Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Fire Chief Dave Carlson for his dedicated service to our country and our community. Mr. Carlson recently retired as the Fire Chief of the city of Riverside, California. He has protected our citizens as a warrior and fireman over a 39-year career in public service.

Dave grew up in Sacramento and graduated from Luther Burbank High School in 1966. Two weeks later he enlisted in the Navy to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a ``frogman.'' Dave graduated from Underwater Demolition/SEAL training and went on to serve two tours of duty in Vietnam. In 1972 he became a firefighter in Santa Barbara County, California. Dave worked his way through the ranks and became a Battalion Chief in 1981. Constantly striving for self improvement, Dave attended college on his days off. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Public Service Management and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne. In 1991, Dave became the Fire Chief in the City of Norco, California. In 1994, he became the Deputy Fire Chief of the City of Riverside and in 1996 he was appointed Fire Chief.

Dave Carlson is always looking for innovative ways to provide better public safety service to the community. In 1999 he implemented a paramedic program through a joint partnership with American Medical Response and the Riverside County Medical Services Agency. This partnership resulted in a higher level of emergency care and faster emergency response at no cost to the City of Riverside's general fund.

Throughout his career, Dave has served in professional and public organizations. He has always been active in the California Fire Chiefs' Organization, serving a two-year term as President from 2000 to 2002. He is also the Chair of the Department of Corrections Citizens' Advisory Committee for the California Rehabilitation Center. In 2004, Dave's accomplishments were justly recognized when he received the Distinguished Public Service Career Award from the City of Riverside and was named the ``Fire Chief of the Year'' by the California Fire Chiefs' Association.

Fire Chiefs such as Dave Carlson provide a remarkable level of protection to our communities. They work just as hard at preventing fires and accidents as they do in responding to them. Dave has had an exceptional career keeping our community safe. He has earned my many thanks and I wish him great success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Julie Puentes for her dedicated service to the people of Orange County, California. Ms. Puentes has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and has made our community a better place to live.

Julie Puentes is the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Orange County Business Council, a countywide organization comprised primarily of Orange County's largest employers and small businesses dedicated to Orange County's economic vitality. She serves as a member of the organization's executive management team and manages the Business Council's Advocacy program. She coordinates the Business Council Investor lobbying efforts which are intended to foster a positive business climate and preserve Orange County's quality of life. During her time at the OCBC, Julie has done an exemplary job of building relationships, particularly with Orange County's federal, state and local representatives. She also works closely with other chambers of commerce and regional economic development organizations.

Before she joined the Orange County Business Council professional staff Ms. Puentes was the owner of JFConsulting, a public affairs consulting firm. Her firm focused on engaging the business community in the development of public policy and more business-friendly environmental regulation. From 1978-1991, Ms. Puentes served as Chief of Staff to Senator Marian Bergeson, culminating a 20-year career in public service for five state legislators.

Ms. Puentes served in the Wilson Administration as a member of the State Job Training Coordinating Council (now the state Workforce Investment Board) and the Governor's School-to-Career Advisory Council. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Public Affairs Association and Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, and is a member of the California Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Council.

We rely upon citizens like Julie Puentes to sustain the spirit of our communities. I have relied on her advice in addressing various water and transportation challenges facing our community and state. Julie Puentes has earned my many thanks and I wish her great success in all her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the late James E. Mizell II for his dedicated service to our country and community. Born in February 1948, in Bakersfield, Jim was a fourth generation Californian and remained devoted to the betterment of the state throughout his personal and professional life. Growing up in Taft, in the San Joaquin Valley, Jim developed an early appreciation for the importance of water resources to farmers and businessmen living in a desert. At the age of 14, he moved to Orange County and, soon after, met his future wife Pamela Mosier while attending Corona Del Mar High School.

After his marriage to Pam, Jim was deployed by the United States Navy to South East Asia aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway. After fulfilling his military duty, he returned to Orange Coast College, finished his Bachelor of Science in Economics at Loyola Marymount and received an MBA from the Anderson School of Business at UCLA. Jim's interest in California's growth led him to specialize in real estate development. Jim also leaves a legacy of balanced and practical environmental stewardship, business and financial acumen, as well as decade of leadership as an elected director of the Santa Margarita Water District.

Jim passed away on January 14th of this year while taking his morning run. He is survived by his wife and four boys.

Jim was fascinated by issues that shaped the future of ``his State''. He understood the complex issues which impacted Southern California's ocean, in which he loved to surf and sail, and the beauty of Northern California's wilderness where he hiked and skied. He understood California's vital farming communities, and the necessary growth of the housing market to a growing economy.

