Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rebecca A. Johnson, principal of Kirk

Adams Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada and recent recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards program recognizes and rewards outstanding teachers, principals, and education professionals who go above and beyond to achieve excellence in education. Since the first award was presented in 1987, over 2,200 recipients have this prestigious award. Ms. Johnson was one of the 100 educators chosen for 2006-2007 school year and the 78th Nevada educator to win.

Ms. Johnson's long career as an outstanding educator and an effective administrator has earned her this much deserved national recognition. For the past 17 years, Ms. Johnson has served the Clark County community where her insight, guidance, and leadership have propelled academic improvement in students of all levels and abilities.

As principal of Kirk Adams Elementary School, Ms. Johnson has implemented several programs that have not only inspired student successes but have also enhanced the professional lives of the teachers on her staff. Adams Elementary is one of only four schools in the Clark County School District to be designated as an empowerment school. This distinction allows the administrators of Adams Elementary to have more control over the school's budget and curriculum.

Most notably, under Ms. Johnson's leadership, the school has seen teacher turnover rate reduce to less than 10 percent. Finally, through the establishment of a Professional Learning Community, Ms. Johnson has created an environment in which teachers, parents, students, and the community work together to facilitate student success.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Ms. Johnson and her achievements. I wish Ms. Johnson continued success in her career in primary education.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my friend Larry Kay Barton who passed away January 30, 2007.

Larry Kay Barton was instrumental to the development of the Las Vegas community. Having served as the deputy city manager of Las Vegas in 1985 and in 1993 and as the city manager between 1993 and 1997, he helped facilitate the exponential growth of the region. Larry was involved in many projects that revitalized the historic districts during his time as city manager such as the Lewis and Fifth Streets Corridors and he played a major part in making the Freemont Street Experience come together. Other significant achievements he made during his time as city manager of Las Vegas were leading negotiations and facilitating the land assemblages for the Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse and the Regional Justice Center as well as the Las Vegas Technology Park and Enterprise Park developments. One of his biggest focuses was to make the city more efficient, so he created the Development Services Center and Express Plans check process for building projects in order to streamline permit approvals. I had the great pleasure of working with Larry in my capacity as Boulder city councilman, Boulder city mayor and later during my tenure in the Nevada State Senate.

In addition to Larry's long time commitment to serving the Las Vegas community, he also served as an Airman in the United States Air Force for over 30 years. He started as a fighter pilot in 1956 and subsequently became a command pilot and logged over 3,500 flying hours and flew more than 200 combat missions. Later, Larry served as a director of operations, a wing commander of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing and ultimately become vice commander.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend Larry Kay Barton. As the city manager of Las Vegas, he led with integrity and greatly enriched the lives of those in the Las Vegas community. Larry was a true patriot, having devoted his life to his community and country. His dedication to service should serve as an example to us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Sandy Peltyn, for her work and involvement in the Las Vegas community.

Since Sandy's move to Las Vegas in 1981, she has become very active in both fund-raising and organizing major events in the community. She is very involved in a number of organizations including: the Jewish Asthma Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Kids for Homeless Kids, Nevada Dance Theater Guild, Women's Center at UNLV, Latin Chamber of Commerce Miss Nevada-USA Pageant, Mrs. United States Pageant for the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, Golden Rainbow, Nevada Opera Theater, Opera Las Vegas, Oasis, Veterans in Politics, UNLV School of Medicine, Dean's Council, Clark County Pro Bono Projects, The Arthritis Foundation, Community College of Southern Nevada Fund Raising Committee, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, The UNLV Sierra Wind Quintet, Safe House, American Heart Association, Kidney Foundation, Nevada Association of the Handicapped and Children's Charities.org. She has raised over four million dollars for these charities.

Sandy has also been recognized for her achievements with the International Friendship A wards by the Nevada Opera Theatre, the Volunteer of the Year Awards from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Politician of the Year Award by the Filipino Community of Nevada and the Woman of the Year by Fit for Tomorrow. In addition to all of her other community achievements, she was recently appointed as one of the five members of Medical Liability Association of Nevada and President George W. Bush appointed her to a member of the President's Advisory Committee on the Arts at the Kennedy Center.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Sandy Peltyn for her community activism which has enriched the lives of many in the community. I applaud her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, the Iraq war is the single greatest issue facing the American people today, and we must get the job done. Which is why I rise today in opposition to H. Con. Res. 63.

My prayers go out to Nevada's 26 families who have lost loved ones in this war and the other over-3,000 American citizens that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I continue to pray for those who are in the war zone today around the world and for the families here at home.

Yes, a lot of mistakes have been made, but it is easy on Monday morning to look back and criticize. This war on terrorism is not in the textbooks. It is a war that must continually be reassessed, realigned, and restructured, because war is not perfect.

