Solomon Ortiz

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the Romanian Caucus, I rise today to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the launch of the United States-Romanian strategic partnership. In 1997 the United States and Romania established a strategic partnership resulting in close cooperation and consultations on all issues of common interest, particularly: NATO policies; promoting stability and security in Southeastern Europe, combating non- traditional threats; military and economic reforms in Romania and its region. After ten years, we look back at the remarkable vision that inspired this unprecedented course in the development of the relations between the United States and Romania. With utmost determination and U.S. support, Romania has since grown to what is today a trustworthy ally of the United States and one the most respectable and reliable contributors to global security. Romania is a member of NATO and of the European Union, an active player in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and a significant voice at the UN and in other international and regional organizations at the Black Sea and in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Romania has committed to a wide scale set of reforms internally, in its economic, social, justice and administrative sectors. Romania's achievements over the past ten years in its comprehensive internal reforms not only have prompted the country to NATO and EU membership, but serves as a great example of successful transformation to modernity and progress. This transformation has yielded significant benefits mostly to the Romanian people but also to the Western community and to the transatlantic alliance. Next year in April, Romania will be the host of the NATO Summit, an event of critical importance to the alliance's shape and future. Romania has proved its capability to sustain long term commitments, along with its Western allies, in the fight against terrorism and organized crime. At the same time, Romania has been an active promoter of tolerance and understanding among ethnic and religious communities. The recent OSCE high level conference on combating discrimination and other forms of intolerance, in Bucharest last June, has had a significant impact on maintaining the public commitment to respecting the most profound human values at the OSCE level. Romania also has taken meaningful steps towards assuming its own painful past through public education about, and remembrance of, the Holocaust. We must all be proud of these accomplishments that were in large part inspired by the vision of a partnership laid out ten years ago. We also must affirm our duty to continue to build on this growing relation. It is this kind of partnership that continues to give us the power to overcome global challenges. At this anniversary moment, we must acknowledge the indispensable contribution of the citizens of Romania, and of the Romanian American community to the successful development of our partnership. I congratulate the Romanian people and all its political leaders for their unwavering commitment to building such a strong mutual relation with the United States of America.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill to begin a responsible redeployment of our forces now in Iraq. The defense of our homeland is paramount and we are vulnerable for an attack. The war in Iraq has damaged the readiness of our military. Our ability to defend our Nation is at stake. Today's report on benchmarks is further evidence that this Administration can only see the situation in Iraq through rose-colored glasses. It's time for serious policy makers--for American patriots--to find a way out of Iraq so we can focus on defending our Nation against al Qaeda, as well as other threats to national security. This administration has no plan to defend the United States, and they did great damage to the defense of this country with the ``catch and release'' operation they had on our southern border. ``Catch and release'' sent all non-Mexicans who came in illegally to the interior of the Nation with a paper compelling them to return for deportation. By virtue of ``catch and release'' we face the prospect of possibly hundreds of cells already in country awaiting an attack order. What happens if al Qaeda attacks a nuclear facility? Do we have a plan for that? Who moves into defensive and containment posture? Do we even have the troops presently in country to provide that defense and containment? What happens if there is an attack on a military base? There will be military officials nearby, but how will they respond? What happens if there is a bio-chemical attack in an American city? Who responds--and how will our citizens be protected? A shoulder launched weapon from a building top in New York, Washington DC, or another major American city would be devastating . . . and show our lack of preparation 6 years after 9/11 when many of us ran from these buildings, not sure we would ever see them again. Today's report about the resurgence of al Qaeda is no surprise for us. Ever since Congress was deliberately misled by the President into authorizing the Iraq war in 2002, the war in Iraq sucked precious resources away from our focus on al Qaeda. When we invaded Iraq in 2003, the Iraq al Qaeda presence was in a single village in Kurdistan along the Iranian border. Today, it is impossible to estimate the number of al Qaeda fighters we have drawn to Iraq through our invasion. We inadvertently aided al Qaeda through our invasion of Iraq by giving al Qaeda a recruitment opportunity for radical Muslims throughout the Middle East; giving al Qaeda the means to perfect urban warfare; tying down our military in Iraq, giving al Qaeda space to grow and operate, and most urgently, deeply damaging the readiness of the U.S. military and making the U.S. less safe for ourselves and our children. At least one branch of this government must begin the painfil process of finding