Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today the House of Representatives has an historic

opportunity to provide health insurance for 10 million children from low-income families. In fact, when the House takes up a motion to override the President's veto on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act, it will be the second time in as many months that Congress votes to provide low-income, working families with health insurance for their children.

This legislation, passed by Congress in September, is an essential step in providing better access to healthcare for the 47 million uninsured individuals in this country, 5 million of whom are children. One could argue that the state of Texas, which has the highest percentage of uninsured individuals of any state in the Nation, needs this bill the most. Texas is home to a staggering 1.4 million children who lack even the most basic health insurance.

The CHIP Reauthorization that President Bush vetoed provides health insurance for 10 million underprivileged American children. The bill adds $35 billion for the CHIP program over the next 5 years. It maintains coverage for the 6 million children who are already enrolled, and allows for an additional 3.8 million who are already eligible for the program to start receiving benefits.

Instead of supporting this modest expansion, President Bush wants to increase funding for CHIP by a mere $5 billion over the next 5 years. Such a proposal would not allow for any new eligible, uninsured children to enroll in the program. In fact, according to the non- partisan Congressional Budget Office, President Bush's proposal would result in 840,000 children losing their CHIP coverage.

We cannot in good conscience enact a program that will push children from the CHIP rolls. I will stand behind the Congressionally-passed CHIP authorization and hope that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me and override the President's veto today.

Mr. Chairman, let me take this opportunity first of all to rise and indicate that I am here on behalf of the Napolitano amendment. The amendment would prohibit Mexican companies and inspectors from performing mechanical inspections of trains unless they meet specific U.S. standards, including rigorous training of inspectors.

I think that is essential. We have some 10,000 trains that cross the U.S.-Mexican border through my district alone. We had over four derailments in 2004. We think this is an amendment that is important and is critical in order for us to continue to have safety in those trains.

So I want to encourage the passage of the amendment by Congresswoman Grace Napolitano that will allow an opportunity for those inspectors to be well trained and to make sure that they specify U.S. standards before that occurs.

As I indicated earlier, I represent the longest stretch of the Mexican border of any Member of Congress, and I think that this is an area of significance and importance.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. Today marks the fifth consecutive year that the U.S. has acknowledged October 15th as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. This day presents us with the important opportunity to remember that Latinos, who represent only 14 percent of the population, account for nearly 19 percent of all AIDS cases. Today there are approximately 200,000 Latinos living with AIDS in the U.S.

Latinos make up the fastest growing minority population in the United States. Therefore, it is increasingly important that we work to achieve equality in treatment and ensure that Latinos who suffer from HIV and AIDS do not face barriers to care. National Latino AIDS Awareness Day serves both as a day of remembrance for those who are living with or have lost their lives to AIDS as well as a day to promote awareness of this disease among the Latino population.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007.

This bill provides the opportunity for many communities along the border to receive the assistance and resources they have long needed in order for them to develop their infrastructure and economic prospects.

Mr. Speaker, I represent an expansive district spanning from El Paso County in far west Texas, to Dimmitt County about 550 miles south and to South San Antonio about 150 miles west. This district encompasses the longest stretch of U.S.-Mexico border of any district in the United States.

These communities along the border lack some of the most basic infrastructure including sewers, roads and health care. These mostly rural communities along the border are often too poor to take advantage of government grants and loan programs. These cities, towns and counties don't have the revenue to provide local matching funds to qualify for federal grants and programs or have the tax base to build million-dollar waste water plants on their own.

A regional economic development commission on the southwest border, I believe will put the hundreds of small, rural border communities on the fast track to becoming self-sustaining and developing economically.

Mr. Speaker, a Southwest Border Regional Commission would essentially bring the federal government to the border. This bill will not raise taxes, will not create duplicative programs and certainly not provide any services to illegal or undocumented immigrants; this bill instead provides opportunity for our communities that are most in need.

I strongly urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan bill.

