Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Dianne Rowland of Houston has written me about the illegal invasion into the United States. She writes, ``I just heard that the Border Patrol is providing information to the Mexican Government on the location of the Minutemen. Obviously, the Mexican Government then relays that information to the illegals, since Mexico wants to transfer their problems to us.

``Stop the spying and reporting on the Minutemen. During World War II, would we have notified Japan or the Germans where we had Civil Air Patrol stations? I think not. This isn't any different, only we don't yet have a declared war with Mexico. However, it is apparent that we do have a war between the government and the American people.

``Leave the Minutemen alone. They are the only people I trust on the border. They are providing a service free of charge and doing a job that you, the government, can't do and refuse to do. They are not breaking any laws, but feeding information to Mexico should be against the law.''

Mr. Speaker, is our government at war with our own country? This Nation has the obligation to protect our borders, and those who play the role of Benedict Arnold and help Mexico to illegally invade the United States should be held publicly accountable and dealt with by the American public. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time of Mr. Jones.

Mr. Speaker, the American people expect action regarding the porous borders of the United States. They expect and deserve leadership. Here is what some Americans are saying about our porous borders in correspondence they have sent to me.

Terrence Griffin from Spring, Texas, writes, ``I am angry and fed up with the inaction and lack of leadership for immigration reform. Vote `no' on amnesty. Illegal means illegal. Secure the borders first. We as Americans feel like thrown away stepchildren. I am taught that charity begins at home. America looks weak and reckless when it chooses to secure the borders of other nations, feed people of other nations and protect other nations when America is left unprotected, unsafe and unsecure.''

Mr. Speaker, Mr. and Mrs. William Wainscott in Dayton, Texas, write, ``Vote against amnesty and providing social services which are supported by the taxpayers. This has gone too long and too far. Our government law enforcement officials look the other way while our country is being invaded by people who choose to violate and disregard our system, that system being of legal entry and immigration. These illegals represent a major burden on taxpayers. They not only take away low-paying jobs, they take away good jobs. I should know. It is extremely difficult for an American citizen to get a job in the construction field because of the number of illegals getting reference in hiring. I speak from experience as a welder and a fitter. Because of preferential hiring practices of construction companies, the American has to look elsewhere for his employment.''

Tracy Blackburn in Spring, Texas, writes, ``A Los Angeles attorney brought into the case last week by the Mexican Consul General's office in Phoenix plans to file another motion claiming Maricopa County Attorney officials are violating State and Federal law because supposedly it is the Federal Government's job to control illegal immigration. Well, why is the Mexican Consul General able to use a local lawyer to try to prevent enforcement of American law? They are not U.S. citizens, what gives these people these rights? I am fed up with the illegal trespassers coming in here and demanding rights that they obviously do not have.''

I also received a correspondence from a high school student from Humble, Texas. Jack writes to me, ``I just wanted to express to you my feelings as part of the generation that will soon be voting. Though it is hard to get our voices out, as we are immediately hushed under the complaints of racism, many of my classmates, whether they are white, black or Hispanic, feel that the restriction of illegal immigrants is obviously a necessary action.''

Further, Mr. Speaker, I have received correspondence from Richard of Houston. He says, ``As Texans, we are on the front lines of this illegal invasion. If we fail to act, the future of our children, the next generation of Texans, is obviously at risk. I urge you to take all possible measures available, including support of local border law enforcement agencies, with the Texas National Guard to stop the threat to security and to our economy. Texans have always stood tall in the face of threats to our State and Nation. Because of the failure of national leadership, it is now this generation of Texans' turn to defend our land.''

I have also received correspondence from Patricia in Houston. She says, ``I am writing to let you know how I feel about the immigration issue. We have laws in effect that are not enforced. The illegal immigrants are breaking the law. They come over here and they do not want to melt into the melting pot of people. Please vote to shut down our borders and build a wall. I will even go down there and volunteer to help build that wall if necessary. You might be surprised how many people would volunteer to help build such a wall. And how dare people compare themselves to the immigrants that were our ancestors. They wanted to be Americans. They even changed their names to be more American. These people are taking Texas back one baby at a time and we are just allowing them. Most Americans, specifically those on the border States, feel that we need to close the border but are afraid of being called a racist. It has nothing to do with race, it has everything to do with the law.''

