Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the bravery and courage of Marine Reserve Corporal Robert Tomczak for serving our Nation during Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his actions in the face of heavy fire from the enemy, Corporal Tomczak was recently awarded the Bronze Star. I offer my thanks and the thanks of all Nevadans for Corporal Tomczak's dedication to his fellow Marines and for his willingness to serve our country in battle.

Corporal Tomczak served as the machine gun team leader for the Las Vegas-based Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines. In the face of heavy enemy fire, Tomczak fought bravely and honorably to disrupt a flank assault and to silence incoming rocket-propelled grenade fire. While firing from behind sandbags, an armed gunman in a vehicle rammed his position, and falling sandbags from the vehicle's impact caused Corporal Tomczak to temporarily lose hold of his weapon. While still under enemy fire, he crossed into the open to retrieve his weapon and redeploy against the enemy.

Southern Nevada is proud to have men like Corporal Tomczak serving in our Nation's armed services. It is my distinct honor to commend Corporal Tomczak for all that he has done in his service to our country and for the State of Nevada.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication and years of hard work by Mr. John Hempel as he retires after more than thirty years of service to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. Hempel was appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as the Director of the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) in Las Vegas on January 14, 2001. As Director, Mr. Hempel directed the planning, organization, coordination, and control of patient care, administrative, and support operations. He was also responsible for maintaining and improving the healthcare system and VA relationships in the community.

In addition to years of service to the VA, Mr. Hempel also bravely served his country as a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran. He served as a platoon leader and executive officer with A Troop, 1st Armored Cavalry, Americal Division in South Vietnam from 1969-1970.

During his service in the Las Vegas area, Mr. Hempel was the driving force behind significant improvements in the VA health care system. As a long-time supporter of veterans in Nevada, it was a pleasure for me to work with Mr. Hempel serving veterans in Southern Nevada.

I am honored to join with all Nevadans in honoring John Hempel on his many accomplishments and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication, hard work, and superior productivity achieved by Nevada's postal employees. Recently the Nevada-Sierra Performance Cluster was ranked as the number one cluster in the country in Overnight Delivery.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is comprised of 79 Performance Clusters that are grouped into 9 geographical areas. The Nevada-Sierra Performance Cluster is part of the Pacific area and is serviced by two plants in Nevada, one in Las Vegas and one in Reno. These two plants process and distribute incoming mail to postal facilities throughout Nevada. Currently 96.7 percent of all Overnight Delivery mail in Nevada is delivered on time, ranking the Nevada-Sierra cluster number one in the country. In addition, as measured by the national USPS Breakthrough Productivity Index, the Nevada-Sierra Performance cluster ranks number 2 in the Nation in overall productivity.

These honors pay tribute to the work of the 5,217 career employees working for the United States Postal Service in Nevada. The productivity of Nevada's postal employees benefits all Nevadans who utilize the United States Postal Service. Each day the employees of the Postal Service reach millions of Nevadans through their work delivering the mail.

I am proud to join with all Nevadans in honoring the employees of the USPS Nevada-Sierra Postal Cluster. I wish them continued success and thank them for their fine work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of John Michael ``Mike'' Seger.

Mike was born on May 16, 1957 in Fort Lee, Virginia and later grew up in central Iowa. Mike was the eldest of eight children born into a family with a rich military history. Although unable to continue in the tradition of his grandfather, who served in the Pacific front during World War II, and his father, who served in the Army, due to an accident that left him blind in one eye, Mike grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and a keen intellect.

After graduating from Lakeview High School, Mike attended Briar Cliff College in Iowa for two years before moving to Vermont in 1978. There he met his wife of 24 years, Jane, across the parking lot of the Midas Muffler in Burlington where he worked. Together they started a family with the birth of daughter, Laura, in 1981 and then with the three month premature birth of their triplets, John Richard, Jennifer and Amanda in 1982. Sadly, Amanda passed away nine days later due to a ruptured heart valve.

