Loretta Sanchez

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. I rise today to honor Sergeant Maribel Manriquez Ramos, a resident of my district who was laid to rest this past week. Her dedication was displayed in her many promotions, commendations, and medals earned during deployments to imminent-danger areas like Korea and Iraq. Sergeant Ramos served her Nation with both duty and honor both at home and abroad. Back home, she was set to receive a degree in criminal justice from Cal State Fullerton this May. During her enrollment at the university, she served as an inspiration to other veterans in the pursuing of their dreams through higher education. Unfortunately, our heroic Sergeant Ramos died at the age of 36. She is a hero because of the way she lived her life. She lived a life of honor and service both as an Army sergeant and as a community leader. To her family, I convey the deepest sympathies from all of the community. May she never be forgotten.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. I want to first begin by complimenting the chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces, Chairman Mike Turner. He has really been a delight to work with. His steady and thoughtful leadership has really allowed us to, I believe, make a good mark in this bill. Under his leadership, the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee worked in a very bipartisan fashion. We developed a set of oversight legislation and funding recommendations that I think really looks at cutting waste, shaping programs, and making sure that our men and women in our military are ready to go. First, the subcommittee's portion of H.R. 1960 supports many of the high-priority recommendations and desires of the President's budget. For example, H.R. 1960 provides $8.1 billion for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, $5.2 billion for Army aviation upgrades, $3.2 billion for 21 EA-18Gs and F-18 upgrades, $1.4 billion for the V-22, and $1.3 billion for the U.S. Marine Corps ground equipment. In addition, the Armed Services Committee increased funding in some parts of the DOD budget that came from the President where we felt that there were inadequate funds. Specifically, the bill provides an additional $400 million for the National Guard and Reserve equipment account and adds funding for an additional F-100 engines by $165 million, and increases advanced procurement funding for 29 Navy F-18 aircraft by $75 million. Beyond these funding increases, I want to point out that we made reductions--over $463 million worth of reductions--in this funding bill. It's never easy to reduce or to cut programs, but I think we did a very good job in making sure that as we move forward we will have the systems that we need. Finally, H.R. 1960 includes important oversight legislation, especially for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, for the ground combat vehicle, for the individual carbine, the Stryker vehicle, and for body armor for our men and women of our military. All of these provisions are good government, and I look forward to voting for this bill.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

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

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in the hopes of engaging in a colloquy with the chairman. Mr. Chairman, thank you for the work that you have done on this bill, along with our ranking member. I had intended to offer an amendment in the hopes that we could move forward with modernizing our pedestrian access at our land ports of entry, but I was held up in the NDAA markup, which is ongoing still. My amendment would have been simple. It would have set aside $5 million within the Construction and Facilities Management account in title 2 of this bill to begin construction on shovel-ready projects at our land ports of entry, the pedestrian access points. Mr. Chairman, our land ports are out of date and in need of massive repair. This is the first step in addressing the massive wait times for pedestrians across our country. I was recently in Calexico, California, where I saw elderly people waiting in 102-degree heat just to come and shop in the United States. We hinder our economy when we hinder the lifeline of trade into our country. Mr. Chairman, this is happening every day at our border communities throughout this country. And as a Member of Congress from a border State, you understand that all too well. So I want to ask the chairman for his support in working with me during the conference to ensure pedestrian access points at land points of entry have the funds that they need to be improved so that we can increase our trade at our land ports.

