Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Sylvan Siegal, a San Antonio native who bravely fought in the front lines of World War II. Last month, I had the honor of presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Mr. Siegal's brother--64 years after Sylvan Siegal should have received it for his combat service as an Army infantryman in World War II.

During World War II, Sylvan Siegal served in Rifle Co. ``B'' of the 406th Regiment of the 102nd Infantry ``Ozark'' Division which helped obliterate the Nazi army in central Germany.

After Sylvan died this past September, his brother, Ben Siegal, found his brother's Army documents among his belongings. It showed. Mr. Siegal had earned the Combat Infantry Badge and was awarded the EAME Campaign Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, the Victory Ribbon, 2 Overseas Service Bars, Army Occupation Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Siegal passed away this past September, at the age 84. He is buried next to his beloved parents, Louis and Bluma Kagan Siegal.

Because Mr. Sylvan Siegal was proud of both his Jewish heritage and his service to our country, Ben Siegal chose his synagogue, Rodfei Sholom, for the medal presentation where Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg delivered the following remarks:

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941,

and the United States declared war on Japan and Germany,

American Jewish men and women responded to their country's

call for the armed forces.

During the course of World War II, 550,000 men and women of

Jewish faith served in every branch of the armed forces of

the United States.

Twenty-two Jews attained senior rank in the Armed Forces--

18 were generals, 6 were major generals, 12 were brigadier

generals, 1 was vice admiral, 2 were rear admirals, and 1 was

a commodore.

The total number of Jewish war casualties was 38,338;

11,000 Jews were killed, 7,000 in combat.

Approximately 26,000 Jewish men and women in uniform

received citations for valor and merit. The number of awards

totaled 49,315, including 3 Congressional Medals of Honor, 66

Distinguished Service Crosses, 28 Nag Crosses, 41

Distinguished Service Medals, 244 Legions of Merit, 1,434

Silver Stars, 2,047 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 191

Soldier's Medals, 28 Navy and Marine Corps Medals, 4,641

Bronze Star Medals, 13,212 Air Medals, and 14,550 Purple

Hearts.

Today, we honor the heroism and patriotism posthumously of

Sylvan Siegal, but we also pay tribute to the unsung heroism

and patriotism of the American Jewish servicemen of World War

Mr. Chairman, at the heart of the Republicans' budget proposal is the thought, ``the number of makers diminishes and the number of takers grows.'' As a result, our government, economy and country will collapse. Forget about the impoverished view that this offers us, a vision of an America that can't be bothered or is unable to care for anyone who needs help.

So let's have a discussion about who truly would be the ``taker'' and who truly would be the ``maker.''

People who manipulate an unfair tax system at the expense of millions of others, makers, when you look at the Republican proposal. Corporations that don't invest in their own country, paying a lower tax rate on their profits than their employees would pay on a $40,000 salary, those are makers under the Republican plan. Wall Street firms that ruined our financial system, then asked working families to bail them out while they pay billions in bonuses, those are also makers under the Republican plan.

Yes, that's who the Republicans have identified as the makers, and it rewards them quite handsomely in their proposal. Their budget would perpetuate a taxation and employment system that has resulted in stagnant wages for workers and allows 5 percent of the wealthiest among us to enjoy 66 percent of all the wealth while 80 percent of Americans share only less than 13 percent.

Now, who would be the takers under this Republican plan? The 9.4 million students working towards a college degree so they can get a good job and contribute to this economy, whose Pell Grants would be slashed; 218,000 low-income kids and families who will be removed from Head Start, depriving them of a decent education, again, takers under the Republican plan; 2,400 schools that serve 1 million low-income students across the country that would have to shut their doors, takers under the Republican plan; countless seniors who would no longer be able to remain in nursing homes because of cuts in Medicaid funding. Those are the takers.

You decide, America, who are the takers and who are the makers? This is not a Pathway to Prosperity. It's a dead end.

