E 746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 30, 1995 Under the 1977 Clean Water Act Amend- make its case on environmental grounds.1 PERSONAL EXPLANATION ments, coastal communitiesÐmainland and is- Such logic applies fully to this legislation. landÐwere permitted a time-limited oppor- I urge our colleagues on the Transportation HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO tunity to apply for exemptions from secondary and Infrastructure Committee and on the Re- OF OREGON treatment requirements if they met very strin- sources Committee to consider this bill and its IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gent environmental standards for ocean dis- common sense approach to the regulatory charges. Overall, EPA has granted 39 waiv- burden confronting Puerto Rico. I understand Thursday, March 30, 1995 ers. All applications were required to be sub- that the EPA is receptive to this change in the Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, on March 9, I mitted to EPA by December 29, 1982. The law, which can only improve the marine envi- was having dinner at a nearby restaurant with Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority ronment off the west coast of Puerto Rico, and the Oregon State labor commissioner and ap- [PRASA] submitted 12 waiver applications, parently my electronic beeper malfunctioned and 6 have been tentatively approved. Only which will apply these regulatory requirements with cost effectiveness and flexibility, rather and I missed a recorded vote on the Cox two applicationsÐincluding one for the Maya- amendment to H.R. 956 which would cap non- guez treatment facilityÐwere denied, in De- than rigidly and without regard to their con- sequences. economic pain and suffering damages in cember 1993. The EPA insists that the Maya- health care liability cases at $250,000. If I had guez POTW construct secondary treatment fa- f been present I would have voted ``no.'' cilities costing approximately $100 million, de- f spite significant evidence that other, far less- IN HONOR OF THE 25TH ANNIVER- costly alternatives would be equally, or even SARY OF THE PICO RIVERA ROBERT GARCIA BRINGS more, effective in protecting the surrounding BOBBY SOX ASSOCIATION HISPANICS TOGETHER marine environment. Puerto Rico has proposed construction of a deep water outfall situated more than 300 feet HON. BILL RICHARDSON deep and several miles from shore as an al- HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES OF NEW MEXICO ternative to secondary treatment at the Maya- OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES guez POTW. This would save the Common- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, March 30, 1995 wealth about $65 million. Substantial scientific Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, our former evidence gathered from similarly situated Thursday, March 30, 1995 POTW's with deep ocean outfalls indicates colleague, Bobby Garcia, has spent many that such methods can achieve the equivalent Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to years trying to forge better relations among all of secondary treatment standards or better. commemorate the 25th anniversary of the people. As a co-founder of the Congressional The evidence was so compelling in the in- Pico Rivera Bobby Sox Association. Hispanic Caucus, he sought to unite Hispanic stance of San Diego, CA, that Congress last For the past 25 years, the Bobby Sox Asso- Members of Congress working toward com- year enacted, and the President signed into ciation has been providing an invaluable serv- mon goals. As a private citizen, he has contin- law, legislation permitting EPA to consider a ice to the young girls, and now the young ued to focus his attention on uniting Hispanics section 301(h) waiver application proposing a boys, of Pico Rivera. The association was es- in this country and throughout our hemisphere. similar alternative to secondary treatmentÐ tablished in 1970 by a group of parents deter- Recently, Mr. Garcia hosted a reception in notwithstanding that such a waiver otherwise mined to give their daughters the same oppor- Washington honoring the current chairman of would be time-barred under the Clean Water tunities to play on an organized team sport, as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, our col- Act. Puerto Rico deserves the same oppor- their sons. The parents, led by Bobby Sox league, ED PASTOR. Mr. Garcia also invited tunity to implement cost-effective alternatives founder and president of the board, Mr. Ray representatives of the Latin American repub- lics and Spain to further our common inter- and seek a section 301(h) waiver. Garcia, labored countless hours laying out ests. This is not simply an issue of fairness or fields, building dugouts, and constructing and cost-effectiveness; it is also an issue of I commend our former colleague for his staffing a snack bar, all for the love of their work in improving relations between people science. The Clean Water Act was intended to children and softball. improve the marine environment. There is sig- and countries and urge my colleagues to re- The whole community has a vested interest nificant scientific evidence that suggesting that view the following article which appeared in in the success of this program. Countless par- a new deep ocean outfall at the Mayaguez the Caribbean Business publication. POTW would best protect the surrounding ma- ents have taken time out of their schedules to [From Caribbean Business, Mar. 23, 1995] coach, manage, chaperon, and care for these rine environment. Furthermore, this legislation GARCIA SEES EXPANDED CAUCUS ROLE young girls. And, because of their efforts, the would require a scientific study of the issue by (By John Collins) return on their investment has been immeas- the U.S. Geological Survey, an impartial agen- Former Congressman Robert Garcia of New cy with no interest in the outcome. Puerto urable. York views the Congressional Hispanic