Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the memory of Helen Gulbranson, a longtime close friend and patriot, who died Tuesday at 96 years young.

I met Helen and her late husband, Dick, in 1986 when I first ran for Congress. At the time they were supporting my primary opponent, the late Tony Hope, who was the son of their neighbors in Toluca Lake, Bob and Dolores Hope. After I won the primary, Helen and Dick supported my candidacy, as they have ever since.

While I valued their support, I treasured the personal relationship we developed over the past 18 years even more.

Helen Gulbranson was born in 1908 in Hammond, Wisconsin, and moved to California in 1936. It was there that she met Dick. They married in 1940 and opened up the North Hollywood Glass and Paint Company. The two were married for 54 years when Dick died in 1994.

Helen's daughter-in-law, Colleen, remembers weekly parties at Helen's and Dick's Toluca Lake home. If they weren't throwing a political bash for such candidates as Ronald Reagan, there was always a wedding or other social event to celebrate.

Later, they moved to Camarillo, in my congressional district, where they continued to enjoy life to its fullest.

Helen was an avid golfer and golfed up until a few months ago. Just last Saturday, she took her great-grandson to the golf course so he could play. She also loved to play table games: Scrabble, bridge and the like.

If it weren't for the calendar, you would never guess Helen's age. She remained independent in her own home and was alert and fit right up to the end.

Helen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Colleen, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in sending condolences to the Gulbranson family and by remembering a life well-lived.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment is very important to the question of how our government spends its resources fighting international terrorism. The amendment streamlines the very burdensome and time-consuming procedure for redesignating a group as a foreign terrorist organization, thereby allowing the Federal Government to focus on actually fighting terrorism and preventing new attacks.

Under existing law, the U.S. Government must devote significant amounts of its counterterrorist resources to the terrorist organization redesignation effort. This bureaucratic process must take place every 2 years, even though the vast majority of these groups do not even dispute their designation. And, as we all know, some groups, such as al Qaeda, openly boast of their terrorist activity.

This amendment would make two principle changes to the law. First, it would replace the requirement to formally redesignate terrorist organizations every 2 years with a procedure that allows the groups to petition the Secretary of State at 2-year intervals to have their designation revoked. It would also require the Secretary to review each group's designation every 6 years.

Let me be clear. This amendment does not change the procedure for placing a group on the foreign terrorist organization list. The government must still undergo the same lengthy process that exists today.

What changes under the amendment is the every 2 year redesignation process. Currently, the burden is on the State Department and other agencies to demonstrate that a group should stay on the list. This amendment shifts the burden to the terrorist organization to petition the government to be removed from the list. A terrorist group can petition the government every 2 years. Even if a terrorist group does not petition for formal removal from the terrorist list, the government must still review the designation every 6 years.

By streamlining the process, the State Department and other agencies, including our intelligence services, can focus on designating new groups as terrorist organizations and focus on preventing new attacks.

For example, last year, 29 of the 37 organizations on the foreign terrorist list were due for redesignation. As a result, the State, Justice, Treasury and the intelligence community spent thousands of hours in preparing a detailed administrative record for each of these groups.

Meanwhile, back in March, the State Department designated for the first time the group, Ansar al-Islam, as a foreign terrorist organization based in north Iraq. The group has been linked to al Qaeda and is known to have participated in attacks on both U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians. The designation of Ansar al-Islam took longer than it should have, because over the preceding 6 months, Federal counterterrorism groups were bogged down in the redesignation of large numbers of terrorist groups.

The modified redesignation requirement proposed by the amendment will still provide designated terrorist groups with plenty of procedural safeguards. For example, a group can still request a court review of designation within 30 days after its first designation. In addition, the amendment allows organizations to petition the Secretary every 2 years to revoke its designation. If that review is not to the group's satisfaction, the designation can still be challenged in court.

The amendment also establishes a new, expedited procedure for handling the situation in which a terrorist group changes its name or uses new aliases.

The language on foreign terrorist organizations is identical to the provisions contained in an en bloc amendment to the Department of State authorization bill that was passed by a voice vote here on the floor.

Given the importance of this measure, I introduced it as a separate bill. It was approved by the Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights on March 17. In addition, this provision has the support of both the State Department and the Department of Justice.

