Hilda Solis

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize California's 32nd Congressional District, which I have had the privilege to have represented for the last 8 years in Congress and which I am proud to call home. I am proud that my six siblings and I were raised in La Puente. Like many, my parents sacrificed throughout our childhood so my siblings and I could live up to our potential to achieve whatever our talents would allow. Like other families throughout the San Gabriel Valley, my parents instilled in my siblings and me the value of hard work, public service and commitment to family. For most of my adult life I have continued to live in the San Gabriel Valley, calling El Monte home. California's 32nd Congressional District is a culturally diverse district where residents live and work together as a community to ensure everyone has the opportunity to achieve success and dreams for their families. The communities in the 32nd Congressional District include: the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Irwindale, Rosemead, South El Monte, West Covina, and portions of Monterey Park and East Los Angeles. During my time in Congress I was proud to have been the first Latina on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where I served as Vice Chair of the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee and as Ranking Member during my tenure, and was a member of its Health and Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittees. I also had the privilege to serve on the House Natural Resources Committee, the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, and the House Education and Labor Committee. In addition, I held several leadership positions, including being the first Latina to chair the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues. I also chaired the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Health and the Environment where I spearheaded annual summits across the country on racial and ethnic health disparities. Throughout my career in public service I worked hard to improve the lives of families by focusing on expanding access to affordable health care, protecting the environment, and job creation. In Congress I have won legislative victories to provide workforce training for green collar jobs; authorized a Federal study on ways to improve recreational and environmental opportunities for the San Gabriel River Watershed; removed barriers to U.S. citizenship for non-U.S. citizens serving in the U.S. military and reserves; banned pesticide testing on pregnant women and children; helped ensure health care access for Latinos suffering from HIV/AIDS; and promote domestic violence awareness, particularly in communities of color. I want to thank the residents of California's 32nd Congressional District for electing me to represent them in Congress. I have served during some of the most trying times in California's history, and have worked to help build a better future for our State and country. It has been a privilege to serve and represent the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles in the U.S. House of Representatives for the past 8 years. I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, especially my parents, Raul and Juana Solis, my husband, and my sisters and brothers for all of their support over the years. They have always believed in me, and have been my source of strength and teachers of the commitment to justice, equality and public service. To my extended family, those I have worked alongside with both in California, thank you for your commitment to public service and justice, and your loyalty. I also want to thank you, Madam Speaker, all of my colleagues in the House, and in particular California's Congressional delegation. I have enjoyed working with you all during my time in Congress, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with you to build a better country. Thank you and God Bless.

Ms. SOLIS of California

Ms. SOLIS of California. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Benita Duran, a dedicated, hard working woman whom I am very fortunate to have had on my staff for more than eight years. Benita joined my staff in November 2000 while I was serving as a member of the California State Senate. She stayed with me during my transition into service as a Member of Congress and has been my Deputy District Director since 2004. During her time in my office, Benita demonstrated that she is a hard working individual committed to advancing the public interest. She demonstrated her passion for issues affecting underserved communities and the lives of working families daily in her work. True to her roots, the residents of El Sereno were first and foremost in her heart and mind. Benita is strongly committed to our nation's servicemen and women, veterans and their families. She worked tirelessly to ensure that countless numbers of veterans received the medals and recognition they earned, and stood by the families of who lost their loved ones in service to our nation. Benita was equally committed to helping all residents resolve issues which required Federal assistance. She paid personal attention to each case, whether it was helping resolve an IRS issue to helping people achieve the American Dream of securing their citizenship. As my Deputy District Director, Benita managed my two district offices and staff in a mature, thoughtful, organized manner. Through her words and actions, Benita trained, mentored and inspired my staff to constantly challenge themselves to meet new goals while helping them along the way. I knew Benita could be counted on to deliver. I am grateful to have had her assist me in this capacity while my work kept me in Washington, DC. Benita's passion, dedication and commitment to public service will be sorely missed. I am confident she will continue to excel in all future endeavors.

