[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E822-E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE CENTRAL DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______


                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the 
invaluable services provided by the Central District Volunteer Fire 
Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time 
so that we may all feel safer at night.
  Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being 
a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These 
firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while 
expecting nothing in return.''
  Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they 
have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in 
firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain 
the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a 
volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee fire training school 
in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training.
  When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that 
should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and 
qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so 
graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not 
be taken for granted.
  By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us 
all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for 
their service and sacrifice.

[[Page E823]]



                IN OPPOSITION OF SENATE MARKUP OF S. 356

                                 ______


                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, as I rise this morning the Governmental 
Affairs Committee in the other body is considering legislation to 
establish English as America's official language. Many of us think we 
know why this kind of legislative mandate is necessary. We've all met 
up with people who don't speak English as well as we do and have been 
frustrated by this.
  So the reason for this linguistic mandate must be that immigrants 
aren't learning English, right? Well actually, immigrants are learning 
English and they're doing it faster than ever before. According to a 
recent joint Johns Hopkins, Louisiana State study, only 12 percent of 
second generation immigrants report speaking English poorly.
  So the purpose of English-only laws must be to help teach new 
immigrants English, right? Well actually, there are no provisions in 
any English-only bill that would teach one immigrant one word of 
English.
  So if English-only seeks only to solve problems which do not exist, 
the reason for this legislation must be to insult other languages and 
those who speak them.
  Our Founding Fathers understood the implications of such a 
declaration and were wise enough to refrain from such action. I suggest 
we follow their example.

                          ____________________