Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jay W. Jeffers for his career as a teacher. Jay will be honored next week on Tuesday, March 21, at the dedication of Jay W. Jeffers Elementary School, which is named in his honor.

Born in Milford, UT, on May 7, 1921, he grew up along the railroad, the son of a locomotive engineer. In 1939, he graduated from Milford High School where he participated in extracurricular activities such as the yearbook,

newsletter, band, chorus, orchestra, and debate team. In 1939, Jay was accepted to the University of Utah. He worked part-time for the Bamberger/Utah Central Railroad, completing office work and loading cars, and as a stone mason helper, building flagstone fireplaces and barbeque pits. Before finishing his degree, Jay served a mission for the LDS Church in the Texas-Louisiana Mission, for 2 years. After returning, he went back to the University of Utah and graduated in 1946 with a teaching degree and a major in geology. The following year, Jay moved to Las Vegas and accepted a position as a seventh and eighth grade science teacher at the Fifth Street School for $2,600 per year. In December 1948, he married June Mac Farlane. The couple has 3 sons, 2 daughters, 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

With the desire to further his own education, Jay entered a master's program at the University of Utah, and continued to teach full-time. At this time, he helped consolidate 13 individual school districts into the Clark County School District. In 1953, He received his master's degree in administration from the University of Utah and in the same year, he was appointed principal at the Washington School in North Las Vegas. Also in that year, he became one of four original instructors at UNLV, teaching geology and geography part-time, from 1953 to 1971.

The new Twin Lakes elementary School opened in 1955 with Jay as principal. The seventh and eighth grades were still in the elementary schools so Jay developed and implemented new programs for those grades by departmentalizing subjects and instituting interschool athletic competitions. With Jay's support, the district's first elementary string music program was held there. In 1964, at a time when large numbers of Hispanic pupils were moving to Las Vegas Jay became principal of John S. Park Elementary School. He helped establish the ``English as a Second Language'' program with a philosophy that students needed to develop and maintain proficiency in basic reading and writing skills, along with learning to speak English. His final assignment was principal at Lincoln Elementary School in North Las Vegas. After 30 years of teaching, Jay retired in September of 1977. In addition to his contributions in education, Jay was a cofounder of the Clark County Teachers Federal Credit Union, now Silver State Schools Credit Union. He also worked with the Boy Scouts of America for 23 years.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Jay W. Jeffers. His career and life have been dedicated to the education of youth of Clark County. Thousands of current and former residents of Clark County cite his influence as a factor in their success in life. I thank him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jo Simpson for 30 years of public service, who will retire on March 31 after 9 years in Nevada.

Jo began working for the Federal Government in 1976, as a public affairs specialist in the Washington headquarters public affairs offices for the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1994, she moved to the Bureau of Land Management, first working as public affairs officer for the California Desert District. There she distinguished herself as a dedicated public servant and exceptional citizen. In August of 1997, Jo served as the BLM's Chief for the Office of Communications in Nevada. In this role, Jo not only assured that key information was made readily available to the public regarding their public lands but more importantly, she served as the catalyst for assuring that public land stakeholders had a voice in how their public lands were managed.

Jo has been instrumental in directing the work of the BLM's three Resource Advisory Councils in Nevada. These councils are made up of 45 individuals representing the diverse interest of public land stakeholders from throughout the state. This amount of citizen involvement set the tone for improved working relationship between Federal land management agencies and all Nevadans. She appeared numerous times before local county commissions and the State of Nevada's legislative Council on Public Lands to apprise them of public land proposals and to solicit their vital input. This is extremely important in a state where 87 percent of the land base is managed by the Federal Government.

Jo and her staff helped members of the Nevada Congressional Delegation and local governments during the development of precedent- setting land bills and her assistance proved extremely beneficial in gaining the support of key officials within the Department of the Interior for legislative initiatives affecting public lands in Nevada.

In the course of performing her duties, Jo earned the respect of countless people, for her integrity and sincerity. Her deeds represent what is good, righteous, and admirable in public service. For that, the state of Nevada is grateful for her exemplary service.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Jo Simpson on the floor of the House today. I thank her for her service and wish her well in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Nevada Women's History Project for their contributions to the community in promoting awareness of the historical contributions of Nevadan women.

The Nevada Women's History Project (NWHP) was founded in the fall of 1994 to provide visibility and support for the gathering and dissemination of history about the roles and contributions of Nevada women of every race, class and ethnic background. The NWHP is a statewide organization, with active regions in the North and South. Currently the group has over 200 members.

