Ciro Rodriguez

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 15 years of dedicated community service by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Harlandale Memorial Post 4815 and Post Commander Edward C. Torres. This San Antonio-based non-profit organization has and continues to serve its dedicated senior citizen community. VFW organizations have a respected reputation for not only serving their fellow community veterans but also the community as a whole. Annually, on average, the VFW and its supporters contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism within their respective communities. With a history dating back to over 110 years ago, the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization and their auxiliaries live up to its mission ``to honor the dead by helping the living.'' The Harlandale Memorial VFW Post 4815 and Ladies Auxiliary continues to follow this noble tradition. For the past 15 years, this post hosts the areas senior citizens every third Friday of the month. They offer these respected members of their community the opportunity to engage and interact with others while at the same time providing a safe and entertaining place to gather. They prepare and serve both a continental breakfast and hot, full course lunch to those in attendance and provide free entertainment in the way of bingo games with prize-giveaways. They also host seminars regarding community and safety information which are not likely as readily available elsewhere to these residents. The particular groups in attendance are generally from two area nursing homes so this provides one of the few occasions they have to leave their residences. This one, special day allows a luxury these people may not know otherwise. It is fun, entertainment, and a chance to socialize outside of their daily set. Under the leadership of Commander Edward C. Torres, the Harlandale Memorial VFW Post 4815 and Ladies Auxiliary are an integral part of their community. They provide a precious service to oft time overlooked citizens which help to not only enrich and strengthen community bonds but to enrich and strengthen lives. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Commander Edward C. Torres and the Harlandale Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4815 for their hard work and excellence in service to their community.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chairman for his great work on this issue. He has been the champion on these issues and responsive to the needs of our borders. Border security is one of my highest priorities. I represent 785 miles of the Mexican border, more border with Mexico than any other Member of Congress. As the vice chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Committee, we have made making our border more secure a high priority. Earlier this month, the House passed a supplemental appropriations bill that continued funding for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and in addition included $701 million in much-needed border security funding. This is funding that our men and women on the border are asking for and need to get the job done. We all know the violence in Mexico has escalated. We need to ensure the U.S. borders are not left vulnerable. This new version is much smaller than the previous one cut by the Senate. This bill does not have the funding for Operation Stonegarden, a much-needed program supported by many bipartisan Members. Nonetheless, I support the chairman on his effort and thank him for his leadership. This bill will target funds just as the previous House-passed supplemental did. This includes an additional 1,000 Border Patrol agents and 250 additional officers at our land ports of entry, which are critical and important at this point in time. This is a significant step towards securing our border, and I want to thank the chairman for his leadership in this area and ensuring that the border becomes a priority.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5875. I want to personally thank Chairman Price for his work on these issues. The chairman has joined me on the border touring--I represent more border than anybody else in the Congress, over 785 miles along the Mexican border. We've had the opportunity to tour all the way from Texas to San Diego, including the northern border. And I want to thank him for bringing forth this piece of legislation. Let me also just indicate that this is a major piece of legislation that's critical to making sure that we secure our border. If anything is important, it is making sure that this country remains secure. Earlier this month, the House passed a supplemental appropriation bill that continued to fund our operations both in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in addition included $701 million in much needed border security funding. This is the funding that our men and women on the border are asking for and need to get the job done. We all know that violence in Mexico has escalated, and we need to ensure that U.S. borders are not left vulnerable. We were disappointed when the Senate did not include the border funding in their version of the supplemental appropriations bill. So earlier this week, I was joined by Congressman Teague from New Mexico, as well as Congresswoman Giffords from Arizona, in writing a letter to our leadership asking them for the emergency border funding for this piece of legislation. We could not let the Senate gridlock sacrifice our ability to keep the border secure. Last night, we were pleased to join Chairman Price in cosponsoring H.R. 5875, the bill that will provide these resources for the border. This bill is paid for, and not a penny will be borrowed. This bill will target funds just as the previous House-passed supplemental bill. It includes additional Border Patrol people that we need on the border, additional officers right at the points of entry. I ask support for this piece of legislation.