H5996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 1997 But to have to contend with a lot of hear the government preach to us Post agrees. Yesterday they said that the stuff that we saw, some people about family values. I don’t understand the burden of proof falls on the plain- tried to sell the American people last how the Government can ask such tiff, in this case Bob Dornan. The Post campaign in order to create class war- questions as single? Married? Depend- takes it further. They said that there fare and generational, and that is what ents? Darryl and I would very much is no credible evidence to change the we are talking about, generational like to be married and I must say it outcome of this race. The message is warfare here, turning grandparents broke our hearts when we found out we clear: admit defeat and give up. against grandchildren. It does not can’t afford it. We hope someday the That has not stopped the Republicans work. Government will allow us to get mar- from harassing law abiding citizens I think that was one of the lessons in ried by not penalizing us.’’ though. They have subpoenaed INS the 1996 campaign. I think the White I wanted to share with folks today at records, and the result is that the INS House learned it, we learned it, the home a picture of Sharon and Darryl, offices has been spending all their time folks on the other side of the aisle because they are the American people responding to the subpoenas and are learned it, that when we stop that stuff who will not benefit as much from this unable to do their real work. and actually negotiate for the common tax cut because they are not yet mar- But that is not all. The Republicans good of the American people, we can ried, they do not have children. have used this so-called investigation make progress. That is what this budg- as a way of harassing their political en- b 1815 et agreement represents. emies. They have harassed Catholic That is why I am happy to join with So our next tax cut has to help them Charities, they have examined the my good friend from Indiana today to overcome that marriage penalty so records of 20,000 community college talk about this. I am not going to use that we can strengthen families in this students, and they have admitted the term ‘‘historic,’’ but I am going to country and they can have their targeting unions that employed immi- use the term ‘‘important budget agree- fondest dream of once finally becoming grant workers. This kind of behavior is ment,’’ and I leave the last word to the a couple come true. just outrageous. The Republican lead- gentleman from Indiana. So our work is still ahead of us, but ership is using the Committee on Mr. MCINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, a lot of today is a day to celebrate because this House Oversight to try to throw out people have asked me the question, is a very, very important tax bill for the election of a Member of Congress where do we go from here, what hap- the American people, and I thank the without being able to prove any wrong- pens next? I would like to mention one gentleman from Maryland for allowing doing. thing that I think is critical in this, me to participate in this time with Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman from and that is, as we look at these tax him. It is very important that we get California [Ms. SANCHEZ] should be al- cuts, and I have been a strong advocate this message out. lowed to do what she does best, rep- of these tax cut provisions in the Con- Mr. EHRLICH. The bottom line is, resent the people of the 46th district of tract With America from the very first my friend, when you empower families, California. Instead she has been forced day, they are not everything that we when you return money to people, to bear the burden of proof of her inno- would want. when you stop the ability of govern- The gentleman from Maryland [Mr. cence. This is a total abuse of power by ment to always, always, always grow, the Republicans. EHRLICH] mentioned we would like to you hardly ever go wrong, and that is This is not just a personal attack on go to a zero capital gains tax on invest- the bottom line to this package. I ment and savings. One other issue that the gentlewoman from California [Ms. thank my friend from Indiana, Mr. I want to just mention because I think SANCHEZ]. This is an attack on women, MCINTOSH. it is important, and I have gotten as- and it is a clear attack on Latinos. By surance from the Speaker and the gen- f using this opportunity to crosscheck voting records with records of the INS, tleman from Texas [Mr. ARCHER], we HOUSE LEADERSHIP QUESTIONED will bring another tax bill forward in IN CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION the Republicans are trying to intimi- this Congress. One issue that I am INVESTIGATION date Hispanics and trying to keep them from voting. going to really beg that we put on the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under table because I think it is so important Mr. Speaker, I have news for the Re- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- publicans. Hispanics are here to stay. for American families is the marriage uary 7, 1997, the gentlewoman from penalty in our Tax Code. They are a growing economic force, New York [Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ] is recog- One of our classmates, the gentleman and, as the Republicans are finding nized for 60 minutes as the designee of from Illinois [Mr. WELLER] sits on the out, they are a growing political force. the minority leader. I will give the Republicans a bit of Committee on Ways and Means. He ´ told me today he is going to make abo- Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, there free advice: If they want to win elec- lition of that marriage tax one of his is an unprecedented attack currently tions, the best way to do it is to re- top priorities on that committee. But I under way in this Congress. Right now spond to the needs of the voters. In- wanted to share with the gentleman a Republicans are engaging in a war on stead of trying to show that every letter that I got, and I have talked on women, on Hispanics and on the gentle- Latino is an illegal and trying to deny this floor before about this letter. It woman from California [Ms. SANCHEZ]. them the right to vote, they should lis- moved me and it is something that I Last November the gentlewoman ten to what Latinos have to say. In- will never forget in my career here in from California [Ms. SANCHEZ] was stead of trying to intimidate women, Congress. It is a letter from Sharon elected to the House of Representatives they should listen to what they have to Mallory and Darryl Pierce. for the 46th District of California, fair say. ‘‘Dear Representative McIntosh, my and square. The loser, Bob Dornan and Mr. Speaker, instead of learning boyfriend Darryl Pierce and I would the Republicans, have refused to con- their lesson when they lose an election, very much like to get married.’’ Shar- cede defeat. The story about how far as most people do, the Republicans are on goes on to explain she works for they will go to defeat this woman, His- using their power to distort the demo- about $8 an hour at the Ford elec- panic Member of Congress, is shameful. cratic process. Is that what the Amer- tronics plant in Connersville, IN, and After 9 months and after spending ican people want? Is that what the then she says, ‘‘I can’t tell you how dis- $300,000 of the taxpayers money, they democratic process is all about? I do gusted we both are over this tax issue. still have not given up. They have is- not think so. If we get married, not only would I for- sued subpoenas at Bob Dornan’s re- Now I will yield to the gentlewoman feit my $900 refund check, we would be quest, they have forced the gentle- from California [Ms. LOFGREN]. writing a check to the IRS for $2,800 in woman from California [Ms. SANCHEZ] Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I am taxes. This amount was figured for us to prove that the people who voted for known here in the House as someone by an accountant at the local H and R her had the right to vote. who is not a ranter and a raver, if I can Block office in New Castle.’’ Mr. Speaker, this is not only unprec- use that phrase. I like to work when- She then says, ‘‘Now there is nothing edented, it is wrong. The burden of ever possible in a bipartisan manner to right about this. After we continually proof is on the loser. The Washington find common ground and to achieve July 29, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5997 real progress for the American people. about right as to the impact of this in- from places other than Europe, includ- I think all of us were sent here to do vestigation. ing friends in the Korean-American this and to make a difference in that I have come to know Congresswoman business community and others. way. SANCHEZ as a very strong, forceful So I think in the end this will all be But I find myself unable to remain si- voice for ordinary working people in resolved, but for now I think it is im- lent any longer about the Sanchez her district. I think it is important for portant for us to step back. I have race. You know, I am mindful that the the Republican Party to put this mat- heard people say, well, in 1984 some- investigation that has been going on ter to one side to allow Congresswoman thing happened that the Democrats did has now consumed more time than the SANCHEZ to do her job, and we will have that was wrong. I was not here then. If entire campaign and election did from another election just next year. Can- the Democrats did something wrong, filing to election date, and I think didates can run and voters can choose. they should not have done it, but we there is something wrong when an in- That is the way to settle this at this should not do a bad thing. We should vestigation that produces nothing con- point. do what our oath of office requires us tinues throughout what looks to be a And I would just urge that Members to do, what is right for America, what plan to consume the entire term of the in good faith, Members of this House is right for this House and hold up our person’s office. who take their oath of office seriously, heads proudly. Now if there was any evidence of be- will step back, ditch the partisanship, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Now I yield to the havior that would affect the outcome, let the gentlewoman from California gentleman from California [Mr. FARR]. perhaps we could be more patient with [Ms. SANCHEZ] do her job. Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, this, but as the Washington Post has Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Does the gentle- I am glad to comment for a minute and pointed out and as a matter of long- woman know the demographics of LO- then yield here for a colloquy with my standing law as well as precedents of RETTA SANCHEZ’ district? friends because I think why we are here this House, the burden of proof is on Ms. LOFGREN. Yes, I do. tonight is to stand on the floor of the the plaintiff in this case, and there is Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. And what type of House of Representatives in defense of no credible evidence that has been message are we sending to the Hispanic this institution and criticizing essen- brought forward that would lead any community when the names that have tially the attack that has been made objective observer to the conclusion been checked with the INS only are upon this institution. that the outcome of this election will those of Hispanic Americans? b 1830 be changed in any way through addi- Ms. LOFGREN. Well, you know it re- tional investigations. minds me, Congresswoman, of an inci- It has been an attack on this institu- As the gentlewoman from New York dent that happened, and I have only tion, because it is an attack on a par- knows, I am a member of the House been in this Congress now for 32 ticular Member, the gentlewoman from Committee on the Judiciary, and in months, but I served in local govern- California, Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ, who that capacity I serve on the House Sub- ment in California for a number of got elected to this House. She was de- committee on Immigration and Natu- years, and several years ago the Repub- clared the vote winner by the Sec- ralization. I regret to report that the lican Party in southern California retary of State of the State of Califor- state of the records of the Immigration hired guards and posted them around nia, entered this House, took the oath Service is so poor that the information the polls but only in sections of town of office. And now there is a witch hunt being asked for frankly is not going to that were primarily Latino. And, in to say that because she had a close be able to be delivered in any kind of fact, the Republican Party was sued election, she won by 984 votes, that timely fashion. And by way of example, over that and the court found that it therefore, and because her name is when the first request was made to the was discriminatory and the Repub- SANCHEZ, and because she lives in Immigration Service to match up licans were fined. southern California, and because many names with INS records was delivered, Many people in California are liken- people in southern California have 500,000 names came back, nearly, well, ing this investigation to that more Latino names, that people voted in almost the entire population of a con- egregious, and, I would say, inten- that election who should not have gressional district from all over the tional, effort to try and discourage voted. United States. Obviously this proves Americans who are of Hispanic descent Mr. Speaker, I think there are prob- nothing. The numbers are now down to from exercising their franchise, as ably people in most elections in Amer- such a short percentage that there is every other American should do. It is ica who voted who should not have no way the outcome could possibly be certainly, I think, the wrong message voted. There are illegal votes cast in affected. for America, the wrong message for our this country. But to say that they were Now I have heard Members on the children to see. all cast in one congressional district is other side of the aisle stand here in We are living in a country, fortu- ridiculous. this well and become highly enraged nately, where what defines your Ameri- The reason that I am so upset about and distressed and upset at the concept canism is not where your parents or it, if indeed Members want to go after that this investigation would be per- grandparents came from, it is not close elections, the election of the gen- ceived as racist and would be perceived whether your name is Smith, Wong, or tlewoman from California, Ms. LORET- as sexist and would be perceived as par- Sanchez, it is not the color of your TA SANCHEZ, ranked fifth. Listen to the tisan, and I believe that those individ- skin. It