Hilda Solis

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a piece of legislation I believe will help empower women who are victims of domestic violence to seek help in ending and recovering from its effects. With the United States becoming increasingly multicultural, we need to ensure all women, regardless of language, culture or income are aware and are able to access the services they are entitled to. In order to carry this out, it is imperative we are culturally sensitive, attentive and pro-active to effectively reach out to all communities. There have been major gains by advocates, researchers and practitioners to end domestic violence, but there continues to be a lack of focus on a culturally specific domestic violence outlook. Studies have found that minority and immigrant communities face additional barriers to seek help, such as cultural beliefs and lack of resources in agencies like translators and bilingual materials. The ``Domestic Violence Prevention, Education and Awareness Act'' would amend the Violence Against Women Act to provide grants and develop informational public media campaigns specifically targeting racial and ethnic minority and immigrant communities. This will bring much needed attention to racial and ethnic minority and immigrant communities, communities that are often overlooked and underserved. While there are services out there designed to help women combat domestic violence, how do these services help those women who are not able to communicate with the counselors at these services, are afraid of being discriminated against for accessing these services, or who don't know what services are available to them? It is so important in this fight against domestic violence to offer these women all the support we possibly can. We need to create the avenues necessary to increase the number of survivors of domestic violence and make sure they are able to move on and rebuild their lives.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in an effort to help end the cycle of violence against women. I have introduced the ``Domestic Violence Courts Assistance Act'' because it is important to recognize the prevalence of domestic violence in our community and take the necessary steps to eradicate this problem. A study released earlier this year estimated that nearly half of the adult population in my home state of California reported knowing a victim of domestic violence. In the United States, nearly 2 million women are victims of domestic violence. While there have been great strides to build upon and improve domestic violence legislation, the high rate of domestic violence victims is evidence for the continuing need for attention to this problem. This bill will help provide grant money from the Violence Against Women Act to be used to establish domestic violence courts. Because many local court systems are overwhelmed with the number of cases that come before them everyday, many domestic violence cases are not given the attention and time sensitivity that is crucial in raising the conviction rate of offenders. The bill also makes clear that funds can be used for translation and interpretation services, which is critical for domestic violence victims who are limited English proficient. We all need to contribute in this effort to end violence against women. Violence against women has far ranging affects. It affects the victim herself, the batterer, the children who are witness to the battering, and friends and family of the victim. It is our responsibility to give a voice to those who cannot speak out for themselves and provide strength and support to those who need it. I urge my colleagues to help make a difference in the struggle to combat domestic violence by supporting the ``Domestic Violence Courts Assistance Act''.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two pieces of important legislation that I would like to reintroduce today regarding Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I believe the two bills will help end violence against women. In the United States, nearly 2 million women are victims of domestic violence. Every 30 seconds, a woman is beaten by her aggressor. This is why there is a continuing need to address this issue. The Domestic Violence Court Assistance Act will provide grant money from the Violence Against Women Act to establish specific domestic violence courts and provide for important functions of a domestic violence court, such as translation and interpretation services for women whose first language may not be English. The Domestic Violence Prevention, Education and Awareness Act would help bring much-needed attention to racial and ethnic minority and immigrant communities that are often overlooked and underserved by providing grants to develop informational media outreach campaigns to address specific communities that currently are underserved. It is our responsibility to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, and I urge my colleagues to support these two legislative efforts.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor and congratulate the people of the Taiwan on their Double Ten: National Day. Earlier this month, on October 10, 2003, Taiwan celebrated its National Day. This special day for Taiwan is celebrated to commemorate the 1911 Wuch'ang uprising, which marked the beginning of a struggle towards political democracy. On October 10, fireworks lighted the skies of Taiwan, and the streets were filled with large parades. This celebration is much like our 4th of July celebrations. Taiwan is a shining example of economic success and democratization. Taiwan's accomplishments are numerous, and its success is attributed to its people. In August of this year I had the pleasure of meeting Taiwan's Vice President, Madame Annette Lu in Los Angeles. Vice President Lu is the first female vice president to serve Taiwan. She has devoted her time and efforts to promoting human rights, democracy, and technology. She has made countless contributions to the advancement of women in Taiwan. With her efforts and many other women like her, the women of Taiwan have progressed in education, business, politics, and society in general. Vice President Lu is a true dynamic democratic leader. She represents her people and her country well. Once again, my best wishes and congratulations to the people of Taiwan on their Double Ten National Day.