While a bookkeeper for Midas Mike's love of and involvement in the automotive industry began. He later followed that love to St. Paul, Minnesota where he began working for Lehman's Garage, Inc. Through the years Mike advanced to Chief Financial Officer and served on numerous automotive industry committees, such as NACE, NABC and ICAR. On December 3, 2003, Mike received the first ever ``Q'' Award from the National Auto Body Council in recognition of the ``individual who quietly persist in doing the right thing for the Collision Repair Industry.''

After being diagnosed with Stage Four Colon Cancer in June of 2003, Mike was blessed with the help of the many friends he had acquired during his journey. He was also recently reunited with the son, Travis Tentinger, he had given up for adoption in 1978 and discovered that he was a grandfather of three adorable children. Although Mike's battle with his cancer ended on February 4, 2004, this reunion and the constant support of his friends and family made the last months of Mike's life as full as possible.

Mike Seger was the type of man who is the backbone of community life in our country: quiet, dependable, hardworking. I urge the House to join me in mourning the passage of Mike Seger and extending our condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Taylor Elementary School of Henderson, NV, for the efforts of its administrators, faculty, students, and community in promoting the importance of reading. Through their participation in the National Reading Is Fundamental Competition, the members of Taylor Elementary School exemplify how our children thrive when given support--both in the classroom and from the surrounding community.

As they work to achieve national recognition for their Reading Is Fundamental efforts, the children and faculty of Taylor Elementary have gained the aid of the entire Henderson community; including high school students, local business men and women, and the mayor of Henderson, Jim Gibson. The importance of reading to these children and their teachers highlights the fact that true breakthroughs in education occur most effectively in the classroom. I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the efforts of those involved and

wish Taylor Elementary School all the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend and fellow Nevadan Linda Ley on her retirement from CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children's office. Linda has dedicated her life to ensuring that the youngest and most powerless members of our society have someone looking out for their best interests and who cares that they are able to find a better life.

During my years in the Nevada legislature I worked closely with Linda to develop legislation that helped foster children transition into adulthood, and to protect victims of abuse and neglect. I urge the members of this House to join with me in wishing her well in her retirement, and to join her in her call for more volunteers to advocate on behalf of children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call the attention of the House of Representatives to Dr. Leon and Faye Steinberg as they are honored with the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas' Hank Greenspun Founders Award. The Steinbergs will be presented with this award on February 8, 2004, at the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas Champions of Freedom Dinner Gala.

The Hank Greenspun Founders Award honors those who have been instrumental in the creation, growth, and future of the Las Vegas Jewish community. The Steinbergs epitomize all of these qualities. They have spent most of their lives enriching the Jewish community and I would like to thank them for their contributions to Southern Nevada and our Nation.

The Steinbergs are originally from San Antonio, Texas, and like thousands of people each year moved to Las Vegas in 1958, where Leon became the first radiologist at Sunrise Hospital. From the first day of their arrival in Las Vegas they have volunteered to make our community a better place by serving in the leadership of their synagogue and helping meet the religious needs of our community. The Steinbergs also helped establish the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, which raises awareness of the important contributions that the Southern Nevada Jewish Community has made to our state and country, and champions freedom and human rights around the world. Leon and Faye have been especially active in building strong ties between Las Vegas and Israel, and have worked to bring relief to victims of terrorism in Israel.

I am pleased to call the attention of the U.S. House of Representatives to the welldeserved selection of Dr. Leon and Faye Steinberg for the Hank Greenspun Founders Award, and I thank them for having given so much of themselves to make the world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Basic High School Marine Corps JROTC unit. I am proud to represent this outstanding group of young men and women and urge the entire House to join me in commending them today.

The MJROTC unit at Basic High, in Henderson, Nevada is one of the top JROTC units in the country, having been recognized as a Naval Honor School for the 2002-2003 school year. In addition, the Basic High MJROTC unit is the National Champion of the unarmed competition at the United States Air Force Academy National Invitational Drill Meet Championship, and has won seven times in the last 9 years. The Basic High armed competition unit has won the National Championship every time it has competed.