Jim was a man of integrity who believed in the goodness of people, and that most individuals are motivated by a sincere desire to accomplish positive results. However, he also believed man is limited by his ability to appreciate the opposing side of an argument. It is this dichotomy which Jim tried to bridge. His favorite adage was, ``No information is bad information.'' He urged those around him to embrace knowledge as friendly even if it was not ``good'' news, because the only bad information is no information at all. Jim could and would play ``Devil's Advocate'' to advance another's understanding of the other side of an issue, to move groups toward agreement. He always sought a compromise because he believed that there should be no ``loser.'' The example he set is one we can all learn from.

It was Jim's sincere desire that each of us contribute the best of ourselves today in order to prepare California for a better tomorrow. Jim Mizell served his family, country and his community with distinction and honor and I am truly proud to have called him a friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Captain Steven C. Miller, United States Navy, for his twenty-six years of active duty service to our country. He is the Commanding Officer of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Corona, California and will retire on June 17, 2005.

Captain Miller graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1979. After being commissioned as an officer he embarked on an extraordinary active duty career as a Surface Warfare Officer. He has deployed throughout the world in support of America's global naval presence and power projection. Captain Miller has served as a Surface Warfare Officer on destroyers, frigates and cruisers. He was the Executive Officer of the USS Ticonderoga (CG 47) when she went to war in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. Captain Miller was hand picked to be the first Commanding Officer of the USS Stethem (DDG 63) when she entered service in 1995. Under his leadership, the crew of the Stethem earned the coveted Battle ``E'' award for combat readiness in the first year of the ship's service.

Besides being a true warrior at sea, Captain Miller has had a distinguished career ashore. He has served in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations as the Executive Secretary for Joint Chiefs of Staff Affairs and as the Flag Secretary for the Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Following his command tour on the USS Stethem, Captain Miller shaped the future of the Navy's surface combat force while working on the program start of the DD(X). This new destroyer program will lead the Navy into the twenty-first century. Captain Miller has earned a Master's Degree in National Security Strategy at the Naval War College and qualified as a U.S. Navy Acquisition Professional.

I first met Captain Miller when he assumed command of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in my district. NSWC, Corona provides independent assessment and testing and evaluation to the fleet on weapons systems and operations and provides quality control for the tools our Navy uses to fight the Global War on Terrorism. I have come to know him as a strong leader who accomplishes the mission and takes care of his people.

Captain Steve Miller has done much to preserve our way of life. Our country, our Navy and my community have benefited from his selfless service. He is a fantastic example for today's young people who want to serve their country and for those who dream of attending one of our service academies. He has earned my many thanks. I wish him well in his retirement from the Navy and all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, introducing this important legislation honoring our late California constituent, Charles ``Pete'' Conrad, for his remarkable achievements in spaceflight as well as his contribution to the U.S. aerospace industry. Pete was a great American and this is a tribute to his contributions to space and to science.

Pete Conrad was an individual who was always pushing the envelope with an exuberance that matched his animated personality and sense of humor. Pete's first flights were in the Gemini program, where he established both the record for endurance and for altitude in space. Then, as the commander of Apollo XII, he became the third man to walk on the Moon--to which he exclaimed in his typical enthusiastic manner, ``Whoopie! Man, that may have been a small one for Neil, but it's a long one for me.'' His final National Aeronautics and Space Administration mission was a commander of Skylab II, the first United States space station.

Once he left the Astronaut Corps, Pete delved into what was then the nascent aerospace industry. He worked to sell the industry to the American people and to excite them on the possibilities of the return to and the colonization of the Moon, the development of single-stage- to-orbit vehicles, and in the exploration of the solar system. During this time, Pete stayed with his love of anything that would go fast-- airplanes, helicopters, cars and motorcycles. He raced helicopters across the country; he raced airplanes in air shows; and he raced motorcycles in local races. Tragically, he died from injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident in 1999 and at the age of 69 in Ojai, CA.

This bill, which honors Pete Conrad and is a tribute to his wife Nancy, encourages young people to get involved in astronomy by offering prizes to amateurs for their contributions to

astronomy by either discovering the brightest near-Earth object or by the cataloging of near Earth objects. What better way to get our children interested in science and in paying tribute to this great American.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman for engaging in this colloquy with me addressing the Department of Defense, DOD's concern in any decision FERC would make authorizing the siting of liquefied natural gas facilities, LNG, on or contiguous to our defense installations.

