Mary Bono Mack

Mrs. BONO

Mrs. BONO. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of the rule governing H.R. 3267, the Sonny Bono Salton Sea Memorial Reclamation Act. I would like to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), as well as the rest of the Committee on Rules members, for crafting a rule that is both fair and reasonable. The bill that we will be debating today is a good environmental bill. It sets out a sound process for both study and action to save the Salton Sea. The gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier) knows all too well the problems facing the Salton Sea. When Sonny passed, and the Speaker spoke of the need to save this national treasure, the gentleman was right there all the way. I believe that when he sat down to craft this rule, he had in mind the need to save the Salton Sea and the urgency of which it needs to be saved. Unlike the opponents of this bill, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier) and the rest of the Committee on Rules want to save the Salton Sea. For those who do not find this rule fair, I say, what was so fair about allowing the sea to get worse over the last 25 years when this very body had an opportunity to take measures to save it then? What is so fair about environmental groups who finally stand up and take notice of the sea when they have rarely been there in the past? It is real simple. One is either for the sea and the environment and vote ``yes'' on the rule, or one is for the demise of the Salton Sea, against Sonny's dream, and for the opposition of this rule. Vote ``yes'' on the rule.

Mrs. BONO. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in support of the rule governing H.R. 3267, the Sonny Bono Salton Sea Memorial Reclamation Act. I would like to thank Chairman Solomon and Congressman Drier, as well as the rest to the Rules Committee members for crafting a rule that is both fair and reasonable. The bill that we will be debating today is a good environmental bill. It sets our a sound process for both study and action to save the Salton Sea. Congressman Drier knows all too well the problems facing the Salton Sea. When Sonny passed, and the Speaker spoke of the need to save this national treasure, Mr. Drier was right there all the way. I believe that when he sat down to craft this rule, he had in mind the need to save the Salton Sea, and the urgency of which it needs to be saved. Unlike the opponents of this bill, Mr. Drier and the rest of the Rules Committee want to save the Salton Sea. For those who do not find this Rule fair, I say: what was so fair by allowing the Sea to get worse over the last 25 years, when this very body had an opportunity to take measures to save it then? What is so fair about environmental groups who finally stand up and take notice of the Sea, when they have rarely been there in the past? It's real simple: You're either of the Sea and the environment, and vote Yes on the Rule. Or you are for the demise of the Salton Sea, against Sonny's dream and for the opposition of this Rule. Vote Yes on the Rule.

Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the bill, H.R. 3267, the Sonny Bono Memorial Salton Sea Reclamation Act. The Salton Sea is California's largest inland body of water, and it sits in both my and the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter's) district. This great body of water was formed by accident in 1905 and since then has become an integral part of the region's ecosystem system. In fact, it also now home to over 300 native bird species. It provides a major stopover on the Pacific flyway and up until a few years ago provided enjoyment for thousands of tourists who came to view this magnificent wonder. Unfortunately, its health is in jeopardy. The Salton Sea, quite simply, is on a death watch. It has been estimated that if nothing is done to reverse the salinity content of the sea, it will die within 10 to 15 years. Currently, the Salton Sea is 25 percent saltier than that of the Pacific ocean, and the selenium is rising. Over the past few years more than 100,000 birds have died due to avian botulism. These numbers will continue to rise. It will only get worse. We must act fast to save this great body of water. H.R. 3267 provides the framework for this action. Named after my late husband, Sonny, and authored by my good friend and fellow task force member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Duncan Hunter), H.R. 3267 sets forth the process to reclaim the Salton Sea. A vote for H.R. 3267 is a vote for the environment. There is no other way to describe it. I invite any of my colleagues to come visit the Salton Sea so they can witness firsthand the devastation that has occurred in this part of the country, the pictures of dead birds lying around the shoreline along with the stench of the body of water would make anybody's stomach turn. However, in contrast, as one comes up upon the Salton Sea from a distance, it is one of the most beautiful sights anyone's eyes may ever witness. It is like an oasis in the middle of the desert, as Sonny used to say, yet there are those who advocate the Salton Sea should just dry up and die. Quite frankly, this is not an option. This is one of the most dynamic ecosystems in North America, teaming with avian and aquatic life. Also what would be accomplished by killing the sea? Absolutely nothing. With over 90 percent of all wetlands in southern California lost, we would destroy one of the last remaining stopovers in the Pacific flyway. We would only compound the fish and bird deaths. All that would be accomplished is that the bad environmental problem would be made worse. Is that what people want, and is that pro-environment? To those who argue for more study I say is not 20 years enough? Is that not enough time to study this problem? Contrary to public opinion, Sonny was not the first person to notice the Salton Sea and that it was in dire shape. In fact, this problem was first brought forth by Jerry Pettis back in the early 1970s. If action was taken then to address this problem, we would not be here today talking about this urgent need to save the sea. But the sea was put on the back burner then, not getting the attention it needed or deserved. Other projects in California took center stage, and the sea became worse. Well, my fellow colleagues, the sea cannot be put on the back burner any longer. Action needs to be taken, and H.R. 3267 must be passed. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to thank all of the people who have been involved with this bill. First and foremost, I would like to thank the Salton Sea Task Force members, the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis), the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Brown) for keeping Sonny's dream of restoring the Salton Sea alive with this bill. These are the people that guided me through much of this debate surrounding H.R. 3267, and I owe them my deepest gratitude. Secondly, I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle) for his leadership and hard work guiding this bill through his Subcommittee on Resources. He always made time for me when I had questions, and I thank him for his efforts. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) for allowing this bill to be brought before his committee. Without him we would not be here today. I especially want to thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrich) for making the Salton Sea a major environmental cause for the 105th Congress. Again, I want to thank Speaker Gingrich. I know he was deeply moved by the carnage of the Salton Sea when he came out to visit it shortly after Sonny's death, and I knew at this point by the look in his eyes he believed then that it was good public policy. I also want to thank Tony Orlando on my staff and all the members of staff who have worked hard on this bill. And, lastly, I want to thank all of those whose footsteps I walked behind, the Members who spoke of the need and urgency to save the Salton Sea, but whose pleas fell on deaf ears, people like Julie and Jerry and Shirley Pettis, Al McCandless, and, most of all, Sonny whom this bill is in memory of. Their voices are on this bill, Sonny's voice is on this bill, and I proudly stand in support. Mr. Speaker, I urge a yes vote on H.R. 3267.

