Loretta Sanchez

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. In its present form I am opposed.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to offer a final amendment to H.R. 2087 that, if passed, would bring the bill promptly back for a vote on final passage. Mr. Speaker, this final amendment is noncontroversial, and it aims to do one simple thing--and that is to protect the land of taxpayers. The bill, itself, goes against so many things that the majority has said that they would fight for in this Congress. This legislation would provide a local county in Virginia an $800,000 windfall by allowing the county to violate a contractual agreement without any justification. That's the current bill. That's what the bill that you want to pass does. I'm against that. Here in this Congress we did away with earmarks. But when I look at this $800,000 windfall that you are voting on, I say that's an earmark. This is a very small step in the larger Republican plan to sell off our valuable Federal land, such as National Parks, forests, and public lands to developers. However, even if you're for giving away land the way that's done in this bill, my final amendment would give us the opportunity to ensure that this land would not be owned and used for adult entertainment facilities or sold to or used by a foreign government that could use this to steal our national security secrets. So I ask my colleagues on the other side: Will you join us in protecting taxpayer-owned land? The final amendment is very simple and would outlaw the sale or the use of the land for any ownership or operation of an adult book store, a novelty adult store, a video adult store, an arcade or live entertainment facility. I think we can all agree that we should not be giving away Federal property to facilitate adult live entertainment. In fact, if you're not convinced of that, then let me tell you the second thing we don't want to happen close to that land, and that is that land adjoining this piece of property we're talking about today should not fall into the hands of those who would want to spy on our top secrets. As you probably know, I'm a senior member of both the House Armed Services Committee and the Homeland Security Committee, and every day, I deal with the issues of national security threats. The issue is the proximity of the NASA Wallops spaceflight facility to the land in question, so my final amendment is aimed at protecting national security secrets from countries like China or Iran. What if a country like Iran or China would purchase that land and eavesdrop on our NASA spaceflight facility? I am sure that my colleagues would agree that this land is worth protecting. In fact, to remind my colleagues on the other side, this is the final amendment to this bill. It's not going to kill the bill, and it won't take it back to committee. So, if adopted, the bill would be amended and it would go to final passage. I ask my colleagues to do the right thing to protect our taxpayer- owned land. Regardless of how you feel about the bill, this amendment is one that I believe we should all be behind. I believe that we can all vote ``yes'' on this final amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of International Women's Day. Today is a day that honors numerous women who have actively and passionately participated in various economic, social, and political issues within their communities. Women around the world continue to face significant obstacles in all aspects of their lives, including discrimination, gender bias, and the denial of basic human rights. Let's take a look at Vietnam, for example: Ms. Bui Thi Minh Hang, who was sentenced without trial to 2 years of reeducation camp for participating in peaceful protests related to the Eastern Sea; or Ms. Do Thi Minh Hanh, a labor organizer, who was sentenced to 7 years' imprisonment for advocating for farmers and workers' rights; or Ms. Pham Thanh Nghien, who was unfairly sentenced to 4 years' imprisonment, followed by 3 years' house arrest for participating in a nonviolent hunger strike in her home related to the issue of the Eastern Sea. In the discourse of women's rights, these women are only three of the many voices who have been unjustly sentenced to prison without any due process. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in recognizing International Women's Day and the women who are advocating for freedom and democracy in their communities and in countries such as Vietnam.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true champion for education, Jan Harp Domene, who passed away this past Monday. Jan was a fervent advocate for children. She was serving our community for more than 35 years with the Parent Teacher Association, and she eventually became the head of the PTA in 2007, the National PTA. During her time with the PTA, Jan facilitated collaborative partnerships with many education, health, safety, and child advocacy groups to benefit children and provide valuable resources to PTA members. As President, she raised the level of parent involvement nationwide by increasing PTA membership and also by accessing very diverse communities. Jan Harp Domene was the product of public schools in Orange County, and she knew firsthand the intricate needs of our community and children. After serving as the national president of the PTA, she returned to Anaheim and became a trustee on our Anaheim Union High School board. She was a role model. She actually was a family friend. I remember, as a young child, my mother would get calls from Jan if I was out of line. Both locally and nationally, we are better off because of Jan, and I am honored, and I hope that my colleagues will honor her, also.