Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. This is my last opportunity to express some remarks on the Military Quality of Life Appropriations bill.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my disappointment with the amount of funding in this bill for our Nation's veterans. As we enter the Memorial Day weekend, I am concerned that the funding levels for veterans' health will not allow us to keep up with the current demand for services, let alone meet the needs of the thousands of new veterans who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Eighteen young soldiers have been killed in south Texas, which is where I was born and raised and that I represent, and many, many more have been injured. One of my constituents, Sergeant Nieves Rodriguez, Jr., is lying in a bed at Walter Reed Hospital right now. He has lost an arm and the doctors are fighting to save his leg. He is going to need months of therapy, expensive prosthetics and years of follow-up care. He is only one of thousands in similar situations.

Proponents of this legislation claim it increases veterans' health funding by $1 billion, but in fact, funds are just being shifted from other veterans' accounts. The real increase is a mere $700 million, not enough to meet inflation and mandated salary increases. I would have supported the Obey amendment that would add $2.6 billion for veterans' health care, but the amendment was not made in order.

Mr. Chairman, this funding would have allowed us to care for our returning veterans and meet current shortfalls. Although I will support the final bill, I urge the committee to find a way to increase funding for veterans' health.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Goode amendment. As a Member whose district lies along the U.S.-Mexico border, I understand my colleague's frustration with our inability to stop illegal immigration. However, placing military troops on the border is not the solution. Border patrol agents are highly trained to handle the jobs of border security, as has been stated this afternoon.

Mr. Chairman, we need to be providing more funding to hire more border patrol personnel. We also need to provide more detention space facilities for immigrants who are apprehended, but we do not have the money to build them. The Homeland Security bill, which we passed last week, takes steps in this direction, although I wish it would have gone further.

We will never stop illegal immigration until this country has a comprehensive, realistic immigration policy. I urge the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goode) to support immigration reform legislation that has been introduced by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez).

When we are already facing military recruitment shortages, when our National Guard and Reserves are going into their second year of active service, when this bill will remove thousands of women from support positions and when commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan are crying out for more troops, we do not need to be giving our military the additional mission of securing our borders.

I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I regret that I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 196.

Amendment No. 11 Offered by Mr. Hefley

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 540, a bill that will authorize a variety of water projects including several in my congressional district. I want to thank Chairman Pombo and Ranking Member Rahall for including my legislation, H.R. 386, in this bill.

I represent a region of the country that is subject to periodic droughts and yet is experiencing phenomenal population growth.

The 2000 Census showed that the population of Hidalgo County, in my district, increased by 48 percent. On the Mexican side of the border, millions have come to work in the maquiladoras and to take advantage of the economic boom that has come from NAFTA.

This growth has placed an enormous strain on water delivery systems along the Texas-Mexico border. Agriculture irrigation water often flows through open dirt ditches and studies show that much is lost to seepage and evaporation.

Municipalities rely on the water from the irrigation delivery systems to meet the water needs of growing communities.

H.R. 540 will authorize 19 projects that will allow border water districts to continue upgrading and modernizing our antiquated water delivery systems through the installation of water pipes and canal linings. Similar projects were authorized in the 106th and 107th Congresses.

We have already made a great deal of progress because this has been a collaborative effort. The irrigation districts have provided matching funds. The Texas Water Development Board and Texas A&M University have paid for many of the engineering studies. Federal appropriators have provided more than $10 million. As a result, we are seeing water savings of almost 80 percent in the projects that have been completed.

Most importantly, Federal authorization has allowed us to tap into the resources of the North American Development Bank. To date, NADBank has approved almost $24 million for these projects and passage of H.R. 540 will make these new projects eligible for NADBank assistance.

These funds are being put to good use. Numerous projects are already underway and some are almost completed.

When the metering system is fully installed, irrigation districts will have a much clearer picture of water usage and water savings. This data will be vital to improving water management throughout the region.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to join me today in congratulating the staff, the administration, students and families of the Math and Science Academy of South Texas Independent School District in my hometown of Mercedes, Texas, on being named one of Newsweek magazine's Best High Schools in America for 2005.

Our academy ranked 40th out of 100 U.S. high schools. A quality, comprehensive and challenging education is the most valuable gift we can give to our children. For the second time in 2 years, the Math and Science Academy of South Texas has received this prestigious recognition, and it solidifies the school's standing as a model of excellence and as an exemplary institution. The teachers and administrators are truly committed to educating and encouraging our future leaders.

