Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3507, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2005.

The Pechanga Tribe has sought for years to acquire this land because of its importance as an ancestral burial site.

This bill demonstrates respect for the sovereignty of the tribe and recognizes the importance of preserving America's rich Native American Heritage.

It demonstrates respect for the sovereignty of tribes by ensuring that these lands are not

arbitrarily separated from their tribal community.

In 2002 I co-sponsored H.R. 3476 to protect the ancestral land of Great Oak Ranch because I understand the significance of these sites to both the tribe and the surrounding community.

In preserving these lands we show that we are aware of our Congressional responsibility to ensure that archaeological, historical, and cultural sites from America's Native American heritage are not taken from future generations.

We must continue the work begun today to restore and strengthen our awareness of America's rich Native American history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and respect to Congressman Roybal, father to Lucille Roybal-Allard, who passed away recently. I was very fortunate with many other individuals who attended the funeral, and there was an outpouring of love that came out. It was an outpouring because this is an individual that led by example. This is an individual that really believed in true family values. He set the example by leading by example. A true husband, a father, an individual who cared about his family.

Beyond caring about his family, he accomplished many things along the way. He created hope, he created opportunity, and he paved the way for many of us who are currently serving right now.

I was blessed to know him as a member of San Bernardino Community College district during my period of time; and during that time, I was involved in NALEAO. He was the man that was very instrumental in creating NALEAO. NALEAO now has created an opportunity for 6,000 individuals to be elected. He created hope, he created opportunity, and he created an opportunity to say, ``a si se puede,'' that you can be whatever you want to be.

He was an individual that cared about people. He cared about the poor, the disadvantaged, the seniors. He believed in fighting for what was right. It is not about representing one segment of the community but representing all segments of the community, because he never forgot where his roots came from.

He originally was born in New Mexico, in Albuquerque, like I and many others who have gone out, but he never forgot his roots. He felt it was important for others to be proud of who you are and where you come from and to say, I represent every individual, regardless of where I come from, but be proud of who you are and where you come from. And he did that. He did that for a lot of us.

Because of that, many of us are in positions that we would not be in right now. But it took someone that was willing to stand up and pave the way, not only fighting for civil rights and

education and opportunities for many individuals and being the first elected to many of the positions that we now have. He was a city councilman, the very first one, and then he became a role model, a mentor, a counselor, someone who guided someone. It is not easy when you are the first, because everybody else expects you to fall down. He did not fall down. He set a good example for others to follow.

Mr. Speaker, because he led by example and did positive things. There were many other opportunities for Hispanics like me and others to say, you know what? If Congressman Roybal can be a city councilman, maybe I can become a school board member, a Senator, a United States Congressman like him. He created that. He created those opportunities for us.

Let me tell my colleagues, we are all very proud of his accomplishments, of what he has done not only in creating opportunity but, at the same time, when there were segregated pools, when they did not let Mexican Americans and others utilize the pools, he wanted to make sure that everyone could. Like Rosa Parks, he believed in civil rights, and he believed in standing up for it. He stood up. The price was not easy, but he stood up and fought. Because of that, America is a lot better today. He has paved the way and set an example for all of us to follow.

Let us follow the lead that Congressman Roybal has done and his daughter is now doing here in Congress by doing the same thing here: fighting for civil rights, fighting for education, fighting for health, being a voice for many people who do not have voices. The daughter is leading because the father set the example to say it is important to have people that speak out.

I am glad to have known Congressman Roybal, and I am equally glad to know Lucille Roybal-Allard, and sometimes we forget to mention her last name, Allard, as well here serving in Congress.

I offer my condolences to the family, his wife, Lucille, his daughters, Lucille and Lillian, and his son, Edward, Jr. You truly are a good example that if you follow your dad's steps, he has true values, he truly is a leader, his legacy will live on forever because he truly is a pioneer for all of us. He has paved the way for hope and opportunity for each and every one of us.

Mr. Speaker, life is a lot better, and no one will ever know how those doors have been opened for many individuals throughout the country. I thank him and say God bless him and God bless your mother and God bless you, Lucille Roybal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the School Energy Crisis Relief Act to provide relief to school districts that have been hit hard by rising fuel costs. This bill is widely supported and has received endorsements from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, American Federation of Teachers, National School Boards Association and Council of Great City Schools. I would especially like to thank all 26 of my colleagues who have signed on as original cosponsors.

We all know that gas prices were skyrocketing for months before the major hurricanes disrupted fuel production on the Gulf Coast. While some school districts anticipated rising energy costs and budgeted accordingly this year, many others will fall short of the funding needed to meet these costs. As a result, precious education dollars are being spent to fill the tanks of school buses and to heat classrooms. States with areas with wide-open spaces, including much of the West and Midwest, will be especially hard-hit. Schools in urban areas will bear the brunt of additional fuel costs in order to heat the Nation's oldest, and often least energy-efficient, school buildings.

It's not hard to understand why school buses are gas-guzzlers. According to an article in the USA Today, a Fairfax County school district in Virginia which transports 110,000 students daily pays $2.19 a gallon for diesel fuel. A typical school bus takes 65 gallons. That makes the price of a full tank $142, and it doesn't go far in a vehicle that gets 7 miles per gallon.

