Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, we actually had quite a week last week. The 9/11 conference came back with a bipartisan solution with the two Senators and obviously the two House Members, both Democrats and Republicans agreeing; and it was not brought to the floor because even though the President and Vice President supported the legislation, at the same time the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he was against it. We do not know why it did not come up, but hopefully we get some action on this.

Secondly, the Republican conference had a meeting, and they reversed 11 years of a rule that now will allow an indicted felon who is in the leadership to continue on in the leadership and not have to step aside until the matter is resolved.

Lastly, obviously, by having a bill come up, $388 billion, over 3,000 pages, and having language that basically will allow any staffer that is assigned by the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to look at anyone's tax return. Let me tell Members what this really is all about. Talking about a tax return, if in fact that law went into place, and in spite of the little colloquy the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) had, that was irrelevant because the language of the law speaks for itself. This would have been in the law if not for the fact that Mr. Conrad caught it.

That would allow a staffer to go to the IRS in an open meeting and ask for a specific return from any individual in this room or anywhere else and open up that return, display it, give it to the national newspapers, do whatever that person wanted with it and not suffer any consequences.

The reason we actually had to tighten the law was because in the 1970s when Watergate occurred, when we had the enemies list, when we had the plumbers and all of those things going on, the wiretaps, people were allowed to go to the Internal Revenue Service and ask for returns of individual members. It was not until the mid-1970s when we tightened it up.

Perhaps members of the Committee on Ways and Means, or their designees, particularly the chairman of the committee, can in fact obtain tax returns of companies, corporations, and obviously individuals. But before that happens, one has to have an executive session so it has to be properly noticed. Executive session, as my colleagues know, is a closed session. If any of the information in those documents should be released to the press or to the public or to anyone else, it is a felony offense with up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine, and other sanctions. That was as a direct result of Watergate.

Here now in the dark of night without any notice a provision was slipped into this bill, a $388 billion bill, to basically allow staffers to look at anyone's return without any criminal sanctions.

I have to say, I know there is a discussion about what happened, why it happened and what was the purpose of it; but what is really troubling to me, I do not believe an IRS agent or one of the IRS employees wrote this provision. Had they been asked to write the provision, they would have based it upon how the Committee on Ways and Means would obtain that information. They would not have written it so broadly. One of the most important things an IRS employee will tell you is they protect tax returns of individuals, companies, and nonprofit corporations. So there was more to this.

I have to say in conclusion here, the real problem I see is the fact that as long as we are not given notice, as the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) says, as long as there is not a give and take, this problem is going to come up more and more. We ought to be happy that the other body saved us from a massive embarrassment, because the reality is had this become law, there would have been some time over the next few years when someone would have abused that process and someone's returns would have been disclosed to the press.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for votes last night. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``yes'' on rollcall No. 534; ``yes'' on rollcall No. 535; ``no'' on rollcall No. 536.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent on Friday, November 19, 2004 and missed the rollcall votes ordered, due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted as noted below:

Rollcall vote No. 537: ``Aye''.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a man with a truly great career in public service. For more than thirty years, Eugene ``Gene'' Itogawa has worked tirelessly to preserve the historic fabric of California, especially the history of Japanese Americans. As Gene prepares to retire from his position as a historian with the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) and California State Parks, I would like to ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting Gene Itogawa's outstanding commitment to preserve and promote California history.

A resident of Sacramento since 1948, Gene is a graduate of McClatchy High School. Gene earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in History from California State University, Sacramento. Gene's Master's thesis is considered by many to be the definitive work on the history of the natural ice industry in California. A proud veteran, Gene enlisted with the United States military in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1970.

During his tenure at Office of Historic Preservation, Gene has successfully performed nearly every professional task conducted by the office. He has assisted cities and counties in identifying historic resources through survey programs and evaluated survey results for inclusion in the department's database. In addition, Gene has managed state and federal grant programs and directed OHP's historic resources database.

Gene has coordinated several special projects including production of the book, ``Five Views: An Ethnic Historic Site Survey for California.'' Gene coordinated the preparation of OHP's state preservation plan, ``Forging the Future With the Past: Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan for California,'' and publication of the book, ``By the People, Fore the People: The Work the Civilian Conservation Corps in California State Parks, 1933-1941.''

