Ed Pastor

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, all morning we have been told that the reason we are having this bill is because people are divided and English being official would bring us together. But this bill only does one thing. It prohibits a Federal public official from corresponding in a written form to his or her constituents. That is all it does. And, Mr. Speaker, the basic problem with this bill is that it is unconstitutional. The Ninth Circuit of the United States has found that such a bill is unconstitutional for two reasons: In many cases sometimes a public official has to correspond in a language other than English because it is essential for communication; and to have an effective government, Mr. Speaker, sometimes we have to communicate in a language other than English. This is all that the bill does. It is unconstitutional and I would ask Members to vote ``no.''

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Madam Chairman, I want to thank my colleague for yielding the 2 minutes. We heard the chairman of the Committee on the Budget talk about a victory for America as we debate this bill and the consequences of it. I have to tell my colleagues that they are going to hear some Members speak to inform us that this victory is not shared by all Americans. Americans who work hard, Americans who want to take care of the families, people who have been in this country for many years but because of their status as legal immigrants will not be able to share this victory. There are a number of us who are concerned both on the substitute and also concerned with the base bill. We feel that the treatment of legal immigrants is very unfair. There is a misconception in this country, there is a misconception in this House that legal immigrants are people who recently came over and are here legally only for one reason, to get on public assistance. That is not the case. We will hear tonight that many of these people have been here for many, many years, have worked hard, have raised their children, and now, in many cases, will need the services and the opportunities that they have earned. We will also hear that there will be many children that will be put in very hard situations by these bills. As adults, as Americans, as parents, as family members, we are concerned about the children that will not savor this taste of victory. We will hear about other parts of the bills that will affect people on domestic violence, entitlements and will not savor the taste of victory. So, Madam Chairman, we will rise in opposition to both bills.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of this Nation's newest citizens. When Jose Castro Corral came to the United States in 1918, Woodrow Wilson was President, Arizona was celebrating its fourth year of statehood, and America was in the middle of a devastating World War. In this time, Jose Corral and his family immigrated to America because they dreamed of a better life for themselves and their community. Indeed, Jose Castro Corral has more than fulfilled his family's vision. Mr. Corral was born in Sonora, Mexico on August 9, 1916. Two years later, his family moved to the small mining town of Kearny, AZ, where he has lived ever since. Jose Corral's parents raised their children to become productive, accomplished members of American society. During his childhood, Jose Corral was encouraged to strive for educational excellence and active participation in community service. These upstanding ideals continue to thrive in the Corral family today. Not only was Jose Corral dedicated to his career as a miner, he also strived to build a family of high integrity and moral value. Together with his wife Amanda, Jose Corral raised six educated and accomplished children who have become important figures of organizations including the U.S. Armed Forces, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, Salt River Project, and INTEL. The Corral children have raised families of their own, and continue to uphold their father's vision. In addition to Jose Corral's accomplished family and career, his altruistic nature is truly commendable. The Corral family has a unique love for music, and Jose participates in his church's choir each week. He also volunteers at church retreats and various community functions. After 78 years of countless accomplishments in America, Jose Castro Corral recently decided to strive for yet another goal--U.S. citizenship. As the only noncitizen in his family, Jose felt that U.S. citizenship would fulfill his dream of service to his family, his community, and his country. On June 21, 1996, as his family waved signs and posters applauding his latest accomplishment, Jose Castro Corral celebrated U.S. citizenship. Jose Castro Corral and his family serve as role models for immigrants who come to this country to fulfill America's ideals of opportunity and individual responsibility. Not only is he a model person, he is now a model citizen. It is truly an honor to welcome Mr. Jose Castro Corral as a citizen of this great Nation.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Sam Lena, a beloved public servant of southern Arizona who passed away on March 12, 1996. He will be greatly missed. Sam Lena was born January 23, 1921, in Evergreen, LA. At the age of 20, he moved to Tucson for health reasons. For the ensuring 55 years, Sam was a distinguished member of the Tucson and the southern Arizona community. He was an outstanding softball player, and was well-known for being a strike-out ace. In one game as the pitcher for the Tucson Elks, he struck out 21 batters in eight innings. Sam was also a respected businessman and dedicated public servant. His athletic skills and business talents gained him widespread recognition and respect throughout the community. This popularity encouraged him to move into a more formal leadership role. In 1965, he was appointed to the Arizona House of Representatives where he served two elected terms. In 1968 he was elected to the State senate where he served three terms and became a powerful force in southern Arizona politics. From playing softball as a pitching strike-out ace to his extraordinary effectiveness as a public servant, Sam Lena infused his life with commitment and caring. He worked tirelessly for those groups and issues that were dear to him: Law enforcement, education, health care, social services, and the mentally retarded. Each of these areas benefited throughout Sam's tenure in the Arizona State Legislature, the Arizona State Senate, the Pima Country Board of Supervisors, and as the special assistant to Arizona Governor Rose Mofford while he directed her southern Arizona office. Sam made government personal. To quote his friend and protege of many years, Pima County Supervisor Dan Eckstrom: Sam truly loved the many constituents that he served, from the youngest child to the oldest senior citizen. To him all people were the same. Yet, it was his special love for the indigent and disadvantaged that made him such the great community servant that he was. ``Mr. Sam,'' as he was affectionately called by many, really enjoyed being out with his people, whether it was at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Lena's Liquors, the District 10 Democratic Club meetings, at Safeway, or just on the street, Sam was very approachable, willing to listen and always ready to help. He knew practically everyone in his district and everyone who knew him, knew him first as a friend. Sam Lena worked diligently to ensure that society's resources were available to all. But more importantly, he spoke for those who are often unable to speak for themselves: The poor, the disadvantaged, the downtrodden. In many areas of health care, services to the poor, recreation facilities, education, and services for the mentally retarded, Sam Lena's peace making ability and genius as a consensus builder made new and better programs possible. In addition to his official duties as an elected and appointed public servant, Sam Lena was an activist for the community. Through his personal efforts on behalf of Kino Hospital, this critically needed community facility has been kept open. As a member of the Pima County Sports Authority, Sam was instrumental in promoting sporting activities, especially spring training baseball and the building of a new southside baseball stadium. Kino Hospital and the new baseball stadium are a small part of the legacy Sam Lena leaves this community. The greater part of his legacy is the people he helped and encouraged. ``Mr. Sam'' was a friend, a teacher, a counselor, a mentor. Many community leaders were first befriended and encouraged by Sam Lena. The spirit of community that he engendered continues to grow through those he has mentored. Sam was always available to counsel and to talk with those who needed a caring friend. We are fortunate that this man of good morale character, simple tastes, and mild manner offered his guidance to so many others. Many were encouraged by his example to emulate these positive characteristics. To Sam Lena's many friends, to his beloved wife, Tina, to his children, Sam, Jr., Katherine, and Johnny, and his step-children, Christine and David, to his grandchildren, Jennifer, Julieanne, Catherine, Benjamin, Matthew and Sara, to his sisters, Lily and Virginia, and his brothers Buddy and Babe, I extend my sincere appreciation for their willingness to share this great man with so many others. His life is a model for all to follow. I thank Sam Lena for being my friend and for making his city, his county, his State, and his country better for all of us.