Linda Sánchez

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. May I mention that my older sister, who was the older of the two to be elected to Congress, was a Head Start child. That program helped her become prepared for school, and helped my mother understand an education system that was totally foreign to her.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. If I could just add, one of the things, and you are raising excellent points, women have so many challenges. Young women have so many challenges today. Young mothers have so many challenges today, such as access to affordable health care and access to quality and affordable child care. Women disproportionately have lower-paying jobs that pay minimum wage, and we have not seen a raise in minimum wage to keep pace with inflation. Really oftentimes I talk about the glass ceiling because there are still so many opportunities denied to women in the upper echelons of our workforce, but many women are just struggling to get up off the floor because they are working minimum-wage jobs and trying to raise kids. They are the heads of households. They face all of these challenges. And one of the best ways for women to get ahead, and this is something my immigrant parents really instilled in all of my brothers and sisters, I come from a family of seven, they said education is the key to opportunity in this country; you need to go to college. When they told me this, it was a pretty radical notion for a traditional Latino family to say not just the boys need to go to college, but the girls also should go to college. One of the ways I financed my education was with Pell grants and students loans, loans which I am still paying back today. I still owe on my student loans. I make out that check every month. But it was the best investment I could have made in myself, because it opened the doors of opportunity. When you talked about the President, his priorities being so out of place and opposite of what they should be, the first thing that jumped to my mind was they want to cut student aid programs. They want to freeze the maximum Pell Grant. Many young women who want to go to college rely disproportionately on Pell Grants and student aid to finance that and make that dream happen. Yet they are slashing that, which is, again, one of the best investments you could make. If you talk about a young woman who is bright, she gets into college and cannot finance a college education, you are talking about not just making it that much harder for her to access these economic opportunities, but let's look at this realistically. If she is earning less because she is not able to get a college education or additional training, she is contributing less in the tax base in terms of our economy. It is such a wise investment to help people further their education and careers, because they become higher income earners, they pay more into the tax base, they spend more in their communities to help stimulate the economy. Yet we have an administration and a President who thinks nothing of making the biggest cuts to the student loan program in the whole program's history. Now, more than ever, we should think about investing in young women, not foreclosing those opportunities for them.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Idalia Luna Smith. Idalia was a caseworker in my district office. She was also a dear and loving friend to hundreds in our region of California. She was a community activist, and she was a loving wife and mother of three children. Idalia passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2006, ending a long and difficult battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, John, and her two sons and daughter: Jack, Patrick, and Veronica. Idalia was born and raised in East Los Angeles. Her interest in politics and social justice developed early in life. At the age of 14, she was influenced by her father's involvement in the famous 1970 Chicano Moratorium, an event which raised political consciousness for thousands in the Mexican America community of greater Los Angeles. As a teenager and college student, Idalia became politically active in her community, fighting for the equal treatment of Latinos and other underrepresented people. Idalia graduated from Sacred Heart of Mary High School, then studied pre-medicine at Immaculate Heart College and Chicano studies, journalism and theatre at East Los Angeles Community College. She then earned her bachelor of science degree in biology at the University of La Verne. Upon graduation, Idalia went to work for the Southern California Edison Company. In her 20 years there, she worked in many departments, including power production, informational technology, health care, and occupational health and safety. As a testament to Idalia's good will and generosity, she organized several blood donation drives and health fairs at Southern California Edison. In 2001, seeking to combine her love of science, children and education, Idalia went back to school to earn a teaching credential at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. From 2001 to 2003, she taught science to young children at Beatitudes of our Lord School at La Mirada, California. However, her time at Beatitudes was unfortunately cut short by breast cancer. For the next 3 years, Idalia underwent the difficult rigors of chemotherapy and other treatments. Through her strength and courage, she was determined to return to help her community. In 2003, Idalia did just that as she joined her husband, John, in founding the Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club in La Mirada. In this way, Idalia continued