Gene has served as OHP's liaison on several projects to preserve Japanese American history in California. Gene was an advocate to preserve Manzanar Internment Camp as a National Historical monument. Gene serves on the Tule Lake Preservation Committee that seeks to preserve the site and history of the internment camp where he was born in 1942. In addition, Gene has worked tirelessly to preserve the remaining three historic Japantowns in California located in Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco.

In 1992, Gene contributed to the development of a major historical exhibit recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Executive Order 9066 for display at the Sacramento History Museum. In 2002, Gene was selected to participate in an exchange program sponsored by the California Japanese American Community Leadership Council and the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote goodwill and strengthen the ties between the citizens of Japan and Japanese Americans in California.

A man of many talents and considerable energy, Gene plans to continue his many volunteer activities with various statewide and Asian American causes. Gene is a board member of the Japanese American Citizens League, the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, and the Japanese American Historical Society. Gene will continue to work on his latest project, a history of the first one hundred years of the Sacramento Buddhist Church.

Mr. Speaker, as Gene Itogawa embarks on an exciting new chapter of his life, I am honored to pay tribute to a great friend of California history. The people of California have benefited greatly from Gene's labor and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing Gene continued success in all of his future endeavors, wherever retirement may lead him.

Mr. Speaker today I rise in tribute to a man with a distinguished public service career. Throughout the course of his career, Jimmie Yee has served the people of Sacramento with great success and distinction. Jimmie will soon retire from his post as the Councilman from the 4th District of the Sacramento City Council. It is my honor to ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting Jimmie Yee, a man who has worked hard to make Sacramento a better place for everyone.

A native of Sacramento, Jimmie was born in 1934. He attended Lincoln Elementary, Lincoln Junior High, and Sacramento High School. Jimmie attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. Jimmie holds registrations as both a California Structural Engineer and Civil Engineer. In 1957, he joined the US Army Corps of Engineers and was honorably discharged after he achieved the rank of Captain in 1965.

Jimmie began his professional career in civil service with CALTRANS and the State Department of Water Resources between 1956 and 1959. In 1966, Jimmie entered the private sector when he started his own engineering practice. During a quarter century of involvement, Cole, Yee, Schubert and Associates became one of the largest consulting engineering firms in the Sacramento Region. The firm provided design services for many trademark buildings in Sacramento, including the original Convention Center, Suffer General and Suffer Memorial Hospitals, and ARCO Arena.

In 1992, Jimmie was elected to a four-year term on the Sacramento City Council. Jimmie was subsequently reelected to the seat in 1996 and 2000. Jimmie truly showed his mark as a great leader when Late Mayor Joe Serna passed away in the fall of 1999. Jimmie admirably answered the call to service by serving as Mayor for the reminder of Mayor Serna's term. Jimmie's leadership and ability to unite had a great steadying influence during this tumultuous period. The people of Sacramento owe you a debt of gratitude for your service.

Long before he joined City Council in 1992, Jimmie was already an important leader in our community. Jimmie has long been one of the most ardent supporters of the Sacramento Chinese Drum and Bugle Corps. Until today, Jimmie remains an active member of the Sacramento Optimist Club and the Chinese American Council of Sacramento. In 1989, Jimmie organized the first Asian bone marrow drive in the United States when he registered more than 2,500 people. It's a testament to Jimmie's influence as a community leader that many of his wonderful contributions before he held elected office are still being felt today.

A devoted family, Jimmie has been married to his wife, Mary, for fifty years. Together, they raised four daughters and two sons, all of whom are college graduates with professional credentials. Today, Jimmie and Mary are the proud grandparents of fifteen grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, as Jimmie Yee embarks on an exciting new chapter of his life, I am honored to pay tribute to a great champion of the City of Sacramento. The people of Sacramento have benefited greatly from Jimmie's leadership and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing Jimmie continued success in all of his future endeavors, wherever retirement may lead him.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent on Friday, October 8, 2004, and missed the rollcall votes ordered, due to illness.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent on Saturday, October 9, 2004 and missed the rollcall votes ordered, due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted as noted: rollcall Vote No. 527: ``nay''; rollcall Vote No. 528: ``yea''; rollcall Vote No 529: ``yea''; rollcall Vote No. 530: ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the 2004 River Cats, the deserving winners of the 2004 Pacific Coast League Championship. The 2004 River Cats successfully recaptured the Pacific Coast League championship for the second consecutive year by sweeping the Iowa Cubs in a hard fought thrilling three-game series. The 2004 Sacramento River Cats displayed their trademark determination and teamwork that continue to make them a great source of civic pride and a prominent local attraction for years to come. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in saluting the triumphant 2004 Sacramento River Cats.