The dramatic increase in gas prices therefore imposes a significant burden. For example, in my district, the Colton Joint Unified School District's buses rack up over a million miles a year. In September, the district paid $2.72 for a gallon of diesel fuel, which 2 years ago cost under a dollar. As a result, the district is spending at least $300,000 more to fuel its buses than a couple years ago.

Many school districts across the country are already operating on shoe-string budgets this year. These price hikes threaten to exhaust the budgets of those caught unprepared for higher fuel costs. Recent news reports indicate that some schools are implementing drastic measures to keep their fuel costs under control. In Kentucky, for instance, record gas prices have caused a number of schools to cut back to 4 days of classes a week. Last month, most of Georgia's schools cancelled classes for two days in an effort to conserve fuel.

The School Energy Crisis Relief Act authorizes the Secretary of Energy to issue energy assistance grants to help the poorest school districts across the Nation offset these unexpected and challenging costs. If we don't help school districts cover these energy costs, children won't just get left behind--they will be left at home! At a time when fuel price hikes are creating budget shortfalls for many school districts, America cannot afford to compromise our children's education.

I urge my colleagues to support the School Energy Crisis Relief Act. This legislation will

help schools remain open to educate students. We must provide relief to these school districts most in need now.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, our Nation lost a public servant who demonstrated conscience and commitment. The Honorable Edward Ross Roybal was a pioneer and a fighter for the disadvantaged. As a Mexican- American man in 1930s and 40s in Los Angeles, he personally experienced brutality because of his color. He fought that racism with political activism. As a city council member, activist, and 30 year Congressman in this great House, he broke barrier after barrier.

But it wasn't enough for him to break barriers simply by his presence in American political life, which was remarkable in its own right. He worked to actively pave the way for those behind him, never losing passion for giving voice to the voiceless.

He co-founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, dedicated to voicing and advancing, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States.

He founded the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, which empowers Latinos nationwide to participate in the democratic process.

He remained active in California politics, mentoring the next generation of young leaders.

Congressman Roybal was more than an asset to the Hispanic Community. He was an asset to the American community. In these chambers, he was a role model to us all. He voted his conscience and stuck to his principles. And America is better off because of him.

I offer heartfelt condolences to my colleague and friend, the Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard, and I join the Nation in mourning this great man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 37, Senator Feinstein's companion bill to my H.R. 312. This bill authorities the Breast Cancer Research Stamp through 2007. Without this legislation, this successful program would end this year.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As it comes to a close it is important to reflect on what is being done in the way of prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Senator Feinstein and I have proposed to extend the deadline of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, so that it will be available for purchase for two more years.

Senator Feinstein and I have been collaborating to bring awareness to this ever-present disease and to help doctors and scientists fighting against it. I want to thank her for her unwavering dedication.

I also want to thank Dr. Ernie Bodhai, who developed the idea of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp and who has brought national awareness to the measure.

Dr. Bodhai inspired me to help support the Breast Cancer Research Stamp back when I served in the California State Assembly.

Senator Feinstein and I introduced this bill for one reason: to save lives.

We have worked together to pass this important bill so researchers can gain more insight on the disease and in turn, prevent tragedies.

This year more than 200,000 women and men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. More than 40,000 Americans will die from the disease this year.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in every major ethnic group in the United States.

It does not discriminate. Whether you are white, black, Hispanic or whatever your race or ethnicity. Everyone is at risk.

More than two million women are living with breast cancer in America today, yet one million of them have not been diagnosed.

Breast cancer is a leading killer of American women. The disease claims another woman's life every 13 minutes in the United States.

That is why it is so important to increase funding for breast cancer research--and why we must continue sales of the stamp.

The Breast Cancer Research Stamp is among the most successful commemorative stamps of all time with 637 million stamps sold.

The stamp program has generated over 47 million dollars for breast cancer research. It has been a critical ally in generating the resources necessary to wage war on this terrible disease.

The stamp is a ``semi-postal'' stamp that can be voluntarily purchased by the public for 45 cents.

For each stamp sold, 8 cents goes to the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program.

Working with Dr. Bodhai, Senator Feinstein introduced the Breast Cancer Research Stamp bill In 1998 to help support the fight against breast cancer.

I am proud that Californians continue to lead the way in stamp purchases, providing roughly 21 percent of the money raised nationwide.

I ask my colleagues to support the Breast Cancer Research Stamp and all the women and men who will benefit from the money the stamp raises.

Senator Feinstein and I have the support of 153 Members of Congress and 69 Senators who cosponsored the bills and of countless organizations like the American Cancer Society, the American Medical Association, the Breast Cancer Fund, WIN Against Breast Cancer, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

By supporting reauthorization of this stamp, you are not only helping research but you are also helping to raise awareness.

Think about it! A customer purchases the stamp, a carrier delivers it, and a person receives it. That is three people who have seen the message saying: ``breast cancer needs to be stamped out!''

Each time we use the stamp we raise additional funds for research and we send a message of hope that we will find a cure.

The Senate bill was ordered to be read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for the time.

