Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to two outstanding citizens of Denison, Texas, and my dear friends, Lacy and Dorothy Harber, owners of American Bank of Texas and LJH Corporation.

Lacy and Dorothy recently received the Denison Area Chamber of Commerce Large Business Award for their efforts in uniting the community through business and employment opportunities. The State of Texas House of Representatives awarded them a Certificate of Recognition for this prestigious award.

Lacy and Dorothy have devoted their time, talent, and resources to numerous worthy projects in Denison and Grayson County. They are beloved and respected by all those who know them, and they have been vital to growth and development in Denison.

Mary Ellen and I feel very fortunate to count them as our friends, and I am very fortunate to be their Congressman. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us address in the House of Representatives these two exceptional leaders of the business world and generous people--Lacy and Dorothy Harber.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Republic of Kazakhstan on its continued--and steady--progress toward building a democracy. In particular, I note the recent parliamentary elections held in Kazakhstan on September 19. While the elections show that Kazakhstan has work to do in order to more fully meet international standards for democratic elections, they were a significant improvement over past elections.

Earlier this year, I was visited by members of the Kazakhstan Embassy. Among other information I learned that Kazakhstan gained its independence in 1991. It held its first multiparty election in 1994. In 1999, the republic conducted parliamentary elections that were widely criticized by the international community. Since that time, Kazakhstan passed a much-improved law on elections, held twelve televised debates, conducted effective voter education, permitted more than 1,000 election observers to monitor the elections, and registered 12 parties-- including an opposition party that had been refused registration in prior elections. These are all positive steps forward for Kazakhstan-- steps that were unthinkable in past elections. I thanked them for their visit--and assured them that as Chairman of the Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee, I looked forward to working out mutual energy thrusts helpful to both Kazakhstan and the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight to my colleagues an essay published by United Press International on September 25, 2004, and written by Gregory Fossedal, entitled ``Outside View: Big progress in Kazakhstan.'' The essay provides a balanced assessment of the recent Kazakh election.

Unlike many of his colleagues, Mr. Fossedal examines the elections within the context of Kazakhstan's young history. He looks at how far Kazakhstan has come since its independence and how it compares with its neighbors. Moreover, the essay makes a compelling case that, considering Kazakhstan's geographic and demographic position, its steady progress is important to U.S. security.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to read this essay and I would like to have the text of this essay placed into the Congressional Record following my statement.

[From United Press International, Sept. 25, 2004]

Outside View: Big Progress in Kazakhan

(By Gregory Fossedal)

Washington, DC, Sept. 24 (UPI).--Kazakhstan held national

elections on Sunday, prompting comments from a number of

outside observers, and all the local opposition, that the

vote was a step backwards for democracy. Was it that--or was

it just not as much progress as democracy-lovers around the

world, including me, might hope for?

To answer that question, we need to decide what

Kazakhstan's admittedly sloppy democracy today is being

compared to: the Kazakhstan of several years ago, other

countries in the region 10 years ago, or Russia, China, Iraq

or Florida?

By most of these standards, the country seems to have made

mild but steady improvement. Progress, that is to say, motion

towards a goal. Furthermore, considering Kazakhstan's

geographic and demographic position, it's a steady

improvement that's important to U.S. security and democracy

in general.

Measuring a democracy's progress at the low end of

development is a tricky matter, but Kazakhstan's recent vote

appears to have at least two positive signposts.

First, the vote was held, and with numerous international

observers. Some of these, especially as covered in the major

press, had complaints about both voting mechanics and the

social backdrop against which the vote took place--especially

including reports of ``intimidation'' of some voters on

Election Day, and the lack of a paper trail from voting

machines used by about 20 percent of the voters.

In fact, to an extent, that's the point. Kazakhstan has now

held a competitive election, with a largest number of

international observers per capita compared to (say) recent

votes in Venezuela, Indonesia or the Philippines. Critics can

point out flaws, document the ruling party's heavy-

handedness, and urge future improvements.