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3365, the Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act. The Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act is a positive step in honoring the men and women of the Armed Services, who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives while serving our country. Unfortunately, the current death gratuity paid to the survivors of a military member is not adequate to cover funeral expenses, leaving them with the extra burden of covering these unexpected costs. The vast majority of the men and women in uniform come from hard working low- income backgrounds, whose families should not be expected to cover these costs. On October 13, 2003, Private Jose Casanova, Jr. became the second constituent of mine to lose his life in Iraq. The financial assistance provided to the Casanova family for burial expenses was not sufficient. The family still had to pay money from their own funds despite having the funeral home and the local police department waive numerous fees and provide some services for free. This situation is not acceptable. Military families, like the Casanova family, deserve to be relieved of unnecessary financial costs associated with their fallen family members' deaths. This is the least we can do as a country. In honor and in memory of our fallen patriots, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, when I travel home to Los Angeles County, the people ask me, where are the jobs? Where are the extended unemployment insurance benefits? When we look at this chart, we can see that since January of 2001 we have not made any progress. In fact, in the San Gabriel Valley the unemployment rate is still above 10 percent, and it is double digit in areas that are unincorporated in East Los Angeles where we have high minority populations. These are working people that are looking for relief. They are waiting for unemployment insurance. And they are also asking why is the Republican Party not doing more to strengthen our economy. The Democrats want to provide pay increases for our Reservists and our military families. I am ashamed to say these are the same families we represent that are in waiting lines to get food, these Reservist families in my district; and I think that is abominable. We need to provide a tax incentive to encourage companies to keep jobs at home, not abroad, like Halliburton and Bechtel. We need to raise the minimum wage. We need to pass a highway infrastructure bill that will keep good-paying jobs, not minimum-wage jobs, but jobs that pay above minimum wage. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to consider proposing those incentives that we are talking about today to restore the economy for Americans.

Mr. SOLIS

Mr. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my outrage regarding the Republican leadership's unjust treatment of the child tax credit. Week after week, month after month, Republican leaders scheme and delay, unable or unwilling to find an ounce of compassion for families making under $26,625 dollars a year. In my district, one out of every 4 families will get no child tax credit or compassion from the Republican leadership. Military families who live in my district, and whose children serve proudly in our military, will get no child tax credit. Yet somehow, Republicans found $90 billion to give to 200,000 millionaire families, while 1.6 million working class Latino families got nothing. And yet again, Republicans found $20 billion for reconstruction in Iraq, while working class families got nothing for reconstruction here at home. As our deficit grows, $400 billion for Fiscal Year 03 and $500 billion for Fiscal Year 04, these working families will get something . . . a higher debt burden they can pass onto their children, loss of essential health services, infrastructure funds, environmental protections and social security. These families deserve more than that, they deserve a child tax credit. I implore my colleagues of good conscience and compassion across the aisle to join me in supporting the Motion to Instruct Conferees and give our working families, our military families and all American children a Child Tax Credit!

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Private First Class Jose Casanova Jr., United States Army 82nd Airborne Division. This young man, from my hometown of El Monte, was a communications specialist who served his country with courage, pride and loyalty. On October 13, 2003, Private Jose Casanova Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice and was killed while serving our country. Private Jose Casanova Jr., a product of the public school system, earned his high school diploma in June of 1999 from Arroyo High School. During high school, Private Casanova was an active member of the student body participating in football, soccer, track and band. After graduation, his passion for music and helping people led him to return to Arroyo High School as a mentor to younger musicians. On January 3, 2002, Private Casanova enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country and to achieve his dream of going to college and becoming a firefighter. Private Jose Casanova Jr. received training in Fort Bragg North Carolina. His 82nd Airborne unit was activated and deployed to Iraq on February 14, 2003. Jose Casanova Jr., a United States citizen and a true patriot, is survived by his mother Teresa Munoz De Casanova and father Jose Casanova Jr. and eight siblings: Sergio, Gustavo, Olga de Carmen, Veronica, Teresa, Maria De Lourdes, Melissa and Gerardo. Private Casanova's sacrifice will not be forgotten. We are forever in his debt.