Hilda Solis

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank our ranking member for yielding me this time, and I thank the Members in the House tonight. I have to tell the Members that, as a proud member of Congress, the only Member of Congress of Nicaraguan descent, I am proud to say that my mother just returned from Nicaragua. The news was not a happy sound at all. Poverty, yes, is very bad. The people there are looking for leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives. They are asking us to vote down CAFTA because they know that the government there does not realize that the people there have been suffering for over 40 years. And to this day, they are looking for Members in the House to provide support so that people there can have dignity and respect. Why is it that we can pass an agreement like this that does not allow for people in those countries, in El Salvador and Nicaragua and Costa Rica, to collectively bargain? Why is it in El Salvador two people who were trying to organize were shot to death in front of their houses? Why is it that we have to stand up and allow for that disgrace to occur when this country is so rich and so wealthy that we cannot provide other types of aid and assistance so that people can be empowered to do what they choose to do, to build their houses, to have dignity, to have health care? What we are doing and are proposing tonight is that the pharmaceutical companies would take away very important medical assistance to people who are dying of HIV and AIDS in Guatemala. How dare we decide the destiny of people in Guatemala by saying we are going to raise the price of medicine for them and for their children. Yes, they are going to want to come to this country because do the Members know why? We are cutting them off at the knees. And as a proud member of the Hispanic Caucus, 14 members, a majority of that caucus, voted against DR-CAFTA. We need to go back to the table. We need to have more transparency. We need to stand up for those young women who are going to be drawn into those jobs, who are going to be abused, who are currently being abused even in Mexico. I would just like to tell the Members that in Mexico, where my father was raised, in the area of Ciudad Juarez, the people who were attracted to those jobs were ages 14 to 20 years old. These are young women who were drawn into the maquiladores. They are the same type of individuals that we have drawn into these types of factories that will work in El Salvador and Nicaragua. Right now there are some free trade zones there. The people that I see lining up for those jobs are 14 and 16 years of age, working 12 hours a day, in an encampment where they are not even allowed to go to the restroom without having permission. We do not need DR-CAFTA. Please vote for humanity, for respect for the people of Latin America and Central America. I stand tall with the Democratic Party.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the Republican leadership's failure to bring up legislation that actually addresses the health care problems of American families. Currently, 45 million Americans are uninsured. Uninsured numbers are even worse for the Latino communities which have the highest uninsured rate of any racial and ethnic group; 13 million Latinos are uninsured. That is more than one-third of the Nation's Latino population. Latinos make up 14 percent of the U.S. population, nearly 42 million people. Yet the administration's leadership continues to ignore the significant population. This week's legislation on association health plans and medical malpractice demonstrates the Republican leadership's inability to acknowledge the devastating impact these proposals will have on my community. These proposals will facilitate rampant fraud, raise premiums, and reduce benefits to Latino families. If the current Republican leadership really wants to reduce the number of uninsured and reduce health care costs, then it needs to bring up legislation to the floor that addresses health care problems for all American families, including the 9.1 million Latino families in the U.S.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment and the effort to bring attention to the murders of more than 400 women and girls over the past 12 years in the border town of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and Chihuahua City, Mexico. The latest victims of this violence, two 7- and 10-year-old girls, were raped and brutally murdered in May. As the author of House Concurrent Resolution 90, which has garnered more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors, I know we must do more to help end these murders, bring the true perpetrators to justice, and bring closure to the families of victims who have disappeared but their bodies never identified. Women and young girls from all parts of Mexico have migrated to Ciudad Juarez, just 5 minutes from the U.S. border, in hopes of finding work, including jobs at American-owned maquiladoras. Women have been kidnapped on their way home from work at the maquiladoras, and many are later found in deserted or abandoned areas--with their bodies showing signs of rape, torture and mutilation. I have worked closely with my House and Senate colleagues on this resolution and other efforts to encourage the Bush administration to put pressure on the Mexican government to protect the women in Ciudad Juarez and bring their murderers and rapists to justice. This spring, I worked with Senator Bingaman from New Mexico to ensure USAID funding for independent forensic investigators from Argentina to work in Ciudad Juarez. These independent investigators are working to identify up to 70 victims who up until now have been nameless casualties of horrific violence. The Reyes amendment, as well as my resolution, states the importance of these independent, impartial efforts. I was also pleased to learn that the United States Ambassador to Mexico, Tony Garza, traveled to Ciudad Juarez yesterday to meet with the independent forensic investigators and the District Attorney for the State of Chihuahua. It is important that the United States continues to work with Mexico not only to identify remains of women already murdered, but also to thoroughly investigate these crimes and bring an end to the murders. