Ciro Rodriguez

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, sometimes people do not realize, also, that the demographics have changed. Just like we needed a lot of construction, a lot of new schools in the 1950s and 1960s because of the baby boomers, now we are experiencing what we call, what I like to call, the baby echo. That baby echo is a larger number. So there is a need, also, for additional classrooms because of that large number of youngsters in our schools. So there is a real need for us to go back and do what these individuals did back in the 1950s and 1960s, and that was invest in our kids. We need to do the same. We need to invest in our future by investing in our kids and also investing in our adults. I really feel very strongly that we need to come up with new technological centers so that people in mid-management and people that are 40, 50 can go back to school and learn about computers and be able to go forward. I also wanted to take this opportunity, if possible, to talk to my colleague, and I know he is well aware of the issue of safety in our schools. We have experienced a lot of violence, and we have had some difficulty. There is a need for us to kind of look at the issue of safety. I know that when we look at the violence that is occurring, there is a need for us to reach out. The President does have a program that he is going to be looking at promoting safe schools. I recall when I did my town hall meeting with school safety I had someone stand up and say, ``Congressman Rodriguez, you cannot even control our prisons, and you expect to control our schools?'' There was a lot to be said when that was indicated. Our prison systems, the way they are run now, if one goes in there, unfortunately, if one is white, one better join one of the white supremacist groups there. If one is Mexican, one better be part of the Mexican Mafia. I recall the individual who committed that atrocity in Texas that dragged that African American. I remember people talking about that young man. They used to say, when he was in school, he never indicated or showed that he was that kind. But after he had come out of prison, he had come out worse. In so doing, we have got to make sure that our society does not even perpetuate more of that. So we need to reach out to those schools and do whatever we can to make sure that those youngsters feel safe, and part of that is through counseling, part of that is through having social workers reaching out, because I feel real strongly that schools are only a reflection of our community. If there are gangs or problems, those gangs exist in those communities. That is why we need to reach out and work, and those resources in our schools are drastically needed to making sure that we can provide that education. Because if the child is not safe, they are not going to learn. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey for allowing me this opportunity to be here with him.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I just want to share, I know the gentlewoman is here from the District of Columbia, and I was appalled to see the condition of our schools here in the District of Columbia. It is embarrassing to the Congress and it should be embarrassing to all of us, because that is one school district that we are held responsible for and obligated to have to provide resources for. I am ashamed that we still have those conditions. The gentleman talked also about our schools throughout the United States. One responsibility we have is to make sure that we provide that construction money to make sure that we allocate those resources. A lot of those schools, in all honesty, were built prior to the microwave. If anyone lives in an old home like I do, they know they have to go back and redo the wiring, if nothing else. So there is a real need for us to reinvest in our infrastructure as it deals with education. So I am very pleased that the President is pushing forward on new construction. I also want to add a little bit in terms of the importance of the digital divide. The administration, President Clinton has been in the forefront in allowing additional resources for new technology. Without that technology, a lot of our youngsters in our country would also fall back. There is a real need for us to prepare ourselves, not only our students but our adults, our mid-management throughout the country, to make sure we are well-trained in the new technology. I know a lot of resources are needed for us to go back to school. That includes a lot of the Congressmen, to make sure we can work with the new computers. But doing that is going to be key in order for us to compete as a country. I think it is going to be very important that we allocate some resources in that technology and that we prepare our youngsters. Part of that is having access. Most of our poor communities throughout this country do not have a computer at home. But if they could, we could provide it to them in our libraries, in our schools, in our universities; and we have started to do that, but a lot more needs to be done. We still have a lot of schools that are not computerized and do not have the new technology, and I think that that is one of the things that we need. Not only do we need it in terms of ourselves, but I really see, as a way of leading this world, if we are going to continue to be the leading country, we are going to have to be in the forefront. One of those indicators is going to be the level of our education. I sit on the Committee on Armed Services; and when it comes to our national defense that should be our first priority, making sure that we educate our constituency, making sure that everyone is well prepared. Because that is part of our defense, and that is part of a showing that we are going to be in the forefront when it comes to economics. So I am hoping that we will continue to do that with President Clinton in his last year.