Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in expressing our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those killed and wounded in yesterday's tragic shooting at Fort Hood. While there are no words that perhaps we can say here today on the floor of the House that will lessen the grief of the entire Army family, we do want them to know that our Nation mourns with them.

As a Congress, we must work to understand why this attack occurred; and we must pledge to do everything within our power to prevent any future tragedies from happening so other families do not know and have to share the pain and suffering that is going on today at Fort Hood. But, for now, I want them to know that they are in our thoughts and in our prayers. The days and months ahead will be difficult, but we will persevere together.

To the families of those who perished, please accept our deepest appreciation on behalf of all Americans for their willingness to volunteer for service to our Nation. You have stepped forward to answer the call of our country, to put yourselves in harm's way to defend us, and we owe all of you a tremendous debt of gratitude.

To our men and women at Fort Hood, military and civilian alike, you are not

alone. Our thoughts, prayers and blessings are with you. We will get through this together.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 3854, the Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009. This bill will assist small businesses across the country by increasing the amount of funding that is available to them as well as streamlining many of the current SBA application processes.

There is a vibrant business community in my district of El Paso, Texas, with the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce, the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the El Paso Small Business Consortium all playing a key role to open doors for many of our local entrepreneurs. Small businesses are a vital part of El Paso's economy, and I support this bill because it will help small firms access larger amounts of capital which is critical during these difficult economic times.

I am particularly pleased with the provisions of the bill that make permanent the Community Express and the Veteran Participation Loan Programs. These programs share a common goal of assisting borrowers who have not accessed SBA programs in the past or who have traditionally had limited access to capital. The Community Express Program is an important tool used by the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to provide funding to local firms that are deemed un-bankable by conventional lenders. El Paso's growing military community will also benefit from the higher guarantees and lower cost loans available to veterans interested in starting their own businesses.

Mr. Chair, I support this legislation because I believe it will improve the efficiency and transparency of the SBA's programs as well as provide essential capital to small firms. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my colleague and my friend Congressman John McHugh. I had the pleasure of serving with John McHugh both on the Armed Services Committee and on the Intelligence Committee. I have always been impressed with his dedication to his constituents and to the men and women who protect and defend our nation.

Given his role as the Chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus and his strong support for Army programs, it is fitting that he was selected by President Obama to serve as the 21st Secretary of the United States Army. During his tenure as the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Military Personnel, he was a forceful advocate for military members and their families, and I am sure that he will continue those efforts to improve the quality of life of our nation's Army.

Congressman, now Secretary, McHugh knows better than most that our soldiers, and the families who support their service, give so much to protect the freedom and values of all Americans and that we owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude. I am certain that he will give his all in his new role, just as he did as a Member of Congress, and I join my colleagues in wishing our friend John McHugh the best as he undertakes this new and important challenge. At this time in the Army's history, we need a leader like Secretary McHugh.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jesus P. Carrillo of El Paso, Texas, for his 38 years of distinguished public service.

Mr. Carrillo began his career with the United States Border Patrol in June 1971. Over his distinguished career, Mr. Carrillo served as a Border Patrol Agent, Special Agent, Undercover Special Agent and Senior Special Agent. During his time with the Border Patrol, Mr. Carrillo gained the respect of his colleagues and his work was ultimately honored by former Attorney General Janet Reno when she awarded Mr. Carrillo with the Attorney General's Award in 1995. Mr. Carrillo fully embraced the Border Patrol's mission of securing our Nation's borders, and he served with great honor and distinction.

In his time as a public servant, Mr. Carrillo was the subject of several threats and attempts on his life. His service is a reminder of the many risks that confront Border Patrol agents each day and why we owe them our sincere gratitude for their bravery, service and sacrifice. Before coming to Congress, I served for 26\1/2\ years in the Border Patrol, and I will always remain a part of that special family. I know first-hand the challenges and dangers that the agents face each day, and as a Member of Congress, I remain committed to ensuring that they have the resources and support that they need. I commend Mr. Carrillo for his 38 years of public service and sacrifice to protect our country and the City of El Paso.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 811, a resolution recognizing the month of October as ``National Principals Month.'' My congressional district in El Paso, Texas is fortunate to have outstanding principals in our schools who work tirelessly every day encouraging our teachers and students, and also serving as role models in our community. These dedicated educators are constantly challenging students and teachers to achieve high academic goals.

