Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 896, the Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month Act. I would like to thank Chairman Dingell, Chairman Pallone, Ranking Member Nathan Deal, along with Mr. Terry, for helping guide this legislation through the committee.

Primary lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as PLS, is a neurological disorder that affects the cells that control the voluntary muscles. PLS is similar to ALS, often called Lou Gehrig's disease.

Can you imagine someone who is diagnosed with PLS, but yet they are told that it is ALS and in fact it was PLS that they were diagnosed, and thinking that they only had X amount of time to live, its impact it has on the family members and others as they begin to look at that disease because not enough research has been done? That is devastating to the individuals and the family members who are diagnosed. That is why it is important that we do the research.

This illness is, of course, named after the famous Yankee baseball player who suffered and died of ALS before we knew much about it. As with many other neurological disorders, once the nerve cells that control the voluntary muscles are affected, a person's physical ability to function becomes very difficult.

Symptoms of PLS include difficulties with balance, sudden involuntary muscle spasms in the hands, feet, legs, and speech problems when the facial muscles are affected. But these symptoms are not unique to PLS alone. PLS is often very difficult to diagnose because the symptoms vary, and may progress slowly over a period of time of many years. I would rather have someone be diagnosed with the right PLS versus ALS to know that they are going to live a lot longer.

Because of this, many Americans are still unaware of the severe nature of PLS, even though the disorder was first discovered in 1850 in France. That is why we need to continue with greater and more expansive research.

My resolution serves to raise awareness across the Nation by urging all Americans to recognize February of 2009 as PLS Awareness Month. This resolution emphasizes the need of greater funding and more research to combat neuromuscular disease. With this bill, Congress is helping educate our doctors and nurses and the rest of the medical community about PLS.

However, there are many courageous and dedicated individuals who are doing this already.

One is my good friend, Hardy Brown, who is from my district and, of course, owner of the Black Voice Newspaper in California. He has dedicated his life to serve as a voice for underrepresented communities in the Inland Empire. Throughout his life, Hardy Brown has done a tremendous job in the community raising awareness of Lou Gehrig's disease. Now he is diagnosed with PLS. Hardy Brown, once a vibrant, active leader, is now in a wheelchair doing what he can despite difficulties moving, speaking, and typing.

Another individual, Tyonja Bathgate from Maryland, whose husband was diagnosed with PLS, has torn herself from her husband's bedside to advocate on behalf of this issue.

We want to thank these individuals and all others who have worked to raise the awareness of these conditions. But we must do more, and urging the establishment of a PLS Awareness Month is a step in the right direction. There is currently no cure for PLS, and hopefully one day we will find a cure. God willing, we will do that.

Treatment and symptoms vary from person to person, and the age of onset is generally between the ages of 35 to 66, and, as it was stated, over 2,000 have been diagnosed with this.

Because of the similar symptoms, researchers believe that PLS patients are often diagnosed with ALS, and I have already stated the effects it has on families when they are told that.

Most of us have heard of Lou Gehrig's disease, but this legislation today will help raise the awareness and stress the importance of a very familiar disorder. The medical community must be able to properly diagnose those individuals who suffer from PLS and other neuromuscular disease to ensure proper care and treatment.

I urge my colleagues to vote for H. Res. 896, and join me and all individuals and organizations in this effort to fight this devastating illness. And I want to thank again Mr. Pallone, Mr. Terry for helping us with this legislation and many of the others that will support this to make sure that not many other individuals suffer from this type of disease that will affect others as well.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor and remember a distinguished member of the Colton community and a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Barbara ``Bobbie'' Eloise Earnest.

Bobbie was born in Indio, California on January 30, 1930. After moving as a child, she

became a lifelong resident of Colton, California. Her mother, Gertrude Valenzan, was the first female Mayor Pro-Tem of Colton.

Bobbie graduated from Colton High School in 1948. An enterprising young woman, long before women were encouraged to work outside the home, Bobbie began working at the age of 16 in the mail room of the Retail Clerks Union, which would later become the United Food and Commercial Workers Union UCFW. For nearly forty years, Bobbie worked tirelessly for the UCFW, rising through the ranks from what she called ``an envelope licker'' to Insurance Department Supervisor for the UCFW for all of San Bernardino County. She was also the recorder for all of the minutes of all the union meetings for all of those years.

After retiring in 1985, Bobbie took up golf. Always insisting on walking, never using a cart or caddy, she famously walked all 18 holes 3 or 4 times a week well into her seventies. She was known in her neighborhood as a caring, compassionate woman, the ``Mother Teresa'' to her friends.