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. One of the things I want to share with the gentleman and one of the concerns that I have and I will share with the gentleman the Texas experience in that the legislature moved for pretty good coverage overall but it is only funded at 55 to 65 percent, which means that even if they cover all the kids they are supposed to they are only going to cover half of the need that is out there. One of the things that the gentleman mentioned that I would like to stress is that there were very little resources that were actually allocated for allowing individuals to educate people as to the fact that those monies were even available and so that if people do not take advantage of that it is not going to do any good. It can be out there, but that is one of the problems that we encounter in Texas is that they did it and they passed it, but if they do begin to utilize it only half of the people are going to be able to have access to it. I wanted to share one other thing I think that is very important. I sit on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. From a veterans' perspective, and I have seen a lot of the documentation for veterans where they were promised access to health care and were not given that access to health care and there is a real need and we are pushing for it this time around to try to make something happen to provide access to health care for our veterans. Last year we moved on providing them additional monies for the ones that are in military raises as well as the pensions. This year we also want to concentrate on health care for our veterans, and we are looking at providing up to $5 billion that is needed to make sure that those individuals are covered. Last year, we had a big fight on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs when we tried to add up to $3 billion for access to our existing services. We were able to add up to $1.5 billion, but that was after a big fight and only after that money came from future resources. So it is kind of like giving a raise right now with the intent that next year that that money was coming out of future years. So we are in a deeper hole and we find ourselves in a problem and we have an obligation to our veterans to provide them access to health care, and throughout this country we have a multitude of veterans and the services have not been there. It has been poor access, and the quality also leaves a lot to be desired. So we are hoping that as we move along this year that we look at access to health care for our veterans and also look at what we can do with TRICARE for our people that are in the military. I have people that are in the border areas that will have to travel 200 miles to San Antonio to have access if they wanted to. Those are some of the areas that we really need to kind of look at a little more seriously and pay a little more attention to. Those veterans deserve what we have promised. We have gone back on our word as a Congress. We can blame the administration, but we as congressmen also have an obligation, and that obligation is to make sure that we hold up to our word to make sure that those veterans who served our country and protected us and have protected our democracy that we also assure that they would have access to health care. I am hoping that we will also move in that direction.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. That advertisement that has been going on with Flo that comes out and she talks to our senior citizens, she is covered. She is taken care of right now with prescription coverage, but our senior citizens out there that are straight Medicare are not. I would attest the majority of Americans out there only have the straight Medicare and do not have prescription coverage. For Hispanics and a lot of our minorities and especially those individuals that have worked in areas that do not have any form of a pension, which a lot of people that have worked for small companies, do not have that extended care. So it is important that we reach out to those individuals and that we provide that care. I think that it is about time that we come back and kind of look at that. I know that throughout history, when it comes to health care, we have had some endeavors of trying to take care of and provide health care in terms of universal, across the board, and that occurred in the 1930s with Roosevelt, 1960s with Kennedy and Clinton in the 1990s. Ironically enough, we have not been able to do that, and I am hoping that we can soon start talking about also those uninsured that are out there. The uninsured, they are over 44 million and growing, and I would attest that if the economy was not doing as well as it is that we would have a lot more uninsured, and that is something that is very scary because a lot of people are out there that are in need, and these are people that are not poor enough to qualify for medicaid, not old enough to qualify for Medicare and are working Americans that fall in between. So there is a real need for us to reach out to that population as well and the uninsured. We have been doing those efforts with the CHIPS program, the children's program, but there is a need for us to push forward. I am hoping that the insurance companies, because they have been, in all honesty, an obstacle in the past; and I look at Medicare and the reasons why we were able to establish Medicare when LBJ was because of the fact that the insurance companies recognized that when people reached 65 they got sick, and that is when they did not want us, that is when they wanted government involved at that point in time. And if they were poor enough they knew people did not have money so they did not mind government being involved in medicaid because, after all, they were too poor to pay for that insurance. Now we have this middle class that cannot afford it, do not have the access and are uninsured out there; and there is a need for us to provide some alternatives. And I am hoping that the private sector can participate in that effort and we can be able to come up with some kind of response. Again, from Texas, we have the largest number of uninsured, the largest throughout the country. I am not proud to say that. Yes, we should be proud that we have passed some legislation on HMOs that are far- reaching in terms of appeal process, but some of those areas we are still lacking. So we are hoping that as we look at this session that we can concentrate on some of those specific areas and try to meet some of those needs.