Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 519) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the earthquake that occurred in San Luis Obispo County, California, on December 22, 2003.

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 the resolution under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 519, introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), honors the victims and affected residents of the earthquake that occurred in San Luis Obispo, California, on December 22, 2003. The earthquake registered a 6.5 on the Richter scale, and it killed two people and injured 50 others. This was the largest quake to hit the counties of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara since 1994.

The historic town of Paso Robles was hit the hardest. Many of the buildings in that area were unreinforced masonry structures built over a century ago, and they were unfortunately no match for the earthquake's power. The two deaths occurred in Paso Robles. In addition, the earthquake's tremors were felt in San Francisco to Los Angeles, and more than 30 aftershocks were reported in the following hours. The quake knocked out power to approximately 75,000 residents, and many others were forced to evacuate. This resolution remembers the victims and those who were injured and underscores the heroic sacrifices made by countless disaster relief workers and emergency personnel after the earthquake.

Following the wildfires that scorched hundreds of thousands of acres in October, the December 22 earthquake concluded a difficult fall season for so many California residents. Therefore, I thank the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) for introducing this resolution. It helps us all remember the victims of this disaster.

The resolution also appropriately recognizes the public safety officials and emergency response personnel who helped limit the earthquake's effects on the region. Many individuals, businesses, and organizations in surrounding areas provided much-needed assistance to victims in the days and the weeks following the tragedy. I commend the gentleman from California for the resolution's important focus in

commending these charitable groups as well.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge all Members to support House Resolution 519.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), the distinguished sponsor of this resolution.

(Mr. THOMAS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Moran, Mr. Wolf and I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of men and women in Northern Virginia. Each year, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals who courageously have demonstrated selfless dedication to public safety. The hard work, dedication, and perseverance of the Fairfax County Office of the Sheriff have earned several of its members the highest honor that Fairfax County bestows upon its public safety officials--The Valor Award.

There are several types of Valor Awards awarded to a public safety officer: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal of Valor. During the 26th Annual Awards Ceremony, 53 men and women from the Office of the Sheriff, Fire and Rescue Department, and the Police Department received one of the aforementioned honors for their bravery and heroism.

It is with great honor that we enter into the record the names of the recipients of the 2004 Valor Awards in the Fairfax County Office of the Sheriff. Receiving the Lifesaving Award: Second Lieutenant Steve J. Elbert, Sergeant William E. Friedman, Private First Class Morris F. Hood Jr., Private First Class Dena M. Hubbard, Private First Class Steven P. Queen, Master Deputy Sheriff Juan L. Romero, Sergeant Mark W. Sites, Second Lieutenant Elaine M. Stanley, Private First Class Zachary D. Taylor, Private First Class Huihao Wang, Private First Class Kenneth W. Wing, Jr.; the Certificate of Valor: Private First Class Peter J. Fox; the Bronze Medal of Honor: Deputy William L. Bishop, Second Lieutenant Gregory A. Merck, Sergeant Eli G. Rejeili.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all men and women who serve the Fairfax County Office of the Sheriff. The events of September 11th serve as a reminder of the sacrifices our emergency service workers make for us each day. These individuals' continuous efforts on behalf of Fairfax County citizens are paramount to preserving security, law, and order throughout our community. Their selfless acts of heroism truly merit our highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join us in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Moran, Mr. Wolf and I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of men and women in Northern Virginia. Each year, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals who courageously have demonstrated selfless dedication to public safety. The hard work, dedication, and perseverance of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have earned several of its members the highest honor that Fairfax County bestows upon its public safety officials--The Valor Award.

There are several types of Valor Awards awarded to a public safety officer: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal of Valor. During the 26th Annual Awards Ceremony, 53 men and women from the Office of the Sheriff, Fire and Rescue Department, and the Police Department received one of the aforementioned honors for their bravery and heroism.

