Hilda Solis

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the numerous contributions of Agent David F. Corrigan, one of Monterey Park's finest police officers. Agent Corrigan is retiring from active duty after 28 years of outstanding and selfless service. Agent Corrigan graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Academy and joined the Monterey Park Police Department on September 9, 1974, as part of the Patrol Bureau. During his career, Agent Corrigan was assigned to the Patrol and Detective Bureaus and periodically to the Administration Bureau as a Background Investigator. Agent Corrigan has received countless commendations from the Monterey Park Police Department. He was highly recognized for his role during the evacuation of a hospital emergency room that was held hostage in June of 1995 and for apprehending the gunman. Furthermore, he frequently received letters of appreciation from residents and other law enforcement agencies for his work as an investigator and a patrol officer. In November 1998, Agent Corrigan was recognized as the Police Department Employee of the Month and in 1999, he was awarded the department's third highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal, for outstanding performance throughout his career as an officer, detective, field training officer and field supervisor. Agent Corrigan is an integral member of the community and his church. He is a role model for the youth of Monterey Park and continues to participate in the Police Department's D.A.R.E. Camp and In-School Scouting programs. Throughout his career, Agent Corrigan was known for his honesty, compassion and professionalism. He will be greatly missed by his co- workers and the community he greatly impacted. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in expressing my gratitude to Agent Corrigan for his selfless dedication to our community.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleague Congressma Sam Farr and voice my support for the California Stories Project, The Grapes of Wrath. The project is encouraging Californians to read The Grapes of Wrath and celebrate the 100th anniversary of John Steinbeck's birth. I share the goal of the California Stories project having Californians read this book will help to cultivate discussion and enable Californians of diverging backgrounds to connect with each other. I believe that The Grapes of Wrath illustrates how times of hardship and struggle can bring people together and forge a common bond. It is my hope that Californians will realize although they may be of different ethnicities, many share similar pasts and have more in common than at first glance. In being able to relate to each other's stories, a connection may be made, and they will be able to bond as neighbors and as Californians. In one of my favorite passages, we can see that despite the trials and tribulations the migrant workers in this story experienced during the day, there was a closeness formed during the night hours. The many families shared more than their material goods, they shared their joys and their heartaches. They became a true community, a perfect example of living for each other, instead of for one's self. Here is a quote from that passage. In the evening a strange thing happened: the twenty families became one family, the children were the children of all. The loss of home became one loss, and the golden time in the West was one dream. And it might be that a sick child threw despair into the hearts of twenty families, of a hundred people; that a birth there in a tent kept a hundred people quiet and awestruck through the night and filled a hundred people with the birth-joy in the morning. A family which the night before had been lost and fearful might search its goods to find a present for a new baby. In the evening, sitting about the fires, the twenty were one. They grew to be units of the camps, units of the evenings and the nights. 1 think this illustrates the camaraderie and good will of the migrant community, something all Californian's can be proud of.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, while the President and his Republican colleagues continue to focus their attention on foreign policy, they regretfully leave behind a very important issue, one that affects millions of families across the country; that is, the economy. In the past 2 years 1.6 million people have lost their jobs, and 1.4 million more people lost their health care insurance last year alone. Americans have lost over $4.5 million in the stock market since this President took office. The massive Republican tax cut passed last year was supposed to help working families. It actually left us in a major recession. We need to increase the minimum wage. We need to extend unemployment insurance for the hardest-working people in our country that lost their jobs because of this recession. Unemployment is at 5.5, and among Hispanics in our country it is a staggering 7.4 percent. In my district alone it is 10 percent. This problem is real, and it is serious. We need to get to work on it. I ask Congress and the President to stop ignoring this issue and to come up with an economic stimulus plan for working families.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in strong support of Senate 1533, the Health Care Safety Net Amendments of 2002. This is an important piece of legislation which will provide the 5-year reauthorization of community health centers as well as the National Health Service Corps and grants for rural health care programs. Community health centers provide health care services to over 12 million people annually, 5 million of whom have no health insurance coverage at all, and currently there are over 41 million uninsured Americans and untold numbers of underinsured. Due to the slowing economy, this number keeps increasing. And as a result, the demand for health care services has increased dramatically, forcing risky delays for important primary and preventive health care services. Community health care services are effective and efficient providers of care to millions of our country's most vulnerable people who are located in more than 3,400 communities in every single State. This legislation authorizes $1.34 billion for fiscal year 2002 and such sums as may be necessary through 