Linda Sánchez

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. I rise today in strong support of the Paycheck Fairness Act, to protect the right of all Americans to equal pay for equal work. I want to begin by thanking my colleague, Representative DeLauro, for introducing this bill, and Chairman Miller for steering it through committee and onto the floor. It is long overdue. After years of neglect under the former majority, this House has boldly taken on the challenge of trying to solve longstanding economic problems so that hardworking families can really achieve the American Dream instead of just dreaming about the American Dream. Women across America are still only paid 77 percent of what men are paid. Does this mean that women are only 77 percent as valuable as their male counterparts? Certainly not. It means there are, unfortunately, still lingering remnants of an earlier time in our history when women didn't have the same rights as men. Though we have made great strides toward fair and equal treatment for women in the workplace, our work is still not done. This bill continues our progress by creating more opportunities for women and their families. Nearly 7\1/2\ million of America's poverty-stricken children live in female-headed households. This bill will help those families rise out of poverty by ensuring the hard work of female-headed households is rewarded equally and fairly. Much has been said about this bill lining the pockets of trial lawyers. Let's not lose focus of what this bill is about. It is saying to women that if you have been wronged, if you have been discriminated against, you will have a fair day in court. So, for yourselves, your wives, your sisters, your daughters, and the children of America, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' on this important piece of legislation.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, at this time I would like to recognize a true champion of women in the House and the author of the Paycheck Fairness Act, the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. Rosa DeLauro), for 6 minutes.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. I would yield 2 minutes to a distinguished Member of this body, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. At this time, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the distinguished majority leader, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was delayed by traffic on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, and I missed two votes on the House floor. However, had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3981-- To authorize the Preserve America Program and Save America's Treasures Program, and for other purposes; and ``yea'' on H.R. 1423--To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease a portion of a visitor center to be constructed outside the boundary of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter County, Indiana, and for other purposes.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to be present in the Capitol on Monday, June 23, 2008, and was unable to cast votes on the House floor that evening. However, had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on H. Res. 1242, Honoring the life, musical accomplishments, and contributions of Louis Jordan on the 100th anniversary of his birth; ``yea'' on H. Con. Res. 372, Supporting the goals and ideals of Black Music Month and to honor the outstanding contributions that African American singers and musicians have made to the United States; and ``yea'' on H. Res. 1051, Congratulating James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for 100 years of service and leadership to the United States.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, a player dunked in a Sunday night basketball game. Most Americans might not think that's news, but when you tell them the player was the WNBA's Candace Parker, only the second woman to dunk in WNBA history, you get a different reaction. Parker's slam dunk is just one more sign that title IX is a slam dunk. At its core, title IX is a one-sentence law that bans sex discrimination in Federally funded education programs. Title IX tore down the quotas in law and medical schools that would often limit the enrollment of women to 15 per year. Today, more women than men are attending college. And in law schools, women are now the majority. In 1970, only one out of 27 high school girls played varsity sports. Today that figure is two in five, and these girls are reaping the benefits that come from sports: lower rates of substance abuse, unintended pregnancies, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. Title IX has made it possible for women to pursue any career they want. I am excited to see what today's girls and young women will do with the opportunities title IX will provide for their futures.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008 to protect one of our most vulnerable groups: the elderly. This legislation is designed to make unenforceable all pre-dispute, mandatory binding arbitration clauses in contracts between long-term care facilities and their residents. Let me be clear: I am supportive of the principles of arbitration, so this legislation will not prohibit arbitration. Instead, it will simply ensure that residents have the choice whether to arbitrate a dispute after it has arisen. The Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, which I chair, has held three hearings this term on issues related to the Federal Arbitration Act. During these hearings, witnesses testified that many businesses utilize arbitration agreements to the disadvantage of consumers by limiting constitutional rights, imposing unreasonable costs, and creating a system in which consumers are likely to lose even when they file a valid claim. The long-term care industry is one stark example where businesses draft take-it-or-leave-it admission agreements for prospective residents that include pre-dispute mandatory arbitration clauses. A witness at the Subcommittee's October 25, 2007 hearing on H.R. 3010, the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007, testified