Hilda Solis

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record letters from various hospitals and organizations in opposition to this bill. May 13, 2004. RE: H.R. 3722 (Rohrabacher)--Oppose Dear Congresswoman Solis: On behalf of Private Essential Access Community Hospitals, Inc. (PEACH, Inc.), representing 37 private safety net hospitals across California, I am writing to express our strong opposition to H.R. 3722 (Rohrabacher), which would require hospitals to document the immigration status of those seeking emergency care. We ask for your NO vote when this measure comes before the House this month. In California and throughout the nation, private safety net hospitals are a vital segment of the safety net, providing critical health care services to diverse populations within their communities, including undocumented immigrants. PEACH hospitals consider it part of their mission to provide essential services to all who seek care regardless of any barrier, including ability to pay or immigration status. We have two primary concerns about H.R. 3722. First and foremost, our hospitals are in the business, socially, morally and economically, of saving lives and protecting the health care of their communities. They are not in the business of serving as immigration officers. This is neither the role of hospitals nor an effective use of extremely limited hospital funds and staff time--particularly in an emergency department setting. Second, we believe that H.R. 3722, rather than discouraging the tide of illegal immigration, would instead have a negative impact on public health care. Individuals who are in need of emergency care, including those with contagious conditions and/or who are seriously ill, would be forced to avoid treatment in order to avoid the threat of deportation. This would likely result in the spread of serious and contagious conditions to the greater community creating a health care epidemic as well as a secondary wave of patients needing costly emergency care. PEACH appreciates the desire to stem illegal immigration, but H.R. 3722 sets a very dangerous precedent by using health care providers as adjunct Border Patrol. We urge you to defeat this ill-advised measure, and appreciate your consideration of the views of those who are on the front lines of health care every day. Sincerely, Catherine K. Douglas, President and CEO, PEACH, Inc. On behalf of: California Hospital Medical Center, Central Valley General Hospital, Citrus Valley Medical Center--Inter- Community Campus, City of Hope National Medical Center, College Hospital Cerritos, College Hospital Costa Mesa, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, Community and Mission Hospitals of Huntington Park, Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center.

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Linda T. Sanchez).

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett).

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, I urge all my colleagues to join the hospitals, doctors, nurses, business owners, women's groups, children advocates, civil rights organizations, and, yes, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to stand strongly against this bill. We cannot let this bill be the message to send to the American people about what the U.S. Congress thinks about the role of hospitals. We cannot let this bill be the message we send to the American people about what we think about immigrants, hardworking, tax-paying immigrants who come to this country for a better life, just as my parents did some 50 years ago. In fact, the average immigrant contributes about $1,800 more in taxes annually than he or she receives in any form of benefit, because they do not collect. We can do better than this bill. I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 3722. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to pay tribute to the 120,000 individuals of Asian descent I represent in California's 32nd Congressional District. I am fortunate to represent an ethnically diverse district that has experienced first hand the economic and cultural contributions of the Asian Pacific American community. Although less than 4 percent of the U.S. population is Asian, I am proud that 19 percent of the congressional district I represent is of Asian descent. Some cities in my congressional district have a well- established Asian Pacific American community. Monterey Park, for example, is home to a vibrant Asian American community and has a City Council that is majority Asian. Other cities in the congressional district I represent, like West Covina, have experienced an increase in their Asian population in more recent times. From 1980 to the present, West Covina's Asian Pacific American population has grown from 4 percent to 23 percent. Asian Pacific Americans bring diversity to our community and also contribute to our economy and to our advancement as a nation. Asian Pacific Americans have made vast contributions in the fields of medicine, technology, and agriculture that benefit all Americans. Furthermore, throughout times of heightened national security, Asian Pacific Americans have fought to protect democracy in every war since the Civil War. For example, despite the disturbing racism toward Japanese Americans during World War II, Japanese Americans volunteered to serve in the armed forces as part of the 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team remains the most decorated unit in U.S. military history. Not only did these Japanese servicemen show their loyalty to the United States, but they also earned more than 18,000 individual decorations in less than 2 years. These noble service members deserve our recognition. In closing, I would like to commend organizations in California's 32nd Congressional District that exemplify and promote Asian diversity during Asian American Heritage Month.