Loretta Sanchez

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell my colleagues about a justice program that is working. The drug court is a program in use across our country to help give those charged with substance abuse crimes a fighting chance to make the difficult transition from a life of drug abuse to that of productive members of our society. I worked hard to obtain Justice Department funding to keep this program going in Orange County, and I am glad that I was successful. The Orange County drug court is one of 160 drug courts throughout the Nation that are making a difference in helping to keep our courts from getting engulfed in a sea of cases. Very simply put, this program allows some of those individuals who are charged with drug offenses the option of completing the drug court program which consists of individual specific community service and rehabilitation. I recently went to the graduation of some of these people in the drug court program, and we affect not only individual's lives but entire families. Of the 14 who graduated that day, there were probably about 50 family members who had tears in their eyes that day to see the change that had overcome those people that they loved. Those who choose the option are placed in a highly structured program, and they are subject to intense supervision. Their successes are praised, and their failures are dealt with quickly and appropriately. This program works. It makes our justice system more efficient, but, more important, it rebuilds peoples' lives. If any of my colleagues want to learn about this unique, effective drug court program, I would be happy to work with them to promote drug courts in their own areas.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, last Friday I joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars from my district in recognizing and remembering Prisoner- of-War, Missing-in-Action day. POW-MIA day offers us an opportunity not only to remember and recognize those that we have lost, but also to rededicate ourselves to the cause of finding these men or their remains and bringing them home to their family and to their grateful Nation. We must work together to ensure the fullest possible accounting of these men, for their families and for all Americans who have benefitted from their fight for liberty and freedom. There are still over 164 POW's and MIA's from California from the Vietnam war unaccounted for. This means that these 164 men will not walk home tonight to their wives and children, 164 men who will not be able to enjoy the freedom for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing and in remembering these men. We must continue to fight and remember those we have lost in battle for freedom. Until all of these men from throughout this country have been accounted for, we must not rest in our efforts.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Goodling amendment. While I believe that we should have national standards and expectations for all of our students, I do not believe these national tests will help us achieve that goal. We cannot establish nationwide standards for our students if we fail to include all students in these national tests. The fact is that too many students will be unable to participate in the President's proposed reading and math tests. While I commend the administration's efforts to improve public education, I remained concerned that the proposed reading test will exclude too many children from the educational opportunity they deserve. Limited English proficient students make up a significant percentage of kids in our Nation's classrooms. Unfortunately, the administration will not adequately accommodate the participation of these students. We have tried to attain a compromise for LEP students, but the administration has failed to offer a comparable solution. The administration says that it wants accountability from our schools. But who will account for the progress of children who cannot take these tests? I believe that many more school districts will be affected than people realize. Orange County, CA, for example, has long been considered an affluent, homogeneous area. My hometown, however, has rapidly changed over the years. The truth is, Orange County is now more diverse than ever, with many new Americans calling it home. And Orange County schools have changed along with our demographics. Currently, 30 percent of all Orange County students are limited English proficient. My congressional district is one of the better examples of how these tests cannot adequately assess all public schools and their kids. Two out of four school districts in my congressional district will have over half of their students excluded from the reading test because of their large number of limited English proficient students. Santa Ana Unified School District has 70 percent of its students classified as LEP, the sixth highest in the Nation. Garden Grove Unified School District has 43 percent of its students qualifying as limited English proficient, 11th highest in the Nation. These are children from all over the world, Vietnamese children, Korean children, Hispanic children, and Romanian children who all want to learn and who all want high standards. But we have no plan for what we will do with these children or how we will utilize the test results. Of course, we need to have our students on track. But until we have a better idea of how these test results will be used, and how we can include the great many children who are still learning English, then I cannot be supportive of these national tests. Please vote for the Goodling amendment.