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

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for that clarification and for your strong support in improving pedestrian access points at our land points of entry, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness to the devastating effects sequestration is having on HUD and those who benefit from the agency's work. Because of Congress' failure to pass legislation to reduce the deficit, the Federal Government is making across-the-board spending cuts to domestic and defense programs, including HUD and all its related agencies. These cuts are having a profound impact on people, especially in the rental and homeless assistance programs, and families in my district are feeling this firsthand. The housing authorities in my district will soon be forced to consider terminating approximately 1,800 families from housing assistance. Cuts to housing authorities will affect their capacity and their efficiency to serve low-income individuals and families, the elderly, the disabled--all of whom need these programs to survive. Our focus in our communities should be to do everything possible to prevent homelessness.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, according to the Pentagon, about 26,000 servicemen and -women were subjected to sexual assault while serving in this Nation's military this past year. In fact, last year, Congress saw the Lackland Air Force scandal unravel as instructors were accused of engaging in sexual relationships with 32 recruits. Earlier this month, an Air Force lieutenant colonel overseeing the sexual assault prevention programs was arrested for sexually assaulting a woman while he was under the influence of alcohol. Two days ago, the Pentagon revealed yet another sexual assault allegation against an Army sergeant at Fort Hood who is currently under investigation for multiple charges, including prostitution solicitation charges. Mr. Speaker, we are talking about instructors, about lieutenant colonels, about sergeants, about people who have moved up in the ranks. I believe this highlights the underlying issue of leadership, or the lack of, in military leaders; and we must hold them accountable.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, today, the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, California will be presented with the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. In recognition of their outstanding public service and dedicated community outreach to the families, schools and residents of Orange County, the Discovery Science Center will be given one of our nation's highest honors in the area of arts and humanities. The Discovery Science Center exemplifies the innovative ways in which a museum can strengthen our communities and foster the creative and educational integrity in our youth. The humanities are an important part of our national fabric and institutions like the Discovery Science Center are inspiring, educating and leading our nation's future. Congratulations Discovery Science Center and thank you for making Orange County proud.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, last night, reports circulated that the Air Force official who is in charge of its sexual assault prevention program at the Pentagon was arrested for sexually assaulting a woman in a parking lot. Although we are still waiting for a full investigation to be conducted, if true, this type of conduct is absolutely unacceptable, especially from the individual who's in the leadership position to prevent this. When one joins the U.S. military, he or she is expected to have the highest level of character and respect. Mr. Krusinski was not only a leader, but he was responsible for enforcing sexual assault prevention. I have worked for many years in Congress on this issue. Fundamental changes are needed in order to combat this. It's up to the military and to the Congress to ensure that victims will be respected and protected and that offenders will be punished. It's absolutely necessary that this problem of leadership and climate in the military be addressed immediately. If not, the health and strength of this Nation's military will deteriorate.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Minority Health Month and I want to address a key issue of importance: raising awareness of the medical needs for minorities. National Minority Health Month aims to raise awareness about health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minorities. It is important to recognize the need to raise awareness because our communities are often left out, finding quality and affordable health care is a real obstacle. This year's theme is Advance Health Equity Now: Uniting Our Communities to Bring Health Care Coverage to All, a common goal in improving the health for everyone in our communities. On that note, I wish to speak on the issue of home dialysis and those affected by this daily necessity. Home dialysis can be very beneficial for numerous reasons--it can help patients live a more full and independent life. It can also be more cost-effective and by staying at home, it relieves constraints on an already small health care workforce. However, the reality is that most people who begin dialysis in the U.S. are treated in dialysis centers. 3.3 percent of non-Hispanic patients receive this amenity but only 1.7 percent of Hispanic patients receive this treatment. Furthermore, African-American dialysis patients are approximately 20 percent less likely than average to receive home dialysis and Hispanic dialysis patients are 37 percent less likely to be receiving this home treatment. In my home-state of California alone, almost 38,000 people are on dialysis, with only 2.1% of people receiving home dialysis on a daily basis. That is why I would like to raise today and promote awareness of the disparities that minority communities face, with the goal of improving the care for all of those in need.