Ciro Rodriguez

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise here today to recognize Tuesday, April 22, 2008, as Equal Pay Day. National and community organizations alike make this a national day of action to promote equal pay for women and minorities. It is a day to recognize the wage gap that exists between men and women and offer solutions that will address and remedy this economic injustice. It is no accident that a Tuesday in April is chosen as the day in which we recognize income inequality. April symbolizes the month when women's wages catch up to men's wages from the previous year and Tuesday represents the day on which women's wages equal men's wages from the previous week. According to 2007 statistics by the United States Census Bureau, on average women are paid 77 cents for every dollar that their male counterparts earn. For a country where 46 percent of its workforce is female, this is unacceptable. It is clear that we are not moving fast enough in promoting pay equality. Some reports estimate that if we continue at the current pace, the wage gap will not be closed until 2057. That is far too long for this discrimination to continue. We must promote all efforts to encourage employers to pay women fairly, educate women on negotiating appropriate salaries, and enforce current equal pay legislation. It is imperative that we protect every American's right to earn a fair wage based solely on qualifications and performance. There is no room in the American workforce for perpetuating gender and race stereotypes. By eliminating pay discrimination we will be ensuring that we will have the best and most productive workforce. I applaud all Americans who participate in and support Equal Pay Day. The first step in correcting this inequity is by alerting others it exists. It is my hope that together we can do this and ultimately be the catalyst for change.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize and to celebrate what would have been the 81st birthday of Cesar Chavez by urging Congress and the President to make this day a national holiday. Cesar Chavez grew up in migrant labor camps, into the poverty of a migrant worker's life. He became an historical figure who embodied humility and extraordinary strength in his peaceful struggle toward social justice. By dedicating his life to tirelessly championing the rights of farm laborers, along with Dolores Huerta, he helped found the United Farm Workers Union, fighting for better wages, conditions, and respect for farmworkers. As our country faces the continuing bad news on the economy and more Americans are searching for jobs, we are reminded on the birthday of Cesar Chavez that the types of working families to whom Chavez dedicated his life will suffer the most if gas prices continue to rise, people continue to lose their homes, and job losses continue to grow. Cesar Chavez has been an icon in my home State of Texas, where he is honored statewide on his birthday. In San Antonio, there is an annual Cesar Chavez march, which took place this past Saturday and had about 4,000 people in attendance. In San Antonio, we also have Cesar Chavez Boulevard, and in the county of Hidalgo there is a town named after Cesar Chavez, where 1,469 people live. I hope that his legacy and memory will someday become a fundamental piece of American history so that all Americans will understand the fight that Cesar Chavez began in the fields--a fight for social justice, civil rights, and human rights that continues today. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues in urging the President and Congress to establish a national holiday by passing H. Res. 76.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of Natalia, Texas and the 20th Annual Bluebonnet Festival, to be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008. The Bluebonnet Festival has grown into a homecoming for former residents and others who wish to celebrate the incorporation of Natalia, Texas. Natalia was founded in 1912 by Dr. Frederick Stark Pearson who named the town in honor of his daughter, Natalia Pearson Nicholson. Dr. Pearson was the engineer, designer and builder of the Medina Dam, and Natalia was established as the headquarters for the irrigation district. Destined to be the ``Queen City of the Southwest,'' Natalia was quickly built with macadamized streets, electric power and water works. Today Natalia continues to be home to the seat of the irrigation district, now known as the Bexar, Medina, Atascosa Water District (BMA). BMA owns and operates Medina Dam, Medina Lake and the entire canal system, furnishing water for 35,000 acres of land year-round for vegetable crops, grain and hay. Though established by Dr. Pearson, Natalia was not incorporated as a city until March 2, 1968. In January of that year, a group of 50 citizens petitioned Medina County to incorporate as a municipality using a City Council form of government. A vote was held on the 2nd of March and by a tally of 116 to 50, Natalia, Texas was incorporated. Just a few weeks later the first elections for Mayor, Alderman and City Marshall were held. During the 40 years of the City of Natalia's existence, the goal of its elected officials has always been to offer a better quality of life for its citizens. Natalia continues to retain its small-town charm while also constantly preparing for the future. There is perhaps no better way to celebrate Natalia's anniversary than with the Texas Bluebonnets. The flower blooms in early spring across fields and roadsides in central and south Texas. Aptly named for its vibrant color and shape, the Bluebonnet's petal is often said to resemble a woman's sunbonnet. Though especially prevalent in towns like Natalia, the Bluebonnet has come to symbolize the entire State of Texas and it was chosen as its state flower in 1901. The annual Bluebonnet Festival celebrates not only the anniversary of Natalia, but also the wild beauty that we have come to associate with the Bluebonnet and the untamed landscape of West Texas. As they celebrate 40 years of city incorporation, I congratulate all current and past residents of Natalia, Texas for working to achieve the dream of Dr. Pearson of being the ``Queen City of the Southwest.''

