Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Campbell Mayor Daniel E. Furtado, Councilmember Jeannette Watson, and Campbell Police Captain Russell Patterson. Their work in Campbell, California, has made that city one of our Nation's safest. Today, the National League of Cities commended these leaders for developing a homeland security preparedness program that serves as a national model.

Since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, each level of government has been faced with the challenge of making our homeland more secure. In developing the City of Campbell's Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness Program, Campbell's leaders have met this challenge by coordinating efforts between government agencies, local schools and universities, and community based organizations in order to respond to disasters quickly and efficiently.

This highly effective program utilizes an ``All Hazards'' approach, sharing information and resources used to combat both natural disasters and the kind of terrorist attacks our country witnessed two years ago. The program allows for the expansion of an emergency management organization based on the severity of each possible disaster or terrorist attack.

The Mayor, City Council, and Police Department deserve our gratitude. They have made invaluable contributions to the City of Campbell over the past two years.

I hope other cities throughout the United States are able to emulate Campbell's achievements, as America moves forward in protecting our homeland. The people of Campbell are more prepared for catastrophes, and are privileged to have proactive public servants working for them.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I offer a simple amendment that subtracts $1 million from the San Francisco Muni Third Street Light Rail Project and adds that amount to the Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Corridor Project.

The Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Corridor Project is a meritorious project that deserves Federal funding. It will connect BART with the highly frequented Santa Clara County destinations, including Santa Clara County's light rail system, ACE rail system, Cal Train's San Jose Station, the planned people mover at the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Airport, and thousands of Silicon Valley employers.

In addition, this project is the last link needed to complete the connection of all the region's rail systems around San Francisco Bay. Mr. Chairman, I am honored and thankful that the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Istook) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver) support this effort, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment as well.

I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thanking the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger) for offering this motion to instruct conferees on the child tax credit. I really appreciate his commitment to this important issue, and also his expertise in being able to explain the fairness of what we want to do, fairness to the public of this country.

This is not the first time I have spoken out on the child tax credit. In fact, this is not the first time Democrats have spoken out on this issue either. For over 3 months, Democrats have been fighting to expand the child tax credit to the 12 million children Republicans left behind. We will continue to speak out on this floor and we will continue to fight this Republican leadership until we provide this benefit for all working families.

Back in July, I know many Americans received a check for the child tax credit in the mail from the IRS. However, and it has been said before, 6.5 million families received no check or a smaller check because the Republicans decided they did not deserve this money. The Republicans decided that when they put together their $350 billion tax cut bill, Republicans decided they had room for dividend and capital gains tax cuts, 72 percent of which goes to the top 5 percent of the households. They decided they had room to provide tax cuts of over $93,500 to those making over a million dollars. But when it came time to do a child tax credit, they decided they could not afford to help all working families.

Mr. Speaker, I know many Americans listen to these debates, and the message we Members try to convey often gets lost in all of the technical and legislative terminology. So what is our message today? It is simply this: Republicans managed to pass a $350 billion tax cut but deliberately left 12 million children behind, and Democrats have been continuing to fight on behalf of those 12 million children.

Mr. Speaker, let us talk about fairness for everybody: 262,000 of these children are from military families; 178,000 are children from farming families; 567,000 are children of nurses and orderlies. They say no to these children. Three hundred thirty-seven thousand are children of teachers. They say no to these additional children.

We can go on and talk about earned income, but this is fairness for all people with children in this country and they deserve a child tax credit.

Offered By: Mr. Honda of California

amendment No. 30: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Japanese American National Bowling Association (JANBA). From its noble inception to oppose discrimination after World War II, JANBA continues to be a forum for social interaction and friendly competition for its thousands of members throughout the United States.

After internment in World War II, Japanese Americans trying to return to a life of normalcy discovered bowling as an engaging social pursuit. The sport quickly became a popular pastime with many joining bowling leagues and competitions. However, a restriction against Japanese Americans on the national stage was quickly realized.

