Silvestre Reyes

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Missouri for yielding me this time. Just for the record, the gentleman's word is good enough for me. It does not have to be in writing.

Mr. REYES. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman from California clearing that up. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the amendment to strike the Kosovo language from this bill. Like many of my Democratic colleagues on the House Committee on Armed Services, my main concern with the underlying bill language has been and continues to be the inclusion of language which would basically require us to cease our operations in the Kosovo region at the end of this fiscal year. Although I voted for the bill in the committee, I was greatly concerned with the message we were sending to Milosevic, to our military and the rest of the world. Although I do agree with the funds that we are providing in this bill, the manner in which the language is currently written will cause an unnecessary crisis on October 1 in the Balkans. Having recently returned from that region and having heard from the refugees the horrors that they have experienced, I believe that we need to be in Kosovo and assist with the peace process. I urge my colleagues to vote for the Skelton amendment and to make this defense authorization a truly comprehensive bill.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, at 7:20 a.m. this morning THAAD intercepted a Hera target at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. Like a bullet hitting a bullet, the THAAD missile had a direct hit on the target. Although there have been difficulties along the way for this program, the THAAD team has accomplished one of the most technologically challenging feats ever attempted. Significantly, this morning's test is the first time that THAAD has been able to make it to the end game, and I want to stress that it worked, the technology works. Previous tests were plagued with low-tech failures that did not allow the THAAD missile to reach the end game to attempt the intercept. In conjunction with the PAC III that hit on March 15, this proves that hit-to-kill technology can work. We must remain mindful, however, that THAAD and other missile defense systems are still at the R&D stage. There still could be more failures. But we must remain supportive of these systems. I want to congratulate the United States Army, especially the soldiers at Fort Bliss in White Sands, and all of the employees at White Sands Missile Range. I also want to congratulate the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization and THAAD contractors for this great success. Madam Speaker, this is an important and momentous day for national missile defense but, ultimately, for the defense of our troops in deployed areas throughout the world.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. REYES. Mr. Chairman, may I ask how much time is remaining on both sides?

Mr. REYES. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill).

Mr. REYES. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1\1/4\ minutes. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this bill with one reservation. This bill is good for our troops, good for their families and good for the national security of this country. For the troops, we have increased readiness accounts to ensure that they have the equipment and the training that they need to be an effective fighting force. For their families, we have increased soldier pay, including even greater increases for experienced midlevel officers and NCOs, who today are being lured into the private sector with better paying salaries. We have fixed the retirement system to put all military personnel in an equal retirement system, and we have increased the basic housing allowance to help ensure that our soldiers and their families are not living in substandard homes. For national security we have increased the procurement accounts to ensure the current and near-term success of our military, and increased R&D accounts to ensure we maintain our position as a world leader long into the future. Like many of my Democratic colleagues, however, my main concern with this bill is in the inclusion of the Kosovo language. I intend to support the amendment of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) to remove that language. If that language is eliminated, this, in my opinion, will be a great bill.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to urge my colleagues to cosponsor a bill that the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) and I are introducing today, the Border Control Recruitment and Retention Act. This bill will correct a longstanding problem within the INS, and begins to address some of the recruitment and retention problems we have heard so much about lately. This bill is not a cure-all. It is, however, a step in the right direction. I will continue to work with my colleagues on legislation for comprehensive pay reform for the United States Border Patrol. Currently most Border Patrol agents are kept at the GS-9 Journeyman level, with only 30 percent of the work force actually working at GS-11, even though their work is much more comprehensive. The bill we are introducing today states that any GS-9 with a current rating of fully successful will automatically qualify for GS-11. What does this mean? It means that on the average, Border Patrol agents will move from a salary of about $34,000 a year to a salary of about $41,000. It addresses a pay disparity. It is fitting that we introduce this legislation today and push for its passage this year, which is the United States Border Patrol's 7th anniversary. I believe that this is the least we can do for an agency that is at the front line of the defense for this country.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise today in support of this bill, although somewhat reluctantly. As an original cosponsor of H.R. 4 and a longtime proponent of national missile defense, I want to be supportive of this bill. However, I have several concerns that I must express on the floor today. Like many of my colleagues, I supported this bill as originally drafted, both for what it said and for what it did not say. That bill did not say when a national missile defense system must be deployed, how a national missile defense system must be deployed, nor where a national missile defense system would be deployed. It did not include extra provisions that are not sufficiently defined, like ``technologically possible.'' Our bill also did not include language that could upset our colleagues in the Duma, something that is very important to us as we move towards better relations with Russia. The Senate version which we are now being forced to take or leave today states that it is the policy of the United States to seek continued negotiated reductions in Russian nuclear forces. I understand the need to continue negotiating with the Russians, because that is the issue with the reduction in nuclear forces. However, traditionally, negotiations have included both reductions between the Soviet Union and between the United States. The Senate language could be perceived by the Duma as an insult because it includes only a reduction in their forces and it does not address reductions in ours. Another concern is aimed directly at the other body as a whole. Many of us were under the impression that we would have the opportunity to go to conference with the Senate and work on a compromise between those two bills. Instead, the Senate simply chose to retain only our bill number and return the bill to us with their language. As I noted, I have been a long time supporter of national missile defense. Some critics of deploying a national missile defense system argue that the technology is not proven. National missile defense will use hit-to- kill technology. It is like hitting a bullet with a bullet. Recently, another one of DOD's hit-to-kill missile defense programs, the PAC-3, showed that this technology can work. I repeat, this technology can and does work. The PAC-3 interceptor successfully destroyed the target over White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico this past March. I know that perfecting national missile defense technology will be more difficult than for the PAC-3. However, I just want to make sure that all of my colleagues in this House understand that the Army has proven the hit-to-kill concept. I also want to reiterate what my good friend Curt Weldon said earlier. THAAD is not a failure. Again, THAAD is not a failure. THAAD has accomplished 28 of its 30 milestones. Every time THAAD has failed to intercept the target missile, it has done so, but has shown that the failure was due to a low-tech problem. These problems with the THAAD have been quality control issues, not design defects. We need to show our support of national missile defense and move forward with a program as quickly as we can. As such, I will support this bill today and I also urge all of my colleagues to do so. It is vital to the security of this Nation that we move forward on this issue today.