an ending to our involvement in a civil war we facilitated. Many colleagues here seem to believe our withdrawal will leave behing an even bloodier civil war. I agree; but that will be the case whenever we leave there . . . be it today, tomorrow, next year, or a decade from now. The only difference we can make in that regard is how many American souls will die on the Iraqi battlefield between now and the day our forces withdraw. Others have pinned all hope on the fledgling Iraqi government seated on March 16, 2005 . . . a government that has been unable to elect a Speaker for their Parliament and rarely produces a quorum. We have lost 1,282 American soldiers during the same time. Bear in mind, al Qaeda is not the only threat we face in the future . . . North Korea, the militarization of South America . . . and many other threats are a reality for this nation in the decade to come. We must be prepared for all of them. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this bill.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to announce the passing of a great Texan, Lady Bird Johnson. Lady Bird Johnson was the essence of a lady so much that it was literally her name. She brought grace and light to the State of Texas and in Washington, D.C. She was a partner to President Lyndon Johnson in the home, on the campaign trail and in the White House. She made things around her prettier, around the environment, and she brought light and beauty to Washington, D.C., to politics and to our Nation. She was so proud of the Department of Education bearing the name of her husband, LBJ, to illustrate her dedication to education. Her legacy will live on in their beautiful family and in the flowers and beauty of the many parks that were inspired by her all over the Nation. At this moment I would like to yield to my good friend, Lloyd Doggett.

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I yield to my good friend, Mr. Barton.

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, let me yield for a few seconds to my good friend, Mr. Gene Green of Texas.

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in Lady Bird Johnson's honor.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2829, the Financial Services--General Government Appropriations bill. This bill enhances key American priorities, while providing less overall than the President requested for agencies in this bill. We are committed to making our tax system fairer for millions of Americans--and to enhance enforcement to make sure everyone pays what they owe, not just those who play by the rules, while improving taxpayers' services. This bill will spur job creation and make the economy work for everyone--by restoring the President's cuts in small business loans, rejecting his efforts to slash capital and financial services available to underserved communities (CDFI), and by strengthening consumer protections. We are also working to make sure that every vote counts in our elections, and to strengthen law enforcement, both against terrorism and in the war on drugs. This bill meets two key commitments of this Congress: it has complete transparency on its earmarks, and it also cuts the amount for earmarks in the bill in half. Our bill lowers the cost of Small Business 7(a) loans and rejects the President's proposal to stop this program that helps small businesses start-up and grow. The 7(a) loan program accounts for roughly 30 percent of all long-term small business borrowing in America, and is the only source of affordable, long-term financing for many of our Nation's small businesses, including many in South Texas. I'm pleased that the bill includes greater access to capital for economic development in disadvantaged and rural communities. We reject the President's proposal to cut by 50 percent the availability of credit, capital and financial services to underserved communities through the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. Instead, our bill provides $46 million more than last year to support economic development and financial services in disadvantaged and rural communities through housing loans, micro-business loans, community development banks and credit unions. The report lists the recipient and the sponsor for each earmark contained in the bill. Of the 165 earmarks in the bill, 148 were requested by lawmakers and 17 by President Bush. Furthermore, each sponsor has filed a certification that the sponsor and the sponsor's spouse have no financial interest in the earmark, which is publicly available. I am pleased the committee included funding for the University of Texas at Brownsville's International Trade Center. Brownsville has always been the front door to international trade given its proximity to Mexico and the land and sea ports in the city. This funding will be used to establish an International Trade Center at the UTB International Technology Education and Commerce Campus (ITECC) which will house all of the services required to conduct international trade including: international law, accounting, banking, insurance, logistics services, export-import marketing services, U.S. customs, government trade services and industry showrooms for specific target sectors such as medical, communications, and computer technology. By concentrating all of the components for trade in one location the ITC will generate significantly higher levels of international trade and associated jobs in Brownsville, making this an excellent investment in South Texas and the Nation.