In 1947, Mr. Rokuro ``Fuzzy'' Shimada was planning to bowl in a Santa Clara bowling league. However, he was denied acceptance due to the league's ``whites only'' membership policy set by the American Bowling Congress (ABC). In objection, the National Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Nisei Bowling Tournament was birthed later that year. The selected venue was Salt Lake City, Utah, the headquarters of the National JACL at that time. Despite its inaugural year, the tournament was able to attract nearly 300 participants.

Admirably, Mr. ``Fuzzy'' Shimada was inducted into the ABC Hall of Fame as a Pioneer in 1997, after the discriminatory rules were absolved in 1951.

From 1947 to 1973, the National JACL Nisei Bowling Tournament was held annually at multiple locations across the United States. Then in 1974, the Japanese American National Bowling Association was spawned when it was agreed by the JACL Advisory Board of Bowling to form a separate organization from the JACL. Mr. Ozzie Shimada acted as the president pro tem for the first year.

The Annual JANBA Tournament has continued its heralded traditions passed down from the JACL. Recently, the 2003 JANBA tournament was held in San Francisco. Over 800 men and women bowlers of all ages enjoyed

competing in multiple tournament formats during the weeklong event.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the Japanese American National Bowling Association (JANBA) for its courageous beginnings to oppose segregation in the aftermath of World War II and providing a venue for social interaction and friendly competition for fellow Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a dedicated public servant, Daniel Villanueva Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez's unexpected passing on June 6, 2003 ended a life committed to his community, social justice, and most importantly, his family. The Bay Area has indeed lost an extremely great lawyer, who advocated for the rights of the less fortunate. His work and legacy will continue through the many lives he touched.

Born in 1944 to Ignacio and Maria Hernandez in Texas, Daniel traveled with his family across the Southwest as migrant farm workers. Every summer, his family would travel to Santa Clara County to pick prunes. From his experience as a migrant worker, he learned the values of hard work, determination, and the importance of education.

It was his father who made certain all nine children, including Daniel, graduated from high school. Daniel exceeded his father's dreams by attending San Jose State University, where his activism flourished, and he became a fiery leader. Daniel's goal during his life was to ensure others had access to the same opportunities he enjoyed.

At San Jose State University, Daniel started the organization called Student Initiative. As the leader of this organization of Latino students, Daniel became a leading voice for the rights of minorities. At this time in history, our country was engaged in the Vietnam War. Many of his friends were being drafted into the combat, and it was clear to Daniel that the underprivileged were not given equal treatment. Daniel did not stand on the sidelines. With passion and conviction, he organized students and led demonstrations against the war.

Knowing the importance of education, Daniel worked on enabling more Mexican American students to attend college. Through his creation of another organization, the Mexican American Student Confederation, he brought 200 students into the college system in one year alone.

Emboldened with the desire to make a difference, Daniel brought together students from different campuses across California to fight against discriminatory practices. He spoke out on the issues of poverty, civil rights, and affordable housing, and on many occasions, he civilly disobeyed laws that were unjust to Mexican Americans and the less fortunate.

Daniel reached out beyond the college campus, in order to work with United People Arriba. Through the organization, he helped bring a medical clinic and 193 affordable housing units to the predominantly Latino East Side of San Jose.

It was through the encouragement of his wife, Jessie Serna, that he decided to pursue a career in law. He had the ability and the heart to truly make a difference. He attended and earned his law degree from Golden Gate University.

During the 22 years he practiced law, Mr. Hernandez would represent the poorest people, and would take on the most difficult of cases. To him no case was hopeless. Knowing that a person was imprisoned falsely was a matter Mr. Hernandez could not accept. He made certain his clients were equally represented before the court of law.

In addition to decades of service fighting to protect the rights of the less fortunate, Daniel dedicated countless hours to the Mexican American community through his services as a community activist and mentor. He was, for example, an effective advocate for the Pro Bono Project. The Pro Bono Project allowed future lawyers to contribute their services to the poor in need of legal services. Mr. Hernandez was a mentor to many future attorneys through his service with the Pro Bono Project.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a friend. I have had many opportunities to meet with Mr. Hernandez, and what amazed me most about him was his dedication and determination to help others. The passion and love he had for public service will be missed by all of us. The Bay Area was fortunate to have Mr. Hernandez as an activist, family man, and friend. I am personally fortunate to represent a district that Mr. Hernandez touched with his courageous works.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to voice my opposition to the fiscal year 2004 VA-HUD Appropriations bill. After passing sweeping tax cuts for the wealthy, the Republican majority in this House is once again telling the American people that not enough money is available to adequately fund programs for our Nation's veterans and poor.