is your belief in freedom, it is names ahead of her: The gentleman uals who spoke in that manner did so your belief in the ideals of this country from Pennsylvania, Mr. JON FOX, the in good faith and honorably. But I am that make you. It is your willingness gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. here to say that if you continue after to stand up for your country that make JOHN TIERNEY, the gentleman from today, you are warned that in fact it you an American in belief, and the sep- Washington, Mr. ADAM SMITH, the gen- will be taken in that manner by people arating out of Hispanic Americans I tlewoman from Washington, Mrs. of good-faith, not only in California think is terribly wrong. LINDA SMITH. All of those people, Mem- and Ms. SANCHEZ’ district but through- And I will make this prediction as bers of this House, won by lesser votes out this country, because Sanchez is as well, that in the end Latino Americans than she did. American a name as Lofgren or Smith in California have taken great offense So, essentially, the gentleman from or Wong, and yet the only individuals at this, and I think are certainly reg- Pennsylvania, Mr. JON FOX, won by 84 being looked at are Americans with istering to vote in much greater num- votes. Did anybody challenge that elec- names like Vela´ zquez and Sanchez. bers than historically has been true, tion and say there were illegal voters And that is being taken very poorly and I think what I am hearing from my in his election, or in the election of the in those sectors and, I think, rightfully constituents or Latinos is that they gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. so. We are not asking to see the natu- now understand in quite a different JOHN TIERNEY? Did the Canadians come ralization papers of any Flahertys or way which party is on their side, and I in and illegally vote in the election of Clintons, and I think that the voters have recently heard that from other the gentleman from Massachusetts, and Americans in California have got it Americans whose parents immigrated Mr. JOHN TIERNEY, or the gentleman H5998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 1997 from Washington, Mr. ADAM SMITH, and priations process, the gentleman from poenas are extremely sacred or a very the gentlewoman from Washington, Maryland (Mr. HOYER), asked that the special procedural tool for which one Mrs. LINDA SMITH? How many Canadi- INS be reimbursed the money that must document and provide safeguards. ans are they challenging? they have had to put out to do this, You cannot just randomly go out. It is No, they are picking out one race, and the answer came back from the amazing to us that we would have a one congressional district in all of the committee as a no, that we would not subpoena process by a private citizen United States, one that came in fifth reimburse them for doing that. So out whom this House is allowing to proceed from the bottom, and going after that. of the INS budget there is that money, against a sitting Member of Congress, Why? Because of a very controversial in addition to the $300,000 that has al- who is duly representing 550,000 citi- former Member of this Congress who ready been spent. zens. has decided ad hocly not to give up his Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, If we do nothing more than to ask title, but to use his color of title to go if the gentlewoman will yield further, I this Republican Congress to cease and after the person who won. So I engage just wanted to make one more point. desist in allowing that sort of infrac- my colleagues in a colloquy about this, Although the contested election is tion of rights because we cannot find and certainly would ask the gentle- about the result of the 46th Congres- any basis, and as the gentlewoman woman from Connecticut (Ms. sional District, in which 93,000 people from California said, utilizing the INS, DELAURO), for a comment on it as well. voted, Mr. Dornan and his Republican I do not want to say in its innocence, Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, will the allies sanctioned the INS to pry into but in its responsibility, misusing its gentlewoman yield? the records of all of 1.3 million Orange responsibility. Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I yield to the gen- County voters. This means that the Re- I think it is appalling, I think it is tlewoman from Connecticut. publican-led Committee on House Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I just outrageous, and I do think today as we Oversight ordered the INS to go want to say, I think my colleague is stand here, on July 29, it is time now to through the records of hundreds of right. My colleagues who have spoken say, end it forever and forever, to allow thousands of people not associated are right. I think there is an important the gentlewoman from California, Ms. with the results of this contested elec- point. First of all, the point the gen- LORETTA SANCHEZ, who has been ably tion. Most of these people could not tleman brought out was that there are serving, to serve her constituents and several people who had more narrowly have cast a vote either for or against not to be operating under a false cloud determined races on whom nothing is the gentlewoman from California, Ms. of taintedness that has been rep- being challenged. No list of ethnic LORETTA SANCHEZ, or Bob Dornan be- resented by someone who has simply names are being addressed and none cause they were not even living in that lost their election. are being requested. district. Mr. MINGE. Mr. Speaker, will the I think what is important to note, So it is definitely unfair, it is unethi- gentlewoman yield? and the gentleman talked about it, the cal, and an invasion of privacy for Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I yield to the gen- gentlewoman from California (Ms. LO- these registered voters to be subjected tleman from Minnesota. to the antics and the subpoenas of this RETTA SANCHEZ), was certified the win- Mr. MINGE. Mr. Speaker, I represent private citizen, Dornan. ner of this election. It was by a Repub- an area in Minnesota that is quickly Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I think lican registrar of voters, and a Repub- seeing the ethnic composition of the it is important to set the record lican secretary of State. population change. It has been dra- straight here. Bob Dornan, a former That was after, which is even a sec- matic. I know that quite often there is Member of the House of Representa- ond piece of this, which is because we a suspicion that if we have a new fam- tives, no longer a Member of this body, had some other races that in fact were ily in town, maybe it is not docu- a private citizen, if you will, he has more narrowly defined, but there was a mented, maybe it has come into our been given the power to subpoena. That recount of every single ballot, and the country illegally, or an individual. is unheard of. It is unprecedented. He gentlewoman from California (Ms. LO- There is also a suspicion as people has used this authority to truly harass RETTA SANCHEZ), was determined and move in and out of apartments, large his political enemies, forcing them to certified the winner by 979 votes. So I numbers of people may be living under spend thousands and thousands of dol- think that is what the point is. one roof or at the same address, and do lars. That is a terrific point. I think it When we look at this issue, what we we have illegal