Lucille Roybal-Allard

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 522 that celebrates the contributions that braceros have made to America. From 1942 to 1950, nearly 400,000 Mexican guest workers, known as braceros, were recruited to work in the United States in response to the severe labor shortage during World War II. They toiled in our fields and on our railroads 10 to 12 hours a day. Eager to make better lives for themselves and their families, these tireless workers helped to keep the United States stable and strong during a said chapter in our nation's history. The contributions of braceros to our country and its economy were immeasurable. It is for that reason that we must also pass the Bracero Justice Act. For in spite of the hard work performed by the braceros, many never received full compensation for their work. In fact, an estimated $60 million dollars was withheld from their paychecks. Sixty years later thousands are still waiting to receive wages they earned. Men like 75-year-old Mr. Andres Islas, a naturalized U.S. citizen, from my district, who performed backbreaking work in the agriculture fields of California in the 1940s. Mr. Islas, the father of Bell councilwoman Theresa Jacobo, recalls being told that the U.S. government was taking a portion of his paycheck, but was never told how or where he could reclaim it. He and all the braceros of that time have a right to be paid for their hard work during this time of crisis in our nation's history. The Bracero Justice Act, currently before the House of Representatives, will help this to happen by requiring the U.S. and Mexican governments to give these men their day in court. Justice is long overdue for Mr. Islas, his family, and the other braceros of that era, who sadly are passing away before this issue is resolved. This resolution correctly praises the braceros for their contributions and should be passed, but there is still an injustice that needs rectification. I urge the House leadership to bring the Bracero Justice Act to the floor for a vote and send a clear message that the U.S. is fair, just, and appreciative of those who toil on behalf of our country.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to express my deep sadness upon he passing of my fellow congresswoman and friend, Patsy Mink. I had the privilege of knowing Patsy and of serving with her in the House of Representatives for many years, specifically on the Budget Committee and in the Congressional Women's Caucus. Patsy was a trailblazer, a fighter for the rights of women and minorities, and a role model for women and people of color everywhere. Long before becoming the first Asian-American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Patsy was breaking barriers, refusing to let society's unfair and discriminatory practices sand in the way of achieving her goals. When Patsy was told she could not live in regular student housing but had to live at the segregated ``International House'' for minorities at the University of Nebraska, she successfully lead the effort that changed the university's policies. When no law firm in her home state of Hawaii would hire her because she was a woman, Patsy opened her own practice and became the first Japanese-American woman lawyer in Hawaii. After losing her first race for Congress, being a woman of determination and perseverance, Patsy ran again, in 1964, became the first Asian-American woman and woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Patsy Mink will be remembered as a Member of this House who dedicated her career in Congress to opening doors of opportunity for others. For example, Patsy played a key role in the enactment of Title IX--landmark legislation that ensures equal educational opportunities for women and girls in our country. Mr. Speaker, Patsy will be sorely missed in this House, but she will be fondly remembered as a woman who used her success and talents to tear down barriers and provide fairness and equal opportunity for others, particularly women and minorities. Her hard work, perseverance, and dedication to the principles of equality will serve as an enduring model to us all. I join with my colleagues and send my sincere condolences to Patsy Mink's family and friends, and to the constituents she represented so well.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Republican Party's sham prescription drug benefit proposal. Prescription drugs, especially for our elderly population, are not a luxury but a matter of life or death. Prescripton drug costs in our country are rising nearly 20 percent each year, forcing more and more of our country's parents and grandparents to choose between their medication and other necessities of life such as food. Our Nation's seniors worked hard to make this country strong, many fighting in far- off places to keep us free. They deserve to have health care security. Unfortunately, the Republican prescription drug plan falls short in providing this security to our seniors. First, the Republican plan covers less than a quarter of the costs seniors will pay for their medication over the next 10 years. Second, under the Republican plan, the premiums and the deductible are so high that most seniors won't be able to afford the plan and as a result will receive no benefits at all. Finally, the Republicans have no universal prescription drug plan. Instead, they leave it to individual insurance companies to develop their own plans. This means seniors will be left on their own to do the research on each plan that will vary in price, benefits, and availability across the country. This complicated, time-consuming, and expensive process is unfair and unnecessary, and it represents just another step in the Republican Party's effort to privatize Medicare. That is why Democrats have offered a simple, affordable prescription drug plan with a standard benefit and a low deductible. Through the use of collective buying power, the Democratic prescription drug plan actually lowers drug prices for all of Medicare's 40 million beneficiaries. Unfortunately, Republicans did not allow this alternative plan to be presented to the House for a vote. The Republican bill before us is a sham that does little to help our Nation's seniors. The House must defeat the Republican bill and take the necessary steps to pass the Democratic prescription drug bill that will give all America's seniors the benefits they need and the health care security they deserve.