Henry Bonilla

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about the use of ultrasound imaging by emergency physicians. October 2006 marks the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of the American College of Emergency Physicians', ACEP, Section of Emergency Ultrasound, which actively encourages research and training of emergency physicians in the use of emergency ultrasound. October 15, 2006, celebrates Emergency Ultrasound Day.

Emergency ultrasound, defined as the use of ultrasound imaging at the patient's bedside, is a critical component of quality emergency medical care. Ultrasound imaging enhances the physician's ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients in the emergency department. It provides immediate information and can answer specific questions about the patient's physical condition, such as determining whether a presenting patient has thoracic and abdominal traumas, ectopic pregnancy, pericardial effusion, and many other conditions.

High quality emergency care is dependent on rapid diagnostic tools, enhanced safety of emergency procedures, and reduced treatment time. Imaging technology has greatly improved quality of care and made invasive medical procedures safer.

Emergency physicians are trained in the use of imaging equipment during their residency, as well as continuing medical education courses. Hospital privileges further validate this training.

Emergency ultrasound has moved outside the hospital due to its compact nature. In fact, emergency ultrasound technology is helpful on- site during military and disaster medical care. It has served in the care of America's brave military troops during both the Gulf and Iraq Wars. Also, emergency ultrasound was used to care for patients last year after Hurricane Katrina, and will be helpful in responding to other disasters and mass casualty events.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the work of the ACEP Section of Emergency Ultrasound. It has increased awareness of the contribution and value of emergency ultrasound by emergency physicians in the medical care of emergency patients, survivors of disasters, and our military forces serving at home and abroad. Research in this field should continue to be encouraged to allow the adaptation of critical technologies to continually improve the quality of emergency care.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that today Congress will pass vital legislation based upon legislation I drafted, the Fairness in Immigration Litigation Act of 2006, to close an egregious loophole that allows thousands of illegal aliens to remain in our country every week. Passage of this legislation will result in safer communities across our nation.

Currently, the Orantes injunction mandates that the U.S. Government afford all Salvadoran immigrants the benefit of full deportation proceedings and undermines the authority of the Department of Homeland Security to apply expedited removal procedures. The court order was issued in 1988 when EI Salvador was in the midst of a bloody civil war and was designed to protect those seeking refuge in the United States. However, on January 16, 1992, a peace accord was signed ending 11 years of civil war and implementing strict human rights restrictions. Today EI Salvador enjoys a democratically elected government and a developing economy.

Illegal aliens stream across our border by the hundreds on a daily basis. They present an immediate danger to the lives of people in every Texas community and across the United States of America. For over 14 years I have worked to raise awareness on Capitol Hill about the crisis facing our border communities. I have met with law enforcement officials along the border and discussed this critical issue with my colleagues in Congress, providing those in Washington with a first-hand perspective on how to increase our border security.

However, gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha, otherwise known as MS-13, and members of drug cartels now exploit this loophole in our legal system to thwart our immigration laws and obtain release into our communities. This legislation removes obstacles that prevent our government from effectively enforcing the immigration laws that Congress intended.

The threat of terrorism is real. Each day our border communities witness violence and fear created by ruthless members of drug cartels. We must not allow terrorists and criminals from around the world to abuse loopholes in our legal system, turning our southwest border into a revolving door. The efforts of our law enforcement officials to catch, detain, and deport those who enter illegally must not be obstructed by those looking to abuse the system. I am proud that today Congress will overturn the outdated and obsolete Orantes injunction to protect the integrity of our legal immigration process.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American soon scheduled to end his lifelong career of service to our Nation--U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Marfa Sector Chief Patrol Agent Simon Garza, Jr.

Born in Laredo, Texas, Chief Garza has spent his entire career fighting to secure our borders and ensure our freedoms. Chief Garza began his career, after studying engineering at the University of Houston, by serving in the United States Army, including service in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. In 1975 he joined the United States Border Patrol as a member of the 10th Session at Port Isabel, Texas. After graduation from the Border Patrol Academy, he received his first assignment in his home State in the Del Rio Sector. After much hard work and determination, Chief Garza was promoted in 1985 to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent. By 1990 he was again promoted to Patrol Agent in Charge, and by 1994 he was part of the senior staff at the Del Rio Sector Headquarters, serving as Assistant Chief Patrol Agent.

One year later Chief Garza's leadership role dramatically expanded when he was named Deputy Chief of the United States Border Patrol in Washington, D.C. There he represented the Border Patrol across the world, including in the Middle East, where he shared his valuable insight and experience with foreign leaders and governments.

After serving in Washington, DC, Chief Garza returned back to the field to lead the Marfa Sector as Chief Patrol Agent. During his tenure as Chief Patrol Agent, Chief Garza has modernized his sector to respond to the growing threats to our national security by utilizing mission- oriented technology and transitioning the Sector Intelligence Unit to a pro-active organization. Day in and day out, Chief Garza and his well- trained staff put their lives on the line to tirelessly work to protect our country.

I am proud to commend my good friend--and a hero to our Nation--Chief Simon Garza, Jr., for his distinguished and honorable career. His straightforward and unwavering leadership will be greatly missed. Congratulations on a job well done, Chief.