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my Republican colleagues to end the game and to give certainty back to the American people. Right before the holidays, my Republican colleagues threatened to raise taxes on the middle class because a small but very loud minority in their conference wanted to prove a point. Now we're back at it again. They want to prevent $1,500 from being in the hands of the middle class. My fellow Democrats and I want to keep money in the hands of hardworking Americans by supporting the extension of the payroll tax holiday. We cannot afford to take more risks with the income of 160 million working Americans. In fact, the no-jobs agenda of the Republican Conference has pushed to continue tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans while not giving breaks to working Americans and the middle class. I ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle if they will please come to the table for a strong and working middle class of America.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, we can see that Vietnam's communist government's escalation of crackdowns has targeted the voices of the conscience such as Paulus Le Son and many other Vietnamese patriots for exercising their rights of free speech and expression. Recently, I received disturbing reports that another youth activist and Vietnamese songwriter, Viet Khang Tri Minh Vo, was detained and imprisoned by the Vietnamese police and government. Viet Khang's songs question the conscience of the Vietnam police, who have brutally assaulted and arrested demonstrators at peaceful gatherings. It is time for the Government of Vietnam to respect the freedom of expression through the arts and stop these arbitrary arrests and recognize the basic human rights of the individual. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor House Resolution 484, calling on the Vietnamese Government to cease the abuse of vague national security provisions in the Vietnamese penal code, which are used to justify the detention and the abuse of their own citizens.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to vote on the Conference report to H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act of FY2012 on December 14, 2011. I would like to have it reflected in the Congressional Record that if I had the opportunity to vote on H.R. 1540, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. I rise today to offer a final amendment to H.R. 527 that, if passed, will allow the bill to be brought back promptly to take a vote for final passage. Mr. Speaker, this final amendment is noncontroversial and aims to do one simple thing: to protect the incentives that assist small businesses to hire veterans. This amendment comes at a very critical time for our small businesses and for our veterans. Several weeks ago, this House did something that most of America doesn't believe we do anymore. We came together, all of us--Republicans and Democrats. We voted on a bill, and we passed a bill together, unanimously, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. The bill pushes key provisions, like providing small businesses with incentives so that they will hire veterans who have been unable to find employment. As a new law, the tax credits that we offer in that VOW bill would require additional regulations to be implemented in order for small businesses to begin to hire our veterans. Our veterans need jobs--not tomorrow, but now. Yet this bill, the one we are considering right now, sets up many new hurdles and delays for new regulations, like those needed for the implementation of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. In a little more than 2 weeks, we went from a 422-0 vote with that VOW Act to now potentially hindering our small businesses from hiring veterans. However, we have a chance to fix that. We have a chance to fix that right now, and we have a chance to fix it and to bring back this vote promptly, to bring this bill and vote it today. So I ask my colleagues, especially those on the other side, what are your priorities? I know what my priorities are. My priorities are to small businesses and my priorities are to our veterans who have fought for this Nation. Mr. Speaker, if my colleagues on the other side truly believe that small businesses are what create the jobs in America, then we can fix this bill by voting for my amendment. If you believe that our veterans should not have to fight for a job after having fought for our country, then we can fix this bill by voting for my amendment. If my colleagues believe that the over 250,000 unemployed veterans under the age of 35 deserve a job, then we can fix this bill by voting for my amendment. I know what this side of the aisle believes. We know what the choice is. It's about small businesses creating jobs and hiring these brave men and women. We want our small businesses to have those incentives so that they can hire our veterans now, not next year or the following year--now. We need jobs now. The bill itself raises a lot of regulations and hurdles to new implementation, but now we can fix the bill, and we can help our veterans and our small businesses. It's our duty here in Congress to look after those who have looked after the people of this country. My final amendment does this by ensuring that we allow