Consider, for example, that this appropriations bill provides $25.2 billion for veterans' health care--$1.8 billion less than was promised in the Republican budget resolution passed earlier this year. While Republicans may assert that $25.2 billion is a $1.4 billion increase over fiscal year 2003 levels, the truth is that this modest ``increase'' does not keep pace with hospital inflation or the growth in the numbers of veterans enrolled.

The bill will only exacerbate the crisis in veterans' medical care. In fact, in a recently released report, the American Legion concluded that an average of 200,000 veterans must routinely wait 6 months or more for an appointment at the Veterans Administration's hospitals. Sadly, some veterans die before they even see their doctor. It is shameful that this Congress is turning its back on the same veterans that fought for the safety of this nation. I will continue to fight to fulfill our obligation to those who have served our country so well.

Just as this bill shortchanges America's veterans, it also fails thousands of poor Americans that rely on Federal housing assistance. The VA-HUD Appropriations bill provides funding for the ``Section 8'' housing choice voucher program. The voucher program enables low-income families with children, the elderly, and the disabled to rent apartments in the private market. It makes up the difference between what low-income people can afford to pay for housing and what private rents are, and is a critical source of support for more than 2 million families. Without vouchers, many of these families would be stuck in overcrowded or unsafe housing, or even worse, wind up homeless.

While the bill before us today improves upon the President's inadequate request for this program, it still falls short of the amount needed to continue all vouchers in use, according to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office and outside experts. Specifically, the House bill uses data on voucher costs that date as far back as April 2001. Mr. Chairman, as we all know, housing costs in most parts of the country have been steadily rising since then, and it is unrealistic to ignore those market trends in setting HUD's budget for the year.

If the shortfall in this bill is not addressed, 85,000 families will not have the funding for their vouchers renewed. This kind of cut would be unprecedented in the history of the voucher program. In fact, what we should be talking about today is how to make more vouchers available to families, not fewer. Only a fraction of eligible households receive vouchers, and most people face a several-year wait for a voucher.

And last but not least, I will be opposing the fiscal year 2004 VA- HUD Appropriations bill because it makes rash and unwise cuts in the AmeriCorps program, a program that embodies the spirit of altruism and service that has made our nation great.

In his 2002 State of the Union address, President Bush introduced the Freedom Corps program to further encourage volunteerism across our nation, asserting that ``we need mentors to love children, especially children whose parents are in prison, and we need more talented teachers in troubled schools.'' At that time, the President announced his goal for the Freedom Corps to ``expand and improve the good efforts of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps to recruit more than 200,000 new volunteers.'' In providing 20 percent less than the President's request, the House fails to heed the President's call for national service. Indeed, this bill will limit new enrollment in AmeriCorps to 55,000. The House, once again, is falling short of its responsibility to support all those Americans who so desperately need our help.

We can do much better than the bill before us today. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 2861.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) for yielding me this time.

I have about three or four pages of written comments; so I have to say my comments within a minute.

I am opposing H.R. 2210. I was a classroom teacher and a principal. And my wife has been a kindergarten teacher since 1965. So most of us here, we talk about Head Start from personal experiences and from professional experiences rather than sitting in the board rooms of school board members and other things, volunteers to these programs; and I am not going to question the motivations of those who are proposing this bill. But I have to say from my gut that you are wrong. You are wrong about the direction you are headed with Head Start. We understand because we lived it, and we understand it because we worked with the youngsters and we saw it work.

I had two primary schools. I established two Head Start programs. Our teachers worked with youngsters who spoke Cambodian, Vietnamese, Spanish; and our kindergarten teachers and first and third grade teachers said it works. If it ain't broke, why do you want to adjust it?

Mr. Chairman, as a former teacher and principal, I rise today to voice my opposition to H.R. 2210, the Republican Head Start Reauthorization bill.

