Hilda Solis

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 64 on final passage of H.R. 2146 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and congratulate the students of Hammel Elementary School for working tirelessly on the Quilts of Caring (``tapiz de carino''). These handmade quilts, which they painstakingly pieced together, symbolize their commitment to remembering America's fallen heroes of Sept. 11, 2001. This project became a reality during the past six months because of the hardworking efforts of the entire community of Hammel Elementary--students, parents, teachers and neighborhood friends who all joined together to create nine beautiful quilts. Hammel Elementary School's administrator, psychiatric social worker, school psychologist and parents united their volunteer efforts to assist the students in creating the nine quilts that have been sent to my district and Washington offices, the Pentagon, New York Police Department, the Fire Department of New York, East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station, Los Angeles County Fire Department and the White House. It gives me great pride to present such a fine multi-cultural message of love, faith, unity and support that is depicted in each quilt. It is evident that the children from Hammel Elementary share a common vision for a healthier and more peaceful future, and I am proud that they have not surrendered to hateful messages of violence or vengeance. I commend the students and surrounding community members of Hammel Elementary and thank them for portraying such wonderful act of kindness and patriotism that serve as a positive reflection of humanity for the entire nation.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Vera Perez. Vera was born in 1933 in Los Angeles and raised by Pete Acosta, a single father. She and her sister, Natalia, spent much of their formative years in boarding schools and boarding houses, only really able to spend Sundays with their father. As a young woman, Vera worked in a factory. In the 1970s she completed the CETA training program and began working at the Older Residents Medical Screening Program (ORMSP) as a receptionist. ORMSP is a non-profit healthcare company that provides free medical screening for senior citizens in the East side of Los Angeles. Through her 18 years at ORMSP, Vera advanced from receptionist to data specialist and eventually was running the program when she retired in 1995. Vera and her husband, Felipe, had five children: Diana, Lisa, Yvette, Phillip and John; and four grandchildren. In addition, Vera had an active hand in raising her four nephews and nieces, including Antonio Villaraigosa, who went on to be the Speaker of the California State Assembly. Vera Perez died on March 5, 2002. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my disappointment that H.R. 1885 does not include a permanent extension of the Section 245(i) program, or at the very least a one-year extension. I am also very concerned that this measure imposes unfortunate new eligibility restrictions that will greatly limit the pool of potential beneficiaries. Each day without a permanent extension of this program, Americans with immigrant spouses or children face separation from their families. Statistics from the INS show that approximately seventy-five percent of the immigrants who apply for 245(i) relief are the spouses and children of United States citizens and permanent residents. Extending 245(i) permanently is common sense. It is pro-family, pro- business, and fiscally prudent. It strengthens families by keeping them united; it allows businesses to retain valuable employees; and it provides the INS with millions in annual revenue, at no cost to United States taxpayers. H.R. 1885 does not do enough to help immigrants in need. While I will support it because it is a good starting point, I urge Congress and the Administration to work together in the future to implement either a one-year or permanent extension of 245(i).

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, it has been six months since the September 11th attacks. During that time, millions of working people in the United States have lost their jobs. Even before the attacks, our economy was slowing down and unemployment was on the rise. House leaders responded to the economic downturn with calls for deeper tax cuts for the wealthy and tax breaks for businesses. Congress even enacted a measure to bail out the airline industry. However, it continued to ignore the very individuals who need the assistance the most: the unemployed. With the consideration of H.R. 3090, the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act, I am pleased that the House is finally voting on a bill that will truly help workers. The 13-week extension of unemployment benefits provided in this legislation will bring much needed relief to the many displaced workers across the country whose benefits are near exhaustion. It will be particularly helpful in my district, where unemployment in some cities is well above the national rate of 5.5%. In South El Monte alone, for example, the unemployment rate is 10.3%. It is time that we help people in this city and others across the country as they struggle to make ends meet during these difficult times. It is the very least that we can do for them. While I support this measure, I am disappointed that it does not include additional benefits for unemployed individuals. Compensation for unemployed part-time and low-wage workers and health insurance for displaced workers are among the benefits that should have been included in this economic stimulus bill. Also, my proposal to provide an immediate one-time payroll tax rebate up to $300 to lower income working individuals should have been included. Working families need all the help they can get and unemployment benefits are sometimes insufficient to meet the day-to-day necessities. Inclusion of the above proposals would have strengthened the economic security of millions of unemployed workers until they found jobs. As the House continues to monitor the economy and its impact on working families, I urge it to consider these important proposals. Although this legislation does not reach its full potential as a true worker assistance measure, it is a step in the right direction and will be enormously helpful to many hard working individuals and their families. In this regard, I support it and urge its passage.