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Chair, I just wanted to take this opportunity to come down to the House floor and congratulate our chairman, Congressman Chet Edwards, on his efforts in this area. I feel really elated in terms of the amount of resources that we have been able to put for our veterans. Having been on the Veterans' Committee and on the appropriations side and the authorizing side, I had the opportunity to witness the situation that we suffered with when we had to do the copayments and require our veterans to come up and pay copayments. We cut Category 8 veterans from that. In addition, not only that, but we asked them to pay for additional fees for services. And in the last 3 years, it's been a turnaround, and this bill provides resources there for the first time that allow an opportunity for us to be able to look at our infrastructure and improve on those areas that are out there. We have a good number of hospitals out there that are lacking on infrastructure, and I'm hoping that in the future we continue to do this. This bill puts us on the right track to provide additional resources, and I want to thank him, personally, also. I know that it also has been able to put additional resources and creating additional polytrauma centers. We have four in the Nation. Now we have a fifth in Texas, and so I want to thank him personally, there in San Antonio, for the polytrauma center that has had the resources to be able to begin to provide those needed items that our veterans need. I also want to just thank him for putting the resources there and just advertise the fact that, just in the last year and a half, we have over 240,000 veterans that are now taking advantage of the GI Bill. And this is a tremendous bill. We expect to have over half a million veterans participating in the GI bill. And that, in the future, will show a tremendous amount of positiveness when those individuals get their bachelor's, their master's, and their doctorate degrees as they move forward. In addition to that bill, it also allows their kids and their spouses to take advantage. So congratulations on the great work that you have been doing, Chairman.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 4 students for their outstanding contributions in my district and their dedication to academic success. University of Texas students Laura Hurd, Cody Hudson, Marcelo Somos Valenzuela, and Rachel Chisholm recently completed and presented their graduate hydrology projects on flooding in Sanderson, Texas. This is especially important because their academic work will directly benefit the people of Sanderson and Terrell County. In 1965, Sanderson experienced severe flooding, killing 27 people and devastating the town. In response, the Federal government built $37 million worth of dams and watershed infrastructure to protect the flood-prone area from any future incidents. This infrastructure has prevented similar devastating floods and changed the flood plain forever; however, the FEMA flood plain maps were never updated to reflect this new infrastructure. The old maps still show much of the town and over 200 residents living in a flood plain that no longer exists. By law, residents living in flood zones are required to purchase flood insurance. For many years residents of this tiny, rural town have been unnecessarily paying for flood insurance. The town of Sanderson in Terrell County, Texas, is a town of just over 1000 people and is larger than the state of Rhode Island. By itself, this community does not possess the capacity or means to remap its flood zones. With the help of the University of Texas and its graduate hydrology students, the town was able to complete much of the technical and complex analysis required in flood zone mapping. At the same time the students were able to gain valuable experience by completing hands-on coursework. The students traveled to Sanderson during their Spring Break to begin their work. The community of Sanderson is very appreciative and I am proud to acknowledge their work. I want to again thank Laura Hurd, Cody Hudson, Marcelo Somos Valenzuela, and Rachel Chisholm as well as Mr. David Maidment the Director of the UT Center for Research in Water Resources and other administrators that made this possible. As a former educator myself, I am always impressed when we can use academic enrichment exercises to improve local communities. This will leave a lasting effect on this community and we are grateful for your work.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, and Madam Chairman, I stand here today in support of my legislation, H.R. 4438, a bill to authorize the expansion of the San Antonio Mission National Historic Park boundaries, and to authorize a boundary study that would identify possible lands for inclusion in the park within Bexar and Wilson Counties. This bipartisan piece of legislation is cosponsored by all three of my colleagues from San Antonio, Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, Congressman Lamar Smith, and Congressman Henry Cuellar. My colleague in the Senate, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, has also introduced companion legislation. The San Antonio Missions is the largest concentration of Catholic missions in North America and serve as some of the most well preserved representations of Spanish colonial history, influence and culture in the Southwest. It is on this foundation that the City of San Antonio was established, and today the Missions serve as an important reminder of the connections to the city's rich past. Built along the San Antonio River in the early 1700s by Spanish missionaries, the Missions became important social and cultural centers of the time. Today, four missions still stand and continue to be active parishes. Established as a national park in 1978, the National Park Service and the City of San Antonio and Bexar County have worked diligently to restore and preserve the Missions and the surrounding river area. After years of channelization, the area along the river is at last being restored to its natural ecosystem. Preserving the natural habitat in an urban area is hugely important and has long been a priority of the San Antonio community. Now that this process is underway, expanding the Missions National Park to include this area is vital to creating a continuous and seamless park along the river. This legislation will authorize the acquisition of previously identified lands currently owned, and I stress, currently owned, by the City of San Antonio and Bexar County that are suitable for inclusion in the park. These are willing sellers. It will also authorize a boundary study for future areas. This bill will continue the deep tradition of preservation for the parks and river region, while also ensuring its future growth. The need to prepare for this growth is clear. Just last year alone, in 2009, the park had a record-breaking year of visitations with over 1.7 million people visiting the park, a 35 percent increase over 2008 levels. This legislation ensures that future generations will be able to walk along the river and see the city through the eyes of its past inhabitants as they look upon these historic structures and learn about the people that settled the region. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 4438.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to say a few words on cyber security in this particular exercise done by universities. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1244, recognizing the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition for its now 5-year effort to promote cyber security curriculum in institutions of higher education. The Cyber Collegiate Defense Competition is a 3-day event and is the first competition of its kind that focuses on the operational aspect of managing and protecting an existing commercial network infrastructure. Students get a chance to test their knowledge in an operational environment and network within industry professionals who are always on the lookout for up-and-coming engineers. On February 27 and 28 of 2004, a group of educators and students, government and industry representatives gathered in San Antonio, Texas, to discuss the feasibility and desirability of establishing such a program--this particular regular cyber security exercise with a uniformed structure for postsecondary-level students. The Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security at the University of Texas at San Antonio agreed to host the first Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition for the Southwestern region in April of 2005. The University of Texas at San Antonio is the National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and by the Department of Homeland Security. The University of Texas at San Antonio is in my district, and I have been continually impressed with their pioneering approach to cyber security curricula. They have outstanding faculty and staff, all of whom recognize how critical information assurance is becoming in the 21st century. This year's regional winners included Towson University, DePaul University, Montana Tech, Northeastern University, the University of Washington, Texas A&M University, the University of Louisville, and the California State Polytechnic University at Pomona. I am also honored and privileged to have attended this year's competition and previous events and to have personally had the opportunity to congratulate the winners from Northeastern University, the champions of the national competition. Let me just add that it is exciting to see these young people engage in this competition. We are hoping that, as we move forward, this will grow and allow other universities to participate and get engaged as these are the youngsters, in the words of some of them who describe themselves, who are the geek warriors who defend our infrastructure throughout our country and throughout the world. It was really exciting to see them not only in the competition but to see them participating. We have these unique individuals who are extremely brilliant, who are out there doing a wonderful job, not only for the private sector but for the public sector. In conclusion, I just want to believe that the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition is poised to expand and grow as cyber security becomes increasingly important for the public and the private sectors throughout the country and throughout the world. I hope this body will continue its strong work in supporting the cyber security profession while making sure we are providing the resources to train the next generation of cyber security professionals. I want to take this opportunity to thank the chairwoman for allowing this particular legislation of recognition to come forward. Thank you very much.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, Uvalde, TX is a small rural town in my district. Uvalde is known for its plentiful trees and clear springs, but it best known for its two most famous residents: John Nance Garner, also known as Cactus Jack who was Speaker of the House from 1931-1933 and also served as Vice President to Franklin Roosevelt and also Former Governor of Texas and Philanthropist Dolph Briscoe Jr. Last night, at the age of 87, Governor Briscoe passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and with the people of Uvalde who he loved. I rise today to honor his legacy. With his passing, Texas lost a legendary figure. He was the first Texas governor from Southwest Texas and one of the great philanthropists of our time. His generosity has preserved western art and expanded our institutions of higher learning. He served in the Texas Legislature from 1949 to 1957 and then served as Governor from 1973 to 1979. He was truly a champion of the public, signing into law the 1973 Texas Open Records Act guaranteeing the public's right to information about state and local government. He was also responsible for sponsoring legislation that gave Texas its statewide farm-to-market road system. And his role as president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in the 1960s improved the agricultural industry immeasurably. I was proud to name the Uvalde Post Office after Gov. Briscoe in 2007 for his distinguished career in public service. And today, I honor the memory of Gov. Briscoe for his commitment to Texans and a life as a dedicated public servant.