We should be increasing funding for Head Start, so that all eligible children can enroll. We should be increasing the salaries of Head Start teachers, and providing the necessary resources to improve teacher quality. We need to continue to impose the high standards that Head Start has been required to meet for the past 38 years.

Instead, Republicans are advocating for the exact opposite. They support trillion dollar tax cuts, but refuse to provide resources for disadvantaged children. The Head Start Reauthorization bill would dismantle this critical program by shortchanging teachers, denying services to eligible children, and weakening accountability.

Republicans shortchange Head Start teachers. Currently, Head Start teachers only make about half of what kindergarten teachers make. Common sense tells us that increasing salaries is imperative for attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers.

However, Republicans only provide an annual increase of $49 for teacher salaries and education next year--this is over $300 million short of what is needed in 2004, and $2 billion short of what is needed over the lifetime of the bill.

As vice chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am particularly alarmed by how these Republican cuts will hurt APA communities. Nationwide, over 25,000 APA children are served by Head Start.

In California alone, over 6,000 APA children are enrolled in Head Start, with over half of them coming from homes where English is not the primary language. By cutting funding for Head Start, Republicans deny these children the opportunities they richly deserve.

Mr. Chairman, I urge all Members to put the needs of children first, and vote against the Republican's proposal to destroy the Head Start program.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of the Lines of Violation exhibition at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Organized by the Women's Development Institute International, the Asian American Women's Coalition, and the Philadelphia Branch of the American Association of University Women, this exhibition will showcase British artist Andrew Ward's sculptural piece Lines of Violation. This contemporary work of art memorializes the indignity suffered by 200,000 ``comfort women'' in Asia before and during World War II.

These women were ordinary civilians--some of whom were young girls who had barely reached adolescence, others of whom were married women with children at home--who were forced into prostitution by the Japanese Imperial Army. Most of these victims were Korean nationals, but they included Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Indonesian, Burmese, Pacific Islander, and even American women as well.

Life in the so-called ``comfort houses'' established in the wake of the Japanese warpath was agonizing. The women there were raped multiple times each day, often contracting debilitating sexually transmitted diseases while suffering all the mental and emotional repercussions of their dehumanization. Many women lost their fertility; some committed suicide. The comfort houses' proximity to the hostilities on the surrounding battlefields compounded the comfort women's misery and fear.

Those women who managed to survive and return to their homes after the war had believed that they would be compensated for their labor, but payment never came. While a number of former comfort women have filed lawsuits against the perpetrators of these unspeakable crimes, virtually none have succeeded in securing either a formal apology or monetary compensation. Even to this day the vast majority of former comfort women have not received the atonement payments that they were promised by the Japanese government in 1995.

The injustice that these victims have suffered prompted the United Nations to send artist Andrew Ward to Asia in 1998 to interview 52 former comfort women. At once horrified

and inspired by their stories, Ward created Lines of Violation as a modern monument to the forbearance that these women showed both during the war and in the decades since.

Lines of Violation depicts life-size drawings of the hands of these 52 Filipino, Taiwanese, Korean, and Dutch former comfort women. Ward relied on his sense of touch to sketch their hands, thereby capturing his response to the women's emotions immediately in the moment. The drawings are encased in two 7.5 foot-high and 23 foot-long semicircular plexi-glass frames lit by shifting lights in the center of the installation. A sound system projects the voices of the victims recounting their stories, constantly infusing the artwork with their presence.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud today's opening of the Lines of Violation exhibition in Philadelphia. Lines of Violation has already touched countless viewers in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and now for the first time Americans will have the opportunity to experience this unique work of art. I sincerely hope that this exhibition will heighten awareness of the terrible crimes committed against these women and hasten the day when they achieve the justice that they deserve at last.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to begin by thanking the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), for their leadership in crafting this legislation and the support for this noncontroversial bipartisan amendment.

I would also like to give a special thanks to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) for working with us on this amendment.

This amendment, based on legislation I introduced earlier this year, the Teacher Mentoring Act, would permit the use of grant funds to be used for teacher mentoring programs and is supported by the American Federation of Teachers.