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, May 3, 2005. Mr. Adolfo Franco, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin American and the Caribbean, U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Franco: As you know, we are very concerned about the murders and disappearances of women in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua, Mexico. We have visited Ciudad Juarez and have led Congressional Delegations to Juarez on several occasions, and we recently introduced Congressional Resolutions (H. Con. Res. 90 and S. Con. Res. 16) encouraging the U.S. government to help Mexico resolve this tragedy. In our visits with the families of missing and murdered women, they have told us that they are requesting the services of independent experts to help identify their family members. There are more than 60 unknown victims in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua that require forensic and DNA testing. There are also families that are requesting identification services because they have credible doubts about the results of prior forensic testing. It has been our understanding that USAID had been making progress to assist in this very important forensic effort to identify all of the unknown victims. However, without any rationale, we have been informed that USAID will no longer be able to assist in the effort to secure independent scientists to conduct exhumations and forensic testing. We have attempted to call you to find out why these efforts have been stalled, without success. We, along with our other congressional colleagues, are committed to alleviating the anguish and uncertainty of many families of their missing and murdered family members. Please provide us with a detailed explanation as to whether or not USAID will be able to fund independent forensic testing to help identify the remains of the missing or unknown victims. A timely response would be appreciated by May 11, 2005. Sincerely, Hilda L. Solis, Member of Congress. Jeff Bingaman, U.S. Senator.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition to CAFTA because it is a bad policy for families that I represent in my district, particularly Latino families not only in the United States but in Central America. CAFTA will outsource valuable American jobs. In fact, in the last 10 years when we approved NAFTA, we lost 1,000 jobs in my district alone. CAFTA will destroy the jobs of subsistence for farmers and others who depend on the environment in Central America. As the only member of Central American descent, I think I do have the right to say that poverty there is still something that is very real for many of the people that live in Central America and particularly they will be most affected, whether it is their health care, access to medicines, whether it is farming jobs there. All that is at stake for people in Central America. I am afraid to say that if we take away those opportunities, those individuals might want to come here to this country. And I know that there is a movement here in this country to say close the borders, but at the same time we are sending signals that we are going to be helping the very wealthy in these countries and not those who need it very much. So I would oppose CAFTA and ask my colleagues to do so as well.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary woman, Corina Villaraigosa, the First Lady of the City of Los Angeles. Corina is a working mother whose proven ability to balance a successful career while never losing sight of her first priority--her family--has made her a role for model for countless Latinas and other women. Corina is a very talented and giving person whose love for her children and her students has no boundaries. For nearly 20 years, Corina Villaraigosa has extended her love for children beyond her home and into the schools of the Montebello Unified School District. Thousands of young Californians, many of them English language learners, have been fortunate enough to call Mrs. Villaraigosa their teacher. Whether at home or in the classroom Corina creates an enriched environment that enables children to embrace the gift of learning and to become productive members of our society. She understands that education is the great equalizer for the Latino community and all communities. For Corina, teaching is truly a vocation, a calling to help young people--our Nation's greatest treasure. Corina's strong sense of civic duty was learned at an early from her beloved parents. As a mother, a teacher and now as the First Lady of Los Angeles, Corina has always served her community with grace and distinction. The residents of Los Angeles are proud to call Corina Villaraigosa their First Lady. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Mrs. Corina Villaraigosa for her selfless and extraordinary dedication to her family and community. She is a role model for future generations of Mexican-American women and all women, and I am honored to recognize her today.