I think we have put together a good bill. It was a bipartisan bill. It addressed a lot of the concerns that a lot of us had about affordable housing for minorities, low-income individuals who have an opportunity to obtain a home, but with the poison pill that has been put in in its final package, it makes the bill very difficult to support.

All of us believe that affordable homes should be available for individuals. This does strengthen regulatory

oversight on Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and the Federal home loan banks. I think that is positive, and it presents an opportunity for many individuals, especially in my area, San Bernardino County, the Inland Empire, where we have a lot of growth in the area. We have people that are moving from Orange County, L.A., San Diego. They are looking at buying affordable homes. This bill would give many individuals, low income, an opportunity to do that, especially when the average cost of a home in L.A. is $475,000, and in San Bernardino it is $352,000. Many individuals cannot afford to buy a home.

Now that they have that first opportunity, I know what it is like because I came from a family of 15, and I know for the very first time when we were able to buy a home. Had we not bought a home, I would not have had stability in my roots in the immediate area. That is why provisions of this bill are great.

What I do not like about the bill is a poison pill that has been put on there, which I believe it is unconstitutional and restrictions aimed at suppressing the civil rights engaged in by poor minorities for voting. We believe that every person should have the right to vote and to participate, and we say that that does not preclude them, and you have to put a priority whether it is for affordable housing or whether you will be involved in engaging, encouraging individuals.

America has always encouraged individuals to participate in our American democracy, and that is the democracy of voting. We have our veterans who have fought for this country and are now fighting in Iraq, are fighting for the freedoms that we enjoy today. One of those freedoms is the right to get out and vote, to allow every individual to participate and vote, not to restrict individuals, but to allow them to vote.

This would restrict these individuals who are getting funded for the housing to say you are not going to participate in this American democracy by registering individuals to vote. We should allow them. It is part of democracy. This is anti-civil rights, especially when we just have Rosa Parks who just died and fought hard for civil rights. We have Alice Paul who fought for the suffrage of women and others to encourage to make sure that women had the right to vote.

Now what we are saying is, minorities, you are voting in higher numbers; we are not going to include you in part of that process because if you do, and if you get involved in part of that process, we are going to cut out your funding. I believe this is not fair. That is why the National Council of La Raza, NAACP, NALEO, LULAC, Puerto Rican Association, faith-based initiatives are all opposing the restriction of this anti-poison pill that has been put into this bill.

I hope we can make a correction in the Senate and do justice for every individual. We talk about Leave No Child Behind. Now we are saying leave every individual who wants to participate from low-income minority families behind because we do not want them to participate in our American democracy.

This is about America. We are proud Americans, and we should allow every American to participate. We should not deny one organization from going to them and asking them to participate in that process. What we are doing is saying, you will not be involved in that process, you will not be involved in that process. No, that is unfair. It is un-American.

As an American and a Member who served in the Armed Forces, which we fought for many individuals, we have that responsibility, Mr. Chairman. We have the responsibility to make sure that every American has that right.

Let us not go backwards. Let us go forward. Together we can make a difference.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1461 to strengthen the regulatory oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks.

I comment my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee for their bipartisan approach and hard work in drafting this important bill.

This bill keeps the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) safe, sound and focused on their mission while preserving their mission to support financing for low- and moderate- income housing.

Also, this bill includes provisions that will increase housing opportunities for low income families by: establishing a specific requirement for GSEs to serve underserved areas, enhancing the GSEs affordable housing goals and increasing loan limits for high cost areas.

This bill includes an affordable housing fund that will increase affordable housing for low income communities.

This fund is particularly important to me because of its potential to increase affordable housing for many hard-working families in my district. Housing costs in Southern California have skyrocketed. Many families have moved to the San Bernardino area where housing is considered less expensive. But even here, we have seen home prices rise quickly, and I am concerned that many working couples cannot afford a home.

Last week, the Los Angeles Times reported that the median price paid for a Southern California home was $475,000 in September, up 16.1 percent from a year earlier. In San Bernardino County, the median price has risen 32.8 percent in the past year to $352,000.

This issue has great meaning to me personally. I grew up in a family with 15 children without a lot of money. I have been fortunate enough to have worked hard and been able to achieve the American dream of owning a home. But I know that this dream remains unattainable for millions of families.

Hispanic families especially face difficulties buying a home as their incomes on average are lower, and they might not have the same access to or understanding of financial institutions. I hope the Affordable Housing Fund will increase rental and homeownership opportunities for these and other working class families.

As a Catholic, I have learned of our obligation to serve the poor. I am proud of the work that Catholic Charities and other faith-based groups engage in. Their mission to help those in need includes providing shelter and also helping citizens fully participate in America's political process.

While I support the bill for its merits, I am strongly opposed to the restrictions added after it passed the committee that place severe restrictions on nonprofit entities and faith based groups applying for affordable housing grants.

The language inserted would undermine and severely limit the fund by excluding nonprofits involved in non-partisan voter registration efforts.

Republicans are trying to prevent church groups and other respected non-profit organizations from providing important services. They are engaged in yet another backdoor scheme to sneak in unconstitutional restrictions aimed at suppressing the civic engagement of working class and minority families.

