Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Emma Kolb, who has recently finished her 69th year of service to students and parents in western Kansas. She has gone above the call of duty and made her teaching career of 47 years into a passion by volunteering for 22 years after her retirement.

Ms. Kolb began teaching in 1937 in Rush County, KS, and for the next 15 years worked in several other country schools. In 1951 she started at Lincoln Elementary School in Hays. For the next 33 years Emma taught grades second through sixth until she retired in 1984.

If Emma's story stopped there it would still be praiseworthy, but she didn't stop there. She went on to volunteer for 22 more years in the same school building.

The length of her tenure may only be overshadowed by the amount of joy she gave to those she worked with and worked for. During a recent party Lincoln Elementary School staff showed their appreciation for Emma's amazing work by celebrating her commitment to students and her 88th birthday.

I too would like to express my gratitude for Emma's 69 years of service to Kansas students. Ms. Kolb said that during her many years of work inside the school system that ``any changes that were made were for the good . . . and that we have a good school system here.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking and honoring Emma Kolb for being a part of those positive changes in the lives of so many students and their schools.

Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. I rise in support of this amendment. As I understand, it is a place holder for the opportunity for us to further discuss and refine the opportunity to continue funding of data mining.

I chair the subcommittee that has responsibility for crop insurance, and this to me is one of the most successful programs in weeding out and finding fraud and abuse. I encourage the conferees. I was glad to hear the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Bonilla's remarks, as we try to find an opportunity to make certain this program continues. As a member of the authorizing committee, I look forward to working with you to see that the necessary authorization occurs. It is an awfully important program and one that we will hold a hearing on in the future in hopes that we can expand this opportunity to other areas of the Department's operations. I appreciate the gentleman yielding.

Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to John M. Evans--one of our Federal Government's finest public servants and a long time resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This March he retired from an exceptionally distinguished career of service to his country. He has served our nation as a career civil servant for over 33 years. He has been an exceptional leader and has played a key role in ensuring effective financial management for the Department of Defense. It gives me pride to have the opportunity to honor him today for his tremendous accomplishments.

Mr. Evans began his career with the Navy in the financial management field working for various field activities. He progressed to a management position in the Military Traffic Management Command at the Department of Defense where he had responsibility for Personnel and Administration.

Mr. Evans first served in the Department of Defense Comptroller office as a senior budget analyst for a number of major Department of Defense-wide programs, including the DoD Family Housing Program, the DoD Real Property Maintenance Program, Navy Military Construction, and DoD Depot Maintenance.

Mr. Evans also served as the Director for Revolving Funds beginning in April of 2000. While Director, he was responsible for financial management oversight for all DoD revolving and working capital funds, including the Defense Working Capital funds.

Since 2001, Mr. Evans was the Director for Operations. As Director, Mr. Evans was responsible for the Department's Operations and Maintenance appropriations, including programs that support the global war on terror and the Department's homeland security functions.

Senior leaders, both in the Congress and the Department of Defense, have benefited from Mr. Evans' experience, outstanding leadership, and distinguished performance. His efforts have enabled our nation's leaders to make the most effective use of defense resources to ensure America's military strength. On behalf of my colleagues, I thank him for his service to our country and wish him well on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to honor the work of Governor John Anderson, a man who chose a life of public service. His service to Kansas and the United States was spread across the middle part of this century and spread across the three branches of our government.

After being educated by both Kansas State University and the University of Kansas he began his career as a public servant by joining the staff of U.S. District Court Judge Walter Huxman. Continuing with the judicial branch, Governor Anderson was elected as Johnson County Attorney in 1947. His election to Kansas State Senate in 1953 gave him the opportunity to serve as one of Kansas' state legislators for three years. Governor Anderson was appointed as Kansas Attorney General in 1956 and was then elected Governor in 1960.

During his two years in the state's top position, Governor Anderson used his diverse government experiences to help reform and restructure several institutions, including: the state's pardon and parole systems; the public welfare system; and the state's public school system.

