Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize October 15 as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. The theme for this year is ``Abre los ojos: el VIH no tiene fronteras--Open Your Eyes: HIV Has No Boundaries.'' On this day, in over 150 cities throughout the United States, Latino leadership will honor the theme as they sponsor a variety of activities raising awareness of the state of AIDS among Latinos.

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day was first observed in 2003. Since then, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that HIV infections among Latinos have risen 26 percent. Latinos in the United States are disproportionately affected by the virus and make up 20 percent of reported AIDS cases, even though Latinos are only 14 percent of the total United States population. As of 2002, the CDC also estimates that 28,364 Latinos are living with HIV and 76,052 are living with AIDS.

Statistics are important in order to understand the epidemic. However, we must also recognize the needs of the Latino communities confronted with the virus. Latinos face several obstacles and cultural barriers when it comes to accessing HIV prevention services. The lack of funding for culturally competent HIV

prevention education poses a threat to the Latino community and efforts to stop the spread of HIV.

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day allows us to actively open our eyes and bring light to the epidemic. It is a day of hope for the future of a world without HIV and AIDS. On National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, I ask that we remember those who have lost their lives because of AIDS, show compassion and support for those living with the disease, and pray for all families and communities whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud passage of the Economic Development Administration Reauthorization Act of 2003, S. 1134. This Authorization allows the Economic Development Administration to provide approximately $1.3 billion in economic development grants over the next 5 years.

The Economic Development Administration provides support for redevelopment of brown-fields sites in otherwise underserved communities, like some I represent. For every acre of reused brownfields 4.5 acres of unused open space is preserved. Preserving this open space and redeveloping these sites is critical to the environment, public health, and economic stability of families in my community.

I am pleased that during Senate consideration of S. 1134, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce David Sampson testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that the EDA is ``not seeking to in any way relieve a responsible party from liability under CERCLA nor to provide funds to a party to undertake clean-ups required under CERCLA, since to do so would undercut the `Polluter Pays' principle on which CERCLA was founded.'' Taxpayers should not be saddled with the burden of paying to clean up pollution when polluters can be held accountable, and the limited grant funds available in this legislation should not be used to fund polluters.

On October 5, 2004, I joined Ranking Democratic Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee John Dingell in sending a letter to the Economic Development Administration requesting information on the brownfields cleanup program. To the limited extent EDA is involved in funding assessment or cleanup of brownfields sites, the intent of the EDA bill is that grant funds shall only be provided consistent with the ``Polluter Pays'' principle. I intend to continue to follow the role of the EDA in brownfields, as successful brownfields redevelopment must be achieved without sacrificing environment and public health protections and without undermining the Polluter Pays principle.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Ose amendment to H.R. 10, and I refuse to play environmental politics with our national security.

This amendment is nothing more than an extreme and unnecessary attempt to circumvent the ongoing approval and construction process and exempt construction of the fence from 16 public health, cultural heritage, and environmental regulations.

The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and the California Coastal Commission are currently in negotiations now over the completion of this security barrier. In fact, they are scheduled to meet again October 26 of this year.

According to the California Coastal Commission: ``Feasible alternatives are available that would significantly lessen adverse impacts to coastal zone resources and still will enable the California Border Patrol to meet its border patrol needs.''

Supporters of this amendment have shown no evidence to prove that each of the 16 cultural heritage, public health, and environmental regulations it seeks to undermine is blocking completion of the security barrier.

How is the executive order on environmental justice blocking completion of this security barrier?

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in order to recognize Lonnie and Lucia Roark, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on October 23rd, 2004.

I have had the pleasure of knowing both of these wonderful people because they are valued friends of my parents. Lonnie, a native of Oklahoma, relocated to California and worked alongside my father, Raul Solis. Lucia and my mother are both originally from Nicaragua.

It has been said that once Lonnie met Lucia, everyone knew that she was his reason for living. What started out as friendship eventually blossomed into true devotion and a growing unconditional love. They became husband and wife on October 23, 1954, and remain so until this day.

This inspirational couple met in Los Angeles and raised their family in the nearby suburb of La Puente. Today, they continue to live in La Puente and are blessed with 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren.

In addition, they are a treasured part of the Solis family as well. Lonnie and Lucia are the proud godparents of my sister Anna. I am proud to say that they will always be a part of our family.

I wish to congratulate them on their 50th anniversary. May they continue to share a life of love and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize John A. Perez, the Director of Political Affairs for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 324.

Mr. Perez has spent over a decade working as a labor organizer and political operative. He initially gained an appreciation for politics while growing up in the working class community of Highland Park, a nearby suburb of Los Angeles. From a young age, he appreciated the impact of politics on the lives of working people.

He channeled that appreciation into a career helping working people organize and gain political power. After graduating from the University of California Berkeley, John began working on designing and organizing education programs for several community-based organizations and unions. In the 2002 election, he served as Political Director of the California Labor Federation of the AFL-CIO, which represents over 2.1 million working families. He co-chairs the California Democratic Party Finance Committee and is an elected member of the Democratic National Committee.

