Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, one of the most contentious battles looming before us today is the battle to save our children by improving education. Like other contentious issues that have come before the Congress such as abortion and the death penalty, very few people are ambivalent about their stand on this subject. One side levels charges of elitism while the other is denounced as bureaucrats. What is being overlooked in the debate, however, is what is ultimately best for our children. The system is clearly failing students when you hear statistics like 40 percent of all 10-year-olds can't meet basic literacy standards, U.S. eighth-graders placed 28th in the world in math and science skills, and almost a third of today's college freshmen require some remedial instruction. How did we let the state of education reach a crisis level? H.R. 2646, the Education Savings Act for Public and Private Schools, will allow parents, grandparents, friends, scholarship sponsors, companies or charities to open an account for a child's educational needs while at public, private, religious or home schools from kindergarten through college. Savings from these accounts can be used for tuition, tutoring, transportation, books and supplies, and services for kids with special needs, among other things. This bill is about helping parents help their children. How can anyone be opposed to giving money to families for educational use rather than using that money to create more government bureaucracy? I am a product of the public schools in the district I am now honored to represent. I want the parents and children in my district to have access to the best education possible. As a lawmaker, I owe it to future generations. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2646.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1534, the Private Property Rights Implementation Act. As a Member representing California, as well as a member of the Western Caucus, I am acutely aware of the need for legislation to protect priority property owners, especially those who have fallen victim to the current administration's ongoing war with the West. H.R. 1534 is fair legislation. It simply allows property owners injured by Government action equitable access to the Federal courts. Currently, 80 percent of Federal property claims are thrown out of the court before their merits can be debated. With a statistic like that no one can argue that the current process is fair. No matter what reason the Government has for restricting private property use, and there are many legitimate reasons, there is no excuse for denying landowners their day in court. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose all weakening amendments to H.R. 1534, especially the Boehlert amendment. This amendment would eliminate the bill provisions allowing landowners to take their appeals to Federal court. Instead, the amendment states it would help landowners get to court ``more quickly.'' But what does that mean, more quickly? It currently takes an average of 9\1/2\ years for the process to be resolved. ``More quickly'' could mean 8 or maybe 7 years, but it does not make that timeframe any more acceptable. This is not an issue about taking power away from the States and localities, as the Boehlert amendment would lead my colleagues to believe. H.R. 1534 is about the rights of property owners to have their claims considered fairly and in a timely manner. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose the Boehlert amendment and support H.R. 1534.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, California's 43d Congressional District has been extremely fortunate to have many dedicated citizens who have been willing to contribute their time and talents to help make our community an exceptionally good place in which to live and work. One of the most dedicated and active of these citizens has been Judge Manuel Real. Manuel Real is a U.S. district judge for the Central District of California, a position he has held since being appointed by then- President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. On Friday, October 10, 1997, I will be honored to participate in the opening of a new elementary school in Mead Valley, CA named in honor of Judge Real for is many years of service to the great State of California. Judge Real first began his distinguished legal career as an assistant U.S. attorney. He left for a short time to enter into private practice before rejoining U.S. Attorney's office until he was appointed a U.S. district judge. During his tenure with the central district court, Judge Real served as the chief judge of the court from 1982-1993. The students of the new Manuel Real Elementary School should strive to emulate the accomplishments of their school's namesake as well as his dedication to improving the community and its overall quality of life. On behalf of the citizens of the 43d Congressional District, I want to add to this tribute my congratulations, and to wish Manuel, his wife Stella, and their four children best wishes for a happy and productive future.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak in opposition to the Sabo amendment to H.R. 2607, the District of Columbia Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1998. H.R. 2607 includes a provision allowing public school contractors to waive Davis-Bacon requirements for construction and repair laborers. This provision is voluntary, not mandatory. This provision would help the District attract volunteer services to help with the emergency repairs needed at the District's public schools. Residents in the entire Washington metropolitan area, as well as most of the Nation, are aware of the dilapidated state of the District's schools. Clearly, the first priority should be to get the schools opened as soon as possible. Yet, an offer by the Promise Keepers to volunteer their services and make repairs at all the schools was denied. They were only allowed to repair one school. This is incomprehensible. Their offer was denied. Why? Davis-Bacon. Why force schools to spend scarce funding to make repairs that could be made for free? Our children cannot learn if they cannot attend school. There is no reason to give rigid David-Bacon rules a veto over the needs of Washington, DC's students. I urge all of my colleagues to oppose the Sabo amendment.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the National Monument Fairness Act. Like many Members, I was outraged by the President's decision to designate a whopping 1.7 million acres of land in Utah as a national monument last year. In what was obviously driven by politics and not resource conservation, the President did not consult with and in fact ignored the Governor of Utah, the State's congressional delegation, and most importantly, those affected by his action, the local population. Tellingly, the President made his announcement in Arizona, surrounded by hand-selected members of the green movement, far away from the people of Utah. We need to ensure that a President cannot circumvent the will of the people like this again. This bill would ensure that the President works with Congress and with affected Governors before designating large tracts of land as national monuments. Let us make sure Congress is allowed to do the job the people sent us here to do, to represent them. It is crucial that we never again allow the President to ignore our constituents. Again, I urge a yes vote on this bill.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky.