Principals wear many hats in their daily schedule. As educational leaders, principals set the academic tone at their schools and guide their staff and students with a shared vision for the future by developing and maintaining high curriculum standards and setting performance goals and objectives. As administrators, they handle public relations duties, analyze and manage their schools' budgets, and strive to maintain a high level of both student and staff morale. As campus leaders and mentors, they provide support at school sporting events, community service projects, fundraising activities, and other school functions.

Principals are our educational system's ultimate multi-taskers and, along with teachers, deserve to be recognized for their work, dedication, and passion on behalf of our children. There are approximately 250 elementary, middle, and high school principals in my district in El Paso. I am proud to say that my daughter, Dr. Monica Reyes, is one of those, and I applaud her and all of the principals in my district for their outstanding work. These leaders work with a sense of urgency to raise our schools' educational levels to new heights each day by providing our students and teachers with the guidance and leadership necessary to ensure success.

Both principals and teachers play a significant role in encouraging our students to stay

in school and pursue higher education, both which are crucial to the future strength and prosperity of our nation. As a Member of Congress, promoting student advancement and acknowledging the efforts of our teachers and principals has always been a priority of mine.

Mr. Speaker, ``National Principals Month'' is a great opportunity to acknowledge the importance of principals and promote educational success and leadership in our schools, and I am proud to voice my support for this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 793, a resolution I introduced to recognize the week of October 18th as National Chemistry Week.

The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, established National Chemistry Week in 1987 to educate the public, particularly school age children, about the important role of the chemical sciences and their significant contributions to our quality of life.

This year, more than 10,000 National Chemistry Week volunteers from both the public and private sectors will help educate millions of children about the practical applications of chemistry by engaging them through stimulating hands-on science activities in local schools, libraries, and museums around the country.

During this year's observance of National Chemistry Week, students and chemistry professionals will celebrate the theme ``Chemistry--It's Elemental!'' This theme was chosen to emphasize the 140th anniversary of Dmitri Mendeleev's creation of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The elements are the basis of the universe and of life on Earth, composing graphite in pencils; tungsten in light bulbs and neon lights; copper for cooling applications; and sodium in table salt--almost everything we encounter in our day-to-day activities.

Local El Paso college students are doing their part to promote chemistry in our community by coordinating the Chemistry Circus. Sponsored by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Texas at El Paso and performed by the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates, the Chemistry Circus incorporates short vignettes that explore many fundamental concepts of chemical science. The performances are presented throughout the school year to K-12 audiences--and adults--emphasizing Texas science academic standards.

The promotion of student advancement and success in the STEM fields is one of my highest priorities. In 2008, I founded the Diversity and Innovation Caucus with five of my colleagues in the House of Representatives in order to generate policy ideas for increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, articulate the importance of pro-STEM and pro-innovation policies for underrepresented groups in STEM fields, and communicate the importance of promoting diversity in STEM for the achievement of America's innovation and competitiveness goals.

Over the past year, I am proud to say that the caucus has produced key legislative initiatives that promote the recruitment of highly- qualified teachers to high-need school districts, the development of laboratory facilities at less privileged schools, and the recruitment of minority students to the STEM fields through the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.

Emphasizing the importance of chemistry and the natural sciences to our students is essential to ensure that our schools continue to cultivate the finest scientists, engineers, and technicians from every background. Educating our children about the importance of chemistry and the natural sciences will help strengthen our nation's economic competitiveness and foster American ingenuity and innovation in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, National Chemistry Week is a vital component in the effort to promote STEM issues in our schools. I therefore urge my colleagues to support this effort through the passage of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark a unique date in our history, the 100th Anniversary of the ``Meeting of the Presidents''. On October 16, 1909, U.S. President William Howard Taft and Mexican President Porfirio Diaz met in both El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in an historic meeting that established the personal relationship between our two countries. The event marked the first in- person meeting between the Presidents of the United States and Mexico. In fact, prior to 1909, no sitting U.S. President had left our country to visit a foreign nation.

The sister cities of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez went to great lengths to ensure that this meeting was unlike any other, by adorning memorial columns and welcome arches with the colors of the two nations--red, white, and blue, and red, white, and green. Principal thoroughfares were decorated, thousands of incandescent and arc lamps were lit, and it is said that the cities competed with each other to demonstrate their best hospitality to the visiting Presidents.