It is with great honor that we enter into the Record the names of the recipients of the 2004 Valor Awards in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Receiving the Lifesaving Award: Technician Brent M. Schnupp; the Certificate of Valor: Master Technician John L. Capps, Master Technician Even J. Lewis, EMS Captain Gary D. Pemberton; the Silver Medal of Honor: Firefighter Michael V. Allen, Lieutenant Edward D. Bowman, Haz-Mat Technician Thomas L. Flint, Captain Samuel L. Gray, Firefighter Richard D. Riley, Master Technician Timothy A. Sparrow, Lieutenant Daniel T. Young; the Bronze Medal of Honor: Master Technician Anthony E. Doran, Firefighter Clayton Thompson Ill.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all men and women who serve the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. The events of September 11th serve as a reminder of the sacrifices our emergency service workers make for us each day. These individuals' continuous efforts on behalf of Fairfax County citizens are paramount to preserving security, law, and order throughout our community. Their selfless acts of heroism truly merit our highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join us in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Moran, Mr. Wolf, and I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of men and women in Northern Virginia. Each year, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals who courageously have demonstrated selfless dedication to public safety. The hard work, dedication, and perseverance of the Fairfax County Police Department have earned several of its members the highest honor that Fairfax County bestows upon its public safety officials--The Valor Award.

There are several types of Valor Awards awarded to a public safety officer: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal of Valor. During the 26th Annual Awards Ceremony, 53 men and women from the Office of the Sheriff, Fire and Rescue Department, and the Police Department received one of the aforementioned honors for their bravery and heroism.

It is with great honor that we enter into the record the names of the recipients of the 2004 Valor Awards in the Fairfax County Police Department. Receiving the Lifesaving Award: PSCC Assistant Supervisor Jackie A. Ahrens, Police Officer First Class Garrett G. Broderick, Public Safety Communicator Gail M. Gibson, Police Officer First Class Daniel V. Johnson, Detective Thomas P. Lawn, Sergeant Shawn C. Martin, Police Officer First Class Weiss Rasool, Officer Stacy L. Sassano, Police Officer First Class Donna E. Shaw, and Detective James N. Sparks, III; the Certificate of Valor: Police Officer First Class William G. Brett, Senior Police Officer Robert A. Galpin Jr., Detective Matthew G. Payne, Detective Steven T. Pihonak, and Detective Gene M. Taitano; the Silver Medal of Honor: Police Officer First Class Timothy W. Cook; the Bronze Medal of Honor: Master Police Officer Bryan K. Cooke, Second Lieutenant Scott C. Durham, Master Police Officer Charles M. Haugan, Second Lieutenant Daniel P. Janickey, Police Officer First Class Ryan W. Morgan, Senior Sergeant John W. Orpin, Private First- Class David B. Patterson, Officer Randolph G. Philp, and Officer Frederick W. Von Meister.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all men and women who serve the Fairfax County Police Department. The events of September 11th serve as a reminder of the sacrifices our emergency service workers make for us each day. These individuals' continuous efforts on behalf of Fairfax County citizens are paramount to preserving security, law, and order throughout our community. Their selfless acts of heroism truly merit our highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join us in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, please include the attached exchange of letters between Chairman Bill Thomas of the Committee on Ways and Means and myself in the Congressional Record at the end of the debate on H.R. 2751.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Government Reform,

Washington, DC, January 28, 2004.

Hon. William M. Thomas,

Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Thomas: Thank you for your recent letter

regarding your committee's jurisdictional interest in H.R.

2751, the GAO Human Capital Reform Act of 2003. I appreciate

all of your efforts to ensure that the Government Accounting

Office has the resources it needs to effectively carry out

its responsibilities.

I acknowledge your committee's jurisdictional interest in

this legislation and appreciate your cooperation in allowing

speedy consideration of the bill. I agree that your decision

to forego further action on the bill will not prejudice the

Committee on Ways and Means with respect to its

jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar legislation. I

will support your request for outside conferees should there

be a House-Senate conference on this or similar legislation.

Finally, I will include a copy of your letter and this

response in the Congressional Record when the House considers

the legislation.

