H4240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2003 and detention of 120,000 Japanese Ameri- Heritage Month and to celebrate the lives and from California (Mr. HONDA) the impor- cans, as well as Japanese Latin Americans. accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans tance of Asian American and Asian Pa- The Legendary 442nd Regimental Combat in our history. In particular, I want to recognize cific Month. Team went down in history as one of our na- the contributions of Korean Americans to my I would like to add some additional tion’s most decorated military units. To date, district and commend them for their tireless points that I think are very important there are more than 284,000 Asian American work in improving the city of Los Angeles. on this matter, and just add my military veterans. Mr. Speaker, as you may know, Los Ange- thoughts regarding the information Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to en- les is home to the largest concentration of Ko- that we have shared this evening. courage my colleagues in the House of Rep- reans outside of Korea, roughly 160,000. Lo- I would like to call this special order, resentatives and citizens around the nation to cated in my district, Koreatown is the hub of Mr. Speaker, ‘‘Matters Not Yet Fin- explore the rich culture, achievements and the Korean community and vital to our local ished, Issues Undone.’’ contributions of the Asian Pacific American economy. The rich and diverse history of Ko- I believe it is important to note, as community. rean immigration is carefully documented by we are facing challenges with respect Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased the Korean American Museum, from the first to homeland security, that as we look to join my colleagues tonight honoring the Korean arrival in the United States at the turn to protect our Nation it is important many contributions of Asian Pacific Ameri- of the 20th century for agricultural production, to find the right kind of balance. This morning I was able to join a cans. In particular, I wish to honor one of my to the most recent wave of Korean immigra- number of my colleagues at the home- greatest heroes and long time friend, former tion marked by the passage of the 1965 Immi- land security hearing held in the dis- Congresswoman Patsy Mink. gration Act. trict of the gentlewoman from New Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand here to- Just a few weeks ago I had the opportunity York (Ms. SLAUGHTER). I thank her for night and recognize the many contributions to attend the Congressional Asian Pacific her hospitality. It was a very impor- that Patsy Mink made to the people of this American Caucus kick-off event and hear from tant hearing. As we listened to the country, particularly to the girls and women of many of the Asian American leaders in my residents and Federal officials in the this country. district and beyond who discussed their com- northern New York-Canadian area, the I was privileged to serve with Patsy while munity development projects. I want to take theme was, of course, that we should be working with her on the House Education and this opportunity to recognize some of the effective and efficient and proficient, the Workforce Committee since the beginning groups I met that day and the contributions but also we need to balance the needs of my tenure in 1992. She served as a mentor they continue to make to our communities: the and friend to me while I have worked in Con- of that region as relates to the com- Korean Resource Center, the Korean Youth & merce of people and as well goods. So gress and I miss her very much. Community Center, the Korean Churches for Besides being the first woman of color to there should always be a balance. Community Development, the Thai Community serve in the House of Representatives, Patsy That is why I think it is important to Development Center, and the Asian American Mink helped craft landmark legislation for remind this Nation of the Japanese in- Healthcare Venture. I want to reiterate one of women across the country during her 24 years ternment in the 1940s, done by a Presi- the key concerns expressed to me by some of in Congress. In the early 1970s Patsy played dent, of course, that thought what he those community leaders at the forum, which the key role in the enactment of Title Nine, was doing was the correct thing. But in is the need for community and economic de- which prohibits gender discrimination by feder- many instances the Japanese that were velopment projects that are geared toward ally funded institutions. interred did not even speak the lan- When most people think of Title Nine, they Asian Pacific Americans. The diversity of the guage, did not speak Japanese, may think of women’s sports and, the impact of APA population presents unique challenges not have had any relationship to Title Nine of women’s sports can be clearly for housing and community development sys- Japan, and certainly posed no threat to seen. Title Nine has increased the numbers of tems, and we must look for ways to better al- the United States. They lost their jobs, girls and women who participate in sports in locate scarce resources to deliver linguistic their property, their family. high school and college. and culturally appropriate services. So as we move through society and Even beyond school, we can see the impact I strongly believe community development as we begin to look at these questions, of Title Nine in the impressive accomplish- organizations must be sensitized to the history I think it is extremely important that ments of American female athletes at the and experiences of the communities they homeland security and the securing of Olympics, and when we turn on the TV to serve in order to produce services that are lin- this Nation be balanced with civil lib- watch professional women’s basketball and guistically and culturally appropriate. To that erties and the refusal and rejection of soccer games. end Congress should look into federally des- racial profiling. But, we shouldn’t forget that Title Nine has ignated funding for the APA community and I might also want to add just a note also been a major tool for increasing women’s economic development programs. We also as we are focusing on the Asian Pacific participation in other aspects of education, as need to look into better data collection and re- Month, it is just to pay tribute for a well. search at the national level to further under- moment to our former colleague, our Even as we stand here on the floor today stand the unique needs of the Asian American late colleague, Patsy Mink. We truly Title Nine is being used to make sure that girls communities. miss her. Certainly she was the first have equal access to classes which teach the I want to thank Congressman WU and Con- Asian Pacific woman to be elected to skills that lead to high-wage jobs that women gressman HONDA, Chair and Vice Chair of the the United States Congress and the need to support themselves and their families. Congressional Asian Pacific American Cau- first minority woman. It is clear that But, Title Nine was not Patsy’s only con- cus, for organizing this special order. As we her leadership was not a leadership tribution to the girls and women of America. commemorate and celebrate the crucial role that focused solely on the issues of her Patsy also authored the Women’s Edu- Asian Pacific Americans have played in the heritage. She focused on issues of so- cational Equity Act, which is still the primary development of this Nation, we must also rec- cial