Silvestre Reyes

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me on this very important issue. Let me first begin by thanking my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston), for allowing me to work with him to draft this resolution in support of our POWs. Also, I would like to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter) sitting here; the ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton); the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde); and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for their work to bring this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I stand today before the House not only as a Member of Congress but as a former member of the United States Armed Forces, and also as a proud citizen of this great country of ours. As we all know too well, our country is currently facing very difficult times. We have all heard the unfortunate news concerning the captured members of the 507th Maintenance Company by Iraqi military. Fort Bliss, home of the 507th Maintenance Company, is located in my district. This disturbing news truly hit home for me and for all my constituents in El Paso, Texas. Over the past few months, nearly 4,000 of Fort Bliss's troops have been deployed to the Middle East. On February 17, 2003, the 507th Maintenance Company was also deployed. Mr. Speaker, I can personally vividly remember that windy day back in 1967 when I was getting ready to deploy overseas. I remember then how proud I was wearing the uniform of our military, and how proud I was to be a soldier representing this great country. I also remember the concern that I had for my family. I was leaving behind my mom and my dad, my nine brothers and sisters and my then girlfriend Carolina, who today has been my wife for 34 years. I was being sent away to a country unknown to me, away from my family and my friends; and I can assure my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, war is the most difficult of experiences one can experience. Thirty-six years ago, I served my country proudly. I was fortunate enough to be one of those that returned. I will not even begin today to compare my experiences with those that are facing our courageous men and women being held captive in Iraq. I do strongly commend these troops for their unwavering bravery and pledge my support that they are returned safely. Mr. Speaker, among those troops are the 507th Maintenance Company. Being held captive is a constituent of mine from El Paso. She is an honorable patriot, and now she is an inspiration not only to the people of El Paso but to all of us all across this country. We stand behind her and her brothers and her sisters in arms. I would also like to recognize the courage of our other captive troops, including the Apache pilots from Fort Hood, Texas. My deepest and most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with their families, as well as with all families affected by this tragedy. I know the people of Fort Bliss and the city of El Paso will continue to keep our brothers and sisters in their prayers. I have the utmost confidence in our armed services so that they will very soon reunite the captive soldiers with their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I decided this afternoon that in my remarks I would not mention any names of any of the troops that are currently held prisoner out of respect for their privacy and the privacy of their families, as well as deferring to the request from the Department of Defense. It was recently this afternoon brought to my attention that two more of our soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I am proud to be able to stand before this House and express my support for our troops. As a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, I have had the privilege and the honor of visiting our troops on many occasions, not only at Fort Bliss but around this country and around the Middle East. I am very proud and honored to be able to represent such brave and professional soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I am in strong support of this resolution before us today. I want to assure the American people and the families and the friends of our captive troops that the Congress of the United States stands behind our brave men and women, and we will do everything in our power to see that our prisoners are treated with dignity and humanity and that they are recovered as quickly and as safely as possible. I strongly encourage all my colleagues to vote for this resolution. I also in the strongest terms wish to condemn the Iraqi government and the media that has sought to degrade and humiliate our soldiers in violation of the Geneva Convention, as some of my colleagues have already previously mentioned. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by commending all the members of our armed services that are serving us so valiantly in Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as the troops that are supporting Operation Enduring Freedom for their patriotism, their bravery and their professionalism will never be forgotten. I also wish to express my appreciation to the British and Australian troops and other members of the coalition who are fighting alongside Americans in combat and to all the personnel from other allied countries who are providing support to our troops. I support our government's effort to prosecute this war swiftly and successfully with a minimum of military and civilian casualties. Our soldiers deserve our fullest support, and they can count on all of us for that, no matter how long it takes. Mr. Speaker, may God bless our troops and God bless America. I thank my good friend for yielding me the time.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, as we speak and assemble on the floor of the House tonight, young men and women of our Armed Forces are ready to pay the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our Nation. Indeed, 12 American and four British soldiers died when their U.S. Marine helicopter crashed in Kuwait just hours ago. My condolences and prayers are with their families at this most difficult time. About 3,600 of the troops honorably serving in the Persian Gulf today are from Fort Bliss in my own district. I have been fortunate and honored to meet many of them and their families. These men and women have already shown their remarkable abilities, manning Patriot missile battalions that successfully defended Kuwait and allied troops against Iraqi Scud missiles earlier today. I am very proud to represent these brave and capable soldiers. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they face the dangers and uncertainties of war. And my thoughts and prayers extend to their families as well, who must anxiously await their loved ones' safe return. The mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, wives and husbands, and brothers and sisters of our service members are making sacrifices of their own, and enduring a challenging time. They deserve our recognition and appreciation. I commend all the members of our Armed Forces serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom for their patriotism, bravery, and professionalism. I also wish to express my appreciation to the British and Australian troops who are fighting alongside Americans in combat, and to the personnel from other allied countries who are providing support to our forces. I support our Government's efforts to prosecute this war swiftly and successfully, with a minimum of military and civilian causalities. Our soldiers deserve our fullest support, and they can count on me for that for however long this war may last.