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Nosotros organization and the Ricardo Montalban Foundation for their exceptional leadership in creating and inaugurating the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood, California. Over 33 years ago, the legendary film and television actor Ricardo Montalban had a vision for a place where Latino artists, and those in support of Latino artistry, could unite and work towards the common goal of ``improving the image of Latinos in the entertainment industry.'' Today, we are able to see Mr. Montalban's dream come true via his Nosotros organization and its partner, the Ricardo Montalban Foundation. After years of hard work and tireless leadership, tonight's opening of the Ricardo Montalban Theatre will historically mark the inauguration of the first major theatrical venue of its size in our country to be founded and named after a Latino artist. For generations to come, the Montalban Theatre will operate and present performances that will encompass the same ideals that its founders held nearly 34 years ago. As reflected through its mission statement, the Ricardo Montalban Theatre will produce, present and support exceptional world-class theatre that examines issues of common concern for all people, as seen through the lens of the Latino experience. By offering theatre in an accessible and state-of-the-art facility that emphasizes artistic partnerships and community participation, it will also aim to establish a genuine cultural center for Los Angeles, and contribute to the development of a new vision for the American theatre. We are fortunate to have passionate and exceptional leaders like Ricardo Montalban, who has dedicated his career to improving the image of Latinos--both in front and behind the camera. I commend his leadership for expanding Latino employment opportunities in the entertainment industry; for training Latinos to become better actors and industry professionals; and, most notably, for reaching out to the community and encouraging talented young people to enter the entertainment profession. I wish Ricardo Montalban, the leadership of the Nosotros organization and the Ricardo Montalban Foundation continued success in their future professional and artistic endeavors. They exemplify excellence in American leadership today.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the goals of Cover the Uninsured Week. In California, 1 out of every 5 of our uninsured population is a child under the age of 18. This week, the House leadership has scheduled votes that would help big insurance companies. Instead, Congress should be taking action to ensure that no child has to skip needed health care checkups and is not left behind. We should pass the Family Care Act to provide working families and children with health insurance. The bill could cover approximately 7.5 million low-income parents and improve health care coverage. We should also pass the Health Care Equality and Accountability Act, H.R. 3459, which would both provide expanded health coverage and eliminate racial and ethnic health care disparities. More than one- third of Latinos and 19 percent of Asian Pacific islanders lack health insurance. We must come together to combat our uninsured crisis. Together, we can make sure that every family has access to high quality and affordable health care.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the good work of the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda), who has done an outstanding job in representing the concerns of the Asian Pacific Islander community. I was very proud to have the gentleman be part of a very instrumental conference that we held in Los Angeles on health care access. It was a tricaucus effort, and it was the first time the Hispanic Caucus, the Black Caucus, and the Asian Caucus came together in Los Angeles and started to talk about the health care disparities that affect our communities. It has been a pleasure working with the gentleman here in the House; and as a former colleague in the State Assembly in Sacramento, California, I had the pleasure of working with the gentleman there. He continues to shine a bright light here in the House, reflecting all the concerns and needs and issues that we need to pay close attention to. As a Member representing the 32nd Congressional District, which I believe is the second largest community concentration of Asian Pacific Islanders, there are over 120,000 individuals who represent various Asian communities that live in my district, I have been very, very blessed to represent them for the past several years in any capacity as assembly woman, a State senator, and now as their Congressperson. I want to tell Members how important it is to help build leadership amongst our community there. I am proud to represent one of the cities which is 70 percent Asian, Monterey Park, known as Little Taipei, which has one of the few city councils which has a majority of Asians. One of the first assemblywomen came out from Monterey Park City Council, and that is the Honorable Judy Choo, who now serves on the very powerful appropriations committee in the State of California. I am proud to be a part of her accomplishments also in our district. I want to say also it is very important to be reminded of the many contributions that Asian Americans have made. I am proud that now that my district has been somewhat redistricted, even in new parts of my district, for example in a city known as West Covina, that the Asian population there grew from 4 percent in 1980 to now 23 percent. We have a very distinguished councilman who sits on that city council, and that is Ben Wong, who is also representing our interests very well there, and someone who has been very politically active in making sure that diversity is encompassed and embraced by everyone. That is why I have a particular joy in being here tonight to help promote the contributions that this community has made in so many ways, and so much is not reported in our history books. I had the pleasure of visiting just a few weeks ago some gentlemen who were actually represented in one of the major battlefields that we were involved in World War II, and these were the Japanese Americans that served in the Armed Forces as a part of the 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team. There was still two or three of my members alive in my district. I was very proud that we could present them with their awards and honors and pay tribute to what they bring to our history here that often goes unreported. As I close my comments, I want to thank our colleagues here that represent a part of the Asian Caucus, and they are so open and willing that even myself, as a member of the Hispanic community, is welcomed as a member in that caucus. I feel very privileged to continue to work with them to see that our issues are in the forefront here in Congress, and that we represent the interests and needs of all of our communities. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda).