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. If the gentleman will yield further, we do have an experience in South Texas. In fact the gentleman is aware of the studies that we did in reference to the expenditure for certain prescriptions. When we looked at those prescription coverages and how much they cost, for a person with an HMO or the government, the prices ranged almost 25 percent less. The senior citizen was sometimes having to pay up to 300 percent more for the same medication. The same individuals that are paying for it are our senior citizens. Basically at the expense of our senior citizens, we are causing this to occur. I think the President is correct in saying that we need to come back and reassess that and that Medicare also has the responsibility to provide prescription coverage. I think that this is something that needs to occur, that needs to happen. For all practical purposes, the way it is now, it does not make any sense. We give it to our indigents but we do not provide it to our senior citizens. In fact, not only do we not provide it to them but we charge them 100, 200 to 300 percent more for the same prescription. We are basically robbing them. That is not right. We need to do whatever we can. I am hopeful that this time around there is a feeling that we can do a bipartisan effort in making something happen in this area. I am optimistic. We have a unique opportunity as the gentleman well knows. It is an election year. We are all up for reelection, including Democrats and Republicans, both in the presidential and in the Congress and so it is a unique opportunity to ask our constituents to put the squeeze on their local official, their local Congressman and the presidential candidate, Republican or Democrat, to make it happen. I think it is something that most people feel it is the right thing to do. When we are asking our senior citizens to pay 200 to 300 percent more for the same prescription, it is not fair, it is not right, and we need to do something about it. Again, I thank the gentleman very much for being here and taking the lead not only in terms of some of the health issues but a lot of the other issues that are before us. I thank the gentleman for allowing me the opportunity to say a few words.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I believe Elian Gonzalez should be allowed to return to his father. If it would be the reverse and we would have our child in Cuba, we would expect no difference. Our responsibility is to look beyond the political issues. It is unfortunate that this issue has been politicized. It is unfortunate that it has gotten to this point. If we look at our own present law, we would have allowed that individual to go to the father and to his grandmothers. The extended family that is there, even within the courts, should not have any jurisdiction. I feel very strongly that Americans should also be supportive of this. It is unfortunate that it has been tainted with politics and that that youngster has been used in politics. I have heard also that, why is not the father here? Well, it is my understanding, I know that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano) has advised him not to come to the United States because they were concerned that, legally, he would have been detained here and a subpoena would also have forced him to be here. He also has another family. We need to be conscientious. If we look at family values, we need to return Elian Gonzalez back to Cuba.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 325, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should increase funding for diabetes research, raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment, help improve access to diabetes diagnoses and treatment, and that all Americans should help to fight the national epidemic of diabetes. I and the San Antonio, Texas, community recently lost a good friend, State Senator Greg Luna, to diabetes and the complications of diabetes. Senator Luna's passing is a testimony to the seriousness of the diabetes within the Hispanic population. The disease affects nearly one in two Hispanics across this country and in our own backyards. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Cardio-vascular diseases, which are prevalent among Hispanics, is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes, accounting for more than one-half of all deaths. It is crucial that we not only increase research into prevention and treatment of diabetes, but that our communities increase outreach to the high-risk populations. In my congressional district in south Texas, statistics indicate that juveniles are more likely to acquire type 2 diabetes than any other. I ask the House to make sure that we fund this diabetes research.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. I thank the gentleman very much.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. In this particular process, we were ranked at a certain level. It is my understanding that that ranking will not necessarily change, but in terms of redefining that ranking based on need. In addition to grandfathering in some of the 99 projects, those States that had additional homes, for example, it was my understanding that Florida is also very similar to Texas, where the gentleman has not moved either like Texas in terms of trying to get those homes as much as other States have. If that occurs, then, that means that or my understanding is that we are going to prioritize the 99 projects of some of the old existing homes versus new existing homes, is that correct?