On March 5, 2005 the second statue from the state of Nevada, that of Sarah Winnemucca, was placed in the United States Capitol. The NWHP was the main factor in placing the statue, by raising the funds to make the statue and lobbying the Nevadan Legislature to give Sarah this honor. The NWHP has gone further to recognize Sarah by placing a replica of the original statue in Reno, Nevada. A second replica statue, which will

reside in Las Vegas City Hall, will be dedicated on March 25.

``Life Among the Piutes,'' is Sarah Winnemucca's powerful legacy to both cultures, the Native Americans and the whites. It appeared in 1883, the first book ever published that was written by a Native American woman. Following the oral tradition of her people, she reaches out to readers with a deeply personal appeal for understanding, recording a portion of the history of the far west from the Native American perspective. The book was a monumental achievement, recording the Native American viewpoint of whites settling the west, told in a language that was not her own and written and published by a woman during a time when even white women were not allowed to vote. The achievement of her book is second only to the work she performed everyday to promote understanding across cultures. I applaud the NWHP for their efforts to recognize her.

This year the NWHP is publishing a book entitled ``Skirts That Swept the Desert Floor.'' The book contains the biographies of 100 women from Nevada that were instrumental in shaping all aspects of Nevada's history. This unique encyclopedic collection pays tribute to an otherwise unrecognized group of individuals whose stories should not be overlooked.

Mr. Speaker I am honored to recognize the Nevada Women's History Project on the floor of the House, today. I commend them for their service in recognizing the women in our history that have made special contributions to help make Nevada the great state that it is.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dorothy Huffey as an outstanding citizen of Nevada who has lived a long life filled with dedication and service.

Dorothy Howell Huffey was born in Reno, Nevada to a pioneer Northern Nevada family. She attended kindergarten in Reno until immediately following World War II when her father returned from serving in the South Pacific. Captain Jack Howell continued with his naval career and the family moved all over the world, where Dorothy participated in many exciting and unforgettable worldly experiences. Admiral Howell retired from the Navy in 1954 and the family returned to their Reno home. Dorothy finished high school at Reno High, and graduated from the University of Nevada in 1961. She then took employment in San Francisco. In 1964 she married Paul Huffey, a native Las Vegan she had met in college. Following the marriage, she moved to Las Vegas. She then taught at James Cashman Middle School until the birth of her son, Neil, in 1974.

Over the 42-years of Las Vegas residence, her activities, board memberships and volunteer service has been extensive. She was a member of the Junior Mesquite Club, and was elected President of the Clark County Panhellenic Association in 1965. In 1983, she co-chaired the Inaugural Ball for Governor Richard Bryan. Also, in 1983, she accepted the position as society columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and on the same day she was appointed chairman of the Nevada State Personnel Commission by Gov. Bryan, a position she held for 13 years. At the same time, she also served 13 years as a member of the Nevada Legislative Steering Committee for the University system. In 1999, she co-chaired the Inaugural Balls in Las Vegas and Reno for Governor Guinn. In 1994, Dorothy became Director of Development & Alumni for the University of Nevada, Reno's Southern Nevada office until her retirement in 2005, when the university granted her emeritus status.

As a chronicler for the Las Vegas Review-Journal over the past 24 years, there is little that goes on in Las Vegas society without Dorothy's knowledge. Her reports on the many fund-raising events sponsored by local charities play a major role in those charities' success.

Dorothy's honors include; Junior League's Sustainer of the Year Award in 1991, the President's Medal from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1992, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Clark County Pro Bono Project in 1999. Dorothy was invited to become a member of The Fraternity of Executive Chefs of Las Vegas in 1998 for her work with the Chefs for Kids, Inc. and has chaired their annual benefit raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the nutrition program in the program's 12 at-risk schools.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Dorothy Huffey on the floor of the House. She is an example of good citizenship to all Nevadans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Theron and Naomi Goynes for years of service to the Clark County School District. Today the couple is honored at the formal dedication of Goynes Elementary School, which is named in their honor.

Theron Hulan Goynes was born in Texarkana, TX, in 1929. After graduating from Dunbar High School in 1947, he attended Prairie View A&M University where he majored in business administration and minored in secondary education. He graduated in 1952 with a bachelor's degree. Later that year he entered the United States Air Force and served for 4 years. After an honorable discharge, he began his career in education as a teacher. In 1963, he was awarded a master of arts degree in education administration from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff, AZ. Theron served as a teacher, elementary assistant principal, and principal during his career with the district. His last position before retiring was principal of the Madison Sixth Grade Center.

