Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5613, the Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008. After unsuccessful attempts at S- CHIP over the last several months, over 33,000 children in my district are still uninsured.

Now the most vulnerable of beneficiaries of Medicaid, children and the disabled, are faced with a major crisis. This bill has bipartisan support, this is not about politics. It's about helping hardworking families and the poorest among us.

This bill includes a moratorium of 7 CMS regulations, preventing the stripping of over $20 billion in Federal Medicaid funding over the next 5 years to States for vital programs and services. These programs and services will only shrink and shrivel if they are put against the wall to eat up these costs.

Even school districts, like Rialto Unified School District from my district, will face difficult challenges in providing direct health services to the 30,000 students it currently serves.

Cutting these valuable services at a time when many States, including California are facing record budget deficits is not an option. The poorest amongst us on Medicaid are most affected. We cannot turn our backs during these troubling times of increasing foreclosures and rising gas prices.

Cancer does not distinguish between incomes, why should health care coverage?

I support H.R. 5613, and urge my colleagues to do the honorable thing and vote for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 322, honoring the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the modern State of Israel's independence.

After the horrible actions of the Holocaust, Israel was established as an independent nation. She has since blossomed into a successful, democratic, and booming nation.

In times of uncertainty over the last 60 years, Israel has been a friend and a strong ally to the United States. I stand here with my colleagues and reaffirm this bond of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel.

We support Israel and commend the progress made as she continues to work towards peace with her Arab neighbors.

I also commend all our Jewish friends in the United States whose tireless efforts contribute to Israel's success.

I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 322, reaffirm our friendship, and congratulate Israel on this memorable occasion.

Madam Speaker, on April 19, 2008, the city of Fontana and neighboring cities in the region will gather to celebrate the grand opening of the Lewis Library and Technology Center located in Fontana,

Madam Chairman, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 5715, the Ensuring Student Access to Federal Student Loans Act.

Access to education and equality of opportunity are rights that every American deserves.

H.R. 5715 helps to protect these rights--by ensuring the turmoil in the U.S. financial markets does not keep students from accessing the federal loans they need to pay for college.

Because of the current stress in the U.S. credit markets, these protections are necessary now more than ever.

This responsible bill increases the loan limits on federal college loans by $2,000 for undergraduate students, and also increases the total loan limits available to students over the course of their education.

H.R. 5715 also gives parents more time to begin paying off their federal PLUS loans; and helps struggling home owners by making sure that short term delinquencies in mortgage payments don't prohibit eligible parents from taking federal loans; 225 thousand students in the state of California alone use need-based student loans.

It is critical that Congress takes every step necessary to ensure the credit crunch does not prevent even one of them from receiving the education they deserve.

I urge my colleagues to help keep America the land of opportunity, and to cast a vote in favor of H.R. 5715.

Madam Speaker, on May 16, 2008, the San Bernardino community will gather to honor Chuck and Bobbie Terrell as they are presented with the prestigious Golden Baton Award from the San Bernardino Symphony Guild. In the Guild's 77 years of its existence, this will only be the ninth time that this honor has been awarded. The Guild is honoring them not only for their significant contribution to the San Bernardino Symphony but also for their commitment and dedication to the San Bernardino community as a whole for having spent over 50 years in the field of education.

After honorably serving his country in the United States Marine Corps, Chuck began his career by teaching social science at Azusa High School in 1956. Over the next 10 years, he served as a teacher, a counselor, the director of activities, the unit administrator, and finally, as principal, starting in 1963. During those years, Bobbie supported her husband by raising their children, and also stayed active in her church, the Jr. Women's Club and the United Way. In addition to performing his duties as principal, Chuck received his education doctorate from the University of Southern California.

From 1966 to 1977, Chuck served as superintendent of schools for the communities of Needles, Corona and Norco. Bobbie received her B.A. in psychology from Cal State Fullerton in 1974, and began teaching elementary school in Chino.

For the past 30 years the Terrells have made their home in San Bernardino. Chuck became San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools in 1982 and worked in that capacity until his retirement in 1993. After receiving her master's degree in counseling from Cal State San Bernardino, Bobbie worked in the Alvord School District as an elementary counselor and a resource specialist. Bobbie eventually earned her school psychologist's credential from Cal State San Bernardino and became a school psychologist in the Jurupa Unified School District until her retirement in 1993.

Their careers aside, I am sure the Terrells would say that their greatest accomplishment is their family, which includes their children Greg and Kathy, their six granddaughters and two great-grandchildren.

In retirement, the Terrells continue to serve their community as they always have. Chuck still serves San Bernardino to this day, as president of the board of trustees for the San Bernardino Community College District. Bobbie has served as treasurer for the San Bernardino Symphony Guild for the past 4 years. Active in the Presbyterian Church, she has also served as treasurer at the presbytery level for 6 years.

Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the service, sacrifice, and dedication of Chuck and Bobbie Terrell. Their impact on our community over the years serves as a great reminder that a life spent educating others is a life of a true patriot.

Mr. Speaker, I am here in support of House Resolution 838.

As a Catholic and as a member of the Rialto St. Catherine's Church, I humbly welcome His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, on his first apostolic visit to the United States. Tomorrow we will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present a special service to His Holiness.

In faith, his presence will be felt nationwide by Catholics and non- Catholics. However, His Holiness wants us to focus on Jesus Christ, not the person of the Pope. This is his wish since when he was named at the highest office of the Catholic Church, to humbly quote His Holiness, ``I shall come to the United States as pope for the first time to proclaim this great truth: Jesus Christ is hope for men and women of every language, race, culture and social condition.''

His Holiness comes with unity and hope for everyone cutting through the language barriers. ``Christ is our Hope'' is his message for us.

I stand here in support of H.R. 838 and humbly welcome His Holiness to this country awaiting his message of hope and unity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of honoring Cesar Chavez,

an American hero, a role model, and an inspiration to many Americans. In this Congress I have reintroduced H. Res. 76, a resolution urging the establishment of a national holiday for Cesar Chavez. This resolution was introduced and supported by the United Farm Workers of America, Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and many other of my fellow colleagues. We are urging for a holiday to honor Cesar's memory and educate our youth and community about this remarkable yet humble leader who paved the way for many of us.

Cesar Chavez is a true American hero. He carried the torch for justice and freedom. He was a beacon of light for many of us Latinos in the community. His legacy will live on in our hearts and hopes and in our dreams. To quote him, si se puede, yes, it can be done.

This is the same cry we hear today, a cry of justice and equality and opportunity for all to have the American Dream here in the United States. Cesar represents the true essence of hope for many of us. From humble beginnings, Cesar was born near Yuma, Arizona, grew up in a migrant labor camp, and fought against the exploitation of workers at an early age.

In 1944, Cesar joined the United States Navy and honorably served his country as a veteran. With great courage and passion, he fought to preserve the principles of freedom and equality. He used this same courage and passion to stop the exploitation of workers.

Cesar was a trailblazer. In the early 1960s, he founded the United Farm Workers to gain nationwide attention of the exploitation of grape farmers, a too often forgotten labor force. He led his organization to increase protection for workers; to increase health and safety standards; to ban child labor from the field; to win fair wage guarantees; to fight against employment discrimination and the sexual harassment of female workers.

Cesar's dedication to social justice meant great sacrifices. This year marks the 40th anniversary of his famous public 25-day hunger strike calling for nonviolence. Cesar organized the farm workers to stand together and in one loud voice say, ``From this day, we demand to be treated like men and we should be respected as human beings. We are not slaves. We are not animals. We are not alone.''

I was lucky enough to be part of his funeral, attended by over 50,000 people. I also had the pleasure of meeting with Cesar Chavez on many occasions in the Inland Empire.

In his memory, the State of California in September of 1994 enacted a law designating March 31, Cesar's birthday, as a State holiday. However, Cesar's light reaches beyond California and across ethnic barriers and across income levels across our Nation. Ten States officially celebrate Cesar's birthday as a holiday. This month his legacy will be remembered publicly all across the Nation in over 25 States and over 35 cities. These nationwide actions are about respect, respeto.

For this reason, I continue to call for the respect of a great man, a trailblazer who changed the world by using nonviolence. Cesar taught us that all workers deserve respect and dignity. Cesar, a common man with uncommon vision; a humble leader that forged together national coalitions of students, middle-class consumers, religious groups, minorities and others.

The significance and impact of Cesar's life transcends any one cause or struggle. In 1994 he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in America. And yet we should have a holiday for him.

His slogan, si se puede, yes, it can be done, still rings in the hearts of many Latinos and non-Latinos that it can be done and never give up because you can achieve whatever you want.

Yes, I say si se puede, one day Cesar Chavez will be honored, respected and remembered throughout this Nation with a holiday. This is only the beginning. Nationwide we are raising awareness of a great man who has honored our Nation, who has served our country and sacrificed himself for the betterment of others. We will keep his legacy alive.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor a civic leader, innovative visionary, loving father and grandfather--Angel Diaz.

Angel was born in Los Angeles, CA, and eventually moved to Richgrove with his family where he attended Delano High School. After graduating from Porterville College in 1961, he served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge in 1964.

Upon Angel's return to the Delano area, he began an inspiring life of activism due to his passion and fervor for community betterment.

