Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, this past weekend marked the 34th anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus by Turkish forces. During the war, approximately 5,000 Cypriots were killed and close to 200,000 Greek Cypriots were forcibly removed from their homes. This anniversary also marks another year in which Cyprus is divided between north and south and between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities.

However, despite 34 years of division in Cyprus, I am more optimistic today about reaching a just and lasting settlement than I have been in many years. In February of this year, the Greek Cypriots elected a new president, Demetrius Christofias. Immediately following his election, President Christofias followed through on his commitment to make the solution of the Cyprus problem his top priority.

President Christofias found a willing partner in Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Talat. The leaders of the two main Cypriot communities met on March 21 for the purpose of trying to implement the provisions of the U.N.-brokered July 8, 2006 agreement. This agreement, which sets forth a framework for negotiations with the objective of trying to achieve the unification of Cyprus based on a bizonal, bi-communal federation and political equality, as set out in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The March 21 meeting also established a number of Working Groups and Technical Committees, as described in the July 8 agreement, in order to prepare the ground for full-fledged negotiations leading to a comprehensive and durable settlement.

The two leaders have already met on three occasions and will meet again on July 25 when they will review the progress of the Working Groups and Technical Committees. It is my hope that both leaders can agree to move forward and begin full-fledged negotiations.

The House of Representatives has already voiced its strong support for comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue. On October 9, 2007, the House on a voice vote passed House Resolution 405, which expressed its support for the immediate implementation of the July 8, 2006 agreement as the way forward to prepare for new comprehensive negotiations leading to the reunification of Cyprus within a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. In addition, the resolution called upon the United States Government to fully support the immediate implementation this agreement in its entirety.

I believe the time is right for a permanent settlement in Cyprus. We have two leaders--President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot Leader Talat--who are ready and willing to reach an agreement. I also believe that the people of Cyprus, whether Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot or members of the other ethnic groups on the island, recognize that a settlement leading to a reunified Cyprus will help lead the way to a future of peace and prosperity.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5235, the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act.

To prepare for the upcoming anniversary of his 100th birthday on February 6, 2011, Mr. Blunt and I, along with 160 cosponsors from both parties, introduced this legislation creating the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission to pay tribute to our 40th President.

This 11-member bipartisan commission is similar to the others created for Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. This commission will develop plans and memorials to honor President Ronald Reagan. These events will take place all over the country, from here in Washington, DC to his birthplace in Illinois, to California, where he lived most of his life.

As a fellow Californian, I had the great pleasure of spending time with him when I first came to the House of Representatives in 1986. And as a matter of fact, his Presidential Library and burial place is only a few blocks from my own home in Simi Valley, California.

``The Great Communicator'' spoke for the American people, capturing the hearts of small-town citizens and world leaders alike. His remarkable career and public life spanned over 50 years. It began as a student leader, sports broadcaster in Illinois and Iowa, then to Hollywood as an actor and long-time president of the Screen Actors Guild.

California enjoyed an economic resurgence during his terms as Governor, and as President of the United States, his legacy is extraordinary. In 8 short years as President, Ronald Reagan presided over international changes and ushered in unparalleled peace and prosperity, not only for our Nation, but for the entire world.

I want to thank my good friend, Roy Blunt and his staff for supporting, as well as Chairman Waxman and the ranking member, Tom Davis, and their staffs for their assistance in putting this bill together.

I also want to express my appreciation to our Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer, for bringing this bill to the floor today.

I ask my colleagues to join me in strongly supporting H.R. 5235, the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to J.D. ``Dave'' Power III, who is retiring from the day-to-day operations of the company he founded 40 years ago, a company that revolutionized market research.

Dave Power's plunge into entrepreneurship was sparked by dissatisfaction with the way businesses then conducted market research. Armed with an MBA from Pennsylvania University's Wharton School of Business, Power went to work with big-name automotive and advertising agencies as a financial analyst and market researcher. Over the years, he became disillusioned with the quality of work he was asked to provide, likening it to ``torturing the data until it confessed'' instead of delving into customers' real opinions.

In 1968, Dave Power launched his company with his wife, Julie, in a rented apartment in Los Angeles. It began to take off when Power talked himself into an impromptu meeting with a visiting Japanese executive. That meeting led to a collaboration with Toyota that continues unabated today. Using research focused on how potential customers perceived Toyota, Power and Toyota built a business model that changed that perception for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.

