Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 660.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to adamantly oppose the Flake Amendment. This amendment would eliminate $2.0 billion dollars in desperately needed funding for struggling US airlines. It is unconscionable to consider doing this while our economy suffers, and it is even more unconscionable to do so during wartime.

We are witnessing the collapse of the airline industry as we know it? US Air and United have already been forced into bankruptcy, and other major airlines are contemplating the same option. Northwest Airlines alone has lost $1.2 billion over the past two years. Air travel is falling at a rapid rate and will continue to fall until this war is over, the economy improves, and passengers are assured that they are safe in the friendly skies. This month alone, the air travel is down 11% and it is speculated that if another terrorism attack occurs, it will fall an additional 25 percent domestically 43 percent internationally.

Since September 11, 2001, we have placed many needed safety requirements on the airline industry. Eliminating the funding for compliance puts an unnecessary burden on an already frazzled industry and does little to promote flying. Passengers will not fly if they don't feel safe.

The airline industry is paramount to the economic vitality of this nation. It is critical to virtually every industry around the globe. Tourism, goods movement, and business travel affect virtually every locality in this nation. We must guarantee that goods continue to move in an expedited and inexpensive manner and that air travel does not suffer more than it already has.

We must also take into consideration that the airline industry employs a sizable workforce globally. United, which employs thousands in the state of California alone, employs 85,000 worldwide! If we do not help the airlines during these uncertain times, many jobs will be lost and the economy as a whole will be further compromised.

I oppose the Flake Amendment and stand behind the fact that we must do all that we can to keep the industry flying.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of my colleague, Mr. Rodriguez, and his amendment to the supplemental appropriations bill for FY03.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has enormous responsibility resting on its shoulders. Not only is the VA responsible for providing veterans with medical services once they return home from war, but during wartime, the VA backs up the DOD, activates their critical care nurses, and provides training and preparation in case unforeseen emergencies arise.

After 9/11, the biomedical expertise of the VA was tapped, and the VA was designated to begin operating four bio-terrorism centers. This responsibility was granted to the VA by unanimous consent. However, this responsibility was delegated to the VA without the critical funding necessary to operate these facilities.

Two years ago, it would be a luxury for the Federal Government to enable the VA to provided training, equipment, and research for medical centers in case of a biological or chemical attack. Two years ago it would be an added bonus to provide the VA with additional funds to research the effects of war on veterans' health. Today, we are post 9/ 11 and fighting overseas, and enhancing our security is not a luxury but a necessity. We have learned that there is no price tag for the safety and security of our Nation.

The VA is shouldering an increasingly heavy burden. Let's provide them with the $90 million in funds that it needs to carry out its responsibilities during this time of war in Iraq and time of war on global terrorism.

Madam Speaker, Cesar Chavez was a champion for the poor and underserved people in America. He did not care about politics, money, or votes; he cared about people and their children. He sacrificed so they may have a better life.

Cesar gave Latinos in this country a voice. He touched the lives of millions with nonviolent struggle for justice, education, equality, and hope.

His life is a testament to the notion that victory can be won without violent confrontation. He used boycotts, pickets, strikes, and fasts to achieve this goal. But he never raised his hand or encouraged his followers to raise their hands in anger or hate or violence. This is a lesson that the world should be reminded of right now.

Cesar was committed so that he would be willing to sacrifice his own life so that violence was not used. He fasted many times. He proved that his commitment through his persistence, hard work, faith, and willingness to sacrifice for La Causa.

The terrible suffering of the farm workers and their children by crushing farm workers' rights, the dangers of pesticides, the denial of fair and Federal elections, Cesar's fast was a heartfelt prayer for purification and strength for all of those who worked beside him in this movement. His words will always be true in our lives that say: Si, se puede.

Yesterday was Cesar Chavez's birthday. This would be a great day to honor him in the Nation every year. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H. Res. 112 calling for a National Cesar Chavez holiday.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) for taking the leadership on behalf of veterans.

As a veteran who has served in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Division in 1966 to 1968, I am outraged, I am outraged regarding the 2004 budget adopted by this House committee, $28.8 billion cuts in veterans programs over 10 years; $14.6 million in veterans benefits cut in mandatory veterans program; $14.2 billion cuts in discretionary veterans health care. I speak on behalf of the 2.3 million disabled veterans including more than 1.2 million members of Disabled Veterans of America.

