Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of my longtime friend, Cherie Willard Love. She passed away a couple of weeks ago but she will always be remembered by those she touched.

And she touched many.

Cherie was a Ventura County, California, native, having been born in Oxnard 76 years ago. After earning a bachelor's degree from Whittier College and a master's from La Verne College. Cherie embarked on a career as a kindergarten teacher. For the first twelve years, she taught in Oceano and San Luis Obispo, but then returned to her roots and taught in the Ventura Unified School District for the next 26 years.

Teaching was not a job to Cherie; it was her passion.

That passion for her students and profession earned her recognition in October 1986 as the top teacher of the month by the Greater Ventura Chamber of Commerce's Youth and Education Committee. Outside the classroom, Cherie was an active member of the Philanthropic Education Organization, Alpha Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the California Retired Teacher's Association.

Cherie also served as president of the Ventura Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to local college students studying for a career in education. As a final act toward her beloved profession. Cherie directed friends and relatives to donate to the fund in her memory.

Cherie outlived two husbands. Don Crinklaw and Don Love, and a son, Bruce Crinklaw, but is survived by a host of other family, including her twin sister, Charlene Blalock-Carlson, and three other sisters, Carrie Perkins, Cyndie Huntsberger, and Sandy Elkhardt; daughters, Sharlee Villa and Carla Dennis; cousin, George Cady; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in remembering Cherie Love's lifelong passion for education and her love of family and community and in offering our condolences to her family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of Emilienne Desnoyers ``Mimi'' Schmidt, with whom I enjoyed a warm personal relationship for about 30 years.

Mimi died in her sleep a couple of weeks ago. She leaves behind a legacy of nurturing a fine family of outstanding citizens while also helping to nurture a growing community. Her son Dominic is a close family friend, as are her grandchildren Brandon and Brianna.

Mimi and her husband, Glen, moved to my hometown of Simi Valley, California, in 1962. Mimi was then pregnant with their seventh son and Simi Valley was a rural community of apricot and walnut groves.

Others joined the Schmidts in moving to the valley and a cityhood drive was launched in 1966. Fifty-five citizens placed their names on the ballot. Mimi was the only woman. That effort failed but three years later the citizens of the two communities of Simi Valley and Santa Susana voted to incorporate into the City of Simi Valley.

Glen's chairmanship of the incorporation study committee catapulted him into a four- year term on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in 1970, which put his career as an aerospace engineer on hold. It also forced him to take a pay cut. With seven boys to feed, Mimi reentered the workforce.

Before commuting ``over the hill'' to work each day, Mimi took the time to pack her sons lunches, using a whole loaf of bread to do so. She also helped form Cub Scout Pack 3621 and was active in the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church's bereavement ministry.

In 1979, with her family mostly grown, Mimi again ran for the Simi Valley City Council. Not getting elected did not diminish her passion for politics. She was a life member of the Simi Valley Republican Women's Club, serving one term as its president, and helped organize its annual garden tour. In addition, she served as a poll worker at her neighborhood precinct for many years and volunteered as a docent at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

She never forgot, however, that she was a mother and grandmother first.

In addition to Dominic and his wife, Teresa, and their children, Brandon and Brianna, Mimi is survived by her six other sons and their families: David and Carol and their daughters, Samantha and Michelle; Dan and Phyllis; Damian and Karen and their sons, Ryan and Cameron; Douglas and Patricia and their son, Morgan, and twin daughters, Riley and Madison; Darren and Theresa and their son, Ken, and daughter, Stephanie; and Dennis and Julia and their twin daughters, Elizabeth and Melissa.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in remembering Mimi Schmidt's lifelong love of family and community and in offering our condolences to her family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to my longtime friend and one-time colleague Robert Huber in recognition of being awarded the Strathearn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Simi Valley Community Foundation.

Bob Huber has been involved in my hometown of Simi Valley, California, for more than 40 years, and I have known him for more than 30 of those years. We worked together on many community projects over the years and served together some decades ago on the Simi Valley City Council.

In addition to his service on the City Council, Bob is past chairman of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, an active member of Rotary Noon Time, and an elected member of the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees.

He is also a charter Board Member of the Simi Valley Community Foundation.

It's his passion for the community, and the Community Foundation in particular, for which he is being honored with the Strathearn Lifetime Achievement Award.