The Stone and Webster Public Service Journal of 1909 has a great account of the day's historic events. President Taft arrived in El Paso, on the morning of October 16, 1909 and was met by El Paso Mayor Joseph U. Sweeney. After breakfast, President Taft was taken to the Chamber of Commerce through streets lined with thousands of school children who proudly waved colorful flags and sang patriotic songs. Mexican President Porfirio Diaz traveled across the International Bridge and was met by Secretary of War J.M. Dickinson, Texas Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell, and Mayor Sweeney who escorted President Diaz to his meeting with President Taft at the Chamber of Commerce.

After the meeting, President Taft journeyed across the border to visit Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Arriving at the border of the Chamizal zone, which was then disputed territory between the U.S. and Mexico, President Taft drove through the International Bridge and was saluted by the Mexican artillery with twenty-one guns. Upon arriving in Mexico, he entered the state carriage of President Diaz and was driven to the Custom House, which served as the temporary capital of the Mexican Republic. After a brief meeting, President Taft returned to El Paso, where he participated in a parade and addressed the cheering crowds. He ended the day by attending a reception in Ciudad Juarez where the two Presidents toasted each other and their respective countries.

This marked the first international trip of any sitting U.S. President and remains a rich part of the storied history of the great city of El Paso, which I represent. To this day, El Paso and Ciudad Juarez have maintained close ties. Culturally, socially, and economically intertwined, these sister cities are home to the largest international border community with a population of over 2 million people. Since that time, El Paso and Ciudad Juarez have hosted four joint meetings between the presidents of Mexico and the United States, more than any other border city.

On January 12, 2009, President-elect Obama continued this spirit of cooperation by meeting with President Felipe Calderon in his first face-to-face talks with a foreign head of state. This meeting fulfilled a tradition in effect since 1980 of U.S. Presidents talking with their Mexican counterparts before being sworn in, to underscore the special relationship between the two nations.

My good friend, Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Arturo Sarukhan, reflecting on this special occasion said, ``there is no more important bilateral relationship in the world today than the one between Mexico and the United States. . . . October 16th marks a date that should inspire us all to continue working to ensure that both Mexicans and Americans continue strengthening a partnership that must lead both countries toward greater development, security, prosperity and well- being for our two peoples.''

Let us mark this occasion by committing ourselves to push forward to strengthen the relationship between Mexico and the United States. I applaud the work of President Obama and President Calderon to foster a closer relationship with our southern neighbor. There is no better way to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ``Meeting of the Presidents'' than by continuing the legacy of strong diplomatic ties with our friends from Mexico.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Mr. REYES asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Chair, the men and women who have made enormous sacrifices to serve our country deserve every opportunity to get a good education, and my amendment will help them do just that.

My amendment will encourage community colleges to use the funding provided through the new grant program to increase the level of training for our veterans and for our members of the National Guard and Reserves. This amendment will help community colleges do outreach to our veterans and to our National Guardsmen and Reservists who may be looking to obtain new skills and training in these difficult economic times.

This funding is also now intended to help our veterans realize the benefits of the post-9/11 GI Bill that Congress passed last year. The post-9/11 GI Bill was created by landmark legislation that makes good on America's promise to take care of those who have proudly served our Nation. It offers unprecedented benefits that will make college affordable to our Nation's veterans.

However, the legislation will not meet its full potential if eligible veterans are not aware or if they do not take advantage of the opportunities available in their communities. This amendment will help to promote a more veteran-friendly environment at our Nation's community colleges by encouraging this generation of American heroes to use the benefits that they have so rightly earned.

Community colleges provide the first postsecondary experience for many students, and are critical in providing them with the education and training that is required for the high-demand jobs that are needed to keep the United States competitive.

I am pleased that my colleague, Representative Adler, has a similar amendment that will assist veterans who are seeking to attend 4-year colleges or universities. Making sure that veterans want to pursue an advanced degree and that they are able to do so is the right thing to do for our local economies and for our competitive future. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

I yield to my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

I thank the chairman.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I thank my colleague.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep pride that I rise in strong support of H.R. 2053, a bill that seeks to name the new El Paso Federal courthouse after the late Judge Albert Armendariz, Senior.

Judge Armendariz dedicated his life to advocating on behalf underserved communities and it is through his leadership and tireless efforts that we witnessed an improved landscape for Latinos in Texas and nationwide. He was a trailblazer who began his distinguished legal career by opening his law office in downtown El Paso with a $50 loan from his father. Judge Armendariz maximized that small investment by quickly becoming a national leader who served on countless committees and boards that addressed the issues he would advance in his legal practice. Judge Armendariz would go on to practice law in Texas for over 50 years and would argue before the United States Supreme Court. He is best remembered for his work on the landmark case, Hernandez v. The State of Texas, which established Latinos as a distinct class entitled to protection under the 14th Amendment.