that the ``current system of binding mandatory arbitration employed by nursing homes creates a playing field that is tilted in favor of nursing homes and against frail, vulnerable residents who suffer terribly at the hands of their caregivers. Sadly these residents are, all too often, the victims of abuse by their caregivers. They should not be further abused by an arbitration system that dispenses anything but justice.'' After hearing several stories of abhorrent conditions in nursing homes and how arbitration clauses have effectively silenced residents who want to improve those conditions, I am introducing this legislation to make unenforceable pre-dispute mandatory arbitration clauses and to restore to residents and their families their full legal rights. Residents and their families will no longer have to worry about losing their right to a jury trial when they are going through the emotional and traumatic process of searching for long-term care facilities and then choosing the perfect one. I understand the emotional toll and the sense of vulnerability when moving a loved one and his belongings into the care of strangers at a nursing home. My father was recently placed into a nursing home, and one of the last things I wanted to worry about was whether he was forgoing his legal rights when he entered it. Instead, I wanted to focus solely on the quality and range of services the facility would provide him. This legislation will allow families and residents to retain their legal rights while they look for that perfect long-term care facility. Several groups, including the AARP, the Alzheimer's Association, the National Senior Citizens Law Center, and many others who advocate on behalf of the elderly and consumers, support this legislation. Already a similar bipartisan bill has been introduced in the Senate. I am optimistic that Congress can soon send a bill to the President for his signature so that nursing home residents will retain their choice whether to arbitrate a dispute. I urge my colleagues to join me, Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, John Conyers, Hank Johnson, Dennis Kucinich, and William Delahunt, and take the important step of cosponsoring this bipartisan legislation.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a growing national trend, cyberbullying. Many of us know of the dangers our kids already face online: predators, fraud, and sexually explicit material. Now children are also facing online bullying. When a young person is ridiculed or threatened online, it can have severe and even tragic effects. A perfect case in point is Megan Meier, a St. Louis teenager who made friends with a young man named Josh online. The friendship soon deteriorated, with Josh telling Megan, ``The world would be better off without you.'' Megan Meier committed suicide. Six weeks after Megan's death came the horrifying news that Josh was actually just an alias created by the mother of one of Megan's former friends. At the time of Megan's death, cyberbullying was not considered a crime. The adult responsible for the hoax went unpunished. Recently, Federal charges were filed, but the prosecutor had to be creative because Federal law is inadequate. That is wrong. Congress must act soon to send a clear message: Online actions have offline consequences.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to mark Israel's 60th year of nationhood. As a cochair of the Democratic Israel Working Group I am proud to join my colleagues to celebrate the importance of America's relationship with Israel and to commemorate the founding of our trusted ally in the Middle East. On May 14, 1948, the nation of Israel was born, bringing Jewish refugees from all over the world together, under one unified flag, providing a permanent home for a people persecuted throughout history. For 60 years, the United States has enjoyed Israel's trusted friendship and support. Our peoples have worked together to promote respect, stability, and prosperity. As we reflect on the significance and importance of Israel's 60 years of existence, we should not forget there is still much work to be done and many goals to be accomplished. I ask my colleagues to join me in ushering in Israel's 60th anniversary.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the right to close.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1512) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for compensation to States incarcerating undocumented aliens charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today we act to restore the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program or SCAAP, to its original meaning, that which Congress originally intended it to have. Introduced by myself, H.R. 1512 will help States obtain much-needed reimbursement for the costs of detaining deportable immigrants charged with or convicted of certain criminal offenses. SCAAP was created in 1994 to reimburse States and localities for arrest, incarceration and transportation costs incurred in detaining criminal aliens. From the program's inception until 2003, States were able to obtain reimbursement for the costs of detaining deportable illegal immigrants charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors. In 2003, however, DOJ reinterpreted the SCAAP statute to require that a criminal alien be actually convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors. Moreover, the reimbursement must be requested in the year in which the conviction takes place, and is limited to that 1 year, regardless of how long the expenses are incurred. Not surprisingly, this novel reinterpretation, which contradicted Congress' clear intent, as well as DOJ's consistent interpretation, from 1994 to 2003, caused every State's reimbursement to fall dramatically. H.R. 1512 would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to return SCAAP to its originally intended meaning. States and localities would be reimbursed for the cost of incarcerating criminal aliens who are either ``charged with or convicted'' of a felony or two misdemeanors regardless of when the incarceration and conviction occur. H.R. 1512 corrects the current administration's errant reinterpretation of the law and provides States and localities burdened by the costs of jailing criminal aliens the opportunity to apply for and receive much-needed reimbursement for the costs they bear from detaining deportable immigrants charged with crimes. The bill has broad bipartisan support and the support of many respected law enforcement groups. I would like to especially commend Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the Immigration subcommittee and Steve King, the Subcommittee ranking member, for their leadership in helping bring this bill to the floor today. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, you know, immigration is probably the signature Federal policy issue. Try as they might, States simply can't fix failures in Federal immigration policy on their own. But when we fall down on the job, States, cities and counties bear the burden for an immigration system that simply doesn't work. While Congress is working on a comprehensive solution to our broken immigration system, we must not forget about the local governments who are paying an extremely high cost as a result of our inaction. In 1994, Congress passed the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, SCAAP, to reimburse States and localities for the arrest and incarceration and transportation costs associated with criminal aliens, averting a tidal wave of expenses that could have overwhelmed the State and local budgets. However, in 2003, the Department of Justice reinterpreted the SCAAP statute and caused a drastic drop in every State's reimbursement. Now States no longer receive reimbursements unless, first, the criminal alien is convicted of a criminal felony and two misdemeanors; and, second, the arrest and conviction occur in the same year. To add insult to injury, President Bush has zeroed out SCAAP in his budget proposals for the last 6 years. This means that State and local governments are left to pick up the tab. Every dollar reduction in SCAAP reimbursements means one less dollar that law enforcement agencies have to hire new officers, provide essential training, make critical equipment purchases and detain other, perhaps more violent, inmates. Following the SCAAP funding cuts in 2003, the LA County Sheriff's Department implemented a new early-release policy for inmates convicted of misdemeanors. This means the neighborhoods I represent in Southern California are at risk. Sadly, these communities are not alone. Across the country, the SCAAP reimbursement cuts have had a domino effect, where funding for anti- gang activities, homicide investigations, anti-terrorism activities and even basic maintenance is cut to pay for expenses associated with incarcerating criminal aliens and suspected criminal aliens. As Arizona county supervisors recently stated, ``This is a huge problem because we can't keep up with fixing roads, the other costs of law enforcement, and keeping up with health agencies.'' While this bill on its own won't solve the fiscal crisis many States now face, it will help in the long term by covering a greater share of costs that properly belonged to the Federal Government. H.R. 1512 amends the SCAAP statute so that States and localities can be reimbursed for the cost of incarcerating aliens who are either charged with or convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors, just like it was before the DOJ's reinterpretation in 2003. This Federal investment will allow State and local law enforcement agencies to devote more resources to important public safety programs. Law enforcement agencies and coalitions from all over the country, including the U.S.-Mexico Border Counties Coalition, the National Association of Counties, the California State Association of Counties, the Sheriffs' Association of Texas and the Virginia Sheriffs' Association support this bipartisan legislation. Lastly, I want to offer thanks and gratitude to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing this bill unanimously through the Judiciary Committee and for bringing it to the floor today without any amendments. We may not agree on many aspects of immigration policy, but this bill accomplishes a larger goal, making our community safer. For that reason, I appreciate your support. I urge my colleagues to support their local law enforcement agencies by voting for this bill.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. I yield back the remainder of my time.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, and thank my colleague, Congresswoman Slaughter, for her tireless work term after term to support this bill and ensure that it would eventually become law. Over the past several years, genetic discoveries have progressed at a remarkable rate. Today, doctors and scientists have the ability to detect genes linked to common conditions like colon cancer and heart disease. Individuals who learn about their genetic risk factors can make lifestyle changes and begin treatments that prevent these conditions altogether. But too many Americans don't take advantage of these amazing breakthroughs for a very practical reason. They fear that the information will be used to deny them health insurance or even a job. While the best way to allay those fears would be to enact universal health care coverage for all, this bill is a fantastic first step. By prohibiting discrimination on the basis of our genes, this bill will improve the chances that average Americans can benefit from cutting edge genetic science. It will promote better health care by helping Americans feel secure enough to learn about their genetic risk factors. As the daughter of a father who suffers from Alzheimer's and a mother who suffers from arthritis, I personally understand the need to make genetic testing a positive step in understanding one's genetic predispositions and making health care choices. Genetic testing should not be a hindrance to getting or keeping one's job or health care benefits. While this bill will accomplish many great things, I want to point out just two very important ones. Number 1, it will arm people with necessary and relevant information about their own health. And Number 2, it will ensure that people won't be penalized for seeking and using this valuable information. I urge all my colleagues to support the Genetic Information Non- Discrimination Act.