In addition to his service with the school district, Theron served for 20 years on the North Las Vegas City Council, 12 of those years as mayor pro tempore. On September 16, 1981, he chaired the North Las Vegas City Council meeting in the absence of the mayor, thus becoming the first black elected representative to officially head a government body in Nevada's 117-year history. Theron's diverse, tireless involvement in and support of educational, civic, and community services has been exemplary. The Nevada League of Cities honored him as the ``1992 Public Official of the Year.'' He has also received numerous awards and honors from various local, county, and State agencies and organizations in recognition of his services to the people of Clark County, the State of Nevada, and the Nation. Theron continues to serve the community on elected and appointed boards and committees.

Naomi Delores Jackson Goynes was born in Memphis, TN, in 1933. In 1956, she received her bachelor of science degree in home economics with a minor in chemistry from the University of Pine Bluff. Her first teaching assignment was in Nashville, AR. In 1970, she completed her master of arts degree in elementary education with a minor in music from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff. She completed her educational specialist degree in educational administration with a minor in curriculum from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1977. Naomi has served the Clark County School District as a teacher, Assessment Team member, Teacher Corps Team Leader, Kindergarten Task Force member, reading specialist, high school dean, and assistant principal. At the time of her retirement, she was the assistant principal of Jim Bridger Junior High School. Naomi has worked long and hard as an educator, wife, mother, grandmother, and campaign manager for her husband. In her 42 years as an educator, she was known as being tireless, dedicated, and sensitive in her efforts to meet the needs of students, parents, and staff.

Theron and Naomi taught in Arkansas, California, and Arizona before moving to Las Vegas in 1964 to teach in Clark County School District. Collectively, they served 63 years educating youth in the Clark County School District. Theron retired in 1991 after 27 years and Naomi retired in 2000 after 36 years of service. Additionally, Theron and Naomi have been dedicated, active members of their church. They have been active leaders in the Girl Scouts of America, as well as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP. Theron and Naomi have been married almost 48 years and have three children and five grandchildren. All three of their children are successful college graduates and have followed in their parents' footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Theron and Naomi Goynes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant First Class Christopher P. Tovar for his service in the United States Army. Last month Sergeant Tovar was selected to model a statue depicting a soldier from World War II, which is now on display at an American Legion Memorial in Brinkley, Arkansas.

Sergeant Tovar entered the Army in Houston, Texas, on April 13, 1993. He enlisted as a Human Intelligence Collector and received Arabic Language training at the Defense Language Institute before being assigned to Fort Hood, Texas. Following that assignment, Christopher received further training in Mandarin-Chinese before being assigned to the 500th Military Intelligence Group, Camp Zama, Japan. There he worked as a liaison between the U.S. and Japanese police and intelligence agencies. Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, Sergeant Tovar accepted an assignment to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command to assist in bolstering the U.S. Army's pool of linguists.

Sergeant Tovar was assigned to Headquarters, 6th Recruiting Brigade in North Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 2002. He serves the recruiting command as the Foreign Language Advocate for the region, assisting the recruiting field force to identify and contract foreign language speakers into the Military Intelligence Field. His duties in this position include conducting presentations at high schools, community colleges, and specifically for high school language departments, attending heritage speaker festivals and acting as liaison between the field force and higher headquarters for language positions in the Army. Within the headquarters, Sergeant Tovar serves as the First Sergeant, in charge of the day-to-day activities of the soldiers working within the headquarters command; as Master Fitness Trainer, in charge of the physical training of the soldiers; and as the Equal Opportunity Representative, responsible for maintaining a positive work environment and conducting required training under this program.

Sergeant Tovar's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was also awarded the Military Intelligence Corps' Knowlton Award for lifetime service to the Military Intelligence Corps.

Sergeant Tovar and his wife of 11 years, Lauren, live in Las Vegas with their one-year-old daughter, Madison.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Sergeant First Class Christopher P. Tovar on the floor of the House today. His exemplary service stands as an example to all military members and his continued service is greatly appreciated in this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today today to honor Captain Daniel L. Van Kirk for his service in the military. Last month, Daniel was chosen to model for one of two bronze statues depicting a sailor and soldier from World War II, that were placed at an American Legion Memorial in Brinkley Park, Arkansas.

Captain Daniel L. Van Kirk was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, on September 30, 1978.