Sincerely,

Tom Davis,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2751, the GAO Human Capital Reform Act of 2003.

Over the last couple of years, the Government Reform Committee has worked tirelessly to revitalize the federal civil service in an effort to bring the Federal workforce into the 21st century. In November 2002, Congress granted the new Department of Homeland Security the authority to develop its own human resources management system, largely outside of the confines of the 50-year-old Federal civil service system. In June 2003, Congress authorized the Securities and Exchange Commission to utilize streamlined hiring procedures to address critical staff shortages at the Commission. In November 2003, Congress granted the Defense Department authority similar to Homeland Security to develop a human resources management system for its civilian workforce. In January of this year, Congress authorized a number of new workforce authorities for NASA that will enable the space agency to compete with the private sector in recruiting and retaining a highly specialized workforce.

Now GAO--a legislative branch agency that helped us to craft these reforms--has asked Congress to provide it with some of the same personnel flexibilities that we have provided to these other agencies. Civil Service Subcommittee Chair Jo Ann Davis responded by introducing H.R. 2751, which would provide GAO with the authority to offer early buyout packages, base employee compensation on performance, offer additional relocation benefits, offer more flexible annual leave policies, and establish an executive exchange program with the private sector.

H.R. 2751 was developed in coordination with the minority members of the Government Reform Committee, the General Accounting Office and the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, all in a bipartisan manner. We in this body rely on the GAO to ensure the performance and accountability of the Federal Government, and this legislation will assist the Comptroller General in ensuring a vibrant and effective workforce to meet this important task.

I urge Members to support this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the late Mrs. Esther ``Kitty'' Buhler Bradley, widow of General Omar N. Bradley, the last five-star general of the U.S. Army.

Mrs. Bradley was born in New York City and graduated from Manhattan Business College. In the late 1940s, she took a U.S. Government job in Japan and also began freelance writing for the military newspaper Stars & Stripes and the news service United Press. While on an assignment for the United Press in Okinawa, she first met General Bradley. She soon developed a close relationship with General Bradley and secured the rights to his life story, which she hoped to turn into a motion picture.

Upon returning to the United States in the 1950s, Mrs. Bradley found work as a film and television writer under the name Kitty Buhler. Some of her most notable projects were the 1958 Victor Mature film, ``China Doll,'' and two television production series, ``The 20th Century Fox Hour'' and ``My Three Sons.''

In 1966, following the death of General Bradley's first wife, Mrs. Bradley and General Bradley were reunited, then married in San Diego.

Although Mrs. Bradley never realized her dream of taking her husband's life story to the big screen, parts of General Bradley's career were chronicled in the 1970 ``Patton,'' starring George C. Scott as General George Patton and Karl Malden as General Bradley. The couple worked closely together, assisting in the making of the film.

For nearly 15 years, the Bradleys lived happily together. Mrs. Bradley not only was a loving wife to the highly respected and admired five-star general but also a successful freelance writer and screenwriter in her own right.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to pay tribute to the life and work of Mrs. Bradley and express my deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wolf, and I rise today to honor Chief Tom Manger for 27 years of dedicated service to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD.)

The FCPD is the largest local police department in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with 1,300 sworn and 500 civilian members. Manger first joined the FCPD in 1977 as a patrol officer. He quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating great commitment to the safety and security of Fairfax County and the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. Manger was promoted to deputy chief in 1995 and to acting chief in 1998. On January 10, 1999, the Fairfax Board of Supervisors appointed him chief of police.

Through impressive organization and development efforts, he brought officers closer to the people they serve, making community policing a top priority. Moreover, he held the department to the highest ethical policing standards, instituting a number of new policies to increase FCPD accountability to the public. Fairfax County's crime rate is the lowest in the country for a jurisdiction over one million people.

Over the past few years, Chief Manger has faced challenges ranging from hurricane flooding to anthrax scares. Under his leadership, the FCPD received the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission award for combating bias crimes. In 2002, when sniper shootings shocked the nation, Chief Manger tirelessly worked to capture and convict the two snipers for the murder of FBI employee Linda Franklin.

