Loretta Sanchez

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the ranking member for yielding me this time. American workers should not have to wait for OSHA to proceed with its ergonomic standards. In fact, 16 years ago while an MBA student, we as future employees and employers were studying ergonomic standards and what to do in the work area. This is not new. Scientists and researchers have documented over and over again that musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, are related to workplace risk factors. These disorders affect people of all types of occupations, laborers, nurses, accountants, and many of us here know about the injuries personally. For example, my first job in high school was scooping ice cream 20 hours a week, 6 years. That job involved the same motion over and over and over again 20 hours a week. I still have problems with one of my wrists today. It is estimated that every year, over 600,000 workers suffer from work-related MSDs. For many workers, these injuries are debilitating, causing constant and intense pain. It is estimated that these work- related injuries cost employers between $15 and $20 billion a year in workers' compensation. We need to allow OSHA to proceed with its ergonomic standards. I ask that my colleagues vote ``no'' on this bill.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to explain to Dr. Giang why the Communist government of Vietnam should be rewarded and granted the Jackson-Vanik waiver. On March 4 of this year, Dr. Giang was a respected geophysicist and writer and was arrested in Hanoi for allegedly possessing anti-Communist documents. Unfortunately, this was not the first time that he had been harassed by the authorities for peacefully expressing his viewpoints. In January of 1997, he wrote an essay and argued the universality of human rights and concluded that the world needs to unite its actions for human rights. In March of 1997, Dr. Giang was also summoned to appear before the Communist Party for a session of public accusation. After a storm of international protest of governments and human rights organizations, Dr. Giang was finally released. In fact, I went to Vietnam in April to try and find him. Officials in communist-ruled Vietnam never explained to Giang why he was arrested on March 4 or formally charged. In my hand, I have a copy of a letter that he sent to my office detailing his current situation. I would like to share his thoughts with you today. It says, Dear Ms. Sanchez: I am still being restricted by a police writ which bans me to go elsewhere outside my residence. This oppression causes me to suffer in my home detention status. Even so, I am not dejected in this indignant circumstance. I will always aspire for better conditions and freedom and democracy for our people. Thank you again. I pray that global allegiance for democracy and human rights will spread far and wide as we build greater victories for all people. 'This is one of the many examples of human rights abuses which occurs in Vietnam. The United States must take a stand on human rights, and we must say enough is enough. We have an opportunity to send a signal to Vietnam, that human rights cannot be ignored. Vote ``yes'' on House Joint Resolution 58.

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support House Joint Resolution 58, the resolution to disapprove the Jackson-Vanik waiver to Vietnam. This provision was first waived in 1998 on the premise that it would promote free and open emigration with Vietnam. Sadly, things have not turned out that way. My colleagues, let us consider the facts. An average immigrant now must pay about $1,000 in bribes to have access to U.S. refugee programs, three times the average annual salary of a Vietnamese worker. A recent report to Congress stated that over 15,000 former United States Government employees and their families have been denied exit visas, leaving them trapped in Vietnam. In my hand I have copies of hundreds of unresolved constituent casework, unresolved because the emigration policy of the Vietnamese Government still results in far too many people being prevented from leaving Vietnam due to unfair decisions. These are the parents, the siblings, and the offspring of families who have fought communism for two decades. I will support H.J. Res. 58 because I believe the Government of Vietnam has not earned the right to improve trade privileges. I urge my colleagues to put pressure on the Government of Vietnam to meet the conditions of emigration and to improve their political and human rights record by voting ``yes.'' Do not surrender our principal leverage with this regime. Vote ``yes'' for free immigration. Vote ``yes'' for family reunification. Vote ``yes'' to end religious persecution. Vote ``yes'' to promote free speech and democracy. Vote ``yes'' to honor the values which we are sworn to uphold. The fact is the Vietnamese Government does not meet the conditions of good emigration. And by rewarding Vietnam regardless of its lack of cooperation, we are sending them the wrong message.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from California for generously yielding me time tonight on this subject. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2654, the American Inventors Protection Act. The bill improves current patent law and it is in our national interests. The United States is currently the only industrial nation without a first invention defense, and this bill will close that gap. The first invention defense allows a company who is using a manufacturing process, if someone patents that process after the company has been using it, to continue to use it. This is in the best interests of competitive growth and our industrial technology. The bill also makes the Patent and Trademark Office better equipped to deal with the flood of patent applications that come in every day. Clearly this is a bill that is good for American business, and it therefore will also be good for the American consumer. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2654.