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, today it is with great pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to one of Phoenix's finest citizens, and also congratulate the Rev. Henry Lee Barnwell on the occasion of his 29th anniversary in the ministry. Reverend Barnwell was educated at Rosenwald High School in Panama City, FL. He attended Grand Canyon College and Arizona College of the Bible in Phoenix, Talbort Theological Seminary at Biola University, Bishop College and Lacy Kirk Williams Minister's Institute, both of Dallas, TX. He also has a Training Diploma from the Protestant Chaplin's Association of Okinawa (1958); a Diploma for Christian Work from Arizona College of the Bible (1977); a bachelor of arts degree through Arizona College of the Bible (1978); and a Doctor of Divinity from Guadalupe Baptist Theological Seminary in San Antonio, TX. Retired from the U.S. Air Force, Reverend Barnwell is now Pastor of the First New Life Baptist Church in Phoenix. He also serves a chaplaincy with the Arizona State Department of Corrections, and is Auxiliary Chaplin at Williams Air Force Base in Higley, AZ. Reverend Barnwell is involved in many other outreach efforts, having served as president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Phoenix and vicinity; Bible instructor of Zion Rest District Association; regional director for the National Evangelism Movement; first vice- president of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arizona; and immediate past moderator of the Area One American Baptists Churches of the Pacific Southwest. Reverend Barnwell has applied his energy and talents to many worthwhile projects over the years as an active member of the board of directors for the Phoenix Opportunities Industrial Center and St. Mary's Food Bank. He is also a member of the Mayor's Human Resources Commission; the Maricopa Branch of the NAACP; the Sheriff's Religious Advisory Committee on Maricopa County; and the city of Phoenix Human Resources Commission. Reverend Barnwell also serves on the Clergy Against Drugs and is a past member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice Planning. His efforts to educate and improve the quality of life in the community have earned Reverend Barnwell recognition from many groups who have bestowed awards on him, including The Floyd Adams Community Services Award from the Phoenix Opportunities Industrial Center; the Religion Award from the Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP; and the Recognition for Christian Service Award from the National Evangelism Workshop. Reverend Barnwell was named Pastor of the Year for the State of Arizona in 1989 and carries the title of ``Honorary Citizen'' from the city of Tucson. I commend Reverend Barnwell for his many years of community service and involvement. Scores of Phoenicians have benefited from his energy and efforts. I ask my colleagues to join with me today in congratulating Reverend Barnwell as he celebrates 29 years of service in the ministry.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few moments to discuss my position on H.R. 3562, the bill to approve the waivers for the Wisconsin Welfare Plan. I would like nothing more than to support meaningful welfare reform legislation. However, I believe the bill before us today circumvents the entire legislative process in an attempt to politically embarrass the President. Additionally, I cannot vote for a measure that raises more questions than it answers. Members of this House have not seen the details of the Wisconsin welfare plan and we have no idea what it contains. We do not know the details of the waivers Wisconsin has asked for, and by bringing this bill to the floor, we are being asked to blindly vote and make decisions on something we have not had time to study and evaluate. Members from across the country are being asked to vote on a plan developed by Wisconsin, without having the opportunity to review the plan. This would set a disastrous precedent as the American public did not send us to Congress to cast uneducated votes. Furthermore, by passing this bill, we would effectively shut out the public from their part in this process. The Department of Health and Human Services allows a public comment period of 30 days, a comment period that allows for concerned citizens to have input on the plan. Why are we in such a hurry that we deny the public their right to make comments on this matter? In the past, Wisconsin has come to the administration seeking various waivers, and each time, the requested waiver was granted. The Wisconsin plan may prove deserving of the requested waivers, and should that be the case, I would fully support the plan. I believe that we should allow the administration and Wisconsin to work together to resolve this issue, not use this issue to score political points. Unfortunately, the Republicans are not allowing us that opportunity. It is unfortunate that they have decided to attempt to portray the President and Members as opponents to welfare reform when the reality is that Congress is being asked to blindly cast votes on a plan that we have not had the opportunity to study.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote number 139 on the Journal I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' I ask unanimous consent that my statement appear in the Record immediately following rollcall vote number 139.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, from April 27 to April 29, 1996, more than 1,300 students from 50 States and the District of Columbia competed in the national finals of the We the People * * * The Citizen and the Constitution Program. I am proud to announce that a class from Nogales High School represented Arizona's Second Congressional District. These young scholars worked diligently to reach the national finals by winning the State competition in Arizona. The distinguished members of the team representing Arizona are: Veneranda Aguirre, Victor Ahumada, Gerritt Bake, Melinda Bejarano, Hector Ceballos, Karina Celaya, Chris Chapman, Micheal Cooper, Lily Courtland, Odette Felix, Tadeo Garcia, Carlos Gonzalez, Dino Hainline, Jacob Kory, Aishah Levine, Melissa Leyva, Marco Lopez, Danny Mandel, Hector Martinez, Miguel Montiel, Loren Pruzin, Daniel Rodriquez, Peter South, Isreal Valenzuela, Alberto Vega, Sarah Wright, and Priscilla Yubeta. I would also like to mention their teacher, Mr. George Thomson, who deserves much of the credit for the success of the team. The State coordinator, Ms. Lynda Rando also contributed a significant amount of time and effort to help Nogales High School reach the national finals. The We the People * * * The Citizen and the Constitution Program is the most extensive educational program in the country developed specifically to educate young people about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The 3-day national competition simulates a congressional hearing in which students' oral presentations are judged on the basis of their knowledge of constitutional principles and their ability to apply them to historical and contemporary issues. Administered by the Center for Civic Education, the We the People * * * Program now in its ninth academic year, has reached more than 70,400 teachers and 22,600 students nationwide at the upper elementary, middle, and high school levels. Members of Congress and their staff enhance the program by discussing current constitutional issues with students and teachers. The We the People * * * Program provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain an informed perspective on the significance of the U.S. Constitution and its place in our history and our lives. I am proud that the students from Nogales High School were able to take part in the national finals, and look forward to their continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to National Head Start Day. Head Start demonstrates the type of innovate, cost- efficient, and proactive solution necessary to address the national dilemma facing economically disadvantaged preschoolers. The holistic approach taken by Head Start addresses the needs of both parent and child. Preschoolers are provided with educational, health and social service support, while parental involvement ensures support networks for parents. Extensive studies in child development have shown that a quality early childhood experience returns anywhere from $5 to $7 for every dollar invested. We also know that one-third more children who attend quality early childhood programs graduate from high schools, as opposed to those children who did not have the benefits of programs such as Head Start. Without question, the future of America's poorest children is brighter because of the work of Head Start. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the extraordinary work of Head Start.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Erma Bombeck, who passed away on April 23, 1996. Erma Bombeck, columnist, suburban housewife, and life philosopher shared her humor with America for 25 years. Ms. Bombeck celebrated the day to day chaos and hysteria of suburban life in her syndicated column ``At Wits End.'' Ms. Bombeck lives on in best selling books such as: ``The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank,'' and ``If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?'' A true humanist, in 1989 Ms. Bombeck wrote a touching tribute to children surviving cancer titled, ``I Want To Grow Hair, I Want To Grow Up, I Want To Go To Boise.'' She then benevolently went on to donate her $1.5 million advance fee to cancer research, 3 years before she was diagnosed with the dreadful disease. After a bout with breast cancer, she was stricken with a fatal kidney disease. Although she received a kidney transplant in early April, she was unable to recover. As a resident of Arizona, we are proud that such a talented woman made her home in our beautiful State. Erma Bombeck will be remembered for bringing everyday life to a comedic artform. The columns, which are her legacy, will be proudly displayed for years to come in a place of honor all across America, the family refrigerator.