residents. need to wonder about is is this a politi- is important for people to know he has One thing that really struck me cally motivated attempt to steal an no standing and no jurisdiction as a about this case in California was the election? Is it, by virtue of the requests Member of this body. fact that it went beyond just worrying that have been made from the Immi- Mr. FARR of California. In the elec- about this, but apparently there are ac- gration and Naturalization Service tion next door, the gentleman from cusations that have been made that if about the thousands and thousands of California, Mr. GEORGE BROWN, he won people live at the same address, they Hispanic names to be reviewed, is it with 17 more votes than the gentle- must be registering fraudulently to anti-Hispanic? And third, given what woman from California, Ms. LORETTA vote. we know, again, about the certification SANCHEZ, 17 more votes; the same type I have learned that many of these and other races that were not looked of mix of ethnic populations. Is anyone people are, say, residents at a senior into, that the nature of the hearings, going after the voters in his district housing project; or in one case, it was are they not in fact a waste of tax- and suggesting that that election was a nuns that were part of an order, a payers’ dollars? fraud? No. This is absolutely the first Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, if the time in the history of this country, in Catholic order, and it was suspected gentlewoman will yield, does the gen- this House, when they have used the that the nuns were illegal residents; or tlewoman from Connecticut happen to powers of the INS, the Immigration that military personnel, somebody at know the amount of money that has Service, to go back and question people the same address, because they were at been spent on this investigation by the how they became legal citizens. an Air Force base or a naval base, were House so far? Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. registered illegally. Ms. DELAURO. I will be happy to tell Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield? I think it borders on paranoia, and I my colleagues. First, we have spent 9 Mr. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I yield to the gen- think it is unfortunate that a colleague months at this effort and over $300,000 tlewoman from Texas. of ours, whether it is a Republican or a in taxpayers’ funds investigating this Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Democrat, were to have to spend vast election. Speaker, the gentleman raised a very sums of money to answer allegations Ms. LOFGREN. Does that include the valid point. Let me just add my voice which really appear to be baseless and cost incurred by the Immigration Serv- to my colleagues who are here tonight. participate in a fishing expedition. ice to comply with all these many re- I will be brief. I really think it would behoove our quests that have yielded nothing? As a member of the Committee on body if there would be some way that Ms. DELAURO. It does not. As a mat- the Judiciary, we have certainly been this investigation could be promptly ter of fact, in our Committee on Appro- watching from a distance, because sub- brought to an end, honorably, so really July 29, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5999 the divisive characteristic of this in- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, getting into the electoral process. I am vestigation can be put behind us. Be- will the gentlewoman yield? proud of the fact that we are very cause we certainly have, as this week Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I yield to the gen- much engaged in it now and that we indicates, some very large issues to tleman from Illinois. contribute so much. struggle through. The budget agree- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I think the Let me take it to a political level. I ment that was negotiated last spring gentleman makes a very valid point, think that is something that we have and the legislation which is now being Mr. Speaker, given the fact that we to be mindful of here. This is not only drafted is where we ought to be focus- really ought to be trying to find ways a recount that is going on out in Cali- ing our attention. I think all of us to bring people into the process; that fornia. I was the subject of a recount in should spend most of our time on this. is, to encourage people to participate. my district. I know from past experi- This is just sort of a brief interlude We always talk about the greatness ence, working on other people’s re- where we have taken deep concern in of this democracy of ours, and that counts over the years, that when those one of our colleagues’ situations. people should be involved. Here we are votes are counted, one by one, you Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I know in a situation that is actually doing have got a real definite idea of how the the gentleman represents an area more just the opposite, trying to intimidate vote resulted. in the interior of the country, but the people, suggesting to them that they At the end of that recount, Ms. gentleman and I are members of a very ought not participate. Sanchez was declared the winner by al- small group here in the House, the b 1845 most 1,000 votes. That is a significant Scandinavian Caucus. As I think back margin of victory in a recount situa- in listening to the gentleman speak I think it is horrendous. It is unbe- tion. about his district, I am reminded of my lievable. That is why I am so pleased own grandfather who was an immi- that I decided to come over this Now I think we take it to the politi- grant, and he had his naturalization evening and join with all of my col- cal level. This is not about just civil certificate and he hung it on the wall, leagues as they all say that enough is rights. It is about politics. This is he was so proud of it. enough. When are we going to quit it? about how can the Republican Party As the gentleman is talking about When are we going to cut it out? get behind a candidate who will not let newcomers coming in, I do not recall I have looked at at least 15 or 20 go, a person who lost and now knows he ever a time when people of Scandina- newspaper clippings, all indicating that lost, if he has any touch with reality, vian descent were hunted down to see if the investigations are turning up abso- will not let go of the situation? And there was proof of their citizenship. lutely nothing. they come on and they get behind it Yet he was an immigrant, much more Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. and let this situation keep unfolding so than many of the Latinos in California Speaker, if the gentlewoman will con- that we have a Member of Congress, whose families have lived in California tinue to yield, I know how hard the who represents almost 600,000 people, for generations, long before my family gentleman has worked in an era of civil that has to come here and do the busi- arrived. rights, not because of age but because ness for those people and represent I wonder whether in the gentleman’s of commitment. Is it not interesting those people on some very significant experience there has ever been these is- that we are talking about civil rights and important issues and at the same sues raised about what are the for now a new immigrant group, His- time, because the party chooses not to Scandihoovians doing there, and are panics, when