The 2004 Sacramento River Cats are comprised of an outstanding blend of experienced professionals with major league experience and bright young prospects who are destined to become the stars of tomorrow. The 2004 River Cats team is led by the excellent all-around play of 2004 Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player and Playoff Most Valuable Player Dan Johnson. In addition, the outstanding roster was anchored by the consistent contributions of recently promoted major leaguers: Nick Swisher, Jairo Garcia, Esteban German, Joe Blanton, and Justin Lehr. All the aforementioned River Cats are among the best touted prospects in all of baseball. Whether a seasoned veteran or an up and coming prospect, every member of the 2004 River Cats demonstrated outstanding commitment to team play and hard work as they march toward the 2004 Pacific Coast League Championship.

In addition to a wonderful roster, the 2004 River Cats also benefited greatly from the tutelage of one of the best coaching staffs and the leadership of one of the most accomplished and innovative front offices in all of professional baseball. On the bench, the River Cats were lead by the 2003 Sporting News Minor League Manager of the Year Tony DeFrancesco. Mr. DeFrancesco and his able assistants were able to cultivate a spirit of camaraderie and an unyielding commitment to hard work and fair play in the clubhouse. In the front office, the River Cats are led by the extraordinary leadership of President and CEO Art Savage and the astute management of Executive Vice Presidents Warren Smith and Robert Hemond. Under this leadership team, the River Cats have taken great steps to forge one of the strongest and most unique relationships in all of sports with their team supporters. Given the River Cats front office's commitment to the city of Sacramento, it is no wonder why the River Cats have led all of Minor League Baseball in attendance during each of their five years in Sacramento.

Mr. Speaker, as the Sacramento River Cats conclude its second consecutive championship season and prepare to achieve greater triumphs in the future, I am honored to pay tribute to the many hard working men and women of the River Cats organization who brought so much joy and pride to the people of the Capitol Region and River Cats fans everywhere. Their successes are highly commendable, and it is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to pay tribute to their accomplishments. I ask all my colleagues to join with me in congratulating the Sacramento River Cats on a wonderful season and wishing them greater success in future seasons.

Mr. Speaker, today my colleague from the 3rd district of California, the Honorable Doug Ose and I ask all our colleagues to join us in a special commemoration of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. On September 11, 2004, as part of the ``Let Freedom Ring--Bells Across America'' remembrance, participating churches across the nation will, beginning at noon, toll four bells at one-minute intervals to honor those who perished on the four hijacked commercial aircrafts on September 11, 2001. On the fifth minute, a chorus of bells will be played to recognize and pay tribute to the countless people whose lives were greatly affected by the events of 9/11. As the churches of the Sacramento Region join together to remember one of the most tragic days in our nation's history, we ask all our colleagues to join us in the ``Let Freedom Ring--Bells Across America'' remembrance.

The ``Let Freedom Ring--Bells Across America'' remembrance is the brainchild of Mr. Stu Varner, a resident of the Sacramento Region. Like millions of his fellow Americans, Mr. Varner was greatly affected by the catastrophic series of attacks that occurred at New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Mr. Varner held a deep conviction that those who lost their lives on 9/11 should never be forgotten, and that they should be properly recognized as heroes. Mr. Varner believed that September 11 should be a day of somber and serious reflection much like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. As a result, Mr. Varner developed the idea of the ``Let Freedom Ring--Bells Across America'' remembrance. Mr. Varner wishes that the synchronistic ringing of bells by churches across America will help create a wave of remembrance for the thousands who lost their lives and the many more whose lives were drastically affected as a result of 9/11.

Mr. Speaker, as the churches of the Sacramento Region participate in the ``Let Freedom Ring--Bells Across America'' remembrance, my colleague Mr. Doug Ose and I are honored to pay our respect and tribute to the innocent people whose lives were prematurely cut short or greatly altered by the 9/11 tragedy. We ask our colleagues to join us in remembering the tragic events of September 11, 2001 by participating in the ``Let Freedom Ring--Bells Across America'' remembrance.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in tribute to a man with a distinguished career in public service. Throughout the course of his illustrious career, my great friend, Steve Thompson, served his beloved people of California with great passion, integrity, and distinction. On August 17th, California lost its most influential advocate for healthcare policy when Steve passed away after a brief and courageous battle against cancer. As his family and friends gather to pay tribute and remember Steve's countless achievements and contributions to the people of California, I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting one of the Capitol's most well-respected figures, and my dear friend, Steve Thompson.

