Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3198 and H.R. 1274, the measures just considered by the House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Boulder City Lend A Hand and the late Ed Andrews, one of Lend A Hand's most active and well-known volunteers. Ed, originally from Los Angeles and a leader in the aviation industry, joined Boulder City Lend A Hand just one year after its founding in 1989, and quickly became Master of Ceremonies for their events and a hard-working team member for its primary mission, providing assistance to Senior Citizens in Boulder City. Ed was famous for his booming voice, which endeared him to all who knew him and quickly earned the respect of those who didn't.

Sadly, Ed Andrews passed away in March of 2003, and is survived by his wife Nita, one of the founders of Boulder City Lend A Hand, two daughters and three sons, and many grandchildren. Ed will be missed by all who knew him, especially those whom he served in Boulder City.

Lend A Hand is a program designed to help the elderly and chronically ill of Boulder City, Nevada remain in their homes by providing a variety of services by volunteers. Services include staying with persons needing assistance so that their caregivers can `take a break' for rest and relaxation or to attend to personal business. Other services available are helping individuals by running errands, going shopping, driving to medical appointments or by providing companion services in the home.

I am pleased to be a supporter of Boulder City Lend A Hand, and to have had the opportunity to know Ed. I urge the House to join me in remembering Ed Andrews, thanking his wife Nita for her service to the community, and honoring Boulder City Lend A Hand for its commitment to meeting the needs of our seniors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the volunteers and organizers of the National Park America Tour. This outstanding event is bringing together community leaders and volunteers to clean and improve our Nation's parks and natural treasures. In my own community, the National Parks America Tour will work to improve Lake Mead on November 8, 2003. Lake Mead is one of the foremost recreational sites in our country, as well as the primary source of water and power for Southern Nevada and much of the Southwestern United States. I am proud to represent Lake Mead and bring attention to its unique value and needs. I salute all of the participants in the National Parks America Tour and its sponsors, Wal-Mart and Unilever. Working together, we can preserve and enhance Lake Mead for the community, tourists, and for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Joseph Shepp, who has been awarded the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service in the State of Nevada for 2003. The Andrus Award honors the outstanding volunteering efforts of AARP volunteers and members in every state.

Mr. Shepp provides yet another example of service and volunteerism to the Southern Nevada community. He has demonstrated his service to the community through his service and commitment to organizations like Seniors and Law Enforcement Together and the Senior Assisted Living Project. We in Southern Nevada are fortunate to find yet another role model in Mr. Shepp. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors and congratulate him on this well-deserved award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Wayne Tanaka on his appointment as the Honorary Consul General of Japan in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wayne has been a dedicated public servant throughout his career. I am proud that Wayne has been given this high honor by the Japanese government.

Wayne Tanaka started his career as an educator in the Clark County School District in 1972. He spent 28 years teaching in the fastest growing school district in the country, never losing his commitment to excellence or his desire to give every child an education that would give them the knowledge and character they need in later life. Wayne completed his career as principal of Clark High School in 2001.

Wayne is now serving as principal of the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy, a charter school dedicated to giving inner-city children the resources and education they need to succeed in life. Wayne's own personal commitment to these goals have made the Academy a success, and an example to schools throughout the country.

As the new Honorary Consul for Japan, Wayne will be able to give his students, not only firsthand knowledge of Japan and the strong friendship and economic relationship between it and the United States, but also a visible sign of the rewards of leadership, dignity, and community commitment. I am proud to call Wayne Tanaka my friend and urge the House to join me in honoring him today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley), in expressing my thoughts and prayers to our fellow Las Vegan, Roy Horn of Siegfried and Roy.

As many of you know, Roy Horn was seriously injured on October 3, 2003, when he was hurt on stage by one of his star tigers, Montecore. Since then Roy has been in critical condition, and I wish him quick and speedy recovery.

It was 30 years ago when Siegfried and Roy first debuted in Las Vegas. At that time it was only a dream for Las Vegas to be the entertainment capital of the world as it is today. Through hard work and perseverance, Siegfried and Roy became one of Las Vegas' top- selling shows, having performed in front of roughly 40 million people.

Recently named Magicians of the Century, Siegfried and Roy personify Las Vegas. Their shows are unlike anything Las Vegas has ever seen, a theatrical production, symbolic of a grandiose and flamboyant style of entertainment for which Las Vegas has become famous. Their success has been Las Vegas' success as well. Today, when people think Las Vegas, they think Siegfried and Roy. But when I think of Siegfried and Roy, I think of two men who came to this country with a dream and succeeded even beyond their wildest expectations.