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking minority member, for yielding time to me, and I thank him for his efforts in this area. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that there is a critical need throughout the United States when it comes to our veterans, our homeless veterans that are in need of housing. In Texas in particular, I know that we have been working real hard and got the first initial four. It was one of the first States that did not have any additional homes. I want to take this opportunity and ask the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns) to engage in a colloquy, if he would. One of the things that I wanted to ask, because I know one of the things as we move into next year, we have allocated $90 million. I feel real strongly that there is a need for additional resources. We know we have a long list. It is my understanding that one of the new priorities that we have indicated and that we have reranked is based on need, and it is based on identifying the importance of that need in those specific States. I just want to get a clarification from the gentleman from that perspective. In addition to that, I want to get some feedback also from the gentleman in terms of hopefully a drive or push as we move into the year 2000, 2001, and on for stressing the importance of additional resources in this specific area.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to recognize the 25th anniversary of the founding of an organization that changed the political landscape in San Antonio, across Texas and the Nation. From the alleys of San Antonio's poorest South and West Side neighborhoods, people of faith and conviction came together a quarter century ago to form Communities Organized for Public Service, or COPS. COPS, and later its sister organization, Metro Alliance, entered the scene at a time when the largely minority, poor communities of San Antonio did not have a voice at the table. Frustrated by inaction, and worse by a lack of attention from the establishment leadership, COPS and Metro Alliance became the voice of the unheard, the mouth of those who were ignored. COPS and Metro Alliance draw their strength from the people and institutions that make up the local neighborhoods: churches, schools, and other community-based organizations. We hear a great deal of talk today about the need for faith-based groups to take responsibility, but the truth of the matter is that COPS and Metro Alliance long ago accepted that challenge. The result has been a thousand victories, each one building on the last, with more than 50 religious congregations working together. COPS first set out to repair the imbalance in distribution of funds for city improvements. They rightly demanded that poor neighborhoods deserved flood control and street improvements. Later COPS fought in the battle to bring single-member districts to San Antonio, helping end the legacy of a system that did not adequately seat minorities, who by this time were a majority of the local population, at the table of power. In recent years, COPS and Metro Alliance, recognizing that education is the cornerstone of any future success, focus their energies on job training and early childhood education. Project QUEST and the San Antonio Education Partnership are models for improving the lives of communities one person at a time. The positive impact of these organizations reaches far beyond the banks of the San Antonio River. By joining with the Industrial Areas Foundation, sister groups began to spring forth across Texas, and then other areas of the country. From city to city, the basic principles were established--that local communities could organize themselves to create a political force that could not be ignored. Today, similar organizations exist in Dallas, El Paso, Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, and communities in New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, Nebraska, Iowa and Southern California. On November 7, delegates from each of these areas, some 5,000 in number, will convene in San Antonio to celebrate 25 years of successful political action on behalf of the less fortunate. Their work has improved the living and working conditions of countless thousands of low- and moderate-income families. All my colleagues in the House of Representatives should be proud of the work performed by COPS, Metro Alliance, and their sister organizations across the country. Ordinary people doing extraordinary work is the best way to describe them. I am proud to share in their accomplishments and look forward to years of future growth and success.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to recognize the 25th anniversary of the founding of an organization that changed the political landscape in San Antonio, across Texas and the Nation. From the alleys of San Antonio's poorest South and West Side neighborhoods, people of faith and conviction came together a quarter century ago to form Communities Organized for Public Service, or COPS. COPS, and later its sister organization, Metro Alliance, entered the scene at a time when the largely minority, poor communities of San Antonio did not have a voice at the table. Frustrated by inaction, and worse by a lack of attention from the establishment leadership, COPS and Metro Alliance became the voice of the unheard, the mouth of those who were ignored. COPS and Metro Alliance draw their strength from the people and institutions that make up the local neighborhoods: churches, schools, and other community-based organizations. We hear a great deal of talk today about the need for faith-based groups to take responsibility, but the truth of the matter is that COPS and Metro Alliance long ago accepted that challenge. The result has been a thousand victories, each one building on the last, with more than 40 religious congregations working together. COPS first set out to repair the imbalance in distribution of funds for city improvements. They rightly demanded that poor neighborhoods deserved flood control and street improvements. Later COPS fought in the battle to bring single-member districts to San Antonio, helping end the legacy of a system that did not adequately seat minorities, who