Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to applaud Chairman McDermott and Ranking Member Weller for their leadership in bringing forward this major piece of legislation that will change so many lives across our country.

We have a lot of challenges in our different communities, and one of the largest challenges is how we can help our foster children.

Can you imagine a child sitting in a living room, maybe 5 or 6 years old or maybe 10 or 12 years old, sitting in a living room watching television or maybe playing a game. Two strangers come to the door, knock on the door, and say, ``You're now leaving. It's time for you to leave this family, and we're going to take you to a new family.'' Can you imagine the pain of that child? And in some cases it happens time and time again. Imagine two strangers showing up out of the blue to tell you that you have to move to another family.

Also imagine if you are a child that goes from family to family that you may not have the right prescription for your glasses and your family may not know that you need glasses, or you may get numerous tetanus shots as you go from family to family.

Mr. Speaker, these are some of the challenges that our foster kids are facing today in a system that is broken and needs our help and our assistance now more than ever, and we need to find creative ways to help these children and to help these families.

I have two children. Each are in their twenties. And I can assure you that after the age of 18, they keep coming home. And they are more than welcome in my home, but as Chairman McDermott mentioned, there's a lot of children that don't have a home to go to after the age of 18. So in the Nevada State Senate, I passed legislation that I think has changed a few lives in Nevada. I found a creative way to help fund a program between the ages of 18 and 21 for those children that don't have a home. It provides for education. It provides for a place for them to live, for health care, and for training. And it's generating about $1\1/2\ million a year today to help these foster kids.

I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation. And, again, I applaud our chairman and ranking member. There are some key areas of the bill that I know have been addressed, but certainly the fact that we now can help families work within families, helping grandparents and brothers and sisters and the extended family to get involved in a far faster, more efficient but also more caring way, plus the fact that there are requirements for the children to be in school and to finish school.

So, again, we need to help these kids that need our help the most. And, unfortunately, these children or that child sitting in the living room watching television today does not have high paid lobbyists that are out there pushing the needs of these children. They have Members of Congress and very caring Members of this U.S. Congress but also elected officials across the country. So I stand here today encouraging my colleagues to pass this legislation, to step up and provide these new tools for our local governments and for our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Specialist Quincy J. Green, who died on Monday June 2, 2008 of injuries sustained in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Specialist Green was killed in a non-combat related incident while operating in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Tikrit, Iraq. Specialist Green was assigned to Headquarters Company, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army in Fort Riley, Texas. 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 of Specialist Quincy J. Green. Specialist Green made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while fighting the War on Terror and defending democracy and freedom.

Mr. Chairman, Chairman Skelton and Ranking Republican Hunter, I rise in support of my Amendment to H.R. 5658, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of 2009 which has been included as part of an en bloc amendment. My Amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study to identify the mental health risks associated with the performance of individual military duties. This assessment will recognize cases of suicide by military occupation, and identify military occupations with a high incidence of suicide. More importantly the study shall suggest additional suicide prevention programs specific to military occupations with higher risk.

To my knowledge, the issue of differing suicide risks amongst military occupations has not been studied in any great depth. Colonel Michael Bartley of Nellis Air Force Base and Colonel Chris Chambliss of Creech Air Force Base have highlighted for me the unique mental health challenges that members of our military face who are on the front lines of the Global War on Terror, but located here in the States. The State of Nevada is home to Creech Air Force Base which serves as the premier host for MQ-1 Predators and MQ-9 Reapers Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

The operator of a UAV fleet is truly at the forefront of the Global War on Terror. I am greatly concerned that some military occupations, such as UAV operators, may suffer from chronic mental health disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to stress and fatigue. I feel these soldiers may not receive the same level of emotional support from their peers that they would receive if they were located overseas. Rather, they return to their families and civilian society without the appropriate outlet for dealing with the emotional tolls of their duties.