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the Interior Appropriations bill before us today which includes money for South Texas to address water and wastewater issues along the Border. I particularly thank Chairman Norm Dicks--who, on behalf of the Congressional Border Caucus, offered to increase funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Mexican Border program for safe drinking water grants by $15 million, providing a total of $25 million for these important grants. NAFTA brought both challenges and windfalls to South Texas. As South Texas became the front door for international trade, the unemployment rate--at that time in double digits--fell to its present rate as jobs and opportunities became more widely available. NAFTA also brought about greater growth and entire new industries, some cross-border industries. Congress' concerns about the border infrastructure for water and wastewater brought about the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) as part of the North American Development Bank. BECC funding has become a resource for border communities, whose infrastructure now bears the national burden of NAFTA; and NAFTA benefits the entire national economy. These funds added to the Interior Appropriations bill today assist communities in addressing public health and environmental conditions along the U.S.-Mexico border. This money has been instrumental in getting almost seven million people connected to improved water and wastewater systems, ensuring improved living conditions for the residents of Texas, as well as other border states. Through these funds, 54 wastewater projects and 16 drinking water projects have been built. In my South Texas district the City of San Benito, the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, Olmito Water Supply, El Jardin Water Supply Corporation and the City of Los Fresnos have benefited from these funds.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Astor Restaurant in south Texas, and its owners, on the restaurant's 50th anniversary. In reaching its 50th year in operation, the Astor stands as both a symbol of Corpus Christi's commercial growth and as a tribute to the city's hospitality and diversity. Opened by Bill Sissamis and his father Louis, on Father's Day, June 16, 1957, just 10 years after their emigration from Greece, the Astor offers recipes that are unique to the Corpus Christi area. The family- owned restaurant is renowned for its mesquite-broiled steaks that are basted with a secretly blended sauce and its owners' hospitality. The restaurant has remained successful during its 50-year history because its owners have remained part of the kitchen and the front counter, ensuring that family members are always part of the food and service. The Astor exemplifies the importance of diversity in a community. It is the oldest of several Greek-owned Corpus Christi restaurants. The small society of Greek-American restaurateurs within the city represents the genius and industriousness of America and the immigrant families who improve our Nation every day. Greek-American restaurateurs now employ hundreds of Corpus Christi residents while offering great food and spirit. This community of entrepreneurs is an inspiration to millions of immigrants worldwide but especially to those in south Texas who stand to contribute to their new home and benefit through hard work and discipline. I commend the owners of the Astor on this special moment in their history, for being part of the economic development in Corpus Christi, and for five decades of making special food and occasions for their customers in south Texas.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Fiscal Year 2008 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, through which this Congress and this government speak to the world about our international priorities. The past decade has seen this nation pull into a shell like a turtle, something the rest of the world took as not caring about the fundamental challenges elsewhere in the world . . . before those challenges became full-fledged hot spots. We are a great Nation, a leader among nations. We must only act in that fashion. Today, we begin a new direction in foreign policy. While this Foreign Operations bill deals specifically with our global footprint, it also has benefit for those that live near international borders. For instance, I am pleased the bill includes $15.5 million for the Rio Grande Flood Control System Rehabilitation, a matter my border colleagues and I have been working on for several years. These funds will allow the International Boundary and Water Commission to begin repairing and restoring the 270 miles of levees along the Rio Grande River. This is only a first step to fully restore the integrity of the levees, the cost for restoration is estimated at $125 million. These funds were requested by the South Texas Delegation, including Congressman Hinojosa and Congressman Cuellar. Over the last few years, budget limitations have not allowed the IBWC to properly maintain the levees. Used by Border Patrol to patrol the border and farmers to manage their land, the levees have severely deteriorated to the point that some areas are flat. In their current form, the IBWC is unable to certify the levees meaning the 1.3 million residents along this area are in danger of severe flooding. Hurricane Katrina showed us the awesome and dangerous power of Mother Nature. This funding is critical to prevent an international flooding disaster . . . a disaster that will remain possible until all the levees are repaired so IBWC can certify them. This is--quite literally--the least we can do to begin to fix this damage. I thank the appropriators for including this funding and their recognition of the danger that is as far away as a powerful flooding event. I urge the House negotiators to keep this amount of funding included in this bill through conference.