Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the amendment of gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent). Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of Mr. Talent's amendment to increase funding for the Small Business Investment Company Program. I would like to thank the distinguished Chairman of the Small Business Committee for bringing this important issue to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment which provides critical funding for our nation's small business community. There is no question that the value of Small Business Investment Companies has been felt across this nation. SBICs have invested nearly $15 billion in long-term debt and equity capital to over 90,000 small businesses. Over the years, SBICs have given companies like Intel Corporation, Federal Express and America Online the push they needed to succeed. The result has been the creation of millions of new jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth. By restoring necessary levels of funding, Mr. Talent's amendment ensures that future Intels and Federal Expresses will have a fighting chance. Cutting funding for this program is short-sighted. Past experience has shown that failure to adequately fund SBICs has had a detrimental effect on our nation's small businesses. In FY 95 and FY 96 when Congress failed to show strong support for the SBIC program, private investors left. This caused investments in new SBICs to fall by 60 percent from FY 94 to FY 95. Investment fell by another 32 percent from FY 95 to FY 96. The reason for the drop in resources was clear-- scarcity in funding and uncertainty regarding future Congressional intent caused private investors to put their money in other investment opportunities. Fortunately, in recent years, this trend has been reversed. Congressional support for SBICs has dramatically improved the outlook for small business. Private capital invested in new SBICs has jumped 118 percent. Additionally, the SBIC program has been able to expand into new areas. This year we have witnessed the creation of two women owned SBIC's, and shortly we'll see the establishment of the first Hispanic owned SBIC. This is building on an important trend. The SBIC program is increasingly becoming a vehicle to assist historically under-served markets, namely, women, minorities and inner-cities. If this body fails to restore funding to the SBIC program, we risk losing many of these groups and blocking efforts to serve the small entrepreneur. My colleagues, the benefits that SBICs provide are quite clear. Last year alone, SBIC's invested over $2.4 billion in more than 2,500 entrepreneurs allowing them--regardless of their chosen business form-- to benefit from SBIC financing. Adoption of the Talent amendment will enable us to continue to build even further, allowing us to create more jobs and provide even greater economic opportunity to our nation's small entrepreneurs. I urge the adoption of this amendment.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment, and I just would like to say that the process in which this legislation has been brought to the floor is a sham and you should be ashamed of yourselves. At a time when America's economy is the strongest in generations, it is disturbing that some in this Chamber continue the war on the poor. Yet, once again, we are being asked to vote on an attack on our national commitment to public housing and our neediest families. America has the distinction of being one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Yet just last month HUD reported that more than 5 million poor families living in the worst housing are not being helped. Instead of helping these families become self-sufficient, the Lazio amendment pushes them deeper into poverty. I urge anyone with compassion to vote no. If we are going to reform public housing, it must be fair and reasonable. Safe, affordable housing must remain available to those in need. We must provide real economic opportunities, not community service, so that public housing can help families become self-sufficient. My colleagues, public housing has been a right, not just a privilege, for 60 years. Vote no on this legislation.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to offer my congratulations to the Los Sures Senior Center on its 10th Anniversary. My district is enriched by having such a remarkable instituion serve the community. Thanks to the exemplary leadership of Councilman Victor Robles, the elderly community of Los Sures in Williamsburg has a place dedicated and committed to them. The center succeeds in unifying different generations, so that our youth might benefit from the wisdom of their elders. It is also a place where people come together to exchange ideas and enjoy the company of their neighbors. Furthermore, the Center ensures that much needed recreational and other support services are available to the elderly in our community. Many have referred to the Center as a sanctuary from the hectic pace of every day life. This remarkable place could not exist without the dedication and sacrifice of its staff. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work. In closing, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Councilman Victor L. Robles for his vision, perseverance and dedication to the senior community of Los Sures. Both myself and the community look forward to the next ten years.