Ciro Rodriguez

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I stand before you offering my generous support for the commemoration of H. Res. 942, recognizing the significance of Black History Month. This is a month to honor the tremendous strides and achievements made by numerous African-American leaders and activists, and to signify our continued celebration of diversity in the United States. I urge all Americans to use this month as an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments made by past African-American leaders while continuing to work for the advancement of racial equality. The enormous contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Dubois and other notable leaders in the African-American community have championed improved race relations and equality. We must also highlight the achievements made by a host of prominent African-Americans in other fields such as the arts, athletics, politics, and academia. This year's theme, ``Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism,'' honors the founder of Black History Month and applauds his commitment to the preservation of African-American history. Woodson was instrumental in popularizing the role the African- American community has played in enriching the history of the United States. His mission and legacy is one our country must uphold while continuing to inspire future generations to embrace diversity and equality. Again, I would like to express my support for the significance of February 2008 as Black History Month. Let the following month serve as a reminder of our indebtedness to those leaders possessing the courage to combat injustice. They have completed the ultimate service not only for the African-American community in the United States but for all citizens.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, because I was unavoidably detained, I was unable to cast a vote on rollcall 28. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on Final Passage of H.R. 1528.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, today I stand supporting the passage of H. Res 832. This legislation recognizes the Texas Water Development Board for receiving the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Performance and Innovation Award. The award recognizes states that have been the most innovative and effective in advancing EPA's goals of performance and protection through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program. The award is given to one State in each of the ten EPA regions. The ten State programs were nominated by the regional offices based upon the following criteria: pace level greater than 80 percent, audit with no serious programmatic or financial problems, outstanding performance in at least two of the following areas: better management practices, full-cost pricing, efficient water use, watershed approach, creative use of technologies, leveraging practices, innovative partnerships, innovative lending practices, and effective outreach. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) was region six award winner because of its support of water efficiency through water reuse and conservation. One of its major accomplishment in 2007 was a $10.7 million Northwest Water Reuse Initiative consisting of a five-phase project in El Paso County to deliver treated wastewater for reuse to irrigators, industries, and homeowners from El Paso's Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant. I would like to thank TWDB for their work with the Uvalde County Underground Water Conservation District to institute well metering on wells of a number of irrigators using groundwater from formations other than the Edwards Aquifer. The District will use the TWDB grant and local funds to purchase and install 80-90 meters. The TWDB continues is goals of assisting with regional planning, and preparing the state Water Plan for the development of the state's water resources, and administering cost-effective financial programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control and agricultural water conservation projects. For being the recipient of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Performance and Innovation Award, I recognize Texas Water Development Board on this day.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise here today to recognize the efforts of Ms. Nicole Schwartz to promote a ``Bill of Rights for Diabetics.'' Ms. Schwartz is an exemplary young woman whose passion to fight diabetes is leaving an indelible mark in our community. By taking it upon herself to raise awareness of this devastating disease among the people most vulnerable to it, she is setting an important example of how civic engagement can change the lives of our fellow community members. She has actively engaged policy makers at the local, State and Federal level as well as prominent civic organizations to further awareness. For example, in partnering with the League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Ms. Schwartz organized a health fair to share important resources and information about diabetes with at-risk San Antonians. She also volunteers her time at the Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in order to learn more about the disease and distribute her knowledge to patients through a newsletter she created. Without question, her dedication and persistence have proven essential in educating her colleagues and community. These two personal qualities also played a role in her efforts to encourage organizations like LULAC to adopt her Bill of Rights for Diabetics. The Bill of Rights echoes the 2007 ADA Standards of Care and includes the six following exams: a hemoglobin/A1c test; a lipid evaluation; blood pressure checks; a microalbumin test; a dilated and comprehensive eye examination; and a barefoot