2006. Senate 1533 also authorizes grants for a new category of networks so that health centers may work to reduce costs, improve access to health care services, and enhance the quality of coordination of health care services and improve the health status of communities. In addition to reauthorizing the community health centers program, the bill also provides for the inclusion of behavioral and mental health professionals in the NHSC scholarship and loan repayment programs. The NHSC provides loan forgiveness and scholarship dollars to nurses, doctors, and for the first time, dentists, in return for services in underserved communities, both urban and rural, throughout this country. This legislation moves the Community Health Center Rural Program far along the road to telemedicine services and includes numerous other important improvements. The Health Care Safety Net Improvement Act of 2002 also provides for 5-year reauthorization of the Community Access Program. This program is designed to provide assistance to communities and consortia of health care providers to develop and strengthen health care delivery systems that coordinate health care services for individuals who are uninsured and underinsured. In this increasingly difficult economy, community health centers are having a hard time expanding their health care services to an increasing number of uninsured who seek health services. I urge all of my colleagues to join me today to support Senate 1533 so that we may continue to aid the organizations and people who work so diligently to provide this aid to the uninsured. Mr. Speaker, I would also at this time like to recognize and commend the committee's ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), and the Subcommittee on Health's ranking member, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), as well as the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis). Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleague, Congressman Mark Udall, in introducing the Environmental Justice Act of 2002. This bill will codify a 1994 environmental justice Executive Order by President Bill Clinton. Executive Order 12898, the ``Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations,'' attempts to address environmental injustice within existing federal laws and regulations by prohibiting discriminatory practices in programs that receive federal funds. This issue has been one of my priorities as a public servant because I have seen the damage--first hand--that environmental injustice can bring to poor and minority communities. I grew up in the shadow of one of the largest landfills in the country. As the landfill grew, so did other regional pollution. Gravel pits that are miles wide and hundreds of feet deep were dug to build roads and buildings in California. Heavy industry moved in--especially during World War II when my area manufactured jet fuel. And the rivers that were once free-flowing water bodies were reduced to sewer channels. Areas where my family would picnic or enjoy nature when I was little are now part of the dirtiest watershed in the country. In the Los Angeles area, it is estimated that over 71 percent of African Americans and 50 percent of Latinos reside in areas with the most polluted air, while only 34 percent of whites live in highly polluted areas. Even our open space tends to be divided among financial or other demographic lines. In Los Angeles neighborhoods where 1990 household income averaged less than $20,000 a year, there was less than a half-acre of parkland for every 1,000 residents. The ratio was more than 40 times higher--21.2 acres for every 1,000 people--in neighborhoods where household incomes were $40,000 or higher. Park access was similarly lopsided when broken down by race. Majority white neighborhoods had 95.7 acres of parkland for every 1,000 children, compared with 5 acres in Latino areas, 2.9 acres in African-American neighborhoods and 6.3 acres in Asian-American areas. In the past we might have accepted our fate but today we chose to fight back. Hardly a day passes without the media informing us about a neighborhood that is fighting a landfill, incinerator, chemical plant or some other polluting industry. This was not always the case. Just three decades ago, the concept of environmental justice had not registered on the radar screens of most environmental, civil rights or social justice groups. Today, we enjoy a greater ability to connect with the public by media but our laws still offer few protections to disadvantaged communities. I am committed to changing this and look forward to working with Congressman Udall and others to make sure that environmental protection starts with environmental equality. I ask my colleagues to support this bill and yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my concerns about the Help America Vote Act Conference Report, H.R. 3295. I am pleased that this conference report includes provisions that help voters in the greater Los Angeles area. For example, it provides money for the upgrade of our voting system. This will greatly assist the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder and County Clerk transition out of the punch-card voting system. However, I'm disappointed that this conference agreement also includes provisions that can lead to the disproportionate disenfranchisement of our Nation's minority voters. It requires first- time voters who register by mail to bring current photo identification to the polls or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and current address of the voter. Our Federal courts have recognized that the use of a photo ID causes a disparate impact on ethnic and racial minority communities. Nevertheless, the photo ID requirement is still part of this bill. Also problematic is the variation in consequences for failing to meet presumably equal voting prerequisites--being a citizen and being over the age of 18. Unfortunately, this bill has harsher consequences for voters who inadvertently forget to check a box affirming their citizenship than for voters who forget to certify they are 18 or older. This may lead to the disenfranchisement of voters who are English language learners or new to the voting system, including Latinos and Asians. In addition, I am concerned about the provision that restricts access to information about provisional ballots to the individual who cast that ballot. Unquestionably, the confidentiality of votes cast as well as personal information should be protected. But information about provisional ballots such as where they were issued, should not be hidden from commissions that review and ensure fair voting. Based on this provision, it is unclear if commissions would have full access to information that would help them determine any inconsistencies in the provisional voting process. While this bill is called the Help America Vote Act, I am afraid it may not help the fastest growing population in America--Latinos--vote.