Lastly, section 702 of my amendment requires that the State Department's annual report on terrorism include information on countries and terrorist groups that are seeking to obtain weapons of mass destruction. Experts on terrorism, both within and outside the government, agree that the nexus between terrorism and weapons of mass destruction is the most dangerous security threat faced by the United States and our allies. Therefore, it makes absolute sense to have the State Department's main report on terrorism discuss this linkage.

Mr. Chairman, I urge passage of this important amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith).

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank my friend, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman), for her positive comments and for the support.

Mr. Chairman, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to praise the City of Simi Valley, California, for its role in paying tribute last week to the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.

Many county, State and Federal agencies, Nancy Reagan and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library joined in planning and implementing the tribute to and national mourning for President Reagan.

But as the host city, the burden of limiting the impact on the surrounding community, accommodating mourners from throughout the Nation, and ensuring a respectful good-bye to one of America's greatest presidents largely fell on the City of Simi Valley. As a resident of the city for more than 35 years, its former mayor, and a neighbor of the presidential library, I applaud the city for a job well done.

I arrived at the presidential library within 2 hours of the announcement of President Reagan's death. Simi Valley police and Ventura County Sheriff's deputies were already on hand to provide crowd control. A place for people to leave flowers and tributes was already established. At the library, 50 to 60 people were already working in crews to ready the place for the arrival of President Reagan's casket and the more than 100,000 mourners who would file past it in the coming days.

Simi Valley dedicated nearly half its police force specifically to duties associated with the viewing and internment. Volunteers were brought in to answer telephones. Other volunteers were dispatched to the Wood Ranch development with fliers to inform residents on what they could expect and why.

The top-notch planning and execution ensured that the tribute to President Reagan was dignified, secure and smooth from beginning to end. Visitors from across the country and television viewers throughout the world marveled at the peaceful and orderly scenes.

Working closely with Duke Blackwood, director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Mayor Bill Davis and the entire City Council, City Manager Mike Sedell and Police Chief Mark Layhew displayed to the world the heart and spirit of Reagan country.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in expressing to Simi Valley's officials that they have the thanks of a grateful Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Franca P. Dornan, who is retiring after nearly 20 years of teaching kindergarten students in my congressional district at St. Jude the Apostle School in Westlake Village, California.

Franca Dornan was born Franca Peirina Amalia Maria Bendi on March 2, 1940, in Rapallo on the Italian Riviera. During five of her first six years, until Americans liberated the city, Franca Dornan lived under Nazi occupation.

In 1946 she moved with her mother and father to White Plains, New York. Then, in 1961, she moved to California, where she graduated from Marymount College in Los Angeles with her teaching credential and a bachelor's degree in English. Her first five years of teaching were spent instructing fifth-graders at Darby Avenue School in Northridge.

In 1963, she met her husband, Dick Dornan, at St. Paul the Apostle Church. They married in the same church on June 24, 1967. Two years later, on Thanksgiving 1969, they moved to Westlake Village, which they have called home ever since.

In addition to inspiring the minds and souls of other families' children, Dick and Franca raised five children of their own, Dick, John, Timothy, Gina and Patrick.

Mr. Speaker, today will be Franca P. Dornan's last kindergarten graduation as a teacher. Fondly known by many as ``Mrs. Love, Care and Share,'' it is her motto and will continue to resonate among the hundreds of children to whom she taught love of God, family and country.

I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing Franca P. Dornan for starting hundreds of young children on a lifelong quest of knowledge and love, and for serving as a yardstick by which we can measure a caring wife, mother and educator.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis) for bringing this resolution to the floor today.

President Reagan's impact on America and the world is immeasurable. He ended the Cold War and restored America's confidence. His Republican administration rebuilt our economy with the help and support of a Democratic House of Representatives.

President Reagan achieved such successes because when you sat in a room with him, there could be over 1,000 people in the room, yet you felt like there was only the two of you, and his wonderful wit would put you at ease. That was a tremendous gift.

That is why some of his biggest political enemies were among his closest personal friends. It is why a staunch anti-Communist could negotiate with the President of the Soviet Union. President Reagan reached across and President Reagan connected with people.

President Reagan is now at rest. We mourn his passing, but we are grateful for the gifts he gave us: a safer world, strong economic base, and a renewed belief in America's greatness.

Mr. Speaker, President Reagan will be laid to rest at his Presidential library in Simi Valley, California. It is where I began my political career as mayor and city councilman. It has been my home for more than 35 years.