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Sister Charlotte of Project YES!, who has been chosen as a recipient of the National Service Award. I am especially pleased that her work is being recognized at the national level for two reasons: First, she has been a strong and tireless advocate for children, and second, she has brought resources and attention to an economically deprived area. It is because of her work that the children living in this multiethnic area have access to educational opportunities, and more importantly, hope. She has provided opportunities for the children in her neighborhood to work with tutors, to socialize, to have enriching educational experiences, to be in sports leagues, to develop spiritually, to better understand their culture, and to bond with adults. She has created a loving, caring, safe environment for many children who have never known such a place. For many of these children, Project YES! is not just a home away from home, it is the only home they know. Because Project YES! is so special to the children, the only discipline needed is the threat of time out from Project YES! No one misbehaves because no one wants to be excluded even for a few hours. Sister Charlotte first became involved in Project YES! in 1983 as a member of its board of directors. Her background in guidance counseling and teaching encouraged her interest and her enthusiasm for this alternative way of reaching children. Consequently, in 1987 she left her elementary school administrator position with the Santa Cruz Catholic School and became the executive director of Project YES! Under her creative and enthusiastic direction, Project YES! has become a vital force in the lives of hundreds of children and of their parents. In addition to the supportive environment and programs for the children, she has created parent-to-parent workshops in both English and Spanish where parents can learn from each other about good parenting skills. Parent-to-parent combines teaching, peer counseling, and sharing to help parents find caring ways to guide their children. Sister Charlotte is a resource we treasure in the Second District of Arizona. We are proud that her programs for children are being recognized, and I congratulate her on her accomplishments.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this pro-family, pro- immigration amendment. The issues of legal and illegal immigration are not, and should not, be linked to one another. It is unfortunate that the anger, frustration, and misinformation over illegal immigration has been used to target hard-working, law-abiding, legal immigrants. Focusing our efforts on reducing illegal immigration is a responsible and proper undertaking. Slashing legal immigration, however, as H.R. 2202 does, is like fighting crime by imprisoning the innocent. While the Chrysler- Berman-Brownback amendment does not eliminate all the evils contained in this bill, it does strike some of the most blatantly xenophobic and anti-family provisions of the legislation. The legislation, as you know, would reduce legal immigration by 40 percent over 5 years. Whole categories of legal immigration would be eliminated and excessive restrictions would be placed on the sponsors of legal immigrants. Under the bill, parents of U.S. citizens would no longer be able to migrate to the United States unless they are covered by health insurance and long-term health care policies, a requirement that is clearly beyond the means of many Americans. It is unconscionable that only the wealthy will be able to bring their parents into this country. In addition, the bill guarantees that families of legal immigrants will forever remain divided. The unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are all but prohibited from joining their parents. Should brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens be able to migrate to the United States and live with one another? Not according to the sponsors of the legislation; under H.R. 2202, this category of immigration is completely eliminated. I ask the supporters of these provisions: Is America not big enough for the parents, children,and siblings of its citizens? Mr. Chairman, though it has been said several times before, it must be said again. We are a Nation of immigrants. Ours is a proud, though not unblemished, history of providing hope and opportunity to people from all nations who are willing to work hard and abide by our laws. This bill turns that history on its head and does so by striking at one of our most cherished institutions--the nuclear family. Legal immigrants have provided the United States with a rich return on its investment. Legal immigrants and foreign-born citizens work hard and contribute to the economy well beyond the cost of services that they consume. It is estimated that 77 percent of the foreign-born population is gainfully employed, compared to 74 percent of native-born Americans. In addition, immigrants generate $285 billion in income and pay more than $70 billion in taxes annually--$25 billion more than they receive in benefits. Legal immigrants and naturalized citizens also contribute immeasurably to the rich mixture of cultures and heritages that can only be found in the United States. I find strength and pride in this diversity, not fear and anxiety. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 2202 is, without a doubt, a bill that is bad for America. The Chrysler-Berman-Brownback amendment removes some, but not all, of the draconian measures in the legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment and oppose final passage of the bill.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2202. Let me begin by applauding my colleagues for separating the issue of legal immigration from the rest of the bill. However, I remain very troubled with measures in the bill that hurt children and families. By stripping the bill of cuts made to legal immigration, the House has reaffirmed the invaluable contributions legal immigrants have made and continue to make to our Nation, ``stated chairman Pastor.'' This move has assured that our legal immigration system continues to support and prioritize family reunification. I must remind my colleagues--immigrants are hard-working taxpayers, they go to war on our behalf, and they do not abuse the system. The truth of the matter is that the overwhelming majority of immigrants support themselves without assistance. Studies by The CATO and Urban Institutes indicate that immigrants are more likely than the native- born population to work and contribute $25 billion more in annual taxes than they receive in benefits. First, I am extremely concerned with items in this bill that harm children and families. The Gallegly proposal added to the bill proposes to deny public education to undocumented children. This provision has a chilling effect by jeopardizing the education of children labeled as foreign. This requirement is seriously misguided since the role of our teachers is to teach, not serve as immigration enforcement agents. In addition, this requirement would deflect scarce educational funds to do the job of the INS. Second, restrictions in benefits to legal immigrants in H.R. 2202 will hurt real people who work hard and contribute to this Nation. In addition, this bill adds great stress to State and local governments. The provisions that extend deeming requirements to all needs-based programs are too extreme. We are not looking at solving a problem here, but one created to divide our country and promote short-term political gain. We are talking about stealing the American dream away from most immigrants. President Roosevelt once said, ``We are a nation of many nationalities, many races, many religions--bound together by a single unity, the unity of freedom and equality.'' H.R. 2202 proposes to greatly alter these American values. On equality and freedom will be no longer. Third, the immigrant restrictions would add great stress to State and local governments. We are talking about adding more Federal regulations and verification burdens to comply with the immigrant restrictions. Private and public entities will be required to redirect scarce resources from running programs to meeting Federal mandates. Listen to the concerns of the National Governors' Association, the National Conference of Mayors, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Association of Counties, and the National League of Cities. In a letter to Speaker Gingrich, they say that the immigrant provisions create mandates and cost shifts for States and localities. They describe the immigrant verification requirements as a very burdensome, top-heavy approach to welfare reform. Fourth, this bill makes the Federal Government irresponsible by placing the burden of serving some people solely on State and local governments. If the Federal Government excludes noncitizens from social safety net programs, the need for this safety net will not go away. State and local governments will have to serve them under State programs, translating into a massive cost shift. That, my colleagues, is promoting irresponsibility. Last, this bill will advance a climate of intolerance, suspicion, and division. It will result in increased discrimination against anyone suspected of being a noncitizen. The courts are now reviewing constitutional concerns over California's proposition 187. In the aftermath of proposition 187, reports document the increase in hate crimes against people for simply looking or sounding foreign. Mr. Speaker, a responsible Congress cannot accept this immigration bill. We must protect our borders, but these provisions take us beyond that. We must remain vigilant against excessive government intervention and continue to protect our most basic individual freedoms and needs. I urge my colleagues to reject H.R. 2202. The following remarks note specific provisions and my concerns: Deeming of all programs, including education and medical services: Legal immigrants' access to all programs would be restricted by extending deeming until citizenship for parents; for 7 years for spouses; until age 21 or until citizenship for minor children; or (in all cases) until the immigrant has worked 40 ``qualifying'' quarters (at least 10 years). There are few exceptions, but not for such