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, today the House considered the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2000. One issue of great concern to me was the absence of funding for the Community Adjustment and Investment Program (CAIP) in this appropriations bill. The CAIP is a way of helping communities that are negatively impacted by NAFTA. With NAFTA came hard times for many areas around the country. Businesses moved operations to Mexico, leaving thousands of Americans without jobs and many communities in economic distress. The CAIP program allows NAFTA affected communities to receive funding for job training and investment capital for job creation. Providing workers with the skills to acquire new jobs, and providing the communities with the funding to establish new enterprises, will help to bolster the economies of many NAFTA impacted areas. President Clinton understood this when he requested that the CAIP receive $17 million in his fiscal year 2000 budget. NAFTA was supposed to increase economic prosperity for everyone involved in this agreement. The least we can do in Congress is to make sure that those American workers who were negatively impacted by NAFTA have a chance to succeed as well. The CAIP is a program which helps to achieve that goal. I am hopeful that my colleagues will realize the importance of CAIP and ensure that it will receive funding when this bill goes to conference.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Myldred Jones, an Orange County resident, and a great humanitarian, on this her ninetieth birthday. Myldred moved to California from Pennsylvania with her family when she was four years old. Growing up during the Depression, the Jones family experienced the poverty that affected millions of Americans. Even so, Myldred's parents, who were also her greatest mentors, would share whatever food they had with other people. Although the Jones' family was also poor, they seemed to always have enough to give to others. Early on, Myldred learned the lessons of humanitarianism, of unconditional love, and of providing and caring for others. These gifts were to become the very essence of her life. Myldred began her career as a high school teacher and, later, became a juvenile probation officer. During World War II, she was one of the first eight WAVES from California. Her military career included duty as a Special Assistant to Commandant 14th Naval District, Assistant Director of the Department of Welfare, and a faculty member on international relations for the Armed Forces Graduate School. She was also the Naval Liaison Officer for both the United Nations and the National Red Cross. When she retired in 1959, she was the director of Social Services of the Navy Relief Society. After her retirement, Myldred became active in the Civil Rights Movement and marched with Martin Luther King from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama. In 1969, she joined Cesar Chavez on his marches for the United Farm Workers. Her work in the Watts district of Los Angeles, California, earned her recognition from Governor Ronald Reagan, who employed her as a consultant on youth affairs. Recognizing the need that many young people had for assistance with different problems, Myldred developed the first ``hotline'' for troubled teenagers. Many of the teenagers were runaways or ``throwaways'' whose parents had either forced them to leave their homes, or whose parents had left them. With no place to go, the teenagers were in a desperate situation. Myldred's deep compassion to help these teenagers, led her to sell her home and purchase another home which could house runaway children on a temporary basis. Out of this need was born the Casa Youth Shelter which has since its inception in 1978, has assisted thousands of ``lost youth'' find their way back home and into the mainstream of society. The philosophy behind Myldred's home for teenagers comes from a belief that all of the children can turn their lives into a success if they have the love and attention which had been denied to them all of their lives. Housing twelve youths at a time for a period of two weeks, Casa Youth Shelter, has become a safe haven for many youth whose lives were on the line. To this day, Myldred meets each of the youth and talks with them. Myldred is regarded by many as ``our own Mother Teresa'' for her life has been dedicated to taking care of others who are in need. She is an angel amongst us. Colleagues, please join me today in wishing Myldred Jones a very happy birthday and also in congratulating her on her life which has been lived to the fullest.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, here we go again. Social Security is the primary retirement system for the majority of retired Americans. It provides benefits to 33 million Americans of all ages and it keeps 12 million of them out of poverty. The GOP Social Security approach is really an unreliable response that supports wealthy special interests. Why does the GOP want to undercut a sound economy with a tax scheme designed to benefit the few? We must protect Social Security. This means less debt, lower interest costs, rising living standards, more money made available for seniors' priorities, and more security for Social Security. The Republican tax cuts mean higher deficits, higher interest rates and lower economic growth. Their tax scheme would make it impossible to continue to pay down and eventually eliminate the debt we have by 2015 as proposed by our President. My colleagues across the aisle would have us believe that their efforts are to support Social Security, but this is not so. Their tax cut does not cut it.