Thank you for all your work and your dedication over the years. Vaya con Dios.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, given the many challenges faced by our Nation--and our military--I'm pleased that the House moved the Defense Appropriations Conference Report so quickly. Chairman Murtha is doing some very heavy lifting for the Nation, and I thank him for his work as well. This bill contains a significant investment for south Texas, which contributes notably to the Nation's military readiness. As the House point man on readiness matters in our military, I have been deeply concerned that the Iraq conflict has eroded the readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces, perhaps for a generation. At a time when we need to be more ready than before, this is a tremendous cause for alarm, as we are prosecuting two separate wars. Today's bill addresses many of our current needs associated with: A pay raise for the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States, Beefing up today's ground forces--our boots on the ground overseas, Addressing the many failings of this administration and the last Congress in ensuring our military is ready for any challenge we need to meet, such as finally providing oversight of contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan, Equipping our National Guard to help offset some of the equipment lost to active duty needs in Iraq, and Providing assistance for the men and women who are hospitalized at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which was the center of tremendous shortcomings earlier this year. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his hard work on the bill--as well as the rest of the leadership in the House--for their deep and abiding respect of the U.S. Armed Forces and the unique challenges they face at this moment in time. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, this is the second time in so many weeks we are standing up for America's children. After the President vetoed the State Children's Health Insurance bill, he has still not seen the light . . . but he has felt the heat. Since that veto, and a flurry of negotiations to tweak the bill to engage the President to sign it, the American people have spoken out with gusto: they believe this is a commonsense bill that will serve our children. And so this bill is before us again. I urge Members of the House and the President to stand this time with working families and children . . . not with insurance companies. The President's veto cut off health care for over 120,000 kids in Texas. Congress created SCHIP in 1997 with broad bipartisan support. This year, 6 million children have health care because of SCHIP. The program has worked well in Texas. This has been an excellent investment for our nation, given that health care costs without insurance would be much more expensive. The President highlighted his support for SCHIP while running for re- election in 2004. Today we are giving him--and those who stood with him in sustaining his veto--one more chance to do the right thing for America's children. This children's healthcare program was never intended to replace Medicaid. It only covers the children of parents who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but earn too little to purchase private health insurance. For the President to continue to misrepresent this fact shows a tremendous lack of sensitivity for working Americans who often take on two jobs to simply feed and clothe their children. It is these families who need to know we are on their side, and I urge the President this time around to join us in taking care of ``the least of these.'' I urge my colleagues to support this bill. We are the last hope of children and families all over this country.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, this is a defining moment for the state of health care in this Nation . . . a defining moment for this Congress . . . and a moment when the country will watch this government take sides. The State Children's Health Insurance bill is one of the best pieces of bipartisan legislation the House has considered in a decade. It lays bare the most significant difference between what this Congress supports and what the President--and those who stand with him in support of his veto--supports. Supporters of SCHIP stand with working families and children . . . opponents here in Congress--and the President--stand with insurance companies. The President's veto cut off health care for over 120,000 kids in Texas. There's just no lipstick to pretty up this pig. The President's veto was downright mean. He leaves a legacy of a war he won't pay for and children he won't give health care to. Being for war and against kids is an awful record and a horrible legacy. Those who stand with the President today in sustaining his veto of this bipartisan bill will bear the ridicule of that record the next time they face the voters. Those who do an unpopular thing--knowing it is the right thing to do--are rewarded by history. History will accurately note that those supporting the President in this veto are doing the bidding of the health insurance companies, at the expense of our children. Those supporting the President's veto are doing the wrong thing for the wrong reasons. Congress created SCHIP in 1997 with broad bipartisan support. This year, 6 million children have health care because of SCHIP. The program has worked well in Texas. This has been an excellent investment for our nation, given that health care costs without insurance would be much more expensive. The President highlighted his support for SCHIP while running for re- election in 2004. Today he--and those who stand with him in sustaining this veto--show their true colors: say one thing in political campaigns, do another when the moment comes to record your vote . . . when the rubber hits the road. I urge my colleagues to override this veto. We are the last hope of children and families all over this country. They are watching us--all of us.