As Toyota began hiring internal marketers, Power began conducting smaller, independent and self-funded studies on individual products. By that time, Dave, Julie and their family were operating out of their family home in Calabasas, California. Julie's role was to tabulate data from the surveys. One survey had gone out to owners of Mazda's new Wankel rotary engine. Those owner surveys showed a problem with the engine's O-ring, which was causing the engines to self-destruct after 30,000 miles. Julie showed the findings to Dave, Dave shared it with the 14 auto manufacturers who subscribed to his surveys, and one subscriber leaked it to the Wall Street Journal.

J.D. Power was on his way to becoming a household name, and Mazda joined the growing legions of industries as a subscriber. Today, nearly every major global manufacturer is a J.D. Power and Associates client and the company provides research, analysis and consulting for a wide range of global industries with offices throughout the world.

Madam Speaker, J.D. Power and Associates has made the ``voice of the customer'' a force to be listened to within industries around the world, providing benefits for consumers and businesses alike. While Dave has stepped away from the day-to-day operations of the firm, he will continue to be the face of J.D. Power and Associates. I know my colleagues will join me in wishing Dave and Julie well in their semi- retirement and thank Dave for building better relationships between customers and companies, resulting in positive results for both.

Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to Rex Laird, who retired this week after 28 years as Chief Executive Officer of the Ventura County Farm Bureau.

As CEO, Rex was responsible for managing the Farm Bureau's staff, daily operations and finances. He recommended policy to the bureau Board of Directors, implemented board directives, and represented the interests of the membership at legislative and regulatory hearings. He also served as the bureau's liaison with the news media and community organizations.

Rex did it all with a calm, consensus-building demeanor. It's safe to say that Rex and I didn't always agree, but we always parted with a handshake and looked forward to seeing each other again.

Rex commands respect due to his knowledge and passion for Ventura County's agricultural industry. During his tenure, the county's population more than doubled. Restrictions tightened on pesticide use; trade with the Pacific Rim expanded; competition from foreign growers increased; and growers faced floods, freezes, fires, droughts, and agricultural pests.

Rex not only helped steer the industry through it all, he helped it grow and expand. Today, agriculture remains one of Ventura County's top industries, grossing more than $1.5 billion annually. Agriculture is also diverse in Ventura County, with citrus and nut groves, row crops, livestock and poultry, and nursery stock, among others.

Rex's skill as a consensus builder is epitomized by his role as a founding member of the Ag Futures Alliance Committee, which was formed to promote better understanding and dialog within the community on agricultural issues. The group includes representatives from the community, media, business, agriculture, environmental, and advocacy groups.

In 2005, the California Farm Bureau Federation recognized the Ventura County Farm Bureau for its activities in the Ag Futures Alliance and its leadership role working in a collaborative effort with the Association of Water

Agencies and other agricultural and water entities. Rex has been awarded numerous personal citations as well.

Madam Speaker, Rex leaves Ventura County's agricultural industry strong. I know my colleagues will join me in thanking him for his many years of dedicated service and in wishing him a long and fruitful retirement with his wife, Susan; and many years of enjoyment with their sons, Sean and Kevin; and their five grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to Lieutenant General Michael Hamel, who will officially retire from the United States Air Force on July 1 after 36 years of distinguished service.

I first met General Hamel when he commanded the 14th Air Force, Air Force Space Command, and the Space Air Forces, U.S. Strategic Command, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, which is in my district. With a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a master's in business administration, and a lifetime of service to the Air Force and its role within and beyond our atmosphere, General Hamel impressed me not only with his knowledge, but also with his ability to explain it in conversational terms. We quickly became friends.

General Hamel's illustrious career included assignments in a variety of command, acquisition, operations and policy positions involving space, system development, intelligence, space operations and launch. General Hamel has served in senior staff positions at Headquarters U.S. Air Force and Air Force Space Command, and he was the Vice President's military adviser on defense, nonproliferation and space policy.

General Hamel's final assignment was to command the Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base. While there, he was responsible for managing the research, design, development, acquisition and sustainment of space and missile systems, launch, command and control, and operational satellite systems.

General Hamel also was the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space and was responsible for the Air Force Satellite Control Network; space launch and range programs; the Space-Based Infrared System Program; military satellite communication programs; the Global Positioning System; intercontinental ballistic missile programs; Defense Meteorological Satellite Program; the space superiority system programs and other emerging transformational space programs.

Madam Speaker, in his nearly four decades as an Air Force officer, General Hamel has played a major role in our nation's military and civilian space program. I know my colleagues will join me in thanking General Hamel for his many years of dedicated service and in wishing him a long and fruitful retirement.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall votes on June 4, 2008:

On ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1234, providing for consideration of H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities (Rollcall vote No. 370), I would have voted ``nay.''

