Hilda Solis

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise concerning the budget cuts President Bush has proposed on the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is nothing more than a smoke screen to make the overall budget numbers look better while veterans are going to have to shoulder most of those costs. The budget makes veterans pay $250 to enroll in health services and doubles their copayments for prescription drugs, changes which will affect more than 2 million veterans. It makes veterans wait longer for claims to be processed, delaying very vital medical services. It provides a dismal 1.7 percent increase in funding, far from the 14 percent the Veterans Affairs Department really needs to sustain its current services. President Bush's budget also forgets about the new veterans serving abroad. Over 1,400 have been killed, 11,000 injured, and 10 in my district alone have been killed. These military families are struggling right now. They lack mental health care and other needed services such as bilingual services. They also lack burial funds. Let us keep our commitment and not cut back the budget.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 57, expressing the Sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that the European Union should not lift its embargo on the sale of arms to China. After the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre the European Union imposed a ban on arm sales to China. I support this embargo, as I believe it helps ensure peace in the region and deters China from the use of arms against Taiwan. In the world we live in we should strive to ensure peace, liberty and democracy. I feel strongly that the European Union's lifting of the arms embargo would be detrimental to the fragile peace that we are striving to maintain, and I am proud to join my colleagues in support of the embargo.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to denounce the phony Social Security crisis that the President is trying to sell the American public. As the new Democratic Chair of the Women's Caucus, I am especially concerned because women are the first targets to be thrown off the lifeboat. Women account for 70 percent of all Social Security beneficiaries older than 85 years of age. Women depend more on Social Security because they often live longer than their spouses, anywhere from 7 to 10 years. Many have less retirement savings because they stopped working to raise their children and to take time out to take care of a family member. In the community I represent in East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, there are nearly 60,000 Social Security beneficiaries. Many are disabled women, widows and wives who rely very heavily on their hard- earned monthly Social Security benefits. Democrats believe that all American workers should get the benefits they paid into. We will fight to improve the Social Security system, not dismantle it. As one of my colleagues said, ``Let's not throw grandma out with the bath water.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today Ms. Brown-Waite of Florida and I rise on behalf of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to honor the achievements of two outstanding women. Congresswomen Shelley Moore Capito and Louise M. Slaughter proudly and capably served as the Co- Chairs of the bipartisan Women's Caucus in the 108th Congress. The Women's Caucus has a proud history, which began on April 19, 1977, when fifteen Congresswomen held the first meeting of the Congresswomen's Caucus. They were drawn together in the spirit of bipartisanship with the common goal of improving the lives of women across the country. This tradition has been carried on for three decades. Congresswoman Capito, the Republican leader of the caucus, has lent her expertise in financial services to promote financial literacy among women. She also spearheaded the passage of a House resolution honoring the important contributions of working women in World War II. The ``Rosie the Riveter'' resolution had the unprecedented sponsorship of every woman Member in the House. For these contributions and many more, the membership of the Women's Caucus honors her service. Congresswoman Slaughter, the Democratic leader of the caucus, has a long history of fighting for women's rights. She played a major role in the passage of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and has continued to lead the caucus in the fight against sexual assault in the military and the promotion of equal opportunity under Title IX. We are grateful for her commitment and dedication to improving the lives of women nationally and internationally. On behalf of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, we are proud to build on the momentum established by the dedicated leadership of Congresswomen Slaughter and Capito. Their invaluable perseverance on behalf of women has set an important legacy that the Caucus will build upon for years to come. Thank you for your outstanding service as Co- Chairs of the Women's Caucus.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to denounce the fake Social Security crisis that President Bush is trying to sell to the American public. As the new Democratic Chair of the Women's Caucus, I am especially concerned because women and children are the first targets to be thrown off the lifeboat. We expect women to raise families, support elderly family members and take care of children. But, women lose more years of retirement savings when they stop working to raise kids or take care of parents. Therefore, they depend more on Social Security when they retire. Social Security has been a strong program for its beneficiaries. In my district in East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley in LA County, there are 59,525 Social Security beneficiaries who rely heavily on their hard-earned monthly Social Security benefits. The average Social Security benefit for these individuals living is $787 a month. If we are looking