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the passing of Paul O'Dwyer. Paul was a man of unquestioned principle who selflessly devoted his life to promoting understanding. His loss will be felt not only in New York but also around the world. Born on an impoverished farm in Ireland, Paul O'Dwyer's humble beginnings awakened in him a desire to help those less fortunate. Subsequently, he became a champion for the underdog and a tenacious fighter for social justice. In his native country, Mr. O'Dwyer actively promoted a peaceful resolution to the conflict which plagued northern Ireland. Upon arriving in this country, he immediately sought to correct the injustices he saw around him. Mr. O'Dwyer defended workers, teachers and civil-rights activists accused of Communist sympathies. He also helped register black voters in Mississippi during the civil rights movement. Paul O'Dwyer's popularity among the common man helped him get elected to the New York City Council in 1963. He served as president of this organization from 1973 to 1977. Despite the constraints on his time, Paul remained a progressive leader of the Irish community in New York. Perhaps Mr. O'Dwyer will be best remembered for his work with the United Nations, where he served as a liaison between countless diplomats and the City of New York. His ability to find common ground between New Yorkers and representatives from around the world earned him universal respect and admiration. Mr. Speaker, yesterday New York lost a remarkable individual. This country and indeed the world could use more people like Paul O'Dwyer.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating special graduates of the 12th Congressional District of New York. I am certain that this day marks the culmination of much effort and hard work which has led and will lead them to continued success. In these times of uncertainty, limited resources, and random violence in our communities and schools, it is encouraging to know that they have overcome these obstacles and succeeded. These students have learned that education is priceless. They understand that education is the tool to new opportunities and greater endeavors. Their success is not only a tribute to their strength but also to the support they have received from their parents and loved ones. In closing, I encourage all my colleagues to support the education of the youth of America. With a solid education, today's youth will be tomorrow's leaders. And as we approach the new millennium, it is our responsibility to pave the road for this great Nation's future. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives I ask you to join me in congratulating the following Academic Achievement Award Recipients: Rafael Feliciano and Shaquana Anderson--PS 16; Joseph Santos and Angeline Hidalgo--P.S. 18; Kristoffer Cortes and Christie Santana--P.S. 19; Jose Oquendo and Cindy Rivas--P.S. 49; Myrna Adana and Angela Morales--I.S. 71; Imari Valentin and Gilbert Feliciano--P.S. 84; Andrew Malave and Gabriel Martinez--P.S. 147; Miriam Aponte and Amanda Rodriguez--P.S. 196; Desiree Cardona and Michael Curchar--P.S. 250; Ralph Wilson and Cheetara Little--P.S. 257; Valerio Aguilar and Hugo Rios--P.S. 380; Lauren Cruz and John Bigolski--I.S. 318; and Xiomara Adames and Jose Castro--J.H.S. 50. Vanessa Rodriguez and Victor Gavela--Beginning With Children School; Abner Aponte and Cesarina Lopez--Eastern District Senior Academy; Julian Blumberg and Jazlyn Duran--All Saints R.C. School; Jamie Inez Hemandez and Adam Valentin--Most Holy Trinity School; Lauren Teresa and Ana Castro--St. Nicholas R.C. School; Gwen Cruz and Desiree Ortiz--St. Peter & Paul R.C. School; Jackqueline Duran and Adrian Jimenez-- Transfiguration School.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I offer a tribute to Gladys Pascualy and the Pascualy family on behalf of Monchito Pascualy, the former ``mayor'' of Sunset Park, Brooklyn, on the day of a street being renamed in his honor in the community. Monchito, as he was known with warmth throughout the Sunset Park community, was a respected and loved member of our diverse community. He was a business leader who owned two small businesses in Sunset Park and who worked to bring together merchants throughout the community, especially along 4th Avenue, to improve the neighborhood and their livelihood. Monchito, recognizing that youth are our community's and Nation's future, would often sponsor positive activities and provide trophies and other awards for Sunset Park's youth. His civic mindedness inspired merchants all along 4th and 5th Avenues in Sunset Park to commit themselves to bettering the community, including developing a constructive working relationship with the 72nd Police Precinct. Monchito's generous and charitable nature would not allow him to see another human being suffering and he would often give freely to those in need. His generosity and leadership are legendary in the community to this day. Sunset Park lost a great man, a great Puerto Rican and an effective leader when Monchito died three years ago. The renaming of 5th Avenue between 44th and 45th Streets is a well-deserved tribute to Monchito Pascualy who gave so much, and so lovingly to so many in our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to Monchito Pascualy on the day of a street being renamed in his honor.