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I received several cases of bricks from an individual down in Texas. With the cases of bricks that he has sent me this letter, ``I am

sending you these bricks in support of an increase in the border security of the United States. These bricks should give you a start in building a wall. The American public demands some solutions to our open borders. A comprehensive border plan must include a security wall in some places, better technology, more funding of personnel for Border Patrol, and overall increased security presence on the southern border. When our borders are secure, then we can discuss the aspects of illegal immigration issues. We are tired of open borders, uncontrolled immigration, terrorist infiltration, criminal alien gangs, and all of the other horrors that arise due to our defenseless borders and unenforced immigration laws.''

Mr. Speaker, the voice of America continues to cry out for us to enforce the rule of law, protect the dignity and safety of the American people. Government's number one job is public safety, and public safety starts at the border.

We have an obligation to stop the illegal invasion and stop the colonization of our country and homeland by foreign nations. Failure to do so will result in America being lost to foreign nations without even firing a shot. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Ross Thomson was born in Scotland in 1956. At the age of 4, his family moved to Toowoomba, Australia, where he was raised. While there, he became a Christian. In 1975, faith took his family to Salisbury, Rhodesia for mission work among the Shona tribe. He worked with his father, and would devote the rest of his life to saving souls.

Having lived the ministry for years, Ross moved to the United States to study. He obtained his bachelor and master's degree in theology from Harding University. He did further post-graduate work at Rice University.

In 1989 he married Christine, who is with us today, and moved his family to southeast Texas, Alice, Texas, where he preached for the Morningside Drive congregation.

He has preached for the Brooks Avenue Church of Christ in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Northlake Church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently he is the pulpit minister for the 1,200 member Bammel Church of Christ in Houston.

Christine and Ross are blessed with three children, Joshua, Savannah and Justin.

It is clear Ross, with his proper Scottish background, was not born in Texas, but he got there as fast as he could. He became a U.S. citizen in 2002.

One of my favorite stories about Ross was his first trip to an American grocery story. The first place he went was a southern grocery store called Piggly Wiggly. Puzzled, he didn't quite understand that concept.

He has done much to preach the gospel of Jesus in Texas, and spends time in the people business. So today we welcome Ross here to the United States Congress, and appreciate his determination to practice and live the freedom of religion under the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Mr. Speaker, let me recite to you an immigration policy.

1. If you migrate to this country you must speak the native language.

2. You have to be a professional or an investor. No unskilled workers are allowed.

3. There will be no special bilingual programs in the schools, no special ballots or elections, and all government business will be conducted in one language.

4. Foreigners will not have the right to vote.

5. Foreigners will never be able to hold public office.

6. Foreigners will not be a burden to taxpayers. There will be no welfare, no food stamps, no health care or other government assistance programs.

7. If foreigners come and want to buy land, that is highly restricted.

8. Foreigners may not protest. No demonstrations, no foreign flag, no political organizing, no criticizing the President or the policies. If you do, you will be sent back to your country.

9. If you come to this country illegally, you will be arrested by our Federal police and sent to jail.

Mr. Speaker, this is not U.S. immigration policy, but the alleged policy of President Vicente Fox and Mexico. President Fox is a hypocrite for trying to dictate to America what we should do in this country, letting his illegal citizens into the United States, while apparently demanding tougher immigration laws in his own country. Fox is nothing more than a fox in fox clothing. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, I request permission to take Mr. Jones' place.

Mr. Speaker, when born in the hot humid heat of a Texas August in 1976, she was called a bicentennial baby in honor of America's 200th birthday. She was the second of four children and grew up with that second child competitive determination.

She was strongly serious as she went to elementary school. While enjoying playing with her siblings, Kim, Kurt and Kellee Lyn, she also liked irritating the older next-door-neighbor boy.

While growing up, Kara learned and liked to plant vegetables and to take care of a large family garden. But upon entering elementary school, she spoke some words with difficulty, and her speech patterns were not really satisfactory. This began to affect her socially and really bruised her young self-image.

Her third grade teacher at the Oaks Elementary School in Humble, Texas, was determined to help this little girl and worked with her in pronouncing those English words correctly. This little girl, Kara, overcame this issue and speaks perfect English with an exceptional Texas accent, another of America's dedicated school teachers helping out one child at a time.