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize and celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the Quihi Gun Club. This is the oldest gun club in the country and counts a membership of over 1,000 people. The Club, originally built to defend against Indian attacks, is the oldest continuous running gun club in the United States where members continue to meet each month. Two German men met under an oak tree on Quihi Creek on May 26, 1890 to organize the Quihi Schuetzen (shooting) Verein (club); now called the Quihi Gun Club and Dance Hall. The Quihi Gun Club hosts an annual turkey shoot in the fall, fundraising for the Make-a-Wish foundation, and hosts the Medina County Riders' Annual Trail Ride scholarship for Medina County students. The club is based in Quihi, Texas, a quiet rural farming community with a population of about 200. Quihi is located about midway between Hondo and Castroville, north of Hwy 90 on State Road 2676. There is one state highway that runs through Quihi with a lot of county and private roads that branch off of it. The area that would come to be known as Quihi was originally settled by Lipans, Kiowa, Kickapoo and Comanche Indians. The Indians named the area ``quichi'' (pronounced kee-chee) after the large brown bird with white feathers on its tail and tips of its wings. Quihi was founded in 1844 by Henri Castro on the banks of what was to be called Quihi Creek. Quihi was established in March 1846 by 10 families of German/French colonists brought to Texas by Emprasario Henri Castro. Families set out from Castroville and moved 10 miles west to site at Quihi Lake. Original settlers in the area came from Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, Belgium and Mexico. This area was attacked by Indians shortly after settlement and several times thereafter. It is the site of first public free school in Medina County as well as a German-English school. The population of the community grew through the latter part of 19th century but began to dwindle after the 1900s, as young people moved to other nearby towns and cities. Today only a few families remain in this community surrounded by heavily settled farm land. Many family-owned businesses, farms and ranches are still owned by descendants of the original families. Several of Texas' greatest Legends like Pappy Selph, Caesare Masse, and Cliff Bruner have spent many nights in Dance Halls like this. I extend my most sincere congratulations to the Quihi Gun Club on their 120th Anniversary. I am proud of their success and hope that they continue to expand their club membership as they provide their services not only to their community, but to audiences from all over for many years to come. Early this month the town of Quihi was struck by a devastating flood of the Quihi Creek. Three businesses closed, the area was temporarily without electricity and a large section of pavement was washed away on FM 2676. According to newspaper reports the Quihi Gun Club and Dance Hall was hit with two feet of water and had a slightly damaged dance floor. Despite the damage, the public dance proceeded as scheduled that week. The history of this beautiful, small rural community can boast of their heritage for over 160 years. It is delightful that the traditions of the Quihi Gun Club can add to this exemplary and truly American community. I am proud to represent the people of Quihi and to recognize the Quihi Gun Club and its integral role in the Quihi community and Medina County.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I congratulate the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, which I am excited to announce is in the 23rd district of Texas, on its recent nomination to participate in the Museum Assessment Program, MAP. The program has served over 5,800 museums since 1981 and is administered through the American Association of Museums in a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, IMIS. The program will help the museum, beyond its current success, identify through peer review, how to improve programming and operations to address current and future challenges. The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is located within the scenic Davis Mountain range near Fort Davis. Through research and education, including its proximity to Sul Ross State University, the non-profit institute promotes public appreciation and awareness for the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert. Highlights include a 1400-sq.-ft. cactus and succulent greenhouse, a desert botanical garden, over 3 miles of hiking trails, and interpretive exhibits. The institute offers opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn through the Life-Long Learning Program. This program features workshops, fieldtrips, and lectures on a variety of topics related to the natural history of the desert region. Other programs for school and youth groups help parents and teachers reinforce scientific concepts by offering exciting, interactive activities. Teachers can continue their professional education with interesting classes that emphasize outdoor learning and hands-on activities to use as demonstrations for their students. Exhibits include ``Our Dynamic Landscape; Geology, Culture, History,'' the ``Chihuahuan Desert Mining Heritage Exhibit,'' a ``Geological Timeline,'' and constant changing interactive ``Atrium Exhibits.'' Again I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the recognition of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute by the Museum Assessment Program for its outstanding efforts on educating the community about regional and ecological awareness. This continuous hard work has a positive impact on visitors and students alike who in turn will appreciate preservation of the earth's natural history, regional habitats, and more importantly, the importance of preservation for future generations.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I congratulate the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, which I am excited to announce is in the 23rd district of Texas, on its recent nomination to participate in the Museum Assessment Program, MAP. The program has served over 5,800 museums since 1981 and is administered through the American Association of Museums in a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, IMIS. The program will help the museum, beyond its current success, identify through peer review, how to improve programming and operations to address current and future challenges. The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is located within the scenic Davis Mountain range near Fort Davis. Through research and education, including its proximity to Sul Ross State University, the non-profit institute promotes public appreciation and awareness for the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert. Highlights include a 1400-sq.