Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Etta Weiss Osman a very happy 85th birthday. Born Etta Weiss in Brooklyn on November 25, 1912, Etta is the youngest of six siblings. She married Haskel Osman on September 1, 1935, and they enjoyed 47 years of happiness together before Haskel's passing in 1982. Brooklyn's loss was Florida's gain when Etta and Haskel moved south in 1972, but we are fortunate that Etta still returns to Brooklyn for frequent visits. Etta is blessed with a large, loving family--four children, eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. On the occasion of her birthday, we would all do well to emulate Etta Weiss Osman, who continues to embody the proverb that happiness is not a destination, it is a method of life.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today we will pass this Small Business Administration reauthorization bill which provides valuable resources to a number of vital programs. While I have worked hard in support of those programs, I rise today to address some elements of the bill that I believe require further discussion. The House Committee on Small Business, under the effective leadership of the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Talent] and the ranking Democrat, the gentleman from New York [Mr. LaFalce], worked very hard to report out a bill that would have helped small business. Unfortunately we are not considering the product of our committee's work today. Instead we are considering a bill from the other body that creates a multibillion- dollar, I repeat multibillion-dollar, contracting program. This proposal called HUBZones was never introduced in the House. This unstudied and untested program has not even had one hearing, not in the Committee on Small Business, the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, or the Committee on National Security, all of which would have jurisdiction over the HUB's provisions. Because of this failure to properly examine this program, I have my concerns about this proposal. This program raises many serious questions. How will HUBZones work? What kind of jobs will it create? What kind of small businesses will it benefit? How will we measure its effectiveness? How will it work with already established programs such as empowerment zones and enterprise community? The effect of this legislation will be felt by the entire small business community. As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Empowerment of the Committee on Small Business, I have a responsibility to bring community and economic development to our disadvantaged areas. I represent one of the first districts in this country. I know the barriers that entrepreneurs from my district and others like it must overcome. SBA already addresses these needs through a variety of programs, which raises the question of why we need another program when funding is so scare. If the SBA is forced to spread out its resources to implement HUBZones, it will jeopardize the operations of many successful small business assistance programs. Mr. Speaker, at this point I yield to the gentleman from New York [Mr. LaFalce], the ranking member, and the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Talent], to provide assurances that the 8(a) program will not be harmed by these new HUBZone proposals.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

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

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. I move to reconsider the vote, Madam Speaker. Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Latham

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2 of rule IX, I hereby give notice of my intention to offer a resolution which raises a question of the privileges of this House. The form of the resolution is as follows: Whereas, Loretta Sanchez was issued a certificate of election as the duly elected Member of Congress from the 46th District of California by the Secretary of the State of California and was seated by the U.S. House of Representatives on January 7, 1997; and Whereas A Notice of Contest of Election was filed with the Clerk of the House by Mr. Robert Dornan on December 26, 1996; and Whereas the Task Force on the Contested Election in the 46th District of California met on February 26, 1997 in Washington, D.C. on April 19, 1997 in Orange County, California and October 24, 1997 in Washington, D.C. and Whereas Mr. Dornan's unproven allegations and the actions of the Committee on House Oversight have resulted in an unprecedented attack against Latino voters and created a chilling effect with a message to Latinos that their votes do not count; Whereas the allegations made by Mr. Robert Dornan have been largely found to be without merit: charges of improper voting from a business, rather than a resident address; underage voting; double voting; and charges of unusually large number of individuals voting from the same address. It was found that voting from the same address included a Marines barracks and the domicile of nuns, that business addresses were legal residences for the individuals, including the zoo keeper of the Santa Ana zoo, that duplicate voting was by different individuals and those accused of underage voting were of age; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight, subpoenaed the records seized by the District Attorney of Orange County on February 13, 1997 and has received and reviewed all records pertaining to registration efforts of that group; and Whereas the House Oversight Committee is not perusing a duplicate and dilatory review of materials already in the Committees possession by the Secretary of State of California; Whereas the Task Force on the Contested Election in the 46th District of California and the Committee have been reviewing these materials and has all the information it needs regarding who voted in the 46th District and all the information it needs to make judgments concerning those votes; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight has after nine months of review and investigation failed to present credible evidence to change the outcome of the election of Congresswoman Sanchez and is pursuing never ending and unsubstantiated areas of review; and Whereas, Contestant Robert Dornan has not shown or provided credible evidence that the outcome of the election is other than Congresswoman Sanchez's election to the Congress; and Whereas, after nearly a year and the expenditure of over $500,000, of taxpayer's money, the continued probe of the Sanchez election unfairly targets Latino voters and discourages their full participation in the democratic process; Whereas, the Committee on House Oversight should complete its review of this matter and bring this contest to an end: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That unless the Committee on House Oversight has sooner reported a recommendation for its final disposition, the contest in the 46th District of California is dismissed upon the expiration of November 7, 1997.