Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 520) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain facilities to the Freemont-Madison Irrigation District in the State of Idaho.

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

Mr. Speaker, S. 520, authored by Senator Crapo of Idaho, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey the title of specific Bureau of Reclamation facilities to the Freemont-Madison Irrigation District. The district has operated and maintained these facilities and will have paid all construction costs to the Federal Government prior to conveyance.

As part of this legislation, transfer proponents and several other water interests worked together on drought management provisions to address the needs of all water users in the watershed. This will protect and enhance the Henry's Fork fishery while continuing to provide water to the area's irrigators and other users.

The measure also would require compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is consistent with the Bureau of Reclamation policy to transfer title to water districts that have operated and maintained their facilities and paid out their construction costs.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this consensus-based bill.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2040) to amend the Irrigation Project Contract Extension Act of 1998 to extend certain contracts between the Bureau of Reclamation and certain irrigation water contractors in the States of Wyoming and Nebraska.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2040, introduced by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), extends specific water contracts between the Bureau of Reclamation and water contractors in Nebraska and Wyoming. This legislation responds to continuing work on a multiparty agreement aimed at restoring habitat for endangered species on the Platte River.

While these good-faith efforts take place, the irrigators have asked for repayment certainty until a clear regulatory water-use road map is put in place. This is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this consensus-based bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), the author of this bill, to explain this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1284) to amend the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 to increase the Federal share of the costs of the San Gabriel Basin demonstration project.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1284, introduced by my colleague and friend, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano), increases the authorized Federal cost ceilings for the San Gabriel Basin demonstration project by $12.5 million. Local project sponsors have expressed a desire to expand the demonstration program, which treats contaminated groundwater and then delivers the effluent to nearby localities to justify the Federal cost ceiling increase.

This bill will help lessen Southern California's dependence on foreign water and project groundwater quality. It is a good bill. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and 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 S. 520, H.R. 2040 and H.R. 1284.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona 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. Paula Montanez is one of these individuals. On September 30, 2003, Paula will be honored at the 2003 Distinguished Citizens Awards Dinner organized by the Boy Scouts of America.

Paula was born in Oklahoma, her mother's home state, but has lived most of her life in Southern California. She graduated from Corona High School in 1973 and attended college at the University of California, Riverside and Cal Poly Pomona. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics.

Paula and her husband Eugene, a Corona City Council Member, own and operate Zap Printing & Graphics, a successful printing company. In addition to her work she finds time for numerous organizations. She is a past president of Soroptimist International of Corona, a board member of the Corona Library Foundation and she has been involved in the Corona Reads projects for the past two years.

Paula has been a committee member of Cub Scouts Pack 121 and Boy Scouts Troop 121. She has also been a committee member of St. Edward School Development Commission, Santiago High School Soccer Boosters Board, Corona Regional Medical Center Foundation Board, and PrintImage International trade association. In 1998, Paula was awarded the ``Women Helping Women'' award by Soroptimist International of Corona. Her constant support and involvement has been an inspiration to fellow community members.

Paula's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. 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 community members are grateful for her service and salute her as she receives the 2003 Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona 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. Bobby Spiegel is one of these individuals. On September 30, 2003, Bobby will be honored at the 2003 Distinguished Citizens Awards Dinner organized by the Boy Scouts of America.

Bobby graduated from Corona High School and has been a Corona resident since 1973. He attended Fullerton Junior College and began his career as an entrepreneur with his first business, The Flower Shoppe. He sold the business to work in the family electrical business in 1980. In 1989, while still working for the family business, he and his wife, Karen, a Corona City Council Member, started Spiegel Enterprises/ Publications.

Bobby began volunteering at a young age when he first joined the Jaycees, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, in 1976. He served in almost every capacity and learned from the experience. He served as state president in 1986 and 1987 and was honored with one of the top ten awards in the nation for his service. Over the years, Bobby has also served on the Board of Directors for several community and professional organizations including the American Cancer Society, The National Electrical Contractors Association, and the YMCA. Bobby was also the charter president of the Circle City Rotary Club and is past president of Congregation Beth Shalom. He currently serves as Chairman for the Corona Regional Medical Center Foundation.