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, why are Republicans so afraid of labor unions? The Hoekstra amendment seeks to allow corruption to play a role in the elections of the largest labor union in the Nation. This amendment would pose such an additional financial burden on the Teamsters that it would prevent the effective organization and representation of its workers. And this is what the Republicans are really trying to do. They are trying, through any means necessary, to destroy American labor unions. Actions like this throughout this Congress reveal true motives. Are they afraid of workers having a representative voice? Are they afraid of workers having a voice in contract negotiations? Are they afraid of workers having fair and safe working conditions? The use of the Republican slush fund to persecute working families and their Representatives combined with the countless hearings held by the Oversight Subcommittee on Education and the Workforce are being done to destroy unions. Mr. Hoekstra's latest amendment shows the Republican objective is to silence the only voice of the American worker. Our Government made an agreement with the Teamsters in the 1989 Consent Decree. Let us not break our word to hard-working Americans. I urge my colleagues to stop this persecution of labor unions. I urge my colleagues to allow the Justice Department to do their job and to uphold prior agreements. I urge my colleagues to support the working men and women of America and to oppose the Hoekstra amendment.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, during the August recess I joined over 2,000 of my constituent to rally in support of human rights and democracy in Vietnam. We marched in protest of the recently reported human rights abuses and religious oppression by the Government of Vietnam. In response to high taxes and official corruption, uprisings have begun in the provinces of Vietnam. And what was the response of the Vietnamese Government to these protests? Well, reports indicate that the Vietnamese Government has dispatched security forces and arrested hundreds of these protesters, and the farmers have also been forcibly removed from their land by the special police. Last month I joined my constituents in sending a strong message to Hanoi, a message that these injustices will not be tolerated, a message that the Government must obey, respect and honor human and religious rights in Vietnam. I urge the administration to ensure that the protection of religious practice and freedom of expression remains key in any policy towards Vietnam.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, in June of this year, Congress approved legislation to finally pay a 30-year debt. The South Vietnamese Lost Army Commandos will finally have their United States Government contracts honored by the Pentagon for their years of service to the United States Army. But accepting their long overdue pay would mean the loss of something even more important for many of the commandos, their health care benefits. The medical problems resulting from years in torture require long-term health care, care they will not be able to receive if they accept their compensation. After years of torture by the North Vietnamese, the callousness of being declared dead by the United States Government, and years of anguish over not receiving their rightful compensation, these brave men are faced with another obstacle in their 30-year struggle. I urge my colleagues to support these men who fought and bled in Vietnam for the United States cause. As the House goes to conference on the Labor-HHS bill, I urge my colleagues to accept the Senate position exempting the commandos' compensation from Medicaid eligibility.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address my colleagues about the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. For years our Nation has officially recognized the important contributions Hispanics have made to our great country through Hispanic Heritage Month. It is important to periodically pause and reflect on the rich contributions Hispanic- Americans have made to this extraordinary Nation. I commend the Hispanic Heritage Committee of Orange County as they celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, 1997. While contributing to the diversity of the United States, Hispanic- Americans themselves are diverse. Some are recent immigrants. Some have had their roots in the United States for centuries. Hispanic-Americans embrace the American society and culture while at the same time perpetuate a unique Hispanic cultural heritage. This heritage proudly asserts love of family, country, and religion. Hispanics have demonstrated unfailing loyalty to our Nation through their service in the Armed Forces. Men and women of Hispanic heritage have proudly fought to maintain freedom and democracy throughout the world. Hispanics hold tremendous faith in the power of the American dream. The opportunities offered by this country have enabled many Hispanics to succeed. Along with their successes, Hispanics have strived to give back something to their community. Hispanics helped to build our Nation. From the railroads to the freeways, Hispanics have provided not only their labor, but their engineering expertise. They have contributed to the colorful tapestry that is our American culture through language, music, art, and literature. In so doing, they have fortified one of our country's greatest assets, its diversity. By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the proud tradition of family, cultural heritage, and religion that are the foundation of Hispanic culture as well as the diversity that enriches our Nation and helps it to prosper. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Hispanic Heritage Committee of Orange County for their outstanding work in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor James Archie McLeod on his retirement as Scoutmaster and leader. James McLeod has dedicated his life to volunteering as a leader and Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America. His career as an adult leader in scouting began in 1958, while he served as Assistant Scoutmaster in Boy Scouts of America, [BSA] Troop 16, and later in BSA Troop 75. Since 1967, James McLeod has served as the main Scoutmaster of Troop 75 in Garden Grove, California. Scoutmaster McLeod has given an overall total of more than 40 years of volunteer service to God, Country, and the Boy Scouts of America. Over the past 40 years, Scoutmaster McLeod has guided over 1,000 boys to the rank of First Class Scout. He has also guided 80 exceptional boys in advanced leadership to attain the rank and honor of Eagle Scout. Scoutmaster McLeod has been recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for his excellence as a Boy Scout, a Scoutmaster, and in Woodbadge-- scouting's highest indoctrination of lifetime leadership. Scoutmaster McLeod's honors include the Award of Merit from Garden Grove's El Capitan District and the Silver Beaver Award from the BSA Orange County Council. He was also awarded the Scoutmasters Award of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America National Council. This was awarded for managing the largest, most active, and most successful scout troop in the city of Garden Grove, CA. Scoutmaster McLeod has also helped to promote and provide the experience of scouting to the blind, the physically handicapped, and mentally challenged. His legacy of leadership in scouting can be seen in the generations of his scouts that are serving as leaders in our community today. Throughout his great career as a Scoutmaster, James McLeod was never monetarily compensated for his time and efforts, but gave freely of his time and his life to scouting. I would like my colleagues in Congress to join me in recognizing this very special individual, Scoutmaster James Archie McLeod, for his dedication and commitment to the Boy Scouts of America. Let us wish him many years of happiness and success in future endeavors upon his retirement from scouting.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the balanced budget agreement. Today we will have the opportunity to provide hard working Americans with the first balanced budget in a generation. We have accomplished an amazing feat today. The President and Congress have come together for a truly bipartisan budget agreement. A budget that is balanced, that provides fair tax relief, that provides coverage for children's health care, and that truly expands education opportunity. Congressional leaders and the President have worked to draft a bill that helps middle class parents. These Americans have funded the deficits of the last decade and deserve a return on their investment. This historic investment in education includes the HOPE Scholarship Program that truly will give hope for a college education to working- class American families. It includes the largest Pell grant increase in two decades. As a former Pell grant recipient, I know how much we need this funding. This agreement provides the first tax cut for Americans in 16 years. This budget gives a $500 per child tax credit to every family in America. It also allows parents to save for their child's higher education with the education IRA. We have finally recognized what our parents and community leaders already knew, that when we cut taxes to families, when we provide children's health care, and when we invest in education--when we balance the Nation's budget--our cities, our States, and our Nation will prosper.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I would like to bring to the attention of the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. McDade] an item that was authorized in the Water Resources and Development Act of 1996 and merits the committee's consideration for the energy and water appropriations bill for fiscal year 1998. In January of 1995, heavy rains led to extensive flooding and property damage in the western portion of Garden Grove. Over 160 homes in Garden Grove were flooded. Due to this flooding a feasibility study for the Bolsa Chica Channel project was authorized in the Water Resources and Development Act of 1996.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, today we are opening the doors of Congress to the public. Twenty years ago, sunshine laws brought the light of public scrutiny to the once-secret committee rooms, but those laws did nothing to stop the secret dealings in smoke-filled rooms when it came time to write our Nation's budget. The public wants a true balanced budget. They want an end to the trillion-dollar debt. They want real middle-class tax relief. Well, my friends, the only way the public is going to get what they want is to know that we have truly kept our promises, and that is through the Budget Enforcement Act. This bill locks into law the goals of the balanced budget agreement. If Congress and the President want to change the terms of the deal, then they must pass a law to do so. This means that public hearings must be held and Congress can no longer rig the books in the dead of the night. I am a businesswoman, and in business the marketplace is a gun to the head of any CEO to produce a bottom line and to make a profit. In government, that gun is the balanced budget. We must open up Congress to the public.