Madam Speaker, we have 46 million Americans that are uninsured, of which a large number are children. I have heard individuals come up and talk about the undocumented individuals. They are not covered by this particular piece of legislation.

If you live in rural America, if you live in rural Texas, you don't have access to insurance coverage. If you are not working for the government and if you are just working for a small company, you don't have access. If you make $20,000 or $40,000 a year, that is not sufficient to be able to cover your children. That is why we need a program that allows an opportunity for our young people to be able to get coverage.

These are Americans who are working hard. These are Americans who don't qualify for Medicaid because they are not poor enough and they are paying their taxes. These are Americans that don't qualify for Medicare because they're not old enough. Yet, they find themselves working hard every single day and are not able to cover their children.

We have to do the right thing. We have to make sure that we pay for those youngsters and allow an opportunity for them to have access. After all, they are the ones that are paying the taxes. They are the ones out there working hard, and yet they don't have their kids insured.

Madam Speaker, the men and women who served their country during World War II deserve our deep respect and reverence. The Naval Aviation Torpedo Squadron Three (VT-3) embodies the spirit and achievement of this era, through their bravery and sacrifice. Today we honor their sacrifice.

VT-3 served valiantly in the Pacific while assigned to both the carriers Yorktown and Saratoga. While on the Yorktown, the squadron was pivotal in the victory at the battle of Midway. The squadron lost many pilots and planes, but the VT-3 squad regrouped and still participated in the Pacific theatre.

In the Philippines, South China Sea, and Japan, the VT-3 squad flew with valor. They provided air support in the invasions of Leyte, Luzon, and Iwo Jima. They flew missions over Hong Kong and Okinawa, as well as taking part in the first strikes on Tokyo.

They are an example of exemplary service and heroism. The squadron earned four Presidential Unit Citations, six Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medals and the prestigious silver star was awarded to Lt. Frank F. Frazier for his actions in the battle of Formosa.

The Naval Aviation Torpedo Squadron Three fought valiantly to defend our Nation, flying some of the most difficult and dangerous missions in the Pacific Theater. Through their sacrifice, our Nation endured, earning our lasting honor and respect.

As a Member of the 110th House of Representatives, I hereby commend the members of the Naval Aviation Torpedo Squadron Three for their gallantry and service during World War II and we extend to them our sincere best wishes in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the State Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization bill. At a time when there are over 46 million uninsured individuals in this country, and over 5 million uninsured people in Texas alone, it is time that Congress stepped up and improved access to healthcare for children--our most vulnerable population. This legislation will go a long way in providing care to children of low-income families, some of our most disadvantaged individuals.

Without this important legislation, SCHIP will expire at the end of the month. Since its inception ten years ago, SCHIP has been a highly successful program. There are currently 6.6 million children enrolled in SCHIP, but millions more are eligible for the program and continue to lack health insurance. Approximately two-thirds of uninsured children are eligible for SCHIP or Medicaid and it is our responsibility to ensure that these children receive health benefits. Without healthcare coverage under SCHIP many children of the working poor are forced to replace regular visits to primary care physicians with costly trips to the emergency room.

Today's expansion will provide states with the resources to start covering more of these eligible children. This legislation will expand the Children's Health Insurance Program by $35 billion over the next 5 years, allowing states to cover an estimated 3.8 million more children. In Texas alone, an additional 440,000 children will receive coverage. Texas has the unpleasant distinction of being the state with the most uninsured residents. With 5 million uninsured Texans, providing healthcare coverage for another half million children is a critical first step for the state of Texas.

I am proud to support this important SCHIP expansion that will improve healthcare access for children in Texas and across the Nation.

Madam Speaker, today on the 169th anniversary of his birth, I would like to recognize a Texas hero, Lawrence Sullivan ``Sul'' Ross. He was a Texas Ranger,

Civil War general, and 2-term Governor. He served and honored Texas with dedication and in doing so, he helped mold the State into what it is today.