-ft. cactus and succulent greenhouse, a desert botanical garden, over 3 miles of hiking trails, and interpretive exhibits. The institute offers opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn through the Life-Long Learning Program. This program features workshops, fieldtrips, and lectures on a variety of topics related to the natural history of the desert region. Other programs for school and youth groups help parents and teachers reinforce scientific concepts by offering exciting, interactive activities. Teachers can continue their professional education with interesting classes that emphasize outdoor learning and hands-on activities to use as demonstrations for their students. Exhibits include ``Our Dynamic Landscape; Geology, Culture, History,'' the ``Chihuahuan Desert Mining Heritage Exhibit,'' a ``Geological Timeline,'' and constant changing interactive ``Atrium Exhibits.'' Again I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the recognition of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute by the Museum Assessment Program for its outstanding efforts on educating the community about regional and ecological awareness. This continuous hard work has a positive impact on visitors and students alike who in turn will appreciate preservation of the earth's natural history, regional habitats, and more importantly, the importance of preservation for future generations.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, our veterans deserve more. The proper care of our veterans is our most fervent duty to uphold. This bill permits us to advance this support even more with needed programs that will not only cover our veterans, but will also extend caregiver support to their families. This bill makes marked improvements in rural health programs such as the partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services to expand care in rural areas. It also gives the Department of Veterans Affairs the flexibility it needs to contract mental health services in rural areas where there are no adequate VA facilities. This bill also addresses the need for coordination between the Departments and the key stakeholders in the study to find solutions to the alarming suicide rates among our veterans and active duty forces and gives more resources to the Department of Veterans Affairs to address key areas such as veteran homelessness and women's health, and strengthens their quality assurance and other programs. Additionally, this bill reestablishes the previous highly successful Health Professionals Education Assistance Scholarship Program in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Earlier this year, I introduced H.R. 4166, a bill to bring back this successful program. I am glad that this bill includes my legislation. We also need to recognize our soldiers and thank them for their service. We owe it to each and every one of our wounded warriors and all veterans to ensure their care and medical needs are properly taken care of. Their selfless sacrifices for our Nation's freedom and the sacrifices endured by their families warrant the passage of this bill.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a great American, Dr. Hector P. Garcia. I would like to thank Congressman Ortiz for his leadership and for bringing forth this resolution. This resolution recognizes the leadership and historical contributions of Dr. Garcia to the Hispanic community and our country as a whole and for his tireless efforts to combat racial and ethnic discrimination. Dr. Garcia was founder of the American GI Forum, a Mexican-American veteran's service association, which initiated countless efforts on behalf of Americans in the areas of health care, veterans' benefits, and civil rights equality following World War II. For his efforts, President Reagan in 1984 presented Dr. Garcia with the nation's highest civilian award, the Medal of Freedom, for meritorious service to the country. He was the first Mexican-American to receive this recognition. Dr. Garcia and the American GI Forum played a pivotal role in the case of Army Private Felix Longoria. Private Longoria was killed in action in 1945. After a 4-year wait, his body was returned to Texas in 1949. His widow requested the use of the funeral chapel in Three Rivers, TX, where she was denied because he was of Mexican decent. With the determination of a soldier, Dr. Garcia and the GI Forum intervened. They petitioned Senator Lyndon B. Johnson for assistance and LBJ successfully secured the hero's burial his widow and this private deserved at Arlington National Cemetery, where he became the first Mexican American to be awarded the honor. The issue garnered national attention when it was published in the New York Times. It was work like this that made the GI Forum a leader in civil rights movement. I had the benefit of knowing Dr. Garcia, and his family currently lives in my district. Dr. Garcia is an American hero and deserves the recognition of this House.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 30 years of honors by the Texas Talent Musician's Association. This San Antonio- based non-profit organization promotes excellence in the Tejano Music Industry. Tejano music is known for its modern sound with influences from cumbia, rock and blues. This type of music originated along the Mexico- Texas border during the time of the Mexican-American Revolution in the 1840s. Not only is it a combination of different sounds, but also a fusion of Mexican, Texan, and even Eastern European cultures. Songs within Tejano music are known to be passed down from generation to generation, making sure those epic stories about political leaders, history, and current times are consistently being told through song. Tejano Music is truly an original American art form. It is impossible to talk about Tejano music without mentioning Selena Quintanilla Perez, the ``Queen of Tejano Music.'' Selena was a proud Mexican-American woman who was born and raised in Texas. Although she did not speak Spanish, most of her music was in Spanish. She performed from the age of 8 until her death at the age of 23. In 1987 she won Female Vocalist of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards. Selena's contributions to the music industry are legendary and are commendable. The Texas Talent Musicians Association has hosted the Tejano Music Awards every year since 1980. This year the 30th annual Tejano Music Awards will take place on July 11th in San Antonio, Texas, proudly known as the ``Tejano Music Capital of the World''. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Tejano Music as truly an original American art form, Selena Quintanilla Perez as a legend of Tejano Music, and the Texas Talent Musician's Association for their international promotion of Tejano Music.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the Hastings- Rodriguez Amendment to H.R. 4061, the Cyber Security Enhancement Act. Our amendment aims to address the lack of minority representation in the cyber security industry. In addition it provides for a minority serving institution to participate in the university-industry task force authorized by this legislation. Our country is blessed to have many top-notch universities already training our future cyber security experts. For example, a minority serving institution in my district, the University of Texas--San Antonio, is producing both undergrads and graduate degrees in information assurance and computer science. UTSA has been designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Only 23 programs in the nation have achieved the research designation. Universities like UTSA can play a major role in our national cyber policy and the training of our future cyber workforce. This underlying legislation will set us on our way to prepare our diverse workforce for our current and future needs. I would like to thank my colleague Mr. Hastings for his partnership on this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support the Hastings/ Rodriguez amendment and support H.R. 4061.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fort Sam Houston Memorial Services Detachment. The Fort Sam Houston Memorial Services Detachment was formed in 1990 to fill the void left when the Department of Defense determined that it was no longer able to perform full military burial honors for veterans of the Armed Forces. The Memorial Services Detachment is comprised of about 80 veterans, with and average age of 75, from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the gulf war. These selfless veterans volunteer their time, on rotating shifts throughout the week, to ensure the traditional military honors of the 3-volley-salute and the playing of ``Taps'' are provided to every veteran buried at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Since 1990 the Memorial Services Detachment has performed services for over 25,000 deceased veterans. The veterans of the Memorial Services Detachment have touched the lives of countless family and friends by their dedicated service under the simple motto of ``Veterans Serving Veterans.'' They are a lasting reminder of what is best about our country and about those that have served our Nation in its defense.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. In the military, of all places, each individual must be aware of what is being said or done by their peers and friends and recognize when those behaviors or statements may not be consistent with a healthy mindset. In the military, these behaviors absolutely must be identified to the unit commander so he can review the servicemember and get the member appropriate help. I believe that we can all learn from this tragic incident to not take things too lightly and for leaders to be proactive in their efforts to ensure the mental health of the troops. Hopefully, we can reach out to help as many as we can. I will close by expressing my condolences, once again, to the family and friends of those who have been wounded and those who have lost their lives.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Chet Edwards for allowing me this opportunity to speak this morning on this tragic shooting that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, yesterday. The most important thing that we can do right now is to make ourselves available to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded. I wish to express my condolences to the families at Fort Hood who lost their loved ones. Our prayers are with you all as you try to make sense of it all. This tragedy, once again, raises the extreme importance of providing true quality in our mental health care services and the need for thorough mental health assessments not only for our veterans but also for those that are in the service at the present time, for those members notified of deployment as well as those returning from deployment. This must also be a time to take into consideration the medication needs, the financial difficulties, and the coping mechanisms that our soldiers are having to go through. These also highlight the need for our family and friends and peers to stand up to get their friends help when they need it. The signs of suicide, homicide and extreme behavior are almost always there.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize Chief William ``Dub'' Warrior of Brackettville, Texas, a Historian and Seminole-Negro Indian descendent of the John Horse Band, and commemorate the distinguished service and loyalty of the Seminole-Negro Indian Scouts to the United States Army. Following the Civil War, the Army was called into west Texas to defend settlements and travelers against retaliation raids from displaced Apache and Comanche Indians. However, they lacked the ability to track down and stop them. The Army needed experienced Indian fighters who knew the rugged terrain and were as skilled as their opponents at surviving and fighting in the desert borderlands. Thus, in 1870 the fearless Seminole-Negro Indians were recruited from Mexico as U.S. Army scouts. They were highly regarded and praised by their commanders for being excellent trackers, hunters and marksmen, and experts at hand-to-hand combat. During twenty-six expeditions