Throughout his accomplished career, Chief Manger has received numerous awards, including the Silver Medal of Valor. He significantly contributed to the FCPD tradition of excellence and will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt thanks for nearly three decades of service to Fairfax County and wish him the best of luck as police chief in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Mr. Speaker, Fairfax County's loss is Montgomery County's gain. Chief Manger is an outstanding police chief, and a shining example to all others in his field. We ask that our colleagues join us in applauding Chief Manger.

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

Mr. Chairman, for years we have been sounding the alarm that the Federal Government faces grave danger when it comes to losing highly specialized employees. NASA is certainly no exception. In fact, it leads the pack. Fifteen percent of NASA's workforce is currently eligible to retire. A quarter of the agency will be eligible to retire over the next 5 years. Scientists and engineers over 60 outnumber those under 30 by nearly three to one. The potential loss of institutional knowledge is staggering.

Why are we in the midst of a human capital crisis? When it comes to the kind of very smart, very well-educated, highly specialized people who work in our space program? It is largely because we are competing directly with the higher-paying private sector firms. But it is also because when it comes to the civil service, preserving traditions has become a tradition unto itself, and I think it is time to change that tradition.

NASA, as well as the country as a whole, scored a major victory this month by safely landing two unmanned rovers on the face of Mars. In order to make sure that NASA's successes such as this outweigh its failures, we need to provide NASA with as much flexibility as possible in order to recruit and retain the best and the brightest that this country has to offer for our space program.

The simple fact is that NASA's personnel policies are dated and are holding the agency back. The modernization that this bipartisan legislation promises marks a significant step in the right direction for NASA, for the government, for science and for taxpayers.

It has been over a year since NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe first came to Capitol Hill requesting these much-needed personnel flexibilities. And while I wish we could have responded sooner, I am pleased to be here today to see the legislation finally making its way through the process.

The Committee on Government Reform, which I chair, marked up similar legislation last May, and the House Committee on Science marked up the legislation last July. I want to thank my friend and colleague, the chairman of the Committee on Science, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert) for his tremendous efforts in moving this important legislation forward, as well as the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), and the ranking minority members as well; and I look forward to working with them in the future to improve workforce flexibilities available to NASA, as well as to other Federal agencies that work to expand the frontier of science.

One of the difficulties we have in recruiting employees today for NASA and other agencies, is that when they go to a job fair and they talk to a college recruiter, by the time they go back and go through all the rules and regulations in hiring, sometimes background checks, it is months before they can put an offer on the table. In the meantime, the private sector is up there with hiring bonuses, and they are up there with an offer on the table immediately with a job guarantee. We cannot compete in that kind of environment.

I know some of my friends on the Committee on Science on the other side of the aisle are concerned about paying bonuses, but this is commonplace in the private sector with which we are competing. We are talking about some of the brightest people in the world, scientists, engineers, literally rocket scientists that we want running our space program. We do not want to go second tier with people who are salaried and getting bogged down making sometimes one-tenth of what they could make in the private sector. It does not work that way.

So I support this legislation, and I am proud to see it moving forward.

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

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

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chairman, my question is what are the CBO costs on this?

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Again, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and I have worked together on so many battles. I respect what the gentleman is trying to do here, but I have to oppose this amendment for several reasons.

First of all, as the chairman of the Committee on Science noted, if we amend this bill today, it goes back to the other body, the black hole. We have been waiting a long time to get these personnel changes into effect so we can go out and retain part of that workforce that is now contemplating retiring, and we can start retaining the best and brightest out of our universities. Every day we delay that, we lose flexibility to do that.

The NASA budget is $15.5 billion. The personnel costs are only $2 billion. If we want to go after NASA's budget or start holding it down, the way to control that is by their section 302(b) allocation through the appropriations process. It is designed that NASA will eat these costs under the current appropriations. They may pay a little more for personnel in some areas and may pay less in some areas, but they have to do it under the budget that we pass. This appropriates no additional money, but it does give them flexibility to pay people at the top, our top rocket scientists, top engineers, and top program managers, the kind of dollars that will keep them in the program and recruit some of our best people into our space program instead of going out into the private sector where they can gain a lot more money.