Is there no honor left in the halls of government? Is there no honor left in the halls of government that you would choose to dishonor the sacrifice of our Nation's heroes and rob them of their programs, health care and disability compensation? During this time of war it is crucial to let our soldiers know that they will be taken care of once they return home. I state once they return home that they will be taken care of. Unfortunately, I am ashamed by what the Republican Congress and President Bush have done to our veterans lately.

Since the troops have been deployed to the Persian Gulf, veterans benefits have been shipped away. Shame on you. Shame on you. They are fighting and dying for us. They are fighting and dying for us. And what are we doing? We are pulling the rug out from underneath them. The Republican budget resolution that passed last week cuts $449 million from veterans health care programs. What kind of message does it send to the hundreds and thousands of American men and women in uniform currently risking their lives overseas? Is this the kind of message that we want to send to our young soldiers fighting for freedom and democracy?

Remember that we enjoy today the freedoms because of the sacrifices that many of our veterans made who have served this country, our country before. Is this the best way that we can do for the families of those who have died for this country?

Just recently, Corporal Jorge Gonzalez, a U.S. Marine from my district in Rialto that I happened to visit the

parents this week was killed in Iraq. His heroism is found in the battle field and at home. This occurs daily through this land and the homes of families of American men and women who are serving us, like those of my legislative field representative's husband who is now serving in Iraq. Our men and women in uniform should not have to come back and learn that the government they fought for refused to take care of them, and I state, refused to take care of them.

During the time of war, we all say to our troops, we support you, our thoughts and prayers are with you. And we do, and we do. We display the American flag on our cars, in our homes, and clothing with pride. While this display of patriotism is important, I say we have to do more than that.

We have a moral obligation to provide veterans with benefits and services that they have earned, and I state that they have earned through their honorable service to this country. We have a moral obligation to provide them with prescription drugs and access to care. Is that too much to ask? I ask, is that too much to ask?

I am here to tell the administration and my fellow Members of Congress not to forget those men and women who have served this country. Remember, the freedoms we have today are because the men and women were willing to step up and fight for those freedoms, the freedoms we enjoy every day. Let us not forget them. Let us not forget them. Let us restore the benefits to our veterans. Let them know we will take care of them today and tomorrow, and I state today and tomorrow. I say God bless America. Let us restore our veterans. God bless our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to voice my opposition to any efforts to change Title IX. For over 30 years, Title IX has been a successful program that has helped open doors for women in education and employment. I don't understand how people can argue with success and try to change such an important piece of legislation.

Times have changed in this nation for competitive sports, and it is all because of Title IX. Title IX has helped change assumptions and attitudes about sexual stereotypes. It is hard to comprehend that less than 30 years ago people believed women were physically incapable of running the marathon. It was believed that female body composition made it impossible for them to run long distances! It wasn't until women began defying this irrational and unfounded notion by competing anyway that the world took notice and a crippling stereotype died. It is a myth that women are not interested in sports or competition. It is a myth that women would rather be cheering on the sidelines than competing on the field, the court, the green, track, or the diamond. Any effort to repeal a program that allows access to sports and education for women reincarnates myths and stereotypes that should have been put to rest decades ago.

Title IX has helped knock down the senseless barriers that have prevented women from engaging in competition by requiring that equal funding be contributed to women's sports throughout all levels of education. Girls have an equal right with boys to receive at a minimum a basic education and to compete for scholarships--whether they are academic or athletic. Since 1972, the number of women playing collegiate sports has quadrupled! And the number of girls playing high school sports has increased to 3 million in the 30 years that Title IX has been on the books. Before Title IX was enacted, only 300,000 high school girls competed. The principle of equality requires that women be provided equal access and equal opportunity for education and sports.

My 16-year-old daughter Jennifer plays on her high school golf team. Before Title IX, a girl's golf team in most schools would never have existed. Before Title IX many women weren't even allowed to step foot on a green! I want my daughter and the daughters of every family in the nation to have the right and the opportunity to compete and receive scholarships if their heart desires.

It is a myth that the requirements of Title IX take away funding for male sports teams! The overwhelming majority of funding available goes to support college football and college basketball. Furthermore, in 30 years we have seen the number of college baseball teams increase exponentially! If it were true that Title IX robs funding from male sports teams then why is it that for every dollar spent on women's collegiate sports, two dollars are spent for the male teams? We need to stop the myths about Title IX and allow the program to remain intact.

