Ciro Rodriguez

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I wish to recognize the Academy of Tejano Artists and Musicians, also known as the ``Tejano Academy,'' for mobilizing a unified effort and creating this organization headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The Tejano Academy is a unique musician-led organization that is committed to ensuring that artists and musicians have a voice of advocacy in the entertainment industry. The Tejano Academy is the first organization of its kind in the Tejano Music Industry to encourage its membership to recognize and honor talent without relying on record sales, airplay, or any other type of monetary gain in an effort to diversify and elevate music standards. By diversifying categories, they are able to bring due recognition to artists and musicians who have been continuously overlooked and subsequently, educate the public about Tejano music. The success of the Tejano Academy is due to the great leadership of the following Board Members: Donald Garza, President; Zeke Martinez, 1st Vice President; David Lee Garza, 2nd Vice President; Stefani Montiel, 3rd Vice President; Sasha Sullivan, Secretary; Steve Roth; and Gibby Escobedo, Parliamentarian. Additionally, the Tejano Academy would not have been realized without the hard work, unwavering commitment and long hours persevered by Executive Director, Chayo Zaldivar. With this great team's continued hard work, the Tejano Academy is filling an important void in the Tejano Music Industry. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to recognize the many achievements and services provided by the Academy of Tejano Artists and Musicians. Please join me in honoring the Tejano Academy on September 19, 2004 for their 1st Annual Awards Presentation and Banquet.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great honor to recognize today a friend and mentor who has distinguished himself brilliantly in business, politics and community. I speak of Arthur Riklin, who has lived his entire life--outside of college and military service--in my hometown of San Antonio, Texas. This Sunday, September 12, 2004, the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee, commonly known as AIPAC, is honoring Arthur for his service to the community and his steadfast support of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. Arthur is a leader in every sense of the word. He inspires others and leads by example. He currently serves as chairman of the San Antonio Friends of Israel Committee, a group he has nurtured and encouraged the past few years with great success. When you speak with Arthur, you can feel his passion, his commitment, and his dedication. He is an advocate who speaks from the heart about the common values and mutual interests shared by the United States and Israel. A few years ago, Arthur spoke at Temple Beth-El in San Antonio about the impact of Judaism in his life. He spoke of his early experiences with anti-Semitism growing up in San Antonio, planting within him the seeds of political activism. He ended his talk by urging his friends to be involved in the political process to fight injustice and promote issues of importance. He explained that it meant not only voting, but also getting to know elected officials personally, to share viewpoints, and thereby be in a position to make a difference. Arthur has done just that--he has made a difference to me and to countless others. A successful businessman whose family had little when he was a child, Arthur has given back to his community. He served five years as an officer in the United States Air Force, followed by seven years in the Reserves. He has raised money for charitable causes and given of his time generously. Arthur has served in senior leadership positions with numerous organizations, including the USO Council of San Antonio, the Rotary Club, and the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He helped establish the Judeo-Christian Studies Committee of St. Mary's University and is a lifetime member of the NAACP, both part of his lifelong effort to bring diverse people together in ways that increase understanding and break down barriers. It is no wonder that he has received the Lyndon Baines Johnson Humanitarian Award, the NCCJ's National Brotherhood Humanitarian Award or Hadassah's Myrtle Wreath Award. Above all else, Arthur is a gentleman, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is married to Helene Katz, also of San Antonio, and they have three children and five grandchildren. Of all his awards and honors, I know he values them the most. Mr. Speaker, those in this House who know Art Riklin, and many of us on both sides of the aisle know him, appreciate his quiet, yet persistent voice, and we value his counsel and advice. Arthur Riklin is a gentleman and a citizen extraordinaire. May he go from strength to strength.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the bill under consideration here today. But I am disappointed that we could not address this issue in the military construction appropriations bill. The military construction bill includes not just funding for the construction of much needed facilities but also funds dedicated to constructing housing for our troops and their families. These funds are needed to construct new housing to replace existing housing that is in poor condition--where failing electrical systems and leaky roofs risk the safety of our military families. These funds are needed to build new houses on military bases where there are not enough homes to meet the demand of our military families--where the waiting time for a home can be over a year, where young enlisted families must live far from the support the base community provides. And these funds are needed to remodel and refurbish homes that are in disrepair--where families live without proper air conditioning in the summer or with poor heating in the winter. In order to meet these pressing needs in the best and quickest way possible, we have worked with private industry to speed relief to military families. But today some here in Congress want to put a halt to the very successful military housing privatization program--not because they want to harm military families, but because they want to argue about the legislative process. I believe that there is a time and a place for a debate about budget process to occur--that time is not now. Not when we have military families living in substandard housing. And not when we have hundreds of thousands of fathers and mothers serving in hostile environments around the world. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote to support our military families by supporting the privatized housing program that has been so successful in bringing needed relief to these hardworking families.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3884 which would name the San Antonio Federal Courthouse after the Honorable Hipolito F. Garcia, better known to San Antonians as Hippo Garcia. He was a native of San Antonio, and entered high school unable to speak English. Through hard work and determination, he became the first Mexican American to be named a Federal judge for the Western District. After graduating from high school, he served in the Army and on his return to civilian life, he earned a law degree. With his diploma in hand, he launched his career as assistant district attorney. Years later, Judge Garcia was recognized by President Carter who nominated him to the Federal bench in 1980. Following his confirmation by the United States Senate, he served as a U.S. District Judge for the Western District. Judge Garcia, better known as Hippo Garcia, dedicated more than 50 years of his life pursuing the cause of justice and inspired many people along his path. Over the course of his extraordinary life, Judge Garcia blazed new trails for Americans of Hispanic descent and brought incomparable integrity, fairness and intelligence to his courtroom. He is a highly respected jurist who has earned this permanent honor. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation as we commemorate his achievements, Judge Hippo Garcia.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4175, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2004. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, and of course, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), our ranking member, for their leadership and advocacy for our Nation's veterans. I also would like to thank the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud) for his efforts and his leadership as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Benefits, as well as the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown). Every year Congress does a small yet much welcomed cost-of-living adjustment to increase the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities. This legislation, similar to those we have passed before, would authorize the cost-of-living adjustment on December 1, 2004, based on the same formula for our Social Security users. Additionally, it would increase the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service- connected disabled veterans. Our disabled veterans are some of our country's greatest assets. The Disabled American Veterans say it best: ``Treaties are signed and the battles of nations end, but the personal battles of those disabled in war only begin when the guns fall silent.'' These men and women must struggle to regain health, to reshape lives shattered by disability, learn new trades or professions, and rejoin the civilian world. At each step, they need help to help themselves. Madam Speaker, I know that this is just a small increase for our veterans and their survivors, but I know that they appreciate it. I encourage all my colleagues to vote in favor of this particular piece of legislation.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, we are incredibly blessed in this country to have a group of veterans service organizations looking out for the best interest of our veterans. For almost 60 years, American Veterans, commonly referred to as AMVETS, have been making a difference in the lives of those who have given so much for this country, our veterans and their families. Through their national service foundations, AMVETS has service officers throughout the country who provide guidance and action on compensation claims and help them at no charge to our veterans. Additionally, their Members and those of the AMVETS Auxiliary volunteer countless hours at our veterans and military hospitals throughout this country. During this time of increased military deployment, it is so important to have a network of veterans who help our injured soldiers and to whom they can turn for help and assistance. Throughout my 7 years in Congress, I have met with AMVETS on a regular basis as they advocate for funding for veteran services, needs for homeless veterans, for better education benefits for our veterans, and many other issues. They have been there. Without them, we would not be where we are. They have been a voice for our veterans and continue to be there for our veterans. They have an incredible history, and I would like to take this opportunity not only to thank them for all they do for our veterans, but also to congratulate them on their upcoming National Charter Day.