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Southern California Wild Heritage Wilderness Act. If enacted, this bill will protect approximately 1.6 million acres of land in California. The State of California has lost over 675,000 acres of California's wild lands since 1978. One can only predict that this harmful trend will continue as California's population is expected to explode. California is expected to gain 17.7 million more people by 2025--nearly the entire population of New York State. As the population rises, more development will take place. More development often means less open space and the destruction of precious lands. This bill will prevent that destruction. Thousands of diverse organizations, businesses, and others see the importance of this legislation and have given it their support. Additionally, hundreds of local elected officials have voiced support for the protection of their local areas. I am pleased to be a part of this effort and look forward to working with Senator Boxer and Congressman Thompson to spearhead this effort and protect our natural resources.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today before you to tell you about a very moving experience I had this weekend. I traveled to the city of Ciudad Juarez in Mexico on a fact-finding mission with three other Members of Congress. Over 300 young women between the ages of 15 and 20 years of age were either sexually assaulted, raped, tortured and brutally murdered in the Ciudad Juarez in the past 10 years. I met with heartbroken families who were suffering from their losses. The families I met with wore pink hats and T-shirts with pictures of their loved ones that were missing, asking for justice, for ``Justicia.'' They are rightfully looking for justice and closure to these awful murders. Many of these women and girls were abducted on their way to work or returning home from work or school. I wish all Members could see where some of these women live, in great miserable conditions where neighborhoods have no paved roads, no electricity, and no street lighting. So women have to travel by walking several blocks in the evening. Once they come home from work, many of them work there along the border. On Tuesday, the day that I returned from our trip from Ciudad Juarez, the body of a woman was found battered to death and then wrapped in a plastic bag. The fact is that this continues to happen, does not make it acceptable or tolerable. In August, the Mexican Government established a commission that we hope will work and collaborate with our government, the FBI, and also other entities and the State Department to come to some conclusion.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Monterey Park Community Relations Commission for celebrating cultural diversity in the fourteenth annual Harmony Festival. For thirteen years, the City of Monterey Park has been instrumental in bridging the cultural divide amongst its residents. Their leadership and initiative on multicultural awareness have set a high standard for other cities. The 32nd Congressional District is a culturally diverse district, and it is important that all of us work together to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve the dreams for our families and ourselves. Throughout my career in public service, I have advocated for policies that promote greater multicultural harmony and recognize the strength that lies in the great diversity of our community, our State, and our Nation. In order to build upon the strength of our diverse communities, we must break down the discriminatory barriers that exist in our country. In this regard, I am fighting in Congress for efforts to eliminate discrimination in all aspects of society, including health care, education, housing, and employment. I take great pride in the cultural diversity that can be found in Monterey Park and throughout the Los Angeles region. I commend the City of Monterey Park and the Monterey Park Community Relations Commission for their efforts to promote greater multi-cultural harmony and understanding. These types of events bring the community together to focus on diversity and appreciation of our differences.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize October 15 as the first ever National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. On this day, in over 100 cities throughout the United States, Latino leadership will sponsor a variety of activities raising awareness of the state of AIDS among Latinos. For the past twenty years, AIDS has posed a formidable threat to Latino communities and families. As of December 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 149,742 cumulative Latino AIDS cases in the United States. Latinos in the United States have been disproportionately affected by the AIDS epidemic. Although Latinos comprise 14 percent of the population in the United States, they account for 20 percent of all those living with AIDS. Furthermore, Latinos are over represented in the number of new HIV infections and AIDS cases. Two groups in particular, Latinas and Latino youth, have been acutely affected. The rate of Latinas with AIDS as a proportion of all Latino AIDS cases has climbed from 15 percent in 1990 to 23 percent in 2000. Latino teens make up 15 percent of the national teenage population but account for 21 percent of new AIDS cases. In Los Angeles County, an estimated 52,000 men, women, and children are living with AIDS. In 2000, Latinos comprised 41.8 percent of AIDS cases LA County. A rather heartbreaking reality is that in Los Angeles, nearly half of all newborns with HIV are Latino. And as of December 31, 2001, in my community of the San Gabriel Valley, there are 1,121 people living with AIDS. As the nation's largest and fastest growing ethnic minority group in the United States, addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community takes on an even greater significance in the overall effort to improve our nation's health. National Latino AIDS Awareness Day is a time for our nation to recognize the needs of communities of color and embark on a more proactive fight against AIDS. We must do more than just talk about AIDS. We need to put real action behind our words and good intentions, particularly by adequately funding programs like the Minority AIDS Initiative and increasing emphasis on disease prevention. These are starting statistics and we must remember that behind these statistics are human faces and human lives, those of our sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, and our colleagues and friends. On this first National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, I ask that we remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS, show compassion toward and support for those currently living with the disease, and pray for all families and communities whose lives have been touched in some way.