Several years ago the Community Foundation nearly closed due to a lack of community identity. Bob is credited with turning that around. His ideas, passion, and drive helped refocus the foundation. Today, it is again growing and thriving. One of Bob's inspirations was the foundation's successful Mayor's Dinner, which he has chaired for the past 3 years. This and other successful events have enabled the foundation to raise and grant monies to other charities annually.

Bob is also a trial lawyer, but nobody's perfect.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking my friend Bob Huber for his decades of service to the community and join the Simi Valley Community Foundation in tribute to a job well done.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall votes on December 17, 2007:

H. Res. 856, Resolution expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims and families of the

shootings in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday, December 5, 2007. On the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree (rollcall No. 1163), I would have voted ``aye.''

H. Res. 851, Resolution honoring local and State first responders, and the citizens of the Pacific Northwest in facing the severe winter storm of December 2 and 3, 2007. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree (rollcall No. 1164), I would have voted ``aye.''

H. Res. 873, Resolution waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules. On Ordering the Previous Question (rollcall No. 1165), I would have voted ``no.''

H. Res. 873, Resolution waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules. On Agreeing to the Resolution (rollcall No. 1166), I would have voted ``no.''

H. Con. Res. 271, Sine Die Adjournment resolution of the 1st Session of the 110th Congress. On Agreeing to the Resolution (rollcall No. 1167), I would have voted ``no.''

H. Res. 878, Resolution providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2764, State, foreign operations appropriations, FY 2008. On Ordering the Previous Question (rollcall No. 1168), I would have voted ``no.''

H. Res. 878, Resolution providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2764, State, foreign operations appropriations, FY 2008. On Agreeing to the Resolution (rollcall No. 1169), I would have voted ``no.''

H.R. 4286, To award a congressional gold medal to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and democracy in Burma. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass (rollcall No. 1170), I would have voted ``aye.''

H.R. 2764, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations for FY 2008. On agreeing to Senate amendment with 1st House amendment (rollcall No. 1171), I would have voted ``no.''

H.R. 2764, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations for FY 2008. On agreeing to Senate amendment with 2nd House amendment (rollcall No. 1172), I would have voted ``no.''

H. Con. Res. 254, Resolution recognizing and celebrating the centennial of Oklahoma statehood. On the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree (rollcall No. 1173), I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of Gary Galloway, who passed away November 21 at the age of 56.

Gary Galloway was a detective at the Simi Valley, California, Police Department, which is an understatement of the important work he performed there. For 21 of the 29 years Gary served the Simi Valley community, he investigated child sexual abuse cases and other crimes against persons.

Twenty-one years is a long time for a detective to investigate child sex abuse cases. Most officers suffer from an understandable burnout confronting the worse a criminal can do to a child. But Gary was passionate about protecting children. He was equally a skilled and hardworking detective.

Countless lives have been protected because of Gary's diligence and professionalism. Equally, many individuals were cleared of false allegations because of Gary's dedication to the truth.

I met Gary when I was elected to the Simi Valley City Council and he was a new officer, and got to know him through many ride-alongs with him on patrol. I followed his career through my years as mayor and as congressman. He was a respected friend who I visited with just a few weeks ago during the Simi Valley Days Parade.

Gary served as a reserve officer before joining the Police Department full time in 1980. He quickly made his mark as a patrol officer and a field training officer. Then he joined the detective ranks and was assigned to child sex abuse cases. He never looked back.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in honoring the memory of Gary Galloway and his decades of service to public safety and particularly in his work to protect our children. In addition, I know my colleagues join me in extending our condolences to his wife, Victoria, and his adult sons, Gregory, Robert, and Darren, and to all whose lives Gary touched privately and professionally.

Godspeed, Gary.

Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of Henry ``Hank'' Springer, who passed away Sunday at age 84.

When Hank Springer became my football and track and field coach 45 years ago at Huntington Park High School in Southern California, little did I know that I also was gaining a mentor and a lifelong friend. Of all the teachers I have ever had, no one had a greater impact on me than Coach Springer.

Standing at about 6 foot 5 inches and weighing about 255 pounds, Coach Springer was nonetheless a gentle man who always put his students' education before their athletics. In spite of that--or perhaps because of it--he brought out the best in his athletes, bringing us to championship after championship.

