Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, the tragedies that befell our country on September 11, 2001 claimed many lives. The impact of this loss of life rippled out across this great land of ours. These ripples brought back waves of support from our friends and allies across the world. However, the sweat and labor of those who toiled to rescue our fallen, take care of the injured and clean up the destruction left behind in the aftermath belong primarily to the good people of America. The communities of Riverside County, California, have always had a giving spirit. The attacks of September 11 brought out the members of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force 6 from our own communities of Riverside County. One of eight task forces commissioned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and coordinated through the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Riverside USAR Task Force 6 consists of highly motivated and expertly trained search, medical, rescue and technical specialists and are utilized as resources to local communities and work directly for the local fire department commanders. Riverside can be proud of its USAR Team, which was part of the first Task Force groups to arrive at ``Ground Zero'' in New York City. They departed from March Air Reserve Base at 10:45 the evening of September 11 to assist the rescue efforts. Riverside USAR arrived at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey and were immediately escorted by police to New York City. These men and women belong to a very special group, and the memories unique to their experience at Ground Zero will remain with them all their lives. They will always remember those who paid the ultimate price. I pray that we will never forget the profound debt of gratitude we owe to them, and to all who responded by giving their best in this time of the Nation's great need. Their acts of bravery and their commitment to the Nation and to their fellow men exemplify the highest and best tradition of fire and rescue workers everywhere. Now that they are safely home in Riverside County, I join the community in paying them special tribute. We as a nation commend Riverside USAR Task Force 6 and thank them for their selfless courage. They have made us proud. Therefore, it is with great pride that I submit the following names of volunteers from the Riverside Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 6 Team: Division Chief Dave Austin, Riverside Fire Department (RFD); Engineer James Avina, Norco; Eng. Fred Bayer, RFD; Captain Steven Beach, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF); Capt. Gary Beese, RFD; Eng. Walt Bleszczad, RFD; Eng. Greg Bluma, RFD; Capt. Steve Brooker, CDF; Firefighter/Paramedic Tim Buckley, CDF; FF Anthony Burciago, RFD; Eng. Raymond Center, Corona; FF/Paramedic Darryl Cleveland, Corona; Eng. Roland Cook, PSPFD; FF/Paramedic B. Scott Dall, Norco; Capt. Frank deBoer, Norco; Capt. Richard F. Egerman, CDF; Battalion Chief Mike Esparza, RFD; Eng. Greg Feinberg, RFD; Eng. Todd Fetters, Hemet; Shana Gattas, OES; Capt. Mark Gilman, Norco; Eng. Todd Gooch, RFD; David Graves, REC; FF/Paramedic Peter Habib, RFD; Div. Chief George Hall (Retired); Paul S. Haynie, AMR; Eng. LaWayne Hearn, RFD; FF Wayne Hess, RFD; Eng. Tim Heying, RFD; Capt. Clarence Homer, CDF; FF Scott Huchting, RFD; FF Scott Hudson, Hemet; Bill Hughes, BECHTER; Capt. Dirk Jensen, RFD; Capt. Steven Jeremiah, RFD; Eng. Jorge Juarez, CDF; Capt. Mike Koury, RFD; Capt. Gary Lane, Hemet; FF Andy Lanyi, RFD; Capt. Don Lee, RFD; Capt. Dave Lesh, RFD; Eng. Robert Linden, RFD; John Linstrom, FRWORD; Eng. Charles Luna, RFD; Capt. Randy Malacarne, RFD; Joe Manzo; Dr. Landy Mazur; Eng. Dave McClellan, RFD; Sheila McKee, OES; FF/Paramedic Steven McKinster, RFD; Eng. Lauren S. Miller, Corona; Eng. Tim Rise, RFD; Capt. Jerry Rodman, CDF; Dr. Peter Sanders; Karl Sauer; FF Steven Scotti, RFD; Batt. Chief James Snodgrass, Hemet; Eng. Charles Tasker, CDF; Eng. John Thomas, Murrieta; and, Scott Underwood. Thank you, my friends, for your kindness, decency, sweat and tears. You are patriots in your own right. God bless.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, American agriculture needs trade promotion authority. Without granting the President the authority to negotiate preferential trade agreements, this industry is guaranteed to face dark days. Ninety-six percent of agricultural growers' potential market is outside of the United States. It is a business there for taking, but if we do not give our farmers and ranchers the tools they need to compete in the world market, other countries will gladly fill the gap. Today, of the 133 preferential trade agreements worldwide, the U.S. participates in only two. Compare that to the European Union, who participates in 27. Furthermore, the European Union also outspends us almost four to one on subsidies. Granting Presidential trade authority is our only weapon of combat on the uneven playing field of world agriculture. We cannot continue to stand idly by while other nations improve trading opportunities for themselves. Our agriculture industry is the most productive in the world. It is an honor and status that should be rewarded, and the best reward we can give our agricultural growers for their efforts, and to keep our country prosperous, is to pass trade promotion authority.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for protecting 348 Federal dams, 58 hydroelectric power plants, and over 8 million acres of Federal property that contain 300 recreation areas hosting over 90 million visitors each year. Yet, they do not have the authority to contract with any entity to ensure that Federal law is enforced at these facilities. While Reclamation can contact State and local law enforcement agencies to enforce State and local laws, these entities cannot enforce Federal laws within a Reclamation project or on Reclamation- administered lands. There continue to be incidents reported by Reclamation field offices regarding criminal acts on these lands and facilities that threaten public safety and property. This bill will vest the Bureau of Reclamation with the authority to contract with other Federal, State, tribal, or local law enforcement entities to provide services at Bureau of Reclamation facilities. This legislation does not create a new law enforcement agency within the Bureau; it does allow Reclamation to contract with existing agencies, and reimburses them for law enforcement services. These measures, especially in times such as we are in today, are not only prudent, they are essential. The administration has placed high priority on correcting this situation, and I urge Members to take action, and to do so by supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2925) to amend the Reclamation Recreation Management Act of 1992 in order to provide for the security of dams, facilities, and resources under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Reclamation, as amended.