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring a wonderful leader and educator, Ms. Sandra Feldman, as she retires from her role as President of the American Federation of Teachers. As the 15th president of the American Federation of Teachers and the union's 1st female president since 1930, Ms. Feldman has led the more than 1 million members of her union since 1997. A native of New York, Sandra Feldman is a self-described ``kid from Coney Island.'' She grew up in a city-owned slum in Brooklyn that was condemned for all the years she lived there and worked her way through the public education system. She attended Brooklyn College on a scholarship and later received a master's degree in English Literature from New York University. Sandra Feldman is a lifelong civil rights and union activist. She rose from union ranks to serve as president of the United Federation of Teachers in New York City, a post she held from 1986 to 1997, when she was elected AFT president. She recognizes that children are America's most valuable resource and, as such, they must have guidance from able- bodied professionals to develop into productive members of society. Recognized as an authority on urban education and an advocate for children, her long-standing commitment to social justice dates back to her involvement with the early Civil Rights movement. As such, she has been recognized by many United States Presidents, governors and mayors to tackle the social issues of education, the economy, child-welfare and labor. Mr. Speaker, I thank her for her many efforts and sacrifices, as she continues to work to increase the rights of public school teachers and the quality of education for our young children and I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating this wonderful American.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Chairman, let me take this opportunity, first of all, to congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca), the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) on this particular amendment. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues for this effort, because there is no doubt that, despite the amendment before us by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), we still need to make sure that those resources go to those communities, minority communities, throughout this country, to make sure that discrimination does not exist. Although we have made great strides to end discrimination in this country, it still persists in our produce organizations and the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA has a history of discrimination in these programs, and the USDA has not provided enough funding for minority initiatives that would level the playing field for minority products. So even if we do what we have been assigned based on the amendment that was passed offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), we have got to make sure that those resources reach those populations that are in need; that despite the fact when we did have that staff there and now we are trying to increase the staff, that still did not take place. Civil rights complaints from minority farmers have cost the USDA nearly $1 billion in the form of settlements and awards and have the potential to increase many times that amount. The Baca-Thomas-Kildee amendment is a modest and needed step in reducing these costs and eliminating discrimination against minorities. With all the progress that our country has made, it is my hope that the Congress continues to move in the right direction and support funding for programs and farmers and ranchers throughout this country, including black farmers and Hispanic farmers. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment in order to do the right thing in this country.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Brendan Godfrey, a great scientist, leader, and friend. As the Deputy Director of the 311th Human Systems Wing at Brooks City-Base, formerly Brooks Air Force Base, since 1998, Dr. Godfrey has served the medical and human system needs of the Air Force and the San Antonio community. Dr. Godfrey has proven his leadership skills and abilities, to the benefit of Brooks, the Air Force, and the San Antonio community. Dr. Godfrey has been a true partner in the transformation of Brooks from an Air Force base to the first city-base in the country. He has provided good counsel, creative ideas, and tremendous energy to make this first-ever transition a reality. Brooks City-Base has greatly benefited from Dr. Godfrey's 30 years of scientific and managerial experience. He has successfully managed large staffs and budgets, and under Dr. Godfrey's direction, Brooks City-Base has increased its productivity and has forged unprecedented community partnerships that have benefited both Air Force warfighters and the local community. Dr. Godfrey's accomplishments have distinguished him from his peers, and his colleagues have recognized his leadership skills by naming him the Director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. I am happy to congratulate him on this new assignment; however, I know Brooks City-Base and the San Antonio community will miss his valuable service. I am confident that he will continue to create innovations that will enable the Air Force to better serve its military members and our country. It is a pleasure to recognize and thank Dr. Godfrey for his many contributions and public service. I ask the Members of the House of Representatives to join me in honoring this gentleman on his promotion as the new Director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and wish Dr. Brendan Godfrey and his family all the best.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4345, and would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, especially the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown-Waite) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) for bringing this issue forward. For many years, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) has been advocating for this, and I am glad that we are taking it up on suspension today. Like all Americans, our veterans dream of obtaining the American Dream of homeownership. Our veterans have fought selflessly on behalf of our country and are entitled to the benefits we have promised them, including home loan benefits. Unfortunately, for many, the dream is faced with many obstacles. The current VA home loan limits of $240,000 prevents many veterans from using home loan benefits to purchase a home in many high-cost areas, like California, Florida, and many parts of the State of