As they once said, it is better to be an ordinary guy living an extraordinary life, than any other way. I would like to take a moment to applaud them for their conservation but also to give them our prayers and thoughts at this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elizabeth Schroeder, the executive director of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce. In her seven years as executive director she has helped transform Mesquite into one of the premier resort and gaming communities in the United States. Her dedication to showcasing the community nationally, attracting new services, and creating a welcoming business climate will serve Mesquite well for decades to come. I want to thank Elizabeth Schroeder for everything she has done and wish her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of a great Nevadan, a true community leader, and a friend, Bob Broadbent. Bob Broadbent served his community and his country selflessly and effectively for decades, earning the trust of all who knew him.

Robert N. Broadbent was born June 19, 1926, in the Northern Nevada city of Ely, where his father, Broadie, served as mayor for 16 years.

Broadbent attended the California Institute of Technology at Pasadena in 1944, but interrupted his studies to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the waning days of World War II.

After 2 years in the military, Broadbent attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and in 1950 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacology from Idaho State College.

Bob Broadbent first entered public service as the first Mayor of Boulder City, and led its transformation from government reservation to the world-class community it is today. As one of Bob's successors in that office, I can personally attest that he laid the groundwork for every success that community enjoys.

Bob Broadbent was then elected to the Clark County Commission in 1969, where he not only helped the Las Vegas area plan for future growth, but helped build the community character and institutions that make Las Vegas not only a nice place to visit, but a great place to raise a family. He never let any personal interest, not even his own, stand in the way of what was the just and right thing to do.

In 1981 President Reagan recognized Bob's extraordinary leadership skills by appointing him Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, where he helped steer that agency into a force for water development and environmental conservation, ensuring that growth and environmental protection in the West have gone hand in hand ever since.

In 1987 Bob returned to Clark County to become director of aviation, where he helped lead McCarran airport into a time of extraordinary growth. Once again he laid the groundwork for the successes we enjoy today.

After leaving the Airport Bob took on a new challenge, leading the effort to build the Las Vegas Monorail, which will provide transit service, first on the Resort Corridor, but eventually to downtown Las Vegas and other points.

Bob's passing away on August 9, 2003, leaves a terrible void in our community that will be impossible to fill. I wish to extend my condolences to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Bob will be missed by all who knew him, and loved by all those who live in Clark County for generations to come.

Broadbent is survived by his wife, Sue, of Boulder City; sons, Robert C. and Douglas, of Boulder City; daughters Kathy Morris of Las Vegas and Michele Walker of Boulder City; sister Sue Siri of Reno; 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the people of Laughlin, Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona for their generous contributions to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Colorado River. More than 400 people gave out of their pockets at the 2003 Margarita Fiesta and 10K Giveaway held at the River Palms Convention Center to raise more than $24,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs, a 20 percent increase over last year. These funds will be used to give young men and women of every background an opportunity to play and learn in a safe, caring, environment.

Once again Laughlin has proven that it is more than just a vacation resort, it is also a place to call home. I am honored to represent the generous people of Laughlin and look forward to next year's Fiesta.

Mr. Speaker, today I am introducting the ``Education Savings Act of 2003''. This legislation will change current tax law to make it clear that employers can make tax-deductible contributions to employees' education savings accounts, such as 529 or 530 accounts.

Saving for our children's higher education has become increasingly important as we continue to see the cost of college education steadily rising. As a Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce I have been afforded the opportunity to participate in many hearings outlining some of the difficulty student's face with the rising cost of tuition. Tuition is outpacing the rate of inflation, increases in family income, and even increases in State and Federal financial aid-- which have grown tremendously in recent years. Planning for our children's future education by setting up savings accounts is essential now more than ever.

I have seen first hand the effects that can occur from rapidly increasing tuition rates. The State of Nevada has one of the lowest numbers of college graduates per capita. Setting up savings accounts early on for higher education can displace some of the burden created by the high costs of attaining a college education.

The United States tax code offers options for families to SAVE--to Set Aside for the Value of Education. Two such options, the 529 College Savings Plan and the 530 ``Coverdell Accounts'', have benefited thousands of students and have helped their families meet the rapidly escalating costs associated with attaining a college degree. Unfortunately, current tax law penalizes workers for accepting contributions from their employers to these accounts by considering it earned income to the employees.

The ``Education Savings Act'' will clarify that any amount contributed to these education accounts will NOT count towards an employee's taxable income.

By allowing employers to contribute to 529 and 530 accounts without the contribution

being considered taxable income, I hope to increase the ease with which we send our children to college. Employers are able to provide health and retirement benefits and it is time for businesses to be able to provide an education benefit as well without penalizing the employee. The ``Education Savings Act'' is another effort to help defray the ever growing costs of attaining a college education.

Congress should do all we can to encourage our youth to pursue higher education opportunities and eliminate any barriers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Thomas Hobbs, on his receipt of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V. This long delayed award recognizes the incredible heroism and dedication to service displayed by Thomas Hobbs when he served his country in South Vietnam more than 30 years ago.