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to MG James H. Pillsbury and his dynamic wife Becky Pillsbury. We hail from the same great State of Texas. These two wonderful public servants have committed their careers to serving our Nation. This summer will mark the end of General Pillsbury's tenure as Commander of the Army's Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, a command he assumed on December 1, 2003. Leaving Huntsville with him is his wife Becky, who has made a lasting impression in the Huntsville community as an area school teacher for the disabled and board member for a long list of organizations serving soldiers and their families. General Pillsbury is a graduate of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. After that, he attended Troy State University, earning a Masters of Science in International Relations. He has completed Infantry Officer Basic Course, Transportation Officer Advanced Course, United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College. For the past 34 years General Pillsbury has risen through the Army ranks, first commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May of 1973. He has served here at home and abroad; his most recent position overseas was as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army. General Pillsbury has been decorated with numerous military honors including: the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. Becky also attended Trinity where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and Education for the Hearing Impaired and then pursuing her love for children with disabilities by earning a Masters from Pacific Lutheran University in Elementary Education and Learning Disabilities. She has set a high standard for military wives at Redstone Arsenal. She co-founded the ``Dream Factory,'' a wish granting organization for seriously and terminally ill children; and more recently co-founded ``Still Serving Veterans,'' which affects the lives of thousand of new veterans in offering a wide range of support services as they transition to the civilian workforce. Even though this outstanding couple is leaving the Huntsville community, they will not hesitate to come back and visit. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating MG James H. Pillsbury and his wife Becky on a phenomenal job in Huntsville . . . and wishing them the best of luck with the next chapter in their lives.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the accomplishments of two pioneers in the national Hispanic community, and their home in south Texas. Rodolfo Zepeda Mirabal, Sr., and Dora Cervera Mirabal, were two activists and organizers in the Corpus Christi community who answered the call of patriots and did much to make our community a better, more transparent, place to live. Rodolfo was among the original founders of the League of United Latin American Citizens, LULAC, and in the 1920s he began publishing his own Spanish-language newspaper, called El Democrata. In the 1930s Dora began an annual publication of a traditional form of Mexican satirical verse for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead or All Souls Day). Always civically engaged, Dora founded a bilingual school called El Circulo de Nuestros Amigos Para Los Estudiantes Bilingues, which operated at the Mirabal Printing Company and helped Spanish speakers learn English. She became the first female member of the Corpus Christi Mexican Chamber of Commerce, and served as an officer in the Corpus Christi Ladies' LULAC Chapter. Together Rodolfo and Dora operated Mirabal Printing Company in the heart of the Mexican-American community of Corpus Christi. In 1938 the couple began publishing a weekly, full-size Spanish language newspaper in Corpus Christi, El Progreso, which kept the community informed for 41 years. This paper not only served as a crucial resource to the Hispanic community for local, national, and international issues, but it tried to give the Mexican-Americans in the Coastal Bend inspiration and a voice. Following Rodolfo's death in 1968, Dora Cervera Mirabal continued work on El Progreso until she died of cancer on December 4, 1979. The Mirabals were succeeded by three children: Rodolfo, Jr.; Rosie; and Robert, all of whom carry on the family's printing business today. Rodolfo and Dora Mirabal were ``lost giants'' in the advancement of the Mexican-American civil rights movement who inspired not just my generation, but generations to come. I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in remembering this extraordinary couple and their outstanding record of civic service to the city of Corpus Christi and the south Texas community.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the FY08 Homeland Security Appropriations bill--the House's first all-encompassing look at the security of our Nation. But I strongly oppose the proposition that a border wall will protect this Nation, and I ask my colleagues to consider what a wall along the Southwest border will do. During this debate my friends in the minority have said they are focused on the funding levels of this bill . . . saying they are too high and wasteful. Here's what is wasteful: according to Customs and Border Protection, every mile of a wall will cost at least $3 million dollars to construct. That doesn't include any funding needed to buy private lands or maintain the fence. In this 21st Century, we have the technology to adequately protect our borders through a virtual fence without dividing communities, adversely impacting our economy, giving up water rights, denying private property rights for landowners on the border, or changing international boundaries without benefit of international treaties. I am grateful that the Committee incorporated the language in the bill to include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as one of the federal agencies with which DHS must coordinate before spending money to build a wall. And I have received a commitment to include the International Boundary and Water Commission to the list of federal agencies DHS must coordinate with, as the bill moves through conference. I thank the Committee for accepting the language in the bill requiring the DHS Secretary to consult with local communities, and to seek their advice before spending money on the wall. That's hardly enough, but that puts a little lipstick on the pig. Rather than spend over $3 million dollars a mile, we should be directing the Department of Homeland Security to utilize technology like