I want to bring the troops home just as soon as possible, as soon as the region is secured. There are no guarantees, but I believe the quickest way to bring our sons and daughters home is to send additional troops for a short period of time.

Madam Speaker, I oppose this resolution for three major reasons:

Number one, the impact on troops' morale.

Number two, there are no solutions today. This resolution sticks with staying the course.

And, number three, I believe this resolution puts us in the pathway of cutting off funds desperately needed for our troops.

First, on the morale: I have had the honor to be in the Middle East, in Southeast Asia, in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan on three occasions, I believe more times than anyone in our delegation from Nevada. I have looked in the eyes of these young men and women of all ages in the deserts of Iraq, in Bethesda, and in Walter Reed Army Hospital.

To a person, morale is at an all-time high. But what I do hear consistently from these folks is they are afraid that Washington has looked the other way. They don't want to be the last man killed, and they are afraid the funds are going to be reduced and cut off.

And, you know, I even disagree with Secretary Gates and his perspective, and certainly with the Democrats with their approach that this debate does not send the wrong message. I believe that you are wrong. It does.

I received this e-mail just this week from a soldier I spent Christmas Eve with in Baghdad this past Christmas. And he said, ``Congressman, every day we are burdened with stories in the media of the American people wanting to cut and run, with slanted coverage of atrocities and the argument that it is possible to support the troops but not the war. I disagree, Congressman. Someone that supports me by extension supports my efforts to accomplish my mission.''

Madam Speaker, I hope this Congress heeds his words.

Another young man from Nevada visited the Capitol last year, wanted a tour of the Capitol, is proud of his uniform, because he was a soldier serving in the Middle East. But he was afraid he would be scorned, not unlike our family and friends that were scorned when they returned from Vietnam.

Through this resolution we are going to continue to send the wrong message to those who humbly protect our Nation.

The second reason, there are no solutions in this resolution. My father taught me a long time ago that before you complain you need to have a solution to the problem.

The Democrats have not presented the American people with a solution, only a resolution that endorses stay the course, which, as we saw in November, is unacceptable to the American people. This is not about leadership. This is unacceptable. I am open for ideas and suggestions as we fight this war on terror, but we must, we must win this war.

The third reason, this resolution opens the door to cutting funds desperately needed by our troops. The Democrats have said it time and time again. They are talking about cutting funds for body armor, for food, for military equipment and supplies.

This resolution, and their assertion this resolution simultaneously offers support for soldiers but not the President's plan, is disingenuous. I am deeply concerned that this resolution merely opens the door for Congress to move forward cutting off funds for our troops. We have heard it this week, and simply had the Democrats allowed the Republicans to add one sentence that we would guarantee we would not reduce the funds, would have changed the whole outcome of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity, but this resolution is a resolution of hypocrisy. The American people spoke in November and said we must not stay the course. I cannot support this resolution, and I don't believe the American people do.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Chester Richardson who passed away on January 2, 2007.

Chester made a profound impact on the Las Vegas community during his lifetime. Chester possessed a vast knowledge of the gaming industry, expertise obtained while working as the surveillance manager of the Luxor Hotel and Casino as well as his experiences as vice-chairman of the Southern Nevada workforce Investment Board, chairman of the SNWIB Programs/Performances committee, and chairman of the SNWIB Youth Council.

Chester also dedicated his life to his community. He was instrumental in the development of the first drug abuse prevention community based organization in northern Nevada, was a field investigator for the Reno/ Sparks NAACP Branch investigating labor complaints and served four terms as the local NACCP election chairman. Chester was very much involved in designing a successful affirmative action plan and began the elimination of the Rule of Three in the State legislature. Chester also assisted local businesses in obtaining over $300,000 in micro business loans. His other accomplishments include serving as the Nevada General Secretary and as the first Grand Worthy Patron of the Nevada International Free and Accepted Modern Masons. Chester was also an associate minister for the Second Baptist Church in Las Vegas.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and the legacy of Chester Richardson. His dedication to service and community was truly exemplary and should serve as an example to us all. Chester will be profoundly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Harry Noonan and recognize him for his exemplary service in defense of freedom and posthumously award him with the Jubilee of Liberty Medal.

On June 6, 1944, the United States and its allies embarked on the largest air, land, and sea invasion ever undertaken. This massive effort included 5,000 ships, 10,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 American, British, Canadian, Free French, and Polish Troops. During the 50th anniversary of this historic event, the French Government awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal to American servicemen for their participation in the Battle of Normandy.