In 1970 Thomas Hobbs was serving as a Specialist 4 with Recon Team 1, Company E, 3rd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. Specialist Hobbs was participating in a multi-team ambush of communist forces in the Suoi Ca Valley when Recon Teams I and 2 of Company E engaged a much larger enemy force. Team 2 was pinned down by enemy fire, with several of its own members wounded. Specialist Hobbs, without thought of his own safety, left the perimeter of Team I to bring aid and additional firepower to Team 2. With his help, Team 2 was able to survive the communist attack. Without his bravery, Team 2 would have been overrun, and the long list of Americans sacrificed in the defense of freedom would have been even longer.

I learned of this act of heroism when I received a letter from Ken Burbank, one of the men in Team 2 whom Thomas Hobbs helped save. For more than 30 years, he had remembered the brave soldier who had come to the aid of his unit that dark and dangerous night, and continued to look for Thomas Hobbs so he could thank him for saving his life. I was pleased to recommend to the Army that they honor Thomas Hobbs for his bravery, and I look forward to being able to present him with his award. All Americans should keep the courage and self-sacrifice of Thomas Hobbs, and the men and women who follow in his footsteps today, in mind when enjoying the freedoms he fought so bravely for.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 270, supporting the goals and ideals of College Savings Month.

For many students, attending college following high school graduation is just the next phase in their lives before joining the workforce. But, for some, the choice to attain a postsecondary education is not as easy as just getting accepted into a program of their choice.

With the growing cost of postsecondary education, many students are

forced to take out student loans, loans that can often exceed $30,000 a year. Entering the workforce with these kinds of commitments can often be intimidating for a newly-graduated student.

Having had two children in college at one time, I understand how saving for our children's postsecondary education has become increasingly important, as we continue to see the costs of the postsecondary education steadily rising.

Currently, the United States Tax Code offers options for families to do just that, save money, to set aside for the value of that education. Two such options are the 529 College Savings Plan and the Coverdell Accounts. Both of these plans have benefited thousands of students and helped their families meet the rapidly escalating costs associated with obtaining a college degree.

Mr. Speaker, I plan on introducing the Education Savings Act of 2003 tomorrow that will clarify the law to make it clear that employers can make tax deductible contributions to employees in their 529 and 530 education accounts, available to all employees at every income level. The Education Savings Act will clarify that any amounts contributed to these educational accounts will not count toward an employee's gross income.

Planning for our children's postsecondary education by setting up savings accounts is essential, now more than ever.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Rogers) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) for their efforts to give this important issue the recognition it deserves.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 342) supporting the National Railroad Hall of Fame, Inc., of Galesburg, Illinois, in its endeavor to erect a monument known as the National Railroad Hall of Fame.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan resolution in support of the National Railroad Hall of Fame in Galesburg, Illinois.

The history of railroading in Illinois began in 1837 with the construction of a rail line linking the Illinois and the Mississippi Rivers. From that small beginning, Illinois emerged as the major connecting point for railroads linking the entire continent.

The National Railroad Hall of Fame in Galesburg, Illinois, was founded to honor the memory of the inventors, the engineers, the surveyors, the financiers and workers who built these great railroads.

Past inductees to the National Railroad Hall of Fame include George Pullman, developer of the famous Pullman sleeping car, and Cyrus K. Holliday, builder of the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe.

Another great and recent inductee is Ralph Budd, president of the Great Northern and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroads. In the 1930s, Mr. Budd rejuvenated passenger rail service by developing the fastest and most efficient train of its time, the Pioneer Zephyr.

Highly streamlined and constructed of lightweight stainless steel, the Pioneer Zephyr represented a true landmark in the history of passenger railroading. On May 26, 1934, this train made a record- breaking trip from Denver to Chicago, a distance of 1,000 miles, in only 13 hours. Today, that same train trip takes over 17 hours.

The mission of the National Railroad Hall of Fame is to perpetuate the memory of great railroaders, such as Ralph Budd, and to serve as an educational resource for our younger generation. I strongly urge approval of this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).

(Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on House Resolution 342.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding me this time, and I thank the gentleman Florida (Mr. Young) for introducing this legislation.

Staff Sergeant Murwin, whose plight inspired the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Young) to introduce this bill, is a fellow Nevadan and wounded combat veteran. His courage in serving his country and looking out for the interests of his fellow combat wounded veterans is commendable. I must say it is absolutely shameful that Sergeant Murwin and soldiers like him were forced to pay for the privilege of trying to recover while their lives were in turmoil or in a hospital.

A few months ago, I joined with other Members of Congress as we visited Walter Reed Army Hospital and Bethesda Naval Hospital and had a chance to see firsthand the honor, the pride, and the pain of our fellow men and women in uniform. These men and women had limbs missing. One gentleman was run over by a tank. But, also, one young man had a flag attached to his lapel, a tattered small American flag that he wore to remember his fellow soldiers that were still at war.

Mr. Speaker, these men and women have given enough in the name of freedom and democracy. It is shameful that they were forced to pay on top of all that they had given of their lives. I am glad today that we have righted something that was very, very wrong.