Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small federal program that is often overlooked as a way to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program, often referred to as JWOD, provides job opportunities to more than 38,000 Americans who have severe disabilities or who are blind. Under the JWOD Program, these Americans are able to secure jobs and job training necessary to receive good wages and benefits and gain greater independence, self-esteem, and quality of life. These individuals enjoy full participation in their community and are able to market the skills they have learned through their work with the JWOD Program into other public and private sector jobs.

The JWOD Program empowers people with disabilities who traditionally face an unemployment rate of 70 percent and rely heavily on social support programs such as welfare and SSI.

In my Fourth Congressional District of California and throughout the nation, PRIDE Industries, through its excellent federal-private sector partnership with NISH, is able to utilize the JWOD Program to create and sustain employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities.

On behalf of the many people with disabilities who provide important services, I salute the important contributions of the JWOD Program and PRIDE Industries headquartered in Roseville, California, and hereby commend all persons who are committed to and work towards enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, I want to compliment the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert). Putting this bill together has been very difficult and has taken a number of years. He and his staff and the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and his staff have done an outstanding job.

I remember when CALFED was first unleashed, and it was I think in 1996, and it was done in an appropriations bill. So, really, this is the first proper authorization that we have actually had, and it has been a long time in coming.

It has been mentioned that this bill brings balance between the ecological work that has been done, which has received almost all of the focus and all of the funding, and balance for water yield. Yield means water that is available in critically dry years, that is reliably available; and this bill emphasizes that and creates studies and commences processes that will produce what is needed to meet the growing needs of our State.

This bill also subjects to accountability everything that is going on in CALFED. These projects have been going on for nearly 10 years; and yet there has been very little accountability.

Now we will have the accountability that we need so that the Congress can assess what is working and what is not, and so that Congress can also assure that we are meeting all the objectives of CALFED, not just some.

I also wish to draw attention to the limitation on the water use fees that are contained in the report accompanying this bill that provides that only direct beneficiaries of projects benefiting the Bay Delta region will be subject to the beneficiary pays provision. This means that upstream water users who participate in projects to improve the region are not subject to fees or taxes imposed on beneficiaries of the project. In addition, this legislation does not authorize the creation of a broad-based fee or tax for water users. Any fee or tax that is developed will be directly proportional to the benefit received from specific projects authorized by the program.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues and appreciate the cooperation we have had. I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano) for her work and her staff and commend everyone for finally being able to bring this great package together. Everyone who cares about water and the future in California should be supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to congratulate two wonderful people and long-time family friends from the Honorable Chris Cannon's district in Utah, Dick and JoAnn Losee, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary on the Fourth of July.

Dick was born on Christmas Day in 1932 in Los Angeles, California. At the age of ten Dick and his family returned to their original hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah. It was there where young Dick developed a passion for music that became a prominent part of his life, actively participating in school bands and parades, and, after graduating from Jordan High School, accepting a job at Daynes Music Company in Provo, Utah.

In Provo, Dick became involved with a band that performed in dance halls and private parties, leading him to the love of his life, JoAnn. Searching for the best dance band around for her junior prom at Provo High School, JoAnn was introduced to Dick. The momentous meeting marked the beginning of beautiful things to come.

Like many young men of his generation, Dick was drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in the Korean war. Before heading overseas, Dick obtained an overnight pass and married his sweetheart shortly after midnight on the Fourth of July, 1954, at Fort Ord, California.

Instead of being sent to Korea, Dick was stationed in Germany, where JoAnn joined him in March, 1955. In Germany, Dick was assigned to the 2nd Armored Tank division and assigned to be in charge of the Army Dance Band in Western Germany.

In February, 1956, the happy couple returned to Provo, where Dick studied music and business at Brigham Young University, while JoAnn joined her mother in opening Bullock's Jewel Box that same year. On July 17, 1956, they were blessed with their first born, Richard. Six years later, on September 20, 1962, their beloved daughter Vanessa was born. Their children and grandchildren are a source of great pride and love for the couple.