I would encourage my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring this public servant by passing H.R. 4674, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 110 North Chestnut Street in Olathe, Kansas, as the ``Governor John Anderson, Jr. Post Office Building.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the gentleman's time.

Mr. Speaker, much of what I am about in Congress is about the fight to preserve and enhance the opportunities that exist in rural America. My goal, among others, as a Member of Congress is to see that there is a future for the communities and the people who live there across my State. I represent one of the most rural districts in the country. A component of that is to make certain that the citizens of those rural communities can access adequate and affordable health care.

We often think of health care as a hospital or a physician. Tonight I rise with great concern about a development across our country and especially in rural America that is occurring in regard to the loss of community pharmacy. We are beginning the process of losing that Main Street business and that health care provider, the community pharmacist.

In many communities across my State, and I am sure it is true around the country, that community pharmacist is struggling and the doors are beginning to close. Examples: today in Kansas, southeast Kansas, the population less than a thousand people, that pharmacist is closed for the last 4 months, no other pharmacist in the community. The next pharmacy is 30-35 miles away. This has an impact not only upon the hospitals and doctors in that area, but clearly an impact upon the community members, the patrons of that pharmacy, those who rely upon the health care to be delivered by that pharmacist.

My own father, 90 years old, rarely sees a doctor because if you see a doctor, that doctor will tell you something is wrong with him, and he does not want to know that. But he relies upon his community pharmacist because he is there drinking a cup of coffee to put the blood pressure cuff on his arm and provide him advice and suggestions about a healthy life.

That community pharmacist is an important component of our business community, and it is a way we deliver health care in communities across our country.

Due to the consequences of the prescription drug bill part D, our community pharmacist's future is bleak. In part it is due to the lack of timeliness of the payments that are occurring. The average wait in Kansas is 45-60 days. When I was in Leoti, Kansas, in March, and Leoti is a community of about 900 people, that community pharmacist had not been reimbursed for one prescription drug bill delivered to a senior since January 1.

Almost all pharmacists in my district and across the State have had to take out a line of credit just to stay in business. I want to highlight a bill that has been introduced by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) and by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Berry) and a bill by the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker) that would require those sponsors of those drug plans to promptly pay the submitted claims.

It is unacceptable that a pharmacist would have to wait 2 months to be paid for the bills, and it is unacceptable because it is wrong. It is not the right thing to do, but it is a terrible occurrence because it means the demise of his or her business.

In addition to that, almost all pharmacists lose money on the prescriptions they fill under the Medicare plan part D, and the sponsors of those plans allow almost no negotiating room for those pharmacists. We need to change that. I would highlight a bill that I and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner) have introduced, the Community Pharmacy Fairness Act, to give independent pharmacists the freedom to ban together to negotiate with drug manufacturers.

Time is of the essence. Pharmacist Kody Krein from St. Francis, Kansas, he grew up in that town. His life goal was to return to St. Francis as a community pharmacist. He has given us until July 1 and then he will make a decision whether he can continue as the sole pharmacist in that town. His three kids are in the school system in St. Francis, Kansas. It would be a terrible thing to lose that community pharmacist, to lose his family, and to lose that man's hope for a career in his hometown. That does not happen enough in rural America where a young son or young daughter actually is returning home to the family community. There is no pharmacist in the St. Francis area for 35 miles. We have a short period of time before we can correct this.

You may say this is a handful of examples. I am exercised about this issue. It is troublesome to me that this Congress, this place, Washington, D.C., has become so political that we cannot address this issue, that if an issue is brought to the floor that we are fearful that the Democrats will make an issue of it, that we have come to the point where nothing is done because there are political consequences to the issue even being discussed.

There are challenges and problems that are created by part D that need to be addressed. These issues are so important to me that it is time for us to set aside the political bickering and actually address the needs of the country. It is a political place that we work in. We all know that, but the problem is that we simply cannot use politics as an excuse to do nothing. It is time for us to make certain that good things occur and we cannot be responsible for the loss of a business, the loss of a family, and the loss of three students in a classroom in rural communities across our country.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we no longer delay, that we bring attention to this issue to the House floor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of Kansas' most famous sons, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. His remarkable career in public service and his legacy of protecting our country and the American people is most deserving of a memorial here in our Nation's Capital.