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me the time; and I congratulate both my colleagues for leading this effort on behalf of Central America. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this motion to instruct the conferees on H.R. 1141, the supplemental appropriations bill, which will provide critical assistance for Central America. This motion to instruct conferees is important because it reflects our need to act now and to provide full funding of $621 million in disaster assistance for Central America. Already 6 months have passed since Hurricane Mitch. Every day that we delay is another day of suffering for our neighbors in Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. During my recent visit to the area with President Clinton, I saw firsthand the terrible, terrible devastation. Entire roads and villages were literally washed away. Millions of people were merely surviving, lacking adequate shelter, food, and water. Their livelihoods have been completely destroyed, and they are suffering from inadequate health care. The situation is growing worse, and I can tell my colleagues that our failure to act is simply inexcusable. Mr. Speaker, we must act now to stop the partisan wrangling and push forward this assistance. Conditions there remain bleak; and, with the upcoming rainy season, things will only get dramatically worse. The $621 million in the supplemental will allow for the critical repair and reconstruction of roads, bridges, and schools. Moreover, critical health care and prevention resources will, hopefully, avert a looming epidemic of diseases such as malaria, cholera, dengue fever, and other killer diseases. Finally, this aid will begin the process of resurrecting the agriculture economies of these nations, providing hope and restoration of these people's lives and an orderliness in their countries. This is a matter of humanitarian assistance that should not be held up by political posturing. Our Nation can and should take decisive action immediately to alleviate the misery that is now occurring in Central America. This is simply the right thing to do, and it is long overdue for action from this House. I ask this House to send a strong message that help is on the way and that help will provide and eliminate the suffering in Central America. Mr. Speaker, I, therefore, urge this House to vote in favor of H.R. 1141.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, the census should not be a political game. The census should not be used as a political football to decide who is up and who is down. The stakes are too high in this issue. As we all know, the census is the basis for almost all demographic information about the United States. Our government uses census data to decide which local communities need Federal funding for WIC, Head Start, Safe and Drug Free school funding, Medicaid, and other important programs. Each of our communities will be hurt if there is an unfair and inaccurate census. Equally important, minorities across the Nation will be hurt by an inaccurate and unfair census. In my State of Texas, 486,028 people were not counted in the last census. This undercount cost the State of Texas more than $934 million in Federal funds alone. My district, El Paso County, had an undercount of more than 25,000 and perhaps as high as 40,000 people that were not counted. Nationwide, my congressional district ranks 17th out of all the congressional districts which were undercounted. As we have heard many times, the 1990 census, which used the conventional head count method, missed over 8 million people. Mr. Speaker, over 8 million people were missed in the last census; 4.4 percent of African Americans, 5 percent of Hispanic, 4.5 percent of Native Americans, 2.3 percent of Asian Americans, and 3.2 percent of children were missed in the last census. Democrats want a fair, accurate, and complete census that counts everyone. To accomplish this, Democrats, the scientific community, and the Census Bureau favor using both the conventional head count method and the modern scientific method of statistical sampling in the 2000 Census. It appears, however, that Republicans do not want an accurate census. They seem to be worried that it will endanger a fragile majority in Congress. As I have said earlier, the census is too important to be used as a political football. This should not be a Democrat versus Republican issue. Experts support the use of sampling. The National Academy of Sciences recently released the first report from the fourth panel to review the Census Bureau's plans for the 2000 Census. Once again, the experts convened by the Academy endorse the Census Bureau's plan to use scientific evaluation and to provide a correct census as a basis for their counts. Mr. Speaker, it is time that we stop playing games and start taking care of those who need an accurate count, those in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. It has become common knowledge that those communities that suffer most are those communities along our border. We owe all Americans this basic right to be counted in the next census.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, we are in the throes of debate on many different and important issues. I rise today to support the proposal of my colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutsch). I happen to have been with a delegation that visited Central America. I saw the faces of the men, women and children that had been devastated by Hurricane Mitch. Part of the process and part of the obligation that we face in this House is to maintain a focus on the issues that are important and to maintain in priority the things that merit attention. Part of the process is respecting the fact that we, as leaders in the world and leaders in this hemisphere, have an obligation to help those in need. That is what I am speaking about today. It has been almost 6 months since the devastation in Central America; 6 months where people have been without the basic essentials that sometimes most of us take for granted; 6 months that we have been sitting and doing nothing on their behalf. I was with the President. I saw the work that was being done by the men and women of our Armed Forces, I saw the work that was being done by the relief agencies, but I do not see the same kind of response from this body. I think we can do better. I think we as Americans have an obligation to help those people in Central America.