by this time were a majority of the local population, at the table of power. In recent years, COPS and Metro Alliance, recognizing that education is the cornerstone of any future success, focus their energies on job training and early childhood education. Project QUEST and the San Antonio Education Partnership are models for improving the lives of communities one person at a time. The positive impact of these organizations reaches far beyond the banks of the San Antonio River. By joining with the Industrial Areas Foundation, sister groups began to spring forth across Texas, and then other areas of the country. From city to city, the basic principles were established--that local communities could organize themselves to create a political force that could not be ignored. Today, similar organizations exist in Dallas, El Paso, Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, and communities in New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, Nebraska, Iowa, and southern California. On November 7, delegates from each of these areas, some 5,000 in number, will convene in San Antonio to celebrate 25 years of successful political action on behalf of the less fortunate. Their work has improved the living and working conditions of countless thousands of low- and moderate-income families. All my colleagues in the House of Representatives should be proud of the work performed by COPS, Metro Alliance, and their sister organizations across the country. Ordinary people doing extraordinary work is the best way to describe them. I am proud to share in their accomplishments and look forward to years of future growth and success.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have introduced legislation that will provide a clearinghouse for the latest research on issues of significant social concern so that national policymakers can make informed and sound decisions. The bipartisan legislation I am introducing with Representative Asa Hutchinson will create a National Center for Social Work Research at the National Institutes of Health. The research conducted and supported through this Center will provide Congress, government agencies and other policymakers with empirical research on how to address social problems such as school violence, depression, mental illness, domestic violence, child abuse, teen pregnancy and a host of other challenges facing our society. Social workers are in a unique situation to provide such valuable research. They approach both service delivery and research from an interdisciplinary, family-centered, and community-based approach. This comprehensive approach also takes into account a wide-range of social, medical, economic and community influences--information that we as policymakers need to make better informed decisions. For example, this year Congress has struggled to develop comprehensive legislation on how to deal with the spread of school violence. Unfortunately, there is not one place we as policymakers can turn in order to receive the latest, up-to-date research on what other communities or States are doing to approach this serious issue. Through the National Center for Social Work Research, we can ensure that all research conducted on issues of serious social concern are collected and made available through one entity. Currently, the Federal Government provides funding for various social work research activities through the NIH and other agencies. However, we currently lack coordination or direction of these activities. I look forward to working with my colleagues on providing us with a research center that we can turn to for help on formulating policy that will improve the lives of women, children, and families in our communities. The collection of this important data will help us find solutions so that children can feel safer at school, women will no longer suffer from abuse, and communities and States will be empowered with resources on how to deal with major social issues. We owe it not only to ourselves but the women, children and families that rely on us to make informed policy decisions on a daily basis.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Duval County Veterans Service Officer Jose Oscar Barrera. It is with great appreciation that I recognize Mr. Barrera for his many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Duval County. J.O. Barrera was born and raised in San Diego, TX. After graduating from high school, on November 18, 1942, Mr. Barrera was called to military service in the United States. Mr. Barrera returned to live in San Diego in December 1945. He accepted a job with Duval County in 1946 in the Tax Collector's Office. On February 1, 1955, he was appointed Duval County Veterans Service Officer, a position he continues to hold to this day. During his tenure as Duval County Veterans Service Officer, Mr. Barrera received recognition for his outstanding service several times. In 1973, he was offered the position of Service Officer for the State Veterans Affairs Commission of Texas in San Antonio. Upon serious consideration of the offer, he declined, preferring to remain in his home town where he could continue to provide needed assistance to the veterans he knew best. At the 32d annual meeting of the Texas County Service Officers Association held in Dallas in 1979, the membership honored Mr. Barrera with one of the highest awards for veterans service. He was named Outstanding Veterans County Service Officer for the 60-county San Antonio Region. On February 26, 1999, he was presented with AMVETS National Commander's Appreciation Certificate from the AMVETS/American Veterans Organization Office in Houston for his sincere dedication in assisting veterans and their dependents. At the 52d annual Statewide Conference for Veterans Service Officers held September 28 through October 1, 1999, in Dallas, Mr. Barrera was awarded two certificates for his years of service. State Representative Ignacio Salinas, Jr. awarded Mr. Barrera a certificate recognizing his 44 years of service as Veterans Service Officer for Duval County. He was also awarded a certificate of excellence in service to the veterans of Duval County by State Senator Judith Zafferini. Mr. Barrera exemplifies what every county should have, a competent Veterans Service Officer who dedicates his life to the veterans of his county. Mr, J.O. Barrera continues to proudly serve the veterans and their dependents in Duval County, TX. It is most appropriate to honor his work, dedication, and commitment to public service.