in the Deep South and let it go, because they, I think, perhaps they legit? many other places there was a chilling would like to see a Democrat in that Mr. MINGE. Mr. Speaker, I think effect for African-Americans to vote, position, allow that situation to unfold each wave of immigration has brought 1950’s and 1940’s and 1960’s. There was so that not only does LORETTA SANCHEZ with it a certain resentment on the the poll tax and intimidation. have to do the business here; she has to part of the folks who are already there Why are we in 1997 carrying on sort be mindful of what is going on back at against the newcomers. I think even of the same traditions of intimidating home. Scandinavians, unfortunately, face people from voting by using INS offi- As my colleague from Chicago just some of that. cers coming to your door investigating said, back home it is clear in the pa- But I look back in reading Minnesota nuns? It looks like this country would pers there is nothing going on of any history with some interest to learn recognize that with Scandinavians, substance there except for this obses- that ballot instructions in my State with new immigrants, with Asians, sion with the lack of reality that goes were once printed in nine languages, with Hispanics, African-Americans, I on and on. including three Scandinavian lan- come from an immigrant background, Let me just say that I think the vot- guages, as well as Spanish. This was at that everyone deserves a chance to par- ers back in Orange County should be ticipate. It looks like that is what the the turn of the century, about 100 years significantly proud of the work LORET- gentlewoman from California [Ms. ago. So I think when we did have these TA SANCHEZ does in spite of what has large waves of immigration from Eu- SANCHEZ] stands for. been going on back there and the way rope, we tried to somehow fit our vot- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I it must be some sort of distraction, but ing and our citizenship process to be as agree with that, because if it is His- you would never know it for the fine inclusive as possible. panics today, Latinos, then it is Afri- work she is doing here. I think here we see sometimes what can-Americans, Scandinavians, Greeks, borders on xenophobia, and it is very it is somebody else tomorrow. We all Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, unfortunate. Certainly none of us want stand with the gentlewoman from Cali- the gentleman had a closer election than LORETTA SANCHEZ? to encourage illegal immigration, but I fornia [Ms. SANCHEZ] and want to make think folks who are in our country, sure that she does not have to keep Mr. TIERNEY. It was a 360 vote mar- who are legal residents of our country, going through this unnecessary hassle. gin. At the end of the election we had they have gone through the steps of Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, if the a recount and I won by 371 votes, which naturalization and become citizens, gentlewoman will continue to yield, I in that case was significant enough they are valued members of our com- came in a little bit late but I, like that a recount could not change that. munity. We ought to treat them with yourself, came down here when I saw Yet LORETTA SANCHEZ’ was so much respect and we ought to welcome them that this was the topic this evening. I larger than that. into the political process and make have been watching this scenario un- Mr. FARR of California. She won by sure they are full participants, because fold for some period of time. 900 votes. So you have a very close we need, as all of us know, as broad a Let me not go away permanently election, and yet they are not going participation as possible in the politi- from the issue of civil rights, which I after you and doing a witch hunt in cal process. We are constantly trying think is important. I come from the your district in Massachusetts. After to encourage people to join with us, Irish minority, which is not much of a all, you are close to Canada, you could whether they be on our side of the aisle minority around here, but we had our have had some Canadians sneak over or not, just to be a part of the debate. history and we had our difficult times and vote for you. H6000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 1997 Mr. TIERNEY. We counted every the Republicans were accusing us, the the real losers in this debate are the vote, and there was a reality in my dis- Democrats, of playing the race card. hundreds of thousands of Orange Coun- trict. The voters knew the first time. But how could you explain that, of all ty residents whom she represents. They certainly knew after the recount. those who vote in California, the only I know from experience that being a Mr. FARR of California. The point is names, the only voters that were re- freshman, a new Member, especially in here is an election that is closer than quested to be proved by the INS were of a district previously in the hands of the one that you were talking about in Latino surnames? the majority, is a very difficult job. It Orange County, a lot closer. There is Mr. TIERNEY. I think that is a good is difficult to concentrate on legisla- no purge or going through and suggest- point here. What we ought to be focus- tive issues, constituent service, com- ing that the people in that election ing on is why are we not having some munities projects, without facing the were all voting illegally because they explanation from the Members that are constant drumbeat of electoral charges were not properly registered. I think Members of this House that are driving that have been rained down upon a that this is obviously a witch hunt. this situation as to why this continues very able Representative, the gentle- There is 21 races that you say were on. Why is there not some prospect woman from California [Ms. SANCHEZ]. close, that won by 6,000 votes or less, 21 here that a responsible leadership in My colleague has been forced to ex- in the 435 Members of Congress. And of this House would call on those Mem- pend so much of her time, her energy these top 21, there is only one that bers to get down here and say why is it and her resources on what I would call they are going after, and there is only that this committee and this House a misguided inquisition, and it is to her one in that whole group of 21 that has would allow the kind of subpoena credit that she has managed to become a Hispanic name, SANCHEZ. power to go on that has been going on an effective Representative in this I think that this is a witch hunt. It is when constitutional authorities have kind of working context. So it it is cer- embarrassing to this institution and questioned it? Why would they allow tainly time for the investigation to ought to be called off. And it would not this situation to go on when it has this end. It is time to bring the same civil- have been done had she not beaten Rep- overtone in terms of race? Why would ity, the same spirit of civility that resentative Bob Dornan, who every- they do that without coming down and characterizes our current legislative body knows is a bulldog of every stripe explaining? If they say that is not the breakthroughs to this issue. It is time and was here dominating this time usu- way it is, if they say there is some to give the people of Orange County ally in the evening on special orders valid reason for this process to con- the same constitutional right to full- about these issues. tinue, I think the