It is my hope that the Secretary of Defense will continue to address the pressing matter of the mental health strains inflicted upon our active duty service men and women. This study will help us begin to understand how the new technologies that allow us to wage wars more effectively, bring about unforeseen complications for the service men and women who volunteer to serve our Nation. I encourage my colleagues to support this common sense amendment that will provide the mental health services needed by the 21st Century war fighter.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Dr. C. Owen Roundy by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I honor Dr. C. Owen Roundy for his accomplishments within the Clark County School District, and congratulate him on having an elementary school named in his honor.

Dr. Roundy was born in 1939 in Kanab, Utah. He received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Utah State University in 1962; his Master of Education from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1963; and his Doctoral degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1977.

In 1963, Dr. Roundy began his tenure with the Clark County School District where he served as a teacher, counselor, and assistant principal. He served as a principal for 15 years at several schools including Will Beckley, Vail Pittman, and R. Guild Gray Elementary Schools. He also served as Director of Schools, Elementary Education Division; Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Division; Area Superintendent, Elementary Education Division; and as Executive Director, Human Resources Division before his retirement in 1999. In 1995, Dr. Roundy was an inductee to the Educational Hall of Fame-- Excellence in Education by the Clark County Board of School Trustees.

Dr. Roundy served on Governor Bob Miller's statewide ``Nevada 2000'' committee to identify educational goals for the State of Nevada. He served as an adjunct professor for many years at Nova Southeastern University, Las Vegas campus, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Outside the field of education, Dr. Roundy has served many years in a variety of capacities within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was active on various committees and boards for the Boy Scouts of America. He has been a member of The Desert Chorale, a professional symphonic choir, for over 20 years.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. C. Owen Roundy for his accomplishments within the Clark County School District. I congratulate him on receiving the honor of having an elementary school named in his honor, and wish him the best of luck in the future.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Captain Jason Williams by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Captain Jason Williams, for his continued service with the United States Army and his accomplishments while completing two tours in Iraq.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Williams, Captain Jason Williams is the youngest of four children and was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1995, he graduated from Western High School, and enrolled at Prairie View A-M University. After his sophomore year of college, Captain Williams enrolled in the ROTC Program upon completion of basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. As a Second Lieutenant, he earned his Bachelors of Science in Biology/Pre-medicine with a minor in Chemistry and Military Science. While in college, Jason was awarded with the Outstanding College Brother of the Year by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has also been honored with the Retired Officer Association Award and the Reserve Officer Award.

Captain Williams has served various assignments throughout his military career while serving overseas in the Republic of Korea, Friedberg Germany, and his two tours in Iraq. He received a Purple Heart during his most recent deployment in Iraq. He has also received the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Southwest ASIA Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and

the Global War of Terrorism Service Medal. Captain Williams is married to his wife Jessica, and they have one son, Joshua.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Captain Jason Williams for his accomplishments within the armed services. His leadership and the awards he has received as a result of his actions are truly commendable. I commend Captain Jason Williams for his service to our community, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor my friend Susan Segal by entering her name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Susan Segal for her service as an educator in the Nevada education system for over twenty five years.

Susan has served the Las Vegas community since she began serving the Clark County School District in 1983 when she aided non-native English speaking students. Her dedication to educating Nevada's youth continued with teaching jobs at both Western High School and Chaparral High School. Susan then transitioned into administrative positions, working as the dean of students at Basic High School in 1994 and later as assistant principal at Desert Pines High School. In 2002, Susan was appointed principal of Basic High School.

