Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the long awaited presentation of the Purple Heart to World War II veteran, and Las Vegas resident, Nicholas Demetrios Theodoredis. This, his second Purple Heart, recognizes the commitment to our great country shown by so many from the generation who faced the horrors of the Second World War.

I am happy to share my thanks and congratulations for this long overdue tribute to the valor of Mr. Theodoredis' service in the North African Campaign of World War II. America has been well served by such men and women and will continue, with their example, to maintain its position as a world leader and defender of liberty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference agreement to S. 342, the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003. Mr. Speaker, this legislation builds upon changes made during the last reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, directing its efforts towards the prevention of child abuse and neglect and family violence in collaboration with child protective services. It would ensure that States have the necessary flexibility and resources for identifying and addressing the issues of child maltreatment and family violence before they occur and works to protect and treat abused and neglected children and victims of family violence.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, in 2001 there were an estimated 903,000 victims of abuse or neglect nationally. Almost three-fifths of all victims suffered from neglect, and the most victimized children were in the zero to three age group. In Clark County, Nevada, while there was an increase in the number of child abuse and neglect reports, up in 2001 to 8,316, in 2000 there was a drop to 7,932. There was a decrease in the substantiated child abuse reports as a percentage of the total reports in 2001, having continually declined from 1997. And with the improvements we have established throughout the intense conference negotiations on the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, I hope to see a further decline in child abuse and family violence across this country.

It is important that children and families can lead safe and healthy lives. Treatment and preventative measures are essential to stopping this abuse. I urge my colleagues to support this conference report.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2254, legislation to name the United States Postal Service facility in Boulder City, Nevada, in honor of Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury.

I introduced this legislation to pay tribute to one of southern Nevada's most distinguished citizens. I have worked closely with the members of the city council of Boulder City and the mayor of Boulder City, Robert Ferraro, to appropriately thank Commissioner Woodbury for his many contributions to the great State of Nevada and to our Nation.

Commissioner Woodbury is a native of Las Vegas and has resided in Boulder City, Nevada, since 1978. He is a graduate of Las Vegas High School and attended the University of Utah where he graduated Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Kappa, and Magna Cum Laude. Mr. Woodbury then attended Stanford School of Law where he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence and was a member of the Board of Editors of the Stanford Law Review.

In southern Nevada, Commissioner Woodbury has been active for many years as an outstanding civic leader. He has served as a member of the Clark County Commission for 21 years and on the Regional Transportation Commission of southern Nevada for 17 years, the last 11 as that body's chairman. He was also the founding father of the Clark County Regional Flood District and the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Mr. Speaker, the impact and the magnitude of his contributions are seen by Nevadans every day. Commissioner Woodbury was instrumental in gathering support for the construction of the Las Vegas Beltway, the largest and most visible transportation project ever undertaken in Clark County's history. Through his leadership, Commissioner Woodbury has worked to minimize traffic delays, reduce inconvenience for drivers, and maintain access to local businesses. In addition, Mr. Woodbury has been very involved in local, civic, and youth organizations and is a proud father and grandfather.

It has been my privilege to work with Commissioner Woodbury on a variety of projects; and I can speak to his character as a leader, as a citizen, and as a friend.

Mr. Speaker, on a personal note, Bruce Woodbury is a quiet man. He actually was very embarrassed when I suggested we name the post office after him. Bruce does not like accolades. He is the first, the first man to give everyone else credit before taking credit for himself. Yes, he is quiet; but he is an effective leader, and he is one of the most visionary and caring individuals who has ever served as a public servant. His example sets the standard for all of us serving this great country.

Southern Nevada has grown almost threefold since Mr. Woodbury was elected, to almost 1.6 million people. There is not a project in Nevada that Mr. Woodbury has not touched, whether it be transportation, air quality, schools, health care, water quality, senior citizens, and taking care of our children.