We stayed close over the years, and he would recall decades later things I had done as his student. Even his wife, Doris, recalled just months ago how I would call in the school's sports scores to the Signal newspaper for a dollar a week. Teachers, mentors, and friends like that are very special.

Coach Springer was himself a champion athlete, having won the National Championship as a shotputter at Compton Junior College, a feat he repeated at the University of Southern California, where he earned his teaching credential and obtained a master's degree. Once at Huntington Park High School, he brought both football and track and field league championships to the school.

In 1959, Coach Springer led his football team to the pinnacle of success by winning

the Los Angeles City Schools Championship. Many of his students went on to collegiate and professional success.

Included in Coach Springer's accolades, championships, achievements, and awards was a life achievement award from the California Scholastic Federation.

Coach Springer retired in 1983 and became an avid fisherman. He was already an avid family man and friend.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in honoring Hank Springer for his positive impact on student athletes and in mentoring them to be as competitive in their studies as they were on the field. In addition, I know my colleagues join me in extending our condolences to Doris, their sons, Mark and Brian, and to all who called Coach Springer a friend.

Godspeed, Coach.

Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of my friend John Boething, who died August 11 at 89 years young.

It would be easier to list what J.B. didn't accomplish in his life than to list what he did. A college student at age 16, J.B. bicycled across Europe and explored South America as part of his master's thesis; was a U.S. Army captain during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater; wrote a sports column; and was a freelance cartoonist for the New Yorker and other publications.

But it was as one of the founding fathers of the wholesale horticulture industry that J.B. made his public mark. He founded Boething Treeland Farms as a retail operation on 35 acres in Woodland Hills, CA, in 1952, and grew it into one of the largest and most successful wholesale nurseries in California. Today, Boething Treeland Farms grows trees and shrubs on about 800 acres across the State.

Not bad, considering J.B. knew little about the tree business when he started on money he borrowed from his father.

J.B.'s success can be ascribed to him being the epitome of a people person. He had a wonderful sense of humor and, for all his successes, still lived in the house he built in Woodland Hills and added onto as his family grew. Having sought the advice of other nurserymen when starting Boething Treeland Farms, he freely gave advice later to others in the business--including those who started with him and went on to be competitors.

While personable and fair, J.B. also maintained high standards and expected the best from his employees. With his motivation and example, they rarely disappointed.

J.B. also supported the American Red Cross, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Doctors Without Borders, and Pepperdine University. He served on the Board of Directors of Sunset Magazine and for many years sponsored a lecture through the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford University.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in remembering J.B. and his contributions to horticulture and to all who knew him, and in offering our condolences to his wife of 54 years, Susan; their daughters, Sally Painter, Haydi Danielson, Cathy Pherson, and Marji Boething; their six grandchildren; and his extended family and wealth of friends.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to make the following roll call votes on September 4, 2007:

H.R. 694, the Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, a Amended, I would have voted ``nay.''

H.R. 3020, the Microloan Amendments and Modernization Act. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, I would have voted ``aye.''

H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. On Motion to Instruct Conferees, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall votes on July 30, 2007:

H.R. 2750, the NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. On motion to suspend the Rules and pass, as amended, rollcall 758, I would have voted ``aye.''

H. Res. 580, providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 986, to designate the Eight Mile River in the State of Connecticut. On ordering the previous question, rollcall 759, I would have voted ``nay.''

H. Res. 580, providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 986, to designate the Eight Mile River in the State of Connecticut. On agreeing to the resolution, rollcall 760, I would have voted ``nay.''

H. Res. 579, providing for consideration of the bill, H.R. 2831, to amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the American With Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision. On ordering the previous question, rollcall 761, I would have voted ``nay.''

H. Res. 579, providing for consideration of the bill, H.R. 2831, to amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the American With Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision. On agreeing to the resolution, rollcall 762, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, while there are many good reasons to support this bill I feel I must oppose the bill because of the Visa Waiver provision.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 757, because of a family commitment I was not present for rollcall vote 757. Had I been present I would have voted ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding achievements of Ventura County Stand Down, which this weekend will mark 15 years of helping homeless veterans combat life on the streets.