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Women's History Month, which took place last month. Next week I will hold a special briefing to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of four outstanding women in Orange County, California. Mallory Vega is the Executive Director of Acacia Adult Day Services, a nonprofit agency providing daycare and health services. Under her leadership, Acacia has grown from serving eight participants to over seven thousand. Dr. Maria Minon, Chief Medical Officer of Children's Hospital of Orange County, has devoted her career to transforming the delivery of pediatric medicine to children and families. Arianna Barrios, an active business owner and member of our community, has dedicated her career to serving education and non-profit institutions. Dr. Mildred Garcia, President of California State University Fullerton, is the first Latina president in the University's system and has strengthened opportunities for students, institutions and communities at large. I look forward to recognizing these outstanding women and their contributions to our communities.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, on January 24, 1961, a B52 Stratofortress was flying a patrol path when it crashed into a field outside of Goldsboro, North Carolina. As it crashed into the field, the aircraft's bomb bay doors opened releasing two nuclear bombs from the bay. In the midst of a possible nuclear disaster, Mr. Jack ReVelle received a phone call from a squadron commander notifying him that there was a crash. Mr. ReVelle, a munitions expert, immediately flew into Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, where he was transported to the crash site. When Mr. ReVelle reached the crash site, he found one bomb hanging on a tree but the second bomb had been buried under a deep puddle of mud. Fortunately, Mr. ReVelle identified that the first bomb was on safe switch mode, imposing no imminent threat. However, the second bomb was missing and became a part of history as a ``Broken Arrow''. There was great fear that this missing bomb would detonate and it took several days for Mr. ReVelle and his team to find the second bomb. Once found, Mr. ReVelle risked his life in order to defuse the nuclear bomb by taking out the core of the bomb while still buried in the mud. After the core was successfully taken out, the ARM/SAFE switch was located and it was confirmed that the switch was on the ARM position. If Mr. ReVelle had not shown such bravery, this nation would have endured an Mk-39 nuclear bomb explosion, yielding a 3.80 megaton effect obliterating everything and everyone that was in its radius. I am proud to recognize and honor Mr. ReVelle as a true American hero. This nation is grateful for Mr. ReVelle's courageous efforts to protect the American people from a devastating nuclear bomb.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, the challenge of defending our Nation on a constantly expanding cyber front continues to grow. I believe that I'm one of those Members of the Congress that sits both on the House Armed Services Committee and on the Homeland Security Committee and I see it from both angles, both from the civilian side and the military side. I've constantly tried to improve how we address the need for the next-generation technology, public-private cooperation, and ensuring that we have the right personnel to counter this 21st-century cyber threat. However, I am uncompromising in safeguarding the rights of our citizens, and I will never sacrifice our civil liberties for unneeded intrusion. To this end, the amendment I am offering today would strengthen existing provisions in the bill to include the Privacy Officer and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the Department of Homeland Security as key stakeholders in the report that would assess the impact activity caused by this legislation. This report would assess how this legislation affected our civil liberties and privacy throughout our Federal Government. The Department of Homeland Security is ``the'' key civil Department in our Federal Government that develops and implements cybersecurity protocols for the rest of the Federal Government. It's crucial that they be part of any civil liberty and privacy assessment. I have worked closely with both the Privacy Office and the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. The individuals in these offices are experts in their fields and they should have a say; they should be in the room as we take a look at this. Much work needs to be done, but I urge my colleagues to support my amendment to continue improving this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the kind chairman for his remarks and his support. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be modified with the modification that is at the desk.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my good friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney).

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, I heard of the passing of my late friend, Mr. Vu Quang Ninh, founder of Little Saigon Radio and a media trailblazer in the Vietnamese American community. Mr. Ninh passed away peacefully in Orange County at age 82. Mr. Ninh lived a very prosperous and productive life, dedicated to public service. His career spanned more than half a century in both Vietnam and the United States. Mr. Ninh grew up in turbulent times during the Vietnam War. He was called on by Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem of Vietnam to take charge of Armed Forces Radio right after his graduation from the Army Academy. Mr. Ninh later served as the head of the youth department in Central Vietnam and produced many radio programs, collaborating by the United States and the Republic of South Vietnam government. After the fall of Vietnam, Mr. Ninh resettled in California but the dream of becoming a radioman never left him. In 1980, he established Radio Tieng Vong Que Huong (Echo of the Motherland), which lasted for 3 years. Mr. Ninh paved the way for the Vietnamese-Americans in the world of radio broadcast when he established Little Saigon Radio. He turned the station into a strong and constructive voice for the community. Today, my thoughts are with his family, friends and the Little Saigon Radio family. His loss will be remembered and felt by all those who were inspired by his legacy.