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy), who should be commended for her work on improving the training component of this bill.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reluctant support of H.R. 3853, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998. Mr. Speaker, we all want the goal of a drug-free workplace. The damage that both drugs and alcohol have done on our society can be seen everywhere we look. It is involved in 50 percent of domestic violence cases across the country. We see it in the drug-related crimes that ravage our neighborhoods. It impacts small businesses by robbing them of an estimated $60 billion annually. To combat this crisis, we need to provide greater assistance on all fronts in this struggle, including to our small businesses. It is unfortunate that only 3 percent of the small businesses have drug-free workplace policies. This is not due to a lack of recognition by small business, but given the choice of meeting payroll, creating a safe workplace, and serving customers, the value of investing time and money into implementing a drug-free workplace can easily get lost in the shuffle. The question, then, is not whether we should act, but how we should act to create a drug-free workplace. Unfortunately, this legislation falls short in many areas. We have heard from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and General Barry McCaffrey of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. It should come as no surprise that they support stopping drugs in the workplace. What should be of concern is that there are some very real issues that must be addressed if we are going to create a successful program. With the adoption of this legislation, the Small Business Administration will begin a new venture into social policy. I am very concerned that, once again, the committee is creating a new program. This is an area in which the SBA has no knowledge or expertise. Yet, Congress will be committing $10 million to this program. That is the equivalent to the entire SBA budget for our Nation's Women's Business Development Centers. With an estimated SBA budget shortfall of more than $100 million, it is hard to understand where the money will come from. The reality is that it will be taken from existing programs, like the Small Business Development Centers that exist in almost every community across the country. It will come from the microloan program that is widely depended upon. These and other programs will be curtailed in order to pay for the program that SBA did not ask for and has no experience in administering. Keep that in mind when one of your constituents cannot get a microloan, or the local SBDC has insufficient funds to serve your district. We are constantly hearing the need to give business flexibility, but the one-size-fits-all approach this legislation takes will severely limit the ability of small businesses to tailor a program that meets their needs. The outcome will be harming many of the businesses we claim we are here today to help. If we are truly serious about creating a drug-free workplace, then we must create an environment where employees believe that they will be treated fairly. The bill reported out of committee contains no clear guidance about what happens to an employee who tests positive or voluntarily comes forward. These types of inconsistencies will not foster a drug-free workplace, but create an environment filled with tension and uncertainty. Mr. Speaker, thanks in large part to Democrats on the committee, several improvements to H.R. 3853 were made in the areas of counseling, training, and participation by local chambers of commerce. These changes make the bill much more workable. While these changes vastly improve this legislation, until we address the cost, flexibility, and employee protections, we may be throwing money at a problem without accomplishing our goal of creating a drug- free workplace. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute and 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), whose work in addressing the need to have testing done by a certified lab was critical in ensuring employees have some protections. (Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, let me once again state that everyone in this Chamber, both Democrats and Republicans, support the goal of the drug free workplace. H.R. 3853 attempts to address this very real problem affecting every aspect of our society. But if we are truly serious about ending drugs in the workplace, H.R. 3853 will not be fully successful until we address the issue of cost, flexibility and employee protection. I am optimistic that before this program is implemented, these problems will be worked out. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop), one of the main sponsors of the bill who has worked tirelessly on this issue.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Christian-Green), the newest member of the committee, who was instrumental in bringing before our committee the issues of having certified counselors, providing the proper training, and ensuring that the U.S. territories were covered.