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to announce that the Democratic Tri-Caucus on Health Care is going to be convening a meeting in Chicago, Illinois. This is the Hispanic Caucus, the Black Caucus, and the Asian Caucus of the Democratic Party that will be meeting to talk about health care access. Principally, we will be discussing a piece of legislation that we are going to be reintroducing known as the Health Care Equality and Accountability Act. It will expand health care coverage through Medicaid and the State Health Insurance Children's Program. It will remove language and cultural barriers. It will improve workforce diversity by allowing for different community folks from our districts to be a part of the health care profession. It will also improve funded programs to help reduce health care disparities such as chronic illnesses, asthma, diabetes, and obesity. It will improve data collection in our respective communities with respect to race, ethnicity, and language and promote accountability through the Office of Civil Rights and the Office of Minority Health at the Department of Health and Human Services. Lastly, it would help to strengthen health care institutions that serve minority populations. We look forward to visiting our friends in Chicago, Illinois.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge some guests that have visited us today, and I am proud to stand with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle. The Women's Caucus of the U.S. Congress had a meeting earlier today, along with Iraqi women who represent their government, members of the Provisional Assembly. We met to talk about reforms that are much needed in their Constitution and respect for women's rights, and I am happy and pleased that our Members stood with them today and also were in the presence of the State Department who brought these courageous women here. These women are in need of our support. Their Constitution, as we were told, is fluid. It is changing. They need protections, they need assistance, and we have pledged our help, along with our colleagues from the other side of the aisle, to do as much as we can to provide support so they can continue with these reforms that are so sorely needed. Their Constitution has changed. When we were first told upon their first visit here that they would be represented well in government, that their rights would be reinstated, they would be able to attend to their careers, we know that has changed. There is now a different edict that is coming about; and we would like to stand tall and firm with our colleagues in Iraq, the Iraqi women, and send that message to their government as well as to our government.

Ms. SOLIS. I yield to the gentlewoman from California.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Dennis J. Galligani, Ph.D. for his valuable and tireless dedication to California's education system and community. Dr. Galligani has served the University of California with distinction, humility, and humanity for the last 30 years at both the Irvine campus and at the system's administrative office. The goal of educational equality and equity has been the driving force in Dr. Galligani's efforts to ensure inclusiveness in admissions, financial aid, and student services. Dr. Galligani was an early advocate for collaborative approaches to addressing educational issues through his enduring support for, and commitment to, the California Student Opportunity and Access Program, Cal-SOAP, and the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement, MESA, Program. Dr. Galligani represented the University of California for several years as a member and chair of the Advisory Board to the California Academic Partnership Program, CAPP, whose goal is ``to develop cooperative efforts to improve the academic quality of public secondary schools with the objective of improving the preparation of all students for college.'' The California Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, GEAR UP, has benefited from the leadership of Dr. Galligani as its first Principal Investigator and his steady stewardship of this program on behalf of the Governor and his California Education Round Table colleagues. Dr. Galligani has nurtured young educational professionals, especially those from Latino, African- American, and Native American families, to assume leadership roles in academics and their communities. I learned the importance of integrity, competence, and commitment from Dr. Galligani while I was Director of the South Coast Cal-SOAP Program and on the CAPP Advisory Board. Dr. Galligani's mentoring contributed to my professional development and desire to assume both an advocacy and leadership role with respect to enhancing the academic preparation of all students for college. I commend Dr. Galligani for his distinguished record of professional service as the Associate Vice President for Student Academic Services at the University of California and extend to him my sincere best wishes for continued success as Executive Director of the Alliance for Regional Collaboration to Heighten Educational Success, ARCHES.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the women suffragettes who began their campaign for women's right to vote 157 years ago today in Seneca Falls in New York. It would take over 72 years of perseverance for this campaign to succeed and for women to gain the right to vote, with the ratification of the 19th amendment. Today, almost 85 years later, a higher percentage of women vote as compared to men. However, we still have about 32 percent of women in the United States who are not even registered to vote. Can you believe that? Among that group of women between 18 and 24 years of age, 45 percent are not even registered to vote. We need to do more to energize and engage these young women in the political process. Women must have a voice in all national debates that affect them, especially on important issues like reproductive health, equal rights, and Social Security. As an example, in the debate over privatizing Social Security, 58 percent of seniors receiving Social Security are women. Since women have a longer average life span than men, privatizing Social Security would harm them. Let us take up the banner, like the suffragettes did, and let us work hard for women's rights.