exam. Ms. Schwartz shares a passion for learning more about diabetes with her father, Dr. Sherwin Schwartz, who built one of the largest diabetes research facilities in the country. Only a junior at St. Mary's Hall in San Antonio, Ms. Schwartz has the potential to achieve much more and hopes to pursue a degree at Georgetown University. As a Member of Congress who represents the Texas-Mexico Border, a region with one of the highest incidences of diabetes in the world, I am acutely aware of the impact of diabetes and the other health problems associated with it. Young people such as Ms. Schwartz are invaluable partners in bettering our communities, and I thank her for her efforts. It is with great pride that I recognize Ms. Schwartz as an exemplary young leader in the San Antonio community, and I wish her continued success in raising awareness about this devastating disease.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the historic 100 year anniversary of the founding of Crystal City in Zavala County in the great State of Texas. In 1907, two land developers, Carl F. Groos and E.J. Buckingham, set about developing this town on the site of the 10,000-acre Cross S Ranch, which they purchased in 1905. In 1908 the arrival of a railroad set the foundation for the city's development as a processing, packing, and shipping center for vegetables, and in particular the locally grown spinach. Originally named for its crystal clear artesian wells, today Crystal City is known as the ``Spinach Capital of the World.'' Texas Governor James V. Alfred bestowed the title on the city after the First Annual Spinach Festival was held there in 1936. Staking claim to its spinach status, Crystal City is also home to a larger than life statue of Elzie C. Segar's Popeye. The well known sailor that is ``strong to the finish `cause he still eats his spinach'' also serves as the Annual Spinach Festival mascot. Crystal City's landmark Popeye statue was erected in 1937 and dedicated ``To All the World's Children.'' The Spinach Festival centers on the agricultural heritage of the region and is held every second weekend in November. The three day festival attracts over 60,000 people to Crystal City and celebrates the production and consumption of spinach. Throughout its history, the festival has been recognized in issues of National Geographic, Texas Highway, and Texas Monthly magazines, and by the publishers of the Special Event Industry and Event Business News. In 1945 the California Packing Corporation, later the Del Monte Corporation, built an extensive canning plant just northwest of Crystal City. Today, Crystal City still serves as the center for Texas's ``Winter Garden'' region, an area named for its year-round production of vegetables by irrigation. This community of over 7,000 people has a historically significant past. During World War II, Crystal City was home to the largest alien internment camp housing American civilians of German, Italian and Japanese ancestry. On November 1, 1947, more than two years after the end of World War II, the Crystal City internment camp was formally closed. In the 1960s, Crystal City was also at the center of the beginning of the Mexican-American civil rights movement. In 1969, a conflict arising from the ethnicity of cheerleaders resulted in 200 Mexican-American students staging a walk-out from the high school, that soon spread to the middle and elementary schools. The U.S. Department of Justice became involved in the dispute and ultimately negotiated a settlement that paved the way for bilingual education and better testing programs. Crystal City's rich--and sometimes turbulent--past has made it what it is today, a shining example of a truly American community. I am proud to represent the people of Crystal City and to recognize the city upon its 100th anniversary.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I stand today to recognize an outstanding individual in my district. Recently, Mike Flynt, at age 59, became the second oldest athlete to participate in NCAA collegiate football. Mr. Flynt is a linebacker for the Sul Ross State University Lobos and has exemplified himself as a team leader and an inspiration to the younger players on the team. This weekend marks the final game of the season for the Sul Ross Lobos and I would like to congratulate the team on a great season and to Mike for providing leadership and inspiration that certainly contributed to the team's success. Mike Flynt is not only an inspiration on the football field; he is also an expert in physical fitness. He is a certified Master of Fitness Sciences and a youth fitness trainer. He has worked as a fitness and conditioning specialist at the Universities of Nebraska, Oregon and Texas A&M. Mr. Flynt is also the inventor of a portable gym system that received a government patent and also a founding member of the international Strength and Conditioning Association. Across the Nation, people have heard the story of Mike Flynt. He has received countless e-mails and letters congratulating him on his accomplishments. His popularity has also drawn donations to the University in order to fund scholarships and to purchase needed athletic equipment. Because of this impact, I have asked President Bush to appoint Mr. Flynt to the Council of Physical Fitness and Sports. He would be a perfect candidate to serve on the council due to his lifelong commitment to health and fitness. He would serve as an inspiration to people of all ages and would be a wonderful addition to the Council. I would like to reiterate my amazement at the accomplishments of Mike Flynt. I recognize him today for being an inspiration to his community and to the Nation. We should keep the story of Mike Flynt in mind and remember that age should not be a barrier to our dreams.