those regulations that are needed to protect these incentives for the small businesses who want to hire veterans. I would have no doubt--I would never think that my colleagues on any side of the aisle would want to intentionally hinder the hiring of veterans, especially after I saw that unanimous vote right before Thanksgiving. Remember that--we finally did something together. So I ask all of you, let's do the right thing. Will you stand with our veterans and small businesses and protect those incentives that we voted for 2 weeks ago? If you believe it's the right thing to do, then you will vote for this amendment. If you believe that a 21 percent unemployment rate for our young male veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 is too high, then you will vote for my amendment to ensure those incentives to hire our veterans will be in place. I want to make clear once more to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle; a ``yes'' vote on my amendment will not prevent this bill from being voted on today. If adopted, it will be incorporated into the bill and voted on for final passage. I ask my colleagues to do the right thing, to fight for protecting the incentives that will allow our veterans to be hired by small businesses. Regardless of how either aisle feels about the underlying bill, I know this chamber can make the right choice by voting ``yes'' on my amendment.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. I am opposed to the bill, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the president of California State University at Fullerton, Dr. Milton Gordon, and to recognize his upcoming retirement. For over two decades, Dr. Gordon's outstanding commitment to higher education has let California State University at Fullerton become one of the largest and one of the most inclusive institutions in our Nation. Because of Dr. Gordon's vision and commitment for greater cultural diversity in higher education, the university currently ranks ninth in the Nation in bachelor's degrees awarded to minority students. And additionally, it ranks number one in California among colleges and universities awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanics. Dr. Gordon's caring, articulate, and collegial nature created a sense of pride among the faculty, the staff and students advocating for excellence in all aspects of university life. It has been an honor for me to work with Dr. Gordon. He has been a mentor; he has been a shining light in Orange County. And I congratulate him on all his awards and distinctions, and I look forward to his next career. We hope to reel him in to continue to work on our community. Thank you, Dr. Gordon.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. I rise today to recognize Mr. Daniel Foster, the recipient of a Silver Star and a Purple Heart, and who is a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan. However, he has waited more than 1 year to receive his benefits that he both deserves and has earned, because the Department of Veterans Affairs has lost his benefit application over and over and over, person by person. As a result of this carelessness with Mr. Foster's files, he was unable to receive his VA benefit checks for the last year, and he was not able to pay the mortgage on his disabled father's home in Costa Mesa, California, where he resides with his father. Now the home is scheduled to be foreclosed on November 23, the day before Thanksgiving. Mr. Foster does not reside in my district, but he came and asked for help. I am happy to say that Representative Rohrabacher, Mr. Foster's Representative, has now opened a case on his behalf. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I work every day to ensure that our veterans receive the benefits they need and deserve. So I will continue to follow Mr. Foster's case and will encourage veterans in my district who are experiencing these types of difficulties to please contact us at our Garden Grove office.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, one hundred and sixty-two years ago, over thirteen thousand citizens of the United States of America met at the California Constitutional Convention on November 13, 1849. At this convention, Californians ratified their constitution in a proportion of twelve to one. The first order of business was to elect the State executives, and to set the borders of twenty-seven counties. For the past twelve years, the Society of Hispanic Heritage and Ancestral Research (SHHAR), Los Amigos of Orange County, among other organizations, have been seeking to raise public awareness of the state's ratification day. In the past, the University of California Irvine, the State University of Fullerton, and the Orange County Heritage Museum in Santa Ana, have all organized events to commemorate this historic occasion. These events have been encouraged, organized and run by volunteers on the local, state, and national levels, including public officials, friends, and neighbors. This year, the birthday of California's original constitution, November 13, falls on a Sunday, a date which is most appropriate to reflect on the roles that community and sacrifice played in the establishment of the state of California. I am proud to recognize the statehood of California, and proudly celebrate our state's admittance as the 31st State of the Union. At this moment, it is only appropriate to celebrate the accomplishments and historical contributions of the great state of California. Happy Birthday California!