Cau- Rico is willing to share 50 percent of the fi- These young women have all learned les- cus, of which he was a co-founder, as an im- nancing necessary for the study. sons in comradery and sportsmanship. In portant catalyst for bringing Hispanics, in There are numerous precedents of such lim- 1977, the Pico Rivera Bobby Soxers All-Stars the U.S. and elsewhere in the world, closer ited exceptions to the requirements of section led by coaches Jim Cafferty and Eddie Gomez together for the mutual benefit of all. 301. The municipal wastewater treatment con- experienced the thrill of winning a national Garcia and his wife, Jane, hosted a recep- struction grant amendments of 1981 included tion in honor of the new chairman of the championship. Indeed, the whole association CHC, Ed Pastor, an Arizona Democrat. To a provision that extended the date under is to be commended for putting forth the effort help familiarize members of the Diplomatic which section 301(h) waivers could be re- to ensure the participation of the nearly 6,000 Corps with the workings of Congress and how quested and specifically permitted the city of young girls who have graced the softball dia- Hispanic members might assist them in Avalon, CA, to receive such a waiver. The monds at Rio Vista Park over the past 25 achieving their legislative agendas, Garcia Water Quality Act of 1987 included a specific years. invited representatives of the Latin Amer- exception for the Irvine Ranch Water District ican republics and Spain to the reception. I applaud every individual who has had a that permitted it also to file for a waiver after Among those attending were ambassadors part in making the Bobby Sox of Pico Rivera the deadline. Raul Granillo Ocampo (Argentina), Sonia The 1981 provision specifically reexamined a success. I know that the memories carried Picado (Costa Rica), Ana Cristina Sol (El Salvador), Jesus Silva Herzog (Mexico), Ri- section 301(h) and concluded: ``failure to in the hearts of their daughters are priceless. As a new generation of young girls, and now cardo Alberto Arias (Panama), Jaime de broaden eligibility * * * risks requiring treat- Ojedo (Spain), and Pedro Luis Echevarria ment for treatment's sake, involving the ex- boys, stand ready to take the fields at Rio (Venezuela). Countries represented by other penditure of funds which could be better used Vista, I hope the dedicated spirit which has diplomats included Brazil and Guatemala. to achieve additional water quality benefits accompanied their predecessors will continue EXPANDED DIVERSITY elsewhere.'' This provision does not grant for many more generations of players to The CHC was organized in 1977 when there variances. It simply allows variances to be come. were only four Hispanics in Congress, includ- sought with the burden on the applicant to ing Garcia. Today, the caucus has grown to 18 members, 13 Democrats and five Repub- licans. The largest segment of the CHC is of 1 H. Rep. No. 97–270, 97th Cong. 1st Sess. at p. 17. Mexican descent, four are Puerto Ricans, March 30, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E 747 three are Cuban and one is Guamanian. Coalition Chief Executive Officer Manuel IN SUPPORT OF THE ENDANGERED Three are women, including Rep. Lucile Roy- Mirabel. SPECIES ACT bal-Allard (D-Cal.), whose father was a CHC co-founder. The previous chairman was Rep. f Jose E. Serrano (D-N.Y.). The current first HON. NANCY PELOSI vice chairman is Resident Commissioner TO AMEND THE INDIAN GAMING OF CALIFORNIA Carlos Romero Barcelo (D-P.R.). REGULATORY ACT ON BEHALF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The caucus is dedicated to voicing and ad- OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES vancing, through the legislative process, is- Thursday, March 30, 1995 sues affecting Hispanics in the U.S. and insu- Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lar areas. HON. TERRY EVERETT offer my strong support for the Endangered THE SPIRIT OF MIAMI Species Act. For over 20 years, this landmark While a guest at President Bill Clinton’s OF ALABAMA legislation has been America's contract with historic Summit of the Americas in Miami IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nature. last December, Garcia was determined to re- It has also ensured the survival and con- turn to Washington committed to assisting Thursday, March 30, 1995 the CHC perform a much more active role in servation of hundreds of native fish, wildlife fostering dialogue and interaction between Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, earlier this and plant speciesÐand with them our natural its members and Hispanics throughout the year, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to re- heritage. hemisphere and elsewhere in the world. ‘‘My view the suit filed by the Seminole Indians that Mr. Speaker, the Endangered Species Act idea is for the caucus to help really make would allow tribes to sue States in order to has helped to preserve biological diversity Clinton’s Spirit of Miami work,’’ Garcia said. within our country by preserving species that enter into Class III gamingÐcasino gam- The Spirit of Miami is a declaration of com- are on the brink of extinction. Since 1973, 731 blingÐcompacts. The Court's interest in hear- mitment signed at the summit. He recalled U.S. species have been listed under the En- how active the CHC was in the 1970s and 1980s ing this case points to the long overdue need in fostering greater understanding of Latin dangered Species Act. Without this vital pro- for a restructuring of the Indian Gaming Regu- tection, many listed species, including our na- America. latory Act. One glaring flaw of the statute lies Although modest, Washington observers tional symbol, the bald eagle, would have long point to the important role Garcia performed with the current approval process for gaming since become extinct. in persuading the late House Speaker Thom- compactsÐthe local communities do not have Mr. Speaker, the