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, over and over again President Bush has expressed his commitment to fighting terrorism. But how is it possible when a top administration official, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Karl Rove, leaked classified information and undermined U.S. security? Karl Rove identified a covert CIA agent in an orchestrated effort to discredit an opponent of the administration's use of intelligence for the Iraq war. Karl Rove has top-level national security clearance in his position. Yet, clearly, he cannot be trusted with information. President Bush cannot allow his administration and top advisers to undermine the war on terror. In October 2003, President Bush stated: ``If someone did leak classified information, I'd like to know it. And we'll take the appropriate action.'' Mr. President, it is time to take action now. Karl Rove should resign. President Bush pledged to restore honor and integrity to the White House and to the Presidency. Removing Karl Rove from his duties and position would be an appropriate first step.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the work of the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps) on this important issue that not only affects California but the entire country. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the motion to instruct conferees on the MTBE provision in the House energy bill. I adamantly oppose the language in the House bill passed which would give a free ride to manufacturers of MTBE, leaving taxpayers across the country holding the bag for cleanup. This is not an issue where a deal can be struck. The industry, the only supporters of these deals, has been spreading false statements about the cleanup of MTBE being paid for by responsible parties and wants us to believe that future cleanup will be paid for. But who ends up paying that? The taxpayers. These groups are ignoring two important items. One is that the leaking underground storage tank program which the manufacturers believe will bail them out is not appropriately funded right now. They are not cleaning anything up as they should be and many of the State programs are broke. Right now EPA oversees 700,000 leaking underground storage sites. Of the 700,000 underground storage sites, 136,000 are currently leaking, and they are not being cleaned up. EPA anticipates that over the next 10 years, 120,000 new leaks will occur. Despite the need for cleanup funds and the growing inability of the funds needed to clean these up, we know that this administration cut back by 8 percent that fund. State programs right now like California and other places are also being starved of this much needed funding. Twelve States have funds with more claims than money. Two State funds have gone bankrupt. Fifteen State funds are funded only by gas taxes, and five States do not even have cleanup funds. The provision in the House energy bill and any deal that may be struck is going to leave our taxpayers holding the bag. No deal is going to help our communities bear the burden for the rest of the cleanup. The only way to fairly and adequately pay for the cleanup is to allow for those manufacturers to be found responsible and accountable. Lastly, I want to say also that the House Republican energy bill fails to address the Nation's record gas prices; and according to the Bush administration's own energy department, they would actually cause gas prices to increase. Hello? What are we doing here today by not addressing the consumers' needs right now where gas prices and a barrel of oil is up to $60 a barrel. We need reform. We need something that is going to help our consumers, and we do not want to see more of our water polluted by MTBE. Support the motion to instruct.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, congressional Republicans have shown their hand once again. It is now clear that Republicans have no desire to strengthen Social Security for future generations. Instead, their only intentions are to privatize the guaranteed retirement program. The Republicans' risky privatization scheme would create private accounts financed by diverting money out of Social Security. It does absolutely nothing to extend solvency of Social Security. In fact, the Republican proposal would actually move Social Security insolvency up 2 years. The Republican plan actually harms Social Security by taking away money from the trust fund. Every so-called ``surplus'' dollar put into the trust fund is already earmarked to pay future benefits. There is simply no way to divert those dollars to private accounts. If Republicans really want to strengthen Social Security, do we not think they would come up with a proposal that would really actually extend solvency? The American public demands reform, but not in this manner. Privatization is not the way to go. In my own district, 60,000 people are on Social Security. They look forward to that continued support.