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2 of rule IX, I hereby give notice of my intention to offer a resolution which raises a question of the privileges of the House. The form of the resolution is as follows: Whereas, Loretta Sanchez was issued a certificate of election as the duly elected Member of Congress from the 46th District of California by the Secretary of State of California and was seated by the U.S. House of Representatives on January 7, 1997; and Whereas A Notice of Contest of Election was filed with the Clerk of the House by Mr. Robert Dornan on December 26, 1996; and Whereas the Task Force on the Contested Election in the 46th District of California met on February 26, 1997 in Washington, D.C. on April 19, 1997 in Orange County, California and October 24, 1997 in Washington, D.C.; and Whereas the allegations made by Mr. Robert Dornan has been largely found to be without merit: charges of improper voting from a business, rather than a resident address; underage voting; double voting; and charges of unusually large number of individuals voting from the same address. It was found that voting from the same address included a Marines barracks and the domicile of nuns, that business addresses were legal residence for the individuals, including the zoo keeper of the Santa Ana zoo, that duplicate voting was by different individuals and those accused of underage voting were of age; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight has issued unprecedented subpoenas to the Immigration and Naturalization Service to compare their records with Orange County voter registration records, the first time in any election in the history of the United States that the INS has been asked by Congress to verify the citizenship of voters; and Whereas the INS has complied with the Committee's request and, at the Committee's request has been doing a manual check of its paper files and providing worksheets containing supplemental information on that manual check to the Committee on House Oversight for over five months; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight, subpoenaed the records seized by the District Attorney of Orange County on February 13, 1997 and has received and reviewed all records pertaining to registration efforts of that group; and Whereas the House Oversight Committee is now pursuing a duplicate and dilatory review of materials already in the Committees possession by the Secretary of State of California; and Whereas the Task Force on the Contested Election in the 46th District of California and the Committee have been reviewing these materials and has all the information it needs regarding who voted in the 46th District and all the information it needs to make judgements concerning those votes; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight has after over nine months of review and investigation failed to present credible evidence to change the outcome of the election of Congresswoman Sanchez and is pursuing never ending and unsubstantiated areas of review; and Whereas, Contestant Robert Dornan has not shown or provided credible evidence that the outcome of the election is other than Congresswoman Sanchez's election to the Congress; and Whereas these allegations represent a direct attack on the latino community and an attempt to silence the voice of latino voters, Whereas, the Committee on House Oversight should complete its review of this matter and bring this contest to an end and now therefore be it; Resolved, That unless the Committee on House Oversight has sooner reported a recommendation for its final disposition, the contest in the 46th District of California is dismissed upon the expiration of November 7, 1997.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this motion to recommit. The families affected by 245(i) have their backs to the wall. Right now the futures of thousands and thousands of immigrants are at stake. I want my colleagues who oppose this act of fairness to think about Elvi Blanco when they cast their vote. Her husband, a legal resident, has prostate cancer. Her two children are U.S. citizens. Elvi has been here for 9 years and will qualify for permanent resident status, but she will have to leave her ailing husband and her two children if 245(i) is not extended. Once she returns to El Salvador, it could take up to 2 years for her visa application to be processed. If some people have their way, families like the Blancos will be split up, lives will be disrupted, and innocent people will suffer. I urge my colleagues to extend a small degree of fairness for immigrants. Vote ``no'' on the motion to instruct.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, our public schools are under attack. Across the country there are students trying to learn in conditions that we should be ashamed of: crumbling walls, leaky roofs, and overcrowding. The Republicans' response to this crisis is amazing. They want to take money out of the public school system and give it to private schools. A recent poll shows that the vast majority of Americans oppose Republicans' attempt to use tax dollars for private schools. The American people want to be able to provide all our children with a first class public education, but the Republicans do not. They want to allow public schools to continue to deteriorate while using taxpayers' dollars to subsidize private schools. Mr. Speaker, we must not allow the Republicans to tear down our public school system. We must continue our commitment to providing every child in this country with a quality education.