October 9, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2009 Training Center serving East Los Angeles. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION In short Mr. Speaker, the issues surrounding Over the last two years, the Center has as- REGULATORY MODERNIZATION this legislation are very complex. They do not sisted over 700 residents in re-employment, ACT OF 1997 lend themselves to suspending the rules of the generating over $18.5 million in new wages. House and expediting consideration, just be- SPEECH OF This year, CHARO implemented the East Los cause it is convenient. The Rules of the Angeles Business Assistance Center. Close to HON. BART STUPAK House protect the members in their rights to debate and thoughtfully consider legislation. I 100 clients received services, totaling over OF MICHIGAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES do not believe they should be suspended so 500 hours of technical assistance, with a num- lightly. ber of businesses referred to lenders for bank- Tuesday, October 7, 1997 CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, ing and financial services. Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I will support WASHINGTON, DC, SEPTEMBER 24, 1997. Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I rise to this bill today, because I believe this legisla- Hon. WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON, recognize the 30 years of dedicated commu- tion will begin an important process in mod- Washington, DC. ernizing and improving the operations of the DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: We urge you to give nity service and exemplary leadership CHARO serious consideration to remedying the inad- has provided the residents on my congres- Food and Drug Administration. In addition, the equate food safety provisions in the North sional district and throughout the greater East bill will reauthorize and improve the highly American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Los Angeles area. I ask my colleagues to join successful Prescription Drug User Fees Act. Because of your commitment to ensuring the However, I am concerned that we should me in paying tribute to Richard Amador and safety of our nation’s food supply, we expect not take up a bill of this magnitude on the that you will not agree to fast track author- the men and women of CHARO Community Suspension Calendar. While it is true that ity that does not contain adequate food safe- Development Corporation on its 30th Anniver- Chairman BLILEY and Ranking Member DIN- ty protections. Current fast track proposals sary. do not address these concerns. GELL informed members of the Commerce In an effort to increase trade with Mexico, Committee of their intentions, I do not believe f NAFTA limited border inspections of food this is an appropriate process. and allowed Mexican trucks to enter the U.S. First, not every member of this body is a with limited inspection. AMERICAN LAND SOVEREIGNTY member of the Commerce Committee. We These lax inspection practices contributed PROTECTION ACT should not restrict the rights of the members to a sharp increase in food imports from of the House to debate and offer amendments Mexico: imports of Mexican fruit have in- creased 45 percent, and vegetable imports SPEECH OF to this legislation. We cannot know if members have risen 31 percent. More than 70 percent planned to offer amendments, since the regu- of these imports are carried into the U.S. on HON. JAMES C. GREENWOOD lar order was not followed and the Rules Com- trucks. The General Accounting Office (GAO) mittee did not meet on this bill. recently found that 99 percent of Mexican OF PENNSYLVANIA Second, the Suspension of the Rules proce- trucks enter the U.S. without any inspec- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dure is generally used to approve measures tion. that are non-controversial or do not require These provisions in NAFTA have resulted Tuesday, October 7, 1997 large authorizations. This historical practice is in imports of fruits and vegetables contami- nated with diseases and unhealthy pes- reflected in Rule 28 of the House Republican The House in Committee of the Whole ticides. We were alarmed earlier this year Conference Rules that admonishes the Speak- when 179 Michigan school children con- House on the State of the Union had under er not to schedule Suspension bills of over tracted hepatitis after eating tainted Mexi- consideration the bill (H.R. 901) to preserve $100 million in