These non-partisan community groups often serve as the main point of contact and, in many cases, are the only local groups addressing the social, civic, and educational needs of the people they serve. Yet Conservative Republicans want to force these trusted organizations to choose between providing civic education and affordable housing.

Why? Why do Republicans want to deny low income and minority voters participation in the political process? What do they fear? Do they fear democracy?

During the presidential campaign, Republican leaders made aggressive efforts to woo Black and Hispanic voters who have historically supported Democrats. Now Republicans are determined to deny affordable housing to these same minority groups. Is this payback?

I hope that we would all agree our country is stronger if more Americans register to vote and show up at the polls, whichever party or candidate they support. We need to encourage participation in our great democracy not limit it. I want to mention an American hero, Alice Paul, who made our country better, fairer, more Democratic by leading the struggle for women's rights--including the right to vote.

By the way, she was a Republican, but she was committed to promoting political participation.

So we should encourage community organizations to help register voters and praise them for doing so, not penalize them or prevent them.

The restrictions added by Republicans serve no other purpose than to reduce access to voting by low income people, and I urge my colleagues to vote against the restrictions.

If however, they pass, I am committed to working with my colleagues to strip away these horrible provisions as the bill goes through the Conference Committee Process.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 485. Red Ribbon Week is the annual campaign to prevent illegal drug use and to promote drug-free communities.

All of our children have so much potential. All of our children deserve a chance at life.

Caring for our children and making sure they do not get addicted to drugs is all of our responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, 81 percent of teenagers ages 14 to 20 have used drugs. One out of every four high school seniors has used illegal drugs in the past 30 days; almost 30 percent of young adults have used marijuana in the past.

This must change. Our children deserve better.

Better treatment and policing are essential to winning the battle against drugs, but prevention is the foundation. Red Ribbon Week uses community action to educate and help prevent drug abuse.

This community led movement started in Imperial Valley, California and is changing lives across the Nation.

Throughout the United States, many of our schools are participating in this program, informing our children to stay away from drugs.

As a father and a grandfather, I would like to state my personal commitment to Red Ribbon Week, and to saving the lives of our children.

That is why I sponsored a bill supporting Red Ribbon Week in the 107th Congress, which passed unanimously.

I urge my colleagues to support Red Ribbon Week in the State of California, and I ask for their support for Red Ribbon Week throughout our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 485.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute and pay tribute to Sergeant Hector R. Feliciano, a 22-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department. Sergeant Feliciano is receiving an honorable mention commendation for the annual TOP COPS Award Ceremony, from the National Association of Police Officers. This is a great honor, and reflects the substantial respect and recognition accorded to Sergeant Feliciano by California and national law enforcement. Sergeant Feliciano represents the very best of our outstanding law enforcement officers, previously being selected as Rampart Sergeant of the year 2004, for distinguishing himself as an exemplary leader as well as a tactical expert.

Among his many achievements include developing game plans that targeted narcotics violators who utilized the Mac Arthur Park as a base of operations. He also planned operations to address quality of life issues in and around the park. His operations focused on such concerns as drinking in public, illegal street sales, and gambling. He was also tasked with developing and writing operations plans for special events in and around the park. According to superiors, his operations plans were outstanding, covering all aspects of the event from manpower to street closures to tactical considerations. The reduction in crime and improvement in the quality of life in and around the park has been remarkable. The efforts of Sergeant Feliciano, as well as those officers he supervises, has been the topic of crime strategy seminars throughout the Los Angeles Police Department.

Hector is a highly sought after and well-respected supervisor. Even under great pressure, he has repeatedly proven that his is steadfast and levelheaded. Hector has stepped forward to take command in many situations, thus ensuring the welfare of his officers and the citizens of Los Angeles. A notable example of this occurred on November 9, 2004. Sergeant Feliciano employed decisive and heroic actions during a hostage crisis at the Mexican Consulate. His lifesaving intervention resulted in the successful rescue of a pregnant female who was being held hostage by a gunman.

Mr. Speaker, Hector Feliciano has served our community with great distinction. As a husband, father, and grandparent, I feel secure knowing the safety of my loved ones is entrusted to such a fine individual. An officer's work is never done, and because of that, our families are secure.

And so, we thank Hector, with gratitude and respect for his distinguished service. We wish the very best to him, and his wife, Jeanette, and their other family members who are here this month in Washington, DC. God bless, and congratulations on this great honor.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3824, the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act. I commend the gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardoza) for this legislation.

This legislation modernizes the Endangered Species Act, or ESA, to allow for more scientific review, better conservation plans, and to focus on a recovery process that is based on collaboration and not conflict.

After more than 3 decades, the ESA has failed. This legislation is a bipartisan effort to fix the flawed law.

Less than 1 percent of endangered species have recovered, less than 1 percent. The ESA has only helped 10 of 1,300 species listed under the law. Thirty-nine percent of the species are unknown. Twenty-one percent are declining, and they are declining, and 3 percent are extinct. This law has a 99 percent failure rate.

We need to update. We need to update and modernize the ESA to strengthen the species recovery by turning conflict into cooperation and allowing the use of sound science.

In the Inland Empire, the ESA has prevented or increased costs for freeway interchanges, economic development, and things as simple as trash removal. There are certain areas that are blighted in portions of our communities. It is like walking into a mine. You have got to watch every step that you take because you are afraid you are going to step on an endangered species.