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3867, Small Business Contracting Procurement Improvements Act of 2007. Among the many improvements, this bill modernizes programs to increases opportunity to disadvantaged businesses that do not have proper access to the $410 billion federal marketplace. This bill expands procurement opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses; a group that currently receives only a small fraction of their contracting goal. Further, it creates penalties for misrepresentation of a service-disabled veteran owned business classification and adopts a roadmap for providing information, advice and training to service-disabled veterans as prescribed by President. Finally, it provides discretion to contracting officers in cases that must now be set aside for HUBZones but that could be used for service- disable veteran-owned businesses. Additionally, the bill modernizes the 8(a) Business Development Program. This program is to single most important vehicle for minority business participation in federal contracting. The 8(a) program has contributed to the development of over 20,000 firms including many in Texas over the past two decades, and these firms have received almost $100 billion in federal contracts. Over 9,000 firms are currently participating in the 8(a) program. More than half of all federal minority business contracting is accomplished through the 8(a) program. Despite these impressive statistics, the program has not been revamped since 1988. Earlier this year, I joined my colleague Rep. Silvestre Reyes in sponsoring H.R. 1611, the 8(a) Modernization Act which was incorporated into this legislation. I would like to thank the Chairwoman, Ms. Nydia Velazquez for her work not only for this legislation but also her long time advocacy for our Nation's small businesses. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, today the House of Representatives has an historic opportunity to provide health insurance for 10 million children from low-income families. In fact, when the House takes up a motion to override the President's veto on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act, it will be the second time in as many months that Congress votes to provide low-income, working families with health insurance for their children. This legislation, passed by Congress in September, is an essential step in providing better access to healthcare for the 47 million uninsured individuals in this country, 5 million of whom are children. One could argue that the state of Texas, which has the highest percentage of uninsured individuals of any state in the Nation, needs this bill the most. Texas is home to a staggering 1.4 million children who lack even the most basic health insurance. The CHIP Reauthorization that President Bush vetoed provides health insurance for 10 million underprivileged American children. The bill adds $35 billion for the CHIP program over the next 5 years. It maintains coverage for the 6 million children who are already enrolled, and allows for an additional 3.8 million who are already eligible for the program to start receiving benefits. Instead of supporting this modest expansion, President Bush wants to increase funding for CHIP by a mere $5 billion over the next 5 years. Such a proposal would not allow for any new eligible, uninsured children to enroll in the program. In fact, according to the non- partisan Congressional Budget Office, President Bush's proposal would result in 840,000 children losing their CHIP coverage. We cannot in good conscience enact a program that will push children from the CHIP rolls. I will stand behind the Congressionally-passed CHIP authorization and hope that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me and override the President's veto today.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Chairman, let me take this opportunity first of all to rise and indicate that I am here on behalf of the Napolitano amendment. The amendment would prohibit Mexican companies and inspectors from performing mechanical inspections of trains unless they meet specific U.S. standards, including rigorous training of inspectors. I think that is essential. We have some 10,000 trains that cross the U.S.-Mexican border through my district alone. We had over four derailments in 2004. We think this is an amendment that is important and is critical in order for us to continue to have safety in those trains. So I want to encourage the passage of the amendment by Congresswoman Grace Napolitano that will allow an opportunity for those inspectors to be well trained and to make sure that they specify U.S. standards before that occurs. As I indicated earlier, I represent the longest stretch of the Mexican border of any Member of Congress, and I think that this is an area of significance and importance.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. Today marks the fifth consecutive year that the U.S. has acknowledged October 15th as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. This day presents us with the important opportunity to remember that Latinos, who represent only 14 percent of the population, account for nearly 19 percent of all AIDS cases. Today there are approximately 200,000 Latinos living with AIDS in the U.S. Latinos make up the fastest growing minority population in the United States. Therefore, it is increasingly important that we work to achieve equality in treatment and ensure that Latinos who suffer from HIV and AIDS do not face barriers to care. National Latino AIDS Awareness Day serves both as a day of remembrance for those who are living with or have lost their lives to AIDS as well as a day to promote awareness of this disease among the Latino population.