The costs of failure of not doing this are much greater. A failed launch, cost delays, those costs are literally astronomical, if we are to do that; and that is what we are trying to eliminate here, the downside of not passing this. It is a cost-avoidance issue.

We control this through the budget process, the section 302(b) allocations that we make and budget, and there are no additional monies appropriated. These costs will be eaten up within the NASA budget, and there is plenty of flexibility to do this. There is a $15.5 billion budget, $2 billion for personnel costs, and $80 million can be reallocated without any additional cost to American taxpayers; and we can retain and recruit some of the quality people that are needed to run this space program and keep it going on the right track.

It is for those reasons that I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patricia Garman as Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year.

Ms. Garman, known to friends and colleagues as Patt, is widely respected throughout the Fairfax business community. Honest

and reliable, with business savvy, Patt has proven to be an incredibly effective businessperson. She gives every venture her all and is always ready to take on new challenges. Moreover, Patt sees every project through until completion, producing consistently impressive results.

Patt heads a team of four investment advisors at Capital Planning & Investments, Inc., her own successful, independent advisory firm. CPI offers a variety of financial solutions for local businesses and individuals, including customized investment and insurance advice on an hourly and ongoing basis.

In addition, Patt is highly involved with the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the CFCC Board of Directors and Small Business Committee, and through the CFCC, she has become treasurer of the citywide Chocolate Lovers Festival Committee.

While in these positions, Patt has had numerous notable accomplishments. For example, she created a program in which CFCC breakfast seminars would pay for themselves. Through her table-top display program, Patt personally works with CFCC members to attract and schedule sponsors for the seminars. The popularity of Patt's program has enabled it to continue in the upcoming year.

Patt also was responsible for computerizing CFCC files for easy recording, implementing an aggressive budget and achieving Not-for- Profit status. These successes are indicative of her commitment, drive and character. Patt likes to make things happen and motivates others with her infectious spirit. When she sees needs, she addresses them, rallying others around her to turn visions into reality.

All things considered, Patt's special honor truly is well deserved. Over the years, she has made a lasting impact on the CFCC and greater Fairfax business community. She is an accomplished businessperson who successfully leads others through example. I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding Patricia Garman and congratulating her on this distinguished achievement. -

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Chapter 893 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), located in Springfield, Virginia.

NARFE is a multi-tiered, political, nonpartisan organization dedicated to preserving the earned retirement benefits of all Federal civilians. Membership eligibility includes current, former, and retired Federal civilians, as well as their spouses and survivor annuitants. Chapter 893 is one of over 1600 NARFE chapters nationwide.

From December 1963 to October 2003, the Springfield Chapter grew from 14 to 1,793 members, making it the fifth largest NARFE chapter. The majority of Chapter 893 members reside in the Springfield area; however, nearly 200 members reside outside Virginia, with two members in the Netherlands and Canada, respectively.

Over the years, Chapter 893 has become one of the most active in NARFE. It long has

been and continues to be dynamic, progressive, and energetic, overcoming every challenge it faces. Chapter members have had a strong voice in many national and local legislative issues.

The Springfield Chapter approaches all issues in a realistic and humanitarian manner. Its members have worked tirelessly for the benefits of Federal retirees and all elderly, cooperating with local, State, and Federal agencies to do so.

While Chapter 893 always has placed emphasis on fulfilling primary NARFE functions, its members have not neglected local community needs. Chapter 893 members have volunteered countless hours at hospitals, libraries, blood drives, meals on wheels, and local elections. Beginning in 1987, Chapter members most generously have contributed to Alzheimer's Research, the charity of choice by NARFE nationwide. They participate in dollars and miles to the local area Alzheimer's Memory Walk, bringing in roughly $1,000 each year.