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, Halloween is over, let us stop playing those tricks and let us give the Americans the treat that they deserve, the truth. The truth is that the Republicans have exceeded their own caps by $31 billion, and we all recognize and we all know that. We also recognize that we have dipped into $17 billion into Social Security already. Apparently, the approach is if they tell a lie often enough, people will believe them. Well, this data did not come from the administration, this data did not come from the Democrat Party, this data came from the Republican accountants at the CBO; $17 billion into Social Security already. So what is wrong with this picture? We have a golden opportunity to work in a collective manner. And the beauty of it is that we are all talking about Social Security, so, apparently, we have some interest in that area. The leadership must come clean though and tell the truth. There are many worthy programs that we have, and we have had some major national disasters. We have the farm crisis, and there are some other needs to look at realistically in the cap, but let us tell the truth. Halloween is over.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 547, I was delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe in Social Security; and when we look at it, when we look at the legislation, we got to make sure we address the needs of those senior citizens that we have in this country. We also need to make sure that we address the baby boomers as they come up in this. And as we also look at that piece of legislation, as we look at what we are doing out here, we need to also make sure that we take care of the ``baby echo,'' those youngsters that are beginning to pay Social Security and those youngsters are beginning to work out there. It is important for us to do that. As we also look at what Social Security has done in this country, a lot of Americans out there who work saw that they have. My dad worked for over 35 years in a company, and after all was said and done, the only thing he had was Social Security. Social Security, there are 12 million senior citizens who only receive that, and that is what keeps them out of poverty. There are over 800,000 youngsters that also fall under the Social Security that are also taken care of. Many Americans, especially women and minorities, do not have the jobs that provide the retirement and disability benefits. For them Social Security is the only thing they have. So it is important for us to stop playing games and to make sure we take care of Social Security.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, we talk about the importance of education; yet when it comes to the education bill, we should all be disappointed in terms of where we are at with that particular bill. We talk about the global economy and yet when we look in terms of responding to the global economy, we should be there in terms of trying to teach dual language instruction, we should be there to try to improve multilingual education, we should be there to try to reinforce bilingual education. What are we doing? We are doing just the opposite. We are not addressing the needs that we need to address. As we look at the existing piece of legislation, especially Title I, there is some specific language in Title I. It is only addressed to limited English proficiency youngsters. Every other child, if you are an Anglo, if you are black, you do not have to jump through that hoop. The cost incurred is that if you are limited English proficiency, you are required to have to get parental approval. If you are Anglo, you do not have to. If you are black, you do not have to. That is discriminatory. I would ask that Members seriously consider that we treat everyone in the same fashion and the same form. I would ask that we vote ``no'' on Title I.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2, the so-called Student Results Act. What this really is is an attempt to block access to educational services for certain groups of this country. As we all know, title I serves as the cornerstone of Federal support for students most at risk of low educational achievement. Included in this profile for serving at risk students are limited English proficiency youngsters. During the last reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, it was decided that the limited English proficiency students were entitled to educational services under the same basis that other children receive under title I; and I repeat, they are entitled to the same basis of education under title I. All of a sudden now we have a different provision in H.R. 2 that will essentially deny access for millions of limited English proficiency youngsters in title I educational services. The schools in my district and throughout the State of Texas and this country are committed to providing limited English proficiency youngsters with the necessary language support services to ensure that limited English proficiency students achieve high academic standards. The language in the legislation as it stands now would prohibit schools in my district and throughout the country from providing this necessary language support services for students until the parent provides consent. Why are we picking only on this particular group? Why do we not have, for example, the disabled ask for consent? Why do we not have Anglo children have to get their parents to get an okay? We do not have that. We have decided to pick on limited English proficiency youngsters. As we move forward, in terms of students, we have to look at them as a whole. It