justice. She is known to be the resource for teachers and parents seeking in- ognize the unique needs and challenges the Mother of Title IX, that opened the formation on proven methods to ensure gen- 12.5 million Asian Pacific Americans in the doors of opportunity for women ath- der equity in their schools and communities. U.S. face today and work towards improving letes. The Women’s Educational Equity Act rep- their future and the future of our country. But I think it is very appropriate resents the Federal commitment to ensuring f during this month to again compliment that girls’ future choices and successes are all of the Asian Pacific and Asian MATTERS NOT YET FINISHED, determined not by their gender, but by their American elected officials throughout ISSUES UNDONE own interests, aspirations and abilities. the Nation, our two Senators in the There has been no stronger voice in Con- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. United States Senate, the many Mem- gress for girls, women, and minorities than COLE). Under the Speaker’s announced bers of this House of Representatives Patsy’s, and it will do Congress proud to re- policy of January 7, 2003, the gentle- who serve us today. But certainly it member and honor her not only for her herit- woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) would be remiss of all of us if we did age but also for the enormous impact she is recognized for 60 minutes. not make mention of the fact that made while she was here in Congress. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Patsy Mink served amongst us, and she Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Speaker, it is a pleasure to have been was a dynamic and wonderful rep- commemorate the Asian Pacific American able to celebrate with the gentleman resentative.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.033 H19PT1 May 19, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4241 Also, Mr. Speaker, I believe that as request by any State. So it is unfortu- sultants, wherever they may be lo- we look at the issues confronting us nate that we would have the majority cated. there are many things that are left un- leader of this body to interfere with I would like to offer this into the done that I would like to make note of. the State process on the grounds that RECORD at the appropriate time, Mr. The first is that I would like to em- the State of Texas is a Republican Speaker. phasize again a tribute to the 55 Tex- State. b 2215 ans that took it upon themselves to This is what we would have been sub- stand and be counted against a run- jected to if the redistricting plan would The letter is joined by a letter that away legislature that wanted to do a have existed. was sent last week by myself and a number of legislative initiatives that First of all, District 25, that is now number of Members of this body to in- were to undermine the representation an existing district in the State of sist that this was not a Federal ques- of these members, 51 in Ardmore, and Texas, would have been extinguished, tion. There had been no criminal acts four others, a total of 55, a very unique moving it some hundreds of miles away that had been perpetrated by the legis- and extraordinary procedure that was from its original base. That means an lators, and their constitutional rights utilized. incumbent Member would have been protected them from their expression I think the headline in the Wash- totally eliminated. Not that the in- of opposition to the process of the ington Post on Tuesday, May 13, gave cumbent Member is the question. It is Texas legislature, and that no Federal the right tone. ‘‘GOP plan prompts a the question of the people having the resources or no Federal intervention Texas exodus. Democrats stall State right to select a person of their choos- should occur. legislature’s redistricting vote. Moving ing and for communities of interest to Apparently, we were ignored; and al- with exceptional stealth and tactical be able to be together. ready at that time inquiries were made coordination, more than 50 Democratic When I told constituents of the 25th to the Department of Justice to utilize State lawmakers in Texas packed their that their district no longer existed, their resources. Also, it appears that bags and quietly slipped out of the and these are individuals of different homeland security resources were used State under cover of darkness late Sun- political persuasions, not only were at that time and that there were day and early today.’’ they shocked, but they were outraged trackings, if you will, of legislators. Of course, it is alleged that the offi- that they did not have the opportunity That is an abomination, Mr. Speaker, cials there dispatched various police to have a hearing in their community an outrage. I hope that, out of the officers and others to track them down. to be able to address the question. sense of respect and dignity for this I do not think they reported, however, Mind you, Mr. Speaker, those of us House and the Members of this body, some of the abuses that occurred dur- from Texas wrote letters. The legisla- an appropriate response will be coming ing that time; the fact that law en- tors there requested of that body, the forth from the Homeland Security De- forcement, under the direction of State State House, to allow for field hearings partment. I think it is absolutely a ne- officials, went into hospitals, went into to occur. But, lo and behold, they were cessity, Mr. Speaker, that we engage in the homes of legislators whose children totally rejected. Not rejected as elect- doing that immediately. Without that, were home alone, tracked legislators’ ed officials, but I would like to remind I think that we are barking up a very cars whose whereabouts were well- Speaker Craddick of the House of Rep- wrong tree. known because they were in Ardmore, resentatives in Austin that he denied As I said, Mr. Speaker, I am here to simply, I believe, an inappropriate use the people of the State of Texas. discuss issues left unstated and mat- of the legal authority of that State. But this plan would totally move the ters still to be done. I want to speak to I would hope that there will be a 18th Congressional District that I am the question of the news item of last great study of what occurred with now representing, again a district that week, and we do not know how long it these 55. I hope the Nation points sun- belongs to the people, totally away will continue. I do so because I am a light on that political process so that from its historic communities of inter- strong believer in the first amendment the misrepresentation that they ab- est. It means the historic homes of and the freedom of the press. It is cer- sconded or they left in the dark of Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland tainly imperative and the responsi- night would not be the accurate char- would no longer be in the 18th Congres- bility of the press to be accurate; I do acterization of what happened. sional District and that historic loca- not disagree with that. Many of us who What happened was as important as tion in Houston, Texas, but would be serve in elected office have seen many those early settlers who threw, if you connected hundreds of miles away to a instances that we have challenged will, the tea into the Boston Harbor. It district that would be in Beaumont, some of the accuracy of the reportings was an act of objection, defiance, in a Texas, next to Louisiana. So a down- of the press. democratic manner. It was a non- town community, downtown Houston, At the same