Sul Ross was dedicated to expanding the Texas economy and improving the State's education. His tax reforms and anti-trust legislation led to one of the greatest surpluses in State history. Ross was also the first to create a tax system to pay for State public schools, which is the same system we presently employ.

After serving as Governor, Ross took over the failing Texas A&M and revolutionized the institution. Today, the university is on the leading edge of agricultural science, education and research, and its students still look to their beloved former president as an academic lucky charm.

Upon his death in 1898, the legislature honored Ross by appropriating money for a college in his honor. Sul Ross State University opened for classes in 1920 and has become an example of exceptional higher education in west Texas.

Ross' education legacy has been recognized across Texas and he has had several primary and secondary schools named in his honor. This includes Sul Ross Middle School in the award winning Northside School District in San Antonio, TX.

Influential and inspirational citizens, such as Sul Ross, should be remembered by all Americans. He is a reminder of how one person can affect change and make better their community and their State. For his achievements, I recognize Sul Ross on this day.

Mr. Chairman, let me take this opportunity, first of all, to thank you. This is a historic day. We hear the Presidential candidates on both sides, Republican and Democrat, talk about the importance of securing our Nation with energy. This is one of the first steps in order to do that. We have to take these steps. This gives us an opportunity to begin to secure our Nation, to reduce our dependency on the volatile supply of fossil fuels so we will be able to be more independent as we move forward.

This opportunity also provides economic security for our Nation as a whole. It is also a historical moment in terms of renewing that energy that is out there besides in terms of just looking at the existing ones.

In addition, let me just take this opportunity to say that this is about ensuring a clean and healthy future for our children and grandchildren and future generations. This has to begin to occur now.

Yes, it has got its difficulties, but it is the first step in the right direction, to make sure we do the right thing. I want to encourage each and every one of you to vote in favor of this particular bill.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of Health Center week I wish to recognize CentroMed. CentroMed provides important medical services to residents of San Antonio and other parts of Bexar County. CentroMed, along with other community health centers in Texas, provides much needed healthcare to uninsured and medically underserved populations. Health centers like this one expand access to quality care for all people and contain healthcare costs by promoting preventative healthcare and primary care services. Health centers are essential to our Nation's healthcare system, providing high standards of care, reducing unmet needs in underserved communities and encouraging preventative care through outreach activities, Health centers guarantee access for all individuals, helping to eliminate health disparities and achieve healthcare for all. Again, I recognize CentroMed for its important contributions to healthcare and for improving the health and quality of life of the people of the 23d Congressional District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of Health Center Week I wish to recognize United Medical Centers. United Medical Centers serve Kinney, Maverick and Val Verde Counties, three rural communities where access to healthcare is often limited. United Medical Centers, along with other community health centers in Texas, provide much needed healthcare to uninsured and medically underserved populations. In rural communities, community health centers are often the only medical facility within miles, and the health professionals there serve as the family doctors for everyone in the community. Health centers like this one expand access to quality care for all people and contain healthcare costs by promoting preventative healthcare and primary care services. Health centers are essential to our nation's healthcare system, providing high standards of care, reducing unmet needs in underserved communities and encouraging preventative care through outreach activities. Health centers guarantee access for all individuals, helping to eliminate health disparities and achieve healthcare for all. Again, I recognize United Medical Centers for its important contributions to healthcare and for improving the health and quality of life of the people of the 23d Congressional District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of Health Center Week I wish to recognize Cactus Health Services. Cactus Health Services serves Terrell and Pecos Counties, two rural communities where access to healthcare is often limited. Cactus Health Services, along with other community health centers in Texas, provides much needed healthcare to uninsured and medically underserved populations. Health centers like this one expand access to quality care for all people and contain healthcare costs by promoting preventative healthcare and primary care services. Health centers are essential to our Nation's healthcare system, providing high standards of care, reducing unmet needs in underserved communities and encouraging preventative care through outreach activities. Health centers guarantee access for all individuals, helping to eliminate health disparities and achieve healthcare for all. Again, I recognize Cactus Health Services for its important contributions to healthcare and for improving the health and quality of life of the people of the 23d Congressional District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, on the Occasion of Health Center Week I wish to recognize Community Health Development. Community Health Development centers serve Edwards, Real, Uvalde and Zavala Counties, four rural communities where access to healthcare is often limited. Community Health Development, along with other community health centers in Texas, provides much needed healthcare to uninsured and medically underserved populations. In rural communities, community health centers are often the only medical facility within miles, and the health professionals there serve as the family doctors for everyone in the community. Health centers like this one expand access to quality care for all people and contain healthcare costs by promoting preventative healthcare and primary care services. Health centers are essential to our Nation's healthcare system, providing high standards of care, reducing unmet needs in underserved communities and encouraging preventative care through outreach activities. Health centers guarantee access for all individuals, helping to eliminate health disparities and achieve healthcare for all. Again, I recognize Community Health Development for its important contributions to healthcare and for improving the health and quality of life of the people of the 23d Congressional District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation, which names the Uvalde Post Office in my district after an esteemed Texan, Dolph Briscoe.