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I also rise to ask my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question so we can begin a discussion about the minimum wage and the need to provide for the Fair Minimum Wage Act, which would raise the minimum wage to $7.25. In 60 days after enactment, it would go to $5.85. In 1 year it would go to $6.55. And in 1 year after that, it would go to $7.25. In the State of California that I represent, currently the minimum wage is at $6.75, and I can tell the Members that sometime back our legislature at one point did not want to enact reform in terms of providing minimum wage increases; so we went directly to the voters. We passed an initiative back in 1996 and were able to get support both from Republicans and from different religious denominations, labor groups, and just about everybody. They saw that it was reasonable to provide a minimum wage increase to those that deserve it the most; and we are talking particularly about women, women who are in many cases the sole earner, bread winner for their families, families ranging anywhere from two to three children, trying to survive on a minimum wage. Republicans joined us at that time, and I know that many would believe that this is not a burden on them and it is something that should be provided for all individuals. I can tell the Members that right now there are millions, 4.3 million, since President Bush took office, that are currently living in poverty. Nearly 36 million people, 13 million children. Among the full-time year-round workers, poverty has doubled since the 1970s from about 1.3 million then to more than 2.6 million. This is an unacceptably low minimum wage that we are currently faced with right now in our country, $5.15. Other States in the Union have provided for more equitable, reasonable increases in the minimum wage. Why can the Federal Government not do the same thing? Let us move on. Let us make this agenda one that empowers our working families and not just those college students that are looking for jobs; but we are talking about retirees that are also trying to supplement their income as well. I urge my colleagues to support an increase in the minimum wage.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose cuts for the Community Development Block Grant program. CDBG has served communities for over 30 years as a resource to help cities, counties, Native American communities and states meet their community development, affordable housing and economic development needs. The proposed cuts would hurt my district's economically disadvantaged residents, who are the main beneficiaries of CDBG funded services. CDBG has helped to revitalize these neighborhoods. In my district, CDBG funds have been used for social service programs such as afterschool recreational activities for at-risk youth, health care treatment, senior services, and job training. Additionally, cities use the funds for capital improvement projects, including the development and rehabilitation of community centers, homeless shelters, parks, and neighborhood improvements, such as lead paint removal and traffic safety improvements. Also, CDBG funded services improve the quality of life and infrastructure of Native American communities. The CDBG program allows communities to identify their own local needs and strategies to address them. I strongly believe that it is one of the most effective federal programs. It not only helps communities, but strengthens our nation's economy as a whole. The need for these funds has never been greater as rising housing prices complicate efforts to expand affordable housing and stimulate economic development. Without the proper funding for CDBG, we risk undermining the social and economic well-being of our communities. I urge my colleagues to vote for sufficient funding for community development that helps the underserved neighborhoods throughout the country.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1776, we won independence and democracy was born. We created a great Nation and established a hopeful vision of liberty and equality that endures today. Independence Day is a joyous occasion for Americans as we take pride in our Nation's diversity and accomplishments. The United States is truly a diverse Nation made up of dynamic people. Every day thousands of people from all cultures come to this country seeking the promise of freedom, opportunity, and the American dream. As we celebrate the Fourth of July let us express our gratitude to the brave servicemen and women serving in Iraq and around the world. They should be commended for answering our Nation's call to duty. Their service exemplifies all that is great about our Nation: courage, honor, sacrifice, dedication, and distinction. They are preserving the democratic principles we treasure so dearly. Americans would not enjoy the many freedoms we have today had it not been for the honorable service of our U.S. veterans. We owe our troops a secure return home to a grateful Nation and a secure future. Since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Federal Government, along with State and local officials, has taken numerous steps to ensure greater security for our Nation. It is crucial that we address any security concerns that may leave our country vulnerable to another terrorist attack. But while defending our country, we must not sacrifice the civil liberties that make our land unique. We must ensure greater security for our people and also be vigilant about our individual freedoms. We must strike the right balance in meeting this challenge. On this Fourth of July, let us work together to create an America that remains the world's strongest force for peace, justice, and freedom.