Texas, which affect my veterans who are retired. This legislation indexes the maximum loan amount to 100 percent of the Freddie Mac Conforming Loan Rate to make the VA home loan program compatible with the home loans available to the public nationwide. Additionally, the legislation allows the maximum VA loan amount to adjust automatically each year to the Freddie Mac standard in order to remain compatible with the national housing market. This legislation is extremely important. During 2003, three million veterans took advantage of the VA home loan program. Three million. And I am also very positive that more veterans will be able to take advantage of these benefits because of the improvements we have made today. As our troops are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must continue to show them and to say thanks from a grateful Nation. This particular piece of legislation is something that is needed and I am real pleased we have had this opportunity. I cannot think of a better way of saying thanks to all our soldiers and our veterans than by improving the benefits to our soldiers with this legislation. Once again, I thank the two authors.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, we all stress the value of education and reading, yet we sometimes overlook the challenges some communities face in accessing books and reading materials. The Southside of San Antonio, a largely Hispanic neighborhood, did not have a single bookstore--until today. I am proud to announce that WaldenBooks has arrived on the Southside, changing the face of our community for the better. For years, community leaders and lay people have worked to attract a bookstore, and for years we received lots of excuses. That has now changed, thanks to the vision of WaldenBooks and the cooperative efforts of the owners of South Park Mall, community leaders, youth in the schools and area residents. I would especially like to mention Cesar Rodriguez, General Manager of South Park Mall, and Beth Riebschlager, Marketing Manager for South Park Mall, who have been great advocates and have pursued this issue aggressively. Councilman Richard Perez, Councilman Ron Segovia and Cindy Taylor, President of the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, have lent unwavering support to this project. Books in the Barrio, the grassroots organization created by Marissa Ramirez, Astro Musquiz, Vickie Grise, Tim Duda and Ed Sonnen, have kept this issue in the front and center of all of our minds by hosting events at South Park Mall, as well as having petition drives and letter writing campaigns. I would especially like to thank Ken Bostic, Regional Director for this new Waldenbooks location, and TJ Jenson, Real Estate Manager for Waldenbooks, without whom none of this would be possible. My thanks also to Cindy Wirz of my staff who worked with the community leaders and organizations to support this great endeavor with me. For many years the Southside community has struggled to improve access to educational resources for its residents. The residents of the area signed petitions, wrote letters, and brought their case to the media in the hopes of bringing a bookstore to the Southside. Being a resident of the Southside myself, I too have dreamed of the day when I would not have to drive outside of my community to purchase books, and now that day has thankfully arrived. Waldenbooks, a subsidiary of Borders Group, Inc., has chosen to open a location in South Park Mall. Opened in 1968, South Park Mall has been a premiere shopping spot for South San Antonians. Now 95 percent occupied with both national and regional retailers, this is an ideal location for Waldenbooks, which will occupy 3,000 square feet and will offer over 20,000 books and periodical titles. Having made the choice to locate to the Southside of San Antonio, Waldenbooks has chosen to invest in the residents of the area and the contiguous counties. Waldenbooks is determined to make an impact on the Southside and to be a good business partner by working directly with South Park Mall to create a children's program and a program for seniors. Today marks the beginning of what I hope will be a continuing trend in the Southside of San Antonio. Waldenbooks will provide a greater access to books and thereby, a greater access to learning. Waldenbooks has shown their willingness to take a chance on the Southside of San Antonio and I urge all Southsiders to return the favor by being loyal customers.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join with my colleagues in this, the People's House, to observe a moment of silence for those who have fallen on the battlefield in Iraq. These brave men and women answered the call to duty, set forth to foreign lands, and died in defense of our basic values. As they gave their lives to promote democracy, let's recommit ourselves here at home, in their memory, to promote liberty for all in this great land of ours and across the globe. Our hearts go out to the families of those who have fallen, to their parents, children, spouses and friends. They made the ultimate sacrifice. We must never forget that sacrifice and that made by their loved ones. Today, I recognize three fallen soldiers from my district in South Texas: SPC Jose Amancio Perez, III, U.S. Army, of San Diego, Texas; Lance Corporal Ruben Valdez, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps, of San Diego, Texas and Sergeant Michael Paul Barrera, U.S. Army, of Von Ormy, Texas. They embodied the fighting spirit of Texas and their commitment to the United States of America will never be forgotten. I thank their families for allowing their sons to serve our great Nation and ask that they and their sons be remembered in thoughts and prayers.