No longer do young girls need to hide their hair in a cap and pretend to be boys if they want to play ball. No longer do we harbor under the misconception that women can't and don't want to play. Title IX was a bold step toward equality and it was a necessary element toward achieving fairness. Sports teach us how to win with integrity and how to lose with grace. They teach us healthy competition and how to strategize for success. They help promote healthy exercise and lifestyles. Women need to be offered the opportunity to enrich their lives by playing sports. We need to keep Title IX in play.

Mr. Speaker, as a veteran I stand behind our troops, and I ask everyone to get together in the form of solidarity.

Mr. Speaker, several months ago, when we voted on the President's Iraq resolution, we all hoped war could be avoided, even though most of us believed deep down that it was a forgone conclusion. It was just a matter of when. Well, the day we all knew would come upon us. As we speak the U.S. Army 7th Calvary has engaged the enemy inside Iraq.

This is a difficult dilemma. We hope and pray that Saddam does not have any weapons of mass destruction to use against our troops. My faith teaches me that only those who are without sin should cast the first stone in conflict. We have cast the stone, and we'll just have to wait and see what the effects will be.

However, Mr. Speaker, none of that is important anymore. The most important issue we face as any war begins is how we are going to support our brave men and women in uniform. No matter how we feel about the prospect of waging war at this time, we must stand solidly behind our troops. Hundreds of soldiers from my district have already deployed. Thousands more from the Inland Empire and across California are heading to the Persian Gulf region. Even more Californians are serving our Nation in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines all over the World. It saddens me to think that some of these men and women will not return home to their mothers and fathers, to their sons and daughters, to their husbands and wives.

We can support our troops by keeping the promises we have made to our veterans, and by providing them with the benefits and healthcare that they have earned through their services to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, as I think about the lives that may be lost in the coming days and weeks, I ask myself one question. Could this situation have been avoided? Although I cannot answer this question with 100 percent certainty, I have always believed that there was a diplomatic solution to the Iraq crisis. I believed that when I voted for a resolution in October authorizing the President to use our armed forces in support of any U.N. resolution mandating the disarmament of Saddam Hussein. Mr. Speaker, I still believe that now. Unfortunately, the diplomatic window is closed. Diplomacy no longer seems to be an option.

But I want my colleagues to hear me when I say this. Now is not the time to debate misguided or unsuccessful policies. Now is the time to come together and support our brave men and women in uniform. We must let them and their families know that we appreciate their sacrifice. Let us rally around our troops and show the world that our Nation stands united. I hope the unity that Members on both sides of the aisle are showing tonight sends a strong signal to our troops. We are thinking of you and praying for you.

Mr. Speaker, I do have one request. I ask my constituents, and every American, to light a candle and pray for our troops and pray for all the innocent victims of this war.

Mr. Chairman, if Republicans are trying to send a message with this budget, the bright neon lights spell ``working families don't count.'' This is a budget of missed opportunities, misguided plans and misplaced priorities. This budget does not even account for the war, and reduces or eliminates benefits to the same brave soldiers that are waging that war as we speak.

This budget is missing any serious recognition of the devastating economic downturn our Nation has suffered during this administration or of the severe budget crisis facing the states.

The budget fails to invest in what matters most to American working families:

It does nothing to rebuild or modernize our schools. It does nothing to improve our nation's aging transportation system.

It does nothing to patch the holes in our homeland security framework.

It does nothing to stem the relentless loss of jobs in our nation's manufacturing and industrial base.

It does nothing to create new jobs.

Small businesses form the entrepreneurial backbone of our Nation's economy. Most new jobs in this country come from businesses started only from a little seed money and a big dream. Yet, this budget cuts the very Small Business Administration programs that help keep the American Dream alive.

This dream is being lived, at this very moment, by the hard working owners of countless Section 8A-small businesses. These businesses provide services to our government that are often less expensive and higher quality than many large corporations.

We must oppose a budget that bundles small business contracts together into larger contracts that only multinational and large corporations will be able to bid on.

This budget also does nothing to solve our Nation's crippling health care crisis, which means high cost and little coverage to working families. It also means a consistent 15 percent yearly cost increase to employers who are becoming less willing to pay for their workers' health care.

This budget leaves behind the $9 billion in funding that President Bush promised for education. This budget leaves behind 40 percent of the funding for after school programs, 26 percent of the funding to migrant education programs, 43 percent of the funding for high school equivalency programs, 13 percent of early education programs, and the list goes on.

I wish my Republican colleagues understood that it is neither apathy nor laziness that makes people poor and creates under-performing schools. Even where the budget seeks new funds for neglected priorities, the approach to solving the problem is deeply flawed and the conditions are unfair and counterproductive.