programs as school lunches, student loans, or immunizations. In addition, there are very few exceptions for deeming to account for persons who become disabled after legally immigrating to the United States. Denial of assistance to immigrants results in a cost shift to state and local governments. The loss of federal funds would need to be offset by state and local funds. This provision would also result in capital drain in high immigrant communities, since they would be required to pay taxes while being denied access to the safety-net they help support. In addition, these provisions would jeopardize public health. Public health programs cannot be successful if they exclude segments of the community. Public charge provisions would make hard working persons deportable: Under this provision, most immigrants would be deportable if they used any needs-based assistance for an aggregate of 12 months during their first seven years of residency. Thereafter, the immigrant would remain a deportable as a ``public charge'' even after decades of taxpaying prosperity. Immigrants who years later have a proven record of taxpaying prosperity would become deportable. It is absurd that an executive of a Fortune 500 company would be deportable as ``public charge'' because s/he needed some assistance years ago. At a minimum, a provision should be added that would allow a person who previously received public assistance to reimburse the government in lieu of deportation. This is in fact current practice, by case law and administrative interpretation. Impedes naturalization: Applicants who obtained assistance can't naturalize until they can verify that their sponsor does not have outstanding payments due to the government for services rendered. This provision was added as part of making affidavits of support enforceable. While there is no opposition to making affidavits of support enforceable, this provision places barriers on something as important as naturalization. Naturalization applicants should not be penalized for their sponsors' violation of the law. In addition, this provision does not discern between sponsors who fully intend to settle any outstanding obligation and ``dead beat'' sponsors. U.S. citizen children of immigrants denied equal benefits: ``Ineligible'' immigrants would be precluded from collecting benefits on behalf of eligible family members. Thus, a U.S. citizen child or disabled person would be precluded from obtaining needed assistance unless that person's mother or father could prove eligible status, or unless the agency would undertake the administrative paperwork and expense of appointing a representative payee who could accept the benefit on behalf of the child. Denying benefits to U.S. citizen kids because of the immigration status of their parents is a violation of the constitutional right to equal protection. This provision would force counties to find and monitor administrative payees to collect the benefits and distribute them to the children. This would be enormously costly and subject to abuse by unscrupulous payees. Only affluent Americans allowed to sponsor family members: To sponsor a family member, an American would be required to earn more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Sponsors must demonstrate that they have an income above 200% of the poverty level for their family plus the immigrant(s) they seek to sponsor. This is an anti-family provision that would affect one hundred million Americans. Family reunification would be unattainable for less affluent Americans who would be prevented from sponsoring their spouses and children. Proposition 187 requirements and INS reporting: With few exceptions, schools, hospitals and others would have an added responsibility of verifying citizenship status of all program participants. All public, non-profit, and charitable entities who administer any government funded, means-tested programs would have this responsibility. In addition to needs-based programs, contracts, business loans, and commercial and professional licenses would be subject to the verification requirement. Public hospitals would also have to report the identity of any undocumented immigrant who receives emergency services, and have that status verified by the INS, to obtain reimbursement. In addition, provisions would allow federal, state, and local agencies to report to the INS the immigration status of individuals. Current law prohibits public agencies from exchanging immigration information with INS in order to ensure the integrity of such entities. For example, current law is in place to assure the protection of witnesses who are cooperating with a police or federal investigation. This provision may discourage private-public partnerships at a time when these partnerships are growing. Charitable entities which feel these requirements are overburdensome may be discouraged from administering community-based programs. Mandating localities to verify citizenship status and other requirements are federal, unfunded mandates, according to the National Governor's Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, National Association of Counties, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National League of Cities. Enforcing immigration laws is a federal responsibility. To comply with these federal regulations, state and local agencies would become de facto INS offices. Primary education Gallegly amendment to Title VI: Rep. Gallegly plans to introduce an amendment on the House floor to allow states to deny primary education to undocumented children. This amendment would attempt to repeal the Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe which ruled that undocumented children cannot be denied a public education. This amendment, if enacted, would be unconstitutional in our country's schools.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, a lot has been said about this amendment, how we are going to deter illegal immigration. But the motive, Mr. Chairman, is greed. That is the motive, greed. Right now with undocumented people, we are keeping the wages on the fields low. Once they are gone, we want to bring in guest workers to keep the wages low. It is greed, Mr. Chairman. Today we hear how these guest workers will be treated, housing, decent wages. Mr. Chairman, in practical terms, the industry is going to get around it by hiring labor contractors who will not give the guest workers the time of day. They will abuse them, they will use them and send them back. Mr. Chairman, it is a bad amendment and I would ask for a ``no'' vote.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Chairman, I also want to congratulate the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Gutierrez] for giving us this amendment. Even though we heard that the motive is very simplistic and does not mean to cause any problems, the so-called sunset provision is still troubling. We heard the chairman, and the majority will contend that this provision merely amends section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to require periodic congressional review of the numerical limits placed on immigration. In reality, according to the Congressional Research Service, this so-called sunset provision will end all family and business preference immigration, all diversity immigration and all humanitarian visas into the United States after the fiscal year 2004, the year the bill designates as the first period of review. This provision is nothing more than a backdoor attempt to have a moratorium on immigration, and, therefore, I ask that my colleagues support the Gutierrez amendment.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, as the House begins debate on an immigration reform bill, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the Immigration and Naturalization Service's [INS] efforts to control illegal immigration along the United States' southern border. The administration has made the enforcement of our borders a high priority, and for the first time in recent memory the INS has the resources to seriously undertake this responsibility. Both Attorney General Janet Reno and INS Commissioner Doris Meissner have made personal visits to the border, with the Commissioner visiting Nogales, AZ, as recently as last month. Commissioner Meissner and Attorney General Reno are to be commended for their efforts at border enforcement, and I submit for the Record an outline of the INS's successful comprehensive Southwest border enforcement strategy. The Immigration and Naturalization Service: Building a Comprehensive Southwest Border Enforcement Strategy I. Overview The Clinton Administration has made control of illegal immigration a top priority and has worked to provide the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) with the resources necessary for an enforcement strategy that will make a difference quickly and sustain itself over time. The Administration focused immigration control efforts first on the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexican border. Years of neglect had left the Southwest border an open invitation to illegal immigration. The INS did not have the personnel or the equipment to properly control this important frontier. For the first time, the Clinton Administration developed a coherent strategy to restore the rule of law to the Southwest border. This strategy is backed by adequate resources and broad community support. The Administration's goal is unambiguous: a border that deters illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and alien smuggling and facilitates legal immigration and commerce. II. A Comprehensive Border Control Strategy The international boundary between the United States and Mexico divides two countries with dramatically different economies, but many shared values, commercial interests and a shared history. It is a border that runs through communities. It is also a border that is used by migrants from Mexico and around the world to enter the United States illegally. It is a border