Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate San Joaquin Memorial High School on this ceremonious day in celebration of their 60th anniversary.

San Joaquin Memorial High School deserves congratulations for their dedication to providing their students with a superior education and making the tuition very affordable for many families in the Fresno area. With a 154 graduating class of 2005 nearly all of their students plan to attend colleges or universities. Over the past 15 years San Joaquin Memorial High School graduates' average college enrollment is higher than 98 percent and many of their graduates advance to the top universities in the nation.

The School was founded in 1945 and was given the name ``Memorial,'' and school colors, ``red, white, and blue,'' to serve as a living reminder of the men and women from the San Joaquin Valley who gave their lives in the service of their country. San Joaquin Memorial High School has been an exceptional addition to our community and serves as a model High School for other schools in the area.

San Joaquin Memorial High School strives to offer an academically challenging curriculum designed to stimulate critical thinking, to develop individual capabilities, to seek the truth in information and to gain wisdom in knowledge. They also believe that they can help their students recognize the uniqueness of the self and offer an environment conducive to personal growth. The students at San Joaquin Memorial High School are empowered to become self-disciplined and with their discipline they donate much of their time to community service in an effort to better society for the public, their school and their church.

They have continued to develop and modernize their facilities from its three original classroom buildings in 1945. A part of their Mission Statement is to give ``service to the poor.'' With their hard work and dedication to supplying the San Joaquin Valley with an enormous amount of consideration and compassion for others they will surely continue to thrive in the Valley for many years to come.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak in support of the Children's Safety Act. This legislation will close sexual offender registration loopholes and punish offenders who do not follow the law.

Sadly, every year hundreds of children are victimized by a convicted sexual offender. Convicted predators should be put in prison where they belong and kept away from our Nation's children. The Children's Safety Act, H.R. 3132, will do this. These tougher sentences will lock up repeat offenders and help keep our children safe. Because we know the recidivism rate of sexual offenders is very high, these longer sentences are crucial to protecting our children. We must hold these sexual offenders accountable and lock them up.

A National Sex Offender Registry, which is one of the components of the Children's Safety Act, will better enable us to protect our children. People have a right to know where sex offenders live and it is important for parents to have access to a national registry in order to make sure their children are safe.

In addition, to punishing sexual offenders and protecting our children, we must also provide services, resources and counseling to the people who are victims of these horrible crimes. Children need help healing the wounds caused by the heinous actions of sexual offenders. We must not forget their needs. Because the needs of victims are so crucial, I along with Congressman Ted Poe and Congresswoman Katherine Harris have formed the Victims' Rights Caucus. Through the caucus we draw attention to victim issues, work to protect funding that provides victims' services and introduce legislation to assist with victims. We must not forget the victims of crimes, especially when they are children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Private First Class Ramon A. Villatoro, Jr., who lost his life supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. Villatoro, 19, joined the United States Army on July 24, 2004. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Shortly thereafter, he reported to his first assignment at the Replacement Detachment. Within a few days, Mr. Villatoro's leadership and dedication was recognized and he was assigned to the K Troop, 3rd Squadron, and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment on January 7, 2005. Mr. Villatoro was committed to his role in his Primary Military Occupational Specialty, as a 19D, Cavalry Scout.

Mr. Villatoro was deployed to protect our country in Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 3, 2005. Prior to leaving on his envoy to Iraq, Mr. Villatoro was promoted to Private First Class (PFC). Unfortunately, Mr. Villatoro's tour in Iraq ended when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle on July 24, 2005.

Mr. Villatoro's strength of character and valor earned him well- deserved recognition, including: Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous); National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge (Posthumous). He also received the Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous); and the Weapons Qualification Badge, which certified him as an expert in certain rifle weaponry. Finally, Mr. Villatoro was awarded a Purple Heart, currently the oldest military decoration in the world, awarded to members of the armed forces who are wounded or killed in the line of action.

Surviving Mr. Villatoro is his wife of eight months, Amanda Villatoro. Mrs. Villatoro is expecting their first child in three months. Also surviving Mr. Villatoro is his family, all of whom reside in Bakersfield, CA.