During the three-day, two-night Stand Down, veterans will live on the campus of the California Army National Guard Armory in military-style tents erected by the Seabees. They will have access to shower facilities, toiletries, new and used clean clothing, and hot meals each day.

Working in conjunction with dozens of public and private agencies, Stand Down 2007 will provide homeless veterans with a myriad of services such as medical treatment, legal services, prescription lenses, employment counseling and referrals, VA benefits, drug and alcohol counseling, general relief information, transitional housing information, along with a range of other government and social services.

It's a monumental undertaking. Ventura County Stand Down would not be a success--or have even been launched--without the skill and perseverance of Claire Hope, the founder and executive committee chairperson of Ventura County Stand Down. The daughter of a World War II veteran and mother of a veteran of Desert Storm, Claire Hope has a soft heart for veterans and a strong will to help those in need.

She is not alone. About 300 volunteers help each year with the efforts. Another nearly 300 companies, corporations, and non-profit organizations are on board. About 20 service providers take part and 20 committees oversee all aspects of the event, from planning, to execution, to cleanup, to follow-up.

Many of the volunteers have been with Claire since the beginning. While I can't name them all, I would be remiss without noting several key people whose efforts have meant so much to our veterans. They include:

Duane Dammeyer, Public Defender; J. Roger Myers, Legal Counsel; Bob Reeves, Grounds; Hal Nachenberg, VA Benefits and Services; Joseph Narkevitz and Robert Reed, PTSD & Intervention Counseling; Herb Williams, On-Site Activities; Bob Adams, Job Placement; Betty Zamost, Homeless Program VA Administration; Judge John Dobroth, Superior Court; Dr. Cal Farmer, Entertainment/Ambiance; Madeline Lee, Toiletries; Marie Williams, Transportation; Gene Ogden, Adopt-A-Veteran Program; and, Mary Ann Foushee, Social Security Administration.

Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing the importance of Ventura County Stand Down and in thanking Claire Hope and her myriad of volunteers for their selfless efforts in helping those who served our country and who fell on hard times to have a fighting chance to resume a life of stability and peace. It's a yeoman's effort, and one worth undertaking.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall votes on July 16, 2007:

H.R. 1980, to authorize appropriations for the Housing Assistance Council. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, I would have voted ``aye.''

H.R. 1982, the Rural Housing and Economic Development Improvement Act of 2007. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, I would have voted ``aye.''

H.R. 799, Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, I would have voted ``nay.''

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 482, which I introduced on June 12, expresses the support of the House of Representatives for one of the most successful efforts in peacemaking in modern European history.

The resolution recognizes the success of the Northern Irish peace process that had its first major breakthrough with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. While the Good Friday Agreement provided the blueprint for lasting peace, it took years of negotiation and compromise by both communities in Northern Ireland for the agreement to be fully implemented.

This occurred on May 8 with the formation of a government based on a power-sharing arrangement involving the largest unionist and nationalist parties in Northern Ireland. The May 8 accord translated the general principles of the Good Friday Agreement into a concrete political settlement with important powers being transferred from London to Belfast.

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 482 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should strongly support the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland. The legislation also commends the Northern Irish political leaders, both of those who represent the Catholic and Protestant communities, as well as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish leader Bertie Ahern for their leadership in the formation of this new government.

Lastly, House Resolution 482 states that the U.S. stands ready to support the new government and to work with the people of Northern Ireland to achieve their goal of a long-lasting peace.

Madam Speaker, the restoration of power-sharing institutions, the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive Committee, will not ensure lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Much work remains to be done in terms of bringing the two communities even closer together. And Congress must stay engaged with Northern Ireland as an honest broker in the years to come.

However, the May 8 agreement represents major progress in resolving a sectarian conflict that has plagued Northern Ireland for over 400 years and has claimed over 3,200 lives just since 1969.

Madam Speaker, this legislation is cosponsored, I believe, by every one of my colleagues that have taken a legislative or leadership role in the Congress in resolving sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland.

I urge the passage of House Resolution 482.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Offered By: Mr. Gallegly

Amendment No. 109: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall votes on June 7, 2007:

H.R. 65, The Lumbee Recognition Act. On the Motion to Recommit with Instructions, I would have voted ``yea.''

H.R. 65, The Lumbee Recognition Act. On passage, I would have voted ``nay.''