Anyway, Kara played on soccer teams and was on the swim team with her brother and sisters. They spent

those long Saturdays competing at swim meets all over North Houston. Kara not only took to sports but academics in high school. She lettered 4 years in basketball, was the team captain, high scorer her senior year and played in the Texas State playoffs. Volleyball and cheerleading were also activities she enjoyed and participated in.

After doing some babysitting jobs at 15, Kara applied to work at a local Target store while in school. On her job application, she was asked about her job experiences and reason for leaving her previous job. So she put, quote, ``last job, baby sitting.'' Reason for leaving, quote, ``Kids were brats.'' Blunt truth got her the job.

She continued to tell it like it was, even to this day. At Target, Kara Poe learned how to deal with real people in the real world by working as a cashier. She doesn't like to admit it, but she even held the long-time record as the fastest scanner. She has continued her studies and studied endlessly. She played high school sports, and has continued to work and save as much money as she possibly can.

By the way, Mr. Speaker, Kara graduated valedictorian from her high school, Northland Christian High School in Houston, Texas. Kara, like all the Poe kids, went to Abilene Christian University, and she worked while in college and still was able to graduate with a grade point average of 3.88 with a B.S. in interdisciplinary studies, English and history.

Quite opinionated on all subjects, especially politics and sports, being an avid Astros fan, she loves the freedoms and loves this country.

She went on to get her Master's degree at Abilene Christian University in English, and her GPA was a perfect 4.0. She got married to a guy by the name of Shane Alexander; I was honored to perform that wedding. She has a 10-month-old daughter named Elizabeth.

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday that little girl who had trouble with speech in third grade will receive her doctoral degree from the University of Louisville in rhetoric and composition. She has a GPA of 3.92.

At 29, she obtained her doctoral degree in less than 4 years, a marvelous amount of time and a short time for obtaining a doctorate.

She already has a job at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and she will be teaching on the tenured track. She will be teaching English, Mr. Speaker, and she will be a teacher like her mother, both her grandmothers and her sister, Kim.

So, Kara, as your dad, I am proud of your determination, commitment and attitude. Congratulations to you for your success in the field and noble field of education and being a teacher. Congratulations to you for your success in life.

That's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, a high school senior in Texas writes about the illegal entry into the United States. She says, ``I am a senior in the Klein School District. I am also the daughter of an immigrant family. I have the highest regard for the government and the rules placed before those who want to share this American dream. I see my family struggling each day to be sure to be by the books by following the limits and regulations set by the government. Unfortunately, there are others who are not.

``I can relate to those who want to be here, but when you allow these illegals to continue to cross the borders, there is a stereotype that is placed on the rest of us who diligently strive to follow the law. I know it is possible to come to the United States legally, and I know that it is difficult, but we need to tighten the borders.

``We all know there are many good and decent people who have a desire to work in the United States, but what about those who are mingling with the good people, bringing with them drugs and coming with a desire to do harm? There are many murders, rapes and vandalisms that will never be solved because many of those responsible return to their homeland. Protect me, my family and the good people of Texas by strengthening the Border Patrol. Also, be more stringent on the INS to be vigilant in maintaining order in the influx of outsiders that are coming to this country.''

Madam Speaker, this high school senior has it right. Secure the borders or America will suffer. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Chairman, I speak in support of this amendment as a member of the Port Security Caucus.

There is a port in my district, the Port of Beaumont, that ships out one-third of the military cargo that goes to Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, that port is largely responsible for 11 percent of the refinery capacity in the United States.

Due to those concerns and the expertise of the people that run the refineries, the people that run the port facilities, I think it is imperative that we have input from local officials on how to secure the safety of our ports. So I support this amendment in its entirety.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, April 23-29 was designated as ``National Crime Victims' Rights Week.'' In conjunction with crime victims' rights week, the Texas Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, MADD, held a statewide candlelight vigil on Monday, April 24, 2006, in Austin, Texas. I had the privilege to attend, as well as speak, at the vigil. The candlelight vigil was held to recognize, remember, and honor all of the victims of crime, throughout the Great State of Texas. It is only fitting that we pay tribute the Texas Chapter of MADD for their dedication and commitment to educating, preventing, and ending drunk driving, and its devastating consequences, in Texas and throughout the United States.