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007. This bill provides the opportunity for many communities along the border to receive the assistance and resources they have long needed in order for them to develop their infrastructure and economic prospects. Mr. Speaker, I represent an expansive district spanning from El Paso County in far west Texas, to Dimmitt County about 550 miles south and to South San Antonio about 150 miles west. This district encompasses the longest stretch of U.S.-Mexico border of any district in the United States. These communities along the border lack some of the most basic infrastructure including sewers, roads and health care. These mostly rural communities along the border are often too poor to take advantage of government grants and loan programs. These cities, towns and counties don't have the revenue to provide local matching funds to qualify for federal grants and programs or have the tax base to build million-dollar waste water plants on their own. A regional economic development commission on the southwest border, I believe will put the hundreds of small, rural border communities on the fast track to becoming self-sustaining and developing economically. Mr. Speaker, a Southwest Border Regional Commission would essentially bring the federal government to the border. This bill will not raise taxes, will not create duplicative programs and certainly not provide any services to illegal or undocumented immigrants; this bill instead provides opportunity for our communities that are most in need. I strongly urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan bill.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, we have 46 million Americans that are uninsured, of which a large number are children. I have heard individuals come up and talk about the undocumented individuals. They are not covered by this particular piece of legislation. If you live in rural America, if you live in rural Texas, you don't have access to insurance coverage. If you are not working for the government and if you are just working for a small company, you don't have access. If you make $20,000 or $40,000 a year, that is not sufficient to be able to cover your children. That is why we need a program that allows an opportunity for our young people to be able to get coverage. These are Americans who are working hard. These are Americans who don't qualify for Medicaid because they are not poor enough and they are paying their taxes. These are Americans that don't qualify for Medicare because they're not old enough. Yet, they find themselves working hard every single day and are not able to cover their children. We have to do the right thing. We have to make sure that we pay for those youngsters and allow an opportunity for them to have access. After all, they are the ones that are paying the taxes. They are the ones out there working hard, and yet they don't have their kids insured.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, the men and women who served their country during World War II deserve our deep respect and reverence. The Naval Aviation Torpedo Squadron Three (VT-3) embodies the spirit and achievement of this era, through their bravery and sacrifice. Today we honor their sacrifice. VT-3 served valiantly in the Pacific while assigned to both the carriers Yorktown and Saratoga. While on the Yorktown, the squadron was pivotal in the victory at the battle of Midway. The squadron lost many pilots and planes, but the VT-3 squad regrouped and still participated in the Pacific theatre. In the Philippines, South China Sea, and Japan, the VT-3 squad flew with valor. They provided air support in the invasions of Leyte, Luzon, and Iwo Jima. They flew missions over Hong Kong and Okinawa, as well as taking part in the first strikes on Tokyo. They are an example of exemplary service and heroism. The squadron earned four Presidential Unit Citations, six Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medals and the prestigious silver star was awarded to Lt. Frank F. Frazier for his actions in the battle of Formosa. The Naval Aviation Torpedo Squadron Three fought valiantly to defend our Nation, flying some of the most difficult and dangerous missions in the Pacific Theater. Through their sacrifice, our Nation endured, earning our lasting honor and respect. As a Member of the 110th House of Representatives, I hereby commend the members of the Naval Aviation Torpedo Squadron Three for their gallantry and service during World War II and we extend to them our sincere best wishes in the future.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the State Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization bill. At a time when there are over 46 million uninsured individuals in this country, and over 5 million uninsured people in Texas alone, it is time that Congress stepped up and improved access to healthcare for children--our most vulnerable population. This legislation will go a long way in providing care to children of low-income families, some of our most disadvantaged individuals. Without this important legislation, SCHIP will expire at the end of the month. Since its inception ten years ago, SCHIP has been a highly successful program. There are currently 6.6 million children enrolled in SCHIP, but millions more are eligible for the program and continue to lack health insurance. Approximately two-thirds of uninsured children are eligible for SCHIP or Medicaid and it is our responsibility to ensure that these children receive health benefits. Without healthcare coverage under SCHIP many children of the working poor are forced to replace regular visits to primary care physicians with costly trips to the emergency room. Today's expansion will provide states with the resources to start covering more of these eligible children. This legislation will expand the Children's Health Insurance Program by $35 billion over the next 5 years, allowing states to cover an estimated 3.8 million more children. In Texas alone, an additional 440,000 children will receive coverage. Texas has the unpleasant distinction of being the state with the most uninsured residents. With 5 million uninsured Texans, providing healthcare coverage for another half million children is a critical first step for the state of Texas. I am proud to support this important SCHIP expansion that will improve healthcare access for children in Texas and across the Nation.