President Eisenhower spent his childhood in Abilene, Kansas, which is located in my district. Upon graduation from Abilene High School in 1909, he enrolled at West Point. Eisenhower soon became an esteemed figure and one of the most beloved military leaders in American history. After leading the U.S. and its allies to victory in World War II, he rose to the eminent rank of five-star general and went on to become the first commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's military forces in Europe. In 1953, Eisenhower became the 34th President of the United States.

Initial site approval must be granted by Congress in order for monument design plans to proceed. The Eisenhower Commission was responsible for initially selecting the four-acre location near the Department of Education that has now been designated for the memorial. I was joined by the entire Kansas delegation in supporting H.J. Res. 78, the House companion bill to S.J. Res. 28. I recognize that the designation of the memorial site is an instrumental first step in making this tribute a reality.

Eisenhower himself once said that ``this world has always set a high value on leadership.'' Eisenhower's valiant leadership qualities, innumerable successes, and staunch defender of American liberties make him worthy of a monument attributing to such. I stand here today offering my support for this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to recognize this year's inductees into the National Teachers Hall of Fame located in Emporia, Kansas. We have all had special teachers in our lives, and we are indebted to them for their desire and unending efforts to see that students achieve their fullest potential.

Now in its 15th year, the Hall of Fame continues its mission to honor exceptional teachers and to promote excellence in its teaching profession. Congratulations to the 2006 inductees, Peggy Carlisle, Floyd Holt, Harlan Kredit, Pat Graff and Linda Kaye White.

At Pecan Park Elementary in Jackson, Mississippi, Peggy Carlisle has used her talents to make science and math stimulating to her students. A 2005 Mississippi Hall of Masters teacher, she uses her skills to help students realize they are only limited by the size of their dreams. According to the parent of a former student, Mrs. Carlisle makes science interesting. Just

walking into her room lets you know that this is not a regular classroom, but a learning environment specifically arranged to get young minds thinking. By using many hands-on activities, she brings life to books and dusty old facts.

Floyd Holt, a physics teachers at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, New York, loves knowledge and conveys this to his students through his dedication to teaching. Floyd strives to make education interesting and create unique learning activities such as Spaceship Classroom of the Future. He has won the 1994 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math in the USA and today also the 2000 USA Today Award.

According to a former student, what sets Harlan Kredit apart is that as well as he teaches biology, he teaches life even better. At Lynden Christian High in Lynden, Washington, Mr. Kredit believes kids need to connect to the world outside of their school for education to be meaningful and productive. He embodies this philosophy through his work as a ranger naturalist at Yellowstone National Park and through teaching environmental education to teachers at the American Wilderness Leadership School.

He is a recipient of the 1994 Washington State Conservation Teacher of the Year Award and the 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Science.

Pat Graff, a journalism, humanities and social studies teacher at La Cueva High in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a bridge builder between different organizations, the media and business. She has had numerous students return to her school to give credit for her help and expertise and putting them on their current career path. Her additional accomplishments include being named the New Mexico English Teacher of the Year and also winning the 2004 Governors Award for Outstanding New Mexico Woman.

Lynn Kaye White of Haycock Elementary in Falls Church, Virginia, has shared her love of music and education around the world. She has traveled to Japan in 2003 with the Fulbright Memorial Fund and also to New Zealand to participate in the 2002 Fulbright Hays Seminar. She is able to seamlessly take the resources she has gathered from around the world and turn them into meaningful, substantive learning opportunities for her students.

