Floor Statements

Offered By: Mr. Porter

Amendment No. 56: Page 183, line 16, after ``low-income

women'' insert ``, including women who are victims of

trafficking in persons,''.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate this opportunity. I'd like to thank my colleagues, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley from Nevada and Congressman Dean Heller for being cosponsors.

I'd like to talk for a moment about the infamous Yucca Mountain project, probably the most studied piece of real estate on the planet as we know it today. That is because the Department of Energy and Members of this Congress are trying to prove to the American people that the Yucca Mountain project is safe.

Unfortunately, in the last budget of last year, 60 percent of that budget was spent redoing problems with a broken project at Yucca Mountain.

Mr. Chairman, it's broken. Study after study after study have proven that it's a broken project; not only broken, but it's a colossal waste of taxpayers' dollars. Thousands, if not millions of millions of dollars have been spent on investigating the Yucca Mountain project to look at their flaws.

My committee last year alone, we looked at thousands of e-mails where the science had been falsified. They've spent over $20 million fixing the project from the research that we had done in my committee.

Mr. Chairman, if it was Wall Street that was looking at this project, they would shut it down. Most every senior management personnel at Yucca Mountain and the Department of Energy regarding the disposal of nuclear waste have either quit or left the project.

Terrorism is another issue. We're trying to put millions and millions of tons of nuclear waste in one spot. It creates an additional terrorist target.

It's an unproven science, but yet we're going to roll this nuclear waste through communities across our country.

Mr. Chairman, the bottom line, even if I supported the project, which I don't, even if I was a nuclear industry, which I'm not, I would say it's the biggest waste of taxpayers' dollars. It's literally a hole in the ground.

I would encourage that Members of this Congress visit Yucca Mountain. It is a $12 billion waste of money. If I were the nuclear industry, if I were this Congress, I would find another site. I would store it on site or find some other location.

The science is broken. Time and time again, we have found that it's a flawed project, it's flawed science. If it were another project, if it was a school bus, if was a space shuttle, with this many errors and this many problems we would stop the project.

I encourage this Congress to support my amendment striking $202 million from this very flawed project.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and an adamant opponent of Yucca Mountain, Shelley Berkley from Nevada.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the comments of my colleague from Ohio. But I believe there are Members of Congress that are in a rush to find a place. They have spent 20 years in a rush. And in the midst of that time, we have created a project that is a colossal waste of taxpayers' dollars. We need to find a site that is safe.

I support nuclear energy. I do not support the waste being in Nevada because it is absolutely broken.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate this time and encourage this Congress to stop the funding of this very flawed project and find a site that is safe for the American people.

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

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Offered By: Mr. Porter

Amendment No. 29: Page 21, strike line 22 and all that

follows through page 24, line 9.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Brigadier General James C. Hall, Colorado National Guard (Retired).

James C. Hall was born into a coal mining family with 10 children in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania on April 14, 1926. He is the youngest son and followed in the footsteps of five of his older brothers when he joined the Army during World War II at age 17. He served as an airborne radio operator and later a flight engineer throughout his service in the Pacific theater. After returning from World War II, Mr. Hall re- enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was awarded a direct commission into the new United States Air Force. Mr. Hall received his Bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico and is a graduate of the Army Parachute School at Fort Benning, GA, the Advanced School at Fort Bragg, NC, and U.S. Forest Service Smoke Jumper's School.

Throughout 36 years of military service and the rest of his civilian life, he became a pioneer in parachuting. Mr. Hall is a Master Parachutist with more than 1800 jumps. He started the parachuting program at the United States Air Force Academy which is the safest program of all similar service schools. In 1959 Mr. Hall and a partner organized the first professional parachuting firm in the world which led to many innovative advances in its field. His hit television show ``Ripcord'' has been noted as starting the modern conception of parachuting as a sport. He pioneered the ``Buddy System'' for free falling and the ``4-line-cut'' for emergencies in parachuting. Mr. Hall has been honored and cited numerous times. He has received such accolades as the AFA Medal of Merit, the Citation of Honor for his MIA/ POW program, the Exceptional Service Plaque, the AFA Presidential citation, the Colorado Man of the Year, Leo Stevens Parachute medal, and the Colorado Meritorious Service Medal. As a founding member of Colorado's Wright Brothers Memorial foundation, he was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame in 1985.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Brigadier General James C. Hall. I thank him for his honorable service to our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Henderson, Nevada, Chamber of Commerce. The Henderson Nevada Chamber of Commerce has been serving the Henderson community as a private, non-profit voluntary organization since 1945. They are committed to the civic, commercial and industrial growth and development of Henderson. Much of the area's economic success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the Chamber.