In my district, we have two infamous endangered species. I want to point to one, the Delhi sand flower-loving fly, and of course, the other one is the kangaroo rat.

Look at this fly. If anyone were to see this fly, we would swat it. It is our first, immediate reaction, and we have always heard the buzz at night when we hear a fly. We do not stop to look at it to see if it is an endangered species. Immediately we react; we swat it.

Now, when we look at this fly, and it was buzzing around, I would swat it. What would happen if a cow swatted this fly? Would we fine the cow or the owner? It seems pretty ridiculous, I say.

ESA has many ridiculous examples. As we can see in these posters next to me, the fly costs San Bernardino County Medical Center $3 million to move the hospital about 200 feet when the fly was found in the property. That is about $600,000 per fly. Can my colleagues imagine what it would do to our communities, $600,000 to move a hospital? They reserved a certain area that is full with blight that is overlooking the hospital.

Also in my district, ambulances driving to this emergency room at Arrowhead Medical Center need to slow down so that the endangered flies will not hit their windshield. Can my colleagues imagine someone who needs emergency services cannot get to the hospital, has to slow down because they are afraid this fly might run into the windshield? That is ridiculous. It is about a life that we need to save, not a fly.

It has even been suggested that traffic be slowed down on Interstate 10. Interstate 10 goes into Palm Springs. It is a route that moves traffic back and forth. It is ridiculous. They are saying, all right, this fly only comes out between July and September. So people are suggesting when we travel on that freeway that you should reduce your speed limit from 65 to 25 miles an hour because we might endanger this fly and hit this fly. Can my colleagues imagine the traffic congestion in the area, the impact it would have in that area, on the flow of goods and others that would not be able to be moved? That is ridiculous.

The Inland Empire is indeed species rich, but we have been hit hard by jobs lost by ESA. That is why we need to take into account the human cost.

For example, in the cities of Colton and Fontana, California, a handful of flies, yes, flies are responsible. The city of Fontana alone has spent $10 million in legal fees associated with the ESA and has been forced to put aside $50 million worth of land that has been intended for development. A scrapped commercial center with a supermarket would have generated $5 million in revenue.

Can my colleagues imagine what this would have done to the area, better schools, more police officers, new fire stations, teen centers, paving the streets, fixing our potholes? Yet we have not been able to generate the kind of revenue that we need.

The ESA is related to the development that led the city to default on bonds. Will the Federal Government restore the city's credit rating? No. It has hindered us.

Imagine if endangered species suddenly thrive in the areas flooded by the hurricanes. Do we stop the hurricane construction?

This law affects more people than what we think. Think of the farmers not able to harvest their crops because an endangered species is found in the field.

Local cities have offered land for habitat, changed development plans and tried to partner in that process; but ESA, as written, will not permit that.

I support this legislation, and I think this is good legislation. I ask my colleagues also to support the passage of this.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2123, the School Readiness Act of 2005.

The goal of the Head Start program is to give at-risk children all across our Nation a fair chance at succeeding in the educational system.

Head Start is especially important to Latino children. Latino children make up more than one-third, 34 percent, of all those eligible for the program. In my home State of California, 65.8 percent, which is almost two-thirds, of those enrolled in the Head Start program are Latino. As the Hispanic population experiences rapid growth, Head Start services must be strengthened to reflect the unique needs of Latino families. Head Start's ability to improve the educational skills and opportunities of Latino children will be an important component of America's future success.

Head Start has long lasting effects on those most in need. Head Start graduates are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to need special education, repeat a grade, or commit crimes in adolescence.

This bill improves the program in several key ways: It increases funding for underserved children: for the children of migrant and seasonal workers, it will allow approximately 10,000 more children to leave the agricultural fields and enter the classroom; it expands the Native America Head Start programs; and it also works towards ensuring that parents can get information in their native language, when possible.

This bill was passed unanimously out of the Committee on Education and the Workforce in May. It is important that we pass this legislation as a bipartisan effort to help American youth. Unfortunately, the Boustany amendment would jeopardize this important bill by allowing for employment discrimination based on religion. That kind of partisan politics has no place in a bill that is about increasing educational opportunities for our children.

Many of our Latino parents and children already face a number of barriers in accessing the Head Start program. We must not add additional barriers or sacrifice their futures.

It would place tens of thousands of already at-risk children in danger of losing their Head Start teachers. And in doing so, it would block countless low-income and minority parents from climbing the ladder out of poverty.

We should not make it more difficult to participate in a program that enables thousands of parents to make the life-changing transition from being a parent volunteer to being a trained and paid Head Start teacher. This amendment is inconsistent with American values of tolerance and respect for all religions. Instead of trying to tack on a partisan amendment, we should pass a bill that maintains Head Start's high standards and allows Head Start centers to hire the most qualified teachers. That is what's best for our children and for our country.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Boustany amendment.

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

Madam Chairman, I am a strong supporter of American manufacturing and think this bill can be a good step in the right direction.

For too long, this administration's trade policies have led to a hemorrhage of manufacturing jobs out of Main Street and into Mainland China.

