Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 209, I was meeting with the Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Casey. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. WATERS, Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 209, I was called off the floor for an emergency telephone call. I was unaware that a vote was taking place. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere congratulations to the Government of the Republic of China, Taiwan, for celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Twin Oaks Estates.

Built in 1888 by Mr. Gardiner Greene Hubbard, founder of the National Geographic Society, the estate has served the Taiwanese Government in the United States since 1937.

Twin Oaks Estates has been instrumental in allowing the people of Taiwan to establish a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between our two countries. The people of Taiwan continue to be our partners in economic matters, democracy, and the pursuit of peace.

I look forward to continue working with the Government of Taiwan and congratulate them again on the 120th anniversary of the Twin Oak Estates.

Mr. Chairman, this budget is a commitment to restoring fiscal responsibility while providing for programs that boost economic growth, create new jobs, and provide tax relief to millions of middle- class families.

When the President presented the last budget proposal of his administration last month, he cemented his legacy of fiscal irresponsibility. Since January 2001, a $5.6 trillion 10-year surplus has been converted into record deficits and mounting debt.

The budget, which will outline Congressional spending for the next fiscal year, rejects the President's original proposal of cutting Medicare/Medicaid, key education programs, and the COPS law enforcement agency grant programs.

In contrast to the Administration's budget proposal, this budget passed by the House reaches a balance by FY 2012. It ensures that, under the adopted pay-as-you-go principles, any new spending is offset and does not add to the deficit.

With over 20 million middle-class American families facing the burden of paying the Alternative Minimum Tax, AMT, we have included fiscally responsible legislation that will provide a one-year `patch' and provide AMT relief to those families.

This is a budget that defends our Nation and provides for our Nation's veterans and wounded heroes. It increases veterans funding for FY 2009 by $3.6 billion above current levels and $38 billion over the next 5 years. Our budget also allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to treat 5.8 million patients in 2009 and rejects the $2.3 billion in health care fee increases imposed by the President's budget proposal.

The budget also prioritizes resources to restore military readiness that has been worn down by repeated deployments and more than 6 years of war. As chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, I am fully aware of the need to restore the strength of our military and protect our country from future attacks.

Despite the President's insistence on not expanding children's health insurance program, CHIP, this budget includes a reserve fund to provide up to $50 billion for CHIP. The President's budget proposal also cuts Medicaid by $94 billion over 10 years and a whopping $479 billion from Medicare over the same period. That is unacceptable and Congress rejects those cuts.

I urge all my colleagues to support this fiscally responsible budget that properly funds our nation's priorities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nueces County, TX, Commissioner Chuck Cazales on winning the 2008 Walter B. Jones Memorial Award for Excellence in Local Government. This award recognizes those public officials all around the country who promote and protect our vital coastal resources.

The Texas Coastal Bend is a unique area that provides our citizens with a sense of pride. The natural beauty and beaches in Nueces County contribute to the economy of our communities and offer recreational opportunities and tourism.

For 6 years, Commissioner Cazales has served with distinction on the Nueces County Commissioners' Court. Among his priorities is to protect our coastal communities and resources so that future generations may enjoy them. Last year, I was pleased he joined me at a field hearing on beach erosion with the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans. Commissioner Cazales has always advocated for increased coastal zone management programs and his testimony at the hearing was integral to its success.

The award, named after the late Congressman Walter B. Jones of North Carolina, provides the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the authority to honor those dedicated to helping the Nation maintain healthy coastal and ocean resources and balance the needs of these resources with human use. I served with both Congressman Jones and his son, Walter Jones, and know their strong dedication to coastal welfare.

This prestigious award is a testament to Commissioner Cazales's service to the Gulf Coast and South Texas. I am confident that he will continue to inspire positive change in the field of coastal management, and can think of no one else more deserving of this award.

Madam Speaker, I wish today to commend the 2007 ``Mr. Amigo,'' Angelica Vale, chosen recently by the Mr. Amigo Association of Brownsville, TX, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, in Mexico. Ms. Vale has achieved popularity on both sides of the border for her television, film, and theater work.

The Mr. Amigo Award began in 1964 as an annual tribute to an outstanding Mexican citizen who has made a lasting contribution during the previous year to international solidarity and goodwill. ``Mr. Amigo'' acts as an ambassador between our two countries and presides over the annual Charro Days festival.

The Charro Days festival, held in Brownsville and Matamoros, is an opportunity to enjoy the unique border culture of the Rio Grande Valley area. A Lenten event, much like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the festival was organized in 1937 by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce to recognize Mexican culture and was named in honor of the charros, ``dashing Mexican gentlemen cowboys.'' The festival includes parades complete with floats, as well as street dances, a rodeo, mariachi and marimba concerts, and ballet folklorico performances by school students.

