Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the work of the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps) on this important issue that not only affects California but the entire country.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the motion to instruct conferees on the MTBE provision in the House energy bill. I adamantly oppose the language in the House bill passed which would give a free ride to manufacturers of MTBE, leaving taxpayers across the country holding the bag for cleanup. This is not an issue where a deal can be struck.

The industry, the only supporters of these deals, has been spreading false

statements about the cleanup of MTBE being paid for by responsible parties and wants us to believe that future cleanup will be paid for. But who ends up paying that? The taxpayers.

These groups are ignoring two important items. One is that the leaking underground storage tank program which the manufacturers believe will bail them out is not appropriately funded right now. They are not cleaning anything up as they should be and many of the State programs are broke. Right now EPA oversees 700,000 leaking underground storage sites. Of the 700,000 underground storage sites, 136,000 are currently leaking, and they are not being cleaned up.

EPA anticipates that over the next 10 years, 120,000 new leaks will occur. Despite the need for cleanup funds and the growing inability of the funds needed to clean these up, we know that this administration cut back by 8 percent that fund.

State programs right now like California and other places are also being starved of this much needed funding.

Twelve States have funds with more claims than money. Two State funds have gone bankrupt. Fifteen State funds are funded only by gas taxes, and five States do not even have cleanup funds.

The provision in the House energy bill and any deal that may be struck is going to leave our taxpayers holding the bag. No deal is going to help our communities bear the burden for the rest of the cleanup. The only way to fairly and adequately pay for the cleanup is to allow for those manufacturers to be found responsible and accountable.

Lastly, I want to say also that the House Republican energy bill fails to address the Nation's record gas prices; and according to the Bush administration's own energy department, they would actually cause gas prices to increase.

Hello? What are we doing here today by not addressing the consumers' needs right now where gas prices and a barrel of oil is up to $60 a barrel.

We need reform. We need something that is going to help our consumers, and we do not want to see more of our water polluted by MTBE. Support the motion to instruct.

Mr. Speaker, congressional Republicans have shown their hand once again. It is now clear that Republicans have no desire to strengthen Social Security for future generations. Instead, their only intentions are to privatize the guaranteed retirement program.

The Republicans' risky privatization scheme would create private accounts financed by diverting money out of Social Security. It does absolutely nothing to extend solvency of Social Security. In fact, the Republican proposal would actually move Social Security

insolvency up 2 years. The Republican plan actually harms Social Security by taking away money from the trust fund. Every so-called ``surplus'' dollar put into the trust fund is already earmarked to pay future benefits. There is simply no way to divert those dollars to private accounts.

If Republicans really want to strengthen Social Security, do we not think they would come up with a proposal that would really actually extend solvency?

The American public demands reform, but not in this manner. Privatization is not the way to go. In my own district, 60,000 people are on Social Security. They look forward to that continued support.

Mr. Speaker, I also rise to ask my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question so we can begin a discussion about the minimum wage and the need to provide for the Fair Minimum Wage Act, which would raise the minimum wage to $7.25. In 60 days after enactment, it would go to $5.85. In 1 year it would go to $6.55. And in 1 year after that, it would go to $7.25.

In the State of California that I represent, currently the minimum wage is at $6.75, and I can tell the Members that sometime back our legislature at one point did not want to enact reform in terms of providing minimum wage increases; so we went directly to the voters. We passed an initiative back in 1996 and were able to get support both from Republicans and from different religious denominations, labor groups, and just about everybody.

They saw that it was reasonable to provide a minimum wage increase to those that deserve it the most; and we are talking particularly about women, women who are in many cases the sole earner, bread winner for their families, families ranging anywhere from two to three children, trying to survive on a minimum wage.

Republicans joined us at that time, and I know that many would believe that this is not a burden on them and it is something that should be provided for all individuals. I can tell the Members that right now there are millions, 4.3 million, since President Bush took office, that are currently living in poverty. Nearly 36 million people, 13 million children.

Among the full-time year-round workers, poverty has doubled since the 1970s from about 1.3 million then to more than 2.6 million. This is an unacceptably low minimum wage that we are currently faced with right now in our country, $5.15. Other States in the Union have provided for more equitable, reasonable increases in the minimum wage. Why can the Federal Government not do the same thing? Let us move on. Let us make this agenda one that empowers our working families and not just those college students that are looking for jobs; but we are talking about retirees that are also trying to supplement their income as well.

I urge my colleagues to support an increase in the minimum wage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose cuts for the Community Development Block Grant program. CDBG has served communities for over 30 years as a resource to help cities, counties, Native American communities and states meet their community development, affordable housing and economic development needs.