authorization, except if he can strawberries. In order to prevent similar the sovereignty of the United States over seeks a waiver from the leadership. When incidents in the future, we urge you to take public lands and acquired lands owned by the the following action: United States, and to preserve State sov- Democrats had control of the House, they in- stituted a similar procedure. This legislation Renegotiate the provisions in NAFTA that ereignty and private property rights in non- relate to border inspections and food safety, Federal lands surrounding these public lands authorizes user fees in great excess of the and ensure that any fast track authority in- and acquired lands: $100 million threshold and should be debated clude strong food safety protections. through regular order. Increase the funding for border inspections Mr. GREENWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I rise Third, this legislation creates a number of or, alternatively, limit the increasing rate of today to express my support for H.R. 901, the new responsibilities for the Food and Drug Ad- food imports to ensure the safety of our food American Land Sovereignty Act. ministration. In addition, the FDA will need to supply. divert a substantial amount of resources to im- Begin an aggressive program to label all Unfortunately, on October 8, 1997, when the food stuffs—including fresh and frozen fruits, full House of Representatives voted on final plement the new policy changes contained in vegetables and meats—with their country of this legislation. This year the President re- passage of H.R. 901, I, in error, cast a ``nay'' origin. quested $68 million less than in FY 1997. We look forward to working with you on vote on final passage. Mr. Speaker, I had in- Even though Congress appropriated substan- these vital public health issues. tended to vote ``yea'' on final passage for H.R. tially more, we must continue to ensure that Sincerely, 901. the FDA has the resources to meet all its Sherrod Brown (D–13–OH), Bart Stupak I had assumed that when I cast my ``nay'' mandates, not just prescription drug reviews. I (D–1–MI), Neil Abercrombie (D–1–HI), Tom Allen (D–1–ME), John E. Baldacci vote, that I was voting against a Miller of Cali- co-signed a letter with 85 other members of (D–2–ME), Jim Barcia (D–5–MI), Rod fornia amendment that would have weakened the House to request the President to expend Blagojevich (D–5–IL), David Bonior (D– the bill. Mr. Speaker, only when I returned to more resources inspecting imported food. I 10–MI), Sonny Bono (R–44–CA), Bob my office did I realize that I made this error. have included a copy of the letter for the Borski (D–3–PA), George Brown Jr. (D– record and want to urge this body not to 42–CA), Julia Carson (D–1–OR), Tom Mr. Chairman, I have always been a sup- stretch the FDA so thin that it cannot perform Coburn (R–2–OK), Jerry Costello (D–12– porter of the American Land Sovereignty Act its necessary public health functions. IL), John Conyers (D–14–MI), William and voted in favor of similar legislation that the Finally, I intended to speak in support of my J. Coyne (D–14–PA), Pat Danner (D–6– House acted on in the 104th Congress. MO), Danny Davis (D–7–IL), Jim Davis amendment to the legislation authorizing a no- (D–11–FL), Peter DeFazio (D–4–OR), Furthermore, in the 105th Congress I voted tification procedure at the FDA in relation to Rosa Delauro (D–3–CT), William in favor of several amendments, that were of- Food Contact Substances. Although the sub- Delahunt (D–10–MA), Ronald Dellums fered by my colleague, Congressman COBURN, stance of my legislation was adopted by the (D–9–CA), Mike Doyle (D–18–PA). to various appropriations bills, that would pro- Committee, a portion of my proposed authoriz- Eliot Engel (D–17–NY), Lane Evans (D– ing user fees, a concept supported by the in- 17–IL), Vic Fazio (D–3–CA), Marc Foley hibit any funds appropriated in those bills from (R–16–FL), Martin Frost (D–24–TX), being used to support the U.S. Man and the dustry that would pay the user fees, was not accepted. I want to make it clear that although Elizabeth Furse (D–1–OR), Sam Gejden- Biosphere Program or the World Heritage Pro- son (D–2–CT), Luis Gutierrez (D–4–IL), I acceded to the request of the majority to gram. Maurice D. Hinchey (D–26–NY), Jay drop the user fees, it is my sincere hope and Johnson (D–8–WI), Paul E. Kanjorski Mr. Chairman, I regret that I made this error belief that the House should accede to the (D–11–PA), Marcy Kaptur (D–9–OH), Jo- and