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Protecting Americans from Unsafe Foreign Products Act. I have been alarmed by the steady stream of defective, foreign- manufactured products flooding our marketplace. From the millions of toys recalled because of lead paint to heparin, the tainted blood thinner that caused at least 81 deaths and scores of injuries, it has become increasingly clear that our health and welfare have been compromised by foreign-made products. I am also concerned that foreign manufacturers have gained an unfair advantage over U.S. manufacturers because foreign manufacturers have avoided liability for defective products in our marketplace. Because of the difficulties associated with serving process on and establishing jurisdiction over foreign manufacturers, many Americans harmed by defective foreign-made products never get their day in court. That is why I am introducing the Protecting Americans from Unsafe Foreign Products Act. This legislation would help eliminate the unfair competitive advantage enjoyed by foreign manufacturers and ensure that they can be held accountable for injuries consumers suffer as a result of defective products. The legislation amends current law to facilitate service of process on foreign manufacturers by permitting service on manufacturers wherever they reside, are found, have an agent, or transact business. Service of process and personal jurisdiction is proper so long as one of the following two criteria is met: (1) the manufacturer knew or reasonably should have known that the product or component would be imported for or use in the U.S.; or (2) the manufacturer had contacts with the U.S. whether or not such contacts occurred in the place where the injury occurred. Given the increase of imported products that do not meet U.S. standards for health, safety, and quality, and the fact that neither the Consumer Product Safety Commission nor the Food and Drug Administration have effectively prevented the importation of defective products, more consumers have become endangered. This legislation will improve accountability of foreign manufacturers and promote consumer safety, and I urge all my colleagues to join as cosponsors.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker. I wish to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. On April 23, 1915, the world suffered its first deliberate act of systematic mass murder of people of one culture by another--and the unspeakable crime of genocide was born. The massacre and mistreatment of approximately 1.5 million Armenians in the waning years of the Ottoman Empire epitomizes the depths of inhumanity that the human race is capable of. Out of this wretched episode of history, we have made a determined effort to move beyond hatred, to recognize mistakes, and to prevent similar events from occurring in the future. It is our obligation to learn from lapses in moral judgment and forge safeguards for all oppressed, vulnerable, and subjugated peoples. I would like to express my sympathy to the survivors and descendents of the Armenian Genocide. I hope we can all take time to reflect on this solemn day of remembrance.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to honor the thousands of American workers who are injured, sickened, and killed each year in this Nation. Next Monday, April 28, is Workers Memorial Day, dedicated to remembering workers whose lives are lost on the job. Sixteen workers are killed on the job every day in America. Every. Day. And these are not just workers in highly dangerous professions, but workers from every profession you can imagine, from mechanics to teachers to newspaper carriers. Instead of addressing the crisis in worker safety, the Bush administration continues to underfund the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA. Like an old dog who's lost its teeth, OSHA doesn't scare anyone. It hasn't improved safety and it doesn't protect workers. Today, I stand with families who have lost loved ones on the job. Tomorrow I continue working with my colleagues in the Labor and Working Families Caucus to strengthen OSHA. American workers deserve to be safe while earning a living and contributing to this great country. And we must do more to ensure that they are safe.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Bush Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Like many here, I would like to see our relationship with Colombia strengthened, but the NAFTA-style Colombia FTA would actually do more harm than good. The Bush administration refuses to change its stubborn ways. By deciding to force the trade agreement through Congress without seeking support or input from the House leadership, the administration continues to demonstrate its lack of judgment and sensibility. Despite many serious concerns about the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, this administration continues to believe that it can unilaterally demand and approve legislation as it pleases, when it pleases. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Until the Bush administration understands that it must make fundamental changes in its approach to trade, this House will oppose its one-sided trade deals. We need trade deals that work for American working families. The Bush Colombia FTA is not it.