at just retired workers alone, they only receive $540 a month. For many people, particularly Latinos and other minorities, this benefit is their only source of income. My district is very diverse. Sixty-two percent is Latino, and 18 percent is Asian. Forty-one percent of elderly Latinos have Social Security as their only means of income. Without Social Security, over half of America's Latino elderly would live in poverty. Social Security is especially important for minority women. They will be left most vulnerable to the Republican privatization scheme because they earn less on the dollar as to other women. Without Social Security, 61 percent of Latinas over the age of 65 would live below the poverty line. Social Security has been the most successful anti-poverty program perhaps ever to be undertaken. According to a report released today by the National Women's Law Center, the typical widow receives a benefit of $865 per month. I am frightened to think that Republicans want to strip women of their earned benefits simply because they live longer. Without Social Security benefits, the poverty rate for unmarried women would be about 60 percent instead of the current 16 percent! But under the leading Republican privatization plan, the benefit would be only $476 per month. This amount is equal to only 65 percent of the poverty line! Women account for 70 percent of all Social Security beneficiaries older than 85. Women still earn less than men--73 cents to the dollar--and minority women face even larger disparities in wages. Privatization means that women who are on the edge of poverty living in my district would be at the mercy of an unpredictable stock market. Without guaranteed benefits, these women would be forced to live day- to-day, just trying to put food on the table. These women would lose the ``security'' from Social Security! Democrats believe that all American workers should get the benefits they paid for. We want to save, strengthen, and secure Social Security for the future generations. Our senior citizens and future generations should not be guinea pigs for a political experiment. Just like the non- existent weapons of mass destruction--you have been told a scary story by the Republican majority and President Bush. Let me assure you-- Social Security is not in a crisis. Democrats will fight to protect your earned benefits.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to represent the millions of American women who would be disproportionately hurt by privatizing Social Security. First of all, women on average earn less than men. Full-time working women still receive only 73 cents to every dollar earned by a man. This means that women count on Social Security's progressive benefits structure as their primary retirement income more than men. Women make up about 60 percent of Social Security beneficiaries, and on average live 6 to 8 years longer, so their savings run out sooner. In my district, there are more than 10,700 households headed by women who are the guardians of their families. The average income in my district is about $41,000, and Social Security assures economic stability for women retirees. At the end of 2003, women's average monthly retirement benefit in my district was about $798, and the men's average benefit was about $1,039. The gender disparities mean we must fight to protect women. Let us not call Social Security a crisis. Let us fix it so that everybody is treated equally and so that benefits are stabilized.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sad heart that I rise today to honor my colleague, the Honorable Robert T. Matsui. Far before these past 4 years where I had the opportunity to work with him in Washington, Bob's work effort, faith and determination were a constant source of inspiration for me. Bob fought in Congress for 28 years on principles that were unshakeable for the betterment of all. He took a genuine interest in Members' concerns, visited Members' districts--including mine in the San Gabriel Valley--and fought hard to ensure equality for the underserved and to bring justice to those wronged. Bob was a champion for Social Security, fought for all of our children and was determined to achieve economic justice. I am proud to say that Bob Matsui is among those I consider a close personal friend. I send my condolences to his family and I am consoled only by knowing that Bob's legacy will live on, and the world will be better for it.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 3 on consideration of H. Res. 5, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the contributions of Mr. Felix Galaviz. Mr. Galaviz retired in June of 2004 after serving tirelessly for 30 years in the field of education. Mr. Galaviz co-founded the Puente Project and is retiring as its Executive Director. Under his leadership, the Puente Project has been recognized by numerous organizations throughout the Nation as a model academic preparedness program. After beginning in 1981 at Chabot College, the Puente Project has flourished and grown. Today it is conducted in over 50 community colleges and 35 high schools across the State of California. Under the leadership of Mr. Galaviz, the Puente Project has shown consistent results and helped students achieve their higher education goals. Mr. Galaviz has used his wonderful ability to educate and counsel Latino youth to work throughout his career. Furthermore, he has strived to share that gift with others, often conducting presentations to help others learn how to counsel and mentor Latino youth. I wish to congratulate Mr. Galaviz on his inspirational work. He was a priceless asset in the field of education. I know him personally and am very familiar with his work. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the Safe Drinking Water for Healthy Communities Act of 2005. This legislation will require the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a national primary standard for drinking water for perchlorate, a component of rocket fuel used heavily by the military and its defense contractors. Communities across the country are finding perchlorate in their drinking water, groundwater, irrigation water, soil and food. Perchlorate has been linked to disruption of the thyroid, resulting in behavior changes and delayed development in children and thyroid tumors in adults. Today more than 120 wells in Los Angeles County have been found to be contaminated with varying levels of perchlorate and my community alone faces costs of at least $200 million over the next 15 years to manage and contain perchlorate. Perchlorate removes valuable water supplies from service and can contaminate our food supply. Yet there exists no enforceable public health standard to ensure our drinking water is safe and to prevent further contamination. At the current rate the Environmental Protection Agency has stated it could not begin to promulgate a public health standard for perchlorate until 2007, if it chooses to do so. Ultimately it is the responsibility of Congress to make sure that the public can trust its water supply, that water providers have guidance, and that those responsible for contamination know that contaminating the water supply and threatening public health is not acceptable. This bill requires the EPA to establish an enforceable national primary drinking water standard by July, 2007. Without this, there is no requirement for water to have safe levels of perchlorate and water providers will continue to struggle with guaranteeing long term reliability of safe water sources. Inaction poses an unreasonable risk to both our valuable water supply and our health.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great gentleman who has devoted a majority of his life to civil service--Joe Governale, who is retiring as Postmaster of Covina. Born in Chicago, Mr. Governale received a Masters Degree in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton. Married to wife Judy, and proud father of two children, Mr. Governale was first employed in the Postal Service in 1964. While on leave from the Postal Service, Mr. Governale was in the U.S. Navy as a Corpsman from 1966 to 1970. Mr. Governale served on the cruiser USS Canabera and then with the Marines during the Vietnam War. After returning from Vietnam to his clerk job at the Covina Post Office, Mr. Governale found a new post office had been built while he was gone and within it, he found a new home. Within two years, Mr. Governale moved into management and was appointed to the position of Director of Human Resources in 1982. Mr. Governale was selected as the Postmaster of Baldwin Park in 1986, and is the longest serving Postmaster in the history of Covina. Mr. Governale also received his teaching credentials and has taught postal operations for many years to new supervisors. Mr. Governale is a fan of the Chicago Bears and the White Sox, and his hobbies include video poker and reading. Mr. Governale plans to retire in Laughlin, Nevada, so he can enjoy time with his family. Mr. Governale is a wonderful example of a person who dedicated his life to civil service. I am proud to recognize Mr. Joe Governale and his many years of work as a civil servant as he retires as Postmaster of Covina.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an extremely active and dedicated woman, Mrs. Ruth Willner for her contributions to the Monterey Park Democratic Club. In addition to working and raising two children, Mrs. Willner has still found the time to be very involved in her community. Many groups in the Los Angeles area are fortunate to count Mrs. Willner as one of their members. However, the time that she has contributed to the Monterey Park Democratic Club is especially remarkable. Mrs. Willner has been a Monterey Park Democratic Club member for nearly 40 years. In addition to being a member she also assumed the role of the club's Newsletter Editor and has held that position for the past 20 years. For the past two decades, she has served as the newsletter's only reporter, writer and editor. Her work played an integral role in keeping members up to date and in touch. In December, Mrs. Willner produced her last newsletter for the club and retired as the Newsletter Editor. Although she will relinquish her position, her hard work and devotion will not be forgotten. Her commitment and drive is an inspiration to us all.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy on its 5th Anniversary and the completion of its first major acquisition along the San Gabriel River. I have had the privilege of working with the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy since I authored the legislation that created the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy during my tenure in the California State Senate. The Conservancy has brought opportunities for preservation of open space and habitat, low-impact recreation, education and watershed improvements to our very urban community. In the last five years diverse groups have come together for a common goal--improving the urban environment and providing safe recreational places for our families and children. I would also like to congratulate the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy for completion of its first major acquisition along the San Gabriel River. This 57 acre property fronting two miles of the San Gabriel River was a duck farm for nearly 51 years. Now, the community will be able to enjoy conservation, water quality projects, and recreation--including a local trailhead connecting a bike and equestrian path from the Angeles National Forest to the Pacific Ocean. I wish to offer the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy my sincerest congratulations on its five year anniversary and the dedication of the Duck Farm. I am looking forward to many more projects in the future so the children and families in the San Gabriel Valley can have safe places to play and enjoy the outdoors.