There is one particular program authorized by this bill that is important to my constituents in California--that is the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, MEP.

The MEP provides our manufacturers with the tools to compete in a competitive marketplace. It helps maintain our country's manufacturing productivity and competitiveness.

A survey of just one-third of MEP customers found that they had created or saved more than 35,000 jobs, and that is just one-third of the customers, thanks to this program. And the MEP centers help more than 18,000 small companies each and every year.

Assistance to manufacturers is more important than ever due to this administration's misguided view that sending American manufacturing jobs overseas is good for the economy.

We need more American jobs, not less.

We need expanded economic activity and an enhanced tax base, not residential communities with nothing but service sector jobs.

Madam Chairman, I strongly support H.R. 250 for these very reasons. I hope that as the bill moves to conference, that Chairman Gordon will include Mr. Honda's proposal to extend the authorization of the Advanced Technology Program for an additional year.

Mr. Speaker, for more than a week we have all watched television coverage of Hurricane Katrina, transfixed by the devastating impact of the storm on the Gulf Coast, especially in and around New Orleans. Although the full extent of the damage is not yet known, it is clear that thousands of Americans have died, and many more have been injured, shaken and displaced. The wind, rain and flooding has destroyed homes, businesses, farms and crops, causing immeasurable suffering.

The destruction has significantly scarred the people and the economy of the region and even beyond. Rebuilding the area's infrastructure will probably take years. Rebuilding the lives of our fellow Americans will also take time and require assistance.

Many people in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama lack basics such as food, water, clothing, sleeping materials, medicine and first aid. We must help provide for their critical immediate needs so they can survive.

I am heartened that my constituents in the Inland Empire of California have heeded the call to help. I am not surprised by our response; however, because I already know that our communities are generous. We have shown great compassion responding to those in need, as we did following September 11th and other tragedies affecting people thousands of miles away. And we must do so again when so many Americans are suffering.

My immediate concern has been the effort to rescue and assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina, making sure that we do all we can to help those in need.

Congress is taking a first step by approving more than $10 billion of funding for emergency assistance to help. We all recognize that the costs of rescue, recovery and rebuilding will be substantially higher, and I am confident that Congress, and the American people, will support additional funding.

However, we in Congress must also focus on determining what needs to be done to minimize devastation from future natural disasters or other emergencies. So we must ask difficult questions about the Federal Government's preparation and planning prior to the storm and the response following it.

One of the fundamental responsibilities of government is to protect our citizens. So we must investigate fully whether the Administration did all it could have, and should have, to protect Americans.

Katrina was a powerful and deadly natural disaster, but we must ask whether hundreds, maybe even thousands of Americans, died because of the failure of officials to prepare and respond effectively.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the Little League Western Region, and its contributions to the youth of the Inland Empire, through its Western Regional Tournament. Little League is the foundation of good values and sportsmanship. Some of us may be bigger than others, or faster, but in team sports, as in life, it is the effort that counts! Through perseverance and teamwork, one can succeed!

Here in the Inland Empire, we like to be known for historic firsts. Did you know that San Bernardino was the first site of Little League, west of the Rocky Mountains? Did you know San Bernardino had the first team from the West to advance to the World Series in 1951? So, when you play here, you are a part of history! This is a special place!

We should stop to honor those who have made this facility possible. The Western Regional Headquarters was constructed in 1969. The property on which the headquarters was placed was made available to Little League Baseball by the City of San Bernardino. Al Houghton Stadium and the Thomas C. Boyle Administration Building were built first, and the balance of what is here today has been gradually added. Warner Hodgdon, a local businessman, contributed heavily to the swimming pool, which is now such an important part of the Headquarters. Local firms pitched in with donated building materials, equipment and labor to gradually complete the complex. Many District Administrators and other local people labored hard and long. Western Regional Headquarters as it stands today has been a ``labor of love.''

On the grounds of the Headquarters Complex is a Junior Olympic size swimming pool. For other recreation and practice there are table games, batting cages, practice fields and a recreation hall. There is also a Senior Division field.

The Western Regional Tournament is the culmination of hard work by parents, fundraisers, volunteers, and the business community, as well as these talented players. Twelve teams, and 10 days of play! An audience of 50,000 to 60,000! A Tournament Committee of over 125 volunteers from 11 Western States! Recognition of all teams at the Inland Empire Sixty Sixers home game! The involvement of Team 14, a group of local businessmen and women who volunteer to host a team and take the players to other Southern California events! An annual Golf Tournament!

In addition, Little League Leadership Training Clinics are offered for League Officials, District Administrators, Managers/Coaches, scorekeepers and volunteer umpires. Included in the training sessions are two one-week Umpire Schools along with weekend rules clinics.

And so, I salute the young people who participate, and those who support the game. Play ball!

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to pay tribute to the Sinfonia Mexicana, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

This important institution, located in San Bernardino, has been thrilling audiences since 1985, when Mario Porras and Charles Eisenhard inspired members of the Inland Empire Symphony Association, local civic leaders, and then Consul of Mexico Emerenciano Rodriguez, to form a committee to present a unique concert of Mexico's symphonic masterpieces. Consul Rodriguez was selected to chair the committee for this exciting endeavor. The concert was a tremendous success! Enthused, the committee continued to present annual state-of-the-art musical and culturally enriching programs for the enjoyment of the entire community.