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, the war debate this week is one that deserves our careful attention, but our economy does, too. While Republicans in Congress focus on drumming up support for a preemptive strike on Iraq, our economy is faltering. The statistics tell the story, and they are staggering. The number of Americans without health insurance rose by 1.4 million last year. It is up to 41 million now. The poverty rate rose last year for the first time since 1992. Twenty-one percent of Hispanic families are now living in poverty, and more than 2 million jobs have been lost under President Bush. I understand that because in my own district unemployment rates are as high as 11 percent. Utility bills and the price of gasoline are increasing. Thousands of hardworking men and women have seen their retirement savings evaporate before our eyes. Congressional Republicans are ignoring these problems. Democrats understand that we need to take charge of our economy now. Let us do it before we adjourn. Let us raise the minimum wage, and we need to pass a Medicare prescription drug benefit that lowers drug prices and covers all seniors. We need to extend unemployment benefits for those people that have lost their jobs and are now seeking some relief from our government. Let us do the right thing before we adjourn. Let us help working families.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, there is no matter that comes before this Congress that is more serious than whether or not our Nation should enter into war. The implications of such a decision are so profound and will have worldwide impact. It could jeopardize U.S. relations with countries around the world. It would escalate the vulnerability of our Nation to a biological and chemical attack. And, of course, its most painful and lasting impact would be on the many American families who watch their sons and daughters go to war only to never see them again and maybe even return with lifetime illnesses. This is not a decision that I take lightly. I recognize the gravity of it. And this is why I remain concerned about the timing of this resolution of the President's effort to send troops into Iraq. I do not doubt that Saddam Hussein is a menace to the United States and to the world and even to his own people. I echo concerns that we must ensure greater security for our people here at home and abroad. But I cannot support authorizing our President to send troops in harm's way without the support of our allies and concrete compelling evidence of imminent or nuclear threats that demand military action. We must eliminate weapons of mass destruction and the threat they pose to our Nation and others around the world. But unilateral military action against Iraq or any other foreign nation is not the most effective short-term strategy to accomplish this goal. Over 90 percent of the calls that I received in my own district tell me that they are opposed to this war. They ask, What is the rush, Congresswoman? Why is it that we have to take action so immediate? They want to know why we cannot wait for the support of the U.N. and our allies. Some of these calls have come from my very own veterans in my district, many who have already made the ultimate sacrifices through their families, many of them who look like me and speak Spanish and are of Hispanic decent. They understand the extreme price of war and caution against using force without first gathering ally support and using diplomatic means to find peace. They also recognize the implications that a war would have on our community, and I represent a largely Hispanic community. Our military is a volunteer force. Most often it is the people of low-income families that answer that call to duty to serve our Nation. The young men and women on the frontlines would disproportionately be Latino, African American, and people of color. These communities will lose so much if the U.S. attacks Iraq. I am concerned about the price of the war. It has been estimated that the cost of this war against Iraq would be between 100 and $200 billion. How is the U.S. going to pay for this war? We are always told that we cannot afford a prescription drug benefit plan, that we cannot extend unemployment insurance to workers laid off after the wake of September 11. We need to think about these costs before we rush into a war, and we should exhaust tough, rigorous U.N. inspections before going into war. We should seek support from the U.N. Security Council. As the first President Bush's advisers of Operation Desert Storm have warned, by attacking Iraq we give Saddam Hussein both the excuse and the incentive to use the biological and chemical weapons that he already has. I oppose this resolution and urge my colleagues to give serious consideration on this crucial matter.