The members of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce divided themselves into issue committees in order to prepare according to their predominant interests. The following are the committees and those who are leading those committees: Kristine Shattuck--Transportation; D.J. Allen and Francine Mayfield--Education; Scot Muelrath and Bob Unger-- Water; David Chavez--Taxes; Ben Brown; and John Holman--Bureau of Land Management; Charles Perry--Homeland Security; Arnold Lopez and Rick Smith--Yucca Mountain; David Dahan--Health Care; and Laird Sanders-- Small Business Administration. In addition, Karen Marshall, Alice Martz, Diane Holman, Gayle Rogers, and Richard are contributing to the weeklong event.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor The Henderson Chamber of Commerce. I would like to personally thank all of those participating for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with Members of Congress as well as members of the Administration for the Inaugural Henderson on the Hill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3, Expanding Stem Cell Research.

During the recorded vote on this important bill, I was required to be back in my home district to assist my mother, who is having surgery.

I believe stem cell research holds enormous promise for easing human suffering. Embryonic stem cell research could lead to cures that could dramatically improve lives. However, it is important to note that while I disagree with the creation of human embryos for scientific purposes, I agree that embryos created as a by-product of in vitro fertilization, which would otherwise be destroyed, should be allowed to provide greater insight into the myriad afflictions that can potentially be alleviated through stem cell research.

As with all scientific endeavors, we must ensure that the limitless bounds of science do not infringe on the beliefs that we hold as ethical human beings. For this reason, I categorically oppose the harvesting of embryos for scientific research as well as any attempt to use our scientific knowledge to clone human beings.

I would like the Record to reflect that I have been and will continue to be supportive of Stem Cell Research and that I would have voted yea had I been present. Federal support is critical to its success which is why I will continue to support ethical Stem Cell Research.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Edward Hardeman and The Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) Unit at Centennial High School in Las Vegas, NV for being named the 2007 Navy League Most Outstanding Unit in the nation.

Captain Hardeman oversees 215 cadets along with Senior Chief Tom Borders and Petty Office Gail Johnson. The Naval JROTC Unit is in its sixth year at Centennial High School which received 7th overall in the nation at the NJROTC National Drill, Physical Fitness, and Academics Championships in Florida this past April. They were also awarded the Captain Jim Harvey Best School Sportsmanship/Spirit Award for the third time in four years; a feat no other school in the nation has ever accomplished.

Centennial High School's Naval JROTC Unit has been awarded the 2007 Navy League Most Outstanding (Best) Unit in the nation by the National Navy League, and is only the second unit in the nation to have been unanimously selected for this honor. The NJROTC program has 625 units throughout the world, including schools in Japan, Guam, and Spain.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Captain Edward Hardeman and the Naval JROTC Unit at Centennial High School for their tremendous achievements.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Heather Wilder a recent recipient of the 12th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Award from Nevada in 2007.

Heather Wilder is currently in the seventh grade at Ernest Becker Middle School. Heather is being recognized for writing a series of 10 booklets to help foster children cope with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that often affect foster children. These informative booklets are based on Heather's own experiences in the foster services. She wrote the ``ABCs'' of foster care, and then with a grant from the City of Las Vegas, she was able to print these booklets which were distributed to orphanages, counseling centers, mental health hospitals and the Department of Child and Family Services.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Heather Wilder and her achievements in providing hope and understanding in foster care situations. I wish Heather continued success in her efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mollie Singer a recent recipient of 12th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Award from Nevada in 2007.

Mollie Singer is currently a senior attending Nevada State High School. At the age of 4, she was diagnosed with diabetes and now it is her goal to vigorously raise money and promote awareness of the disease. Each year Mollie organizes a team to participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk to Cure Diabetes, her efforts have raised over $100,000 for the foundation. Mollie also organizes luncheons, picnics and other events to collect money for medical research.

In addition to her efforts on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Mollie has educated the public by co-authoring a booklet called ``The Road to a Cure'', produced a video diary, and made public announcements. She has also formed a support group for those diagnosed with the disease. For her efforts, Mollie will receive a $1,000 award along with a silver medallion and a trip to Washington D.C. for her dedication to volunteering for this very worthy cause.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Mollie Singer. Her efforts to raise awareness and find a cure for Diabetes are commendable. I wish Mollie continued success in her efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Luzviminda Banaria, R.N., who has distinguished herself as an outstanding nurse and citizen.

Ms. Luzviminda Banaria has worked at the University Medical Center for over 16 years as a Registered Nurse. She has worked as the pediatric coordinator, and currently is in the surgical department. Ms. Banaria holds many certifications as a nurse, but also serves her community in many ways. She is currently the secretary for the Philippine Nurses Association in Nevada and has been since 2004. She has also served with the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Committee, the board of directors for Luzon Philippine Association of Nevada, and the Bicolanos of Nevada. Ms. Banaria currently serves as the treasurer of the National Federation of Filipinos Association of America and was the vice president of Western UST Nurses Alumni Association of America from 2004-2006. She has even extended a helping hand by sponsoring two patients in the Philippines in need of medical care. Ms. Banaria also helped coordinate medical missions to the needy in the Philippines. She truly has helped many people in the Las Vegas Valley as well as in the Philippines.