Susan has become a commanding figure at Basic High School, where she can often be seen taking a direct interest in students' welfare and seeking advice and opinions from fellow staff members. Since her installment as principal, she has implemented the Upward Bound Program, accompanied the Spanish Club to Mexico and the ``We the People'' students to Carson City. She initiated regular meetings with the Advisory Council for the Law, Justice, and Public Service Institute. She has also acquired the proper funding to open the Dr. Joel and Carol Bower School-Based Health Center on the Basic High School campus. Susan's devotion to the Clark County School District has expanded her students' high school experiences as well as Nevada's educational system as a whole.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Susan Segal. Her dedication to enriching lives through education has touched countless Nevadans. I applaud her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor my friend Colonel Michael L. Bartley by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Colonel Bartley for his distinguished service to the United States Air Force and his exemplary record as Commander of the 99th Base Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

Colonel Bartley has had a long and illustrious career as an airman. Having graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in June 1983, Colonel Bartley distinguished himself in his early duty assignments as an A/OA-10 and F-16 instructor pilot. He also performed duties as a weapons officer, flight evaluator, flight commander, assistant operations officer, deployment commander, and served as a member of the 354 TFW Gunsmoke team in 1987.

During Operation Desert Storm, Colonel Bartley flew over 40 combat missions over Iraq in the OA-10 and flew 65 combat missions over Northern Iraq in the F-16C during Operation Provide Comfort and over Southern Iraq during Operation Southern Watch as the Operations Officer of the 523rd Fighter Squadron. Following his tenure in the Middle East, Colonel Bartley served as Vice Commander of the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, Japan and was subsequently assigned to serve as the Commander of the 99th Air Base Wing at Nellis.

Over the course of his career as an airman, Colonel Bartley has been highly decorated. Colonel Bartley has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award and numerous other accolades and awards.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to be able to recognize Colonel Michael L. Bartley. His dedication to defending freedom and his exemplary record of service illustrate that Colonel Bartley is a true American patriot. I thank him for his service, applaud him on all his successes and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor my friend Captain Larry Bounty by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Captain Larry Bounty for his life and accomplishments, and applaud him for 30 successful years with the Boulder City Fire Department.

Larry began his fire service career as a volunteer Fire Fighter with the Boulder City Fire Department in 1975 while working for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at Hoover Dam. He was then hired as a full time career Firefighter in 1978 and would spend the next 30 years with the Boulder City Fire Department. During Larry's career, he has held many different positions and assignments. He was a Firefighter/EMT, an Engineer, and for the last 18 years he was a Fire Captain of A Platoon.

He was one of the department's first arson investigators and eventually, the department's only fully post certified investigator. He was also instrumental in improving the city's emergency dispatch procedures, which resulted in faster response times and saved lives. When the Boulder City Fire Department decided to upgrade its Emergency Medical System, Larry became heavily involved in the project. He helped lay the groundwork for the transition from an intermediate based program with little invasive skills, to a full-blown Advanced Life Support paramedic program which has been hugely successful throughout the community.

In the 30 years he has spent in the fire service, Larry has been honored several times for his service and valor to our community. He has been honored with both the Valley of Heroes Medal and with the Medal of Valor.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Captain Larry Bounty for his distinguished accomplishments during his 30 years at the Boulder City Fire Department. His dedication to his career and the community is a true testament to his character. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor my good friend Douglas K. Ramsey by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Douglas K. Ramsey, for his service to the United States of America during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Ramsey is truly an American patriot. Following graduate studies at Harvard University, Mr. Ramsey entered the United States Air Force and served two years as a lieutenant in the field of communications intelligence.

In 1960, following his service in the United States Air Force, Mr. Ramsey joined the United States Department of State and was assigned to the Bureau of Intelligence and Research. Mr. Ramsey arrived at his duty post in Saigon, Vietnam, on May 3, 1963. While working for the State Department's diplomatic effort in Vietnam, Mr. Ramsey served in a number of capacities, including Assistant Provincial Representative in Hau Nghia.

On January 17, 1966, Mr. Ramsey was captured by a Viet Cong ambush party while transporting food and medical instruments to assist refugees and evacuees. During his time in Viet Cong custody, Mr. Ramsey suffered from malaria as well as neglect at the hands of his captors. He was finally released on February 12, 1973.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Douglas K. Ramsey. He is truly an unsung hero and an American patriot. In these times when we often recognize the members of our armed services for their sacrifice and dedication in defense of America, we must also pause and reflect upon the service of our men and women in the diplomatic corps, who also risk their lives in defense of our way of life. I thank Mr. Ramsey for his service to America and the Boulder City community, and wish him the best in his future endeavors. As we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, I urge my fellow Nevadans to pay tribute to the service of our fellow citizens in defense of freedom and democracy.

