Loretta Sanchez

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I am the proud sponsor of H. Res. 593, a resolution congratulating the scientists whose work led to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty that has been a critical part of the global commitment to improving the environment for ourselves and future generations. The treaty was a science driven effort to address a specific human action that has real consequences on the ozone layer. Yesterday, September 16th was the 20th anniversary of when the Montreal Protocol was first made available for signature. Although the benefits of the Montreal Protocol are being realized worldwide, the science that led to its implementation is entirely homegrown. In 1973, scientists Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina began their work at the fantastic University of California, Irvine, in Orange County, California. Rowland and Molina researched the depletion of stratospheric ozone by chlorofluorocarbon gases. These CFC gases were used worldwide in many products as refrigerants and aerosol propellants. Like all scientific endeavors, Rowland and Molina started with a hypothesis. They realized that CFCs are very stable compounds in the lower atmosphere. Because of that, the compounds could travel to the upper atmosphere and interact with other compounds that are critical to the upper atmosphere. By June of 1974 the hypothesis of Rowland and Molina was confirmed by their own research; CFCs are broken down by ultra-violet radiation in the upper atmosphere and then interact with and deplete ozone molecules. Their work was published in the scientific journal Nature to a mixed reaction because CFCs were considered by many to be a wonder product that had many benefits and no negative consequences. However, a mixed reaction to a published article is not necessarily a bad thing since it is necessary for published scientific work to hold up under intense peer review and scrutiny. The National Academy of Sciences began testing the work of Rowland and Molina and by 1976, the Academy released a report that confirmed the scientific credibility of the ozone depletion hypothesis. To the credit of this institution, Congress acted quickly in response to the confirmed work of Rowland and Molina. In 1978 the use of CFCs in aerosol propellants was banned in the United States. With the United States leading the way and significant studies being conducted by the Dutch scientist Paul Crutzen, the Montreal Protocol came into full force on September 17, 1987. To date, 191 nations have signed on to the Montreal Protocol. In 1995, Rowland, Molina, and Crutzen were awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry in recognition of their work--this was quite an achievement for UC Irvine as well. On the twentieth anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, let's once again recognize the homegrown science of Sherwood Rowland, Mario Molina, and Paul Crutzen that has had an ongoing and significant positive impact on the Earth's ecosystem. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 593.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ. Madam Speaker, on Friday, September 7, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: (1) Rollcall No. 861: ``yes'' on agreeing to the resolution. (2) Rollcall No. 864: ``yes'' on agreeing to the conference report.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 6, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation. I request that the Congressional Record reflect that had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall No. 854: ``Yea''. On approving the journal. Rollcall No. 855: ``Yea''. On agreeing to the resolution. Rollcall No. 856: ``No''. On agreeing to the amendment. Rollcall No. 857: ``No''. On agreeing to the amendment. Rollcall No. 858: ``No''. On agreeing to the amendment. Rollcall No. 859: ``Aye''. On passage of H.R. 2786.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall No. 847: Yes. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. Rollcall No. 848: Yes. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. Rollcall No. 849: No. On motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2669.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall No. 850: yes. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. Rollcall No. 851: yes. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. Rollcall No. 852: yes. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. Rollcall No. 853: yes. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of Americans who should have been honored years ago for their service and sacrifice to the United States during the Vietnam war. For a period of 10 dangerous years, between 1965 and 1975, over 260 pilots and ground crew members flew over regions in Southeast Asia. They were the Continental Air Service Inc., CASI, personnel. CASI was a subsidiary of Continental Airlines created at the request of the CIA to back up air service in Southeast Asia for another CIA airline, Air America. CASI personnel flew support missions for U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Operations Mission, the CIA, and other government agencies. The countries CASI covered include Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore. CASI pilots deserve to be recognized by our Government. These pilots played a vital role during the Vietnam war delivering hard rice, food, medicine, and other supplies. Moreover, CASI pilots were sent on many secret missions to rescue American troops. Madam Speaker, I would like to point out these were not easy missions. CASI pilots flew for 10 years in the most unfavorable conditions: there were limited air traffic controllers in most regions, the unpredictable weather made flying dangerous, and their planes were constantly under enemy fire. As most of their flights were covert operations, the pilots could not even talk about their experiences with their own families. CASI pilots flew the same missions, shared the same airstrips, and sacrificed their lives in America's war effort as did Air America pilots. In fact, CASI and Air America operated side by side for U.S. AID during the war. On June 2, 2001, the CIA honored Air America and Civil Air Transport for their part in the war effort: however, the CASI pilots and crew did not receive the same recognition. Many CASI pilots have passed away and some air crews are still missing in action in Laos. After 32 years, the time has come to honor these individuals who sacrificed their own safety for the safety of our American soldiers and for our country. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the gallant pilots and crew members of Continental Air Service Inc.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago, the Children's Health Insurance Program, better known as CHIP, was created as a partnership between the States and the Federal Government to ensure that more children would have access to health insurance. Over the last decade, it has been received as a strong, bipartisan effort. The success of the program is not questioned. Thanks to CHIP, the number of uninsured children has decreased every year for the last decade, except for this past year when the number of children actually increased. This week, the House will vote on the CHAMP Act, a bill that strengthens the Children's Health Program so that it reaches nearly all of the children that are eligible for the program. Currently, CHIP reaches 6 million, but there are 6 million kids that aren't insured yet. Today, there is simply not enough funding to enroll more children. But that is going to change this week, when the House adds on an additional $50 billion over the next 5 years to the CHIP program. That will ensure that an additional 5 million children are insured. Let's once again act in a bipartisan fashion this week and pass the CHAMP Act.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in jubilant support of H. Res. 471, recognizing the Anaheim Ducks and their victory over the Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League Stanley Cup Finals. I applaud the House's consideration of this exciting measure. The Ottawa Senators proved to be worthy opponents, but they were no match for the hard hitting, exciting brand of hockey of Ducks general manager Brian Burke and head coach Randy Carlyle. The 6-2 win to clinch the title was a display of solid teamwork as five different Ducks scored goals. The Ducks teamwork was buttressed by the awe inspiring defensive work of Scott Niedermayer, who was honored as the most valuable player of the NHL post-season. Their work is a true accomplishment. Not only did the Anaheim Ducks bring the Stanley Cup to Anaheim for the first time, but they are the first team from California to win it all. With that, Mr. Speaker, we congratulate the Anaheim Ducks for their marvelous play and celebrate their victory in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and a conferee on this legislation, I rise in strong support of the Conference report on H.R. 1, the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. This report implements several of the 9/11 Commission's key recommendations, including increasing the amount of Homeland Security grant funding that is distributed based on risk. This extremely important change will ensure that the states at the highest risk for terrorist attacks will have the needed resources to prepare for and respond to attacks. I am also particularly pleased that this report increases the authorized funding for the Emergency Management Performance Grant program which provides all hazards preparedness funding to States. I have been a long-time advocate of increasing EMPG funding, to ensure that all of our communities have the ability to prepare for any disaster, natural or man-made. There are many other excellent provisions in this conference report, including the establishment of an office of appeals and redress at TSA and a Quadrennial Homeland Security Review of the national Homeland Security Strategy. I urge my colleagues to support this conference report.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today in full support of H.R. 3043, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008. By bringing this bill to the House floor, we demonstrate again the hard work of the Democratic majority to reverse the trend of critical cuts to programs that improve the lives of all Americans. The bill includes an additional $750 million for the National Institutes of Health, another $400 million for the Social Security Administration to address the backlog of disability cases and reviews and, most dramatically, $2 billion additionally to improve the requirements of No Child Left Behind. Additionally, Head Start will get $75 million in additional funding under this bill. But when you look at it, in real dollar terms, that's actually a decrease. Head Start is widely recognized as one of our most productive education programs. For every dollar that we spend on Head Start we bring in $9 in future benefits in taxes. So the benefits of Head Start do not end just with the preparation for school. And I understand there are budgetary constraints but, Mr. Speaker, I hope that in the conference committee we can actually put real money into Head Start.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I rise today as a cosponsor of H.R. 2956, and although I support this resolution, I must express my sadness that it has come to this point. This President was wrong when he claimed that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. He has had over 4 years. He has asked for more time, for more troops, for more surges. And regardless of what our military experts and our troops on the ground say, this President continues to claim that we are winning the war in Iraq. Mr. President, what reports are you reading? Whom are you listening to? Certainly not the reports that I have read or the military officials I have spoken to, who tell a very different story about what is happening in Iraq. To me it is with sadness that this Congress has to tell you that your war in Iraq is a failure and that we will not let you leave our brave men and women over there when you have no plan to allow them to succeed. We will not let them be targets any longer. History will show, Mr. President, that your war was a failure. But today the Congress stood up to you and said enough is enough.