Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Gary Job Corps for 40 years of successful service to the people of San Marcos, Texas.

Located on a campus of 1,000 acres at the former Gary Army Air Field, Gary Job Corps is the largest of 118 Job Corps campuses nation wide, enrolling nearly 2,000 young men and women. It represents the fulfillment of President Johnson's 1964 promise to develop a national job training program for youth, a promise he made while visiting the former Southwest Texas State University.

For 40 years, Gary Job Corps has been helping young men and women achieve their academic and professional dreams. In addition to providing vocational training for careers in the health occupations, business, computers, cooking, and numerous other industries, it has sent on its alumni to the student bodies of Texas State University, Alamo Community College, and other institutions of higher education.

Gary Job Corps has helped countless young Texans achieve their life goals, and has helped bring economic growth, educational achievement, and the promise of a better future to Central Texas. I am happy to have this opportunity to congratulate Gary Job Corps on the occasion of its 40th anniversary, and I wish all of its staff and students many more years of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Commerce Bank and President Ignacio Urrabazo on the opening of their new headquarters.

The headquarters will serve as the bank's primary location for the Laredo market. Commerce Bank is dedicated to providing convenient and superior services to its customers, even if that means traveling to a customers' place of business, or working far beyond a banker's traditional hours. Customers are known by their names, not by their account

numbers. This personal attention allows services to be tailored to the specific needs of their clients.

Commerce Bank President and CEO Ignacio Urrabazo sees the expansion as part of a larger commitment to help accommodate the outstanding growth that Laredo is currently experiencing. Mr. Urrabazo supports a community-oriented banking approach, and is active in minority causes. In 1999, he co-founded Minbanc, a nonprofit organization which works to support and promote the continued success of minority-owned banks across America. Mr. Urrabazo also endeavors to encourage minority businesses in the oil and gas industries.

I am honored to recognize the Commerce Bank and its President Ignacio Urrabazo on the opening of their new headquarters in Laredo. The outstanding work put forth by the Commerce Bank and President Urrabazo helps foster Laredo's continued economic growth and success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and service of Sergeant Roberto Arizola Jr., who died serving his country as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Arizola died on June 8th, 2005 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the Army's 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, of Fort Gordon, Georgia. Roberto was awarded the Army Achievement Medal in 2000 for his extraordinary performance in operations ``Joint Endeavor'' and ``Joint Guard'' in Bosnia- Herzegovina.

A superb soldier, Sgt. Arizola was an even better friend, husband, and father. Roberto was kind and loving, possessing a charismatic personality that brought joy to those lucky enough to share in his company.

Sgt. Arizola died a soldier, defending the lives of those unable to defend themselves. The father of a seven-year-old son, he died so that other families and other children might live. He gave up a safe life in a free country so that others might grow up in safety and freedom.

Sergeant Roberto Arizola gave his life to protect ordinary people from those who would do them harm. He leaves behind him an example of extraordinary service and courage. He died a hero, and he deserves the thanks of a grateful nation.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage Chairman Wolf in a colloquy with me.

I thank the chairman for agreeing to engage in this important discussion with me. As you know, I represent Laredo, Texas, along the U.S.-Mexican border. There has been much violence along the border, including 31 Americans that have been kidnapped on the Mexican side. That is 31 Americans. Twelve of them have been returned, two were killed, and the remaining are unaccounted for.

I have been working to increase cooperation with the law enforcement agencies policing the border. In May, I brought together officials from agencies ranging from the FBI to the State Department along with the local law enforcement to help formulate a plan.

The Mexican Government on the other side has increased police and federal presence along the border, which is good news, but unfortunately they haven't done enough. We need to respond with strong, decisive efforts of our own to help forge a lasting resolution.

I am excited to know, Mr. Chairman, that this bill increases by $23 million the Violent Crime Impact Teams assigned to cities in the United States, and I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), and the members of the subcommittee for the leadership that you have shown. I am also currently working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Attorney General, Mr. Albert Gonzales, to get a team permanently assigned to the Laredo area; but unfortunately at this time we need some funding.

I hope the chairman and I can work together to try to get a Violent Crime Impact Team assigned to Laredo. The violence spilling over across the border is great, and I believe this effort can go a long way towards addressing this problem, and so I ask for your assistance in this matter.

I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, I thank both Chairman Wolf and Ranking Member Mollohan for their help, and I thank the chairman for his bipartisan approach to address this very, very important approach to a violent situation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church as they dedicate their new edifice.

The Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church has served the San Antonio Community for more than 88 years. When first organized in 1917, the church was comprised of a small shed. As membership grew, the Emmanuel A.M.E. Church expanded, moving from building to building to accommodate their ever-expanding group of churchgoers.

