Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. Let me just say that this is a cornerstone of the President's budget for SBA, and I think it is important that Congress go on record on this issue, particularly for us Democrats. And what we are saying today is, it is a bad idea, and we need to make it clear from the beginning, from the start, that we want to balance the budget but not at the expense of disaster victims. And that is exactly what we are doing with this amendment today. We must prevent any of these funds from being used for higher interest loans in disaster loans for victims. We have to make sure that if money is carried over, that it will not be used for higher interest loans that will impact disaster victims. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, while the House will begin debating the budget resolution in the coming weeks, this amendment offers the first vote on one of the initiatives introduced in the President's 2007 budget. This amendments provides Members the opportunity to send a clear message that victims of disasters should not be subject to additional and unnecessary burdens by the Federal Government. Buried in the President's budget submission was a proposal to raise the interest rates on SBA's disaster loans. This initiative will eliminate the current caps on interest rates and allow for the SBA to charge higher rates on disaster loans. This could mean that interest rates go up by as much as 50 percent. The end result will force those who had their homes or businesses destroyed to pay for our budget problems here in Washington. I offer this amendment today to ensure that we stop this wrongheaded proposal in its tracks. It puts Congress on record making it clear that an attempt to create additional hardships on disaster victims will not be tolerated. Given all the missteps by FEMA and SBA in the gulf, Congress should not be adding to the problems of those hit by a natural disaster. Findings by the General Accounting Office, various inspector generals and congressional panels have revealed the numerous ways the Federal Government has failed our citizens in the gulf. By supporting this amendment, Congress will be saying that we stand together in these difficult times. I am a firm believer in balancing our spending priorities, but this proposal is beyond the pale. I find it hard to believe, particularly given all the wasteful spending in Washington, that the only place to find funding is on the backs of disaster victims. Whatever happened to compassionate conservatism? The effect of the administration's proposal will mean increased costs by thousands of dollars for disaster victims. It is alarming that despite all the problems with the management of the disaster loan program the only change the President offered in his budget was to increase the cost on disaster victims. We agree that changes need to be made to the disaster loan program, but this is not one of them. By voting for this amendment, Congress expresses its commitment to rejecting this bad idea. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, in a hearing yesterday on the disaster loan program, we heard two different stories on this equation in the gulf. We heard from the SBA administrator who said that everything is great. He told the committee that they are processing record numbers of loans and that there are virtually no problems. At the same time, we have a small business owner, Patricia Smith, who came in from New Orleans and told her story. She told the committee how she could not find a Federal official to help her apply for a loan and how she spent hours working through paperwork. She told us that it took months to hear back on the status of her loan and that she was wrongly denied. The woman also shared that there are thousands out there with the same story. The view from Washington, and what is actually going on in the gulf coast region is very different. By extending the deadline for disaster loans, we will give victims the ability to assess their situation and make an informed decision about getting an SBA loan. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I would be happy to do that; but I have to tell you, victims in the gulf region cannot wait until we have such a discussion, and that is why this amendment is important to be voted on today.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Well, let me just say this. Isn't it true that there are 60,000 applications in backlog? Isn't it true that 19 percent, only 19 percent have been processed? Isn't it true that there is 65 percent declined on loans approval? This is not about partisanship, this is about victims who are suffering, who are losing their businesses, who are losing their jobs. This is what this amendment is all about. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. Let me just say that SBA, before we start talking about deadlines, we need to get SBA to process the 60,000 applications that are in backlog. They need to do a better job in educating people so that we can get more than 19 percent of the applications back. They need to fix the system where they have been declining 60 percent of all the loans that have been submitted to SBA. They need to do the job before they pull out, and that is an excuse for them not to do the job. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As we all know, the recovery process in the gulf area continues to be ongoing. Victims are still digging out from debris, and many are unable to even get back to their homes and businesses. Unfortunately, these problems have been compounded by the failure of the SBA to provide disaster assistance to these victims. I offer this amendment today to ensure that the thousands of homes and business owners in the gulf area are not unfairly denied the opportunity to file for a disaster loan. This amendment will give the victims of the hurricanes in the gulf the time they need to assess their situation and make informed decisions about applying for disaster loans. Without this change, the SBA, by imposing an arbitrary deadline, will create additional and unnecessary hardships on a group of people who have already suffered enough. The SBA's failures are clearly documented. In response to the hurricanes in the gulf, the SBA issued 2.1 million applications to businesses, homeowners and individuals seeking financial assistance. As of just a few weeks ago, only 400,000 of these applications have been submitted to the SBA for processing. The balance of the applications, 1.7 million, or 80 percent, remain outstanding. The reasons for these low return rates are plentiful. SBA has failed to supply the necessary assistance to fill out the massive application forms. Potential applicants are being incorrectly told that they are not eligible. On top of this, SBA has also failed to implement an outreach plan in communities to make eligible applicants aware of this program. Rather than recognizing these problems, the SBA has set March 11 and April 10 application deadlines for physical injury loans, which are the main source of assistance for homes and businesses with physical damage. If these deadlines are maintained, it would have the effect of leaving many potential applicants without the ability to secure Federal financial assistance. This amendment will make sure that SBA stays in the gulf until the job is done. The failures of the SBA have already created unnecessary hardship and frustration in the gulf region. SBA has declined an unprecedented 65 percent of loans. The agency has a backlog of over 60,000 loans. SBA has a processing time of 80 days, nearly triple the normal time. All of these issues have created confusion and consternation among residents. By voting for this amendment, we will make sure the victims of this disaster are not punished for the failures of our Federal Government. We cannot turn our back on these victims. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Heights Players, Brooklyn's oldest community theater group. For half a century, families, children and individuals living in the 12th Congressional District and surrounding areas have been enriched through the exposure to quality theater offerings at a reasonable price. The Heights Players has also excelled at providing an outlet for amateur and professional actors, technicians, writers, designers and directors to hone their skills, gain experience, and perform before a live audience. Since its inception in December 1956, those involved with the Heights Players have worked to establish the group not only as a community theater, but also as a growing nonprofit theatrical organization. In its 50 seasons of operation, the Heights Players has made many contributions to the community, such as the Theater for Children program, and performances for senior citizens and hospitalized children who otherwise lack the means to access this type of cultural and educational experience. The Heights Players has extended their community service in recent years, reaching countless other city residents through their unique and creative offerings. Since 1988, the group has completed performances for over 1,000 homeless New Yorkers each year. In recognition of its extraordinary efforts on behalf of disadvantaged New Yorkers, the organization has received a host of special awards and commendations over the years from the Partnership for the Homeless, the Brooklyn Borough President, the Brooklyn Heights Association, and the New York City Council. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Heights Players, and join with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to commend this organization and all of its creative members for their outstanding service and dedication to making live theater accessible for those living in the New York City metropolitan area.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I offer this amendment at a time when our immigration system continues to fail America's hardworking families, at a time when immigration laws continue to separate our Nation's families and at a time when our country is so desperately seeking fair and comprehensive immigration reform. Millions of close family members continue to languish in a wearisome visa backlog process for years waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. The seemingly endless application process creates desperation and homelessness for hardworking immigrants in a Nation where we hear so much about family values being a priority. We must provide relief for these families struggling to be together. Beginning in fiscal year 2002, President Bush proposed a $500 million initiative to eliminate the immigration processing backlog and attain a universal 6-month processing time standard for all immigration applicants within 5 years. While this initiative has helped to reduce the backlog, the Goverment Accountability Office estimates that, as of June 30, 2005, USCIS still had 1.2 million cases in its backlog, and the agency was unlikely to meet the September 2006 deadline of a 6-month turnaround time for applications. In my congressional district, we continue to have backlogged cases of over