Peggy, Floyd, Harlan, Pat and Linda exemplify what it means to be a teacher, what it means to make a difference. I commend the National Teachers Hall of Fame for their efforts to recognize great teachers. These five inductees collectivity have 134 years of teaching experience. I salute these men and women for their dedication to the students of this country. It is my hope that they will find satisfaction in knowing the positive difference they have made in the lives of their students. It is my honor to recognize these teachers here in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 125th Messiah Festival in Lindsborg, Kansas. This April, the community of Lindsborg will celebrate Holy Week by performing Handel's ``The Messiah.'' This musical interpretation of the Easter story has been enjoyed in Lindsborg since the late 1800s when local immigrant pioneers first gathered together to perform this historic piece.

Many pioneers settling in the Smoky Valley on the plains of Kansas journeyed far from their homes in Sweden. They sought a better way of life and the choice to practice a religion free from the will of Sweden's state church. These pioneers thrived in their newly adopted Kansas home. They adjusted to a new American way of life, but the citizens of Lindsborg never lost sight of the culture and values that formed their Swedish heritage.

One tradition that has sustained the life of this community through the years is the annual Messiah Festival. In 1881, Reverend Carl Swensson, the founder of Bethany College in Lindsborg, and his wife, Alma, organized the Bethany Oratorio Society in the parsonage of Bethany Lutheran Church. Alma taught the music and English words of ``The Messiah'' to 40 parishioners. After a winter and spring of instruction, Bethany Lutheran Church began a storied tradition as host to this community celebration marking Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday with beautiful music.

The enterprising spirit and strong Swedish heritage of the early pioneers who began the Messiah Festival has since led to great cultural and educational additions to the State of Kansas. As the Messiah Festival tradition has grown, so has the town of Lindsborg, and Bethany College. This liberal arts institution has expanded to offer baccalaureate degrees in over thirty fields to an enrollment of 600 full and part -time students from 19 states and 12 countries. The Lindsborg community continues to honor its foundation of cultural expression by hosting art and music festivals and offering unique arts, crafts and import gift shops.

It is with great pleasure that I represent this Kansas community in Congress. Lindsborg demonstrates how collaboration, a rich cultural heritage, and appreciation for beautiful music celebrating the Lord can create a tradition worthy of 125 years of repeating.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the Lindsborg community for their 125th Anniversary Messiah Festival and for their many contributions to the State of Kansas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March as American Red Cross month. This faithful organization strives each day to carry out their motto, ``There when you need us.'' On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank the Red Cross for their important service to those individuals in need.

This month we recognize the vital role played by this organization in communities across our Nation and abroad. Since its founding in 1881 by Clara Barton, this organization has been committed to serving America in peace and in war, during times of natural disaster and national calamity. In 1905, this organization was chartered by Congress ``in accord with the military authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States and their armed forces.'' Since then, the Red Cross has provided communications and other humanitarian services to help members of the U.S. military and their families around the world.

Time and time again, from floods and tornadoes to diseases and terrorist attacks, the Red Cross has led the way in providing disaster relief in times of emergency. By offering clothing, food, shelter, health care, and mental health services, the Red Cross has extended a helping hand and provided comfort and encouragement to millions of people around the world.

The Red Cross is also highly regarded for their efforts in health and safety preparedness. In order to be effective in times of crisis, it is imperative to have adequate preparation. The Red Cross is instrumental in keeping the Nation's blood banks supplied, by organizing and conducting blood drives. The Red Cross has also taken the lead in providing CPR and First Aid training to countless volunteers. In times of trouble, these preparation efforts make all

the difference and embody the true spirit of the American people, which is to help out our fellow man in times of trouble.

In May, the American Red Cross will turn 125 years old. This organization, while having its roots firmly steeped in the past, is eagerly looking towards the future and overcoming the challenges that come our way. I have confidence they will succeed. The Red Cross is a vehicle for the common American to help their neighbor and that spirit will never fade. I commend the Red Cross for serving the United States and its international neighbors for 125 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Ted Hodges, a high school student from Salina, Kansas, who recently won the Kansas Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition. Ted's speech illustrates that our everyday activities are freedoms that should not be taken for granted. I would like to submit the text of his speech for the record to encourage the citizens of our Nation to cherish their freedoms.