they engaged in twelve battles without losing a single scout, and their bravery earned four scouts the Congressional Medal of Honor. Therefore Madam Speaker it is my great pleasure to rise and announce in honor of these esteemed persons that the greater Washington, DC chapter of the 9th and 10th Horse Calvary Association, in partnership with the Army Freedom Team Salute and St. Elizabeth's Hospital of Washington, DC, has planned a Seminole-Negro Indian Recognition Ceremony for today, Friday, October 9, 2009 in the St. Elizabeth's Hospital Chapel. Chief William ``Dub'' Warrior will be the keynote speaker for this event. He is the descendant of Tony Warrior, who collaborated with and assisted John Horse, leader of the Seminole-Negro Indians, in the movement of their tribe from Indian Territory to slavery-prohibited Mexico. Chief Warrior's grandfather, Carolina Warrior, and great grandfather, Bill Warrior, were members of the revered U.S. Army scouts.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I commend your hard work and dedication in the pursuit of academic excellence. Through your efforts, you have garnered the prestigious honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon School by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, the highest distinction a school in the United States can achieve. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program was established in 1982 by Secretary of Education Terrell Bell. The program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that demonstrate academic superiority or dramatic gains in student achievement. Only 3.9 percent of all schools in the United States have received this award. As your Member of Congress, I am proud of your ambition and inspired by your success. I have always believed that our future prosperity is predicated on our present commitment to education. You are lighting the way as a beacon for those not only in our district, but also in our nation. I applaud you for your efforts and encourage you to keep up the excellent work.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my colleague in the Texas Legislature, former State Representative Leo Alvarado, Jr., of San Antonio, who passed away on June 5, 2009. I served with Mr. Alvarado at the State Capitol in Austin during the 1990s, both of us representing districts in Bexar Country. Madam Speaker, during the recently concluded 1st Called Session of the 81st Texas Legislature, the Texas House of Representatives adopted House Resolution No. 21 in memory of Mr. Alvarado, offered by my former colleague State Representative Delwin Jones of Lubbock, joined by Bexar County members Trey Martinez Fischer, Mike Villarreal, Joe Farias, Joaquin Castro, and Valerie Ryder Corte. The State of Texas House of Representatives resolution h.r. no. 21 Whereas, The passing of former state representative Leopoldo ``Leo'' Alvarado, Jr., on June 5, 2009, at the age of 70, has profoundly saddened the legal and legislative communities and citizens throughout San Antonio and brought a great loss to his family and friends; and Whereas, Born in San Antonio on April 23, 1939, Leo Alvarado was the son of Maria del Refugio Parias de Alvarado and Leopoldo Alvarado, Sr.; he grew up on the West Side and graduated from Jefferson High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force; following his service to his country, he enrolled in St. Mary's University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in political science and accounting and went on to receive his law degree in 1974; and Whereas, This dedicated community activist helped organize the J.F.K. Community Forum, which laid the groundwork for West San Antonio agencies engaged in the war on poverty, and served as a consultant to the Inner City Apostolate and as a director of the Mexican American Unity Council and of Project Health and Viable Economics; he was vice chair of the board of the Bexar County Hospital District and worked toward the purchase and reopening of Lutheran General Hospital to serve downtown residents; and Whereas, Highly respected in his legal career, Mr. Alvarado handled many complex injury and public interest cases; he played an important role in landmark Edgewood ISO cases involving the redistribution of funds from wealthy to poorer school districts, which ultimately led to increased support for education in lower income communities; he was a partner in Weir & Alvarado, P.C., before forming Alvarado & Alvarado, P.L.L.C., with his daughter, Rosemarie Alvarado-Hawkins; and Whereas, Mr. Alvarado was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1992 and served the people of District 116 for eight years; during his tenure, he was chair of the Freshman House Caucus and was a valued member of the civil practices, house administration, state affairs, redistricting, insurance, and judicial affairs committees; a man of principle and integrity, he worked to improve the lives of all Texans, and he introduced bills relating to high school education and redlining in the insurance industries, among numerous others; and Whereas, A devoted and loving father, Mr. Alvarado most enjoyed spending time with his family, whom he placed first in all matters; he was also fond of hunting, fishing, playing guitar, cooking, painting, gardening, and travel; and Whereas, Leo Alvarado leaves a legacy of accomplishments that will continue to benefit people in this state for years to come, and he will long be remembered with deep affection and admiration by all who were fortunate enough to share in the richness of his life; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, 2009, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Leopoldo ``Leo'' Alvarado, Jr., and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his brother, Carlos Alvarado; to his first wife, Gloria Acosta Farias, and their son, Leopoldo Alvarado Acosta III; to his second wife, Charlene Alvarado, and their children, Rosemarie Alvarado-Hawkins, Christina Lisa Morales, Miguel Antonio Alvarado, and Carlos Andres Alvarado; to his grandchildren, Maria and Sharet Castillejos and Evangeline and Chloe Hawkins; and to the other family members and friends of this esteemed Texan; and, be it further Resolved, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Leopoldo ``Leo'' Alvarado, Jr. Joe Straus, Speaker of the House. I certify that H.R. No. 21 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on July 2, 2009. Robert Haney, Chief Clerk of the House.