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 87th birthday of Maestro Raul Anguiano, a prolific Mexican painter and muralist whose career has spanned 68 years. Born in 1915 in Guadalajara, Mexico, Mr. Anguiano began studying painting at an early age. In 1934, he moved to Mexico City to begin his artistic career as a muralist and instructor. He quickly became part of the second generation of 20th century Mexican muralists known as the Mexican School of Painting, which attempted to make art accessible to the people and depict their reality. Mr. Anguiano's murals portray the true heart of Mexico by depicting the indigenous people as well as the workers of the country. His murals can be found throughout North and South America and Europe, and one entitled ``Crucifixion'' was recently acquired by the Vatican. He has participated in both individual and public exhibitions internationally, including in Mexico, the United States, Chile, Germany, Russia, France and Cuba. His talent led Mr. Anguiano to become not only a celebrated painter and muralist but also a literary illustrator and teacher. He has illustrated several books and taught at renowned art schools throughout Mexico, as well as in France and the United States. In 1952, Mr. Anguiano completed one of his most famous paintings called ``La Espina'' or ``The Thorn'', which was influenced by his travels throughout the Mayan regions of Mexico. The painting portrays a woman with Indian features who is working intently to remove a thorn from her foot. Although the scene depicted is not extraordinary in and of itself, Mr. Anguiano's stunning depiction reveals the importance of everyday activities. This acclaimed muralist's most recent work is a mural for East Los Angeles College, a community college which serves the students of my district. This mural has brought international attention to the school and the community it serves, and I am grateful for his kind contribution. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this incredible Mexican artist.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 52 on H.R. 3090, to provide tax incentives for economic recovery I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 51 on ordering the previous question I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 50 on congratulating the United States Military Academy at West Point I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote number 46 on H. Con. Res. 305 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 48 on approving the Journal 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. 49 on ordering the previous question I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and extend birthday wishes to an inspirational African-American woman from my district who has demonstrated a life long commitment to the community of El Sereno. For several decades, Ruth Swiggett has been a pillar in one of the most diverse communities in my district. The life of Ruth Swiggett takes on monumental significance as we will be celebrating her 99th birthday on Friday. Ruth Swiggett has worn many hats in her lifetime--wife, mother, and community activist. She is the co-founder of the El Sereno Coordinating Council and has also served as advisor and president of the El Sereno Seniors. She has also been heavily involved with the El Sereno Youth Center, a community-based organization that fosters an educational enriched program and provides an after-school literacy based technology center for the children of the surrounding school community. As a proud Benefactor of the El Sereno Youth Center, Ruth has always worked tirelessly to help raise funds and coordinate supplementary educational resources for this important youth center. Our nation is always in search of positive and meaningful role models to enrich our lives and foster innovative approaches that embrace positive character and virtue. One need not look any further than the community of El Sereno--for there is a sweet, caring woman who continues to make monthly visits to the El Sereno Youth Center where she celebrates every holiday with the children from the neighborhood who love and respect her. I am privileged to have befriended Ruth Swiggett and am proud to speak of this renowned woman who has taught us all the significance of humanism and social justice.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an impressive member of my community, Captain James B. Strait. Captain James B. Strait has played an important role in the Monterey Park Police Department and will be retiring after 31 years of service. Captain Strait joined the Monterey Park Police Department on February 8, 1971 after graduating first in his class from the Riverside County Sheriff's Academy. Under his leadership, the Monterey Park Police Department made significant changes that improved the Police Department's service to the community. In addition to chairing the Department's Computer Acquisition team and implementing a state of the art digital radio system, he also worked to publish the department's first policy and procedures manual. In 1985, Captain Strait was awarded the Police Department's Distinguished Service Medal for his help in apprehending a person wielding a hand grenade. During the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, Captain Strait had the honor of being named Monterey Park Police Department's representative for the Security Coordination Center. Captain Strait's dedication to community activism was shown when he became a founding member of the Mental Illness and Law Enforcement Systems (M.I.L.E.S.) executive board and a member of the Montclair School Board. Captain Strait has worked diligently to improve law enforcement performance through his career. He has been a true professional and will be missed by his many friends at the Monterey Park Police Department and other state law enforcement agencies but will be missed the most by the citizens whose lives he has touched.