As a former teacher and principal, I can attest to the critical role teacher mentoring programs play in preparing and retaining teachers for the many challenges they will face. Teacher retention rates remain a critical problem for our Nation's schools.

According to the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future, nearly a quarter of new teachers quit by the end of their second year, and almost half leave within 5 years. This revolving-door phenomenon is particularly problematic in high-poverty schools, where the turnover rate is almost one-third higher than the national average. Teachers who leave the profession often point to support programs for beginning teachers as a key to increasing retention rates.

One critical source of support can be found through teacher mentoring programs that will pair new teachers with experienced educators serving as mentors. A large majority of school districts today have enacted teacher mentoring programs that have proven successful in retaining teachers. In fact, teachers without mentoring programs have been shown to leave the profession at a rate almost 70 percent higher than those with mentoring programs.

My amendment, Mr. Chairman, will help provide the necessary resources for these essential programs, and I urge all Members to support this bipartisan amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the elderly and disabled have waited long enough for a prescription drug benefit in Medicare and for relief from the high cost of prescription drug prices. While the Republicans have been busy voting on permanent tax cuts, seniors throughout the country have been waiting for Congress to take action on prescription drugs. All seniors need relief from prescription drug prices, and they need it now.

However, the Republican prescription drug bill completely fails the test of a real Medicare drug benefit. The Republican bill has no guaranteed minimum benefit, no guaranteed, affordable monthly premium, and no guarantee of fair drug prices. To add insult to injury, their bill leaves a huge coverage gap. Seniors who need more than $2,000 worth of drugs must pay one hundred percent out-of-pocket, and keeping paying premiums, until they reach the $3,500 out-of-pocket cap.

Mr. Speaker, the Democrats have an alternative we hope to offer. Under the Democratic plan, seniors and individuals with disabilities will be able to keep making the choices that matter to them. Seniors won't be forced to join an HMO. They won't have to join a private insurance plan that will restrict their access to needed drugs, deny coverage for the medicine their doctors prescribe, or force them to change pharmacies. And unlike the Republican plan, our plan has no gap--beneficiaries will always have coverage.

Mr. Speaker, the time is now for a real, meaningful, and affordable Medicare prescription drug benefit. Unfortunately, it looks like this Republican-led House won't be providing one anytime soon.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 298, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, today I join with my colleagues, Representatives Lofgren and Eshoo, in honoring the life of a dedicated public servant, Keith Garvey. Mr. Garvey's recent death ended a life committed to work, people, humor, compassion, and most importantly, his family. We also lost a great union leader, who fought for the rights of working families, and a dedicated Democratic Party activist. His work and legacy will be endure through the many lives he touched.

Born in 1946 to Joseph and Virginia Garvey in Pensacola, FL, Keith and his family later moved to Chicago where his parents raised him to develop a love for public service. Both of Keith's parents served in World War II in the Navy. His father, Joseph Garvey, was a wartime pilot and his mother, Virginia Brewster Garvey, taught instrument flying to British and United States personnel. Keith followed in their footsteps in many ways.

After graduating from Northwestern University in 1968 with a Bachelors Degree in History, Keith answered the Nation's call to duty by enlisting in the Army. During his time in the Army, he became an excellent soldier and leader. In fact, his leadership inspired confidence in his troops who followed him into battle in Vietnam. His bravery earned him two bronze stars and the rank of First Lieutenant.

After his honorable discharge in 1971, Keith explored the world and ventured to Australia for a 6 month learning experience, selling encyclopedias door to door. Following his trip in Australia, Keith returned to the United States moving to the Bay Area, a region he would call home for the remainder of his life.

In the Bay Area, Keith started his career in public service when he was hired by the city of San Jose as an emergency dispatcher. When the county took over these services in 1974, Keith began what would be 28 years of service to the county as a supervising dispatcher and union leader.

In 1978, Keith met his wife Carol at work, where both served as emergency dispatchers. After 2 years of dating and working with one another, they married in Alaska, and, together as a team, worked to help the public.

