Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Chairman Davis and Ranking Member Waxman for calling this important hearing on Internet vulnerabilities and security threats. One such vulnerability is computer viruses and I know first hand how tedious and cumbersome computer infections can be. In the past year, I have had several computer viruses and they are costly and time consuming to fix.

Through my Washington Update, I regularly email my constituents about what's happening in DC. When I wrote to my constituents about today's hearing and requested that they share with me some of their experiences with computer viruses, the response was immediate and resounding. I was immediately inundated with e-mails about the economic, social, and personal toll computer viruses have on the lives of my constituents.

Let me share a sample of these stories with you today to highlight the impact viruses can have on our daily lives.

Mark Patton, Vice President of American Remedial Technology, a small company in my community, wrote in and said:

Our business was victimized by a number of computer viruses

on one occasion. We had hired an IT consultant to provide

maintenance of our network, but unfortunately they were not

keeping up with our virus protection. As a result we had to

replace our server, upgrade our system, and subsequently fire

our IT consultant. This episode cost our small business over

$10,000 without considering the lost time we incurred.

Viruses are a threat to all businesses. . . . The lesson is

buyers beware when hiring an IT consultant, but more

importantly as businesses become more dependant on the

Internet, Internet security becomes a very important issue.

Mission Hills Mortgage Bankers/Gateway Business Bank wrote in and said:

During the height of the virus-infected e-mail, Mission

Hills Mortgage Bankers/Gateway Business Bank webmail site was

swamped with thousands of virus-laden e-mails a day in August

and September. Fortunately, our firewall and virus software

caught and cleaned up the e-mail, but the sanitized e-mail

was passed through to the individuals to whom it was

addressed. Personally, I was deleting 30 to 50 e-mails a day,

both annoying and time consuming.

What I didn't know was how vulnerable a home computer with

DSL or cable access is without a firewall even with virus-

checker software. I wasn't aware that viruses can come thru

to your computer in ways other than on an e-mail until I got

one. That was a month ago. I purchased and installed a

firewall right away. But I am still experiencing a problem

with my computer. Apparently, the damage to files can remain

after the virus is cleaned up.

This problem has not only affected businesses. Rio Hondo College wrote in and said:

We were hit hard by the ``worm'' at Rio Hondo College

during the first week of our semester this Fall. Our

mainframe computer and every desktop computer on campus were

unusable for a week. We could not register students, certify

athletic eligibility of athletes, process financial aid

requests, conduct many classes, or function in any capacity

for a whole week. Eight weeks later we are still trying to

get computers and printers and e-mail functioning for every

one.

Diane Schumacher wrote in and said:

I had a virus in September of this year. It was the SO/BIG

Virus. I got it when I purchased an item over the Internet

that came with an attachment. I have been laid-off. The last

thing I needed was to be out of contact with not only EDD,

the Employment Development Department, but also with my job

search and support groups. Not to mention the expense of

repair.

If the stories could not get any worst, this particular antidote affected me the most, Mark Calt wrote in and said:

I'd like to take pictures of my daughter who currently is 2

years old. I used my digital camera to take a picture of her

from the moment she was born and every single month until she

reached her first birthday. I stored all those pictures in my

hard drive so when I am ready, I'll sort them all out and

have them developed and make a nice album that I can show to

my daughter when she grows up and maybe play a slide show

during her debut (18th Birthday Party). But my computer was

hit by the virus just before I got them developed . . . my

one year worth of project, my dream, and my gift to my

daughter are all gone together with the pictures. I would

pay--no matter what the price--if I could retrieve all those

pictures . . . they were priceless . . . you cannot bring

back the hands of time!

The stories I've shared with you today underscore the prevalence of computer infections. Furthermore, computer viruses are a ``real problem'' not just for businesses, but home users are also affected by this costly burden. An unemployed constituent, a community college, a bank and a father, all have been victimized by computer viruses. Computer viruses affect all of us.

There is much work ahead of us to eradicate threat, so I thank each of the witnesses for being here today to discuss this important topic and I look forward to your testimony. Again, I would like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for having this hearing.