Mr. Speaker, on April 4, 2011, San Antonio lost a great public servant when Sergio Shearer passed away at the age of 71. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sergio Shearer as we celebrate his life, which was highlighted by decades of community service, philanthropy, and leadership.

Sergio Shearer was born on December 4, 1939 to Chita Shearer in Weslaco, Texas. He later married Lucinda S. Leyva and fathered three children, Andrea Rhea Shearer-Lee, Michael Leyva Shearer, and Kara Kristine Shearer.

He graduated from North Texas University with a degree in Psychology, while simultaneously attending cosmetology school in Ft. Worth, Texas. After serving in the United States Army, Sergio opened a successful and prestigious salon in McAllen, Texas which he operated for over 13 years. In 1976, the Shearer family purchased the Magic Valley College in San Juan, Texas. Through his tireless efforts, Sergio expanded Magic Valley College to become the University of Cosmetology Arts and Science. As a result of Sergio's direction and dedication to educating others, he created five campuses in the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio, Texas. His efforts have touched the lives of many.

As a leader in the cosmetology industry, Sergio was appointed by Governor Ann Richards to the Texas Cosmetology Commission. He also served as the Vice President of the National Association of Cosmetology Schools, Director of the Texas Association of Cosmetology Schools, and Regional Director of the Interstate Council of State Boards. In 1989, he was inducted into the Pivot Hall of Fame.

In addition to his dedication to the cosmetology industry, Sergio was committed to serving his community. He served as the Chairman of the Edinburg Housing Authority, Board Member of the Hidalgo County Special Olympics, Honorary Member of the Confederate Air Force and as a member of the Order of the Alhambra. Sergio was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, where he achieved the rank of 4th Degree Knight. Following the loss of his daughter, Kara Kristine Shearer, Sergio cofounded the Kara Shearer Learning Center, which partners with the Edinburg Housing Authority to serve underprivileged children.

Upon his retirement, Sergio moved to the San Antonio area to be closer to his family. A lifelong fisherman, hunter, and accomplished golfer, Sergio was always happiest when he was outdoors.

The City of San Antonio and the State of Texas feel a little emptier now, but we have all lived richer, better lives because of the life of Sergio Shearer. His life may have ended, but his contributions will live on and generations shall enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring The Paisano on its 30th anniversary as the independent student newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio.

For 30 years, The Paisano has remained an all volunteer, student run publication that has celebrated freedom of the press, independent college news reporting and entrepreneurship. Throughout this time, The Paisano has been staffed by dedicated teachers, students and community volunteers who have kept the spirit of independent journalism alive in their community.

I am proud of a publication that circulates 7,000 free copies among UTSA campuses and their communities each week without the support of student fees or tax dollars. The Paisano Educational Trust, which operates as the publisher of this newspaper, offers modest scholarships for students and instills the spirit of entrepreneurship by providing on the job training.

I am inspired by the passion of students who run a publication without the support of a

formal journalism department or program and the teachers who dedicate their time to foster their students' creativity. From story design to photography training, the fundamentals of journalism and the basics of business are taught through the creation of The Paisano.

San Antonio has benefited greatly from the diverse Paisano staff who then entered the workforce to become lawyers, accountants, school teachers, poets, writers, environmental researchers, advertizing specialists and editors. I congratulate this newspaper on their 30th anniversary and wish for its continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill. My first observation is, after hearing my colleagues on the other side of the aisle this morning, it reminds me of the movie ``Groundhog Day,'' the same

thing over and over again, same old same old.

My advice would be that taking your notes from 2009 and 2010 are stale and irrelevant today. Now some, I guess the cynics out there, are wondering why you would proceed with this measure as soon as you took over the majority. Some would say that it is just political theater, but I venture to guess that there's another reason: time is not on your side. The more time you allow for this bill and its full implementation, you lose your argument because you're wrong.

You said it was a government takeover of health care. Wrong. Time has proven you wrong. You said it would be costing thousands and thousands of jobs by now. You were wrong. And with the passage of more time, that only will be solidified that you misread it.