During a time of corporate scandals, Republicans choose instead to go after labor unions. The Department of Labor is even increasing its funding to audit, investigate, and prosecute labor unions. It increased its funding by closing down the United States Employment Service.

During a time of state budget shortfalls that are forcing deep cuts to education, this budget instead redirects critical education funding to private school vouchers so that he can begin to privatize public education.

During a time of soaring energy prices, the Republican budget freezes funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, so our seniors can bake in the summer and freeze in the winter.

Seniors will be forced to leave Medicare to get a prescription drug care benefit, only to be covered by HMOs that will provide less care for more money.

Our seniors are concerned that this budget puts the long-term solvency of social security in serious jeopardy.

This budget will have a record of $1.8 million deficit over the next 10 years. This reckless deficit must be paid off, but how? Republicans hope to indebt our Nation to the point where we have no choice but to privatize Social Security. We must strengthen Social Security--not privatize it!

The current state of our economy demands investments to help people, but Republicans are instead squandering the funds on tax cuts. The resources that the budget seeks fall well short of basic needs--a direct result of the President's obsession with butchering the tax code and wringing from it trillions in tax breaks for the wealthiest. Tax breaks that are breaking the backs of our State budgets. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the President tucked 11 tax cut proposals in his budget that would have disastrous effects on State budgets. Talk about kicking someone when they are down!

The tax cuts will cost the States $64 billion in revenues over the next 10 years. Those are $64 billion dollars that would have funded our police and funded our schools. Eleven States have cut their spending on K-12 education, delaying much-needed renovation and construction, eliminating preschool and after-school programs and, in some places, cutting days from the school week. Nineteen States have cut higher education spending, forcing cancellation of classes and tuition hikes.

Eighteen States have cut their welfare programs, even though the rolls are rising for the first time since passage of the 1966 welfare reform law. The number of States with waiting lists for child care assistance has grown, and the waits are getting longer. In seven States, eligibility for child care aid has been tightened significantly, and five States have hiked parent fees.

Twelve States are cutting Medicaid. At least 1 million people, largely in working poor families, will lose their health care coverage if these cuts are fully implemented. Another 1 million are experiencing cuts in coverage and benefits.

Many States have implemented or are considering tax increases to raise revenues. Among the 34 governors who have submitted 2004 budgets, 16--Republicans and Democrats--have called for increases in taxes and fees. Three are proposing personal income tax hikes, seven recommend sales tax increases or an end to sales tax exemptions, five propose corporate tax hikes and three are considering various other fees and levies. Ironically, these State tax hikes, many of which will hit low- and moderate-income residents, may offset any Federal cuts.

This budget and the tax cuts are clear examples of how Republicans want to shift the tax burden of our Nation from the rich to the working class.

Around this time last year, I led a successful effort to restore food stamp benefits to legal permanent residents. Although the President signed the law, this budget does not fund our commitment to keeping all lawful residents of our Nation fed. We cannot approve monumental reforms that bring hope to people's hearts and then coldly deny the funding for these very same programs.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this budget. It's a budget that sends its message--in bright neon lights--``real people don't matter.''

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Major Jose Ramon Baca, who is a very special individual to me. He was truly appreciated and loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Jose ``Ray'' Baca was born in Las Nutrias, New Mexico, to Alberto and Josefita Peralta

Baca on March 19, 1940, and grew up in Albuquerque's South Broadway neighborhood. Ray graduated Albuquerque High School in 1958, and continued his education at the University of New Mexico. He graduated from the University in 1962 with a B.S. in chemical engineering and was a member of the Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society. After graduating, Ray married Victoria Morales in San Antonio, Texas on July 16, 1966. Together they raised their two sons, Rafael and Arthur.

Once joining the Air Force, Ray's ambition, brilliance, and passion poised him for success. During his 20-year career in the Air Force, he worked as a launch officer for the Atlas Missile Project in Roswell and in Turkey. He received a Masters of Science degree in 1968 in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He also worked as a staff scientist at McClellan Air Force Base in California and later at the Air Force Missile Command in Washington, D.C.

His yearning for knowledge led him to return to the University of New Mexico. In 1987 he received a M.A. in History and Southwestern Studies and was a doctoral candidate in history. His dream was to continue to research and write about his native state.