the legacy of fighting for social justice that she began in East Los Angeles 30 years earlier. In just one year, Idalia and John Smith increased the RFK Club's membership from 20 to 112 people. In acknowledgment of her work, Idalia was named the 2005 Democrat of the Year for the 60th Assembly District of California by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, and that same year she was honored by her local peers with the 2005 Community Service Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club. Over the past year, I had the pleasure of getting to know Idalia well as she worked in my district office as an office manager first and then a caseworker. Idalia's humor, optimism, and general goodwill always brightened our office and the lives of the constituents that she served. Not a day went by that she did not make us smile and laugh. As a caseworker, she tirelessly worked to help others with their problems, all while she struggled with cancer. Despite her own health concerns, Idalia always lent an empathetic ear and dedicated herself to the individuals she helped. She was incredibly modest, humble, and charming. My staff and I will miss her greatly. Through it all, Idalia believed in being proactive. She was committed to learning about her disease and did what she could to help others facing the same pain. I urge everyone to follow Idalia's example and make a personal commitment to ease the suffering of others as well and to help eradicate the horrible disease of cancer. Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring Idalia Luna Smith. May God bless her and ease her family's pain as they mourn for their loss.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Doris Wahl's 50 years community service and HIV/AIDS advocacy in Whittier, CA. Doris and her husband Wally Wahl, moved to Whittier 50 years ago where they raised four beautiful children, Michael, Margie, Christopher and Paul. For over 20 years, Doris was an active PTA member serving as president and chairwoman of several District Advisory Committees. Over the years, Doris's community involvement extended to local government where she served as commissioner of Parks and Recreation for the city of Whittier and served twice as its chairwoman. Doris also served as president of the Whittier League of Women Voters, promoting civic participation in government and the political process. On August 26, 1989, Doris lost her son Christopher due to complications with AIDS. Doris's loss and intimate involvement with the disease motivated her to found the Whittier Rio Hondo AIDS Project, WRHAP, 2 years later. What she learned during her son's illness and in subsequent years was that AIDS is not a disease solely driven by a virus but also by fear, loneliness and depression. It is for this reason that WRHAP provided a compassionate support group for those suffering with AIDS. Doris realized the true scope of the local epidemic when the support group grew to over 30 members after only 3 months. In 1993, 2 years later, WRHAP was incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Since opening its doors, WRHAP has served thousands of people living with AIDS and provided HIV prevention information to over 12,000 youth. WRHAP currently serves over 100 persons living with HIV/AIDS, conducts over 1,200 outreach contacts per year, and provides over 500 confidential HIV tests. Under Doris's leadership, WRHAP has become a one-stop resource for people with AIDS. WRHAP's clients receive case management assistance, mental health care, and support group therapy. Through collaboration with other agencies, WRHAP's clients can also obtain outpatient medical and dental care. In August 2004, Doris founded the Christopher Wahl Youth Center in Whittier as a safe haven and HIV prevention resource for youth. Doris has become a nationally recognized figure in advocating for appropriate services for people with AIDS, and she co-founded the Southern California HIV/AIDS Advocacy Coalition in 1998. Doris was twice selected as Woman of the Year, once by the California State Assembly, once by the California State Senate and received a Special Congressional Recognition in honor of Women's History Month. Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring Doris Wahl for her many years of service to the community and for her many years of HIV/AIDS advocacy. Let us wish her and her family the very best in retirement.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. James P. Hoffa for his strong leadership and commitment to working families. As the only son of James R. Hoffa, former General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Mr. Hoffa grew up on picket lines and in union meetings. James P. Hoffa became a Teamster member himself on his 18th birthday when his father swore him in. As a young Teamster, Hoffa worked as a laborer in Detroit and Alaska, loading and unloading freight from ships, driving trucks and buses and operating heavy equipment. At Michigan State University, Hoffa played football for legendary Coach Duffy Daugherty and graduated with a degree in Economics. He went on to receive his Law degree from the University of Michigan, and worked as a Teamster attorney from 1968 through 1993. From 1993 to 1998, Hoffa worked at Michigan Joint Council 43. In 1999 Hoffa was elected General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Under his leadership, Teamsters are winning industry-leading contracts, engaging in contract enforcement and organizing thousands of new members. The Union's renewed commitment to political action includes DRIVING America's Future, a new initiative that encourages and supports Teamster members running for political office. This effort will ensure even more Teamster influence in state and national government. James P. Hoffa has spent a lifetime preparing for the challenge of running the Teamsters Union. He knows, first-hand, what Teamsters can accomplish when they work together. He is determined to lead a Union that is a credit to its proud history. Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring Mr. James P. Hoffa for his life's work in building better lives for our families, our communities and our country.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. C. Thomas Keegel for his 45 years as a committed member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4437. Americans are right to demand better border security and better enforcement of our immigration laws, but this bill is just a false sense of security. It does not secure our borders, it leaves our ports of entry exposed, and does nothing to reform our broken immigration system. What is needed is enforcement of laws that work, and we cannot have this without comprehensive immigration reform. Even President Bush agrees on this. We should not be debating a bill thrown together at the 11th hour before we adjourn for recess, a bill that basically opens the door for witch hunts of anyone who looks foreign and a bill that erodes basic civil liberties and human rights for migrants, legal immigrants, and even citizens. In looking at the lack of merit in this bill, we need to ask ourselves what kind of America do we want to live in. Do we want an America where we have mass deportations? Do we want an America where police officers can randomly ask foreign-looking Americans to produce identification to prove their legal status? Do we want an America where people can be detained for life when their home country is unwilling to take them back? Do we want an America where American citizens will have to carry national identification cards to travel, work, or just walk down the street? Do we want an America that criminalizes 1.6 million children? Because that is exactly what this bill will do. As the daughter of immigrants, I am offended by this bill, and I urge my colleagues to think long and hard about the vote they are about to cast and the detrimental impact it will have on the proud tradition of immigration that this country was built on.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I couldn't agree more with my colleagues and the parents whose children were subject to a flawed, distasteful survey in Palmdale, California. The survey was clearly improper. However, I disagree that we should condemn the decision of the 9th Circuit Court. We should hold the Palmdale school district responsible for the content and the manner in which the survey was conducted. School districts should and must ensure that parents are fully informed about all survey topics. In addition, school districts must guarantee that parents consent to their children's participation in a survey. I will be voting no on H. Res. 547 because I believe it misses the mark--the Palmdale school district should be condemned for conducting the survey as opposed to condemning the 9th Circuit for their interpretation of the Constitution.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, in this morning's Washington Post, one of the paper's columnists implied that I and other Members who oppose Medicare cuts are simply ``demonizing Republicans.'' Well, Mr. Speaker, I hate to break it to you, but I am more concerned with the people who live in my district than the current image problems affecting the Republican Party. Truly, what concerns the people in my district is what Congress is considering doing this week. We are right now waiting to see the latest version of a bill that takes away food from children, makes it more difficult for young people to go to college, and slashes funding for foster parents. I know that many of my colleagues would like to spin this bill as a fine example of fiscal discipline; but rather than taking from children, why do we not think we should start with, oh, I do not know, honestly accounting for future deficit projections, or eliminating billion-dollar pork barrel projects for the chairmen of certain committees, or how about an open and competitive bid on huge government contracts. Five years ago, Mr. Speaker, this country had record surpluses. In half a decade, we have dishonest accounting, the largest deficit in history, and a budget reconciliation process that is conducted behind closed doors. Believing that America can do better is not a partisan attack.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, this evening I honor and celebrate the life of former Representative Edward Ross Roybal. Edward Roybal is a role model and a hero to us all. Congressman Roybal was a founding member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Much is owed to him for his foresight and leadership in establishing these organizations. Today, these organizations are among the leading voices for the Latino community. I quickly want to share a story that I think epitomizes Ed Roybal's life in the House. In 1982, he opposed a comprehensive immigration reform bill that had many bad provisions and many punitive provisions in it. He threatened to offer more than 100 amendments to the bill and demand a recorded vote on each amendment if the bill was brought to the floor. Fortunately for him and the Latino community, the House leaders backed down from this battle. This also is a clear example of how much respect folks had for this man because he stood up for what was right. The powers that be recognized him for his leadership. In