I'm not questioning your intent or sincerity, but you just were simply wrong. Because what happened in the interim? People found out that they were able to get insurance for their children despite preexisting conditions. They could keep their children up to age 26 years on their policies. Seniors were helped with the problems they faced with the doughnut hole. That's what's happened. So I understand.

You were in charge for 12 years and did nothing. We moved forward with something meaningful, and all you can think of is to go back to the inaction.

And you say ``replace.'' Then why do you force repeal without a discussion to the American people of what you want to replace it with? Isn't that a fair assumption? You were wrong in 2009. You were wrong in 2010. And you are wrong today.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Madam Speaker, I am from San Antonio, and in my hometown, about a year and a half ago, a

convenience store owner was murdered by a robber.

The brother of the slain owner observed that both his brother and the murderer got up that same morning and made conscious choices: His brother chose to go to work and support his family--a right and a good thing. The murderer made a choice to rob and kill--an evil and a destructive thing.

On January 8, 2011, in Tucson, many people got up that morning and made a choice to do the right and good thing. Only one person got up that morning and decided to do an evil and destructive thing.

We cannot and will not allow the cruelty of one person to overshadow the goodness that each of his victims represents. We in this Chamber are not helpless. We offer our prayers for those who died and for a speedy recovery for those who have survived.

And, to Gabby, I know we all join in saying: Hurry back. This House needs you. We love you.

But we can do more. We can set an example that creates a fertile environment for constructive discourse that extends beyond the confines of this Capitol.

Despite the heartache and the tragedy of last Saturday, we find solace and inspiration that, in our Nation, the United States of America, the goodness of the many will always triumph over the evil of the few.

Mr. Speaker--and of course I hope that we do have a vote on the DREAM Act--but this is really a plea to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to prove a former official and spokesman for the Bush administration wrong.

Michael Gerson wrote yesterday in The Washington Post: ``Whatever its legislative fate, the DREAM Act is effective at stripping away pretense. Opponents of this law don't want earned citizenship for any illegal immigrant--even those personally guilty of no crime, even those who demonstrate their skills and character. The DREAM Act would be a potent incentive for assimilation. But for some, assimilation clearly is not the goal. They have no intention of sharing the honor of citizenship with anyone called illegal--even those who came as children, have grown up as neighbors and would be willing to give their lives in the Nation's cause.''

I implore and I request fair consideration and that we prove Michael Gerson wrong. My fear is that he may be very, very accurate in what this vote represents.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has spent his whole life pursuing the well-being of others, especially that of children, through his medical practice, education, and leadership. After many years of service to his community, Dr. Fernando A. Guerra, a long time practicing pediatrician and a dear friend of mine, is now retiring from his post as Director of Health at the San Antonio Metro Health District.

Having received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Texas in Austin, his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and a master's of public health degree from the Harvard School of Public Health where he was a Kellogg Fellow, it comes as no surprise that Dr. Guerra has been recognized as a leading contributor to medical research and literature. We are forever grateful for Dr. Guerra's work in numerous areas, including immunizations, community health, and health disparities, as his work and leadership have made a difference for the people of our Nation's seventh largest city and its surrounding areas.

Over the years, Dr. Guerra has offered his expertise to many boards and committees, and he will continue to serve in this capacity in retirement. One of Dr. Guerra's greatest passions is educating and mentoring the next generation of public and private health professionals. As the Director of Health at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, he has mentored physicians in training from both the public and private sectors, including the Residents in Aerospace Medicine, RAMS, program. Through the RAMS, he has been able to give back to the military he served in as a member of the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Vietnam War, for which he received both the Bronze Star and the U.S. Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' distinction.

In light of all that Dr. Guerra has accomplished in his long and prosperous career, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this extraordinary man of scholarship and public service for all that he has done for the people of Bexar County and our Nation.