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, today on the 169th anniversary of his birth, I would like to recognize a Texas hero, Lawrence Sullivan ``Sul'' Ross. He was a Texas Ranger, Civil War general, and 2-term Governor. He served and honored Texas with dedication and in doing so, he helped mold the State into what it is today. Sul Ross was dedicated to expanding the Texas economy and improving the State's education. His tax reforms and anti-trust legislation led to one of the greatest surpluses in State history. Ross was also the first to create a tax system to pay for State public schools, which is the same system we presently employ. After serving as Governor, Ross took over the failing Texas A&M and revolutionized the institution. Today, the university is on the leading edge of agricultural science, education and research, and its students still look to their beloved former president as an academic lucky charm. Upon his death in 1898, the legislature honored Ross by appropriating money for a college in his honor. Sul Ross State University opened for classes in 1920 and has become an example of exceptional higher education in west Texas. Ross' education legacy has been recognized across Texas and he has had several primary and secondary schools named in his honor. This includes Sul Ross Middle School in the award winning Northside School District in San Antonio, TX. Influential and inspirational citizens, such as Sul Ross, should be remembered by all Americans. He is a reminder of how one person can affect change and make better their community and their State. For his achievements, I recognize Sul Ross on this day.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Chairman, let me take this opportunity, first of all, to thank you. This is a historic day. We hear the Presidential candidates on both sides, Republican and Democrat, talk about the importance of securing our Nation with energy. This is one of the first steps in order to do that. We have to take these steps. This gives us an opportunity to begin to secure our Nation, to reduce our dependency on the volatile supply of fossil fuels so we will be able to be more independent as we move forward. This opportunity also provides economic security for our Nation as a whole. It is also a historical moment in terms of renewing that energy that is out there besides in terms of just looking at the existing ones. In addition, let me just take this opportunity to say that this is about ensuring a clean and healthy future for our children and grandchildren and future generations. This has to begin to occur now. Yes, it has got its difficulties, but it is the first step in the right direction, to make sure we do the right thing. I want to encourage each and every one of you to vote in favor of this particular bill.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of Health Center week I wish to recognize CentroMed. CentroMed provides important medical services to residents of San Antonio and other parts of Bexar County. CentroMed, along with other community health centers in Texas, provides much needed healthcare to uninsured and medically underserved populations. Health centers like this one expand access to quality care for all people and contain healthcare costs by promoting preventative healthcare and primary care services. Health centers are essential to our Nation's healthcare system, providing high standards of care, reducing unmet needs in underserved communities and encouraging preventative care through outreach activities, Health centers guarantee access for all individuals, helping to eliminate health disparities and achieve healthcare for all. Again, I recognize CentroMed for its important contributions to healthcare and for improving the health and quality of life of the people of the 23d Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of Health Center Week I wish to recognize United Medical Centers. United Medical Centers serve Kinney, Maverick and Val Verde Counties, three rural communities where access to healthcare is often limited. United Medical Centers, along with other community health centers in Texas, provide much needed healthcare to uninsured and medically underserved populations. In rural communities, community health centers are often the only medical facility within miles, and the health professionals there serve as the family doctors for everyone in the community. Health centers like this one expand access to quality care for all people and contain healthcare costs by promoting preventative healthcare and primary care services. Health centers are essential to our nation's healthcare system, providing high standards of care, reducing unmet needs in underserved communities and encouraging preventative care through outreach activities. Health centers guarantee access for all individuals, helping to eliminate health disparities and achieve healthcare for all. Again, I recognize United Medical Centers for its important contributions to healthcare and for improving the health and quality of life of the people of the 23d Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of Health Center Week I wish to recognize Cactus Health Services. Cactus Health Services serves Terrell and Pecos Counties, two rural communities where access to healthcare is often