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. This intelligent bill increases Federal scholarship amounts and loan limits to provide students with additional assistance in paying for college, and to help them rely less on costlier private loans. In fact, when I went to school, college, 25 years ago, college tuition at my university was $8,000 a year, and my Pell Grant was $2,700 a year. Today, that very school costs $38,000 a year, and the Pell Grant is $4,100 a year. We need to do something about this situation. As part of this legislation, I am pleased to see that the Congress is moving to enact $5,000 of Federal student loan forgiveness for students who are using the education they receive to serve their community and country in areas of national need. Loan forgiveness provides a powerful message to a student: Your Government will help you if you choose to help your Nation. The College Cost Reduction Act is an important step towards investing in American college students and our future workforce, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this today.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, on Friday, June 22, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: 1. Rollcall No. 543: ``yes'' on ordering the previous question. 2. Rollcall No. 544: ``yes'' on agreeing to H. Res. 502. 3. Rollcall No. 545: ``no'' on agreeing to the Flake amendment to H.R. 2771. 4. Rollcall No. 546: ``no'' on agreeing to the Jordan amendment to H.R. 2771; 5. Rollcall No. 547: ``no'' on motion to recommit H.R. 2771 with instructions. 6. Rollcall No. 548: ``yes'' on passage of H.R. 2771.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, June 21, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall No. 527 ``no'' (on agreeing to the Diaz-Balart Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 528 ``no'' (on agreeing to the Wolf Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 529 ``yes'' (on agreeing to the Shays Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 530 ``no'' (on agreeing to the Garrett (NJ) Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 531 ``no'' (on agreeing to the Foxx Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 532 ``no'' (on agreeing to the Pitts Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 533 ``yes'' (on agreeing to the Lowey Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 534 ``no'' (on agreeing to the Smith (NJ) Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 535 ``no'' (on agreeing to the Boustany Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 537 ``no'' (on agreeing to the Jordan Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 538 ``no'' (on agreeing to the Price (GA) Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 539 ``no'' (on agreeing to the Musgrave Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 540 ``yes'' (on agreeing to the Pence Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 541 ``no'' (on agreeing to the King (IA) Amendment to H.R. 2764). Rollcall No. 542 ``yes'' (on Final Passage of H.R. 2764).

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an original cosponsor and strong supporter of H.R. 1281, the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Act of 2007. This is an issue that is close to my heart. I am grateful to my colleagues Mr. Emanuel, for introducing this legislation, and Chairman Conyers, for his consideration or H.R. 1281 in the Judiciary Committee. The great promise of America is that every citizen has a vote, a voice in how our government is run. And we've seen in recent years where 100 or 50 or 5 or even 1 vote has changed the outcome of an election. So making sure that every U.S. citizen is able to vote is one of our most fundamental responsibilities. When most people think of Voting Rights Act violations they thing of the 1960s, when African Americans were prevented from voting because of the color of their skin. Many do not realize that voter suppression still occurs today. The targets of intimidation remain the same. This last election, minority and naturalized immigrant communities were the targets of deception, misinformation and voter intimidation designed to abridge their right to vote. In the district I represent, California's 47th, concerns were raised when about 14,000 registered Hispanic voters received a written letter, in Spanish, from the ``California Coalition for Immigration Reform'' informing voters that immigrants voting in a federal election were committing a crime ``that could result in incarceration and possible deportation. . .'' It also went on to advise voters that ``the U.S. government is installing a new computerized system to verify names of all the newly registered voters who participate in the elections in October and November. Organizations against immigration will be able to request information from this new computerized system.'' The intent of the letter was to intimidate. Families were afraid that their personal information would be shared with anti-immigration groups if they voted. They were afraid of retaliation for exercising their right to vote. Revisiting and reforming the voting rights laws will send a clear message to potential violators that deceptive practices are unacceptable and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. H.R. 1281 will strengthen the prohibition and punishment of deceptive practices that aim to keep voters away from the polls on Election Day. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which will go a long way in preventing future acts of voter intimidation.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, on Monday, June 18, 2007, I was unavoidably detained due to a prior obligation. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: (1) Rollcall No. 499: Yes. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2563. (2) Rollcall No. 500: Yes. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H. Con. Res. 151. (3) Rollcall No. 501: Yes. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H. Res. 233.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise to strike the last word.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, thank you for your work on this bill. As you know, I chair the Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee of the Homeland Security Committee, and I have been working on port security issues for many years, and I was extensively involved in the SAFE Port Act that was signed into law last year. One important provision of the SAFE Port Act was the requirement that the Coast Guard implement a long-range vessel tracking system. More than 60,000 vessels traverse the world's oceans annually, and more than 8,000 deep-draft vessels call on United States ports every year. Implementation of a long-range vessel tracking system is critical to ensure that maritime operations are conducted in a way that keeps our Nation safe and secure. In addition, it will make international commerce more efficient for our Nation's port operators. Chairman Price, while your bill does not allocate a specific amount of funding for the implementation of the required long-range vessel tracking system, I have noted that there is a funding stream of $40 million for activities mandated by the SAFE Port law, and I want to clarify your support for the implementation of the long-range vessel tracking system required in the SAFE Port law and that part of the $40 million in funding could be used towards meeting that mandate.