wanted to take this opportunity to reiterate Senate position in conference and adopt the seph Kennedy (D–8–MA), Patrick Ken- my support for this type of legislation. user fees. nedy (D–1–RI), Dale Kildee (D–9–MI), E2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 9, 1997 Ron Kind (D–3–WI), Ron Klink (D–4– the courts. Mr. Rosario pressed for the State AMERICAN LAND SOVEREIGNTY PA); Dennis Kucinich (D–10–OH), high school equivalency examination to be PROTECTION ACT Tom Lantos (D–12–CA), John Lewis (D–5– given in Spanish, helped establish the New GA), William O. Lipinski (D–3–IL). SPEECH OF James H. Maloney (D–5–CT), Thomas Jersey Puerto Rican Statewide Parade Com- Manton (D–7–NY), Matthew Martinez mittee, and in 1977 was awarded a seton hall HON. BOB RILEY (D–31–CA), Frank Mascara (D–20–PA), honorary degree in humanities or improving OF ALABAMA Carolyn McCarthy (D–4–NY), Jim the way of life for Hispanics in New Jersey. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES McGovern (D–3–MA), Cynthia Ann I thank the Puerto Rican Congress for this Tuesday, October 7, 1997 McKinney (D–4–GA), Marty Meehan (D– tribute and it is an honor and a pleasure to 5–MA), Jack Metcalf (R–2–WA), George recognize the accomplishments of this cele- The House in Committee of the Whole Miller (D–7–CA), Patsy Mink (D–2–HI), House on the State of the Union had under Jerrold Nadler (D–8–NY), Jim Oberstar brated man. He is deeply respected for his te- nacity in seeking the advancement of all His- consideration the bill (H.R. 901) to preserve (D–8–MN), David R. Obey (D–7–WI), the sovereignty of the United States over John Olver (D–1–MA), Frank Pallone panic-Americans. I am certain that my col- public lands and acquired lands owned by the (D–6–NJ), William J. Pascrell (D–8–NJ), leagues will join me in paying tribute to this re- United States, and to preserve State sov- Colin Peterson (D–7–MN), Glen Poshard markable gentleman. ereignty and private property rights in non- (D–19–IL), Steve Rothman (D–9–NJ), Federal lands surrounding those public lands Lynn Rivers (D–13–MI), Bobby Rush (D– f and acquired lands: 1–IL). Mr. RILEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in Martin Sabo (D–5–MN), Bernard Sanders TRIBUTE TO HENRY B. GONZALEZ (I–At Large–VT), Adam Smith (D–9– strong support of H.R. 901, The American WA), Debbie Stabenow (D–8–MI), Pete Land Sovereignty Act. No longer can we sit Stark (D–13–CA), Ted Strickland (D–6– SPEECH OF back and let the United Nations dictate US do- OH), Karen Thurman (D–5–FL), John mestic policy or infringe on our national sov- Tierney (D–6–MA), Ed Towns (D–10– HON. RALPH M. HALL ereignty. NY), James A. Traficant, Jr. (D–17–OH), OF TEXAS This is not a new argument. How many Bruce Vento (D–4–MN), Nydia times do we have to hear about the abuses of Velasquez (D–12–NY), Peter J. Vis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES closky (D–1–IN), Maxine Waters (D–35– the United Nations. In Alabama we hear that CA), Mel Watt (D–12–NC), Henry Wax- Tuesday, October 7, 1997 the United Nations is mired in one boondoggle man (D–29–CA), Robert Wexler (D–19– after another, how we owe them $1 billion, or Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is an FL), Robert A. Weygand (D–2–RI), Sid how our troops are going to be forced to miss Yates (D–9–IL). honor for me to pay tribute today to a long- Christmas because some foreign dignitary be- time friend and dean of the Texas delegation, f lieves it is reassuring to have our military the Honorable HENRY B. GONZALEZ, who has guarding his personal possessions. Now we IN HONOR OF JOSE ROSARIO: announced that he will resign from Congress learn that the UN has declared certain pieces FOUNDER OF FOCUS AND A this year after 36 years of outstanding service. of United States soil to possess international LEADER IN THE HISPANIC COM- For most of his life, HENRY GONZALEZ has status, independent of US sovereignty. MUNITY been a dedicated public servant, both in Con- This is becoming unacceptable and borders gress and previously in local and State gov- on ridiculous. How much of this are we going HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ ernment in Texas. As chairman and ranking to stomach before we tell the UN that it does OF NEW JERSEY minority member on the Committee on Bank- not control the United States. The People gov- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing and Financial Services in the House of ern the United States, and, as Representa- Thursday, October 9, 1997 