Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, yesterday's Congressional Record reflects my vote as ``Nay'' on Rollcall Vote 266, Representative Sweeney's amendment to Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005. I would like to state for the Record that my vote should have been ``Yea.''

Representative Sweeney's amendment would increase funding to Urban Area Security Initiative, which provides discretionary grants to high- threat, high-density urban areas, providing that program with $1.45 billion. This initiative will significantly enhance the ability of urban areas to prevent, deter, and recover from threats and incidents of terrorism. This program is essential for urban cities like Sacramento, California to address its unique security challenges as a large urban area. Right now funds previously directed from this initiative are being used to protect high-risk critical infrastructure facilities and to promote comprehensive regional coordination and planning. I strongly support this amendment that will increase the ability for urban areas to protect against the potential threats they face.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4520. Let me be clear--I support enacting legislation that would bring the United States into compliance with its WTO obligations and lead to the removal of the millions of dollars in sanctions that are hurting farmers and business across America. However, I cannot support a bill that provides over $250 million in corporate tax cuts over 10 years-- during a time when our nation is experiencing record deficits.

Mr. Speaker, this year, the United States is expected to incur record deficits of over $450 billion. Over the next 10 years, the nation's debt is expected to grow by more than $2.5 trillion! If there ever was a time when Congress should be promoting fiscal responsibility--now is that time.

Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today would add hundreds of billions of dollars to our nation's deficit over the next ten years. The official cost of this bill is $34 billion. However, this estimate severely underestimates the true, long-term cost of the bill. The legislation includes numerous budget gimmicks--such as phasing in some of the major tax cuts and scheduling other tax cuts to expire after only a few years. In fact, when these budget gimmicks are removed, the true long-term cost of the bill is more than $250 billion!

Mr. Speaker, it is important to consider what the American people are getting for a bill that would add hundreds of billions of dollars to our nation's deficit. Unfortunately, rather than addressing critical national priorities--such as protecting Social Security and Medicare, providing incentives for the creation of U.S. jobs, or promoting affordable and accessible health care--this bill would provide billions of dollars in tax cuts to special interests and corporations.

Mr. Speaker, almost two-thirds of America's corporations paid no federal taxes from 1996 to 2000, according to a study by the General Accounting Office. Given these figures, I cannot understand why we would not take the money raised by repealing our WTO-inconsistent tax provisions and use these funds to address America's critical priorities--such as paying down the national debt to protect Social Security and Medicare, promoting U.S. jobs, or providing for affordable and accessible health care.

Mr. Speaker, we are a nation at war. We have deficits so large that international organizations like the IMF are warning that the continuation of our fiscal policies threaten to hurt not just the U.S. economy, but the global economy. This is no time to be giving special interests and corporations hundreds of billions in tax cuts. Mr. Speaker, the legislation under consideration today is a stark reflection of the differences in priorities and values that many of us have with the current tax and economic agenda of the majority. I strongly encourage my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to congratulate Parliamentarian Charles Johnson on four decades of service to the U.S. House of Representatives, and to wish him the very best for a well-earned retirement.

As all Members are aware, the job of House Parliamentarian is an exceedingly difficult one. One must have a scholarly grasp of the rules governing this institution, the integrity to be an honest and fair judge, and an ability to work with both sides of the aisle in contentious moments. Throughout my twenty-five years of service in the House, I have seen Charlie exhibit these qualities with the highest distinction.

Charlie began his service in the Parliamentarian's office in 1964, shortly after graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law. In 1994, he was appointed Parliamentarian by a Democratic Speaker, Tom Foley. In a testament to his character, he was then reappointed by two Republican Speakers, Newt Gingrich and Dennis Hastert. All Members of this body have relied on Charlie's keen intellect and sound judgment, day in and day out. He has served with the greatest integrity and will be missed. However, all Members welcome his respected successor John Sullivan, who Charlie has mentored.

Fittingly, Charlie will continue to serve our country in other ways when he retires from this institution. In collaboration with the Parliamentarian of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, he plans to produce a book on parliamentary procedure that will be a welcome addition to the field. In addition, after an activity that is dear to my heart, he will lend his talents to the San Francisco Giants as a batting practice pitcher.