I, too, rise along with my colleague from Texas to protect the integrity of this House. I just simply want to do it in a different manner than the wording that is reflected in this resolution, which is not there. And it is not just. And I think we have an opportunity to still protect the integrity and reputation of this House, but to do it in a fair and reasonable manner.

You have heard about all of the allegations, but I want to quote from what transpired during that committee hearing.

Mr. Butterfield states: ``In all of your investigation of this matter, do you see any evidence of personal financial benefit or corruption?''

And the prosecuting attorney, the one that may have recommended the censure, replies, ``I see no evidence of corruption. Do I--do I believe, based on this record, that Congressman Rangel took steps to enrich himself based on his position in Congress? I do not.''

This is a chance for this House to rise to the occasion and to do the right thing. And that's what furthers the reputation and the good name of this House, by doing the fair and just thing. We are held to a higher standard, and that's why Mr. Rangel has admitted to his misdeeds. But since when do we forfeit the right to fair and just treatment? Since when? When we take the oath of Members of Congress? I think not.

We are a jury today. And if you were a jury, you'd be admonished, do not let prejudice, bias, or sympathy play any part in your deliberations. But the truth is we are a very different kind of jury. We worry that we are going to be scrutinized and whatever decision we reach today in our vote may result in political criticism. That's the greatest fear.

But we will overcome that and do the fair and just thing.

Mr. Speaker, a meeting at the Department of Commerce prevented my presence in the House for a vote earlier today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the motion to concur in the Senate Amendments to the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 (H.R. 4783).

Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize a woman who has reached a milestone in her life that few have had the opportunity to reach. Most individuals are lucky to see 80 years of life. Few have ever reached the age of 90. But fewer still have had the blessing of living on this earth for 100 years, the course of an entire century. That is why it is with great honor I come to you today to recognize the 100th birthday of Mrs. Mary Trevino, on this day, the 26th of September, year 2010.

Mrs. Trevino has spent the last one hundred years growing in wisdom, her work ethic, and her love for others. Like all people, her life is marked with both times of testing and times of celebration. What makes Mrs. Trevino an outstanding woman, however, is that she has gone through her trials with great perseverance, and through her times of celebration with great joy.

As a woman that embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, one of Mrs. Trevino's greatest accomplishments in her life is the founding of El Mirador Restaurant. This restaurant has been the means by which Mrs. Trevino's passions for sharing great food and good company have had a way to express themselves. El Mirador is a place that has contributed to the community of Texas' 20th District for more than 40 years, and like Mrs. Trevino, it is still going strong.

Madam Speaker, that is why I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the 100th birthday of Mrs. Mary Trevino; for a life well lived and years more to live well. I wish Mrs. Trevino all the best and hope that our nation's great City of San Antonio can be blessed by her presence for many more years to come. May her days be filled with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, for her and her loved ones.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation for their dedication to memorializing the proud heritage, tradition of honor, and legacy of valor of our country's Air Force and the countless sacrifices and contributions that our airmen make to defend and preserve the freedom of this nation. Since 2003, the foundation has been working tirelessly in their efforts to pay tribute to our enlisted airman.

Thanks to the vision of the Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation, efforts for a modern museum are underway at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas to commemorate the transformation of young men and women into patriotic military professionals and leaders. The United States Air Force Airman Heritage Museum aims to make San Antonio the prime destination for those seeking to learn, understand, and admire the Air Force's history and traditions, providing an educational opportunity for the thousands who already visit Lackland Air Force Base and the many more who will do so in the future.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation as we recognize their noble efforts to memorialize the heritage of our United States Airmen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of this piece of legislation. As we only have about a minute, my observation, after listening to all of my colleagues and to my dear friends, is thank God physicians don't practice medicine the way we practice enacting legislation.

Can you imagine if you were wheeled into the emergency room? You'd have five qualified physicians, and they'd all start arguing about, ``How are we going to save the life of this particular patient?'' They don't come to any real conclusion. Some say, We need to do this immediately. Some of them say, We can wait 6 months. Others say, We can wait 2 years.