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise because today the House will vote on a tax bill that has the opportunity to address one of the most pressing difficulties facing our schools: overcrowded and run-down facilities. Our schools are simply worn out and out of room. Conditions are so poor that we would have to spend $112 billion to make the basic repairs needed. One out of every four schools is holding more students than it was designed for. Enrollment is skyrocketing--48 million K-12 students will be attending our public schools by 2008. The House can do something about it. The Democratic version of H.R. 2488 includes language expanding the opportunities for communities to raise school bonds to renovate existing school facilities and build new ones. School construction bonds are good for our communities. Local areas want to improve school facilities, but they need help. And new school and classroom construction means local jobs--lower unemployment, and working men and women taking home new paychecks. School construction bonds are good for taxpayers. Whether to invest in these bonds will be a decision that neighborhoods, towns and school districts make--not the federal government or the IRS. School construction bonds are good for schoolchildren. Right now our children attend schools with leaking roofs, inadequate wiring and chipping paint, crammed into storage closets, libraries and gyms for lack of classroom space. By neglecting to provide an environment appropriate for learning and teaching, we are sending our youth a message that their academic success is unimportant to us. This tragically shortchanges our students. The 106th Congress has the opportunity to pass meaningful school construction legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote for the Democratic alternative and help our communities earn the opportunity to expand and rebuild America's schools.

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, here we go again. Social Security is the primary retirement system for the majority of retired Americans. It provides benefits to 33 million Americans of all ages and keeps 12 million recipients out of poverty. The G.O.P. Social Security approach is really an unreliable response that supports the Wealthy Special Interests. Why does the G.O.P. want to undercut a sound economy with a tax scheme designed to benefit the few? We must protect Social Security. This means less debt, lower interest costs, rising living standards, more money made available for seniors' priorities, and more security for Social Security. Republican tax cuts mean higher deficits, higher interest rates, and lower economic growth. The Republican tax scheme would make it impossible to continue to pay down and eventually eliminate the national debt by 2015, as proposed by the President. My colleagues across the aisle would have us believe that they have efforts to shore up social security and pay down on the national debt. This is not so! Republicans want to engage tax cuts that bust the budget and threaten our long term economic growth. Their tax cut does not cut it! I urge my Republican colleagues to devote half of the budget surplus to debt reduction and to support a common sense budget plan that reflects the values most Americans consider important.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of continued funding for the U.S. Air Force's F-22 advanced tactical program. The House passed H.R. 1401, the fiscal year 2000 defense authorization bill, on June 10 and fully supported the F-22 program. In fact, the program was fully funded by both the defense authorization and appropriation bills acted on by the Senate. I believe the F-22 program is critical to our country's defense. If the decision to cut funding is enacted, we lose the cornerstone of our Nation's global air strategy for the next century. Budget cuts are tough today. We must choose how we spend our resources and act prudently. It is an opportunity cost. We cannot have everything. We must choose wisely to spend our resources, but we should not do that unilaterally. What happened to the people who deal in committee and try to understand these programs? That decision-making process has been taken away from us. What do we lose when we give up the F-22 program? Well, let me say the proposed cuts jeopardize our next century's warfighting capability. It places our forces at higher risk. The F-22 is the first stealthy fighter attack aircraft that permits our pilots to destroy enemy aircraft and ground-based air defenses at greater stand-off ranges than the current F-15 fighter. An upgraded F-15 does not have that technology. We must have the F-22 for the next century. There are at least five foreign fighters already starting to eclipse the F-15 and many of these planes are on the international market. Let us work together. Let us look back at this. The F-22's attributes of stealth, supercruise and integrated avionics are essential for enabling air dominance to counter advanced SAMs, emerging threat aircraft, and advanced air-to-air missiles.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to report on the field hearing that the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth & Families held in my district--in Anaheim, California--on parent and community involvement in education this month. Today's children bring so many needs to our classrooms. And we are all responsible for making sure those needs are met--parents, teachers and educators; federal, state and local government; the corporate and nonprofit sectors; our institutions of higher learning and law enforcement. Teachers can't meet those needs alone. Parents can't do it alone. It's too late for our universities to do it once our kids get to college. And recent events all over our nation have proven that our young people certainly can't make it on their own. Schools need adequate resources--especially those with the children and the families who need it the most--so our schools can focus on education instead of fundraising. That falls to all of us. So at this hearing, we discussed how our communities can and should work with our schools. We heard from parents, teachers, students and members of the community on how to do that. After the conclusion of the formal field hearing, I was able to conduct a question and answer period for members of the community who were in attendance. This