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Power Marketing Administration's Western Area Power Administration, Southwestern Power Administration, and Southeastern Power Administration are responsible for maintaining and operating over 18,000 miles of high-voltage electrical transmission lines, providing an important contribution to the movement of electrical power across our country. They also have hundreds of substations and communications sites, most located in remote areas. These facilities have been subjected to increased incidents of vandalism. This bill would give the agencies authority to curb this threat to Federal property and our Nation's power infrastructure by vesting them with the authority to pay rewards to individuals that offer information leading to prosecution of vandals. These rewards would be limited to $1,000 each and would be paid out of existing appropriations. The Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration already have such authority. Bonneville estimates that they save $800,000 annually by successfully applying this program to protect Federal property. The Department of Energy has asked that we extend this authority to the other power marketing administrations, and I urge my colleagues to do so by adopting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2924) to provide authority to the Federal Power Marketing Administrations to reduce vandalism and destruction of property, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I certainly urge the passage of the legislation. I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the Mt. Rubidoux District California Inland Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America in saluting Debbi Huffman Guthrie as their Distinguished Citizen of the Year--2001. Debbi, a lifelong resident of Riverside, California, is a third generation owner of a roofing company established by her grandfather in 1921. As a native Riversider, Debbi attended Ramona High School and California State University, San Bernardino. Debbi Guthrie and her husband have four daughters and four grandchildren. Debbi Guthrie has been and continues to be a shining example of a person with passion and principles who has strived to have a positive effect upon her local community. Her approach and policy has been a simple one, that a community's strength comes from just that--the community. We must first start close to home and then radiate out if we hope to have fulfilling lives and impact others. Debbi Guthrie has unquestionably become a leader of women in her community, whose legacy originates from her company's history of giving back to the community. Her tireless, engaged action can be seen in an incredible array of community life, including: Trustee on the University of California, Riverside Foundation; President of the Riverside Community College/City Task Force; Chair-elect of the United Way of the Inland Valleys; Member of the Executive Committee, Monday Morning Group of Western Riverside County; Chair of the Roofing Apprenticeship Advisory Board; President of the Kiwanis Club of Riverside; and, Trustee on the March Field Museum Foundation. As a leader among women of the Inland Empire, Debbi has received countless other awards and recognitions, including: 1993 Riverside YWCA's Woman of Achievement ATHENA Award, 1994 Entrepreneur of the Year/Small Business, Ernst & Young, Inc. Magazine and Merrill Lynch; 1997 United States Small Business Administration District Small Business Person of the Year; 1998 Fellow, University of California, Riverside A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management; 1999-2000 Volunteer of the Year, Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce; 2000 Management Leader of the Year, University of California Riverside A. Gary Anderson graduate School of Management; and, 2001 President's Award, Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers are critical to fostering a spirit of understanding, good citizenship and good government in the United States and worldwide. Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has instilled young men with the drive to ``help other people at all times,'' and to keep themselves ``physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.'' Debbi Guthrie exemplifies these attributes and offers herself as a role model to young men and women, thereby assuring that an active interest in the civic, culture, social and moral welfare of our communities is passed on from generation to generation. Debbi Guthrie has gone above and beyond the Boy Scout protocol. I ask of my colleagues in Congress to please join me in honoring Debbi Guthrie for her courage, innovation, and commitment to the youth of tomorrow as she is recognized on October 20th.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a respected humanitarian, a man whose contributions to his community continue long after his passing. Monday, October 15th marks the dedication of the W. Ruel Johnson Ecological Reserve, a 1,350 acre reserve that ensures coming generations will continue to enjoy the natural beauty and environmental diversity that Southern California offers. The Reserve's origins date back to 1966, when Ruel Johnson purchased the property that became Johnson Ranch. The Johnson family farmed the land for 18 years before opening it up to recreational uses like hunting and hiking. Recently, Riverside County purchased the land from the Johnson family with an agreement that the land would remain open space. State and county officials will dedicate the land and memorialize the namesake. The Reserve will serve as a central component of the Riverside County Integrated Plan, a long-range effort to address the region's transportation, conservation, and land-use requirements for the coming decades. During the dedication, the state's Wildlife Conservation Board will present Riverside County with a check for $10.9 million, acknowledging their shared responsibility to ensure this planning effort continues to meet success. None of this would have been possible were it not for the generosity of the Johnson family. As Founder of the Riverside Community Health Foundation and in numerous other contributions to youth and education organizations, Ruel Johnson served as an example for his family and for all of our community's philanthropists. I am honored to stand to recognize his achievements. The W. Ruel Johnson Ecological Reserve is aptly named and its namesake well-deserving of this distinguished honor.