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, thank you for that clarification and for your strong support for improving port security and the security of our country.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my support for passage of S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. The scientific community has demonstrated the great potential for stem cell research. Advancements are being made through the National Institute of Health, private sector biotechnology, and research universities. Some of that progress has been made with stem cells from other than embryonic sources, but the Congress should not be in the business of shackling scientific discovery and should pass this legislation to open up the potential that embryonic stem cell research has to offer. In Orange County, California, the University of California at Irvine, Reeve Research Center is home to spectacular research that is utilizing embryonic stem cells to develop treatments for spinal-cord injuries and neurological disorders. California has already led the way for responsible government support of stem cell research. Now is the time for the Federal government to do so as well. I urge my colleagues to support the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, our country is facing a severe shortage of registered nurses. The situation is well- documented. The Journal of the American Medical Association has stated that, without changes, the United States will have a shortage of more than 400,000 nurses by the year 2020. To date, there has been limited government action to address this very national need. Effective health care delivery relies on an adequate supply of well- educated health care professionals, so this week I introduced H.R. 2572, the Nurse Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007, to expand the supply and to help provide for the education of registered nurses, because nurses play a principal role in the health care delivery system in various settings, in hospitals, in home health agencies, in long-term care facilities, managed care centers and community health clinics. The Nurse Loan Forgiveness Act would forgive up to $17,000 in Federal loans over a 5-year period for people who have worked in a hospital at least 1 year. If they continue to work, they would be able to, over time, have that entire amount forgiven. Mr. Speaker, I hope that the Congress has the ability to take action on this critical issue, and I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this very important legislation.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1175, a bill that I have introduced for two consecutive Congresses. I am pleased to see that the bill is on the Suspension Calendar today. I would like to thank the House leadership for making that happen. H.R. 1175 would increase the ceiling on the federal share of the Orange County, California, Regional Water Reclamation Project--from $20 million to $51,874,849. This project will ultimately allow Orange County to complete its innovative groundwater replenishment system, which is designed to reuse advanced treated wastewater to recharge the aquifer in northern Orange County. This aquifer is the primary source of drinking water for over 144,000 families in Orange County each year, serving about 2.3 million residents from north and central Orange County. This reclamation effort has the potential of creating a new water supply of 72,000 acre-feet per year. The OC Groundwater Replenishment Project is an innovative program which has drawn national and international attention. Many U.S. states and foreign nations--including Japan, Korea, Taiwan--have come to Orange County to look at our tertiary cleaning system. They have observed that reusing recycled water--especially important in the arid west--will help preserve and recharge overdrawn river and groundwater supplies, and will help protect our environment from unexpected scarcity of water. What this bill does is to increase the federal share of the project, bringing it closer to the 25 percent level, the level at which almost every other reclamation project is funded in the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act of 1992 and the Reclamation Cycling and Water Conservation Act. The project is not just important to Orange County, California, but also to the entire western United States. By recycling our own water, we will not rely so heavily on the Colorado River Aqueduct or water from the San Francisco Bay Delta. Members from both sides of the aisle recognize the need for this project and have been consistently supportive of this effort. I would like to thank, in particular, my colleagues from Orange County who are all original cosponsors of this bill. I appreciate their continued support for this legislation, and this important project. Let me thank, again, the gentleman from West Virginia, Mr. Rahall, for his support, as well as Ranking Member Young, Subcommittee Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member McMorris for their overwhelming support of H.R. 1175. Finally, let me thank Denis Bilodeau, Irv Pickler, Virginia Grebbien, Philip Anthony, Craig Miller, and everyone affiliated with the Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District for their hard work and leadership in groundwater treatment and recycling. Their innovation has put Orange County at the forefront of water recycling and groundwater replenishment technology. I thank them for all they continue to do for Orange County. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, I was unavoidably detained on official business. I request that the Congressional Record reflect that had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: rollcall No. 395: ``No.'' On motion to recommit with instructions (H.R. 1427).