time, we hold very dear violent defiance of a governmental would be connected under this plan that privilege of the first amendment. process that was oppressive. that the legislators saw fit to leave In fact, the first amendment entitles us And what was the oppression? The re- town on to Beaumont, Texas. to the freedom of speech, the freedom fusal of the legislature to even allow The real key is the rights of the peo- of association and movement, and the amendments by the Democrats on any ple, and I believe that the rights of the freedom of religion, among others. So issues, amendments that would deal people have been undermined and, this is not a challenge, if you will, to with the saving of children who had maybe in some instances, abused. I be- the idea that we must protect the first lost their health care, amendments lieve it is important as a member of amendment. dealing with fixing Medicaid, amend- the Select Committee on Homeland Se- I recall working with a writer a year ments dealing with fixing the pension curity that we clarify and make sure or two ago on the issue of ensuring problem with respect to teachers in that in the rush to judgment of last that she had the right to hold her Texas, amendments dealing with the week that no Federal resources were sources, a very sensitive issue. She was fact that schools were firing teachers. utilized. so convinced of this that she remained There was absolutely no respect of the So I would like to offer into the in jail for a period of months, almost a bipartisan process that Texans had RECORD language from a letter that year, to protest against the grand jury grown used to and certainly no respect was sent by a number of Members of demanding of her her sources. I sided of the balance between majority and Congress dated today to request for- with the privilege that she had to pro- minority. mally the audio tapes and transcripts tect those sources of her particular ar- So the Democrats did not just walk of all conversations or transmissions ticles that she had written and books out, Mr. Speaker, on the issue dealing pertaining to any aspect of the alleged that she was intending to write. with redistricting, though let me share attempts to use any Federal resources But this is about The New York with you the plan that was supposed to of any type with regard to any member Times and Jayson Blair. All of a sud- be a redistricting plan. Mind you, Mr. of the Texas legislature. This request den, it grew into a larger issue. Mr. Speaker, that not in 50 years had there includes all communications of any Speaker, Jayson is an African Amer- been this kind of interim redistricting type to and from employees and con- ican. The whereabouts of Jayson I do

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.077 H19PT1 H4242 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2003 not know if anyone knows at this ‘‘There’s a real shortage of black re- writing contest. He is in the 11th grade. point, but I would like to raise as a porters, editors and columnists at The I would encourage all who are involved commentary an article by Bob Herbert Times. But the few who are here are in training young people to encourage written in The New York Times. It is doing fine and serious work day in and them to write. It is one of the most im- seemingly May 19, late edition. day out and don’t deserve to be stig- portant skills that I think we can have, I believe this is an important com- matized by people who can see them and I would hope that we would do so. mentary, because what we saw last only through the prism of a stereotype. Mr. Speaker, I think that as we look week was an uproar about Mr. Blair’s ‘‘The problem with American news- at these issues, it is important as well writings and the mea culpa of The New rooms is too little diversity, not too to continue to look at civil justice and York Times, and the challenging of the much. Blacks have always faced dis- civil rights issues. I would like to again editorial staff. I would like to support crimination and maddening double focus on a civil rights issue by focusing the editorial staff. I cannot support standards in the newsroom, and they on the predicament of individuals in them personally in terms of their pro- continue to do so. So do women, Tulia, Texas, where tens of individuals fessional and management style, but Latinos and many other groups that were locked up on the testimony of an certainly I believe that all heads are not part of the traditional news- errant police officer. should not roll because of an incident room in-crowd’’; and I might add, Now, I have the greatest respect for with an obviously unfortunate indi- Asian Americans. law enforcement. We work a lot to- vidual who has certainly deep and un- ‘‘So let’s be real. Discrimination in gether. I am a member of the Com- fortunate problems. the newsroom—in hiring, in the quality mittee on the Judiciary. I want to sa- But what began to happen is the of assignments and promotions—is a lute much of the law enforcement in trickle-up effect, that they wanted to much more pervasive problem than the State of Texas and Houston that I throw the management out with the Jayson Blair’s aberrant behavior. A have had a chance to work with, so I do water. They also wanted to label Mr. black reporter told me angrily last not broad brush. But I know that we Blair as a representative or a symbol of week, ‘After hundreds of years in have had our share of enormous dif- affirmative action. So I stand here America, we are still on probation.’ ’’ ficulties and racial incidents that law today to take issue with all of the edi- Mr. Speaker, that is why I think this enforcement personnel have, unfortu- torials and all of the commentary that is extremely important. Thank you, nately, contributed to. will probably continue, that Mr. Mr. Herbert, for your commentary. We have a large problem in this coun- Jayson Blair’s problems were because How striking and how truthful, to be try regarding racial profiling, and we he was an African American hired on able to highlight the fact that what we have yet to pass a serious racial affirmative action and protected by af- really have a problem with is not profiling legislative initiative in this firmative action. enough African Americans on editorial Congress. We have a problem that we I would like to take from Mr. Her- boards and newspapers across the Na- have not passed a hate crimes bill, and bert’s commentary: ‘‘I’ve seen drunks, tion, or African Americans behind the we have difficulties in getting that bill incompetents and out-and-out lunatics camera making editorial decisions in even to be heard in the Committee on in the newsrooms I’ve passed through the electronic media, whether it be the Judiciary. I believe that we have a over the years. I have seen plagiarizers, radio or television. lot of work to do. fiction writers and reporters who felt it Jayson is not the problem; Mr. Blair In this instance, in Tulia, Texas, and was beneath them to show up for work. is not the problem. We all hope and I want to applaud the gentleman from ‘‘I remember a police captain who wish for him some sort of recuperative Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and the gen- said of a columnist at the daily News, regrouping, and certainly whatever tleman from New York (Mr. RANGEL) ‘I didn’t mind him making stuff up as for a briefing I joined them in, and as long as I looked okay. But now he’s penalties will come to him personally. well to applaud the Committee on the starting to tick me off.’ But his downfall at The New York ‘‘I was at NBC when some geniuses Times should not be the downfall of all Judiciary of the House, because we ex- decided it was a good idea to attach in- reporters all over the Nation. I would pect to have a hearing on this very cendiary devices to a few GM pick-up just simply ask my colleagues to make point in the very near future. trucks to show the trucks had a pro- sure that we are not pointing to some- I will be authoring a resolution to pensity to burst into flames. That be- one who clearly has his own severe condemn what occurred in Tulia, came a scandal that grew into a con- problems. Texas, and that is tens of African flagration that took down the entire I believe that we can get past this by Americans not only arrested but con- power structure at NBC News.’’ working very hard together on estab- victed on bogus drug charges. They Then he refers to the Jayson Blair lishing what should be the right kind were individuals who were charged, and scandal: ‘‘For those who have been of attitude about affirmative action. they were released after they could watching nothing but the Food Net- That is, of course, that it brings about document that they were not even in work for the past weeks, Mr. Blair was the opportunity for diversity and it the town at the time the incidents oc- a Times reporter who resigned after it brings about the opportunity for im- curred. But it was so reckless and ran- was learned that his work contained proving the access of all Americans to dom, and the justice was so fleeting. In fabrications and plagiarized passages the great workplaces and the talents fact, there was no justice, because indi- on a monumental scale. The truth and that all of us deserve to see. viduals were able to be indicted and Jayson Blair inhabited separate I wish all of those in newsrooms convicted on the testimony of one law universes. If there were a blizzard rag- around America the reckoning and the officer, or police person, who subse- ing, Mr. Blair could tell you with the respect for all who may be there. Cer- quently was then undermined and straightest and friendliest of faces that tainly I hope that they will encourage shown to be lacking in integrity and the weather outside was sunny and diversity and reach out for diversity. the truth. warm. To all of those who happen to be Afri- It is time now to have those who are ‘‘Now, this story would be a juicy can American, Hispanic, women, Asian in prison released immediately. Might story under any circumstances. But American and others who are in the I applaud Senator John Whitmire for Mr. Blair is black, so there is the addi- newsroom, they should do the right his courage and his legislation in the tional spice of race, to which so many kind of job, stand up and be proud, and State senate of Texas indicating and Americans are terminally addicted. reflect upon the wonderment of their requesting and demanding that these Listen up: the race issue in this case heritage, so that as readers are read- individuals be released. is as bogus as some of Jayson Blair’s ing, they can see in actuality a dif- It would be a shame if the legislature writing and reporting.’’ A great com- ferent perspective reflected by their that tried to bombard a redistricting ment and an important comment. uniqueness, their talent, their intel- plan that had no sense and was obvi- ‘‘The idea that blacks can get away lect, and their ability to write. ously developed by a meat cutter, there with the journalistic equivalent of Might I also make note of the fact would be a tragedy if there could not murder at The Times because they are that I am very proud of my young son, be some good after this incident. That black is preposterous. Jason Lee, who just recently won a would be to pass Senator Whitmire’s

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.079 H19PT1 May 19, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4243 legislation on unanimous consent. For- Flag Day, May 18, and to salute the important then that we find a sensible give me if I am suggesting a procedural kind of friendship that Haiti has had way to have the right kind of immigra- point that is not allowed in the Texas with the United States and apologize tion policy, and some of the policies senate. to them for not keeping that friendship that my colleagues want to project, it But if it is to be considered in that at the level it should be. just makes simply no sense. manner, I would encourage my friends You will absolutely never close the b 2230 in Texas to take up Senator Whitmire’s borders of the United States in total- bill and to have those individuals re- Frankly, I believe that we have done ity. Why? Because the United States leased. If that is not the case, then a disservice to our Haitian friends by benefits economically from trade with what would be the best thing to occur? not giving them parity as it relates to Canada and trade with its friends in Mr. Governor, Governor Perry, why do immigration laws and allowing them to the southern hemisphere. you not do the right thing and why do have, because of the oppressive nature Today we were told that the largest you not, by executive order, ask that and the unfortunate economy in Haiti amount of trade comes in through Can- these individuals be pardoned and re- and over the years the oppressive na- ada. So you are not going to be able to leased from the prison, because it has ture of the government, we are now just absolutely close our borders with been shown without a doubt that the trying to work with the present gov- no punitive measures coming towards sentences that they have been rendered ernment. I am not suggesting that the you. It is just absolutely not going to are sentences that are inappropriate, government is not trying, but I am happen. So what do we do? and that they have been convicted on saying that the Haitians live in abject Well, I have filed legislation called false charges, and that they should be poverty and there is a great need to re- Earned Access to Legalization, a bill released? spond to their immigration needs as that saw one million petitioners in the It is very important that we do so, they seek opportunity. Some of them last Congress petition so that we could and I hope that out of the work of Sen- are, if you will, in jeopardy of losing find an intelligent, reasonable, compas- ator Whitmire, out of the hearing we their lives because of the political sionate, humanitarian way to deal with will have in the Committee on the Ju- viewpoint they take. individuals who are already here. And diciary, I hope that we will find an op- I would suggest that we look closely these are undocumented aliens who are portunity, if you will, to release these at the legislation many of us have of- working, owning homes, paying taxes, innocent persons. fered over the sessions, and that is to maybe even have bank accounts but I had the opportunity to meet the allow Haitians who flee because of po- are still under what we call the radar mother and another individual, I be- litical oppression and also abject pov- screen because we are not allowing lieve, that had been impacted, of some erty, where there is no opportunity them to access legalization. Their chil- of the incarcerated persons. What a sad whatsoever for them to survive, I dren are not legal. Their extended fam- occasion that mothers were celebrating would suggest that we look closely at ily is not legal. What sense does that Mother’s Day without their children. providing them the kind of status that make, Mr. Speaker, when we could Some mothers had two and three and the Cubans receive when