was an opportunity to examine issues that may not have been brought up by the panelists--for example the role of fathers in children's lives. As the traditional breadwinner in the family, fathers who work all day have rarely had time in the past to take an active role in the child's education. Fathers who do take part in the educational pursuits of their children have boosted self-esteem levels that have been lacking in these children. Simple tasks such as reading with and to children and helping with homework, are two ways that involve fathers in this process. Fathers do play a crucial role in the education of their children, a point community members wanted to highlight. The need for gun safety was also stressed. Requirements, such as a minimum age of 21 and background checks for gun purchases play a significant role in keeping our schools and children safe. The important question of funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was also raised. While educators look to the federal government to provide 40 percent of the funding for this program, many schools receive only 11 percent of the funding needed and are forced to compensate with local resources. The need to fill in this funding gap was stressed because without sufficient funding for this program more handicapped children are at risk of incarceration and substance abuse. Suggestions were also made on how to improve education at both the federal and local levels. Citizens expressed their wishes on several items. Congress should receive input from private schools. All parents of school-age children should participate in parent education programs. Parent education programs should include material on parental involvement in the classroom. Early childhood/preschool programs such as Head Start should be funded at higher levels. Furthermore, another topic discussed was the re-evaluation of funds at the federal level and the reallocation of funds already distributed by the Department of Education. As for the local level, the public raised the need for community organizations to work directly with citizens on such projects as building a new community athletic facility, as such opportunities were deemed worthy extracurricular programs for children. I was impressed by the number of citizens who attended the hearing. The levels of community awareness and public support evident at the event were appreciated and inspiring. All in all, the day proved that it does take an entire community--parents, businesses, citizens and school personnel--to educate a child.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1995, the Teacher Empowerment Act, because even though it is titled that, it is really not a bill for teachers and it is not a good bill for students and it is not a good bill for our schools. The bill cuts the class size reduction program. This House voted for class size reduction last year; we supported it from both sides of the aisle and we funded it. And we made a promise to our schools, to our children, to our parents, to our communities that we would make sure that they had small classes where they could learn. If we pass this bill, we will take back that promise. Now, some have mentioned, my good chairman of the committee, the California experience. Well, I have a California experience. It is called Orange County, California where I represent. After having gone to over 90 different schools, the reality is that the one comment I get most often from teachers in the first or second or third grade where we have reduced class size is what a difference this class size is making. Their children are learning, and we begin to see it now in the scores as they begin to appear in California. We need to continue our class size reduction, and we should allow it to go nationwide. The PTA does not like the Republicans' bill, our national teacher organizations do not like the bill, the school boards do not like the Republican bill, Governors do not even like this bill. About the only people who do like the bill are the Republicans. We do have a choice. We can vote for the Democratic bill. Our version supports class size reduction and professional development, so that we make sure that we have smaller classes and qualified professionals in the classroom. Our version lets States and school districts decide how to spend classes and teacher training money. It puts the funding in the hands of the people who know what local schools need. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to reject H.R. 1995 without the Democratic substitute.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my strong support for Section 274 of ``The State Department Authorization Act''. This section seeks to resolve the serious problems in our refugee programs in Vietnam. Serious problems that many of my constituents face on a daily basis. In my hand I hold copies of hundreds of unresolved constituent cases. My constituents are facing situations which none of us in this chamber would ever want to face. Many refugees resettled in Orange County without their children and have not been able to re-unite with their loved ones because the INS refuses to reconsider their cases. This section would correct this situation. This section also calls for the retention of the JVA as an advocate for refugees. As many of you know, this organization has been most helpful in helping applications in Viet Nam overcome the communist bureaucracy and rampant corruption. I recently traveled to Viet Nam and met with U.S. consular officials and Immigration and Naturalization Service personnel who participate in the refugee programs. I discussed with them the problems many individuals face including: bribery, corruption and extortion. I expressed to them my support of the recommendations offered in Section 274. I urge my colleagues to support this effort and vote ``yes'' on Section 274.