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of the 25th- anniversary of the massacre of over 5000 innocent civilians in the Iraqi Kurdish city of Halabja by the criminal regime of Saddam Hussein. This atrocity took place on March 16, 1988, during Saddam's genocidal Anfal Campaign to exterminate or expel the Kurdish people of northern Iraq. The Halabja massacre is worthy of our remembrance for several very important and timely reasons: First, the Halabja massacre is one of the few examples of use of chemical weapons by a government against its own people in the history of mankind. Iraqi forces used a lethal mix of nerve agents, asphyxiating gas and other toxins to inflict over 5000 deaths and thousands of permanent injuries on survivors. The attack on Halabja continues to inflict its toxic legacy on the Kurds today in the form of birth defects and disabilities of Halabja survivors. As we monitor the unfolding events in Syria and Assad's threatened use of chemical weapons against his own people, we are reminded of the Halabja massacre. In the course of the Anfal campaign, the Iraqi Army committed countless atrocities, razed thousands Kurdish towns and villages, forcibly displaced thousands of families from their homes and livelihoods and murdered an estimated 200,000 Kurdish men, women and children. Halabja was perhaps the single worst day of the Anfal campaign. The suffering, death, crimes and horror of that day were famously documented and burned into the consciousness of the world by a Time Magazine cover and feature article which contained scores of ghastly photographs, many of which were used by prosecutors to secure the convictions and executions of Saddam Hussein and General Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as ``Chemical Ali.'' I can never forget--and the world must never forget--those haunting images of dead children in the lifeless arms of their mothers, their mouths frozen open in their final desperate attempts to breathe. A crime of this magnitude must never be forgotten and must never be allowed to happen again. Second, the 25th anniversary of the Halabja massacre is worthy of our remembrance and reflection because thousands of Americans gave their lives to liberate Iraq and give the Iraqi people the freedom and opportunity to create a stable, safe and prosperous country where all minorities can flourish. Over four thousand Americans died and over 40,000 were wounded in that war to secure the peace to bring Saddam to justice, and win the right of self-determination for the Kurdish people of Iraq and for all Iraqis. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten. Third, it is important to remember Halabja, because of America's strong and vital relationship with the Kurds of Iraq. In the immediate aftermath of the first Gulf War, Saddam again unleashed his wrath on the Kurdish people. Thousands of Kurdish refugees fled into the mountains of northern Iraq to escape another massacre. The United States intervened in Operation Provide Comfort to join forces with the Kurds and to prevent another massacre. Under the umbrella of the no-fly zone of northern Iraq, the resilient, strong and resourceful people of Kurdistan rose from the ashes of the Anfal campaign to restore their land and lay the foundations of democracy and prosperity for all of Iraq. When US forces deployed to northern Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi freedom, Kurdish forces joined with US forces to defeat 13 Iraqi Army divisions in the northern area of operations. Today, the Kurds are continuing to build on their friendship with our country and have created an economic and cultural miracle in the Kurdistan Region, where the rights of religious and ethnic minorities are protected and respected in law and in fact, which is a model for all of Iraq to emulate. Finally, as we remember Halabja and the Anfal campaign on this 25th anniversary, we must maintain our resolve and use all of our diplomatic and economic power to ensure that peace and democracy take root and thrive in Iraq. That peace and the future of democratic government in Iraq is now jeopardized by the increasingly negative relations between the Iraqi government of PM Maliki and the Sunni and Kurdish minorities of Iraq. It is not my purpose today to cast blame for the current state of those relations, but only to remind my colleagues of the grave dangers of ethnic and sectarian strife in Iraq. Let us remember Halabja in light of the sacrifices our country has made to ensure that such crimes are never repeated and to renew our resolve to use our power and influence to achieve a lasting peace and the security of the Iraqi people.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, on April 6, the city of Orange, California, will celebrate its 125th anniversary. As the third oldest city in Orange County, the city of Orange is a big city but with a small town feel. Orange is home to notable attractions like the Plaza at Orange, the Outlets at Orange, the UCI Medical Center, the Children's Hospital of Orange County, and my alma mater, Chapman University. This milestone will be celebrated in Old Towne Orange, and it will commemorate the families, the residents, and the businesses that have made the city what it is today. Congratulations to the city and residents of Orange on this incredible occasion. I am proud to represent the city of Orange and the 46th Congressional District of California. Happy 125th anniversary, city of Orange.