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to three patriots who labor in the nuanced field of missile technology for the United States: Dr. Rodney Robertson, Mr. Larry Burger, and Dr. James T. Blake. Their work--individually and collectively--offers insight into why the United States is a world leader on the cutting edge technology that will determine the future of our nation. Dr. Rodney Robertson is the Director, U.S. Space and Missile Defense Technology Center where he directs the development of space and directed energy programs for support of Army forces worldwide. Under his leadership, several notable programs were developed that will keep our Nation free and safe: a solid state laser to destroy artillery and rocket fire aimed at U.S. combat forces; a high altitude sensor to provide persistent surveillance and communications over large combat operations; general space-based information (including satellite communications, imagery distribution, and tracking of friendly and enemy forces). Mr. Larry Burger is the Director of the Space and Missile Defense Future Warfare Center where he leads efforts to bring space and missile defense capabilities and concepts to the men and women who fight in theatre. His technical direction has brought the warfighter experimentation element at U.S. Army Strategic Command (ARSTRAT) in Colorado Springs together with the simulation and analysis capabilities of SMDC in Huntsville, AL to develop advanced warfighting techniques and procedures for the U.S. Army. To accomplish this mission, Mr. Burger organized the Future Warfare Center into several novel divisions to bring new concepts and technologies to our warfighters. The Frontiers Division, which Mr. Burger also directs, looks carefully at the needs of the Army Future Force more than 15 years out. This division works with the U.S. Strategic Command and participates in wargames at that level. Dr. James T. Blake is the U.S. Army Program Executive Officer for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, which provides modeling, simulation, training and testing to support the soldier in the field. This work informs the Army leadership and tactical commanders in the development of warfighting analysis and alternative solutions. Dr. Blake joined the Army as a private in 1968 and retired as a Colonel in 1995. He is a Master Army Aviator and served as the Army's Senior Uniformed Army Scientist. After retirement, Dr. Blake joined Texas A&M University as the Program Manager for the Institute for Creative Technologies, an internationally recognized research Center for Advanced Modeling and Simulation. Dr. Blake received his B.S. degree in accounting from University of Tampa, an M.S. degree in systems engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School, and a Ph.D. degree in computer science from Duke University. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring these great patriots for their work--past and present--which serves to keep the U.S. military the only superpower on the planet.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating my constituents in the south Texas area from Riviera, Texas, to Baffin Bay--including Vattmann and Loyola Beach--on their centennial anniversary on November 10, 2007. Baffin Bay is one of the most celebrated--and secret--fishing spots along the Texas gulf coast. And Riviera is so named for the vision of its founder--Theodore Frederick Koch--who saw in it a similarity to the Riviera of France in the early 20th century. When the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway was completed in 1904, this bit of south Texas land came on the market and caught the eye of Theodore Koch, a visionary land developer, who had immigrated from the Netherlands. The over-20,000 acre parcel of King Ranch land stretching from the railroad to Baffin Bay inspired Koch, who imagined a getaway in South Texas similar to the French Riviera. Koch's plan was to develop two enclaves: Riviera and Riviera Beach. The two were first connected by a dirt road, then later by a boulevard from the town site 10 miles to the bay front, modeled after those in Pasadena, California, with the center planted with trees and colorful flower beds. The remnants of the Boulevard still stand today. By 1910 a new bank building and a telephone system came online in the area. In 1912 Koch had a railroad line extended from Riviera and the futures of both Riviera and Riviera Beach looked bright. The train ran several times per month, bringing prospective land buyers and future residents. But 1916 would bring both beauty and destruction. That year Riviera Beach had a park designed by a florist. The resort's infrastructure was excellent, but a 7-year drought put a major damper on the area's growth. A hurricane on August 16, 1916, nearly wiped Riviera Beach off the map. They rebuilt, but things were never the same. Yet, Riviera was populated by survivors--whose ancestors had settled the American West. The families who remained built a future for their children and a legacy for future generations. Like much of Texas, the soil was rich and artesian wells were plentiful in the area, so crops flourished and an extensive network of agricultural, fishing and vacation areas developed in and around the area. One of my favorite restaurants, the world famous Kings Inn--where many of my colleagues have joined me for meals over the years--is located at Loyola Beach. There is no small town in America today that better exemplifies victory of the American spirit over adversity, than Riviera to Baffin Bay, Texas. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the communities of Riviera, Riviera Beach, Vattmann and Loyola Beach, as they celebrate their centennial on November 10, 2007.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this bill to provide a comprehensive, regional approach to economic and infrastructure development in areas that need it the most, including South Texas. The Southwest Regional Border Authority helps areas along the U.S.