is simply ridiculous to think that by singling out the limited English proficiency youngsters to say that it is fair, it is not. It is discriminatory. It is discriminatory unless it is applied to every single child. If we look at the language the way it is written, it is very obvious that anyone could see that those youngsters are being picked on. If we want to talk about parental involvement, then I am ready to support parental involvement. I am ready to require that parents need to show up in the classroom. I am ready to make sure that we have those programs to get them involved. But for them to be the only ones within this particular piece of legislation, for them to be required to have to come up and sign for parental consent, it is unfair, and it is discriminatory. I would like to urge my colleagues to think long and hard about supporting legislation that picks on children. Plus this legislation raises serious questions about the whole issue in terms of how we are denying access of these educational opportunities to these individuals. As far as I am concerned, the parental consent provision on Title I violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and there is no way that we should stand for that. I ask my colleagues to seriously consider voting no.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the conference report on H.R. 2670, the Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary Appropriations Act of 1999. The funding cuts for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), fund usage restriction on the U.S. Census Bureau, and failure to include the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, make this bill unacceptable. COPS has helped make America safe. Crime rates have dropped dramatically since the program's inception. Texas alone has received funding totaling more than $300 million, placing almost 5,000 additional law enforcement officers on our streets to protect neighborhoods, schools and businesses. My district has received more than $15 million in COPS funding, allowing local police and sheriff's departments to add 238 officers. I am a strong believer in this hallmark program which has been a substantial investment in the security of schools, cities, counties and states across the country. After more than two years of negotiations, a Supreme Court decision, and a final budget agreement on the 2000 census, I was disappointed to hear of the undue ``frameworks'' restriction on census funding. Congress should not continue to micro-manage an institution that has historically remained independent in discharging its constitutional duty. I cannot support this language and believe the Census Bureau's objections to it are well-funded. Finally, as a co-sponsor of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, I am disappointed that the conference report does not include this language. In light of recent incidents involving hate motivated killings across America, we in Congress need to send a strong signal that federal law will add a level of protection to currently unprotected classes while posing a deterrent to those who would use physical violence to further their prejudiced passions. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation and work with the Administration in fashioning acceptable levels of funding for COPS, removing restrictive language on the Census, and including language which would further punish those who commit crimes of hate.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion to Instruct Conferees which seeks to include the Senate language of the Commerce Justice, State and Judiciary Appropriations Act of 1999 that would end exit controls at land borders and seaports. This provision of controls, known as Section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Act of 1996, would likely place an undue burden on trade at our nations' borders. For South Texas, which has emerged as the premier gateway to trade not only to Mexico, but also to the Americas, this extra step of gathering data and inspecting records could hamper needed growth and economic development without providing a commensurate level of security or law enforcement value. The stated goals of Section 110 are to increase immigration enforcement and security through better record keeping. While advocating what appears to be a worthy system, policy makers failed to provide us the resources we would need to implement this new law. To implement this law properly would require an immigration data base for comparing records; technology for rapid implementation of the law; and new facilities for inspection of out bound traffic. None of these currently exist. The result: without these new resources, we are left with unprecedented gridlock at Texas border crossings, disrupting trade, commerce, tourism, and other legitimate cross-border traffic. Although Section 110 was supposed to be put in place on September 30, 1998, the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) put off implementing the new system for land and sea ports because it recognized it did not have the resources to do it. They have now set a new target date for March 2001, but I doubt they will be able to start by then either. The task is too enormous. We need to step back and examine our priorities. First, we must check people and goods seeking to enter the United States. We do not have adequate resources now to check who comes in, let alone who goes out. Let's address this priority before creating new, unworkable requirements. Second, we need to work toward a seamless border that fosters international trade. We need to provide the US Customs Service with more and better high tech equipment and increase the number of Customs agents. I recently testified before the Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee, urging them to give Customs the resources it needs to address these priorities. To help solve the Section 110 problem, I joined on a bill that would give the INS two more years before starting the outbound checks at airports, eliminate the requirement for land and sea ports, and require the Attorney General to study what it would really cost to implement this new system. Beyond the rhetoric, Section 110 would cost us too much at a time when other high priority needs are unmet. Let's solve one problem before creating another. We need to get back on track before we become our own trade and economic growth enemy.