This year's Charro Days festivities will be held February 28 through March 2 and will include appearances by Ms. Vale. An actress since a child, Ms. Vale has received acclaim for her roles in films and television shows. She recently starred in the Mexican show La Fea Mas Bella, which inspired the popular American show, Ugly Betty. She has also been named one of People En Espanol's ``50 Most Beautiful Women.''

This is the second time in the history of the Mr. Amigo Award that a parent and child have received such recognition. Ms. Vale's mother, singer Angelica Maria, received the award in 1996.

The United States-Mexican border has a unique, blended history of cowboys, bandits, lawmen, farmers, fishermen, oil riggers, soldiers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and teachers. The Charro Days festival reflects that deep sense of shared history and experiences, which is needed now more than ever. It is a time for all of us to not only remember our past, but to celebrate our future.

The Charro Days festival and the Mr. Amigo Award unite sister cities on both sides of the border and send a message that we are neighbors, and friends that trust, understand, and respect each other. We share a language, customs, and experiences unique to our communities, and during Charro Days we take time to celebrate our distinctive culture.

I urge my colleagues to join me in commending Angelica Vale, the 2007 Mr. Amigo, as well as the cities of Brownsville and Matamoros, for their dedication to international goodwill between the United States and Mexico.

Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy, when on February 25-26, 1992, the town of Khojaly in the Nagorno Karabagh region of Azerbaijan was brutally attacked by Armenian forces. The town of Khojaly, which was home to 7,000 people, was completely destroyed; a total of 613 people were killed, of which 106 were women and 83 were children, and 56 of whom are purported to have been killed with extreme cruelty and torture. Additionally, 1275 were taken hostage, 150 went missing; 487 people became disabled (76 of whom are teenagers); 8 families were wiped out; 25 children lost both of their parents, and 130 children lost one of their parents.

The Khojaly massacre was not an isolated incident. In fact, the level of brutality and the atrocities committed at Khojaly set a pattern of destruction that Armenian troops would adhere to for the remainder of the Nagorno-Karabakh War.

No one has been prosecuted for the crimes committed in Khojaly and, unfortunately, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict still remains.

On January 21, 2008, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov noted in the Wall Street Journal that it has been almost 14 years since the Armenia-Azerbaijan war ended in a Russian-mediated ceasefire, but Armenian troops remain on Azerbaijan's territory.

Minister Mammadyarov opined: ``The so-called Minsk process, an OSCE- led effort to find a peaceful, negotiated settlement to this conflict, has been helpful in providing the framework for dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It also gives an international dimension to this conflict. But we need to urgently conclude this process. Maintaining the status quo is just too costly.''

Foreign Minister Mammadyarov contends that diplomacy is Azerbaijan's preferred solution. The resolution of this issue would not only improve bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, it could also improve Armenia's relationship with Turkey.

The resolution of the conflict would ensure regional security and economic growth. As Azerbaijan looks forward, it is also important to look back. While not forgetting the past, Azerbaijan is ready to resolve the conflict and move into the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of my most trusted staff members, my Chief of Staff, Fernando P. ``Nando'' Gomez, Jr. After working in Congress for 7 years, the past 2 as my chief of staff, Nando will be joining the private sector.

Nando's dedication to and interest in public service has led him from the small town of Gregory, TX, to the corridors of two Capitols. During his senior year at the University of Texas in 1994, he began working for the Texas House Speaker James E. ``Pete'' Laney. Nando worked for Speaker Laney for nearly 5 years and was appointed the House reading clerk during the 74th and 75th Legislative Sessions.

He then moved to Washington, DC in 1998 and worked for Congressman Martin Frost, serving as legislative assistant and then as legislative director. He joined my staff in 2005 and rose from Legislative Director to Chief of Staff.

Words cannot begin to describe what Nando has meant to me, my staff, and the people of the 27th district of Texas. I have relied on Nando for his professionalism, work ethic, and friendship. He takes pride in his work, which is especially personal to him because he was born and raised in the district I represent. For him, it has not just been about serving as my chief of staff--it is about advocating for the issues of his hometown, his family, and his roots.

Nando has also taken an active role with local youth. He serves in Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentor program, where he has had the honor of serving as big brother to his little brother, Franklin, for nearly 5 years. Nando is an avid sports fan whose allegiances lie with the Texas Longhorns, Houston Astros, San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys.

Though I bid Nando a sad farewell from my office, it will certainly not be a good bye. I look forward to seeing him around the Capitol when he comes up to catch up with old friends.

Nando remains a trusted member of my family, and I will always seek his counsel on matters political and personal. I wish him, his wife Kristy and son Dominic the best of luck during the new phase of his life.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of HR 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act.