Ms. SOLIS of California

Ms. SOLIS of California. Madam Speaker. I rise today to honor the career of Robert Sanchez, a guidance counselor formerly at La Puente High School in California. While I was a high school student at La Puente I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Sanchez as my college guidance counselor. Each day he worked tirelessly to promote education in our school and in our community. During my senior year in high school, Mr. Sanchez took a vested interest in my education. He personally took time to explain the college application process to me and my family and helped show me how I could go to college. At the time no one else in my family had attended college. College seemed to be an unattainable goal, and the college application process was both expensive and daunting. If not for Mr. Sanchez's counseling and guidance, I do not know that I would have been able to go on to pursue a college education. For youths across our nation, high school teachers and counselors are a vital part of their education with the power to influence a student's decision to pursue higher education or not. I stand here today to honor those teachers and guidance counselors, like Robert Sanchez, who work each day in our schools, with little recognition or accolades, to place the dreams of knowledge and a better future back into the hands of our children. Robert Sanchez has dedicated his life to motivating and educating countless youths in Los Angeles County and San Diego, California. Thank you, Mr. Sanchez, for never giving up on our children.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to U.S. Army SGT Jose Regalado who died while serving our country. SGT Jose Regalado was from El Sereno, California. He was born on May 11, 1985, and attended Sierra Park Elementary School, El Sereno Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson High School. As a high school student, Sergeant Regalado joined the Junior ROTC where he worked hard to move up the JROTC ranks. He earned the position of cadet battalion command sergeant major, the highest noncommissioned officer position in the battalion, and received several of the highest awards possible. Sergeant Regalado enlisted in the United States Army on July 22, 2003. He was a member of K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment from Fort Hood, Texas. On May 3, 2007 Sergeant Regalado married Sharri J. Ford, and on August 6, 2008, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Jaime. Sergeant Regalado was allowed to return to the United States for 18 days to meet his daughter; it would be the first and last time he would spend time with her. Sergeant Regalado lost his life on November 12, 2008, in Mosul, Iraq, as the result of injuries sustained from small arms fire. As a young man, Sergeant Regalado enriched the lives of his surrounding El Sereno community. His JROTC instructors recall his competitive spirit and noted that while he was very demanding of his cadets, he was well liked and respected. He was a devoted father, even carrying the ultrasound of his unborn daughter in his pocket while in Iraq. He was a loving husband and the proud son of Jose and Raquel Regalado. Sergeant Regalado served this country with courage, pride and loyalty. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country and for that we will be forever grateful to him and his family. My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to his wife and young daughter, family and friends.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart but in support of the rule. Our economy is not stable. Working families are suffering. Unemployment is over 10 percent in my own district. We have over 2,300 people who have lost their homes to foreclosure. Retirement and pension funds are losing value. Local government can't make decisions. Half of small business owners rely on mortgages for lines of credit and many small minority and women-owned businesses are suffering right now. We have to have regulatory reform and oversight. We have to address this foreclosure crisis, and I believe that our leadership will do everything they can in their power to make sure that we make these Americans whole. We have to restore trust in our banking institutions and we have to cap CEO payouts. That's why I am now looking at supporting the rule and supporting the bill. I know it's hard for my constituents, but I think we have to do the right thing. This is what we were brought here in Congress to do today.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and service that Familia Unida Living with Multiple Sclerosis, Familia Unida, contributes throughout California's 32nd Congressional District. Familia Unida's mission is to enlighten, educate, and unite families that are affected by Multiple Sclerosis, MS, as well as other debilitating diseases. Though originally founded to provide culturally and linguistically sensitive resources to the Latino community dealing with MS, Family Unida's outreach now extends into the entire MS community, providing services to any who request assistance in coping with this disease. Through events such as the 5th Annual Wheelchair Wash, Familia Unida continues to bring awareness to the importance of the inclusion of all persons, especially those living with disabilities, in our lives. Famila Unida has enhanced the quality of life for many through its extensive services in obtaining health care access, as well as providing educational resources. As Family Unida continues to honor its founding principles of providing culturally sensitive programs and support for those living with MS, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing its valued service and commitment to the MS community.