June of 1984, this bill was brought up again; and this time he offered seven amendments to amend the bill. His actions showed his relentless commitment and passion for immigration and its human impact on the Latino community. Today, we face a similar challenge defending those seeking a better life. It is my hope that Members will remember his courage and integrity when we debate this matter. Mother Teresa once said, ``I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.'' Ed Roybal serves as a shining example of the profound impact that one person can have on his or her community and country. He is a model for selflessness and eternal optimism, and I wish to honor him this evening. ``Blessed is the leader who seeks the best for those he serves.'' For over a quarter of a century, the people of California had such a leader in Edward Roybal. As we all know, the name Ed Roybal has become synonymous with leadership and integrity in the local and national political arena. Indeed, Ed Roybal was blessed for selflessly giving his energy and love and for dedicating his life to those most in need. Let us honor and celebrate his life's work in public service. Through his life, Edward Ross Roybal was a tireless champion of the most vulnerable--the elderly and sick in the country. That is why in 2001 President Clinton awarded Congressman Roybal the Presidential Citizens Medal for ``exemplary deeds of service for our Nation.'' Edward Roybal graduated from the University of California Los Angeles and Southwestern University, where he studied law. After working for the California Tuberculosis Association, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II from April 1944 to December 1945. Edward Roybal was first elected to the House in 1962. Early in his congressional career, he served on various committees where he distinguished himself for his leadership. In 1971, Congressman Roybal was selected to serve on the Appropriations Committee, where he remained for the rest of his tenure in the House. He was a powerful advocate for funding education, civil rights, and health programs. Most notably, he was one of the first Members of Congress to press for HIV/ AIDS research funding. Representative Roybal also served on the Select Committee on Aging, serving as chair from 1985 to 1993. In 1980, he led a campaign for the restoration of funds to programs for the elderly. In 1982, he was successful in maintaining the Meals on Wheels program. After Congress, former Representative Roybal used his leftover campaign funds to found a non-profit research agency dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of health and human services to older persons, now called the Edward R. Roybal Institute for Applied Gerontology at the California State University--Los Angeles campus. Clearly, Roybal was committed to public health issues that affected the most vulnerable. To this end, in 1999 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) honored Congressman Roybal's support for public health programs by naming its main campus in Atlanta in his honor and awarding him its Champion of Prevention Award. Congressman Roybal was also a founding member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Much is owed to him for his foresight and leadership in establishing these organizations. Today, these organizations are among the leading voices for the Latino community. Mother Teresa once said, ``I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.'' Ed Roybal serves as a shining example of the profound impact one person can have on his or her community and nation. He is a model for selflessness and eternal optimism. Ed Roybal is a role model and a hero to us all.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, when I was elected to Congress, I never thought I would be asked to participate in crushing the dreams of American children. But that is exactly what the House majority is asking me to do. The House budget reconciliation bill includes $14.3 billion in overall cuts to Federal student aid programs over the next 5 years. This cut will be the single largest cut in the entire history of the student aid program. I thought the majority did not want to leave any child behind. But obviously what this cut means is they do not want to leave you behind, until you want to go to college. I know firsthand the importance of student aid. I would not be standing on the floor of this House if it were not for student aid programs. These loans made my education dreams a reality. I am the only member of the California congressional delegation still paying off her student loans. Each month I proudly write that check because I know the best investment I and my seven brothers and sisters could have made was our investment in our own education. Can you imagine where we will be in 20 years when we lack the professionals that we need in this country? Make no mistake, these proposed cuts to student aid programs will negatively impact the future of our workforce and our economy.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, today I was unavoidably detained in District-related events and missed rollcall votes Nos. 570, 571 and 573. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 570, H. Con. Res. 260--A bill to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, Nostra Aetate, and the continuing need for mutual interreligious respect and dialogue, ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 571, H.R. 1973--The ``Water for the Poor Act of 2005,'' and ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 572, H.R. 444--The ``Gynecological Resolution for Advancement of Ovarian Cancer Education.''