limited. Cactus Health Services, along with other community health centers in Texas, provides much needed healthcare to uninsured and medically underserved populations. Health centers like this one expand access to quality care for all people and contain healthcare costs by promoting preventative healthcare and primary care services. Health centers are essential to our Nation's healthcare system, providing high standards of care, reducing unmet needs in underserved communities and encouraging preventative care through outreach activities. Health centers guarantee access for all individuals, helping to eliminate health disparities and achieve healthcare for all. Again, I recognize Cactus Health Services for its important contributions to healthcare and for improving the health and quality of life of the people of the 23d Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, on the Occasion of Health Center Week I wish to recognize Community Health Development. Community Health Development centers serve Edwards, Real, Uvalde and Zavala Counties, four rural communities where access to healthcare is often limited. Community Health Development, along with other community health centers in Texas, provides much needed healthcare to uninsured and medically underserved populations. In rural communities, community health centers are often the only medical facility within miles, and the health professionals there serve as the family doctors for everyone in the community. Health centers like this one expand access to quality care for all people and contain healthcare costs by promoting preventative healthcare and primary care services. Health centers are essential to our Nation's healthcare system, providing high standards of care, reducing unmet needs in underserved communities and encouraging preventative care through outreach activities. Health centers guarantee access for all individuals, helping to eliminate health disparities and achieve healthcare for all. Again, I recognize Community Health Development for its important contributions to healthcare and for improving the health and quality of life of the people of the 23d Congressional District of Texas.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation, which names the Uvalde Post Office in my district after an esteemed Texan, Dolph Briscoe. Dolph Briscoe is a true Texan who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, served in the State Legislature and was eventually elected governor of Texas. Briscoe's roots in Texas stretch back to the days of the Alamo. He is a direct descendant of Andrew Briscoe, an original signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Dolph Briscoe is also a dedicated American who served this country as an army officer during World War II. Born in Uvalde to a self-made cattle rancher, Dolph Briscoe has strong roots in Texas and in the agricultural community. He was long a champion of cattle ranchers and the agricultural community as a whole. Serving as the youngest ever president of the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, Briscoe spearheaded the effort to eradicate the screw worm from cattle in the southwest, a great achievement for the livestock industry. Once elected to the Texas State Legislature, Briscoe also led the initiative to create the farm-to-market road system. The road system was a great improvement to the rural infrastructure of Texas, finally allowing farmers direct access to the cities and it is still in use today. After serving in the legislature, Briscoe was elected governor of Texas. As a pro-business Democrat, he was the only modem governor of Texas to enact a balanced budget without raising or creating new taxes. The Briscoe family remains active in Texas, especially in Uvalde where Dolph Briscoe continues to work as a cattle rancher and also serves the community as the Senior Chairman of the First State Bank of Uvalde. Dolph Briscoe has been committed to the city of Uvalde for decades and deserves to be honored in this way. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2874, The Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize our chairman, Bob Filner, for his leadership on this issue, and I want to personally thank him for what's accomplished on a variety of issues regarding veterans. I also want to acknowledge my friend, Congressman Miller, for his efforts also on this particular bill. This is an important piece of legislation and the nearly 60,000 veterans in my mostly rural district will certainly benefit from this particular bill. Earlier this year, I sponsored H.R. 2689, a bill that improves mental health services for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans. This bill would establish a program for peer-to-peer outreach and counseling for veterans. Many experts believe this method is critical for getting veterans in need of services into the VA system. Additionally, under H.R. 2689, the VA would be required to look beyond its current services to ensure that veterans have access to the services that they need by embracing the expertise available in our communities and contract out to qualified providers such as community mental health centers who have been providing quality mental health services for families for many years. Under the leadership of the chairman, my bill was incorporated into this bill, and I want to personally thank him. Also included in this bill are provisions critical to veterans, as our Speaker today understands, in Texas, such as the transportation grants for rural veterans service organizations. In some parts of my district and throughout this country, veterans have to drive long hours to get access to services. This bill allows an opportunity for us to provide some needed assistance and services in this specific area. I also want to acknowledge that this bill also has language that deals with Project SHAD, a bill that was extremely important to begin to identify those thousands of soldiers that we also used weapons such as nerve gas and other types of testing on, that we did on our own soldiers that allows an opportunity for them to continue to get service. And other members of this committee, I want to personally thank them for their efforts. Once again, I want to take this opportunity to thank the chairman for his leadership.