I want to thank Charlie for his wisdom, his commitment to being a nonpartisan advisor, and above all his forty years of service to the United States House of Representatives. We thank him for sharing his life with us these many years, and wish him the very best in his endeavors to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to protest what I consider to be one of the most egregious examples of the reckless fiscal policies that are being pursued relentlessly by those on the other side of the aisle. Today, the majority has decided to distort the child tax credit--a policy intended to help lower- and middle-income families support their children--and twist it into yet another tax break for the rich.

Mr. Speaker, I favor making the existing $1,000 tax credit permanent, and I favor expanding the credit to cover more low-income families. However, I cannot support a policy that would provide a tax credit for families that make more than $300,000, while denying a credit to those with the lowest incomes.

The bill that the majority has proposed today would greatly expand the tax credit for families with incomes between $100,000 and $300,000, but would not allow a low-income family where a parent works full-time, year-round at the minimum wage to receive the credit! The tax credit would remain unavailable to families with incomes below $10,500. Approximately 8 million children are in families with incomes below this amount! Mr. Speaker, it seems to me that those families with incomes below $10,500 are having a much harder time affording the costs of raising a child than are families with incomes of $300,000, and yet this bill does nothing to help them.

Not only would the bill under consideration today provide another tax break to those who do not need one, but it would do so by digging a deeper hole in our federal deficit. Mr. Speaker, the deficit this year is expected to be the largest in history! Yet, this bill would add more than a quarter of a trillion dollars to that deficit--and nearly a third of the cost ($69 billion) is due to the expansion in tax breaks for those with incomes between $110,000 and $300,000.

Mr. Speaker, we are a nation at war. We have deficits so large that international organizations like the IMF are warning that the continuation of our fiscal policies threaten to hurt not just the U.S. economy, but the global economy. This is no time to be using borrowed money to give tax breaks to those who do not need them. Mr. Speaker, the legislation under consideration today is a stark reflection of the differences in priorities and values that many of us have with the current tax and economic agenda of the majority.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave men and women of our military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in service to their country. To the families and friends of these fallen soldiers, I offer my condolences in their time of grief. Please know that we all share in your sorrow.

I would like to recognize the soldiers from the Sacramento area who have lost their lives while serving their country. SP Keicia Coleman Hines, of Sacramento, was a member of the 108th Military Police Combat Support Company when she died while serving on a base near Mosul in Iraq. She was her mother Beverly Coleman's only child. Ms. Coleman has said she is extremely proud of her daughter, and that she was an honorable person. I share Ms. Coleman's pride in her daughter and in the work she chose to do. Keicia is also survived by her husband, who she met at basic training. They had planned to start their own family when Keicia returned from Iraq. She was 27 years old.

SP Adam G. Kinser, was assigned to the 304th Psychological Operations Company, United States Army Reserve, and serving in Afghanistan when he died of injuries from the explosion of a weapons cache. He had a soft spot in his heart for the children of Iraq, and would often ask friends and family to send crayons and coloring books for the kids. At the time of his death, he was just one month away from being sent home to be with his wife, who was about to have their first child. His family lives in Sacramento and Rio Vista.

U.S. Army MAJ Gerald Compton, son of MSG Gerald Compton, U.S. Army, retired, and Sue Joe Compton of Sacramento, was training cadets at West Point when he passed away of natural causes. Major Compton had dedicated his life to the Army and passed on his sense of dedication to the cadets he trained. His cadets and colleagues will remember Major Compton as a skilled officer, a leader and friend to all who knew him.

Words cannot begin to express our gratitude to these brave soldiers. Nor can words describe the debt we owe their families. Instead, today we honor the soldiers and their families through a moment of silence. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who bear this burden.

Mr. Speaker, we commemorate Asian and Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month to acknowledge the tremendous achievements of Asian and Pacific Americans and honor their contributions to our families, communities and our nation.

The Asian and Pacific American community has played a vital role in the development of the United States since the first immigrants came to the United States in the 1700's. Today, over 11 million Asian and Pacific Americans live in the U.S., making extraordinary contributions to every aspect of American life. From David Ho, who has performed breakthrough work on AIDS research, to Maya Lin, the architect who designed the Vietnam Memorial; from the lyrical musings of novelist Amy Tan, to the sublime skills of Tiger Woods, the gifts of the APA community have changed the fabric of American society.

