[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2083-E2084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN PRAISE OF SANTA MARIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER H. CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 1997

  Mr. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, the vitality of our Nation depends upon the 
vitality of the towns and cities of which it is made up. One such vital 
city is Santa Maria, CA, in the district I represent.
  Thirty of the citizen leaders of Santa Maria were in the Capital this 
week. This group represented an extraordinary cross section of 
entrepreneurs, farmers, government officials, social service providers, 
educators, and civic activists. As a result of this visit, these Santa 
Marians know Washington better than before and, perhaps more 
importantly, Washington has a better understanding of Santa Maria.
  Mr. Speaker, we face many challenges in this country while at the 
same time we are surrounded by immense opportunities. This is the case 
in Santa Maria. I'm proud that this

[[Page E2084]]

delegation held fruitful and mutually informative discussions with 
congressional leaders, top White House officials, and senior 
representatives from the Department of Justice, Commerce, Agriculture, 
the Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Trade Representative's 
office. The citizens of Santa Maria are facing their challenges 
creatively and are seizing opportunities boldly.
  Mr. Speaker, last evening, the unforgettable aroma of Santa Maria 
Barbeque danced in the crisp Washington air. The culmination of this 
extraordinary visit was a dinner that attracted Members of Congress 
from all over the country. For one night, a corner of Capitol Hill was 
transformed into Santa Maria. As I celebrated with my constituents and 
my colleagues, I couldn't help but feel enormous pride to be the 
Representative of Santa Maria in the U.S. Congress.

                          ____________________