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern with several of the resolutions that we will consider here today, because I believe that several are too extreme, and others would tie the hands of U.S. military commanders like General Clark. These legislative proposals would undermine the flexibility of our military leaders to ensure the safety and security of American forces in the Balkans. We can debate whether or not we should be in Kosovo at all, but the fact remains we are there. We must now listen to our military leaders and not prohibit them from carrying out their mission effectively and safely. In war or conflict, or whatever it is that Members want to call this, we never want to be in a situation in which we are fighting a limited war and our enemy is fighting an unlimited war. We do not want our enemy to know what we will not do or they will exploit that weakness to their advantage. If we, by our votes today, tell Milosevic that we will force a long, protracted process to allow ground troops, then he can exploit this situation to his benefit and to the detriment of our men and women in uniform. As a Vietnam veteran, I remember being in a war in which the military was not provided the tools that it needed. I remember only too well being in Vietnam and being exploited by the commentary that was occurring in this country and sometimes in this body. For example, when we decided not to mine Haiphong, we allowed the Soviets to continually supply surface-to-air missiles to the North Vietnamese, which placed our service personnel in greater danger. In 1992 in Somalia, Lieutenant General Montgomery, the then theater commander, requested Bradley Fighting vehicles and AC-130s, but the Secretary of Defense turned him down. We saw what happened to our Rangers there when the hands of the military commanders were tied. In that instance, it was the administration, not the Congress, affecting the battle, but I simply use this as an example to simply demonstrate what can happen when we tie the hands of our military leaders. We must not allow such a horrible event to happen again. Please understand my position. I am not here to support the use of ground troops. I believe that we must continue the air war until our military commanders tell us otherwise. I am here simply to support the military to allow them to decide what they need and to provide them with those resources.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about a different but equally important issue affecting education in America. As we prepare to embark upon the 21st century, all of us know that the Technology Age is upon us. We live in a time when new ideas and innovations impact the way that we live, the way that we learn, the way that we work, and even the way that we play. Today's children cannot remember a time when fax machines, calculators, computers, or the Internet were not a part of their daily lives. Their world and the future that they will inherit will require not only an understanding of these innovations, but an ability to fully utilize them and integrate them into their work environment. No matter what occupation our children pursue, every American child must be versed in the technology that is permeating our society today. Mr. Speaker, a program that is making a tremendous impact is the E- rate program. This program through the Schools and Libraries Corporation is providing discounted telecommunication services and Internet access to schools and libraries across the country. As a nation, we cannot afford to have only the affluent areas access the benefits of technology. Consequently, through this program, the E- rate program, equal opportunity has been provided to minority and poor areas in urban and rural communities. The demand for this program and the funding is tremendous, as has been indicated by over 30,000 applications requested in the very first year. Fortunately, we were able to fund the majority of these requests through the E-rate fund with a total of almost $1.66 billion committed around the country. Even so, however, there were many school districts and libraries that were left out. Nearly 500 million in requests went unfunded this year. This means that not all schools and libraries received the necessary resources that they needed. That, Mr. Speaker, is unacceptable. There is good news and there is bad news. The good news is that there is a round two for the E-rate. The bad news now is that in round two there will be 2,000 more applications than last year. With over 32,000 applications pending, clearly the need for discounted services and internal connections remains very high. We as a nation have always prided ourselves on giving each and every child the opportunity to receive an education that will benefit them in their future employment. This year as schools and libraries around the country make applications for round two of the E-rate discount, we must make sure that not one child is left out in achieving technical literacy. I want to encourage every Member of this Congress to stand up for our schools and libraries and encourage that they apply for year two funding. This is just as important as additional teachers, just as important as additional funding and additional pay for teachers, and certainly just as important as school construction and remodeling monies. Our children's future depends upon the educational tools and skills that we provide them today. We, as a nation, must uphold our commitment to our children. This will determine the solvency and the prosperity of our Nation and secure the future of their children.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4, cosponsored by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt). Like many of my colleagues, I support this bill both for what it says and for what it does not say. This bill does not say when a national missile defense system must be deployed nor how a national missile defense system would be deployed nor where it would be deployed. The gentleman from Pennsylvania and the gentleman from South Carolina have very intelligently left those decisions for the future. Some critics of deploying this system argue that the technology is not proven. National missile defense will use the same hit-to-kill technology, the equivalent of hitting a bullet with a bullet which was proven on Monday as one of DOD's hit-to-kill missile defense programs, the PAC-3, successfully showed that this technology can work. The PAC-3 interceptor successfully destroyed its target over White Sands Missile Range last Monday. I hope the President signs this bipartisan bill. We need to send a strong message to our citizens, to our troops, to our allies and especially to our enemies that we are serious about national missile defense.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize my fellow El Pasoan, Mr. Jose Cisneros, as a recent inductee to the El Paso Artists' Hall of Fame. Mr. Cisneros was honored this past November in El Paso, Texas. Jose has lived in El Paso since the 1930's and has led an amazing life. He was born in Villa Ocampo, Durango, Mexico, on April 18, 1910. He grew up during the Mexican revolution, and his family moved often in search of work. With his great will and determination, Jose taught himself how to read and write. In addition, he also taught himself to paint, draw, and do calligraphy. In 1925, he moved to Ciudad Juarez where he enrolled in the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso and began learning English. In 1927, Jose emigrated to the United States, although he maintained a dual residence while caring for his declining parents. Unfortunately, his family did not encourage his budding artistic talent, calling them monitos, or worthless doodles. However, Jose persevered and began entering his art into Mexican journals during the 1930's. In 1939, he met Vicenta Madero, who later became his wife. Together, they raised a family or five daughters and one niece. Jose became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1948. Amazingly enough, Jose Cisneros is color-blind and for many years depended on his wife, who passed away in 1994, to mix colors for him. Today, Jose's daughters mix his colors. Jose prides himself in the preservation of the history of the Southwest through his work. The University of Texas System Board of Regents selected him as the 1969 laureate for the Dobie Paisano Fellowship, the first artist to ever receive the award. The Western Writers of America presented him with the Owen Wister Award, named in tribute of the author of the ``Virginian'', in 1997. In April 1998, he was declared a living legend by Westerners International, the highest honor given by this worldwide organization of people enamored of the American West. During the Spring of 1998, the State of Texas held a reception and dinner in Jose's honor. He is also a December 1998 recipient of the University