Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall votes on November 13, 2006:

H.R. 3085, To amend the National Trails System Act to update the feasibility and suitability study originally prepared for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and provide for the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campgrounds associated with that trail, and for other purposes (Rollcall Vote 517). On the motion to suspend the Rules and Agree to Senate Amendment, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

S. 819, Pactola Reservoir Reallocation Authorization Act (Rollcall Vote 518). On the motion to suspend the Rules and Pass, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

H.R. 5602, To Authorize the Extension of Nondiscriminatory Treatment (Normal Trade Relations Treatment) to the Products of Vietnam (Rollcall Vote 519). On the motion to suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and pay tribute to the Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence at the Naval Air Station, Point Mugu, as it celebrates its 55th anniversary.

Electronic Warfare encompasses the science of denying an enemy the ability to locate, monitor, guide, and communicate within its own offensive and defensive operations, while retaining one's own capabilities. In practical terms, it includes, but is not limited to, the ability of our missiles and aircraft to avoid detection while breaking through the electronic barriers erected by our enemies.

Great Britain's World War II Prime Minister Winston Churchill dubbed this technology the ``Wizard War.'' And for much of Point Mugu's Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence's existence, its work has been shrouded in secrecy accorded wizardry. Much of its work today, in fact, remains sensitive and classified.

However, what is public knowledge is impressive: maintaining the EA- 6B, Airborne Electronic Attack platform, optimizing Jammer techniques, developing Mission Planning systems, conducting post-mission processing, and continually updating the worldwide threat database.

The center has generated millions of lines of software code; provides fleet support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year-- including Thanksgiving and Christmas; and fields tens of thousands of help desk calls every year. The men and women who staff Point Mugu's Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence are not only among the most creative, they are also among the most dedicated.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in paying tribute to Point Mugu's Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence and the men and women who have worked diligently behind the curtain for 55 years to keep our Nation free.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and pay tribute to Naval Air Station, Point Mugu, California and its 60 years as a premier Navy missile research, development, test, and evaluation center.

Mugu beach is believed to be the site where Juan Cabrillo landed on October 10, 1542. Muwu was the capital village of the Chumash Indians located along the shores of Mugu Lagoon. Most of its early history centers around ranching, farming, and the famous Mugu fish camp.

In 1947, Congress appropriated funds to establish a permanent Navy presence here to develop a site where both missiles and pilotless aircraft could be tested. Since the mid-1940s, Point Mugu has had several Center Names, all with the mission to develop, test, and evaluate missiles and related systems.

Originally, on October 1, 1946, Point Mugu was named the U.S. Naval Air Missile Test Center, followed on August 1, 1949, as the Naval Air Station. On June l6, 1958, it obtained the Pacific Missile Range moniker and on January 7, 1959, it was named the Naval Missile Center. On April 26, 1975, Point Mugu became the Pacific Missile Test Center. On January 21, 1992, it became the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division and Naval Air Weapons Station.

Today it is part of Naval Base Ventura County with the designation Naval Air Station, Point Mugu.

The main base complex at Point Mugu consists of 4,500 acres of support facilities and instrumentation equipment. Point Mugu maintains three runways to support range users and the numerous operational units assigned there.

Additionally, the Sea Range Operational Area comprises a 36,000- square-mile instrumented sea test range that can be expanded to 196,000 square miles. The sea range is supported by a deepwater port located at nearby Port Hueneme, and San Nicolas Island 60 miles off the coast.

Point Mugu is an integral part of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, NAWCWPNS, the Navy's full spectrum research, development, test evaluation, and in-service engineering center for weapons systems associated with air warfare.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in paying tribute to the military and civilian men and women who, over the course of 60 years, have dedicated themselves to the defense of the United States and have substantially contributed to the security of the United States and our allies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support for H.R. 4772, the Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2006. I want to thank my colleague from Ohio, Mr. Chabot, for agreeing to take the leadership on this legislation.