Bobby has been recognized for his impressive community service and exemplary leadership. He was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Men of America award, the California Jaycees and US Jaycees awards, Rotary International award, and was named 1988 Corona Citizen of the Year.

Bobby and Karen have five children, Tanya, Rebecca, Rachel, Isaac, and Joshua who continue their parent's commitment to community involvement and service.

Bobby's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. He has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he receives the 2003 Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to our country and the community of Riverside, California are exceptional. This country has been fortunate to have dedicated individuals who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make this country a safer and better place to live. Major General James P. Czekanski is one of these individuals. On Saturday, August 23, 2003, he will be honored as he departs from March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California.

In 1968, Major General Czekanski, after receiving his Bachelor's Degree in history from the University of Massachusetts, attended undergraduate pilot training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. After completing school he attended Sewart Air Force Base in Tennessee for C-130 combat crew training and then became a tactical airlift pilot for three years at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina in 1969. He served at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand as an AC-130A Gunship aircraft commander from 1972 to 1974 at which time he attended Squadron Officer School. Over the next 4 years he would serve in various positions before obtaining his Master's degree in counseling and human development from Troy State University. In 1981 he completed Air War College.

Over the next 20 years Major General Czekanski served in numerous commands throughout the country as Chief of Tactical Airlift Operations, Commander, Vice Commander and Senior Air Reserve Technician, Inspector General, and Director of Operations. In August of 2000 he was assigned to March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California as Commander of the 4th Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command. He has accumulated more than 7,500 hours of flight time and has flown numerous aircraft including the C-5A, C-141A/B/E/H, AC-130A, HC-130H/N/P, and

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Mira Loma were exceptional. Mira Loma 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. Bob was one of these individuals. On August 13, 2003, Bob passed away and the community of Mira Loma had to say good-bye to a man who forever changed their way of life.

Bob was a pillar of his community, having served as the President of the Mira Loma Chamber of Commerce for 8 years. As President, he worked relentlessly to promote small business and enrich the business environment of Mira Loma. Bob was also extremely supportive of Riverside County veterans and actively participated in Jurupa VFW events such as the annual golf tournament. The owner of a concrete placement and finishing company, he donated his time and materials to paving the driveway of the VFW at Glen Avon. His compassion and ability to give saw no bounds.

Bob was also passionate about 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. He worked to ensure that the kids were successful and enjoyed their experiences while participating in the organizations. He often organized pancake breakfasts for charity and founded the Community Citizens on Patrol. The citizens' group patrols Mira Loma and supports law enforcement and code enforcement agencies in Riverside County. His commitment to various groups throughout the community immeasurably improved the quality of life of the residents of Mira Loma.

As dedicated as Bob was to the community, Bob was also a devoted husband and father. His wife Gina and two daughters, Mary and Michelle, were the joy of his life. My thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, looking back at Bob Brison's life, we see a man dedicated to his family, community, and country. Bob's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Mira Loma, California. Bob has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events and I was proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. For all he has done and given over his lifetime, honoring his memory is our duty and privilege.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a man that is considered one of the greatest athletes ever to come out of the Inland Empire. Bobby Bonds, a 14-year major league baseball player from Riverside, California, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2003. His legacy, however, lives on.

Bobby Bonds was born with the talent and followed a dream. He began his baseball career in the Patterson Park Little League in Riverside's eastside neighborhood. Even then, crowds would gather to watch him play.

In high school, Bobby excelled in more than one sport. He could be spotted being shuttled from the baseball field to the track field in order to compete; his love of sports was unparalleled. He also played basketball and football. Bobby was the 1964 state long jump champion and later graduated high school in 1965. He was immediately signed by the San Francisco Giants and worked his way up through the minor leagues. He was leading the Pacific Coast League in hitting when he joined the major leagues in 1968.