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, today I rise on behalf of our bipartisan amendment to H.R. 1853, the sex equity amendment. Our amendment will preserve programs that eliminate sex bias in vocational education and job training programs. This assistance is vital to displaced homemakers, single parents, and to pregnant women attempting to enter the work force. Let us face it, young women are being tracked into vocational education that leads to low wage, traditionally female occupations. I remember when I was graduating from high school and I went to see my counselor. With a straight A average, I was told to go to the local community college. I said I wanted to be a doctor. My counselor said, ``Why don't you become a nurse?'' Sadly, 10 years later my younger sister went to the same counselor at the same high school, and she also had practically a straight A average, and she was told the same thing: ``Stay close to home. Go to school for a 2-year degree that will get you a job that will let you start working right away.'' We need to stop this. The current 10.5 percent set-aside in Perkins dollars is designated to reverse this detrimental trend. More importantly, these specialized programs move displaced homemakers and single parents from welfare to work, something most of us agree needs to be done. This amendment will preserve the specialized job training programs by requiring local entities to maintain current funding for the next fiscal year. Each State will also be required to maintain its sex equity coordinator, and that is very important because it allows somebody to talk to young women about good-paying jobs and following a program that will allow them to be good breadwinners. This approach will ensure that these programs are maintained by providing States and local entities maximum flexibility in meeting the vocational education needs of women. Since we are all interested in reducing the number of women and families on welfare, our primary goal should be to increase the employability and the earning potential of women, especially women with children. The programs that we have now do this. They succeed in promoting self-sufficiency for women. So let us not take a step back but, instead, let us work toward maintaining and advancing these programs. I am especially concerned that programs to help young single mothers will remain intact. My district in Orange County has the highest incidence of teen pregnancy. When a young lady makes a good decision to keep a child but wonders how she will support it, it is important that we have programs in place to assist teen mothers to graduate from high school with the ability to find and maintain employment that is essential to getting these families out of that welfare and low-poverty cycle. If we are to break that cycle, that dependency that haunts teenage mothers, then we must help these young women to graduate from high school with the skills necessary to gain good, meaningful, long-term employment. Funding sex equity and single parent programs now is an investment in our young people. Small grants combined with local community efforts can help to make a tremendous impact on programs for young women. Please vote for our amendment.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, last week the Republican leadership engaged in a back room deal to spend $1.4 million in taxpayer funds to investigate labor unions. This funding came from the $7.9 million emergency slush fund which we can now see was set aside by Republicans to finance purely partisan projects. This abuse of taxpayer funding is intended to intimidate, to coerce and to harass political opponents, Americans who just do not happen to share the same views as the Republican leadership. It will be used to punish working men and working women who depend on employment protection provided by labor representation. A recent Washington Post poll said that most Americans believe politicians in Washington waste too much time and money in trying to dig up dirt on their opponents. It is no wonder the Republican Congress is better known as the witch-hunt Congress.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of tax relief for millions of hard-working Americans. It is time to give every American their first tax cut in 16 years. It is our job to ensure that all Americans receive the benefits promised from this tax bill. Fortunately, this plan does provide tax relief for young families who are worried about the future educational needs of their children. While this is a good first step toward helping families and students there is still much more to be done. I am a fiscal conservative. That is why I voted for the taxpayer relief bill. But being fiscally conservative does not mean that working class Americans should be left out of these tax cuts. We can do better to ensure a fair distribution. We have seen many fancy charts and graphs in this debate but what really matters is what the American people see in the bottom line on their 1040 next April. Working class Americans carried the burden of financing the cold war. Working class Americans carried the burden of financing oppressive Federal deficits of the last decade. Working class Americans deserve a return on their investment. Working class Americans deserve the bulk of this tax cut.