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the members of our Nation's armed services and vote for the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act that recognizes their contributions to our Nation and our freedom. The men and women of the Armed Forces, more than any other group, deserve to be first in line when Congress considers tax cuts and special exemptions from tax obligations. At a time when so much is being asked of our service members, it is only appropriate that we make this effort. The Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act will make tax free the entire $6,000 death gratuity paid to survivors of service members killed in the line of duty. The bill also makes payments from the Defense Department's Homeowners Assistance Program tax free. The bill reduces taxes for some service members who sell their home by making changes to capital gains taxes on the sale of residences. The new rules will be helpful to those who have served on multiple deployments and have therefore lived at their residence for less than 2 of the last 5 years. Recognizing the important role played by members of the National Guard, especially at this time when they are being called upon to serve abroad and here at home in the fight against terror, the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act allows members of the National Guard to deduct up to $1,500 in travel, lodging, and meal expenses from their taxable income if they have to travel more than 100 miles to attend National Guard and reserve meetings. One of the most commonsense provisions of this bill recognizes that when a member of our military is deployed, poised for action but not yet in combat, they should not be preoccupied with meeting IRS deadlines. This bill suspends tax filing rules for service members participating in contingency operations. Currently, such a suspension is only made available to service members in combat. Other measures in the bill salute past and future service members. One provision ensures that veterans organizations will not lose their tax-exempt status when admitting ancestors and direct descendants of veterans as members, and another provision allows students attending any one of our military service academies to withdraw funds from education savings accounts and qualified tuition programs without having to pay any penalties. All these measures form a combined message and action of support to our troops at a critical time. I am proud to support the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act and urge all my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the hard work of our nation's teachers, particularly in El Paso, Texas, which I proudly represent. My community, like many other communities across the country, are suffering from a teacher shortage. Our schools lack teachers in many important areas of study, such as math, science, and special education. Meanwhile, teacher salaries are still insufficient and it is difficult to recruit qualified personnel when salaries are not atttractive. I know full well the effort and hard work that teachers dedicate to their students. My wife was a teacher for many years and my daughter, who just completed her doctorate degree in education, is currently an administrator at a local school district. I believe the teaching profession is one of the most honorable professions. I credit our teachers with laying the foundation for the future of our country and the world. In addition to teaching children the basic skills they need, teachers are an important guiding force for our children. After parents, they are one of the greatest influences on children. We therefore need to make sure we have well-qualified and well-paid teachers educating students. As you know Mr. Speaker, passage of this bill before us would reduce the spousal Social Security benefits for countless teachers. H.R. 743 also affects school support personnel, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants. At a time when multi-billion dollar tax breaks are being given to our country's top income earners, our teachers and other public servants would be penelized through this bill. These are people we should be protecting. We should not make them pay for the tax cuts we give those who are more fortunate. This bill negatively affects teachers and other public servants in my state of Texas. For that reason I will be voting against this bill. Mr. Speaker, I have co-sponsored H.R. 594, a bill introduced by my colleague Mr. McKeon that will eliminate the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provisions that target our teachers and other public servants by denying them the opportunity to retain their full spousal Social Security benefits. I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 743 and continue to support our teachers.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many Latino and immigrant workers of the Phoenix Project. This project encompassed the restoration of the west front of the Pentagon. We are all familiar with the horrific event that caused the Pentagon to require reconstruction. Perhaps less known, though, are the workers who restored the Pentagon in record time and under budget. When terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, they hoped to paralyze our country with fear, to break our spirit. The Phoenix Project, however, reflects the exact opposite. Three thousand workers, the majority of whom were from Latin America, descended upon the Pentagon with voracious energy and an unending willingness to help rebuild their newly adopted country. The work they performed was back-breaking: pouring cement, installing plumbing lines, and hanging limestone slabs. Many traveled great distances to the Washington, DC area to work, living and sleeping in crowded hotel rooms. Despite these hardships, these workers labored tirelessly around the clock and throughout the weeks. It was evident to all that the Phoenix Project workers were incredibly proud to be involved in the restoration and renovation of the Pentagon. Their enthusiasm was infectious and quickly drove the project to completion. According to Walker Lee Evey, Program Manager of the Phoenix Project, ``Workers came to the managers and said, `If you'll tell us to get this building rebuilt in a year, we'll do it. We can do that!' '' And do that they did, with determination and pride that is seldom seen. I myself feel honored to stand here today and commend their actions. I am also proud to introduce a House Resolution today applauding their efforts, which, is being cosponsored by all 20 members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. At a time when many Americans are suspicious of immigrants, the Phoenix Project workers put aside hard feelings to fully restore this uniquely American symbol. They serve as a symbol of humanity and hope. Their motivation, devotion, and discipline should be honored by all Americans.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues in support of H.R. 254, which will amend the law that established the North American Development Bank. The needs along the U.S.-Mexico border are ever increasing. Population growth is rapid, estimated at more than 100 percent in the next 20 years. Today about 11 to 12 million people live along the border. By 2020, 22 million people will reside in the region. On the U.S. side of the border, the per capita income is 79 percent of the national average. Four of the ten poorest counties in the United States are along the U.S.-Mexico border. In October of 1993, the United States and Mexico agreed to a new institutional structure to promote border environmental cleanup. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) authorized the establishment of the North American Development Bank (NADBank) and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) which work jointly to address some of the many environmental problems caused by free trade between Mexico and the United States. The primary focus of these two organizations has been to address the water and waste water needs of communities in the border region. And appropriately so: it is estimated that $8 billion would be required to address needs for sewage treatment, drinking water, and municipal solid waste infrastructure projects along the border over the next decade. The BECC is directed to help border states and communities coordinate and design environmental infrastructure projects, and to certify projects for financing, while the NADBank evaluates the financial feasibility of projects certified by the BECC and provides financing as appropriate. Despite the creation of the NADBank to provide loans to finance border environmental infrastructure projects, grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have accounted for the vast majority of funding provided through the NADBank thus far. As I expressed to the House Financial Services Committee last May, the financing provided by NADBank is often at too high of an interest rate to be affordable by many impoverished communities. I am pleased that enough of my colleagues recognized this problem, which led to the introduction of this legislation in the 107th Congress and its reintroduction this year. This bill will allow for the NADBank to come closer towards reaching its full potential by allowing for non-market rate loans and grants to be made towards water and waste management infrastructure. In order to expand the capacity of both institutions to address important binational environmental needs, this bill will expand the geographic scope for BECC and NADBank operations in Mexico from 100 kilometers to 300 km from the border. The geographic limit in the United States will remain unchanged at 100 km from the border. There is no doubt that the area encompassed within 100 km from the border is the area with the most dire needs. However, infusing additional funds within 300 km of the border on the Mexican side makes sense in helping build infrastructure and expanding the economy on Mexico's northern border. Assisting Mexico with infrastructure development needs in its northern border region will eventually relieve some of the pressure on the U.S. side of the border by providing opportunities for Mexican residents in Mexico. The welcome changes this bill brings to the NADBank are a first step towards expanding the NADBank's role in financing infrastructure improvements along the U.S.-Mexico Border. In the future, I hope that the NADBank will be further authorized to finance any public infrastructure need along the border that can not be financed by conventional means. For example, in addition to needing water and sewage infrastructure, colonias are in desperate need of paved roads and a reliable energy supply. These communities suffer from a host of dire living conditions which should not be tolerated in our country. I would like to thank my colleagues in the House Financial Services Committee for their work in moving this important piece of legislation to the floor so quickly in this Congress and look forward to working with them in the future to bring additional needed assistance to the U.S.-Mexico border region. I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 254.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I wish to voice my strong support for House Resolution 62, which honors the observance of the 30th Anniversary of Operation Homecoming. This resolution honors the courage and sacrifice of those members of the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during Vietnam and returned home as part of Operation Homecoming. For most Americans, it is difficult to conceive of the harsh reality that these prisoners of war had to endure. And it is important to appreciate the sacrifice that these men made, and that service members today are prepared to make, in defense of our freedoms. The first group of American prisoners of the Vietnam War returned home as part of Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973 and the last returned in April of the same year. These American prisoners of war fought for our country with valor and sacrifice. Mr. Sam Johnson, our very own esteemed colleague, is among these heroes. After entering the U.S. Air Force at the young age of 20, Mr. Johnson was held captive as a prisoner of war in Hanoi. For seven years, half of that time in solidarity confinement, this brave individual was held captive, until returning back home on February 12, 1973, 30 years ago this day, as part of Operation Homecoming. Mr. Johnson returned home a hero with several distinctions including two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, Two Purple Harts, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards. The service he offered to his country is one that we, as a nation, recognize as the greatest sacrifice for the survival of freedom and liberty. He has dedicated his career to the safety and security of his country, and has further dedicated his professional life to civic service. Ironically, Johnson was one of the lucky ones. He came back home. Almost two thousand members of the United States Armed Forces remain unaccounted for. We must never forget their sacrifices and we must continue the effort to determine what became of them. As a veteran of the Vietnam War, and as the U.S. Representative of a district that proudly includes nearly 60,000 veterans, I urge my colleagues and everyone across the nation to remember the ordeals experienced by our former prisoners of war. They carried a great burden so that we might live in freedom and prosperity.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor the lives of the seven courageous individuals who tragically perished aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on Saturday morning. Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Clark, Rick Husband, William McCool, and Ilan Ramon are true heroes who leave behind a legacy of cooperation, hard work, and friendship that will live on and inspire future generations of scientists and space explorers. I offer my deepest condolences to the astronauts' families. In the midst of this tragedy, may our Nation and the international community also pay homage to all of the selfless, courageous astronauts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and other space agencies around the world. These men and women venture into the unknown in search of new knowledge. These complex, grueling, and dangerous missions have been the source of some of the greatest technological gains in history. The goal of every astronaut is ultimately the betterment of mankind, and the seven explorers we lost on Saturday were working towards exactly that. They were working to understand complex mechanisms in the human body, collecting samples of their own blood, urine, and saliva to detect possible bone loss, kidney stones, muscle loss, or weakening of immune systems, to lead to developments in healthcare--like the dialysis equipment that my mother uses. As the astronauts watched the Earth spin below them, observing climatic and atmospheric phenomena, they worked on projects to help lessen our footprint on the planet, including researching low-level combustion for use in leaner-buming automobile engines. The data from their research will have impact far into the future. As people in my district of El Paso and across the Nation watched the Columbia fall from the sky on Saturday morning, we were gripped with awe and fear. We will rise out of this tragedy. The lessons that we learn from this day will bring us to a brighter tomorrow, a future in which more passionate young men and women truly become citizens of the universe, looking at the world from the vantage point of the stars. The crew of the Columbia lived an adventure which most of us can only imagine. As long as children look up to the sky and dream of touching the stars or standing on the moon, our memories of these brave men and women will live on.