Steve started his forty-year Capitol career in 1964 as an Assistant Economist for the Department of Water Resources. In 1966, Steve moved to the Legislative Analyst's Office and, a year later, to the Assembly Health Committee. In 1971, Steve took a job as Principal Consultant to then Assemblyman Willie Brown's Ways and Means Committee. At Ways and Means, Thompson was part of what is now considered an all-star team of staffers that included John Mockler, now a leader on education, Phil Isenberg, who eventually became the Mayor of Sacramento and served in the Legislature for fourteen years, Ray Sullivan, who became a fiscal policy leader, and Bob Connelly, who became the Assembly's Chief Administrative Officer. Steve's numerous gifts were apparent to his cohorts from early on in his career. ``In politics, you have to have passion, knowledge and perspective to succeed and Steve had all three,'' said John Mockler, a friend since 1965.

During this early part of his legislative career, Steve drafted California's first bill on autism and helped create the Lanterman- Petris-Short Act, California's landmark reform on mental health services. Steve also played a big role in shaping legislation in the 1960s that created the system for caring for severely developmentally disabled people in smaller regional centers rather than in large state hospitals. Steve left the Legislature in 1974 and founded a public policy research firm. Seven years later, Steve returned to the Capitol as the Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the Assembly, Willie Brown. Willie Brown often referred to Steve as being ``central'' to his operation. In 1986, Steve took over as director of the Assembly Office of Research.

Throughout the Capitol, Steve was affectionately known as ``the Health SMIC,'' short for ``smartest man in California'' on health care related issues. In 1992, Steve's mastery of health care related issues landed him the post of government affairs director and chief lobbyist for the California Medical Association. Steve used his influence to fight for the issue that he cared about the most: improving healthcare coverage for the medically uninsured. Just last year, Steve was the driving force behind legislation that requires employers to provide health care benefits to workers. Steve's passion to improve health care was so great that he was still testifying before legislative committees a week before his death.

While the loss of Steve Thompson to the state of California and the health care community is great, it is also of great personal loss to me. Steve and I attended grammar school together and were life long friends. I will always cherish my memories of Steve, he was a ``good troublemaker'' as one of our friends put it. Doris and I will dearly miss his friendship.

Steve is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sister, Dagmar, and his four children, Peter, Schuyler, Hallie, and Scott.

Mr. Speaker, as Steve Thompson's family members and friends gather to honor his legacy and many contributions, I am honored to pay tribute to one of my closest friends. His successes are unparalleled. I ask all my colleagues to join with me in paying my respect and acknowledging the deeds and life of an extraordinary man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to an organization with a great record of service to the Sacramento Region. For the past two decades, the Center for Youth Citizenship has worked tirelessly and successfully to enhance the significance of citizenship and the importance of our laws and institutions to the young people of the local region. I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting the Center for Youth Citizenship (CYC), one of Sacramento's most important and respected community organizations.

Founded in 1984, the Center for Youth Citizenship has sought to have young people respect one another, our institutions, and laws; have a working understanding of citizenship, its requirements and responsibilities; appreciate the foundation and privileges of democracy; and have the skills and character to be engaged and informed participants in everyday community matters. To achieve these goals, CYC has worked with a diverse group of school and community partners on award winning and recognized school and community programs such as the Gordon D. Schaber Mock trial & Moot Court Competition, Laws for Youth and Families, and California Conflict Resolution and Youth Meditation Project.

Through its partnerships with a broad-based group of government, business and education leaders, CYC has recently initiated the program, With Liberty and Justice for All, designed to connect the generations and groups in the local communities and recommit to the collective pursuit of equity, justice, and character.

In recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, CYC, on April 22, 2004, in partnership with the California and Sacramento County Bar Association, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., 100 Black Men of Sacramento and the Sacramento County Office of Education, along with various school districts and organizations, came together to commemorate the historic anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision by bringing students together with corporate, community, and education leaders to view the highlights of the Emmy Award winning film, Separate but Equal. This unique and important educational experience was made possible by CYC's program model, With Liberty & Justice for All and the hard work and dedication of the entire CYC staff.