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, every year since 1963, when President John F. Kennedy officially established Older Americans Month, May has served as an opportunity to recognize the needs and contributions of older American communities across the country. This year's theme, ``Aging Well, Living Well'' offers us an opportunity to reflect on the shifting needs of seniors and to highlight the issues that contribute to improving seniors' quality of life. In the last 100 years, the number of Americans 65 or over increased more than tenfold, and the growing number of racially and ethnically diverse communities continues to contribute to the unique character of American seniors. As a member of the Congressional Older Americans Caucus, I am well aware of the unique needs of our older population, especially in terms of accessing affordable health care, prescription drugs, and securing Social Security. The Federal Government created the Medicare and Social Security program in order to guarantee that after a lifetime of working and paying into the system, retired Americans would have access to health care coverage and retiree benefits. I remain committed to strengthening and preserving these programs, which have allowed generations of retirees to live with dignity and integrity. As a member of the Universal Health Care Task Force, I continue to work to ensure that health care is available and affordable for all Americans. We must be cautious of risky privatization schemes that could reduce access to affordable health care or Social Security benefits. Aging well and living well mean that heath care, prescription drugs, and Social Security must be made affordable and accessible for all American seniors. In recognition of Older Americans Month, I commend our nation's seniors for their many contributions to our society and I will continue to fight to protect and improve American seniors' quality of life.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize the numerous contributions of Martha Martina Theresa De La Rosa Rios, who is being honored with the Mexican Mother of the Year Award by the Mexican Mother of the Year Association. Born on January 10, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Rios graduated from Sacred Heart of Jesus High School and married her high school sweetheart, Jesus Melendrez Rios in 1953, with whom she recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. A mother of five, Martha Rios has always prioritized the happiness and well-being of her children and family above all else. She made sure that her children had beautiful birthday cakes and presents on the holidays even though their financial resources were tight. It comes as no surprise to all those who know her--Martha Rios exemplifies a giving and dedicated mother whose love for her children sees no boundaries. Martha Rios not only devotes herself to her family, but also generously gives her time and energy to her community as well. As a first step in her goal to help others, Mrs. Rios enrolled in Rio Hondo College in her forties and balanced taking care of her family and studying to become a Registered Nurse. After attaining her degree, she worked in the Emergency Room at the Beverly Hospital in Montebello, California, where she spent many hours trying to relieve patients' distress. Mrs. Rios also worked as a nurse for AltaMed, and eventually became a social worker for the elderly in the community. With a strong sense of social duty, she often gave her patients small gifts or food out of her own pocket. Cherished and respected by all those around her, Mrs. Rios relentlessly strives to make her community a happier, healthier and safer place for all. Her devotion to her family, work, and her commitment to others has earned her the love and praise of countless people who have received her comfort, advice and support. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Mrs. Martha Martina Theresa De La Rosa Rios for her selfless and extraordinary dedication to her family and our community. I am happy to know that there are mothers like Mrs. Rios who will serve as role models for future generations of Mexican-American families, and I am honored to recognize her today.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Mr. Neil Burraston, a Principal Consultant in the California State Legislature who recently passed away. For more than 30 years, Burraston helped advance the political careers of countless California legislators by providing them with invaluable advice and unmatched policymaking expertise. More importantly, the numerous policies he helped draft on workers compensation, have improved the lives of millions of working families in California. After a stellar administrative career in the New York State Legislature, Neil began his career with the California State Legislature in 1972 as an Administrative Analyst in both the Legislative Analyst's Office and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. His mastery of state government policy-making was recognized by his colleagues in 1984, when he was promoted to Senior Consultant for the Senate Committee on Industrial Relations and later to Principal Consultant in 1993. When I was Chair of the Senate Industrial Relations Committee in the late 1990s, Burraston's expertise and advice helped me to make informed decisions about issues before the committee. A near-fatal illness provided Burraston with renewed insight into the value and purpose of life and the impact one can have on others outside the family. As an active member in his community, he advocated to end alcohol abuse among families and vulnerable children. As President of the National Council on Alcoholism, he helped organize the National Association of Adult Children of Alcoholics and sponsored youth support groups for young people who wished to live a life free of alcohol abuse. Born in Payson, Utah on 1938, Burraston earned his bachelor's and master's degree in political studies from Brigham Young University. A devout Mormon and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Burraston suffered a heart attack while serving on a Latter-day Saint mission and died on February 28, 2004, in San Antonio, Texas. He leaves behind his loving wife, Amanda, five children, 16 grandchildren and two siblings. Neil Burraston will always be known for his contributions to the State of California, its Legislature, and its people. His work will always be a model for other consultants and legislators to learn and emulate. Although we will miss Neil dearly, his life and legacy will live in our hearts forever.