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and salute a proud and distinguished individual for his many accomplishments and contributions to the Latino community and our country. Oscar De La Hoya began his successful boxing career at the young age of 6 when he began training to box at the Eastside Boxing Club in Los Angeles, CA. From there he made his way through the ranks and divisions of professional boxing, winning five world titles in different weight divisions. Along the way, he also triumphed at the 1992 Olympics, winning a gold medal in boxing. As if a successful boxing career were not enough, in October of 2000, he began his musical career, releasing his first self-titled album of popular music. Besides his many accomplishments, his commitment to his community has remained steadfast. In 1995, he created the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation as a tribute to his mother Celia. Its goal is to provide educational and athletic opportunities for the young people of the East Los Angeles community. In keeping with this mission, he established an academic scholarship fund for low-income students and opened the Oscar De La Hoya Youth Center. The Youth Center today provides a safe and positive environment where local area youth receive help with their schoolwork, develop computer skills, and participate in athletic training programs. In memory of his mother, he also made a generous donation to the East L.A. White Memorial Medical Center. This donation served as the foundation from which the Celia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Center was created. Oscar knows the importance of being a good role model. Professionally, he has been a testament to the ideals of hard work and perseverance. Outside of the boxing arena, he has demonstrated what it means to truly give back to one's community. The positive impact of Oscar De La Hoya reaches far beyond the state of California. Next week he will visit El Paso, in my district, and be warmly received by an admiring community. He is a young man, who while especially appealing to Latino youth, stands as an inspiration to all.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, the Congress, the State of Minnesota, and the nation tragically lost a great public servant. The sudden death of Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife Sheila, daughter Marcia, three staffers, and two pilots in an airplane crash last month, saddens us all. I extend my heartfelt sympathy and support to their family and friends as they deal with this tremendous loss. This is also a devastating loss for our nation. As Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I was fortunate to work with Senator Wellstone on many issues, such as the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Personally, I worked closely with him on many veterans benefits issues. Paul had a true passion for people, civil service, and veterans that is matched by very few. Paul's commitment to helping people, his warm sense of humor, and positive attitude made him both a great Senator and an excellent friend. His leadership and friendship will be dearly missed by me, members of the CHC and all members of the U.S. Congress. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Paul's family and loved ones, and the family and friends of his staff and the pilots.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the sacrament of marriage by paying tribute to two of my constituents who will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary over the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend. Margarito and Olga Venzor have been dedicated to each other for fifty years and we should all be inspired to know that marriage, in this day and age, is very much alive and well. They were married in 1952 and never looked back. Max and Olga have been examples to their community, church, and family, They have been examples of love, dedication, and sacrifice. They are the parents to eight wonderful and beautiful children: Danny, David, Lionel, Lilly, Rose, Chris, Becky and Bertie. They also have and cherish 17 grandchildren. I won't even attempt to name them. I also hear that they will be adding another grandchild to their familia in the Spring. Max and Olga are also blessed to have two great grandchildren. As a new grandfather myself, and also coming from a large family, I know what a blessing it is and a true gift from God to be surrounded by loved ones. One of the things that has remained constant over the past 50 years, has been the love and dedication that has been felt and shown between Max and Olga. Even when times got tough, as they often did, they were able to keep their marriage strong and their commitment to each other and their children solid. They sacrificed of themselves for each other and truly lived up to their marriage vows. They sacrificed to make sure that their kids and each other were educated, and clothed, and fed, and happy, and nourished, and safe, and loved. These things, in the grand scheme of things, are the most important successes in life. They have shared life's joys and tragedies together and have been with each other through each other's accomplishments, trials and tribulations. They have shared each others aspirations, disappointments, fears, and challenges. They have literally grown up together and have beautifully grown old with one another. What a wonderful, spiritual blessing. I think the place where Max and Olga find themselves as they approach their 50th Wedding Anniversary, is the place and the situation where we all want to be and what so many married couples aspire to achieve. Fifty years of marriage! One of the keys to their success has been keeping God at the center of their marriage, relationship, and family. God is truly the glue that holds the sacred institution of marriage together and Max and Olga are witness to this fact. I know that the Catholic Church continues to be a central and important part of their lives. In fact, for many years, they have served as Eucharistic lay ministers to the family of Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, in El Paso, Texas. When it really comes down to it, there is no greater accomplishment in life than to have loved fully, your spouse, your children, your God, and your country. Max and Olga have certainly done just that and I applaud them on their 50th Wedding Anniversary. I wish them great happiness, peace, and joy in the upcoming years.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4967, the Border Commuter Student Act. I applaud my colleague, Mr. Kolbe, for his hard work at addressing in issue that is critical along the U.S.- Mexico and Canada borders. As you know, the situation on the U.S.-Mexico and Canada borders is unique in regard to foreign students who reside in their homelands and who cross at our Ports-of-Entries (POEs) to use American colleges and universities. Many of these students attend classes on a part-time basis. In the past, the interpretation of the meaning of part-time student varied from POE to POE resulting in inconsistent policy. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) District Directors used their discretion in allowing part-time students to cross at many POEs. Recently, the INS began to enforce laws by stating that ``aliens who seek to enter the United States regularly but primarily to pursue less than a full course of study are neither visitors nor students and are ineligible for student visa or visitor status.'' INS Commissioner Ziglar further clarified policy by stating that ``the POEs are not to admit visitors for business or pleasure whose purpose for entering the United States is to pursue a part-time course of study at a college or university.'' As we continue with our efforts to secure our homeland, I will be the first to admit that priority must be placed on improving the ability of the INS to enforce our laws and deploy technology necessary to secure our nation's borders. Having worked for many years in the U.S. Border Patrol, I understand the importance of increasing security at our nation's POEs and I also understand the need to carefully monitor student visas. However, as you can imagine Mr. Speaker, this situation would have created a great deal of confusion in my district and in many other districts along the U.S.-Mexico and Canadian borders and would have penalized law-abiding people who were taking steps to educate and improve themselves. In fact, there are over 2,000 studends in my district alone who would have been adversely impacted by the implementation of this policy. Some of these students included professionals who work full-time in Mexico border cities and who cross regularly to attend colleges and universities part-time in pursuit of graduate degrees. Such individuals include skilled workers in maquiladoras, educators, and engineers. Many of these individuals contribute to the improvement and quality of life for sister cities along our borders. The Border Commuter Student Act, of which I am an original cosponsor, creates two new non-immigrant student visa categories for Canadian and Mexican students who study part-time in the United States but who live in their home country. This legislation only applies to schools located within 75 miles of the border. Mr. Speaker, this is good, common-sense legislation that closes a loophole and allows students from the U.S.- Mexico and Canada borders to attend classes in the United States on a part-time basis. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, today we consider legislation that was intended to fix the problems in our election system. As the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I have been particularly concerned about how such election reform would protect the voting rights of Hispanic American citizens. And I thank Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, who chairs the Hispanic Caucus' Civil Rights Task Force, for his leadership and assistance on this issue. His dedication to advancing the interests of current and future Latino voters deserves great praise. Today, I join my colleague in urging this House to vote against the conference report of the Help America Vote Act. Last year, I voted against this bill because despite some of the progress it made, it failed to provide key safeguards that would ensure every voter would be able to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted. Now, almost one year later, we have a bill that has emerged from conference which includes some major improvements but also unfortunately includes some major new obstacles to Latino voters. Some of these obstacles came from the bill passed by the other body, and others were added in conference for the first time and at the last minute. Together, these obstacles create a bill that on balance will hurt Latino voters more than it will help. It is a sad irony that this is the end result of a process that began as an effort to address the voting difficulties of the 2000 general elections, where many minority voters were denied their right to vote because of faulty voter lists, intimidation, a lack of voter education, or other obstacles. Rather than take bold, unequivocal strides towards expanding civil rights protections and welcoming our nation's fastest growing bloc of minority voters, this bill is full of half-steps and backward steps that will dampen the voice of the Hispanic American electorate. The major obstacle to Latino voters in this bill is the inclusion of a new voter identification requirement. This will be the first time in contemporary election law history that an identification requirement is federally mandated. The bill requires a voter to show valid photo identification, a copy of a current utility bill, a bank statement, government check or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter. While it sounds reasonable to require identification at the polls in order to combat fraud--an effort I certainly support when done with genuine intent to make the voting process fair--the requirements in this conference report would particularly disenfranchise low income people, especially women and the elderly, who, for example, live in multi-person households and are less likely to drive, and therefore do not possess a driver's license, do not receive a utility bill in their name and may not have any of the other forms of identification listed in the bill. In the past, such provisions have been overturned in federal court for violating the Voting Rights Act. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice has prohibited such identification requirements because of the disparate impact they have on minority voters. In addition to the identification requirement, which was in the other body's bill, new impediments to Latinos were added into the bill at the eleventh hour during conference. The most egregious of which is the creation of the ``citizenship check-off box'' mandate. The conference agreement now imposes on states a new mandate that they cannot register voters who inadvertently miss checking off the citizenship box on their voter registration forms. This mandate does not apply to those who fail to mark the age check-off box. This inconsistency makes no sense, as both citizenship and age are equal requirements to being eligible to vote. There is no acceptable reason why one criteria should be treated differently than the other. Under this provision, it is entirely plausible that a citizen who is otherwise eligible to vote, who mistakenly misses the check-off box on citizenship, will either not be notified of the error or not be notified with sufficient time to rectify the mistake before the state cut-off date for registration. Therefore, this change in the law could result in a state or local registrar targeting the voter registration forms of those with surnames that some people consider ``foreign,'' to find any that left the citizenship box blank and then invalidate them, without ever telling the applicant. When the voter shows up to vote, he or she will not be on the voter rolls and then if offered a provisional ballot, that ballot will never be counted, because only the provisional ballots of successfully registered voters are counted. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, this conference report adds barriers to voter registration efforts through adding needless administrative red tape. Under the conference report, someone who registers to vote, who has been issued a current and valid driver's license, must include the license number on the registration form. Therefore, if citizens happen not to have their license with them when they register to vote, their voter registration form will not be processed. This constitutes a weakening of existing voter rights law, and creates barriers to the effectiveness of voter registration drives, as citizens would have to register at a later time if they happen not to have their driver's license with them on their first attempt to register. For those who have not been issued a driver's license, the bill requires the last four digits of their social security number, which is then cross-checked against the Social Security Administration database--a database riddled with errors, especially in recording the names of Hispanic women. And for those people with weak memories, who could easily forget their Social Security number, incorrectly record that number, they will have their voter registration form invalidated. Besides these obstacles, the bill does include some improvements to our election system: more access to provisional ballots; the ability to verify a ballot before casting it; the required posting of voting information; and the creation of statewide voter list databases. However, a great deal of the bill's new benefits will be unavailable to many Latinos and others because of the new barriers the bill erects. On balance, this bill does not deserve our support. It is not better than no bill at all. I urge all my colleagues to vote against this conference report and revisit election reform in the next Congress, where we can hopefully do the job right.