Dolph Briscoe is a true Texan who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, served in the State Legislature and was eventually elected governor of Texas.

Briscoe's roots in Texas stretch back to the days of the Alamo.

He is a direct descendant of Andrew Briscoe, an original signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Dolph Briscoe is also a dedicated American who served this country as an army officer during World War II.

Born in Uvalde to a self-made cattle rancher, Dolph Briscoe has strong roots in Texas and in the agricultural community.

He was long a champion of cattle ranchers and the agricultural community as a whole.

Serving as the youngest ever president of the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, Briscoe spearheaded the effort to eradicate the screw worm from cattle in the southwest, a great achievement for the livestock industry.

Once elected to the Texas State Legislature, Briscoe also led the initiative to create the farm-to-market road system.

The road system was a great improvement to the rural infrastructure of Texas, finally allowing farmers direct access to the cities and it is still in use today.

After serving in the legislature, Briscoe was elected governor of Texas.

As a pro-business Democrat, he was the only modem governor of Texas to enact a balanced budget without raising or creating new taxes.

The Briscoe family remains active in Texas, especially in Uvalde where Dolph Briscoe continues to work as a cattle rancher and also serves the community as the Senior Chairman of the First State Bank of Uvalde.

Dolph Briscoe has been committed to the city of Uvalde for decades and deserves to be honored in this way.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2874, The Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize our chairman, Bob Filner, for his leadership on this issue, and I want to personally thank him for what's accomplished on a variety of issues regarding veterans.

I also want to acknowledge my friend, Congressman Miller, for his efforts also on this particular bill.

This is an important piece of legislation and the nearly 60,000 veterans in my mostly rural district will certainly benefit from this particular bill.

Earlier this year, I sponsored H.R. 2689, a bill that improves mental health services for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans. This bill would establish a program for peer-to-peer outreach and counseling for veterans. Many experts believe this method is critical for getting veterans in need of services into the VA system.

Additionally, under H.R. 2689, the VA would be required to look beyond its current services to ensure that veterans have access to the services that they need by embracing the expertise available in our communities and contract out to qualified providers such as community mental health centers who have been providing quality mental health services for families for many years.

Under the leadership of the chairman, my bill was incorporated into this bill, and I want to personally thank him.

Also included in this bill are provisions critical to veterans, as our Speaker today understands, in Texas, such as the transportation grants for rural veterans service organizations. In some parts of my district and throughout this country, veterans have to drive long hours to get access to services. This bill allows an opportunity for us to provide some needed assistance and services in this specific area.

I also want to acknowledge that this bill also has language that deals with Project SHAD, a bill that was extremely important to begin to identify those thousands of soldiers that we also used weapons such as nerve gas and other types of testing on, that we did on our own soldiers that allows an opportunity for them to continue to get service.

And other members of this committee, I want to personally thank them for their efforts. Once again, I want to take this opportunity to thank the chairman for his leadership.