Mr. Speaker, on October 19, 2003, Mother Teresa will be beatified by Pope John Paul II. In the Catholic canonization process, beatification is the last step before sainthood. This step formalizes what much of the world has known for years: That Mother Teresa selflessly gave her life, her energy, and her love to those most in need.

The name Mother Teresa has become synonymous with charity and commitment to the poor the world over. Born in 1910 in Albania to middle class parents, Mother Teresa realized early on that she would dedicate her life to serving God and her fellow man. She joined the Loreto Sisters of Dublin, Ireland and trained to be a teacher. She taught History and Geography in Calcutta, India for 15 years.

Though she loved teaching, Mother Teresa felt she was destined for a different calling. With the blessing of Pope Pius XII, Mother Teresa began serving the poor and neglected in the slums of Calcutta, India. She taught the illiterate children of the area to read and write, but soon realized that her energies were desperately needed elsewhere. With so many homeless people dying in filth and indignity, she put her efforts toward caring for the poor

and afflicted of the community, many of whom were near death. She took in the patients that nobody else wanted. Mother Teresa cared for and loved people dying of leprosy, AIDS, cancer, and many other deadly diseases. She brought comfort and human dignity to the final weeks, days, and hours of so many suffering people.

Mother Teresa found her true calling in helping the poorest of the poor. She loved the people that no one else would love. People with no families, no homes, no access to medical care, and no place to go to die in peace, with dignity.

In 1950, Mother Teresa started her own Order, the Missionaries of Charity. The goal of Missionaries of Charity is to look after those who have no one to love and care for them. The Missionaries of Charity now have thousands of nuns serving the poor in 125 countries around the world. This is truly a remarkable legacy.

Mother Teresa has been recognized internationally for her contributions to humanity. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our country's highest honors, in 1997.

After Mother Teresa's death in 1997, Pope John Paul II waived the customary five-year waiting period to begin the process of her becoming a saint. This unprecedented consideration for this well-deserved honor confirms the importance and greatness of Mother Teresa.

Mother Teresa once said, ``I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.'' Mother Teresa serves as a shining example of the profound impact one person can have in the world. She is a model for selflessness and eternal optimism. Mother Teresa is a role model and a hero to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time, and I rise in support of her motion to reject the use of the $174 billion for Health Savings Security Accounts included in the Republicans' prescription drug bill.

On June 26, I voted against the Health Savings and Affordability Act, H.R. 2595. While it sounds like a great idea to let folks save for their out-of-pocket costs, in reality these Health Savings Accounts are a $174 billion tax cut for the wealthy. Republicans tell us that these accounts will help those without health insurance, but in reality those without health insurance have incomes that are too low to take advantage of the tax breaks in this bill. The truth is these folks do not have the additional $2,000 to $4,000 a year to put into these savings accounts.

When America is experiencing record deficits, this Republican Congress' highest priority remains increased tax cuts, and I am outraged that they are placing them into the Medicare prescription drug bill. When is this type of deception going to stop? All I ask is that my colleagues be honest with the American people. I do not think it is asking a lot for them to really be honest and level with Americans about what they are really getting in this bill.

I ask this Congress if $174 billion could not be better used? At a time when retirees are struggling with rising prescription drug costs, could the $174 billion not be used to increase incentives for employers not to drop prescription drug coverage for their retirees? If passed as is, the Medicare prescription drug bill will make those receiving employee retirement plans worse off. Currently, this is the largest source of prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, and these plans are significantly better than anything that they would receive under the Republican bill.

Under the Republican bill, the likelihood that employers will drop prescription drug coverage is great because retirees will not be able to use their health plans towards the gap in coverage. Therefore, these higher costs do not provide an incentive for employers to make prescription drug coverage available to their retirees. The Congressional Budget Office projects that approximately one-third of employers who are currently providing retiree prescription drug benefits would drop the coverage if the Republican prescription drug bill becomes law, making some 4 million retirees worse off.

In fact, this possibility of losing drug benefits from former employers is the biggest fear currently facing retirees. Already we are seeing a decline in retiree coverage due to increased prescription drug costs, which accounts for 40 to 60 percent of an employer's retiree health care costs.