The proposed cuts would hurt my district's economically disadvantaged residents, who are the main beneficiaries of CDBG funded services. CDBG has helped to revitalize these neighborhoods. In my district, CDBG funds have been used for social service programs such as afterschool recreational activities for at-risk youth, health care treatment, senior services, and job training. Additionally, cities use the funds for capital improvement projects, including the development and rehabilitation of community centers, homeless shelters, parks, and neighborhood improvements, such as lead paint removal and traffic safety improvements. Also, CDBG funded services improve the quality of life and infrastructure of Native American communities.

The CDBG program allows communities to identify their own local needs and strategies to address them. I strongly believe that it is one of the most effective federal programs. It not only helps communities, but strengthens our nation's economy as a whole.

The need for these funds has never been greater as rising housing prices complicate efforts to expand affordable housing and stimulate economic development. Without the proper funding for CDBG, we risk undermining the social and economic well-being of our communities. I urge my colleagues to vote for sufficient funding for community development that helps the underserved neighborhoods throughout the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an important historical event that will take place on Friday, July 1, 2005: the inauguration of the 41st mayor for the city of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa.

The first Latino mayor of Los Angeles since 1872, Antonio Villaraigosa will lead one of our Nation's most diversely populated cities. His understanding and compassion to address specific social issues will play a significant role as he secures constituent access to local government resources. Mayor Villaraigosa understands the importance of environmental protection, access to quality employment, equal educational opportunities and smart urban growth.

Mayor Villaraigosa is one of the most promising leaders of our country. I served with him in the California State Assembly. As Speaker of the Assembly, he helped to expand the Healthy Families program to provide health care access for all children. He also helped to pass one of largest park bonds in the State of California, which helped to identify areas in low-income communities to establish urban conservancies. As a result, my district was a proud recipient of one of the largest urban conservancies in California.

Mayor Villaraigosa is an individual who has successfully built bridges between the diverse racial and ethnic communities of Los Angeles. He promotes empowering people and our communities. As we move forward with this change in leadership, with a man who understands the importance of serving the people of Los Angeles, we can add a new chapter in our city's history.

He is a champion for working class families and someone I look forward to continuing to work with in the future. I extend the best wishes to Mayor Villaraigosa and his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1776, we won independence and democracy was born. We created a great Nation and established a hopeful vision of liberty and equality that endures today.

Independence Day is a joyous occasion for Americans as we take pride in our Nation's diversity and accomplishments. The United States is truly a diverse Nation made up of dynamic people. Every day thousands of people from all cultures come to this country seeking the promise of freedom, opportunity, and the American dream.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July let us express our gratitude to the brave servicemen

and women serving in Iraq and around the world. They should be commended for answering our Nation's call to duty. Their service exemplifies all that is great about our Nation: courage, honor, sacrifice, dedication, and distinction. They are preserving the democratic principles we treasure so dearly. Americans would not enjoy the many freedoms we have today had it not been for the honorable service of our U.S. veterans. We owe our troops a secure return home to a grateful Nation and a secure future.

Since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Federal Government, along with State and local officials, has taken numerous steps to ensure greater security for our Nation. It is crucial that we address any security concerns that may leave our country vulnerable to another terrorist attack. But while defending our country, we must not sacrifice the civil liberties that make our land unique. We must ensure greater security for our people and also be vigilant about our individual freedoms. We must strike the right balance in meeting this challenge.

On this Fourth of July, let us work together to create an America that remains the world's strongest force for peace, justice, and freedom.

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 359 on H. Res. 345 concerning the previous question, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the supplemental appropriations for veterans' medical care. This measure corrects the $1 billion shortfall in veterans' health care funding, which was belatedly acknowledged by the Bush Administration last week. House Democrats have been standing with America's veterans fighting to increase support for veterans' health care. Republicans have consistently chosen other priorities and voted against veterans' healthcare, leading to a shortfall that did not have to happen.

This measure is a first step to correcting this gross underfunding of our veterans' health care system. However, additional steps need to be taken to comprehensively address this serious problem. I am troubled that many of our Nation's veterans are unable to receive the health care they need in a timely fashion. Without adequate funding, veterans will continue to stand in line, waiting for the services they have earned. Let us keep our promises to our veterans and servicemembers who have fought for our country. I will continue to fight for funding that meets our active and retired military personnel's health care needs.

Mr. Speaker during rollcall vote No. 360 on H. Res. 344, I was unavoidably detained.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 361 on H. Res. 340, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 362 on H.R. 3130 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of a comprehensive reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

Throughout my career and as chair of the Democratic Women's Working Group, I have been actively involved in advancing domestic violence legislation.

Although domestic violence is blind to race, ethnicity, racial and ethnic minority women, immigrant women especially, we face unique challenges to reporting and getting help for these victims.

The comprehensive reauthorization of VAWA includes provisions that address these concerns.

The bill includes language that would help communities establish specialized domestic violence courts in order to speed up the processing time of domestic violence cases. Also, the bill includes a provision that would help educate minority and immigrant communities on how to prevent domestic violence and provide services available to those victims.