they are able have these individuals documented or four children arrested, convicted, and to reach the shores of the United give them access to legalization? jailed. What an outrage. States of America. My legislation does not say to bestow Then they found out that the actual This will of course upset many, but citizenship automatically without any basis of this case was on one single in- we have always had a disjointed immi- other procedures in place. It does not dividual’s testimony. That individual, gration policy in the United States, say give them citizenship if they have upon further hearing, when they were and I think we do ourselves a disservice a criminal record. What it says, Mr. brought to trial on the basis of the law- by not understanding that we are not Speaker, that if you have continuously yers that had been retained or chosen gaining by having an immigration pol- been in the United States from 3 to 5 to help these individuals that are in- icy. years we will allow you to access the carcerated, they found that his case I have heard my good friend on the process of becoming a citizen. We will was made of nothing but a bag of air floor of the House day after day after pull the sheets off of those who are hid- and a bucket of water with holes in it. day, month after month after month. I ing. We will let the sunshine come I think it is time now that we address do not disagree with those who believe down on those hard-working immi- the inequity. I would say it is time we that we have to find a way to stem the grants who are paying taxes and sim- free the Tulia incarcerated persons, tide of illegal immigration. I certainly ply want to make good. free them now. I would ask the Gov- agree with that. I also agree that we I want to pay tribute to a constituent ernor to do the right thing, the Gov- must secure our borders, and it cer- of mine who owns the restaurant Hugo. ernor of the State of Texas to do the tainly would be hypocritical for me to He was highlighted in the Houston right thing and release these individ- be on the Select Committee on Home- Chronicle. He came across the border uals. It is outrageous. land Security and not provide the re- illegally but yet today owns one of the Mr. Speaker, I might say that this sources of increased border patrol fastest-growing restaurants, the most has gained a lot of support in the State agents, of high technology, with the attractive restaurant. He did not come of Texas. This is not an isolated and, if kind of radioactive equipment that can to do harm. He pulled himself up by the you will, covered-up circumstance. It is detect illegal goods and persons com- bootstraps. appropriate for the Governor to act. I ing across the border. But we have to I am sure this is not going to be a would hope that he would do the right recognize as well that we are sur- welcoming sound to those who may be thing and the respectful thing and rounded by nations whose economy is listening. Hugo tried five times to allow these individuals to go free. in shambles, and people look to the come to the United States, and others I want to step aside from civil rights United States with great hope and in- who helped bring him did as well. And issues for a moment and just go into, spiration. And, unfortunately, some- they came illegally, no, not to do harm again, as I said this is a litany of issues times they have gotten a one-way tick- but because they were living in abject that I think is very important. I want et to death. poverty, but because their family need- to congratulate the gentleman from So as I mention the Haitians I think ed the resources, because they were Florida (Mr. MEEK) in his work with it is important to note that that coun- given the impression that there was a Haitians. Preceding him was his moth- try is in shambles. We are working golden rainbow in the United States of er, Congresswoman Carrie Meek. with it. I hope the President of the America. I would join him in the resolution country will be able to restore democ- What are we going to do? Turn off all that he has filed today in celebration racy and governmental procedures and the televisions of those in the world of Haitians, Haitian-Americans to ac- law and order and the economy. That is who believe we live in a world of de- knowledge that there are 1.2 million not the case now, and so people seek mocracy, in a Nation that is rich and Haitian-Americans in this country, opportunity. They do not come here prosperous, and that the people have 700,000 in the Florida area, and to also just to do us harm. And as they do not an opportunity to work? I do not be- celebrate and commemorate with them come here to do us harm, I think it is lieve that we are going to be able to

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.081 H19PT1 H4244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2003 dispel the myth or the real story that immigration policy and make it have formation that will result in a convic- we live in grandeur here in the United some sense. tion, and the informants should be States, so we must find a way of bal- For that reason, let me also bring up given cash rewards. ance. and raise and suggest that this past I also believe, Mr. Speaker, that we Hugo should be celebrated for the weekend Texas experienced an enor- should look at on a humanitarian case- fact that he did pull himself up by his mous tragedy again, Mr. Speaker, tied by-case situation for those individuals bootstraps, and here he is providing into the immigration issue. Individuals who are illegal aliens who are able to and contributing to the economy of the crossing the border, no matter what smash the smuggling ring, the big United States, providing jobs to hard- tragedies they have heard of before, guys, the guys who are counting the working immigrants, people with legal what obstacles they have to overcome, dollars, they are money laundering, status and working throughout the what frightening experiences they they are smuggling human beings, they community to be someone who we are have, they are still coming because are smuggling drugs, to smash those very proud of. they view the United States as a place smuggling rings on a humanitarian That is what we need to do in pro- of opportunity. basis. I believe it is important that viding a balance with our immigration Well, there are ways of addressing those individuals be looked upon to be policy: Document those who are here this question; and tragically this week- able to access legalization. and find a way to provide an economic end we saw this past week the deaths It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, engine in the countries that are to our of 19 individuals being smuggled into that this was an enormous tragedy in southern border in order to ensure that the United States, including a father Houston, and I want to share just some people who live there have the right and son who had just been abandoned of the description. This is taken from kind of economy, that they can live in by the son’s mother and were coming an article out of USA Today on May 19, their country in dignity. to the United States for a new oppor- 2003: President Vicente Fox had raised this tunity, for a fresh look at life, and that ‘‘Temperatures in Texas already discussion with President Bush, of 5-year-old boy died in that heated and reach into the 90s and 100s daily. That course. It has been dropped like a hot horrible and horrific truck in the trail- raises the risk enormously for those potato, unfortunately. The tragedy of er part of the truck where people lit- hiding in 18 