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Chairman, today I rise also in strong support of our men and women who currently serve us with their uniforms that they so proudly wear in Iraq and Afghanistan, but I also have serious concerns about the President's supplemental request. The administration's $87 billion request fails to outline what I believe is a concrete plan for our soldiers' and our country's involvement in Iraq. We currently have, as you know, over 40,000 troops in Iraq who lack protective body plates and about 46 percent of the spare parts the Army needs, but this bill has no plan to address these urgent needs. We also have about 37,000 noncitizen soldiers, many of whom come from our districts who serve in our military, including about 3,000 noncitizens who are serving right now in Iraq. These soldiers deserve to be granted citizenship since they are protecting and defending our country. But this bill has no outline or plan for expediting their citizenship. This past weekend, Members, another one of my constituents, Private First Class Jose Casanova was killed in Iraq. He deserves a better plan. He deserves a guarantee that he is going to be taken care of and his family will be taken care of. The Iraq supplemental outlines a $21 billion reconstruction plan for Iraq, but we need reconstruction here at home. I say that because in the county that I represent, Los Angeles County, we are faced with over an $800 million deficit that we will have to somehow pay for in the next 2 years. The deficit has caused the closures of 11 clinics, health clinics that will now deprive hundreds, if not thousands, hundreds of thousands of people without medical help and treatment in our districts. But this bill has no plan for reconstruction to restore those health clinics in our districts. Mr. Chairman, that is why I rise today to say that I am strongly against this appropriation and urge my colleagues to follow suit.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 539 on H. Res. 372, expressing condolences for Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 535 on H.R. 3108, the Pension Funding Equity Act, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 537 on H.R. 2298, on exempting members of the Armed Forces from subsistence charges while hospitalized, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 536 on H.R. 2297, the Veterans Benefits Act, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 538 on H. Res. 355, concerning diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Bulgaria, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 533 on the Bishop Motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 1, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 534 on the Flake Motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 1, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 532 on H. Con. Res. 274, Commending the National Endowment for Democracy, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call attention to the hundreds, if not thousands, of workers that will be converging on Washington, D.C. today as part of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride. The Freedom Riders are construction workers, cooks, farmworkers, landscapers, nurses, janitors, and even nannies. They work hard and they pay taxes. Like the Freedom Riders of 1961, today's Freedom Riders are advocating an end to unfair policies and unjust treatment. These policies deny millions a clear road to citizenship and make them vulnerable to abuses in the workplace. We should enact laws that reflect the reality of our economy's labor needs and that recognize the important contribution of immigrants. That is why I have introduced a resolution today supporting Freedom Ride and urging President Bush and the Congress to reform our broken immigration system. Over 2 years ago, President Bush pledged his support for an earned adjustment program for undocumented immigrants but has yet to deliver. Millions of immigrants and their families continue to live in the shadows, wanting to participate fully in American society. I urge my colleagues to support my resolution and call on the President and Congress to support the policies that ensure that all workers are treated with dignity and respect.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize one of the most significant civil rights movements I have had the privilege of supporting. On September 20, 2003, buses in nine major U.S. cities will take hundreds of immigrant workers and their allies on a cross country expedition to Washington, D.C. and New York City. The Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride of 2003 will mark an important moment in the history of our great nation. Inspired by the freedom rides of the 1960s, the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride (IWFR) will promote the civil rights of our immigrant population and help educate the public and elected officials about new requirements in immigration policy. IWFR hopes to help immigrant workers, living and paying taxes in the United States, to: (1) legalize their status; (2) have a clear road to citizenship; (3) reunify their families; (4) have a voice on the job regardless of legal status; and (5) enjoy full protection of the civil rights and civil liberties for all. I also want to recognize the exceptional leadership of Maria Elena Durazo, David Glaser, and the sponsoring committees and individuals of the IWFR. Without their hard work the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride would not be possible. These two individuals and their sponsors exemplify the true meaning of leadership and stewardship. The IWFR will not only help draw a new map for U.S. immigrants seeking citizenship, but it will also celebrate the American dream, the dream of becoming a citizen of the United States of America. I am privileged to recognize the 2003 Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride as an excellent example of the freedom our great country provides.