As the country continues to move forward into the 21st century, the need for mathematicians, scientists, engineers, and the leaders of tomorrow continues to be of the utmost importance.

A high school diploma is the first step to becoming a successful contributor to our society.

The program of study at the academy ensures that students succeed and, more importantly, lays the foundation for students to learn the fundamentals that will lead to successful lives and careers. It is truly an exceptional institution.

Last fall, I joined the South Texas ISD community to celebrate the district's 40th anniversary. I would like to congratulate superintendent Marla Guerra, as well as the members of the school board of trustees, the faculty, the students, parents and alumni on 40 years of achievement. This school district demonstrates a regional commitment to excellence. The recognition that the Math and Science Academy has received is just one of many accolades earned by the South Texas ISD school district.

My involvement in establishing the magnet high school system for the South Texas ISD is one of my proudest achievements. Over 20 years ago, as a member of the Texas State Board of Education, I led a delegation from south Texas to Houston to visit that city's highly regarded magnet schools. We knew that we wanted that caliber of opportunity for our students. However, we were told that such a program could not work in south Texas. We were told that we did not have the financial resources and that we could not find the students, but we did not believe the nay-sayers. We knew it could be done.

Today, the Math and Science Academy, with a student population that is almost 80 percent Hispanic and over 50 percent eligible for free or reduced price lunch, is among the most elite high schools in the Nation. Every day it brings us closer to realizing the vast potential of our community. It shows us what is possible when we invest in our children and demand the very best.

I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Math and Science Academy of south Texas on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Harlingen High School for being selected for one of the 2005 College Board Inspiration Awards. Harlingen High School is one of three exemplary high schools in the nation being honored for their steadfast commitment to fostering student success in some of America's most poverty-stricken communities.

Each school receives a prize of $25,000 to use in furthering its academic goals. The Inspiration Awards recognize outstanding work in improving the academic environment and helping economically disadvantaged students achieve the promise of higher education. I would like to congratulate the superintendent, Dr. Linda Wade, the principal, Richard Renaud, the teachers, students, and entire school community for this prestigious award.

Harlingen High School is truly an inspiration for all of us who value education and academic excellence for all students. For the Hispanic community, it reaffirms our core faith in our own potential. Over 87 percent of the students at Harlingen High School are Hispanic, and many of them are bilingual. Their motto is ``in relentless pursuit of student success.'' Harlingen High School stands firm on three major commitments it has made to the community. These are: To create a positive learning environment for all students; responsibly develop and maintain student-centered educational programs; and a commitment to making graduation the beginning of successful participation as positive and progressive citizens.

Harlingen High School has succeeded in the face of many challenges. More than half of its students participate in the free and reduced price lunch program and over 90 percent of the Hispanic students are considered to be ``at risk.'' A number of the students are the children of migrant and seasonal farm workers, and many of these young people work in the fields themselves.

Supporting teachers, building strong community partnerships, and fostering family engagement have been the foundation for Harlingen High School's success in achieving a 75 percent college-going rate. Harlingen counselors have also made sure that students and families know where they can find the resources to help finance college. In addition to helping Harlingen families with the federal student aid process, school counselors guided Harlingen students to over $2 million in scholarship money.

Harlingen High School has expanded access to AP courses for all of its students, and for Hispanic students, in particular. Hispanic students comprised 80 percent of the 298 students in grades 9-12 who took at least one Advanced Placement (AP) Program' examination. To prepare students for AP courses and college, Harlingen starts in 8th grade with a pre-AP Program. They couple this with an extensive Parent Involvement Program that conducts outreach meetings at different neighborhood community centers to impress upon parents the importance of helping teens prepare for college.

This is what is possible when we invest in excellence in the Hispanic community. I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting Harlingen High School for its achievement and applauding the College Board for sponsoring the Inspiration Awards. May each year be more competitive than the last.

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday the Girl Scouts--Tip of Texas Council will honor Rita K. Roney with the Woman of Distinction Award. This award is given to someone who exemplifies the ideas and characteristics of the Girl Scout movement and Rita Roney is truly deserving of this honor.

A native of McAllen, Texas, Mrs. Roney joined the Girl Scouts as a child and has continued to support this fine organization as an adult. Working with the Girl Scout board of directors, she has been instrumental in raising the needed funding for the amphitheatre at the new Rio Grande Valley Girl Scout Camp. The amphitheatre will be used for ceremonies, chapel services and other programs.