wheelers and railcars 9/11, of which we do not give any dis- erally smothered to death, where there which have replaced panel trucks and respect to, it is an enormous tragedy, was no air. A more vicious death one vans as a preferred way to smuggle and we are still working to overcome could not expect. larger groups. the pain of those families. We must Mr. Speaker, I think it impacted the ‘‘A trailer is not a mode of transpor- now address again this question of im- Houston area more than we could ever tation for human being, says Xavier migration. We realize that the individ- imagine. Memorials were held this past Rios, a supervisor agent for the Border uals who perpetrated that horrific Sunday because so many of those indi- Patrol in Harlingen. Neither is a train tragedy, most of them came in on ille- viduals had relatives that lived in the or car.’’ gal visas. That is not immigration. Houston area. My sympathy goes out If I remind you, Mr. Speaker, that I That is a visitor’s visa. And so we must to them. For those who look in mock- mentioned Hugo who now owns a res- tighten the requirements. ery saying that this did not have to taurant, that is how he first came to But we must be fair as well as it re- happen if they had not done it in the the United States, I believe, in a rail- lates to countries around the world and first place, you can continue to stick car. not penalize one group of countries your head in the sand, but I can tell Until the week before the 9/11 at- versus another, but we must ensure you this will continue to happen. But tacks, President Bush and Mexican that we restrict and put in place the we must stamp out the illegal aspect of President Vicente Fox were working on right kind of procedures dealing with what is going on. a safer way for Mexicans to travel back those who are seeking visas. Mr. Speaker, I am authoring the and forth. I think this should be broad- As I visited Doha, Qatar I was able to Anti-Smuggling Prevention Act of 2003 ened to all immigrants because we are sit in, in India I was able to sit in on because I believe that the participants certainly going to face this over and the visa procedures in our embassies, of this terrible and horrific crime be- over again. and I must say I see a new and dif- lieved that this was easy money. The It is time for a change. I would com- ferent approach, and certainly there truck driver, I believe, thought that mend my colleagues to look at the are those who are turned away. this was an easy deal. He did not live in Earned Access to Legalization legisla- As I look at that process I want to the State of Texas. I understand it was tion. We can reform, if you will, our turn back to the process of illegal im- a possible cash payment of upwards of immigration policy. We need to under- migrants or aliens and I want to say, $5,000. He thought that there was going stand that people are going to continue Mr. Speaker, by putting our heads in to be no problem, just driving some to come no matter how much we go to the sand we will not have a cogent im- folk over the border and into certain the floor of the House and preach oth- migration policy that addresses the areas up to Houston, Texas, but not erwise and speak against the idea of question of the individuals who want to knowing the dastardly deed that was immigration. The only way you are come here and seek an opportunity. about to occur. Certainly was not a going to beat this is to have a rational Might I say to you, Mr. Speaker, that physician, was not a medical profes- immigration policy that keeps out the we utilize these individuals. sional, was not a scientist and did not terrorists and the guys that want to do In fact, there are many Members of bother to worry about whether there bad things and the criminals and oth- Congress, and I know our committee was air in the trailer. ers but allows a reasonable way to ad- will be holding a hearing, the Sub- So who is now counting the dollars? dress the question of those who are committee on Immigration and Claims The smuggling ring, and that is who we simply begging to come to this country will be holding a hearing dealing with need to stamp out. I believe we need to for greater opportunity. the guest worker program. We actually enhance the penalties, not on the issue The advocates clearly note that this create vehicles for individuals to come of death, because we already have pen- was a tragedy, and this article also in temporarily and work for industries alties that are severe if death results. says, It is like a big splash of cold that could not do without them. But we need to enhance the penalties water on people’s faces when they see So why are we trying to come to the just on the fact that you involved and hear that a 7-year-old died because floor of the House and bash immigrants yourself in smuggling human beings. he could not get enough air and all he when we know full well that this econ- The fact that you are smuggling wanted to do, says Angela Kelley of the omy is churned by those who have human beings is so horrific and trage- National Immigration Forum, but all come to work? What we must ensure, dies can occur that you should realize he wanted to do was to simply be with however, is that we do not eliminate that your jail time is going to be pain- his father and to be able to come to the the work opportunities for the many ful and long. United States. The victims near Vic- Americans who are unemployed, but we I think also that we should reward toria reportedly range from a 5-year- have got to get a handle around our informants who actually bring out in- old boy to a man in his 90s.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.083 H19PT1 May 19, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4245 So this is a question that should be United States and Britain are still not Let me say also that I intend this addressed immediately, and I have trying to go it alone and that we draw week to denounce, if you will, the lack asked the chairman of the Sub- into the understanding of the impor- of urgency and speed that the adminis- committee on Immigration and Claims tance of rebuilding Iraq a collaborative tration has utilized in reaching out to for us to have an immediate hearing so effort. small, medium-sized, minority, and that we can address this larger ques- We have to be sensitive about a U.N. women-owned businesses in helping to tion and also address the question of resolution that only puts the names or rebuild Iraq. One of the things that I truckers who may think that this is only focuses on Spain, Britain, and the gleaned from visiting in Doha, Qatar, is easy money. I believe we have not done United States. We have to begin to col- that part of the success of diplomacy is an effective job in getting to trucking laborate with our long-standing allies, relationships, relationships with Mem- companies and to truckers and to our European allies, allies like India. bers of Congress, relationships with union halls about the tragedies that We have to recognize that it was Doha, members of government, of the admin- could occur. Qatar, that allowed us to have the cen- istration. We are losing relationships tral command hosted there. So we in the Arab world, with our Arab allies. b 2245 must work with our other Arab allies, I believe to ensure that we regain those And I believe also that after pro- as well, as we seek to rebuild. relationships, it is extremely impor- viding this outreach and informational The reason is because we have a larg- tant that we include small, medium- campaign, that trucking companies er