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a Latino civil rights leader and the founder of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, MAOF, Dionicio Morales, who passed away on September 24, 2008. Dionicio was born to immigrant farm worker parents and was raised in Ventura County, California. Like many Mexican Americans of his generation, Dionicio struggled to achieve an education and he graduated from high school in 1937. Dionicio attended Santa Barbara State College and worked with the Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union early to ensure garment workers had better working conditions. Dionicio was a life-long community organizer who devoted his life to providing critical programs and resources to the Mexican-American community. He was a strong advocate and dedicated leader for the people of Los Angeles. In 1963, Dionicio became the founder and president of the Mexican- American Opportunity Foundation, which provides the Mexican-American community with critical access to services and programs. These services include increased access to job skill training programs, repair programs for low-income homes, nutrition and employment aid for seniors, and many other critical programs that have dramatically improved the lives of many Mexican Americans in Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas. Dionicio later spent most of his life serving on several Federal, State, and county boards that gave him a voice which he used to advocate for the important issues that faced the Mexican- American community. Throughout my career in public service, I have had the pleasure to work with Dionicio and MAOF to increase economic and social justice in the Latino community. I am proud to have received the prestigious Aztec Award from MAOF in October 1996 and am committed to continuing this work to bring greater equality and opportunity to the Latino community. Dionicio will be remembered for his lifetime commitment to the Mexican-American community. I extend my sympathy to Dionicio's family in this difficult time. Dionicio's legacy will continue to live in MAOF. He will be dearly missed by the Latino community.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for real sexual education. In my home state of California, sexual health education taught in public schools must be medically accurate, bias-free, and age appropriate. Comprehensive sex education is needed to truly address the rise in sexually transmitted infections and the rise in teenage pregnancies among communities of color. I am working to reduce teen pregnancy in the Latino community, Despite the arguments of the current administration, abstinence-only education has not proven to be effective. For the first time in 15 years, teen birth rates are increasing in the United States. Fifty- three percent of Latina teens become pregnant at least once before age 20. These appalling statistics are why I introduced H.R. 468, the Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act. This legislation would provide additional funding to support teen pregnancy prevention efforts in our communities and schools and for research about teen pregnancy in at-risk communities. We need to protect the future of our children by committing to providing comprehensive, medically accurate sex education. I am proud that several Planned Parenthood centers are located in my district in the San Gabriel Valley. I know that many of my constituents rely on health information from Planned Parenthood clinics such as the EI Monte Medical Center and East Los Angeles Medical Center. Recently, I invited Andreina Cordova, a teenage Planned Parenthood peer advocate in Los Angeles, to discuss her work with the Ujima program at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Public Policy Conference. I was impressed by her commitment to provide sexual health information and promote responsible behavior among teens. I also strongly support the efforts of Planned Parenthood's successful promotoras program. Promotoras visit schools, homes and community centers to educate families about reproductive health and teen pregnancy prevention. We need to provide comprehensive sex education in schools instead of wasting valuable dollars on ineffective abstinence-only programs. Some states agree. In fact, California is one of few states in our country that rejects federal abstinence-only sex education funding in order to provide students with accurate comprehensive sex education. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support comprehensive, medically accurate sex education so that we can reduce the number of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. I look forward to working with a new administration to ensure that our younger generations will be provided with real, medically accurate sexual health information.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5244, the Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, which protects families across America from the confusing, deceptive, and unfair credit card practices. I believe that passage of this legislation is long overdue. Unfortunately, the increased usage of credit cards among Latinos has resulted in more Latinos with credit card debt. Between 1992 and 2001, the share of Latino families with credit cards grew from 43 percent to 53 percent and the average credit card debt among Latinos increased by nearly 20 percent to $3,700. Even worse, credit card issuers have profited by taking advantage of Latino families' need to rely on credit for everyday expenses. Credit card companies imposed an astounding $18.1 billion in penalty fees on families carrying credit card balances. Seventy-seven percent of Latinos carry a balance on their credit cards, which makes them especially susceptible to credit card industry's unethical tricks and penalties. Inequities in access to mainstream credit cards mean that Latinos are targeted by unscrupulous companies and are more likely than Whites to have credit cards with high interest rates. Because credit card companies can increase interest rates at any moment and can charge interest on debt that consumers have already paid on time, they have trapped vulnerable low-income Latino families in a never-ending cycle of debt. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 5244, the Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights. We need to end unfair and arbitrary interest rate increases and protect vulnerable consumers from high-fee subprime credit cards. I look forward to working with my colleagues to protecting the financial security of consumers across our country.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Don Lyster, a dedicated, hard working gentleman whom I am very fortunate to have had on my staff for the past seven years. Don joined my staff in March 2002 as my legislative assistant handling labor, trade, immigration, homeland security and judiciary issues. I was proud to promote him twice during his tenure in my office, first to Legislative Counsel and then to Chief of Staff. Don demonstrated his passion for issues affecting underserved communities and the lives of working families daily in his work. Through his efforts, legislation to expedite the naturalization process for legal immigrants serving in the U.S. military and members of the selected reserves, coupled with immigration protections for immediate family members of fallen soldiers, was enacted into law. From a union family, Don's work on labor issues demonstrated his strong commitment to working families. He was constantly working to improve workplace conditions and grow jobs for working families. Don always worked to protect and increase worker's rights, not only on a national level, but by keeping close watch on the issues facing workers throughout Los Angeles. His passion for telecommunications and internet matters was always seen through the perspective of the need to protect and expand affordable access for all consumers, which is especially important in California's 32nd Congressional District. As my Chief of Staff, Don has played an integral role in helping advance my priorities on the Energy and Commerce Committee and as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Health and the Environment. I am grateful to have had him with me to assist in my role on the Steering and Policy Committee. Don has used his knowledge of telecommunications matters to help expand outreach in the Congressional District I represent through the use of new technologies. Through his words and actions, Don has trained, mentored and inspired my staff to constantly challenge themselves to meet new goals while helping them along the way. Don's passion for life and love of his family will be sorely missed in my office. I join my staff in Washington, DC, and district offices in EI Monte and East Los Angeles in wishing Don the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the humanitarian aid situation in Cuba. Earlier this month, Cuba was struck by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which devastated the lives of about 11 million citizens of Cuba. These hurricanes wiped out towns and destroyed about 500,000 homes, crops, roads, electrical service, water and other key infrastructure on that island. It's estimated that the damage will be anywhere from 4 to $10 billion. I just happened to be in south Florida this weekend and heard from many in the community, many Cuban Americans, who don't like the politics there, but understand that there has to be something done. But because of a travel restriction implemented by the Bush administration in 2004, Cuban Americans in the United States are unable to send money back home or even travel. They are restricted by that travel. These restrictions do not reflect, in my opinion, the family values upon which our Nation was founded. Instead, they unfairly target families in need of this dire assistance. We must temporarily lift these travel restrictions and remittances so that money can go to those families that are in so desperate need of assistance at this time. I ask for at least a temporary lifting of travel and remittances for at least 3 months.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend and lifelong Democrat, Gladys Cannon, who passed away on September 8, 2008, at her home in West Covina, California. Gladys was a beloved wife, mother, friend, activist, and community leader who will be missed by her peers and the beloved community she devoted her life to serving. I am proud to have called Gladys my friend and I join her husband Frank and her family in mourning her passing. Throughout her life, Gladys never failed to become involved in helping her community. She had the heart of an activist and the soul of a fighter and she never failed to fight for progressive values. She was a proud member of the Teamsters Union and an active and ardent Democrat. She worked hard to ensure that working families would have their voices heard. Our community will be forever grateful for Gladys's civic activism and volunteerism. In addition to being a community activist, Gladys was an avid sports fan who always looked forward to March Madness and rooting for USC, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Green Bay Packers. Gladys also loved to travel. Her fondest memories were of cruises to Alaska and trips to England and Ireland. Gladys loved to live life and she always did so with a cunning smile and fighting spirit. Gladys will always be remembered and missed for the special joy she brought us all. Gladys will be remembered for her lifetime dedication to her community and fighting spirit. She was a heartfelt champion of women and working families. I extend my sympathy to Gladys's family in this difficult time, and especially to her beloved husband Frank Cannon whom she greatly loved. Gladys will be dearly missed.