The APA community has also changed America's political landscape and I commend all of the APA organizations across America for enhancing the voice of APAs in the political and social arena. Their tireless efforts inspire others to achieve their dreams. All Americans, regardless of their ethnic background and heritage, benefit from their work.

Not only is the APA community working today to improve their families and communities, but they also understand the role of history in teaching future generations. As we celebrate APA Heritage Month this year, we also commemorate the opening of the Manzanar National Historic Site and Interpretive Center in Independence, California. Manzanar was the first interment camp created by Executive Order 9066 and was the site where 11,000 of the more than 120,000 American citizens of Japanese ancestry were uprooted from their homes and communities and interned in 1942. The new Manzanar Center is a critical component in recognizing and understanding the events of the past so that we Americans may maintain our country's fundamental commitment to freedom, democracy, and individual rights. I would like to thank the thousands of individuals who made this project a reality.

Asian and Pacific Americans are as diverse as each of the traditions and cultures they represent. The strength of this diversity and the commitment of all Americans to a shared set of values unites our nation as we work toward a common future. As we celebrate APA Heritage Month, we reflect on the past successes and struggles of the APA community, the diversity that binds us together, and the work we can all do together to make the American dream a reality for all people.

Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues and the world Jewish community in congratulating the people of Israel on the celebration of the 56th anniversary of their independence. Israel is the only true democracy and our country's strongest ally in the Middle East. Since the United States became the first country to recognize Israel's independence, our countries have shared a deep friendship and partnership. We are bonded by our commitment to democracy and freedom.

Since they declared their independence in 1948, Israel has faced continuous challenges to their right to exist as a sovereign country. To this day, we hear new reports almost daily of violence against the people of Israel. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost to attacks by terrorist organizations.

As Israel's partner, the United States must stand with its allies against these violent assaults on the Israeli people and maintain our commitment to a free, peaceful and democratic Israel. As partners in peace, the United States must also support Israel's right to take necessary measures to defend its citizens against violence. The future of Israel, and the hopes of peace in the Middle East depend on it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the international community in reflecting on the appalling events of the Holocaust and honoring the victims of this horrific tragedy by observing Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this day in 1943, the brave Jewish men and women of the Warsaw ghetto revolted against their Nazi captors in what was, unfortunately, a doomed battle. Yet their courage in the face of incredible odds showed the world the strength of the human spirit against oppression, prejudice, and racism.

The sheer magnitude of the destruction and loss of life during the Holocaust is beyond comprehension. Over 12 million people lost their lives--more than 6 million of which were Jewish. In some cases, entire Jewish families and communities were wiped out.

Unfortunately, the struggle against anti-Semitism continues today, as recent reports indicate an increase in violence against the Jewish community around the world. Remembrance Day serves as a reminder that we must never forget the appalling tragedy of the Holocaust--and that the struggle against prejudice has not yet ended.

Today, we rededicate ourselves to fighting intolerance, racism and apathy so that future generations do not experience the suffering, terror and ultimate death endured by the victims of the Holocaust. We must strive to understand these horrific events and work together as an international community to never again remain silent and indifferent in the face of others' oppression.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Daniel S. Chan. On March 22, 2004, the city of Sacramento and northern California lost one of it most respected and honorable business leaders when Daniel S. Chan passed away. As his friends and family gather to remember Daniel's remarkable life and many outstanding contributions to his friends, family, and community, I ask all my colleagues to join with me in saluting this exceptional citizen and my dear family friend, Daniel S. Chan.

A native of Sacramento, Dan was born on June 9, 1915. Dan was a graduate of Sacramento High School, Class of 1933. During the same year, Dan's father, Chan Tai Oy, who immigrated from Canton, China to Sacramento in the early 1900s, started a new business venture; General Produce Company. At the age of 18, Daniel would join his father and two brothers, Tom and Eddie, and cousin, Davis Sun, and embark on what will be an illustrious six-decade long career with General Produce Company.

As an owner, Dan was chief buyer and salesman for General Produce Company. Dan's dedication to the company and his work ethic were legendary. Dan worked seven days a week for over 60 years. Through Dan's outstanding business acumen and hard work, and his collaboration with his brothers Thomas and Eddie, General Produce Company would become one of Northern California's largest wholesale produce distributors. In addition to General Produce Company, Dan and his brothers also started one of the first department stores in Sacramento in the late 1950s and he also became involved in real estate, developing commercial and residential properties in the South Land Park Area in the 1950s and 1960s.