He was commissioned in 1998 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, following graduation from the Marion Military Institute. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from National University in San Diego. After completing the Armor Officer Basic Course in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Daniel was assigned to 4-64 Armor Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he served as Assistant Battalion Maintenance Officer. He was deployed to Kuwait in 2002 for Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2003, he was sent to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom as the 1st Platoon Leader in Bravo Company and after returning he was sent again with Charlie Company as Executive Officer.

After completing the Armor Officer Advanced Course in 2005, Daniel has been assigned to the 6th Recruiting Brigade Las Vegas, Nevada, serving as Brigade Assistant S3.

Daniel's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Captain Daniel L. Van Kirk on the floor of the House today. He is a model of patriotism and a fine example to all members of the military and citizens of Nevada.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marianne Blum, who, this month, will pass the 50-year mark in her career as a nurse.

Enrolled in grammar school 2 years early and finishing high school a year ahead of her classmates, Marianne entered the Long Island College Hospital School of Nursing at age 16. After graduating in 1956, she began her career at the Manhattan Veterans Hospital, and then moved to Queens General Medical Center to be a surgical staff nurse. There, she met her husband Herbert, an emergency room physician. The two moved to California in the 1980s.

Marianne is known for her compassionate, kind and level headed demeanor. Even in chaotic situations she can be counted on for excellent care. Patients will say that she does everything she can to make sure they are comfortable and keep their dignity and self esteem while being institutionalized.

At the age of 66, Marianne is currently working at Del Mar Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a long-term assisted care center in Henderson, NV. Retirement is nowhere in her near future and, at a time when nursing shortages are a nationwide concern, her continued service is greatly appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Marianne Blum on the floor of the House. She is a fine example of the workforce in Nevada and a good role model for aspiring young women.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bill Boyd who died on December 21, 2005. Bill will be remembered for his contributions to the Southern Nevada Officials Association as a baseball umpire and to the youth of Henderson and Las Vegas as a mentor and friend.

Bill began his career as an umpire in San Diego, where he was president and instructional chair-person of the Baseball Umpires Association from 1986 to 1993. He was also a football coach at three different high schools in the San Diego area. His most famed pupil was current NFL player John Lynch, whom he coached at Torrey Pines High School in Del Mar, California. In 1995, Bill moved with his family to Henderson and began serving as an umpire. He umpired Division I collegiate baseball in the Mountain West conference and the Western Athletic Conference, and was an alternate umpire for the Las Vegas 51s.

Youth Baseball, however, was his passion. Bill could be seen at almost every youth playoff game or tournament in the area. He umpired at the American Legion WorId Series and many other youth sporting events, including football around the Las Vegas Valley. He cared for everyone around him and showed it through his dedicated service and good example, on and off the field.

Mr. Speaker, today, as I stand on the floor of the House, I am honored for the opportunity to pay tribute to Bill Boyd and the great life that he lived.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Boulder City, Nevada, which celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary on March 11, 2006.

Boulder City is a unique community located in southern Nevada, with a population of approximately 15,000 people. The City was created by the Federal Government to provide homes for those who built Hoover Dam. In April 1931, the Boulder City Company was organized to manage the town of Boulder City for the Government, and the majority of the town was ready for occupancy by the end of that same year.

Constructed during the Great Depression, Boulder City was designed to be a model city to which Americans could look to in hope of a better future. In order to accommodate more than 5,000 men and their families in boulder City, Six Companies built housing for employees, a department store, a post office, a laundry, a recreation hall, a school, and a hospital. For a mere $1.60 per day, the workers received a private room with a bed, mattress, pillow, bedding, chair, meals, and transportation to work.

Life during construction of Hoover Dam was not easy. Temperatures would often reach more than 115 degrees during the day and only fall to 95 degrees at night. The heat was so intense that groups of people would huddle beneath the shadows or stand in the river in an effort to keep cool. During the summer of 1933, one worker every two days died due to heat prostration.

Although the population of Boulder City declined following the completion of Hoover Dam, it did not become a ghost town as many predicted. October 1, 1959, Boulder City was incorporated under Nevada law, and it was officially separated from the U.S. Government. There was some opposition to the separation of Boulder City from the Government and concerns that the policies prohibiting gambling and hard liquor sales would be overturned. The leaders of Boulder City elected to continue the conservative restrictions set by the Government during the construction of Hoover Dam. Boulder City today is the only town in Nevada that does not allow gambling establishments within its City limits.