of Alcala's medal for his lifetime contribution to the history of Spain in the New World. Among his honors, Jose cherishes his election to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center and the El Paso Historical Society's Hall of Honor. Other accolades include being knighted by King Juan Carlos I of Spain and induction as a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher. Jose has also received the Wrangler Award for Best Book Art and the Westerners International Best Book Award for artistic research and detail. His paintings are in collections all around the world including the Palace of the Governors Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio, Texas. His talents can be seen year round in his `` hundred horsemen'' which line the walls of the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP) Library. Former U.S. President George Bush and Texas Governor George W. Bush also have collections of Cisneros's paintings. Jose's artwork has been in several juried art competitions including Hidalgo County Historical Museum in Edinburgh, Texas, and the University of the Pacific. His artwork has also appeared in competitions of the Centennial Museum at UTEP and the El Paso Museum of Art. Jose's artwork has also appeared in several exhibitions beginning with the El Paso Public Library and the Centro Escolar Benito Juarez in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, in 1938. His artwork received widespread recognition from his exhibit at a Western Heritage Association annual meeting in 1968. Jose also designed the Seal for Texas Western College and modified it when the college changed its name to UTEP. He also designed the logo for the Western Heritage Association. Jose has been featured in books and periodicals such as his own ``Risers Across the Centuries: Horsemen of the Spanish Borderlands'' (Texas Western Press, 1984) and ``Jose Cisneros: An Artist's Journey'' by John O. West (Texas Western Press, 1993). His artwork was recently collected in ``Borderlands--The Heritage of the Lower Rio Grande through the Art of Jose Cisneros'' by Felix D. Almaraz Jr., Hubert J. Miller, Tom Fort, and Rachel Freyman (Hidalgo County [Texas] Historical Society, 1998). Jose is a true El Pasoan and has dedicated his life and talents to preserving the Southwest. In return for the generosity of the El Pasoans who consider his work priceless, he donates many of his works to El Paso schools, churches, and charities. Jose Cisneros, believes that history is alive and beautiful, he says that he will continue to do the same thing he has done all his life-- paint horses until the day he dies. For his incredible talents and contributions to El Paso, I recognize and congratulate Jose Cisneros as a recent inductee of the El Paso Artists' Hall of Fame.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Mr. John Houser as a recent inductee to the El Paso Artists' Hall of Fame. Mr. Houser was honored this past November in El Paso, Texas. John is an extremely talented artist and has many notable credits. He is truly outstanding among contemporary artists. His versatility, the thoroughness of his training, and the depth of his artistic sensibility are all part of his amazing talent. Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, to sculptor Ivan Houser, who was First Assistant to Gutzon Borglum in carving Mount Rushmore, we know that part of his talents were inherited. However, John has continually developed his God-given talents to become an accomplished painter and sculptor. After moving to Oregon, John began sculpting and painting at the age of twelve. John Houser's entire life has been associated with art and sculpture. At age fifteen, he became the youngest active member in the history of the Oregon Society of Artists. He graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, with a double major in natural science and art. He continued his formal art education with a graduate Alumni Fellowship to UCLA, where he received the Elizabeth T. Greenshields Award for independent European studies. He studied in Spain and Italy where he learned from the Florentine painter Pietro Annigoni and American sculptor Avard Fairbanks. Upon his return to the U.S., John studied with Classicist painter, R.H. Ives Gammel in Boston and at Harvard University in anatomy. His career has taken him across Europe and the United States from the eastern seaboard to the west coast. In order to realistically portray the human condition through his subjects, he has lived and worked alongside diverse groups such as Gullah Blacks of South Carolina, Italian street fakirs, hippies, migrant workers, Gypsies, and Native Americans. John has also traveled extensively in Mexico and the Southwestern U.S., sculpting the Pueblo, Seri, Lacandon, Tarahumara, and Huichol Indians. He has been the subject of several television documentaries and his work has been featured in Southwest Art, American Artist, Texas Monthly, ABC (Spain), Art Talk, Connoisseur, Palette Talk, The Artists' Magazine, Blanco y Negro (Spain), Texas Highways, Siempre!, Presencia de Mexico, and Analysis (Mexico), and any more. His work is in private and public collections all around the world including The U.S. Library of Congress and The University of Texas at El Paso. John's work has been featured in several national and international exhibitions. These include the National Academy of Western Art Exhibition and Sale in Oklahoma City, the National Sculpture Society, the Royal Danish Havescelscab in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Kermezaar Exhibition in El Paso, and the Western Heritage Show and Sale in Houston, Texas. He has also been featured in an exhibit by the Brand Library and Art Galleries of Glendale, California. Throughout his career, John has received numerous awards and honors for his artistic endeavors. He is the honorary artist-in-residence for the Radford School in El Paso. In 1984 John won the Martin Luman winter Award from the Salmagundi Club in New York City for the bronze Barranca Overlook. Also in 1984, this bronze also garnered him the Council of American Artist Societies Award from the Grand National Exhibition of the American Artist Professional League in New York City. During 1986 at their 5th Annual Sculpture & Open Photography Exhibition in New York City, the Salmagundi Club further honored John with the Elliot Liskin Award for the sculpture Desert Encounter. In 1987 at their 10th Annual Art Exhibition ion New York City, the Salmagundi Club honored John with the Oil Pastel Association Award for Soft Pastel. In 1988, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Lewis and Clark College. In 1992, He won Grand National Prize in a photo essay contest with ``The Sandimune Years.'' John won the Purchase Award for ``Realism Up Close'' in Santa Teresa, New Mexico in 1993. John Houser is Sculptor and Director for the XII Travelers Memorial of the Southwest, a revitalization project for El Paso, Texas. His ideas for this project will not only enhance the revitalization of downtown El Paso but will give our city a unique identity. The Travelers Memorial of the Southwest celebrates the history and diversity of the region with a series of twelve twice-life-sized bronzes. I admire John Houser for his talent, dedication, and achievements in the art world. I also am proud to recognize him here today for his remarkable talent and his continued contributions to El Paso.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 233 and urge this House to pass it. I am proud to have authored the legislation to name the Federal building in El Paso, Texas, after Richard C. White, who represented the people of El Paso in Congress for nine terms, from 1965 to 1983. In his years of service to our Nation and the people of the 16th District, Congressman White showed genuine concern for his constituents and a commitment to do all that was in his power to help those whom he served. He truly led a life filled with integrity, compassion and contribution to the well-being of others, and he made a lasting impression on the lives of all who knew him. I would like to thank the Speaker of the House, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), and the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), as well as the minority leader, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), for scheduling this bill on the floor today. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the chairman and ranking members of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for their support of this legislation as well. Their expeditious scheduling of this bill is greatly appreciated by the people of El Paso. Also, I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Franks) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Wise), the chairman and ranking members of the Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Economic Development, for their support and managing of this legislation today. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the 50 Members who cosponsored H.R. 233. Congressman White would have been proud and pleased to know of his many friends in the 106th Congress who knew him and remembered his legacy of public achievement and his leadership on behalf of our great Nation. Early in his life Richard White showed a great concern and commitment to his community and to his country. He entered military service as a marine in World War II and saw action in the Pacific theater. While fighting in the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima, he was wounded in action, and his service to his country was marked with great honor and decoration, receiving the military order of the Purple Heart. Upon returning to the States, this military veteran began advocating as an outstanding lawyer for the people of El Paso. In heeding a call for greater community service, Congressman White launched the beginning of a distinguished career as a legislator, serving first in the Texas House from 1955 to 1958. From the beginning, he worked hard to improve the quality of life along the border, focusing on health care and environmental issues. He established a nursing home at the University of Texas at El Paso and created the Hueco Tanks State Park. Richard White launched his Congressional career in 1965 as a representative for the 16th District of Texas. Many of my colleagues now were also his colleagues and remember his strong advocacy on behalf of his District. Congressman White exemplified the epitome of public service. His work on the Committee on Armed Services reflected a strong commitment to national security, providing unwavering support for Fort Bliss's Army Post and in drafting the reorganization of the legislation for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In addition, he brought the needs of El Paso and the border to the forefront in Congress as he created the Chamizal Border Highway and the Chamizal National Memorial. He also served with distinction on several other committees, the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, and on the Committee on Science and Technology. Even though having attained seniority and earning the respect and admiration of his peers, he nevertheless left Congress to return to his family in El Paso. Very typical of Congressman Richard White. The proud father of seven children, he was intent on spending more time with them and seeking other alternatives to civic service. I can say today, Mr. Speaker, that Richard White made the most of his life by touching the lives of those around him. He was a dedicated representative, a loving husband, a caring father and, most of all, a friend. But, in all of this, he was a consummate professional in everything he did. He was a tremendous leader and a true gentleman who left behind a legacy for all public servants to emulate. It is only fitting that we honor and remember him by passing this legislation today. I, therefore, look forward to the Senate's quick enactment of the bill and the President's signature of this legislation. With the passage of this bill into law, the designation of the ``Richard C. White Federal Building'' will serve as a perpetual reminder to our community that he served so well, with the highest values of public service and the ability of one person to improve the lives of many.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the articles of impeachment. I have had the occasion to walk back and forth to this Capitol building several times today. On one of those occasions, I remembered the words of the Speaker designate, the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Livingston), when he said that he was a sinful, regular person. I am grateful that regular people get an opportunity to serve in this House because regular people all across America tonight have been very clear and very vocal about the issue of impeachment. Regular people prefer census over impeachment. And yes, Mr. Speaker, regular people want regular business conducted in this House, not vindictive partisan politics. Regular people are disgusted that we would be involved in this process at a time when this Nation's young men and women are engaged in its national defense. As a regular person myself, as a veteran, as an American, I am profoundly disappointed at what we have done here today. History will ultimately be our judge. And while I know and understand the concept that majority rules, I have also lived long enough to take comfort in the fact that majorities that are unfair do not last. My friends, from where I am standing, the clock is ticking. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the articles of impeachment. I have had the occasion to walk back and forth to this capitol building several times today. On one of those occasions I remembered the words of Speaker Designate Livingston that he was ``simply a regular person.'' I am grateful that regular people get an opportunity to serve in this House. Regular people all across America have been very clear and very vocal about the issue of impeachment. Regular people prefer censure over impeachment. And Mr. Speaker, regular people want regular business conducted * * * not vindictive partisan politics. Regular people are disgusted that we would be involved in this process at a time when this nations young men and women are engaged in its national defense half a world away. As a regular person, a Veteran, an American * * * I am profoundly disappointed in what we have done here today. History will be our ultimate judge and while I know and understand the concept of majority rules * * * I have lived long enough to take comfort in the fact that majorities that are unfair don't last * * * My friends from where I stand the clock is ticking. Like you, I am very troubled by the President's conduct. The President himself has acknowledged a serious lapse of judgment concerning this matter. The President's actions were wrong. It was wrong for him to make false statements concerning his reprehensible conduct with a subordinate. And it was wrong for him to take steps to delay the discovery of the truth. The question is: does this conduct rise to level of an impeachable offense? After a careful review of the testimony before the Judiciary Committee and the report of the Committee about its findings, I am opposed to impeaching President Clinton. Let me tell you why I reached that conclusion. I found arguments presented in the Dissenting Views of the Committee's report convincing as it relates to the conditions under which impeachment is warranted: ``Impeachment is only warranted for conduct that constitutes `Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors' as set forth in Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution. As virtually all constitutional scholars have noted, there is an important distinction between criminal and impeachable offenses--impeachment serves to protect the nation, not to punish the wrongdoer * * * the remedy of impeachment should be reserved for egregious abuses of presidential authority, rather than misconduct unrelated to public office. It is also clear that the President is subject to civil and criminal punishment independently of the impeachment process. The constitutional process of impeachment should not, therefore, be used for punitive purposes.'' On