After a short time selling life insurance, Dick joined JoAnn and his mother-in-law in the jewelry business, starting Bullock and Losee Jewelers. After 30 successful years, the original business was sold in 1985. However, Alard and Losee jewelers was later established in Provo, Alard being Vanessa's married name.

Dick and JoAnn have incorporated service into every aspect of their lives. Their dedication to their community is truly outstanding, actively participating in the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Freedom Festival, Scouting, the Miss Utah Pageant, Kiwanis Club, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additionally, the Losees are deeply committed to Utah Valley State College (UVSC), where JoAnn received the first UVSC President's Medallion, in honor of her highly commendable activity in community and civic affairs.

Mr. Speaker, Dick and JoAnn's dedication to each other, their family and community is admirable and inspiring. On the eve of their 50th Anniversary, I wish them nothing but the best in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to honor an outstanding citizen and a great friend, Mr. Vance Van Tassell, of Granite Bay, California.

Vance was born and raised in Illinois to the son of an auctioneer and pig farmer. Following in his father's footsteps, he also became an auctioneer at a young age. In fact, throughout his college career he worked as an insurance sales auctioneer and wildcat oil man. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois where he also earned a juris doctorate degree.

In the early 1960s, Vance moved to Sacramento to take the California Bar Examination. Since founding the firm of Van Tassell, Fornasero & Wagstaffe in 1963, he has practiced law for over 40 years while maintaining a thriving auction practice as well. As a testament to both the quality of the man and his business, Vance's legal staff averages 18 years of service. One staff member has even been with the firm for 35 years. This loyalty and longevity is easy to understand as Vance has always been generous to a fault with his clients, colleagues, political causes, and many charitable organizations.

Mr. Speaker, more important than his professional success is the fact that Vance is the proud father of five children: Denise, Jeff, Valerie, Victoria and Courtney.

As a devoted Christian, Vance has worshipped at the Capital Christian Center for years, being of service as a volunteer and reaching out to many with the word of the Lord. Recently, the church named him Volunteer of the Year. However, due to his great humility, he was very reluctant to accept any type of acknowledgment for his many efforts.

Vance owns his dream ranch in Point Arena, along California's North Coast, where he has a small herd of longhorn cows with a bull named after his idol, Patton. He loves nothing more than entertaining people there or at his Granite Bay home. All who know him find him to be humble, caring, and giving--in short, remarkable.

Mr. Speaker, it is because of good, decent, hard-working citizens like Vance Van Tassell, that America remains a good, decent, hard- working country. Therefore, it is appropriate now to express thanks and appreciation to my good friend, Vance, for his lifetime of bettering the world around him. May our land always be blessed with more men like him.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor a loyal patriot, neighbor, and friend. Lieutenant Colonel Frank H. Simonds, Sr., USMC (Ret), of Oakton, Virginia. Following a lifetime of dedication and service to his family and our nation, LtCol Simonds passed away on March 31, 2004, at the age of 85.

Frank was born October 1, 1918, in Sparta, Illinois. His parents, Thomas and Zuma Etta Simonds, owned and operated a grocery store while raising a family of six boys and two girls.

Frank attended Sparta Township High School and, in 1941, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education.

In August of that same year, he joined the United States Marine Corps. While in service, he flew the SBD, SB2C, F4U, F7F-3N, and the F9F-8P. Stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II, he flew out of such places as Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Munda while serving with VMSBs-144/454.

Mr. Speaker, Frank also served in the Korean War with VMF (N)'s-531/ 513. After the war, he flew VMCJ-3 in the late 1950's. He had over 5,000 flight hours and was the Commanding Officer of VMF (N)-513, VMCJ- 3, MCAS-4 and MWSG-27. For his remarkable service to the United States, he received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star, and Air Medal with four gold stars before he retired from the Marine Corps in December 1966.

Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Frank began a career with Control Data Corporation, where he worked from 1966 until his retirement in 1988. At the time of his retirement, he was the Eastern and Southeastern Regional Administration Manager and had enjoyed a 22- year career with the corporation.

He is survived by his lovely wife, Bobbie; his son, Lt. Col. Frank H. Simonds, Jr., USMC; his daughter, Kelley Simonds Hardison; his grandchildren, Michael, Lindsey and Hayley Hardison; his brother, Robert J. Simonds; and his sister, Millicent Simonds Bates.

Mr. Speaker, on a personal note, my family had the great opportunity of becoming acquainted with Frank and Bobbie when we moved to Oakton several years ago. More than just neighbors, they became very close friends. In fact, they even took on a role like unto family, and seemingly helped raise our son and daughter. For the blessing of having them come into our lives, we shall always be grateful.

Today, I join with Frank H. Simonds, Sr.'s family, friends, and community to commemorate his life of hard work, good citizenship, and

family commitment. As his friend and neighbor, I will miss him. Yet, I am confident that Frank today is happy where he is, waiting for the eventual return of his loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to express warm thanks, congratulations, and best wishes to Dr. Ronald L. Feist upon his retirement as the superintendent of the Eureka Union School District, in Placer County, CA. Ron has done an outstanding job and deserves the appreciation of students, parents, and the general public in the community he has served so well for 22 years.

Ron grew up on a farm in Minnesota, where almost no one in his family had previously attended college and most only completed the eighth grade before turning to farming. However, following the example and encouragement of many fine teachers and coaches, Ron opted to set a new precedent for his family by accepting an academic scholarship and competing in basketball at the college level.

In 1965, Ron earned a bachelor of arts degree in Chemistry/Physics from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Four years later, he completed a master of arts degree in the same field from Fisk University in Nashville, TN. Subsequently, he earned an Administrative Credential from California State University, Fullerton, in 1972 and a Doctorate of Education in Education Administration from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1978.

Ron stayed the course by becoming a coach and science teacher himself, first in his native State, then in Glendora, CA, before accepting administrative duties at Pamona Unified School District and Napa Valley School District. Then in 1977, he came to South Placer County as the principal of Oakmont High School.

In 1982, Ron launched his 22-year tenure as the superintendent of the Eureka Union School District. When he took over, the district

had only two and a half schools, 1,100 students, and negative finances. Today, as a result of his leadership, it boasts nine highly acclaimed schools, 4,250 students, and a sound financial condition, despite the difficult challenges facing state and local governments in California. Moreover, student achievement, as measured in test scores and parent satisfaction, is very high. I think it is also remarkable to note that, while heading such a successful district, Ron continued to teach school finance and law part-time at the University of LaVerne from 1988 through 2001.

Mr. Speaker, several prestigious honors have highlighted Dr. Feist's 38-year career as an educator. For example, he was the Napa County Teacher of the Year in 1974-75; in 1988, he was named the Placer County Distinguished School Administrator; in 1990-91, he was recognized as the Placer County Administrator of the Year; and in 2001-02, he was named Region 2 Superintendent of the Year. He also received the Napa Parent Teacher Association Distinguished Service Award in 1977 and the Oakmont Parents Club Outstanding Service Award in 1980.

Ron functions as the vice president of the Nevada/Placer County School Insurance Board and on the Placer/Nevada County Special Education Executive Committee. Additionally, he represented ten counties in Northern California for two years on the State Superintendency Committee of the Association of California School Administrators.

Mr. Speaker, beyond his role with the school district, Ron has been an invaluable member of the local community, having served on many boards and committees. He is the past president of the Granite Bay Chamber of Commerce, Roseville and Granite Bay Kiwanis Clubs, and Sierra Family Services, as well as past chairman of the Granite Bay Municipal Advisory Committee.