Representatives, he has made his imprint on tives, we here in Congress are given the our Nation's banking, financial, and housing honor of governing this nation on behalf of our Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today laws. As Representative of the 20th Congres- constituents. We need to unequivocally inform to pay tribute to an outstanding gentleman, sional district of Texas, he has been a for- the UN that this is our country, not theirs. We Jose Rosario, who served as the founding fa- midable advocate for policies and programs need to tell the UN that we are going to hold ther of FOCUS and contributor for the endow- affecting his constituents. And as dean of the it under close scrutiny and question all its ac- ment of the Hispanic American community. On Texas delegation, he has been a respected tions. October 10, 1997, the Puerto Rican Congress and influential colleague. Today, the House of Representatives Inc. will posthumously honor Mr. Rosario with passed H.R. 901. This important piece of leg- a special reception at the Hilton in Secaucus, I knew HENRY GONZALEZ when he first served in the Texas State Senate. Previously, islation is a first step into curtailing the greedy NJ. clutches of the United Nations. It requires the Mr. Rosario, born in Moca, PR, passed he had been a member and mayor pro-tem of Administration to seek Congressional approval away on August 29, 1997, in Carolina, PR. He the San Antonio City Council, deputy director before it can nominate any US land for inclu- was a hardworking accountant and a licensed of the San Antonio Housing Authority and pro- sion on the World Heritage List. In addition, real estate agent. Before moving to New Jer- bation officer for Texas County. He worked as H.R. 901 stipulates that all lands that are to be sey 40 years ago with his wife Phyllis, he a civilian cable and radio censor during World included as a Biosphere Reserve must also be worked for the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. War II and operated a Spanish/English trans- brought before Congress. It is through his roots and heritage that he left lating business with his father. He also taught This bill sends a clear message to the UN a legacy of determination for improving human math to veterans and citizenship classes to and President Clinton that we are not going to services in the Hispanic-American community. resident aliens. HENRY was born and raised allow any organization to disregard American Mr. Rosario, El Viejo as he was known to and educated in San Antonio schools, with the Sovereignty. If the UN wants to make decrees his friends, founded FOCUS, the Newark exception of studying civil engineering for 3 that affect the United States, it must learn that based social services agency, in 1967. Its mis- years at the University of Texas at Austin be- it has to go through proper channels and ask sion was to provide education, job training, fore graduating from St. Mary's University permission. and other services for underprivileged His- school of law. His life has been one of giving The citizens of the United States, not the panics from the Newark area. Today, known to those who needed him. UN, will determine their own lives and their as the Focus Hispanic Center for Community In all that he has done in public service, own futures. Development, the agency, led by Casto HENRY GONZLEZ has been an outstanding f Maldonado, executive director, and Frank Mo- Representative for his constituents in Texas, rales, chairman of the FOCUS board of trust- the Hispanic community, and our Nation. Dur- TRIBUTE TO THE ARTIST WYLAND ees, serves more than 9,000 clients every ing Hispanic Heritage Month, I can think of no year through grants and donations to fund an one more deserving of our respect and our HON. SANDER M. LEVIN annual budget of over $1 million. gratitude for 36 years of dedicated service in OF MICHIGAN Mr. Rosario also established the New Jer- the House of Representatives than my good IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sey Office of Hispanic Affairs which set up the friend and colleague, HENRY B. GONZALEZ. As first bilingual education program in New Jer- we adjourn today, I ask that my colleagues Thursday, October 9, 1997 sey schools and successfully pushed for pas- join me in bidding him a fond farewell and in Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- sage of a law requiring Spanish interpreters in wishing him God speed in his retirement. ognize the dedication of the 76th Wyland