I came to know Dan and his family through my father's, Yasuji, employment with General Produce Company, where he was a top salesman. Dan and my father would have lunch together everyday. Dan was an owner who truly cared about the best interests and well being of his employees. Over time, our families became very close. Dan and his wife Kitty, headed a loving family that included children; Deborah, Terrie, and Daniel. I have always had the utmost respect for the kindness and decency of the Chan family.

In addition to possessing great knowledge in buying and selling virtually every commodity General Produce Company handled, Dan was also a man of many other interests. An avid baseball player in his younger days, Dan was a big baseball fan who regularly attended San Francisco Giants baseball games: A voracious reader, Dan would read four newspapers on a daily basis. Dan was also a man who enjoyed building things. Dan used his precious free time to build his children a tree house and decorative garden accessories for the enjoyment of his friends and family. After his retirement in the mid-1990s, Dan took up fishing and enjoyed golfing well into his later years. Dan and his wife, Kitty, traveled to many places, both domestic and overseas.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen ``Kitty'' Chan and siblings, Thomas, Eddie, and Marjorie. He is survived by his children; Deborah Chan of Hong Kong, Terrie Chan of Orinda and Daniel Chan of Sacramento. Dan was the loving grandfather of Ian Lee, Taylor Lee, Tyler Chan and Collin Chan.

Mr. Speaker, as Dan Chan's family and friends gather to pay tribute to his wonderful life, I am honored to express my respect and gratitude to one of Sacramento's finest citizens. It was truly a privilege for my family to count Dan Chan as our dear friend. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Dan Chan's remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in tribute to a man with a distinguished public service career. Throughout the course of his career, John Hein has served the people of California, especially its school children, with great success and distinction. John recently retired from his position as the Associate Executive Director for the California Teachers Association. It is my honor to ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting John Hein, a tireless and passionate advocate for public education in California.

John Hein has undoubtedly been one of California's most effective education reformers and loyal supporters of public education in recent history. John possesses the necessary work ethic and conviction to successfully represent and advance the interests of California's 6.5 million school children. John's remarkable track record in moving an extraordinary agenda for California's school children is almost unparalleled anywhere in the field of education.

John's insight and perseverance were instrumental in negotiating a settlement in the California Teachers Association v. Gould lawsuit that resulted in the largest decrease in class size in the history of California. John's masterful handling of this settlement also produced the largest financial commitment to instructional materials for each student in every subject, as well as the largest increase in professional development opportunities for classroom teachers in the Nation.

Aside from being an astute negotiator, John was also a skilled organizer of a number of important public campaigns. John was a major organizer in a mass demonstration of teachers and other supporters of public education that played a big part in a $2 billion increase in general revenues to the public schools. To this day, this change in policy remains the largest single increase in school funding in the history of California. Driven by a deep commitment to increased local funding for public schools, John played a vital role in the successful effort to reduce the vote threshold for local school bonds from two- thirds to 55 percent. Passage of this measure resulted in a $26 billion increase in state funding for new and rehabilitated schools. John also lent his considerable talents to the fight against school vouchers. John was able to bring together a massive statewide coalition that delivered a resounding defeat to the voucher movement in California and across the nation. Time and time again, John has proven that he is one of the greatest friends of public education in California.

John's relentless dedication to public education and his strong leadership have made the California Teacher's Association one of the most powerful organizations to lobby on behalf of public education and associated issues in the country. Under John's leadership, the California Teachers Association crafted the most rigorous academic standards in the nation, a new statewide testing system, a new school facilities law and other major education reforms.

A man of many talents and considerable energy, John's leadership in California went well beyond public education issues. John has served on the executive boards of campaigns that sought to protect affirmative action, racial data collection, bilingual education, and immigrants' rights in California. John's commitment to public service has enabled him to make a positive contribution to the lives of all Californians.

Mr. Speaker, as John Hein embarks on an exciting new chapter of his life, I am honored to pay tribute to a great champion of public education in California. The people of California have benefited greatly from John's leadership and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing John continued success in all of his future endeavors, wherever retirement may lead him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to a man with a truly distinguished public service career. For nearly four decades, Francis I. ``Butch'' Hodgkins has served Sacramento County with great class and distinction. Butch will soon retire from his current position as the Executive Director of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency. As his friends, family and colleagues gather to celebrate Butch's illustrious career, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting this outstanding citizen of Sacramento.