Mr. Chairman, I know and believe our colleagues all recognize the extreme importance of our duty to ensure that our men and women in uniform are able to operate and train in an environment free of any unnecessary constraints.

Should a proposal to site an LNG terminal be on or adjacent to a military installation or range, I believe there would be concerns that should be addressed as to whether there may be an impact upon military operations, training and readiness. Among the factors that may impact the day-to-day operations of a military installation or range include the actual location of an LNG storage and regasification unit, shipment routes, frequency of shipments, natural gas pipelines, maintenance and inspection regimes, and other activities mandated by Federal and State laws and regulations.

I have spoken with the officials at the Department of Defense and assessing non-military impacts to installation operations and training is something they are capable of and in fact do on a regular basis. It is my belief the Department of Defense should have a role in assessing the impact of such proposed sitings to be considered on or contiguous to a military installation or range. I believe that the commission should consider the Department's evaluations so that any siting does not interfere with our military's duties as prescribed in title 10 of the U.S. Code.

Mr. Chairman, can you confirm that we can discuss this concern further at conference?

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, my congressional district in Riverside, California is extremely fortunate to have a dynamic and dedicated group of community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give of their time and talents to ensure the well-being of our city and county. These individuals work tirelessly to develop voluntary community action to improve the community's economy, its education, its environment and its overall quality of life. One individual, who is a member of this group, is Captain Ray Cota.

On the 19th of March, Ray will be honored with the Ira. D. ``Cal'' Calvert Distinguished Service Award by the Corona-Norco Family YMCA. The award is given in memory of my father, ``Cal'' Calvert, and his enumerable philanthropic gifts to the community and his efforts to encourage others to serve their community in a similar fashion. The award recognizes Ray for his exceptional devotion to developing community volunteerism.

Ray has been a police officer with the Corona Police Department for over 25 years. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the community and specifically with youth service organizations. He has served as President of the Circle City Kiwanis, helped organize an annual golf tournament that raises money for at-risk youth, and participated in the Corona High Parent Teacher Student Association. Additionally, Ray has served with the Corona Police Activities League, which provides sports and recreational activities to neighborhood youth and seeks to reach out to other deserving youth in the community.

Ray and his wife Rebecca have been married for 21 years. They have a 13 year old son, Raymond, who attends Corona Fundamental Intermediate School.

Ray's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. Ray has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events and I am proud to call Ray a fellow community member, American and friend.

Mr. Speaker, my congressional district in Riverside, California is extremely fortunate to have a dynamic and dedicated group of community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give of their time and talents to ensure the well-being of our city and county. These individuals work tirelessly to develop voluntary community action to improve the community's economy, its education, its environment and its overall quality of life. One individual, who is a member of this group, is Tom Kenney.

On the 19th of March, Tom will be honored with the Ira D. ``Cal'' Calvert Distinguished Service Award by the Corona-Norco Family YMCA. The award is given in memory of my father, ``Cal'' Calvert, and his enumerable philanthropic gifts to the community and his efforts to encourage others to serve their community in a similar fashion. The award recognizes Tom for his exceptional devotion to developing community volunteerism.

Tom was born in Pennsylvania, but moved to California during his service with the Navy. He met and married Barbara Keith, a school teacher in the Corona-Norco Unified School District, attended Riverside Community College and graduated from the University California, Riverside. After 12 years with Prudential Insurance Company, and earning an M.B.A. from University of Southern California, Tom moved to take what became a series of executive jobs. In 1995, Tom and Barb, with their sons Christopher and Patrick, took the opportunity to purchase the Key-Freeman Agency and move back to their California home. Tom has been involved in many community organizations, serving on the boards of Corona-Norco United Way, the Corona Rotary Club, the Corona Library Foundation, and the Corona Chamber of Commerce.