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. I want to personally thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership throughout the country and your efforts in providing for our veterans. I know I had the pleasure of serving on the Veterans Committee, and nothing was more frustrating than during the period of time that I served to just give nothing but lip service, and at the same time see the major cuts of the administration when it came to our veterans after having served our country. When I saw the budgets of the administration continuously bring forth additional fees and copayments on our veterans when both sides were saying that that was not appropriate, he continues to do that with this present budget. And if that was not enough, I know that he cut priority 8 veterans. And I'm glad to see that this budget includes that on there, so I want to personally thank you for that. In addition, the Democratic budget calls for advance pay and benefits to improve the quality of life of our troops and their families, including the emphasis on providing support and assistance to our troops and their families while they are deployed. And that is essential. It's unfortunate, and we cannot even comprehend how this has come about. Let me just say, this budget also calls for a $15.9 billion cut for the next 5 years on our soldiers, on TRICARE. As it is, the reimbursements on TRICARE are real low, to the point that some of our doctors are not going to take some of those soldiers and provide access to health care that they need. But I want to take this opportunity to thank the chairman and the leadership on this budget effort for making sure that our troops have the resources that are necessary, and to make sure that our veterans, after they come back, have the services that they're entitled to. We need to push forth on making sure those polytrauma centers get built so that access to health care is essential. Thank you very much for this colloquy. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of this Budget resolution. This budget provides for among many other elements the much needed resources for our country's defense needs. As you know, I represent a very large district that spans from San Antonio in the east to El Paso County in the west and south to the Mexico border. The U.S. military is very important to my district as evidenced by the BRAC decisions that centralize military medical training in San Antonio and bring soldiers from Europe back to Fort Bliss in El Paso. While the defense budget is important to the Nation as a whole, it has a particularly strong significance to my constituents. excellent and affordable healthcare San Antonio is poised to be the military center of excellence for medical issues with the completion of the current BRAC construction. The President's budget calls for increases in Tri-care fees for military retirees under the age of 65 by $15.9 billion over five years. The military's own have opposed these fees as evidenced by the Military Offices' Association of America's rejection of the fee increases. MOAA supports the Democratic budget that avoids Tri-care fee hikes and places a continued emphasis on addressing problems such as those identified at Walter Reed Medical Center. readiness The Commission on the Guard and Reserve issued a report on January 30, 2008 citing a lack of readiness to respond to a catastrophic attack on the United States. A major reason for this is the Administration budget that continually prioritizes funding wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while leaving the defense of our homeland at risk. The Democratic Budget provides greater attention to improving military readiness, in particular for the National Guard and Reserve. additional pay and benefits to the troops The Democratic Budget calls for advanced pay and benefits to improve the quality of life of the troops and their families, including an emphasis on providing support and assistance to troops and their families while they are deployed and when they return from deployments to readjust to civilian life. This is what we owe the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who have so selflessly fought for our Nation's freedom.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to express my strong support for H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. As a former social worker serving in the United States Congress, I am a proud cosponsor of this bill and am pleased to see it passed in the House of Representatives. In my previous career, I worked with people affected by mental illnesses and substance abuse. Having seen the devastating effects these illnesses have on people's lives and their communities, I am glad my fellow Members of Congress also recognize that mental health services are absolutely critical to helping individuals regain control over their lives. For years, people with mental illnesses have faced restrictions on the number of visits they can make to their providers and financial limitations which are either too restrictive or too costly for them to receive the treatment they require. With this bill, we empower people to seek the help and support they need. By helping make mental health services more accessible, we aid people to take a very important step toward overcoming the technical and social psychological barriers surrounding mental health. Mental illnesses, like most other medical conditions, can be alleviated with treatment. When left untreated, these illnesses worsen and become a larger burden for the affected person. Because treatment is available and effective, it is a great injustice to allow financial and procedural restrictions to become yet another barrier people with mental illnesses have to overcome. Therefore, it is reasonable and fair that these illnesses receive the similar type of attention and medical coverage as other health conditions. Mental health is a fundamental element of overall health wellness which has not been fully recognized in the past. I am confident this bill will make it possible for millions of people to improve their quality of life. I commend my colleagues for making this a reality for many of their constituents.