President Reagan often spoke about a shining city on a hill. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is such a place. President Reagan will be laid to rest at the edge of a high hill where his library stands. His grave overlooks the farmlands, ranches and chaparral of the Tierra Rejada Valley. On a clear day, one can see the Channel Islands in the Pacific Ocean more than 30 miles away. It is a fitting place for America's greatest son.

Mr. Speaker, it is the end of an era, but it is the beginning of a legacy that will last forever. We will miss him.

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, May 20, 2004, I was unable to vote on the Levin Substitute amendment to H.R. 4359, the Child Care Preservation and Expansion Act (rollcall 208). Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Additionally Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, May 20, 2004, I was unable to vote on passage of H.R. 4359 (rollcall 209). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, on May 12, I was unable to vote on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 637, providing for the consideration of H.R. 4275 (rollcall 156); and on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 638, providing for the consideration of H.R. 4279, H.R. 4280 and H.R. 4281 (rollcall 157). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on both measures.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Jack Broome and John W. Borchard, Jr., the first recipients of the Catherine McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award presented by St. John's Regional Medical Center

in Oxnard, California, and St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo, California.

Catherine McAuley founded Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, in the early 1800s, serving those who suffered from poverty, illness and a lack of education. In 1912, a small band of Sisters of Mercy began caring for the sick and suffering in Ventura County, California.

St. John's Regional Medical Center and St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital are the modern-day manifestations of those early seeds.

The Catherine McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award pays tribute to members of the community for their contributions and volunteerism, commitment to society, and espousal of the charisma and values exemplified by Catherine McAuley.

Jack Broome and John W. Borchard, Jr., epitomize that charisma and those values.

Jack Broome was born in Chicago, but came to California early in his adult life to pursue farming opportunities in Ventura, Kern and Monterery counties. He is one of the key founders of Casa Pacifica and continues as a director. Jack currently serves on the University Board at Pepperdine University and the Board of Trustees of the House Ear Institute. He is chairman of the Ventura County Harbor Commission and the Pleasant Valley County Water District.

Jack's service to St. John's includes chairmanship of St. John's Regional Medical Center Foundation, director of the hospital board and longtime membership in The Humanitarians. He and his wife; Patricia, have three children and eight grandchildren.

John W. Borchard, Jr., was born at St. John's Hospital and raised on an Oxnard farm owned by his family in the 1860s. He left Ventura County long enough to graduate from the University of Notre Dame and serve a short stint at Eastman Kodak in New York before returning to his roots. John has had leadership roles on boards and committees of no less than 25 organizations. He served the Oxnard Elementary and High Schools, the City of Oxnard, the Oxnard Elks, lima bean and citrus cooperatives, and for 20 years served as a director on the Ventura County Farm Bureau. After 16 years, he recently retired his post as chairman of the Saticoy Lemon Association. During that time he also served on the Sunkist Growers, Inc., board, including 9 years on its executive board.

John has also served on the boards of St. John's Seminary and Seminary College in Camarillo.

John's service to St. John's began early, knocking on doors with his parents to raise money for the building. In 1968 he became a Humanitarian and served 7 years as chairman. He served as a trustee of St. John's Regional Medical Center Foundation through two building campaigns.

John and his wife, Nancy, have six children and 11 grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Jack Broome and John W. Borchard, Jr., for earning this prestigious distinction and join the Foundations of St. John's Regional Medical Center and St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital in honoring them for a lifetime of service to their community.

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, April 22, 2004, I was unable to vote on H. Res. 602, on ordering the previous question (rollcall 126); and on agreeing to H. Res. 602 (rollcall 127). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both questions.

Additionally Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, April 22, 2004, I was unable to vote on the Larson amendment to H.R. 2844 (rollcall 128); and on Larson amendment (2) to H.R. 2844 (rollcall 129). Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on both measures.

And, finally, on Thursday, April 22, 2004, I was unable to vote on final passage of H.R. 2844, the Continuity in Representation Act of 2004 (rollcall 130). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, a recently released report has revealed yet more evidence of heinous human rights abuses committed by Burma's ruling military regime. The report by the Karen Women's Organization entitled ``Shattering Silence'' documents rapes of ethnic women by the regime's soldiers. If the allegations contained in the report are correct, the stories illustrate how Burma's regime uses rape to undercut resistance to its rule by attacking innocent and defenseless civilians.