- Mexican border, which have: a 20 percent poverty rate, unemployment rates much higher than the national rate, and a lack of capital to spur business growth. This bill offers a significant investment for federal-state partnerships to help economically distressed and underdeveloped areas that have experienced high levels of unemployment, poverty, or population loss. The bill provides an unprecedented amount of money to develop transportation and infrastructure, provide job skills training and support business development. I am personally offended--as are my constituents in South Texas--that the only infrastructure Congress has approved along the border is a wall . . . a wall that won't work and that is entirely about political expediency, not border security. Developing the South Texas infrastructure helps ensure that this region can support the trade that churns through the U.S. economy. South Texas faces a host of challenges in terms of economic development and infrastructure to support trade all along the Southwest border--and the only way to tackle it is all together, not piecemeal. I ask my colleagues to join me in passing this bill that is important to both the border region--and the Nation.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two outstanding patriots in the Rio Grande Valley: Rev. Dr. Larry Lovejoy, and his wife, Jean Carlotta Lovejoy. They are very special people in our community and have greatly enriched our lives in south Texas. Rev. Dr. Larry Lovejoy is a religious leader who uses simple human compassion, courage, and conviction to advocate for religious freedoms. He has worked diligently to make better the lives of both the American and Mexican people who populate the south Texas border community. His tireless work with those who have less than many of us inspires people to trust him. They know he is working for the betterment of the community we all share. He has promoted partnerships with the international community among the people of Brownsville, and has been instrumental in efforts to provide fresh clean water to the people living in colonias in Matamoros, Mexico. Colonias are poor, unincorporated neighborhoods outside of cities along the border. He and his wife, Jean Carlotta Lovejoy, both helped coordinate efforts by the local business community and federal policy makers to a badly-needed new or additional postal facility for the rapidly-growing Brownsville community. His wife, Jean, his partner in life and work, serves as the Postmaster for Brownsville, TX. She, too, works to improve the lives of everyday citizens in the border area of Texas, particularly the Rio Grande Valley area. Jean has worked closely with the area food bank to secure food for the economically disadvantaged children of the community. Her efforts have resulted in underprivileged children being able to eat over the summer while out of school. This is an enormous effort on her part. I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in commending these patriots who love this country and believe in the possibilities of all our citizens--all God's children--to participate in our community and our national life.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, since this House last met, another South Texan from the Coastal Bend area has fallen in battle in Iraq, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this life lost in the service of our nation. Army SGT Garrett I. McLead, 23, from Rockport, Texas, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, in Hawaii. While many people across the nation were starting school, enjoying vacation, or just taking advantage of the last weeks before Labor Day, Sgt. McLead was killed on August 22, 2007, in a Black Hawk helicopter crash during a night mission 180 miles north of Baghdad, in Multaka, Iraq, near the city of Kirkuk. Sergeant McLead is survived by his parents, Patrick and Patty, and by the larger family of Aransas Pass and San Patricio County in South Texas. Madam Speaker, each time we lose a soldier--a member of our American family--we lose a little piece of ourselves. Each time, it is just unbearable. Let me tell you more about this noble patriot who gave the last full measure of devotion to the nation he loved. Sergeant McLead drew his strength from his faith, and was a natural athlete, excelling in surfing, tennis and soccer while he was in high school. He also played the saxophone in his high school band. He had a winning smile and a talent for life. He was an adventure seeker, tempered by the national shock of 9-11. The searing pain of the attack moved him from happy-go-lucky teenager to a determined warrior at warp speed. He deferred a dream of modeling or acting when our nation was attacked on 9-11, and the country called all patriots for service in the U.S. military. Rather than opting for Hollywood, his handsome face was assigned to Afghanistan in service of finding and tracking down the terrorists who attacked the United States. Iraq was soon opened as a second war, and he served the nation in uniform in Iraq as well. He was close to coming home, but his tour was extended. Everyone in the greater South Texas community will miss him, but nobody will miss him like his family. We mourn with this family; we lift up our broken hearts in gratitude to his family, and we all want to see our soldiers come home from these wars. Madam Speaker, I ask the House to join me in honoring Army Sergeant McLead and his service on behalf of the United States, and to offer our thanks and our deepest sympathy to the family of this warrior, who gave the last full measure of devotion to our nation and the United States Army.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 181) recognizing and commending all volunteers and other persons who provide support to the families and children of members of the Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserve personnel, who are deployed in service to the United States.