However, despite all the acclaim he has received professionally and civiclly, Ron's greatest success has occurred in the home. He and his wife of 42 years, Diane, raised three children Troy, Amy, and Heidi. In retirement, Ron looks forward to spending more time with his family, especially his nine grandchildren--Alexa, Hunter, Bryce, Jordan, Brennan, Hannah, Whitney, Devin, and Baron.

Ron will also have more time now to dedicate to his many interests, including golf, traveling, reading, cardio-training, and weight lifting. Nevertheless, it will be hard to keep him away from public education completely. He plans to do some consulting for school districts in the areas of finance and facilities.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the many people whom he has touched over the years, I thank Dr. Ron Feist for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor an outstanding citizen from the City of Auburn, California, Mr. Dunlap Robert ``Bob'' Robinson. Following a lifetime of dedication to family, country, and community, Bob Robinson passed away on March 8, 2004, following a series of strokes. He was 86 years old.

Throughout his youth, Bob attended schools in his native Auburn. While at Placer High School, he served as student body president and captain of the basketball team. In fact, he led his team to the state championship by hitting the game winning shot at the buzzer. After graduating from high school, he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a law degree from U.C. Berkeley's Boalt Hall.

Bob served admirably in the United States Navy during World War II. At the age of 27, he became the youngest naval officer to command a destroyer. He was assigned the post after surviving a kamikaze attack against the U.S.S. Caldwell. As a mark of his character and decency, he stood up to his shipmates who wanted to mistreat the charred body of the kamikaze pilot who had killed and wounded scores of Americans onboard. In fact, Bob afforded the enemy full naval burial honors for having discharged his own duties faithfully.

Mr. Speaker, those who served with him recall his bravery and leadership. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for valor in combat and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with eight battle stars for his service.

Bob was known for his courage away from battle as well. In 1943, he spoke to Placer High School students about the unfair treatment of Japanese Americans. Due to the popular sentiment at the time, this position was not very well received. He received hate mail from people in his own community. However, Bob always had a clear sense of justice. Perhaps it was this sense of justice and being the son and grandson of attorneys that instilled in Bob the desire to attend law school and follow in their footsteps. He returned to his home in Auburn where he embarked on a long legal career. He served as the Auburn City Attorney for 30 years. During this time, he was a consistent guiding hand in settling city affairs. Following his retirement from the city, he returned to the local law firm of Robinson, Lyon & Springford. Those who worked with him remember him for his honesty, intelligence, and exemplary work ethic.

Outside of his profession, Bob was an avid hunter who enjoyed the time in the beautiful natural surroundings near his home. He also served on the board of his father's favorite charity, the Auburn Community Foundation for three decades. In this capacity, he helped to enhance the city he loved.

Bob is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dulcie, daughters Linda Scott, Nina Cushing, Marty Overmiller, and Carolyn Basque; sons David Burns, and Kelly Robinson; 10 grandchildren, and seven great- grandchildren.

Today, I join with Bob Robinson's family, friends, and community to commemorate his life of committed service, good citizenship, and uncommon decency. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor an outstanding citizen, Mr. Enzo ``Tony'' Musolino from Granite Bay, California, who passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2004, after a year-long bout with leukemia. He was 73 years old.

Tony was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 15, 1930. The only child of Ernesto and Carmela Musolino, he moved to San Francisco with his family in 1940, marking the beginning of his life in Northern California.

In 1952, Tony began a life-long career in the real estate profession. He was a real estate agent, builder, and mortgage broker working throughout the Bay Area, starting in San Francisco and expanding into the Santa Clara and San Jose areas. However, in January 1976, he moved his family to Granite Bay, then a rural community in the beautiful foothills of Placer County. As it turned out, his family was among the first of many people who have migrated from the Bay Area to the greater Sacramento region. Tony's vision for his new home helped transform the community into what it is today.