ground sensors, unmanned aircraft, vehicle barriers, cameras and human surveillance through Border Patrol. The technology of a virtual wall saves the taxpayers $2 million dollars a mile . . . will be more reliable . . . and actually give the Border Patrol the time and resources they need to detain illegal immigrants or potential terrorists. Virtual technology is proven; this week the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced it would deploy a virtual fence to protect JFK, Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia airports. Much of the technology they are deploying is either currently being used or developed by CBP. We need to be smarter about our border security . . . rather than expect a physical wall to singlehandedly protect our country. Unless you live along the border, you do not understand the uniqueness of border communities. Constructing a fence along the southwest border is going to have a devastating economic impact in our border towns. Much of the area along the border is growing rapidly with more and more Fortune 500 companies moving business to South Texas. What message does constructing a wall send to these companies? Twenty years ago this week, on June 12, 1987--President Ronald Reagan said of the Berlin Wall that scarred Europe: ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' We are better than Soviet Europe . . . and an antiquated structure along our borders will not protect our Nation. Protecting the border is of the utmost importance to me, and all Americans. Nearly every single Border Patrol agent, who has confided in me, is certain a wall is not the solution. They would rather receive funding for additional manpower, technology and tactical infrastructure, such as vehicle barriers, to protect our border. I urge my colleagues to save taxpayers money, oppose the handful of amendments before us that throw good money after bad in building a wall that will not protect this great Nation.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this bill--engineered by my colleague from Texas Mr. Edwards--which funds vital military accounts and provides the largest increase in veterans funding in the history of the VA. While the central concern for South Texas is a veterans hospital--I understand we must authorize that funding before we can appropriate it. I have talked about this issue with appropriators and authorizers alike . . . and those conversations will continue until we find a resolution to help these veterans get the in patient care they deserve. The Congress is committed to working in a bipartisan way to ensure that our budget honors the service of our veterans and builds a future worthy of their sacrifice. With passage of this bill, the 110th Congress will have voted for historic increases in veterans' health care and benefits programs, totaling nearly $12 billion--including the joint resolution and the supplemental--to meet the needs of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistanm . . . and make up for the Bush Administration's past shortcomings in its treatment of veterans. This bill will provide veterans with the health care and benefits we promised them, resulting in the hiring of more qualified doctors and nurses to improve medical services to our veterans and to reduce waiting times for doctor appointments, and provide more to help veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental health care issues, and lost limbs so that they can rebuild their lives. For the first time, the budget for VA medical care exceeds the budget of the veterans' service organizations by $294 million. This will ensure quality health care for 5.8 million patients, including about 263,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, which the VA will treat in FY 2008. This significantly reduces the 400,000 claims backlog for veterans waiting for disability and other benefits by adding more than 1,100 new claims processors. The bill also provides much needed maintenance of VA health care facilities (funding level is $500 million above the President's request) to prevent another Walter Reed-type scandal from occurring. A recent VA report outlined 1,000 specific problems at VA health facilities around the country, with a backlog of $5 billion in maintenance. The enormous number of troops returning home with mental health disorders, including PTSD and traumatic brain injury, resulted in the bill including five polytrauma centers and three Centers of Excellence for Mental Health and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These centers will be fully operational this year to care for those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, including those with TBI. A February GAG report noted about one-third of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are facing mental health challenges, and up to 300,000 troops are expected to return from Iraq suffering from TBI. The bill also protects taxpayers and veterans by including solid steps to ensure accountability and stop wasteful spending by increasing funding for the Inspector General for VA to improve services for veterans and their families and to prevent and deter potential waste, fraud and inefficiencies. To strengthen our military, this bill provides better barracks, housing and training facilities when troops return from combat with an unprecedented $21.4 billion investment in military construction, family housing, and BRAC-- with $207 million more than the President's request. To address end strength, the bill provides funding recommended by my subcommittee to begin the process of adding 65,000 Army, 27,000 Marine, and 9,000 National Guard and Reserve troops. For BRAC, the bill fully funds the 2005 base realignment and closure process at $8.2 billion, and supports the relocation of 70,000 troops from bases in Korea and Europe. All this represents the start we need to pay for a healthy and vital military force to protect our nation today, tomorrow and for the coming decades.