In his first season, Bobby hit 32 home runs and stole 45 bases, becoming the fourth and, at 23 years old, youngest member of baseball's 30-30 club.

In 1971, Bonds was selected to the All-Star team, and later played in three All Star games. He won three Gold Gloves for fielding excellence as an outfielder. In 1973 he hit a career-high 39 home runs, was named Most Valuable Player. Four years later he would have another career- high of 115 runs.

After retiring from baseball in 1982, Bobby became a first-base coach for the Cleveland Indians and joined the Giants coaching staff in 1993 when his son joined the team. After his role as the first-base coach, he became a special assistant for the Giants.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Pat; a daughter, Cheryl Dugan; three sons, Barry, Ricky, and Bobby Jr., his mother, Elizabeth; a brother, Robert; and a sister Rosie.

Although Bobby moved away from Riverside many years ago his influence remains. A park in Riverside was renamed the Bobby Bonds Park and the Bobby Bonds Head Start/State Preschool opened last November.

Bobby's tireless passion for the game of baseball and his love of his hometown of Riverside, California will long be remembered by the residents of Riverside that grew up next door to him and the kids everywhere who grew up inspired by his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a group whose sacrifices, patriotism, and contributions to our country are immeasurable. I am honored that the 98th Bombardment Veterans Association will be having their annual reunion in my congressional district this year. Their distinguished history is one of duty, honor, courage and sacrifice.

The 98th Bombardment Group was constituted on January 28, 1942, at Barksdale Field, Louisiana. They were activated on February 3, 1942, at McDill Field, Florida with B-24 Liberator Bombers and continued their training at Ft. Myers and Drane Field, Florida.

On July 15, 1942, the 98th was alerted and departed for the Middle East, arriving in Palestine in late July. The 98th was initially assigned to the United States Middle East Air Force. They flew their first mission to Mersa Metruh on August 1, 1942.

One of their most famous missions was on August 1, 1943 when 47 B-24s launched for a low-level raid to Ploesti and only 21 returned safely. The Group Commander, Colonel John R. Kane was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership. On another raid on Ploesti on July 9, 1944, Lieutenant Donald Pucket sacrificed his life trying to save three of his crewmembers who could not or would not bail out of their aircraft. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his sacrifice.

The 98th continued the campaign against Nazi forces during the rest of World War II, flying a total of 417 missions and earning a total of 15 battle streamers as well as two Presidential Citations. The 98th returned to the U.S. in April of 1945 and was re-designated the 98th Bombardment Group.

In 1950, with the beginning of the Korean Conflict, the 98th arrived at Yokota Air Base, Japan and flew their first mission to Korea on

August 7, 1950. The 98th repeatedly flew against the North Korean Communist forces until the cease fire in 1953. From August 1950 to July 1953, the 98th flew more that 5,000 sorties and dropped more than 40,000 tons of bombs. They earned 10 battle streamers and two Outstanding Unit Awards. They also received the South Korean Presidential Citation. Over the next several years the 98th would be re-designated, inactivated and reactivated until it found its current home as the 98th Range Wing at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

In 1949, Colonel Salvator Manzo, a former commander of the 98th Bombardment Group during World War II, began the idea of forming a veterans association for the 98th. In 1976 his idea became a reality when the 98th Bombardment Group Memorial Veterans Association was formed. B-29 and B-47 veterans were invited to join the group and spouses of deceased 98th veterans are given an honorary membership.

The week of September 2-6, 2003, the group will hold its annual reunion and ceremonies at the March Air Field Museum where commemorative tiles will be laid in honor of the 98th for their service and, in addition, their association name will be added to the prestigious ``Flyers Wall'' at the Historic Mission Inn. Our country is forever indebted to those individuals willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us may live freely and without fear. I consider it an honor and privilege to welcome the 98th Bombardment Veterans Association to my district to celebrate and remember their distinguished history; they are truly living legends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to J. Stephen Horn, a former Member of Congress who faithfully served this institution for ten years. Today the House of Representatives is honoring his contributions to his community, his state and his country by naming a post office located in Signal Hill, California after him.