The most balanced report to emerge, by the Organization for

Security and Cooperation in Europe, generated Western

headlines saying the election ``failed the democracy test''

(The New York Times) and even was ``fraudulent'' (The

Washington Times). But the report itself noted positive areas

of ``progress'' as against previous Kazakh elections--the

relevant unit of comparison.

Professor Frederick Starr of Johns Hopkins, who was in

Kazakhstan as an observer, judged the voting to be

fundamentally improved over recent Kazakh standards.

``Overall . . . the election was ``a step forward, not

withstanding the imperfections,'' he said in a statement

issued in Astana on Monday. Unfortunately, such views were

not widely quoted in the international press.

Second, and more important, if the results hold up, at

least one opposition party will be seated in the Kazakh

Parliament. This is an important signpost in democratic

development--as the evolution of Mexico, the Philippines,

Pakistan, Turkey, and other countries shows. Looking back at

countries that have completed a successful democratic

transition, opposition seating is normally a key inflection

point.

This doesn't mean that Kazakhstan will be a full democracy

shortly, or even in five or 10 years; the government could

always crack down and reverse direction. It is, however,

forward motion.

In social terms, Kazakhstan also parallels some of the

developments seen in Mexico or the Philippines in the 1980s.

Income is surging, the economy has grown at an 8 percent to

12 percent pace each of the last five years. This, in turn,

is generating a middle class with greater access to

information, and insistence on freedom of expression.

Kazakhstan doesn't enjoy much of a domestic free press, for

example. But foreign newspapers and magazines are available

in most cities. Mobile telephone usage has more than tripled

over five years. In 1997, there were as paltry 15,000

Internet users. This rose to more than 70,000 in 2000, more

than 150,000 last year, and probably exceeds 200,000 today.

That's still small for an emerging middle-income country

with 16 million people. But of course, every such user has

family, friends, and business associates. In emerging

democracies, as in Poland in the 1980s, information can

spread quickly. As well, Kazakhstan now has a number of

independent service providers less amenable to direct

government control.

The government has tried to block access to critical news

sources at home and abroad. Such efforts, however, are

generally doomed to failure unless one goes all the way and

imposes direct, government-controlled net access only--

something the government has stepped back from doing.

Sergei Duvanov of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting

outlined how Kazakhs were able to get around many of the

blocks

in an interesting 2001 report. As well, President Nazarbaev,

stung by international criticism of his efforts to regulate

speech, has rescinded a number of the 1998-2000 decrees.

This is not to say that immutable economic or social forces

will bring about a full Kazakh democracy no matter what the

authorities do. Countries like China, for example, have much

wider Internet access and a larger middle class--but still no

elections, and no substantial opposition parties.

In Kazakhstan, however, the Internet and other information

sources act in combination with independent parties, muddy

elections--but elections nevertheless--and what should be a

parliamentary opposition. And the government has moved

gradually (tortuously gradually; perhaps) towards more

freedom; not less, since the country achieved independence in

1991.

The election itself raised several problems. For example, a

Monday item in The New York Times, ``Intimidation Alleged in

Vote in Kazakhstan,'' starts with a quote harshly condemning

the elections from Dos Kushyn, who is described as ``the

director of the Network of Independent Monitors,'' which

placed 2,000 observers around the country.

This caught the attention of at least one seasoned Kazakh

observer who sent me a number of pre-election clips referring

to approximately 1,000 accredited election observers in the

country--total, from all outside groups. How could one

fellow, running an organization never mentioned before, have

2,000 observers?

It turns out that Dos Kushyn is an opposition figure and

whatever 2,000 ``observers'' he fielded, few were accredited.

This doesn't mean their opinions should be dismissed. But

neither should his complaints be taken at face value, still

less as coming from a wholly disinterested group.

Most Western press quoted only Kazakh officials defending

the election or putting it in context. In other words, they

presented criticism from independent sources, and praise only

from the government, whose motives are likely to be

questioned by any skeptical reader. What they didn't do was

refer to the numerous independent observers, some cited

above, who said that on balance, the election didn't meet

Western standards--but was an improvement.