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 445 on S. 2690 to reaffirm the reference to one Nation under god in the Pledge of Allegiance, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 447 on H. Res. 549, expressing appreciation for the Prime Minister of Great Britain; I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 446 on H.R. 5422, the Child Abduction Prevention Act I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 443 on H.R. 5531 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 442 on H.R. 3340, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 444 on H. Res. 468 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a leader in the movement to establish equality for women in the United States--the Feminist Majority Foundation. Co-founded by Peg Yorkin and Eleanor Smeal, the Feminist Majority Foundation has been instrumental in the fight to create gender equality, eradicate domestic violence and promote feminist women and men as they seek elected office across the country. Yorkin's involvement with feminist causes can be traced back to 1977, when she was elected as a delegate from California to the National Women's Conference. In 1986, she worked with Eleanor Smeal, then the president of the National Organization for Women to produce NOW's 20th Anniversary show, and in 1987, the two joined to found the Feminist Majority Foundation. Nineteen ninety-one was a banner year for the Feminist Majority, which received a historic $10 million gift to ensure a legacy of empowerment for young women. The first endowment made was a drive to make the so-called abortion pill RU-486 available to women. That year also saw sexual harassment propelled to new heights as Clarence Thomas was vetted for a spot on the U.S. Supreme Court. Testimony by Anita Hill, coupled with the Senate's treatment of her and her allegations of sexual harassment, prompted the Feminist Majority to open the Sexual Harassment Hotline to provide information and help to harassment victims. The groundbreaking efforts of the Feminist Majority continued, and in 2001 the organization bought a building in Beverly Hills to house the Foundation and its new enterprise--the editorial offices of Ms. Magazine, which the Feminist Majority acquired in January 2002. On Sunday, October 6, 2002, the Feminist Majority Foundation will open its new offices. Although the organization's location may have changed, it and Ms. Magazine's commitment remains the same--to advance the women's equality cause in the United States. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this remarkable foundation.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, buenos noches, America. Today we stand here in celebration of a dynamic woman, this woman here, this face that many of us here in the House have come to know, and I as a new Member am proud to say I that was able to witness her intelligence, her tenacity, her wherewithal, a true steel magnolia, a true profile in courage, someone who fought even the last few days that we were arguing about welfare reform, how important it was for us to decide upon providing women with the ability to have child care because if they chose to go to work and could find work, the only way they were going to escape poverty was to be able to get child care. And she fought tooth and nail even sometimes against our own leadership, and many of us stood with her. I learned a great deal from her, her compassion, and she did shower us with support and friendship. And as a new Member here in the House, she was someone I looked up to in our Committee on Education and the Workforce, always moving me, pushing me along: ``Hilda, keep going. Do not give up. Stand up to those people. Do not let people make you turn your back.'' She taught us a powerful lesson. She is the first in many categories in her own State and somebody who should be given the dignity and honor to stand with us forever, and that is by paying tribute to her and in either having a commissioned portrait or a statue, a woman to represent us, so proud, and throughout the world. I am proud to know her and her family and to have worked with her staff and someone that we have to somehow undertake the courage that she had to continue the fight because Patsy is watching us and Patsy is going to hold us accountable, and she is going to say, My work was not done in vain because I have helped to lift so many people out of poverty and give them hope. And I know she has given us that. I have heard many here speak about her attributes and everything that she gave so unselfishly; and I too, like my colleagues, join the world in praying for her because she is a wonderful, wonderful role model for so many of us. I thank this House for the opportunity to be able to pay tribute to her tonight.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 522, honoring braceros. During World War II, working people across the country left their jobs to fight the war in Europe and the Pacific. Under an agreement between Mexico and the United States, thousands of Mexicans, known as braceros, left their homelands and came to the United States to help fill the labor shortage. The braceros performed labor-intensive work, toiling in the fields and building railroads. Their work kept the U.S. strong during a time of tremendous need and helped the Allies win World War II. Today, on International Bracero Day, we honor these hard-working men and pay them the respect they deserve. Unfortunately, the braceros' struggle for full recognition of their work continues. The agreement between the U.S. and Mexican governments called for 10 percent of their wages to be deducted, with the promise that the money would be refunded when the workers returned to Mexico. Sixty years later, that promise has yet to be kept. Thousands have never received these wages. I commend California Governor Gray Davis who recognized this struggle by signing into law yesterday a measure to help former braceros recover millions of dollars in lost wages by extending the applicable California statute of limitations. The braceros worked hard and played by the rules established by the U.S. and Mexican governments. Some eventually served in the military defending our nation an became United State citizens. In return for their hard work, the braceros simply asked to be treated fairly and honorably. It is time that we honor our commitment to the braceros and their families. I am glad that the House is taking a step in that direction today.