Harry served in the United States Army, 194th Glider Infantry Regiment in Normandy, Northern France, and the Rhineland. For his heroism and valor, Harry was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Service Arrowhead, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Service Medal.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Harry Noonan who passed away on February 13, 2007. His service and dedication to this country exemplified the sacrifices of the ``Greatest Generation.'' He was truly a great American patriot.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Fred Gutierrez who has diligently served the Las Vegas community for 36 years as a Metropolitan Police Officer.

Fred Gutierrez was the longest-serving police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department. Fred was one of seven current officers who worked for the Las Vegas Police Department or Clark County Sheriff's Department before they consolidated in 1973. Fred was dedicated to serving the public and found his efforts could best be put to use by moving from the traffic section in 1977 to patrolling the Las Vegas valley's roadways and investigating accidents. It was there that he felt he could accomplish the most and spent the next 24 years in this division. In 2001, he moved to the agency's DUI detail to help research the criminal background of those arrested for driving under the influence.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Fred Gutierrez. His commitment to protecting the Las Vegas Metropolitan community and exemplary record of service is admirable. He serves as an example to all of us and I wish him the best in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Ruvo, founder of the Keep Memory Alive Foundation and the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute.

Larry Ruvo is a pillar in the Las Vegas community. He is a business leader and philanthropist with an extraordinary commitment to improving the world around him. Larry is senior managing partner of Southern Wines and Spirits and has contributed in a number of ways to Southern Nevada. Larry spearheaded the establishment of UNLVino wine tasting, America's largest single-day wine tasting charitable event, raising millions of dollars for the students of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at UNLV. Larry is also a founding member of the Young Presidents' Organization, Nevada Chapter and a member of the World Presidents' Organization, as well as a board member of the Nevada Ballet Dance Theater and the American Gaming Association. For his efforts, Larry has been recognized as Man of the Year by the Muscular Dystrophy Association and received Man of the Year honors from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the Food and Beverage Directors Association.

Although all of these accomplishments have contributed immensely to the enrichment of the southern Nevada community, Larry Ruvo's vision and commitment to fighting Alzheimer's disease is perhaps his most important contribution. After experiencing the devastating loss of his father, Lou Ruvo, to Alzheimer's disease, Larry worked with members of our community as well as prominent members of the medical community to found the Keep Memory Alive Foundation to raise funds for the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute. Since its founding, the Keep Memory Alive Foundation has become one of Las Vegas's most important charity initiatives and a key participant in the Nation's fight against Alzheimer's disease. As a result of the foundation's proactive mission to fight neurological diseases, the Keep Memory Alive Foundation has raised more than $20 million and recruited leading specialists to become a part of this vital project. This month, the foundation will break ground on the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, which will become an incredible force for researching and developing new treatments for neurological diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Larry Ruvo. Through a number of endeavors he has greatly enriched the lives of those in the Las Vegas community. I commend his efforts in the fight against Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases. I express my sincerest gratitude for his vision and his commitment to this important cause and I congratulate him on the opening of the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my friend, Jimmie Jack Knox Sr., who died December 5th, 2006.

Jimmie was the former owner of Boulder City Marine, but his biggest accomplishments were serving and playing an active part in the community. He was always eager to get involved in community activities and philanthropic efforts. He was a member of the Rotary International, Boulder City Elks Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, and a co-founder of Operation Godspeed. Jimmie served as the president of the National Midget Racing Association. In addition he was Vice President of Public Relations for St. Jude's Ranch for Children in which he assisted St. Jude's with grants that have provided new playgrounds and educational classroom facilities to expand the outreach program.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend Jimmie Jack Knox Sr. for his work on behalf of Boulder City community. His was dedicated to the community and enriched countless lives in southern Nevada. He was truly a distinguished humanitarian and will be profoundly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Eugene Eisenman, who passed away on January 29, 2007.

Eugene Eisenman was born on August 15, 1945 in St. Augustine, FL, and studied medicine at the Universadad Autonoma in Guadalajara, Mexico. Eugene completed his medical residency at Tulane University in New Orleans where he specialized in obstetrics. In 1981, Dr. Eisenman moved to Nevada to practice medicine. Throughout his 25-year medical career in Nevada, he served as chairman of Sunrise Hospital's Obstetrics Department and was president of the Clark County OB-GYN Society. During his many years of devoted service to the community, Dr. Eisenman delivered thousands of babies and cared for his patients with enduring compassion.

In addition to Eugene's many years of service to the medical community, he also served his country as an airman in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war, was a member of the Chabad Synagogue in Las Vegas, and dedicated himself to his family and community.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and the legacy of Eugene Eisenman. His lasting dedication to the community should serve as an example to us all. I applaud his efforts and his life's work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathleen Dye, the executive director of the Southern Nevada Chapter of HomeAid. She leads an organization which tirelessly works to better the lives of all Nevadans.