A college education continues to be a great path to prosperity. But more and more, high college prices and other obstacles are putting a college degree further out of reach for our students. In addition to rising tuition, students and their families face a complex federal student aid application process and student loan industry.

The legislation will streamline the application process for financial aid, will allow for students to better manage textbook costs, and increase college aid and support programs for veterans and military families.

Many college students--including 37 percent of Hispanic students-- receive Pell Grants each year, and this bill will now allow students to receive these vital grants year round.

It also increases authorization levels for the TRIO program to $400 million and GEAR UP program to $950 million, both of which prepare low- income and first-generation students with the challenges for college.

Many students find themselves in financial troubles because they are not aware of the rising costs or the details of the loans they take out. This legislation will hold student loan lenders more accountable for any potentially predatory actions, but students and their families will now have more information about all the options and costs to attend college.

Though we have passed this important piece of legislation, we are by no means done with higher education issues. The President's budget cut funding to Hispanic-serving institutions, and I will work with my colleagues to ensure those institutions receive proper funding. All students deserve to have as many resources as we can provide to them to better themselves and their positions in life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Amanda Tavares of Robstown, TX, for her hard work in successfully completing the Congressional page program. Amanda has been a shining example of the potential and leadership skills those selected for this selective honor entail.

Amanda, who hails from my hometown, has taken full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn firsthand how Congress works while gaining valuable experience about the legislative process. She excelled in the challenging environment of the Capitol, got to know new and interesting people, and attend the prestigious House Page School with some of the country's brightest young minds.

Prior to her time in Washington, DC, Amanda was involved in numerous activities at her school and church. She has served as a mentor, tutor, and missionary to an orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico. In addition, she has done home improvement work with the Nehemiah project of World Changers in Norfolk, VA.

Amanda's sparkling personality and engaging demeanor have been appreciated by my office and her fellow pages. The people whom a page meets here will be the movers and shakers in the country for the rest of their life. Washington, DC, is an exciting place and every page who leaves the program tells us the experience profoundly changed their life. Amanda has shared that sentiment and I have no doubt that her time as page will influence her goals.

As Amanda heads back to Texas, I am sure that she will take many of the lessons learned here and apply to her all life and activities. I am proud of hard work and accomplishments, despite being so far from her home and her family. I wish her the best of luck when she returns to school, and know she will use her experiences here to go on and do great things.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of my most trusted staff members, my Chief of Staff, Fernando P. ``Nando'' Gomez, Jr. After working in Congress for 7 years, the past 2 as my chief of staff, Nando will be joining the private sector.

Nando's dedication to and interest in public service has led him from the small town of Gregory, TX, to the corridors of two Capitols. During his senior year at the University of Texas in 1994, he began working for the Texas House Speaker James E. ``Pete'' Laney. Nando worked for Speaker Laney for nearly 5 years and was appointed the House reading clerk during the 74th and 75th Legislative Sessions.

He then moved to Washington, DC, in 2001 and worked for Congressman Martin Frost, serving as legislative assistant and then as legislative director. He joined my staff in 2005 and rose from legislative director to chief of staff.

Words cannot begin to describe what Nando has meant to me, my staff, and the people of the 27th District of Texas. I have relied on Nando for his professionalism, work ethic, and friendship. He takes pride in his work, which is especially personal to him because he was born and raised in the district I represent. For him, it has not just been about serving as my chief of staff--it is about advocating for the issues of his hometown, his family, and his roots.

Nando has also taken an active role with local youth. He serves in Brothers/Big Sisters Mentor program, where he has had the honor of serving as big brother to his little brother, Franklin, for nearly 5 years. Nando is an avid sports fan whose allegiances lie with the Texas Longhorns, Houston Astros, San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Though I bid Nando a sad farewell from my office, it will certainly not be a good-bye. I look forward to seeing him around the Capitol when he comes up to catch up with old friends.

Nando remains a trusted member of my family, and I will always seek his counsel on matters political and personal. I wish him, his wife Kristy and son Dominic the best of luck during the new phase of his life.

Madam Speaker, this month Capitol Hill saw the departure of constitutional aficionado and political guru Cathy Travis--who recently retired after serving the House for 25 years, the last 18 as my communications director and senior advisor.

Cathy's dedication to and interest in public service has led her from Jonesboro, AR, to the corridors of the Capitol. Politics always fascinated her, and after graduation from Arkansas State University she went to work for former Congressman Bill Alexander (D-AR) as a press assistant. She then served in various capacities for the House Floor staff. After serving in the Chief Deputy Majority Whip's office for 6 months, she came to work for me.