that is today experiencing tremendous immigration pressures. INS developed a multi-year border enforcement strategy both to facilitate legal travel and commerce between the United States and Mexico, and to aggressively enforce the nation's immigration laws. The plan is comprehensive, recognizing that the various regions of the border are interconnected, and any action on one part of the border affects conditions along other parts of the border. The Administration's border control plan has several key objectives: To provide the Border Patrol and other INS enforcement divisions with the personnel, equipment and technology to deter, detect and apprehend illegal aliens; To regain control of major entry coordiors along the border that for too long have been controlled by illegal immigrants and smugglers; To close off the routes most frequently used by smugglers and illegal aliens and to shift traffic to areas that are more remote and difficult to cross illegally, where INS has the tactical advantage; To tighten security and control illegal crossings through ports of entry; and To make our ports of entry work for regular commuters, trade, tourists and other legitimate traffic across our borders. These objectives are essential to effectively deter illegal immigration into the United States. The over-arching goal of the strategy is to make it so difficult and so costly to enter this county illegally that fewer individuals even try. The Administration developed an ambitious plan to achieve these objectives. It involved the strategic deployment of resources, equipment and technologies in concentrated areas of illegal activity. In the past, INS resources were spread out along the length of the border. This deployment plan diminished the effectiveness of Border Patrol agents, vehicles and sensors. By contrast, INS first targeted deployment of new resources to the San Diego and El Paso sectors. These two sectors alone historically accounted for approximately 65 percent of all Border Patrol apprehensions. INS has also deployed significant new resources in Arizona. This concentrated approach has enabled INS to gain a greater degree of control in these two regions. As we regain control in these areas, we are working to expand control to other corridors of illegal entry. iii. putting effective strategies into place The 2,000-mile border contains many distinct areas with wide-ranging topography, histories and crossing patterns. INS designed strategies for each area consistent with the comprehensive approach and the over-arching goal of deterring illegal immigration. INS began by concentrating resources in areas that have long been major corridors for illegal immigration. The agency launched Operation Hold the Line in El Paso, Operation Gatekeeper in San Diego, and Operation Safeguard in Arizona. INS has continued to strengthen these operations with new agents, tightened enforcement at ports of entry, and a crackdown on alien smugglers. Operation Hold the Line INS launched Operation Hold the Line in El Paso, Texas to close the holes in what had become one of the most porous areas of the U.S.-Mexican border. Before Operation Hold the Line, 18 percent of all illegal crossers caught entering the United States were apprehended in this area. INS redirected 54 Border Patrol agents to the Sector in FY 1994, and added 50 new agents in FY 1995 to support Operation Hold the Line. With Operation Hold the Line, the Border Patrol developed a high visibility strategy to deter illegal alien traffic into El Paso. The strategy was based on the specific crossing patterns, the characteristics of the illegal crossers in El Paso, and the flat terrain of the region. The majority of aliens apprehended by the Border Patrol in El Paso have historically been commuters--traveling from Juarez, Mexico to El Paso on a regular basis to work, shop or visit with friends and relatives. Most tried to enter the United States directly through downtown El Paso. Accordingly, the Border Patrol focused on a strategy of deterring these crossers, placing Border Patrol agents directly on the line at regular intervals. The Operation has proven to be tremendously effective. Apprehensions in the sector dropped significantly. In addition, the crime rate in downtown El Paso is down, and it appears that many short-term illegal crossers have been deterred from entering the United States. Traffic at the El Paso ports of entry has risen, and INS has applied law enforcement and facilitation strategies there. At the same time, while many illegal crossers are deterred, a number of more determined crossers are shifting their routes of entry to the outskirts of El Paso. INS is responding to these shifts in traffic by adding additional agents to support outlying stations, building fences, and providing agents with sophisticated equipment and technologies to track and apprehend aliens who cross in remote regions. Operation Gatekeeper For years, before the Administration launched Operation Gatekeeper, the Border Patrol in San Diego fought a losing battle. The border was overridden with illegal alien traffic. Nearly 25 percent of all apprehensions along the U.S.-Mexican border took place along the 5-mile stretch between San Diego and Tijuana known as Imperial Beach. A 14-mile stretch in San Diego--which includes Imperial Beach--has historically accounted for as much as 40 percent of Southwest border apprehensions. Before Operation Gatekeeper, illegal aliens openly congregated on the U.S. side of the border while waiting for an opportunity to head north. Many areas of Imperial Beach belonged to smugglers, illegal aliens and criminals who preyed on aliens and U.S. residents alike. San Diego has historically been a main point of entry for illegal crossers coming to the United States from the interior of Mexico. Unlike El Paso, there are fewer ``commuters.'' The vast majority of illegal crossers are highly motivated and try repeatedly to enter. Many hire smugglers to help them evade the Border Patrol. The terrain-- a combination of rugged canyons, mountains, forest areas, and mud flats, along with heavily populated communities almost directly on the border--makes the work of the Border Patrol even more difficult. On October 1, 1994, the Attorney General announced Operation Gatekeeper, a coordinated effort by the INS, the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California and the Executive Office of Immigration Review. Operation Gatekeeper was designed to use a multitude of tools to increase INS' enforcement capacity in San Diego and to address the specific challenges of the region. The Clinton Administration deployed new agents, time-saving equipment, state-of-the-art technology and an effective strategy to begin to reclaim the border in San Diego. The Operation sought first to control the 5-mile area of Imperial Beach, and then to expand control eastward throughout the 66- mile Sector. This strategy has proven effective, and intensive enforcement efforts have shifted traffic east to areas that are more remote and where the Border Patrol has more of a tactical advantage. As traffic has shifted away from Imperial Beach, INS has continued to beef up the Border Patrol presence along the remaining 61 miles of the San Diego Sector. However, illegal immigrants have often resorted to hiring smugglers to help them evade the Border Patrol. Others attempt to enter illegally through a port of entry using a fraudulent document. In May of 1995, INS launched Operation Disruption to crack down on smugglers and close off smuggling routes. The agency has also taken steps to tighten enforcement at ports of entry in San Diego. INS continues to fortify the entire San Diego border and will strengthen the control achieved to date with substantial new resources this fiscal year. Operation Safeguard Over the course of the last 2 years, as INS enhanced border security in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California, INS anticipated that traffic would shift to Arizona. By the end of 1994, apprehensions in Arizona had climbed 59 percent above the levels at the end of 1993. The Department of Justice launched Operation Safeguard to enhance the security of the Arizona border. INS detailed agents to Arizona to handle the increase flow of illegal alien traffic in the area until permanent agents could arrive. The goal of the operation was to redirect illegal crossings away from urban areas near the Nogales Port of Entry to open areas that the Border Patrol can more easily control. The Border Patrol used its enhanced force to deploy agents almost directly on the line along the four critical miles of the border. The agent deployment, combined with new fencing, has allowed the Border Patrol to enhance control in this critical area in Nogales. Bridging Enforcement Across California and Arizona On January 16, 1996, the Clinton Administration implemented a new initiative to strengthen and link Operations Gatekeeper and Operation Safeguard. INS accelerated the deployment of new personnel and resources--including 200 detailed Border Patrol agents, 40 detailed inspectors, and 60 special agent investigators--to further deter illegal crossings into California and Arizona. The new initiative has three critical components: First, with the addition of new equipment and personnel in San Diego, INS will expand the area of control in San Diego from Imperial Beach to Chula Vista to the east. Second, INS has linked Operation Gatekeeper in California with Operation Safeguard in Arizona. Through the use of checkpoints and airport monitoring, the agency is closing off routes used by illegal aliens and smugglers to evade the Border Patrol in areas of heightened enforcement. As part of this effort, the Department of Justice has strengthened it current coordination with the military as the work at the border on counter-drug enforcement activities in California and Arizona. Third, INS has been working closely with local law enforcement and plans to formally establish a federal-local partnership to enforce