CYC has worked diligently with Sacramento County of Education; San Juan Unified School District, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association, California Department of Education, California Teachers Association and various school districts and organizations to make local school board members, administrators and teachers aware of the Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary. Through the great work of the CYC staff, many school board adopted resolutions and conducted student events to recognize the important Supreme Court decision.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Center for Youth Citizenship. I would like to especially thank CYC's Executive Director, Dr. Joe Maloney, and his great staff for their commitment and hard work. I am confident that the Center for Youth Citizenship will continue to yield tremendous benefits for the people of Sacramento. I ask all my colleagues to join with me in wishing the Center for Youth Citizenship continued success in all its future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to legendary civil rights attorney Douglas Robinson Greer. On July 15, 2004, California lost one of its most respected and accomplished advocates for civil rights when Douglas Greer passed away. As we remember and pay tribute to Douglas' many wonderful contributions to his friends, family, and fellow citizens, I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting this exceptional man and my good friend, Douglas Robinson Greer.

A native of Los Angeles, Douglas was born on January 27, 1916 to Henry Douglas Greer and Leonie Robinson Greer. In 1920, the Douglas family relocated to Sacramento. Douglas was an accomplished student at William Land and Newton Booth Elementary Schools, and later, Stanford Jr. High and Sacramento Senior High School.

Douglas joined the U.S. Armed Services in 1942 and was stationed at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. After two years of service, Douglas enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley. Douglas received a Bachelor's degree in 1948.

Disheartened by the racism that surrounded him, Douglas made up his mind that he was going to play an active role in improving the lives of minorities. Douglas earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco in 1952. A year later, Douglas opened the office of Douglas Greer, Attorney at Law. In doing so, Douglas became only the second African American to establish a full-time law practice in Sacramento's history.

As a lawyer, Douglas was a trailblazer and an ardent defender of civil rights and civil liberties. Doug fought hard to challenge unfair housing and discriminatory hiring practices. Many of his early clients could only afford to pay meager fees, or often none at all. But, Douglas remained undaunted.

Douglas was once quoted as saying that he was anxious to ``get into court and get fighting.'' In of his cases in the late 1950s, Douglas demonstrated his commitment to justice and equality when he took on a case involving an African American couple that was prevented from buying a house in Sacramento because of their skin color. Douglas filed a malicious interference suit. The suit was then and remains the first such suit filed on the basis of race in California.

Throughout his illustrious career, Douglas showed a deep commitment to stand for justice and take on established entities such as Harrah's Casino, the Greyhound Bus Lines and the Home Loan Bank Board. Douglas gave it his all to test public accommodation laws and other acts of discriminatory practices. In many of his cases, Douglas triumphed in successfully lowering barriers of discrimination and the unfair treatment of minorities.

In addition to his status as one of the area's most well respected attorneys, Douglas was also active in the community. From 1953 to 1957, Douglas served with great distinction as the President of the Sacramento Chapter of the NAACP. Douglas was an icon of hope for many minorities. Douglas often urged young lawyers to challenge ``unjust laws and racist systems.'' Throughout his life, Douglas' quiet courage, fighting spirit and his unwavering pursuit of commitment served as an inspiration to many who looked to his leadership and example. The Observer Newspaper recently recognized Douglas for his countless achievements and contributions by naming him one of Sacramento's ``African American Legends.''

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Leonie Greer, and his sisters, Lucy Amerson and Portia Henderson. He is survived by a niece, Leonie Craddock, a nephew, Gilbert Craddock, three great nieces and a long list of professional associates, friends, and admirers.

Mr. Speaker, as Douglas Greer's family and friends gather to pay tribute to his wonderful life, I am honored to express my respect and gratitude to one of Sacramento's finest citizens. It was truly a privilege for me to count Douglas Greer as a friend. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Douglas Greer's remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Mr. Norm D. Covell, a man with a great career in public service. For the past four decades, Norm has worked tirelessly to reduce air pollution and its affects on public health. Norm will soon retire from his current position as the Air pollution Control Officer for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. As Norm's friends, family, and colleagues gather to celebrate his distinguished career, I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting this outstanding citizen of Sacramento.