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to rise in support of the Veterans Health Program Improvement Act and to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez), the distinguished manager of this particular legislation, who has been a strong advocate for many years on the health care of our veterans. I would also like to recognize the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking Democrat on this committee, also and thank him for allowing me the opportunity to speak. As a Member here, this is now going on my third term. But L.A. County in the area that I represent has one of the largest concentrations of veterans, a large number of Vietnam veterans, but in particular, many that are now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And I am very delighted to see that there has been an extension of the sexual trauma counseling program, and this has been made permanent, and I would like to commend those that worked on this in particular because this has been a subject for the Women's Caucus. We actually had an informal hearing here and brought forward individuals to talk to us about how we could remedy this problem. It is something we have to work on, and sexual assault in the military is something that we all know is unacceptable. The counseling program is one step towards helping victims access services that they deserve. And studies, as we know, have shown that three-fourths of the female veterans who are raped did not report the incident to a ranking officer. Many did not know how to, and some even thought that rape was somehow expected in the military. Since August of 2002 until November 1 of this year, there has been an estimated 261 cases of sexual assault in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Bahrain. We must enforce a zero-tolerance policy within the Armed Forces and protect all of our veterans, women and men, from having to cope with these injustices. And I urge the Congress to support this piece of vital legislation and also want to thank those who worked on this legislation to increase the health care services for our veterans.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1284, additional funding for the San Gabriel Valley Basin Demonstration Project. The San Gabriel Valley is facing serious water quality and public health problems. The aquifer is contaminated with volatile organic compounds and perchlorate, or rocket-fuel. Water providers in the San Gabriel Valley draw water from the Basin, home to Superfund sites that span more than 170 square miles. Despite its contamination, the Basin is needed to provide water to more than 1.5 million people. Our water agencies have done a wonderful job working to maintain a reliable, dependable and safe source of water, but they can not do it alone. This bill authorizes an additional $6.5 million to expand the Basin Demonstration Project to El Monte, South El Monte, and Puente Valley. I am proud to represent a community working so diligently to ensure long term reliability of its water supply, and I am proud that, together with Congresswoman Napolitano and Congressman Dreier, that we could secure these funds to help ensure a safe, reliable and dependable source of water for southern California.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, today I rise because I am concerned about the impact of raising the debt limit on American families. One of my constituents recently wrote to me just 2 weeks ago questioning the credibility of the U.S. Government and wondering about her Social Security benefits. The median income in my district is approximately $41,394. The average Social Security benefit is only $11,940 per year. Seniors, children and veterans depend on Federal programs like the Pell Grant program, Social Security and Medicare. Our veterans especially, many of whom are disabled and many struggling financially, deserve these benefits. Yet America's growing debt will ensure that our children and our grandchildren are overtaxed for the rest of our lives. We need to have a plan to control the deficit. Democrats are fighting to put the budget on a pay-as-you-go system. Do not spend more than you earn. That is what our households are demanding, and we should take that advice here in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of El Sereno's finest citizens, Mr. Paul Salaz. Even in the last years of his life Mr. Salaz continued to work on behalf of the people in his beloved home of El Sereno. However, on Friday, November 5, 2004 the community lost a great asset when Mr. Salaz passed away. Mr. Salaz was originally from Santa Paula, California. He married his wife Julia in 1934 and the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary just this year. It was after his retirement as an upholstery salesman that Mr. Salaz dedicated his life to community service and helping the people of El Sereno. After 40 years in sales he became an active leader in Los Angeles City Council District 14, most importantly as a member of the Citizens Unit for Participation in Housing and Community Development. I was fortunate to get to know Mr. Salaz while I was a member of the California State Senate. Mr. Salaz's ability to work with all members of the community was remarkable. He was able to work with the El Sereno Coordinating Council and elected officials of the city of Los Angeles in order to advocate an improved quality of life for all residents. He also worked with local elected officials on numerous community improvement projects. Some of his accomplishments included the installation of new stop signs at dangerous intersections and the opening of the new Public Library in El Sereno. Though he was involved with the community all year long, Mr. Salaz always did a little extra for special occasions. During the holiday season Mr. Salaz made sure that impoverished families received food, and gifts for children. He also personally ensured a U.S. flag would be present at the Dr. Donald Newman Memorial every year. And in addition, he encouraged neighbors and schools to participate in the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Huntington Drive. And while he did so much for others, never once did he seek any personal reward. Fortunately, Mr. Salaz's efforts did not go unnoticed. As a result of his extensive community involvement, he won the title of Honorary Mayor of El Sereno from 1998-2002. I can truly say that Mr. Salaz was a wonderful example of community activism, and he found a true reward in helping others. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on through his wife, Julia, their 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of the East Los Angeles Civic Center Library. For too long the East Los Angeles community has been deprived of a quality library. The 28,000 square foot library facility will provide a state of the art computer lab, a children's learning center and a Chicano Resource Center to extend educational and cultural services to children, families, and the entire community. The East Los Angeles Civic Center Library was made possible through the leadership efforts of Supervisor Gloria Molina and collaboration between local merchants, community leaders, the Los Angeles County Library Foundation, and the County of Los Angeles Public Library. It is with great pleasure that I recognize the vision and commitment of communities who care about our future generations.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10218. For the past decade my district has been fortunate to be home to these veterans who served in World War II, Desert Storm and conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Iraq. The service of these veterans did not end with their tour of duty. V.F.W. Post 10218 continues to serve our community in El Monte and South El Monte. Under the leadership of their commander, Mr. Michael Felix, a decorated former Army Sergeant who served in Vietnam, I expect the V.F.W. Post 10218 will continue to be a great asset to our community. I wish to offer the V.F.W. Post 10218 my sincerest congratulations on their 10th anniversary. This country and the community are deeply indebted to them for the service they have performed both at home and abroad.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and applaud the efforts of Univision Communications Inc. for their successful health initiative campaign, ``Salud es Vida...Enterate!'' As the leading Spanish-language media company in the United States, Univision's health education initiative was launched on November 19, 2003, to raise awareness, increase knowledge and encourage positive decision-making concerning health care issues in the Latino community. The groundbreaking health initiative has successfully promoted wellness among U.S. Latinos through news programs, public service announcements, literature and an on-line campaign. The Enterate! campaign has featured nationally recognized Latino celebrities and medical experts who educate Univision's audience on health issues and promote habits of healthy living, access to care and disease-specific prevention and treatment. The interactive website, Univision.com, provides information on nutrition, exercise, stress, and alcohol use, empowering users to take control of their health. These programs have proven to be a critical health resource in helping Latinos break health access barriers and change attitudes for healthy living. Univision's Enterate! campaign has reached millions of Latinos, improving overall knowledge and understanding of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, asthma, and HIV/AIDS which disproportionately impact Latino communities. I am particularly impressed with the campaign's inclusion of dental health--an issue that is too often overlooked in our community, where more than 40 percent of Latino children have untreated dental decay. Univision's health initiative is testament to the genuine dedication of the company to improving the well-being of its audience. I applaud the efforts of Univision and look forward to the continued success of ``Salud es Vida...Enterate!''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the Safe Drinking Water for Healthy Communities Act of 2004. This legislation will require the EPA to establish a national primary standard for drinking water for perchlorate--otherwise known as rocket fuel. Perchlorate is a component of rocket fuel--used heavily by the military and its defense contractors. Perchlorate contamination in California is primarily the result of releases from 12 military and defense contractor sites. It disrupts the functioning of the thyroid, resulting in behavior changes and delayed development in children and thyroid tumors in adults. It removes valuable water supplies from service. Today, communities across the country are finding perchlorate in their drinking water, groundwater, irrigation water, and soil. In mid 1997, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California discovered perchlorate in the lower Colorado River. It was traced to a Kerr McGee plant in Henderson Nevada. Releases to Lake Mead and the Lower Colorado River have impacted the drinking water supply of 15 to 20 million people in Arizona, southern California, southern Nevada, Tribal nations and Mexico. Today more than 120 wells in Los Angeles County have been found to be contaminated with varying levels of perchlorate. In the district I represent the water providers are struggling to handle the plumes of perchlorate, the legacy of Aerojet. The City of Baldwin Park hosts the nation's first perchlorate treatment facility--a necessity in order to maintain the reliability and availability of safe drinking water. My community faces costs over the next 15 years of at least $200 million as the result of perchlorate contamination. Yet there exists no enforceable public health standard to ensure our drinking water is safe. This bill requires the EPA to establish a national primary drinking water standard. Without this, there is no requirement for water to have safe levels of perchlorate and water providers will continue to struggle with guaranteeing long term reliability of safe water sources. Inaction poses an unreasonable risk to both our valuable water supply and our health.