Steve had led an exceptionally distinguished life beginning with his graduation from Stanford University in 1953. He then went directly to graduate school and earned his M.P.A. from Harvard University in 1955 and yet that was not quite enough for him. He went back to Stanford and received his Ph.D. in 1958. During this same period of time, from 1954 to 1962, he was a member of the United States Army, honorably serving his country for eight years.

Steve began his career in politics as an assistant to the Secretary of Labor in 1959. In 1960, he served as a legislative assistant to Senator Thomas H. Kuchel for six years. He then went to work for the Brookings Institute as a senior fellow until 1969.

His career then took a turn away from politics and towards education as he became an administrator for American University and then became President of California State University, Long Beach in 1970. In 1993, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives and served for ten years.

Steve's career in Congress is marked by his tenure on the Government Reform committee and his dedication to the operational security of governmental agencies. He also focused on the constant improvement of information technology.

Steve Horn has also been a member of numerous organizations including the United States Commission on Civil Rights; the advisory board for the National Institute of Corrections; the California Republican League; and the California Educational Facility Authority.

Some would say that Steve was destined to make his mark in public affairs from an early age. In 1948, as a high school senior, Steve interned at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions that were both held in Philadelphia. In 2000, Steve went full circle by attending the GOP Convention in Philadelphia as a Congressman and member of the California delegation.

Today's dedication is a culmination of gratitude for the work of Stephen Horn. His tireless passion for public service and volunteerism is part of what makes the history of this institution the place that it is today; a place of honor, debate, sacrifice, duty and justice. Stephen Horn embodies these qualities and I congratulate him as we dedicate this post office in his name.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Riverside, CA are exceptional. Riverside has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community members who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Joe Tavaglione, Jr. is one of these individuals. On Saturday, July 12, 2003 Joe will be celebrating his 80th birthday.

Joe has spent most of his life in Riverside, his family moved there in 1927 when he was 3 years old. He is one of eleven siblings who worked together to help there family by operating citrus groves and the Rubidoux winery in the heart of Riverside. Joe attended local schools including Poly High School and Riverside City College.

In 1944 Joe married his high school sweetheart, Jackie, and raised two sons, Jeff and Jay. The two sons would eventually join Joe and his brother Louis in the family business. Joe began his career working as a lumber salesman with Center Lumber Company in Riverside and later moved to the Heers Brothers Construction/Builders. His emphasis was in residential construction, building homes in California and Nevada and 8,000 military units at Fort Ord, CA.

After his success in working for Heers Brothers, Joe and Louis decided to form Tavaglione Construction and Development. They started building residential tracks, then shifted their focus to freestanding commercial buildings, constructing Farrell's Ice Cream Parlors, Chief Auto Parts and over 1,000 7-11 convenience stores in 12 western States.

Joe has also been actively involved in the community, having been selected by two California Governors for statewide positions including Chairman of the California State Contractor's Board and the California Transportation Commission. He also sits on the City of Riverside's Public Utility Board and is the current President of the National Association of Contractors. Joe is also active in the Humane Society.

Joe's tireless work ethic and dedication to community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, CA. I am proud to call Joe a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his contributions and salute him on his 80th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to our country are exceptional. The United States has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated military personnel who willingly and unselfishly dedicate their lives to service and make our country a safer place to live and work. Navy Commander Jeff Taylor is one of these individuals. On July 21, 2003, he will be honored as he retires from the U.S. Navy.

Jeff was raised in Southern California and graduated from Southern California College with a B.A. in Business Administration in 1978. After working for three years for a major defense contractor in Newport Beach, California, he accepted an appointment to Naval Officer Candidate School and received his commission in 1981.

Commander Taylor first served as the Combat Information Center Officer aboard the USS Cochrane based in Yokosuka, Japan and as the Fire Control Officer and Main Propulsion Assistant on the USS Leahy based in San Diego, California. He also served as an instructor at the Surface Warfare Officers School in Coronado teaching combat systems and ship control curriculum.