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, the Republicans are trying to deny the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Sanchez] the seat she won in a fair election. They are carrying out an investigation whose only purpose is to harass and intimidate the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Sanchez] and Latino voters. Now they are trying to prevent an accurate count in the 2000 census. By not counting Latinos, opponents of a fair census can justify slashing resources to these communities. By pretending that millions of people do not exist, Latinos are silent at every level, from school boards all the way up to Presidential elections. Well, I have news for the Republicans. Latinos will not be silenced. Recently, the Republicans passed out a memo about how to appeal to Latinos. Well, the Republicans need to learn a lesson about politics. By insulting our community this way, they will never get another Latino to join the Republican Party.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Mollohan amendment, which would provide full funding to the Census Bureau to conduct a fair and accurate census. It seems amazing, but the Republican leadership will stand in this chamber and do anything they can to stop fair representation for all people in this country. Not long ago, minority communities were prevented from being represented through violence and repression. Today, the methods being used are far more subtle. During the last census, 26 million people were either missed, counted twice or counted in the wrong place. The biggest losers as a result of this undercount are minority and poor rural communities. In 1990, over 1 million Latinois were not counted. In poor rural communities, 1 out of every 16 people was missed. But the Republican leadership says that's okay. But this is really not a debate about the way we should conduct the census. This is a debate about whose voice will be heard and whose voice will be silenced. By not counting minorities and the poor, opponents of a fair census can justify slashing resources to these communities. By pretending that millions of people don't exist, political representation is denied at every level--from school boards all the way up to Presidential elections. We cannot allow fair representation to suffer at the hands of partisan politics. Expert after expert has made it clear that using sampling will produce the most accurate count. Yet our opponents are desperate to continue to force the Census Bureau to use inaccurate, unfair methods of conducting the census. Earlier this year, they were willing to allow flood victims in the midwest to suffer in their attempts to prevent an accurate count. Now, they are trying to slash the Census budget by two-thirds in order to carry on this attack against poor and minority communities. The Molohan amendment would restore that funding so the Census Bureau can do their job properly. We must make sure that every person living in this country is counted in the census. We must not allow anyone to pretend that minorities and the rural poor do not exist. We will continue to expose these efforts for what they are--partisan attempts to silence the voice of minorities and the poor. Who is willing to stand here and tell the American people that the poor don't deserve proper representation? Who is willing to stand here and tell the American people that Latinos and African- Americans don't deserve proper representation? This a matter of basic fairness and democracy, and it is something that we will continue to fight for. I strongly urge a yes vote on the Mollohan amendment.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I offer a privileged motion.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York [Mr. Manton], my colleague in whose district some of the victims live.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I will now withdraw my amendment, and I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member, and I look forward to working together to bring some peace to these victims.

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

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

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, right now there are people who are working 18 to 20 hours a day under threat of beatings and torture. One might think I am describing a Third World country, but I am not. Right now these crimes are repeated in virtually every major city in this country. Why? Because the victims of these crimes are undocumented immigrants and their tormentors are using fear to silence them. Last July a group of disabled Mexican immigrants were discovered living in squalor in my district. They had been taken from their villages in Mexico, smuggled into this country, and forced to work to up to 18 hours a day. If they did not earn enough money, they were beaten. In this case, the victims could not bear their terrible treatment any longer. Knowing that they might be separated from their children and that they might be put up in jail, they still went to the police. These are brave people who exposed a terrible crime. Yet how are they treated? For the past 2 months they have been held in a motel in Queens while immigration officials decide their fate. I am offering an amendment today that will bar the Immigration and Naturalization Service from using its funds to deport the victims of these terrible crimes. Let me be perfectly clear: These people were brought to this country, they were tortured and beaten, they were enslaved because their abusers thought their victims would keep silent out of fear of reprisals. My amendment will put this Nation on notice that we will no longer tolerate the abuse of the vulnerable. If this amendment fails to pass, what message is this Congress sending to the country? That you can smuggle people into this country, enslave them, beat them, make a fortune with their labor, and you know if they turn you in, they will be deported? What a great deal for the owners of sweatshops. What a terrible deal for the victims. Is this how we should treat these people who lived through hell, and helped us uncover this awful crime? Shall we send them packing, or shall we show mercy? My amendment is an act of compassion on behalf of a group of people who have been through hell. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I really appreciate the gentleman's help. I would share with the gentleman that these people live right now in total limbo, that they have exhausted every mechanism. I have called on the Attorney General, and she has yet to act on this case. So I would appreciate that the chairman and the ranking member from our side will work with us, with me, to make sure that a positive and constructive resolution is granted based on a humanitarian act. We have to show compassion, and I know that it will set a precedent, but this is the only mechanism that right now I have before me before the end of this session.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay a very special tribute to one of my constituents, who after working for 30 years is now ready to retire. Mr. Fausto Anibal Rosero is retiring from United Airlines, where he is currently a lead in the Cabin Service Division. During his tenure at United Airlines, Fausto exhibited exceptional leadership skills as well as a commitment to excellence. His dedication and commitment to excellence led to his designation as a lead cabin serviceman. Under his supervision, Fausto has a crew of eight cabin servicemen, whose responsibility is to ensure that United flights leaving LaGuardia Airport are fully supported and maintained. In an era of heightened awareness regarding airline safety measures and concerns his belief is to encourage his crew to review and follow all safety rules and procedures. This type of positive reinforcement to be safety conscious in the workplace reflects his concern about the passengers and crew that board his fights. In 1993, Fausto was recognized by United Airlines and 80,000 of his fellow employees as he was nominated to receive the Cabin Service Employee of the Year Award. His dedication reflects a lifelong pursuit of happiness that he strives for every day. Fausto philosophy of life ``Primero la obligacion despues la devocion.'' Fausto Rosero's life here in the United States began like many others who came to the United States of America seeking a better life for themselves and their family. Throughout history, America has been known as the land of opportunity. We have welcomed people with great pride from all over the world and from all walks of life. The diversity of people and nations is our country's greatest strength. Immigrants have long been the lifeblood of this great city of New York, making it flourish because of their hard work and dedication. On September 9, 1962, Fausto Anibal Roser emigrated from his native homeland of Quito, Ecuador, to pursue and begin living the American dream. Like the previous waves of immigrants, Fausto left his family to settle down in his new life. He soon sent for his wife, Ana Beatriz Medina, whom he married on April 20, 1959. Beatriz arrived in this country not only with great enthusiasm and ambition but also with their daughter, Amparito Rosero on May 9, 1962. The Rosero family settled in the same community in which they still call home, Corona, Queens. Having firmly planted the seeds in their new home, their family began to expand. On September 27, 1963, Fausto Gerardo Rosero was the first American citizen born to the family. This not only represented the first generation of American citizens but also the beginning of a new culture. In the fall of 1966, the Rosero and Moya families moved into a 102-25 46th Avenue, Corona, NY 11368. This address represents the gateway, our families ``Ellis Island'' to all those who followed. Every single family member and friend has crossed through those doors staying until they could establish themselves and ultimately their own place in this country. We have always called Corona home, up until the present day. Growing up and living together represent the close emphasis placed on ``La Familia.'' Together both families have struggled, prospered and stayed together throughout the years. Although Edgar and Maria Moya now live up the street, four houses away, at 102-11 46th Avenue. They continue to share in the joys of each others families. Their sons Francisco Paul Moya and Edgar Ivan Moya have just celebrated their graduations from St. John's University on September 21, 1997. Francisco ``Ponch'' received his bachelor of arts degree in Asian Studies and Edgar his masters degree in Spanish Literature. Edgar is also a member of my staff. He is my congressional aide in my Corona office. Fausto and Bachi saw three more of their children born; Alex Antonio Rosero born on October 20, 1968, Daisy Violeta Rosero born on January 29, 1970, and finally Luis Alberto Rosero born on December 8, 1972. All five children grew up in this household and in Corona. With a firm emphasis placed on education he sent his five children to St. Leo's Roman Catholic Elementary School. Prior to arriving in this country, Fausto was a teacher in Ecuador. He taught for 6 years in El Normal Catolico de los Hermanos LaSalles. He taught first thru fifth grades. In addition, he also taught music, including guitar and the accordion to the senior high school class. His love for music has been lifelong and is evident as he continues to play the piano. Fausto taught in the same school he received his own education and the same church where he married Beatriz Medina in over 38 years ago. Their children are working and are in the process of beginning their own lives. Amparito Rosero attended Queens College, she now is married to Hector Raul Cadena and have two sons, Christopher Mark Alexander Cadena, who was the first born of the second generation, and Jonathan Gerardo Cadena, they above all represent his legacy as they begin the second generation. Gerald Rosero, a former U.S. Marine, graduated from Queens College with a bachelor of arts in economic. He is now married to Elizabeth del Toro and has a beautiful daughter, Miranda Nicole Rosero, the first grandaughter of the family. Alex Rosero, attended the State University of New York at Albany. He also graduated with a bachelor of arts in economics. He now lives abroad in Amsterdam, Netherlands, while working for Pepe Jeans International. Daisy Rosero, also has attended Queens College concentrating on art history and Spanish secondary education. Daisy now works for Rainbow Chimes, a nonprofit child care organization. Luis A. Rosero attended and graduated from the State University of New York, College at Purchase. He studied political science with a minor in Latin American politics. He currently works for my Washington office as my office