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Southern California Mexican American Alumni Association (USC MAAA). Since its inception, USC MAAA has committed itself to the development of funds to provide tuition assistance grants to Latino students enrolled at the University of Southern California. USC MAAA was founded by Raul Vargas and seven other alums, who approached the president of the university and set the parameters for the organization during the 1973-74 school year. The university offered to match the MAAA's undergraduate scholarship monies on a two to one basis, and the USC Graduate School offered to match the graduate student fellowships on a one to one basis. USC MAAA has provided educational grants to over 5,200 USC Latino students amounting to over $8.9 million dollars. As such, USC MAAA has played a critical role in helping students attain degrees in various fields such as medicine, law, media, business, humanities, science, and social sciences. The success of USC MAAA can be largely accredited to the leadership provided by its Executive Director, Raul Vargas. A USC alum himself, Raul Vargas recognizes the great financial obstacles that Latinos face in attaining their academic goals. Therefore, Raul Vargas has worked tirelessly to garner support for USC MAAA from prominent members of the community, so that Latino students can make their educational and career dreams a reality. This year, USC MAAA celebrates its 27th Annual Fundraising Dinner. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the work of USC MAAA.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend and former colleague in the California State Senate, Senator John Burton. Senator Burton is being ``roasted'' this weekend at the California Democratic Party's convention in Los Angeles, California. Born December 15, 1932, Senator Burton attended San Francisco State College and USF Law School. Senator Burton was elected president pro tem in February of 1998. He was elected to the State Senate in 1996 and represents the 3rd Senatorial District of California which includes San Francisco, Marin County, and Southern Sonoma County. He has served in the State Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives. Under Burton's leadership, CalGrant college scholarships became guaranteed for students with financial need who maintain a 2.0 grade point average or higher. In the first state budget enacted after he became president pro tem, Burton restored cost of living adjustments and increased benefits for the elderly, blind and disabled and for mothers and children on welfare. Burton recently ensured that mental health services and juvenile crime prevention programs received historic levels of support. As a recent article in the Sacramento Bee stated, ``Senate leader John Burton is the type who will buy blankets and drive around San Francisco handing them out to the homeless.'' He is a man with a kind heart, golden spirit and the kind of friend I am proud to have made while I was in the California legislature. I respect him for his passion to help the needy and for his tenacity to fight for the rights of people who do not have a strong voice in government decision-making. His daughter Kimiko is the Public Defender for the city and county of San Francisco. He is also the proud grandfather to 16-month-old Juan Emilio Cruz.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Elizabeth Brown Calleton for her forty years of contributions to women's health care and family planning in the San Gabriel Valley community. Ms. Elizabeth Brown Calleton graduated from Smith College in 1956 with a Bachelors degree in government. She continued her education and received a Masters degree in 1962 from Columbia University in Public Law and Government. A decade later, Ms. Calleton began her professional career as an Administrative Assistant in Planned Parenthood in Pasadena, California and in 1974 she became Associate Director. She has been the Executive Director since 1979. In addition to her commitment to Planned Parenthood, Ms. Brown Calleton was past President of League of Women Voters of the Pasadena area chapter and has served on the board of Young and Healthy, Women At Work, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. Her contributions have been recognized by many including the Women of Achievement, Magna Carta Business and Professional Women, and the Pasadena-Foothill YWCA. Although Ms. Calleton worked hard to make significant inroads on the area of women's health care, she was also able to be a great mother and grandmother to her three children and her four grandchildren. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this remarkable woman for her contributions in the area of women's health care to the San Gabriel Valley community.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my uncle, Lonnie Eugene Roark, on his 80th birthday. My uncle was born on February 11, 1922 in Missouri. He was raised in Oklahoma and lived most of his life in La Puente, California. My uncle is an excellent father to his three children and two grandchildren and serves as a role model for many others. When his daughter's husband passed away, he assumed the role as father figure to his granddaughter. He would often take her lunch to school, school functions, and doctor visits. But most importantly, by taking on a paternal role, he filled that empty void in her life. His acts of kindness and dedication have inspired many who know him. It is a true blessing to have been raised with a role model like him. It is not every day that we encounter a person filled with such generosity and love. Today, I want to wish him a happy birthday and because I am especially grateful to be celebrating his 80th birthday because as he grows older, I realize how precious his life is and how he has been a great source of strength and support for our family. I, like many people who know him, admire him and love him dearly.