American people time representation as all Americans Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, have to a right to hear about it. deserve. I want to say that I stand with I have a question for the gentleman. More specifically, I think the people LORETTA SANCHEZ in tonight’s very im- During your recount or during any re- in that particular district have a rea- portant special order. count that you may know of, has there son to know why they are inundated Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ever been a case such as this one with this sort of nonsense day in and yield to the gentlewoman from Con- where, in addition to the votes in your day out, article after article indicating necticut [Ms. DELAURO]. particular district, thousands and this is nothing but a witch hunt, has no Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I just thousands of votes and thousands of basis in reality, and there ought to be wanted to add, sometimes people think voters’ records were subpoenaed and an answer given. I would suspect that that we stand here and on some of looked into that had nothing to do there ought to be Members on this these issues that it is our view, it is with your particular election like in floor standing up explaining them- our opinion. I said earlier today that this case approximately 1.3 million Or- selves. the gentleman who lost this race, Bob ange County voters had the INS go and Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I would like to add Dornan, who is an ordinary citizen look at their records? that this is the first time where I see today, has been given tremendous Mr. TIERNEY. No, certainly not. I that the burden of proof is not on the power by being able to subpoena peo- suspect that this is what the American loser. They are forcing LORETTA ple. It is just not hearsay on my part public has to hear. This is not about a SANCHEZ to prove that the people who about what he is willing to do, quite recount to see if they are going to turn voted for her had, in fact, the right to frankly, what kind of inaccuracies that the seat over. I think everybody with vote. That is not only wrong, it is he is engaged in. I think it is impor- both feet on the ground or both oars in shameful. tant that it be part of the record to the water knows that this election is Mr. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, if the gen- note that his claims are proven time over, that LORETTA SANCHEZ has won. tlewoman will continue to yield, I had and time again to be baseless and to be Never in my experience, either as an a point very much in keeping with without merit. attorney representing people, my own what we have been saying here, per- In April, the Los Angeles Times recounts and other recounts, has any- taining to the spirit of this place at wrote, and I quote, that a close review body found the need to go outside. this very time. Right now, as we are of Dornan’s contentions shows them to Most State officials would not let it talking about this situation, many of be overstated and riddled with inac- happen. our colleagues are demonstrating the curacies. Certainly most Federal officials spirit of bipartisanship by having a So you have someone who is out would not pursue it to go on. I think baseball game. And that sends all kinds there being bestowed with this tremen- there should be some shame on the of signals out to the American people. dous power who is saying and doing, Members in this institution for allow- On a more substantive matter, this quite frankly, whatever he wants to do; ing it to go on. To the extent they are week the House will probably over- and in trying to contravene what the participating in it, egging on and abso- whelmingly pass a bipartisan budget, people, the people of the 46th District lutely doing away with the rights of an tax relief bills that will in my judg- of California said and they stated. And individual, no longer do they make the ment be of enormous benefit to Ameri- LORETTA SANCHEZ is trying to rep- person who is making the challenge cans all over this great land. But in the resent them in this body and is doing a prove the case. In this situation they midst of all this, in the midst of this good job of representing them every would like LORETTA SANCHEZ to prove a spirit of bipartisanship, we must rise single day with having to concern her- negative. this evening to protest these wrongs self first and foremost with the job Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. On the question of that are being brought upon my friend that she was elected to do. the gentlewoman from California, the and fellow Californian LORETTA People put their trust and their faith fact of the people who were, their files SANCHEZ. Others have focused on the in us when we come to this body. She were requested to be with the INS, bipartisan nature of this investigation. is trying to carry out their wishes, those surnames were Latino surnames. I want to talk about another aspect of what their interests are for themselves What kind of message are we sending it. and for their families, as I said, doing to our Latino community? And yester- First of all, I want to express my sup- a good job of that effort; and at the day on this floor there was the debate port of the gentlewoman from Califor- same time having to struggle with a on the legislative branch where some of nia [Ms. SANCHEZ] but also to say that whole lot of potentially and, as it is July 29, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6001 listed here in the Los Angeles Times I think there should be some expla- come back again as part of the process, and others, some baseless statements nation for that. Because no matter how but I have lost this election.’’ of fact and being forced to have to raise much we want to blame the individual It really is a part of the leadership of hundreds of thousands of dollars to be who does not seem to be willing to let this institution to take in hand their able to counteract legal fees. go, I think we have to blame the people friend, Bob Dornan, and say enough is The fact of the matter is, it is in this institution who are driving this enough. This is concluded. We have enough. In Italian there is a saying as a partisan matter. checked it, we have rechecked it, we which is ‘‘basta,’’ enough. We have I know everybody likes bipartisan- have asked our questions, and we too looked at this. There has been a certifi- ship and everybody likes to talk about are sorry that you lost, and we will cation. Let us allow the gentlewoman how well we can get along down here. I have to pick up another day and maybe from the 46th District to continue to do not necessarily subscribe to that. I go out and try to win that district back do the work on behalf of her constitu- think a good healthy dose of partisan- again, but we have lost for the time ents. ship is what this place needs, but the being. Let us get on and let the gentle- Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, right kind of partisanship. woman from California, Ms. LORETTA I just want to add and emphasize some- It is healthy for us to stand up and to SANCHEZ, get on with her work. thing that I feel is extremely impor- debate our differences. It is healthy for Mr. TIERNEY. That is, of course, if tant. Not only was the subpoena power us to set forth what our policies are we are assuming that this is all about given to an ordinary citizen, but the and our principles, debate them, have a friendship