How I Demonstrate My Freedom

I wake up, take a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast go to

school I practice football, do my homework, talk with my

family and friends, then go to bed. I go read the paper, go

to church, watch TV. Each one of these simple, ordinary

actions in itself seems mundane, but is actually a concrete

expression of freedom that I enjoy daily. Going to school an

indulgence? Attending church a privilege? Writing an essay a

luxury? C'mon. Those are all things that we take for granted,

right? They are things that I have to do!

In an address to Congress in 1941, President Franklin

Delano Roosevelt enumerated four freedoms that every American

should expect and protect: freedom of speech, freedom to

worship, freedom from fear, and freedom from want. To me,

this is a tremendous ideal that America has been defined by

throughout the years. I am the everyday beneficiary of these

four freedoms.

Firstly, I express my freedom of speech by doing things

such as writing letters to the editor of my local newspaper,

posting web logs on the internet, and also encouraging school

board members to change various policies. All of these things

I can do without fear of retribution. I can peacefully

demonstrate or agitate for change on any subject. I can read

articles in newspapers, magazines, and websites that

represent every viewpoint of the political spectrum. I can

make my own contributions, find my own voice.

The next freedom mentioned by President Roosevelt--freedom

of religion--also is present in my life. Every day I see

different religions. Christianity or Judaism, Muslim or

Hindu: each of these has a place in this great nation. Some

larger, some smaller, all tolerated. And not promoted or

encouraged by the state or in our schools. I am free to offer

a prayer to the God that I worship at any time, anywhere.

Whether it's being a crucifer for the last eight years during

my church's Sunday services or leading the team prayer after

a hard-fought football game, I have that freedom.

Another freedom, freedom from fear, is too found in our

society. Personally, I have the freedom to sleep well at

night knowing that our troops are working diligently not only

to preserve our way of life, but to also bring that

opportunity to many others. A day does not go by that we

should not be extremely appreciative to those who

have stepped into the line of fire to keep our nation free

from fear. Laws that will govern and protect me and my

family whether we are black or white, male or female,

young or old.

Freedom from want: Where do I start? I have all the

privileges that the wealthiest nation on earth can give me. A

strong school, competent teachers, good roads, and reliable

energy. A hot shower. Food that's safe. Freedom from want is

something that we as Americans utilize every second of every

day.

As I look back on Franklin D. Roosevelt's four freedoms I

begin to wonder, ``How can I show my appreciation and

demonstrate my own commitment to freedom?'' The answer is

shown in many of my every day actions.

By taking advantage of every opportunity bestowed upon me:

working diligently at school so that I can become a better

informed citizen. By exercising my religious

freedom to worship God as I choose. By not being afraid to

voice my opinion. By becoming an active member of my

community--doing volunteer work, serving on boards. By paying

taxes and holding the government accountable. By working to

improve the way of life for my descendants. By registering

for the selective service and being ready to serve our

country. And by being a dedicated, informed voter.

Living within the confines and routines of a typical

teenager's life, freedom might seem like a rare commodity.

But the simple act of putting a pen to paper, of committing

my voice to a recording for the Voice of Democracy audio

essay profoundly represents the many freedoms I take for

granted every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the citizens of Palco, Kansas for long-term efforts to sustain and revitalize their community.

Mayor Leo VonFeldt is proud to call this town of 235 people home. ``Palco continues to grow,'' Vonfeldt said. ``The community has done a lot to keep going forward.''

Over the last ten years, the citizens of Palco have taken action to ensure that their community continues to be home to another generation of Kansans.

In 1996, a USDA Rural Development grant was supplemented by $125,000 of local dollars in order to complete an expansion of Kyser Machine Products. This effort provided six jobs to the local economy.