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise this morning in strong support of this substitute. As I said yesterday, many of us know that there is a better way, and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) has focused our efforts with his leadership and with his guidance. He has led the way to a carefully constructed and well thought out resolution, one that takes into account the dynamic and the potentially dangerous situation in which we find ourselves today. Unilateral action, Mr. Speaker, would cost billions of dollars and possibly thousands of lives. Carelessly stepping into a conflict is not something that should be undertaken lightly. I do not think that the administration, as I said yesterday, has made the case for this type of action. This appropriate resolution supports the President's request of the Security Council for arms inspections that is backed by force. This resolution authorizes President Bush to use the same Armed Forces of the United States as his father did in the Persian Gulf War in military action that is sanctioned by the Security Council. If the Iraqis defy the inspectors and the U.N. will not authorize force, this Congress will expedite a vote for a new resolution to authorize that force. Saddam Hussein and his regime are a menace to our security, and I agree with the President that the Security Council should enforce resolutions and put a stop to his system of ``cheat and retreat.'' The Security Council should compel Iraq to destroy its weapons of mass destruction and its means of producing such weapons, and if armed force is necessary, it should be with their concurrence as well. This bill sets the stage for a prudent process to accomplish these objectives. More importantly, it emphasizes the tenet that war should be a last resort and not a first resort. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time on this very important issue that we debate. There are many things that make me proud to be an American. One of them is to be here today to be able to debate this issue. As my previous colleague stated when he quoted a general that said that war is hell, take it from somebody that has been there. Thirty-five years ago, I found myself half a world away in a place called Vietnam. I can tell my colleagues that war is hell. There are a lot of us here today that have had that same experience, but are taking different positions on this resolution. Some of my colleagues have asked why, when they hear my friend and colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham), talk about his experience and his favoring in support of the resolution. I will tell my colleagues that I intend to vote against this resolution. I intend to do so because in meetings I have held in my district, mothers and fathers and veterans come to me and tell me, please, do not let us get back into a war without exhausting all other avenues. I think every one of us in this House brings our own experiences as we represent our constituents. Every one of us here wrestles with a very tough decision as to whether or not to go forward with a resolution on war. Every one of us understands that we are a nation of laws, that we lead the world by example, that we have a great respect for process and to protect the rights of everyone. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I reluctantly today rise in opposition against this resolution, because I think that the President has not made a case as to why Iraq and why attack Saddam Hussein. As a member of the Committee on Intelligence, I have asked consistently the questions to those that have come before us with information, I have asked the question of what is the connection between 9-11 and Iraq and Saddam Hussein. None. What is the connection between Iraq and Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda? Very little, if any. As to the weapons of mass destruction, the delivery systems and all of these things, we have clearly heard that there is a lot of speculation about those capabilities. Last week, I was part of a group of colleagues that met with a retired general that was in charge of this conflicted area of our world. He was asking the same question that we were: Why Iraq, and why Saddam Hussein? In fact, when we asked him to list in priority order a war against Iraq and Saddam Hussein, he listed it as his seventh priority. When we asked him, what would you do in our situation, he was as perplexed as we are being in this situation. September 11 changed things. I concede that. More than that, for me personally being a first-time grandfather changed things as well. I bring to this position and to this decision the experience that I brought as a Member of Congress. My staff asked me, Congressman, what are you going to say to the troops? Because I have taken the opportunity to go out and visit our troops in Afghanistan three times since Easter. I know the conditions they are living in, and I know the conditions they are fighting in. Those are similar to the same conditions of some 35 years ago. War is hell, and we ought to exhaust every single possible remedy before going to war, before subjecting our troops, our men and women in uniform, to those kinds of consequences. So I tell my staff, I will tell the troops the same thing that I will tell the American people on the floor of Congress, that I oppose this resolution because I think that the case has not been made. I do not take giving my support for war lightly, as neither do my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. But each one of us has to wrestle with his or her own conscience. I want to make sure that my granddaughter, Amelia, maybe 35 years from now, can look and say, my grandfather made his decision on the information that he had. He opposed the resolution because he did not think it was the right thing to do. But I will tell the Members this: When and if the President makes a decision to commit troops, when and if the President commits us to a war, I intend to be there. Because my experience in coming to this Congress, my experience of some 35 years ago, returning from Vietnam and seeing all the protests and seeing all the signs and seeing all the things that they were calling us, was very divisive. So it is inherent upon us to do what our conscience dictates on this issue today. I oppose it reluctantly under those circumstances, but I will support whatever decision our President and our country makes.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4085, the Veterans' and Survivors' Benefits Expansion Act of 2002, of which I am an original cosponsor. This bill increases the rates, through a cost- of-living adjustment (COLA), of veterans' disability compensation for dependants, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and children. This bill would rightly allow veterans and survivors to receive the same percentage increase in benefits as are paid to Social Security beneficiaries. I would like to thank the distinguished Chairman of our Committee, Mr. Christopher Smith, as well as the distinguished Ranking Member, Mr. Lane Evans, for their hard work in bringing this bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the service of Ms. Beth Kilker. Beth has been a hardworking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee staff for over 20 years. I would like to wish her the best on her retirement and congratulate her for all of her outstanding contributions to the Committee.