Words cannot begin to describe what Cathy has meant to me, my staff, and the people of the 27th district of Texas. For 18 years, I have relied on Cathy for her professionalism, work ethic, and friendship. She has been a wonderful and effective spokeswoman for the issues of south Texas, and reporters always expressed their gratitude for her guidance and assistance.

Whether through her infectious laugh or her candid advice, Cathy always left a resounding impression on those she met and worked with. Members, staff, and reporters always took time out of their busy schedules to catch up with her and share some friendly chisme. During her last few weeks in my office, numerous people stopped to wish her best of luck and congratulate her on her retirement.

Cathy will now dedicate her energy to writing and marketing her books. Her first book, Constitution Translated for Kids, has received numerous accolades and will soon be published in Spanish. In the book, the original text of the Constitution is paired side-by-side with a kid-friendly interpretation to pique interest and stimulate further discussion of American liberties.

Though I bid Cathy a sad farewell from my office, it will certainly not be a goodbye. I look forward to seeing her around the Capitol when she comes up to catch up with old friends.

Cathy remains a trusted member of my family, and I will always seek her counsel on matters political and personal. I wish her the best of luck during the new phase of her life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor three constituents from South Texas: Heather Blakemore, Rene Hernandez, and Sue Stachowiak.

The three have been awarded the District Award of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America, and it is the highest award bestowed upon volunteers in a district that symbolizes their exceptional and noteworthy service to youth in the Boy Scouts of America.

Heather's involvement with scouting began as an assistant tiger cub den leader in Pack 59 for her son, Jess. Since then she has served as den leader, assistant den leader, pack committee member, and assistant scoutmaster. She has also served as the Mistress of ceremonies for the District Recognition Dinner for 2 years and Mistress of ceremonies for the Council Banquet for 1 year.

Rene's scouting career began as a den leader for his son, Rene, in Pack 25. Since then he has served as Webelos den leader and cubmaster. In 4 years, Rene has served on Cub Scout Day Camp staff, Cub Adventure weekend staff, Pinewood Derby staff, Scoutorama staff, and the district training team. He has also served as a unit commissioner and assistant district commissioner, the round-up staff, and participated in multiple Scoutreach recruitments initiatives the last 4 years.

Sue has been involved in scouting for 7 years, beginning with serving as assistant tiger cub den leader in Pack 5 for her oldest son. Since then she has served as den leader, assistant den leader, Webelos den leader, assistant Webelos den leader, assistant cubmaster, assistant scoutmaster, and troop committee member.

The Boy Scouts of America continue their tradition of providing quality programs for boys and young men. I am proud of all three parents for taking an active role in lives of our youth. These parents serve as shining examples of love and duty in our communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ray Alexander on his retirement from KRGV television station in Weslaco, TX. His dedication to providing and bringing the news to the Rio Grande Valley has been an invaluable service.

Mr. Alexander has served as general manager for KRGV for 26 years. During his time at the television station, KRGV has become a leader in both national and local news, covering the most important stories and issues of the Valley community. The station has been honored with several regional Edward R. Murrow awards, one National Edward R. Murrow award and an Emmy award. The station has also received the Texas Association of Broadcasters Bonner McClain Award.

The tremendous responsibility of managing a TV station has not stopped Mr. Alexander from serving in civic affairs. He has served in leadership positions for both the National Association of Broadcasters and Texas Association of Broadcasters. He won two of the Texas Association of Broadcasters' most prestigious awards--``Broadcaster of the Year'' in 1988 and the ``Pioneer of the Year'' in 2002.

Mr. Alexander has also gained prominence for his community and charitable work. He has dedicated much of his time to the South Texas Chapter of the United Way; the McAllen, TX chapter of the Boys and Girls Club; and won the Easter Seals Society Rio Grande Valley Chapter ``Humanitarian of the Year'' in 2001.

As the area continues to grow and face new challenges, it is important to always have dedicated journalists to better inform our citizens. I have had a great working relationship with Mr. Alexander and KRGV throughout my congressional career. As Mr. Alexander moves on, I look forward to working with KRGV in the future in keeping our community abreast of the important issues.

There is no doubt that Mr. Alexander will continue to be an inspirational leader in south Texas. I wish him and his family the best as he moves on to another fulfilling chapter in his life.

Madam Speaker, due to personal medical reasons, I was unable to vote during the following roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as indicated below.

Rollcall No. 1163: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 1164: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 1165: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 1166: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 1167: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 1168: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 1169: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 1170: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 1171: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 1172: ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 1173: ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, due to personal medical reasons, I was unable to vote during the following rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the following rollcall Nos.: 1174, 1175, 1176, 1177, 1178, 1179, 1180, 1181, 1182, 1183, 1184, 1185, and 1186.