Butch received his Associate of Science degree from Sacramento City College and then moved on to California State University, Sacramento for a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. In 1965, Butch began his four-decade long career with the County of Sacramento, Department of Public Works. From 1972 until 1988, he worked for Public Works Division of Sacramento County that dealt with the sewer system.

In March of 1989, Butch was appointed Deputy Director of the Department of Public Works for Sacramento County. During his tenure at this position, he served as the project and construction engineer for a $100 million wastewater construction program. In addition, as Chief of the Division, he was responsible for a $50 million per year regional wastewater project.

In September 1991, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors assigned Butch to the City and County Office of Water Planning. In his capacity as a Liaison for the City and County Office of Water Planning, Butch was charged with the formidable task of formulating an area-wide plan to provide safe and reliable water supply in such a manner which

protects the environment for both the City and County of Sacramento. As he had demonstrated throughout his career up to that juncture, Butch achieved great success in this position. Butch soon developed a well deserved reputation as an effective problem-solver and a dedicated public servant. In September of 1994, Butch's outstanding track record would earn him the post of the Executive Director of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA.)

SAFCA is a joint organization with a Board of Directors comprised of members from Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, Sacramento City Council, Reclamation District 1000 Board of Trustees, American River Flood Control District Board of Trustees and Sutter County Board of Supervisors. Its primary function is to address problems such as regional flood control and levee instability in the Sacramento area.

Under Butch's stewardship, SAFCA has grown in credibility, visibility, and reach. In a community in which everyone agrees that the region's current flood protection is woefully inadequate, but not everyone agrees on a solution, Butch has helped mold SAFCA into the definitive and unifying authority on all matters related to flood control in the Sacramento Area. Throughout his successful tenure as Executive Director, Butch has proven to be an affective consensus builder, pragmatic thinker, and tireless worker who has rightfully earned the respect and admiration of those who have worked with him.

In his retirement, Butch can look forward to spending more time with his wife, Christine and daughters, Shelly Lynn and Laurie. I am confident that Butch would achieve great success and happiness in his retirement, just as he had throughout his professional career.

Mr. Speaker, as Butch's friends, family and colleagues gather to celebrate his great career; I am truly honored to pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most honorable citizens. The Sacramento region has benefited greatly from having Butch's strong leadership during turbulent times. He will be missed greatly by all who worked with him. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in wishing Butch continued success in all of his future endeavors, wherever retirement may lead him.

Mr. Chairman, the Republican budget being debated today shortchanges California and shortchanges America. It is fiscally irresponsible, fails to address the tremendous challenges facing America today, and fails to invest in America's future.

Rather than ensuring a stable source of income for seniors and the disabled, the Republican budget raids the Social Security trust fund. Rather than investing in health care, education and job creation, Republicans have chosen to spend trillions of dollars on tax cuts. As a result of the Republicans' misguided priorities and fiscal irresponsibility, America is facing record deficits, with no end in sight. These deficits threaten to lead to increased interest rates, uncertainty in financial markets and slower economic growth.

The Republican budget fails to help those Californians who need it most. Republicans refuse to provide funds for the extension of unemployment benefits, despite the fact that an estimated 300,000 Californians will have exhausted their benefits by the end of June. Likewise, the Republican budget cuts funding for important child and family services like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Earned Income Tax Credit, affordable housing and Medicaid.

I am also concerned because I believe our troops and veterans have earned our honor and support. Yet despite their brave service to our country, the Republican budget denies promised benefits to our military personnel and their families here at home--by cutting funding for veterans' programs.

On the other hand, Democrats have a budget that reflects the priorities of the people of California, and of all Americans. It extends unemployment benefits for workers looking for jobs; invests in programs that create good jobs; ensures retirement security; provides for affordable and accessible health care; funds education, including the ``No Child Left Behind Act''; and supports our troops and veterans. It is a fiscally sound plan that brings the budget back into balance within eight years. Moreover, to ensure fiscal discipline in the future, it requires that future tax cuts and mandatory spending initiatives be paid for without adding to the deficit.