administrator. He began his congressional career as an intern in my office during college. Luis also worked in my Queens office before returning to SUNY Purchase for his senior year. He returned to Washington, DC, 6 days after graduation. Their achievements and successes cannot only be attributed to Fausto but also to their loving mother Bachi. Beatriz is, has, and always will be responsible for them. She has worked and sacrificed her entire life to raise her children. It was her love and affection for her family throughout the years that kept them together. Their children should never forget the sacrifices and hard work that was needed for their upbringing. Fausto and Bachi have always stressed following the right path in life, no matter how difficult it may seem. If there is one lesson that should follow us for the rest of our lives and we should pass onto future generations, is the love and respect for one's family. Without having your family by your side one cannot stand alone. Loving your family for all their accomplishments is easy, loving them with their faults is what makes us one. It has been a long road from Quito to Corona. The Rosero family has been granted a very special gift by an extremely special and devoted father. What has been achieved, what has been gained, what will be, is due to him. We will be his living legacy that he himself has planted many years ago. May we never let you down. Mr. Fausto Rosero Basantes, you should be very proud of all your lifelong achievements and accomplishments. It is now time to sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. Fly those friendly skies, let them take you places you have always wanted to visit. After 30 years of hard work at United Airlines you are entitled to sleep late and do whatever you please, but remember one of your sayings, ``El Tiempo Es Oro'' make the most of it.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of our democracy is to debate our differences in an open and civil manner. Without respectful disagreement, there can be no freedom. When we lose elections or when we lose battles in this Chamber, we understand that this is the will of the people. These are the hallmarks of our society, and they are the reason that our democratic system has survived for over 200 years. Mr. Speaker, these principles are under attack. A former Member of this body has chosen to violate the principles that have governed this House for so long. He has used his floor privileges to advance his personal agenda. He has verbally attacked a Member of this Congress, and he has disrupted the democratic process. I rise today to support the privileged resolution being offered by the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Menendez]. We must not allow any former Member of Congress, of any party, to set foot in this Chamber if it discredits and violates the integrity of this House.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on rollcall votes Nos. 369 and 370 on September 8, 1997; had I been present I would have voted ``no.'' And, on September 9, 1997, for rollcall votes: No. 371, motion to adjourn, ``no''; No. 372, motion to adjourn, ``no''; No. 374, motion to rise, ``yes''; No. 375, quorum call, ``yes''; No. 377, Coburn amendment, ``no''; No. 378, Castle amendment to Istook amendment, ``yes''; and No. 379, Istook amendment as amended by Castle, ``yes''.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to a hard working group of people who compose The Puerto Rican Traveling Theater [PRTT]. The PRTT produces plays by Hispanic writers from all heritages, and performs them alternately in Spanish and English. These programs, which the company provides for free for the economically disadvantaged, have been hugely successful. During Hispanic Heritage Month, I think it is only appropriate to honor this group, which has made such a contribution to the Latino community. On September 18 the theater celebrates its 30th anniversary season at the Copacabana with a star-studded gala entitled ``Latino Legends and Legacies.'' For 30 years PRTT has performed productions of impeccable artistic quality in both Spanish and English. Having performed all over New York, in 22 different locations, the PRTT is a well known commodity in the Hispanic Community. The theater communicates with direct mails to 50,000 Hispanic households each year and has a live audience of 15,000 annually, of which 95 percent are Hispanic. Through their annual summer touring, they reach out to 22 different geographic communities in New York and New Jersey, and have a large network of contacts with the leadership organizations in these communities. The PRTT also received critical acclaim from the New York Times, the New Yorker, El Diario, among other major press. Founding/Artistic Director Miriam Colon recently received the 1996 Governor's Award for the Arts on PRTT's behalf, along with such luminaries as Robert DeNiro, Leo Castelli, and Jazz legend Milt Hilton. The Award Ceremony hosted by Governor George Pataki was aired on PBS in November. Ms. Colon is also known in the film industry with her most recent films, ``Lone Star'', directed by John Sayles, and ``Sabrina'', with Harrison Ford. Most recently she appeared on the Bill Cosby Show. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my collegues, I would like to wish them much success with their future endeavors and look forward to celebrating another 30 years of performances.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, this month our Nation's children will return to school, but for many of these children a schoolroom is not a place to learn but a place to survive. Like our roads and bridges, our Nation's schools are crumbling. In my district in New York, children are trying to learn in conditions that we should be ashamed of, crumbling walls, leaking roofs, and overcrowding. How can a child be expected to learn to read and write when the walls are literally falling down around them? Earlier this year the Republicans killed our plan to provide $10 billion to help rebuild our schools. The Republicans seem to think that it is OK for children to study in trailers and closets. Democrats are committed to making sure that every child in this country has a modern, safe school in which to learn. This is a commitment we have made to our children, and it is a commitment worth fighting for.