Mrs. BONO

Mrs. BONO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support the Child Protection Sexual Predator Punishment Act of 1998 and to urge its adoption by the House. As a longtime computer user, I am very aware of the many benefits the Internet presents. It allows people to communicate, learn, appreciate art and music, and collaborate across great distances. However as a parent of two young children, I am disturbed by what we have learned. Personally I can say that my children already use computers and take advantage of the World Wide Web. As we move into the 21st century and the high technology future, America's children will not have a choice. They will be expected to use computers at a young age to get ahead. Unfortunately the growing problem of child stalkers and predators is all too real and alarming. The situation will only increase as computers find their way into more homes. We know that children will always find a way onto the computer; for example, their schools or the home of a friend, so we must make sure cyberspace is a safe place. The evidence of the type of dangerous, sick behavior of predators presented to the Committee on the Judiciary is an issue that we must confront and develop intelligent approaches to protect our Nation's youth. Congress has a role of protecting our most precious resource, our children. The Subcommittee on Crime did it the right way, holding much more hearings and listening to an array of experts. The Internet and computers pose very difficult and novel questions for lawmakers, as I am sure the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) and the rest of the intellectual property community know. Yet, I urge each Member to support this bill that will help make the Internet a safer environment for family and legitimate users. In closing I want to commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. McCollum) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for developing a well crafted, narrowly tailored solution to an extremely serious problem. They can count on my support to help monitor this issue and revisit it, if necessary, in the future.

Mrs. BONO

Mrs. BONO. Madam Speaker, as I was unavoidably detained, I wish to announce my support and that I would have voted ``yea'' on the following business of today: Roll Call Vote #193--Approving the Journal; Roll Call Vote #194--H.R. 3808 Designating the Carl D. Pursell Post Office Building; Roll Call Vote #195--H.R. 3630 Designating the Steven Schiff Post Office Building.

Mrs. BONO

Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to commemorate one of the great Americans of our century, Mr. Francis ``Frank'' Albert Sinatra. At the same time I rise to express the sadness that has befallen Palm Springs, the Nation and around the world. He was the son of immigrant parents, an entertainer, a humanitarian, a husband and a father, as well as a long-time resident of California and the City of Palm Springs. We mourn because we have lost someone who embodied so many of the traits that we admire--talent, triumph over adversity, friendship and caring. ``Ole' Blue Eyes'' was the best at his craft, and we shall always remember him for this. He overcame his Depression-era roots in Hoboken, New Jersey to set the standard of excellence in many fields. His professional accomplishments are numerous and of legendary proportion. He starred in more than sixty films and recorded countless albums. His extraordinary talents were acknowledged in many ways. He won the Academy Award for his role in the 1953 film classic, From Here to Eternity. He won nine Grammy awards for his musical accomplishments. Certainly the most important reward for any performer is the love and respect he gets back from the audience. By the measure, Frank may have been the most successful entertainer in history. It was said that he had more than 2,000 fan clubs across the country. People should also remember that he was devoted to numerous humanitarian and charitable causes, often without seeking the credit or publicity that he deserved. He lent his name as well as giving millions of dollars for a variety of very worthy causes including Desert Hospital, Catholic Charities and a Palm Springs celebrity golf tournament to help the victims of child abuse. In addition, one of the leading medical institutions of its kind is the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center which I am proud to say is located in and serves the Palm Springs and Desert Resort communities. I was not a Member of Congress last year when this distinguished body voted to award him the Congressional Gold Medal. Nevertheless, I can attest that this was a fitting honor for a man of his high caliber. Now, as a Member, I wish to take this opportunity to send my deepest condolences to his wife Barbara, all of the children, and the entire Sinatra family at this most difficult time. Worldwide, the fans of one of the greatest entertainers of our time will carry memories of Frank with us always.