HomeAid is a non-profit organization that seeks to construct and renovate shelters for temporarily homeless families and individuals. In addition, every HomeAid project includes support services that help residents move toward self sufficiency, such as educational and job training, as well as physical and emotional support.

It is with this mission in mind that Kathleen is leading HomeAid's efforts to help renovate the St. Jude's Ranch for Children's Boulder City campus. HomeAid has undertaken this effort along with a team of more than 100 volunteer subcontractors since early January.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Kathleen Dye. Her work with HomeAid and efforts on behalf on Southern Nevada's homeless is truly commendable. Her enthusiastic and dedicated approach has helped and inspired numerous Nevadans to better their lives. Kathleen Dye and the volunteers and staff of the Southern Nevada Chapter of HomeAid have made a profound difference in our community and we are most fortunate to have such a civic minded organization in Southern Nevada. I applaud her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Christine Spadafor- Clay, the C.E.O. of St. Jude's Ranch for Children.

Christine is the first woman and non-clergy person to run St. Jude's Ranch for Children in its 39-year history. St. Jude's Ranch for Children provides a safe and caring environment for abused, abandoned, and neglected children. Since starting, Christine has overseen a number of organizational changes including updating the record-keeping process and reshaping the organizational structure system. In addition, Christine was instrumental in facilitating a much-needed renovation of the Boulder City campus.

The St. Jude's facility is spread over 40-acres in Southern Nevada and consists of 24 buildings. Over the years the facilities have come into disrepair and are in need of significant refurbishment. Now, due to Christine's leadership, St. Jude's is finally receiving the renovation it deserves. As a result of sizable contribution from a Southern Nevada non-profit, HomeAid, and its partner, Pardee Homes, eight cottages will be completely renovated and the campus will get new landscaping.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Christine Spadafor-Clay of St. Jude's Ranch for Children. The service that they provide for the area's abandoned and neglected children is laudable. I applaud Christine for her leadership and with them continued success in their new, refurbished facility.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Emil Frei III, one of the world's leading oncologists, a pioneer in cancer treatment and chemotherapy, and a leader in clinical research.

Dr. Frei's medical career began over 50 years ago in 1948 while serving in our country's V-12 program for the United States Navy. Since that time he has served as the chief of medicine at the National Cancer Institute, associate scientific director head at M.D. Anderson, and director and physician-in-chief at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Currently, he serves as the physician-in-chief, emeritus at Dana- Farber. Dr. Frei has the proud honor of being the first Richard and Susan Smith Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School

Since the beginning of his career, Dr. Frei has made many contributions to the medical field while serving on the advisory or board of directors for non-profit organizations such as Adherex Technologies, Angstrom, CaP Cure, Celator Pharmaceuticals, DIAD Research, Immunogen, Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Vion Pharmaceuticals, Aid for Cancer Research, Cancer Research Institute, Journal of Clinical Oncology and the New England Journal of Medicine. In addition to these wonderful achievements, he was awarded the Lasker Award, the Kettering Prize and the Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for his clinical research for cancer treatment.

Dr. Frei not only practiced medicine, but also served as a professor of medicine at the University of Texas and Harvard Medical School for over 30 years. Dr. Frei also coauthored the first text in medical oncology, which is now in its seventh edition.

Dr. Frei is continuing his research in the Las Vegas area where he serves on the chapter board of Southern Nevada Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He has previously served as the chairman of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B clinical research group.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. Frei for his dedication to improving the life of others through his service in the medical community and advances in the chemotherapy and cancer research. I applaud his efforts and wish him the best with his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Phil Marcus Esser for work on behalf of the Boulder City Community.

Phil is a very accomplished folk singer and musical producer and has been a resident of Boulder City Nevada for the past six years. Since moving to Boulder City, Phil has immersed himself in charitable and community orientated projects, most notably as the choir director for St. Andrew's Church.

Most recently, Phil performed at the Boulder City American Legion Hall, raising over $4000 for Emergency Aid of Boulder City. This show was the first in a series of four such performances intending to support a local cause.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Phil Marcus Esser. His work on behalf of the local community is admirable and I applaud his efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lance Corporal Budd M. Cote, who died Monday December 11, 2006, of injuries sustained in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lance Corporal Cote was killed by an explosive device in al-Anbar province during combat operations. He was assigned to the Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 stationed out of the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, CA.

Lance Corporal Budd Cote was born in Corona, CA, on June 27, 1985. He spent his childhood in the Las Vegas valley before moving to Tucson, AZ, where he attended high school.

Lance Corporal Cote 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 U.S. Marine Corps 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. He is survived by his loving wife, Zoraida, his parents, Marcella and Roland Cote and siblings, Alex, Christopher and Tiffany.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Lance Corporal Budd M. Cote. Lance Corporal Budd M. Cote made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while fighting the War on Terror and defending democracy and freedom.