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, today I am greatly honored to recognize the San Antonio Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. As you launch your 2008 Heroes for the American Red Cross Campaign, I wish to commend the many important contributions made to our communities by this admirable organization over the years. Every day, they serve over 2.4 million people living in the 23 counties across South Central Texas with invaluable support for natural disaster and preventative services. Since the chapter's founding in 1916, your volunteers have been at the forefront when emergencies and disasters have impacted our communities. Across the nation, the American Red Cross's noble work has come to represent hope and relief for people when unpredictable and difficult problems arise. The San Antonio Area Chapter of the Red Cross has provided disaster relief services to 491 families, or more than 1,600 people. As many in my community can recall, the Red Cross helped over 1,100 people, supplied shelter for over 800 persons, and provided much needed financial help to many families in Eagle Pass who were devastated by the 2007 tornado. 465 of their volunteers worked selflessly in response to this disaster, and I am truly grateful for their service. In addition to responding to emergencies such as these, they help members of the community prepare themselves for these types of disasters. In teaching 21,405 people in our region how to save lives with first aid and offering CPR courses, they empower the entire area. Moreover, they help our members of the armed services and their families by operating a 24- hour emergency call center. They also serve as a valuable connection to other social service agencies as is evident by the 5,300 referrals made last year which enabled people to get more help when they needed it most. As one of the largest chapters in the country with roughly 1,500 volunteers and 55 paid staff members, their dedication and devotion to the Red Cross' humanitarian mission has left an indelible mark in South Central Texas. I am very proud and deeply honored to represent this district knowing such people are working unselfishly to make our cities and towns stronger and safer. I would like to thank them for all they have given to the region, and I wish them continued success in their mission.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to unanimously support H. Res. 963, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 963.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, throughout the Nation's history, we have relied on the patriotism, valor, courage and unselfishness of those who wear the uniform of the Armed Forces. With this service comes the real possibility of receiving an injury in answering the call to duty. The global war on terrorism is no exception. To date, over 31,000 servicemen and -women have been wounded in action and nearly 4,000 killed. For 30 years, the Department of Veterans Affairs has designated the week of February 14 as the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week. The goals of the program are to pay tribute and express appreciation to hospitalized veterans, to increase community awareness, and to encourage individuals to become involved at their local VA as volunteers. The VA's Voluntary Service is the largest volunteer program in the Federal Government. Over the past 60 years, VA volunteers have donated more than 689 million hours of service worth an estimated $12.9 billion. In fiscal year 2007, 85,428 active volunteers contributed a total of more than 11.6 million hours of service, equal to 5,574 full- time employees, worth $218 million. Let's not forget those who have fought for this country in their time of greatest need. Join me in recognizing and paying tribute to the hospitalized veterans. I challenge each and every person to go visit their local VA medical center and brighten the smile on a veteran's face. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 963) supporting the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, and for other purposes.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on House Resolution 790.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, let me also take this opportunity to congratulate the author, Mr. Brian Baird of Washington. General Leave

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to recognize the Congressman from Rhode Island, Mr. Patrick Kennedy, for such time as he may consume.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Washington, Brian Baird.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my distinguished colleague, Congressman Brian Baird of Washington, for drafting this resolution which calls on the States to create innovative ways to supplement State and Federal programs created to assist our Nation's veterans. I would also like to commend the Washington delegation for the strong bipartisan support they demonstrated in introducing this resolution. This resolution establishes a certificate of deposit in participating financial institutions that would automatically donate 50 percent of the accrued interest to the State of Washington's Veterans Innovation Program. Providing this avenue to invest in our veterans will help ensure that the needs of our Nation's heroes are available when they need them. I strongly support the resolution and encourage all States to follow the enthusiasm and support for our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of House Resolution 790. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 790) commending the people of the State of Washington for showing their support for the needs of the State of Washington's veterans and encouraging residents of other States to pursue creative ways to show their own support for veterans.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity also to thank both the gentleman from Florida as well as the author, Todd Tiahrt, on their efforts in this area. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4169) to authorize the placement in Arlington National Cemetery of an American Braille tactile flag in Arlington National Cemetery honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the American Braille Flag Memorial Act, H.R. 4169. I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Tiahrt, for drafting this important piece of legislation and for his leadership in this area. Today, there are nearly 1.3 million blinded and visually impaired Americans, and approximately 187,000 of those are veterans. It is estimated that 16 percent of these veterans have sustained injuries in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, leaving them with some form of severe visual loss and impairment. These veterans, due to their disability, are often not afforded the opportunity to cherish and witness the American flag as those without visual impairment are. That is why passing the American Braille Flag Memorial Act is so important. It would authorize the Secretary of the Army to place an American Braille tactile flag on the grounds of the Arlington National Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of our Nation's blind veterans and members of the Armed Forces. This legislation would also allow the Secretary of the Army to approve the appropriate design of the flag, as well as the site in the Arlington National Cemetery that would be most appropriate for the memorial, which I understand is likely to be at the visitors center. The bronze Braille American flag, generously donated by the Kansas Braille Transcription Institute, would include the Pledge of Allegiance, and allow the blind and visually impaired to feel the Stars and Stripes and colors of the American flag placed near Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center. I am pleased that the Blind Veterans Association, the American Council and American Foundation of the Blind wholeheartedly support this piece of legislation. Our efforts today will show the over 4 million visitors who come to the Arlington National Cemetery each year that we remember and honor the blind veterans who died in service to our Nation, as well as all veterans and servicemembers who live today with blindness and vision loss. Mr. Speaker, this legislation provides a way to include all Americans in this wonderful patriotic experience when visiting Arlington National Cemetery and seeing the American flag where heroes are laid to rest. I am told that when feeling miniature mock-up versions of the Braille flag, blinded veterans and servicemembers often break down and cry. It would only be appropriate to allow our blind and visually impaired veterans and servicemembers to share this experience by paying tribute and honoring them with the recognition they deserve at the hallmark of American memorials, the Arlington National Cemetery. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 4169 without delay. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4169.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise here today to recognize the designation of Fort Davis, Texas, as one of the locations listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2008 Dozen Distinct Destinations. Making it only the forth locality ever in Texas to receive this distinction. For the past eight years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has produced an annual list of twelve communities throughout the United States that provide visitors with unique experiences that bring to life the richness and diversity of America's cultural and historical heritage. This year, the organization has recognized Fort Davis, Texas, one of the many historic communities in my congressional district, as a place of distinction because of its exceptional character and history. From 1854 to 1891, troops stationed at the post protected emigrants, freighters, mail coaches, and travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road. Because Fort Davis is one of the best remaining examples of a frontier military post in the American Southwest, this community serves as a vivid reminder of the significant role played by the military in the settlement and development of the western frontier. Through great effort and a true devotion, the residents of Fort Davis have worked hard to preserve its historic, cultural, and scenic uniqueness. Aside from undertaking important restoration projects, members of the community preserve Fort Davis' culture through reenactments of life during the 19th century on the western frontier. In so preserving its character and by protecting its serene landscape, visitors from all over can enjoy and learn about the history of Fort Davis in a truly realistic and dynamic environment that is sure to make an indelible impression. I thank the National Trust for Historic Preservation for honoring Fort Davis this year, and I further extend my gratitude and congratulations to the community of Fort Davis for its dedication to preserving its historic fabric and spirit.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, today I stand in support of H.R. 4848, extension for 1 year, parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits. H.R. 4848 would amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act to extend until December 31, 2008, mental health parity provisions, which require group health plans to treat equally mental health benefits and medical and surgical benefits for purposes of lifetime limits or annual limits on benefits covered by the plan. Approximately two-thirds of individuals with potentially diagnosable disorders do not seek treatment. A majority of insured and uninsured individuals suffering from untreated mental health disorders mention cost as the primary reason that they do not use or seek mental health treatment. This is due in part to unequal health insurance coverage for mental health services, which results in significant cost-shifting from private insure to individuals. As a former social worker, I personally know untreated mental illness is associated with a number of societal problems. Such as, higher rates of unemployment, crime and increased welfare cost. Parity for mental health is needed because, left on their own very few employers would offer mental health benefits at a level that is equal to medical and surgical benefits in their group health plan. Mental health is a serious issue facing many Americans. The goal of H.R. 4848 is to make sure everyone gets effective quality treatment for mental illness. In order for that to happen, mental illness needs to be treated just like other surgical and medical treatments.