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 23 million Taiwanese on their 93rd National ``Double-Tenth'' Day, which will take place on October 10, 2004. On October 10, 1911, the Republican Revolution broke out and brought the end of China's Qing dynasty. Ninety-three years later Taiwan continues to prosper. It is the 15th largest economy in the world and has the 4th largest information hardware and semiconductor industries in the world. This year Taiwan proudly rebounded from an election-eve shooting incident that resulted in a post-election dispute ongoing for several months. But, as the strong democracy it is, Taiwan resolved the situation in a peaceful manner and domestic stability remains. Today I congratulate Taiwan and commend the Taiwanese for their commitment and dedication to the universal principles of human freedom and dignity.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud passage of the Economic Development Administration Reauthorization Act of 2003, S. 1134. This Authorization allows the Economic Development Administration to provide approximately $1.3 billion in economic development grants over the next 5 years. The Economic Development Administration provides support for redevelopment of brown-fields sites in otherwise underserved communities, like some I represent. For every acre of reused brownfields 4.5 acres of unused open space is preserved. Preserving this open space and redeveloping these sites is critical to the environment, public health, and economic stability of families in my community. I am pleased that during Senate consideration of S. 1134, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce David Sampson testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that the EDA is ``not seeking to in any way relieve a responsible party from liability under CERCLA nor to provide funds to a party to undertake clean-ups required under CERCLA, since to do so would undercut the `Polluter Pays' principle on which CERCLA was founded.'' Taxpayers should not be saddled with the burden of paying to clean up pollution when polluters can be held accountable, and the limited grant funds available in this legislation should not be used to fund polluters. On October 5, 2004, I joined Ranking Democratic Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee John Dingell in sending a letter to the Economic Development Administration requesting information on the brownfields cleanup program. To the limited extent EDA is involved in funding assessment or cleanup of brownfields sites, the intent of the EDA bill is that grant funds shall only be provided consistent with the ``Polluter Pays'' principle. I intend to continue to follow the role of the EDA in brownfields, as successful brownfields redevelopment must be achieved without sacrificing environment and public health protections and without undermining the Polluter Pays principle.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize October 15 as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. The theme for this year is ``Abre los ojos: el VIH no tiene fronteras--Open Your Eyes: HIV Has No Boundaries.'' On this day, in over 150 cities throughout the United States, Latino leadership will honor the theme as they sponsor a variety of activities raising awareness of the state of AIDS among Latinos. National Latino AIDS Awareness Day was first observed in 2003. Since then, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that HIV infections among Latinos have risen 26 percent. Latinos in the United States are disproportionately affected by the virus and make up 20 percent of reported AIDS cases, even though Latinos are only 14 percent of the total United States population. As of 2002, the CDC also estimates that 28,364 Latinos are living with HIV and 76,052 are living with AIDS. Statistics are important in order to understand the epidemic. However, we must also recognize the needs of the Latino communities confronted with the virus. Latinos face several obstacles and cultural barriers when it comes to accessing HIV prevention services. The lack of funding for culturally competent HIV prevention education poses a threat to the Latino community and efforts to stop the spread of HIV. National Latino AIDS Awareness Day allows us to actively open our eyes and bring light to the epidemic. It is a day of hope for the future of a world without HIV and AIDS. On National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, I ask that we remember those who have lost their lives because of AIDS, show compassion and support for those living with the disease, and pray for all families and communities whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Ose amendment to H.R. 10, and I refuse to play environmental politics with our national security. This amendment is nothing more than an extreme and unnecessary attempt to circumvent the ongoing approval and construction process and exempt construction of the fence from 16 public health, cultural heritage, and environmental regulations. The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and the California Coastal Commission are currently in negotiations now over the completion of this security barrier. In fact, they are scheduled to meet again October 26 of this year. According to the California Coastal Commission: ``Feasible alternatives are available that would significantly lessen adverse impacts to coastal zone resources and still will enable the California Border Patrol to meet its border patrol needs.'' Supporters of this amendment have shown no evidence to prove that each of the 16 cultural heritage, public health, and environmental regulations it seeks to undermine is blocking completion of the security barrier. How is the executive order on environmental justice blocking completion of this security barrier?