For those reasons, I will vote for the Democratic alternative. Where the Republicans budget fails, the Democratic budget provides sound economic and fiscal policies that reflect the priorities of people in California and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, as the war in Iraq continues, our military personnel, veterans and their families face a myriad of hardships. Our troops in Iraq have lacked adequate body armor and armored vehicles to keep them safe. Their families have to scrape by because of the pay disparity between serving in the military and in civilian life. When the troops return home, they do not have the health care and benefits they have earned through their service to our country.

Republicans proposed a resolution to supposedly honor our troops. But it does not truly acknowledge the real hardships our troops and their families face. It merely ``commends the members of the United States Armed Forces and Coalition forces for liberating Iraq and expresses its gratitude for their valiant service.''

Republicans also say in their resolution we are safer now that Saddam Hussein has been removed from power. But we cannot claim the

mission is accomplished. We must continue to fight the battle against terrorism to ensure safety and stability in Iraq. And we must be honest about the true task ahead of us, or risk America's credibility with our international partners diminishing further.

Ironically enough, on the same day Republicans claim to honor our troops, they approved a budget proposal for the next year that would slash funding for military pay, health care, education and training for military personnel, veterans and their families. It also fails to extend imminent danger pay and family separation pay for troops in Iraq past December 31 of this year.

I supported an alternative resolution that would appropriately honor the military personnel and veterans who have served our country so courageously. It praises the work our troops are doing and urges the President to provide protective gear for our troops, ensure quality health care to treat both short- and long-term injuries among our troops, and correct pay disparities among civilian and military pay for guards and reservists.

We need to stand behind our courageous men and women in uniform who are bearing the burden of this military action in Iraq. Supporting our troops and giving them the tools they need to carry out their mission in Iraq is the only way to truly honor their service, courage and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 56 and commend the Japanese American, German American and Italian American communities for their efforts to commemorate and promote a National Day of Remembrance. Although this is a regrettable time in American history, we cannot let this period be forgotten. It is only by increasing public awareness of the events surrounding the restriction, exclusion and internment of individuals and families during World War II that we can guard against such future violations.

Sixty-two years ago, the signing of Executive Order 9066 led to the forced internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. They were held without cause and without recourse. These individuals and families suffered needlessly because of rampant fear, prejudice and a lack of political leadership.

These pervasive feelings also imposed limits on the freedoms of German Americans and Italian Americans. The government restricted their travel and seized their property, and the public branded them as the enemy.

In 1988, the Federal government acknowledged the tragic injustice of the internment. Due in large part to the efforts of the Japanese American community, the government issued a formal apology and offered redress to internees. We can never compensate for what was taken away from these families and individuals. But we can honor their struggle and their legacy by understanding the events that lead to their internment.

It takes a strong and confident Nation to look introspectively at its own actions and admit that it made a mistake. Today, it is accepted that the World War II Japanese internment was a grievous error. Not only did these actions disrupt lives and communities, it has left a stain on America's history of freedom, tolerance, and liberty for all of its citizens.

Marking the anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 provides a time for political leaders to reflect on the lessons of the past and on the importance of principled leadership in the future. We must never again sacrifice the core values of our democracy and Constitution, especially in times of uncertainty and emergency.

The National Day of Remembrance honors those who suffered and reminds us to strive toward a better society where such prejudice does not exist. We all have a role in ensuring that such injustices do not happen again.

Once again, I want to join my colleagues in recognizing the very important work the Japanese American, German American and Italian American communities are doing in raising awareness of the National Day of Remembrance. I also want to commend Representative Honda for his efforts to bring this resolution to the floor. To those personally affected by these events, I especially want to thank you for sharing your stories and for your efforts in educating the American public. Your leadership inspires us all.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for House Resolution 56 which was introduced by Mr. Honda of California last month. This resolution would create a National Day of Remembrance in honor of the Japanese-Americans, Italian-Americans, and German-Americans who suffered injustices during the Second World War.

Before I begin, I would like to congratulate Mr. Honda on his new role as the Chairman of the Caucus of Asian Pacific American Caucus. He has long been a champion of the concerns of Asian Pacific Americans and will undoubtedly serve them well in his new role.

In February of 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 that paved the way for discriminatory action against American citizens of Japanese, German, and Italian descent. Across the West Coast, Japanese-Americans were evacuated en masse from their homes and relocated to internment camps. German-Americans and Italian-Americans were often the object of discriminatory policies, as well.