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize one of the most inspiring and remarkable Latino leaders in our country, Mr. Gus Chavez. Gus Chavez is a bellwether in higher education and human service. Most importantly, he is an exceptional human being who has dedicated his entire professional life to improving access to higher education for underrepresented minorities in southern California. For more than 30 years, Mr. Chavez has worked as director of the Offices of Educational Opportunity/Ethnic Affairs and Affirmative Action at San Diego State University. An alumnus of SDSU, Gus Chavez was responsible for recruitment, admission and retention services of low income and educationally disadvantaged students at SDSU. He also assisted and promoted the development of university initiatives aimed at admitting a racially and culturally diversified student body throughout the university. Under his leadership, EOP/Ethnic Affairs at San Diego State has admitted over 22,000 low-income students in the university. Currently, San Diego State ranks 5th in the nation in awarding Bachelor of Arts degrees to Latino students. Throughout his illustrious career Mr. Chavez has earned numerous awards for his monumental accomplishments. Some of his awards include the Outstanding MEChA Faculty/Staff Award, the California Educational Opportunity Program Directors Service Award, and the Cesar E. Chavez Award for Social Justice Service. Although many of his awards come from the Latino community, African American and Filipino SDSU students have also recognized him. During his career, he earned the African Student Union Service Award and the Filipino American Council of San Diego County Service Award. After more than 30 years of serving underrepresented students, Mr. Chavez continues to mentor young people in his retired state. I unwaveringly commend him for his excellent work and for all his remarkable accomplishments. I am privileged to recognize him as the perfect example of today's exceptional leader.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez) for putting this motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 1588, which I am in strong support of. Earlier in the year several Members of this House came together to work on legislation because we knew immediately that we were seeing many of our young soldiers coming back in body bags. But one thing that differentiated some of the soldiers, and I wanted to point out a photograph of one of the soldiers that was fallen in my district, Francisco Martinez Flores. He was 2 weeks shy of his citizenship. They granted him posthumous citizenship which means nothing. It stays there in the grave. It does nothing for his family who now has to go through hurdles to make sure that they at least get some semblance of assistance for their well-being here in our country. But if you ask their parents they did not say for one minute, son, do not go and serve your country. He took that upon himself, and they are very proud of him, and we are all very proud of him. We want to protect all of our soldiers. But there should not be any barriers when we send young men and women, as this 19-year-old went abroad in Iraq. In the first 2 weeks he was there he fell. That was it. His tank fell over the Euphrates River there and his parents never saw him again. We are working hard to see that these families stay whole, and one of the things that we can demonstrate through this legislation or this motion to instruct is to help preserve that family unit, that they also get the respect that their sons and daughters may not have. In this case, this young man. I have another picture over here that illustrates a family who is also in that predicament. They have a son who is serving right now in Iraq. The parents are not totally naturalized but they are going through the process. If their son is not returned, who knows what their fate will be as well. But we have thousands of soldiers like that. Our bill that we had originally proposed would have covered 37,000 men and women who are legal permanent residents that are currently serving in the war, and a good number of our soldiers are also serving as reservists, over 23,000. Nobody is asking them why is it that you are serving? You are not here legally. They are here legally. They have their green cards. But one thing differentiates them. They do not have that citizenship. They leave their jobs as teachers, as firefighters, as plumbers, as people who helped to build our country. They do not know if they are going to come back and their families are contacting us. What we would like to see is that there is some assurance, that there is some guarantee for them and their families that they are granted the ability to become naturalized citizens. When I hear the word ``illegal'' it breaks my heart because we do not ask these soldiers to come forward whether or not they are illegal. They were legal residents. They are technically legal residents. And if their families give us the opportunity for their sons and daughters to serve, should we not at least give them the opportunity to grant them some protections that our great country can offer because they are fighting for our freedom every single day. At this moment we know that there are many that are in harm's way. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) from the Committee on the Judiciary for his work in recognizing this issue. We worked very hard with several other Members of this House on a bipartisan level, and I would like to thank him for his concerted effort in working with us. I am also concerned now that this bill or components of the bill are now being placed on hold. And I would ask that Members of our House consider the bigger picture here, and that is these soldiers that are waiting to see that we take action on this motion, and that we do something, that we do the right thing. We sent them out in harm's way, and now it is time for us to take care of them.