It doesn't work. It doesn't work in that operating room, and it shouldn't work in this Chamber. We are all in agreement. We are all in agreement that it is broken, and now we have given the other side a chance to work with us.

Last year, as it has already been pointed out, we had something that was for an extended period of time that was going to work on a solution which would give the doctors the kind of predictability they require in order to have practices where they can open their doors in the morning, but we only got one vote from the other side. You know, let's all put that aside today. Let's start working together. It's 6 months. It's not long enough. We acknowledge it. Let us just rededicate ourselves to making sure that doctors can practice medicine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Ronald A. Gettelfinger as he steps down after eight years as president of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. Since 1964, Mr. Gettelfinger has been a part of the American automotive industry. When Bob King assumed the presidency of UAW on June 15, 2010, it marked the end of an era.

As a chassis line repairman, after his election by his fellow UAW members to represent the workers at Ford's Louisville Assembly plant, and his during his twelve years in the leadership of UAW, Ron Gettelfinger has worked to ensure that his workers, American workers, get a fair deal. He has fought to protect a strong manufacturing sector in the United States of America, so that the Arsenal of Democracy could continue to lead the world, not just through our production but through the standards we hold dear. His priorities have been a just and decent wage for honest work. Recognizing the importance of ending our dependence on foreign and fossil fuels, as President of UAW he pushed for a national investment in new technologies to produce energy-saving vehicles.

These past 44 years have seen great changes in the automotive industry. There have been good times and bad. Through it all, Ron Gettelfinger never forgot for whom he worked. The past two years may have been some of the toughest. But the reorganizations of General Motors and Chrysler have marked a turning point and things are looking up. The new GM is leaner and tougher than we have seen in years, with the Chevrolet Volt leading the way into a bright future. We all look forward to that bright future, and I trust that Ron Gettelfinger looks to it with pride in the role he played in making it possible.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Jesse Saldana, Sr., a civil servant, community leader, and former serviceman who passed away June 9, 2010.

Mr. Saldana made history through both his illustrious postal career and military service. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 45 years and was appointed to the position of postmaster on December 7, 1974. Mr. Saldana was the first Spanish-surnamed postmaster since 1836 and was the first merit postmaster in the nation. He worked not only as the Postmaster of San Antonio, but as the manager for the San Antonio Sectional Center covering a service area of 33,000 square miles, 226 post offices and 4,527 employees in South Texas. He was named ``Postmaster of the Year'' in 1983.

As a Combat Infantry Officer in the European Theater during World War II, Mr. Saldana was wounded twice in action in the Huertgen Forest and in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was the sole survivor of his unit. For his valiance and heroism in service, he was awarded a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf Cluster.

Mr. Saldana also tirelessly worked to preserve the history and cultural heritage of San Antonio. Mr. Saldana served as president of the Canary Island Descendants Association and the Harp and Shamrock Society. In 1981, he was named by the Islenos Canarios Committee as the Chairman of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the Villa de San Fernando. He was also a lifetime member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Mr. Saldana also worked to preserve our nation's military history by returning to his alma mater, Lanier High School, of which he was Valedictorian of the Class of 1939, to meet with students each Veteran's Day. Lanier honored him as one of the first to be commemorated on their ``Wall of Fame.''

Additionally, Mr. Saldana was very active in many church, civic, and philanthropic organizations. He was a life-long Oblate Associate and was presented with the Oblate cross in 1973 for his active participation with the Oblate fathers. He was a founding board member of Sisters Care of San Antonio, a ministry which offers in-home assistance to many elderly who are ineligible for government assistance. He was a director of the United Way and the Vice-Chairman of the combined federal campaign. He was also a member of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

San Antonio has suffered a great loss and it is my humble honor to rise to recognize the many contributions that Mr. Saldana has made in his lifetime and to extend my thoughts and prayers to his family.