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, on the eve of the 75th Anniversary of the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce, I rise to recognize the accomplishments of the Chamber. Since its inception in 1924 as the Rosemead Improvement Association, the organization that three years after became the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce, has been instrumental in the operations and well-being of the city. Throughout the years, it has maintained its pivotal role as the commercial heart of the city by bringing together community leaders, business owners and residents. The Rosemead Chamber of Commerce has made numerous contributions to Rosemead. It has fostered economic growth by giving the business sector a voice and has helped to establish a tradition of community events. At one point, these included Fiesta Day and the Halloween Parade; now they are composed of trade shows, career fairs and ``One on One Breakfasts.'' The Rosemead Chamber of Commerce has changed according to the changing needs and interests of the city of Rosemead. Over the past 75 years, the Chamber has played an important role in the lives of Rosemead residents and fostered a strong economy for the City. I wish the Chamber continued success and growth and I ask you to join me in honoring it for 75 years of service to the community.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about an incident that is occurring now in the San Gabriel Valley in California and that is the Williams fire. We just went through a very, very debilitating fire several weeks ago in the same area. Now the Williams fire is continuing to burn there without much success to put it out. Every day we spend about a million dollars just to try to bring resources to put this out. The problem here, though, is that there is not enough money being put in for preventive measures, and that is when the forest, the national forest is but up against our communities. We have community development areas, we have housing, we have people that are going to be affected. Madam Speaker, 44 structures have already been burned; and I can tell my colleagues right now that with the conditions in California, the drought, the fact that we do not have enough preventive measures going in to help with containment is a serious problem. We need to put more money into this area, because we cannot afford to lose houses and human life and not even to mention the habitat that will not be replaced. It is important for us to understand that. Madam Speaker, I ask this House to help by considering providing more support for fire prevention.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the gentleman who just spoke realizes that his own constituents in his State lost $1.48 billion of his constituents' hard-earned dollars there. So I just want to remind him also of the scandal that has taken place here today. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today because the rank and file workers, many of whom that I represent and many that Members here represent know and expect Congress to do something about this corruption that has been going on now for some time and not continue with this whole issue of safeguarding the lives of individuals that make seven-figure pensions, get special perks, and will get more protections under this Republican- sponsored piece of legislation. As my colleagues know, this country lost over $175 billion in retirement savings, and in California alone we lost 18 billion. I would like to remind people that in our own districts right now we are faced with some very hard issues. Our economy is hurting. Nationally Hispanics right now have one of the highest rates of unemployment, 7.5 nationally, and in my own district in California in cities that I represent it is way above 11 percent and it has been there for 6 months or more. How do I explain when I go home to my constituents that we are ignoring the jobs about putting bad CEOs behind bars and letting them go scot free? We cannot allow this version, the Republican-sponsored legislation, to get out because people are watching. Americans want to know that there is justice for all.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to recognize the long-time achievements of the 4-H Youth Development Program. I recall the program being instituted at one of my local public high schools where I attended. Unfortunately, not every student got to be a part of that program, but I know that there are over 6 million members worldwide that participate in this program that helps to provide support to our young children and young adults, teaching them respect and appreciation of the world in which they live. But I find it ironic, Mr. Speaker, that today, as we celebrate today's generation of agricultural enthusiasts, the Republican leadership continues to ignore the advocates who fight day in and day out for safer working conditions for farm workers who toil in our fields to put food on our tables. Specifically, I am talking about one of my friends and colleagues, Dolores Huerta, who was cofounder of the United Farm Workers Union. A legend of her own time, she is an advocate for all people who seek justice and fair treatment in our country. Each year, between September 15 and October 15, we celebrate in this great Capitol National Hispanic Heritage Month. It is fitting, therefore, Mr. Speaker, for us to recognize the multitude of accomplishments that Latinos have made over the span of the history of our country. Whether they were helping to fight freedom back in the Civil War, or whether it is defending our Nation's shores at this time, we need to make a commendation of those Latinos that helped to provide support for this great country. But in contemporary Hispanic culture, one of the most respected national community leaders is none other than Dolores Huerta, who has fought for decades to protect farm workers and women from pesticides, unrealistically-long work schedules, and inadequate pay that oftentimes violate our own labor and State laws. Dolores Huerta continues to be a strong voice for working men and women; and regrettably, the administration, or the Republican leadership of this body, rather, has repeatedly blocked our attempts to formally recognize her many accomplishments. Last year, nearly 15 months ago, I introduced House Concurrent Resolution 177, a resolution to honor Dolores Huerta for her tireless commitment to our Nation's farm workers and the Latino community. Although the measure had 94 cosponsors and, may I add, two Republican cosponsors, and the other body unanimously approved its companion piece in May, this body still has not yet considered that measure. Mr. Speaker, I support the 4-H resolution and will vote in favor of it because I believe in its merits, but I ask that House Concurrent Resolution 177 be treated with the same respect and be brought forth on its own merits and not held back because of partisan