Rita Roney has not just confined her efforts to supporting the Girl Scouts. She is wellknown throughout the region for her dedication to the community. She serves on numerous boards including the Rio Grande Valley Community Foundation, the McAllen International Museum, the McAllen Medical Center Auxiliary, the McAllen Opera Guild, the Rio Grande Valley International Music Festival and the McAllen Performing Arts.

She has a talent for fundraising that she began honing at the age of 10 when she organized a school fundraiser for the March of Dimes. Over the years, she has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for groups such as the Boys and Girls Club, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Mujeres Unidas,

McAllen Junior League, and the St. John's Day School.

Rita has a particular concern for improving the lives of young people and has been involved with anti-drug campaigns and with improving educational opportunities for local children. She has also been an advocate for seniors and can often be found at local nursing homes visiting residents.

Rita Roney has truly exemplified the highest level of community service and is an outstanding role model for young people. I join the Girl Scouts in congratulating her on being the recipient of this year's award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Harlingen High School for being selected as one of the 2005 College Board Inspiration Awards. Harlingen High School is one of three exemplary high schools in the Nation being honored for their steadfast commitment to fostering student success in some of America's most poverty-stricken communities.

Each school receives a prize of $25,000 to use in furthering its academic goals. The Inspiration awards recognize outstanding work in improving the academic environment and helping economically disadvantaged students achieve the promise of a higher education.

I would like to congratulate the superintendent, Dr. Linda Wade; the principal, Richard Renaud; the teachers, students, and entire school community for their prestigious award. Harlingen High School is truly an inspiration for all of us who value education and academic excellence for all students.

For the Hispanic community, it reaffirms our core faith in our own potential. Over 87 percent of the students at Harlingen High School are Hispanic and many of them are bilingual. Their motto is: ``In relentless pursuit of student success.''

I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting Harlingen High School for its achievement and applauding the College Board for sponsoring the Inspiration Awards. May each year be more competitive than the last.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 140, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1072, a bill to name the post office in Goliad, Texas, in honor of Judge Emilio Vargas.

I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Tom Davis) and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), for their assistance in moving this legislation to the floor prior to the Cinco de Mayo celebration. I also thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Marchant) as well as four other Members of Congress, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar) for their kind words on behalf of this legislation to name this Federal building for an outstanding citizen.

Judge Vargas is a first-generation American who was born in Goliad, Texas. As a child, he attended segregated schools because of his Mexican heritage. Yet his father and mother always taught him to be proud of being an American. He took this lesson to heart and after graduating from Bee College, he volunteered and joined the Air Force where he served as an airman. After leaving the Air Force, he returned home and spent the rest of his life working to improve the lives of the people in his community of Goliad.

During the 1960s, Judge Vargas was active in the civil rights movement and worked to eliminate the poll tax in Texas. Since then, he has fought to increase Hispanic participation in government at all levels.

Judge Vargas understands the importance of developing an educated population. For 14 years, he served on the Goliad Independent School District Board of Trustees. During his tenure, the Goliad School District was voted one of the 10 best school boards in Texas. Because of his commitment to quality education, numerous students from Goliad have gone to prestigious colleges and universities, including the U.S. military academies.

For over 28 years, Judge Vargas served with the Texas Department of Human Services as a caseworker, distinguishing himself for helping the indigent and vulnerable in a six-county region. He worked with a Job Corps program helping to train new workers and with the surplus commodity programs feeding hungry families.

For the past 10 years, he has served as the justice of the peace for Goliad County and for 9 years was a reserve deputy for the Goliad County Sheriff's Department.

In addition to his military, his public and civic service, Judge Vargas has also dedicated a large part of his life to the preservation and celebration of Goliad's rich heritage and historical significance. For my fellow colleagues who may not be aware, Goliad, Texas, is the birthplace of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza. General Zaragoza is a Texas-born hero who on May 5, 1862, led his Army of 4,000 Mexican soldiers to defeat 1,000 of Napoleon's men. This military victory is credited as the action that turned the tide of the French-Mexican War in Mexico's favor.

To honor General Zaragoza's memory and heroism, citizens throughout Texas and Mexico celebrate May 5 every year as the international holiday of Cinco de Mayo. The city of Goliad and her citizens also played a significant role in the war for Texas independence. The massacre at Goliad of Colonel James Fannin and 342 of his troops who had surrendered to General Santa Ana made ``Remember Goliad'' as important a rallying cry for Texans in their struggle for independence as ``Remember the Alamo.''

As a member of the Zaragoza Society for over 45 years and as chairman for at least a decade, Judge Emilio Vargas has worked to bring national recognition to Goliad's historic significance in Mexican history, and Texas and U.S. history. He has participated in numerous cultural exchanges with Mexico and has been awarded the Promio Ohtli Award by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his outstanding work in fostering better international relations between the United States and Mexico.