Tony envisioned the development of custom homes on large lots surrounded by open natural spaces. His residential accomplishments included the development of Hidden Lakes Estates, Shelborne Estates, and the premier neighborhood of Los Lagos. He also succeeded in commercial development ventures in Washington State, the greater Sacramento area, and California's Great Central Valley. Nevertheless, he will likely be best remembered for his exclusive residential developments in Granite Bay.

Mr. Speaker, Tony, who had been semi-retired for several years, turned the management of the family business over to his children to enjoy other aspects of life. He took pleasure in several hobbies, including golf and weight training. As the son of Italian immigrants, he relished his heritage, retaining fluency in the Italian language and passion for authentic Italian cuisine. He even found enjoyment in collecting Italian sports cars, including several Maseratis and a Ferrari.

However, Tony's truest love remained his lovely wife, Barbara, with whom he enjoyed traveling to secondary homes in Kauai and Indian Wells. He is also survived by his daughter, Gina Goldberg; sons Robert and Michael; and seven grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, today, I join with Tony Musolino's family, friends, and community to commemorate his life of hard work, good citizenship, and family commitment. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to congratulate my friend, Romalo M. ``Cap'' Capovilla, as he celebrates his 80th birthday. His has been a lifetime of hard work and service.

Cap was born in Dunsmuir, California, on January 4, 1924, to immigrant parents. After graduating from Dunsmuir High School in 1942, he joined the U.S. Army Air Force. He served honorably for three years, through the end of World War II.

After his military service, Cap returned to Dunsmuir and worked as a railroad conductor for 27 years. He also owned and operated a cattle ranch for 20 years.

Mr. Speaker, Cap has long been very involved in issues related to natural resources management and agriculture. He became a member of the Shasta River Water Association in 1981. He also belonged to the Siskiyou County Cattlemen's Association, the California Cattlemen's Association, and the California Farm Bureau. He used his expertise in these areas to benefit youth. In fact, he received recognition for meritorious service to 4-H and worked many years at the junior auction.

In 1986, Cap was honored to be part of a 35-person delegation that delivered a 50-foot tall tree to Washington, DC, which became the first national Christmas tree from West of the Mississippi River.

Cap has contributed greatly to life in rural Northern California both civically and politically. In 1978, he was first elected as a member of the Siskiyou County Republican Central Committee. Two years later, he was elected to the Loan Committee of the Farmers Home Administration. For 30 years, he has been a member of the fraternal service organization, Knights of Columbus, and has served as Post Grand Knight. Additionally, he was named Knight of the Year in 1978 and 1998.

Cap is now enjoying retirement in Medford, Oregon, with his wife, Ruby.

Mr. Speaker, I take great pleasure in commending Cap Capovilla for his outstanding service to our country as a member of the Armed Forces, a community leader, and a good family man. I am personally thankful for his support and friendship.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 489) stating the agreement of the House of Representatives with the sentiment expressed by the Senate in Senate Resolution 281.

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

Mr. Speaker, this resolution is a resolution basically concurring with the sentiments expressed in Senate Resolution 281, a resolution regarding, really,

the life of Senator Simon, who unfortunately passed away this last December at the age of 75. The Senator had quite a distinguished life of many accomplishments, was during his lifetime both a journalist and an author as well as a public servant. He was prodigious in his work product, passionate in his concerns for his constituents, and cared a great deal.

I must say he and I would not have agreed on anything probably except perhaps the desire to do the best we could for our country. He was an honorable public servant and someone who is fitting should be commended.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to offer for this body's consideration House Resolution 489, a bill stating the agreement of the House of Representatives with the sentiment expressed by the Senate in Senate Resolution 281 regarding former Illinois Senator Paul Simon, who regrettably passed away on December 9, 2003, shortly after undergoing heart surgery.