After obtaining his bachelor of science degrees from California State University--Fresno, Norm began his environmental health and air quality career as a military preventive medicine specialist. Eventually, Norm would be appointed as the Assistant Director for the Fresno County Department of Health and Assistant Air Pollution Control Officer. During his two decades of service in Fresno County, Norm was instrumental in implementing a number of effective and innovative solutions to air quality management.

In 1984, Norm was named as the Air Pollution Control Officer for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. During this period, Norm has been deservingly recognized as a visionary and dedicated leader at the local, state, and national levels of government for his efforts in advancing programs and policies that significantly improve air quality.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District works cooperatively to coordinate the efforts of local, state and federal government agencies, the business community, and private citizens to achieve and maintain healthy air quality for Sacramento. This vision recognizes that the AQMD alone cannot achieve healthy air for Sacramento, but that combined with its regulatory role and its lead role in development of innovative programs, it can encourage the cooperative inter-agency and public effort that will be required to improve air quality. As the Air Pollution Control Officer, Norm oversees a dedicated staff of 83 positions and an annual program budget of $19 million.

Norm was an instrumental force in developing an innovative market- based incentive program to reduce regional mobile source emissions. This program eventually became the model for the very successful Mayor Program that has been adopted throughout California. Norm also played a crucial role in creating the Business Environmental Resource Center that helps regional small businesses understand and comply with air quality, hazardous materials and water quality regulations. Throughout his career, Norm has demonstrated a consistent ability to increase awareness of air quality issues. Therefore, it is no surprise that so many of Norm's projects and ideas have gained national recognition and replication.

As a result of his sterling reputation in the field of air quality management, Norm has served in a number of important leadership roles. Norm was the President of the California Environmental Health Association from 1977 to 1979. Norm served as the President of the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association from 1984 to 1986. From 1994 to 1995, Norm was the President of the National Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials. Norm's impressive resume is a testament to his status as one of California's most accomplished leaders in the field of air quality management.

In his retirement, Norm can look forward to spending more time with his family. Norm will also devote more time to two of his favorite pursuits: fishing and his beloved San Francisco 49ers. I am confident that Norm would achieve great success and happiness in his retirement, just as he had throughout his professional career.

Mr. Speaker, as Norm's friends, family and colleagues gather to celebrate his great career; I am truly honored to pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most honorable citizens. The Sacramento region has benefited greatly from having Norm's strong leadership. He will be missed greatly by all who worked with him. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in wishing Norm continued success in all of his future endeavors, wherever retirement may lead him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution deploring the misuse of the International Court of Justice for its advisory opinion on Israel's security fence. I also stand in strong support of Israel's right to defend itself against the ongoing threat of terrorism.

There has been considerable debate about the line the security fence follows, but there can be no doubt about the effectiveness of the fence in protecting against suicide attacks. The fence simply works. There has been a dramatic drop in the number of attacks on Israelis where the fence is in place and operational. And according to Israel Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, security officials have been able to prevent an estimated 95 percent of overall Palestinian attacks.

The reason there is need for a fence speaks directly to the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict--there are no borders, but there is terrorism. There must be direct negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians to reach an agreed upon solution that not only provides Israel with secure and defensible borders, but ultimately establishes a state for the Palestinians. But when this political debate will be resolved is unknown and until Israel has a legitimate partner to negotiate with, Israel must protect her people.

In endorsing the roadmap, even the United Nations acknowledged that this is a political debate that can only be resolved through direct negotiations. Yet, even though the U.N. Charter states that the General Assembly can only refer cases concerning legal issues to the International Court of Justice, ICJ, this political matter was taken under consideration. In their ruling, the ICJ did not take into account the context of the terrorist threat that led Israel to construct the fence. Nor did it consider the steps Israel has taken throughout construction of the fence. Numerous modifications and changes have been made to ease the hardship on Palestinians.

Most recently--even before the ICJ's ruling--the Israeli Supreme Court addressed the position of the fence and its effects on Palestinians' access to their homes and jobs. The Israeli government is moving quickly to change the route of the security fence. By doing this, Israel is responsibly balancing its security needs and the humanitarian needs of the Palestinians not involved in terrorists acts. Clearly there is no need for an outside organization to pass judgment.