Mr. CALVERT. I thank the gentleman for clarifying this matter.

Mr. CALVERT. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with the distinguished chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee. Mr. Chairman, this bill appropriates $70 million for NOAA's interannual and seasonal climate and global change research program, a $2 million increase over the current level, but at $4.9 million below the request. Concerns have been expressed that the committee's action did not include funding to continue the tropical ocean global atmosphere observing system known as TOGA. The TOGA observing system funds buoys across the equatorial Pacific to perform measurements that have proven invaluable to El Nino researchers. Scientists performing this research are concerned that the bill would prevent NOAA from continuing this critical program. Can the chairman assure us that the $4.9 million funding is included in this bill for the TOGA array?

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I take the floor of the House today to honor and pay tribute to one of the finest institutions of higher learning in my district, La Sierra University. La Sierra, located in Riverside, CA, has been chosen by the John Templeton Foundation for its 1997-98 honor roll of character-building colleges. La Sierra is one of only eight colleges and universities in California to earn this distinction, which is given to academic institutions that emphasize character building as an integral part of undergraduate education. Selection was based on meeting five criteria established by the John Templeton Foundation: First, inspires students to develop and strengthen their moral reasoning skills; second, encourages spiritual growth and moral values; third, provides community building experiences; fourth, advocates a drug-free lifestyle; and fifth, conducts a critical assessment of character-building projects and activities. In a society that no longer looks to religion and a sense of community as the foundation for a quality education. La Sierra University is proof that it can be done. Students are expected to strive to their full potential, seek the truth in themselves and everything around them, and to give back to their world. General education courses in religion and ethics lay a basis for understanding the importance of morality. And through the community service requirement, students learn firsthand the need for volunteerism and how important it is to give assistance to those less fortunate. On behalf of the citizens of California's 43d Congressional District, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the students, faculty, and administration of La Sierra University for being recognized as a character-building college.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Goodling amendment. The administration is attempting to avoid the current education policy by implementing an agenda that focuses on national testing. These tests only undermine the State and local curriculum. This proposal serves as an unfair comparison between schools and students. In addition, the Department's of Education's budget did not include any type of national testing and further, the Department has not submitted a proposal to Congress requesting authorization for this type of testing. It is critical that we concentrate on the real problems such as teacher training, improved academic performance, and increased parental involvement in our classrooms. Local solutions enhance a child's education, not another Federal standardize test. My constituents back in Riverside County, CA, are tired of the Federal Government meddling with their children's education. I encourage my colleagues to vote to stop the intrusion of Government and support the Goodling amendment.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I take the floor of the House today to honor and praise a magnificent educator and leader. I am proud to have her working in my district, continuing the tradition of educational excellence in our community. She is an outstanding advocate for increasing educational opportunities for minorities and those with special needs. The woman of whom I speak so highly and hold in such high esteem is Dr. Hazel Hawkins-Russell, who has persisted tirelessly with her work in education for 50 years. Dr. Hawkins-Russell has been a tremendous influence and positive role model for the youth of Riverside, CA. Back in 1947, Dr. Hawkins-Russell made history as the first African- American school teacher to be hired in what was then known as the Riverside city schools. For the next 23 years, she taught both elementary and junior high schools where she touched the lives of all of her students. Her enthusiasm and positive spirit served as an inspiration, and every student left Dr. Hawkins-Russell's class with a little piece of her in their hearts. In 1970, after her career as a teacher, Dr. Hawkins-Russell became a consultant for the Pupil Services Department of the Riverside Unified School District. It was her responsibility to have an extensive knowledge of all California laws relating to minors. She provided technical assistance to schools in all discipline cases, prepared each case for hearing panels, and worked extensively with youth groups and services. Dr. Hawkins-Russell's mission was to help children who were having problems and prevent them from slipping through the cracks unnoticed or ignored. From 1974 to 1982, Dr. Hawkins-Russell was the coordinator of the Emergency School Aid Act, a federally funded program that provided aid in remedial math and reading, as well as programs in multi-cultural awareness, human relations, tutorial assistance, staff development, parent effectiveness training, and conflict resolution. She was selected three times to assist in evaluation of ESAA proposals on a national level here in Washington, DC, and once on a regional level in San Francisco. Aside from her job, Dr. Hawkins-Russell was actively involved with several