Ray passed away on June 6, 2002 surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his father, Alberto Baca and sister, Viola Baca, and is survived by his wife of 35 years Victoria Baca; sons Rafael and Arthur; mother Josefita Baca; and sisters Dolores Padilla, Priscilla and Anna Mae Baca. His family, innumerable friends and community will miss him greatly.

He will be remembered as a loving and generous husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He valued his family above all things, and supported and encouraged them in all stages of their lives. He instilled in his children a strong sense of family, love, and respect, and he encouraged them to excel in their education. He was an exceptional, compassionate and motivating individual.

And so Mr. Speaker, I submit this loving memorial to be included in the archives of the history of this great nation.

Speaker, it is with deep affection that I pay tribute to the life of Willie Benson Garrett, longtime San Bernardino community and political leader and dear friend. Willie passed away in the comfort of his own home at the age of 75 on February 28, 2003.

Willie was born in San Augustine, Texas. He graduated from San Augustine Colored High School and from H. M. Morgan Barber College. He later moved to San Francisco where he graduated from Marinella Beauty College. He then enlisted and served in the Merchant Marines for two years, after which he was honorably discharged.

In 1957, Willie moved to San Bernardino where he has resided for the past 46 years and where he began his lifelong commitment to public service. Garrett's Barbershop earned recognition as one of the most successful barber businesses in the area and was the catalyst for Willie's commitment to the betterment of his community. Garrett's Barbershop became the central point within the community where many local leaders discussed political, economic, social and other issues.

As a community and political activist, Willie was President of the NAACP, supported the League of Mothers, helped establish WAG, was a member of The Black Democratic Club, was the Best Yet Promotions Political Campaign Advisor, and managed the Westside Drop-In Center in the City of San Bernardino. For his many contributions, Willie received the ``Man of the Year'' award for San Bernardino, received the 2001 NAACP Community Activist Award and received the ``Role Model of the Year'' award by WAG.

Willie did not let his retirement stop him from making sure the well being of his community continued to be a priority. Willie was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church and more recently the impetus behind seminars and workshops on prostate cancer, diabetes, and other health issues relevant to women and men through support garnered from Kaiser, Community Hospital, The VA and Loma Linda Hospitals. He also provided leadership to the camping program of the local 4-H youth program for a number of years and helped pave the way for Native Americans to help teach to the 4Her's.

Willie credited his success to the grace of God and to the support of his loving wife, Constance Garrett, of over 20 years. His 2 daughters, Bertha Hilburn and Patricia Scott, 2 sons, Shelley Garrett and Craig Garrett Cramer, 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters, Erma Jean Stafford, Ruth Stewart and Freddie Bivins and 2 brothers, Earnest and Leonard Garrett, also survive him.

Willie Benson Garrett has left behind a wonderful legacy of community and political activism. The many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends who loved him dearly will miss him. Willie touched us all with his kind deeds and leadership in our community. Barbara and I extend our deepest condolences to Willie's family. May God bestow his comfort upon them at this time.

Mr. Speaker, domestic violence is not just an issue that affects women; it is an issue that affects us all. So many of our mothers, sisters, co-workers, colleagues and friends may be victims of domestic violence and you may never even know. The woman sitting next to you may be battered or abused, and she is keeping it a deep dark secret because she is embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid. We need to continue to work hard to bring the issue of domestic violence out of the closet. Silence will not fix the problem. We need programs that continue to bring the issue out in the open and let victims know that their lives mean something! Let them know that there is no justification for abuse and that they do not have to live with it day after day. Victims need to know that there are places that they can go and people who can help. Victims need to know how to enact a plan so that they can flee their batterer and have resources available so that they are not forced to go back. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to flee an abuser, having the resources available to stay away should be the farthest thing from a victim's mind. That is why it is so important to have counseling services available helping with preparation.

I saw a flyer the other day entitled ``10 Things Men Can Do to Prevent Men's Violence Against Women.'' Men need to understand that while most never abuse, there are factors that contribute to the cycle of violence and all of us need to do our part to end the cycle. We need to teach our sons how not to abuse and how not to contribute to it. We need to teach them that women must be treated with respect and dignity. Until men become actively involved in ending domestic violence, these cycles will never be broken.

Mr. Speaker, I join my fellow members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in strong opposition to the nomination of Miguel Estrada to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

After meeting with Mr. Estrada, I am convinced that he possesses neither the professional qualifications nor the commitment to diversity necessary for service on the second most influential court in our nation.