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong opposition to this irresponsible bill that is particularly harmful to women.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take the time of the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to join my colleagues to commemorate title IX's 30th anniversary. First I commend my colleague and friend, the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink), as well as former Oregon Congresswoman Edith Green for their invaluable contributions and commitment to improving the lives of women in this country. These two incredible women were the guiding spirit behind title IX, the landmark legislation that bans schools from discriminating on the basis of sex in academics and athletics. Title IX was necessitated by the fact that many of our schools were denying young women the opportunity to develop to their full potential by putting strict limits on their enrollment or by refusing to admit them at all. While the law applies to all education programs and schools receiving Federal aid, it is best known for expanding athletic opportunities for women. Since title IX's passage in 1971, girls' participation in high school athletics has increased an astonishing 847 percent. As a result, today, one in three girls play varsity sports, compared to only one in 27 in 1972. The impact on collegiate athletics level has also been incredible. For instance, when title IX was first passed, there were 31,000 women participating in intercollegiate athletics. Today, over 150,000 women compete in college-level sports, an increase of over 400 percent. Athletic activity has been a key component in helping young girls to develop important skills such as competitiveness, teamwork, and perseverance, qualities that are so critical to succeeding in today's society. As a result, since the passage of title IX, we have seen significant increases in women's educational achievements as well. For example, in the year 2000, 43 percent of medical degrees were awarded to women, compared to 9 percent in 1972; 46 percent of law degrees were earned by women, compared to 7 percent in 1972; and 44 percent of all doctoral degrees went to American women, up from 25 percent in 1977. Furthermore, title IX has proven that athletics is also a catalyst for success in the workplace. A recent study entitled ``From the Locker Room to the Board Room: A Survey on Sports and in the Lives of Women Business Executives,'' surveyed America's top business executives and found that more than four out of five executive business women played sports growing up. Further, the vast majority of these women reported that lessons learned on the playing field have contributed to their success in business. For instance, of the women who played organized sports after grade school, 86 percent said sports helped them to be more disciplined, 81 percent said sports helped them to function better as part of a team, and 59 percent said sports gave them a competitive edge over others. Clearly, title IX's influence on the lives of girls and women extends far beyond the playing field. It has provided them with the opportunity to gain so many of the skills that are essential to succeeding in life. Therefore, on the 30th anniversary of title IX, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the critical role title IX has played in securing women's equality in sports, in academics, in the workplace, and in life.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the victorious world champion Los Angeles Lakers from my congressional district. It is challenging enough to win the championship title once, and it is extremely rare to repeat and win the title a second time. Nevertheless, the world champion Lakers have in fact three-peated by sweeping our friends, the New Jersey Nets, in the 2002 NBA finals and winning the title for 3 consecutive years. In all of NBA history, only three teams have achieved this feat, including, of course, the Minneapolis Lakers. I extend my special congratulations to Lakers Coach Phil Jackson and the most valuable player for the third year in a row, Shaquille O'Neill, for their impressive accomplishment. No one alone can achieve this ``triple crown'' of excellence in basketball. The Los Angeles Lakers' victory was a triple team effort consisting first of the talented players themselves; second, the coach and management staff; and third, the Lakers' fans in Los Angeles and across the Nation. Today the Lakers' sweet taste of victory brings with it the sweet taste of New Jersey Italian treats: cannoli and biscotti. My colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman), wagered these treats against my Los Angeles wager of tamales, guacamole and salsa. Today he delivered the fruits of the Lakers' victory. I congratulate the Nets, their fans, and their coach, Byron Scott, who, by the way, is a Los Angeles native and former Laker himself, for their valiant effort. Angelenos, it is time to make room in the rafters of the Los Angeles Staples Center for yet another banner. The Lakers are NBA world champions again. Mr. Speaker, next year I look forward to cheering for the Lakers to ``four-peat'' or, in the words of Coach Jackson, the ``four-sweep.''