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I will leave it to others to ask why. Today I rise with my colleagues with firm resolve to send a message to our enemies that engage in terrorism that we are at war. America and her people will stand together today, as we have in the past, and defeat our enemies. Here in the great hall of democracy, in the well of the House of Representatives, I personally call for a declaration of war so that we may unleash the full might of our country's resources upon our enemies. We must give our institutions, the FBI, the CIA, the armed services, the full legal authority to act and protect the life and property of the United States of America. We must authorize reprisals against our enemies and those who harbor them. In closing, I say God bless America and God bless our President during these times.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a most exceptional California Inland Empire community leader, friend and great American--William E. Leonard--who will be recognized for his work in transportation with the upcoming dedication and grand-opening of the interchange between the 210 freeway and the 15 interstate highway. Calvin Coolidge, America's 13th President, once said, ``No person was ever honored for what he received; honor has been the reward for what he gave.'' And Bill Leonard has given much during his years of public and community service. A member of the California State Highway Commission from 1973 to 1977 and the California Transportation Commission from 1985 to 1993, Bill Leonard has made a great impact in a short amount of time upon Inland Empire and Californian transportation needs. I can think of no other more fitting tribute to Bill Leonard than the dedication of this vital interchange given his many years of service in the field of transportation infrastructure. Bill Leonard began his professional career when he joined his father at Leonard Realty & Building Company in San Bernardino, after leaving the United States Army (1943-1946) where he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant. He earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley in 1944. From the family business, Bill Leonard developed, owned and operated a variety of real estate, management and development services throughout the Inland Empire. And from 1956 to 1958 he served as a member of California's Athletic Commission. In the community, Bill Leonard has been equally involved and giving. He is a member and past director of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, member and past president of the San Bernardino Host Lions, founding member and president of Inland Action, Inc. and a member of the National Orange Show Board of Directors, which he has served as President and Chairman of the Board of Governors. Additionally he has served on the San Bernardino Valley Board of Realtors, San Bernardino College Foundation, St. Bernadine's Hospital Foundation and University of California at Riverside Foundation. Bill Leonard has been honored numerous times over the years for his outstanding public and community service, including the Boy Scouts of America Inland Empire Council's Distinguished Citizens Award, Valley Group's Award for Excellence in Infrastructure, and more. The Interchange Dedication is a proud addition to this list. Mr. Speaker, Bill Leonard has dedicated his life to public and community service. An American whose talents have bettered the lives of those living in the Inland Empire and California. It is an honor for me today to join in his recognition--the new Interchange bears a proud and distinguished name.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a most wonderful person, friend and father--Tom Barnes--who passed away at the young age of 55 last Wednesday, July 18th. Calvin Coolidge, America's 13th President, once said, ``No person was ever honored for what he received; honor has been the reward for what he gave.'' And Tom Barnes gave much to his community and the whole of the Inland Empire during his life. A small piece of heaven just south of Corona, Tom's Farms, was Tom Barnes' gift to countless men, women and children. After years of selling fruit out of the back of his truck, Tom opened Tom's Farms in 1971. In the tradition of Walter Knott of Knott's Berry Farm and the culture of roadside stands, Tom offered tourists traveling through California's Inland Empire fresh fruits, antique furniture and dining all in the picturesque setting of country-style buildings painted yellow with green trim, a lake and the majestic shade of large trees. Today, Tom's Farms remains the perfect family outing and a traditional ``must-stop'' for anyone heading south on Interstate 15. His roots take us back to Kansas City, Missouri where Tom got his start in business by selling his father's strawberries door to door. And today, Tom's Farms serves as a proud testimonial to that upbringing where fresh fruit and vegetables, finches and macaws, cheeses and wines, and country and antique furniture is offered for the delight of all who stop and take a moment to enjoy their surroundings. Through present expansion, including the addition of an animal farm, Tom's Farms promises to provide ``down-home'' enjoyment and family fun for years to come. Tom Barnes was best known for his business finesse and a dedication to family and community involvement--particularly when it came to supporting local police and fire safety. In fact, for the past two years, Tom offered up Tom's Farms for the Great Taste of Corona, an annual event to raise funds for the police and fire departments. Additionally, Tom's versatility allowed him to expand Tom's Farms in the form of furniture stores in Corona and San Bernardino. He was also co-owner of TB Scott's restaurant in Corona with his best friend Scott Sherman. Tom is survived by his wife, Leslie, two sons, two daughters and a grandchild. My prayers go out to them for their loss. Mr. Speaker, looking back at Tom's life, we see a man dedicated to his family and community--an American whose gifts to the Inland Empire and southern California led to the betterment of those who had the privilege to come in contact or work with him. Honoring Tom's memory is the least that we can do today for all that he gave over his lifetime.