fight, as evidenced by the incidences sized, and minority-owned businesses which the trucks may belong to should that occurred in Morocco and Saudi to be able to not only do the work in lose their license along with the truck Arabia last week, the loss of lives of helping to rebuild Iraq but to develop driver. This is not an attempt to penal- Americans. We do not know when the relationships with the people in the ize those persons who are simply seek- next unfortunate terrorist act may Arab countries and to develop relation- ing a livelihood. What it is, however, is occur. We do not stand here to promote ships with the people in Iraq. an attempt to keep them from doing hysteria, but reason and rationale. It is It is interesting and confusing, things that will harm them or to keep important the President realize we though certainly some of these are them from taking actions that will cannot go and do this alone. We cannot Texas companies, that we have these have them wind up in jail for a very go it alone as the United States of major companies, huge multiconglom- long period of time. We failed in edu- America. It seems that we are attempt- erates, if you will, and large contracts cating the public about how dastardly ing to do that. with the Department of Defense; and an act smuggling is, and I think it is We have to be able to draw in the they cannot find the opportunities for high time to do so. United Nations and our NATO allies, other sized companies who have the So I hope that my colleagues will and it is important that we begin to es- same or equal expertise, just smaller, join me on the Anti-Smuggling Preven- tablish a stable currency that will be to collaborate with or do joint ventures tion Act to toughen prison terms for tied to not only the U.S. dollar but the with. I think the Defense Department these violators. And this is to do so on Euros and other currency; to find an needs to respond immediately on the a preventive basis, so that if they know appropriate balance between debt for- processes used to select Halliburton they are going to be incarcerated for a giveness and debt repayment; to en- and Bechtel; and I believe that these period of time, if they even think about gage the WTO and IMF to ensure an companies should work immediately doing smuggling for someone else, if international commitment to Iraqi with minority-owned businesses, me- they think about doing their bidding, success. But also, as we look to those dium-sized businesses, and small busi- then they will find out they will spend possible support systems, we have to nesses. a lot of time in jail. I hope that we can look to the NGOs, the nongovern- I am informed that USAID has about begin to save lives. mental organizations around the world, $2.5 billion, and we are looking forward This was such an enormous tragedy, including those smaller ones that may to working with USAID in using small- Mr. Speaker, that we will probably not be located in Los Angeles; Houston, er minority-owned companies and overcome that for a very long period of Texas; New York; Jackson, Mississippi; women-owned businesses; but the De- time. Paris, France; or London, England. partment of Defense has the largest In looking at the world from a dif- We must begin to formulate an NGO share, and there seems to be some ferent perspective, I think it is also im- advisory committee. We know the Red doubt that we can find minority, small, portant to come home a little bit and Cross is there. The American Red Cross and medium-sized and women-owned to look at what we have to do to fulfill has done an outstanding job. But I be- businesses that can collaborate and do the promise that was made to America lieve it is important to draw on NGOs the engineering work, the techno- as relates to the Iraqi war. First of all, from around the world that may have a logical work, the oil and gas work, the I think we should just restate the fact commonality with the people of Iraq, protecting of the oil well. But I am that the war in Iraq did not solve the either by way of the faith that they are here to tell you I am from Texas, and problem of terrorism. professing or the understanding of that is not true. We do need to acknowledge, as we their culture, and begin to have that It is extremely important, and I en- move this week toward commemo- coalition work in collaboration to put courage these small, medium-sized, mi- rating and honoring those who lost in democratic structures in Iraq. nority-owned, women-owned businesses their lives, that they will be forever he- We can already see that there is mas- to begin to seek information from the roes in our minds, and as well to make sive disorder, lack of law and order; Department of Defense. And those of us note of those who have recently lost that there is confusion; that systems who are interested in this topic will their lives in Iraq in a recent heli- are not working. And even as Ambas- continue to pursue that closely. copter crash. We mourn their lives and, sador Bremer attempts to work very Let me quickly move, Mr. Speaker, more importantly, we send our deepest hard to do so, it is important to note to two very important items that have sympathies to their families. We will that we cannot do it alone. I would en- been disturbing me and have been mis- never divide this Nation on the ques- courage the work of Ambassador represented, I think, to the American tion of supporting our troops and hon- Bremer to be inclusive and to work public. First, let me say that I have the oring them and their families who lost alongside nongovernmental organiza- greatest respect for NASA, as a mem- loved ones during this period of time. tions. And, in fact, I am proposing a ber of the House Committee on That was an enormous tragedy. Marshall Plan, alongside the plan that Science. The greatest respect. And I But we must build on what was rep- we need to rebuild America. We want am honored to have been able to serve resented to be an effort to bring democ- to make sure that we have a somewhat on the House Committee on Science racy to Iraq. I believe that we are not similar focus that we had after World since 1995, and particularly on the Sub- moving in the right direction. It is im- War II, and it worked, and we did so committee on Space and Aeronautics. I portant that we work on the aftermath with our allies. I believe that is ex- am delighted to serve there with very of Iraq and we do so in a way that tremely important, and I hope we will esteemed colleagues, the ranking mem- clearly suggests to the world that the pay heed to that. ber of the committee, the chairman of