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Requesting Member: Congressman Jon C. Porter.

Bill Number: HR 5658, The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act.

Account: Procurement of Aircraft, Air Force (APAF).

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alliant Techsystems, LLC (Nevada Air National Guard).

Address of Requesting Entity: ATK Integrated Systems, 236 Citation Drive, Ft. Worth, TX 76106.

Description of Request: I received an earmark of $5,000,000 to upgrade the Podded Reconnaissance System, also known as Scathe View, on the C-130H to provide ground and air forces critical real-time intelligence for domestic disaster relief operations and war fighter requirements. The Scathe View System has served as an important component of the Nevada Air National Guard in support of Homeland Defense and natural disaster missions. Specifically, $1.7 million will provide for 2 additional Reconnaissance Pallets and $3.3 million for the addition of a Tactical Information data link to provide near real- time multi-sensor, multi-source situational awareness and threat warning information broadcast to the war fighter in a common, readily understood format, all in sufficient time to permit action. Funding of Scathe View integration is critical to provide ACC with a tactical EO/ IR surveillance and targeting capability can capitalize on years of investment in Group A modifications to the aircraft, mission systems and training. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the Air Force's Aircraft Modifications: C-130H account. This is the last year funding will be needed to complete the program, as the 2 additional pallet upgrades would complete the Katrina modifications for 2 additional aircraft, for a total of 6 of 8 aircraft and add the Tactical Information data link to all 8 aircraft.

Mr. Speaker, according to 2006 data, nationally, 799,000 children have spent at least 24 hours in foster care and, on any given day, roughly 510,000 children were in the Nation's foster care system. In Nevada, there are currently 5,450 children receiving foster care, including 3,947 in Clark County.

My district has faced some unique challenges recently. As Southern Nevadans, we recognize the need for a nurturing environment when biological parents abuse or neglect their own children. Foster families graciously open their doors, and offer love and guidance in the most difficult of circumstances. It is critical we honor these unsung heroes.

I would like to thank Chairman McDermott for introducing this bipartisan legislation honoring the selfless service of foster families recognizing the critical role these individuals play in communities across the nation. In addition, the resolution will mark May as National Foster Care Month. I encourage all of my colleagues to support the generosity of foster parents in their districts and throughout the nation during the month of May.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Judy Alvarez by entering their names in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I honor Mr. and Mrs. Alvarez for being awarded with the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 2008 Home-Based Business of the Year, sponsored by the SBA's Nevada District Office.

RJ Communications Concepts, LLC was established by Bob and Judy Alvarez in 1995. The company began as a home based business and represents a culmination of the couple's combined 60-plus years of work within the telecommunications industry. Their experience, hard work, and dedication quickly resulted in the company expanding beyond the walls of the Alvarez's home.

Today, the company covers a wide range of services. The distribution of electronic components and testing equipment comprises over half of the company's business. The company also provides services for multiple fields, including information technology supplies, consulting, training equipment and business provisions.

In addition to the professional accomplishments, Bob and Judy have been good community partners to a variety of local non-profit organizations in Southern Nevada. Through their company, Bob and Judy helped organizations including the North Las Vegas Boys and Girls Club, the Nathan Adelson Hospice and the Sunrise Children's Foundation, among others. According to Judy Alvarez, ``We feel a level of social responsibility . . . Even if you're small you can still do something.'' Additionally, as a former member of the U.S. Air Force, Bob and his wife, Judy has also provided assistance to Nellis Air Force Base.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Judy Alvarez for their accomplishments as small business owners, their contributions to the Southern Nevada community, and for their recognition by the SBA as the 2008 Home-Based Business of the Year.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Jackie DeLaney by entering her name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Jackie DeLaney, President and CEO of Sun West Bank, for her small-business achievements throughout the Las Vegas community.