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication to the community and to the overall well being of the city of Riverside, California, was unparalleled. Riverside was indeed fortunate to have such a dynamic and dedicated business and community leader who willingly and unselfishly gave of her time and talents to make her community a better place in which to live and work. The individual I am speaking of is Jacqueline ``Jackie'' Cardelucci. I was fortunate to have been able to call her my friend. She died this week in her home after a long battle with cancer at the age of 63. Jackie Cardelucci gave much during her years to her community and the whole of the Inland Empire. Born in Huntington Park, Jackie Cardelucci moved to Riverside where she lived for 18 years. A fixture in the community, Jackie was a talented businesswoman and never shied away from community involvement. She was co-owner of National Environmental Waste Corporation (NEWCO) and International Rubbish Service with her husband, Sam, for over 32 years. In that capacity she served as the companies' Public Relations Director with the City of Riverside business customers. On a community level, Jackie served in an impressive array of boards and organizations even while receiving chemotherapy treatments for her cancer over the past eight years. Her philanthropic endeavors included the Mission Inn Foundation Executive Board, Riverside Art Alliance, Riverside Art Museum, Associate University of California at Riverside, Riverside Community Hospital 2000 Century, President of the Riverside Republican Women Federated for three years, Riverside Opera Guild, and Armenian & International Women's Association. My deepest condolences go to her husband of 43 years, Sam; her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Cathie; two brothers, Elisha and Ben; and two grandchildren, Jessica and Catherine. I send my prayers to them during this time of loss. Mr. Speaker, looking back at Jackie's life, we see a life full of courage, tenacity and devotion to her family and community. Her gifts to Riverside and the Inland Empire led to the betterment of those who had the privilege to come in contact or work with Jackie. Honoring her memory is the least that we can do today for all that she gave over her lifetime.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. In January of this year, my office received a letter from a constituent that hit a roadblock in his attempt to be obtain U.S. citizenship. His father, who petitioned for my constituent's permanent U.S. residence over 8 years ago, suddenly passed away. He had long ago filled out the necessary paperwork and paid the required $1,000 fee. Last December, my constituent went for his interview with the INS. His paperwork was in order. He was asked if he had ever been in trouble with the law or accepted government assistance. The constituent, who had worked as a manager at a gas station the past 6 years and files his taxes every year, said no. Everything seemed fine. But a week later a letter from the INS came, notifying him that his permanent residence was denied because his petitioner, his father, was dead. Under current law, he has to go back to the end of the line and begin the 8 to 10 year process all over again. This roadblock only discourages legal immigration. As millions of undocumented immigrants enter this country illegally, law-abiding immigrants like my constituent find that their first interaction with the United States Government is frustrating and confusing. The news of this process surely reaches back to the immigrant's home country. Some might use situations like this as an excuse to forgo the legal process and instead become illegal aliens. This is no way to promote legal immigration. Madam Speaker, H.R. 1892 would cut down this roadblock in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1996. Currently, if applicant's petitioner dies after an application is accepted by the INS, the applicant is automatically returned to the beginning of the entire nationalization process, a 7 to 8 year process. They cannot substitute their financial sponsor with another qualified relative. This legislation would allow for a parent, spouse, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandparent, grandchild or sibling, so long as they qualify, to take up the role of financial sponsor from a deceased sponsor, without having an interruption in the nationalization process for the applicant. It is important to note that this legislation will not allow unqualified applicants to be adjusted or unqualified sponsors to take up sponsorship. Nor will this legislation have any impact on the number of immigrants entering the process. This legislation only affects applicants already in the adjustment process. This bill is noncontroversial, a good fix to this infrequent but substantial problem. It passed the full Committee on the Judiciary by a voice vote. On July 11, 2001, the President participated in a swearing-in of immigrants at Ellis Island and announced his support for this measure. The President said, ``If a child's parent and financial sponsor should pass away, we should permit the other parent to take over as sponsor.'' The President's recognition that we are a nation of immigrants and his concern that the naturalization process has become unwieldy for legal immigrants serves to quickly right this present injustice. More importantly, his support for such legislation moves us closer to getting this bill signed into law. This legislation would correct an injustice suffered by too many immigrants that have chosen to adjust their immigration status through the legal process. Immigrants that apply for this status are financially secure and contributors to our society, not burdens on it. These are the immigration cases that should be promoted, not further frustrated. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank people who have helped on this bill, including the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) for all his work on the Committee on the Judiciary; the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Cannon) who were very active in helping us perfect this legislation; and certainly the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the chairman of the full committee; and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gekas), the chairman of the subcommittee; and the ranking members who have worked diligently on working this bill through the entire committee. Finally, I would like to thank the Khan family who brought this issue to my attention. I look forward to the day when the Khan brothers will become U.S. citizens. These are hard-working individuals who will only be an asset to our community and to our country. I am proud to be able to help them achieve that dream sooner rather than later.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a deep sense of personal conviction and pride to submit for the Record a proclamation on the 43rd Observance of Captive Nations Week. It was in memory of the millions who perished under authoritarian regimes and remain under authoritarian regimes still that the 86th Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower began the tradition of paying tribute to their fight for freedom, democracy, free market economy, human rights and national independence, with Public Law 86-90. President Ronald Reagan served to more forcibly imprint this need several years later when he called history's most powerful authoritarian regime, the Soviet Union, an `evil empire.' I am convinced that Captive Nations Week has served a vital role in the fight against authoritarian governments. This one week a year has provided, and continues to provide, a level of focused pressure and attention on those nations that utilize force, coercion and fear to maintain control over the individual. As a result, we no longer witness Germany fascism, Soviet Stalinism, the Nazi concentration and work camps of World War II and more. In time, I believe that remaining Captive Nations, such as China, will also join the community of democratic states. China in particular provides us visible daily evidence of the human rights violations that continue to be perpetuated in the world. In this country the authoritarian government continues to deny men and women their inalienable rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of movement and assembly, freedom of the press and the right to practice their religious beliefs without fear of persecution. Captive Nations Week recalls our obligation to speak out for captive peoples around the world. During this one week in July, we may reaffirm our support for peaceful efforts to secure their right to liberty and self-determination. Thomas Jefferson's timeless words on the 50th Anniversary of our Nation's Independence in 1826 best highlight the goals of Captive Nations Week: ``All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights and an undiminished devotion to them. . . .'' Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I add my prayers and hopes to the millions said each and every day for the ``rights of man'' to be secured for all peoples around the world and that Americans are privileged to experience with each breath that they breathe. And I also applaud those who would not be victimized, the individuals who refused to be swayed by untruths and promises of power--the ones who fought tyranny and prevailed. In 2001 there remain many Captive Nations, but our hope remains that one day there will be none.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure today to pay tribute to a wonderful, young city in my district as they prepare to celebrate their 10th Anniversary--Murrieta, California, a ``Gem of the Valley.'' Murrieta is an expansive valley covered with grasses and dotted with oak trees. Incorporated as a city in July of 1991 after an overwhelming supportive vote, Murrieta has seen tremendous growth since its small beginnings as a sheep ranch. It was a young Don Juan Murrieta who first recognized the natural beauty and vitality of this California valley and bought 52,000 acres in 1873. As the years passed by, the city saw slow growth and finally a boom when the railroad came through. By 1890, almost 800 people lived in the valley. Unfortunately, by 1935 the city had gone bust like so many western towns whose livelihood depended upon the railroad. It would not be until 1987, more than fifty years later, that Murrieta Valley would once again come into its own. That year saw explosive growth for this sleepy little town. Totaling only 542 residents in 1970 and little more than 2,250 a decade later it found its population increase by a multiple of eight by 1991, to 20,000 residents, when Murrieta became an incorporated city. This year, as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary it finds itself the home of some 50,000 residents. As a city and community, Murrieta has thrived with the greater control of its destiny over the last 10 years. That includes providing services from within the community instead of outside, such as police, fire and library systems of its own rather than contracting for these services. In 10 short years, the City of Murrieta has seen its population and communities grow because of dedication to affordable housing, protecting the natural beauty of the valley, good schools, low crime and clean air. The city adopted its first General Plan after more than 50 public meetings to draft a vision of what the new city would become over the next several decades. The police department was created in 1992, the fire department in 1993 and the library system in 1998. Public services like these are what bind a city together along with the building of parks and recreational facilities and more. In fact, for their incredible progress as a city Murrieta has won numerous awards for innovation and performance. Mr. Speaker, looking back, the city of Murrieta and its residents can hold their heads high with pride at what their once small town has become in only 10 short years. I wish to extend to them my congratulations as families, community leaders and business leaders gather on this Saturday, June 30th, to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. Congratulations to the ``Gem of the Valley!''