With his partner by his side, Keith became more involved in his union. Through his dedication and tireless efforts, he became a respected union leader. His involvement within the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) Local 715 offered a clear and effective voice to the people he served. As a representative of his union, Keith earned the respect and confidence of his fellow colleagues. Eventually his volunteer work in the SEIU earned him the position of president of the County Employees Management Association (CEMA).

During his term as president, Keith ventured out into the region to help others. He fought for livable wages and worker rights for all people. He also joined the United Farm Workers' Movement and became a close friend of the Cesar Chavez family.

After leaving CEMA, he became president and overseer for the County Employees Labor Association. Similar to his work at CEMA, Keith continued his mission helping county workers up to his death.

In addition to decades of service fighting for the rights of workers and the underrepresented, Keith dedicated countless hours to the Democratic Party through his service on the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee, on hundreds of democratic campaigns, on issue campaigns important to working people, and in his work with his wife for Democratic Activists for Women Now.

Mr. Speaker, we rise to mourn the loss of a friend and mentor. We have had many opportunities to work with Mr. Garvey, and what was most amazing about him was the hard work and determination he had in helping others. Along with an unmatched sense of humor, the passion and love he had for public service will be missed by many. The Bay Area was fortunate to have Mr. Garvey as a resident and activist, and we are personally fortunate to represent a region that Mr. Garvey touched with his courageous works.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions and achievements of Battalion Chief Hal Chase on his retirement from the Santa Clara County Fire Department. Chief Chase has dedicated over thirty years to the community and fire department of Santa Clara County.

Chief Chase lives in Los Gatos, California, with his lovely wife, Karen, and three beautiful children, Brian, Christine, and Michael. He met his wife while serving as the President of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1165, during which he worked diligently to increase benefits and improve working conditions for his fellow fire fighters. Currently,

Chief Chase oversees Battalion 3 of the Santa Clara County Fire Department, consisting of seven stations and their heroic crews.

Affectionately referred to as ``The Senator'' by his peers, Chief Chase has served as the Program Facilitator for the Hazardous Materials Program. He is a member of the California State FIRESCOPE Task Force. In addition, Hal manages the Department's Response Map Program, Hose Program, and Hydrant Testing Program.

With these awesome responsibilities, it is a wonder how Chief Chase can reserve time for other commitments. But his contributions to his community are just as extensive. Chief Chase is committed to the high school anti-drinking campaign, ``Every 15 Minutes.'' Through his tireless efforts, much needed fire equipment was donated to Mexico, including coats, hats, and even fire engines. Hal is also a strong supporter of the Democratic Party.

On occasion, Chief Chase has been known to forego his fire fighting skills to purposely starting them, in the kitchen. He has applied his passion for cooking for not only the pleasure of his crew, but also for charity. Along with the raised monies, raffled dinners at the firehouse have promoted stronger relations with the community.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Battalion Chief Hal Chase for his magnanimous dedication to the community and fire department of Santa Clara County. Although we celebrate his retirement, I know Chief Chase will continue serving Santa Clara, even if only out of the kitchen.

Mr. Speaker, in the nine months since we lost the irrepressible Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink, my colleagues and communities across the Nation have celebrated the incredible ``firsts'' and the numerous battles that Patsy waged on the behalf of Americans who needed a voice in federal policymaking the most.

Congresswoman Mink's record as an advocate for civil rights is unassailable, a crowing achievement being the passage of Title IX of the federal education amendments in 1972. This landmark legislation banned gender discrimination in schools, both in academic and athletics.

She awakened all of our social consciousness through her tireless advocacy, work and dedication; inspiring students, community leaders, political appointees and especially elected officials of the Asian Pacific American communities and beyond.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to have been touched by her life knows that this nation has lost a true warrior in the constant struggle for justice. We will all miss her counsel and guidance, as well as her friendship.

Patsy Mink was there at the beginning of many things. She was born at the time when women and minorities were not given fair opportunities to achieve their dreams. She remains a role model for countless women, as well as those of us from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Though she is not physically present, her spirit and legacy will live on through those of us who believe that the fight for fairness and equity is never over. I find it a very fitting tribute to pass H.R. 2030. This post office located in Pa`ia, Maui will be a constant reminder to us of our great friend Patsy Mink and is the least we can do to ensure her legacy continues.