As a matter of fact, when Bruce was first elected over 20 years ago, there was a major flood in southern Nevada. Bruce was there with a shovel helping citizens dig out their cars, their homes, their livestock, making sure they could get their families back in order. Bruce did not just sit back; Bruce then formed the Clark County Flood Control District. We have not had the same challenges that we had in 20 years because of Bruce Woodbury's leadership.

Let us talk about traffic for a second. Bruce travels to work about 20 miles every day and got tired of sitting around in traffic and decided to build and be the leader in developing the Las Vegas Beltway, because Bruce, although quiet, is effective and wanted to get the job done.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of this body, I am truly honored to have served with Mr. Woodbury. He has been a mentor for me and many other public servants, and words truly cannot express my appreciation for all that he has done to improve the quality of life in Nevada.

I urge all of the Members of this body to support the legislation today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to one of Southern Nevada's most distinguished citizens, Commissioner Bruce Woodbury. I have introduced legislation to name the United States Postal Service facility in Boulder City, Nevada in his honor.

I have worked closely with the members of the City Council of Boulder City, and the Mayor of Boulder City, Robert Ferraro, to appropriately thank Commissioner Woodbury for his many contributions to the great State of Nevada.

Commissioner Woodbury is a native of Las Vegas, and he has resided in Boulder City since 1978, He is a graduate of Las Vegas High School, and attended the University of Utah where he graduated Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Kappa, and Magna Cum Laude. Mr. Woodbury then attended Stanford School of Law where he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence and was a member of the Board of Editors of the Stanford Law Review.

In Southern Nevada, Commissioner Woodbury has served for many years as an outstanding civic leader. He has served as a member of the Clark County Commission for 21 years and on the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada for 17 years, the last 11 as that body's chairman. The magnitude of his contributions are seen by Nevadans every day. Commissioner Woodbury was instrumental in gathering support for the construction of the Las Vegas Beltway, the largest and most visible transportation project ever undertaken in Clark County. Through his leadership, Commissioner Woodbury has worked to minimize traffic delays, reduce inconvenience for drivers, and maintain access to local businesses.

In addition, Mr. Woodbury has been very involved in local, civic, and youth organizations. He is also a proud father and grandfather. I am pleased to introduce this legislation honoring him today. It has been my privilege to work with Commissioner Woodbury on a variety of projects and I can speak to his character as a leader, a citizen, and as a friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National Tourism Week. As a Representative from the State of Nevada, I understand first hand the importance of travel and tourism to the United States and our economy.

My hometown of Las Vegas is considered one of the most traveled to destinations in the world, earning its designation as the Entertainment Capital of the world long ago. Las Vegas has something to offer people of all ages. Everything from world class resort-casinos, to first class restaurants and shopping, and entertainment which includes concerts, production shows, and magic acts.

In 2002, more than 35 million people visited Las Vegas. Of that number, 5 million were convention and trade show delegates who left behind $5.9 billion in non-gaming revenue alone, helping to maintain the destination's year-round average occupancy rate at 84 percent. Tourism is the largest employer in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, with more than 25 percent of the population directly employed by the hospitality, gaming and recreation industries.

National Tourism Week is Las Vegas's annual opportunity to spotlight the role that tourism plays in the Nevada economy and to educate residents about the organizations that market Las Vegas to the nation and the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and constituent, John Milburn, his retirement from the Meadows School in Las Vegas.

John was born in Waga Wag, Australia. He moved to the United States in 1961 to attend the University of Oregon. John was the first Australian to be recruited for a college basketball team. John became a United States Citizen in 1990.

After completing his undergraduate work and a Masters in Education at the University of Oregon, he moved to Nevada and became at teacher at Boulder City High School. He spent 30 years at Boulder City High, teaching Physics, Chemistry, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry.

He coached the boys basketball team for 28 years at Boulder City High School, and led them to 8 State Championships. John was honored this year by being inducted in the Boulder City Coaches Hall of Fame.