The National MADD Organization was established in 1980 by Candy Lightner, whose 13 year old daughter, Cari, was struck and killed by a drunk driver, while she was walking to a school carnival. All of MADD's 10 presidents have been victims and/or lost a loved one to a drunk driver. MADD's current president, Glynn Birch became the first male president of the organization in 2005. Since its inception, MADD has grown from a single chapter to nearly 600 chapters nationwide, with the number of supporters in the millions. MADD has been responsible for raising the federal drinking age to 21 years of age, lowering the legal threshold for intoxicated driving to .08, launching countless public service and media ad campaigns alerting teens to the dangers of drinking and driving, and celebrating its 25th Anniversary with the theme--``MADD Celebrates Life.''

The Texas Chapter of MADD has been recognized for its efforts throughout the state in promoting the goals and principals of the National MADD Organization. The Texas MADD was the recipient of the 2002 Heart of MADD Award--honoring Texas' efforts in building strong victim service programs and outreach to victims of drunk driving crime. The Texas MADD has also been recognized by the National MADD organization for their work regarding their efforts to combat underage drinking in Texas, passing the .08 blood alcohol concentration in the Texas State Legislation, and for their contribution to a video for teens showcasing the danger of teenage alcohol consumption. The Texas Chapter of MADD has also supported countless pieces of Texas state legislation which protects its fellow Texans from drunk drivers, as well as making sure the offenders are adequately punished.

The Texas Chapter of MADD, as well as the National MADD Organization, has made it their mission to protect our roadways and educate our citizens to the negative consequences of drunk driving. They are also responsible for caring for the victims from these senseless acts of violence, to ensure their voices are heard and not forgotten. The Texas Chapter of MADD truly deserves this recognition. That's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, there are thousands of individuals who make it their life's work to help our Nation's most vulnerable victims--our kids. One of the best is my dear friend, Elaine Stolte. I have known Elaine for what seems like forever. She was my District Court Coordinator for 17 years while I was a judge in Harris County, Texas. Throughout all of these years, I have watched Elaine crusade tirelessly for children who have been subjected to the worst circumstances of sexual abuse and help them to cope, recover, and prosecute the offenders. Due to Elaine's dedication to child victims, she was recently awarded the ``Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy'' by the Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus on April 21, 2006. For this reason, Elaine is being recognized.

Elaine Stolte is the Executive Director of the Children's Assessment Center (CAC) in Houston, Texas. The Center was established in 1991 to protect and serve sexually abused children in a professional, compassionate, and coordinated manner. Elaine began serving as the Executive Director of the CAC in August of 2001, after previously serving for a year as the CAC's Assistant Director.

Elaine's primary duties require the management of the CAC, which is a collaboration of 35 partner agencies that include Federal, State, and city staff, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations. She has worked vigorously with numerous criminal justice, medical, educational, and government practitioners in creating policy initiatives, and raising community awareness, on child sexual abuse. She has also been instrumental in training the practitioners of the role and necessity of the CAC.

Elaine has not only dedicated her professional time to victim advocacy, but is involved in many community programs as well. She has been a conference presenter for the National Children's Alliance, a graduate of the FBI's Citizen Academy, a member of the Federal Review Team for the Department of Family and Protective Services, is on the Board of Directors for the Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas--State Chapter, a mentor with the CAC Texas Mentor Program, the appointed commissioner for the Joint City/County Commission on Children, is on the Board of Directors for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is the CAC representative for the Harris County (TX) Children's Protective Services, is an executive representative for the Harris County (TX) Youth and Family Services Division, a member of the Harris County (TX) Child Fatality Review Team, a member of the Child Abuse Task Force, an administrative chair of the CAC Partner Council, a member of the Child Sexual Abuse Review Team, a member of the Mayor's Victim's Memorial Committee, and a lifetime member of the Friends of the CAC. These are just a portion of the organizations privileged to have Elaine participate in; the list goes on and on.

On April 21, 2006, Elaine was awarded the Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus' ``Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy.'' The award honors the memory of Ed Stout; the Director of Aid for Victims of Crime of St. Louis, MO, one of the Nation's three oldest victim assistance organizations, who died in 2005 following a 30+ year career of inspiring crime victims and those who serve them. The recipient of the award is a professional or volunteer whose effects directly benefit victims and survivors of crime. The award recognizes innovations in victim assistance and crime victim services in the areas of program development, public, or agency policy development, community and public awareness, and collaboration among community, and justice- based organizations that serve victims of crime.