federal, state and local laws along the border. Local law enforcement agencies across California and Arizona will provide the Border Patrol and immigration agents with assistance by providing transportation, security and other support. The Justice Department will reimburse local law enforcement agencies for the extra assistance they provide INS in immigration enforcement. iv. providing the border region with resources to effectively control the border Three years ago, the Border Patrol was understaffed and gravely handicapped in its ability to patrol the front line. Agents spent too much time on administrative duties, filling out paperwork by hand or on manual typewriters. Agents were often stranded because of broken-down vehicles, or left idled with radios or other equipment in need of repair. A shortage of vehicles forced agents to leave the line open during shift changes--allowing illegal crossers to enter the United States unimpeded at regular intervals during day and night. Too few roads, inadequate lighting and too little fencing in key crossing areas further hampered the work of the Border Patrol. Over the last 3 years, the Clinton Administration has used every resource at its disposal to implement a plan that brings the highest crossed corridors in key urban areas under control. INS has deployed hundreds of new Border Patrol agents. It has provided agents with advanced technologies to catch illegal crossers and criminal aliens. Agents now have state-of-the-art equipment and vehicles. The Federal Government has built miles of roads and fences, and installed lighting to enhance effectiveness across the border. Over the course of this year, the INS will continue to strengthen the border with new agents, inspectors, vehicles and other equipment, fencing, lighting, and technology. New Border Patrol Agents In fiscal years 1994 and 1995, the Clinton Administration sought and received funding for a total of 1,150 new Border Patrol agents. Of these agents, more than 500 new agents have been deployed in San Diego, more than 140 in the El Paso Sector, with 510 agents going to Tucson, Del Rio, Laredo and McAllen. In FY 1996, 800 new Border Patrol agents are targeted for assignment to the Southwest border. These enhancements will increase the size and effectiveness of the Border Patrol. In addition, 200 Border Patrol positions will be redeployed from interior locations in the United States to further strengthen the Border Patrol presence along the front lines of the Southwest border. With the new agents to be added this fiscal year, the Border Patrol force will have increased by more than 40 percent in just over 3 years. New Land Border Inspectors INS hired 110 new land border inspectors with FY 1995 funding and will hire 536 new inspectors for ports of entry along the Southwest border with FY 1996 funding. The additional inspectors to be added this year will increase current staffing levels by 50 percent--the most significant port of entry staffing increase in the history of the agency. These inspectors are crucial to facilitate legal traffic and commerce and to tighten enforcement at our ports of entry along the border. INS has an ambitious plan in place to facilitate legal traffic through ports of entry along our Southern and Northern borders. With new personnel and technology, INS is taking steps and piloting programs to reduce waiting times for people legally entering the United States. These steps include designated commuter lanes, an automatic entry system for pre-screened travelers, and other improvements in our processing systems. These steps will reduce the inconvenience of waiting to enter the United States at our ports of entry without sacrificing the security of our borders. Vehicles and Equipment Over the past 3 years, INS has expanded the fleet of Border Patrol vehicles with the purchase of more than 1,500 new vehicles and more than 900 replacement vehicles. INS will continue to purchase two new vehicles for every three agents hired. Now, with an adequate vehicle fleet, agents can change shifts without sacrificing enforcement on the line and without creating a window of opportunity for illegal crossers. Fencing the Roads Over the past several years, INS, with the support of military personnel and the National Guard, has built many miles of fencing along the border to control drug trafficking, alien smuggling, crime, and illegal immigration. In San Diego, the Federal Government completed 7 miles of fencing by 1993 and, with continued construction over the last 3 years, there are now 23 miles of fencing in the Sector. In Tucson, INS has started construction on a fence project and in the Yuma, Arizona Sector, the agency has built close to 6 miles of fencing. With continued support, INS plans to build the following new fences this year: 8 miles of fencing in the Campo Station section of the San Diego Sector; 3 miles of fencing in El Centro; 4.7 miles of fencing at the Nogales Station area in the Tucson Sector, completing a project started this past year; and 2.3 miles of fencing in El Paso--including a one- mile fence in the Anapra/Sunland Park, New Mexico area and 1.3 miles at the Roadside Park area. INS will build roads to access the fencing and along the entire length of the fences, just as it has done in previous fence construction. Lighting Over the past 2 years, lighting projects in areas of San Diego have proven tremendously effective and have established the need for additional border lighting. With brightly shining lights, smugglers and illegal crossers cannot evade detection by the Border Patrol or other law enforcement personnel and it is harder for criminals to prey on victims in the dark. In 1995, the San Diego Sector installed 5 miles of lighting in the Imperial Beach Station, and other parts of the Sector have utilized portable lights pending the arrival of permanent fixtures. This year, INS will install additional lighting in San Diego and El Paso. The key areas to be lit are those east of the San Ysidro Port of Entry stretching to the San Ysidro mountains in San Diego; the Anapra/Sunland Park, New Mexico area; and along the Franklin Canal in the El Paso Sector. High Technology Support for Enforcement Operations Over the past year, the Border Patrol has received state- of-the-art technologies to support the detection and apprehension of illegal crossers. Twenty-five infra-red scopes were deployed in San Diego and El Paso and 105 sensors were placed along crossing routes in San Diego, Tucson and Yuma, Arizona. The Border Patrol has also been equipped with computer equipment to speed up the time it takes to process illegal aliens--freeing up more agents for work on the line. In addition, INS deployed a valuable new tool on the border: the IDENT system. This new technology is an automated fingerprint identification system that allows INS, for the first time, to readily identify criminal aliens, track illegal crossing patterns, and collect recidivism data. Over the past year, this system has been deployed in parts of California, Arizona and Texas. This year, we will make our agents even more effective with the following new equipment: Additional sensors for every sector along the Southwest border to detect illegal traffic; Portable radios for all new agents and new vehicles. In addition, INS will install a new radio network in San Diego to handle encrypted voice communication; Infra-red scopes across the border, including 16 to the San Diego Sector, 5 to the San Diego repair facility, 6 to El Centro, 7 to Yuma, 10 to Tucson, 6 to El Paso, 5 to the El Paso repair facility, 6 to Marfa, 15 to Del Rio, 4 to Laredo, and 8 to McAllen; New equipment and software for the Border Patrol's computer-assisted dispatch system in San Diego; and The complete deployment of IDENT to each of the sectors along the Southwest border and the installation of IDENT enhancements. v. summary: a record of progress The Clinton Administration has made clear progress to date. Today, the border is harder to cross than at any time in history. INS is advancing each of the key objectives of the border control strategy. It has secured areas of the border where just 2 years ago aliens freely crossed with impunity. As it has closed off traditional traffic routes, forcing illegal crossers to remote regions and to use longer and more arduous routes. In short, INS is successfully raising the cost and difficulty of entering the United States illegally. Communities across the Southwest border are encouraged by the measures we have taken to date. The work that the Clinton Administration is doing on the Southwest border is essential to restore the rule of law to the region and to begin to control the problem of immigration into the United States. However, to effectively control illegal immigration, the Federal Government must remove the magnet of illegal employment that draws illegal aliens to the United States and must also protect our citizens from criminal aliens. This Administration is committed to fighting the problem of illegal immigration on each of these fronts. INS is working with unsurpassed commitment not just to control the border, but also to back up border enforcement efforts with the aggressive enforcement of immigration laws at the worksite, tough penalties on criminal aliens who return to the United States, and an aggressive program to remove criminal and other illegal aliens from the United States. The agency is now armed with new resources to eliminate the job magnet and restore integrity to our immigration system. The measures being taken, and the enforcement plan at work, will bring greater security to the region and to the country for years to come. A Chronology of Progress on the Border: 1993-1996 March 1993--14-mile Fence Completed in the San Diego Sector The San Diego fence, built with support of the military's Joint Task Force 6, has rerouted illegal traffic, deterred illegal entry and forced alien and drug smugglers to use routes where the risk of apprehension is substantially higher. October 