[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 151 (Wednesday, October 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12845-S12846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CHAIRMAN XAVIER BECERRA

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, as we bring our legislative session to an 
end, it is appropriate that we pay tribute to an American leader, the 
outgoing Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for the 105th 
Congress, and my friend, Xavier Becerra.
  Our Nation is fortunate to have an actively engaged Congressional 
Hispanic Caucus to ensure that more Americans have the opportunity to 
enjoy the rewards and responsibilities of American citizenship. Their 
efforts have succeeded in increasing educational opportunities for 
Hispanic Americans, promoting fairness in our judicial system, and 
protecting political participation vital to our democracy. Millions of 
people have benefited from effective leadership provided by the 
Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and in particular, by Mr. Becerra.
  Xavier Becerra was first elected to represent the 30th District of 
California in November 1992. In 1997, Representative Becerra was 
elected to serve as Chairman of the Congressional

[[Page S12846]]

Hispanic Caucus. Under his chairmanship, educational opportunities for 
Hispanic Americans have grown considerably: Hispanic Serving 
Institutions have received record-level funding, bilingual education 
programs once threatened have been strengthened, nearly $500 million 
has been allocated for the President's Latino Education Plan, and equal 
access to technology for students in rural and urban centers has been 
enhanced through the e-rate program.
  Chairman Becerra has demonstrated great leadership and distinguished 
himself as powerful legislative voice in pushing for a positive agenda 
that includes expanding health care, reducing the naturalization 
backlog at the INS, promoting fairness in our judicial system, ensuring 
a fair and accurate census, and protecting voting rights.
  It has been a privilege for the Democratic Caucus to work with 
Chairman Becerra and his fellow members of the Congressional Hispanic 
Caucus. I am going to miss the leadership of Chairman Xavier Becerra, 
but I look forward to his continuing friendship and to developing a 
strong working relationship with the next Chair of the Congressional 
Hispanic Caucus.

                          ____________________