The Honorable Paul Simon was born November 29, 1928, in Eugene, Oregon. At the age of 19, Simon became the Nation's youngest editor- publisher when he accepted a local Lion's Club challenge to save the Troy Tribune newspaper in Troy, Illinois. In little time, Paul created a chain of 13 newspapers in southern and central Illinois that were notable for their hard-hitting investigative journalism, as was demonstrated when one of his papers, the Tribune, exposed syndicate gambling connections in Madison County, Illinois.

Paul Simon served our Nation in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. Following his military service, Paul ran for state office and was elected to the Illinois House in 1954. He then was elected into the Illinois Senate in 1962. During his 14 years in the state legislature, he won the Independent Voters of Illinois' ``Best Legislator Award'' every session.

Simon was elected lieutenant governor of Illinois in 1968, and in this capacity, he became the people's ombudsman. He is widely credited with turning what had been a ceremonial position into a position focused on improving Government's ability to better serve its citizens.

After narrowly losing the 1972 Democratic gubernatorial primary to Dan Walker, Simon started the public affairs reporting program at Sangamon State University in Springfield, Illinois (now the University of Illinois at Springfield), and lectured during the 1972-1973 school year at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Simon was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974 and served Illinois' 22nd and 24th Congressional Districts for 10 years. During his service in the House, Simon played a leading role in drafting and enacting major legislation covering a wide range of issues, including education, disability policy, and foreign affairs. While in the House, he worked closely with former Speaker Newt Gingrich in establishing the Office of House Historian.

In 1984, Simon was elected to the U.S. Senate. During his years as a public official, Paul Simon was known for exceptional constituent service. He also was the Senate's pacesetter in convening town meetings. As a Senator, Simon held more than 600 town meetings throughout the state. He was also known for sporting fashionable bow ties, which became his trademark.

Prior to leaving the U.S. Senate, Simon ranked as Illinois' senior Senator. In November 1994, Paul Simon announced that he would retire from the Senate when his term expired January 3, 1997, ending 12 years of exceptional service to the people of Illinois and to the people of the United States.

Simon holds over 55 honorary degrees and has written 22 books. Paul Simon married Jeanne Hurley of Wilmette, Illinois, in 1960, whom he met while both served in the Illinois House. They had two children, Sheila and Martin, three granddaughters and one grandson. After his first wife passed away, Senator Simon married Patricia Derge in May 2001.

Please join me in honoring the life and service of this fine man and dedicated public servant by supporting House Resolution 489.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood).

(Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).

(Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers).

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

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

On behalf of the Committee on House Administration committee chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), and myself, I would like to thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson), and the author of the resolution, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello), and the committee staff. Please join me in honoring the life and service of this fine man and dedicated public servant, Paul Simon, by supporting House Resolution 489.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen and a close friend, Mr. William ``Bill'' Hughes, from Citrus Heights, California. Well known for his dedication to family, faith, and community, Bill Hughes passed away unexpectedly on November 25, 2003, while visiting family in Utah for Thanksgiving. He was 55 years old. Though seemingly cut short, Bill's life was, nonetheless, filled with much experience, accomplishment, and success.

Very fittingly, Bill Hughes was born on the Fourth of July in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1948. Raised on his parents' ranch, he grew up enjoying the outdoors and engaging in hard work. He could often be found on horseback, even as a small child. When the Hughes Family moved to the rural community of Orangevale in Sacramento County, California, Bill's interests grew to include flying small aircraft out of the old Phoenix Field.

After graduating from Bella Vista High School, Bill served as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, ministering among the Spanish-speaking population of Southwest Texas. Upon his return home, he met and married the love of his life, Sarah. Together, they soon started a family and settled in Citrus Heights.

Having completed a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal science at California State University, Sacramento, Bill launched a three decade career in law enforcement. Following a two-year stint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he accepted a position with the Roseville Police Department. In his 28 years on the force, he helped found the SWAT team, spearheaded the implementation of neighborhood policing, and eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant. Strangely, he passed away exactly one year from the day he retired from the department.