In closing, I often have heard Judge Emilio Vargas say no mission is too difficult and no sacrifice too great. Judge Vargas has truly lived by these words as he has dedicated his life to the people of Goliad. I can think of no better way to honor this distinguished service to his community than by naming the Goliad Post Office in his honor. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 483, the Garza-Vela United States Courthouse Designation Act, offered by my colleague and my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz).

This bill pays tribute to two great Americans, Federal Judge Reynaldo Garza and Federal Judge Filemon Vela who were judicial legends in the great State of Texas.

Judge Garza was the Nation's first Mexican American Federal district judge appointed to the Federal bench by President Kennedy in 1961. This outstanding man had done advanced study in the field of law and was a great orator.

Judge Garza served our Nation through the turbulent years of the civil rights movement. His decisions contributed to the changes that opened up many opportunities for minorities.

In 1976 President Carter asked him to serve as the Nation's Attorney General, but he declined because he did not want to leave his beloved south Texas and his service on the Federal bench. He did, however, accept an appointment to the 5th Court of Appeals by President Carter and for many years commuted back and forth between south Texas and the circuit court in New Orleans.

In 1982 he obtained senior status; and even after his retirement, he remained active by filling in on the bench whenever he was needed. He was committed to education, particularly in encouraging literacy; and he was known and highly respected by everyone for the even-handed way in which he dispensed justice.

I served 1 year as foreman of a Federal grand jury which he appointed in his district court in Brownsville, Texas. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with him and meet in his chamber where I witnessed firsthand the honesty, the integrity, and compassion of this gentleman from south Texas.

His last official act took place from his hospital bed when he officiated the swearing in of his protege, Federal Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa, as the new chairman of the Federal Sentencing Commission.

Judge Vela was nominated to the Federal bench by President Carter in 1980. He became an expert on comparative American and Mexican law. During his tenure, the Federal docket dramatically increased due to the enormous population growth in south Texas. Yet despite the heavy case load, Judge Vela fought to ensure that every person received prompt and fair treatment. He worked tirelessly to design and have built the new courthouse in Brownsville. It is indeed fitting that his name will be on this new Federal courthouse.

Judge Vela, like his good friend Judge Garza, was known for his impeccable integrity and his willingness to mentor young attorneys. He also was passionate about teaching children about the law and the criminal justice system in order to encourage them to make right choices of life. He would bring inmates to school auditorium programs to tell children about the mistakes they had made and the consequences they suffered as a result.

Judge Vela had one of the longest running and most successful radio programs on legal subjects which was broadcast in Spanish to more than 2 million listeners in south Texas and northern Mexico.

He also participated in 220 Spanish radio programs entitled ``Enriquezca Su Vida, Termine Sus Estudios,'' meaning ``enrich your life, complete your studies,'' that focused on encouraging children to stay in school and off drugs.

He was tireless when it came to community involvement and showing compassion for low-income families. I am proud to have called him my second cousin.

He gave countless hours as a mentor and leader to youth programs whether as an attorney for the Cameron County Child Welfare Department, as founder of the Esperanza Home for Boys, or as the Chair of the Board of Rio Grande Marine Institute Home for Youth.

We lost both of these great men last year, but their service to the people of Texas and to this great Nation must not be forgotten.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that provides a fitting tribute to these two great Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 148 that the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and I introduced earlier this year. The legislation supports the ideals and the goals of Financial Literacy Month, which falls in April of each year.

Before I proceed, I want to take this opportunity to thank the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Service, and especially my Ranking Member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny Davis). Also, I would like to recognize and thank Tania Shand on the minority staff for helping expedite committee consideration of our bill. My distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), has always been a strong supporter of economic education and financial literacy, and I want to thank him for managing the bill today for our side of the aisle.

The gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and I have also worked closely on financial literacy issues with the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the chairman of the House Committee on Rules. I think all of us owe him a great deal of gratitude for being one of the first Members of Congress to call for bringing attention to the need to improve financial literacy rates.

To celebrate Financial Literacy Month, a Financial Literacy Day Fair will be held April 27 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Cannon Caucus Room. I join my friend, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), in encouraging all of our colleagues and their staffs to attend this event.

Every day, consumers deal with money, from balancing a checking account to shopping for a mortgage or auto loan, researching ways to pay for a college education, checking credit card statements, saving money for retirement, understanding a credit report, or simply deciding whether to pay cash or charge a purchase. The list goes on and on, but many consumers do not really understand their finances.