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, on behalf of our south Texas veterans, we appreciate the committee's concern regarding access to inpatient and outpatient care for our far south Texas veterans. Let me say I compliment you, Mr. Chairman, for doing such a great job and for having way down in your heart the care of the veterans that served in many, many wars, not only in Iraq and Afghanistan. These veterans have to travel upwards of 6 hours each way to receive inpatient care, and many times they have their appointments cancelled. As you know, the VA's currently finalizing a study on options to provide inpatient and outpatient specialty care which will be out this July. And Mr. Chairman, as you know, this war has resulted in many casualties. We've had over 46 young men killed in this war. We have lost more, between Chairman Hinojosa and I, 46 soldiers. In addition, we've had many more soldiers maimed and injured; and what we would like to see, Mr. Chairman, would the committee work with us to move the issue of a veterans hospital in south Texas forward.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to boast about the tremendous accomplishment of the Moody High School Trojans, winner of the 2007 Texas High School Class 4A Baseball Championship, just this past weekend. Since 2000, the Trojans have reached the State Championship 3 times and are now walking away with the second of 2 State trophies in just 4 years. Heading into the playoffs ranked No. 1 in the State, the Moody players lived up to their reputation of maximizing their offense, with the help of exceptional pitching from MVP Championship Pitcher Miguel Gonzalez. The Trojans controlled the championship game with 3 homeruns and crushed their opponents 9-1. Having learned humility from past defeats, the young men of Moody continue to illustrate the South Texas baseball family tradition--they remain a brotherhood of young athletes. With inspiration, hard work, and faith, these players exemplify the ``Moody magic'' that has brought the Trojans to State victory once again, ending the season with a record of 39-3-1. Having earned national recognition, this 4A baseball team from Corpus Christi has been ranked seventh in the Nation by Collegiate Baseball's high school poll. Producing both extraordinary athletes and spectacular leaders, seven of the Moody players have been chosen to fill the 10 available spots on the all-State tournament team. Recognized for their great accomplishments by the community after they tasted victory, the Trojan players were received by crowds of roaring fans as they arrived home, led by their head coach, Corky Gallegos, who paraded their championship trophy to their high school for display. What is more remarkable than their success in the State championship again is the invaluable lessons that high school sports teach these young men. They learned that winning is one thing, but winners on the field are made from teamwork and faith; winners in life are those who master the fundamentals, never lose their faith, and put their whole effort into all they do. I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in commending the following players: Joey Mendoza, Christian Gallegos, Rudy Flores, Rudy Grande, Andrew Perez, Leeroy Hinojosa, Marc A. Gomez, Miguel Gonzalez, Thomas Tovar, Jeff Rousseau, Raul Galvan, Andrew Cantu, James T. Ramirez, Gabriel Morales, Adrian J. Longoria, Justin Meza, Ryan Villarreal, Elias Rodriguez, Josiah Rodriguez, Orlando Perales, Ronnie Flores, Dan Flores, Jacob Perales, Marcus Montez, Arnold J. Franco, Justin Gabrillo, Michael Montez, Randy Rodriguez, Abraham Figueroa, and Kalvin Roberts. These special young athletes were led by Head Coach Corky Gallegos, Assistant Coach Richard Diaz, and Assistant Coach Mike Leal. This outstanding group of young champions representing the ``Moody magic'' have learned--and lived--the most important lessons of competition, faith and dignity. Madam Speaker, these young people have inspired us and made us exceptionally proud.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise as co-chair of the Romanian Caucus to welcome Foreign Minister Adrian Cioroianu of Romania to the United States. Foreign Minister Cioroianu represents an increasingly pivotal ally in our country's efforts to preserve global security, prosperity, and democracy. Foreign Minister Cioroianu picked up the reins of Romania's diplomatic corps just 2 months ago and he is already proving his commitment to a strong transatlantic unity in his visit. Foreign Minister Cioroianu's delegation hopes to plan an April 2008 NATO summit to be hosted in his country, discuss global antiterrorism initiatives with his counterparts here, and collaborate with them on regional security issues. The delegation's agenda is a symbol of a Romania that is steadfast in its responsible pursuit of global welfare. Romania has played a leading geopolitical role as a regional power in Eastern Europe with its position at the crossroads of Europe and Russia. The country recently hosted an Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe meeting regarding