I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and condolences, to Mr. Villatoro's family, for the loss of his life. His loss symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice one can make for his country. His service represented his commitment to protect his family, community, and our Nation. Mr. Villatoro's dedication to the principles of freedom and democracy will serve as an example to all of us, for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. George J. Gomes of Carmichael, CA. The California Farm Bureau has honored Mr. Gomes by naming him the 2005 ``Agriculturalist of the Year.''

George began his agricultural odyssey on his family's dairy in Gustine, CA, where he operated the family dairy and farmed forage crops. After selling the farm, Mr. Gomes attended California State University, San Luis Obispo where he attained his bachelor of science degree in Agribusiness Management and his masters degree in Agriculture Education. He began his professional career as an associate professor at Cal Poly where he taught Agricultural Management.

George Gomes' career took him in many directions. Upon leaving the university, George managed the Napa County Fair. He later joined the California Department of Food and Agriculture in 1975 where he worked in the Division of Fairs and Expositions. Shortly thereafter, he became the assistant director before being appointed chief deputy director by Governor George Deukmejian. Mr. Gomes began a new journey in 1987 when he was named administrator of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

His extensive educational and professional experience has allowed George to become a widely recognized leader within California's agriculture industry. While in school he was an active member of the Dairy Club, National Dairy Judging Team and Agriculture Council. Beyond that, George has served as a member of the State Fair Advisory Committee, chair of the Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo Agriculture Advisory Committee, California Fair Services Board of Directors and Keep California Beautiful Board of Directors.

Through his public service commitments in education, government and community organizations George Gomes has been steadfast in promoting California agriculture. This award from the California Farm Bureau Federation could not have gone to anyone more deserving. I wish George and his family all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and wish well in retirement Captain Sandra L. DeGroot of Lemoore, California. Captain DeGroot has diligently served her country for the past thirty years.

In September 1975 Sandra joined the United States Navy as a Nurse Corps Candidate and was commissioned an Ensign. It was there that Captain DeGroot committed herself to ensuring proper care and recovery for the women and men who place themselves in harm's way in the effort to protect our freedom.

She graduated from Keuka College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1976 and reported for Officer Indoctrination School in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon completion of her Officer training, Sandra began her career at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida in the Intensive Care unit.

Captain DeGroot's profession brought her to a variety of places. She was assigned to Naval Hospital Pensacola, Florida as the charge nurse of the medicine ward. Shortly thereafter Sandra became head nurse of the Pediatric Clinic at Naval Hospital, Guam and after a brief return to Florida, she joined the ranks in California at Naval Hospital San Diego. At San Diego Captain DeGroot filled many roles; she served as the staff nurse on Labor and Delivery, Division Officer OB/GYN clinics and Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist. Ever the avid learner, Sandra transferred to Utah where she completed her Master of Science Degree in Nursing, with a major in Nurse-Midwifery. Her dedication to work and school brought great rewards and in 1996 Captain DeGroot reported to Naval Hospital Jacksonville where she was the Navy's first Director of Women's Health Services. A few years later Sandra was assigned to U.S. Naval Hospital Keflavik, Iceland before returning to California at Naval Hospital Lemoore as the Commanding Officer.

On top of her successful career Captain DeGroot has also made time for membership in various organizations. The American College of Nurse Midwives, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Holistic Nurses Association and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses are just some of the organizations with which she is involved. Her hard work has not gone unnoticed because Captain DeGroot has received the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

For us, her retirement is bittersweet--although it is well deserved Captain DeGroot's efforts will be greatly missed. I congratulate Captain Sandra L. DeGroot, and wish her and her family all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I fully support global commerce.

Almonds, which I grow on my land in Fresno, have become one of California's most valuable exports through development of foreign markets. In fact, more than two-thirds of this $1 billion a year crop is shipped outside of the United States every year. So, I truly understand the benefit of opening the world to the abundance of U.S. products. Of the producers in my district, some will win and some will lose with CAFTA.

I am here to speak on behalf of America's best interest. That interest is a trade policy that is free and, more importantly, fair.

Unfortunately, regardless of the diligent work and excellent intentions of our trade negotiators, the bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements we have entered into are not serving America well, especially not American agriculture, if you use the last 10 years of increasing trade deficit as the standard.

The evidence of our trade failures is undeniable. Over the last dozen years, the U.S. trade deficit has grown exponentially from a deficit of $38 billion in 1992 to $668 billion last year, a incredible increase of more than $630 billion in 12 years--more than 1700 percent. This year, in spite of the Trade Promotion Authority enjoyed by the President and the plethora of agreements brought before this body, America's trade deficit is the largest it has been in nearly 50 years.