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today we have the chance to thank the volunteers of nonprofit organizations who provide support for families and children of deployed members of the Armed Forces for their extraordinary contributions to those families. I want to thank Congressman Tom Davis, Congressman Joe Wilson and others for their contributions and for helping us bring this resolution to the floor. The families of United States troops serve this Nation by providing unconditional love and support for their deployed loved ones. While the government offers significant resources on military installations, when families live far away from a base, it is very hard to access those opportunities. True patriots look at this kind of situation and ask, what can I do for my military families? That's what the patriots did who founded Our Military Kids, Kids Serve 2, and several other organizations that recognize and support military families. These organizations' founders recognized the families' contributions and identified the need to provide opportunities and resources for their families, especially for the families and children of deployed Guard and Reserve troops. The organizations' contributions are so significant that in May, General David Petraeus, the United States Army Commanding General of the Multinational Force-Iraq, personally thanked Our Military Kids for their great work and support for Guard and Reserve troops' families. Our Military Kids is a nonprofit organization which is wholly devoted to offering financial resources and grants for children K-12 of deployed and severely injured Reserve and National Guard personnel. Our Military Kids helps families participate in sports, arts and tutoring programs that are so important to children during those stressful times. Today my resolution puts the House of Representatives on record as supporting the excellent work these nonprofit groups do to support the children and families of deployed troops. I ask the House to support this resolution and thank the founders and volunteers at Our Military Kids and at the other nongovernmental groups that support military families. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the May 8 letter from General Petraeus be included for the Record. May 8, 2007. Linda Davidson, Executive Director, Our Military Kids, McLean, Virginia. Dear Ms. Davidson: On behalf of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen serving in Iraq, especially our Reserve and National Guard component forces, I want to thank you for the support of your wonderful organization, Our Military Kids. We ask a lot of today's military families. And I know that families of National Guard and Reserve forces, in particular, often feel a strain when their loved ones are called to active duty. These troopers not only leave their families at home, but they also leave their civilian jobs, adding financial stress to the other stresses associated with deployment. The support your organization provides through generous financial grants helps to mitigate that financial stress. In doing so, you are making tough deployments that much easier on the forces deployed and their families at home. I applaud the efforts of your organization. Thanks again for the important assistance you provide to our servicemembers and their families. Sincerely, David H. Petraeus, General, U.S. Army, Commanding. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, at this time I don't have any further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great man, a businessman, a leader, and a great corporate citizen in our South Texas community: CY Ho, who is currently CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of AMFELS, a major international corporation, and an enormous component of the Port of Brownsville in South Texas. He will be leaving South Texas shortly, and we will miss him very much. CY Ho is a highly respected entrepreneur who is very much a part of the South Texas community through his contributions to worthy causes. He is the picture of international free trade and corporate diplomat. CY was born and raised in Singapore as that nation was emerging onto the world stage as a major player in the international economy. He was educated in the United Kingdom in naval architecture, later earning his MBA at UK's Brunel University as a chartered engineer. Widely regarded as a global expert on naval and marine architecture and engineering, CY is a man of extraordinary vision and understanding of global business. In 1981, he began with Far East Levingston Shipbuilding, Ltd. (FELS) as manager of the engineering department, then moved to Corporate Development Manager by 1994. By 1996, he was the Assistant General Manager of Keppel FELS Ltd. In August 2001, CY left Singapore Keppel FELS Ltd. to come to Brownsville, Texas, to serve as President of the American division of the company, AMFELS. Just 3 months later, he was also serving as CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Keppel AMFELS designs, builds and repairs ships, barges, and offshore drilling rigs; they also fabricate steel pressure vessels, all of which represents a dynamic and important component of the industrial complex at the Port of Brownsville, located at the front door of North American trade. Madam Speaker and colleagues, I ask you to join me in wishing CY Ho the very best as he moves on, leaving many good friends here in South Texas as he continues his work back in Singapore.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, given the many challenges faced by our Nation--and our military--I'm pleased that the House moved the Defense Appropriations bill quickly. Chairman Murtha is doing some very heavy lifting for the Nation, and I thank you for your work. This bill also contains a significant investment for South Texas, which contributes significantly to the Nation's military readiness. As the House point man on Readiness matters in our military, I have been deeply concerned that the Iraq conflict has eroded the readiness of the U.S. armed forces, perhaps for a generation. At a time when we need to be more ready than before, this is a tremendous cause for alarm. Today's bill addresses many of our current needs associated with: beefing up today's ground forces--our boots on the ground overseas; addressing the many failings of this administration and the last Congress in ensuring our military is ready for any challenge we need to meet, such as finally providing oversight of contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan; fully funding critical needs at depots that supply our troops; providing funds for National Guard equipment to make us safer here, and make our soldiers safer on the battlefields; and providing assistance for wounded warriors. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his hard work on the bill; and the gentlewoman from New York for her work on this rule. I urge my colleagues to support both the rule and the bill.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, today's CHAMP bill is one of the best pieces of legislation the house has considered in a decade. It illustrates the difference between how this Congress writes legislation and how the Republican Congress wrote bills; today's bill favors children, the Republican bill favored insurance companies. This bill will provide health care to 11 million kids--five million who currently lack health insurance and six million who are currently covered by the Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP--by reauthorizing and improving SCHIP. In Texas, more than 120,000 will benefit. This bill also reverses the Republican drive to privatize Medicare and strengthens Medicare to: ensure beneficiaries' access to their doctors; expand preventive benefits, mental health services and physical, occupational and speech therapies; reduce costs for seniors and people with disabilities with low incomes; protect consumers; and extend policies that protect access to health care in rural communities. Congress created SCHIP in 1997 with broad bipartisan support. This year, six million children have health care because of SCHIP. The program has worked well in Texas. This is an excellent investment for this Nation given that health care costs without insurance would be much more expensive. The funding for SCHIP expires September 30. If Congress does not act, these six million children will no longer have access to quality, affordable health insurance. These children are in working families with parents who either cannot afford insurance or hold jobs that lack health care benefits. The President highlighted his support for SCHIP while running for re- election in 2004, yet the Bush Administration and our Republican colleagues propose underfunding the program significantly, which would cause millions of children to lose coverage. The CHAMP Act protects Medicare from privatization and promotes fiscal responsibility by reducing overpayments to private plans. Current overpayments to private plans cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. According to nonpartisan analysts, private plans are paid, on average, 12 percent more than traditional Medicare--and overpayments to certain plans exceed 50 percent. These overpayments are the result of a decade-long campaign by President Bush and Republicans in Congress to privatize Medicare by undermining traditional Medicare and promoting private insurance. Republicans believe that the greater the number of beneficiaries enrolled in private plans, the easier it will be to privatize Medicare. The CHAMP Act guarantees seniors and people with disabilities can continue to see their doctors by preventing scheduled physician payment cuts from taking place. The CHAMP Act extends expiring provisions that, if left unchanged, would negatively affect rural beneficiaries' access to physicians, hospitals, home health, ambulances, and lab services--all of which are important to south Texas. The bill also adds important consumer protections to Medicare. It provides States with the authority to regulate private plans' marketing abuses and increases penalties for violations, enables all beneficiaries to switch Part D plans if plans alter their formulas. This empowers low-income beneficiaries to change plans at any time. It also requires greater quality reporting to ensure patients are getting the best care available. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill--and I encourage the President to do the right thing and sign it, our children and their grandparents are waiting.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of America's truly great First Ladies, Lady Bird Johnson, who taught all of us to appreciate the everyday beauty in nature . . . and who made it her life's work to spread that beauty to all comers of our Nation. Lady Bird Johnson was very much the essence of a lady, so much so that it was literally her name. She brought grace and light to the State of Texas and to Washington, DC. She was a partner to President Lyndon Johnson in their home on the campaign trail, and in the White House. She softened the sometimes harsh edges of President Johnson, who came to office in the midst of great turmoil in our Nation. It was the age of escalation in Vietnam, deep fears about the Soviet aggression around the world, great angst over civil rights in this Nation, and both peaceful and violent demonstrations around the Nation. In the midst of that agonizing dynamic, Lady Bird made things around her prettier. . . and she brought light and beauty to Washington, DC, to politics, and to our Nation. Recently, she was so proud that the Department of Education now bears the name of her beloved LBJ to illustrate their mutual dedication to education. She was our Nation's first environmentalist, understanding that the aesthetic look of our Nation mean much to our citizens--and the survival of the human race would depend on our care for this planet. Today, global warming has moved the environmental cause to a higher priority for governments and activists, but the matriarch of the movement was no less than President Johnson's and the Nation's First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson. She loved nature and understood the relationship of Mother Earth to the long term health of humanity. Mr. Speaker, Lady Bird Johnson very much appreciated that you lead this House of Congress and occupy the seat that is third in line for the presidency. She deeply understood the importance of this government reflecting all our people. Her legacy will live on in their beautiful family . . . in the flowers and beauty of the many parks that were inspired by her all over the Nation . . . and in the environmental movement that inspires us all to be better stewards of Mother Earth.