As a founding member of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. he also founded Adelante, a networking database that connects over 2.5 million registered Latino households in order to relay important community messages with the greatest priority necessary. Having sat on numerous boards in positions of authority, Angel is regarded with the utmost respect by community members and leaders alike. In the past, he has served as

California State president of Adelante, commissioner on the Civil Service Commission of Kern County, president of MAPA of Kern County and State 15th Senate District, State and National vice president for the Mexican American Political Association, and State vice president of the Latino American Political Association, in addition to being a member of many more.

Furthermore, Angel's influence in the Central Valley as a successful advocate for health safety regarding water contamination distinguishes this man as a genuine fighter and champion for Latino children and families everywhere.

Apart from owning Diaz Enterprise. Angel is also the founder and CEO of California Migrant Leadership Pre-school. It is through this school that Angel is able to successfully convey the importance of establishing a solid foundation for the educational development needs of children in order to prepare them for further academic advancement. As a result of his involvement with this school, Angel has met with a wide spectrum of politicians and community' leaders to compel them to recognize the positive ripple effect it creates for our society.

Angel Diaz is not only an empowering leader, but a true friend not only to me and my family and the Latino community. I am grateful for Angel's admirable dedication to instilling positive change and leading an exemplarily life, one of whose footsteps we all hope to follow. God Bless him for love of country and mankind.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor and remember a civic leader, champion for worker's rights, loving mother and grandmother--Margot Wright.

Margot passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2008.

She was born in Mansfield, Ohio. She attended the Ohio State University, and remained an enthusiastic Buckeye's football fan throughout her life.

In 1967, she moved to California and came to my hometown of Rialto. Here she began a long career as a tax-collections worker in San Bernardino County. Margot soon became an integral part of the Rialto community. She volunteered her time and home to feed overworked police and firefighters, help keep score at little league baseball games, and at the same time raised two wonderful children as a single parent.

During her career, Margot became very involved with her local union. She held numerous terms as president of the San Bernardino Public Employees Association, the union that represents most San Bernardino County workers and counts over 11,000 members.

Margot was known as a fighter, someone who took her union duties seriously and stood up to protect her fellow employees.

I had the great privilege of getting to work with Margot firsthand in the community. Even just a few years ago, she was still an outspoken advocate for her community--when in 2005, she helped lead the support for the Rialto Police Department during their battle to keep the city from contracting with the County Sheriff's Department.

Margot is survived by her son Todd, who is a retired Rialto police officer, her daughter Terri, and three grandchildren.

Let us take the time to pay tribute to this wonderful woman. Let us celebrate the life she lived and the example she led.

Although she is no longer with us, Margot's legacy and spirit will continue to live on through the lives of everyone she has touched. The thoughts and prayers of my wife Barbara, my family and I are with her family at this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 963, supporting the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.

February 11-15, 2008, has been designated by the President as National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week. In over 155 VA hospitals across the Nation, we have suffering veterans who face the physical and mental wounds of combat every day. As a veteran myself, I understand the real-life sacrifices an individual does through while on duty. Living far away from family and loved ones is a sacrifice that hospitalized veterans continue to face every day.

As President's Day approaches, let us not forget those veterans that are the real-life examples of the courage and service our Nation was founded on. These veterans are our heroes--and now they need a hero of their own to thank them for their service and sacrifice.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this most dignified and deserving honor for our hospitalized veterans.

Madam Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to address the House for one minute.

I rise today to remember a respected colleague, and to celebrate a life filled with courage, love, and service.

With the passing of Representative Tom Lantos yesterday, this body and this country lost a champion for human rights and life everywhere.

A quick look at Representative Lantos' life shows us what a remarkable man he really was.

Born in Hungary, he fought in the underground struggle against the Nazis in Europe and twice escaped from labor camps as a teenager.

Later, as the only Holocaust survivor to ever serve in Congress, he used this experience to work against the forces of oppression, intolerance, and genocide.

Representative Lantos was also known as a dedicated family man. He and his dear wife Annette were usually inseparable--and all of my colleagues in the House knew of his dedication to his 17 grandchildren.

So let us take this time to recognize and mourn our dear friend Representative Tom Lantos--a fierce defender of human rights, and true leader who worked to improve the world for both the free and oppressed alike.

The thoughts and prayers of Barbara and I are with his family, friends, and constituents at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today in remembrance of a distinguished member of the Fontana community and a dear friend, Arlene Piazza.

Due to complications following surgery, Arlene passed away the night of February 5th. Her death comes 3 years after the death of her beloved husband, Mr. John Piazza. Together the Piazzas were key players in our Fontana school district and city governments. Their absence will be felt by many.