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:28 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.084 H19PT1 H4246 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2003 the committee, the ranking member of there? And year after year, no matter money and those who get a tax cut on the Subcommittee on Space and Aero- what kind of administration we had, the dividends I imagine are simply nautics, and the chairman. I know, in Mr. Speaker, they kept saying over and going to put it in their savings ac- particular, that the ranking member of over again, oh yes, we are funding safe- counts. the subcommittee has been extremely ty. It’s safe. They are well trained. But out of the $550 billion, the num- vocal on expressing the need for a re- Now, I am not here, Mr. Speaker, to ber of jobs you will create are 1 mil- view by this Congress of Columbia VII. call any names or to castigate any un- lion. That means it will take $550,000 to Frankly, Mr. Speaker, even though fortunate soul who happened to have create 1 million jobs, so one job will the investigatory body is still pro- been part of that launch and who will cost $550,000. So when you spend $1 mil- ceeding, I sense an urgency that they ultimately have to answer to those lion under the President’s plan, you do their job and do it well but that the who will raise the questions. I am here, only get two jobs. If you were to take Congress and the House in particular Mr. Speaker, to save lives and to re- the plan that the Democrats are offer- begins to have hearings. And let me mind my good friends at NASA that we ing and invest $1 million into transpor- suggest to you why, as I read to you have repeatedly questioned you about tation, for example, you get 13 jobs. If some very disturbing testimony and safety factors and you have repeatedly, you invested $1 million into local pas- commentary in an article from the administrator after administrator, two senger rail, you get 15 jobs. If you in- Houston Chronicle dated May 17, 2003. that I have known, said the same vested it into State and local health And, Mr. Speaker, might I say that we thing. How in the world can we do this care programs where States are seeing have been speaking about the issues of to the brave men and women that we their health budgets implode, Medicaid safety now for at least 6 to 8 years, the challenge to go into space not for going down the tube and people being question of whether NASA has spent themselves but because of us? thrown off Medicaid every day, 26 jobs enough money. So I am demanding, Mr. Speaker, im- This is not a question of Republicans would be created. and Democrats, not a question of a mediate hearings to be held in the If we did it in public education, Democratic administration or a Repub- United States House of Representatives where in the State of Texas they are lican administration. It is a question of on the question of safety and the po- firing teachers, you would create 28 me being outraged that time after time tential of an escape module, and I be- jobs. And if you invested it in fire and in putting the question on the record: lieve it is imperative that all of the police, my good friends in Texas but What about safety? Are we funding documents that relate to this issue be also all over the Nation, the first re- safety? Do we have enough money for presented to this body immediately. I sponders who are still waiting for their safety? Have we looked at an escape think we fail in our job, we abdicate homeland security money, they would module? Even before this terrible trag- our responsibility if we, the Members get 27 jobs. Under the President’s plan, edy. There are those of us from Texas of the House of Representatives, can- a $550 billion tax cut, the number of who lived through the Challenger trag- not join in having a full hearing on this jobs that it proposes to create are 1 edy. I watched the Challenger as it ex- matter and as well to move through million that cost $550,000 per job; and ploded, and I know the family mem- the appropriations process and actually out of a million dollars, out of this bers. I know the family members that put in a mark that has the word NASA, plan, you only get two jobs per $1 mil- are living through this now. If we do and then under it, safety; shuttle, and lion. anything to give them homage or to under it, safety, and a line item of Down here, and I am saying it again pay tribute to their loved ones, it is to funding. This is an abomination and it because it is so shocking: transpor- insist that NASA begin to address must stop now. tation, 13 jobs; local passenger rail, 15 through funding needs as well by de- Let me, Mr. Speaker, mention, if we jobs; State and local health care, 26; sign a safety program that can make are talking about money, and to sort of public education, 28; and, of course, po- this the right kind of program. come to a reasonable conclusion, that lice and fire, 27. I am an avid supporter of human we look at where we are and why we Mr. Speaker, we can do better in this space flight, Mr. Speaker. An avid sup- have so many difficulties as relates to Congress. I can show that the tax cuts porter. And I want to see humans in our funding. And that is, of course, the do little for my constituents. Those av- space and the Shuttle reinvigorated, as $550 billion tax cut that is now making erage tax cuts get $136, and those who well as the work we have done, the its way through the United States Con- are the high income get $13,000. I am cargo we have taken, the research, the gress. And of course for those of us who going to get a $136 check for most of discoveries regarding diabetes, the dis- vigorously opposed this tax cut, it my constituents, and a few will get coveries regarding HIV/AIDS, as well seems that we are continually trying $13,000. as stroke and heart disease. Miracles to defend ourselves. Mr. Speaker, this has been an at- have occurred. But here is a com- b 2300 tempt to remind this Congress that we mentary from Admiral Gehman: have come here not to work for our- ‘‘The safety organization sits right Let me provide Members with a very selves but to work for our constituents. beside the person making the decision, simple explanation why I am opposed There are many grievances that we are but behind the safety organization to it: because we have the largest un- facing around the Nation; and, unfortu- there is nothing there, no people, employment that we have had I believe nately, these issues have not been money, engineering, expertise, anal- in the last 2 decades; because I believe solved. ysis,’’ said Gehman. ‘‘The engineers sit Chairman Greenspan is hesitant about Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allow- right to the other side, but the engi- moving this Nation towards this huge ing me to have this opportunity to neering department is not independ- tax cut; because the war on terrorism present these issues, and I hope that ently funded. The engineers all have to requires us to invest deeply, if you will, my colleagues will continue to roll up obtain funding from the space flight in homeland security and to promote their sleeves and address the griev- program. So their allegiance is to the terrorism as our number one issue of ances of America and realize that we program. The system is so flawed that trying to thwart. have come here to represent all of even sweeping changes in leadership So utilizing this money to give the America and fight for those who can- would be ineffective,’’ Gehman argued. top 1 percent of our population a tax not fight for themselves. ‘‘We find the safety organization on cut is not an engine that will boost the paper is perfect, but when you bore economy. Using this $550 billion to give f down a little deeper, you don’t find $40 billion to those making $374,000 is LEAVE OF ABSENCE anything there,’’ he said. ‘‘You will get not going to gain any number of jobs, the same wrong answers no matter how nor is the cut in dividends going to in- By unanimous consent, leave of ab- many times you convene the boards. It fuse the economy with any great sence was granted to: doesn’t make any difference who the amount of activity. Mr. CASE (at the request of Ms. chairman is.’’ In fact, those corporations say that a PELOSI) for today and before 4:00 p.m. Mr. Speaker, this is indicting. Safety dividend tax cut is not going to do any- on May 20 on account of official busi- is there on paper, but there is nothing thing but cause them to escrow their ness in the district.

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