As the only female bank president and CEO in Nevada, Jackie DeLaney is credited with establishing the Sun West Bank in 1998 with one of the largest capital investments of any bank in the state. She established a board of directors and filed and received approval on all necessary regulatory applications. Sun West Bank is the only local bank owned by Nevada business professionals. The full-service bank offers a full array of business products and services including SBA and small business commercial loans as well as expansion financing. Sun West also works with the Nevada Small Business Development Center and other agencies to help entrepreneurs and prospective business owners examine how to assess their business models and understand the market.

Jackie's role at Sun West has shown a great level of devotion to the community and has been recognized by a number of community organizations for their charitable work. Sun West has also achieved national recognition for its dedication to America's Promise, which strives to improve the health and well being of America's youth. The bank has also raised funds for organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada, the Shade Tree Shelter, and Classroom on Wheels.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Jackie DeLaney and would like to recognize her contributions to small businesses throughout the Las Vegas community. I would also like to congratulate her on receiving the Financial Services Champion of the Year for the 2008 Small Business Awards.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Shaundell Newsome by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Shaundell Newsome, President and CEO of Newsome Marketing Enterprises, for his role in promoting excellence in small business throughout the Las Vegas community.

At the age of 14, Shaundell began his love for marketing while he was attending the High School of Graphic Communication Arts. While he served 10 years in the United States Air Force, he greatly enhanced his communication skills by becoming the Morale Welfare and Recreations Coordinator for his squadron. Following his service in the military, Shaundell joined Station Casinos' Marketing Department, where he helped to successfully launch the company's popular Boarding Pass Rewards Program. He then went on to serve as the marketing director at Sante Fe Station. Looking for a way to focus his attention on providing practical yet ``outside the box'' marketing solutions for small businesses, Shaundell founded Newsome Marketing Enterprises in 2006.

While working to continue his newly established marketing firm, Shaundell was often recognized for his efforts to create professional opportunities for others, particularly in the minority-business community. As a board member for the 100 Black Men of Las Vegas, he focused on creating new economic development opportunities for the non- profit organization. He also worked with Valley Center Opportunity Zone (VCOZ) to assist small minority businesses within the enterprise zone by presenting workshops, including his well-known ``Marketers Anonymous--A 12 Step Plan''. He often shares his expertise by giving personal consultation to various organizations and businesses. Shaundell also works closely with the Urban Chamber of Commerce and the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, playing a vital role in advocating for small businesses.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Shaundell Newsome and would like to recognize his small-business accomplishments within the Las Vegas community. I would also like to congratulate him on receiving the Minority Small Business Champion of the Year for the 2008 Small Business Awards.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Stephanie Tavares by entering her name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Stephanie Tavares, reporter for In Business Las Vegas for her achievements in reporting on various small business legal issues within the Southern Nevada community.

Stephanie grew up in a small town that did not have access to many big-city newspapers, but while she was still in high school, she strongly identified with a local television news anchor inspiring her to pursue a career in journalism.

She worked as a news clerk for her college newspaper, which helped to launch her love for writing, editing, and the news. For the past three years, Stephanie has reported on small business issues for In Business Las Vegas. She is credited with not only covering business issues, but with being an advocate for small business as well, learning different perspectives, policies, and the needs of the small business community. She also reports on utilities and environmental issues for the magazine.

In addition to her professional work, Stephanie donates much of her time and talent to several professional and community organizations. She is involved with the National Association of Business Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the International Studies Association. Additionally, she recently served on a panel of the 2007 Women of Color Conference. On the local level, Stephanie is a supporter of Adoption Exchange, Henderson Libraries, and Henderson Parks and Recreation.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Stephanie Tavares for her achievements in journalism for small businesses within the Las Vegas community. I would also like to congratulate her on receiving the Small Business Journalist of the Year at the 2008 Small Business Awards.