and all about trying to do power that was given to subpoena far deliberative process, argue them, and the right thing by their friend. I think beyond the district election that was come out and have a vote on them in we all know it is something else. being contested so that the constitu- this body. That is the kind of partisan- I think this thing smells to high tional rights of thousands of other Or- ship that the public has a right to ex- heaven and that people understand ange County voters who had nothing to pect and probably desires. What they there is another motive and another do with this particular election, their do not need is petty bickering and goal here for people, and they ought, records were also subpoenaed. So it is petty partisanship where a majority in and again, I am going to close because extremely frightening, the fact that, this body, through its leadership, I have to leave, but they ought to be on No. 1, this leadership would give sub- would actually allow this kind of this floor explaining to the gentle- poena power to an everyday citizen atrocity to go on. woman from California, Ms. LORETTA and, second, that that power is ex- This type of a situation, where no SANCHEZ, her constituents, the State of tended far beyond the contest in ques- one in their right mind believes it is al- California, and the people of America tion. lowable or acceptable to continue on, as well as every Member of this body Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I to harass a Member and to particularly why they are allowing this to continue. would like to add by asking the gen- make their life miserable, with no Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I tleman from Massachusetts, based on prospects of ever winning, and to take would just like to say not only have we his case where there was a recount, on an entire class of people that have spent $300,000 of taxpayers’ money, but who had to prove that the voters who done nothing wrong except go to the also the INS has spent over $50,000, and voted had the right to vote on his case? ballot box and exercise their right to a just one office only is dedicated to Mr. TIERNEY. The challenger. The constitutional privilege to vote. And dealing with this issue. challenger has the obligation and bur- that is who we should have down in Mr. TIERNEY. If I can interrupt, this den to overcome the results that are this body now, is that leadership, that is the same group of individuals who there and that are certified. In this in- group of people that are allowing this fought us on spending money to insure stance, it is an even additional burden to continue. They should have to an- children. These are the people that on that because there they are cer- swer to the American public. They could not find the money to insure as tified. The recount has been done. should have to answer to the people in many people as we wanted to insure, Again, I do not mean to contradict my the district of the gentlewoman from young people in this country, who can colleagues here, but I like to keep California, MS. LORETTA SANCHEZ. find $300,000 to argue a cause that is bringing the focus back to this institu- Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, long lost. tion and this leadership that is allow- I certainly agree with my colleague, Again, I think this just goes to the ing this to continue. and again I wish to point out that all of point there is another motive here, an- this has been at a tremendous cost to other avenue that is strictly political b 1900 taxpayers. Over $300,000 has been spent partisan bickering, and they should get We can talk about a private individ- on an election that has been duly cer- beyond it. ual having too much authority, a pri- tified by the Republican Orange Coun- Ms. DeLAURO. If the gentleman vate individual getting subpoena power ty registrar and the Republican Sec- would yield, and to be specific, a pro- that no other private individual has, retary of State. gram that a number of us came down but we have to come back to this insti- So this is money that has been here to support and through actually tution and wonder why our colleagues thrown away, and in spite of all the shaming the other side we added on the other side of the aisle, that have money and time and the violations and money to the WIC program, Women, elected that leadership to this body, things that we have talked about on Infants and Children. We are talking are allowing them to do to a Member of this floor, Dornan is no more closer to about cereal, formula and healthy food this body what has never been done be- getting the election than he was on No- for women, infants and children, and fore, and ought not to have been done vember 5. It has been a total waste of we were told that there was not enough in the first place, and ought not to be money, of taxpayers’ money, and it money to do this. done, period, in this body, because it is really is a black mark on the leader- In fact, what we have done with the a blight on this entire situation, it is a ship for allowing this to happen. INS is to say they have to do this; they blight on the membership of this orga- Ms. DELAURO. If the gentlewoman have to spend the money for this, in nization. would yield, I would say, look, it is dif- addition to $300,000 as a cost, when We have an institution here that has ficult to lose. Anyone who has run for there are so many needs. My colleague, to be protected, we have Members that public office understands that it is the gentleman from California [Mr. have rights, and we have to go back to hard to lose. But when you have lost, CAPPS], said we spent a long time com- the voters and explain to them why it and when there has been a recount of ing to a conclusion on a balanced budg- is that this body and this leadership is every single vote and there has been a et agreement and trying to look at how disregarding the Constitution, dis- certification of the election, quite we can be fiscally responsible. regarding the rights of a Member, dis- frankly, after months and months of So in fact we do have other motiva- regarding the rights of people living in deliberation, 9 months, $300,000 in cost, tion which underlies this issue, and that district and of the American pub- there is a point in time where you have quite frankly, I think when this sees lic in general, and making a mockery to say, ‘‘I have lost this election. I the light of day, the American public, of the electoral process. don’t feel good about it, maybe I can the way they saw what we ought to be H6002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 1997 doing was the right thing with the really is wrong. It takes us back years nowhere else in this country. Unprece- Women, Infants and children program, and years and years. That is not for- dented. And providing powers to an or- will understand what is going on with ward looking, it is backward looking in dinary average citizen who lost an elec- this program. And I think that we this country. tion. ought to continue the debate and the Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. At some point, the People win and lose elections every dialogue so that, in fact, the public chairman of the Committee on House single year, and when we lose, it is knows all about this. Oversight, months ago, announced that tough, but what we have to do is to get Mr. CAPPS. If the gentlewoman not only would they be going after the over it. And there is a responsibility on