1993--Operation Hold the Line Launched in El Paso, Texas Operation Hold the Line employs an enhanced Border Patrol unit to engage in linewatch operations in the metropolitan El Paso area to effectively stop illegal immigration between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. October 1994--Operation Gatekeeper Launched in San Diego, California The Department of Justice deployed new agents, added support staff to free additional agents to work on the line, and provided the San Diego Sector with new technology, including the prototype IDENT system, and equipment. INS uses these and other new resources in an aggressive new strategy to control illegal immigration into San Diego and to shift traffic to areas where crossing is more difficult and the risk of apprehension is greater. October 1994--Operation Safeguard Launched in Arizona Operation Safeguard utilizes a line-watching strategy, in the Nogales and Douglas areas of Arizona. As part of the Operation, and in order to channel illegal traffic to areas of enhanced Border Patrol control, INS built part of a 4.7- mile metal fence in the Nogales Station area in 1995. January 1995--New Resources Deployed Across the Southwest Border With new resources in FY 1995, INS announced that it would add 700 Border Patrol agents to the Southwest border to bring the on duty force to 4,400. These new agents are supported with new vehicles, equipment and technologies, and well as new roads, fences and lighting. May 1995--Operation Disruption Launched in San Diego With the INS border crackdown in San Diego, INS launched Operation Disruption to disrupt established alien smuggling routes and to prevent smugglers from developing new avenues for illegal entry into the United States. June 1995--Phase II of Gatekeeper Launched in San Diego Building on the success of Operation Gatekeeper, a second phase was launched to respond to changes in traffic patterns and to address smuggling. INS placed additional agents in East County and tightened security at ports of entry. In addition, the agency announced that it would maintain and improve checkpoints north of San Diego and a new temporary checkpoint in East County. October 1995--Further Enhancements to Gatekeeper Attorney General announced the detailing of agents to San Diego to beef up enforcement in East County and to reinforce Imperial Beach and other areas of San Diego. She also announced that INS penalties for fraudulent document users, new detention space to support the border crackdown, and the appointment of Alan Bersin, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, to be her Special Representative for the southwest border to coordinate the work of all Justice Department agencies, harness resources from throughout the Federal Government, and work with state and local law enforcement. December 1995--IDENT Installed in Tucson, El Paso, McAllen, Yuma The IDENT prototype system deployment continued, expanding in areas east of San Diego and bringing the useful apprehension and analytic tool to more Border Patrol sectors along the Southwest border. By March, all nine Southwest sectors will have the IDENT prototype installed. January 1996--Border Enhancements in California and Arizona INS detailed 200 agents from Western, Central and Eastern regions of the United States to sectors in California and Arizona and 100 investigators/special agents as an advance deployment of FY 1996 resources. These new agents, along with improved coordination with the military and the support of local law enforcement, will increase control and further deter illegal immigration into the United States during a period when immigration pressures from Mexico are high. February 1996--FY 1996 resources are deployed to California, Arizona and Texas Department of Justice announced the deployment of new resources to be directed to the Southwest border. These include the addition of 1,000 Border Patrol agents to the front line and the extension of the border strategy to gain control of additional sections of the border where there is a high level of illegal traffic--providing significant support for San Diego, Tucson, and El Paso and McAllen, Texas.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I read in last week's newspapers of the resignation of Fred Duval as Deputy Chief of Protocol of the United States. This is a loss for the Department of State and the U.S. Government. Protocol is one of those things in this town many of us take for granted. It is practiced in the breach. If it's done well, it is hardly noticed. If it is done poorly, it could have major ramifications for relations between our country and others. In the United States, Protocol is responsible for overseeing the visits of foreign royalty, chiefs of state, heads of government, and foreign ministers. It is responsible for overseeing many ceremonial events including meals, events at Arlington Cemetery, major diplomatic gatherings, et cetera, for selecting Presidential gifts, and the administration of the Blair House. Protocol is also responsible for the accreditation of the diplomatic community, and the selection of Presidential delegations abroad. During his almost 3 years of service, DuVal has hosted emirs, emperors, and over 120 heads of government. He spent 12 days as the host of the Emperor and Empress of Japan. He played a major role in a number of mega-events such as the PLO-Israel peace signing ceremony in September 1993, the Israel-Jordanian peace signing ceremony in Jordan, the Nixon state funeral, the Atlanta Olympics, and the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, where over 120 heads of government attended. DuVal is widely admired and well-liked in the diplomatic community where he is often representing the President at evening embassy events, and is thought of in the State Department as one of the strongest and the most effective people to ever hold his position as Chief Deputy of Protocol. Before coming to Washington, Mr. Duval was a constituent of mine in Arizona and has for many years been a friend. He will be missed at the State Department, and it is as a tribute to him that I ask unanimous consent to place James Morrison's article from the Washington Times announcing his departure in the Record.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to call to your attention a bipartisan effort to prevent teenage pregnancy. The National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy proposes to garner support from State and local governments, as well as the media to encourage activities that would ``reduce teenage pregnancy by supporting values and stimulating actions that are consistent with a pregnancy free adolescence.'' The ever-increasing number of teenage mothers poses economic and moral dilemmas for the Nation. Out-of-wedlock births to American teenagers rose 150 percent between 1970 and 1990. Of these pregnancies 82 percent were unintended. This rise in unintended pregnancies has the potential to negatively impact the economic future of the United States. It is therefore imperative that we work together to decrease the number of teenage pregnancies before they reach epidemic proportions. As it stands, nearly half of teen mothers are on AFDC within 5 years of the birth of their first child. It has been estimated that 53 percent of AFDC benefits go to families that began as a result of a teenage pregnancy. The effect on the children born to these young girls is devastating. Eighty percent of these children live in poverty, as opposed to 8 percent of children born to women over the age of 20. The National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy proposes to use national and community based organizations--including religious organizations--to encourage concerted efforts to educate ourselves on teenage pregnancy. By involving State and local organizations, we ensure that each community develops a program that reflects its particular set of values. The success of this initiative would not only lighten the burden on the Federal Government, but also allow for a brighter future for millions of our Nation's youth.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Silvestre S. Herrera, of Phoenix, AZ, who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor 51 years ago by assaulting a German gun position on March 15, 1945. On that day, Pfc. Silvestre Herrera, an acting squad leader/automatic rifleman, and Company E, 142d Infantry of the 36th (Texas) Infantry Division, was the lead element as it moved into German-held territory somewhere near Merrwiller, France. Private First Class Herrera and other soldiers were moving along a wooded road when they were stopped by heavy enemy machinegun fire. As the rest of the platoon took cover from incoming fire, Private First Class Herrera moved forward and shot three German soldiers. Eight others surrendered. As the platoon continued forward, they were stopped by more machinegun fire. Herrera ran toward some large rocks, intending to take cover. Instead, he stepped on a landmine and it blew him into the air. When he came down, he hit another land mine. He had lost both legs just below the knee. Private First Class Herrera somehow managed to hold onto his M-1 rifle. He applied a bandage to his leg and dragged himself to the rocks. He braced himself and began firing at the enemy. He hit at least one of the Germans and forced the others to stop shooting and take cover. Under Herrera's covering fire, his platoon moved in and killed the German machinegun crew. The platoon found a path through the minefield and located a bleeding and injured Herrera. They rushed him back to an aid station. Later, Herrera was sent to France and remained in a hospital until the war ended. Herrera was decorated by President Truman on August 23, 1945, at the White House and in March 1946, he was discharged from the Army as a sergeant. Although no books or films have been written about his heroics, Herrera's deeds are heralded. In 1956, the Phoenix Elementary School District named an elementary school after him. Herrera's own elementary school district, the Pendergast School District, also erected a bust to honor the Congressional Medal winner. The bust was unveiled at Pendergast School in Phoenix during a February reception. The bust, created by Zarco Guerrero, is part of the World War II Commemorative Community Program sponsored by the Department of Defense. Fundraising for the bust was organized and initiated by the Pendergast family, who have known Herrera since childhood. The American G.I. Forum also formed a Silvestre Herrera Chapter on June 23, 1995. On March 15 of this year, the G.I. Forum will salute Herrera on the 51st anniversary of that fateful day in 1945. I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting and thanking Mr. Herrera for his service to the country and his heroism under fire.