Elaine's achievements with the CAC and in the community far surpass these qualifications. As Founder of the Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus, I had the honor of presenting her with this award. Elaine's innovation, determination, and compassion for the CAC, and for its child victims, are inspirations to us all and makes her one of the best child advocates in the Nation. I am truly blessed to consider her one of my dearest friends and to provide her the recognition she deserves.

That's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, part of the reason gasoline prices have jumped to record highs is because there have been no new refineries or major refinery expansion in America. United States refineries are at 97 percent capacity turning that black gold into gasoline at a rapid rate, but there is a tremendous demand for more refining capacity.

Royal Dutch Shell has announced that the Motiva Refining Plant in Port Arthur, Texas, will expand to become the biggest refinery in the United States. Construction will begin next year. Currently, ExxonMobil, in Baytown, Texas, is the biggest refinery in America. By the way, Mr. Speaker, both of these refineries are in the energy belt of the Texas gulf coast.

To get back on the path of energy self-reliance, the United States needs more American refineries and more offshore drilling. The country has not built a new refinery in over 25 years because of burdensome bureaucratic Federal regulations and environmental energy obstructionists. Congress needs to encourage refinery development and offshore drilling. That will increase supply so that the gasoline price at the pump comes down to an acceptable American consumer level.

The people of southeast Texas welcome Motiva's new progress, and we congratulate them on this endeavor. That's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, I have received numerous correspondence in the last 24 hours regarding the unlawful invasion into the United States. Here is what some Texans are saying.

Heather Pritchett in Humble, Texas, says: ``Illegal immigrants should be sent home and required to follow the same immigration laws as legal immigrants have faced. It is wrong to give illegal immigrants legal status, even with several requirements such as learning English, essentially it says it is okay to ignore the law. An open door immigration policy is one of the wonderful things about this country and it should continue, but please close the windows.''

Jeffrey Kendrick of Spring, Texas, writes: ``Why do we allow illegals to choose what laws are okay to disregard? As an American citizen who served our country for over 10 years in active military duty, this makes my blood boil. Why aren't we enforcing the laws that are already on the laws? Are there other laws that are okay to break? Why should our representatives in Washington allow our country to be overrun with people who have no regard for the law? Stand up for our country. I have always respected your record and valued your opinion. Don't let the country be sold out to whining liberals who are afraid of what illegal aliens may think of them. Who cares what they think? Go after companies that employ them illegally, enforce the law, preserve the American way of life.''

Robert Arnold in Atascocita, Texas, writes: ``It is amazing to see so many people mock our government while breaking the American law. As a citizen, as a veteran, I would like to know what plan is on the drawing board to stop the inflow of illegal activities at the borders. At the very least, make those people pay taxes. I don't even care about the $3 a gallon gasoline, but work to get this immigration issue under control.''

Zine Strong of Humble, Texas, writes: ``I am appalled at what is happening in our country where it appears that illegal immigrants have more rights than American citizens. I see daily on television the plight of those who live at the border. Their properties are vandalized, their lives are threatened by those crossing the border illegally. Our school and health systems are stretched to the limit and the jails are filled with people who have no right to be here in the first place.

``I am an immigrant myself who was blessed to have the privilege of becoming an American citizen. I came to this country legally many years ago with my two small daughters. As soon as we arrived, my daughters were enrolled in a school so they could learn English and we spoke only English at home. My sister, who had sponsored us, took us to McDonald's and told my daughters they could not be Americans unless they ate hamburgers and drank Coca-Cola. Five years later we became American citizens.

``We are Brazilian by birth and Americans by choice, but we did it legally. We never demanded any rights because we didn't have any until we became U.S. citizens. We pay our taxes. We obey the law. We love America with its traditions and all it stands for, and we do not wish to see it destroyed or changed.

``It is with horror that I see thousands of illegals take to the streets and shout for their rights. Their sense of entitlement is offensive, and politicians in Washington who write legislation protecting them are saying to American young people that laws are to be broken and you will be rewarded if you do break the law.

``The American people have had enough. For me, the last insult was to see our National anthem being not only translated into Spanish, but having our words changed to serve someone else's interests. The anthem is sacred. Can you imagine if immigrants in France did the same thing with the French anthem? They probably would be shot.