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 70th anniversary of World War II and to commemorate the service of Hispanic Americans who served in World War II and in all wars, and to commemorate our Latino veterans across America. During World War II, 500,000 Americans of Hispanic ancestry courageously answered our Nation's call, including Latinos such as Ted Williams, Manuel Ortiz, Maria Dolores Hernandez, Jose Limon, Desi Arnaz, Cesar Chavez, and Guy Gabaldon. The Hispanic American soldiers fought with integrity and bravery, earning 126 Distinguished Service Crosses, over 1,400 Silver Stars, and 2,807 Bronze Stars for valor. They earned these medals sacrificing their lives and blood to preserve the United States and freedom around the world. Through the war, over 12,000 Latinos were awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat; 2,561 Latinos were prisoners of war; and 9,831 Latinos were killed in action. Because of their record of service, Mr. Speaker, I introduced H. Res. 404, which recognizes the service and the sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are Latino; and I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation. I wish to remember these war heroes and the stalwart and selfless service of Latinos in military history 70 years after World War II.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As you know, violence against women in the United States is as insidious as it is destructive. And according to a study by the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics, there are as many as 3 million cases of domestic violence across the United States every year. Due to the nature of the crime, the mental and physical cost of domestic violence are difficult to quantify, but they are far too obvious to ignore. Women suffering from domestic abuse average more emergency room visits, a significantly higher rate of unemployment, are more likely to lose the jobs they have, and are also more likely to rely on welfare. Various studies find the monetary costs to the Federal Government of only the reported cases of domestic violence to be estimated in billions of dollars. Regrettably, hard economic times make even more crimes of this sort likely to occur, which is why the Congress must ensure not only to address this growing epidemic but to protect the necessary funds to protect the women of this country from domestic abuse.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2042. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and as a Representative from the great State of California, which has very strong economic ties to the Pacific region, I am proud to be a cosponsor of what I believe is one of the most important things that we can do with respect to trade and getting American jobs going. The primary goal of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation organization is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States is among the group's 21- member economies, which account for 55 percent of global GDP. They purchase 58 percent of United States' goods exports and comprise a market of 2.7 billion consumers. Seven of America's top 15 trade partners are in APEC. This bill would require the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to establish a program to issue APEC Business Travel Cards to eligible U.S. citizen business leaders and senior United States Government officials who are actively engaged in APEC business. The APEC Business Travel Cards would expedite the individuals' international travel within the 21 APEC-member economies. There are similar cards already available to APEC travelers in the United States. H.R. 2042 would allow U.S. citizens to enjoy similar travel benefits abroad. It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to integrate application procedures for and issuance of APEC Business Travel Cards with other appropriate international registered traveler programs of the Department of Homeland Security such as SENTRI, Global Entry and NEXUS, as well as some of the other programs we already have to expedite travel from one country into the other. Finally, the bill permits the Secretary of Homeland Security, of course, to impose a fee that would cover the cost of issuing these cards. H.R. 2042 is also supported by the Obama administration. Next month, the U.S. is hosting APEC for 2011, which is the first time since 1993. It's going to include meetings in Washington, D.C.; in Big Sky, Montana; and in San Francisco, California, culminating in the APEC Leaders Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, in November. So I think it would be appropriate that the House pass H.R. 2042 in advance of this meeting next month. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen).