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, Cerritos College celebrates its 50 years of dedication, tradition, and influence in the 39th Congressional District and southeast Los Angeles County. It stands as an honored institution within the surrounding communities and continues to provide excellent education and training to thousands of students year after year. A community's dream to extend the educational opportunities of local youth resulted in the birth of Cerritos College. Established in 1955, Cerritos College began with a humble 195 students, 10 teachers, and 15 subjects. Today, the College enrolls more than 22,000 students and offers over 180 areas of study. Cerritos College's dedication to quality education has made the College an asset to both career-oriented students as well as life-long learners. From political science to business, culinary arts to computers, Cerritos College's programs are invaluable in providing the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's dynamic world. Cerritos College has embraced and utilized technology in providing quality education and services to its students and faculty. The College boasts an open-access lab of 600 high-speed computers dedicated to student use, a modern teleconferencing center, online courses, and ``wiring'' of the entire campus. As a result, Cerritos College has been dubbed ``the most technologically advanced community college'' in California for teaching and learning. Perhaps Cerritos College's greatest asset is its diversity. It is the fourth largest Latino serving community college in the nation and is home to more than 300 international students. Cerritos College's commitment to serving the community's needs has empowered local students and given them a chance to pursue their dreams and become engaged with the rest of the world. I proudly celebrate with Cerritos College its fiftieth anniversary and look forward to working with the College and its students for many more years to come.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, it is Republican ``tort reform week'' in the House of Representatives. However, I think a more appropriate name would be ``distort the truth week.'' Two bills on this week's House calendar, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act and the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act unjustly slams the courthouse doors in the face of injured plaintiffs. And why are we voting to shut the doors of courthouses to legitimate plaintiffs? So the Republican Party can give a gift to special interests and the fast food industry and the NRA. It is time to put a stop to this charade. If the goal is to prevent frivolous lawsuits, then punish the lawyers who file them. But if the goal is to give unscrupulous food companies and gun dealers free reign to make their products more dangerous, then by all means I urge my colleagues to support both bills. However, my goal is to protect the American people, to ensure safe business practices in food production and in the gun industries and to preserve the integrity of our judicial system. That is why I am voting ``no'' on both the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act and the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, on September 22nd, the Frank C. Leal Elementary School of Cerritos was awarded the distinct honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Frank C. Leal Elementary joins 33 other public schools and seven additional private schools in the State of California who have also been named National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. I commend the efforts of each and every one of these outstanding California schools. The Blue Ribbon Schools is a national recognition program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The 22-year-old program encourages states to nominate public and private kindergarten through grade twelve schools that are either academically superior or demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. This Blue Ribbon distinction duly recognizes the level of excellence that is achieved everyday at Frank C. Leal Elementary School of Cerritos. This school is setting a national example of what it takes to be a superior learning environment. It is absolutely essential that our schools continue to strive for excellence, if we want our students to realize their academic potential. Frank C. Leal Elementary School is a visual and performing arts magnet school, and is a testament to the impact that an arts education can have on a student's academic achievement. I commend the hard working teachers and school administrators of Frank C. Leal Elementary School of Cerritos for their contributions and commitment to our young people. I also would like to recognize the parents and our community for supporting the Frank C. Leal Elementary School's efforts to help every child reach their full potential. Education has always been tied to the promise of equality and opportunity for all and the ABC Unified School District and the community of Cerritos have worked hard to give every student an equal chance to succeed. Congratulations to the Frank C. Leal Elementary School of Cerritos and the ABC Unified School District for this incredible achievement!