A devout woman, Bobbie was an active member of Immaculate Conception church in Colton, CA. Also a family woman, she raised her three children Nick, Larry, and Becky by herself. In 1980, she met and married Leroy Johnson and shared in a loving relationship for 28 years. Bobbie's true pride was her 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

In her youth, Bobbie was known as a first-rate dancer, and had once been a dance partner of the great Johnnie Bracia. And it was with that same spirit of grace, style and elegance that Barbara Eloise Earnest touched the lives of all those around her.

Let us take a moment to remember this amazing woman and her admirable dedication to others and leading an exemplarily life, one of whose footsteps we all hope to follow. Having known her for over twenty years, the thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara, my family and I are with her loved ones at this time.

Madam Speaker, the community of Colton has lost one of its greatest native daughters, but she will forever live on in the hearts of those that knew her. God Bless Bobbie Earnest for love of country and mankind.

Madam Speaker, I speak on behalf of the 12 to 14 million immigrants in the United States.

Throughout history, America has been a Nation of immigrants. For decades, immigrants have contributed with their heart, sweat, and tears to have the American dream like the rest of us.

Immigrant families continue to pay property taxes in the form of rent, pay sales taxes on every purchase, and most importantly, contribute to Social Security without legally having any claim to any of it. Yet, there are those who wish to downplay these positive contributions for political gain.

You don't see many local governments turning away taxes paid by undocumented immigrants. However, you do see local governments spending these tax dollars to create anti-immigration legislation that strip away families of basic services.

I urge my colleagues to get past the anti-immigrant myths and look at the facts about the true positive contributions of immigrants.

We must stand firm and pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the chairman of the committee for his leadership on this, and for including the provision that deals with counseling that I support, and I submit my statement for the Record.

First let me thank the gentleman for his hard work on this legislation and his dedication to helping homeowners in need.

Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to talk about the importance of housing counseling and how to make these dollars more effective. Statistics show that 8,500 homeowners are foreclosing each day and 2.5 million are expected to lose their homes by the end of this year. Some States require that homeowners be notified in person if they are about to foreclosure. But many States such as California and Texas do not. These States just send letters in the mail.

The bill before us today includes an important provision that requires the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to give consideration to counseling agencies that provide in-

person contact and in-person housing counseling to borrowers in need when awarding their grants. Statistics show that when homeowners are notified in person that counseling is available, a large percentage can save their homes.

For those States that just send default and foreclosure notices through the mail, we hope that federally chartered and regulated institutions doing business in those States will use every effort to notify homeowners in person that counseling is available. This is important because when borrowers go 30 or 60 days late on paying their mortgages, they often stop answering the telephone or opening mail from their lender. They give into despair, and believe there is no hope.

Fifty percent of homeowners in default never contact their lenders. What I find most troubling is that according to a Freddie Mac study, 56 percent don't know counseling is available. The money is there, but the counseling is not getting to the people that need it. This will promote partnerships between counseling agencies and lenders to improve outreach to borrowers, whether in person or through other means, to advise them that help is available. And second, it encourages in person counseling so that counselors can advise homeowners individually to help them work through their options and prevent foreclosure.

I also want to thank Mrs. McCarthy of New York and Mr. Mahoney of Florida who co-sponsored this language. As you know, our amendments passed the Committee on Financial Services under unanimous consent and with bipartisan support. And I thank the Republicans on our committee for their support and especially thank Chairman Frank for his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I speak on behalf of the 12 to 14 million immigrants here in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, the memory of Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez will always remain in our hearts. Gutierrez, an undocumented immigrant who came here as an orphan from Guatemala, graduated from high school despite many obstacles. While in community college, he enlisted as a marine to show his patriotism and love for this Nation.

On March 31, 2003, Gutierrez became the first combat casualty of the war of Iraq. His belief in the American dream of a better life is a testament of what many others who come to this country wish to have. Gutierrez will forever be a symbol of patriotism, hard work, and commitment.

Sadly, his sacrifices are lost in the hateful anti-immigrant rhetoric. Every day, 12 to 14 million immigrants work from sunset to sundown to reach the American dream--all positively contributing to America's economic health.

I urge my colleagues to keep in mind these contributions and make a firm commitment to work towards comprehensive immigration reform.

Mr. Speaker, I speak on behalf of immigrants. Sometimes heroes come from the least expected places. Such is the case of Edwin Ramirez from Pacoima, California. Ramirez, despite his obstacles, successfully built small businesses with his brother.

In 1990, as a parent and a leader with a vision, he quickly rose as a leader in his local PTA and within Los Angeles Unified School District. Ramirez also founded and became president of the Pacoima Neighborhood Council to voice concerns of his community.