John left Boulder City High School to become a teacher at the Meadows School in Las Vegas. He is now retiring after having spent

10 years at the Meadows school teaching AP Physics and coaching the girls basketball team.

John Milburn is a wonderful teacher, athlete, and citizen. I am honored to join his wife Christine, his students at Meadows and Boulder City High School, and all Nevadans in congratulating him on his exceptional career.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to thank the chairman for including my amendment. The Defense Department conducts studies on the effects of perchlorate on human beings. Perchlorate, a major ingredient in rocket fuel and other military ordnance, has been found in the water of many western States, including my district in Nevada, as well as the chairman's home State of California.

The EPA is currently in the process of determining a safe amount of perchlorate in drinking water, but right now no one knows if even a level of one part per billion is safe. What level of perchlorate is found will have a major impact in the water districts, costing them potentially billions of dollars in technology to meet the standards.

I must add there can be no substitute for clean drinking water for children. And whatever level is found to be safe, Congress must help our communities to meet this need. The major source of perchlorate comes from current and former defense industrial sites, including in my district. The Department of Defense is potentially liable for the cost of perchlorate cleanup at some or all of these sites. Given that, and the perchlorates primarily were made for DOD orders, it is only fair that the Department contribute to the ongoing urgent research on the possible health efforts of this chemical.

I rise today to thank Chairman Hunter for including my amendment requiring the Defense Department to conduct studies on the effects of perchlorate on human beings.

Perchlorate, a major ingredient in rocket fuel and other military ordnance, has been found in the water of many Western States, including my district of Nevada, as well as in the Chairman's home state of California.

The Environmental Protection Agency is currently in the process of determining the safe amount of perchlorate in drinking water, but right now no one knows what, if any, level above 1 part per billion is safe.

What level of perchlorate is found safe will have a major impact on water districts, costing them potentially billion of dollars in technology to meet new standards.

I must add that there can be no substitute for clean drinking water for children, and that whatever level is found to be safe, Congress must provide the help our communities need to achieve this.

The major source of perchlorate comes from current and former defense industrial sites, including my district.

The Department of Defense is potentially liable for the cost of perchlorate cleanup at some or all of these sites. Given that, and that perchlorates primarily were made for DoD orders, it is only fair that the Department contribute to the ongoing, urgent research on the possible health effects of this chemical.

The Senate Armed Services Committee has already passed, with a bipartisan majority, identical language to my amendment. I thank the Chairman for including this amendment and look forward to working with him in the future.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?

That is correct.

That is correct.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 161) recognizing the achievements of Operation Respect, the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' programs, and Peter Yarrow, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 161.

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

I rise today in support of H. Res. 161, which commends Operation Respect, the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' programs' efforts to provide character education.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham) for their efforts to draw attention to the importance of character education programs in our schools.

In 2001, Congress recognized the importance of character education programs like Operation Respect when we passed the No Child Left Behind Act. This landmark legislation contains the partnerships in character education program that provide grants for character education programs that emphasize academic achievement and focuses on elements such as citizenship, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness.

As some may know, Operation Respect is a nonprofit organization that assists schools, after-school programs, and summer camps in their efforts to create safe and respectful environments for students and teachers. Specifically, Operation Respect utilizes music and video, along with a conflict-resolution curriculum, to help address the problems of bullying and teasing among elementary and middle school youth.

Operation Respect also recognizes the importance of professional development by offering workshops designed to provide educators with the tools that they need to effectively implement character education programs. In fact, over 18,000 teachers have participated in 230 ``Don't Laugh At Me'' workshops in 27 States throughout the United States.

I would also like to commend Operation Respect for their efforts to leverage the private sector support for their programs. Through the cooperative efforts of community-based organizations, schools, and the private sector, students are better able to understand the importance of acting responsibly and treating one another with respect.

Again, I am pleased to recognize the achievements of Operation Respect and the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' programs, and I urge that Members support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham), a prior member of our committee.