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, this year commemorates the 60th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal point in World War II and a unique moment in time when coordination and valor forged unprecedented advancement of the Allied forces against the Axis powers. As we remember the courageous veterans whose foresight and sacrifice brought about a landmark in the struggle for Democracy, I rise today to honor the Motor Transport Service, code named the ``Red Ball Express.'' The heroism of the lesser-known group of veterans has been under- celebrated, but their impact is eternally felt. For 82 long days, fighting adverse driving conditions and sleep depravation, the men of the Red Ball Express transported 500,000 tons of fuel and ordinance to forward depots throughout France. Though this immense effort lasted only three months, from August 25 to November 16, 1944, the mission of the Motor Transport Service was perhaps the most crucial to the capture of occupied France. This massive convoy effort afforded the Allied troops the means and mobility to successfully complete the campaign in the European Theater. Composed of 80 percent African Americans, the men of the Red Ball Express met the most uncertain of risks to defend the freedom we cherish today. The altruism of these men in service is astounding. Their vision and hope for all humanity, during those 82 days, broke through barricades of tyranny and ignorance to bring liberty to new heights. Colonel John S.D. Eisenhower wrote of their noble behavior; ``the Spectacular nature of the advance was due in as great a measure to the men who drove the Red Ball trucks as to those who drove the tanks.'' It is when extraordinary conflict has plagued our Nation, that we have witnessed the most astonishing acts towards peace--when the ideals of country have been tirelessly challenged, that the firmest of principles have forged a clear path. And it is when soldiers have faced disheartening adversity, that patriots have shown unabated courage of heart. Despite hardship and slight, the men of the ``Red Ball Express'' acted bravely in a time of fear and unselfishly in this unique moment in history when they were needed the most.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, the Allied landing at Normandy during World War II by American, British, Canadian and other Allied troops. Our nation's enduring gratitude goes out to the courageous veterans whose foresight and sacrifice brought the Allied forces perhaps the most crucial victory of World War II. The 60th anniversary of D-Day commemorates a pivotal point in the war and a unique moment in time when coordination and valor forged unprecedented advancement of the Allied forces against the Nazis and their Axis powers. Operation Overlord, the most extensive amphibious operation ever to occur involved 153,000 members of the Allied Expeditionary Force who stormed five separate beaches at Normandy. It was a battle labeled `The Great Crusade in Europe' by Allied Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower. Facing exceptional danger, 800 planes, full of airborne paratroopers carrying ninety to one hundred twenty pounds of extra weight on their back, invaded occupied Normandy with a mission to secure crucial high grounds, roads and bridges. In close succession, 30,000 vehicles charged the five separate beaches at Normandy, carrying soldiers who became the first to cross the formidable English Channel since 1688. Poised to attack the disciplined German Army and seized with the loss of most of their radios and 60% of their supplies during landing, the men at D-Day could not rely on superior technology. In one of history's defining moments, the liberation of occupied France depended on human skill and will power, on anticipating the enemy and charging courageously forward. Ultimately, on D-Day, bravery in combat changed history. The soldiers of six valiant divisions met the most uncertain of risks to defend the freedom we cherish today, suffering close to 9,000 casualties. As Winston Churchill said of his British troops, `Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.' Today, as we remember the invasion of Normandy as the turning point of World War II, we commemorate what the defeat of Hitler's army symbolized to the United States and to the world, a landmark in the struggle for Liberty and Democracy. June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the end of Hitler's ambition for world domination. In honoring the anniversary of this democratic touchstone, we acknowledge the legacy of America's historic charge--wars fought for truly just causes. We etch this day into our Nation's profound memory so that we may convey to new generations the respect that liberty commands and the gratitude we owe to courage.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, the honorable gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons) has done a beautiful job of adequately explaining the legislation. I would simply like to add, for almost a century now the Osage Tribe of Oklahoma has lived with a cloud over their ability to determine tribal membership roles. This is a basic right afforded all Indian tribes, and I am pleased we are here to clarify the matter for the tribe. I would also like to commend the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Carson) for his work on behalf of the legislation during its consideration by the Committee on Resources. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I might consume. (Mr. RODRIGUEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. On behalf of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I rise to recognize June 4, 2004 as LINC TELACU Scholars Day. As a leading service organization, LINC TELACU Education Foundation in partnership with numerous corporations and universities, has helped to improve Latino communities including East Los Angeles by advancing higher education opportunities for thousands of young Latino leaders. For over two decades, the Foundation has assisted talented Latinos overcome formidable barriers to academic success by providing millions of dollars in scholarships, as well as comprehensive educational support programs which include: leadership development, college retention, internships, counseling, mentoring, tutorial assistance, computer lab, college advisement and placement assistance, and parental support programs. In addition, TELACU was selected nationally as one of only two community-based organizations nationwide to deliver the TRIO Programs--Classic Upward Bound, Veterans Upward Bound, and Talent Search--through which middle and high-school students and veterans receive preparation for post-secondary education I would like to commend David C. Lizarraga, TELACU's President and CEO, and his executive staff for their leadership over the past year. Their dedication is helping Latino students overcome the effects of low income, inadequate support and counseling, and a lack of professional and academic role models and to become well educated community leaders. Thanks to the successful leadership of LINC TELACU, every 2003 LINC TELACU Scholar achieved their high school diploma, college degree, or nursing degree. This year, LINC TELACU will help 600 more students accomplish their higher education goals. As the Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I am proud of these students for their commitment to succeed and wish them continued success. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to recognize the many achievements and services provided by LINC TELACU. Please join me in honoring the LINC TELACU Scholars on June 4, 2004.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4317, a bill to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Lufkin, Texas, after a fellow Texan and our fellow Congressman Charles Wilson. I appreciate the effort of my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Congressman Turner), for sponsoring this particular piece of legislation; and I am honored to manage the time today on behalf of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Charlie Wilson has had a remarkable and noteworthy career, and it is fitting to honor him by naming the VA clinic in Lufkin after him. He began his career at the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, and he served in the Navy from 1956 to 1960. After he left the Navy, he decided to try his hand at elected office. He did well. He won his first race in 1960 and then got elected again 18 times for various offices. He began his distinguished career representing the people of East Texas in the Texas House of Representatives for over 6 years and in the Texas Senate for an additional 3 terms. As a former member of the Texas house myself, I know the hard work and dedication required. I know Charlie Wilson gave it his all. On November 7, 1972, in the 2nd District of Texas, Charlie Wilson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The House has not known many like him. For 24 years he represented the people of East Texas often in very colorful and unforgettable ways but always with a dedication and commitment to his constituents. His hard work earned him a spot on the Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. He used his position not only to help Texas and America and also his constituents but to advance the United States' effort to win the Cold War and defeat the Soviet expansion. Perhaps most notably Charlie used his influence to secure billions of dollars to counter the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Without a doubt, his efforts helped push the Soviets out of Afghanistan and helped end the eastern bloc communism. The CIA recognized the special nature of his efforts by making him the only civilian to receive the CIA's Honored Colleague Award. His work is now enshrined in a well-known book that may even become a movie. While in Congress, Charlie made constituent service a top priority; and his staff regularly won praise for their hard work on behalf of the district. As a Korean War veteran, Charlie Wilson was always a strong advocate of veterans, especially in his district. He brought more veterans affairs resources to his constituents than ever before. It is appropriate that we name the VA clinic in Lufkin for him, a proud Texan, a proud American, an outstanding veteran. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner), who is the author of the legislation and also the ranking minority leader on the Select Committee on Homeland Security.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson), who also has the distinction of representing our Missing and Exploited Children Caucus and does a tremendous job in that area.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close with a little story that I read about Charlie Wilson. That was in his first campaign he talks about the fact that at one time when he came back from the Navy and was going to be running for office he thought that there was going to be a discussion about issues regarding taxes. He found out that, and according to the article, the story was that one of the biggest issues in East Texas at that time was that they were using dogs to hunt deer at that time way back in the early 1960s. And they got the impression that Charlie was against that, and they were extremely angry with him and upset. So one of the first things he talks about is going to deliver a speech among 3,000 people and bringing about five or six hounds with him. So he was and is a very colorful individual. I take pride in being the manager for this bill, and I ask for the naming of the VA clinic in his name and in his honor. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. RODRIGUEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, the majority has adequately explained this piece of legislation. I would simply note that H.R. 265, as amended, represents a cooperative effort among the bill's sponsors, the Committee on Resources and the National Park Service and the Forest Service. The bill, as amended, is a workable solution to the resource management needs in the area, and we support the adoption of this legislation by the House today.

Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.