Our efforts to educate the public about domestic violence must directly address factors like cultural differences, linguistic differences and immigration issues.

It is my hope that the reauthorization for the Violence Against Women Act is comprehensive and meets the needs of all women.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

(Ms. SOLIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Chairman, today I rise in strong support of the United Nations Population Fund. Regrettably, the underlying bill continues the Bush administration's policy of prohibiting the use of U.S. funds to pay for vital family planning services for millions of women around the world.

As we all know, UNFPA is the single largest global source of multilateral funding for maternal health and family planning programs. It works to provide support to over 150 countries by helping with the delivery of healthy babies, providing prenatal care and educating men and women about HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases so people can live healthier lives.

This fund helps women and families in 30 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and many more in Asia, Africa and Arab countries. In Nicaragua, Central America where my mother was born, families and poor women in particular struggle for survival. Infant mortality rates there are three times higher in the lowest income group and almost half of all Nicaraguan girls become pregnant by the age of 19. These infant mortality rates and teen pregnancy rates demonstrate the need for maternal health care and family planning services through this fund.

Also, the underlying bill continues the global gag rule which prohibits U.S. funding to any private or nongovernmental or multilateral organization that uses its own funds to directly or indirectly perform abortions abroad except in instances of rape and incest.

Restoring the UNFPA funding could prevent 2 million unintended pregnancies, nearly 800,000 abortions, 4,700 maternal deaths, and nearly 66,000 cases of serious maternal illnesses and more than 77,000 infant and child deaths.

We must work together to restore this funding and improve the lives of women all over the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in opposition to the ongoing war in Iraq.

The Bush Administration has no plan to secure peace in Iraq and has refused to develop a comprehensive exit strategy which ensures the safe return of our troops. When our troops return home, this Administration also has refused to provide the care and services that our veterans need and deserve.

Since President Bush stood on an aircraft carrier to declare the end of ``combat,'' more than 13,000 troops have been injured--nearly half have sustained such severe injuries that prevent them from returning to combat. More than 1,730 servicemembers have died. These servicemen and women are more than just casualty statistics. They have families; they are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, daughters and sons. They have families, they are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, daughters and sons. And they all have Members of Congress who are supposed to represent their best interests.

I represent 10 brave servicemen who did not return to their families, nor the life they knew before the war. They are Marine Corporal Jorge A. Gonzalez, Army Sergeant Atanasio I Haromarin, Army Private First Class Jose Casanova, Marine Private First Class Francisco A. Martinez Flores, Army Specialist Leroy Harris-Kelly III, Marine Corporal Rudy Salas, Lance Corporal Benjamin M. Gonzalez, Lance Corporal Manuel A. Ceniceros, Specialist Private First Class Marcos O. Nolasco, and Corporal Stephen P. Johnson. These men, our fallen soldiers, are heroes.

I have many constituents serving our Nation in Iraq and around the world. Many of them do not even have their U.S. citizenship, yet they put their lives on the line in defense of our Nation. In fact, more than 50,000 green card soldiers are proudly serving this Nation as part of the U.S. military.

Our troops continue to do their commitment and duty to our country. However, this Administration and the military's leadership have failed in their responsibility to our troops. To date, there is no strategy to ensure that our troops return home. There is a $1 billion shortfall for veterans care. When these troops return home they are returning to a system that cannot care for them or provide the benefits they so greatly sacrificed for and deserve.

Ultimately, a successful Iraq is an Iraq run by Iraqis, not the U.S. military. We owe Iraqis a peaceful nation. And, we owe our troops a secure return home to a grateful Nation and a secure future. This mission will not be complete until each one of our servicemen and women are home, something I strongly believe needs to happen soon. Tonight I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in honoring our fallen heroes. We owe it to them, their families and active service members at home and abroad to have a strategy to bring the troops home.

Mr. Speaker, today I also rise with my colleagues who are here from the Women's Caucus to pay tribute to a historic occasion, the celebration of the 33rd anniversary of Title IX that seeks to achieve fairness among student athletes, both men and women.

For 33 years, Title IX has expanded opportunities for young women and girls to participate in athletic programs in schools across the country. Since it was enacted in 1972, women's participation in these sports has increased by 400 percent at college level and about 800 percent in high schools. Title IX's fundamental intent is significant because it ensures equal access and opportunity to all women and especially women of color.

And yesterday I had the opportunity of joining with Members of the Senate and the House to celebrate this very important occasion and to also make very clear that we are in opposition to this clarification, or notion of clarification, that the Secretary of the Department of Education would like to somehow implement, which would actually create a big loophole so that we would not be able to account for those young women participating in these sports. It would keep scholarships from them and the ability to participate in sports. So, please, I ask the Members to contact the President.