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Chairman, I do not in any way question the patriotism of my Republican colleagues. Nor should they question mine. And I most certainly have the greatest respect for Chairman Young who worked with the minority and reported out of committee a bipartisan bill that provides needed funding to support our military and our Nation's fight against terrorism. It is for this reason that I am absolutely baffled that my Republican colleagues are allowing their leadership to muddy up this bill so critical to the safety of our troops and our Nation's security. It is unconscionable that the Republican leadership has made it necessary to delay passage of this bill because of their addition of ill-conceived and irresponsible provisions that have nothing to do with supporting our troops or defending our country's security. I therefore implore my Republican colleagues to insist that the national interests of this country are put before the political interests of their leadership. Help us strip the bill of this underhanded attempt to burden America's taxpayers and increase the national debt limit by 750 billion dollars . . . which in effect is a 750 billion dollar overdraft of our Nation's checking account. What makes the actions of the Republican leadership even worse is that we are already in deficit due to the earlier irresponsible economic policies of the majority. As a result, what the Republican leadership is doing tonight, under the guise of national security, will come at the unnecessary expense of our children's future and the destabilization of the social security and medicare trust funds. Many of my Republican colleagues have come to the floor and challenged our patriotism for questioning and debating the extraneous additions to this bill. Such criticism is misplaced and quite offensive. In fact, it is the Republican leadership that is turning their backs on our military by making a sham of the very democracies and freedoms our troops are fighting for and sacrificing their lives to protect. Mr. Speaker, yesterday my respected colleague, Chairman Young, stated that this war-time supplemental is a must-pass bill for the security of our troops and our Nation. I could not agree more. Therefore I urge my Republican colleagues to put a stop to this ill- conceived and divisive strategy to raise the debt limit and to do the right thing by allowing us to pass a national security bill that Democrats, Republicans, the President and the American people can proudly support.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the State of Israel and for the security of both the Israeli and Palestinian people and condemn the violence suffered by both communities. If there is to be a safe and stable environment in the Middle East, the rights and safety of all people in the region must be protected. Continued military attacks and terrorist activities will only lead to escalating violence and potential destabilization of the Middle East and neighboring regions. For that reason, I believe the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1397 calling for the immediate cessation of all acts of violence between Israel and the Palestinians must be honored. The United States must do its part and work vigorously and fairly with the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority to help establish a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, as outlined in House Resolution 394, sponsored by my colleague Peter DeFazio. All parties must act now to put a stop to the escalating violence because all people in the region deserve to live in lasting peace.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 4735, a bill to reauthorize the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Unfortunately, many of the provisions in this bill are unfair and misguided. One of the most egregious examples, is the impact this legislation will have on single mothers with young children. For example, this bill provides insufficient funding for childcare, yet increases the work requirement from 20 hours a week to 40 hours for mothers with children under the age of 6. While the Republican bill touts the $1 billion increase in childcare funding over the next 5 years, they fail to note that this increase barely keeps up with inflation, let alone meets the increased demand for childcare created under the bill. Mr. Speaker, mothers already find it extremely difficult to find safe and adequate day care. With the current backlog of approximately 15 million children waiting for day care due to a lack of funding, this bill will only make a bad situation worse. Disadvantaged single mothers and children are already a vulnerable population. Without sufficient funding for childcare, many of these mothers will be forced to chose between leaving their young children alone, or losing the benefits that help them provide for their children. Congress should be working to help these families get back on their feet--not penalizing them with unrealistic requirements that keep mothers away from their children. I urge my colleagues to vote against this punitive, unfair and unrealistic bill.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for her comments, and I want to acknowledge her outstanding work on this bill and in the area of immigration in general. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to begin by thanking the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the chairman of the committee, and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), the ranking member, for all of their hard work on this INS restructuring bill. I also want to thank them for support of my amendment, which simply requires the newly created Office of Immigration Statistics to maintain records on denials of applications and petitions and the reasons for those denials. This information will help Members of Congress and other interested parties better understand the causes of the vast differences and denial rates for applications and petitions throughout the country. For example, in the first quarter of 1999, the denial rates for INS districts ranged from 7 percent in Portland, Maine to 67 percent in Miami, Florida.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the chairman of the committee, for his words and also for his support of this amendment. I too believe that this is good policy that will help instill confidence in the system by giving credibility to this important agency, not only in the eyes of Congress but, more importantly, to the American people. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, one of the worst events of its kind in our history and the first multiracial one in the United States. Thousands of people and businesses were devastated by the three days of rioting and looting, which began on April 29, 1992. Fifty-eight people died, 2,400 were injured, and 11,700 were arrested. Damages totaled $717 million. In less than 24 hours, 1,000 fires seized Los Angeles, causing flight delays and cancellations. Governor Pete Wilson deployed 6,000 National Guard troops at the request of Mayor Tom Bradley. President George Bush sent 5,500 military troops and law enforcement specialists and put the National Guard under federal command. The Korean American community in Los Angeles, which is home to the largest Korean population outside of Seoul, sustained the most damages. Korean Americans lost more than half of their 3,100 businesses in Los Angeles, with damages totaling more than $350 million. Out of the 200 liquor stores that were destroyed during the riots, 175 were Korean- owned. A survey, conducted by the Korean American Inter-Agency Council 10 months after the riots, found that out of 1,500 respondents, about 75 percent had yet to recover from the riots' after effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder, temporary memory loss, and suicidal tendencies. Some families moved back to Korea, declared bankruptcy, or permanently relocated their businesses to safer areas. Korean Americans termed the tragic three days as Sa-ee-gu, which literally translates into the numbers 4.29, the first date of the riots. It is common for Koreans to refer to historically and politically significant events by their dates. Immediately following the riots, the Korean American community and its supporters held the largest Korean American demonstration in the United States. It signified the birth of a community shaken but standing firm in demanding its fair share of the riot relief funds, adequate representation in government, corporate responsibility, and accurate media coverage. A decade after the riots, the Korean American community vividly recalls the destruction and mayhem of those three days. But more importantly, this community has risen from the ashes to reclaim their space in American society and regain their dignity as Americans through unprecedented levels of civic participation and heightened political consciousness. The 1992 Los Angeles Riots forced the Korean American community to face a grim reality, but the future holds a community that has been strengthened and made wiser by this experience. The community is in the process of building its political leadership and establishing the infrastructure and resources necessary to stand up for themselves in times of trouble and gain recognition in times of triumph. Today, I join the Korean American community in Los Angeles and nationwide to commemorate the 1992 Los Angeles Riots and to celebrate the spirit and determination of Korean Americans throughout the country.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, today we are considering the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act. I do not think there will be any disagreement that nothing is more fundamental to the safety and security of America's children and families than having enough food to eat. That is why I rise in strong support of the Baca motion to adopt the Senate provisions that provide eligibility for food stamps to lawfully present, hard-working immigrant families and their children. Tragically, more than one in five low-income children belong to legal immigrant families. These families work hard and pay taxes, taxes that support the food stamp program. In spite of their hard work, however, these families are often hit the hardest in an economic downturn. Denying these families access to basic safety net programs runs counter to Congress' goal in the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act. No child is safe when suffering from hunger. As the world's wealthiest Nation, it is inexcusable that such a high rate of hunger exists among low-income legal permanent resident families living in this country. We must not allow this tragic situation to continue. Congress must follow the lead of the President and expand access to food stamps for these hard-working, legal residents and their children. I urge my colleagues to support the motion to instruct conferees which the House will be voting on later this evening.