Last year, of the ships arriving from Asia to West Coast ports-- Seattle, Portland, Oakland, Los Angeles--more than half of them traveled back across the Pacific empty. This is a tragic illustration of a trade policy that is not working.

It is not working because these agreements give us little or no ability to leverage our strengths as a trading partner.

Do we truly need another agreement when Japan, one of our most important trading partners, continues to refuse entry to American beef--one of our safest and highest quality food products?

For the sake of the American agricultural economy, and other American industries, we must do better. We must seriously evaluate the way in which we conduct trade, beginning with the agreements we negotiate; to look at what is working and, more importantly, what is not working.

Ten years ago, I supported NAFTA. But, with the current state of our trade situation and the weakness and our current agreements, I cannot find any sense in supporting another trade agreement that perpetuates this sort of ineffective policy. I am reminded of a familiar quote attributed to Albert Einstein that illustrates my hesitation about CAFTA. ``Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.''

In light of our trade deficits, how can we approve another agreement and expect different, better results for the American farmer?

In conclusion, my vote today against CAFTA is a vote of protest, a vote of dissatisfaction, a line in the sand. My ``nay'' vote today is a message on behalf of American agriculture, American businesses, and American workers to the administration and my colleagues in Congress that we absolutely must develop a new trade strategy, a strategy that reverses, over time, our trade deficit.

This new trade strategy must be straight with the American public. It must define who--over the next 10, or 20, or 30 years--will be the winners and losers. Because, for America to be economically strong in the 21st century, we must have a plan to address the transitions and shifts in our domestic economy.

As participants in the 21st century economy that Thomas Friedman refers to as ``the new flat earth,'' American workers and businessmen deserve to know what their chances are in the global economy. They need to know who among them will be the winners and losers. And, throughout that deliberation, American agriculture must have a seat at the table.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley, Inc., on the opening of their new Kerman Health Center in Kerman, California.

United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley has been a dedicated leader in bringing quality medical care and services to underserved rural residents. In the effort to complete its mission, United Health Centers has brought to the forefront many public issues related to unattended healthcare concerns in the community.

Through the numerous clinics located in the heart of rural California, this organization offers a variety of services including family medicine, dental, x-ray, pharmacy and laboratory. United Health Centers has also adopted a preventative agenda and taken the initiative to implement family support programs such as prenatal care, nutrition, Women Infant and Children, health education, family planning and immunization.

The new Kerman facility is the latest addition to seven already existing health centers in Fresno and Tulare Counties. The last three decades have chronicled the growth of United Health Centers into Huron, Earlimart, Mendota, Kerman, Sanger, Parlier and Orange Cove. The two- story Kerman operation will house seven dental stations, ten examination rooms and a full-service pharmacy and lab.

United Health Center's employees, directors and organizers have touched the lives of numerous economically disadvantaged individuals who are so often overlooked by existing healthcare organizations. This dedication ceremony marks an opportunity to welcome improvements in the availability of healthcare and also provides incentive to look toward the future for innovative and novel means of making adequate medical care accessible to all communities--specifically rural communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Self Help Enterprises on the organization's 40th Anniversary of dedicated service to rural communities of California's San Joaquin Valley.

Self Help Enterprises' (SHE) efforts are based upon the simple principle of providing the tools necessary for individuals to help themselves succeed. SHE assists rural residents, primarily farmworkers, in a variety of housing needs. Offering technical assistance, helping people to compete for scarce resources and empowering individuals has been the main focus of this community oriented non-profit.

The beginnings of Self Help Enterprises can be traced back to 1964 when President Johnson launched the ``War on Poverty'' with the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. This legislation provided a much needed source of federal funding to help combat the devastating effects of continuous economic hardship. Self Help Enterprises originated in 1965 as the first rural self-help housing organization in the nation and shortly thereafter received its first of many grants from the United States Office of Economic Opportunity.

Since then SHE has been instrumental in the housing development needs throughout eight counties located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus and Tulare.

Self Help Enterprises' volunteers, benefactors and organizers have touched the lives of numerous families who are so often overlooked by the rest of the community. The 40th Anniversary of the founding of Self Help Enterprises is a time for us to not only commemorate past efforts, but also look toward the future for innovative and novel means of helping underserved rural residents.