When I first introduced this legislation in 1997, it was to ensure that property owners in this country have the ability to protect their basic civil and constitutional rights. The fifth amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees that no private property shall be taken for a public use without the payment of just compensation. Unfortunately, we have seen an increasing disregard by various levels of government for this fundamental civil right. H.R. 4772 seeks to restore balance to land use decisions by ensuring that Americans have reasonable access to the Federal courts to enforce their Federal constitutional rights.

As a former mayor, I know that local governments must have control over land use decisions. But this bill does not empower Federal judges to decide whether a certain piece of land should be used for a grocery store or for a hair salon. In fact this bill ensures that local governments will continue to have their traditional powers to make and enforce zoning regulations.

However, this bill also ensures that land owners have some certainty in a process that can sometimes be very open-ended. By establishing procedures that both the property owner and the locality must follow, this bill ensures fair and timely land use decisions.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4772 and provide legal protections for land owners that are both rational and effective.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my good friend, Bob Brooks, Sheriff of Ventura County, California.

Sheriff Brooks will be honored this Saturday at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA Leadership Award Banquet. The theme for the evening is ``Touching Lives, Creating Peaceful Communities.'' They couldn't have picked a better theme with which to honor Bob Brooks. He is a dedicated husband and father, professional law enforcement executive, and community leader.

Bob Brooks is a 45-year resident of Ventura County and a 33-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. He has served as the county's elected sheriff since June 27, 1998.

Under his guidance, Ventura County is routinely rated one of the safest counties in the United States, despite the challenges of a growing gang presence in some parts of the county and the ever-present threat of terrorism. He oversees 1,200 sworn and civilian employees, 2,000 volunteers, and a budget of $187 million.

Bob's success comes partly from a supportive community of 800,000 people, but also from his own dedication to law enforcement.

Having already earned a bachelor's degree in Public Administration and a master's in Organizational Management, Bob is now pursuing a master's in Homeland Security from the Naval Post Graduate School. He is also a graduate of the National Sheriff's Institute, the National Executive Institute, and the P.O.S.T. Command College, where he graduated with distinction.

Because of his knowledge, experience, and success, Bob is in demand as a speaker at symposiums and seminars, has taught at colleges and universities, and has published articles in law enforcement, Department of Defense, and educational publications.

In his spare time, he serves on the Board of Directors of several professional, educational, and charitable organizations, including the YMCA, past president of the Ventura County Boy Scouts of America, and Executive Board memberships for the California State Sheriffs' Association and the Major County Sheriffs' Association.

Sheriff Brooks is also an honorary Rotarian and attends Sonrise Christian Fellowship. Bob and Debbie have been married 36 years and have two grown sons. In keeping with Bob's example of serving his community, Jeff is employed by the Ventura Police Department and Brian by the County of Ventura.

``Touching Lives, Creating Peaceful Communities.'' That's Bob Brooks. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ventura County Sheriff Bob Brooks on this most deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall votes on September 7, 2006:

H. Res. 981, Providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 503) to amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption (rollcall vote 430). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

On Agreeing to the Goodlatte of Virginia Amendment to H.R. 503 (rollcall vote 431). Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

On Agreeing to the King of Iowa Amendment to H.R. 503 (rollcall vote 432). Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

H.R. 503, On Passage of the Horse Protection Act (rollcall vote 433). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

H.R. 5122, On Motion to Instruct Conferees on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (rollcall vote 434). Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

H.R. 5122, On Closing Portions of the Conference P National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (rollcall vote 435). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 innocent victims of the September 11 hijackers. It is only right that we remember September 11, its victims, and its heroes.

My East coast home is only a few blocks from the Pentagon. On that day I could see the black smoke billowing from its side, smell the acrid fumes of burning jet fuel, and hear the sounds of rescue and recovery. The smoke eventually faded, but the memory never will.

The United States is safer today than it was 5 years ago, but we are not safe. And we will not be safe until our enemies are defeated.

Just a month ago, British authorities, with help from United States intelligence agencies, stopped a plot to blow up numerous airliners flying from London to the United States. An al Qaeda tape released on the anniversary of September 11 warned of renewed attacks.

Our enemies are plotting constantly, and we must remain constantly vigilant.

Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago, we stood on the Capitol steps in a bipartisan show of strength and solidarity. We vowed then--and in the days, months, and years after--that cowardly thugs would not succeed in destroying our resolve to live in freedom and peace.

That resolve remains. There are honest disagreements about how to prosecute the war, but there is no disagreement that we will ultimately succeed.

We are Americans. We do not bow to terrorists.

The heroes who died in four planes and three buildings on September 11 will never be forgotten. May they forever rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of 35 years of continuous community service by the Free Clinic of Simi Valley.

The Free Clinic is a non-profit, volunteer-based community organization that provides medical care, counseling, dental, and legal assistance to individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay. Throughout its history, it has enjoyed widespread support from the medical and legal communities, service groups, and elected officials.

Funding for the Free Clinic is provided primarily by private foundations, corporations, local service organizations, and individual donors.

All services offered at the clinic's fully licensed facilities are provided by volunteers, which include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, dentists, dental assistants, lawyers, paralegals, marriage and family therapists, MFT trainees, and interns.

Last year alone, more than 8,000 patients received services through the clinic, including general medical care, immunizations, smoking cessation programs, and counseling. The dental clinic, which just opened in May 2005, served 79 patients before the year was out. Over its 35-year history, the clinic has served an estimated 70,000 children and adults.

Despite the impressive number of patients served, the Board of Directors and staff practice frugality, with operating costs of less than $225,000 in 2005. That speaks highly of the caliber of professionals who volunteer their services for the betterment of their community.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing the Free Clinic of Simi Valley, its board members over the years, its staff, and its volunteers for 35 years of service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on the following bills on September 6, 2006:

H.R. 2808, the Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Coin Act (Rollcall No. 427). Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

H. Res. 605, a resolution recognizing the life of Preston Robert Tisch and his outstanding contributions to New York City, the New York Giants Football Club, the National Football League, and the United States (Rollcall No. 428). Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

H. Res. 875, a resolution congratulating Spelman College on the occasion of its 125th anniversary (Rollcall No. 396). Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition, and with thanks, for the 31\1/2\ years of exemplary service Police Chief Mark Layhew has given to the City of Simi Valley, California, as he prepares for his retirement next month.

Mr. Speaker, Simi Valley is my home. I served as mayor there for seven years before being elected to Congress. I am proud of the fact that Simi Valley is routinely recognized as one of the safest cities in the United States. That recognition is in large part due to the caliber of the men and women of the Simi Valley Police Department.

Mark has the distinction of the being the first Simi Valley police officer to rise from the ranks as an entry level officer to Chief of Police. In many ways he epitomizes the maturity and professionalism of the department. Mark began with the department just four years after the city incorporated and he helped to shape it. He is not only the face of the Simi Valley Police Department, he is very much its soul.

Mark acquired his sense of duty from his late father, who gave a lifetime of dedicated service to his country as an FBI agent.

During his three decades with the department, Mark Layhew served in virtually every position. He served as an Operations Division Captain, Support Services Division Captain, Detective Unit Commander, SWAT Commander, Traffic Unit Commander, Watch Commander, and Special Administrative Commands.

And that's just as a lieutenant and captain.

As a sergeant, he served as a Patrol Field Supervisor, Field Training Program Manager, and Detective Supervisor. As an officer, he served as a Patrol Officer, Traffic Officer, Field Training Officer, Rangemaster, Academy Staff Officer, Planning and Research Officer, and Background Investigator.

Mark earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge, and is a graduate of POST Command College Class #26, Simi Valley Leadership Class of 1999, and the 2004 POST Executive Development Course. In his spare time, he serves as a member of the Simi Sunrise Rotary and is a board member of the Simi Valley Education Foundation and the Simi Valley Police Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking my friend Mark Layhew for his decades of service to the City of Simi Valley and his country, and in wishing him, his wife, Holly, and their children Godspeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition, and with thanks, for the 31 years of exemplary service Police Sergeant Ron Lompart has given to the City of Simi Valley, California.