The residents in my home State of Connecticut were as deeply affected as the rest of the country by these political actions. A detention center for those considered to be `alien enemies' was established in a community center in Hartford. Japanese, Italian, and German resident aliens were required to carry their immigration papers at all times and their movement was restricted. In addition, many of the Japanese-Americans who were interned on the West Coast moved to the East Coast, including Connecticut, after their release. The suffering that these communities endured has remained with them and must be addressed.

The apology offered by this government in 1988 is not sufficient. We must not allow the lessons learned from this chapter of our history to be lost, regardless of how painful they may be. It is this very pain that makes them so valuable. We cannot forget the suffering endured by our own citizens. Establishing a National Day of Remembrance is important in ensuring that this does not happen.

The National Day of Remembrance is not simply a matter of honoring the past. The treatment of Japanese-Americans, Italian-Americans, and German-Americans during World War II has significant implications for us today. This country is in a war against terror. Our relations with other nations should not make way for injustice and discrimination toward our own people. The National Day of Remembrance would serve as a reminder that questioning the loyalty of our citizens without just cause is a grave mistake.

I would like to commend Mr. Honda on his introduction of this resolution and his dedication to this important cause. The Japanese- American, Italian-American, and German-American people have expressed the desire that the experiences of their communities during World War II be remembered to serve as a lesson for future generations. This resolution is a valuable reminder that it is the work of this country to preserve the civil liberties of its people.

It is often said that history tends to repeat itself. However, it does not have to. We have an opportunity to take action to prevent a similar threat to the civil liberties of innocent citizens as took place during World War II from occurring again. I hope that this is something

that members on both sides of the aisle will be able to agree to do and I would therefore like to urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an organization with a distinguished history of community service to the Capital Region. The Sacramento Senator Lions Club will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary Celebration on March 6, 2004. As the members and friends of the Sacramento Senator Lions Club gather to celebrate this momentous occasion, I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting one of Sacramento's most important and respected civic groups.

The Sacramento Senator Lions Club was chartered on April 4, 1954 to become a part of the Lions Club, the world's largest service organization. Lions Clubs are non-political, non-sectarian service clubs composed of the community's leading business and professional people. The purpose of a Lions Club is more than good fellowship and club social life. The purpose is to recognize community needs and develop means of meeting them, either through its own effort or in cooperation with other agencies. Lionism is an active and effective medium for national and world service, exerting tremendous influence for national welfare, international amity and human progress socially, culturally and economically. For the past 50 years, the Sacramento Senators Lions Club embodies all of the best qualities that Lionism represents.

The Sacramento Senator Lions Club was the first all Americans of Japanese ancestry in the United States. The Sacramento Senator Lions Club was founded upon the principle that the club should strive to provide its members with the opportunities to collectively serve the community through efforts of fund-raising and hands-on-service projects. Today, the Sacramento Senator Lions Club is a vital service organization that is composed of civic-minded persons of both sexes and many diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The Sacramento Senator Lions Club has a history of community service that stretches beyond Sacramento and across international borders. The Sacramento Senator Lions Club reached a twinning agreement with the Osaka Tezukayama Lions Club of Japan during the International Lions Club in New Orleans in 1977. In recent years, mutual donations have been made to projects in Osaka, Japan. Donations to the Sacramento Senator Lions Club have played a great role in developing the fragrance garden for the visually handicapped and the Japanese garden for children at the Fairytale Town. In addition, the Sacramento Senator Lions Club is also actively involved in helping many other local organizations; Canine Companion for the Blind, City of Hope, My Sister's House for Abused Women, just to name a few. The Sacramento Senator Lions Club commitment to improve the quality of life for people from all different walks of life is truly commendable and admirable.

The Sacramento Senator Lions Club is internationally renowned as one of the most successful and respected Lions Club chapters in the world. The lofty status of the Sacramento Senator Lions Club was confirmed when their member, Kay K. Fukushima, was elected to be the 86th President of the International Association of Lions Club for the year 2002-2003.

Mr. Speaker, as the friends and family of the Sacramento Senator Lions Club gather to celebrate their 50 years of great service to the people of Sacramento, I am honored to pay tribute to one of the Capital Region's most active service organizations. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing the Sacramento Senator Lions Club continued success in all its future endeavors.