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately I was unable to vote today, Monday, July 27, 2009 because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present to vote, I would have voted in support of the three bills that were before the floor of the House of Representatives today; H. Res. 593, Recognizing and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the entry of Hawaii into the Union as the 50th State; H.R. 1376, the Waco Mammoth National Monument Establishment Act of 2009; and H.R. 1121, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I speak today on behalf of H.R. 3155, the Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act--the CARE Act. The nature of warfare is changing as is the economic requirements of American families. Thanks to advances in medical technology and our outstanding service men and women, more and more of our wounded warriors are surviving their injuries than ever before. At the same time more and more of our families must rely on dual incomes just to get by. Some of our wounded, though they survived, must now receive full time care due to the extent of their injuries. That second income earner ends up having to quit their job or limit their hours in order to provide care for their loved one. The potential loss in earnings for these families, even with military medical retirement pensions and VA disability pensions, is often catastrophic. And on top of that, the families must navigate the system largely on their own, putting pieces together and connecting the dots by figuring out the right questions to ask. This bill is a vital piece of legislation that will provide resources in a comprehensive program to engage those wounded warriors who require caregiver assistance and the family and friends who often serve as the caregiver. This bill provides for mental health and counseling services for those caregivers and ensures health care coverage for those caregivers who may have lost their health care coverage when they gave up their job to care for their loved one. This bill ensures that respite care is provided that is appropriate to the specific veteran's needs, including, if necessary, 24-hour in home respite care. And this bill provides the authorization for the VA to provide a stipend to the caregivers to help compensate for their loss of income. We owe it to our wounded warriors to ensure their care, and to ensure the care of those that sacrifice to care for them. We must pass this bill.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3288, the 2010 Transportation-HUD appropriations spending bill. In particular, I want to express my support for the passage of the rail funding within the bill that amounts to about $4 billion. I want to thank Chairman Olver for his leadership, and I want to thank the Appropriations Committee for demonstrating their commitment to passenger and high-speed rail by providing funding in this bill that will enable urban, suburban and rural communities in America to be connected by a system that will deliver safe, swift, efficient, and economical travel across our Nation. The $4 billion provided in this bill will support a competitive grant process. The Federal Railroad Administration will oversee the grant application and award process. For those who have concerns about the funding, I want to stress that current demand for passenger rail exceeds available funds in the pre- application process for passenger rail funding. Texas, for example, has requested $3.1 billion; California has requested $21.6 billion; Nevada has requested $12.5 billion. Overall, 40 locations throughout America have requested in excess of $104 billion. The fact of the matter is that $4 billion is only a small down payment of investment in passenger rail. Texas desperately needs the passenger and high-speed rail. Funding for high-speed rail will reduce congestion and pollution. It will create jobs, and it will connect America's communities. The San Antonio-Austin area is booming, and the highways are congested. America's passenger rail system is terribly underdeveloped and underfunded when compared to other nations, such as France, Italy, China, and Japan. My colleagues in south Texas have joined me in supporting this bill, and I ask for the support of this piece of legislation.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. In listening to some of the discussions earlier of the amendments that had been brought before and of their concerns that they were not going to be listed, I know that the Rules Committee did the right thing in not considering them since a lot of the amendments that were talked about earlier, Madam Speaker, were amendments that should be dealt more appropriately with the authorizing committees. This is an appropriating bill, and they should not be handled in legislation of this matter. In appropriating bills, we don't have those amendments. They should go with that committee, and we need to respect the committees on the authorizing side to make sure that they do the right thing and that they do the authorizing and not through an appropriating bill. I know this is a technical matter that will hopefully get dealt with, but in response to the discussions that you had had regarding the previous so-called lack of an opportunity to prepare those amendments, those amendments belong in an authorizing bill and not in an appropriating bill. Let me just say that this is a major piece of legislation. It's a bill that needs to be passed. Throughout this country, there is a tremendous need for our infrastructure. This is a bill that will allow for an opportunity to create jobs, additional jobs, and that will make things happen, especially for the fast rail system, where it makes an investment and begins to look at resources in that area. That's one of the areas in this country where we're lacking and where we have to have additional resources. So I just wanted to take an opportunity to share the importance of making sure that we pass this piece of legislation.