By putting the principles of true stewardship to work, the Emmanuel A.M.E. Church has grown substantially from their humble beginnings. For Church members, the new edifice reflects God's goodness and grace, as well as their Church's dedication and appreciation for the Lord. The congregation now looks forward to worshipping in their new sanctuary.

I am honored to have had this opportunity to congratulate the Emmanuel A.M.E. Church on the dedication of their new edifice. The Emmanuel A.M.E. Church has provided the San Antonio area with guidance and stewardship, helping nurture and enrich faith in their community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Cigarroa Family, Laredo Business Persons of the Year.

Joaquin Cigarroa Jr., along with his sons Ricardo, Carlos, Francisco, Joaquin, and daughter Patricia comprise a unique group of medical professionals and business entrepreneurs.

The Cigarroas have demonstrated a great ability to seek opportunity and create enterprise within their community. The family has consistently expressed their devotion to Laredo, dedicating their lives to the education and health of their city.

The Cigarroa Family has contributed significantly to the development of the healthcare industry in South Texas, partnering in 2004 with others to create the Laredo Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. The family is currently developing the Cigarroa Heart and Vascular Institute.

I am honored to recognize the Cigarroa Family, Laredo Business Persons of the year. I applaud the Cigarroas for their commitment to the medical industry and the positive impact they have had on their local economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Araceli Lozano, Small Business Advocate Women Champion of the Year.

Araceli is the Director of the Laredo Development Foundation Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which was established to provide vision and leadership to develop, encourage, promote and protect the business interests of the Laredo metropolitan area.

As Director, Araceli works to provide opportunities, motivation, and guidance to current and potential small business owners. Under the stewardship of Ms. Lozano, the SBDC team has achieved an outstanding track record, meeting and exceeding each counseling and training goal. Araceli has consistently reached out to small business owners in rural communities, providing direction to enhance the business skills of these blossoming entrepreneurs.

I am honored to recognize Araceli Lozano as the Small Business Advocate Women Champion of the Year. Araceli's dedication and devotion to the growth and success of small businesses is truly admirable.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Alicia Espinoza, Small Business Advocate Financial Champion of the Year.

Alicia works as a Commercial Loan Officer for the Commerce Bank where she makes and services all types of loans. With over 9 years banking experience, Ms. Espinoza offers clients a wealth of banking knowledge and financial understanding.

Alicia strives to provide personalized attention to her customers. She knows them all by their names, not their account numbers. By offering each customer individualized consideration and tailored advice, she is able to maximize the success of her business transactions. Alicia works hard to serve the needs of her clients, often working beyond a banker's traditional hours.

I am honored to recognize Alicia Espinoza as the Small Business Advocate Financial Champion of the Year. Alicia's exceptional efforts continue to perpetuate the economic and social development of her community.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time, and I appreciate that we talked yesterday with the chairman about this particular amendment, but if he would just allow us to make a particular statement. I appreciate the time the chairman gave us, and I understand his point of order.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment helps to raise the clean air standards on the border. I am from Laredo, Texas, on the border. And if you would just take the border region and make it a particular State, you would see that it is one of the fastest growing parts of the country, and it is one of the poorest parts of the whole country. If the border region was its own State, it would rank last in access to health care, second worst in death from hepatitis, last in per capita income, and first in the number of schoolchildren living in poverty.

Air quality in the border region is just as important as in any other metropolitan area in the country. This particular amendment would help boost air quality by requiring sellers of electricity from the Mexican side to protect the consumers on the American side. We expect nothing less than corporate responsibility from our friends in the domestic corporations, and we expect the same stewardship from foreign companies that have a direct impact on our communities.

We live in a world that increasingly requires us to cooperate across the border to solve problems. Trade, commerce, and economic activity do not stop at the border, and the environmental problems that sometimes accompany economic growth do not stop at the border.

In conclusion, this amendment recognizes the simple truth that the border region is a community and that air pollution affects all the region's residents, American and Mexican alike.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues for their time and just ask that the chairman consider this particular amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I am here today to recognize the extraordinary I contributions of the following Texas Police Officers killed this year in the line of duty:

Sergeant John Maki, Celeste Policy Department; Deputy Constable Frank ``Scotty'' Claborn, Harris County Constable's Office; Police Officer John Logan, Huntington Police Department; Police Officer Frank M. Cantu, Houston Police Department; Trooper Kurt David Knapp, Department of Public Safety; Police Officer Darren Glen Mdelin, Grapevine Police Department; Sergeant Gregory Hunter, Grand Prairie Police Department; Police Officer Nathan Laurie, River Oaks Police Department; Sergeant Mike Lane, Beaumont Police Department; Police Officer Angel Barcena, EI Paso Police Department; Police Officer Christopher Jerome Sobieski, Prairie View Police Department; Deputy Sheriff Dirk Knearem, Chambers County Sheriff's Department; Lieutenant Rover ``Bob'' Haley, Comanche County Sheriff s Department; and Police Officer Amy Donovan, Austin Police Department.