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 308 on July 19, 1999, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 310, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I come to the House of Representatives to introduce a bill to rename the Santa Ana U.S. Postal Processing Center after a true American, Hector G. Godinez. Mr. Godinez gave so much to his country and community, and this bill will recognize his life long efforts. Santa Ana has been Mr. Godinez' home since 1925. After graduating from high school he joined the military, beginning his service to our country. He served during World War II and in recognition of his strength and bravery in General Patton's tank unit, was awarded a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. When Mr. Godinez returned home from the war, he decided to continue his record of public service as a letter carrier. During his 48 years in the U.S. Postal Service he rose from letter carrier to Southern California District Manager. Mr. Godinez' belief that individual action can help build a better community is clearly illustrated by his active involvement in Santa Ana. Mr. Godinez was deeply committed to the Orange County District Boy Scouts of America and was their chairman in 1985. He served as president of the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce and was a board member of the California Regional Center Program for Handicapped and Special Needs Children in Orange County. Mr. Godinez was a founding member of the Santa Ana League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council and served on the Board of Directors LULAC Foundation. He and the other Santa Ana LULAC members were participants and supporters in the 1948 case of Mendez v. The Board of Education, a monumental civil rights case ending discriminatory practices against Mexican American children in Orange County schools. He guided our citizens through decades of change in California, both as a public servant and an activist. Our lives as Orange County residents are better for his life's work, and as his Congressional representative, I feel obligated to seek this honor on his family and community's behalf. I believe it is only fitting to honor this man who gave so much to his community and country. I hope my colleagues will support this bill to name the Santa Ana U.S. Postal Processing Center after Hector Godinez.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Paul Walters of the Santa Ana Police Department in Orange County, CA. On July 14, 1999, Chief Walters will be honored with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director's Award for exceptional public service and partnership with the FBI. It is fitting that we pay tribute to this outstanding citizen and leader. Chief Walters' 29 years in law enforcement were preceded by numerous academic achievements--a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton, a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the American College of Law. He began his career as the Santa Ana Chief of Police in 1988. Since that time, Chief Walters has demonstrated skilled and innovative leadership. He has received numerous awards, including distinctions from the National League of Cities and Orange County Metro Business Magazine. He has also served as a distinguished member of several organizations dedicated to improving law enforcement's effectiveness and quality. The 1993 creation of the Multi-Agency Safe Streets Task Force is one of Chief Walters' most admirable achievements. This move led to a significant reduction in Santa Ana's crime rate. In fact, Chief Walters' support helped ensure the success of the FBI's anti-crime and drug efforts in Orange County. Last but not least, he demonstrated his own police skills and experience when he brought decisive evidence to a high-profile local murder case through his collaboration with federal agents. I thank my Congressional colleagues for joining me today in recognizing this remarkable man who has dedicated himself to serving his fellow citizens and neighbors. He has shown what kind of men and women America needs for its future.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to report that next week the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth, and Families will be holding a congressional hearing in my district in Anaheim, California, and will talk about parenting and community involvement in education. Kids today bring so many needs to the classroom, and we are all responsible for what happens, and to make sure that those needs are met, parents and teachers and educators, Federal, State, and local government, the corporate and the nonprofit sectors, our institutions of higher education and our law enforcement agencies. Teachers cannot meet the needs alone. Parents cannot do it alone. It is too late when our kids get to the universities. Recent events all over our Nation have proven that our young people certainly cannot make it on their own. Schools need adequate resources, especially those with the children and the families who need it the most, so our schools can focus on education instead of fundraising. That falls to all of us. So we are going to be discussing how our communities can and should be working together. We will hear from parents and teachers and students and members of the community on how to do that. Our children will take our Nation to wonderful new heights in the 21st century.