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, Republicans say they favor an all-of-the- above solution to our Nation's energy crisis. Yet their record from the past 8 years tells us something different. Republicans have consistently voted against critical solutions that should be a part of a comprehensive energy package. For instance, they voted against important tax provisions needed for renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. They voted against responsible drilling. They voted against efforts to protect consumers from speculators who manipulate our markets. They voted against measures to bring down oil prices. And lastly, they voted against American workers by not supporting green collar jobs. These votes and others show the true Grand Oil Party whose primary goal is to protect the record profits of big oil companies. If my colleagues are really serious about supporting an all-of-the-above energy proposal, then they should join Democrats and support a sensible and comprehensive energy package.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. I thank our chairman from the Labor Committee. I want to urge our Members here today to vote on this very important bill, H.R. 1338, the Paycheck Fairness Act. Our colleagues, Rosa DeLauro, and others, have championed this bill for many years. But Rosa has really dedicated herself to this movement. I am happy to be a cosponsor of this bill. She understands, as we know and many woman know, that we have to recognize that there are inequities that exist in our communities, and especially among women and women of color. Some of you may know that while women overall only receive 77 cents on the dollar, Latinas only average 57 cents on that dollar, and African American women only get 68 cents on the dollar. Indeed, there are disparities that exist and continue. We have an obligation here in this House to do the right thing. Just today, this morning, Arnold Schwarzenegger, our Governor, cut the payroll for many State employees. Many of them are women. They are the earners for their households. They have to put food on the table. Now they are going to be making Federal minimum wage, which is less than what the State of California's minimum wage is. What an atrocity. I am not going off message, I am just trying to strike home a point that it's important to take care of all those that work in our society, but particularly women because they are the ones that are mostly discriminated against, and we have to cut that out. Again, I want to wholeheartedly offer my support and have my colleagues know that I stand first and foremost for pay equity for all of us. I ask you to vote for H.R. 1338.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Joey Quinto, publisher of the California Journal for Filipino Americans. Mr. Quinto was born and educated in the Philippines, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from San Beda College in Manila, Philippines. He also graduated from the Minority Business Executive Programs of the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth in Hanover, New Hampshire. Mr. Quinto now resides with his wife Carlyn and daughter Carlette in Palos Verdes, California. Mr. Quinto's contributions to the advancement of the API community are many. He began his professional career in California in 1984 as a mortgage banker. As a publisher, his weekly newspaper advances the interests of the API community and appropriately addresses local, consumer and business news, and community events. He is also a member of several community organizations. These include the Los Angeles Minority Business Opportunity Committee and The Greenlining Coalition. His contributions have been widely recognized. Mr. Quinto is the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Journalism during the Fourth Annual Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Awards in celebration of the Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. This award recognizes prominent APIs that have excelled in bringing pertinent news to the API community. He previously was listed among the Star Suppliers of the Year of the Southern California Regional Purchasing Council in 1999, received the Minority Media Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration in 1997, and has also earned a leadership award from the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce based in Los Angeles. Madam Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating Joey Quinto for his years of service to the API community. Through his tireless work effort he has demonstrated that the American dream is possible.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, the Consumers Union dubbed 2007 the Year of the Recall. This year, product recalls are happening at an even swifter rate. After dangerous toys led to injuries and deaths, the Democratic Congress worked hard to protect our children and families. This week, will be bringing a final bill to the floor that will strengthen the Consumer Product Safety Commission and ensure that families are protected from dangerous toys. The legislation bans lead beyond small amounts in products intended for children under the age of 12 and prohibits the use of dangerous materials in children's toys. The bill bans industry-sponsored travel by the Consumer Safety Commissioners and staff in order to eliminate any conflicts of interest. It also provides a significant budget increase for the CPSC so that it has the resources to test more toys. No longer will there only be one tester per toy. Madam Speaker, let's protect our children today by once again passing legislation with strong bipartisan support.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 512 on H.R. 6493. I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 503 on the Bishop Amendment to H.R. 415, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 504, on the Shuler Amendment to H.R. 415, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Throughout the years Alpha Kappa Alpha has instilled in its members the qualities of sisterhood and service to the community. It should be commended on reaching this tremendous milestone. Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-trained women in 1908. Since its inception, Alpha Kappa Alpha has always been an advocate for the less fortunate and an agent for change in the community. One of the top priorities of Alpha Kappa Alpha has been to remain true to its core mission of sisterhood and service to the community. Alpha Kappa Alpha's Extraordinary Service Program has worked to improve the living standards within the black community through economic education, creating exposure and opportunities for the women entrepreneur, assisting black families, and improving the mental and physical health of local communities. This week over 25,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, including Patricia Jones, a constituent from the 32nd Congressional District of California, came to Washington, DC to attend the Centennial Convention. They are joined in their work and the legacy of their work by Honorary Members of the Sorority including Maya Angelou, former astronaut Mae Jemison and the late Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Marian Anderson and Eleanor Roosevelt. Madam Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating Alpha Kappa Alpha for 100 years of service to the community. As a Latina Member of Congress, I look forward to working to promote economic and educational advancement in all communities of color.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, today I rise with my colleagues to support the overriding of the President's veto on this legislation that will protect our seniors. Did you know that over 44 million vulnerable Medicare patients are depending on us to pass this bill? By vetoing the legislation, President Bush is ignoring the needs of our seniors, the disabled individuals and our doctors. Less than a month ago, Congress passed the bill by a margin of 355- 59. I voted for the bill so I could help ensure that 70,000 Medicare beneficiaries, patients in my district, would be able to receive their continued health care. The bill includes programs that help low-income Medicare patients, including low-income Latinos. Although Latinos make up only 6 percent of the overall Medicare beneficiaries, more than 14 percent are considered low-income seniors. Allowing a 10 percent cut would be devastating to patient providers practicing in communities like mine in East Los Angeles. I have heard from many of my constituents that some California physicians, even in my own district, are considering not taking any more Medicare patients because of the inadequate reimbursement rate. Even less access would be imposed upon a community that is already faced with health care disparities and being able to access health care. Organizations across the country understand the importance of this piece of legislation including AARP and the American Medical Association. I encourage all of my colleagues, Members of Congress, to help us override the President's misguided veto and to stand first and foremost for our seniors and those disabled Americans that are counting on our work here in the Congress.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Good morning to my colleagues. As you recall, last month before the House adjourned for the July 4th recess, we passed legislation that would treat seniors and the disabled through Medicare. The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support with Democrats and Republicans recognizing the need to pass this legislation. Last week, the Senate finally followed our lead and passed the bill. Senator Kennedy courageously returned to Capitol Hill to lodge that vote. The legislation is now sitting on the President's desk. He has a decision to make. Will he side with private insurers or will he support seniors and the disabled? A veto-proof majority in the House and Senate has now passed legislation that strengthens Medicare and ensures our seniors and disabled that they have access to a doctor that they know and trust. Mr. Speaker, President Bush should drop his veto threat and join our Members in the House in support of legislation that puts seniors first and the disabled and strengthens a great program known as Medicare. He should sign the Medicare legislation as soon as possible.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today on a lighter note, I would like to talk about optimism and the wherewithal that our country has, especially among our young people. I want to talk about a subject that doesn't really get a lot of attention in this whole debate about energy and oil and the fact that we are now faced with skyrocketing prices at the gas pump. I want to talk about investing in our future. I want to talk about young people not only from my district but across the country, and I want to talk about what we call green jobs, green-collar jobs. Some people might think that's a misnomer, you know, but we have actually changed. Blue-collar jobs have, as you know, been outsourced to other countries. What we are attempting to do in the Congress and something that President Bush signed into law just last December was an act that was part of the energy bill, the energy package, that said we are going to make a difference in this country by investing in America's future. We will provide 10 million jobs in green technology if our government steps up to the plate. Now we are asking for that appropriation for $125 million to help create, and, I think, minimally, 10 million jobs, that will be reaped across this country that will secure our energy security here at home. It will also send a steep message to many nonbelievers across the country that we mean business, that we are actually going to keep these jobs here, that these jobs won't be outsourced, that they won't be going to China and India and Indonesia and even to Mexico, because we are going to make an investment here. It's, very simply, trying to set a precedent here to provide opportunities for people to get retrained or to get into new technology, into are renewable energy, into biofuels, and into