We cannot stand here and allow the Republican bill to expedite this process. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support the Schakowsky motion and reject more tax cuts for the wealthy. Instead, why not be honest and do something that is right for the American people and use the $174 billion for employer subsidies to help ensure that employers do not drop their current prescription drug plans for their retirees.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today and join my colleagues in our continuing desire to establish peace in the Middle East. I joined several of my Democratic colleagues this past August in a trip to Israel to see firsthand the impact that violence has had on the people of the Middle East.

It seems that almost daily we turn on our television sets and read newspapers and learn about another bombing or missile attack in the Middle East. Just this past Saturday 19 people were killed and 50 people were injured when a suicide bomber set off an explosion in a packed restaurant in Israel.

My trip to Israel in August impacted me profoundly. One cannot begin to understand what it is like for the people of Israel to try to live under such conditions until one have traveled to the

country and has seen it firsthand. There is a difference between understanding their situation by reading about it in the newspaper and actually being there, living it and seeing it with your own eyes.

Israel is a tiny country and is practically surrounded by countries that consider Israel and Western-style democracy an enemy. Israel lives with the fear of attack every day, and Israeli citizens need to protect themselves and defend their homes. There are many regions of the country that the Israeli government holds on to simply because they improve the security and safety of their citizens.

While I was in Israel I and my colleagues saw firsthand the construction of an enormous security fence to prevent violent attacks. Once completed, this barrier will stretch for approximately 150 miles. It is a combination of ditches, barbed wire, and electric sensors. Many people have spoken out against the fence and say that it is an obstacle to achieving peace in the region. But until you have been to Israel, you cannot possibly understand what that fence means in terms of the safety and security of women and children and civilians.

I also recall during our trip being taken to border regions and being shown security footage of people trespassing over the security barriers and entering Israel without authorization. These constant dangers impact the people of Israel every day, and I was impressed with how committed the Israeli people were to protecting their country and their families in the face of so many threats. In fact, many citizens carried guns with them, ready to defend their country at a moment's notice.

It is easy for people outside of Israel to criticize them for carrying guns and constructing a security fence. But the fear and the danger that faces the people of Israel is real, and they must be allowed to protect themselves. Because of this danger, they alone know the best way to protect their citizens and secure their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that our country continues to support the government and the people of Israel. I hope that we recognize Israel's right to be a sovereign nation and Israel's right to protect itself. Most of all, I hope that peace comes to the people of Israel and all of the citizens of the Middle East.

Mr. Speaker, on September 22nd, the Long Beach Unified School District received the Broad Prize for Urban Education, which is awarded to the most outstanding school district in the country. This year the Long Beach Unified School District is America's Best Urban School System.

The Long Beach Unified School District was selected from five national finalists by a panel of 12 national leaders in the education, government, business and nonprofit sectors, including Boeing CEO Phil Condit, Florida Governor Jeb Bush and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros.

The Broad Prize for Urban Education is the largest national education award and is synonymous with the Nobel Prize for schools. The Prize is awarded annually to urban school districts making the greatest overall improvement in student achievement while at the same time reducing achievement gaps across ethnic groups and between various incomes. The winning district receives a cash award of $500,000 that goes towards scholarships for students to attend college or other post-secondary training.

Throughout the year, the Long Beach Unified School District will be highlighted and used as a model so that districts across the country can learn from their success. This will allow other school districts to replicate Long Beach's innovative teaching and educational strategies, thus extending their example and impact.

Long Beach's strength comes from their ability to evaluate and adapt its programs to meet the needs of specific students. This is no easy feat, considering that the Long Beach Unified School District is the third largest school district in California, serving 96,000 students. It also serves, according to U.S. Census, the most ethnically diverse city in the Nation with 46 different languages spoken by local students.

I commend the hard working teachers and school administrators of Long Beach for their contributions and commitment to our young people. I also would like to recognize the parents and our community for supporting the Long Beach Unified School District's efforts to help every child reach its full potential.

Education has always been tied to the promise of equality and opportunity for all and Long Beach Unified School District is an institution that gives every student an equal chance to succeed. Congratulations to the Long Beach Unified School District for this incredible achievement!