Today, Boulder City is a place where you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities. Consider climbing the river mountain trail with it breathtaking view of Lake Mead and Las Vegas. The world-renown Bootleg Canyon Trail is located in Boulder City. It has cross country trails and downhill trails used primarily by bicyclists, but also enjoyed by hikers. Boulder City's newest recreational project is the Bootleg Canyon Park. This area is currently being developed for various desert preserves and gardens, with walking trails throughout the park. Boulder City treasures its valuable assets and its uniqueness. It will continue to maintain and embellish its resources, both natural and man-made, to ensure future generations will benefit from its numerous outdoor activities, its recreational areas and parks, its walk able areas, and its open spaces.

Mr. Speaker, It is an honor to recognize Boulder City and its accomplishments in Nevada's history. It was built as a model for all American cities and continues to give hope for a better future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sonja and Mike Saltman for their contributions to the communities of southern Nevada and their humanitarian efforts worldwide. On Saturday, March 11, 2006 they will be presented with the David L. Simon Bridge Builder for Peace Award during the Champions of Freedom Dinner Gala at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.

Mike Saltman is President of The Vista Group, a developer and manger of office, retail, industrial and housing projects in Nevada, California, Florida and Utah. He is a partner with FFL Partners, Bounty Hunter, LLC, VMA California, LLC, a Director of US Bank's Advisory Board in Las Vegas, and practiced as a private attorney in Munich, Germany, in the 1970s. While in Munich, he also held the post of Corporate Counsel and Director of International Operations for Shareholders Capital Corporation. Additionally, Mike served as Staff Counsel, IOS in London and Geneva. Mike Saltman's community activities include membership in the Urban Land Institute, Nevada Development Authority Board of Trustees, National Home Builders Association, the Clean Air Action Plan Task Force and the World Presidents' Organization. He is a member of the Young Presidents Association and a board member of the Nevada Dance Theatre, the Las Vegas Symphony, KNPR--Nevada Public Radio and The Nevada Institute of Contemporary Arts.

Sonja Saltman earned her master's degree in psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1980, is a Co-Founder and board member of the Existential Humanistic Institute, which seeks therapeutic methods for dealing with psychological problems, and is the only non- Jewish member of the Anti-Defamation League. Sonja is an Emerald Lion of Judah, has served on the Women's Division Board and currently serves on the Women's Philanthropy Executive Council of The United Jewish Community.

In 2003, Sonja and Mike co-founded the Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution at UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law. The Saltman Center has already undertaken significant efforts related to teaching, scholarship and public service. Sonja and Mike also support several UNLV academic programs through the President's Inner Circle Giving Club and a graduation award in the College of Liberal Arts.

Not only interested in the local area, Sonja and Mike have devoted their lives to many

causes around the world. In 1967, Mike set up several companies in Israel to help put the country on the fast track to success. In Bosnia, Sonja and Mike have done incredible work. Undeterred by the front line proximity to the fighting, they buy and rebuild damaged homes in the ravaged country to provide shelter for those who are most needy. Mike actually strapped on his tool belt and grabbed a hammer to help. This is a man of great determination who is unable to sit by and watch his dream being built by others. They also provide food and other basic needs to grateful Bosnians.

While working with a group that brings humanitarian aid to all walks of life in Bosnia, Mike came across a family who had to wade across a river in order to rebuild their home on the other side. Efforts to rebuild the bridge had been thwarted by conflicts with Serbs in the area. Mike offered his finances and services and the bridge was built. Several families have used the bridge to help rebuild their homes.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Sonja and Mike Saltman on the floor of the House today. Through their promotion of peace, understanding and compassion throughout the world, they have built many bridges, traversing great spans that bring people, ideas and dreams together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor American Legion Boulder City Post 31 which celebrates its 87th birthday this month.

American Legion Boulder City Post 31 was organized October 12, 1931 by WWI Veterans working on the Hoover Dam project, with a charter membership of over 400. The permanent charter was granted March 28, 1932.

After being without their own building for several years, the members decided to construct a permanent home for Post 31. They made extensive use of volunteer labor, including many recently discharged WWII Veterans, and used surplus building materials obtained from a number of government agencies. The building was completed in 1948 and has been the home of Post 31 since that time. Activities held in the new building, such as movies and dances with live bands, constituted some of the first entertainment in Boulder City.

One of the most popular events put on by Post 31 is the well-known Fourth of July celebration and parade known as the ``Damboree.'' A symbol of the service to and involvement with the community, the parade is still popular, with the American Legion Post 31 Color Guard leading the event every year.