bickering. Nearly 13 percent of the people in the United States are of Hispanic backgrounds; 33 million in total. Many in the Latino community care about this resolution and, trust me, I believe some of your constituents will too. I urge the leadership to do the right thing and pass House concurrent resolution 177 for a floor vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate bill 491, the Rancho Corral De Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act; and in particular, I am very pleased at the efforts made to include my bill, H.R. 2534, the San Gabriel River Watersheds Study Act, to be included in this package. If passed, the bill directs the Department of Interior to study ways for the more than 2 million people to benefit from a potential recreational and rehabilitated area in the San Gabriel Valley along the San Gabriel River. I want to personally thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich) and also the committee staff and in particular my staff person, Heather Taylor, for working tirelessly on this issue. I know that this took a lot of discussion and time, working with the ranking member and the different members of the committee, but it is something that I truly believe will help provide environmental justice to those communities that are currently underserved and would like to see a bit more of open space made available to those communities that are currently underserved. I encourage Members to support Senate bill 941. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate bill 941, the Rancho Corral De Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act. In particular, I am very pleased of the efforts to include my bill, H.R. 2534, the San Gabriel River Watersheds Study Act to this important legislation. If passed, this bill directs the Department of Interior to study ways for the more than 2 million people that reside in the San Gabriel Valley to preserve, restore and create recreational space along the San Gabriel River. With more people and less space, we have to start planning so that we don't look around one day and realize that all we see are concrete buildings and unwanted development encroaching upon our open space. This would not only be detrimental to the environmental landscape, it would also hurt the health of the surrounding communities and future generations. It is time for us to look at ways to make sure that everyone has access to open and recreational space regardless of their socioeconomic background and ethnicity. This bill is a community effort and benefits an area that is desperately in need of a restored and healthy environmental landscape. As we move forward with this study, we realize that the road to restore our environment in the San Gabriel Valley will be a long one. But the destination will be well worth the trip. I'd like to thank Chairman Hansen, Ranking Member Rahall, Congressmen Miller and Radanovich for helping me advance this bill in the interest of my community. I also thank Senators Boxer and Feinstein for their support of this measure and the people of San Gabriel Valley. In addition, I'd like to thank my personal staff, Heather Taylor and Yvette Martinez and the Committee Staff--particularly Jim Zoia, Rick Healy, and David Watkins. And community members like Lara Blakely of the San Gabriel Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and many other leaders that have stepped forward in support of this bill. I encourage members to support S. 941 and reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, as we begin to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Latinas across our nation and highlight their contributions. Today there are over sixteen million Hispanic women living in the United States. Latinas have been contributing members of our society since its inception. We are writers, scientists, community organizers, and business leaders. Latinas have made inroads in all facets of society and today I stand, as a Latina Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, to honor the often overlooked achievements of this population. We are recipients of the MacArthur ``Genius'' Award--like writer and poet Sandra Cisneros, and immigration advocate Cecilia Munoz; We are recipients of NASA's Exceptional Service Medal--like astronaut and scientist Ellen Ochoa; We are part of the National Women's Hall of Fame--like the co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union, Dolores Huerta, and Antonia Novello, the first female and first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States. In the face of societal obstacles like unequal pay, educational disadvantages, unmet health care needs, and civil rights struggles, Latinas have already accomplished so much. Yet we know we can do much more. During Hispanic Heritage Month we celebrate our success, but we must be more aware of helping, Latinas maximize their great potential all year-round. Recuerda que el exito se alcanza convertiendo cada paso en una meta y cada meta en un paso. Hoy es el dia de realizar nuestros suenos. (Remember that success is achieved by taking each step as a goal and each goal as a step. Today is the day to realize our dreams.)

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of one of the most horrific events in our Nation's history. Today we honor the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93 a year ago and salute with great pride the many rescue workers, medical personnel, and firefighters who risked their own lives to save the lives of others. September 11th is a very emotional day for Americans of all walks of life and it is especially difficult for those who were directly impacted in one way, shape or form. My heart goes to out the survivors, their families and all who were affected--emotionally or physically--by this event. I know it has not been an easy pain to bear. Last year's terrorist attacks shook the sense of security we have come to take for granted in our daily lives. Although our country will never be the same, we have a renewed sense of commitment and are dedicated now, more than ever to upholding our freedoms and liberties. Our country, with all its diversity, stands united to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in remembrance of those who were lost. May God bless America today and ever more.