November 6, 1998, 430 Constitutional law professors wrote: ``Did President Clinton commit `high Crimes and Misdemeanors' warranting impeachment under the Constitution? We believe that the misconduct alleged in the report of the Independent Counsel does not cross that threshold.'' One week earlier, more than 400 historians issued a joint statement warning that ``because impeachment has traditionally been reserved for high crimes and misdemeanors in the exercise of executive power, impeachment of President Clinton based on the facts alleged in the [Independent Counsel's] referral would set a dangerous precedent.'' I also agree with the view that ``the Framers of the Constitution intended that the impeachment language they employed should reflect the grave misconduct that so injures or abuses our constitutional institutions and form of government as to justify impeachment.'' Finally, I agree with the 1974 Watergate Staff Report, cited in the Dissenting Views, that says, ``The purpose of impeachment is not personal punishment; its function is primarily to maintain constitutional government * * * In an impeachment proceeding a President is called to account for abusing powers that only the President possesses.'' Finally, I believe the Republican leadership of the House of Representatives should allow the 435 members of the House an opportunity to vote on a strongly worded resolution of censure--one that condemns the actions of the President and imposes a hefty fine on him. However, the Republicans have denied us that opportunity. This decision was very difficult for me and one that was not made lightly. I do not expect everyone to agree with this decision but I believe it is the right thing to do.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I rise this morning in support of President Clinton and our military troops dispersed in the Persian Gulf. Yesterday the United States military began strikes to subdue the chemical, biological and nuclear weapons capability of Iraq. For some time now Saddam Hussein has flaunted the will of the United Nations by impeding the activities of weapons inspectors. Strikes against him, in my opinion, and against his regime have been greatly needed and greatly overdue. I believe, however, that President Clinton has demonstrated great restraint and patience and has waited the appropriate time to initiate these strikes. Had the United States moved towards strikes at another time, we would have been perceived as a bully and would have been condemned by much of the world. Mr. Speaker, I believe that in this time of crisis, we must put aside partisan quarrels and show unified support for our troops. We should send our thoughts and prayers to the men and women in uniform who are carrying out this attack. We should also keep in our prayers the families of these fine men and women. It will be especially difficult for them because this is the holiday season. In the Middle East today, along with thousands of military personnel, are more than 1100 soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas. These men and women are manning Patriot missile systems. I am proud to say that these soldiers are led by the first woman ever to command an air defense battalion. The Patriot systems are in place to defend our troops against possible Scud missile launches from Iraq. We know from our experience in the Gulf War that Saddam is willing to use Scud missiles against our troops. The presence of these Patriots demonstrates how significant our military leaders believe that the threat of ballistic missiles is. Every month we learn of more tests of ballistic missiles that are faster and reach further distances. The countries testing these systems are not our friends and would likely actually use these ballistic missile systems armed with chemical, biological or even nuclear warheads against others, including the United States. The strikes to Iraq are significant to slow the development of such weapons by that government. But countries like Iraq, Iran, North Korea and Libya will continue to seek the technology to deliver weapons of mass destruction. As such, we must continue to develop as quickly as possible defensive systems like the Army's THAAD missile system, the theater high altitude area defense system. We must ensure that we are capable of meeting the ever growing threat of ballistic missile to our troops and to our allies. Today we must stand together and support our President and our troops. Once again, our thoughts should be with our men and women in uniform. God bless each one of them and God bless America.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, as a former employee of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), I am proud to rise today to honor the outstanding performance of the El Paso INS Investigations Team and their investigation, Operation: Eastern Star, which dismantled a global smuggling network. The El Paso INS Investigations Team, headed up by Assistant District Director Roberto S. Saenz, is receiving the INS Commissioner's Meritorious Service Award on October 26, 1998 at the Commissioner's Conference in Denver, Colorado. I would also like to recognize the outstanding leadership of District Director Luis Garcia and the superb job he has done in El Paso. In addition to Assistant District Director Saenz, the following members of the El Paso team deserve special recognition: Special Agent Jeffrey Roberts; Special Agent Hector Valencia; Supervisory Deportation Officer Qasem M. Al-Ali; Immigration Inspector Ahmed Adil Abdallat; and Supervisory Special Agent Clyde McKenzie. This team brought down a smuggling ring responsible for bringing hundreds of illegal aliens from nations that are state sponsors of international terrorism and each of these men should be applauded. It is difficult to account for all of the accomplishments of Operation: Eastern Star. However, on every level it was a tremendous success. I believe the manner in which this operation was planned and executed speaks volumes about the professionalism and dedication of the agents involved. Primarily, as a result of this investigation, the El Paso District Office for Investigations focused attention not only on the existence and magnitude of Middle Eastern smuggling organizations, but also on their potential threat to the national security of our nation. In light of growing tensions and activities in the Middle East, Operation: Eastern Star brought attention to the INS's ability to participate in international operations aimed at protecting the United States from foreign threats. As a result of this investigation, Operation: Eastern Star was able to establish excellent liaison on a District level with federal agencies focused on National Security issues. Operation: Eastern Star was called upon by several United States federal agencies, as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, for its expertise and ability to communicate with the nationalities involved. El Paso District agents continue to be utilized by these agencies, as well as other INS Districts and Sectors, in an effort to further enhance cooperative law enforcement efforts worldwide. This effort was responsible in part for the identification of over fifteen major smugglers trafficking in Middle Eastern nationalists from their home countries through Asia, and Central and South America. The ultimate goal of Operation: Eastern Star, however, was accomplished through its successful dismantling of a Global Alien Smuggling Organization, preventing its members from further activity. Perhaps the most fulfilling achievement was the successful apprehension and prosecution of renowned alien smuggler Geroge Tajirian, who has eluded United States authorities for over twenty years. He was sentenced to a mandatory thirteen years in federal prison, thus ending his estimated earnings of more than $3 million each year. Compare this staggering amount to the less than $95,000 cost to the U.S. taxpayers for this operation. The small team of highly trained El Paso INS Special Agents managed to arrest Tajirian in Panama with the invaluable assistance of the State Department and the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs. The team of agents used their investigative experience and fluency in multiple languages to infiltrate this highly sophisticated network within one year. Tajirian's arrest led to other arrests to include three members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and a citizen of Yemen who is wanted for genocide in his home country. We all owe these agents a word of thanks and our deepest gratitude for a job well done. All too often, we only hear about the job of our law enforcement community when something goes terribly wrong. I am glad to stand here today and celebrate a job well done by the El Paso INS Investigations Team.