organizations that are devoted to improving education. She was president of the Association of California Intergroup Relations Educators, worked as interim co-director at Riverside NAACP Child Development Centers, and was a member of the Western Riverside County Mental Health Association and the Attorney General's Commission on Racial, Religious and Minority Violence. She also served on the State library steering committee as a representative of San Bernardino, Orange, Inyo, and Riverside Counties and was elected as a delegate for the State of California to the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services. Let me add to this amazing list of achievements by mentioning a few honors she has received. She has been recognized with the ACIRE Presidents Award, the YWCA Award for Outstanding Community Leadership, a certificate for outstanding service at the First National Human Relations Conference, the Derby Club Outstanding Black Woman Inland Area Trophy, and most recently, the Ida Louise Jackson Graduate Achievement Award presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Dr. Hawkins-Russell continues to work in education as an adjunct faculty member at Riverside Community College. Dr. Hawkins-Russell's drive for excellence is a rare commodity, and she has touched the lives of many during her 50-year career as an educator. I am extremely privileged to have such an exceptional person serving the youth in my district. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Hawkins- Russell for her 50 years of hard work and the accomplishments she has made for education in my district, as well as the Nation. She has set a standard for community service and leadership that will remain for years to come. I hope that Dr. Hawkins-Russell will continue to be an advocate for children and quality education. I wish her happiness and good luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I take to the floor of the House today to acknowledge the outstanding career of Corona Police Sgt. Terry D. Gustin. Sergeant Gustin, who spent 32 years in law enforcement, will retire on September 13, 1997. My hometown of Corona, CA has been extremely fortunate to have had Sergeant Gustin protecting our community and making it a safer place in which to live and work. Sergeant Gustin is a native of southern California and attended California Baptist College in Riverside. After serving 4 years in the U.S. Navy and serving in Vietnam, Sergeant Gustin returned to southern California and in 1965 was hired as a reserve police officer in Corona. This was the beginning of a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. In 1968, he was hired full time by the Corona Police Department, where he has served as a police officer, a detective, traffic sergeant, acting lieutanant, and relief watch commander. He will finish his career as a sergeant with the patrol division. During his early years in law enforcement, Sergeant Gustin started the first YDT team in Riverside County with one RSO deputy and one probation officer. Sergeant Gustin has also been involved in a wide range of activities during his career, including being a former member of the Police National Rodeo Association for 10 years in steer wrestling, the Riverside County Peace Officers Association, the California Combat Association, the Peace Officers Research Association, the FOP Lodge in Riverside, among many others. Sergeant Gustin has been a great credit to the Corona Police Department, and his service has been appreciated by citizens throughout the city, who will remember him as someone who took the time to help others. On behalf of the citizens of the 43d Congressional District, I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to Sgt. Terry D. Gustin for his years of dedicated service to our community and extend my best wishes in his future endeavors.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I stand in favor of this bill. I also want to commend the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means for an excellent job. It certainly is an historic week. For the first time in a generation, we will balance the budget and provide tax relief to working families across the Nation. This Congress will leave the legacy of a smaller, less invasive government to our children. At the same time, we will ensure that middle-class Americans keep more of their money. Today we will refund to the American people one-third of President Clinton's tax increase, the largest in history. Back in my congressional district, the per-child tax credit will mean families with children can save $47 million next year. California has had some tough years, as the Speaker knows. We are looking forward to having better years. This is going to help, Mr. Speaker. Some said this day would never happen. Thanks to the Republican Congress, it has. But the real winners this week are my constituents and the rest of the American people. We look forward to future days like this.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. I thank the chairman for his attention to this matter. MR. McDADE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to my good friend, the gentleman from Colorado, [Mr. Dan Schaefer], chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power of the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule on H.R. 2203. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. McDade] for crafting a fiscally responsible bill which will ensure that the United States remains on the forefront in energy research for years to come. As chairman of the subcommittee that authorizes many of the Department of Energy programs addressed in this legislation, I am encouraged that the chairman fully funded the Large Hadron Collider. There had been some concerns among some members of the Committee on Science that U.S. scientists would not be guaranteed a formal role in managing the operation. Thanks to the work of the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. McDade] and the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Sensenbrenner], the chairman of the Committee on Science, these concerns have been addressed. Second, although the Committee on Science authorized the fusion program at a level slightly higher than this bill, I am encouraged to see a stabilization in funding for this crucial research effort. The fusion community has responded well to congressional calls to restructure their program, and I look forward to seeing the results of their research. Finally, just as the Committee on Science authorization bill had, this legislation substantially increases funding for renewable energy. I applaud that move, hoping this money will be used primarily for basic research and that the Department of Energy will not involve itself in corporate welfare and subsidies. Finally, once again, I look forward back home to the Santa Ana Mainstem project to start construction soon. My friends in Orange County need to be protected from future floods potentially. The Norco Bluffs Project in Norco, CA, is moving ahead. Wetlands protection in Lake Elsinore, CA; the Gunderson project and flood control at Murritta Creek. Again I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. McDade] for this legislation.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. First, I would like to thank the distinguished subcommittee chair and his staff for their assistance in addressing the needs of my district. Their fine work is very much appreciated. I am grateful for the $300,000 listed in the committee report accompanying the bill to initiate a feasibility study for the Santa Margarita River project. However, I believe the flooding issues surrounding Murietta Creek which are mentioned in the Santa Margarita project are serious enough to deserve a separate study. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleague for his assistance in conference to make this clarification, and indicate that a separate feasibility study should proceed for Murietta Creek. The community has suffered back-to-back flooding and deserves a resolution to their problems.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this legislation. My fellow Californian and my close and good friend, the gentleman from California, Mr. Jerry Lewis, should be commended for crafting a very responsible bill which will help us lead to cleaner air in the future. Among its other strengths, it protects veterans, improves housing programs, and ensures a cleaner environment. I want to highlight a particularly important provision of the bill, as we have been discussing. As we know, the President has thrown his support behind EPA's proposed air quality standards for particulate matter and ozone. Whether Members support these standards or oppose them, one thing we should all agree on is that we need to do more research if we are to guarantee adequate protection for our children and the elderly. As the chairman of the subcommittee that authorizes EPA's Office of Research and Development, I introduced a bill which passed through Congress and through our committee on a bipartisan basis unanimously to provide research money above the administration's request. In three hearings we held on the matter, the scientific experts all concluded that the science was inadequate at this time. They said we needed additional funding to get at the very basic questions about the health effects of ozone, and particularly small particulates at the 2.5-micron-and-below size. I am pleased that the gentleman from San Bernardino worked closely with me to provide the funds in this bill, and it is further evidence of his dedication to a cleaner environment. I congratulate the gentleman and thank him for his work.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Quincy Library Group and the manager's amendment. The Quincy Library Group was not created in a vacuum. The national urban environmental organizations have been involved and aware of the Quincy Library Group since its inception in 1993. National urban organizations have also been involved and endorsed at one time or another each element of the Quincy Library proposal. For example, the 5-year pilot program which is established by this legislation calls for an annual range of between 40,000 and 60,000 acres to be treated with strategic fuel breaks. This acreage was proposed directly by the national urban organizations. The Quincy Library proposal is a positive bill that is good for the forest, good for the people, good for the environment, and receives a wide range of support. Therefore, I ask Members for their support in passage of H.R. 858 and the manager's amendment.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hyde], the chairman, for the good work in moving this important bill forward. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the gentleman from Hawaii [Mr. Abercrombie] in support of the Veterans' Cemetery Protection Act. I would like to thank the gentleman from Florida [Mr. McCollum], chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime, for moving this bill forward, and again certainly the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hyde] for their help and guidance in getting this bill to the floor so quickly. I particularly want to thank the Committee on the Judiciary for the perfecting amendment at the subcommittee markup. Mr. Speaker, whenever a young man or woman decides to enter the military, they do so voluntarily, in order to protect our country and guard us against the uncertainties of the world. Sometimes they make the ultimate sacrifice. Over 1 million Americans have died fighting this country's wars. That is why it sickens me when I hear of degenerates desecrating our national cemeteries. In June 1996, Riverside National Cemetery, the second largest in the Nation next to Arlington, fell prey to a thief who stole bronze markers from 128 graves, who later sold them for a profit. Horribly, this theft was discovered on Father's Day by family members who had come to pay their respects. On April 19, vandals spray-painted racist and profane words on cemetery walls at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii, located inside the district of the gentleman from Hawaii [Mr. Abercrombie]. Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. The Veterans' Cemetery Protection Act would stiffen criminal penalties for theft and malicious vandalism at national cemeteries. H.R. 1532 will require the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend the sentencing guidelines to enhance penalties resulting from national cemetery desecrations and theft. The bill increases by four levels the punishment levied by a judge if the offense involves the willful injury or depredation against a national cemetery. It also increases by six levels the punishment levied by a judge if the offense involves the knowing theft, conversion, or unlawful sale or disposition of national cemetery property. Judges will continue to have the discretion of applying fines up to $250,000 in such cases. H.R. 1532 seeks to protect the 114 VA national cemeteries, along with other cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of the Interior. Joseph Frank, national commander of the American Legion, stated, Deliberate acts of vandalism against the final resting place of America's fallen comrades must not be tolerated. According to the Paralyzed Veterans of America News, Demeaning and degrading the final resting place of veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Nation and their loved ones strikes at all veterans and all Americans. This bill addresses their concerns. The Veterans' Cemetery Protection Act has received the endorsement and support of numerous veterans and military organizations. I wish to recognize and thank the men and women of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion, the Fleet Reserve Association, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Blinded Veterans Association, AM-VETS and others who have expressed their support for this legislation. Let there be no doubt, this is Congress' gift to them. I also wish to thank over 250 Members of Congress who cosponsored this bill. Being so close to Independence Day, I invite my colleagues to support passage of the Veterans' Cemetery Protection Act as a small gift to our Nation's veterans. Again, I would like to thank the gentleman from Hawaii [Mr. Abercrombie] for moving this bill forward and getting it done before Independence Day.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I also want to wish a happy birthday to the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Sensenbrenner]. I found it interesting that I am somewhat older than the chairman, until one of my colleagues pointed out that, once you become chairman, you become 20 years younger, which explains why we have such longevity around this place. First, Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Alaska [Mr. Young] and the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Saxton] and the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Sensenbrenner] for working together to iron out their differences on this Sea Grant Program so we can move forward on this bill. In particular, the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Saxton] is to be commended for working diligently through two Congresses to authorize this program. If our brethren in the other body will cooperate, we will succeed this year. The National Sea Grant Program has been an integral part of our Nation's efforts to better conserve and manage our publicly owned coastal marine resources, which are essential to our continued economic growth. In 1994, the Ocean Studies Board of the National Research Council reviewed the Sea Grant Program and found that it has over the years played a significant role in U.S. marine science, education, and outreach. In California, the University of California operates the largest of 29 Sea Grant Colleges. In fiscal year 1996, the California program supported 36 research projects at 12 universities in all parts of the State. These projects have proved to be important for our coastal areas. For example, UCLA's Sea Grant scientists are developing a revolutionary technique that will allow us to determine the different types and origins of bacteria in our coastal waters. Other projects funded by Sea Grant have provided information on the probable movement of oilspills under hundreds of different sea conditions. Mr. Chairman, the Sea Grant Program is marked by high quality peer- reviewed scientific research. The committee substitute, as agreed to by both the Committee on Science and the Committee on Resources, is fiscally responsible and limits bureaucratic overhead to 5 percent of the program's funding. I want to thank the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Roemer], who has been very helpful in working with us in a bipartisan way to complete this bill. I would urge my colleagues to support this bill and move it on.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to acknowledge the outstanding career of Ron Molendyk. Mr. Molendyk, who has announced his retirement, serves as the city manager for the city of Lake Elsinore, CA. Having worked with Mr. Molendyk for many years, I am truly sorry to hear this pillar of the community say goodbye. However, I am extremely pleased to see a long life of hard work be rewarded with the celebration of retirement. Mr. Molendyk has served in municipal government for 35 years and he has been dedicated to the city of Lake Elsinore for 13 years. He began his career as the recreation leader for the city of Buena Park. He then moved on to become area supervisor for the recreations and parks department for the city of Long Beach, director of recreation and parks for the city of Bell, director of community services for the city of Brea and the traffic commissioner for the city of Placentia. Drive, determination, and many years of experience paid off