The government also used voting machines, which are,

indeed, a problem--especially given that the computers

Kazakhstan deployed, like some of those coming into use in a

number of U.S. states, left no ``paper trail.'' This is not a

best practice. One can sympathize, however, with the

government's decision to go with expensive, high-tech systems

from the West, thinking this would buy some credibility.

The United States--which in contrast to Kazakhstan is

allowing a total of 20 (that's right, 20) independent

observers for its 2004 vote--should be a little reticent

about raising this complaint.

Still less should U.S. policy aim at punishing the country

with economic aid restraints and sanctions, as some in

Congress have proposed.

Unlike other countries in what one observer has called

``the scud belt,'' Kazakhstan doesn't need piles of aid

(Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq) to hold votes or stay on the

democratic path. It hasn't built or tried to build nuclear

weapons (Pakistan, India, China). It seems, knock on wood, to

be moving the right way--as opposed to Iran, Saudi Arabia,

and others.

This is said not to criticize the other countries

mentioned, but to point out that the Kazakhs are building

democracy quietly and by tugging their own bootstraps, and

without evident imperial ambitions or terrorist-nationalist

resentments.

Kazakhstan is an important potential ally to the United

States, Russia, and its neighbors in the ``war on terror.''

It's also a potential bulwark for the faintly democratic tide

among countries with large (about 45 percent) Muslim

populations. There is a prospect of a ring of democracies on

the borders of China and Iran, the better to raise the heat

on those undemocratic states. And large Muslim-population

states--Turkey, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mongolia, and

potentially Iraq and Afghanistan--serve as examples and proof

that Islam need not be anti-democratic.

Thus Kazakhstan is moving in a democratic direction--too

slowly, but not going the wrong way. The right response for

friends of democracy is to offer encouragement. If matters

reverse, it's time for some mild sticks. Working slowly by

contrast, should bring soft applause and some small carrots.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize Sherman Independent School District's Reading Recovery program

In 2001, President George W. Bush signed a landmark law, the No Child Left Behind Act, which stresses academic achievement for all students and includes more accountability for student results. The Sherman Independent School District's Reading Recovery program meets and exceeds the standards and guidelines of that law. Reading Recovery is a highly effective, short-term intervention involving one-on-one tutoring for low-achieving first graders. Students receive a half-hour lesson each school day for 12 to 20 weeks with a specially trained Reading Recovery teacher. As soon as students demonstrate that they can read within the average range of their classmates, their lessons are discontinued.

Sherman's Reading Recovery program is a big success. At the Reading Recovery site located at Crutchfield Elementary School, students who completed the program passed the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test by a rate of 92 percent last year. The gains made by these students are truly impressive--they had higher text reading gains than their peers, had low levels of placement in special education classes, and had high levels of advancement to the next grade level.

Reading Recovery is precisely the kind of program our schools need to advance the goals of the No Child Left Behind law. Research issued by the U.S. Department of Education finds that students tutored according to the Reading Recovery model read more proficiently than 75 percent of their untutored peers. This program is a valuable part of a comprehensive literacy plan and supplements good classroom teaching.

On behalf of the students, teachers, and administrators of the Sherman Independent School District's Reading Recovery program, I want to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to commend their successful efforts to leave no child behind.

Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize Paul Foerster, resident of Rockwall, Texas and recipient of a gold medal in the Games of the XXVIIIth Olympiad in Athens, Greece.

On August 21, 2004, Paul Foerster, and his teammate, Kevin Burnham, won the men's team gold medal for the United States in the 2004 Olympic Regatta for sailing in the 470 Class.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire 4th District of Texas, I would like to take this opportunity to commend and congratulate Paul for his outstanding performance and representation of the United States in the Games of the XXVIIIth Olympiad.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Taiwan's National Day on October 10, 2004, I wish to salute President Chen Shui-bian and the Taiwanese people for their many economic and political accomplishments.