In addition to his efforts to improve the lives of working families, Mr. Perez is very active in other areas including AIDS Project Los Angeles, the CORO Foundation, and the California League of Conservation Voters.

He has been an asset to the labor movement and numerous Democratic organizations. I commend him for his dedication to improving the lives of hard working people throughout Southern California.

Mr. Speaker, as Americans head to the polls in 4 weeks, we should ask ourselves, Are we better off now than we were 4 years ago?

The answer lies in the facts, and the facts do not lie. Eight million people are looking for work and 1.4 million people lost their health insurance last year; 4.3 million people have slipped into poverty since President Bush took office, and a projected 10-year $5.6 trillion budget surplus has turned into a $422 billion annual deficit.

Families in my district are all too aware of the sad state of our economy. Unemployment they say is at its lowest at 5.4 percent; but unemployment in my district, in East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County, is well above the norm. Just look at the schedule here. East Los Angeles, South El Monte, 9.8 percent, double- digit unemployment and it has been that way for the last 3\1/2\ years.

We know in my district that it is time for a change in leadership. We want jobs here. We want investments in America. We want to lift those boats.

Mr. Speaker, since the Iraqi War started, nine soldiers have died in my district, all under the age of 30, and I attended some of their funerals.

As of to date, 1,051 servicemen and women have been killed in Iraq, and more than 7,500 have been injured.

Our servicemen and women are serving this Nation with honor and demonstrating great courage beyond our belief. Yet the actions of our President are not helping to ensure their safety and security. While their job is to fight, ours is to protect them.

The violence is not stopping. The streets are not safer. Our soldiers and Iraqi citizens continue to be at risk and are dying.

The U.S. had a plan to topple Baghdad, but it did not have a plan to adequately win and secure the peace. We need to secure the Nation. We need to equip it with the tools to protect and defend itself. And we need to establish peace.

What we need is new direction in Iraq. We need strong leadership and accountability, and we need to make sure that whatever this government provides in terms of funding is actually made available so that all our military on the ground has sufficient equipment and supplies that are needed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Greg Hall for his life-long contributions to the city of El Monte. Mr. Hall has been an active and loyal employee for the city of El Monte. He has worked as a Park Caretaker for 6\1/2\ years, Water Systems Operator for 2 years, Senior Water Systems Operator for 1\1/2\ years, Maintenance Supervisor for 7 years, and held his current position as Public Works Maintenance Superintendent for 16 years.

Exemplifying the best in humanitarian leadership, Mr. Hall was awarded Volunteer of the Year for all greater Los Angeles for his contributions to build the Saint Harriet's Children's Home. He was also awarded Kiwanian of the Year in 1984, 1990, and 1992. He was also president of the Kiwanis Club from 1989-1990, secretary from 1992-1993 and lieutenant governor in 2002. Mr. Hall has also served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years and is a Vietnam veteran.

Mr. Hall has served on many committees over the years, such as Maintenance Superintendents Association for 16 years, Traffic Control Supervisors Association for 22 years, and the American Water Works Association for 26 years.

Mr. Hall's involvement with the Hazmat Drop-Off/Intake building for El Monte residents, the modernization of the Public Works Maintenance Division offices as well as the Water Department, are just some of his many accomplishments. Mr. Hall leaves behind a leadership model of teamwork. His leadership style has improved the reputation of the Maintenance Division and brought all the members of the Maintenance Yard closer together.

Please join me in wishing Mr. Greg Hall, maintenance superintendent, Public Works Maintenance Division good luck and a happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the National Week of Action for Immigrant Rights. Scheduled for Monday, September 20, 2004, through Sunday, September, 26, 2004, hundreds of community activists will mark the National Week of Action by holding rallies, visiting Congressional offices, and hosting educational events throughout the United States to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the historic Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride and highlight the need for comprehensive immigration reform.

It has been nearly one year since hundreds of immigrant workers and their supporters traveled throughout the United States as part of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride. Modeled after the Freedom Rides of the 1960's, the 2003 Freedom Riders raised awareness about the unjust realities of our current immigration policies and urged fair treatment of immigrant workers. I was proud to introduce House Resolution 384, cosponsored by fifty of my colleagues, to honor the Freedom Riders for their courageous campaign and to encourage President Bush and Congress to enact policies that support the goals of the Freedom Ride.

This year's National Week of Action will highlight again the need to reform our broken immigration system. Advocates will urge passage of H.R. 4262, the Safe, Orderly Legal Visas and Enforcement (SOLVE) Act, H.R. 3142, the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits and Security (AGJOBS) Act, and other legislation which would fix our immigration system while honoring our tradition as a nation of immigrants and strengthening our national security.

The National Week of Action includes a fast by students and supporters to highlight the need for passage of S. 1545, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, and H.R. 1684, the Student Adjustment Act. I am a proud original cosponsor of H.R. 1684, bipartisan legislation to open the doors of higher education to immigrant students who work hard and deserve the opportunity to attend college and pursue the American dream.