Basic High MJROTC is not only a champion on the drill field; it is also a champion in producing young men and women of character. Basic High MJROTC has been an active part of honoring Veterans Day in Henderson, with the whole battalion presenting the colors for the City of Henderson ceremony. The unit also led the local celebrations of the 228th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps. I want to thank the members of the unit, and instructors Lieutenant Colonel Montgomery, Master Gunnery Sergeant Ignatz, and First Sergeant Rael for standing always faithful, ``Semper Fidelis,'' to the best traditions of Nevada, America, and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of the House an issue that this House bravely stood against earlier this year, the rise of anti-Semitism. While we understand the danger of anti-Semitism, I rise today to remind the House of the possible consequences of anti-Semitism in the developing world.

Last month the House unanimously passed House Resolution 409, condemning the anti-Semitic remarks of the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Doctor Mahathir Mohamad. This House joined international condemnation of the hate-speech and stereotypes contained in Doctor Mahathir's speech. It seemed inconceivable that a man of such education and leadership could sink to so low a level.

Little noticed amid the well-earned condemnation of Dr. Mahathir's comments was the rest of his speech. It surprised many to see that the remainder of the speech was a call for advanced technical research, social and political modernization, and the development of first-rate communications in the Islamic world. These things are the very things that our country has been urging as a means of integrating these countries into the international community. How can Dr. Mahathir share the means and yet call for such a different end?

Since the end of the Second World War, anti-Semitism has not been seen as a disease that modern countries are susceptible to. Many have forgotten how scientifically advanced Hitler's Germany was, and how increases in knowledge were used to increase the murdering power of hate. Despite our hopes to the contrary, science proved to be values free, and the minds that could improve the lot of all mankind were put to the work of killing as many defenseless people as possible.

For 50 years after the end of the war, we kept close watch on the spread of technology, and trained scientists on how not to become a tool for evil. Science has brought the world closer together than ever, and technology has allowed the flowering of commerce and the arts. Yet the lesson remains, that this is because we make it so, not because of any moral value in technology itself.

While our Nation prides itself on the great advances being made in developing countries, and the ease with which technophobia around the world is dispelled, we cannot rest comfortably. Every invention, every improvement, can be used for evil when held by men with hate-filled minds. The periodic table and computer code do not contain hidden lessons on rooting out anti-Semitism and murder. New ministries and parliaments can be elected as fairly, and corrupted as easily, as the Reichstag that brought Hitler to power.

This Nation, and every nation of goodwill, must not be satisfied with spreading democracy and development. Without a commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, bringing murderers to justice, refusing to collaborate with evil, and speaking out for the truth, true peace and freedom in the Islamic world, and the rest of this planet, cannot be obtained.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the founder and namesake of one of the fastest growing, most dynamic communities in my district, Don Laughlin. On Friday the community of Laughlin will join together to celebrate the unveiling of a statue of Don that will greet visitors to the many gaming, entertainment, and recreational opportunities in the city along the Colorado River he created just a few decades ago. Don is a visionary leader, and I urge the House to join with the thousands of residents, and millions of visitors to Laughlin who celebrate his permanent contribution to the landscape and culture of Nevada and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Samuel Fisher, for his heroic service in World War II. As a rifleman with Company B, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, Eighth Armored Division he helped participate in the final drive of the American and Allied armies that drove the Nazis from France and ended Hitler's rule over Germany. He, and the other brave soldiers of the 49th Armored Infantry, were instrumental in capturing the Ruhr Valley, the center of the German armament industry. By capturing the Ruhr, they deprived the Nazis of the weapons they had used for so long to bring oppression and death across Europe. I am proud to represent Samuel Fisher, and so many other American heroes from the Second World War, and urge this House to join me in thanking Samuel Fisher and all World War II veterans for saving our country, and the world, from fascism.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of a good friend and a pillar of the community in Southern Nevada, Charley Schneider. I had the privilege of working with Charley, and cannot do justice to what a great person and friend Charley was.