Mr. Speaker, one year ago, Chen Shui-bian was re-elected President of Taiwan. The election was the closest in Taiwan's history and marked a reaffirmation that Taiwan is a strong democracy.

The anniversary of President Chen's re-election provides an important opportunity to review events in Taiwan and across the Taiwan Strait in China. As my colleagues know, China recently enacted a so-called ``anti secession'' law, which China says gives it the right to use military force against Taiwan if Taiwan decides to declare independence. This law is extremely provocative and potentially destabilizing. Like many of my colleagues, I have condemned this law, and I will continue to do so.

During the past several weeks, the 2 main opposition leaders in Taiwan have traveled to China to meet with the leaders of the Communist Party. These trips have sparked intense debate in Taiwan about the intentions of the Chinese leaders, as well as the future security of Taiwan. This debate is additional evidence of the openness and maturity of the democratic society Taiwan currently enjoys.

Mr. Speaker, Taiwan reveres its freedom and its democratic form of government. As Taiwan's friend and ally, I believe it is important for the United States to monitor the situation in the Taiwan Strait very carefully to help ensure Taiwan is not forced into a position which would endanger its freedom or its democracy. President Chen has been a tireless advocate for protecting and enhancing Taiwan's freedom. I hope he will use the remaining three years of his second term in office to make certain Taiwan is protected and that Taiwan will be able to continue to flourish politically and economically.

Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is a good example of democracy in the Asia Pacific region. I applaud the people of Taiwan for their diligence and their enterprise. The democratic experiment in Taiwan has been an exciting one for the past two decades. It is my hope, and I believe many of my colleagues share the view, that similar adoption of democratic principles will someday spread to mainland China.

Mr. Chairman, I, too, rise to support the amendment for increased Amtrak funding.

Mr. Chairman, the LaTourette/Oberstar Amendment will increase by $626 million the annual funding to AMTRAK.

Mr. Chairman, the President's push to eliminate Federal support of AMTRAK is a shortsighted, poorly-conceived policy. Federal support of national transportation systems is a national priority that goes back to Abraham Lincoln, and to act in the face of such an American tradition is to do so at our own peril.

AMTRAK provides a great service to California, and is an extremely important tool for my constituents. In the State of California alone, AMTRAK operates 70 intercity trains and over 200 commuter trains per day. The San Joaquins line, which services Fresno and Bakersfield in my district, is the fifth-busiest passenger line in the country, and carries over 700,000 people annually. As a matter of fact, three of the Nation's top five busiest intercity corridors are in California.

California recognizes the importance of AMTRAK, and has invested heavily over time to maintain its presence in the State. Over the past 10 years, California has invested approximately $100 million per year to work towards this goal. Many of the routes in California--including the San Joaquins--continue to experience double-digit ridership growth, demonstrating the importance AMTRAK has for my constituents and Californians.

While continued reform of AMTRAK is essential, it must be accomplished in a bipartisan fashion that reflects a post-9/11 view of the world. The United States requires an intermodal transportation system that has real interconnectivity, and protects our citizens' socio-economic needs in a flexible and cost-effective fashion. We must remember all forms of transportation in America have and continue to utilize some form of subsidy.

If this body chooses to not support Amtrak, it will ignore the needs of the citizens of this Nation. AMTRAK remains a vital and viable mode of transportation for many people in this Nation, and to undermine that service will go against a history of service this Nation has put into the national transportation network.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my reluctant support of Mr. Sanders's effort last week to withdraw the United States from the World Trade Organization. Make no mistake: I fully support global commerce. Almonds, which I grow on my land in Fresno, have become California's most valuable export through development of foreign markets. In fact, more than two-thirds of this $1 billion crop are shipped outside of the United States every year. So, I truly understand the benefit of opening the world to the abundance of U.S. products.

However, free trade must also be fair trade. Unfortunately, regardless of the diligent work and excellent intentions of our trade negotiators, the bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements we have entered into are not serving America well, especially the interests of American agriculture.

The evidence of our trade failures is undeniable. Over the last four years, the U.S. trade deficit has grown exponentially. This year, in spite of the Trade Promotion Authority enjoyed by the President and the plethora of agreements brought before this body, America's trade deficit is the largest it has been in nearly fifty years. More alarming is the fact that this year, though the U.S. dollar is valued well-below most other currencies, our nation will import more goods than it exports.