creating solar panels. Those manufacturing jobs that we knew as blue-collar workers that my father as a teamster and other people in my district represented, could be retooled to help provide and incentivize our economy by keeping those jobs here at home. No more of this minimum-wage jobs, but providing good, sustainable, liveable-wage jobs for working men and women and people that could rely on this to raise a family, not in the state that we are in right now, where you have a single head of household, a woman, in many cases, that's working three jobs just to make that rent, just to make that electricity bill, just to get that extra gallon of gas to get to her job. Those are things that we know are resonating right now with our constituents, and they demand a change. It isn't just enough to say that we are going to lower the energy costs, they have to have a good-paying job to provide for all those commodities, luxuries that they need to keep their family going. And one best way of doing it is by jump-starting the economy and by supporting the Green Jobs Act, something that the Senate and also the House passed again that was signed into law in December. We need $125 million to help jump-start that program. I want to illustrate something here, a picture of some youngsters who were actually installing on a roof, who had just completed a project in Oakland, California, who were trained in a program, who went through an apprenticeship program that was done in a private and public partnership. It was to help install solar panels and to retrofit them in some of our oldest buildings in very dilapidated parts of our country. What an incentive that would be to help to jump-start our communities and to revitalize those communities that have been left behind by the manufacturing jobs that went to other countries but also to incentivize those places that have high unemployment like in Oakland, like in East Los Angeles, like in the Bronx, like in Little Havana in Florida. These places need relief, and the government has an obligation to help provide an incentive, working closely, hand in hand, with private industry. The reason I say that is that I know it works, and it's working right now in an obscure place in my district in East Los Angeles. The LA Unified School District, which doesn't always get honors for many things that they do, has invested in a program out of the East LA Skills Center to help retrain individuals. The majority of those who are participating right now happen to be middle-aged people who are saying, ``I need to get retrained into a better paying job, a job that's going to help me in the rest of my life and in my retirement.'' They're taking that challenge; they're going through training, and they're being offered jobs. One of the dilemmas that we're facing right now is that we don't have an adequate workforce available to fill all of these potential jobs. I say: Why? Why should we go outside and bring people in when we need to make those investments here in the United States and in Los Angeles? So, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say and would like to urge my colleagues to support the Green Jobs Act and to provide that infusion of $125 million that will act as a stimulus package for our economy.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 79th anniversary of the founding of the League of United Latin American Citizens, LULAC. This is a tremendous milestone and one in which LULAC members should take great pride. Under the leadership of National President, Rosa Rosales, LULAC continues to be an influential force in Congress and throughout the country. LULAC is the largest and oldest civil rights and service organization in the United States. Since 1929, LULAC has worked tirelessly to advance the economic condition, increase access to quality health care and education, and civil rights of Latinos across the country. LULAC's commitment to the advancement of Latinos is demonstrated through the community-based programs it operates at more than 700 local councils nationwide. Education has always been a top priority for LULAC. In 1975, the LULAC National Scholarship Fund LNSF was established to provide scholarships to Latino students who attend colleges and universities. LULAC's education efforts will continue to benefit future generations of Latino youth. I am also proud that LULAC has made proactive efforts to increase Latino civic participation in the United States through its voter registration and citizenship drives. LULAC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Latinos are part of the political process on the local, state, and federal level. Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating LULAC for all the hard work that it has done for the Latino community in the United States. LULAC is paving the way for generations after us to achieve even more. I look forward to continue working alongside LULAC to achieve social and economic justice for all Latinos.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, there are many signs that our Nation's economy is struggling. However, the renewable energy and energy- efficiency sectors, you need to know, are booming. In 2006, the renewable energy and energy-efficiency sector generated 8.5 million jobs, nearly $1 trillion of revenue in the United States. Jobs in these sectors are good paying, high-quality jobs that will stay in the United States. The Green Collar Jobs Act which was passed and signed into law by President Bush in 2007 will help train 10 million new workers. Through this program, we can help provide incentives to underserved communities. In a time of economic turmoil marked by rising gasoline prices and even higher profits for oil companies, it is important that we support these sectors of our growing economy. I urge Members of Congress to please support the Green Jobs program and incentivize those individuals who are seeking reform and new investments in our economy.