Mr. Speaker, on October 1, 2003, the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride arrived to Washington, DC. I welcome and salute the Immigrant Workers Freedom Riders.

Inspired by the 1961 freedom rides that sought to integrate bus terminals in the South, today's riders are visiting cities and towns across the country. They are raising awareness about the plight of immigrant workers and advocating for comprehensive change to our immigration system. Like Dr. Martin Luther King, these Americans, refuse to believe and I quote, ``there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity in this great nation.''

Let me share the story of one of those Americans. Salvador Guillen is the proud leader of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union (HERE) Local 681. He is a father of three children and has worked as a housekeeper at Disneyland's Paradise Pier Hotel for over 15 years. Salvador was born in Zamora, Michoacan, and has lived in the United States for 18 years. He is now a proud citizen of the United States.

In his own words, Salvador states:

I want workers like my two sisters who have not been able

to legalize and who are forced to work jobs where they are

abused, overworked, and underpaid to have the same

opportunity.

I don't want my two sisters to suffer anymore like the time

when our father was very sick. I remember they cried every

night because they could not see him. Our father recovered,

but to this day they still have not seen him since they left

Mexico years ago.

I want all immigrants who work everyday and pay taxes to

have the same opportunity I had for a better life, that is

why I took time off my work, without pay, to ride across our

country in support of immigration reform.

Salvador's journey exemplifies our democratic principles that all men and women are guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. May God bless all riders for embarking on this courageous and noble journey. I wish them all the best in New York City.

Together, we can implement sensible immigration policies that bring all immigrants one-step closer to the American Dream. For my part, I will continue to fight to defend our democratic values and make justice a reality for all of God's children. Juntos, podemos promover leyes mas justas de inmigracion, que ayuden a todos los inmigrantes en su lucha por conseguir el Sueno Americano.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome and salute the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride.

Inspired by the 1961 freedom rides that sought to integrate bus terminals in the South, today's riders are visiting cities and towns across the country. They are raising awareness about the plight of immigrant workers and advocating for comprehensive change to our immigration system. Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., these Americans refuse to believe, and I quote, that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity in this great Nation.

Let me share the story of one of those Americans. Salvador Guillen is the proud leader of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union, Local 681. He is the father of three children and has worked as a housekeeper at Disneyland's Paradise Pier Hotel for over 15 years. Salvador was born in Zamora, Michoacan, and has lived in the United States for 18 years. He is now a proud citizen of the United States.

In his own words, Salvador states: ``I want workers like my two sisters who have not been able to legalize and who are forced to work jobs where they are abused, overworked and underpaid to have the same opportunity.''

Together we can implement sensible immigration policies that bring all immigrants one step closer to the American dream.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the conference report on S. 3, in opposition to the underlying bill, the so-called Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, and in strong opposition to passing legislation that endangers the health of women and violates the U.S. Constitution.

Make no mistake about it, S. 3 endangers the health and safety of women. If this bill is signed into law, Congress will take the extraordinary step of banning a medical procedure that many physicians have concluded is safe for women.

In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concluded in their September, 2000, statement of policy that the procedure banned under S. 3 may be ``the best or most appropriate procedure in a particular circumstance to save the life or preserve the health of a woman.''

Congress should not second-guess the expertise of physicians. Likewise, Congress should not interfere with the doctor-patient relationship and limit the options available to women to protect their health. But this is exactly what the so-called Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 does. It endangers women's health by making a procedure that is the safest option for many women illegal and unavailable.

However, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act does not stop at endangering a woman's health. This bill also blatantly violates the Constitution of the United States. In the Stenberg decision, the Supreme Court struck down a Nebraska statute that is practically identical to the legislation we are talking about today. The Supreme Court struck down the Nebraska statute as unconstitutional because it failed to contain a provision that would provide an exception to the ban when the procedure is necessary to preserve the life or the health of the woman.

Despite the Supreme Court's clear and explicit ruling that a law banning partial-birth abortion procedures must have an exception to protect the life or health of the mother, the drafters of S. 3 have refused to include the exception when the procedure is necessary to protect the health of the mother. By failing to include this health exception, the law is unconstitutional.