On agreeing to the resolution, H. Res. 1234, providing for consideration of H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (Rollcall vote No. 371), I would have voted ``nay''.

On the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 1343, the Health Centers Renewal Act of 2007 (Rollcall vote No. 372), I would have voted ``aye.''

On the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5669, the Poison Center Support, Enhancement, and Awareness Act of 2008 (Rollcall vote No. 373), I would have voted ``aye.''

On agreeing to the Kildee Amendment to H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (Rollcall vote No. 374), I would have voted ``nay.''

On agreeing to the Ehlers Amendment to H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (Rollcall vote No. 375), I would have voted ``aye.''

On agreeing to the Welch Amendment to H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (Rollcall vote No. 376), I would have voted ``aye.''

On agreeing to the Matheson of Utah Amendment to H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (Rollcall vote No. 377), I would have voted ``nay.''

On the motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (Rollcall vote No. 378), I would have voted ``aye.''

On Passage of H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (Rollcall vote No. 379), I would have voted ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, consistent with the Republican Leadership's policy on earmarks, I am placing this statement in the Congressional Record.

Requesting Member: Rep. Elton Gallegly.

Bill: H.R. 5658, The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2009.

Account: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, NAVY.

Requesting Entity: MBDA, Incorporated.

Address: 5701 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362.

Description of project: It is my understanding that this funding will be used for Phase II of a program to assist the U.S. Navy to develop innovative missile solutions for an Affordable Weapon System (AWS) capable of operating from ships. The Navy is looking for an AWS that can kill a variety of targets including mobile targets, time critical targets, and targets of opportunity such as terrorist leadership meeting facilities, mobile missile launchers, and weapons caches. In concept, AWS will defeat targets at stand-off ranges, rapidly completing the engagement phase by having the capability to loiter in a target area.

The $5.8 million increase in this account for Phase II will be divided into two tasks. The funding approximately will be spent as follows: The first task will be used to determine the best materials for use in the AWS. This includes trade studies ($600,000), hardware bench tests ($900,000), and deployment tests ($1,300,000). The second task will perform a feasibility study on the technical baseline being delivered within the stated time frame ($1,300,000). An additional $1,300,000 will be used for program management and oversight by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

The intent of this program is to develop a low-cost, disposable weapon capable of being launched from U.S. Naval vessels. But it provides an additional benefit for my Congressional district and the state of California. Since 1986, the employment of high-technology aerospace professionals in California has declined dramatically because of the reduction in California-based aerospace programs and companies. This decline in the employment had a ripple-effect throughout the State and has lowered associated markets in employment, goods and services. A production contract award will bring 200 professional aerospace employees to the company and add significantly to the California base of aerospace professionals and aerospace production. MBDA has already increased its skilled work force by 10 percent due to the Phase I contract. Support for this program will work toward reversing this trend in California.

Mr. Speaker, last week the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association celebrated its 60th anniversary and, in doing so, paid tribute to Charles M. Hair, M.D., for his enduring devotion to the organization.

I, too, rise in tribute to Dr. Hair, Chairman of the Board of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association.

Dr. Hair was raised in the farming community of Santa Paula, California. He joined the U.S. Army after earning his M.D., at the USC School of Medicine, and served two years in an Army field hospital in post-World War II Salzburg, Austria.

He returned to his home in Ventura County, California, in 1948, and embarked on a career as a family doctor. He and his wife, Gerry, whom he met when he was a student at Ventura College and she a student at Ventura High School, raised five children here.

Dr. Hair retired from family practice in the mid-1980s, but his dedication to his profession and the ill continues undaunted. Throughout his tenure with the Visiting Nurse Association, Dr. Hair has overseen the direction and growth of the agency to meet the complex and ever-changing home health needs of Ventura County.

In doing so, Dr. Hair brings a rural family doctor's perspective and philosophy to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association. The Association was founded to provide home care services as an alternative to institutionalizing the frail, elderly, sick and disabled, an idea dear to the heart of a family physician. In 1965, Medicare certified the Association as a home health agency. In 1987, it developed a Medicare-certified Hospice program.

Today, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association is Ventura County's only not-for-profit home health agency with a Medicare- certified home hospice program. Livingston services are provided for every individual in need, regardless of ability to pay.

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association's continued ability to provide professional, licensed, compassionate home care that is high quality and cost effective is in no small measure due to Dr. Hair's vision and direction.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in tribute to Dr. Hair and his vast contributions to comforting and treating the ill and thank him for a lifetime of healing.

Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of Duncan Reed, Jr., a good friend whose love of life, people, and community was reflected in the multitudes who considered him family. He was a man of action that only ended when he passed away last week at age 69.

Duncan was a U.S. Army veteran who tested weapons at the U.S. Arctic Test Center in Fort Greely, Alaska, to make sure they would work in extremely cold conditions. After the Army, he returned to southern California, where he tested nuclear fuel reactors for Rocketdyne.

For the next 30 years, he worked for Thrifty Drug Stores, which was later acquired by Big 5 Sporting Goods. After he ``retired,'' he spent the next 13 years as the local ``Seed Man,'' replenishing vegetable and flower seeds at retail outlets for the Northrop King Company

But it was his activities outside of work that defined him to the community. A Boy Scout who was inducted into the ``Order of the Arrow'' during his youth, Duncan took that commitment to God and country to heart and served as Cubmaster for Ventura County Troop 3660 as an adult. He was also active in the March of Dimes and Muscular Dystrophy charity drives, and volunteered for the Flying Samaritans, a group of doctors, pilots, and civilians who flew to Mexico to give aid to those less fortunate.

Politics were also a huge passion, and the avenue by which we became friends. His television was almost always tuned to the Fox News Channel.

Even Duncan's avenues of relaxation involved action. His hobbies included growing cactus and other succulents and entering them into competition at the Ventura County Fair. He also enjoyed hiking in the mountains, fishing, and camping. His love of cooking was reflected in his involvement with Dark Chocolate, a gourmet food club, entertaining while cooking on his barbecue, and being a restaurant critic for the local newspaper. In addition, Duncan loved helping his children, grandchildren, and any other child who entered his orbit.

The few times he slowed down was to relax by a campfire or to set on a river bank where, as Duncan would tell people, he liked to watch it go from left to right.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me offering our condolences to Duncan's wife of 44 years, Nighla; his children, Kelly, Robert, and Douglas; grandchildren, Lindsey, Matthew, Coral, and Devon; godchildren, Travis, Jacob, Brent, Tom, and Christina; and all who knew him and called him a friend.

Godspeed, Duncan.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 328, I was in the well waving my ``present'' card. The Speaker clearly saw me and did not recognize me. Had I been recognized, I would have voted ``present.''

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Moorpark High School Academic Decathlon Team as the United States Academic Decathlon Champions.

This is the third time in 9 years that Moorpark High School's team has won this premier scholastic contest. Prior to its win in 1999, no team from Ventura County, California, had even competed in the nationals.

This year's team made history, scoring 53,119 points, the highest ever scored in the decathlon's 40-year history. In winning the national title, the Moorpark team broke the record it set as California champions by 240 points.

Team members Angela Chen, Jonah Buck, Christie Calle, Colin Calle, Anaamika Campeau, Justine Levan, Chrissa Rutkai, Kris Sankaran, and Paul Watanabe are now recognized as the best and the brightest in the country. They are the pride of their school, their community and their country.

These youngsters won by literally dedicating their lives to the challenge. For 9 months they put in up to 40 hours a week beyond their school days to study and hone their skills. They gave up weekends, vacations, part-time jobs, and time with their families.

Their hard work paid off. Moorpark came home with more medals than any of the other 41 teams from throughout the country, including 36 for individual subjects.

Special honors go to Colin Calle, the top-scoring varsity student; Chrissa Rutkai, top scorer in the scholastic division; and Kris Sankaran, the second-highest individual scorer in the honors division.

Their coach, Larry Jones, worked as hard, if not harder, than his students and is as deserving of high praise. Coach Jones has coached all three U.S. Championship teams. He is a man of outstanding strength, patience, and perseverance.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in applauding nine outstanding students who made history while achieving a very prestigious goal--Angela Chen, Jonah Buck, Christie Calle, Colin Calle, Anaamika Campeau, Justine Levan, Chrissa Rutkai, Kris Sankaran, and Paul Watanabe--the 2008 U.S. Champion Moorpark High School Academic Decathlon Team.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Paul Mole, a family man, a Marine, an entrepreneur and a long-time friend to my wife, Janice, and I, as well as our children, who died too young this week at age 60.

I met Paul more than 30 years ago while I was mayor of Simi Valley, California. A retired Marine and Purple Heart-decorated Vietnam War veteran, Paul served as the Marine bugler at Veterans Day and other veteran community events in Simi Valley and elsewhere throughout Ventura County. He founded the Marine Corps League Ventura County Detachment 597 to help active and retired Marines.