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, today the House will vote on H.R. 3402, the Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act. I rise today to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) for their leadership on this bill and to urge my colleagues to support it. H.R. 3402 contains language from my bill, H.R. 283, the Bullying and Gang Prevention For School Safety and Crime Reduction Act of 2005. By adding this important provision, schools will be able to use Federal dollars to establish gang and bullying prevention programs in their schools and to teach kids not to use e-mail, instant messaging, or cell phones to make threats and insults, a disturbing new behavior known as ``cyberbullying.'' Studies show that 31 percent of junior high and high school students in urban areas and 21 percent of all students reported that street gangs were present at their schools and more than 3.2 million children are the victims of repeated bullying every year. That is one in every six students. Bullying and gangs can be eliminated from our schools and H.R. 3402 is a tremendous step in the right direction. I urge all of my colleagues to vote for the bill.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I missed rollcall vote No. 440. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this unconscionable medical malpractice liability bill. This bill will do nothing to reduce the skyrocketing health care costs in this country. All it will do is deprive people who are already sick and injured of justice. Mr. Speaker, it is undeniable that most Americans do not have access to affordable health care and that many specialists and trauma centers are closing their doors. But instead of addressing our health care crisis head on, my Republican colleagues have come up with H.R. 5. H.R. 5 is as deplorable as it is ineffective. Trying to stabilize medical malpractice insurance rates by capping legitimate victims' damages is akin to trying to put out a forest fire with a squirt gun. I know that H.R. 5 will not magically keep medical malpractice insurance rates down and keep doctors in business because the bill is modeled after California's Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act, better known as MICRA. My Republican colleagues love to sing the praises of MICRA. But guess what? MICRA did not work. MICRA's caps on pain and suffering damages have not reduced insurance rates for doctors in my State. MICRA was signed into law in 1975, but medical malpractice insurance rates did not stabilize until years after MICRA was passed. In fact, between 1975 and 1993, California's health care costs rose 343 percent, nearly twice the rate of inflation and 9 percent higher than the national average each year. When California's insurance rates stabilized, it was because the State passed legislation to directly deal with the insurance problem. They passed an insurance reform bill known as Proposition 103. It is a shame that the Republican leadership of the House is further victimizing victims instead of getting at the root of the real problem. Where is the Republican leadership on the real health care issues that Americans care about? Where is a Republican House bill to provide health care for every working family? Where is a Republican House bill to encourage more students to go into medicine and nursing and for practicing doctors to keep their doors open? Where is a Republican House bill that deals directly with medical malpractice insurance rates? My Republican colleagues have not offered bills that will help reform our health care system. Legislation like that would have prevented the forest fire before it even began. Instead, House Republicans cap legitimate victims' damage awards. H.R. 5, without insurance and health care reform, is meaningless. H.R. 5 simply reinjures the legitimate victims of medical malpractice, and we should vote ``no'' on H.R. 5.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. I want to recognize and congratulate one of the most distinguished constituents in the 39th Congressional District, Mr. Tony Raymondo. I commend him for his invaluable contribution to his family, and to his company--Granitize Products, Inc. In fact, I also want to commend Mr. Tony Raymondo for his involvement with the community. As Granitize prepares to celebrate its 75th birthday in 2005, we want to honor Mr. Tony Raymondo for his excellent contribution and outstanding service to Granitize Products, Inc. Mr. Tony Raymondo has been a great patriarch to his family members. Raymondo has been a devoted husband to his wife Betty, and a supportive father of two sons, and one daughter, Marty, Tony, and Lisa. Mr. Raymondo has been a role model to his children by displaying hard work and dedication to his family and to his company. His family has blossomed to include fifteen grandchildren in his immediate family. Though committed to his work, he has always put family first. This commitment has helped to create a strong immediate and extended family. Furthermore, Mr. Raymondo has made the most of his leisure time by refining his many passions. For instance, Mr. Raymondo has a vast knowledge of making and producing his own wine. In fact, this activity goes hand-in-hand with his other passion, cooking. Mr. Raymondo is known for his distinguished Italian cooking among his friends and family. Mr. Raymondo also enjoys working with his hands by taking part in other activities such as woodworking and photography. Thus, Mr. Raymondo has a wood shop and a photography lab within his house. Mr. Raymondo has volunteered countless hours for school fundraisers to gather funds to purchase school utensils for schools. He is known as a very generous person that enjoys helping people. The fire and police department has also benefited from Mr. Raymondo generosity. He has volunteered his time to these two agencies. Professionally, Mr. Raymondo broke through barriers within the Granitize Products, Inc. Mr. Raymondo began his career/profession with Granitize Products, Inc., as a cleaner in the chemical room in 1954. Having excelled as a cleaner, Mr. Raymondo moved up the ranks quickly and worked his way through every job in the company until holding the title of President and CEO, the position he holds today. Mr. Raymondo was the one responsible in venturing out into different markets other than just the automotive market. He took the initiative thirty years ago to seek other potential markets. As a result, he found fiberglass manufacturing beneficial to society and lacking the proper wax to combat molds. Thus, he worked to create a new product to combat various types of molds that would allow manufacturers to make more products, more efficiently, and with fewer problems, and he showed them how. He created the formulas that are still used today in the TR Division of Granitize. Today Granitize and TR combine to serve and sell