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for supporting my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, as we move to rewrite our Nation's bankruptcy laws, it is important that we make the proper changes. My amendment ensures that we have all the facts on how these revisions will affect small business. I urge its adoption. The purpose of my amendment is to direct the Small Business Administrator in consultation with the Attorney General, the Director of the Administrative Office of United States Trustees, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to conduct a study into the causes of small business bankruptcy. This study will examine the internal and external factors that cause small businesses to become debtors under Chapter 11. It would also study the factors that enable viable businesses to successfully reorganize. From these findings, the SBA will make recommendations on how bankruptcy law can be made more effective and efficient to assist small businesses remain viable. Mr. Chairman, small businesses have been a critical component in the recent upturn in our economy. They have created the vast majority of the jobs and economic growth. If you couple this job growth with the current explosion of technology, where we see businesses constantly emerging and reinventing themselves, it becomes critical that we monitor how changes to our national bankruptcy system affect small business. More importantly, these changes must not be allowed to dampen the entrepreneurial spirit that our national economy relies on so heavily. The fact remains that of the 1.4 million bankruptcies filed in 1997, only 9,694 of Chapter 11 and 11,095 in Chapter 13 were business related. That represents less than 1 percent of all bankruptcies. Taking into account that over the last 10 years business bankruptcies have actually declined, we must make sure that these trends continue. It is true that the provisions in this legislation were taken on recommendation from the National Bankruptcy Review Commission Report. Unfortunately, the Commission developed these guidelines without obtaining any statistical information. They also failed to seek the recommendations from the Small Business Administration or the Office of Advocacy. We should not move forward with such drastic changes to our bankruptcy system without the proper consultation and examination into the issue. My amendment will ensure that all factors are properly scrutinized. If we fail to act properly, the provisions contained in this bill could end up doing more harm than good. Mr. Chairman, no one will deny that our Nation is in dire need of bankruptcy reform. What I am concerned about is that we do this in a manner that improves our system, not make it worse. While studying how these changes impact small business will not ensure success, it will provide a safety net for our Nation's small business. I urge the adoption of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. (The gentlewoman from New York spoke in Spanish.)

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I want to thank the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, particularly Chairman Shuster, Chairman Petri, Ranking Member Oberstar, and Ranking Member Rahall, for their monumental work in completing this historic transportation legislation. Throughout the process both they and their hard working staff were responsive to our inquiries and carefully considered our transportation project proposals. Two of the projects authorized in H.R. 2400, Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act, involve major repairs and reconstruction of Flushing Avenue. This roadway spans through various communities in Brooklyn and is known as a linking gateway to economic development. By funding these projects, we will improve and preserve a roadway that not only links people, industry and commerce across Brooklyn, but across New York City. The infrastructure improvements are long overdue for these communities. The work involved includes: removal of old trolley tracks (some parts of the Avenue are cobblestone); setting of new concrete bases (some parts of the Avenue have never had road bases); new street surfacing; and curbs and sidewalks rebuilding that is necessary from the road reconstruction work, particularly for the commercial residents. This project is part of the effort to bring economic development and opportunity to the area. Under the $3.75 million project, two segments of Flushing Avenue in Williamsburg and Bushwick would be reconstructed and resurfaced in one of the authorized projects for the people of the 12th District. One segment runs between Humboldt Street and Cypress Avenue and is lined by businesses, public housing units, and other residential buildings. Another segment falls between Porter Street and Cypress Avenue and is lined by commercial establishments and residential buildings. Another Flushing Avenue segment to be reconstructed and resurfaced with $2.25 million is equally important for the economic development and quality of life of Bushwick and the adjoining Ridgewood community. The segment falls between Wycoff Avenue and Gates Avenue and is lined by businesses, many mom-and-pop shops, supermarkets, a hospital, a post office, and 2-6 family-size homes. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today on behalf of myself and my distinguished colleague from New York, Congressman Towns. Today is a very important day for the residents, small businesses, neighborhoods, and public facilities of our respective congressional districts. We have worked tirelessly for years with the communities in Brooklyn surrounding the Gowanus Expressway to find the best answer to the congestion and crumbling condition of this major highway, which is a key component in the New York area's transportation network. The people living and businesses operating every day in these areas have patiently asked that a full study of alternatives to the planned reconstruction of the Gowanus Expressway be performed. For the economic viability of the area and the environmental health of the families living near this planned reconstruction, it is crucial that the impact on the surrounding communities be adequately assessed. The Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act finally responds to the pleas of these New York neighborhoods. H.R. 2400 authorizes $18 million dollars for New York State to conduct a Major Investment Study (MIS) of the Gowanus Expressway Corridor. None of these funds may be used to supplement or finance any part of the currently proposed rehabilitation and reconstruction of the highway. The intent of the funding is to provide for an MIS to determine the short and long term social, economic and environmental benefits and costs of different alternatives to rebuilding the current elevated highway--including a tunnel. The MIS will include Phase I to IV civil engineering and design documents so as to accurately determine the initial and long term fiscal, environmental, social and economic costs of replacing the current elevated structure of the Gowanus with a tunnel. This analysis will include a complete engineering study, including hydro-geologic study and the cost of tunnel connectivity with bridges and tunnels adjacent to the corridor. Using the methodology devised in the ``West Brooklyn Traffic Calming Study'' CMAQ proposal, the MIS will devise mitigation measures to reduce current and future traffic diversions from the Gowanus Expressway in adjacent neighborhoods. Additionally, the MIS will include an assessment of service improvements to all subway lines needed to produce an increase in ridership and reduction in motor vehicle traffic in the Gowanus corridor before, during and after the reconstruction of the highway. Upon completion of the MIS and tunnel alternative study, any remaining authorized funds should be held for the future planning and design phase of the Gowanus project. The Gowanus MIS Project is part of a sound national and regional transportation policy. With this proposal, the Gowanus neighborhoods are one step closer to a real solution to this long-standing local transportation dilemma. This project is not only about transportation-- it is also about the economic development and empowerment future of our communities. In sum, these transportation projects represent a new era for Brooklyn. No longer should we approach the economic support of these communities with a narrow scope. All components--good schools, safe neighborhoods, reliable public services, clean air and water, and safe roads--must come together for a serious revitalization and urban development strategy.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association on their second anniversary. This celebration is due to two years of community outreach. This organization began as a group of concerned citizens who wanted to better their community. Despite lack of funding and resources, the group managed to become an organized entity providing an array of vital services to the community. The Brooklyn Chinese-American Association provides essential services in the areas of health, service, and education. They conduct a variety of health related workshops and provide medical check-ups, free eye- exams, blood pressure monitoring, and yearly flu shots. The organization also renders services to people of all ages from providing day care to supporting youth and senior citizen cultural activities. Educational programs such as citizenship classes, language skills, and music and dancing classes are also included in this multi-human service center. Enough cannot be said of the many services this organization provides to the community. Despite the lack of government funding and manpower, the organization has already enrolled more than 1,600 members and serves more than 150 people per day. In its efforts to improve the overall quality of life, the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association has maintained ties with their local elected and public officials. Through town meetings and voter registration drives, the center has made efforts to increase the political participation of the community. This organization has truly evolved in a short period of time to become integral to the community. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in commemorating the efforts of the many who have struggled to make the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association what it is today. Let this organization be held as a prime example of how much can be accomplished when citizens care enough to make a change in their community.