For 18 years Arlene worked in business and industry. Later this dedicated woman extended her talents to our Nation's academics where she dedicated 20 years to education. We were honored to have her in our Fontana Unified school system for 13 of those years. Her zeal and passion for educating our children is reflected in those 20 years through the numerous roles she took on.

Arlene served as a gifted counselor and in 2003 was elected to the Fontana School Board. There she served as a caring and committed member who was known for loving every child. Her work ethic was continuously commended and her priorities were always focused on what was best for our young students. Her passions were to open doors of opportunity and extend a helping hand as she pushed our youth to explore a fulfilling educational future. This commitment was made apparent in 2006, when she fought to ensure voters approved a $275 million bond measure going towards the physical improvement of schools.

While it is with sadness that we say goodbye to an incredible woman, we remember the positive change she made while she was with us. The use of her life to benefit her community is unquestionable and has served to nurture a sense of priority towards education and our young generation's future opportunities. Although now gone, in her absence she will continue to serve as an inspiration to us all.

I thank Arlene Piazza for dedicating her life to service in the Fontana community. I am honored to consider Arlene a colleague in the fight to improve education and I truly appreciate all she has given to our community and our country. She will be greatly missed. Barbara, my family, and I extend our deepest condolences to her family.

Arlene's life was dedicated to family, friends and her community. Her memory lives on in our thoughts and prayers. She will always have a special place in our hearts. She was special to all of us. She is now in a better place with her heavenly Father and at peace.

Mr. Chairman, I ask for unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks.

I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act.

Last year, this Congress took a first step in our promise to lower education costs and increase opportunities for American families.

This bill is about keeping that promise by strengthening higher education and increasing access to college for low income students.

This is especially important for the Latino community here in the United States where too many don't even apply to college because of the high costs. And the number of Latino students graduating with a degree does not compare with their white counterparts.

This year only 25 percent of college-age Latinos were actually enrolled in college. Only 25 percent.

This bill will help to eliminate this gap. It increases financial aid, strengthens college prep programs for low income students, and makes historic investments at minority serving institutions.

When we provide low-income students with access to college, we strengthen the middle class and make America stronger.

One thing I'd like to work with the Committee on is the student loan debt burden on teachers. Right now they can only get student repayment for their direct loans. But we really should help them pay back all of their student loans, including their private ones. They provide an important service to our Nation so that is the least we can do.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4137.

Madam Speaker, in 1998, a unique program was launched with the purpose of creating awareness in corporate America and its connection to the growing world of professional Hispanic women. LATINA Style Magazine serves as a reflection of this increasing diversity. Because of the magazine's dedication to informing its readers on career opportunities in corporate America, it was the catalyst for creating a prestigious analysis of Hispanic women's presence there. It serves to show the continued efforts for promoting diversity and providing career advancement for these Latina professionals.

Today we celebrate the LATINA Style 50 Awards, a program which highlights the 50 best companies for Latinas to work for in our country. LATINA Style recruits up to 800 Fortune 1000 companies to participate in a survey regarding their role in increasing the number of Latina professionals in America's workplace. The reports highlight each company's leadership programs, employee benefits and Latina representation in senior positions. This past August, the tenth publication of these studies went to print. Today I stand here honoring this 10th year anniversary of a highly notable and beneficial publication.

Because of the dream of its late founder, Anna Maria Arias, the LATINA Style 50 provides today to Latina professionals a resource when looking for information on mentoring programs, education opportunities, employee benefits. women's issues, and more in corporate America. With these resources we can continue to shed light and improve the status of Hispanic professionals in America's growing corporate world. LATINA Style's passion helps more Hispanic women become aware of companies that are providing nurturing environments, where they can continue to climb the corporate ladder. I commend LATINA Style on their commitment to open more doors to Hispanic women, and for their continued inspiration to all Latinas and Latinos in the United States who seek to serve the vital roles in America's social, political, and economic communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to address the House for one minute.

I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 942. This bipartisan resolution recognizes the significance of Black History Month.

I want to thank my friend and colleague, Representative Al Green, for introducing this resolution.

February is Black History Month, a time for all Americans to learn about and recognize the heritage and achievements of African Americans.

African Americans have made historic contributions to this Nation in all walks of life--from economics, to education, to politics and the arts.

Sadly, African Americans have been victims of too much discrimination, segregation, and hatred in their history in the United States.

That is why it is so fitting we stand here together today, one body in unity, to recognize the amazing accomplishments of our Nation's African Americans.

We also stand here to recognize that the ethnic and racial diversity within the United States is a wonderful thing, which only serves to strengthen our great Nation.

I urge my colleagues to embrace this diversity, to support Black History Month, and to cast a vote in favor of H. Res. 942.