Ron's last day as a Simi Valley police officer is tomorrow. He began his career as a Simi Valley police officer fresh out of the academy just 4 years after the city incorporated.

They matured together.

They matured well.

Mr. Speaker, Simi Valley is my home. I served as mayor there for 7 years before being elected to Congress. I am proud of the fact that Simi Valley is routinely recognized as one of the safest cities in the United States. That recognition is in large part due to the caliber of the men and women of the Simi Valley Police Department.

That being true, Ron Lompart is largely responsible for the high caliber of the men and women who serve the Simi Valley Police Department. Ron is responsible for overseeing the training of new officers as one of the department's two Field Training Program Sergeants. He also is a patrol supervisor, overseeing the daily actions of both rookies and veterans alike.

Ron's career parallels his dual dedication to both the City of Simi Valley and the men and women with whom he serves. After 6 years as a patrol officer, Ron was promoted to sergeant in 1981. He served with distinction on the department's SWAT team for 10 years and worked as a Rangemaster and Participative Management Team member. In addition, Ron represented the department's rank-and-file as a board member of both the Simi Valley Police Officers' Association and the Peace Officers Research Association of California.

After 31 years in a police uniform--after 3 years in a U.S. Army uniform--Ron looks forward to spending time as a civilian with his wife, Cindy, and their three children, doing a bit of hunting and perhaps some cruising.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking my friend Ron Lompart for his decades of service to the City of Simi Valley and his country, and in wishing him Godspeed in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on following bills on July 17, 2006:

H.R. 3729, Federal Judiciary Emergency Tolling Act (roll No. 377): Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

H.R. 3496, To amend the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize additional Federal contributions for maintaining and improving the transit system of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and for other purposes (roll No. 376): Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

H.R. 3085, To amend the National Trails System Act to update the feasibility and suitability study originally prepared for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and provide for the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campgrounds associated with that trail, and for other purposes (roll No. 375): Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on following amendments to H.R. 5441 on June 6, 2006:

King of Iowa Amendment (Roll No. 223): Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Kingston of Georgia Amendment (Roll Call No. 224): Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I was also unable to vote to Table the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair (Roll Call No. 225). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

And finally, Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on passage of H.R. 5441 (Roll Call No. 226). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, May 22, 2006, I was unable to be present, to vote on the motions to suspend the rules and pass as amended S. 1235 the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act (rollcall No. 177) and H.R. 3858, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (rollcall No. 178). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both measures.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of my friend, former Los Angeles police chief and former California State Senator Ed Davis.

In the days since Ed died Saturday at age 89 in San Luis Obispo, California, many adjectives have been thrown around, including his moniker of ``Crazy Ed.'' But Ed Davis was crazy like a fox. He was tough, intelligent, and perhaps most importantly, innovative.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ed Davis started his police career as a beat cop and never forgot that. One of his many accomplishments as police chief was the creation of the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation to help families of officers killed in the line of duty.

He also is credited with creating community policing programs that were at first ridiculed, then copied across the country. His twenty principals of policing are still studied. He used to tell his officers that good policing means saving a life rather than taking one. But he was tough when he needed to be. Perhaps the statement most widely quoted is Ed's suggestion to hang airliner hijackers at the airport. He also stood up to city officials over law enforcement funding by telling the citizens to ``bar your doors, buy a police dog, call us when we're available and pray.''

As we all know, innovation is fun, but it's also worthless if it's ineffective. Ed Davis' policies were very effective. While crime increased 55 percent across the country during Ed's tenure, it fell 1 percent in Los Angeles.

Ed retired from the LAPD in 1978 and ran successfully for the State Senate 2 years later. A year later I ran for the City of Simi Valley City Council. Ed represented Simi Valley for the 7 years I served as mayor of the city. He never tried to impose his will on the city, but was always ready, willing, and able to help the city grow and prosper during those years.

After he retired from the Senate in 1992, Ed Davis became an elder statesmen to police departments and State officials. His innovations live on.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in honoring Ed Davis' life and accomplishments, and in expressing our condolences to his wife, Bobbie, his children and grandchildren, and his many, many friends. Godspeed, Ed.