Mrs. BONO

Mrs. BONO. Mr. Chairman, as one of the newest Members of the 105th Congress, I want to express what a privilege it is to arrive at this great institution and participate during these important debates. As one of my first official acts I am very proud to rise today to support the bill under consideration, the Judicial Reform Act of 1997. This is a very good bill, and among its important provisions is one of special significance to the voters of my district, of my State and to myself. Section 2 of the bill reflects the bill, H.R. 1170, which was my late husband's first piece of legislation in Congress and which passed this House last Congress. This is a simple but long overdue measure that will protect the franchise of democracy. This provision, as my colleagues already know, establishes a three- judge panel to review the constitutionality of voter-passed initiatives. When a single Federal judge can block the will of the people for years at a time, that is one of the most antidemocratic features of our legal system. For the voters of California and other States that have initiatives, justice is delayed, and thus it is denied. Quickly I want to spell out three reasons why the three-judge panel provision should be passed by the House today. This is a commonsense idea; it will make the Federal courts more objective in the way they review cases arising from a vote of the people. This is a mainstream idea. This measure was part of the American legal system for years, and in my view we are bringing back something that has an important role in protecting our democratic system. Every Member knows that the three-judge panels are used today in voting rights and apportionment cases. And, finally, this is a bipartisan idea. The three-judge panel bill, H.R. 1170, was supported by an overwhelming and bipartisan vote of this body in the last Congress. The bill we are considering today also contains provisions that Republicans and Democrats should unite to support. In closing, I want to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) for their hard work in bringing this excellent bill to the floor. Again, I ask every Member to support this provision and pass this bill.

Mrs. BONO

Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I want first to express thanks to my wonderful family for being with me on this special day. It is an honor and a privilege to share this moment with my mother and father, Karen and Clay Whitaker, my children Chianna and Chesare, my godson William Rodriguez, and all the other members of my family, along with the many friends and staff who are here today. Your help and support have made this possible. However, one person who is not with us today is very much in my thoughts and always in my heart. His wisdom and his guidance helped me prepare for the difficult road I have traveled, and his spirit is giving me the strength to meet the many challenges that lie before me. Sonny was an incredible force in my life, and many of you who served with him will recall the impact he had on everyone who met him. I want to thank each of you and the thousands of people from around the world who expressed their sympathy and love on his passing for your generous words of tribute and praise. As I stand here in the people's House, I understand why this Chamber held so much meaning for my late husband. More than any of his other accomplishments, and there were many, Sonny's service to the people of California's 44th district was his proudest achievement. I will do my best to live up to the legacy that he has left and continue to bring his common sense approach to serving the people of this great Nation. Over the past few months, I have come to know well the people of the 44th district. It has been a privilege to share time with them, to listen to their concerns and to their dreams. I understand what it is like to be a single mother trying her best to raise young children in a difficult situation. I am concerned that we need to do more to provide our youth with an education that offers them hope for the future. I have heard from senior citizens and veterans who served our country and are now in need of our support. I have witnessed firsthand the challenges facing our law enforcement, especially in their war against drugs and gang violence. And I have been inspired by the hundreds of people in our community who daily make a difference, asking for no recognition, just a little help. I believe that the people of the 44th district sent me to Congress for much the same reason that they sent Sonny, because they knew they could trust me to do the very best I could do. While I have much to learn, I know if I serve honestly and honorably, I will fulfill that trust. There are many difficult and complex issues facing our Nation, and there are very few simple solutions. However, every child knows that you cannot spend more than you have. We must continue to show fiscal responsibility in our Nation's budget. Tax reform needs to be enacted to provide relief to individuals and small businesses. And it is imperative that we maintain a strong national defense, for without it there will be no peace. I do not come before you today with solutions, only resolve. It is my great honor to have this opportunity to serve, and I thank from the bottom of my heart all the voters from the 44th District of California. Thank you, and God bless.