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, on November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, passing a resolution that ``two battalions of Marines be raised'' for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution, sponsored by John Adams, established the Continental Marines and marked the birth of the United States Marine Corps. From that time forward, and throughout the history of the United States of America, the Marines have proven themselves to be among the bravest and most heroic divisions of the military. The Marines have fought valiantly in the American Revolution, the Battle of 1812, the Mexican War (1846-1848), the Civil War (1861-1865), the Spanish American War (1898), World War I, World War II, and the Gulf War. They have fought from ``the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli'' to keep our nation free. El Toro was commissioned as a Marine Corps Air Station in March of 1943. The base was used as a staging area and training facility for the battle with the Japanese in the Pacific. Built on a bean field, the first Marines were housed in bean barracks until the new barracks were constructed. From that point forward, Marine troops poured into the base and soon the first squadrons were formed, flying operational missions into combat in the South Pacific. Just as the war in the Pacific ended, Congress threatened to close the base. However, with new conflicts beginning in Korea, the base was kept open. At this time it became apparent that a Western base was definitely needed on the Pacific Coast. After the Korean War, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing was moved from Florida to El Toro. The base was expanded to accommodate the increasing military expansion. With Vietnam, El Toro again became a training, staging, and debarkation point for the Marines. In 1975, Vietnamese refugees were flown into the base, before being sent to refugee camps in Camp Pendleton. And, in 1983, El Toro received the F/A-18 Hornet, the most advanced fighter-attack aircraft in Naval history. By now the base has grown from the original 2,300 acres and 30 Marines to 4,700 acres and 15,000 personnel. In the 1990's, the Marines were called into action during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. After America's victory in the Persian Gulf, the Department of Defense embarked on an initiative to restructure and realign America's military and as a result, El Toro was recommended for closure. El Toro Marine Base, which has played a most significant and important part of history, will now become part of history. As we bid farewell to the men and women who have so nobly served our country, we will never forget the indelible impression that these dedicated Marines have made on the lives of so many individuals. True to their motto, the Marines will be ``Always Faithful,'' Semper Fi.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the unions of America. Unless someone is a member of a union or unless they grew up in a union household they may not understand the advantages in the workplace that have been made because of unions for the American worker. Like many Americans, I know how hard it is to earn a paycheck. I worked my way through college as a clerk at a Sav-on Drug store in Anaheim, and I was a member of the Retail Clerks Union in Orange County. If someone is a worker in America and they have a pension, they should thank the unions. They understand about dignity and retirement. Thank the unions for their efforts to secure the 8-hour workday, the 40-hour work week, overtime pay and compensatory time off. Unions have been instrumental in obtaining health benefits for workers. We all know how expensive health care is, and without the unions' efforts think of how many workers and families would be without health insurance. Quality of life; unions understand this. Today I thank the unions for all they have done to make our country better.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to a great man. We have lost Hector Godinez to illness but his spirit will live on in Santa Ana. Hector was born at the San Diego Mission in 1924. A year later, his family moved to Santa Ana and that became his home. Immediately after high school, he joined the military and served with distinction. The battles he fought in, including the invasion of France, led to the Allies' victory in Europe during World War II. He was revered for his service in General Patton's tank unit. His decorations include a bronze star and purple heart. When Mr. Godinez came home from the war, he decided to continue his record of public service as a letter carrier. President Kennedy appointed him Postmaster of Santa Ana in 1960. His employment with the U.S. Postal Service spanned nearly half a century. But I would do his memory a disservice if I neglected to mention the many other contributions Hector made to our community. As a founding member of the Santa Ana League of United Latin American Citizens, Mr. Godinez and his fellow activists are to be thanked for the landmark civil rights case Mendez v. The Board of Education, which safeguarded the Hispanic children of Orange County against discrimination in local schools. Hector never stopped fighting, giving or learning. He held a number of degrees, including his Masters', which he received in 1980. His name will forever be associated with the long list of community organizations and boards on which he served. He guided our citizens through decades of change in Southern California, both as a public servant and an activist. Our lives as Orange County residents are better for his life's work, and I salute him today.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, disappointed in this House. I come from the district in California with the highest gun registration. Four years ago, when I ran for Congress and I walked 60,000 households door-to-door, I came across a lot of those gun owners, hunters, people who liked to go down to the range and shoot their guns, people who collect guns. But they agreed with me, they agreed that decent people who want to own guns do not mind waiting to have their background checked. They agreed that there were too many weapons in criminals' hands, especially in an urban area like the one I represent. That was before Jonesboro, that was before Littleton, and that was before last week, just this past weekend, when one of our deputy sheriffs in Orange County was sitting in his patrol car and was gunned down, riddled by someone with a machine gun who was mad because this officer had stopped him 3 weeks before. Mr. Speaker, we need real legislation to help America.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey).

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) for her help on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)