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3731, a bill of which I am an original consponsor, to maintain funding levels for State Approving Agencies who approve the Department of Veterans Affairs' educational programs as well as conduct outreach concerning education benefits. The passage of this bill will prevent a $1 million decrease in funding for this program in Fiscal Year 2003. This decrease would likely result in the loss of State jobs and the degradation of this important program. We have a responsibility to our veterans to provide the services promised to them when they committed to serve our country. Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have dedicated my service in Congress to improving the quality of life of our Nation's veterans. I remain committed to the responsibilities I have to our veterans. I would like to thank the distinguished Chairman of our Committee, Mr. Smith, as well as the distinguished Ranking Member and friend, Mr. Lane Evans, for their hard work in bringing this bill to the floor.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of House Resolution 561, Recognizing the Contributions of Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and I commend my colleague and fellow Texan, Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, for authoring it. It is most fitting that during Hispanic Heritage Month we take a moment to reflect on the tremendous contributions made to the Latino community and the nation as a whole by Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Over 200 colleges and universities across the country are considered HSIs as defined by the Higher Education Act. Together, these HSIs serve over 1.5 million Latino students, about forty percent of all Latinos in higher education. Thousands of future teachers, engineers, businessmen and women, lawyers, doctors, authors and artists are currently conducting their undergraduate studies at HSIs, and many more are yet to come. Hispanics form the fastest-growing sub-population of students in the country, making the continued support of HSIs all the more important. Since coming to Congress, I have worked hard to increase the resources available to HSIs. Working with Congressman Hinojosa, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Education Task Force, we have increased Title V funding for the infrastructure and faculty development of HSIs from $12 million in 1998 to $86 million this year. We are working to see that number increase again in the fiscal year 2003 appropriations, currently stalled in the House. What a fine tribute to HSIs it would be if we could move the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill through the House and include a hefty increase in HSI funding, and funding for all Hispanic-serving education programs because if we fail to help children succeed in elementary and secondary school, they will never make it an HSI or any other institution of higher education. As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I am pleased to recognize the role HSIs play in the advancement of the Latino community and urge all my colleagues to show their support for HSIs today and in the coming months and years.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, this House, the State of Hawaii, and the nation lost a powerful figure on Saturday. Sadly, our colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, passed away in her home state of Hawaii. My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Patsy spent more than four decades advancing civil rights, expanding educational and health care opportunities, and combating poverty. Her particular efforts in promoting women's rights and equality have helped change the face of this country for the better. My daughters, and my granddaughter, have had and will have greater opportunities to achieve their dreams in this great country, thanks in part to the efforts of Patsy Mink. Earlier this year, Patsy played a key role in a joint retreat of Members of the Congressional Black, Hispanic and Asian-Pacific Caucuses, contributing her enthusiasm to strengthening bridges that unite Americans of different backgrounds. As the current Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, it has been a pleasure and inspiration to work with her on important issues such as providing assistance to low income families and protecting immigrants' rights. Witnessing the energy Patsy brought to her work this year never would have led me to believe I would have to bid her farewell so soon. A woman of her stature, experience, expertise and dedication will be impossible to replace. Patsy Mink will be sorely missed.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this resolution that recognizes the countless contributions of thousands of hard-working immigrants who came to the U.S. more than fifty years ago to work in our nation as guest workers. They worked in our farms and railroads and produced with their labor the many things we needed at the time. They gave part of their lives to the United States and followed the rules as they were told. It is only fitting that today this House recognize their many contributions. As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, just like I am proud to support this recognition, I am also disappointed that this House has been unable to respond to the plight of the very same people we honor today by enacting the Bracero Justice Act. The Bracero Justice Act would go beyond the recognition that we support today and allow thousands of Braceros to be heard in court and make their case, and potentially receive money owed to them. Braceros came to work for America. They fulfilled their part of the agreement that brought them here, but apparently money that had been withheld from their paychecks never made it back to their hands as was promised. And now we are looking for that lost money and we want the courts to look into the allegations of these hard-working individuals and see that justice is done. It is only fair that if money was withheld and never made it back to the people who earned it we do the right thing for the Braceros and their families, and give them the opportunity to get it back. I strongly support this symbolic resolution and express my gratitude for all the contributions Braceros made to our country. I also call on this Congress to take a look at the Bracero Justice Act, to do the right thing and to move to help thousands of Braceros and their families.