Post 31 continues to give dedicated service the community and the military. They reinitiated the blue star program used in the Second World War so that families may show a banner in their windows when they have someone

in the active military. When conflicts began in Iraq and Afghanistan, Post 31 had beautiful metal signs made to display names of members of the military from Boulder City that are on active duty. These signs are on every light pole along Veterans Memorial Drive in Boulder City. Each month Post 31 collects used ink cartridges and old cell phones to raise money that goes toward the American Legion Legacy Fund, which helps educate children of members of the military who lost their lives during the present conflict in the Middle East.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize American Legion Boulder City Post 31 on the floor of the House today. I congratulate them for 87 years of contributions to the veterans and citizens of southern Nevada and thank them for their continued service.

Mr. Speaker, in Nevada we faced one of our worst nightmares a few weeks ago. One of our heroes, a law enforcement officer, a Metropolitan Police Department officer, Sergeant Henry Prendes, was shot down and brutally killed. He responded to a domestic violence call as a law enforcement officer, and as he appeared on the scene, a gentleman was waiting for him with an automatic weapon, and with over 50 rounds, brutally murdered Mr. Prendes.

Yesterday, in the Children's Safety and Violent Crime Reduction Act, in the act there was a provision that would memorialize Mr. Prendes for his efforts as a great American hero, a loving father and a loving husband. In the bill, it provides for a mandatory 30-year sentence for anyone that brutally murders a law enforcement or public safety officer or who conspires or attempts to kill.

This is an example of getting tough on crime. It is time to say enough is enough, and I applaud this House of Representatives for passing the act yesterday.

Also in the act was another provision that I provided, which was for additional background checks and faster and streamlined background checks for school teachers across this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Louise Lorenzi Fountain, a lifelong citizen of Las Vegas, who died on Sunday, January 29, 2005, at the age of 92.

Louise was a link to the past as the last remaining child of David Lorenzi, the namesake of Lorenzi Park. Louise was born on November 14, 1913, to David Lorenzi, a French immigrant, and Julia Travese Moore. Her younger years were devoted to helping her father develop and manage Lorenzi Lake Park, which was built by Lorenzi and is considered a primary landmark in the development and life of the citizens of Las Vegas. Louise's father has been noted as one of the 100 most influential citizens of Las Vegas. He opened the park in 1926 with a pair of man-made lakes, a swimming pool, a dance hall, a band shell, and other amenities that made it a recreational refuge in the desert.

Louise married Edgar Fountain in 1936. He had hitchhiked from Georgia in search of work on the construction of the Hoover Dam. The couple left Las Vegas for 10 years and lived in Grand Coulee, Washington, where Edgar helped build Grand Coulee Dam. After returning to Las Vegas, she became a full partner in several business ventures the couple started, including the Nevada Amusement Co., a Toyota dealership, and a television sales business.

Louise was active in two Methodist churches and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was a charter member and regent of the Valley of Fire Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, and entertaining friends. She was a loving, wonderful person and a dear mother who will be sorely missed. Louise's life exemplifies her service and contributions to the city she loved. With her passing, a small fragment of beauty and kindness has left us.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand on the floor of the House to recognize Louise Lorenzi Fountain and the wonderful life that she lived.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Blum who has broadcasted at over 1,000 sporting events for the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

A member of the American Football Foundation Hall of Fame for his work with the old AFL's Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers, it is hard to find anyone who has seen more games than Bob since he began his play-by-play career in 1948. Still going strong at 85, he has been behind the microphone for 190 Rebels men's basketball games, 80 football games, 75 baseball games, 20 softball games and over 635 women's basketball games. His current position is the announcer for the Lady Rebels Basketball team.

Bob began commentating for UNLV in 1973. One of his most memorable games was in 1977 when the Rebels made the Final Four and were playing at Atlanta in the midst of UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian's first round of wrangling with the NCAA. At the last minute Congressman Jim Santini had come to Atlanta and didn't have a ticket, so Bob allowed the Congressman to sit with him. The Congressman began cheering, and at half time Wayne Duke, the commissioner of the Big Ten and the head of the tournament committee, came over and told Bob that his guest was not allowed to cheer on the press row. Bob informed the Commissioner that his guest was none other than Congressman Santini, who was the chairman of the committee investigating the NCAA. Commissioner Duke then asked Bob to ``Have him quiet down a little.''

Another favorite game that Bob Blum remembers announcing took place the previous year, in 1976. UNLV played Hawaii-Hilo and beat them 164- 111. With a combined score of 275 points, it is still the highest- scoring game in NCAA history.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to honor Bill Blum and his extraordinary career. I wish him the best at announcing for another 1,000 games.