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise also to convey my anger and disgust with what I have seen occur here tonight on this floor. Twenty percent of the constituents in my district are legal residents. Twenty-five percent of them have just become U.S. citizens. The message that they hear every single day on the news is that the Republican Party, our friends from the other aisle, want them to be a part of America. But tonight you are sending them the wrong signal. You are driving a spear through their hearts, through their families, because they have worked hard, they have worked lawfully. My parents came here as legal immigrants to see their daughter rise to become a Member of this House. So many people are waiting for the American dream. They pay taxes, they have given their sons and daughters, they fight our wars. And they will continue to do that because they have a strong belief in our Constitution and the freedom that this country represents. We cannot allow this amendment to go forward. I hope that Members on the other side of the aisle will agree with me.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 13 on February 7, 2002, the voting machine malfunctioned and did not record my vote. Had it registered my vote, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication and contributions of one of my constituents, Mr. George Kotchnik. Mr. Kotchnik retired from the city of San Gabriel's Parks and Recreation Department on December 31, 2001. A life long resident of the San Gabriel Valley, Mr. Kotchnik is a true local hero who deserves our respect and commendation. His work with the city's Parks and Recreation Department included 32 years as director, during which he played an important role in enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Under Mr. Kotchnik's leadership, the city of San Gabriel's parks and public facilities improved significantly. One example is the Smith Park expansion. Smith Park has been expanded to twice its size, creating more green space for residents of all ages to enjoy. Smith Park's design incorporated certain architectural features that paid tribute to the Gabrielino-Tongva Indians, the original inhabitants of this region. The Park's expansion was such a success, it garnered the California Parks and Recreation Society's 2001 Award of Excellence for park design. Mr. Kotchnik and the San Gabriel Parks and Recreation Department have also won the Gold Shield Award for outstanding achievement on two occasions from the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation. Under his leadership, the parks and recreation department renovated and expanded the city's Adult Recreation Center, collaborated with local high schools to add park facilities at school districts, and recently began development of a skate park at a San Gabriel high school. After 40 years of service, Mr. Kotchnik retired at the end of 2001, but his contributions will not be forgotten. He has left an enduring impression on the city of San Gabriel and its residents. I am proud to recognize Mr. George Kotchnik's accomplishments and wish him much happiness in future endeavors.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the numerous contributions made by Officer Robert D. Moore to the Monterey Park Police Department during his professional career. After 23 years of service, Officer Moore retired from the police force on December 20, 2001. Officer Moore attended the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Academy and graduated on June 8, 1979. By February 19 of the same year, Officer Moore began his 23-year career with the Monterey Park Police Department. During a large part of his career he worked on the patrol division and from 1986 to 1989 he was assigned to the Investigations Bureau that dealt with fraud. He obtained Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Police Certificates from the State of California Commission on Police Officer Standards of Training. During his career, Officer Moore received over thirty letters and commendations for his valuable achievements including arrests made, investigations conducted, and help provided to members of the community. Several of those commendations recognized his extra efforts in helping victims of crime, the elderly, and underprivileged members of the community. Furthermore, he was also part of the Monterey Park Police Department's Baker to Vegas running team. I commend Officer Moore's strong commitment to protect and serve the Monterey Park community. Officer Moore has been a true professional, an inspirational role model and a friend to many from the beginning of his career until his retirement and his contributions will not be forgotten. I wish him well in his retirement and thank him for his many years of public service.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this moment, this fine opportunity to celebrate with the country the new Democratic whip, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi). I have come to know the gentlewoman over the last year serving with her in this distinguished House. She is truly a pioneer. She is a new face for California and for the United States. She gives hope and aspirations to many young people, and people who look like many of us here who now occupy seats here in this House. She has distinguished herself for many, many years. I recall meeting the gentlewoman once at one of our State conventions in California when I was just getting involved in the Democratic Party. The gentlewoman is a true leader for women's rights and issues. I know that the gentlewoman will be shattering the glass ceiling that is here and will help to forge new, triumphant roads for women and other people who need to have their voices heard. She is a champion.

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 4 on S. 1762 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SOLIS

Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 1 on quorum call I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``present.''