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Baca Motion to Instruct the Farm Bill Conferees to adopt the Senate provisions that provide eligibility for food stamps to lawfully present, hard-working immigrant families in their time of need. Legal immigrants are individuals who have played by the rules. They work hard and pay taxes that support the food-stamp program to which they may be denied access if Mr. Baca's motion does not pass. The fact is that many legal permanent residents lose their jobs because they work in industries hit hardest in times of economic downturn and as a result, lack the finances to buy food for their families. When you consider that more than one in five low income children belong to legal immigrant families, it is even more unconscionable taht in their time of need, they will be denied the most basic of safety-net programs. As the world's wealthiest nation, it is inexcusable that a high rate of hunger exists among low-income legal permanent resident families living in this country. We must not allow this tragic situation to continue. No one in this country, especially innocent children, should go hungry. Therefore, Congress should follow the President's lead and expand access to the food stamp program for these hard-working, legal residents and their children. Support the Motion to Instruct.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Monsignor Oscar A. Romero, El Salvador's patron of peace, justice and liberation, on the 22nd Anniversary of his assassination. Monsignor Romero, Archbishop of El Salvador, dedicated his life to the social and economic liberation of the poor. It is an honor for me to pay my respects to the legacy of such a powerful community organizer and advocate. Monsignor Oscar Arnulfo Romero was born on August 15, 1917 in San Miguel, a small neighborhood in the city of Barrios, El Salvador. After three years of public schooling and about four more years of private tutoring, Monsignor Romero was apprenticed to a town carpenter. Soon after his apprenticeship began, his strong faith and love for the Catholic Church led him to forsake his training as a carpenter to attend the seminary in the city of San Miguel. He continued his theological studies at the national seminary in San Salvador and completed them at the Gregorian University in Rome. On April 4, 1942, Monsignor Romero was ordained as a priest to his home country and began his journey as a crusader for the people of El Salvador. A brilliant career in the Church soon followed, as Monsignor Romero became rector of the interdiocesan seminary of San Salvador, then general secretary of the Bishops' Conference and executive secretary of the Episcopal Council for Central America and Panama. He continued to move up within the Church hierarchy, and on February 22, 1977, he was appointed archbishop of San Salvador. Monsignor Romero took over the archdiocese of El Salvador at a time of social conflict. A brutal civil war was taking the lives of 3,000 people a month. Monsignor Romero became personally acquainted with the bloodshed when two of his priests were murdered, He immediately demanded an inquiry into the events that had led up to the death of the priests and set up a permanent commission for the defense of human rights. Monsignor Romero became an outspoken critic of the ruthless oligarchic state and a defender of liberty and justice for the lower class of El Salvador. Sunday after Sunday hundreds of people flocked to his masses to listen to his message. As the archbishop of San Salvador, he also sought to inform the world about all the people who had been tortured, slaughtered, and of those who had ``disappeared'' in El Salvador. As the civil war intensified and Monsignor Romero became a popular figure for the poor, he also became a target of attacks by the ruling class. However, his commitment to a peaceful resolution to the two-decade-old war was unfaltering and the world took notice. In 1979, Monsignor Romero was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his outspoken defense of human rights. Monsignor Oscar A. Romero demonstrated extraordinary courage and an unyielding determination to do what is right, true, and just. He demanded peace, a peace that could only be found in human rights and assurances of basic dignities. In the face of injustice, Romero took it upon himself to use the Church as a light of hope and to challenge the oppression of the Salvadoran military regime. On Sunday, March 23, 1980, Monsignor Romero directed his homily to the military from the San Salvador cathedral where he pleaded with them to stop the killing and to cease the repression in the name of God. Sensing his imminent death, Monsignor Romero said, I have been the target of frequent death threats. I must say as a Christian, that I do not believe in death without resurrection. If they kill me, I will be reborn in the Salvadoran people . . . hence I