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because CAFTA is a raw deal for America, and opposition to this agreement is so strong that the pushers of CAFTA are resorting to lies, deceptions, and backdoor deals. We all know that CAFTA means exporting American jobs because of access to cheap labor markets with almost nonexistent environmental and labor standards. All week long we have heard from the supporters of this badly negotiated trade agreement that they have the votes they need to pass it. But I do not want anybody to be fooled and buy this lie. The truth is that the overwhelming majority of House Members have already indicated that they oppose this bill because it is a bad deal for American workers. They will not even tell us when CAFTA will come to the floor for a vote. Instead, we come to see CAFTA come deceptively to the floor in the middle of the night when they think the American public is not watching. I urge my colleagues to vote their conscience, to not accept backdoor deals, to stand their ground. Vote for what they already know is best for the people of their district. Vote to send CAFTA back to the drawing board.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I believe that this chart really tells a great picture. We look at these blue bars. We start on one side and we see people who make the least amount of money, and we go across the way to people who are very rich and making lots of money. And the blue bars are during Clinton's time, and what they say about ``a high tide raises all boats,'' we can see that. See the blue. They all grow up. The red represents the Bush years. The one under, the negative growth, are the poor people, the people who make the least amount of money. And the big red bar on the other end, those are the people who make the most money on an annual basis. Look at that. So that is what Bush has done. He has rewarded those who make the most money by increasing what they are making, and those households that make less money actually are losing ground. But we do not have to look at a chart like that. We can see it every day. What is the biggest disparity that we have between those who have great jobs and those who have minimum-wage jobs? One of the major things is education, for example. Those who have a better education, they are probably, probably, going to make more money. So what has Bush done during these years? If we look at this budget that he proposed this year, cutting moneys to community colleges, a place where people who have lost their jobs can go and get new skills, get retrained, the money is not there anymore. Places for immigrants who want to learn English at night, for example, cannot get into those classes anymore. The Republicans are trying to cut the student loan program, a way in which people, people who do not have money, are able to go and finance an education. I know because I had student loans, Pell grants. Those are the out, and scholarships that we give to people who want to go get a higher education, he managed to raise it by only $100. Think about that. Tuition going crazy at colleges and universities. Anybody who has got teenage kids and is looking at this can see the trend: $100, that is the increase that the President says is going to fix everything. But the biggest disparity that has happened from this President is the fact that he put in a signature package called No Child Left Behind where he was going to look and measure how our kids were doing in our kindergarten through 12th-grade system, and if they were not doing well, if they were below the level where they should be, we were going to tutor them, get more people in to help them, take extra care of these kids so we can bring them up to the average where they were supposed to be. Guess what? Nine billion dollars short. In other words, he passed the program, but he forgot to fund it. And then people wonder what is wrong with education? We are not investing in one of the most important things we have to do, and that is to get our people up, to make them scientists and mathematicians. Go to the universities. Go to the universities and look and see who is teaching our math and science classes. They are foreigners. And then take a look at who is in the class. They, too, are foreigners. And it used to be that these foreigners stayed in the United States, and they became Americans, and they helped us to make the new, new things and the new industries and the new technology, but now our very own companies are getting them and sending them back to India or China or wherever they come from, and they are competing against us.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize and congratulate one of the most distinguished pastors serving in the Los Angeles area, Mr. Frederick K.C. Price. Dr. Price, founder and pastor of Crenshaw Center and host of ``Ever-Increasing Ministries'', has accomplished a feat that very few have achieved in life--50 years of ministering the uncompromising Word of God. In 2005, Dr. Price will celebrate his ``Golden Anniversary'' as a minister, pastor and teacher of the Gospel. It all began on January 3, 1932, in Santa Monica, California, when Frederick Kenneth Cercie Price, Jr. was born as the eldest of two sons to Fred and Winifred Price. He has one sister, Delores W. Jones. A product of the Los Angeles public school system, Fred Price attended McKinley Elementary School in Santa Monica, Foshay Junior High, Manual Arts and Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, and Los Angeles City College. He received an honorary diploma from the Rhema Bible Training Center in 1976 and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Oral