a year despite the President's proposed 6-month time standard. Elsewhere in the country, there are people waiting up to 22 years for their applications to be processed. What is most alarming about the cases in my district is that the individuals have been mistakenly identified by the USCIS as naturalized when in fact they are not. Not only does this create an unnecessary backlog, it poses a national security concern. My amendment, which has previously passed the House, will help address this issue. The amendment will enable the Department of Homeland Security to explore new ways of tackling this problem by authorizing the director of the USCIS to implement innovative pilot initiatives to eliminate the immigration application processing backlog and prevent further backlog from occurring. It would encourage initiatives such as increasing or transferring personnel to areas with the greatest backlog, streamlining regulations and paperwork filing processes, upgrading information technology, and increasing immigration service centers throughout the country. This amendment recognizes that there is not one specific approach toward eliminating the backlog, and therefore it encourages flexibility at the local level so pilot project sites can examine the problem in new ways. Children should not be left without the guidance of both of their parents as they face the joys and trials of school life, building friendships, and discovering their individual talents. Mothers and fathers should not be denied the chance to watch their children grow up into young men and women, moving on to having children of their own. And couples should not be separated, leaving one parent struggling to make ends meet and serve the needs of their children alone. We must help reunite families and ensure that immigrant families have the same opportunities as native-born families to live and work together as a complete family unit. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express concerns with Title II of H.R. 4473, which reauthorizes the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). When the CEA was previously reauthorized in 2000, changes were made that brought much needed legal clarity to over-the-counter derivatives and foreign currency markets. In the same legislation, the regulatory structure of U.S. futures exchanges was enhanced, providing a more flexible approach to the oversight of complex financial instruments. Together, these two developments provided a structure that has promoted the depth and breadth of U.S. capital markets throughout the world. Such vibrancy of U.S. capital markets is critical to creating new jobs, building wealth, and attracting investment. While the reauthorization of the CEA is essential to the efficient functioning of our Nation's capital markets, I am concerned that title II of H.R. 4473--while well intentioned--may disrupt the balance created through the reauthorization of the CEA in 2000. Title II of H.R. 4473 provides the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) with expansive new powers that may be interpreted as applying the CEA to over-the-counter natural gas contracts. Doing so may jeopardize the legal certainty of certain natural gas contracts, potentially undermining the efficiency and robustness of the very markets that proponents of Title II are seeking to promote. The Federal Reserve and the Department of Treasury have raised similar concerns about this legislation. In addition, other concerns have been expressed about H.R. 4473. Section 201 provides the CFTC with new market surveillance powers, which require the CFTC to investigate any highly unusual price changes in futures contracts for natural gas. Such new powers may not be the most appropriate policy response to address widely fluctuating natural gas prices. The Federal Reserve has noted that wide swings in natural gas prices are not a result of weak regulation, but rather due to supply and demand imbalances related to insufficient infrastructure necessary to produce and transport the underlying commodity. Further, section 202 imposes new position reporting standards on holders of natural gas futures or options contracts, requiring that records of such contracts be maintained for five years and provided to the CFTC as their request. These new requirements are not without costs, which could be significant and may be passed on to homeowners and businesses. As a result, this provision could have the unintended affect of increasing costs on energy consumers. By potentially expanding CFTC authority beyond that established in the 2000, serious questions have been raised about CEA's scope and construction and the potential impact these new changes may have on energy consumers, investors, and industry participants. As this legislation heads to conference, I urge my colleagues to thoroughly discuss and address these issues and concerns so that we can be confident that our Nation's capital markets remain strong and vibrant.