Madam 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 agree to the resolution (H. Res. 107) commending and supporting the efforts of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), the world's preeminent collegiate free enterprise organization, and its president, Alvin Rohrs, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 107.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 107. This resolution recognizes the unique and important opportunities provided by the international organization Students in Free Enterprise. Active on more than 1,400 college and university campuses and more than 33 countries, SIFE collegiate teams improve the quality of life and the standard of living around the world by teaching the principles of market economics, entrepreneurship, business ethnics, and personal finance success. Currently, there are over 15,000 students involved with the SIFE chapter.

Since 1975, SIFE college teams have been invited to attend leadership training programs where they learn the principles of free enterprise and develop leadership skills. Students return to their respective campuses where they conduct free enterprise outreach projects in their communities. Ultimately, the SIFE experience works to provide college and university students with the opportunity to make a difference in their local communities and develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills, skills that are important to lifelong career success.

The postsecondary education experience is enriched when students have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the world around them. SIFE chapters are a means by which college students can expand their knowledge of the free enterprise system, compete in international competitions, and work in their local communities.

Our Nation is facing a time of economic challenge. The growth and strength of the SIFE collegiate chapters and the escalating interest in the entrepreneurial spirit and sound business practices encourage me. Recognition is in order for the international organizations, Students in Free Enterprise, their board, and the individual chapters. I am happy to join the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) in honoring these organizations for their accomplishments. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman).

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt).

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 204) congratulating charter schools across the United States, and the students, parents, teachers, and administrators of such schools, for their ongoing contributions to education, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 204.

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

I rise today in support of H. Res. 204. This resolution honors the Nation's charter schools, their students, parents, teachers, and administrators for their outstanding education of our children. This week, from April 28 through May 2, charter school organizations are honoring the schools for their ongoing contributions to education.

I am pleased to honor the 13 charter schools in Nevada that serve nearly 3,000 students. The legislation I co-authored was passed in the State of Nevada in 1997 and was revised in 1999, lending teachers more room for creativity and the ability to offer and extend school days as well as the school year. This Friday I will have the opportunity to showcase one of them: The Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Academy's curriculum focuses on technology and college preparation while introducing cultural activities and expanded involvement in community affairs. Currently the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy instructs grades 3 through 5 and will add one grade level per year through to grade 12. I commend the school and principal Wayne Tanaka, as well as the other charter schools in the State of Nevada for recognizing the immense need for improved education and their commitment to improving student achievement for students who attend these schools.

The Nation's charter schools deliver high-quality education and challenge students to reach their potential. Thirty-nine States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have passed laws authorizing charter schools. Now almost 2,700 charter schools serve nearly 700,000 students in 36 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In exchange for flexibility and autonomy, these public charter schools are held accountable by their sponsors for improving student achievement and for their financial and other operations. Charter schools respond to the needs of America's communities, families and students, while promoting the principles of quality, choice, and innovation. Charter schools must meet the same No Child Left Behind student achievement accountability requirements as other public schools, and often set even higher standards in additional individual goals to ensure that they are high quality and truly accountable to the public.

Charter schools can be vehicles for improving student achievement for students who attend them, for stimulating change and improvement in all public schools, and for benefiting all public school students. These schools give parents new freedom to choose their public school. Nearly 70 percent of charter schools report having a waiting list, and the total number of students on all such waiting lists is enough to fill another 1,000 average-size charter schools. Students in charter schools nationwide have similar demographic characteristics as students in all public schools and serve significant numbers of students from families with lower income, minority students, and students with disability. In the majority of charter schools almost half the students are considered at risk or are former dropouts. Charter schools have enjoyed broad bipartisan support from the administration, the Congress, State governors and legislators, educators, and parents across our Nation.

Through this resolution, Congress today acknowledges and commends the charter school movement and charter schools, students, teachers and parents across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education and improving and strengthening the Nation's public school system.