Tom's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. Tom has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events and I am proud to call Tom a fellow community member, American and friend.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Madam Speaker, I also stand in support of House Resolution 119. My father served as a pilot of a landing craft during the Battle of Iwo Jima, and it is an honor and a pleasure to recognize the sacrifice and contributions of the United States Marine Corps and other services on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

I had the honor of meeting a humble hero of the Battle of Iwo Jima sometime ago back in my district when we dedicated the Medal of Honor Memorial at the Riverside National Cemetery. His name is Bob Bush, and he received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service as a medical corpsman with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, on May 2, 1945. His citation reads like a scene from a John Wayne movie, but it is all true:

``Fearlessly braving the fury of artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire from strongly entrenched hostile positions, Bush constantly and unhesitatingly moved from one casualty to another to attend the wounded falling under the enemy's murderous barrages. As the attack passed over a ridge top, Bush was advancing to administer blood plasma to a Marine officer lying wounded on the skyline when the Japanese launched a savage counterattack. In this perilously exposed position, he resolutely maintained the flow of life-giving plasma. With the bottle held high in one hand, Bush drew his pistol with the other and fired into the enemy's ranks until his ammunition was expended. Quickly seizing his discarded carbine, he trained his fire on the Japanese charging pointblank over the hill, accounting for six of the enemy despite his own serious wounds and the loss of one eye suffered during his desperate battle in defense of the helpless man. With the hostile force finally routed, he calmly disregarded his own critical condition to complete his mission, valiantly refusing medical treatment for himself

until his officer patient had been evacuated, and collapsing only after attempting to walk back to the battle aid station.''

Madam Speaker, his humility is typical of those who braved the sands of Iwo Jima, and I proudly support this resolution offered by my good friend from California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district. On December 21, 2004, U.S. Army Specialist Jonathan Castro of my hometown of Corona, CA, was killed in Mosul, Iraq. Specialist Castro, along with 18 other American soldiers, died from injuries sustained when their dining facility was attacked. I would ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country. Specialist Castro will be remembered as a hero who lived a life filled with compassion and a respect for all people.

Jonathan, son of Jorge and Vickie Castro, spent most of his life in Corona, CA. The summer after graduating from Corona's Centennial High School in 2001, he enlisted in the Army. He entered the military with the hope that it would enable him to pay his own way through school and would open his eyes to the world. He was assigned to the 73rd Engineer Company in Fort Lewis, WA, and was deployed to Iraq in October, 2004.

He is remembered not only for his caring nature, but also for his intelligence. He was a budding engineer with a talent for working with metals and wood, as well as having strong skills in computer-aided drafting. He demonstrated creativity and ingenuity during high school as he built his own electric guitar, as well as a full-sized electric car.

On December 1, 2004, in Mosul, Iraq, while sharing a meal with his fellow soldiers, the dining facility was attacked. This has been the deadliest blast to date at a U.S. military base in Iraq, with 22 people killed. Specialist Castro was only 21 years old. He is survived by his loving parents and seven brothers. Jonathan was decorated posthumously with the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Jonathan, and men and women like him, contribute to the incredibly rich history of our country. I commend all our service members who volunteer to defend our ideals of freedom and democracy.

I extend my ongoing thoughts, prayers and deepest gratitude to the Castro family. I hope they know their son and brother's goodness and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Bob Matsui. Bob was my friend for 13 years. Even though we sat on opposite sides of the aisle we shared a bond as fellow Californians, and he always had my utmost respect.

In this House Bob always strove to do the best for his district, his State, and his country. He entered Congress with a distinguished class in 1978 and made a lasting impression. His 26 years here were an example of how a man can be an effective promoter of his party and the consummate gentleman at the same time. Even in the most partisan of positions, chairman of his party's Congressional Campaign Committee, Bob took the high road and set an example for us to follow. He was a man of unparalleled integrity, compassion, intelligence and dedication.

I will miss Bob Matsui. I know that the people of California, the United States, and the Members of this body share my sentiments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Stephen K. Goya for his 31 years of dedicated service with the California Department of Corrections, Parole and Community Services. Mr. Goya is an example of the hard work and a commitment to excellence shown by California's Corrections Officers. He will be honored by the Department of Corrections on October 29, 2004 in the city of Brea, California.

Stephen K. Goya began his career as a Parole Agent I with the Department of Corrections, Parole and Community Services Division on October 10, 1977. Prior to that, he worked as a Probation Officer for the Orange County Probation Department. He was promoted to Parole Agent II/Supervisor in January 1983. He then further advanced his career with the Department of Corrections as a Parole Agent III Unit Supervisor in October 1985 and in 1987, he was promoted to Parole Administrator I. In December 1992, Mr. Goya was once again promoted to Parole Administrator II Level. In that classification, Mr. Goya functioned as the Operations Manager for the Parole Division in Sacramento as well as the Deputy Regional Administrator in Region IV Headquarters. Mr. Goya's current classification is that of Regional Parole Administrator over Region IV. Mr. Goya was promoted to Regional Parole Administrator CEA III Level on January 20, 1998. Region IV is comprised of five different counties (Orange, San Diego, Imperial, San Bernardino, Riverside), 51 field units, 21 office locations and over 742 parole staff.