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, this afternoon I rise to recognize Mr. Charlie Ara, the recipient of the First Annual Cesar Chavez Humanitarian Award for the 56th Assembly District of California, for over 50 years of community service and activism in the field of human and civil rights. Mr. Ara was ordained a Roman Catholic priest by Cardinal James Francis McIntyre on April 25, 1956, at St. Vibiana's Cathedral in Los Angeles, California. From 1956 to 1970, he served as associate pastor in five large parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles: St. Lawrence Martyr in the South Bay area; St. Finbar's in the Burbank-Glendale area; Visitation in West Los Angeles; All Saints in El Sereno; and St. Cecilia's in the Tustin-Santa Ana area of Orange County. On August 28, 1963, Mr. Ara participated in the March on Washington, along with over 250,000 people, and experienced Martin Luther King Jr.'s ``I Have a Dream'' speech. Mr. Ara has carried Mr. King's message of equality throughout his career. Mr. Ara became a strong advocate for social justice, including support for farm workers, anti-Vietnam War activists, and fair housing legislation for Mexican-American families living in public housing projects in East Los Angeles. In 1970, Mr. Ara married. He and his wife, Shirley, were blessed with five wonderful children: Martin John, Jose Anthony, Rana Annette, Dawna Gibrana, and Matthew Charles. Mr. Ara became the chief executive and administrator of anti-poverty programs funded by the California Community Services Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the City of Long Beach Department of Rehabilitation. Through these programs, Mr. Ara assisted Latinos and other ethnic minorities by directing men and women to job training programs. Mr. Ara also established English classes for the Spanish-speaking community, served as a liaison with the welfare department, and sought assistance for the elderly. Mr. Ara also wrote and obtained the first mental health government grant for the Asian American community in Long Beach serving widows of fallen military servicemembers. In addition to his advocacy work, Mr. Ara holds a doctoral degree in psychology and has been a marriage and family counselor for 36 years. He has written a best-selling marital success guide titled, ``The Grass is Greener Where It is Watered.'' Mr. Ara has prepared many thousands of couples for marriage, and has made numerous appearances on national television and radio programs to discuss his work. Most recently, Mr. Ara led an effort with the Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club of Cerritos and the African-American community to observe the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday in the city of Cerritos. Madam Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in recognizing Charlie Ara for his many years of service to the community, and for his many years of social justice advocacy. He is a great man who does great work in our community. We respect him tremendously, and he deserves this honor.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Congressional Review Act Improvement Act. This legislation would cut government waste by reducing duplicative paperwork and relieving some of the administrative burdens that are currently mandated by the Congressional Review Act, the congressional review mechanism of agency rules. The Congressional Review Act requires that all agencies promulgating a rule must submit to both Houses of Congress, and to the Comptroller General at the Government Accountability Office, a report that contains a copy of the rule, a concise general statement describing the rule, and the proposed effective date of the rule. Thus, under current law, the same material is submitted, housed, and printed at four different governmental entities. Specifically, this legislation would eliminate the requirement that agencies submit their rules that are printed in the Federal Register to each House of Congress. Instead of receiving the full submission of each individual rule, the House and Senate would receive a weekly list of all rules from the Comptroller General. The House and Senate would then enter that list into the Congressional Record with a statement of referral for each rule. Under these revisions, agencies would still be required to submit rules and reports to each House of Congress that were not printed in the Federal Register, and Congress could still employ the procedures in the Congressional Review Act to disapprove agency rules. I urge my colleagues to join as cosponsors to this legislation that makes commonsense modifications of the Congressional Review Act.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to congratulate the University of California, Los Angeles--My alma mater--on its 100th NCAA team championship. In a Nation with so many colleges and universities known for their strong sports programs, heck, in a city the size of Los Angeles with sports powerhouse USC right across town, this is a truly amazing accomplishment. At UCLA, which has so many firsts in other areas, the 2007 UCLA women's water polo Team helped UCLA reach another first: the first to 100 NCAA team championships. On May 13, 2007, the women's water polo team, led by Head Coach Adam Krikorian, defeated Stanford 9-4 in the last round of the Women's Water Polo National Championship tournament, thereby making history. This was the team's third consecutive NCAA championship and its fifth overall national title. Team member Kelly Rulon was selected as the tournament's Most Valuable Player, and Ms. Rulon and four of her teammates--Emily Feher, Courtney Mathewson, Jillian Kraus, and Kacy Kunke--were named to the NCAA all-tournament team. UCLA won its first national title in men's tennis in 1950. Since then, 16 different athletics programs--nine men's programs and seven women's--have won national championships in the sports of basketball, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and, of course, water polo. In the last 5 years alone, under the leadership of Athletic Director Dan Guerrero, UCLA athletics teams have won 14 NCAA national championships in nine different sports. This extraordinary achievement is a tribute to the skill and dedication of the many players, coaches, students, alumni, families, professors, staff, and fans who have helped to make UCLA an athletic powerhouse as well as one of the top academic universities in the Nation. UCLA's accomplishment also demonstrates the success of Title IX. Of the 100 NCAA championships that UCLA teams have earned, women's teams have been responsible for 30. And the NCAA didn't even begin awarding championships in women's sports until the 1981-82 season. To all the athletes of UCLA, past and present, male and female, you rock.