Madam Speaker, it is my personal honor to recognize Luzviminda Banaria, R.N., in her outstanding service. I applaud her efforts and wish her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rev. Marjorie Kitchell, who has dedicated 40 years of service to the Christian Center Church.

Rev. Kitchell, who moved to Boulder City in 1967 to begin her work with the Christian Center Church, opened the Christian Center Daycare and Preschool shortly after her arrival. The daycare, which is Nevada's longest running licensed daycare, and the preschool have proved to be valued and trusted centers of early education. Since 1972, Rev. Kitchell has served the congregation of the Christian Center Church as the senior pastor. In addition to her service to the people of the Christian Center Church, Rev. Kitchell was the past Boulder City Police Chaplain, has served on the Boulder City Juvenile Conference Committee, was the past president and a current member of the Boulder City Ministerial Association and currently serves as District Supervisor of her denomination's churches in the Henderson and Las Vegas area. In addition to her work throughout the community, Rev. Kitchell is the author of numerous articles and a book, My Mother's Keeper.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Rev. Marjorie Kitchell. Her work is commendable and I thank her for her dedication and commitment to the community and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Donna Volner, who is retiring from Clark County after 15 years of distinguished service.

Donna, who is from Los Angeles, CA, began her career in Missouri where she initially served as a clerk/typist for Missouri State Welfare. During her tenure with the Missouri State Welfare, Donna exhibited her tireless dedication and her great abilities and by the end of her 14 years of service. As a result of her commitment and dedication to serving others, Donna was named County Director.

Donna's work for Clark County began in the early 1990s, when she accepted a position as an eligibility worker for Clark County Social Services. In 1995, Donna transferred to the Neighborhood Justice Center, where she served the community for 12 years. After retiring from Clark County, Donna plans to continue her service to the Clark County Community as a volunteer for Clark County Social Services and at the local Ronald McDonald House.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Donna Volner. Her tireless work for Clark County has improved the lives of countless people. I thank her for her dedication and commitment to the community and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary Waddell, a Senior Television Anchor and community philanthropist.

Mr. Gary Waddell is a graduate of Brown Institute of Broadcasting in Minneapolis, and attended the University of Minnesota. Mr. Waddell began his broadcasting career working as a disc jockey for a local radio station while in college. He was a reporter for WFLD-TV in Chicago, and covered the 1968 Democratic Convention as well as the federal trial of the Chicago Seven. In 1971, he moved to Las Vegas to work for KORK-TV as an anchor. Mr. Waddell is currently the Senior Television Anchor at KLAS-TV and has been an anchor with the station for over 20 years.

In addition to his professional career, Mr. Waddell contributes his time to many charitable events and organizations in Southern Nevada, including the Lied Discovery Children's Museum, the Nevada Senior Games, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Kiwanis Teacher of the Year Awards and the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. Mr. Waddell also is a member of the Board of Directors for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Mr. Waddell was honored with the Best Television Anchor Award by the Las Vegas Review Journal's ``Best of Las Vegas'' poll and along with his colleague Paula Francis, received the Best Anchor Team Award in the Women in Communications Electronic Media Awards.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Gary Waddell in his efforts to help make Southern Nevada a better place. I applaud his willingness to help others and wish him the best.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Marcia Neel, who, after serving the Clark County School District for nearly 30 years, will retire this year. She is an outstanding educator whose commitment to our community has made a profound difference to the students of Clark County School District.

Marcia currently serves as the Supervisor of the Secondary Music Program of the Clark County School District, where she oversees the music education of over 50,000 students. Marcia is a leader in the field of music education and she has served as President of the Nevada Music Educators Association on two separate terms. Marcia has also served as President of the Nevada Choral Directors Association and is a member of the National Executive Board of the National Association for Music Education (MENC). Marcia has also been recognized for her distinguished work in the classroom. In 1993, Marcia received the Nevada Music Educator of the Year Award. She was also recognized in 1993 by the Disney Channel as the National Performing Arts Teacher of the Year.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Marcia. Her passion and love of teaching have greatly enhanced the educational experience of many students in the Clark County School District. I thank her for her dedication and commitment and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of SSG Coby G. Schwab, a true American hero, who died on Thursday, May 3, 2007 of injuries sustained in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sergeant Schwab died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to the 321st Engineer Battalion, United States Army Reserve stationed out of Hayden Lake, Idaho.

Staff Sergeant Schwab was a hero whose desire to serve his country will forever make an impact on his family, his community and his country. He joined the United States Army to serve his country in the Global War on Terror. He will not only be remembered for his sacrifice and willing service, but for the extraordinary person that he was. His warmth and optimism brightened the lives of his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life SSG Coby G. Schwab. He acted heroically and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while fighting the War on Global Terror defending democracy and freedom.