Each of these Officers provided their community with tireless, courageous, and gallant service of the highest caliber. They worked to preserve our rights, our homes, and in many cases, our lives--keeping our cities and towns safe for the sake of our children and families. These men and women were committed to excellence in leadership, developing community partnerships and always building for a better future.

It is a great honor to pay tribute to such amazing and exemplary individuals. Their selfless efforts and noble service will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions of Belinda Ellis, Tom Green Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Belinda's greatest influence is her mother, who taught her that things in life don't just happen--if you want something, you need to set a goal and work towards that goal a little at a time. This advice led Belinda to become the first in her family to graduate high school, and later college at Southwest Texas.

Mrs. Ellis has pledged over 18 years to teaching, and currently teaches math and science. She believes that having the support and involvement of a child's parent is the key to her success. During her time at Tom Green Elementary, Belinda has raised close to $3,000 to buy new flags, outdoor benches, and trashcans for her school.

This past year has been extremely hard for Belinda, who has remained strong, positive, and determined to continue working as normal despite her ongoing battle with cancer. Belinda hopes her enthusiasm for teaching and sponsoring extra-curricular activities touches each of her students.

I am honored to acknowledge Belinda Ellis, Tom Green Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Her passion and dedication are cherished by all in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions of Carla Bandy, Dahlstrom Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Carla Bandy considers herself lucky to have given teaching another chance--initially quitting after 2 years because she felt she wasn't cut out for the job. Carla now understands that she made the right choice, and currently teaches Art at Dahlstrom Middle School.

In class, Carla stresses friendship; she respects her students and earns their respect in return. She believes that once she can achieve the trust of her students, the ``real learning'' begins.

Carla does her best to reach students of all abilities, skills, and interests. She keeps all students equally engaged--from the timid and unsure to the extremely talented. She researches the psychology behind different types of learning in an effort to customize her teaching techniques for each individual student.

I am honored to recognize Carla Bandy, Dahlstrom Middle School Teacher of the Year. Her dedication and hard work reward her students everyday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions of Nancy Phillips, Impact Center School Teacher of the Year.

Nancy's interest in teaching stemmed from her ``lifelong love affair'' with the language arts. Following a Bachelor's degree, a teaching certificate in English and two subsequent Master's degrees, she dove into a teaching career that has continued for the past 25 years.

Nancy Phillips teaches English at an alternative school, where students are sent because of past drug use or violent histories. She teaches grades six to twelve, and is challenged to stretch her creative capabilities and management skills every time she walks into the classroom.

Nancy does her best to lead her students gently towards the good things they can find in books, describing herself as a ``combination tight rope walker and ring master.'' She is humble, and acknowledges that when she stays late at work or comes in during the weekend, she is not alone.

I am honored to recognize Nancy Phillips, Impact Center School Teacher of the year. Through her drive and consistent hard work, she is able to set her students on track for whatever challenges the future may bring.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions of Jennifer Welma, Hays CSID Special Education Teacher of the Year.

Growing up, Jennifer always knew that one day she wanted to be a teacher. Yet it was the 1991 State Competition for the Special Olympics in San Marcos which sparked a special passion. She was emotionally touched by

the bravery, courageousness, and beautiful spirit of the Olympians, and instantly knew she needed to be involved with such amazing individuals.

Jennifer Welma now teaches Phys Ed., and has a great time dancing, moving, laughing, and learning with her students.

Special Education has become even more important to Jennifer now that she has a son who is visually impaired and considered disabled. She continues her fight to promote the active participation of disabled students, ensuring their role as a visible part of a school campus. She thanks her son Kameron for the continued inspiration to become a better teacher, friend, and person.

I am honored to recognize Jennifer Welma, Hays CSID Special Education Teacher of the Year. Jennifer's passion and dedication to teaching enrichs the lives of all around her.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, we all know that gangs are no longer just an urban problem. They affect every community. As law enforcement officials from big cities to small towns will tell you, to combat the problem we all need to work together, share information, and identify the issues that will help us strike at the heart of gang violence. My amendment gives us the means to do just that.

It would establish a national gang intelligence center at the FBI to help law enforcement officials across the country share information about gangs and gang members so that we can identify emerging problems before they take root. Last year, $10 million was appropriated for the center, an effort led by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), who has long been a strong supporter of law enforcement. My amendment would simply authorize the creation of the center.

Mr. Chairman, by helping law enforcement share information, we will be giving our police on the streets a powerful tool in the fight against violence and help them better protect our citizens.

I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.