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, it is very rare that I get on the floor to address an issue, but tonight I felt that it was important for me to do such a thing for two reasons. I found out this afternoon that along the Mexican border, the Arizona border, that we have Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement personnel who are out there enforcing the laws of this country and they are doing it and will do it without pay. There is a case in which it is a couple, man and wife, with children, who are employees of the Border Patrol out there on the desert, protecting this country from criminal activities, apprehending people who went across the border illegally, and yet this couple finds themselves today and tomorrow that they may not have the money to pay their mortgage or to pay their bills. At the veterans hospital in Phoenix, AZ, we have employees going to food banks in order that they can feed their children and their families. I agree, and very rarely do I agree with Bob Dole, but enough is enough. As the previous speaker told us, the plan to hold the Government hostage, I think, is now reversing itself and it is causing the Republican majority, who has the obligation to govern, to now scramble and pass a CR that will pay for minimum services of the Federal Government. And the rallying cry is going to be that we cannot trust the President of the United States, President Clinton. The Republicans are going to say that he is not negotiating in good faith. He vetoed a budget that was given to him, that was passed by this House and the Senate, and he said why he vetoed it. He did not want to give a big tax break on the backs of children, students, elderly, et cetera. And for the past 40 hours, he has been and his aides have been in serious negotiation with the leadership of the Senate and the House. He will continue to do that. What has happened is that the Republicans have held Government employees, the U.S. Government, as hostage in trying to get the President to agree to a balanced budget that he has vetoed, and told them why, and he is negotiating in good faith. But because the American people, in loud cries, are saying enough is enough, they are agreeing with the majority leader in the Senate that enough is enough; that tonight, and probably tomorrow morning, there will be resolutions before this House that will try to bring Federal employees in certain areas back to work. What we should do is pass a clean continuing resolution, bring back the Government employees in order that all Americans get the services they deserve and the President and the leadership of the House and the Senate can continue to negotiate on what should be a proper balanced budget. Enough is enough. We have people risking their lives enforcing the laws of this country, and yet they are not getting their proper pay and they are endangering their family, not being able to provide for mortgage payments, for food, et cetera. This is being caused by a Republican majority who told us that their main principle, or one of their main principles is upholding family values. Let us protect these families, and send them back to work.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I was unfortunately enroute to Washington when three rollcall votes were ordered. Had I been present, I would have voted ``present'' on rollcall No. 1, ``no'' on rollcall No. 2, and ``no'' on rollcall No. 3.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a longtime friend and supporter, Mr. Tony M. Astorga, on the occasion of his 50th birthday. It is my pleasure to recognize the achievements of Mr. Astorga, and the impact he has had on the people of Arizona. Mr. Astorga has long been a valuable member of the Arizona community, beginning with his days as a student at Arizona State University. During his time at ASU, he received many honors, including his placement in ``Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities,'' and ``Outstanding Young Men of America.'' He graduated from ASU with a B.S. degree in accounting with high honors, leading to a long and distinguished career in the Arizona business community. Currently, Mr. Astorga is the senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona and president of AT International, Inc. He has been named the ``Professional of the Year'' by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and received the ``Public Service Award'' from the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants. However, the demands of a highly successful professional career have not kept him from making an impact on the community. He has been a part of the United Way Agency Review Panel, the Blessed Sacrament and St. Joan of Arc Finance Committees, as well as participating in the Manpower Advisory Council and Citizens Task Force to the city of Phoenix. I take great pleasure in recognizing the efforts and contributions that Mr. Astorga has made during his lifetime in Phoenix, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Mr. Tony Astorga.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a leader of the Tucson community and a dear friend of many years. In this holiday season, I am especially grateful for the services that Dan W. Eckstrom provides to the Second Congressional District of Arizona as an outstanding elected official and a dedicated public servant. Dan has long been an activist for children's programs and for senior citizen programs in Pima County, AZ, but it is during this time of year that his caring for these two groups is especially evident. On December 22, 1995, Dan will host his 28th annual Christmas party for the needy children of South Tucson and the Pasqua Yaqui tribe. At this event, more than 2,000 children will receive gifts and toys; for many of them, these will be the only gifts they will receive this holiday season. In working all year for this event, Dan organizes the gifts, food, and volunteers and is solely responsible for the events' tremendous success. In addition, Dan organizes, packs, and personally distributes 400 fruit baskets to senior citizens. Dan's work for the community began at the age of 9 when he walked various precincts for candidates who pledged to help the disadvantaged residents of south Tucson. At age 24, Dan was elected to the South Tucson city Council and 2 years later, he was elected mayor of South Tucson. He held the distinction for many years of being the youngest mayor ever elected in the State of Arizona. He served his constituents well and continued as mayor for 20 years. In 1988, he expanded his services to all of Pima County, becoming a member of the Pima County Board of supervisors. He continues to serve in that capacity today. In his capacity as an elected official and as a private citizen, Dan has always been the voice of those in need, and he has tirelessly worked to extend to all members of our society the opportunities to succeed. To this end, Dan has been a strong advocate of small business and the free enterprise system. He has also supported and endorsed worker protection and unions. Dan has served on many boards and commissions with distinction. His awards and community recognitions span 41 years and are from almost every group that works or serves the south side of Tucson. Dan W. Eckstrom is a citizen of merit for his community, his State, and his country. I applaud his energy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing one of our most devoted and admirable citizens, Mr. Dan W. Eckstrom.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Ms. Patricia V. Asip on receiving the National Hispanic Corporate Council's [NHCC] Charter Award at the recent 10th anniversary dinner. Currently serving as the manager of the multicultural affairs at J.C. Penny Co., Inc., Ms. Asip was a founding board member of the NHCC. As the first marketer to join the NHCC, she has spent her professional career showing the American business community the value of the Hispanic market. A leader in the Hispanic community, her desire and efforts in reaching out to the Hispanic market show her to be a truly admirable woman. I would like to commend her on her achievements, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable woman.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the recipient of the Campeon Award at the National Hispanic Corporate Council's [NHCC] 10th anniversary dinner, Mr. Charles Shoumaker. Mr. Shoumaker was one of the driving forces in the formation of the NHCC. He was invaluable in securing early funding and helping to develop the concept behind the NHCC. While working as the senior vice president for human resources at the Circle K Corp., he provided office space for the NHCC. Indeed, without Mr. Shoumaker's enthusiastic support and initial funding assistance he provided, the NHCC might not have become a reality. Currently, Mr. Shoumaker is the president of Star Human Resources Group, Inc., located in Phoenix, AZ. His company focuses on the needs and concerns of hourly, entry-level employees. Mr. Shoumaker has shown throughout his professional career to be a caring and dedicated individual, and I would ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this remarkable man.