In 2004, reports from Jump$tart and the National Council on Economic Education, the Schwab Foundation and others indicated that almost 66 percent of high school students failed a basic financial literacy exam. The numbers are not much better for adults. High bankruptcy rates, increased credit card debt, and identity theft make it imperative that all of us take an active role in providing financial and economic education during all stages of one's life.

On February 15, 2005, I cofounded, and currently cochair, the Congressional Hispanic and Economic Literacy Caucus with the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert). The caucus seeks to address these issues head on by increasing public awareness of poor financial literacy rates, and will work to improve those rates. The caucus will provide a forum for my colleagues to promote policies that advance financial literacy and economic education. It is my hope that through the Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus, we can further educate Americans about financial and economic topics ranging from homeownership to credit ratings and, yes, insurance.

At this point, Madam Speaker, I will insert for the Record letters and press releases supporting passage of this resolution. They include a press release from the National Association of Mortgage Brokers and a letter of support from Merrill Lynch. I would also insert letters supporting the creation of the Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus be included in the Record. They include a statement by Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary Dan Iannicola, a release by the National Council on Economic Education, a letter of support from Junior Achievement, a press release from the Investment Company Institute, a statement from the North American Securities Administrators Association, and a statement by the Savings Coalition of America, and I have them all included here.

National Association of Mortgage Brokers Applauds Resolution Declaring

April ``Financial Literacy Month''

McLean, VA--The National Association of Mortgage Brokers

(NAMB) supports the bi-partisan resolution passed by the U.S.

House of Representatives today designating April as

``Financial Literacy Month.''

``We commend Reps. Judy Biggert (R-IL) and Ruben Hinojosa

(D-TX) for introducing a resolution that calls for the

federal government, states, local governments, schools,

businesses and other groups to observe Financial Literacy

Month,'' said NAMB President Bob Armbruster. ``Financial

education is important for today's consumers who face a

complex array of financial products and services.''

NAMB works closely with the financial services industry as

part of its on-going commitment to consumer education. NAMB

has a long history of promoting consumer financial education.

Last year, for example, NABM initiated a pilot consumer

credit education program using Freddie Mac's CreditSmart

' and CreditSmart ' Espanol financial

literacy curricula. The pilot is currently being managed by

NAMB state affiliates in California, Florida and Texas.

NAMB also has partnered with United Guaranty to create a

consumer information presentation--``Are You Prepared to Head

Down the Road to Homeownership? '''--to help

educate minorities, immigrants and low-to-moderate income

households on the home-buying process. The presentation

covers common home mortgage terminology, important steps in

the home-buying process, fair housing laws, credit reports

and more.

``For consumers, financial education is essential to

protecting oneself against fraud or abusive financial

practices and this education process should begin at a young

age, with some targeted curriculum in our high schools,''

adds Armbruster. ``The more consumers know, the better they

are at managing their finances.''

For more information visit NAMB's consumer home page on the

NAMB Web site, www.namb.org.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in expressing my sadness at the death of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. Since 1978, he piously served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church and was an inspiration to Catholics and non-Catholics across the world.

It could be said that the Pope was a true ``Renaissance Man''--with a love for literature, art, and music. Once he entered the priesthood, his passion for poetry and the written word did not wane. He continued writing about issues close to his heart, including peace, oppression and spirituality.

Immediately following his inauguration, Pope John Paul II began traveling the world. He brought global attention to the communist and socialist governments of his native Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe, and called for reform and changes. During World War II, he

saw first-hand the low points of humanity's cruelty to one another and throughout his pontificate vowed to halt tyranny and hatred. His peaceful opposition to human rights violations will always be remembered and will continue to be an inspiration to us all.

He committed his life to his faith, and was instrumental in bringing attention to peace and justice, poverty and disease, and each individual's connection to one another. As a Catholic myself, I admired Pope John Paul II for his devotion to God, his involvement with global issues, and his ability to bridge gaps between the Church and its past. I join millions of others in mourning his passing.

The Holy Father will be missed, but he now joins the Father he served so dutifully during his life on earth. I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution and honor this great man.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 69, the previous question, and No. 70, the motion to table the Pelosi resolution, had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on both rollcalls.

Mr. Speaker, on the previous vote which was rollcall no. 42, I inadvertently voted ``yes.'' I want the record to reflect that I meant to vote ``no.''

(Ms. PRYCE of Ohio asked and was given permission to speak out of order for 1 minute.)