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this very irresponsible amendment. We often debate the proper roles and responsibilities of the Federal Government, but I thought we all agreed that Congress exists in large part to provide for our national security. This amendment strikes at the heart of our country's defense. If we pull support from the National Ignition Facility, we would cripple our nuclear weapons stockpile, the cornerstone of our national defense. NIF is the only facility that can create the extreme temperature and pressure conditions that exist in exploding nuclear weapons. Without NIF, we would lose our ability to fully understand the operations of our arsenal. NIF is also the only facility that can create fusion ignition-and- burn in the laboratory. Without NIF, we would not be able to access and certify the aging nuclear stockpile unless we renew underground testing. Do not just take my word for it. The head of the National Nuclear Security Administration in DOE has said that, without NIF, we will need to begin underground tests once again. We need to ensure that our weapons are safe and that they will work. NIF gives us this assurance. Stand up for the defense of our Nation. I urge my colleagues to vote against this ill-advised amendment.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce H.R. 2174, Robert S. Walker and George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Future Act of 2001, a reauthorization of the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996. I strongly support continued hydrogen research and development. While serving as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the Committee on Science I began consideration of this reauthorization, which has come to fruition today. The President's National Energy Policy calls for a balanced energy supply portfolio--I completely support the President's recommendations. America's unprecedented economic growth and prosperity rests on an affordable supply of energy. And, we can all agree that reducing emissions and conserving resources is a good idea. For this reason, I continue to advocate the pursuit of greater efficiencies and reduced energy consumption in our industrial processes, in our transportation sector and in our communities and homes. The national energy strategy that will emerge from Congress and the Bush Administration will include all our energy options and hydrogen will have a place in that strategy. In fact, I am excited to report that the Bush Administration came out in support in my reauthorization bill today at the Science Committee's Subcommittee on Energy hearing today on ``Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy R&D Legislation.'' Mr. Speaker, I first became interested in the possibilities that hydrogen presents through my work with CD-CERT, an excellent engineering center at the University of California, Riverside--located within my 43rd Congressional district. CE-CERT is nationally renowned for initiating innovative programs to reduce energy demand and improve the environment. CE-CERT has successfully demonstrated a hydrogen vehicle, which has been well received. Additionally, Riverside County, also within my district, participates with a number of other partners in Sunline--a highly successful public bus fleet demonstration of hydrogen technology, which includes hydrogen infrastructure. Programs such as CE-CERT and Sunline show that hydrogen vehicles are not only possible but also practical. Programs such as these are critical to sustaining my district's growth while continually improving air quality. For this reason, last year, while Chairman of the Science Committee's Energy and Environment Subcommittee, I considered sponsoring the reauthorization of the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996. 1 am proud to be introducing this legislation today, and I understand that Senator Harkin will also be introducing similar legislation in the Senate today. The bill will reauthorize appropriations for hydrogen R&D at the Department of Energy My bill is named after two former colleagues. George E. Brown, Jr., who honorably served the district adjacent to mine for many years--he was my mentor and good friend. I was proud to serve under Chairman Walker on the Science Committee and respected his leadership on this, as the author of the previous Hydrogen Future Act, and many other issues. I am pleased to introduce this bill with 13 original cosponsors and I invite more of my colleagues to join me in support of this important, forward-looking R&D legislation.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I wish to extend to President Chen Shui-bian of the Republic of China on Taiwan my congratulations on the occasion of his first anniversary in office on May 20, 2001. In his inaugural address, the president mentioned two key points: his hope that Taiwan and the Chinese mainland could resume their dialogue on reunification and that Taiwan would continue to strengthen its good relationship with the United States. Twelve months later, while President Chen continues to hope for a breakthrough in Taiwan's evolving relationship with the Chinese mainland, Taiwan's relationship with the United States is certainly becoming ever stronger. Bilateral trade between Taiwan and the United States topped $64.8 billion last year, and Taiwan was the United States' eighth largest trading partner. Last year, nearly 30,000 students from Taiwan were enrolled in United States colleges and universities. And the United States, outside of Asia, is the number one destination for Taiwan travelers. Clearly, Taiwan's people like the United States, as Taiwan and the United States share many values in common such as attachment to freedom, democracy, and human rights. To President Chen Shui-bian of the Republic of China, I say ``Good luck and good fortune. You have done a good job for your country.'' Last but not least, America welcomes President Chen to make a brief stopover in New York City as he travels to Central America.