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 149 on H. Res. 402-- Laos People's Democratic Republic, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 151 on H. Con. Res. 326--Detention of Dr. Wang Bingzhang--PRC, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 148, on motion to instruct on Coast Guard authorization, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Sergio Rascon, a labor union leader who exemplifies the best in American leadership today. Born in 1953 in Sonora, Mexico, Mr. Rascon grew up and graduated from high school in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. Possessing a strong passion for labor union politics, in 1979 he was named Labor Foreman of the Laborers' International Union of North America LIUNA Local 300, a powerful subdivision of the American Federation of Labor. In 1984, he was named an official agent of the LIUNA Local 300, while becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen that same year. Demonstrating a natural ability to lead, motivate, and organize workers, he earned the highest honors by his peers and was promoted to the executive board of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement LCLAA in 1989 and later to Business Manager and President of the LIUNA Local 300 union throughout the 1990s. Currently holding politically influential positions as First Vice President of the LCLAA State Chapter and as Los Angeles Commissioner on the Convention and Exhibition Center Bureau, Rascon is regarded as one of the most powerful and youngest political activists in the United States. Under his direction, the LIUNA Local 300 is involved in more political races than any other in its history. In addition to being an effective political lobbyist for progressive politicians, Rascon's achievements extend from being a once active water board member to generous community provider. From 1997 to 2001, he served as a Board Director for the Metropolitan Water District MWD in southern California. During his position as a member of the board, he worked to ensure that everyone in Los Angeles County have safe drinking water. He served important roles in the MWD, such as being Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Organization and Personnel and an active member of the MWD's Budget and Finance and Legal and Claims committees. As an active leader in his community, Mr. Rascon is involved in numerous charitable and educational activities in Los Angeles County. By collaborating with other prominent labor organizations, his LIUNA Local 300 has helped raise over $120,000 in scholarship funding for the children of southern California union members. Mr. Sergio Rascon is an advocate for every working American in the United States. I am honored to recognize his illustrious career of exceptional and tireless leadership during this year's Cinco de Mayo week in the Latino community. May his legacy continue to live forever.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 145 on the motion to instruct conferees on S. Con. Res. 95 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 144 on final passage on H.R. 4227, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``No.''

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 143 on the Neal Substitute Amendment, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 142 on previous question on H. Res. 619, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 146 on H. Res. 605, recognizing the importance of increasing awareness about autism, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the AltaMed Health Services Corporation (AltaMed). For 35 years, AltaMed has exemplified exceptional leadership in America by providing increased access and award-winning quality health care to the medically underserved multi- ethnic communities of Los Angeles County. Established in 1969 at a modest storefront in East Los Angeles, AltaMed has never strayed from its commitment to serve medically underinsured and uninsured individuals. First known as El Barrio Free Clinic and later as La Clinica Familiar Del Barrio, the AltaMed organization was first managed by doctors, nurses, and social workers, who generously volunteered their non-working hours to treat individuals and their families with the best-available medical care. Spurred by a federal government measure known as the Urban Health Initiative and a federal grant in 1977, La Clinica Familiar Del Barrio managed to increase its services and the organization officially changed its name to the AltaMed Health Services Corporation. Thirty-five years after its inception, AltaMed continues to provide quality medical service to over 46,000 patients at 19 service outlets, six stand-alone health care clinics, two mobile health care units, and 11 social service sites throughout Los Angeles County. Proudly serving predominantly low-income and underrepresented communities, AltaMed continues to be at the forefront of quality health care service. Its extensive services provide individuals of all ages with state-of-the- art medical and dental clinics, geriatric care, home safety, HIV/AIDS prevention, youth support groups, and substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. With an annual operating budget of $55 million, AltaMed is the largest nonprofit health care agency in the greater East Los Angeles area--servicing 46 Zip codes in Los Angeles County. With support from various grants, AltaMed works to enroll uninsured individuals into low cost or no cost insurance programs such as Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, California Kids and Healthy Kids. In addition, AltaMed continues to promote economic and community development and is the second largest employer in the greater East Los Angeles area, with over 900 racially diverse and multi-lingual staff members. I want to commend the work of AltaMed's President and CEO Castulo de la Rocha, the Board of Directors, its nine senior management professionals, and its generous supporters for their tireless and excellent leadership efforts. Their hard work made AltaMed's 35th Anniversary Gala a reality. May this historic event be an opportunity for everyone to commemorate the vision, compassion, and commitment that the original AltaMed founders had for their community 35 years ago. And may today's AltaMed leadership and medical team carry their mission forward into the future.