anti-Semitism, an issue still fresh in the minds of leaders in the region. Romania is taking a leading diplomatic role in the western Balkans, particularly in mediating talks on the status of Kosovo. Through these diplomatic efforts and others, Romania is ensuring an Eastern Europe that is peaceful and stable for freedom and prosperity to take root. The country is also playing a growing economic role in the region. On January 1, 2007, Romania entered the European Union, after achieving a decade of substantial economic development even in the face of a global economic recession. Romania is embracing a free market while fostering the growth of a new middle class that will serve as a key to a successful economic society. Romania is becoming an economic engine for its neighbors to the East and West. Inducted to NATO only 3 years ago, Romania is already an active participant in NATO operations and has contributed troops to both U.S. wars, with NATO troops in Afghanistan and with around 500 military personnel in Iraq. The Romanian military is playing an honorable and cooperative role in providing security in numerous spots throughout the globe. I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming Foreign Minister Cioroianu and the Romanian delegation to the United States. Congress will continue to promote a strong cooperative relationship between our two countries and I thank the Foreign Minister for his service.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 391) recognizing the employees of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the North Texas Commission, USO, and the people and businesses of North Texas for their dedication to the ``Welcome Home a Hero'' program, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 391.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major Andrew Weatherstone on the occasion of his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel on June 1, 2007. Andy is an Army Fellow in my Congressional office this year, and he is an extraordinary soldier and human being. He is a great leader, a motivator of men and women in his command, a seeker of creative solutions . . . an officer uniquely suited to the United States Army at a moment we need all the great soldiers and officers we can get. We were lucky to get Andy this year; his last assignment was in Iraq. So my team and I have had the benefit of his counsel at a pivotal moment in our history, as we seek solutions to the ongoing conflict in Iraq and the many readiness issues Iraq has highlighted. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, with a Masters from the University of Central Michigan, Andy is a soldier's soldier. He came up through the ranks, starting as a platoon leader and battery officer in 1993, to operating a 1,200 strong Task Force and a Forward Operating Base in Taji, Iraq, in 2004. Andy understands the needs of a battlefield soldier; and he understands the political machinations that surround the conduct of our military policy. He may not be patient with that, but few of us are these days. He understands that democracy must be defended; and he knows that democracy means involving everybody and all opinions in determining policy. He knows that freedom is not free, and in wearing the uniform of the United States he is one of those paying the price for all our freedoms on battlefields around the world. Andy's story would not be complete without including his wife, Jennifer, his ``champ,'' and their daughters Lauren and Elizabeth. Andy got to be home when Elizabeth was born this year. For all that he has learned in the field, in combat, in training, and in teaching other soldiers . . . LTC Andy Weatherstone will be a remarkable leader in the U.S. Army. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Andy--and his family--on the occasion of his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, like so many young soldiers fighting for this Nation in Iraq--whose tours have been extended by the current surge in Iraq--Army SSG Anselmo Martinez III, from Robstown, Texas, was due for a 2-week leave from his first tour duty in Iraq around Mother's Day, but it kept getting pushed back. He was due to come home sometime in July. On May 18, after the armored vehicle he was riding in ran over an improvised explosive device in Tahrir, Iraq, his time on this Earth ended, and he won't see his mother or his wife and two children ever again. Each time we lose a soldier, it breaks my heart. It hurts all the more when it is a soldier from South Texas. This one is from my hometown. SSG Anselmo Martinez was stationed in Fort Hood, where his wife Christina Martinez lives their two daughters. He graduated from Robstown High School in 1998 and joined the Army in 2002 for job security. Sergeant Martinez deployed to Iraq in October with the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas. Everyone called him B.J., short for ``Baby Junior,'' because no one wanted to call him a number; he was the third in his family sharing the same name. He loved to fish, and the first thing he would want to do when he came home was grab a fishing pole and head to Oso Bay. BJ loved to work with his hands, to shape things. At Robstown High School, he was a member of the woodshop club. He was a funny, sweet, and polite young man who was loved by everyone and who was proud to serve his country. A fellow soldier from Robstown who knew him said Sergeant Martinez was an excellent role model and a great noncommissioned officer. He thought of his men while in Iraq; yet he was missed badly at home. On February 4, his wife told him: ``Hola papa. I feel so bad that you couldn't be here today for baby's birthday.'' Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to the life and service of Army SSG Anselmo Martinez III, from Robstown, Texas, who gave the last full measure of devotion to his country.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. The bill before us today begins to address our growing concerns about the readiness posture of our Armed Forces. I would like to thank the ranking member from my subcommittee, Mrs. Davis from Virginia, for her help in bringing together this excellent bill. I thank Chairman Skelton and Mr. Hunter. Mr. Chairman, 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 equipping our forces. These problems have grown to immense proportions, and this bill is a significant step to reverse the decline and rebuild our military. Included in this bill are some significant readiness policy initiatives and investments that will help restore the readiness and 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 that has been used time and time and time again. 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. We are very concerned about the readiness of our National Guard. Our bill requires the Department of Defense to begin measuring the readiness of the 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 need 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 included provisions that require plans and reports to Congress on reconstituting our prepositioned war stocks. Mr. Chairman, we also authorized more than $21 billion for military construction, family housing and to implement base realignment and closure. Those funds include money to support growth in force initiatives for the Army and the Marine Corps and to provide facilities to accommodate new recruits and missions. Other significant provisions include proposed changes to the National Security Personnel System and the depot initiatives. Mr. Chairman, this is a very, very good bill, and I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. I rise in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. The bill before us today begins to address our growing concerns about the readiness posture of our armed forces. I would like to thank the ranking member from my subcommittee, Mrs. Davis from Virginia, for her help in bringing together this excellent bill. 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 equipping our forces. These problems have grown to immense proportions, and this bill is a significant step to reverse the decline . . . and 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. We are 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 included provisions that require plans and reports to Congress on reconstituting our prepositioned war stocks. We authorized more than $21 billion for military construction, family housing, and to implement base realignment and closure. Those 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 for the Department of Defense. This is a good bill, and I am pleased to have helped write it. It reflects our bipartisan desire to improve readiness and provide for our men and women in uniform.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentleman. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to ask for your help to bring clarity to a disagreement in principle between the Department of Defense and the military depots over the definition of parts supply functions as they pertain to depot-level maintenance. The 2005 BRAC Commission transferred supply, storage and distribution management functions to the Defense Logistics Agency without fully understanding the critical difference between parts supply from storage and in-process parts supply. Without this clarification, military depots could lose control of parts movement during hands-on depot maintenance. Depot maintenance of war-related equipment is a critical piece of the services' reset program, and this clarification would ensure reset continues without disruption.

Mr. ORTIZ. I also want to thank the chairman for joining me today in requesting the GAO investigate the impact on military equipment readiness that this ill-advised transfer of supply function could have. We are asking the GAO to look at the distinctions between supply from storage and in-process parts supply, whether the business plan developed by DOD could ensure a timely transferring without depot disruption, the impact on depot hourly rates, and the depots' ability to meet surge requirements if they lose this critical function.

Mr. ORTIZ. I thank the gentleman for his support. Amendment No. 30 Offered by Mr. Tierney