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Robert W. Lazar, a man who has made tremendous contributions for small businesses throughout the state of New York, and our nation. Mr. Lazar has graciously served our business community through the New York Business Development Corporation (NYBDC) for the past 35 years. Mr. Lazar carries with him an extensive and impressive record of helping small businesses across the state of New York. He began his service with the NYBD in 1971, and since that time he has successfully operated in a number of roles within the organization. Since 1987, Mr. Lazar has served as the President and CEO and has been credited with leading his company to unprecedented growth. With over 1.7 million small businesses in New York, the NYBDC serves a vital role in our state by assisting these businesses in obtaining the financial assistance they so desperately need to start and grow an enterprise. In addition, NYBC also provides much needed credit opportunities to the increasing number of minority and women-owned firms--many of which have difficulty in accessing these types of options elsewhere. The contributions he has made to our state's small businesses during his tenure at NYBDC have been endless. I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Lazar in both my capacity as a Member representing Brooklyn, and as the Ranking Democrat on the House Small Business Committee. Some of my fondest memories over the past years include visiting small business owners together, hearing about the aspirations, dreams, and challenges our local businesses are facing, and working to help meet their needs. Small businesses throughout New York have been fortunate to have such a dedicated, and successful, advocate as Bob working to ensure firms have access to capital and opportunity--and we are lucky that his efforts on behalf of small businesses will continue forward. Throughout the years, Mr. Lazar has created a long list of accomplishments and has received numerous awards for his services. Mr. Lazar has been a steadfast advocate for small business legislation both in New York and Washington. Because of his efforts, the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 504 lending program, one of the most widely used small business loan programs, is now a more viable source of small business lending for entrepreneurs throughout the nation. In addition, as the President of NYBDC, he has played a key role in helping to expand the use of SBA programs, and in contributing to the development of new loan programs through public-private partnerships. These accomplishments benefited not only New York small businesses--but also entrepreneurs nationwide. In 2000, he was recognized as the ``Small Business Advocate of the Year'' in the state of New York by the Empire State Development Corporation. He was named as ``Entrepreneur of the Year Award'' in 2004 by Capital District Business Review, and has been honored with several leadership awards over the past few years. The truth is that Bob could have been recognized as ``Small Business Advocate of the Year'' every year. He has served New York's small businesses with tireless dedication, effort and success. The doors he has opened for women and minority business owners, and the assistance Mr. Lazar has granted to aspiring entrepreneurs across the state have been an invaluable asset--and these achievements have set the path for the future small business owners of New York. I know that Bob's contributions to entrepreneurs will not end with his retirement--and that small businesses in New York and across the nation will continue to benefit from his dedication. I hope that the U.S. House of Representatives will join me today in recognizing Mr. Robert Lazar on his retirement--and in honoring and thanking him for his work and dedication to small businesses in both New York, and the nation.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let me just say for the record that I am here not to do the job for banks. I am here to fight to protect small businesses, small businesses that create 99 percent of the jobs in this country. And let me say, Mr. Speaker, that I will include in the Record the letter sent to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) and to the ranking member of the committee, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan). Mr. Speaker, that contains 25 groups. They are not banks. They are the National Small Business Association, the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Convenience Stores, the National Association for the Self-employed, American Society of Travel Agents, and the list goes on and on. These are 25 national groups in support of restoring the funding for the 7(a). And let me just also say to you, sir, that the SBA is going to claim that they are doing record levels, of course, because the numbers that they are using, they are comparing their numbers when the program was shut down by SBA. But comparing the last two quarters, SBA lending is actually declining by nearly $50 million in the last quarter alone. And when comparing the fourth quarter 2005 to the fourth quarter 2004, SBA has done $150 million less in lending to small businesses. SBA claimed that they would do $16 billion, but they were $2 billion below for fiscal year 2005. October 27, 2005. Hon. Frank Wolf, Chairman, Appropriations Subcommittee on Science, State, Justice and Commerce, The Capitol, Washington, DC. Hon. Alan Mollohan, Ranking Member, Appropriations Subcommittee on Science, State, Justice and Commerce, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Hon. Richard Shelby, Chairman, Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, The Capitol, Washington, DC. Hon. Barbara Mikulski, Ranking Member Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairmen Wolf and Shelby and Ranking Members Mollohan and Mikulski: As the House and Senate prepare to go to conference on the Science, State, Justice and Commerce (SSJC) and Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) appropriations bills, we wanted to bring to your attention an issue that is of critical importance to small businesses and small business