I oppose this conference report and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the newly formed Congressional Labor and Working Families Caucus, which now has over 75 Members of this House, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this motion to protect overtime pay.

For many hardworking men and women, including cops and firefighters, nurses and first responders, overtime pay is not spare change. It helps families pay the mortgage, feed the kids, pay for college, and save for retirement. In this especially brutal economy, which has been so hard on America's working families, I urge my colleagues to not let the Bush administration shortchange our working families.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise in support of the Bishop motion to reject the use of $174 billion for health savings accounts included in the Republican prescription drug bill.

On June 26, I, along with many of my colleagues, voted against the Health Savings and Affordability Act, H.R. 2596. It sounds like a great bill, but in reality these health savings accounts are a $174 billion tax cut for the wealthy.

Republicans tell us these accounts will help those without health insurance, but in reality these people have incomes that are far too low to take advantage of the tax breaks in this bill. The truth is they do not have the additional $2,000 to $4,000 a year to put into these savings accounts.

While Americans are struggling daily, this Republican Congress is trying to give more tax cuts for the wealthy, and it is shameful to disguise it by putting it into the Medicare prescription drug bill.

At a time when our country is facing record deficits and so many seniors are struggling with rising drug costs, could $174 billion not be better used? Could it not be used, as the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop) has suggested, to significantly close the gap in coverage found in the current prescription drug bill?

Asking our seniors to pay 100 percent of their drug costs above $2,000 until catastrophic coverage kicks in is simply unacceptable. This gap in coverage is the biggest problem in the prescription drug bill, and it would have a severe impact on millions of low-income Medicare beneficiaries.

That is why, instead of giving more tax cuts to the wealthy, we must help seniors cover their prescription drug costs. That is what seniors want, and that is what our seniors deserve. In fact, according to a survey conducted by AARP, four out of five seniors did not want the Republican plan that ultimately passed this Congress.

Why did seniors oppose this plan? The answer is very simple: because under the current bill, 48 percent, nearly half of all seniors, would fall into the coverage gap and be forced to pay 100 percent of their drug costs. And that is in addition to the $35-per-month premium, in addition to paying the first $250 worth of drugs, and in addition to paying 20 percent of all their drug costs up to $2,000 a year.

The coverage gap is unacceptable. It is no way to treat the seniors in our country. They expect more and they deserve more. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support the Bishop motion and reject more tax cuts for the wealthy. Give our seniors the respect they deserve and the coverage that they need.

Mr. Speaker, on March 1, 2004, Master Sergeant Andrew R. Samuels, will be retiring after 20 years of active military service in the United States Air Force.

Master Sergeant Andrew R. Samuels was born on January 27, 1965 in Torrance, California. After graduation from Lynwood High School in 1983, Samuels enlisted in the United States Air Force in October 1983 and served as a Non-Commissioned Officer with various police squadrons in California, Arkansas, Wyoming, Korea, Japan, Alaska, Turkey, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands.

During his dedicated years of service, Samuels received the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 clusters, and the Air Force Achievement Medal with 5 clusters. Master Sergeant Andrew R. Samuels has received 30 awards and decorations during his service with the United Stated Air Force.

In 1985 Samuels was honored with an early promotion as a Senior Airman Below the Zone for his excellent service.

In 1996, Samuels became the Security NCO of the year commending his commitment and dedication to his position.

In 2000, Master Sergeant Samuels received the 3 SPSS Most Valuable Person Award along with the PACAF, Best Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Installation.

In 2001 and 2002, he accepted the Air Force Productivity and Excellence Award and the Special Recognitions Category for the Commanders in Chief Installation Excellence Award.

In 2002, Samuels received his Bachelor's of Arts degree for his completion of Security Administration at Saint Regis University.

Throughout his 20-year career, Master Sergeant Samuels has continuously demonstrated his dedication to his profession, community, and family. Samuels is a loving husband to Fukuko Tenma Samuels and an honorable father to his two sons, 2-year-old Rodney Sora and 4-months- old newborn Speed Sei Samuels.