The fourth annual National Charter School Week is held this week April 28 to May 2, 2003. It recognizes the significant impacts, achievements and innovations of the Nation's charter schools. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I also would like to applaud this bipartisan effort in recognizing those moms and dads and professionals across this country for their efforts in making sure that every child has a great education, to commend our staff and all of the Members who have cosponsored it, and the majority leader for scheduling this today.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Joseph G. Roberts, beloved husband of Lia Roberts. Joe will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 12, 2003, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Joe was born on September 19, 1915 in Springfield, Missouri and died on April 7, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Growing up during the depression, Joe was best known for being a man of great integrity and honor. In 1941, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a captain and pilot during World War II. He was later discharged with honors.

In 1949, Joe moved to Las Vegas and founded Roberts Roofing and went on to become a very successful businessman in the Las Vegas community. His dedication and generous contributions to the many charities he helped support will not be forgotten.

Joe, we thank you for your true spirit of life and your gracious manner. You will be missed by your many friends and loved ones.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Lia and family during this time of sorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to one of Nevada's finest. One of the legends of the west passed on to his reward last week. Ninety-year-old Tommy Nelson came to Nevada in 1931 to help build the mighty Hoover Dam and wound up being employed forty years on the site. Tommy was an outstanding individual who was admired by all who knew him. He was also an excellent musician and played his trumpet at many patriotic ceremonies and funerals of our service men and women.

Nevada has lost a great American whose spirit will live on in the hearts of Nevadans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Boulder City on a number of awards it has received over the last year. I have had the tremendous honor of representing Boulder City as a Councilman, Mayor, and now as Congressman. The following awards show the quality of life Boulder City is famous for. These awards include: the Howland Award, given by the National League of Cities to the best small community in the country; the ``Excellence in Aquatics Award'' from the National Recreation and Parks Association. This honor was given for the exceptional quality of all the aquatic programs offered through the Parks and Recreation Department; the ``Excellence in Education Hall of Fame Award'' from the Clark County School District; the Boulder City Municipal Golf Course was recognized statewide as number 10 in top values throughout the State and best course under $100 in southern Nevada by the ``Las Vegas Golfer Magazine;'' National Geographic Adventure Magazine named Boulder City's Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Trail facility as one of the top 50 Favorite Adventure Places, November, 2002.

I urge my colleagues in this House and people across the country to visit Boulder City, Nevada, and see this wonderful, award-winning community first hand.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women of the Nevada National Guard and their Commanding General, Major General Giles E. Vanderhoof.

Since September 11 the Nevada National Guard has been on the front lines of the war on terror, providing troops for Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. With more than 700 soldiers and airmen activated, Nevada has one of the highest percentages of mobilized troops in the country. The 152nd Airlift Wing, 152nd Security Police Squadron, 72nd Military Police Company, 152nd Intelligence Squadron, 777th Engineer Detachment, and other units have all responded with valor and dedication to their country's call.

The Nevada National Guard has a long history of service to this nation, serving in the Pueblo crisis, the Persian Gulf War, and Bosnia. I salute each and every member of the National Guard and pledge my full support for them and their families. General Vanderhoof and his staff are to be commended for their success in training and leading such a force.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my condolences for a dear family friend, David Peter Thomas. David passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 2003, at the age of 28. I had the honor of knowing David and his family for many years. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, and grandson. Despite his young years, David had found a love of the law. He had attended UNLV School of Law for a year and then went on to the University of Utah, where he was in his last year of school. This past year David clerked at a local law firm, where he was to begin his career as a lawyer. David was also an avid skier and artist, which he inherited from his mother. He loved to spend his free time skiing, painting, or playing music. David was a beautiful person, a well-loved person who could brighten a stranger's day. His untimely death shall be regretted by all the people who knew David. To his family--his wife Natalie, his parents Peter and Nancy, his siblings Megan, Lindsey, and Adam, and his grandparents Monroe and Shirley, Parry and Peggy, I just want to say may he rest in peace. May God bless him.