The purpose of this organization is to present the finest music compositions of Mexico to the Inland Empire. In addition to its outstanding music programming, the group has committed numerous volunteer hours and financial contributions throughout these many years, with participation of organizations and individuals that shared in the identical goal of program development and other auxiliary components.

The current success of the Sinfonia Mexicana has been recognized as an outstanding achievement in the Inland Empire and beyond. It is a well-established fact that Mexican folkloric music is enormously popular and world-renowned; however, what was relatively unknown to many people locally, was Mexico's veritable treasure of classical and symphonic music created by notable composers and arrangers--many of whom Sinfonia showcased over the past 19 years. They included: Carlos Chavez, Pablo Moncayo, Manuel M. Ponce, Silvestre Revueltas, Miguel Bernal, Blas Galindo, Juventino Rosa, Enrique Mora, Manuel Enriques, Ricardo Castro, Candelario Huizar, Felipe Villanueva, and others. To be sure, Chavez's ``Sinfonia India'' is a fine example of the unification of Yaqui and Seri indigenous melodies into a symphonic masterpiece.

A typical Sinfonia program of Mexican classical music often features a guest conductor and/or artists from Mexico performing with the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra at the historic California Theatre of Performing Arts in San Bernardino. Guest conductors have included Abraham Chavez, Sergio Cardenas, Francisco Savin, Guadalupe Flores, Eduardo Diazmunoz, Enrique Diemecke, Jose Hernandez, Stewart Robertson, and Jeff Nevin. On two occasions Sinfonia had the distinction to host the ``Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Mexico'' in San Bernardino. On their first visit, Maestro Francisco Savin served as musical director.

Sinfonia has presented a variety of special performances by outstanding ensembles from Mexico and Southern California. Sinfonia is now organized as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and yet maintains its volunteer-driven mission to foster the awareness of Mexico's symphonic musical masterpieces, and educate the public of the fine music and culture of Mexico.

Mr. Speaker, that is a resume of the substantial achievements of this important cultural institution. My family and I enjoy this music. We encourage everyone in the community to partake of this great resource.

I ask that a more detailed history of Sinfonia be included in the Congressional Record, for public display and historical preservation. And again, I say: thank you to Sinfonia, for preserving these important musical traditions!

Sinfonia Mexicana--A Historical Overview

Sinfonia Mexicana has been thrilling audiences since 1985

when Mario Porras and Charles Eisenhard inspired members of

the Inland Empire Symphony Association, local civic leaders,

and then Consul of Mexico Emerenciano Rodriguez, to form a

committee to present a unique concert of Mexico's

symphonic masterpieces. Consul Rodriguez was selected to

chair the committee for this exciting endeavor. The

concert was a tremendous success! Enthused, the committee

continued to present annual state-of-the-art musical and

culturally enriching programs for the enjoyment of the

entire community.

It is a well-established fact that Mexican folkloric music

is enormously popular and world-renowned, however, what was

relatively unknown to many people locally, was Mexico's

veritable treasure of classical and symphonic music created

by notable composers and arrangers--many of whom Sinfonia

showcased over the past 19 years. They included: Carlos

Chavez, Pablo Moncayo, Manuel M. Ponce, Silvestre Revueltas,

Miguel Bernal, Blas Galindo, Juventino Rosa, Enrique Mora,

Manuel Enriques, Ricardo Castro, Candelario Huizar, Felipe

Villanueva, and others. To be sure, Chavez's ``Sinfonia

India'' is a fine example of the unification of Yaqui and

Seri indigenous melodies into a symphonic masterpiece.

A typical Sinfonia program of Mexican classical music often

features a guest conductor and/or artists from Mexico

performing with the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra at the

historic California Theatre of Performing Arts in San

Bernardino. Guest conductors have included Abraham Chavez,

Sergio Cardenas, Francisco Savin, Guadalupe Flores, Eduardo

Diazmunoz, Enrique Diemecke, Jose Hernandez, Stewart

Robertson, and Jeff Nevin. On two occasions Sinfonia had the

distinction to host the ``Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de

Mexico'' in San Bernardino. On their first visit, Maestro

Francisco Savin served as musical director. On their second,

Maestro Enrique Diemecke directed the Orquesta as part of a

national tour of seven U.S. cities in honor of the 100th

birthday celebration of Mexico's premier composers Carlos

Chavez and Silvestre Revueltas (Diemecke is currently the

artistic director of the Long Beach Symphony). Instrumental

guest soloists have included Carlos Prieto, cello; Jorge

Juarez and Maria Teresa Rodriguez, piano; Miguel Alcazar,

guitar; Roman Revueltas, violin; Elena Duran, flute; and

Manuel Arpero, trumpet. Sinfonia commissioned Maestros Mateo

Oliva and Mario Kuri-Aldana to arrange into symphonic form

romantic ballads by beloved Mexican composer, Agustiin Lara.