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez who will be retiring from the House of Representatives at the end of this session. As the Dean of the Texas delegation, he has been a remarkable representative for his district, for Texas, and for the entire Nation. Throughout his career Congressman Gonzalez has never failed to stand up for the rights of others. For over 40 years, beginning in the Texas legislature and throughout his career in the United States House of Representatives he has stood up for minorities. Moreover, he has continually spoken out for improved educational, economic and housing opportunities for the Nation. His legendary courage to stand by his principles, and singularly take on controversial positions in the national interest are an inspiration to all Americans. Moreover, we should all be grateful for his skilled leadership as Chairman of the House Banking Committee. His oversight and investigative skills steered our Nation through one of the most serious financial periods of our Nation. Through his insightful and decisive actions he brought about meaningful solutions to the devastating multibillion dollar savings and loan crisis. Additionally, he averted a similar crisis in the banking industry with important legislative reforms with an overhaul of our system of deposit insurance. Furthermore, as the first Mexican-American Congressional Representative from Texas, he has been an inspiration for Hispanics and all Americans. He stands as a model of a person having the courage to sometimes stand alone and blaze a new trail in the name of public service. He is an example of the American ideal that one person can truly make a difference. His powerful voice spoke out for the hopes and dreams of millions of Americans, and his level of dedication and commitment is a standard for all Members of Congress. I am proud to say that I have known Congressman Gonzalez for many years. I am even more proud to have had the opportunity to serve with him as a Member of the 105th Congress. Congressman Gonzalez is a person whose strength of character and tenacity I admire and respect. As he leaves this legislative body, his independent spirit will forever remain in this chamber. We will always remember Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez as a fierce advocate for the highest American ideals. His 37 years of service are filled with distinction and accomplishments, and his constituents can be proud of sending a legendary advocate for his district and for all Americans. Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez, I wish you well in your future pursuits, and know that you leave a powerful legacy of tirelessly working for the betterment of America.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the accomplishments and friendship of Congressman Esteban Torres who will be retiring from the House of Representatives at the end of this session. He is truly an inspirational leader who will leave this legislative body with the respect and admiration of his colleagues. His life story reflects the value of hard work and determination. Growing up the son of Mexican immigrants during the depression, he has remained a humble and dignified individual. He has never forgotten his roots nor the sacrifices made by his parents and their generation in speaking out for all Americans. After serving in the United States Army as a Korean War conflict veteran, his military service was just the beginning of a life of service. Working as an auto plant worker, he became a labor leader throughout the 1960's and ever since has stood up for the working people of this country and around the world. His leadership was soon recognized within the labor movement and led him to speak on behalf of workers rights throughout the Americas. His advocacy on behalf of better pay, compensation, benefits and conditions for workers led to his involvement in the broader community by starting a community development corporation in East Los Angeles which grew into one of the largest anti-poverty agencies in the nation. Fortunately his international diplomacy and economic development abilities were recognized by President Jimmy Carter. In 1976, Congressman Torres answered the call of the President, and served as Ambassador to the United Nation's Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization and later as Special Assistant to the President for Hispanic Affairs. Seeing an opportunity to serve as an elected official, we should all be grateful that in 1982 Congressman Torres won a seat in this House, and has honorably served in the House of Representatives for the past 15 years. Since coming to this legislative body he has worked to improve the quality of life for all Americans by bringing greater job opportunities, protecting consumers, and cleaning up the environment. He has taken a lead role in bills impacting Trade, Banking, Crime, Housing, and Economic Development. Throughout, he has been a powerful voice for minorities and the working people of the United States. His committee assignments on Appropriations and Banking and his leadership position as Deputy Democratic Whip reflect his tremendous ability to bring together diverse interests and work toward common goals. Moreover, as Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, he set a high standard for addressing the important issues of the growing Hispanic population. Congressman Torres is a person who has always provided me with invaluable guidance and support. I will always appreciate his efforts to improve conditions along the United States-Mexico border which is so important for my community. He is a true champion of the people, a friend, and someone whose departure will be greatly felt in this legislative chamber. His work on behalf of the 34th Congressional district of California was tremendous, and his constituents can always be proud of the difference his tenure made for their community. I wish him well in his future pursuits as I know that he will remain engaged and active in working to bring greater opportunities for Americans everywhere.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Emma Udovich, of El Paso, as a recent inductee of the Texas Seniors Hall of Fame. Emma was honored on September 22, 1998 at the opening ceremonies of the state games in Temple, Texas. At 74 she has won a roomful of medals for her athletic endeavors. In 1986 Emma Udovich heard about the Senior Games over the radio in El Paso, she entered two cycling events and won two gold medals. Emma did not begin competing until she was in her sixties. In the next 13 years she found herself entering over 14 venues in the Senior Games as well as all 6 national Senior Games all over the Country. Among her accomplishments Emma boasts the following titles: the first woman to be named El Paso Senior Games; Athlete of the Year (1994), Broke Senior national games; cycling record in mile race (1991), Lubbock Sports Classic; Outstanding Woman Athlete (1997), and Emma has won more than 200 gold medals among her 300 awards in senior games competition since 1986. I am proud to recognize my fellow El Pasoan, Emma Udovich, for her remarkable accomplishments. Emma is a role model for all of us, at 61 she found her calling in athletic competition and pursued her dream. Today Emma has realized that dream through hard work, perseverance and the love of athletic competition. She is a beacon of hope for us all, and shows us that it is never too late to pursue your dreams.