Over the course of its successful history, the Springfield Chapter has benefited from many dynamic, accomplished leaders. Several past presidents have been elected as officers or appointed committee chairs of the NARFE Virginia Federation of Chapters. Others have served in civic, professional, or fraternal organizations locally. Most notable are the accomplishments of past presidents David F. Sullivan, Vincent Agnelli, and Milton Kramer. Past President Sullivan was elected NARFE National Secretary in 2000 and 2002. Past President Agnelli served on an ad hoc committee influential in the 1993 Virginia State Supreme Court litigant tax refund issue. And Past President Kramer played a major role in organizing the Northern Virginia Caucus of Chapters.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate Chapter 893 on 40 years of success. They have become a strong organization committed to serving the interests of their members and their community. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding the chapter members' past accomplishments and in wishing Chapter 893 the best of luck in the many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Wolf and I rise today to honor former Delegate Alston H. Smith, Jr., an outstanding citizen of Winchester, Virginia, who, for nearly half a century, has served his community and country.

Delegate Smith's successful career began in 1954 when he cofounded Shenandoah Foods 2000, a major employer for the Shenandoah Valley. He served on the boards of both Jefferson Bankshares and First Bank, playing a critical role in assisting the economic development of western Virginia.

Delegate Smith also faithfully served in the Virginia House of Delegates for over 20 years, where he was a Democratic leader and tireless advocate of public education. He was instrumental in the development of the Winchester/Frederick County area, bringing critical improvements to his beloved Shenandoah University.

Delegate Smith not only dedicated himself to the Winchester/Frederick County area, but also worked to bring progress to the entire Commonwealth. For nearly a decade, he served the interests of the coalfields of Virginia as chairman of the House Mining and Mineral Resources Committee.

Delegate Smith certainly has recognized that the surest way to make a difference is to begin in his local community. Additionally, he generously has donated much of his personal time to improving economic development opportunities and education for all Virginians. Delegate Smith loves the Valley and loves Virginia. All of Virginia extends their heartfelt thanks for his continuing role in improving the lives of our children, families, and seniors.

Mr. Speaker, the life and service of this Virginian serves as a shining example to all who wish to improve education and opportunity through civic and community involvement. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Delegate Smith.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Virginia law enforcement officers, and those throughout the nation, who have lost their lives this year in service to their communities. Every day, these men and women display their courage, commitment and service to their fellow man. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial recently held a wreath laying ceremony here in Washington, DC to honor these eight brave officers who gave their lives to protect us, the citizens of Virginia, and I would like to take a moment to recognize, remember and honor these individuals.

On January 12, Henrico County Police Officer Andre Booker was attempting to use his patrol vehicle to stop a person suspected of firing gunshots in a shopping center when his car crashed through a fence and landed in an icy pond. Six other officers at the scene were unsuccessful in freeing Officer Booker from his vehicle. He was 26 years old.

On January 16, 39-year-old Norfolk Police Officer Sheila Herring was killed after responding to reports of gunfire inside a bar. The suspects opened fire on the responding officers, fatally wounding Officer Herring. She worked with Norfolk Police Department for 11 months and had recently moved from Detroit, Michigan, where she spent 10 years as a law enforcement officer.

On January 29, Virginia State Trooper Michael Todd Blanton was killed by a drunk driver he had pulled over on Interstate 64. As Trooper Blanton attempted to reach into the car, the driver sped off, dragging Trooper Blanton until the car crashed, pinning him under the vehicle. Trooper Blanton is survived by his wife and 6-year-old son.

On May 9, 20-year law enforcement veteran Scott Allen Hylton of the Christiansburg Police Department was shot and killed after responding to a report of a hold up at a convenience store. Officer Hylton was shot and killed as he exited his cruiser at the scene. Also a member of the Army National Guard, Officer Hylton was the father of four.

On May 28, Officer Ryan Cappellety of the Chesterfield County Police Department, a recent graduate from the police academy, was shot and killed when he and other officers responded to reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, a suspect standing on his front lawn with a gun opened fire on the officers, fatally wounding Officer Cappellety. He was 23 years old.