would yield, she makes a very good district of the gentlewoman from Cali- the part of the leadership, whether point that it is not easy to lose, and fornia, Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ, but he they chair a subcommittee, whether when people lose there is a natural re- mentioned three more districts, all of they serve as Speaker, majority leader, action. them represented by Latinos. or whatever position they serve in this But there is another fact here that They get upset when we bring this body, to look at these events and say we should consider, and that is, how issue onto the floor and they say we enough is enough. many people have had the privilege of are playing the race card, but I was We had an election process. We have serving in this House since the begin- elected and I was sworn in and no one a certified number, after a recount, bi- ning? There have been about 11,500, contested my race. Why did he have to partisan officials who, quite frankly, maybe 11,800 people who have served in mention the 12th Congressional Dis- those officials have done their job. the House from the beginning of this trict? Why did he have to mention They took a look at this, they counted people’s House. three other districts represented by every ballot, and they said the gentle- It is more difficult to get in here if Latinos who were not contested by any woman from California, Ms. LORETTA one is of a certain characteristic. That opposition from their own districts? SANCHEZ, represents the 46th District. is, how many women have served in Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, will the And this body, in response to a former this House? I think 165 out of the gentlewoman yield? member who says that he lost for some 11,800? Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I yield to the gen- reason, has given him subpoena powers, I do not have all the math down with tleman from Michigan. and that is truly outrageous that this precision, but I think one-third of the Mr. EHLERS. I thank the gentle- has happened. Again, unprecedented in women who have ever served here in woman for yielding, and I did not come the history of this institution. the long history of our country, one- here to rain on her parade. I under- This is a noble institution. My col- third of all these women are here now. stand what my colleagues are doing. league, the gentleman from California How many African-Americans have But I do have to simply rise and voice [Mr. CAPPS] said only 11,500 people have served in this House? Less than 100. some concern about the language and served in this body. These elections are Less than 100 out of the close to 12,000 the words which were used. And, frank- sacred. people that have been here. How many ly, I take them personally, to the point b Members of the Latino community almost of wishing to raise a point of 1915 have served in this House? Very, very personal privilege. The people’s vote is sacred. few. Proportionately very few. And I The term ‘‘witch hunt’’ was used to Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, will the would think that the majority of those describe this. I am the chairman of the gentlewoman yield? from the Latino community who have task force attempting to resolve the Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I yield to the gen- served in the House are here at the issue of the contested election in the tleman from Michigan. present time. 46th District. I have tried my very, Mr. EHLERS. I will not take any What does this say? Clearly, if the very best to keep this fair and honor- more of the gentlewoman’s time. I just Congresswoman’s name was not able. We did not initiate it, Mr. Dornan want to say that I will continue this in SANCHEZ, this would not be going on. initiated it. We have a responsibility to the next special order. But I do invite This would not be going on. We need to pursue it. all of my colleagues to remain for that. call that to the attention of the Amer- The issue was raised by the gen- And I will be happy to explain and an- ican people because that is wrong. That tleman from California [Mr. CAPPS] swer for my colleagues and give the is immoral. And we are not going to that if the name of the gentlewoman facts of the situation. have full democracy in this House from California was not SANCHEZ, this Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, when it is so difficult for certain seg- would not have happened. I do not hap- will the gentlewoman yield? ments of the population to be elected. pen to believe that is true, but at any Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. I yield to the gen- I think we should call it what it is. rate that is immaterial to the discus- tlewoman from California. Ms. DELAURO. I think the gen- sion. Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. If, in fact, we tleman is right. I think that the more Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I are going to be hearing the facts, I one takes a look at this, the more one take back the balance of my time. would also like to ask the question hears about what names are being re- On that point, I would say, then, how that, if we are talking about 93,000 vot- quested and how many and in what vol- could the gentleman address the fact ers in the 46th district that cast votes ume. that subpoena powers have been given for the Sanchez-Dornan election, then And I think my colleague, the gentle- to a private citizen? How does the gen- why were 1.3 million Orange County woman from California, Ms. LUCILLE tleman explain the fact that the chair- voters’ records subpoenaed and why ROYBAL-ALLARD, has said they have man of the Committee on House Over- were they all Latino names? gone well beyond the 46th District. sight in a press conference said that he Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I This is Orange County, and people who would go after three other districts want to thank all of my colleagues for in no way are engaged or involved in that have been duly elected, where coming here and debating this issue this particular election, and that it Latino representatives were elected? and raising the awareness of the Amer- speaks volumes, I think, about what How would the gentleman explain ican people in this country. I know the nature and what the tendencies that? that the Republican leadership will are. And that is wrong. It really is. It Ms. DELAURO. The gentlewoman is have a public relations battle ahead of is wrong and it is divisive in this coun- absolutely right, there is no expla- them. They are going to lose this one, try. nation for the direction that this inves- the same way they lost the WIC battle We have a difficult enough time with tigation has taken. I have a high re- and they lost the disaster relief pack- people coming together and wanting gard for the gentleman, but the fact of age debate. people to be together. We have a bona the matter is that we are 9 months into f fide, certified election in the 46th Dis- an investigation. We have spent trict of California, and we ought to ac- $300,000, $150,000 of the INS’s money, A GREAT DAY IN WASHINGTON, DC knowledge that and not put people’s going well beyond the 46th District, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ethnicity at the center of what our calling into question hundreds of thou- HOBSON). Under the Speaker’s an- electoral process is all about. That sands of Latino, Hispanic names, done nounced policy of January 7, 1997, the