Samuels plans to pursue work in the security and antiterrorism arena utilizing his 20 years of experience in the service. He looks forward to spending time coaching youth football, traveling, sight seeing, and listening to his collection of jazz music.

From one public servant to another, Andrew Samuel's dedication and service will be truly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez) for yielding me this time.

Throughout the United States' history of armed conflict, noncitizens have worn our military uniforms and fought in our battles. In fact, one of my uncles served in the Korean War while a legal permanent resident.

Today, approximately 3 percent of our military are legal permanent residents, but not citizens. Of that 3 percent, more than 37,000 noncitizen soldiers are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Many of the U.S. casualties in Operation Iraqi Freedom and many of the soldiers who continue to risk their lives to bring stability to Iraq are noncitizens.

I am a strong supporter of measures that provide opportunities for legal permanent residents serving in our military to become U.S. citizens. These individuals are making enormous sacrifices. Without being citizens and without having the protection that that status gives them, these immigrant men and women are willing to risk their own lives to defend this Nation.

The least we can do is give them something in return. What this motion to instruct does is instruct the conferees to accept the Senate provisions that expedite the naturalization process for members serving in the U.S. military and the selected reserves.

The Senate provision also protects spouses, children, and parents of soldiers killed in action by preserving their ability to file for permanent residence in the United States.

The provisions are an effective way to show those noncitizens serving in our Armed Services that their efforts are appreciated. The provisions provide noncitizen soldiers with the opportunity to apply for citizenship after 2 years of military service instead of the 3-year requirement currently in law.

The provisions waive naturalization fees and provide for naturalization proceeds to take place overseas. It also allows for the spouse, children, and parents of legal permanent resident soldiers killed in action to apply for citizenship.

I am pleased that the Senate provisions deem the parents of soldiers killed in action to petition for immediate family status. When the House version of this bill was considered, I was concerned that parents of legal permanent resident soldiers killed in combat were not eligible for citizenship if they were outside the United States at the time their child was killed. Those same parents would be eligible if they were here in the United States and it made no sense. A parent is a parent whether they happen to have gone to their home country for a short time or whether they are in the process of waiting for a visa application renewal or whether some other circumstance prevented them from being in the United States when their child was killed in combat.

I am pleased the Senate provision of this bill made these provisions an important part of their bill.

Again, I support the motion to instruct conferees on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and benefit noncitizens who are serving in our Armed Services and protecting the freedoms that we hold so dear.

Mr. Speaker, for the past 40 years the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of Small Business Week. This year National Small Business Week runs from September 15th through the 20th. Since the founding of our country, small businesses have contributed immeasurably to our progress and economic strength.

Let us celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit in America during National Small Business Week. The approximately 23 million small businesses in the United States employ more than half of the country's private work force, create three of every four new jobs, and generate most of America's innovations. Small businesses are the backbone of this country and they are an enduring symbol of the American Dream.

For example, five years ago a young couple in my district had a dream to open a grocery store in the City of Whittier, California. Their vision for the store was to specialize in fresh, ready to prepare Hispanic foods in the historic district of Whittier. Country Fresh Market has found a niche in the grocery retail market that has posted double-digit gains from last year. Subsequently, on March 27th Country Fresh Market was featured on the Food Network in a nationally broadcast segment of ``Food Finds,'' hosted by Sandra Pinkney.

Country Fresh Market is a business success story, and they make many contributions to their local community, including the local Boys and Girls Club and YMCA's Annual Pancake Breakfast. Since its inception, Country Fresh Market has also had four employees graduate from college and helped many of its employees purchase homes. Country Fresh Market prides itself in its employees' success, because its employees are its ``familia'' (family).

Country Fresh Market is a true business success in my district. As a member of the small business community, I'm working to increase the SBA's microloan program from $35,000 to $50,000. By helping small businesses gain access to capital, I hope to bolster the number of small businesses that succeed each year.