``I urge you to protect our borders. Do whatever is needed to stop the invasion. Yes, we are a nation of immigrants, but the immigrants who built our Nation came here legally. Furthermore, they came to give to this country. They learned the language, followed the laws and were assimilated into the United States. The people who are coming now want to change the country. To begin with, they don't even learn the language.

``In 2004, I had to go to the emergency room at a local hospital. I was there 7\1/2\ hours because the waiting room was full of illegals who, according to the law, have to be taken care of. I pay taxes, they don't. Where are my rights? The civil rights of American people are being violated to protect illegals.

``To the politicians who say we are a generous people who should help those who come here looking for a better way of life, I say, well, where does that end? The Mexicans are no more deserving than other people. What about the Africans, the Haitians and all other nationalities? Should we open our borders to accommodate the whole world? If those folks want a let better life, let them demonstrate against the Mexican government and fight for their rights in their own country. Otherwise, if we make an exception for them, then in the name of fairness we will have to do it for all nations. What I see now on the borders is anarchy.''

Lastly, Milton Chance of Nederland, Texas, briefly states: ``I am against illegal immigration. We need to secure the boarders. My son-in- law is Mexican and I have two wonderful grandchildren so I am not prejudiced at all. This statement by a former President of the United States sums up the way I feel. `In the first place, we should insist that an immigrant who comes here in good faith and becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated with the exact equality as everyone else. It is an outrage to discriminate against any person because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American but does something else isn't an American at all. We have room but for one flag, the American flag. We have room but for one language, and that is the English language. We have room for but one sole loyalty, and that is the loyalty to the American people.'' Signed Teddy Roosevelt, 1907.

Mr. Speaker, I hope Congress is listening to the people of this country. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the price of gasoline is $3 a gallon. Americans want answers, and they want solutions. According to the American Petroleum Institute, the nationwide average of tax on gasoline is 45 cents a gallon. This is split between State and Federal governments. The oil companies make about 9 cents a gallon on gasoline, so Washington, D.C., makes more off a gallon of gasoline than the oil companies.

Congress should consider suspending part of the gasoline tax for a period of time to lower gasoline prices. Gasoline prices are going up because OPEC controls 50 percent of the world's crude and is driving up the price of gasoline. The U.S. needs to be drilling offshore. Now we only drill off the coast of Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. There is crude out there in our gulf coast and east coast and even the sacred west coast.

We can't have it both ways: Refuse to drill offshore and have cheaper gasoline prices. It is not going to work. We can drill safely offshore, and we need to do so to prevent being held hostage by third-world countries. Mr. Speaker, that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, another Lone Star voice from my district. Billy Minx in Channelview, Texas, e-mailed me on Tuesday. This is what he had to say about those illegally in America:

``In the recent immigration protests; the first protests showed the true intent of the mass of these illegal immigrants. The overwhelming majority of the flags were Mexican flags. These people are loyal to Mexico. I have a neighbor down the street who is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Mexico, and he flat out told me if the U.S. and Mexico were at war with each other, he would fight for Mexico.

``We may be a Nation of immigrants, but the majority of Americans were born here and their parents were born here. My great, great, great, great, great Grandfather John C. Hale was killed at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 defeating Santa Anna and Mexico (and thus making Texas an independent country). He is one of nine Texans buried there on the battlefield.

``Now my elected officials want to simply hand Texas back to Mexico. It's a traitorous act what is about to happen in this Congress. I pray you will not be an accomplice.''

Mr. Speaker, Congress has an obligation to prevent the illegal colonization of this Nation.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, as this Victims Rights Month of April comes to an end, the bureaucrats are also trying to end a fund that supports victims of America. The Victims of Crime Act requires convicted criminals to put money into a fund that then pays for crime victim services.

What a great idea: make criminals pay for the system that they have created. Make them pay rent on the courthouse. This fund is about $1.6 billion. This is not Federal money, this is not taxpayer money, this is victim money.

Now the robber baron bureaucrats want to take this money and put it into the abyss of the Federal Treasury. As one of the members of the Victims Rights Caucus, along with Jim Costa and Katherine Harris, we do not want the government to victimize victims again.