offer God my blood for the redemption and for the resurrection of El Salvador . . . let my blood be the seed of freedom and the sign of hope that soon will be a reality. Sadly on March 24, 1980, Monsignor Romero was killed by a bullet aimed to his heart, as he was giving mass in the chapel of the Carmelitas Nuns hospital in San Salvador. A single bullet transformed him into a martyr. His life was taken, but his voice could not be silenced. Monsignor Romero was and continues to be a beacon of hope in a country ravaged by poverty, injustice, and sorrow. Today, I join the Los Angeles City Council, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the California State Assembly, Clinica Monsignor Oscar A. Romero, and the 22nd Anniversary Commemoration Committee, in paying homage to Monsignor Oscar A. Romero and to celebrate his life and legacy.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Frances T. (Frankee) Banerjee on twenty-five years of distinguished service to the City of Los Angeles. A very accomplished woman, Ms. Banerjee retires as the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation. Ms. Banerjee has had a successful career working in many facets of transportation, including: Research Associate in the Urban Transportation Systems Laboratory at MIT, Strategic Planning Manager for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and consultant for the United States Department of Transportation. Since joining the City, Ms. Banerjee has served in a variety of capacities. She began as Planning Manager for the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, where she oversaw the Los Angeles Downtown People Mover Program. She then served as the Transportation Manager for the Community Redevelopment Agency before becoming the Assistant Chief Legislative Analyst in 1988. Frankee Banerjee joined the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation in 1994. Because of her excellent record in transportation, she was appointed by Mayor Richard Riordan as the first woman ever to hold the position of General Manager. She had the task of overseeing approximately 2,000 employees, as well as directing the activities of the Offices of Transportation Programs, Operations, Parking Management, and the Office of Organizational Support. The Office is responsible for design and development of all new projects, field and systems operations of the City's traffic signal system, transportation review of all new development, operation of the commuter express and community transit serving 26 City areas, management of parking programs, intersection control, and school crossing guard services. Under her management, the Department of Transportation has received national recognition for programs showcasing the development and deployment of advanced technologies, environmental achievements, and sensitive streetscape design. In addition to her work with the City, Ms. Banerjee has been actively involved with numerous professional associations and has received numerous awards. Such awards include being named ``Employer of the Year 2001'' by the Women's Transportation Seminar and ``Affiliate Businesswoman of the Year 2000'' by the National Association of Business Owners. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join Frankee Banerjee's family and friends in congratulating her on her retirement. I thank her for her exemplary performance, and her distinguished and dedicated service to the people of the City of Los Angeles. I wish her well in her future endeavors.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to recognize and congratulate Susan Flores on her 33 years of exceptional service to the City of Los Angeles. She has made significant contributions to the City government throughout her career, and I wish her the best in her retirement. Ms. Flores entered her public service career in 1968 with the Concentrated Employment Program, where she directed the delivery of intense education, training and employment services to disadvantaged youth and adults in East Los Angeles. Her dedication and hard work then led her to work with the City of Los Angeles' Community Development Department, where she was directly involved with planning and implementing programs funded through federal grants from the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services. From 1982 to 1989, while serving as the Director of Human Services and Neighborhood Development Division, Ms. Flores ably administered the City Human Services Delivery System that provided services to the City's neediest residents. Her work addressed a variety of needs, such as childcare, legal aid, food and nutrition, homelessness and AIDS. From 1989 to 1999, Ms. Flores was Director of the Department's Workforce Development Division, which had one hundred full-time staff and a $130 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to carry out the Job Training Partnership Act, Welfare-to-Work, and the Summer Youth Employment Training Programs. Since 1999, Susan Flores has served as the Assistant General Manager of the Community Development Department of the City of Los Angeles. She has been responsible for managing the City's federal grants that fund the Human Service, Economic Development and Workforce Development Programs. Through her work, she has been able to serve all the resident of Los Angeles by helping neighborhoods, businesses, families, adults, youth, job seekers and those in need. I am sure that Ms. Flores is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, John, and their family. I would like to thank her for her service to the residents of the City of Los Angeles, and wish her the best in all of her future endeavors.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today in celebration of the official swearing-in of the Democratic whip, my colleague and friend, Nancy Pelosi. Today, we celebrate a historic event. Nancy Pelosi is the highest- ranking woman ever to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her success is also a tribute to the women who came before her. From the election of Representative Jeanette Rankin to the House in 1916, to today, when a record number of 75 women serve in the 107th Congress, women Members of Congress have made significant contributions to the legislative accomplishments of the House and Senate. They have served with distinction as chairs of committees and subcommittees, members of our most powerful committees, and in leadership positions within the Democratic caucus and the Republican conference. But, today is notable because Nancy has been elevated by her peers to one of the top two positions that the history books recognize as the key party leadership posts. So it is fitting that we gather today to recognize the leadership exemplified by our new Democratic whip, Nancy Pelosi, and to celebrate the accomplishments that have earned this great distinction. Nancy was a leader in California and in the California Democratic party for many years before her election to Congress in 1987. In may ways, her political experience provided a model for me in becoming the first Mexican-American woman to be elected to Congress, and I have appreciated the many ways she has supported me both before and after I joined her here in the House in 1993. She has also provided additional leadership to me as I have followed her to the House Appropriations Committee. I believe it is Nancy's service on that committee that demonstrated her leadership abilities to the members of our caucus. First, Nancy serves on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee, which may recognize as the most problematic appropriations bill passed by Congress each year. The bill's long list of worthy programs necessitate hard work and numerous, bipartisan compromises in order to produce the final version that is enacted into law. Nancy's contribution to that process each year has been essential in protecting health and education programs that benefit millions of Americans. In addition, as ranking Democrat on the Foreign Operations Subcommittee, Nancy has been the Democratic floor manager for that bill since 1995. From that position, she has been instrumental in advocating our caucus's position with regard to programs that address global poverty, international family planning, and global environmental issues while working with her Republic chairman to fashion a compromise bill that can withstand scrutiny by the House. She has worked uncomplainingly in the spirit of compromise each year to produce legislation the House can support. Nancy's race for whip pitted her against one of the Democratic Caucus' most active and distinguished members, our colleague Steny Hoyer, who has been one of my mentors on the Appropriations Committee. Steny's outstanding credentials as our former caucus chair, as a chairman and now ranking member of the Treasury-Postal Appropriations Subcommittee, and as chief recruiter for our party of congressional challengers, made the race for whip a difficult decision for everyone in our caucus. But we all recognized that with choices such as Nancy and Steny for this coveted leadership position, the Democratic Caucus, as well as the entire House, would be well-served by the victor. Nancy's tough but successful race against Steny represented another example of leadership--not just of her ability to mobilize the diverse elements of our caucus, but also her ability to organize in the systematic manner essential to the success of any party's whip. As Californians and as members of the Appropriations Committee, Nancy and I share many experiences. But we also share a distinction enjoyed by only a handful of women Members of Congress over the history of Congress because each of our fathers served in the House before us. Nancy's father, Representative Thomas D'Alesandro, served in the House from Maryland from 1939 to 1947. My father, Representative Edward Roybal, served an area of Los Angeles near my current district from 1963 to 1993. I know that the model of public service provided by our fathers was essential to each of us as we decided upon the course of our careers. I congratulate Nancy Pelosi as she officially assumes her leadership duties today. She takes her place today among a long line of outstanding Democratic whips that go before her in the House's history, including Representative David Bonior, whom she succeeds. I pledge to work with her and our other Democratic leaders, indeed all the leaders of the House, in going forward with our work in a manner that best reflects the American people and that always strives to make the House of Representatives truly ``the people's House.''