Mr. Speaker, Bill also displayed great concern for the future of his own community by driving the move to incorporate the City of Citrus Heights. In fact, with the birth of the City of Citrus Heights in 1997, Bill Hughes was sworn in as its first mayor. During his seven years on the city council, including three as mayor, he spurred the creation of neighborhood associations, guided major economic development efforts, and improved local law enforcement. Due to his leadership, the city is well regarded as a responsive, user-friendly local government.

In his one year of retirement, Bill fulfilled personal goals such as climbing Mount Shasta and sailing the entire coast of California. He also elevated his civic involvement by taking on increased leadership roles in regional affairs. This year, he chaired the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and was the energy behind its Blueprint Project to direct regional transportation and land use planning,

Mr. Speaker, I wish to publicly thank you and the rest of our colleagues for appropriating funding this year to support this visionary project which will help the greater Sacramento region focus and direct its development according to community desires and principles of good planning.

Despite his involved professional and civic life, Bill actively fulfilled his church and family responsibilities. He is survived by his lovely wife Sarah, daughters Yolanda and Kymbra, sons Jarom, Jashon, Corom, and four grandchildren.

As an elected official, I appreciated Bill's hard work and professionalism. As his friend of over 20 years, I appreciated his sincerity and good nature. I join with his family, friends, colleagues, and constituents in celebrating his life and mourning his passing. We will surely miss him.

Rest in peace, Bill.

Mr. Speaker, today my colleagues Mr. Pombo, Mr. Ose, and Mr. Matsui and I wish to express warm thanks, congratulations, and best wishes to Diana ``Toodles'' Hauf upon her retirement as Executive Services Director and Concierge for United Airlines, at the Sacramento International Airport. With an always helpful and

pleasant demeanor, Toodles went above and beyond, ensuring the utmost in customer service for those passengers so fortunate to be assisted by her.

Toodles began her 34-year career with United Airlines in Buffalo, New York, on April 28, 1969, where she began as the Station Manager Secretary. In a few short years, Toodles was given the opportunity to relocate to Sacramento, California to assist in the opening of the Red Carpet Club where she continued to serve until it closed ten years later. In 1984, Toodles was named Executive Services Director for Premium Travelers. Noted for her outstanding organization and leadership, Toodles has provided exemplary service to numerous Federal and State Representatives, State and Local Officials and Dignitaries. In addition to these responsibilities, Toodles directed the advance travel preparations for Former Governor Deukmejian, Former Governor Wilson, and Former Governor Davis. Toodles continued to facilitate superior customer service as the Executive Services Director and as a Concierge until her retirement.

Throughout her outstanding career with United Airlines, Toodles has received numerous accolades for exceptional service. Most notable, in 1988, she received the Airport Services Award, the Most Valuable Players Exemplary Service Award, and the Regional Award. In 1997, her hard work and dedication were again recognized with the Division Award. Furthermore, in addition to the above mentioned acknowledgements, Toodles received two gold medal medallions for safety and customer service.

Although Toodles' tenure with United Airlines has come to a close, her professional endeavors will continue to thrive as she embarks on a new career with Lyon Realtors in Roseville, California. We are certain that the talents and skills that allowed her to excel while at United Airlines will serve her just as well in her new career.

Toodles vivacious and dynamic personality will truly be missed. We thank Diana ``Toodles'' Hauf for her outstanding service and wish her well in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce The Alder Creek Water Storage and Conservation Project Act. This legislation will authorize The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, in cooperation with the El Dorado County Irrigation District, to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a water storage project on Alder Creek in El Dorado County, California.

The Alder Creek Water Storage and Conservation Project would include the construction of a dam and 31,700 acre foot reservoir that would yield approximately 11,500 acre feet of additional water supply per year. A major advantage of this location is the ability to deliver this water by gravity into El Dorado Irrigation District's existing water delivery system and to the American River to increase in-stream flows for the propagation of fallrun Chinook salmon and Steelhead trout.