Today, let us honor small businesses, like Country Fresh Market. By celebrating America's small businesses, we are keeping the American Dream alive and well for today, and for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, on September 11, the world watched in horror as nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93, that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

September 11 is one of the defining events of an entire generation. Each of us vividly remembers where we were and how we heard the news of the attacks. Like so many others, I watched as the second plane slammed into the World Trade Center, and then as the two towers came crashing down. I heard the reports of the attack on the Pentagon, then the news that the last plane had crashed in Pennsylvania. And like all Americans, I sat in shock and horror worrying about the safety of my loved ones.

I was lucky enough to find out that everyone I knew was safe. Many were not so lucky. The events of September 11 helped me to take stock in my life and to appreciate the enormous sacrifice of ordinary Americans.

This tragic moment in our history produced a new definition of the word ``hero.'' You could see this exemplified on Halloween in 2001 when children across America traded in their Superman and Spiderman costumes for those of fireman, policeman and paramedics. On September 11th children witnessed real heroes--the firemen who rushed into the burning Twin Towers, the police who did everything possible to rescue those in need, and the medical personnel who tirelessly worked to save lives. It has been said before, but should be remembered everyday--these ordinary people did extraordinary things without hesitation and with enormous sacrifice.

There were also heroes in the sky that day. The brave passengers of Flight 93 saved the lives of others by forcing their plane to the ground. What an incredible act of self-sacrifice! And let's not forget the workers who came to ground zero day after day to sift through the rubble, looking for survivors, and eventually looking for the remains of the victims. They are heroes.

On the 2nd Anniversary of September 11th, I think again of my loved ones and I want to say to all the families and friends who lost someone on this heartbreaking day--you are heroes. You have endured an unthinkable loss and yet everyday find the strength to go on. I admire your courage and resilience. You are a great inspiration to all Americans.

Let us honor the valor and sacrifice of these heroes by living life to the fullest. Let us reflect on their actions and lives and be inspired to build a better America.

Mr. Speaker, on August 16, 2003, the La Mirada Junior League baseball team won in its first appearance in the Junior League World Series by defeating Santiago, Panama 8-7 for the title of 2003 Junior League World Champions.

La Mirada, located 18 miles southeast of Los Angeles, is the fourth Junior League baseball team from California to win the World Championship.

The La Mirada team, also the California state champions, started the four-team Western Regional Tournament with a 5-3 loss to Scottsdale, Arizona, but came back with four straight victories to win the title.

La Mirada eliminated Aiea, Hawaii, which won the Junior League World Series in 2000 and 2001, then beat hosting Union City, California and won two straight games over Arizona to arrive at the Junior League World Series with a 17-2 overall record.

Founded in 1981, the Junior League World Series is the older brother of the Little League World Series. The Junior League World Series is a spectacular weeklong international tournament for the best teams of 13- and 14-year-old baseball players from around the world and is played every year in beautiful Heritage Park in Taylor, Michigan.

It has blossomed to include teams from around the globe: from Europe, Latin America, the Asia-Pacific region, Canada, and the United States. To date, participating teams have come from 27 different states in the U.S., four Canadian provinces, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Guam, Poland, Venezuela, Saipan and, for the first time in 2003, Russia.

La Mirada's all-star roster included: Chris Amezquita, Jordyn Baldwin, Jason Dovel, Frankie Fichera, George Gonzalez, Jacob Johnson, Stephen Kaupang, Michael Le Blanc, Brandon Pesante, Kevin Platzer, A.J. Rodriguez and Taylor Seimens with coaches Larry Kaupang and Gary Bouchard, and Manager Jim Gordon.

La Mirada braved rain delays and lack of electricity caused by the Nation's largest power outage during the week-long tournament to win against regional champions Mansfield, Massachusetts (East); Urbandale, Iowa (Central); Bridgewater, Virginia (South); and Sugar Land, Texas (Southwest) to become the United States champion.

The final game of the international tournament between La Mirada and Panama may have been the most dramatic with the lead changing hands five times.

La Mirada won the championship game with exceptional pitching, an explosive offense and an excellent defense. La Mirada took the lead in the 6th inning with a three-run homer and fended off a final inning, two-run rally.

According to everyone involved, the trip to the Junior League World Series will be remembered by the players, coaches and their family members not only for the games played, but also for their shared memories of their time together.