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2042 represents a small but important step towards facilitating travel and enhancing business ties with our Asia-Pacific region, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) and California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), who have been selected as recipients of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM and Articulation Programs Grant. This highly competitive award will give each school approximately $1,200,000 in funding for the next five years and will help them to develop and expand their capacity to serve Hispanic and other low- income students. I believe STEM education is fundamental to prepare our children for jobs in a more technically-oriented economy. This is vital for our nation's economic security, and I am proud to have supported legislation that made this grant opportunity possible. As a longtime advocate of STEM education, I am thrilled to see that students in my district, especially those most in need, will have the opportunity to excel in mathematics and the sciences. This will make way for a competitive workforce that will increase minority participation in the STEM fields and lay the groundwork for a nation filled with educated and diverse individuals. I congratulate Rancho Santiago Community College District and California State University, Fullerton for receiving such impressive grants.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, this week I introduced House Resolution 404, a resolution honoring Latinos in the military; and I rise today to recognize all the great contributions and service that Latinos have given to this country. In fact, Latinos have fought in every United States military conflict that we have had, and today nearly 163,000 Latinos--and Latinas--serve in the regular components of the Armed Forces. The contributions and sacrifices that they make to defend our Nation are often overlooked. So I encourage the Secretary of Defense to increase promotion opportunities for Latinos in the Armed Forces. It's my firm belief that the military should invest in outreach to minority communities and to work to mitigate the barriers that hinder more Latinos from advancing up the career ladder in our Armed Forces, because our Armed Forces need Latinos. Latinos, like all those who serve, continue to sacrifice their lives daily in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. We have lost lives of Latinos also, 539. I salute the dedication of our Latino servicemembers.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, 100 years ago on October 10, Sun Yat-sen, a Chinese doctor, led his people to overthrow the dynastic rule that governed his people for many centuries. We have celebrated his achievements and his advocacy of his three principles of the people: Nationalism, Democracy, and the People's Livelihood. Today, these three principles have been the legacy of Taiwan's President, Ma Ying-jeou, playing an integral role in making the Republic of China (Taiwan) a vibrant democracy and a leading force in today's international community. We congratulate Taiwan on the historic celebration of their 100th anniversary.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly recognize the First Annual Orange County Stand Down to be held in Santa Ana, California on September 17-18, 2011. Nationally, it is estimated that one-third of the homeless population in the United States are veterans of the United States Armed Forces, many of whom face a constant battle with the effects of their time in service to our nation. There are approximately 5,000 veterans residing within the borders of Orange County that currently experience some form of homelessness during the year. This event will create a ``one-stop'' environment for these homeless veterans and their families to receive basic social services such as veterans benefit assistance, mental health and substance abuse counseling, along with housing and employment placement assistance. The first Orange County Stand Down expects to serve approximately 400-500 of the county's homeless veterans and their families, many of whom have served their country valiantly in theaters of combat ranging from World War II to the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Attendees of the Stand Down will be able to receive hot showers, new clothing, hot meals and a chance to bond with their fellow veterans. Veterans First, a community-based organization in my district that serves homeless veterans along with other community groups and government entities such as the United States Veterans Administration (VA), State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the County of Orange, the American Legion, Elks Lodge, American GI Forum, the American Red Cross, and Furnishing Hope, have come together to serve a group of brave individuals who have fought for the freedoms we value and cherish. I would like to recognize the First Annual Orange County Stand Down and commend its mission to restore honor to our homeless veterans and assist them in rebuilding their lives. As ranking woman on the Armed Services Committee, I would like to extend best wishes of success to the First Annual Orange County Stand Down in the hopes that it will become a sustainable annual event to assist our homeless veterans until all of our heroes are no longer on the streets.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, 53 years ago, China declared ownership of the islands in the Eastern Sea, which include the Spratly and the Paracel Islands. On September 14, 1958, then-Prime Minister Pham Van Dong of North Vietnam issued a diplomatic note affirming the declaration from China regarding the Chinese ownership of those islands. When this decision became known, Vietnamese students and bloggers organized unprecedented protests in Hanoi and in Saigon against China's violations of Vietnam's sovereignty in the Eastern Sea. The Vietnamese security police were ordered to end the public demonstrations regarding the issue of the Spratly and Paracel Islands and detained over 40 activists who were involved in this protest. Since early August of this year, at least 13 young patriots have been arrested by police and the Ministry of Public Security in Vietnam, and several of these activists are prominent bloggers, such as the Vinh Diocese of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, for this same issue. As a cosponsor of House Resolution 352, I call for a framework in accordance with the United States Convention on the Law of the Sea for a peaceful resolution to this conflict. Furthermore, I urge the Vietnamese Government to unconditionally release all advocates who were exercising their rights as citizens to call for social justice and protesting the sovereignty of Vietnamese territories from China.