For the sake of the American agricultural economy, we must do better. We must make a serious evaluation of the way in which we conduct trade, beginning with the agreements we negotiate. I am reminded of a quote from the distinguished former Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, Charlie Stenholm: ``When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.''

In conclusion, my vote today was a vote of protest. I truly hope and fully expect that we will successfully enter and engage in the WTO process. However, I believe it is time for the Administration to acknowledge that all of us who are concerned about American agricultural trade policy are dissatisfied. The ``yea'' vote I cast last Thursday is my message to the Administration and my colleagues in Congress that we absolutely must develop a new trade strategy. And, throughout that deliberation, American agriculture must have a seat at the table.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Spalding Wathen of Fresno, California. Mr. Wathen served his country and his community with remarkable distinction. He is survived by his wife Della Ann Wathen and five daughters, Judy, Shelley, Leslie, Terry and Cindy. On this day, we mourn his passing, but also celebrate his life.

Born in Fresno on March 1, 1925, Mr. Wathen attended Roosevelt High School. Upon graduation he joined the military and served as a Navy pilot in World War II. After the war, Mr. Wathen returned to California where he continued his education at the University of California, Berkeley and received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. Mr. Wathen was a member of the Chi Epsilon and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Scholastic Fraternities and graduated at the top of his class.

Upon returning to Fresno, Mr. Wathen received his contractor and real estate broker licenses. His life is a fitting example of the motto: ``Hard work pays off.'' Mr. Wathen was Chief Executive Officer of Wathen Brothers, Headliner Homes and Mansionette Homes. His businesses are well known and respected for their committed effort to combine fine workmanship with affordable housing.

Mr. Wathen's business endeavors and civic mindedness brought him into contact with many community groups who recognized and applauded his efforts. He served as the President of the Builders Industry Association four times and was inducted into the West Coast Builders Association Hall of Fame in 1996. Mr. Wathen was also one of a select number of builders who were granted the Oscar Spano Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Within the community, Mr. Wathen will be remembered as a true visionary and a strong employer of local citizens. While Mr. Wathen had a keen eye for business ventures, he was also a community advocate who dedicated himself to giving back to the community that had allowed him to succeed. His numerous donations include the Fresno State University Tennis Center, the 33 acres of land upon which St. Agnes Medical Center was built, and the 10-acre site for the new Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Mr. Wathen was also a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Bank of Fresno.

The passing of Spalding Wathen has left a community in mourning. We have lost a passionate businessperson, a true leader and a committed advocate. His memory will live on, however, in the many lives he touched along the way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Fred Martella of Hanford, California. He is survived by his daughters, Loretta Montgomery, Barbara Caviezel and Celine Henning; his brother Art Martella; and his sisters Virginia Ribeiro, Dorothy Vierra and Violet Vierra. Mr. Martella's passing marks the end of a golden era.

Mr. Martella is remembered by all in the Hanford community as a kind, giving and persistently optimistic citizen. He met each challenge in life with a unique energy and spirit.

Mr. Martella's commitment to his family dates back to 1933 when he quit high school to dedicate his time to milking cows on the family farm. Undaunted by not having received a high school diploma, he successfully ran the farm and dairy, a testament to the adage that hard work and perseverance pay off.

As the years passed, Mr. Martella became well-known in the community through his volunteer activities, civic engagements, and random acts of kindness. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Sons of Italy, California Holstein Association, and Kings County Citizens for a Healthy Environment.

Despite managing the farm and dairy and participating in numerous organizations, Mr. Martella miraculously found time to help others. When it came to his attention that St. Rose-McCarthy School did not have computers, he helped collect $80,000 in donations for the school. He also assisted students of the Future Farmers of America association by finding buyers for Holstein heifers and cleaning up the grounds at the Kings County Fair. Mr. Martella's record of community service goes on forever, and the community honored him many times for his efforts.

Mr. Martella was Dairyman of the Year twice, Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 1993 and received countless other 4-H and Future Farmers of America Awards. Yet, in the face of all of these awards, he remained a humble servant of the community.