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I was unavoidably detained on rollcall vote No. 262, the Dicks amendment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, tonight I wanted to be in my hometown with my constituents, the people who worked hard to get me here. But they recognize the historic importance of the vote we are about to take on this bill. As we are casting our votes, I urge my colleagues to carefully consider every American who will be affected by our actions today. This is a monumental day. Before us we have the opportunity to vote on a bill which will affect the life of every single American. But before we take that vote, we must really think about whether or not every hard-working American is being treated equally. Will all Americans, including single parents, workers who are struggling to get by on the minimum wage, and families with schoolchildren receive the benefits promised from this tax bill? I am a fiscal conservative. I agree with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we must balance the budget, that we should cut taxes, and that we must cut spending. Today's proposed tax bill has big problems. However, the Democratic substitute addresses the capital gains tax, the child tax credit, and the education tax credit in a more equitable fashion than the proposed Republican tax bill. Working-class Americans should not be excluded from the majority of the tax cuts. Working-class Americans should not continue to carry the burden of taxes without sufficient relief, and working-class Americans deserve fair tax relief from this Congress. If this bill does pass and go to conference, I hope the conferees will remember the pledge that we made for equality of tax relief. Fairness in taxation is what we pledged to the American people. Fairness is what we must deliver in our actions here today. Yesterday, it was with much hesitation that I voted in favor of the spending bill. Although this bill may not follow through on all of the promises of the balanced budget agreement, it is an important first step as the budget moves to conference.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor Dr. Vivian B. Blevins' extraordinary commitment to education and to providing access to all students throughout her tenure as chancellor of Rancho Santiago Community College. As chancellor, Dr. Blevins has been instrumental in promoting active engagement and participation between students, community leaders, and businesses. She has also been persistent in reaching out to the Asian- Pacific American and Latino/Chicano community. Her many career accomplishments at the local level include: Kennedy Partners Board of the Orange County Human Relations Council, the Executive Board of Santa Ana 2000, the Board of the Delhi Center, the Advisory Board of Career Beginnings of Orange County, and the Board of Directors of KinderCaminata. At the national level she has recently completed a 2-year term as chair of the Commission for the Office of Minorities in Higher Education of the American Council on Education. She was also chair of the Women's Caucus of the American Association of Higher Education in 1996-97 and is currently legislative liaison of the caucus. She is on the executive board of the board of directors of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities [HACU] and is currently working on a cultural diversity track for the second international conference sponsored by HACU and the Bureau of Land Management. I would like my colleagues in Congress to join me in recognizing Chancellor Vivian B. Blevins for her outstanding service to her community. Her many outstanding accomplishments clearly mark her as an outstanding intellectual and inspirational leader. The citizens of Orange County have been very fortunate to have such a remarkable individual working for them. Let us wish Chancellor Blevins many years of enjoyment and happiness in her future endeavors.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, we have a very important choice to make here today, but that choice is not between engagement or isolation. Certainly we will continue engagement with China, but that engagement must be constructive. The debate over China MFN is an important one for Americans. Nothing less is at stake than our economic future, our national security, and our democratic principles. Proponents of continuing MFN status for China say it merely normalizes trade in the same way that we have done so with many other countries. But trade relationships between the two countries is anything but normal. China does not play by the rules. China should not receive most-favored-nation status because it does not reciprocate the trade benefits that we grant them with MFN. Besides not following trade rules, China violates international arms control treaties and protocols, but the most disturbing violations in China are the gross negligence of human rights in that nation. China persecutes millions of religious believers of the Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish faith. These appalling human rights must stop. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the resolution. Mr. Speaker, we have a very important choice to make here today. But that choice is not between engagement or isolation. Certainly we will continue engagement with China. But that engagement must be constructive. The debate over China MFN is an important one for the American people. Nothing less is at stake than our economic future, our national security and our democratic principles. Proponents of continuing MFN status for China say it merely normalizes trade in the same way that is done with many other countries. But trade relations between the two countries is anything but normal. China does not play by the rules. China should not receive most favored nation status because it does not reciprocate the trade benefits that we grant them with MFN. But the most disturbing violations in China are the gross negligence of human rights in that nation. China persecutes millions of religious believers of the Christian, Muslim, Buddist and Jewish faiths. The severity of this religious persecution has been well-documented by the international human rights community. Chinese Christian women are hung by their thumbs from wires and beaten with heavy rods. They are denied food and water, and shocked with electric probes for simply seeking to openly practice Christianity. Freedom House reports that there are more Christians imprisoned for religious activity in China than in any other nation in the world. Four Roman Catholic bishops have been imprisoned by the Chinese Government for celebrating mass without official authorization. Evangelical Protestants are arrested and tortured for holding prayer meetings, preaching and distributing Bibles without state approval. Churches of all faiths have been officially banned and replaced by ``patriotic associations'' created by the Communist government. These appalling human rights violations in combination with their arms control violations and high tariff barriers are very powerful reasons to deny MFN for China. I urge my colleagues to vote ``Yes'' on this resolution.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, as many of my colleagues will tell us, it is rare that I rise to talk in this House, but I felt a need to do that today to express my strong support for the Fazio-Everett amendment. This amendment simply strikes the unprecedented and reaching Hansen language that was adopted during the markup of the defense authorization bill. I join with the distinguished ranking member of the full committee, as well as Secretary of Defense William Cohen, in supporting this amendment. If we approve the current language in the defense bill, it would allow a government monopoly on depot maintenance work. It would also require the government to make overwhelming new capital investments in government facilities which would simply duplicate what exists in the private sector today. Now, I am on the Committee on National Security, and I have been looking and listening to the testimony. I have looked at the discussions that have gone on before. I end by saying that I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this amendment.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor Bob Pralle on his 80th birthday, June 29, 1997. Bob Pralle is a remarkable individual whom I am proud to call a friend. His birthday is an excellent opportunity to recognize the tremendous contributions that he has made to the Orange County community throughout those 80 years. As a trustee at Chapman University in Orange, CA, which is my alma mater, Bob has given his time and resources to further the educational goals of many individuals. To this extent, he has provided scholarships for college students, including myself, who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Over the years, Bob has given freely of his time and energy. His contributions as a major benefactor for the Providence Speech and Hearing Clinic have increased the effectiveness of this organization. As a co-founder and major supporter of the Stanton Boys and Girls Club he has provided a place of recreation for young boys and girls while providing them with a sense of community. His important gifts to society as a fundraiser and philanthropist for the United Way and numerous other community charities in southern California have distinguished Bob as a generous champion of humanity. Time and again Bob has given tirelessly of himself. Bob Pralle is not only very special to me and to the numerous organizations to which he has given time and service, he is also very special to his family and his loyal friends. In so many ways, he has given time, hope, and inspiration to so many people. I would like my colleagues to join me in wishing this very special individual, Bob Pralle, a very happy 80th birthday.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address my colleagues about an issue that affects every family in this country. I am certain that all of you have a friend or relative, as I do, that has been afflicted by the scourge of cancer. Cancer is a disease that does not discriminate, it strikes every race, every economic level, every age, and every ethnic group. In 1997 alone we can expect over 130,000 new cases of cancer to be diagnosed, and that will be in the State of California alone. However, in the war against cancer, we are beginning to see success. Effective and dedicated organizations such as the American Cancer Society are leading the fight in the battle for a cure. For the first time in history, overall death rates from cancer are actually declining, and with an enhanced nationwide effort, the cancer death rate could be cut in half by the year 2015. A major part of that nationwide effort is the contribution of the Orange County American Cancer Society, which served over 5,000 cancer patients in the county last year. On June 20 and 21, 1997, the Orange County American Cancer Society will hold its annual Relay for Life to raise awareness of the disease and call attention to the work of the American Cancer