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this bill. Mr. Speaker, look at this little girl, one of nine children. Her father was a sugar cane cutter. Her mother sold food to the sugar cane workers in the sugar cane plantations to help make ends meet. This little girl would have never gone to college if we had turned our backs on public schools. This little girl would certainly never have become a Member of Congress if we had turned our backs on public schools. My colleagues, do not be fooled. This bill is an abandonment of our Nation's commitment to public schools and public education. This bill tells that little girl and millions and millions of children like her that we are giving up hope on providing them with a quality education. The Republican leadership wants to take $45 million away from public education to provide 3 percent of D.C. schoolchildren with vouchers that they do not want and will not be able to use. That is so shameful. That is not the way that we strengthen public schools in our Nation. We strengthen public schools and public education by investing more resources, not taking it away from them. What sense does that make? It makes sense if we want to kill public education. That is what the Republicans intend to do under this bill, kill public education. Vote ``no'' on this terrible bill.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3717. If my colleagues are serious about stopping the spread of AIDS, they will oppose this bill. The fact is the needle exchange programs save lives. Since 1993, universities, the National Commission on AIDS, the CDC, and even the General Accounting Office have determined that these programs work. These programs can reduce HIV infections by at least one-third and reduce risk behavior by as much as 80 percent. Furthermore, they provide a unique opportunity for those currently using drugs to access health care services, including drug treatment. There are three publicly funded needle exchange programs in my district in New York. Their services are helping to reduce the number of new AIDS cases and providing intravenous drug users with rehabilitation. As a result, Medicaid costs are reduced. More important, lives have been saved. My colleagues, needle exchange programs prevent the spread of AIDS and help turn people's lives around. This bill is a tragic step in the wrong direction, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``no''.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs (PRACA) and congratulate this worthy organization on the occasion of the First Annual PRACA Awards. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating PRACA as they celebrate their forty-fifth year of leadership in New York City's Puerto Rican and Latino community on May 1st, 1998. PRACA was founded in 1953 during the height of the Puerto Rican migration to New York City. At that time there were few organizations that helped newly-arrived Puerto Rican families adjust to the city's fast lifestyle, while helping them maintain their culture, values and traditions. PRACA was in the forefront of a movement, creating social service programs dedicated to the enrichment of the Puerto Rican community. In the years that followed, PRACA continued this work and extended the same services to other newly-arrived Latino families. Today, PRACA's programs range from children and families services to adoption, education and housing programs. Over the years, they have been consistent in their mission while continuing to meet the diverse needs of the Puerto Rican and Latino community. PRACA has assisted families in understanding their new culture as well as preserving their history, language and cultural heritage. PRACA has helped reduce barriers, promote advancement and improved the lives of thousands of families in New York. In closing, I ask you to join me in saluting PRACA for their vision, their leadership and their perseverance these past 45 years. Congratulations!

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of a truly remarkable woman. In fact, across America, if not the world, women mourn the passing of Bella Abzug. It goes without saying that she was a pioneer. She was certainly more than just the first Jewish woman elected to Congress. She was at the forefront of a movement that said that women were capable of anything. To put the achievements of this great woman in perspective, she was born in the year that women gained the right to vote. She earned her law degree from Columbia University in 1944, one of seven women to graduate in a class of a hundred twenty. In 1970, Bella Abzug was one of three new women Members of Congress, bringing the total number of women serving this institution to twelve. Yesterday, two more women became Members of the House of Representatives, bringing the total to fifty-five. Of course, Bella Abzug did not come to Congress to rest on her laurels. Bella came to this town to make a difference, and it's safe to say that Washington has never been the same. Bella did not understand that in 1971 women Members of Congress were supposed to take a back seat to their male counterparts. She did not understand that there were two sets of rules--and she cheerfully, boldly, bravely violated those rules if that's what it took to bring about change. On her first day as a Member of Congress, she introduced a resolution to end the war in Vietnam. Never mind that this sort of bold act was just not done in those days--she did it because it was the right thing to do. She was candid, visionary, and her presence in this chamber made it possible for an entire generation of women to achieve success in a world from which they had been largely excluded. Bella once said, quote, ``Women have been trained to speak softly and carry a lipstick. Those days are over, unquote.'' Yes, thanks to Bella Abzug, those days are over. And so, I join my colleagues, men and women, in expressing my deep sadness at the passing of this extraordinary woman. Bella Abzug will be terribly, terribly missed.