lenders, and to request your assistance in ensuring that this Nation's entrepreneurs have access to affordable capital through an adequately funded small business lending program. The Small Business Administration 7(a) program supports nearly one-third of all long-term capital financing for our Nation's small businesses. Notably, both the House and Senate have included funds in their FY 2006 appropriations bills for the 7(a) program. As the House and Senate are preparing to go to conference on SSJC-CJS, we are writing to express our strong support for the modest funding of this vital program. The fees associated with the 7(a) program are becoming prohibitively expensive for both small business borrowers and lenders. For FY 2005, the full cost of the program was shifted to small businesses and their lenders through a series of fee increases. As a result, small businesses are being forced to pay substantial upfront fees to use the program--more than $2,000 for a small loan and nearly $16,000 for a mid-size loan. For smaller loans of less than $150,000, fees are doubled, which translates into nearly $1,500 more in upfront closing costs for entrepreneurs. For a loan of $700,000, this increase would raise the fees by approximately $3,000 and for larger loans this fee can approach $50,000. These fee increases are making it more expensive for lenders to lend and businesses to borrow. As a result, many small businesses--particularly those in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina--may be unable to access the capital they need to hire new employees or expand their operations. Most recently, actions have been taken that have made the program more costly and less accessible to small businesses. On October 1st, a third fee increase was levied on the program's participants--making 7(a) loans more costly than ever. And, in an attempt to cut the program's costs, the SBA eliminated the popular 7(a) LowDoc program, which has been a key initiative used by community banks and rural small businesses. We are also concerned about the impact of Gulf Coast hurricanes on the program, as SBA's loan portfolio contains more than $2 billion in loans to businesses in hurricane- affected areas. There is the potential that a sizeable portion of these loans will default, leading to increased program costs. Without a 7(a) appropriation, the only possibility to cover these increased program costs will be to raise fees on small businesses and lenders, place a cap on the program or on loan size, or, in the worst case scenario, shut down the program altogether. These undesirable measures would be extremely counterproductive at a time when adequate small business lending will be more important than ever in recovery and rebuilding post-Katrina. We urge you to support our Nation's small businesses. Securing funding for this important program is a top priority for the broad small business and lending community and we are pleased that both the House and Senate appropriations bills contain needed funding for the 7(a) program. We urge the SSJC-CJS conferees to work to ensure that the 7(a) program is provided with an appropriation of $79.132 million for FY 2006 and that such funding be used to reduce the fees for business borrowers and their lenders. We recognize your commitment to our Nation's small businesses and truly appreciate your efforts in supporting the SBA's 7(a) loan program. In order to ensure the vibrancy of our local communities, we want to stress our strong support for funding for the 7(a) program. We are eager to work with you to accomplish this goal. By giving entrepreneurs access to affordable capital, we can ensure that they can continue to serve as the catalyst for our Nation's economy. Sincerely, National Small Business Association. National Black Chamber of Commerce. National Association of Convenience Stores. National Association for the Self-Employed. Associated Equipment Distributors. Aeronautical Repair Station Association. American Society of Travel Agents. Independent Office Products & Furniture Dealers Association. Silver Users Association. Small Business Majority. National Procurement Council. United Motorcoach Association. Office Furniture Dealers Alliance. U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce. American Bus Association. National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. National Propane Gas Association. Women Impacting Public Policy. American Subcontractors Association. American Dental Association. National Office Products Alliance. American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) will invite me to be a conferee, I will work with you.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today's motion to instruct conferees is about keeping costs down for the American people. Whether it be protecting prices at the gas pump against price-gouging or ensuring entrepreneurs have access to affordable loans, the bottom line is that we must work to relieve our citizens of rising costs. For aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, access to capital is access to opportunity. Unfortunately, right now, businesses all over the country are seeing their capital options dwindle. At the same time, the typical small business owner is paying thousands more than they did last year to receive a loan. The simple economics of this are that if a small business has to give the government more of their money, not to the banks, like the chairman inferred, but to the Federal Government, then they have less to invest into their business and less to create jobs. This is