The world premiere of the concert in San Bernardino was an

international sensation. That cutting edge program was the

most popular classical concert ever presented in the Inland

Empire--drawing audiences from Mexico City, Los Angeles, San

Diego, and beyond. Special guests included Lara's widow and

famous contemporary songwriter, Roberto Cantoral, and

numerous luminaries.

Sinfonia has presented a variety of special performances by

outstanding ensembles from Mexico and Southern California.

They featured the West Coast premiere of ``Navidades'' by the

internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico de Amalia

Hernandez from Mexico City. And, from Baja California,

Sinfonia presented ``Bastian y Bastiana'' Mozart's comic

opera performed by a student group, Grupo Juvenil de Tijuana.

Moreover, Sinfonia presented the West Coast premiere of the

first Chicano opera, ``Esperanza'' composed by David Bishop

and the libretto by Carlos Morton based on the classic cult

film, ``Salt of the Earth.'' The opera was performed by the

Euterpe Opera Theatre of Pasadena, which featured soprano

Ariella Vaccarino and tenor Eric Castro.

Quintessentially popular mariachi performances have

included the legendary Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Sol de

Mexico de Jose Hernandez, Las Reinas de Los Angeles, Mariachi

Mujer, Mariachi Divas, and Mariachi Champana. Other diverse

artists included Latin jazz great, Tito Puente, the romantic

trio, Los Tres Reyes, famed folklorists Tlen Huicani

(Veracruz), and the brilliant Ballet Folklorico del Pacifico.

The famous pop artist, Vikki Carr graced Sinfonia's

portfolio, as did Alicia Juarez (widow of Jose Alfredo

Jimenez), Lalo Guerrero, Mayor Judith Valles, sopranos Maria

Luisa Tamez and Florencia Tinoco; tenors Alejandro Guerrero,

Pedro Rey, Raul Hernandez, Dennis Meade, Daniel Hendricks,

and the West Coast debut of tenor Daniel Rodriguez performing

with a symphony orchestra (the former New York police officer

who awed the nation with his rendition of ``God Bless

America'' in the aftermath of 9-11). Sinfonia endeavors to

help promote the musical careers of local young aspiring

artists such as Elizabeth Quintero and Desiree Flores.

Sinfonia supported the very first youth mariachi in the

region, Mariachi Estudiantil and founder Lou Herz, whom

Sinfonia sponsored for several years, and supported the debut

of the region's first all-girl, Mariachi las Princesas.

Sinfonia is now organized as a non-profit 501(c)(3)

organization and yet maintains its volunteer-driven mission

to foster the awareness of Mexico's symphonic musical

masterpieces, and educate the public of the fine music and

culture of Mexico. The board of directors and staff invite

interested members of the community to become involved in

Sinfonia Mexicana programs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in loving tribute and memory of my sister Anastasia ``Annie'' Saiz, who passed away over the August congressional recess.

Beloved wife of Seferino Saiz, beloved sister of Florenio, Maria ``Lupe'' Napier, Morris, Tanny, Raymond, Joe, and Theresa Perez, and the late Abiflio Baca, beloved mother and mother-in-law of Robert Saiz and Lisa; Elsie Giron and husband, William; Sefe Saiz Jr. and wife, Liz; Dorothy Johnston and husband, Johnny; Lorraine Marquez and husband, Carl; and Charlie Saiz and wife, Rose, all of Belen. She is survived by 16 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

Annie lived life to the fullest, reaching the mark of 78 years young. She and Seferino had just celebrated their 60th anniversary with a family dinner at their home on August 5. They were married in 1945 in La Joya.

Annie was widely admired by family, friends, and colleagues. She was hard working, dedicated, committed, disciplined, loving and supporting. She was everything one would want in a sister, daughter, mother, wife, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She was employed by the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School, working with mentally challenged children. She had a big heart and compassion for the less fortunate. She would bring home children during the Easter holiday to enjoy the picnics; she couldn't see them being alone.

She was a devoted Catholic, and active in our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, and she volunteered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She participated in civic causes, volunteering her time, getting up at 7 a.m. to drive voters to the polls. When she believed in a cause, she would work her heart out.

She loved to shop. During the holidays she always gave out presents to strangers and her friends. She enjoyed listening to Mariachi music, going dancing at the senior citizen dances with Seferino and friends. She enjoyed listening to Jennifer sing Mariachi songs. When we would visit she was always so thoughtful and kind to give me and Barbara and my children a little gift. We will always remember her kindness and love for family.

Annie enjoyed spending time with her family. She always supported her children and grandchildren, cheering them on at baseball games; she was their No. 1 fan. She defended her family, as she stood by their side. She was all about ``familia.'' On her children's birthday, she would call the local DJ and dedicate songs to her children. She would tell them to turn on the radio, and there is a special song, chosen from her heart.

She was a great cook. Everyone would go to her house, and even if you were not hungry, she would make sure that she gave you a plate and made you eat. The food was always so delicious, how could you refuse. We loved her tortillas and atole. She had special Mexican food remedies for our colds.

Annie's life was dedicated to family, friends, and community. Her memory lives on in our

thoughts and prayers. We say, ``Goodbye. God bless you, we love you, and we miss you.'' We all loved her with all our hearts. She is now in a better place with her heavenly Father and at peace.