Charley Schneider was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1938, but moved to Basic, Nevada, as Henderson was known at the time, in 1949. He was a graduate of Basic High School and worked at Farmers Insurance for 33 years.

Charley was a wonderful person to work with, always willing to lend a hand, listen when you needed to talk to someone, and helped customers above and beyond the requirements of his job. Charley retired from Farmers 3 years ago, and looked forward to being able to spend more time with his wife Maggie and daughter Stevie. Sadly, Charley passed away last weekend at the age of 65. I urge all members of this House to join me in mourning the passing of Charley Schneider and extending our condolences to the family and friends who greatly loved him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life-long artistic contributions of Cliff Segerblom to the Southern Nevada community. The Boulder City Arts Council will present ``Hanging with Cliff,'' a diverse selection of the artists works.

The works of Mr. Segerblom chronicle the history of the ever-changing Nevada landscape from his original assignment as the official photographer for the Bureau of Reclamation at the Hoover Dam in 1938 until his passing in 1980. Throughout this period, Cliff used a variety of media in portraying our environs in Southern Nevada, from the natural beauty that surrounds us to the feats of human endeavor that inspire us. I wish to thank Boulder City's most famous artist, and I urge all residents of Nevada to acquaint themselves with the powerful work of Mr. Cliff Segerblom.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill

(H.R. 3198) to amend the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize appropriations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and for other purposes.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3198 reauthorizes the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for 3 years, authorizing funding for its capital repair and maintenance, allows for the GAO review of ongoing construction projects, and creates a new mechanism to ensure effective project oversight.

This bill is the product of a thorough legislative process. The subcommittee held an oversight hearing that included the GAO and the Kennedy Center, reviewed their comprehensive building plan and capital program, and discussed options for improving upon their programs. This process resulted in the bipartisan legislation we are bringing to the floor this afternoon.

I would like to recognize and congratulate the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), and the ranking member, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), as well as full committee chairman, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), and the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), for their hard work in developing this legislation.

Since its founding, the Kennedy Center has become one of the world's premier entertainment venues, featuring award-winning theater, opera, and symphony performances. The funds we are authorizing today will go solely towards the upkeep and maintenance of the facility, for such repairs as elevator upgrades, handicap accessibility, enhanced fire and life safety equipment, and improved security systems. These repairs are in line with a comprehensive building plan maintained by the Kennedy Center and created at the direction of Congress in 1994. This legislation also incorporates several provisions that ensure effective project oversight.

It is no secret that there are Federal construction projects that have gone beyond their original budget, beyond schedule, and well beyond their original scope. Oftentimes it is the lack of adequate project management and oversight that allow this type of growth. That was the finding of a GAO report requested by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on the Kennedy Center's garage expansion project.

The provision in this bill, including the creation of a project team, the requirement of a project director, and enhanced oversight by the GAO, should prevent such problems as the Kennedy Center goes forward with the construction of a new plaza and two new buildings. However, this reauthorization does not include any money for the plaza project. All of the funding authorized in this bill will be used for the existing structure and its surroundings. By supporting the regular maintenance and upkeep of the Kennedy Center, we will ensure that the center will continue to be a world-class venue well into the future. I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1274) to direct the Administrator of General Services to convey to Fresno County, California, the existing Federal courthouse in that county, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1274, introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Dooley) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich), allows the administrator of General Services to convey the B.F. Sisk United States Courthouse located in Fresno, California, to Fresno County. This is a worthwhile endeavor, as the GSA is currently constructing a new Federal courthouse in Fresno, and this legislation will ensure that the people of Fresno County continue to receive a judicial benefit from the existing Federal courthouse.

This legislation also includes a number of provisions that will help protect the interests of the Federal Government. Among the provisions included in this legislation are the requirement that the courthouse be used for public purpose for at least 20 years, that the transfer not take place until the new courthouse is completed and occupied, and the conveyance may also include any additional provisions the administrator deems necessary to protect the interests of the government. I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.