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I am obviously from California, and I would like to talk about some of the problems that we have in California. They are obviously well publicized. Some of the things people talk about are true, and certainly some things are not true. First, I would like to congratulate my home State of California. No State uses less electricity per capita than the people in the State of California. I think many people may find that as a surprise, but that is the truth. No State uses less electricity per capita than the State of California. No State uses more renewable energy than any State other than California. California has been a leader on wind. Right in my own county, Riverside County, in the Banning Pass, if any of my colleagues have been to Palm Springs, they can drive down the I-10 freeway and see row upon row upon row of wind machines that supply needed peaking electricity to Southern California. No State uses more solar power than the State of California. We have really invested a significant amount of money in California into solar research and the utilization of solar power. No State uses more geothermal than the State of California. Really, the geothermal industry started in Imperial County, California. If my colleagues go down into Imperial County near the Salton Sea in the beautiful State of California, they can see these huge geothermal plants that were developed to produce electricity. All of that in California. People in California doing the best they can to conserve electricity, to use renewable energy in California. But today we know that that is still not enough. Now, there have been reports that California has not built a power plant in 10 years. That is not true. I do not want to correct some of my friends, but we have built power plants in California in the last 10 years. Not large power plants. Certainly there have been power plants built outside of California that import power into California. I congratulate Los Angeles, the Department of Water and Power, who gets a significant amount of their electricity, the City of Los Angeles, a significant amount of their electricity from the State of Utah using coal, the clean coal that the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) talked about. And I congratulate Mayor Riordan who now is in negotiation with the people in Utah to develop additional plants, one plant that was discussed as large as 3,500 megawatts in the State of Utah, to transmit power into Los Angeles for future demand. That is necessary along with plants being built in California. Certainly natural gas has been talked about. It is the preferred fuel source in California. But we have a problem in California, in not being able to get enough gas into the State of California because of all of these gas turbine plants that are being built. There have been a lot built of late and a lot more coming online. And we are happy to have them, but we do not have enough natural gas distribution coming into the State of California, which is adding to the increased price of natural gas within our State. So we have an infrastructure problem, not just with gas pipelines coming into California, but with the infrastructure around refineries. Refineries have been talked about. We have far less refining capability in California than we used to have. California is well known because we have a lot of people, 35 million people. We certainly have a significant number of them living in the L.A. Basin and we have air quality issues. We have done a great job of cleaning up the air in Los Angeles. Doing that we have come up with our own fuel standards in California. We have lower sulfur than any other State in the Union, 15 parts per million or less in gasoline. California was the first State to do that. The U.S. EPA has now required the rest of the States to meet that standard, but California did it first. Now, one of the unintended consequences of that is many of the refineries did not have enough capital so they went out of business rather than spending the money to upgrade that refinery to meet the new environmental standard. That was an unintended consequence. We do not have enough refineries, so even if we have additional oil, or the price of oil goes down, we cannot get enough petroleum products through a limited number of refineries. So we need to get incentives to build additional refineries to build the clean type of gasoline we need in California and throughout the country. By the way, one of the problems my people in California, the people that drive every day have in California, is we have a stranded market in essence on gasoline because we have a different kind of gas standard than any other State in the Union. So we cannot import gasoline from anywhere. We have to produce all the gasoline that we make in our State for our drivers. With respect to the Speaker, I will not get into the issue of oxidates today, but nevertheless to say that we in California will always produce clean gasoline; but we want to make sure we produce it economically and at the best cost available to the people of the State of California. We do have a crisis in California. We have a crisis throughout this country on energy, and I am so pleased that we now have a President who will address it and a Vice President who took upon himself the time, and certainly in this last 100 days there have been a lot of pressures on this new administration, to recognize this problem that has been neglected for too long. Now as we proceed with a long-term solution, and we did not get here overnight, certainly in California's case it took many years to get to the point that we are at today, but we finally will see a solution to the problem. I say to my friends and constituents, be patient. I know it is difficult. I filled up my car last week and it cost $35. No one should tolerate blackouts and these kinds of cost increases, but we have done it to ourselves. But we can get out of it because we have a policy that in the next number of years will bring us down the road to better energy independence, both with electricity and fuel. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time for my colleagues.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute today to Dr. Thomas T. Haider, a constituent of mine from the 43rd congressional district, who was recently recognized with the American Medical Association's (AMA) top national honor, the inaugural 2001 Pride in the Profession Award. The award highlighted the work of six physicians nationwide who have not only healed patients, but enriched the communities and inspired the colleagues with whom they come into contact. I once heard a quote that goes, ``It seems to me that a doctor's is the most perfect of all lives; it satisfies the craving to know, and also the craving to serve.'' I can think of no better words to describe the incredible devotion and duty that Dr. Haider has shown in his lifetime career as a physician. Spurred to become a physician at the age of 12, Dr. Thomas Haider intended to use his medical skills to help people in his home country of Afghanistan. Ultimately, political turmoil has prevented that, but he has still managed to touch and improve the lives of thousands all over the world. In 1994, Dr. Haider established the Children's Spine Foundation in the United