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the memory of Mr. Michael Anthony Solis, who was an educator. He taught at Anaheim High School in my district. He was a champion for lower income students. He grew up in Riverside, California, and his family grew up in pretty poor circumstances, but education was always important to them. He enrolled in Riverside Community College where teachers encouraged him to be an educator. As a student teacher, Michael became involved with the AVID program, a program that helps to close that achievement gap from lower income students to the normal. Mr. Solis went on to teach AVID in various southern California schools. He was also the director of AVID for our county education program. He most recently served as our assistant principal at Anaheim High School. He was impassioned about education. He knew that this would make a difference in so many people's lives. Even though he lost a 40-month battle with cancer, he will be remembered by all who knew him, and his legacy will move forward in all of those students whose lives he has impacted.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. I rise today in opposition to the amendment made under this rule to gut the Senate-passed Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. The Senate bill is a bipartisan approach that protects vulnerable populations, and the amendment made under this rule would remove those protections. Furthermore, S. 47 includes legislation that I have worked on in these two past Congresses with Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, who I call my good friend, and Senator Klobuchar of Minnesota. I reintroduced the STALKERS Act this Congress and am pleased that it is included in the underlying bill. No one can deny that the Internet is a great tool for all of us that connects billions of people around the world. But one of the problems with it is that it's proven to be an effective weapon for stalkers to prey on innocent people. Current Federal stalking statutes simply have not caught up with the new tools and the emerging technologies that these criminals use. The STALKERS Act would bring our laws into the 21st century by giving law enforcement the tools they need to combat stalking in the digital age. The STALKERS Act would protect victims and empower prosecutors by increasing the scope of existing laws to cover acts of electronic monitoring, including spyware, bugging, video surveillance, and other new technologies as they develop. Currently, Federal laws cannot be enforced unless stalking victims can demonstrate that they are in reasonable fear of physical injury. Again, I thank you for including the STALKERS Act in the underlying bill.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, down here in the well sometimes when you hear what we all say to each other you might think that we are not a very friendly bunch towards each other, but I want to let people know today that we actually have a lot of friendships here on this floor. I'm going to take the time this week before we break for Christmas to say goodbye to some of my friends who are leaving from Congress--especially from the Democratic side, but I have a particularly good friend on the other side, Congressman Elton Gallegly. He has had a congressional career here for 25 years. He's been a leader and a fierce defender of animal rights. With the successful passage of legislation that he recently sponsored, the creation and the sale of videos depicting the torture of animals is forever illegal. Animal lovers across the country are thankful for his leadership on that. Though Elton and I a lot of times disagree on a lot of things politically, we've become very close friends over the years. I have sought his guidance on many issues here, on foreign affairs, on transportation, and even on some outside things, outside of this, maybe even in my own personal life. So I want to thank him for being a good friend. I wish him a lot of luck in his next chapter of his life, and I just want to tell him that I will miss him.

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. I thank the ranking member, Mr. Speaker. As the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, I'm pleased with many of the provisions here in this conference report. In the fiscal year 2013 NDAA, we successfully included strong support for the national security space programs, our nuclear deterrent, and our nuclear nonproliferation efforts, including an increase for the global threat reduction initiative and steps for a renewed ban on exports of highly enriched uranium. I'm also pleased that the bill authorized funding for nuclear cleanup, and homeland and regional missile defense, including strong support for our U.S.-Israeli cooperation. That section of the bill also contains important provisions to ensure our capabilities are tailored to our national security requirements, and that they're cost-effective. How do we do that? As a first step, we're going to have detailed studies and independent reviews of maintaining our nuclear weapons and analyses on plutonium pit reuse and on current requirements for plutonium pit production. The bill also does not contain some very controversial issues we had in the House version, in particular, that would have weakened our health, safety, and security across the nuclear weapons complex and really undermined what I believe is our Federal oversight role. These steps will help us to sustain the deterrent force we need to meet 21st century challenges without overspending or compromising the safety of our workers or the public. There is some concern still: a $6 billion plutonium facility remains part of our immediate plans even though the Department of Defense, the U.S. Strategic Command, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the National Laboratories, they all agree we don't need this facility for at least another 5 years, and they prefer more cost- effective ways of doing this. But, unfortunately, this was continued in this bill, and many other provisions. Thank you again. Lastly, I want to thank all of the staff for having helped us. To Mr. McKeon, and also to my ranking member, thank you so much.