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, due to a family health emergency, I was unable to be present for rollcall vote 5 on Tuesday, January 29. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, Due to a family health emergency, I was unable to be present for rollcall votes 1-4 on Wednesday, January 23 and Thursday, January 24. Had I been present, I would have voted ``present'' on rollcalls vote 1, and ``yea'' on rollcall votes 2-4.

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD

Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3525, the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act, because this bill strengthens the security of our borders, secures our visa entry system, and enhances our ability to deter potential terrorists. However, I also rise to express my displeasure that an extension of Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act was dropped from the final version of this bill. My support of H.R. 3525 is based on the fact that it improves the resources, training, and technology available to our border personnel to increase the effectiveness of our efforts to improve border security. This bill requires the Attorney General to begin installing biometric data readers and scanners at U.S. ports of entry so we can more accurately deter individuals with false passports or visas. H.R. 3525 also improves coordination and information-sharing by the State Department, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), and law enforcement and intelligence agencies. For example, consular officers who issue visas will now be required to transmit electronic versions of visa files to the INS, so that this critical information is available to immigration inspectors at U.S. ports of entry. By enhancing our ability to screen visitors to the U.S. before their arrival, we will help to keep terrorist cells from entering our country. This bill also improves the monitoring of foreign students and exchange visitors. H.R. 3525 expands the current foreign student monitoring program in our colleges and universities to include flight schools, language training programs, and vocational schools. It also enhances the reporting requirements placed on the INS, the State Department and educational institutions. In addition, it requires the INS, in consultation with the Department of Education, to periodically review institutions enrolling foreign students and receiving exchange visitors, to ensure that they adhere to the mandated reporting and record-keeping requirements. Mr. Speaker, in spite of the many merits of this bill, I am however very disappointed that it does not include an extension of Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Section 245(i) allows eligible immigrants to stay in this country by paying a substantial fee of $1,000 to adjust their status to permanent residency based on a close family member or employer sponsor. Under Section 245(i), the only eligible immigrants are those who have been physically present in the United States since before December 1998 and have an established familiar relationship or employment based petition filed with the INS. Immigrants who qualify would be screened for criminal offenses, fraud, and would need to meet all other conditions of admissibility--just like any other immigrant who applies for a green card. An extension of 245(i) does not provide a loophole to our border security--anyone found to be linked to any criminal activity would continue to face deportation or detention. A permanent extension of Section 245(i) is an issue of great importance to the Hispanic Caucus and the entire Latino community. President Bush publicly supported an extension, as have the AFL-CIO and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In fact, the House was scheduled to vote on an extension of this important provision, but due to the unconscionable attacks of September 11th this legislation was pulled from consideration and never rescheduled. Since then, I along with other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus have been urging the leadership of the House to bring up and pass an extension to Section 245(i) before the end of the year. We felt confident that adding an extension of Section 245(i) to H.R. 3525 would create the right balance between the need to keep our borders safe from terrorist threats, and keep the avenues for legal permanent residency open to hard working immigrants. Without an extension of Section 245(i), we are not helping to secure our borders; we are instead promoting the separation of families and the increase of individuals on our unemployment roles. It is therefore unfortunate that Section 245(i) has fallen victim to those who equate immigration with terrorism. There is no doubt that our country needs long-term solutions to security problems at our borders, and H.R. 3525 is a positive step in that direction. In our effort to secure our nation however, we must not close the door to our ability to legalize employees of American companies or spouses and children of U.S. citizens. An extension of Section 245(i) is pro-family, pro-business, and good for America. I hope the Bush Administration will keep its promise and work with the bipartisan congressional supporters of Section 245(i) to gain passage of an extension before the end of the 107th Congress.