States to provide free comprehensive spinal care for children without health insurance. And across the globe he sponsors a children's hospital in Afghanistan by supporting the salaries of 40 physicians and providing funds for all medication and food supplies. Additionally, Dr. Haider's philanthropy includes: development of a new polyaxial pedicile screw for use in spine fusion surgeries, increasing their success rate; establishment of the first Spine Fellowship Program at the University of Colorado Medical Center; volunteer work to train doctors; creation of the American Board of Spine Surgery; and, endowment to the Biomedical Sciences Program at the University of California at Riverside, which bears his name. Mr. Speaker, in my district of Riverside, California we are fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated individuals who give unselfishly of their time and talents to ensure the well-being of our city, state, nation and--in Dr. Haider's case--world. These individuals work tirelessly to enrich and brighten the lives of so many. Therefore, it is my distinct pleasure to take to the House of Representatives' chamber today to personally honor and commend Dr. Thomas T. Haider for all of his dedicated service to our community.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I take the floor today to honor Judge Virginia A. Phillips, the recipient of the 2001 ATHENA of the Inland Valleys Award, which recognizes Judge Phillips for her professional excellence, community service and mentoring of fellow women. The ATHENA Foundation Award Program originated in 1980 by Martha Mayhood Mertz, who realized that in the 75 years of presenting community awards, her Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, of Michigan, had only once honored a woman. This realization led her to establish ATHENA so that focus would be given to the incredible number of professional women found throughout our communities nationwide. In the 43rd congressional district Judge Virginia Phillips not only epitomizes all that the ATHENAs stand for but also all that we could possibly hope for in a role-model for the young women of today. Judge Phillips received her B.A., Magna Cum Laude, from the University of California, Riverside in 1979, and later obtained her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law. Additionally, her professional and community activities include: Board of Directors member of the Federal Bar Association--Inland Empire Chapter; Chairperson of the City of Riverside Law Enforcement Policy Advisory Board; Board of Directors member with the Riverside Youth Center; member of the Riverside Human Relations Committee; and much, much more. Judge Phillips' life long commitment to the Inland Empire community is obvious and compelling. Presently, Judge Phillips serves as the first female district court judge from the Inland Empire appointed to the Central District of California, which encompasses over 18 million people, with more than three million people in the Eastern Division--the counties of Riverside and San Bernardino, California. And Riverside County, while being one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, has over 1.5 million people alone. In this position, Judge Phillips fills a critical need given the sheer number of cases that come before the Central District each month. Mr. Speaker, my district is fortunate to have a dynamic and dedicated community leader in Judge Phillips. She has given her time and talents providing motivation and inspiration to the young women with whom she comes into contact. Judge Virginia Phillips' outstanding work makes me proud to call her a community member and fellow American. I know that all of Riverside, including myself, is grateful for her contribution to the betterment of our community and salute her on May 10th with the 2001 ATHENA Award. I look forward to continuing to work with her and the many professional women of Riverside County for the good of our community. I would like to close with the ATHENA Foundation motto by Plato: ``What is honored in a country will be cultivated there.''

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to the Norco Lions Club as they prepare for their 50th Anniversary Celebration to be held on Saturday, April 28th. In my congressional district of Riverside, California, we are fortunate to have numerous community service organizations that not only unselfishly give their time and talents to the community but find their own lives enriched in return. The Norco Lions Club epitomizes this and more. Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service club association with over 1.6 million members, was founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones with a simple mission--``We Serve.'' Ever since, Lions Clubs across the world have been dedicated to helping those less fortunate in their communities and around the world. Lions Clubs International's goals pivot on their commitment to aiding the blind and visually impaired, followed by their dedication to serving young people--encouraging youth to serve their community without personal financial reward, with efficiency and high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors. The Norco Lions Club, the largest in their district, encompasses the majority of both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Services to the community are eye-sight programs, including eye exams and eye-glasses for children in need, and blood drives. Additionally, Norco Lions Club has founded or helped to establish the Norco Boy Scout Troop 33, Mira Loma Swan Lake Lions Club, Norco Lioness Club, Swan Lake Lioness Club, Norco Leo Club and other local community organizations. Youth outreach offers a Student Speakers scholarship program, International Peace Poster Contest, 4-H Clubs, Boy Scouts, Future Farmers of America Scholarships, D.A.R.E. programs, sports programs and local high school programs. Mr. Speaker, volunteers are critical to fostering a spirit of understanding, good citizenship and good government in the United States and worldwide. By working so closely with the youth of today, Norco Lions Clubs, and the clubs around the world are assuring that ``an active interest in the civic, culture, social and moral welfare'' of our communities is passed on from generation to generation. I congratulate the Norco Lions Club on its 50th anniversary, commend its local community and international service, and wish them success for another 50 years to come.