a loss our country simply cannot afford today. By not funding the largest long-term lending initiative for small businesses, the 7(a) loan program, this is exactly what is happening. In a little more than a year, costs for lenders and borrowers have increased by 110 percent. These new program costs have already resulted in the termination of important programs that direct capital to rural areas and minority businesses. The situation will only worsen if Congress fails to provide funding. This winter, it is projected that there will be yet another round of fee increases. In addition, the program will feel even greater cost pressures as the impact of Hurricane Katrina starts to bear down. In the gulf region today, there are over $2 billion in SBA loans. Even OMB acknowledges that significant loan defaults will occur as a result of this year's hurricanes. In fact, some estimates place this amount as high as $500 billion. The program costs that will result will not only affect those firms in the gulf region but will impact businesses in every district across the country as the cost to cover these loans rises. Without an appropriation, the only way to cover this additional cost will be through more fee increases. Unfortunately, in a little over a year, we have run out of room to increase fees. The results will be program caps, limits on program size, and even the possibility of a shutdown next year. This is something our Nation's small business owners should not have to endure. Clearly, spending decisions are difficult. However, on this, we should not be penny wise and dollar foolish, and that is exactly what this body will be doing by eliminating the funding for a program that makes up less than two-tenths of a percent of the entire bill but provides 30 percent of all long-term lending for small businesses and is a proven job creator. I just would like to say to the chairman, how could we say that the program is doing better? The program is not doing better. Small businesses now pay double what they paid last year to get a loan. Of course, the Small Business Administration is going to say that they are doing more loans, but they are not telling us that those loan sizes are much, much smaller. Loans are much smaller, even though the cost of operating a business are much higher, and fewer and fewer lenders are participating in the program. This is not a program that is doing better. The African-American business owner gets half the loan size than in mainstream business. Is that minority businessperson doing better when they are getting half the loan size that a mainstream business gets? I do not think so. I would urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Schwartz-Bishop motion to instruct conferees.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to register my opposition to H.R. 1461 the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act, due to recently add provisions that restrict non-profit organizations from receiving affordable housing funds if they engage in nonpartisan voter registration activities. On May 25, 2005, the Financial Services Committee reported the GSE bill with strong bipartisan support. I supported moving the bill because it took necessary steps toward expanding homeownership for American families. However, in an effort to bring the bill to the floor, Republicans altered the language that created an affordable housing trust fund. Under the Republican language, controversial limitations were included to restrict the receipt of the funds by nonprofit organizations. Specifically, the language prohibits nonprofit organizations, including religious groups, from applying for and receiving grants if they engage in, or maintain an affiliation with any organization that engages in, nonpartisan voter registration within the 12 months preceding the application or during the duration of the grant. This restrictive language has never been debated by the Financial Services Committee, despite the fact that its implications warrant careful study. For instance, the provisions raise significant constitutional questions because they place restrictions on the First Amendment right to affiliate. They also directly contradict current voter registration laws by discouraging civic participation in the democratic process. Moreover, I am extremely concerned that this language will exempt qualified non-profit groups from providing much needed affordable housing services across the country. The Financial Services Committee had taken great strides in this bill to increase homeownership through the creation of an affordable housing trust fund. Yet, this language throws our bipartisan efforts aside, the impact of which will be felt by the low income, elderly and disabled. As the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act moves forward through the legislative process, I hope that the Senate and conference committee recognize the harmful effects of these restrictions on non-profit organizations and remove the language that jeopardizes our democratic form of government.