Edwin Ramirez is an example of the American dream and a hero in the community. Edwin is an immigrant. It is because of Edwin Ramirez and other role models like him that our country has always welcomed immigrants.

For those reasons, on behalf of the American dream, I urge my colleagues to support comprehensive immigration on behalf of the 12 million to 14 million people here in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I speak on behalf of immigrants. In the midst of our energy crisis, gas prices, and housing crisis in the United States, there are those who continue to positively contribute to our economy. Immigrants throughout history have come to this Nation with a hunger for success in the American dream, to provide for a family, and have their kids obtain an education. And many of them are working two to three different jobs contributing to our country at stores, restaurants, and gas stations.

Immigrants often live near their establishments, are avid sponsors for local Little League, soccer, schools, and churches. Our country has always welcomed immigrants. Let's remember that we need comprehensive immigration reform for those who positively contribute to our local communities.

I urge my colleagues to support comprehensive immigration reform.

Madam Speaker, today, we find ourselves fighting for H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.

It is with great pleasure that I stand here today in support of this necessary veto override measure, fighting and doing my part to protect our seniors, the disabled and the American people.

For months now, I have been actively listening to leaders in my district in San Bernardino, California, about the necessary need to pass H.R. 6331.

Congress has made it clear over the last weeks that we are standing our ground on behalf of the American family.

Unfortunately, President Bush is playing politics on the backs of our seniors and today vetoed H.R. 6331. This is unacceptable. Congress will not stand by and watch our seniors on Medicare get turned away next time they go see their doctor.

This is not about politics; it's about our struggling American families that are constantly choosing between putting food on the table and paying for medicines.

Today, I proudly will vote to override the President's veto and put America's seniors and their families first.

I urge my colleagues to vote for this veto override and remember that we are here to represent the families in our district that so desperately need help.

Madam Speaker, immigrants have served in our Armed Forces with courage and dignity since the Revolutionary War. Even today, they continue to defend our country's freedom. They've even earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Nation's highest military decoration. For example, Alfred Rascon, an undocumented immigrant during his service in the Vietnam War received the Medal of Honor for his courage and dedication to America.

Immigrants have also reached the highest ranks in the U.S. military. General John Shalikashvili, an immigrant from Poland who came to the United States after World War II, was a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

From 2002 to 2005, over 15,000 immigrants have served in our armed services and later completed their naturalization process. There are thousands of other success stories that we should honor. We cannot ignore these positive contributions and the unique and valuable functions that immigrants perform.

I urge my colleagues to support a comprehensive immigration reform on behalf of those servicemen and women and their families.

Mr. Speaker, Congress came back this week from celebrating our Nation's Independence Day. This is a special time to reflect on America's difficult history and the true essence of what she stands for. Since the beginning, America has thrived on the contributions of its immigrant labor force. Sadly today, the positive contributions of the immigrant labor force to our society are too often unnoticed.

Hardworking families contribute daily and pay their share into the American system. Hardworking mothers sometimes work three jobs, give up their weekends, and take overtime and night shifts to feed and clothe their children. Hardworking fathers wake up at 4 a.m. to go to work, earn below minimum wages, and manage to provide for their families.

Immigrants contribute in taxes from their paychecks just like the next person through shopping at a variety of stores, restaurants, and gas stations. In fact, the IRS reported that between 1996 to 2003, immigrants contributed $50 billion in Federal taxes.

We cannot afford to ignore the figures, and more importantly, we cannot afford to ignore the positive contributions of immigrants in America. We need comprehensive immigration for the security of our Nation.

Madam Speaker, the positive contributions of the immigrant labor force to our society are too often unnoticed.

Hardworking families contribute daily and pay their share into the American system.

Hardworking mothers sometimes work three jobs, give up weekends, and take overtime and night shifts to feed and clothe their children.

Hardworking fathers wake up at 4 a.m. to go to work, earn below minimum wages, and manage to provide for their families.

Immigrants contribute in taxes from their paychecks, just like the next person.

In fact, the IRS reported that between 1996-2003, immigrants contributed $50 billion in Federal taxes.

Social Security reported that ``other than legal immigrants,'' will contribute 15 percent of the system's projected long term deficit.

We cannot afford to ignore the figures and more importantly, we cannot afford to ignore the positive contributions of immigrants in America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act.

My top priorities are the patients and their families from my District.

Over the past several months, I've received several phone calls from hard-working families. These families are worried whether the Medicare physician payment cuts will prevent them from being able to see their doctor.

These families are worried about their ability to receive life saving medicines and medical supplies in the mail next time they run out.

These families are worried about their local pharmacy's ability to offer discounts on medicines.

For these families, I stand here in support of H.R. 6331.

This bill delays physician payment cuts, protecting our seniors from facing difficulty in accessing needed healthcare. In these times of skyrocketing gas prices, this bill improves low-income assistance programs for Medicare beneficiaries. Many working families from the Inland Empire, in California, are faced with putting food on the table or paying for medicines.

Furthermore, my constituents will face a unique situation when the competitive bidding process rolls out on July 1st. This bill delays this process; preventing any possible harmful interruptions in the shipment of medical supplies to patients.

Time is quickly running out, these deadlines are approaching and we must not stand by and watch.

I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 6331, our working families are counting on us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 6304, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendments Act of 2008.

This bill gives the intelligence community the tools it needs to keep America safe from terrorists, and at the same time protects the constitutional rights of all Americans. The FISA Amendments Act is a balanced bill that is tough on terrorists while also protecting the rights of Americans and increasing oversight of U.S. intelligence activities. H.R. 6304 allows the intelligence community to conduct foreign electronic surveillance for the purpose of defending against terrorism and national security without the need for individual court orders.

But in situations where these investigations would involve surveillance of American citizens, the Courts will have the oversight to review and approve the surveillance to ensure constitutional rights are upheld. We must remember that the United States has enemies abroad who wish to do us harm.

Under this bill, Americans will have stronger protections of their constitutional freedoms than the current foreign surveillance policy allows, and at the same time, the intelligence needed to protect our country will not be compromised. The legislation protects American civil liberties and upholds constitutional values by clarifying that FISA and Title III of the criminal code are the exclusive means by which the government may conduct surveillance on U.S. soil. This will prevent any President from using executive power to conduct warrantless domestic surveillance.

The legislation also clarifies that to conduct surveillance of a person in the United States, the government must first obtain an individual warrant from the FISA Court based on probable cause. H.R. 6304 ensures compliance measures, but not automatic immunity, for private-sector companies that allegedly participated in anti-terrorism surveillance programs. Federal district courts will be allowed to determine whether substantial evidence supports civil liability protection for companies which assisted in post-9/11 activities.

The bill also ensures liability protections for companies which provide lawful assistance to the government in the future. This is good legislation that reaches the necessary balance between keeping the American people safe and protecting our civil rights.

We will have greater oversight of our nation's surveillance programs, while at the same time encouraging greater compliance with our private sector partners in the ultimate goal of keeping America and her people secure. Please vote in support of H.R. 6304.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5781, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act.

The legislation gives Federal employees 4 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. Strong parental involvement plays an important role in raising a happy, healthy, and successful child.

As the country's largest employer with over 1.8 million employees, the Federal Government should set the standard for family friendly workplace policies.

I am proud to support this common-sense legislation, which promotes the family values that are at the core of our society while also setting an example for all employers across America to follow. Studies consistently show that paid parental leave is a smart business practice. Not only does paid leave help to reduce turnover, but it can also lead to increased productivity and better morale.

Simply put, offering 4 weeks of paid parental leave is the right thing to do--especially now, when the Federal Government is struggling to recruit and retain qualified, young individuals. As the economic and industrial leaders of the world, the U.S. Government should be the standard bearer on issues relating to fairness and family.

I urge the President to reconsider his misguided veto threat, and work with Congress to give more American parents the tools they need to build healthier and stronger families.

Please vote in support of H.R. 5781.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1029, recognizing Chi-Chi Rodriguez for his generosity and work with low- income and disadvantaged youth in our country.

Chi-Chi is famous for his success on the golf course. He was a self- taught golfer that started out fusing a branch from a guava tree for a club and a metal can as a ball.

He then went on to win 8 titles on the PGA tour and represented our country as a member of the 1973 U.S. Ryder Cup team.

He is a true ambassador of the game, and a role model for all Latino golfers, including myself.

From his childhood in the sugar cane fields of Puerto Rico, to the World Golf Hall of Fame, Chi-Chi has lived the American Dream.

What most people don't know about Chi-Chi is his dedication to working with underprivileged kids. He inspires others to pursue their dreams as well.

At the Chi-Chi Rodriguez Academy, kids learn valuable lessons to help them in life--respect, confidence, honesty, responsibility, integrity, and sportsmanship, to name a few.

Under-achieving students with behavioral problems and learning disabilities get free help at Chi-Chi's academy.

This resolution recognizes Chi-Chi's continuing efforts to improve the lives of thousands of low-income and disadvantaged youth in our country, I encourage my colleagues to join with me and honor Mr. Juan Antonio ``Chi-Chi'' Rodriguez.