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of HR 1180, the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. More than 100 organizations dedicated to helping people with disabilities support this bill and I welcome the concept behind allowing those who face obstacles help themselves. However, I have grave concerns with the funding mechanism for this bill. The 6.3 percent user fee on SSI claimant representatives represents a blow to those who need able counsel in filing and guiding their SSI claim. The extensive time, preparation and expense in filing a claim for SSI disability creates barriers for many, and we are taking a step in the wrong direction by imposing a fee on those who provide this assistance. As this bill progresses, I look forward to working with my colleagues in eliminating this user fee which would have a disproportionate impact on those who need representation in order to pursue their claim.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, this past Tuesday will be remembered as one of the darkest in the history of the town of Pleasanton in Atascosa County. TX. Three brave officers of the law fell in the line of duty. Two others received wounds. I rise to pay tribute to these men and their families for enduring the ultimate sacrifice. It is appropriate for all of us in this House to pause and reflect on this terrible tragedy. While news reports are still coming in, the story appears to unfold as follows. Late Tuesday night, officers from the Atascosa County Sheriff's Department, the Pleasanton Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to what turned out to be a bogus call alleging a domestic dispute near Pleasanton, a small and close- knit community south of San Antonio. Two Atascosa Sheriff's deputies, first Thomas Monse, then mark Stephenson, arrived at the scene, only to meet a storm of high-powered gun fire from an assailant who made the phony call. The shooter, who had been out of jail only a few hours on a domestic abuse arrest, allegedly then took the deputies' own guns and executed them. These officers never had a chance. Next to arrive on the scene was Texas state trooper Terry Miller, sent in to find out why the first two did not respond to calls from the dispatcher. He got there almost twenty minutes after Officer Stephenson and had just enough time to radio in the shooting of the first two deputies. But he too was shot and killed in the ambush. When dozens of officers responded to Trooper Miller's call, the assailant, still hiding in some nearby underbrush, shot two more officers before he was surrounded. He then apparently took his own life as the two wounded officers were flown by helicopter for treatment in San Antonio. This tragic event, during which over 100 rounds of ammunition were fired, leaves us in great sadness, with more questions than we can answer. We cannot bring back Officers Miller, Monse, and Stephenson, who bravely gave their lives to ensure that others would be safe. But we can honor their memory and convey our deep condolences to the love ones they left behind. Officer Miller, the first Texas trooper killed since 1994 and the 74th trooper killed in the line of duty, leaves behind a wife and two children, ages 13 and 22 months. Officer Monse, a former Bexar County deputy, leaves behind a wife and four children. Officer Stephenson, who also served our nation in the military for seven years, leaves behind a wife and three children. To the two wounded men, Atascosa County deputy Carl Fisher and Pleasanton police officer Luis Tudyk, we wish the best in a speedy recovery. This unfortunate incident sends a reminder to us all of the dedication of law enforcement officers who each day leave the security of their homes and families to serve those in need all across America. Their sacrifice keeps us free.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the education efforts of the New Braunfels Independent School District in collaboration with the Center for Leadership in Science, Mathematics and Technology at the Alamo Community College District. These two educational districts have joined to host a meeting entitled ``The Community Focuses on Academic Excellence,'' scheduled for October 19, 1999, in New Braunfels, TX. The meeting will address the need for more students to engage in hands-on science exploration in grades K-12. The New Braunfels Independent School District has demonstrated an exceptional dedication to expand the educational horizons of its students, particularly in science. Together, the New Braunfels Independent School District and Alamo Community College District have invited a keynote speaker, Dr. Lawrence Lowery from the Lawrence Hall of Science at U.C. Berkeley, to discuss the topic ``How Students Learn.'' The United States Marine Corps will be on hand to present $10,000 for an Annenberg Satellite Dish for use in all schools in New Braunfels. The commitment of the school districts, the support of the parents, and the generosity of the community will help expand the horizons of our children. Science is key to understanding the world we live in. It is important for our students to have the type of hands-on education in science that is both challenging and rewarding. Without exposure to the sciences early on, our students will be left behind on the road of educational advancement. We have seen time and again that a commitment to higher standards of education is a commitment to excellence and a commitment to our future. I would like to commend the New Braunfels Independent School District for its focus on its students. The efforts of teachers, parents, and a community of supporters will help us reach our common goal, academic excellence and a love of learning.