Even though Taiwan is a small island nation with few natural resources, it has prospered. With one of the world's largest foreign exchange reserves, Taiwan's 23 million people enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. President Chen believes that every citizen of Taiwan ought to enjoy the right to work, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the right to an education, the right to medical care, the right to participate in elections, and the right to social security in the event of unemployment, illness and disability.

In his May 20 inaugural address to his people, President Chen expressed his hope that Taiwan-China ties could be strengthened and urged cooperation in building a dynamic ``peace and stability framework'' for cross-strait interaction. I hope that talks will resume toward that end.

Even though Taiwan and the United States do not have formal diplomatic ties, our two peoples are very close. In terms of trading relations with us, Taiwan is our eighth largest trading partner, thus providing many jobs for our manufacturers. In addition, more than 30,000 Taiwan students study at U.S. colleges and universities. The United States is the number one destination for most of Taiwan travelers. The U.S. and Taiwan share many values in common, such as attachment to freedom, democracy, and human rights.

As Taiwan celebrates National Day, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Taiwan's many accomplishments and offering our support to President Chen as he provides leadership, vision, and direction for Taiwan.

Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize Ralph Mayrell for his achievement at the 2003 Veterans Day Program in Wills Point, TX. Ralph's speech, Diversity in America, won the essay contest sponsored by local veterans at Wills Point High School.

Ralph Mayrell, a senior at Wills Point High School, is an active member of both his school and his community. He is a frequent participant in academic events, such as the University Interscholastic League, in which he often serves as both coach and competitor in

numerous events. He also competes in the National Forensics League and the North Texas Debate Association. Additionally, Ralph volunteers his time to the National Honor Society, an organization that stresses academic achievement and local community involvement, and extracurricular programs such as Science Geek Week, an academic summer camp for local youth.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commend and congratulate Ralph for his achievement at the 2003 Veterans Day Program and for his continued academic and community involvement.

Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to pay tribute to Bonnie L. Gentry, a dedicated educator and sister of Buck Crowley, my long-time friend and assistant in the district. Bonnie passed away on February 2, 2002, and in March of this year, the Mesquite Independent School District recognized her by naming its 30th elementary campus in her honor.

Born in Fate, TX, to R.L. and Mattie Crowell, Bonnie received her teaching certificate at the age of 14. For the next 54 years, she served as both teacher and principal for the Rockwall and Mesquite Independent School Districts. In 1959, she became Mesquite's first female principal when she was appointed to the position at Ben F. Tisinger Elementary. She held the position until her retirement in 1974.

In addition to her teaching career, Bonnie also served in such organizations as the Texas Retired Teachers Association, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Delta Kappa Gamma.

She is survived by her brothers Herman Crowell, R.S. ``Bob'' Crowell, and M.L. ``Buck'' Crowell; sisters Christine Davison and Leona Strain; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bonnie will long be remembered as a devoted and caring educator who touched the lives of many. On behalf of her family, friends, students, and the Mesquite Independent School District, I would like to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to pay my last respects to Mrs. Bonnie L. Gentry.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen of Tyler, TX, the late Bob Hobkirk, who passed away on July 29, 2004, at the age of 88.

Bob Hobkirk served in the U.S. Army for 4\1/2\ years during World War II as a drill sergeant and weapons instructor. He was employed by Hormel Food Company for 43 years, until he retired in 1977.

Bob was one of the first presidents of Camp Fannin, a veteran's association, that was originally the site for training soldiers in World War II. Bob was a loving man who had a ``heart of gold.'' He devoted his life to helping veterans of Camp Fannin and was commonly the ``go-to'' man when something needed to be resolved. His tireless spirit and heart-felt devotion were an inspiration to members of Camp Fannin and the community of Tyler.