The restaurant he and his wife, Roseann, purchased from Roseann's parents in 1974 and which they renamed Paul's Italian Villa, became a mainstay of community activity. Not only was it a meeting place-- official and unofficial--for the Marine Corps League, it served as the collection site for the annual Toys for Tots campaign for disadvantaged children, which Paul helped organize every year.

In addition, the Royal High School football team carbed down on spaghetti at the restaurant and were treated to Marine cheers from Paul before every game. Like many in Simi Valley, my tie to the restaurant is also personal--my daughter, Shannon, was one of the many Simi Valley teens and young adults who found work at the restaurant. Once you became part of Paul's and Roseann's extended family, you never left.

In addition to the restaurant, Paul was building a business repairing musical instruments, which grew out of his 1940s-style swing band, Paul Mole's Late Night Big Band. Paul played trumpet with 19 other professional musicians at community events and professional venues.

Paul Mole's a man with a huge heart accented by a lively sense of humor and a love of life. He is survived by Roseann, his wife of 38 years; two grown sons, Peter and Paul; two grandchildren; and too many friends to count. Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me offering our condolences to Roseann, Peter, Paul and the rest of the Mole family, and all who knew him and called him a friend.

Godspeed, Paul.

Madam Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank Chairman Wexler and Chairman Berman for their kind words in their opening statements. I stand here today to rise in strong support of House Resolution 997 which reaffirms the support of the House of Representatives for NATO enlargement.

The resolution also specifically calls on the United States to take the lead in supporting closer integration between Ukraine, Georgia and NATO. I would like to commend Representative Wexler, as I mentioned earlier, the chairman of the Europe Subcommittee, for introducing this measure and for being a strong, consistent advocate for strengthening our bilateral ties with Ukraine and Georgia.

Both of these allies have demonstrated the military capabilities and political reforms required to provide concrete benefits to the alliance. In the past several years, Ukrainian forces have participated with NATO troops in peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan. They have also made important contributions to coalition forces in Iraq in 2004 and 2005.

Georgia has also shown they are ready to take the next step toward NATO membership. Georgia has undertaken a top-to-bottom reform of their

military forces, often working closely with U.S. forces in this effort.

As previously mentioned by Representative Ros-Lehtinen, with over 2000 troops in Iraq, Georgia today has the third largest troop contingent in that country after the U.S. and Britain.

Madam Speaker, both Ukraine and Georgia are ready, willing and able to integrate more fully with NATO. Again, I would like to recognize Representative Wexler for his hard work on H. Res. 997 on behalf of a stronger NATO, and I urge passage of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ventura County, California, Agricultural Commissioner Earl McPhail, who has the distinction of being the longest serving Agricultural Commissioner in the history of the State of California.

Now, after 29 years of regulating Ventura County's agricultural industry, Earl has decided to retire. He leaves a large set of shoes to fill.

In 2006, the value of agricultural products produced by Ventura County's 2,300 farms and ranches was more than $1.5 billion. That's an increase of more than $282 million from the previous year. The county's top three crops in 2006 were strawberries, nursery stock, and lemons.

Earl and the 40 people who work for him enforce state and local regulations on pesticides, worker safety, and other agricultural issues, as well as inspecting flowers and produce for pests before they're shipped to other parts of the state and nation and internationally. It's a huge job with a tremendous economic impact for Ventura County, but Earl has always done it with a calmness that belies his tough resolve in protecting the industry and the industry's consumers.

Earl is a native Southern Californian who graduated with a degree in agricultural biology from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and is a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. He serves as president of the California Agricultural Commissioners/Sealers Association and is a member of the Ventura County Farm Bureau. He is a past member of the Ventura County Environmental Review Report Committee, Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee for National Association of Counties, the Ventura County Management Association Board of Directors, and the Santa Paula Future Farmers of America Advisory Committee.

He is equally active outside the agricultural arena. He is an elder for the Santa Paula First Christian Church and chairman of its Board of Directors. Earl serves as a coach for the Saint Bonaventure High School Baseball League, and is a past member of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 304, Advisory Committee and the National Association of Republican County Officials.

In addition, Earl is past treasurer of the Santa Paula Little League, past president of the Santa Paula Rotary Club, past president of the Ventura County Fair, Board of Directors, and past chairman of the Ventura County 4H Sponsoring League.

Earl has earned his retirement and we thank him for three decades of professionalism and dedication to an industry and community that has grown tremendously during his tenure. I have no doubt he will continue to serve the community and be an elder statesman for the industry.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in wishing Earl and his wife, Willa, the best in the years ahead. Godspeed, my friend.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 3547.