The development of Keller Motors/Petro Plus & Quality Collision Repair was completed in 1998. This half a million dollar project included a $250,000 owner investment, $200,000 in local contributions and Federal funding of $50,000. The result of this shared investment is that 6 employees now provide area residents a full service gas station, 24 hour fuel access and auto collision service. The business has made a positive contribution to the community. The significance of that contribution was highlighted when owner Myron Keller was recognized as the 2004 National Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Keller said he was humbled by the award, which in his opinion belongs to the entire community. ``Our community recognizes that we can't just sit back. We must be pro-active and keep working hard for a better future,'' Keller said. ``Nothing just happens in rural America. You have to make it happen.''

In 2002, a dedicated effort was made to enhance local government services through construction of a new city building. The facility was funded by $120,000 in local donations and includes a city office, ambulance service and fire department.

The following year, community food service availability was greatly improved when the Palco Community Development Corporation purchased and completely remodeled a local restaurant. The $45,000 project has resulted in 6 day a week restaurant service. In addition, new ownership took over Palco's grocery store which preserved access to grocery service for local residents.

In 2004, an investment of $132,000 from local and Federal sources resulted in the renovation and opening of the Palco Medical Clinic. The clinic provides residents with needed health care service. Also, Midwest Community Bank opened a facility in Palco which preserved local access to lending and investment opportunities. That same year, the city completed a two year community enhancement initiative. The $2.2 million project established a home improvement program, a new sewer plant and construction of a new city street near the downtown area.

In the last decade, the citizens of Palco have leveraged more than $3,250,000 of private, local and Federal investment into their community. Most recently, the town has taken on the task of developing a local day care facility. Community leaders hope to have the facility open by the fall of this year. According to Mayor VonFeldt this is just one more example of the community coming together to achieve a goal. ``Citizens are willing to give of their time, energy and resources,'' VonFeldt said. ``This is what makes Palco great.''

For rural communities to survive and prosper into the future, citizens must be willing to create their own opportunities for success. Ongoing efforts to revitalize Palco are an example of how hard work, vision and community support can create just such an opportunity. Citizens throughout Kansas are working together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. Palco is a success story that demonstrates how teamwork and creative thinking can make a positive difference in rural America.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia and the gentleman from Minnesota for their efforts in regards to this piece of legislation, and especially thank Mr. Etheridge, my ranking member.

The Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management has jurisdiction over the Commodities Futures Trading Commission; and our work product, together with the full committee, is here before the House today for its consideration. I would assure my colleagues in the House that our committee has taken extraordinary steps to make certain that we provide oversight, review, and understanding of what is transpiring at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission since the passage of the Commodity Futures Modernization Act in 2000.

Mr. Speaker, I actually believe that the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 was one of the most successful pieces of legislation that has been passed by Congress in my time here. What we learned in the hearings and oversight in the reauthorization effort was that it is working well. With only a couple of changes, a couple of additions to this legislation, we bring this modernization act back to the floor for approval again today.

We made a change to deal with what is known as the Zelener case to make certain that the CFTC has jurisdiction over foreign exchange contracts. A court determined CFTC did not have jurisdiction. We have now made that clear. We need to continue to keep our eye on other commodities other than foreign exchange to make certain that if similar circumstances arise to the foreign currency problem that Congress acts. And we also continue to find frustration with the inability of the Securities and Exchange Commission and others to come together to develop the protocols necessary for single stock futures to be traded on markets in the United States. I think there is great opportunity for expansion of this market if we can come together on uniform responsibility for margins between the CFTC and the SEC.

This legislation establishes a firm deadline by which we expect that response to be concluded. So I urge passage of this bill and thank my colleagues for their efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. Speaker, I am here this evening to honor a legend at Kansas State University, its football program coach Bill Snyder. At a press conference earlier today, Coach Snyder announced his retirement as the head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats after 17 seasons. Coach Snyder leaves behind a legacy of success for a football program, a school, and a community that is stronger and better because of his tremendous leadership.

Football is a great American tradition, and this tradition is alive and well in Manhattan, Kansas. This is Wildcat country, where during football season Powercat flags are proudly flown and where Saturdays are spent at Wagner Field cheering K-State to victories.