I am especially horrified with evidence that over half of the rapes were committed by military officers, and 40 percent were gang-rapes. Reads one example: ``While she was living in her village she was captured as the porter to carry shells for the SPDC. At daytime she was forced to carry heavy things and at night she was raped . . . She was raped every night by one to five persons. If she refused or asked them to not rape her, then they slapped her or beat her or closed her mouth . . . At that time they jumped on her body with their boots. While she was being raped at night she heard women shouting from other places. And so she knew there were many women suffering like her.''

Furthermore, the report found that in 28 percent of the cases, the women were brutally killed and often mutilated after being raped by officers.

This is not the first time we have heard of the regime's use of rape as a weapon of war. This report supports previous evidence documented by the Shan Women's Action Network, Refugees International, and the Bureau of Democracy, Rights, and Labor at the State Department.

The use of rape as a weapon of war was wrong in Bosnia, and it is wrong in Burma. Burma's regime must be held to account, and their climate of impunity must end.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, April 2, 2004, I was unable to vote on H.R. 3108, On Agreeing to the Conference Report on the Pension Funding Equity Act (rollcall 117). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Alvin ``Sam'' Shrader's dedication to public service as the Breakfast Rotary Club of Camarillo recognizes him for 60 years of perfect Rotary Club attendance.

As my colleagues are aware, the object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service in all aspects of one's life--business, personal and community. Alvin Shrader epitomizes that ideal.

Alvin Shrader and his wife, Avis (or Suzy as she's better known), will celebrate 70 years of marriage this June. They have three wonderful children, including my lovely wife, Janice. Alvin Shrader is as dedicated to his wife, children, eight grandchildren, 28 great- grandchildren

and great-great-grandchild (soon to be two) as he has been to the Rotary over many decades.

In true Rotary fashion, Alvin Shrader also kept the Rotary ideal alive in his business dealings. He became a chiropractor in the 1930s and helped change its image and acceptability as an active member and past treasurer of the California Chiropractic Association. He is also a lifelong gardener, tending to his vegetables with the same care that he tends to all life.

Rotary has been the social center of Alvin and Avis' life. Prior to joining Rotary in 1945, Alvin was a member of the 20-30 Club's Los Angeles Chapter, where he also marked perfect attendance. He is a former Rotary Club of Los Angeles Southwest president and Avis is a former Rotary Ann.

When on the road, Alvin Shrader makes it a point to make up meetings by visiting other Rotary Clubs. He has attended meetings at clubs in Florida; Salt Lake City; Crystal City, VA; Carson City; St. Louis; Puerto Rico and the Kingdom of Tonga. When he was recently hospitalized with a broken hip, his biggest concern was making up Rotary meetings.

Mr. Speaker, I am blessed to have Alvin and Avis as my in-laws. As patriarch and matriarch of the Shrader family, they set the standard for generations to follow. It is a high standard of love and dedication that any family would be proud to follow. I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing Alvin ``Sam'' Shrader for a lifetime of service to family, his profession and his community by upholding and living the Rotary ideal.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, March 29, 2004, I was unable to vote on H.R. 2584, to provide for the conveyance to the Utrok Atoll local government of a decommissioned National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ship (rollcall 94) and H.R. 3723, the Vaughn Gross Post Office Building Designation Act (rollcall 95). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on both measures.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, January 27, I was unable to vote on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 1385, to extend the provision of Title 39, United States Code, under which the United States Postal Service is authorized to issue a special postage stamp to benefit breast cancer research (roll call vote 6); and on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 3493, the Medical Devices Technical Corrections Act (roll call vote 7). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both measures.

Similarly, Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, January 28, I was unable to vote on the Baldwin substitute amendment to S. 1920 (roll call vote 8); and on the motion to recommit with instructions the bill S. 1920 (roll call vote 9). Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on both measures. Further, Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on final passage of S. 1920, to extend for 6 months the period for which chapter 12 of Title 11 of the United States Code is reenacted (roll call vote 10). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' And, finally, Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on the motion to instruct conferees on S. 1920 (roll call vote 11). Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, December 8, I was unable to vote on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 465, waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules (rollcall 672); on agreeing to H. Res. 465 (rollcall 673); on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 473, waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill H.R. 2673 (rollcall 674); on agreeing to H. Res. 473 (rollcall 675); on passage of H.R. 2673, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2004 (rollcall 676); and on a motion to lay on the table, H. Res. 474, a resolution regarding a question of the privileges of the House regarding rollcall 669 (rollcall 677). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on all measures.