Throughout our nation's history, we have welcomed immigrants to this country. We should continue to honor this tradition and recognize the enormous economic and cultural contributions that immigrants have made to our nation.

I commend the New American Opportunity Campaign (NAOC) for spearheading the National Week of Action and honor the commitment of its supporters to ensure equal rights for all people. I encourage my colleagues and the American public to use the National Week of Action to learn more about our immigrant community and the need for reform of our immigration system.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the Smart from the Start Preschool Education for America Act. This bill would help more American families have access to high-quality, voluntary preschool education for their children.

Research tells us that a child's first five years are critical to their future development. Think of the young children you know--they are curious and inquisitive and eager to learn. A high quality preschool education can capitalize on children's curiosity and promote learning, enhance brain development and lead to future gains in higher education and employment. Children who attend preschool education programs are more likely to graduate from high school and to be employed in adulthood.

Given all that we know about the benefits of a preschool education, it is long past time that we start investing in preschool education as a Nation. I am proud that my home State of California has been a pioneer in the efforts to provide high-quality preschool education. I expect that in the years to come we will see that California's investment in early childhood education will pay off with stronger classrooms and schools and a well-prepared and educated workforce.

I think that California's investment should be a nationwide investment. That's why I am introducing the Smart from the Start Preschool Education for America Act. It is time for our Nation to have a serious investment in our most precious assets--our children. I urge my colleagues to support high-quality, voluntary preschool education-- our Nation's future depends on it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the victims of the attacks on American on September 11, 2001, and to celebrate the way Americans worked together to rise up from the ashes of the wreckage. In the 3 years since our soil was attacked, the service of America's Armed Forces, the scores of volunteers and first responders who have helped the victims and their families, and the many ordinary people who help out in times of tragedy and grief proved through their actions the true greatness of America.

There is a new reality in our world. America continues to strengthen its ability to defend itself against all types of enemies. But while we strengthen our defenses we must not forget that which makes America great and allows her to flourish--our civil liberties.

The United States must be both a leader and a partner in the world in order to stop senseless acts of violence. Diplomatic words and peaceful actions show an alternative to the use of force; I hope that both can ultimately lead to a world free from terror.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Los Angeles City Chicano Employees Association (LACECA) for its thirty-three years of service to the city of Los Angeles and its Latino employees. Since its inception on March 10, 1971, LACECA has been dedicated to the educational, economic, and social welfare of hard working Americans in the workplace and the promotional advancement of Latinos serving our nation's second largest city.

LACECA provides critical leadership and a progressive vision that has successfully fought for passage of the City's Bilingual Skills Ordinance, formation of the City's Advisory Affirmative Action Committee (AAAC), and employee payroll deductions for LACECA membership. LACECA understands the importance of community development and outreach and devotes significant time, energy, and resources in support of many local activities, such as the City's Latino Heritage Month, voter education and registration drives, scholarships to Latinos seeking higher education, and an annual donation drive to support organizations which seek to improve the status of Latinos.

As LACECA celebrates its thirty-third year of service, I am proud to recognize its executive board and members who have distinguished themselves as exceptional leaders in the Los Angeles community. I look forward to continuing to work with LACECA as it promotes the advancement of Latinos serving the city of Los Angeles.

Mr. Speaker, let us clear the air. As President Bush crisscrosses the country touting the state of our economy, it is time for a reality check: 1.7 million jobs have been lost under this President's watch; 1.4 million people lost their health insurance last year; and 4.3 million people, 4.3 million people, have slipped into poverty.

In my district in East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, 30,000 people are looking for work, 24,000 people are now living in poverty, and one out of every three residents lacks health insurance in my district. Eight million Americans are looking for work.

Now the Bush administration has announced an $11.60 increase in Medicare premiums. For seniors in my district, that makes a difference. That means they may not be able to afford food and clothing; $11 is a big deal for people in my district.

Democrats have a plan to cut taxes for middle-class families, protect overtime, and provide incentives for businesses. It is time for us to change the President.

Mr. Speaker, on July 20, 2004, on rollcall No. 397 regarding H.R. 3574, I inadvertently voted ``yea,'' but meant to vote ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I am deeply concerned that the Republican tax scheme is ignoring the real needs of American families. Day in and day out, we hear that the Republican majority wants to boost our economy by helping our working families, but the economic stimulus Republicans were supposed to deliver has not trickled down.

The median household income has declined by 3.3 percent, and there are over 3 million Americans living in poverty, and many of those are children. In addition, the average American worker is making less today than he did a year ago. Under this administration, our Nation and our budget does not have the resources to invest in making health care affordable, providing a sustainable Social Security plan for seniors, and ensuring that our environment is clean and safe for all of our families and our children.

Let us start listening to the real people, the working-class people who pay their taxes, who really deserve better treatment by this administration. Fundamental resources need to be restored to our families.