We rely upon our Corrections, Parole and Community Services Officers to keep our community safe and monitor those who are making their way back into society. Stephen K. Goya has worked tirelessly for over three decades to lead these Officers in their mission. His efforts have improved life in Southern California. Stephen K. Goya has earned my many thanks and I wish him great success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Wes Keusder, who has been a dedicated, strong and effective voice for the principles and ideals of California's building community during his years as a member and leader of the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIA/SC). Riverside County and all of southern California has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Wes is one of these individuals. On November 5, 2004, Wes will be honored by BIA at their 38th Annual Awards and Installation Dinner.

Wes Keusder is a third generation home builder in California and has worked for over twenty years to make homeownership a reality for thousands of California's families. Wes followed in the footsteps of his father, Walter Keusder Jr., and grandfather, Walter Keusder, by serving as President of BIA/SC as well as participating in the California Building Industry Association and the National Association of Home Builders. Wes has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to the building industry by serving as the President of the BIA Riverside County Chapter in 2001 and 2002. Additionally, Wes served as a Director of the Building Industry Legal Defense Fund, whose mission is to defend the rights of home and property owners.

Homeownership is an American dream, and housing is a community asset which strengthens the fabric of neighborhoods. Wes has worked tirelessly to ensure that thousands of Californians can make that dream a reality. His passion and service for homeownership has improved Riverside and all of Southern California. Wes Keusder has earned my many thanks and I wish him great success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor General Atomics, an organization that has been a catalyst for improving science and technology education for thousands of students year after year. General Atomics, located in San Diego, California, began in 1955 for the purpose of harnessing the power of nuclear technologies to benefit mankind. General Atomics' basic research into fission and fusion has matured into many technologies, making them one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely operated surveillance aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies.

While General Atomics has been pushing the boundaries of technology for almost 50 years, they have also heavily supported educational programs in their own community and beyond. As part of their commitment to education, General Atomics provided technical and administrative guidance to the newly-formed Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP), which was created in my congressional district five years ago to inspire students to pursue an education in science and technology fields. Beyond their five years of participation in STEP, General Atomics has played an active role in bringing science and technology directly to Riverside County students and those from surrounding areas through their participation in each of the previous annual STEP Conferences that have been held in Riverside, California. They support the STEP Teacher Program by presenting tutorial workshops each year for elementary and middle school math and science teachers. In addition, they have become an integral and featured part of the STEP Student Program, which is attended by over 4,000 students plus more than 400 teachers and parents each year. Their exhibit booth in the ``Discovery Zone'' provides students with a hands-on introduction to plasma, electricity, thermal energy, and more. Technical personnel from General Atomics are on hand to explain to the students how the technologies work and how they are used in government and commercial applications. In the ``Oh! Zone,'' students participate in an interactive Science Show with Rick Lee and Alex Nagy, two General Atomics scientists. The Science Show involves live demonstrations, often using student volunteers, of different technologies and scientific principles in order to show students that science can be interesting, useful, and fun.

General Atomics is a valued member of the technical community and a true partner in education. Their generous efforts have helped make science and technology interesting and accessible to thousands of students within the Inland Empire, throughout Southern California, and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Riverside, California are exceptional. Riverside County has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent to making their communities a better place to live and work. Cindy Roth is one of these individuals.

Cindy currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. In this key position, Cindy has been instrumental in the development of Riverside's business community. She became the first woman to hold this post, and her leadership is a testament to her diligence and understanding of business management in Riverside.

Additionally, Cindy serves as the President of the Southern California Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and is a past board member of the Western Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Cindy's dedication is not only to local business, but also to the wider community. She serves as part of numerous organizations, including the Monday Morning Group of Western Riverside County, the Science and Technology Education Partnership, the Raincross Exchange Club, the Foundation Board of Trustees for La Sierra University, and the Honorary Commanders of March Field. She has received the 1996 Community Service Award from the Rotary Club of Arlington, the 2000 Athena of the Inland Valleys Award, and has been honored as the 2003 Woman of the Year by Assemblyman John Benoit.

It is no surprise that she is now honored as the 2004 Distinguished Citizen of the Inland Empire by the California Inland Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America. Cindy's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside. She has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events and I am proud to call her a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many in our community are grateful for her service and salute her as she receives this award.