Like many communities in the arid West, El Dorado County faces water supply shortages that threaten people, cities, farms and the environment. The El Dorado Irrigation District, which serves over 100,000 of my constituents, is charged with the difficult task of providing a safe and reliable water supply throughout the region for all of these competing interests. Severe drought periods, like we are experiencing now, and explosive growth rates that are occurring in portions of El Dorado County, have made this task even more arduous. EID deserves great credit for developing alternative sources of water, such as recycled water, to ease the burden of inadequate supplies. In fact, all new developments within The El Dorado Irrigation District's service area are hooked up to recycled water lines that run in the front and back of the properties which conserves precious drinking water. However, if current trends continue, which all indications say they will, other alternative sources of water will be required in order to keep up with demand. To avoid a crisis, the District is in the process of developing a comprehensive plan to protect against multiple- year drought events. The Alder project would be a key component in the Districts overall drought protection strategy that would also include water banking and intergovernmental agreements.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that this legislation be given prompt consideration so that the benefits of this important project can be realized in a timely manner.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to express warm thanks, congratulations, and best wishes to Thomas J. Aiken, upon his retirement as the Central California Area Manager of the Bureau of Reclamation (Bureau). Tom has done an outstanding job in a difficult position, and he deserves the appreciation of both his colleagues and the general public.

Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tom earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Colorado State University in 1964. At the same time, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army. He served dutifully as a Unit Commander for the Military Advisory Corps in Vietnam.

Following his military service, Tom began his three-decade career with the Bureau. In 1974, he joined the Mid-Pacific Region as the Administrative Officer for the Auburn Dam Construction Office. After the Auburn Dam

project was stalled shortly thereafter, he became the region's Budget Officer for six years. Subsequently, from 1984 to early 1993, Tom was the Assistant Regional Director for Administration, overseeing such functions as personnel, budget, finance, procurement, and computer processing.

In 1993, Tom received his final and perhaps most challenging position with the Bureau--that of Manager of the Central California Area office. The area includes the Folsom and Nimbus Dams and the Folsom South Canal on the American River, New Melones Dam on the Stanislaus River, and Lake Berryessa located between Napa and Winters.

Mr. Speaker, many of the issues relating to the facilities and watersheds in the Central California Area have been controversial, yet Tom has constantly sought to serve the public's best interest. As a veteran of California's renowned water wars, Tom has frequently had to be a facilitator amongst numerous competing interests. Despite the challenging and often unpleasant nature of this position, he has weathered it with patience and a continuing willingness to stand on principle.

One such example that has been of special importance to me has been Tom's unwavering support of the Auburn Dam. For three decades, Tom has helped promote the need to build the Auburn Dam by championing its unmatched ability to provide flood protection, water supply, hydroelectric power, recreational opportunities, and environmental benefits. Tom rightly recognizes that the Auburn Dam is the only solution to the Sacramento region's water management needs, and he has been one of the few who has stood steadfast in that position despite the misguided opposition of those in the environmental community and from within the Bureau itself. Tom's commitment to the Auburn Dam is nothing less than a testament to his dedication to faithfully uphold the Bureau's mission of providing a reliable water supply to the West in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Tom has received several honors for his good work, including the National Administrative Support Units' Annual Award for Executive Leadership in 1991, Who's Who in Government Service in 1990, and the Interior Department's Meritorious Service Award in 1984.

As he retires from public service, Tom will be free to spend more time with his family, including his wife, Linda, his children, Joe and Me'Shay, his step-daughters, Jennifer and Lisa, and his five grandchildren. Also, he will have more time to pursue his oil painting and show his 1934 Ford hot rod. His family's gain is the public's loss.

Mr. Speaker, one thing is certain--Tom Aiken's expertise, cooperative attitude, clear thinking, and toughness will certainly be missed in California's water community.