for Mr. Molendyk when he was hired as the city manager/city clerk for the city of Rolling Hills and then, later, as the city manager for the city of Lake Elsinore. The position of city manager incorporates all of the requirements of a corporate administrator, as well as the responsibility of providing leadership and representation to the community on behalf of the city council and staff. As city manager, Mr. Molendyk has served as the negotiator to bring commercial and residential development to the city of Lake Elsinore. To emphasize the priceless asset of the city, the lake, Mr. Molendyk has been a leader in the development of recreation and tourism. He has also been the key contact for relations between the city and other levels of government. On many occasions, Mr. Molendyk has been the liaison for my office when addressing city issues affected by the Federal Government, such as flood control, transportation, and the environment. His knowledge of and passion for the city of Lake Elsinore has been a vital asset to me during my first two terms as the congressional representative for the Elsinore Valley. Mr. Molendyk received his bachelor of arts in recreation and master of science in administration from California State University, Long Beach. He is a member of the International City Managers' Association, Inland Empire City Managers' Association, California Parks and Recreation Society, Rotary International, Lambda Alpha and Community Redevelopment Association. I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to Mr. Molendyk for his dedication, influence and involvement in our community. He has served as a fine representative of municipal government. It is a great pleasure for me to congratulate Mr. Ron Molendyk on his outstanding career and offer my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, today, my constituent and personal friend, Debbi Huffman Guthrie of Roy O. Huffman Roof Co. has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the 1997 Small Business Person of the Year for Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties in California. This honor comes after years of hard work. Debbi took on the family business when she was 26 years old after her parents and grandparents were killed in a plane crash. She has been dedicated to learning the business and developing a strong workplace for her employees. Under Debbi's watch, the company has grown from 15 employees to 28 with little employee turnover and sales have multiplied by six. She serves as an inspiration for all women who strive to succeed in a male-dominated industry, and as testimony that businesses who choose to work within the community will achieve success. Through incentive programs, she has encouraged employees to construct the highest quality roofs for their customers. With heavy attention on employee safety, she has been awarded the State Compensation Insurance Fund's Safety Award. Quality, safety, and reliability are key to her success and to the success of her business. Her customers have come to depend on this reputation. Debbi has maintained a commitment to the community where she lives, works, and raised her children. Her family has always believed in giving back to the community and she has continued that tradition through helping the Riverside youth, disadvantaged, and educational institutions. Debbie provided the human resources and project materials for a new roof on the Centro De Ninos nonprofit preschool center in a joint donation with three local Kiwanis Clubs and 45 volunteers. She also helps others who are pursuing their business and career goals through the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Riverside Program and the National Association of Women in Construction. As a volunteer, she has served as a board member with the Kiwanis Club of Riverside and worked on the Longfellow Elementary Schools' Adopt a School program, the Special Olympics, and the Boy Scouts. In an effort to help the community's economy, she has served as president of the Roofing Contractors Association for Riverside/San Bernardino Counties and Director of Provident Saving Bank in Riverside. She also helped endow the University of California Riverside's College of Engineering, Center for Environmental Research and Technology [CE- CERT], and is a founding member of the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation. Also, at the University of California Riverside, Debbi is working to establish a hall of fame to recognize recipients of the Athena Foundation's Women of the Year Award. Today's award will be added to her list of honors including the 1996 California Association of Leadership Programs Distinguished Leadership Award, the 1994 GRCC Small Business of the Year Eagle Award, the 1993 YWCA's Women of Achievement Athena Award-Corporate and the 1994 Entrepreneur of the Year Small Business Award from Ernst & Young, Inc. Magazine, and Merill Lynch. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to Debbi Huffman Guthrie, not only on this revered award, but her entire career. Thank you Debbi for maintaining the commitment to our community and to your customers.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, although the manufactured housing program is largely financed through industry-funded label fees and currently has a surplus of $7.5 million, there are significant staffing shortfalls in the Manufactured Housing and Standards Division in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Currently there are only 10 professional and 3 clerical staff administering the entire program, compared with the staffing level of 35 in 1984 when production levels were significantly lower. Even though these personnel costs are primarily funded by the manufactured housing industry, and there are more than enough funds to pay for some reasonable personnel additions, program staffing levels are subject to overall HUD and OMB salary and expense caps.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?