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage month to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of remarkable leaders of the Hispanic community. I am honored to acknowledge the wonderful contributions of Margarita Rosa Esq., Frances Lucerna, Dr. Maria Montes, Elizabeth C. Yeampierre and Rev. Jorge L. Roa, Jr. These individuals have been a true inspiration, working tirelessly to better the lives of New Yorkers and the Hispanic community by making a positive impact in our community. Through devotion and commitment, these enthusiastic role models have excelled in their strong community service and diligent work to improve the quality of life in many disenfranchised neighborhoods, encouraging the next generation of Latino leaders. A living example of this arduous dedication is Ms. Margarita Rosa who is the Executive Director of Grand Street Settlement, a New York based community organization whose primary vision is to improve the lives of those less fortunate or disadvantaged by encouraging self-determination through learning advocacy, support and community building. Margarita has been a steadfast, passionate advocate of human rights, as the first Hispanic woman to be appointed to the New York State Commission on Human Rights in the early 1990's. Working at the local government level gave her the unique perspective of understanding how public policy affects diverse communities. Margarita's accomplishments have been plentiful--being honored for her eager public service dedication, she received a prestigious teaching fellowship award, and is currently an active member of several Boards of Directors for organizations such as the Public Interest Law Foundation at New York University (NYU) Law School, the New York Civil Liberties Union, and the Lower Union East Side Family Union. These endeavors are a mere representation of Margarita's achievements and willingness to continue empowering those in need. Another notable and distinguished leader has been an energetic force and true pioneer in the world of cultural and performing arts. Ms. Frances Lucerna founded the Williamsburg Arts and Cultural Council for Youth, a community performing and visual arts program for youngsters. She later became the co-founder and Executive Director of El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice, a Brooklyn youth-based community development organization nurturing leadership for peace and social justice. Frances' leadership and artistic vision motivated her to develop one of the most comprehensive Latino arts and cultural center, which provide young students with the opportunity to express themselves artistically. As a strong advocate for education and a loving artist, Frances has broken barriers by channeling the talent and skill of thousands of youngsters into a bright path and a hopeful future for many within the community. As a visionary with an artistic soul, Frances has achieved many high recognitions highlighting her efforts, such as the 1998 Heinz Award for the Human Condition, and being appointed to the Advisory Committee to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, and the Community School Task Force for the White House Conference on Character Building for a Democratic, Civil Society. She has also served on the Boards of Directors of the Arts Center of the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Community Youth Development Guide Team of the National Network for Youth. Among the list of remarkable thinkers impacting higher education is Dr. Maria Montes Morales, Vice-President and Dean of Academic Affairs at Boricua College. Dr. Montes Morales understood the critical value of education and how peoples' lives could be transformed. She lived and realized the educational injustices faced by Latinos, which allowed her to make a difference and change the traditional college learning environment. Her vision and commitment to educate and empower Latinos in New York City motivated her to help establish the first Boricua College campus in Williamsburg, Brooklyn which opened in 1974. This was a tremendous achievement for the community, especially since many of the Williamsburg residents were Spanish speaking and interested in furthering their education at an institution that was culturally sensitive, community based, competitive and accessible. Since its creation, thousands of students have graduated from this Boricua College campus, with many remaining in the community and providing professional human services. Maria's contribution to higher education for all students, especially Latinos, is highly commendable. Her leadership at Boricua College successfully promotes student learning through active participation in meaningful and planned service experiences in the community that are directly related to course content. With a humanistic approach, such as a sense of civic responsibility, self-awareness, and commitment to the community, Dr. Montes Morales makes Boricua College an outstanding and unique higher learning institution in New York City. Mr. Speaker, I am also proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the great efforts of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Yeampierre, Executive Director of the United Puerto Rican Organization of Sunset Park (UPROSE), Brooklyn's oldest Latino community-based organization. Under Elizabeth's leadership, UPROSE has become the frontier organization on multiracial environmental justice issues impacting the community. Its ``Youth Justice'' program has set the path to several victories advocating on behalf of low-income and minority communities that are environmentally overburdened. Elizabeth's dedication and endeavors at UPROSE have included promoting youth, family and community empowerment, and creating awareness for environmental issues impacting the living conditions of residents in Sunset Park. Her accomplishments range from successfully leading UPROSE in opposition to the Sunset Energy Fleet 520--a power plant proposal to place two power plants in the area--to campaigning against the placement of a sewage sludge treatment plant in Sunset Park, and advocating the prevention of child lead paint poisoning. Elizabeth has also created an effective ``Youth Justice'' program which provides young environmental activists across the country with opportunities to promote environmental issues. As a result, these young leaders were able to organize the first environmental justice conference in Sunset Park. The outstanding work and contributions of UPROSE under Elizabeth's leadership has had a valuable impact on the residents of Sunset Park. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to commend and acknowledge the highly regarded work of Reverend Jorge L. Roa, Jr. a native of Brooklyn and a devoted pastor who committed his life to God, and assisting those most in need, including youngsters and the Hispanic community. Rev. Roa has been a true inspiration who has excelled in promoting youth programs within his church, ``the Missionary Christian Church,'' in Manhattan where he preaches and is very pro-active on social and justice issues. Rev. Roa has touched many lives by helping his community seek spiritual guidance and a path, collaborating in missionary projects such as rebuilding churches, and collecting donations for relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. He has been a humanitarian champion in this country and abroad, taking part in missions providing food, water, medicine and other resources to impoverished communities throughout different countries, including Latin America and Africa. Rev. Roa, is also the program director of a radio and TV show known as ``En sus Pasos'' or ``In Your Steps,'' which is transmitted in Manhattan. He is also the author of a renowned book, ``Una Luz de Dios, La Historia de la Iglesia Cristiana Misionera,'' ``A light of God, the History of the Christian Missionary Church.'' Rev. Roa's true vocations have enlightened the community and changed the lives of many youngsters throughout his 24 years of ministry. His excellence in leadership and service is laudable for Latinos and residents of the Manhattan community and beyond. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor for me to rise today and recognize these wonderful Hispanic leaders who I firmly believe possess key elements that strengthen our culture, community and nation. In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month, it is essential and truly important to emphasize the life-time commitment these remarkable persons have demonstrated in breaking down stereotypes about Latinos, and empowering the Hispanic American community.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this measure which expands expiring provisions of the Patriot Act by granting unlimited investigative powers to our government. This bill gives the government broad powers to secretly collect personal information on medical, library and business and financial records of our Nation's citizens. Additionally, this legislation sunsets provisions that are not about combating terrorism or making us safer, but about intruding upon our privacy and infringing upon our civil liberties. Mr. Chairman, there is no limit to these surveillance and intelligence powers once they are given to our government. There are no guarantees to the American people that our Nation will be more stable and secure by enforcing these policies, which allow the government to conduct secret searches of your home or office--the so-called sneak and peek warrant--for an indefinite period of time. Our country takes great pride in upholding the true values of our constitution and freedom. However, these provisions certainly contradict these beliefs and, more importantly, the checks and balances intended to safeguard our liberty. We must understand that neither the original U.S. Patriot Act, nor this legislation, have been subject to the proper oversight. We have evidence that the repercussions of the original Patriot Act has led to abusive powers by this Administration. Since the September 11th attacks, our government has detained and verbally and physically abused thousands of immigrants, without time limits, for unknown and unspecified reasons, and targeted the Arab-American community for intensive interrogations and immigration screenings. A clear example of this happened in my Congressional district at the Metropolitan Detention Center where 84 detainees where mistreated under the conditions of confinement. This mistreatment was reported and documented by the Department of Justice where it has acknowledged the abuses which were documented by the Inspector General. I clearly recognize the outrage of terrorist attacks and the need to heighten our Nation's security--but not at the expense of undermining our freedom and our democratic values and ideals. We have not been given the actual facts or had the time to accurately evaluate the ramifications of many of these provisions. Reauthorizing a bill which lacks oversights and expands provisions that violate the privacy of our citizens is undermining the American public's civil rights and misleading our Nation. This bill fails to protect our Nation and, our civil liberties. It strikes the essence of our checks and balances, subjects individuals to repeated abuse and violates the confidentiality of our personal records. This is plain wrong. If we want to fight terrorism, let's do it the right way, by providing the adequate resources and funding to our homeland security and our local enforcement, by being consistent with our democracy and our true values and principles, I urge my colleagues to vote no on the underlying bill.