Society. Community colleges from around Orange County will host teams of runners and walkers competing against each other to raise money for cancer research. Each team will field from 15 to 20 runners. For 18 hours, one team member will be on the track at all times, walking, jogging, or wheelchairing in 30-minute intervals. During the race an all night vigil entitled ``The Mile of Hope'' will take place to honor cancer survivors and those who have lost their battles against cancer. The Relay for Life is sure to be an enlightening and consciousness raising event. It is the only relay event that raises money for the American Cancer Society in Orange County. I am pleased to call attention to the event and I wish to commend the Orange County American Cancer Society for its work on behalf of our families. I look forward to its continued efforts in the areas of cancer research, education, advocacy, and service.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to illustrate the grave implications which resulted from the untimely failure of Congress to approve the supplemental appropriations bill. Included in the supplemental is $20 million in payments to former South Vietnamese commandos who were trained by and worked for the U.S. Government during the Vietnam war. The Pentagon failed to carry out the will of the 104th Congress to compensate these brave men for their service to this Nation, especially for their time in captivity. Tragically, the Pentagon delayed and four commandos perished in the last year. Now, while this body recessed and failed to pass the supplemental appropriations bill, a fifth commando has also perished. Duong Lang Sang was captured in 1966 by the North Vietnamese Government while working for the United States. After 16 years in hard labor as a prisoner of war he was finally released in 1982. After his release he suffered many illnesses arising from his torture. Two weeks ago, Mr. Sang passed away in Chicago as a result of those injuries. He has left behind a widow and two school-aged children. Please join me in asserting that we pass the supplemental appropriations bill so that these soldiers would not have died in vain.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for an INS pilot program in the city of Anaheim, CA, which has successfully identified and deported criminal aliens in city detention facilities in my congressional district. Yesterday the Immigration and Claims Subcommittee held a hearing to receive testimony regarding the program. The chief of police of the city of Anaheim testified about the success the city has had in removing criminal aliens from my congressional district. I have consistently advocated that criminal aliens should be quickly and permanently deported. Not only do I support the permanent deportation of criminal aliens, I want them caught before they commit crimes and jeopardize our communities. Without Federal assistance in undertaking this law enforcement effort, criminal aliens could cause undue harm to women, men and children. The Federal Government should do all it can to avoid burdening State and local police budgets with the cost of identifying, apprehending and deporting criminal aliens. The pilot program in the city of Anaheim has resulted in a very successful track record of detentions and deportations of criminal aliens. Because I fully endorse the program's success, I contacted the INS and requested that the Anaheim portion of the pilot program be continued. The INS approved my request. Because of my concerns, I have joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the Committee on the Budget requesting an increase in funding for the State criminal alien assistance program. This program reimburses State and local governments for the costs of incarcerating illegal alien felons. The Federal Government must not waste American taxpayer dollars to pay for the cost of incarcerating violent criminal aliens. We cannot afford to waste scarce law enforcement revenues. As a fiscal conservative and in the light of the current budget roadblock, Congress must implement a cost-effective program that deploys INS enforcement officers in the most efficient manner. We need to ensure that more criminals are captured earlier and before they have done harm to our people in our districts and before they end up being a burden to our local law enforcement.

Ms. SANCHEZ

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend my colleagues on the Committee on Education and the Workforce for their efforts to create this bipartisan piece of legislation. Reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, H.R. 5, was a high priority for me in this session of Congress. I was proud to be a part of a bipartisan effort to ensure that 5.8 million disabled children receive an opportunity to succeed in the classroom. For students and parents in Orange County, CA, in my hometown, this bill envisions high expectations and standards for children in special education by requiring that they participate in State and district assessments with appropriate accommodations where necessary. H.R. 5 would expand the authority of school officials to protect the safety of all of our children in the classroom. In addition, the bill will allow school districts to get financial relief through new cost sharing provisions and the reduction of paperwork required from teachers, from school districts, and from States. I urge my colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation because it affirms that educational services will not be terminated for any child with a disability.