But times were different when Coach Snyder took over the Kansas State football program in 1988. Sports Illustrated had identified K-State as the worst college football program in the Nation. Undeterred, Coach Snyder took on the challenge, and through hard work and determination performed what has been labeled as the ``Miracle in Manhattan.''

By 1993, K-State had achieved a victory in the Copper Bowl. During the next 10 seasons, they would advance to bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and a memorable defeat over first-ranked Oklahoma in 2003 to seize the Big 12 Championship.

With 135 victories, Coach Snyder is K-State's all-time winningest football coach. He is credited with orchestrating what many regard to be the biggest turnaround in college football history. As former Oklahoma and Dallas Cowboy coach Barry Switzer once said, ``Bill Snyder isn't the coach of the year, and he isn't the coach of decade. He's the coach of the century.''

Coach Snyder's successes on the field are matched by his achievements off the field. He has taught his players the value of a sound work ethic, attention to detail and respect that has helped them succeed during the game as well as in the classroom and in their lives.

Coach Snyder has used his prominence in the hearts of K-State fans to promote causes that have strengthened the Manhattan community and our entire State of Kansas. No one could deny the pride that has risen following K-State University President John Wefald's decision to hire Coach Snyder. The school's growing athletic program, flourishing and succeeding student body, visionary administration and supportive alumni have all contributed to Kansas State University being one of our country's premier institutions of higher education.

On behalf of many grateful Kansans, I thank Coach Snyder for his contributions. It will be hard to imagine K-State football without this legendary coach, but I wish him and his family the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ramona, KS, for successful community revitalization efforts.

Pat Wick and Jessica Gilbert have always considered this town of 100 people to be home. It is where their parents were born and raised. As children, these sisters would accompany their parents on annual visits from their home in California to help their grandparents with summer harvest. As adults, Pat worked as a clinical psychologist and Jessica was a philanthropic organization consultant.

When they returned to Ramona in 1989 for a family reunion, the sisters felt a strong pull to come home. They reestablished their roots building by building. In 1990, Pat purchased and the sisters renovated a home they now call The Ramona House, in honor of their ancestors. Pat and Jessica purchased a second house in 1995 and remade it into Cousin's Corner bed and breakfast. The sisters purchased a third home that is now a lodge called Jake's Place. All of this was accomplished through frequent visits to Ramona, even while Pat and Jessica continued their careers in California.

By the year 2000, Pat and Jessica decided to take the final step and moved home. The sisters now live in the Ramona House and operate Jake's Place and Cousin's Comer. More recently, they purchased the old bank building and turned it into The Dirt Gamblers Museum, which is home to photographs and other items honoring Ramona's pioneer history. The sisters have also contributed to the revitalization of Ramona through extensive community involvement. They have helped organize several civic and community events, including a spring tea party, a citywide Memorial Day service, a Main Street Fourth of July parade and an outdoor Nativity in the city park complete with live animals and singing angels. In an effort to celebrate Halloween and promote regional tourism, Pat and Jessica are currently helping promote a Scarecrow parade in Ramona and several other area communities. If all of that isn't enough, Pat is the town's mayor and Jessica is the city clerk.

At age 93, Tony Meyer is Ramona's oldest citizen. He believes Pat and Jessica are doing great things for the community. ``The sisters have awakened this town again,'' Meyer said. Warren Fike, a lifetime resident, also notices a positive change. ``Having the sisters come in has helped keep Ramona alive,'' Fike said. ``The steps they've taken to improve the town have motivated more people here to help, too.''

The sisters believe Ramona's revitalization is beginning to take hold. ``We're romantics, and we have a passion for this place,'' Jessica said. ``We want people to be proud they're connected to the town and want them to invest in it again.'' ``It's a special place,'' Pat noted. ``It's Mayberry R.F.D. come to life.''

For rural communities to survive and prosper into the future, citizens must be willing to create their own opportunities for success. Ongoing efforts to revitalize Ramona are an example of how hard work, vision and community support can create just such an opportunity. Citizens throughout Kansas are working together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. Ramona is a success story that demonstrates how teamwork and creative thinking can make a positive difference in rural America.