Roberts University in 1982; both institutions are based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was then referred to as Dr. Frederick K.C. Price. Dr. Price met the former Betty Ruth Scott while attending Dorsey High School. They were married in March 1953 and have four children Angela Marie Evans, Cheryl Ann Price, Stephanie Pauline Buchanan, and Frederick Kenneth Price, Jr. All of the Price children and their spouses (A. Michael Evans, Jr. and Danon Buchanon, Angel Price) work in the family ministry. Drs. Fred and Betty Price also have six grandchildren; Alan Michael and Adrian Marie Evans; Nicole Denise and Allen L. Crabbe III; and Tyler Stephen Buchanan and Justin Eric Buchanan. The marriage of Fred and Betty Price spans more than 50 years. Dr. Price was an assistant pastor in the Baptist church from 1955 to 1957, and then pastured an AME (African Methodist Episcopal) church in Val Verde, California from 1957 to 1959. He went from there to the Presbyterian Church, then to the Christian and Missionary Alliance in 1965. In 1973, Dr. Price and 300 parishioners moved from West Washington to establish Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) in Inglewood, CA. In 1984, CCC outgrew its Inglewood facility and purchased the former Pepperdine University Los Angeles campus. CCC is not the home of the Faith Dome, with approximately 10,000 seats, is the largest church sanctuary in the United States. Construction on the FaithDome began in 1986, finished in 1989, and the Dome was dedicated on January 21, 1990. Currently, CCC's church membership totals over 27,000. In addition, in 1990, Dr. Price founded the Fellowship of Inner City Word of Faith Ministries (FICWFM). Members of FICWFM include pastors and ministers from all over the world. The Fellowship's mission is to provide fellowship, leadership, guidance a spiritual covering for those desiring a standard of excellence in ministry: In May 21, 2001, Dr. Price established CCC East, in Manhattan, New; the current membership is approximately 1,000. Dr. Price travels to New York every month to teach the weekly Bible Study and Sunday service. People all over the world know of Dr. Price through the ``Ever Increasing Faith'' television, radio and tape ministry. The Ever Increasing Faith Ministries program reaches more than 15 million households each week throughout the United States, according to recent Neilson ratings. Dr. Price is the author of some 50 books on faith, healing, prosperity, and the Holy Spirit. ``How Faith Works'' is a classic book on the operation of faith and its life-changing principles. He has sold over 2.1 million books since 1976. His most recent projects include, ``Race, Religion and Racism, Volume 1: A bold Encounter with Racism in The Church''. In September, 2000, Dr. Price was the first black Pastor to speak at Town Hall Los Angeles. In 1998, he was the recipient of two prestigious awards; the Horatio Alger Award, presented by an Alexandria, Virginia based association honoring those who exemplify inspirational success. He also received the Kelly Miller Smith Interfaith Award, presented by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, honoring those who have made the most significant contribution through religious expression affecting the nation and world, and most recently, he was presented the Living History Makers Award by Turning Point Magazine, honoring those while they walk among us leaving an indelible footprint of their deeds while making our world a better place.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I just cannot help feeling remorse for what has happened to the truth in America. For more than a week, the American people have known that Karl Rove was involved in the leaking of a covert CIA agent's name to the press. He damaged our national security and put an agent at risk. This is not the work of a patriot. Of course, Rove did not admit to his treachery. Instead, the story has come out through reporters who are getting their information from Karl Rove's attorney. Republicans, from the President on down, continue to say that they will not comment until they know all the facts. Here is an idea: President Bush should demand that Karl Rove come clean and tell the American people everything. While Rove continues to hide behind his attorney, a grand jury is investigating the matter. For some strange reason, Republicans claim that Rove has been vindicated. Something tells me that if Rove really believed he was innocent of wrongdoing, we would have already heard from him by now. The silence from both Rove and the White House is deafening, while the truth continues to be obscured for political gain.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I missed rollcall vote Nos. 363 and 364. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' for both.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and public service of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Jerry Ortiz. A 15-year veteran of the police department, as well as an Army veteran, husband and father, Deputy Ortiz was slain in the line of duty while valiantly working to wipe out gangs in southeast Los Angeles County. Deputy Ortiz's tragic murder shows how the gang epidemic has gotten out of hand, and he paid the ultimate price trying to make his community safer. Deputy Ortiz was a model law enforcement agent and was admired and respected by his colleagues. He was awarded the Lakewood City Medal of Valor for arresting a robbery suspect, and he will be remembered as a tireless crime fighter who personified the ideals of community-based policing. On behalf of every resident of the 39th Congressional District, I thank and honor Deputy Ortiz for dedicating his life to defending our country and making our community a safer place to live and to raise a family. May God bless and give strength to Deputy Ortiz's wife and children as they mourn their tragic loss. Deputy Ortiz will truly be missed.