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to epsilon Kappa. St. John's University's Chapter of sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Society which, for seventy-seven years has been promoting Hispanic culture and language in the United States. In light of the act that we are honoring Hispanic heritage and culture, I am choosing to make this tribute in my native language Spanish. Hace exactamente setenta y siete anos en Berkeley, California, se creo una asociacion honoraria para reunir estudiantes universitarios sobresalientes en literatura y cultura tanto espanola como hispanoamericana para formar parte de esta cofradia dedicada a promover el pasado y presente glorioso del mundo hispanico: lo espanol, lo indigena y lo africano. A partir de ese momento, su proposito ha sido preparar nuevas generaciones para que se sientan orgullosas de sus raices e iniciar a estudiantes de otras culturas a apreciar lo maravilloso de lo nuestro. Es muy importante tomar en consideracion los ataques en contra de comunidades etnicas como la nuestra, que quieren preservar su identidad a traves del lenguaje y cultura. Me estoy refiriendo a la legislacion que comunmente es reconocida como ``English Only'', que fue presentada en la Camara de este Congreso para establecer el ingles como idioma oficial de este pais. Si esta legislacion hubiese sido aprobada, nos habria prohibido hablar nuestra lengua en esta Camara de Representantes o en cualquier sitio publico. Es importante que organizaciones como Sigma Delta Pi continuen con su esfuerzo en preservar la cultura hispana y, de esta manera, complementen a la cultura general de este pais. Successful organizations like this cannot promote themselves alone. They need the guidance and vision of talented leaders like Professor Marie-Lise Gazarian-Gautier, a renovate scholar in literature at St. John's University, Coordinator of the Graduate Spanish Program and Moderator of Epsilon Kappa. St. John's Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi. Dr. Gazarian is affiliate with universities in Paris-France, Moscow-Russia, and Santiago the 1945 Chilean Nobel Prize Laureate. She is also author of several books, among them: ``Gabriela Mistral: La maestra de Elqui''. In addition, she serves as Foreign Correspondent for several literary journals abroad and has hosted a nationwide series on ``Contemporary Hispanic Fiction'' produced by WCBS-TV and St. John's Television Center. In 1996 she was appointed Judge of the Selection Committee for the Poet Laureate from Queens. She currently serves as Vice President for the Northeast of Sigma Delta Pi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise with me today in honor of the seventy-seventh anniversary of Sigma Delta Pi and the invaluable contribution its chapters are making throughout the Hispanic Culture and society throughout the United States. We wish Sigma Delta Pi continued success and recognize St. John's University's Chapter, Epsilon Kappa, for its outstanding work in promoting Hispanic culture in America.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Epsilon Kappa, St. John's University's Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Society which, for seventy-seven years has been promoting Hispanic culture and language in the United States. In light of the fact that we are honoring Hispanic heritage and culture, I am choosing to make this tribute in my native language Spanish. (Ms. VELAZQUEZ submitted two paragraphs in Spanish.) Successful organizations like this cannot promote themselves alone. They need the guidance and vision of talented leaders like Professor Marie-Lise Gazarian-Gautier, a renovated scholar in literature at St. John's University, Coordinator of the Graduate Spanish Program and Moderator of Epsilon Kappa, St. John's Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi. Dr. Gazarian is affiliated with universities in Paris-France, Moscow- Russia, and Santiago the 1945 Chilean Nobel Prize Laureate. She is also author of several books, among them: ``Gabriela Mistral: La maestra de Elqui.'' In addition, she serves as Foreign Correspondent for several literary journals abroad and has hosted a nationwide series on ``Contemporary Hispanic Fiction'' produced by WCBS-TV and St. John's Television Center. In 1996 she was appointed Judge of the Selection Committee for the Poet Laureate from Queens. She currently serves as Vice President for the Northeast of Sigma Delta Pi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise with me today in honor of the seventy-seventh anniversary of Sigma Delta Pi and the invaluable contribution its chapters are making to our Hispanic Culture and society throughout the United States. We wish Sigma Delta Pi continued success and recognize St. John's University's Chapter, Epsilon Kappa, for its outstanding work in promoting Hispanic culture in America.