After completing Department Head School, Commander Taylor served as Chief Engineering Officer on the USS Worden based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. During this time he participated in Operations Desert Shield and Storm. Jeff also served as Maintenance Officer at Assault Craft Unit 5 at Camp Pendleton, California where he directed maintenance and repair of Navy hovercraft and subsequently served as an Engineering Branch Head and instructor at the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, Rhode Island. Jeff then returned to sea duty as Executive Officer on the USS Kidd based in Norfolk, Virginia and later served as Chief Staff Officer for Destroyer Squadrons 20 and 32.

Upon completing his sea duty, Jeff reported to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division in March of 1999. Commander Taylor also earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration and a Diploma from the United States Naval War College. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medals.

Commander Taylor is happily married to his wife Bonnie and enjoys surfing and long distance running in his spare time.

Jeff's lifetime dedication to military service has contributed immensely to the betterment of our country and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires.

Mr. Speaker, the Survivor Benefit Plan was, at one time, a good plan intended to provide for surviving spouses of veterans. Unfortunately, that intention has been lost.

Now surviving spouses are experiencing the reality of a one-third drop in benefits when they turn 62 and Congress has yet to take any action on rectifying this wrong.

Well, the time has come for Congress to step up to the plate and provide for our veterans what we already provide to our federal civilian retirees.

I believe the message of this tragic inequality is best conveyed by those who must live with it. I would like to read a statement from a constituent of mine from Riverside, California, Mrs. Marilyn T. Owsley about her experience with the Survivor Benefit Plan:

My husband would turn over in his grave had he known what

was happening to me with his annuity. He chose SBP for me to

have a decent income along with his Social Security. Also, he

liked the idea of this annuity because you get a cost of

living increase each year where other types of annuities did

not. Together with his Social Security and the SBP annuity, I

manage. I rent my apartment and pray they don't increase the

rent too much each year. I gave up driving my 1983 Chevy as

it was too costly to keep up with repairs and insurance. I

have to depend on someone else to go to the store or the

doctor. If not for my children, I don't know what I would do.

I will be 78 years old on October 9, 2003. They say the

Golden Years are good. I say my gold turned to rust. I pray

every night the government will do something about this

problem of the annuity reduction.

Let's return the benefits to the Survivor Benefit Plan and keep our word to the millions of veterans who, in good faith, signed up for this plan with the expectation of taking care of their loved ones after they passed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual and patriot whose dedication and contributions to his country and the military community of March Air Reserve Base, March ARB, in Riverside, CA, are exceptional. March ARB has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Colonel Timothy Wrighton is one of these individuals. On June 6, 2003, he will be honored at a farewell celebration and dinner.

After completing his education at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and receiving a degree in engineering Tim completed his undergraduate pilot training in 1976 and in 1977 he became a First Lieutenant. Tim served as a C-141 pilot for the 53rd Military Airlift Squadron out of Norton Air Force Base in California from 1976 to 1982 during which time he was promoted to Captain. In 1984, he was assigned as the chief pilot for the 728th Military Airlift Squadron. Three years later he was promoted to Major and was assigned as the chief of wing standardization/evaluation for the 445th Airlift Wing at Norton and would later become assistant deputy commander for operations. Over the next 13 years he would be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and then Colonel. Since 2002 he has been the Commander of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March Air Reserve Base. Col. Wrighton has logged over 7,800 flight hours in a variety of aircraft including the C-141 A/B, KC-10, and KC-135R.

Col. Wrighton has received numerous awards throughout his distinguished career including: Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Air Medal; Aerial Achievement Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Achievement Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Air Force Training Ribbon; and the Kuwait Liberation Medal from the Saudi Arabian Government.

Col. Wrighton is also a life member and Chapter President of the Reserve Officers' Association, a Life Member of the Airlift/Tanker Association, Life Member of the AFA, a Life Member of the VFW and a Member of Daedalians.

Col. Wrighton's tireless commitment to service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the country and the community of Riverside, CA. I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his patriotic service and salute him.