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois Gimble Hobkirk. Bob suffered a stroke 19 months prior to his death, and Lois never left his bedside during the duration of his illness. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters and a son. Jody Henning, Judy and her husband Olan Gotcher, and Robert ``Bob'' Jr. and his wife Pam survive their father. Bob is also survived by his granddaughter Tracy Henning, four sisters- in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, on behalf of friends, fans, Camp Fannin, and the community of Tyler, I would like to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to pay our last respects and honor the life of this great Texan and veteran's advocate--Bob Hobkirk.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the majority leader, Mr. DeLay, and Chairman Bob Ney for bringing this timely resolution, H. Res. 796, to the floor today. I also want to thank the cosponsors for their interest in this bipartisan bill.

H. Res. 796 recognizes and supports efforts to promote greater civic awareness among the people of the United States. The resolution recognizes those organizations and groups that actively promote voter registration and participation, as well as those communities and schools that have instituted civic awareness programs.

The resolution also encourages local communities and elected officials at all levels of government to promote greater civic awareness among the electorate and greater participation in the upcoming elections.

The Constitution of the United States establishes a representative form of government, and throughout our Nation's history, many groups of people have fought, protested, rallied, and died for the right to vote. The 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th amendments to the Constitution represent some of those hard-won voting privileges.

The percentage of Americans registered to vote unfortunately has declined in the last 10 years. There is no better time to make citizens more aware of the importance of exercising their right--and their responsibility--to vote. Voting is fundamental to our representative form of government--and as Members of Congress we must support and promote civic awareness and participation.

Our democracy is a government of all the people, by all the people, and for all the people. All those eligible to vote have an equal voice in determining the future of our great Nation. H. Res. 796 promotes greater awareness of one of the greatest privileges we have as American citizens--the right to vote--and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join in supporting this timely measure.

Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize Dr. John Coble of Greenville, Texas, recipient of the 2004 American Optometric Association's Optometrist of the Year award.

After serving his country in the United States Army and Texas Army National Guard, Dr. Coble graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry and began his distinguished career as an optometrist. He currently practices optometry in Greenville where he also serves as clinical staff at Presbyterian Hospital and as a liaison to the Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee. He is also active in the North East Texas Optometric Society, the Texoma Optometry Society, and the Student Texas Optometric Society.

Dr. Coble frequently dedicates his time and skill to a number of civic and volunteer organizations. He is active in the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the Greenville Rotary Club, and the United Way of Hunt County. Additionally, Dr. Coble is involved in mentoring local youth, performing vision screenings for the Dallas Headstart program, coaching YMCA baseball and basketball teams, and serving as Boy Scout Leader.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 4th District of Texas, I would like to congratulate and commend Dr. Coble for his recognition by the American Optometric Association and his continued involvement in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to the former mayor of Sherman,

TX, Tom Osburn, who died on August 6, 2004.

Tom Osburn was a selfless and devoted servant to the community of Sherman. Community leaders remember him as a man who worked constantly for the good of Sherman. If there was a problem, Tom was ready and willing to fix it. Friends recall that he was instrumental in getting a new building for the Texoma Council of Governments when a mold- infestation was discovered in the old building. The Old Settler's Park in Sherman was getting run down, so Tom led an effort to renovate the facility. He also made citizens feel as if they were integral to the success of the community. Rev. Jim Pledger stressed that Tom was a good mentor who encouraged people, through events like Great Days of Service, to give back to Sherman.

Tom and his wife, Jo Ann, arrived in Sherman in 1990. Tom served as TXU's district manager for the Texoma District. The Osburns quickly became an integral part of the community. In addition to serving as Mayor from 1999-2003, he was a member of the city council from 1998- 2003. Tom also served on the Board of Directors of the Sherman Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts of America, the American Cancer Society, the United Way, the Texoma Area Paratransit System, the Grayson County Rehabilitation Center, the Sherman Minority Recruitment Scholarship Foundation, and the Grayson County Juvenile Alternatives. Tom further gave his time and energies to the community as chairman of the Administrative Board of the First United Methodist Church, chairman of the Wilson N. Jones Memorial Hospital Foundation, and president of the Sherman Rotary Club. He served as president of the Board of Directors of the Texoma Council of Governments, and it isn't surprising that he was chosen this year as the Texoma Council of Government's Person of the Year for Grayson County.