Fred Martella had a zest for life and an infectious smile and sense of humor. He serves as a prime example of how we should all live our lives. Although he will be greatly missed, his memory will live on among the many people whose lives he touched.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

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

In 2004, approximately 263 million Americans and people throughout the world visited our Nation's 388 national parks, memorials, and national monuments. This summer, we know, as we approach the Memorial Day weekend, that additional hundreds of millions of Americans and other visitors from throughout the world will continue to visit our national parks.

Mr. Chairman, I think that when American families and those from throughout the world visit our wonderful treasures across the United States, that it would be nice if the souvenirs that they take home with them were actually made in our country. I believe that it is patriotic that our souvenirs that we bring home from our national treasures, in fact, be made by American workers.

The amendment before us would require that all souvenir products sold in America's national park system prospectively be made in America. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I ask that my colleagues accept the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to read into the Congressional Record a tribute to my close friend, Mr. Paul Quinn, delivered by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tom Foley, on March 16, 2005 at the 13th National Gala of the American Ireland Fund.

They say that on St. Patrick's Day, the 33.7 million

Americans who claim Irish ancestry swell to 80 million. As

well they should!

And on St. Patrick's Day, we here in Washington celebrate

the great day as only Washington can--politically. The

Taoiseach pays a call on the President. The Speaker hosts

them both at lunch. And the American Ireland Fund holds this

dinner, as important a celebration as any of the others, and

honors those who have made contributions in advancing peace

and reconciliation in Ireland. Like the other events, it has

its political side, but with a difference. Here we sometimes

honor those whom not everybody knows, although we here know

them well.

Tonight I have the honor to introduce a man whom few here

can surpass in contributions to peace in Northern Ireland.

And almost none of us could surpass him in avoiding praise.

Because Paul Quinn keeps out of the limelight. He is one of

the most effective advocates on the major policy issues of

our times. He has been a tireless and effective friend of

Ireland, but he leaves few tracks.

What has he done for Ireland? Twenty years ago, Paul was

the first nongovernment figure to invite Northern Irish

political leaders to Washington--not to make speeches,

because who can stop the Irish from speaking?!

Paul hosted small, informal gatherings with officials,

diplomats, legislators and interested Irish Americans to

learn what was happening and to exchange views and hopes for

an end to the violence we call the Troubles.

Paul was the first to bring John Hume and major Unionist

leaders to Washington. He became a tireless lobbyist for

peace through dialogue and non-violence. I know, because as

Speaker I was frequently the target of Paul Quinn

conversations on a brighter future for Northern Ireland.

If there is anyone in this city, from the White House on

down, who can claim some small credit for the end of violence

that now seems to prevail in the North, it is Paul.

Here at home, of course, he was also a long time Director

of the American Ireland Fund, and the national chairman of

this gala for many years. There is no Irish American

initiative for justice and reconciliation in this city to

which Paul has not given both time and strenuous effort. Like

everything about which he cares deeply, Paul has made his

passion for Ireland a family affair. Besides being a behind-

the-scenes advisor to the Clinton Administration, there is

brother Tom's service as a U.S. Observer to the International

Fund for Ireland, a frequent topic of Paul's friendly

lobbying.

Yet, there is always a dark side to every family. Paul and

his brothers are Republican in the Irish sense, but there is

also the fact, kept from elderly aunts and small children,

that brother Gene is also Republican in the Washington sense.

Tom believes this is what Paul's grandfather foresaw when he

sometimes called the Quinn brothers--minus Paul--the ``unholy

alliance.''

Besides looking after and reveling in his family--

especially his two granddaughters--Paul also doubles as a

very effective but unregistered agent for the Irish Tourist

Bureau. Many a Senator or Member has asked his advice on

where to go and what to see in Ireland.

That advice is rarely limited to political matters. Paul's

single-minded determination to play every Irish golf course,

his tireless promotion of University College Dublin--where he

serves on the board of the Business School--and his limitless

fund of stories recommend him as an all-purpose source of

essential information.

Everything I have mentioned about Paul is known to many in

this room tonight, but few have the whole picture. That is

because life long modesty has masked Paul's dedicated

commitment of time and treasure, quiet leadership and

persuasive powers to the cause of peace in Ireland. Paul

inherited great gifts from his Irish family--education,

persistent application and a tradition of giving back--but he

alone has applied them so effectively and quietly to the

cause that we all share and celebrate tonight, as we honor

Paul Quinn as a true champion for Ireland and for peace.