On June 23, Officer Rodney Pocceschi of the Virginia Beach Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Dam Neck Road in Virginia Beach. Officer Pocceschi served the Virginia Beach Police Department for 4 years and is survived by his wife and young son.

On July 30, Richmond Police Officer Douglas E. Wendel was shot and killed by a suspected drug dealer. Officer Wendel had been with the Richmond Police Department for 5 years. He was a 41-year-old father of three.

On August 26, Sergeant Rodney Davis of the Greene County Sheriff's Department was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a narcotics suspect near Standardsville, VA. As Sergeant Davis and other officers searched the house, the suspect opened fire and fatally wounded Sergeant Davis. Davis worked with the Greene County Sheriff's Office for 2\1/2\ years but had been in law enforcement since he was 19 years old. The 30-year-old left behind an expectant wife and two young children.

Mr. Speaker, the eight officers killed in the line of duty this year matches the highest total of law enforcement officer fatalities in the Commonwealth's history. Nationwide, there have been 114 law enforcement officers killed this year, a grim reminder of the vital and dangerous role these officers play in our national well-being. We are all eternally grateful for the service and sacrifice of these true American heroes.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor the 30th anniversary of The Korean American Medical Association of District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, Incorporated.

The Korean American Medical Association of District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, Incorporated (KMA) is one of the most respected Korean-American nonprofit organizations in America. The association was founded in 1974 by a small group of respected Korean physicians. The KMA was the first Korean Medical Association in the United States. Its hard work and dedication has led the association to grow from a handful of members to a membership of about 400 physicians from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Since its inception, the association's involvement in the Great Washington, D.C. Metropolitan community has been commendable. The KMA provides health care services, seminars and educational opportunities to the community. The dedication that the members of the KMA have to its community is exceptional.

The KMA provides a forum for its members to exchange ideas and continue education helping its members continue to provide excellent service to the community. The care and services these physicians provide to their neighbors and friends is a testament of their hard work. The KMA certainly has distinguished itself as an outstanding group.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, with all the contributions to the community made by The Korean American Medical Association of District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, Incorporation, we have a great reason to celebrate today. I want to commend the association 30 years of excellence and extend my warmest wishes for the years to come. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding the KMA on its 30th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, let me just say it is a pleasure to follow my friend and colleague from California, and I have enjoyed working with her on these issues and the leadership she has given to the human rights issues in Vietnam.

I rise in support of H. Res. 427, a resolution to that congratulates the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam for its courageous leadership and calls for religious freedom and related human rights in Vietnam.

Mr. Speaker, Vietnam's constitution protects the rights of religious belief, and the Vietnamese government has acceded to a number of international treaties to protect the right to faith and practice. Buddhism has a 2,000 year history in Vietnam, and the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam is an important part of this tradition. Yet, in 1981, the Vietnamese government outlawed the UBCV, the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, and has since detained and harassed many of its clergy members and subjected them to other forms of persecution.

Earlier this year, the Vietnamese Prime Minister met with the Venerable Thich Huyen Quang, the Supreme Patriarch of the Unified Church of Vietnam, and assured him that previous arrests were mistakes and that the government would respect and honor religious freedom. But despite these promises, the Vietnamese government arrested members this past September after they held a meeting to discuss church matters and elect new leadership.

The punishment by Vietnamese authorities of individuals who practice their religious faith or exert other basic human rights are not uncommon in Vietnam. In addition to the arrests of the Most Venerable Thich Quang Do and other members of the UBCV, the Vietnamese government has imprisoned father Nguyen Huu Le, Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, Father Van Ly and three of his relatives, and many other individuals for practicing their faiths and for promoting human rights in Vietnam.

As the United States continues to establish diplomatic and economic relationships with Vietnam, we have to remember that many of the most basic issues remain unresolved, including the lack of religious freedom and related human rights violations. House Resolution 427 sends a clear signal that we will not tolerate these violations.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the new leadership of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bipartisan resolution.