Tom was a devoted family man. He met his wife, Jo Ann, at New London High School. They both graduated from the University of Texas at Austin after Tom played college basketball at Tyler Junior College, where his team took second place in the nation. Besides Jo Ann, Tom is survived by three children, Chris, Tim, and Beth, five grandchildren, and a sister, Pat Sager of Tyler.

The community of Sherman feels a deep and abiding loss by the death of Tom Osburn. Rarely has an individual made such a lasting and permanent mark on a town and its citizens. On behalf of his many friends and fans, and the community of Sherman, I want to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to pay our last respects to this honorable man--Tom Osburn.

Mr. Speaker, on July 2, 2004, an esteemed writer and community supporter, Florence Fogle Keahey, died in Bonham, TX.

Florence Fogle Keahey was a noted writer in Fannin County. Born and raised on a farm near Ivanhoe, Florence quickly developed a love of the written word. She won her first prize at the age of 10, and she had several of her poems published in high school. Florence enrolled in the Correspondence School of the Newspaper Institute of America and was a reporter for many years with the Sherman Democrat. She wrote several articles, poems and stories for newspapers in Bonham, Sherman, Denison, and Dallas.

While her writing skills were impressive, she also devoted herself to serving the community of Fannin County. She was an organizing regent for the George Blakey Daughters of the American Revolution, a charter member of the D. Rowlett Chapter of Daughters of the Republic of Texas, a member of the Bonham Womens' Club, Iris Society, Texas League of Women Voters, Poetry Society of Texas, and the Democratic Women's Club of Fannin County, and president of the Ivanhoe Community Center. Florence also served Fannin County as its treasurer for 28 years.

Florence is survived by her daughter, Dottie Keahey Davis, grandchildren, Leasa Liles, Mitch Scott Davis and his wife, Melissa Lance Davis. Florence was also the loving grandmother of 5 great- grandchildren, and friend to a number of nieces and nephews.

Florence will be long remembered as a consummate community supporter. While she has left her home, her writings will live on as a testament to her intelligence and love for the citizens of Fannin County and Texas. On behalf of her many friends and fans, I want to take this opportunity in the House of Representatives to pay our last respects to this beloved woman--Florence Fogle Keahey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorable actions of Brandon J. McDaniel, for which he was duly awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Corporal McDaniel received the award for superior performance of his duties as an avionics technician, Marine Attack Squadron 231, Detachment Bravo, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, on October 22, 2003. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit was tasked with providing defensive counter air support to Air Force One and the President of the United States during his October visit to Bali, Indonesia. After an AV-8B was forced to return to the ship due to a generator malfunction, Corporal McDaniel proactively removed key components from another AV-8B and when the disabled aircaft landed, he quickly removed the faulty components and reinstalled serviceable components, enabling the aircraft to be returned to the air within an hour.

His quick thinking and sound decision-making directly contributed to the success of the mission and protection of the President during his Far East tour. Corporal McDaniel's initiative and selfless devotion to duty exhibited the highest standards of the Marine Corps and Navy.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Corporal Brandon McDaniel on his medal and commend him for his professional achievement and outstanding service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen and beloved family man, the late Roy Burke Head, Jr., of Whitesboro, who passed away on April 7 at the age of 92. A stranger to none, he was affectionately known to his friends and family as R.B. or simply ``B.''

R.B. was a kind and generous man who devoted his life to his family, his community, and

his country. He served in the U.S. Army for 5 years and for 50 years worked as a buyer for the wholesale grocery firm, Tyler and Simpson. He retired to pursue his interests of cattle, photography and reading. R.B. also was active in his community, serving as an elder and church treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a longstanding member of Kiwanis Club--serving for almost 40 years and touting a perfect attendance record until the last few months of his life. He was an avid sports fan, and no distance was too great for him to travel to watch his grandchildren's sporting events.