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I would like to commend my colleague, Representative Hilda Solis of California, for introducing H. Con. Res. 177, honoring civil rights leader Dolores Huerta. And I share my colleague's frustration with the undue delay in bringing this resolution before the House. With National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated between September 15 and October 15, there isn't a better time to bring this resolution to the floor. This year's celebration would be incomplete if we do not recognize a historic Latina who has led the fight for equality and justice in the United States--Dolores Huerta. Dolores Huerta's contributions are no less than those that our nation has proudly recognized over the years. Nearly 100 other Members of Congress acknowledge the need to give Dolores Huerta the recognition she deserves and have co-sponsored H. Con. Res. 177. The contributions of Dolores Huerta are well known and have already been recognized by numerous organizations. Dolores Huerta was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame in 1993 for her relentless dedication to farm worker issues. She has also received the American Civil Liberties Union Roger Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award and the Ellis Island Medal of Freedom Award. And in March, she was named one of six Women Sustaining the American Spirit honorees by the National Women's History Project. Dolores Huerta has fought for the rights of underserved laborers for more than 40 years. She has advocated against the use of harmful pesticides such as DDT and Parathyon, led a national campaign for environmental justice, and protected our First Amendment rights through peaceful protests and demonstrations. Dolores Huerta began as a teacher, but left the teaching profession because she couldn't stand to see her students--children of farmworkers--arrive at school hungry and without shoes. She founded the Stockton chapter of the Community Service Organization in 1955 to educate and assist farmworkers. In 1962, she joined with Cesar Chavez to found the National Farm Workers Association, a precursor to the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee. The organization has repeatedly fought for the rights of farmworkers, advocated against the use of harmful pesticides and led a national campaign for environmental justice. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and the rest of the leadership to bring H. Con. Res. 177 to the floor, so we may give Dolores Huerta the recognition she so richly deserves during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the Reserve Forces Policy Board on its 50th Anniversary. The Reserve Forces Policy Board was created by the Armed Forces Reserve Act of 1952 (Public Law 82-476) to represent members of the Guard and Reserve as their advocate to the Secretary of Defense and Congress. Today, it continues to provide leadership to the Department of Defense with timely and independent advice on matters pertaining to the Reserve Components. During the Gulf War and again in the aftermath of September 11th, our nation's reliance upon the Reserve components has become increasingly clear. For its fine work as an independent source of advice to the Secretary of Defense on all matters pertaining to the Reserve components, I commend and recognize the Reserve Forces Policy Board on its 50th Anniversary.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the retirement of one of the most inspirational and respected women in El Paso, Texas: Mrs. Myrna Deckert. Mrs. Deckert represents the highest caliber of citizen we have in the United States. Since the early 1960s, she has been a motivating force in the improvement of her workplace, the YWCA El Paso, and as a result, the El Paso community as a whole. We are lucky to have someone with her rare mix of business savvy and empathy in our midst and I am proud to honor her today in the United States Congress. Myrna's service to El Paso began with her position as Teenage Director at the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region. Myrna quickly displayed her prowess for innovation and improvement as she expanded the Teenage Program from less than 30 members to over 1500 members and vastly improved the services offered. She then moved up to become the Associate Executive Director of the organization. It is through her efforts in this position that the YWCA captured national attention in Parade Magazine. Myrna created a place of respite and support for teenage girls with family problems called the Residential Intervention Center which was so effective that it caught eye of Parade, who ran the story as its feature article. Just one year after assuming the Associate Executive Director post, Myrna was made Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region. In the ensuing years, it was easy to tell that Myrna was at the helm. With her as head of the organization's 33-member board, the YWCA's operating budget grew from $100,000 to $35 million. Their staff grew from about 20 to over 800, and, the YWCA went from one building to numerous facilities valued at over $20 million. As CEO, Myrna received numerous awards and recognitions for her efforts. Some highlights--;as there are definitely too many to share all of them here--;are: the Woman of the Year Award from the American Association of University Women, the Director of the Year Award from the United Way of El Paso County, the Humanitarian Award from the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the ``One of the Twenty Outstanding Women of Year Award(s)'' from the El Paso Times in 1997. Three years later, the El Paso Times honored her again with one of the two ``Newsmaker of the Year'' awards in 2000. While reflecting over this amazing and substantive career, I would like to congratulate Myrna on her retirement and thank her so much for her years of hard work and commitment. Because of her efforts, I represent an area that provides opportunity and enjoyment to its citizens. Myrna, because of your efforts, I represent an area that people are proud to call home. Thank you. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I want to offer my personal experience. Back in 1969 when I first joined the Border Patrol as a young officer freshly out of the military after spending 13 months in Vietnam, I went to a station where I was only one of three Latinos. And had it not been for the fact that I was able to join the Border Patrol Union, I would have not had a career in the Border Patrol for 26\1/2\ years. Union protection is vital and important, specifically for minorities, but for all employees. To somehow draw the conclusion that to be able to have bargaining rights would be contrary to this Nation's national security is wrong. Mr. Chairman, I intend to oppose the Shays amendment and I intend to oppose anything that would put in jeopardy the kinds of rights that gave me the opportunity to serve this country proudly in the United States Border Patrol, both as an agent ultimately retiring as the Chief. So I have been on both sides. I would rather have our employees have the protection and have to deal with a problem employee as a responsibility of a chief than to subject employees to no protections.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this amendment, because since September 11 we have been in the process of learning several important lessons. One of the most crucial was the lack of effective intelligence dissemination and analysis. For a while the buzzword was that we did not have the ability to connect all the dots. Machiavelli once said, ``There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.'' This amendment directs the administration to develop procedures for Federal agencies to share homeland security information with appropriate State and local authorities, both classified and declassified information. After spending some 26\1/2\ years in Federal law enforcement, I know how important it is for the first responder to have access to tactical intelligence. Between 600,000 and 800,000 police officers protect our homeland every day, and have been on the job since the inception and the birth of this country. This amendment will build those bridges, those interagency bridges, that will get the information to the folks that need it. Those brave law enforcement men and women, who are literally our boots on the ground with respect to fighting domestic terrorism, need and deserve this capability. So, Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this amendment, and, in closing, I want to note the great job that both my colleagues, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Chambliss) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman) have done, both on this amendment and also on the great work in working with the antiterrorism task force.