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an important historical event that will take place on Friday, July 1, 2005: the inauguration of the 41st mayor for the city of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa. The first Latino mayor of Los Angeles since 1872, Antonio Villaraigosa will lead one of our Nation's most diversely populated cities. His understanding and compassion to address specific social issues will play a significant role as he secures constituent access to local government resources. Mayor Villaraigosa understands the importance of environmental protection, access to quality employment, equal educational opportunities and smart urban growth. Mayor Villaraigosa is one of the most promising leaders of our country. I served with him in the California State Assembly. As Speaker of the Assembly, he helped to expand the Healthy Families program to provide health care access for all children. He also helped to pass one of largest park bonds in the State of California, which helped to identify areas in low-income communities to establish urban conservancies. As a result, my district was a proud recipient of one of the largest urban conservancies in California. Mayor Villaraigosa is an individual who has successfully built bridges between the diverse racial and ethnic communities of Los Angeles. He promotes empowering people and our communities. As we move forward with this change in leadership, with a man who understands the importance of serving the people of Los Angeles, we can add a new chapter in our city's history. He is a champion for working class families and someone I look forward to continuing to work with in the future. I extend the best wishes to Mayor Villaraigosa and his family.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker during rollcall vote No. 360 on H. Res. 344, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 361 on H. Res. 340, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 362 on H.R. 3130 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 359 on H. Res. 345 concerning the previous question, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay''.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the supplemental appropriations for veterans' medical care. This measure corrects the $1 billion shortfall in veterans' health care funding, which was belatedly acknowledged by the Bush Administration last week. House Democrats have been standing with America's veterans fighting to increase support for veterans' health care. Republicans have consistently chosen other priorities and voted against veterans' healthcare, leading to a shortfall that did not have to happen. This measure is a first step to correcting this gross underfunding of our veterans' health care system. However, additional steps need to be taken to comprehensively address this serious problem. I am troubled that many of our Nation's veterans are unable to receive the health care they need in a timely fashion. Without adequate funding, veterans will continue to stand in line, waiting for the services they have earned. Let us keep our promises to our veterans and servicemembers who have fought for our country. I will continue to fight for funding that meets our active and retired military personnel's health care needs.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of a comprehensive reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Throughout my career and as chair of the Democratic Women's Working Group, I have been actively involved in advancing domestic violence legislation. Although domestic violence is blind to race, ethnicity, racial and ethnic minority women, immigrant women especially, we face unique challenges to reporting and getting help for these victims. The comprehensive reauthorization of VAWA includes provisions that address these concerns. The bill includes language that would help communities establish specialized domestic violence courts in order to speed up the processing time of domestic violence cases. Also, the bill includes a provision that would help educate minority and immigrant communities on how to prevent domestic violence and provide services available to those victims. Our efforts to educate the public about domestic violence must directly address factors like cultural differences, linguistic differences and immigration issues. It is my hope that the reauthorization for the Violence Against Women Act is comprehensive and meets the needs of all women.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. (Ms. SOLIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Chairman, today I rise in strong support of the United Nations Population Fund. Regrettably, the underlying bill continues the Bush administration's policy of prohibiting the use of U.S. funds to pay for vital family planning services for millions of women around the world. As we all know, UNFPA is the single largest global source of multilateral funding for maternal health and family planning programs. It works to provide support to over 150 countries by helping with the delivery of healthy babies, providing prenatal care and educating men and women about HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases so people can live healthier lives. This fund helps women and families in 30 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and many more in Asia, Africa and Arab countries. In Nicaragua, Central America where my mother was born, families and poor women in particular struggle for survival. Infant mortality rates there are three times higher in the lowest income group and almost half of all Nicaraguan girls become pregnant by the age of 19. These infant mortality rates and teen pregnancy rates demonstrate the need for maternal health care and family planning services through this fund. Also, the underlying bill continues the global gag rule which prohibits U.S. funding to any private or nongovernmental or multilateral organization that uses its own funds to directly or indirectly perform abortions abroad except in instances of rape and incest. Restoring the UNFPA funding could prevent 2 million unintended pregnancies, nearly 800,000 abortions, 4,700 maternal deaths, and nearly 66,000 cases of serious maternal illnesses and more than 77,000 infant and child deaths. We must work together to restore this funding and improve the lives of women all over the world.