Endangered Species Act is as O’Neill (D-Mass.) that Argentine Presi- a voice in these matters which will clearly im- at a decisive crossroads. dent Raul Alfonsin should be afforded an op- pact their quality of life. While it has come under attack from those portunity to address a joint session of Con- By way of background, under current law, who contend that it places unnecessary road- gress after he had decided such an invitation all that is required for Class III gaming ap- should not be extended in the post-Falklands blocks in the path of economic development, War climate. proval is a compact between the tribe and polls consistently show that the American peo- StateÐthe local community affected by the ple support the Endangered Species Act by ARGENTINE PRAISE gaming activity has no involvement in the ap- wide margins. Garcia’s initiative ‘‘proved that subjects of common interest are easily discussed among proval process. Moreover, under the current The American people know that to abandon diplomats and Hispanic legislators here, to law, State and local governments are prohib- the Endangered Species Act would be tanta- the benefit of all our countries,’’ Ambassador ited from assessing taxes on these gaming ac- mount to an open season on endangered wa- Granillo Ocampo told Caribbean Business tivities. I believe that the local community, terfowl, marine mammals, songbirds, and from Washington. ‘‘With regard to Argenti- whose infrastructure and public services will other federally protected wildlife. It would give na’s message to the U.S.—a message of polit- be strained by the operation of a gambling ca- a green light to international traffickers of fur- ical reliability and economic predictability sino, should be able to participate in the ap- bearing animals, wild birds, elephant ivory, ti- from a country where democracy has flour- gers, and other wildlife and wildlife products. ished, a market economy is growing and proval process. A full-fledged casino would The time to protect America's biological re- human and civil rights are prevalent—I place untold burdens on the police, fire, res- sources is now Mr. Speaker. I urge all of my would say it has been understood and fos- cue, and other public services of a small town. colleagues to support re-authorization of a tered in Congress with the help of the Con- The roads, bridges and water and sewer ca- gressional Hispanic Caucus.’’ strong Endangered Species Act. pabilities of a small or rural town would be in- The Argentine envoy said: ‘‘This was true f when the then-Congressman Bob Garcia adequate to handle the added demand and chaired the Caucus during the 1980s and re- usage. DELAURO HONORS AIR NATIONAL mains so under the chairmanship of Con- Today I am joined by a number of interested GUARD UNIT gressman Ed Pastor.’’ members in introducing legislation that will Although it is a busy time in Washington give local communities a voice in the approval and the House was in session, several mem- bers were able to attend the reception in- process. First, the elected governing body, HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO cluding Reps. Solomon P. Ortiz (D-Texas); such as the city council, mayor or county com- OF CONNECTICUT Bill Richardson (D-N.M.); Roybal-Allard; missioners, would be required to approve the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Esteban E. Torres (D-Cal.); Nydia Velazquez Tribal-State compact. Second, the local com- Thursday, March 30, 1995 (D-N.Y.); and Romero Barcelo accompanied munity will then have the opportunity to ap- ˜ by his wife, Dona Kate. Also present was prove the compact through a referendum. The Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman (R-N.Y.), the congratulate the 103d Air Control Squadron of chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Com- inclusion of the local community in the gaming compact will not only reflect a more complete the Connecticut Air National Guard in Orange, mittee. CT. The Orange Unit's tremendous service to representation of the people of the affected CLINTON REPRESENTED our country has earned it the 1994 Air Force area, but I believe will foster a friendlier and Representing the Clinton administration, Outstanding Unit Award. among others, were U.S. Trade Representa- more cooperative relationship between the For more than a half-century, the Orange tive Mickey Kantor; Alexander Watson, as- tribes and the local communities in which they Air National Guard Unit has guaranteed our sistant secretary of State for Inter-American reside. Affairs; Judge Nelson A. Diaz, general coun- Nation's security and demonstrated that citizen Whether you are a proponent of opponent militiasÐsuch as the ones that fought for and sel of the U.S. Department of Housing & of casino gambling, the concerns of impacted Urban Development; Jeffrey Farrow, co- won freedom in this land over 200 years chairman, White House Inter-agency Work- local communities should be factored into the agoÐare still effective and necessary. With ing Group on Puerto Rico. HUD Secretary process. This legislation will go a long way to support from a small number of full-time Air Henry G. Cisneros was represented by his alleviate these concerns, and believe that it is Force personnel, the Orange Unit fields more wife, Mary Alice; and another HUD official, time for Congress to take action and amend than 250 airmen and women. These members Aida Alvarez, the director of the Office of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. of our community serve the United States Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, was also there. Tony Rodham, brother of first through the Air National Guard while keeping lady Hillary Clinton, was also present. their commitments to careers and families. Among others in attendance were Puerto These National guardsmen and women de- Rico Commerce Development Administrator serve our deepest thanks for their selfless Juan Woodroffe and National Puerto Rican service.