We are disturbed by the fact that the President has nominated a person who has no prior experience as a judge and who is not considered one of the foremost legal voices of our time.

It is clear to us that Mr. Estrada's nomination has more to do with his Spanish surname than his qualifications for the job.

Miguel Estrada has no connection to the Latino community. He has no particular affinity for the role of the courts in lifting up the Latino community. He has never contributed pro bono legal services to Latino organizations, and has no interest in righting the wrongs of the past.

In short, he has no business representing our community on a bench that is just a stone's throw from the highest court in the land.

I strongly urge the Senate to vote against the confirmation of Miguel Estrada, and I stand in solidarity with our brave colleagues in the other chamber who are opposing his nomination.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Congresswoman Julia Carson for helping bring awareness to heart disease. Heart disease is America's number one cause of death. That fact alone is distressing but coupled with the fact that many cases of heart disease are preventable makes the issue catastrophic. Approximately 108 million Americans are overweight. 44 million are obese. This nation has got to do better about taking care of our health not only for our own lives, but also for the lives of our children.

Children in America are learning bad habits. They are not being exposed to the proper diets or the necessary physical activity. Too often children sit idle throughout a school day and then return home to once again sit idly in front of a TV playing a video game. We need to learn the lesson that stimulation of the muscles and body are just as important as stimulation of the mind. Cases of heart disease will only continue to increase until we make a conscious effort to offer better nutrition in schools, access to health education, and more access to physical activity.

This month is American Heart Month and the American Heart Association wants us all to learn the warning signs of a heart attack, because so often people ignore the signs and the situation becomes fatal. This message is important and we should help bring more attention to this life saving information. However, we should not rely on warning signs alone to save our lives. Prevention is essential.

Heart Disease is not an issue that can be ignored by certain segments of the population. It is not a Caucasian disease, an African-American disease or a Latino disease. It is a disease that affects everyone! It is the leading cause of death for all Americans! That is why we must all come together to make a change collectively!

Mr. Speaker, our nation is facing a catastrophic nursing shortage. The average age of nurses in America is 43 years of age. Nurses are leaving the profession in droves, and fewer people are choosing to enter the profession. We have to do more to not only retain the nurses that we have but also to increase their numbers. We need to send the message that nursing is a rewarding and much needed profession. We need to do our best to make sure that nurses get the recognition that they deserve so that we can turn around the shortage. Nurses need to know that they are needed. I support H. Con. Res. 54 because it helps bring more recognition, not only to the individualized profession of visiting nurses, but also to the profession as a whole.

Visting nurses deserve all of the recognition that can be afforded. They are a valuable group of professionals that travel to the homes of some of the sickest individuals to ensure that they are receiving much- needed health care in the comfort and privacy of their own home. By supporting Visiting Nurses Associations we are supporting a system of health care that is compassionate and that allows patients to receive care while maintaining their dignity. In my district, The Visiting Nurses Association of the Inland Counties works hard to bring care to patients all over the area. I know that they are working to obtain the necessary grant money to implement essential technology so that they could treat more patients while offering the individualized care that every patient deserves. I applaud the effort of the nurses and I applaud the Congress for bringing recognition to their noble work.

Mr. Chairman, I oppose H.R. 4, the Personal Responsibility, Work and Family and Promotion Act.

I opposed this bill during the last Congress and I oppose it now. For as long as I remain in this House, I will oppose any bill that claims to help American families while punishing them. I oppose H.R. 4 because it offers no educational opportunities, and I state, no educational opportunities. It does not provide for adequate funding for child care, for child care, I state. It is very important to a lot of us.

It does not restore the benefits to legal permanent residents.

I am tired of bills that pretend to promote families, that pretend to promote families. I am tired of bills that tell the unemployed that you are just lazy.

Unemployment rates are steadily climbing in our country. It is time we get serious about fixing our problem. If you ask any person on welfare in this country if they would be rather working, overwhelmingly the majority would say yes. They desire to work and we should make sure we do increase the workforce.

We are at a time in our country where we do not have the employment right now, and more and more people are in poverty. And yet we are asking many of these individuals to go out and fight for this country. And yet we are willing to put more people out in the streets and not provide jobs. We should be providing jobs.

We should be providing educational training, vocational programs. We need to have access to English language training. We needs more access to literacy programs. Jobs in this country are becoming scarce. We need to provide help for people.

I oppose this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 25, I was detained in the Chamber when the time elapsed on the vote. Had I not been detained and as a veteran, I would have voted ``yea.''