Mr. REYES

Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, the citizens of El Paso voiced their concerns to me over what they pay for gas at the pump. As many of you know, the mayor of El Paso, Carlos Ramirez, contacted me earlier this year with a request that I initiate a closer look at this situation. At my request, Congressman Gene Green chaired a public meeting in El Paso on gas prices. I would like to insert for the Record the statements of two of the participants, Mr. Carter Montgomery of Longhorn Partners Pipeline, and Dr. R. Perryman of Perryman and Associates, who both spoke about the gas prices in El Paso and how to resolve those problems. Statement of Carter R. Montgomery, President and CEO, The Longhorn Partners Pipeline, Sept. 3, 1998, El Paso, TX Good morning. I am Carter Montgomery, President and CEO of Longhorn Partners Pipeline. Longhorn is a limited partnership based in Dallas, Texas. In 1995, we began developing a 700- mile, 18-inch diameter pipeline that will transport gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from Gulf Coast refineries to West Texas communities and the El Paso gateway market. Our pipeline consists of an existing 450-mile section from Houston to Crane, which we have significantly improved; a newly constructed 250-mile extension from Crane to El Paso; and a new nine-mile section to connect the existing pipeline in Houston with the GATX terminal in Galena Park, Texas. GATX is the largest products terminal on the Gulf Coast. By originating there, Longhorn will be able to receive products for delivery to West Texas from as many as 12 Gulf Coast refineries that, together, constitute nearly 25 percent of the refining capacity of the U.S. Our goal is to begin delivering products to El Paso and West Texas before the end of 1998. In El Paso, we are also constructing a 19-tank, 900,000- barrel terminal to allow shippers to store fuels for this area and send some on to New Mexico and Arizona. In addition, Longhorn is constructing a smaller terminal in Odessa, Texas to serve the Permian Basin market. An 8-inch pipeline is being constructed from Crane to serve the new terminal in Odessa. We made the decision to serve El Paso consumers and businesses after identifying historically high gasoline costs, often 10 to 20 cents per gallon more than drivers pay in other parts of Texas, such as Houston. This costs El Pasoans more than $12 million per year. As this chart shows, between January 1990 and July 1998, Houston had consistently lower gasoline prices than El Paso. Even as El Paso's gasoline prices became slightly lower between June 1996 through July 1998, its prices have still remained higher than in Houston plus the cost of transportation, although an interesting phenomenon is taking place. From June 1996 through July 1998, there has been a definite closing of the price gap. It appears to me that several factors have contributed to this welcome relief to El Paso motorists: the actions of El Paso citizens in demanding lower prices, including some very active advocates in the media; the actions of Mayor Ramirez and other elected officials like yourselves; and the mere threat of competition from the Gulf Coast that has resulted in gasoline merchandisers competing for market share before the new gasoline supplies get here. I want to emphasize, though, that El Paso citizens have seen short-term price reductions before, only to have their hopes dashed a few months later. What will be different after Longhorn is operating is this--bringing gasoline and other fuels from those Gulf Coast refineries will create a structural change in the market. That structural change is what will seal in the new, more competitive market that will, in turn, help make fairer pricing a lasting part of the El Paso economy. I am extremely proud to be a part of this project. We are building a safe, environmentally sound pipeline, with a goal of 100 percent safety. We have gone to great lengths to ensure the operating integrity of this pipeline. Many of the tests and improvements to the line exceed federal and state requirements. Even before purchasing the line in 1995, we conducted several comprehensive tests. These included the ``Smart Pig'' test, a device, run through the pipeline, that electronically measures wall thickness and other structural conditions. Following that, a Hydrostatic Test was performed to confirm the integrity of the entire pipeline. In a Hydrostatic Test, the line is pressurized to 1.25 times its maximum operating pressure and held there for an extended period. The tests confirmed the pipeline's structural integrity. Going forward, Longhorn will conduct additional ``Smart Pig'' tests every five years. Once in operation, the entire pipeline will be monitored 24 hours a day from a central control room, with readings taken every few seconds by computer. An operator will manage the pipeline, including the new remotely controlled valves we are adding as a safety upgrade. Longhorn is adding these remotely operated block valves on both sides of the Edwards Aquifer and at all river crossings, isolating these small sections so the flow of products can be quickly halted if necessary. Volumes entering and exiting sections of the pipeline are metered and balanced every few seconds, allowing the operator to monitor the flow of products through the pipeline. Each valve operates independently, enabling the operator to select the most environmentally sound course of action. Suction and discharge pressures at all pumping stations are also continually monitored, giving the operator additional data to operate the pipeline safely and reliably. Longhorn will also install an additional pump near the Edwards Aquifer that will lower the operating pressures over the aquifer. These operating pressures will be lower than in the past. This is an additional step that will help to protect the environment. We are also posting pipeline identification signs closer together than the previous operator, decreasing the risk of third-party damage to the line. Longhorn will visually inspect the entire line once a week, more frequently than in the past. Many of these safety measures go beyond the requirements of law or regulation, but we are doing them because they enhance safety, help us fulfill our commitment to safety and environmental quality and, frankly, because they're good, prudent business measures. We are, and will continue to be, regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Pipeline Safety on interstate pipeline matters, and by the Texas Railroad Commission on any intrastate pipeline matters. This concludes my statement. I will be happy to answer any questions.