Ultimately, the ICJ overstepped its jurisdiction by hearing the case in the first place, which could have negative consequences for the peace process. Over 40 countries, including the United States, Canada, and most European Union countries, opposed the ICJ's consideration of the case because of their concerns about jurisdiction and politicization of the court.

Israel has said the security fence is a temporary self-defense measure. It is not meant to replace the peace process and does not preclude final status negotiations. The construction of the fence is reversible, but the taking of Israeli lives is not. The ICJ's ruling was inappropriate and harmful. The United States needs to stand firm with Israel, and as the United Nations continues to consider this issue, I call on the international community to recognize Israel's absolute right to defend itself.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California, the ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, for yielding me time.

I want to commend the gentlewoman from Florida, obviously the gentleman from California, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), and certainly the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) for bringing this resolution before the floor of the House at this particular time.

I have to say that, first, I think all of us acknowledge, particularly with what has been going on today in the Middle East, and Iraq in particular, that the whole issue of Israel's importance to the United States could not be more clear. Israel is important for the strategic defense of the United States in the free world. Given, as I said, the fact that it is the only democracy in that region, it is absolutely critical that Americans understand and this country understands the importance of Israel from our strategic perspective.

Secondly, there is no question that Israel has the absolute right to defend itself from terrorist activities, and this resolution will go a long way in fulfilling those two principles.

Certainly the negotiation process has broken down. When Prime Minister Barak was negotiating with Mr. Arafat with the help of Mr. Clinton, it was obvious Mr. Arafat was not able or willing to actually engage in an actual agreement. That being the case, the Palestinian Authority at this time has no one in charge to negotiate, and that is why the whole issue of the disengagement policy is the correct policy.

Our resolution today, with great support from both Democrats and Republicans on a bipartisan basis in the House of Representatives, would go a long way in at least trying to find some leader in the Palestinian Authority to stand up and say let us begin to talk, to negotiate, because obviously the status quo is unacceptable.

This resolution, to a large extent, just basically puts together what is a reality. It puts together the point of the fact that obviously the whole issue of the Palestinian refugee situation will be actually resolved once there is a Palestinian state. So I urge the adoption of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, this resolution affirms Congress's bipartisan support for the principles outlined by President Bush and Prime Minister Sharon regarding Israel's proposed disengagement plan. Congressional support for the disengagement from Gaza and removal of settlements is a positive step toward reducing tensions with the Palestinians and could help revitalize the stalled Mideast peace process.

Our nation's support for Israel is of the utmost importance and could not be clearer. We stand firmly in support of Israel in the fight against terrorism. We must acknowledge the strategic importance of Israel as the only democracy in the region and, above all, Israel's absolute right of self-defense. We will continue to offer our steadfast support as Israel faces the ongoing threat of terrorism.

In 2000, then Israeli Prime Minister Barak and Palestinian Authority Chairman Arafat were close to forging an accord on final status issues, but Arafat walked away. There is no doubt that Arafat is not capable of negotiating a peace agreement. At this time, Israel lacks a viable Palestinian partner to negotiate a peace agreement, yet the people of Israel continue to face the daily threat of suicide bombers. This status quo is unacceptable. The framework laid out by Prime Minister Sharon and President Bush provides a sound basis for Israelis to live their lives with a decreased threat of terror until a viable Palestinian partner emerges.

This resolution goes a long way toward acknowledging the realities on the ground today and the impact they will have on final status negotiations. It recognizes that the Palestinian claim to a right of return beyond the borders of a future Palestinian state is demographically untenable for Israel's future as a Jewish state. As such, negotiations must ensure that Israel can live as an independent state within secure, recognized and defensible borders that reflect this reality. At the same time, we recognize the importance and support the establishment of a separate Palestinian state that can live in peace with its neighbor, Israel.

Recently, Israel has been waging a significant campaign to eliminate the terrorist threat, resulting in a three-month period of calm despite terrorist groups' intent to continue violent

attacks on Israelis. This period of calm combined with the steps taken in Sharon's disengagement plan could provide an opportunity to reassess of the status of peace negotiations and get the discussions back on track.

It is our hope that the Israeli and Palestinian people ultimately live as independent nations in peace and security. I sincerely hope these new efforts will revitalize the stalled Mideast peace process and bring all parties back to the negotiating table. Until those negotiations restart, the agreement reached by the President and Prime Minister Sharon will promote Israel's continuing efforts to defend itself from terrorism, and Congress fully supports this agreement.