Judge Armendariz graduated from El Paso High School in 1934. After graduation, he became a sergeant in the military and was responsible for overseeing the motor pool at Ft. Bliss in El Paso. He was later assigned to oversee the Italian prisoners of war at Ft. Bliss. When the war ended, he used the GI Bill to attend the University of Texas at El Paso for his undergraduate studies and then the University of Southern California Law School, where he was the only Mexican-American student at that time.

Judge Armendariz was a proud American who possessed a deep commitment to ensuring equal opportunity for all. In the late 1950's and early 1960's, Judge Armendariz served on the El Paso Civil Service Commission and is credited with helping to open the city's police and fire departments to Mexican-Americans. In 1976, Judge Armendariz was appointed an administrative judge for the Immigration and Naturalization Service and served in that capacity until 1985. He was later appointed to the 8th Court of Appeals of Texas. He was a founder of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF); national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); and founding board member of the Mexican American Bar Association of El Paso.

Judge Armendariz was a great American who gave so much to the El Paso community and to our nation. I urge all Members to join me in voting in favor of H.R. 2053.

Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I rise today in support of H. Res. 681, a resolution which expresses condolences to the family and loved ones of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas. On July 23, 2009, Agent Rosas was killed by gunfire while protecting our nation's southwest border.

Agent Rosas began his law enforcement career in 2001 as a reserve officer in El Centro, California. His desire to one day become a member of the U.S. Border Patrol was fulfilled on May 22, 2006 when he officially joined the Border Patrol family. Agent Rosas was deeply admired and respected by his colleagues for his generosity and service to others and for his dedication to his family. He fully embraced the Border Patrol's mission of securing our nation's borders, and he served with honor and distinction.

Agent Rosas' death serves as a reminder of the many risks that confront Border Patrol agents each day and why we owe them our sincere gratitude for their bravery, service and sacrifice. Before coming to Congress, I served for 26\1/2\ years in the Border Patrol, and I will always remain a part of that special family. I know first-hand the challenges and dangers that the agents face each day, and as a Member of Congress, I remain committed to ensuring that they have the resources and support that they need. My thoughts and prayers are with Agent Rosas' family--his wife Rosalie and his two children, Robert and Kayla Alisa. During this extremely difficult time, it is my hope that the family will find some comfort in knowing that Agent Rosas served his country with distinction and that he will be remembered in the hearts of the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the NAACP on their 100th anniversary. As the nation's oldest and largest grassroots civil rights organization, I commend the NAACP for their landmark accomplishments as well as their ongoing efforts to remove all barriers of racial discrimination in our nation.

Founded on February 12, 1909, the NAACP was established by a diverse and determined small group of brave men and women whose stated goal was to secure for all people the rights guaranteed by the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Over the span of 100 years, the NAACP's trailblazing work with federal and state legislators as well as in courthouses across the country transformed the organization into an instrumental force in the movement for political, educational and economic equality. As we begin the 21st century, the NAACP continues to pursue these important goals while remaining focused on promoting voter empowerment initiatives as well as closing the economic and educational disparities that continue to plague minority communities.

In my hometown of El Paso, Texas, the local NAACP branch has a distinguished and rich history of civic participation, as this branch is the oldest in the State of Texas. Established in 1915, the El Paso Branch was led by one of its pioneer charter members, Dr. Lawrence Aaron Nixon. Dr. Nixon worked tirelessly for nearly 20 years to remove the legal barriers that prevented African Americans from participating in Democratic primary elections in Texas. Dr. Nixon was the lead plaintiff in two lawsuits in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in his favor by declaring Texas' discriminatory laws to be unconstitutional. In recent times, the El Paso branch continues to serve our community through economic development programs and initiatives to assist our troops and veterans. I am proud of this history as well as the ongoing efforts that the local branch continues to spearhead in El Paso.

While much progress has been made in our nation over the past 100 years, there is unquestionably a lot of work that remains to be done. It is my belief that the NAACP will remain in the forefront in creating positive change and that through the combined efforts of all people, the promise of America can be reality for all.

Madam Speaker, it is a real honor and privilege to have Rabbi Leon here this morning in this great people's House.

I want to especially welcome not just the rabbi but members of his family that are here. I know that back in my district, back in El Paso, people have gotten up extra early to see the rabbi give our opening prayer.