This money belongs to thousands of victims and thousands of victims organizations, including domestic violence shelters, rape centers, child abuse centers, and should not be taken away. Congress needs to prevent this stealth stealing of victims' money, and we must demonstrate to America that criminals will pay and be accountable for the misdeeds against the American people.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, this House must have the will to secure our borders from unlawful, illegal entry into this sovereign Nation by other nations. Many of my fellow Texans have written me about this problem, and I am going to read a few of those tonight.

David in Splendora, Texas, writes: ``I totally disagree with the guest worker program. If the government allows an amnesty program for the illegals, then every person crossing the border would qualify. Also, the borders need to be more secure. I work with immigrants here in Houston, and it amazes he how they can go back and forth to Mexico. The immigrants who have their family in other countries are sending their money there, and they do not even spend it here anyway.''

Tim, in Groves, Texas, writes: ``Vicente Fox and Mexico are not our friends. The Mexicans are laughing at their neighbors to the north while their illegal countrymen clog our streets and harass U.S. citizens with marches and demonstrations. Why aren't they demonstrating in Mexico for jobs and better pay? That is the source of their problems. Our legislators are afraid of enacting tough laws on these people while American citizens pick up the tab.''

Donald, in Nederland, Texas, agrees and writes: ``When did Vicente Fox become head of American immigration policy? Fox has no business telling the United States what to do with its citizens who illegally enter the United States. We can't control Mexico's immigration laws, and all attempts to handle the illegal entry of millions of Mexicans into the United States have fallen on deaf ears. They came to America to work in many fields hired by business interests, and when their visas expired, they didn't return home as required by law. Businesses then allow them to continue working at salaries below those needed by American workers who they replaced.''

``Employers who hire illegal foreign workers should be required to make sure their employees leave the country when their visas expire or be fined and pay the government's expense for returning them to their home country when they are caught. Amnesty by any other name, guest worker, is still amnesty; get illegals out of America.''

Michael in Crosby, Texas, writes, ``Sir, I implore you to be as tough as necessary to halt this wave of illegal immigration, and to seal up our borders. It honestly worries me about the reports on C-SPAN of the border incursions by Mexican military personnel, and the possibility of smuggling a weapon of mass destruction into our country via the border with Mexico.''

Randy in LaPorte, Texas, writes, ``I am an American and my wife is a legal alien. We have worked for many years to get citizenship for her and it is hard and expensive and takes a long time. It makes me see sick to see the Mexican flag in our streets and demanding rights from the U.S. Some in our government talk of a path for citizenship for them, and this makes me just sick. I hope you can pass immigration laws that will protect Americans and not protect illegal aliens.''

Ernest in Dayton, Texas, writes, ``As I watch the demonstrations by the illegal immigrants, I am appalled by the fact that they are carrying a Mexican flag and not the American flag. This myth that no one will work the jobs that illegals work is exactly that, it's a myth. Congress can be blamed for taking the jobs away from qualified 16- and 17-year-olds. I went to work at a butcher shop at 12 years of age and I have worked ever since. Guest worker program, my hind leg. It is nothing more than an amnesty program. The politicians in this country created the situation. It is important they get off their high horse and do the work of the United States and not special interest groups.''

He goes further to point out, Madam Speaker, ``You need to come to the Exxon station on highway 90 in Liberty, Texas, and bring the INS with you and see how many illegals you can round up at that one location.''

Finally, Madam Speaker, Jean in Kingwood, Texas, writes, ``I felt compelled to write today after days of hearing about the Mexican protests and the Mexican flag waving going on in our country. First, let me say for a very long time I felt immigration has been out of control but that the politicians in America consider it a way to gain votes and will not touch the issue. I am outraged that we are in such a state as we are now.

``Recently, I had to take a job in order to supply health insurance for my family because my husband lost his job. Then it wasn't long after that that I had to go to the emergency room. I went to the emergency room at 4:45 p.m. and didn't leave until 5:01 a.m. the next day. I cannot tell you the number of immigrants with three or more children in that waiting room. I wondered if any of them actually had health care insurance, and how much free health insurance they received on their visit. Here I am working so I can supply health insurance to my family, yet the illegals and those that have no health insurance walk in and obtain free health care.

``Everyone in America knows the stats on this and the stress being placed on our system because of those that are able to obtain free health care just by walking into the emergency room.''

Madam Speaker, this House had better listen to the American citizens, and we need to be more concerned about what they think than those who have illegally invaded and colonized our Nation think.

Madam Speaker, that's just the way it is.