R.B. also was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Lucile Allen Head; his children Judith Anderson Reedy and husband Rick of Frisco, and Sally Burke Light and husband George of Collinsville; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother Bill Head and wife Anne of Austin; sister-in-law Mary Ann Allen of Whitesboro and many other family members.

R.B. was a man of honor and integrity who was admired and respected by all those who knew him. He will long be remembered for his leadership, his compassion, and his enthusiasm for life. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of this outstanding citizen, Roy Burke Head, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct privilege to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the Judiciary and longtime U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas, Judge William Steger, who recently received the Justinian Award during Law Day festivities in Tyler. Judge Steger has served as a U.S. District Judge in East Texas for more than thirty years, culminating a career dedicated to the highest principles of ethics and justice in the profession of law.

Nominated by President Richard Nixon, Judge Steger began his judgeship on December 29, 1970, in the Eastern District of Texas, presiding in Beaumont and also holding court in Paris, Texarkana, Sherman and Marshall. He moved to the Tyler Federal courthouse, where he currently presides, in September 1978. He assumed Senior Active Status duty as U.S. District Judge on December 31, 1987, and since that time has closed approximately 6,500 cases.

Among his noteworthy rulings, Judge Steger in 1975 ruled that a private hospital, although receiving State and Federal support, was not prohibited from establishing policies denying use of its facilities for elective abortions. In 1980 he presided over one of the first cases applying the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, resulting in conviction of numerous county officials for offenses ranging from solicitation of murder to facilitation of gambling activity. Other cases resulted in convictions for illegal narcotics transactions--one of which resulted in the government seizing properties that were later auctioned for over $10,000,000 and deposited in the U.S. Treasury.

A 1950 graduate of Southern Methodist University Law School, Judge Steger engaged in the private practice of law in Longview from 1951 to 1953. In 1953 he was appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as U.S. District Attorney in East Texas and remained in the post until 1959 when he resigned to enter private practice in Tyler. He was a partner in the firm of Wilson, Miller, Spivey and Steger from 1959 to 1970, until his appointment as U.S. District Judge.

From 1952 to 1970 Judge Steger was an active member of the Republican Party of Texas. In 1960 he was the Republican candidate for governor, and in 1962 he was the Republican nominee for U.S. Representative in the Third Congressional District, receiving 48 percent of the vote. He served as State Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas from 1969 to 1970.

Judge Steger was born in 1920 and attended public schools in Dallas. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1938 and attended Baylor University from 1938 to 1941, when his pre-law studies were interrupted by World War II. Less than 24 hours after Pearl Harbor was attacked, Judge Steger withdrew from Baylor University and volunteered for service. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on January 5, 1942, as cadet and received his Pilot Wings and Commission as 2nd Lieutenant on November 9, 1942. He flew 56 combat missions as a fighter pilot in Tunisia, Sicily and Italy and attained the rank of Captain. After being honorably discharged, he entered SMU Law School in 1948 and received his LLB Degree in 1950.

Judge Steger is married to his wonderful wife of 56 years, Ann Hollandsworth Steger. They had one child, Merritt Reed Steger, who passed away as a young man. Judge and Mrs. Steger have been active members of their community. ``Through his efforts, he's made a significant contribution to all aspects of life in Smith County and the State of Texas,'' said U.S. District Judge T. John Ward in presenting the Justinian Award to Judge Steger.

I also want to commend the Smith County Bar Association, the Smith County Bar Foundation, the Smith County Lawyer's Auxiliary, the Smith County Young Lawyers Association, the Tyler Area Association of Legal Professionals and Tyler Teen Court, Inc., who in conjunction with the American Bar Association, sponsor Law Day each year to honor local attorneys and civic leaders as well as students who participate in Teen Court and an essay and poster contest.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to celebrate the life of this esteemed jurist and outstanding American who answered the call to service in World War II, serving with distinction in that endeavor, then dedicated his life to serving the cause of justice and defending the principles upon which this Nation was founded. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute today to U.S. District Judge William Steger and to express our sincere appreciation for his service to his community, the State of Texas, and our Nation.