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Farm Bill. I commend Chairman Peterson and Ranking Member Goodlatte for producing a fair compromise that will go a long way in sustaining our agricultural system as well as supporting vital nutrition, conservation and research programs. I would also like to thank the Chairman for including language directing the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study of waste water infrastructure along the U.S.-Mexico border. Many rural communities along the border are living with inadequate waste water treatment plants and sewer management systems. Without improved infrastructure and access to clean water these communities face significant public health threats. This study will determine what steps the Federal Government can take to bring inadequate waste water systems in rural border communities up to date. In my district alone I have heard from the communities of Sabinal, Clint, Fort Stockton, Presidio and Fort Hancock, Texas, all of which are in desperate need of assistance with their waste water management systems. I represent over 600 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and when I travel through my district I hear over and over again that these communities need help. Our rural and underserved populations need our support in addressing the health hazards that come with insufficient water management systems and this study is a critical first step. Current programs at the USDA Rural Development agency provide for loan/grant awards for rural infrastructure needs. More often than not, the loan portion is 75 percent or more of the award. As we all know, waste water systems can range from $5 to $10 million or more. Rural communities do not have the revenue or tax base to take on loans for millions of dollars. If these programs are the only assistance we have to offer, then we need to reevaluate these programs. It is my hope, that this GAO study will shed some light on this issue and will provide a critical first step to bring adequate waste water systems to our rural communities on the border. Again, I thank the Chairman for his work on the Farm Bill and for the inclusion of this important language.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to personally thank both the gentleman from Tennessee and the gentleman from Illinois, Chairman Davis, for allowing me this opportunity. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Honorable Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for bringing forth this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Claudia Taylor ``Lady Bird'' Johnson. Mrs. Lady Bird Johnson was a woman of incredible caliber, a woman whose contributions of admirable causes have bettered not only Texas, but the entire Nation as a whole. She redefined what it meant to be a First Lady. Along with championing the environment, Lady Bird Johnson was a confidante to her husband, Lyndon Baines Johnson, and was invaluable to his efforts, improving not only health care but education. She, like no one else, understood the importance of early intervention when it came to education. Her efforts in Head Start to this day are there to show that Head Start has been a program that reaches out to these poor youngsters. Head Start has also proven that those youngsters that participate in Head Start are less likely to drop out than those that don't. She understood that from the very beginning. Lady Bird Johnson knew and had that Texas charm and wit. Her passion for the environment has left a lasting mark on America. Thanks to her tenacious effort in initiating beautification projects, the Nation's highways are more pleasant to drive on and the Nation's Capital is a lovelier sight. The city of San Antonio, where Lady Bird married President Johnson, has also benefited from the First Lady's efforts. Her highway beautification projects had a lasting impact not only in San Antonio, but throughout Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation says Lady Bird Johnson's Highway Beautification Act that became law in 1965 annually dispenses over 5.6 billion wildflower seeds of some 30 varieties, including our State flower, the bluebonnet. Lady Bird devoted much of her later life to beautifying her home and the State of Texas with admirable work. With eternal gratitude from all of us, I ask you to join me today in remembering the magnificent work Lady Bird Johnson has done for all of us. I want to thank her for what she has done for all of us. Let me just say that every spring as we go along the highways and as the flowers bloom, we will remember her for what she has done for all of us. She now rests near the Pedernales River in Texas. Her legacy will forever be with us.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Let me just indicate that the gentleman's premise for his amendment is incorrect. I would also just add that Mexico is the number one country that has the largest number of U.S. citizens that are residing within Mexico. I would also mention to the gentleman that it is one of our major trading partners, and I would ask that as we look at these type of issues. There are 21 other countries that fall into the category. So to treat one differently is, in all honesty, very discriminatory, and I would hope that we would look at that as we move forward, and thank you for yielding.