It's a real honor and a real privilege and pleasure.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Socorro High School baseball team for winning the 2009 Texas 5A State Baseball Championship. The Socorro High Bulldogs ended their championship season with an impressive record, becoming the second team in El Paso history to bring home the coveted state title.

The team was tested by fierce competitors from across the great State of Texas, one of the most competitive states in the entire nation for high school baseball. As the post-season progressed, the Bulldogs fended off tough challengers and finished with an impressive 35-4 record.

On Saturday, June 13th, the Bulldogs had their toughest test this year when they faced the Lufkin Panthers in the state championship game at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas, and were down 2-0 in the game's early innings. The talented young men on the Socorro Bulldog team never wavered and forged an impressive come-from-behind victory.

I am extremely proud of the dedication, determination, sportsmanship, and discipline of this talented baseball team and their Coach Chris Forbes. The members of this championship team are to be commended for their drive and perseverance. The 2009 team members include: Tavi Amparan, Chuy Diaz, Cory Falvey, Roger Favela, Chris Guzman, Eric Herrera, Bobby Mares, Sergio Mendoza, Marcus Molina, Armando Muniz, Jessirey Navarrete, Aaron Olivas, Josh Rodriguez, Rene Rodriguez, Oscar Sandate, Ivan Sigala, Angel Soria, George Stoltz, and Luis Yanez.

Head Coach Chris Forbes and his great team of assistant coaches, Joe Alvarez, Adrian Garcia, Federico Contreras, and Herbert Reyes, were the masterminds behind the team's success. Coach Forbes, in particular, instilled a sense of hard work and discipline that kept the players motivated throughout the regular season and post-season. As part of his 25-year career in coaching, the former Austin High School baseball player has taken Socorro to 20 playoff appearances. Coach Forbes also boasts the most wins (576) of any varsity baseball coach in El Paso.

The Bulldogs' championship title energized El Paso sports fans, as over a thousand parents and members of the community made the long journey to Round Rock to cheer the team to victory. This team will forever be remembered for its historic victory that brought the State Championship Trophy to El Paso, 60 years after the storied Bowie Bears baseball team achieved the same feat in 1949. I am proud to join my constituents from the 16th District of Texas in commending the Socorro Bulldogs baseball team for a job well done.

Madam Speaker, on Friday, June 26, I submitted a statement for publication in the Congressional Record that informed all my colleagues of the availability of the classified annex to H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

I would like to remind my colleagues that the classified annex is now available for Member review in the committee spaces. Staff should contact the committee to schedule an appointment for any Member interested in viewing the classified annex.

Members will be required to complete the appropriate security paperwork in order to view any classified information.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man of great integrity, intelligence and insight, Mr. Scott F. Large, on the occasion of his retirement after 23 years of distinguished service to the Intelligence Community.

I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Large throughout his tenure as the Director of the National Reconnaissance Office. When he assumed this role in 2007, the organization was undertaking significant transformation that he helped initiate in earlier leadership roles. He carefully guided changes to strengthen his organization's role as the nation's primary source of space reconnaissance for military and intelligence forces.

Mr. Large's prior assignments prepared him well for this leadership role. He served as the Principal Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office from April, 2007 until his appointment as Director later that year. He also served as Director of the Imagery Systems Operations and Acquisition Directorate from 2003 to 2006, during a period of significant technological and programmatic challenges.

Mr. Large has carried out leadership assignments in two other intelligence community organizations. He was Director of the Source Operations and Management Directorate at the National Geospatial- Intelligence Agency. He also served in the Central Intelligence Agency's Directorate of Operations and as Associate Director of the Science and Technology directorate, leading technology development programs. Mr. Large made fundamental contributions to these programs and helped establish them as some of the nation's premier intelligence efforts.

Mr. Large's determination to lead fundamental changes in his organization, his willingness to assume leadership roles in other intelligence organizations, and his ability to facilitate collaborative partnerships with other elements of the Intelligence Community are testament to the quality of his leadership.

In announcing that he was stepping down as Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, Mr. Large reminded his workforce of the critical role of space reconnaissance to the nation: For nearly 50 years the NRO has provided this nation with an undeniable intelligence and operational advantage. Today the NRO continues to provide mission critical information to all of our end users. We are clearly on the verge of taking our mission to the next level and have set in motion strategic initiatives which will clearly demonstrate the importance of what you do.

The nation's space reconnaissance workforce and systems are better positioned to contribute to the nation's defenses as a result of the leadership of this public servant. For this, we thank Mr. Large and wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors.