Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman would like to cosponsor my bill, as he knows, we resolve the issues of a fair royalty on Federal land. This is an improper way to amend this at [[Page H 7121]] this time. So I would think the gentleman would like to get on our bill and do it the right way.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act of 1995. This bill amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act with respect to leases of Federal lands and the Outer Continental Shelf [OCS], but does not affect leases on Indian lands. the goal of my legislation is to establish certainty in procedural matters for royalty payors in their dealings with the Department of the Interior, eliminate certain burdensome reporting requirements and simplify others so as to streamline the royalty management program and provide for the equitable collection of royalties. Approximately 80 percent of the nearly $1 billion annual Federal onshore mineral revenues are generated from oil and gas royalties, as is nearly all of the $3 billion collected annually from OCS lessees. Obviously, the Nation benefits from this revenue stream and it's in our best interest to maintain a royalty system that encourages private industry to participate in onshore and offshore oil and gas development, where appropriate. But, Mr. Speaker, a serious shortcoming for the industry today is that effectively there is no statute of limitations concerning the Federal Government's auditing of royalty payments. This means that an oil and gas producer's books are never closed out and the Department of the Interior may inquire into royalties owed on production from many decades ago. While the DOI agency charged with such auditing, the Minerals Management Service [MMS], has worked toward a policy of closing out audits within a 6-year period, the Government is not now statutorily required to meet that goal. The Fairness Act would do so prospectively, that is, for production from the date of enactment forward the Secretary of the Interior would be barred from bringing actions against lessees 6 years after the obligation to pay royalty accrues. Of course, the time limitation does not run where fraud is alleged, nor when tolling agreements are reached by the parties. Another inequitable provision of current law which the Simplification and Fairness Act addresses is the requirement that interest be paid by lessees who have underpaid their royalties, yet the Government does not pay interest on overpayments. My bill establishes reciprocity with respect to interest payments, but first requires a royalty payor--and the Secretary--to ``cross-net'' royalty overpayments against underpayments among all one's public domain or acquired lands leases within any State or collectively for OCS leases. This will effectively reduce interest obligations the Federal Government would owe on overpayments and provide the industry with a mechanism to simplify their procedures within each State in which they do business on Federal leases. Other provisions of the Simplification and Fairness Act grant relief for small producers who pay royalty out-of-pocket, provide enforcement and compliance relief for producers of de minimis amounts of oil and gas, streamline onerous and costly reporting requirements and thereby reduce the Federal Government's cost of royalty accounting without loss of revenue to the U.S. Treasury nor to the States which share in the onshore mineral leasing revenues. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act of 1995. Let's provide certainty for our domestic industry in its dealing with the Department of the Interior and establish an equitable royalty system for lessor and lessee alike.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, one of the things that makes America truly great is our spirit of volunteerism--the willingness of citizens from all backgrounds to give of their time and their efforts to make the community better in which they live and work. One organization that has been a shining example of this is the Riverside Rotary Club. During its 75-year history, members have worked to make Riverside a better place for all its residents. In its recent history, Sherm Babcock was our Rotary Club president for the 1970-71 year. Sherm started out by going to the international convention in Atlanta, GA. He also led a large delegation of Rotarians to the district assembly the following month. A significant administrative charge took place with the new position of sergeant at arms. Frank Lindeburg, an entertaining character, was the fine master and made the change a success. To this day the position of sergeant at arms is a coveted position in our club. Sports were a big transition in Rotary in Sherm's year. Some of the activities were: the club sponsored a team in the UCR baseball tournament; the club fielded a team in the service club bowling league; and a number of golf tournaments were conducted. The scholarship fund that had been initiated the prior year by past president John Cote was enhanced considerably. Today, this scholarship fund exceeds $170,000 and numerous academic scholarships are awarded each year to deserving high school students. During the 1970's, Rotary was led by many prominent individuals. Jack Williams, president in 1971-72 led our club in constructing platforms for tents at the Boy Scout camp in Idylwild--was also instrumental in having our club donate a wheelchair to the UCR Health Center. Ralph Hill, President in 1972-73 kept up the good work from prior years and added to it by hosting the United Fund Kickoff luncheon. This was significant since many of our members were key contributors to the United Fund. In 1973-74 Rotary was involved in many events. Irv Hall led the club this year. Some different things Rotary became involved in included sending scholarships to Cuautia, Mexico, which was a sister city of Riverside. Rotary also contributed to the Ralph Johnson Memorial at Twin Pines Ranch. The old YMCA building, known as the Gheel House, had its interior painted by Rotarians. The club also enjoyed itself through a trip to the Queen Mary. In 1974-75 Jim Davidson, our president, continued work at Twin Pines Ranch through the club's donation for the ranch's swimming pool. We also celebrated a joint meeting with the Soroptomists, a women's organization dedicated to community service. The Mission Inn had been closed for some time but in 1975-76, Herman Reed's year as president, we moved back to the Mission Inn. Apparently, it was a welcomed return since the club had been having problems with the different establishments in which it had been meeting. During this 1975-76 year many service projects were accomplished. Rotary contributed carpeting and linoleum to the Riverside County Association for Crippled Children. We also contributed significantly to the Special Olympics. As usual, we celebrated our special meetings for our significant others as well as our continued sponsorship of the ROTC awards at Poly High School. In 1976-77 Bill Williams was our president and he led the club in starting the ambitious project of repairing and remodeling the kitchen portion of the Carriage House which is located in the Heritage House property. This required many Rotarians to roll up their sleeves and do some worthwhile manual labor. The results, which were realized some years later, were outstanding and very much appreciated by the community. Frank Lindeburg, our president for 1977-78 was active in continuing the Carriage House project. We also organized an auction which was tied into the party for a club fundraiser. Being the UCR athletic director, he organized a baseball game against the Riverside Kiwanians. He was also instrumental in designing a program for the fire department's emergency program. The club's budget seemed to be in good shape because Frank led the club to invest its surplus funds. And, of course, the food service at the Mission Inn came under some criticism. Some things never change. In 1978-79, San Landis was club president and kept the club operating smoothly. The work at the Carriage House was still going on and the usual special meetings with our wives and others brought enjoyment to all. Ron Drayson, our president in 1979-80, kept the Carriage House project going. He was also responsible for sponsoring the 4H contest which was held at the Agricultural Park. He redesigned club banners presented to visiting Rotarians and organized a Riverside-San Bernadino golf match at Arrowhead Country Club. The new work project was undertaken under the presidency of Greg MacDonald in 1980- [[Page E 1323]] 81. Greg being one of our youngest presidents, had a lot of energy and was responsible for starting the work on Agricultural Park. John Beal, our president in 1981-82, had an extraordinary year for the club. He was reponsibile for inviting the then Rotary international president, Stan McCraffey, to Riverside to speak at the Paul Harris Foundation Dinner at Raincross Square. This was the only time in Riverside Rotary's history that the international president had visited our community. John also organized the only joint effort ever held with the Kiwani's Club of Riverside. The joint meeting was held to honor members of the law enforcement community. The speaker was the then-Attorney General, George Deukmejian. John also had the club host the District 4 speech contest along with having club members man the Salvation Army Kettle. In 1982-83 Gene LaHusen became president and continued the work on the Agricultural Park. Harvey Ostzon, president in 1983-84, was most responsible for making the Agricultural Park a reality. He led the work parties to refurbish the park. He also led the club in organizing an auction which was a major fundraiser. In 1984-85, Frank Gooley was our president and promptly faced a problem about where we would meet since the Mission Inn was closing down for restoration purposes. We finally moved to the UCR commons and then to the Holiday Inn. Frank's major accomplishment was organizing a raffle with the other Rotary Club's in the city which raised $13,500 for the Agricultural Park. Paul Birgdain, our leader during the 1985-86 year kept the club moving along in fine fashion. We finished our work at the Agricultural Park during Paul's year. Bill McGuian became our president for the 1986-87 year which became significant in club history since ours was the first club in the district to admit a woman member. Sandra Leer, a family law practitioner, was sponsored by Tom Holienhorst and was our first female member. Bill also saw our meetings moved to the Sheraton Hotel as the Mission Inn was still being restored. The Riverside East Club, a new Rotary club, was nurtured by our club as well as hosting the GSE team from Australia. This was the year we established our scholarship committee as a permanent standing committee. Lee Lombard, our president in 1987-88, started the Dinner Theater which became our principal fundraiser. We also hosted the GSE team from Denmark. It was in Lee's year that the Rotary International committed to eradicating polio worldwide. Our club successfully contributed to the program under Lee's leadership. Palle Gylov became our president in 1988-89 and vigorously promoted the Dinner Theatre which was a resounding success. Palle also held up well during his year considering that our long time executive secretary, Floretta Pico, retired during his tenure. In 1989-90 Bob Probizanski, our new president, continued the tradition of the Dinner Theatre. He involved many Rotarians and it continued to be the highlight of our Rotary year. He also organized a tour of the jail newly constructed in downtown Riverside. Hark Kline, our president in 1990-91, continued the Dinner Theatre tradition with a new twist: it became the Mystery Dinner Theatre. Although a little lengthy, it still raised funds for our club for the good works we were contributing to. We also attended a Red Wave baseball game, a new minor league team, based in Riverside and playing out of the UCR Sports Center. De Armstrong, our president for 1991-92, continued trying to solve the problem about where our club should meet. We moved to the Art Museum during his year. De, being a musician, did a tremendous job in organizing our Dinner Theatre, adding a touch of class with his musical talents. The highlight of Jim Milam's year was the visit of then President Bush to Riverside. Rotary was the host and it was a great success as many Rotarians from all over the district attended to listen to our President. During Jim's Year, Rotary reached out to our youth by adopting an elementary school in the downtown area. Bryant School became the recipient of work projects by Rotarians, of books donated to the school, and of the presence of Rotarians at monthly school assemblies. Gary Orso, club president in 1993-94, saw the club return to the Mission Inn as well as continuing the Bryant School project. The Dinner Theatre tradition continued but was augmented by a silent auction which was responsible for raising a significant sum of money for our community projects. Of course, our youth continued to be served by our club through our contributions to RYLA and our scholarship program. Bob Brown became our president in 1994-95 and had overseen the celebration of the club's 75th anniversary. Being recognized by our District 5330 at numerous district events has brought price to our club. The Bryant School project has been expanded to include tutoring and mentoring to club members. Students from Bryant School worked with our club and the Riverside Downtown Association in planting a Rotary garden in the downtown area. Although finances have always been a problem Bob has led the club through the toughest of recessionary times and the future looks very bright. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, the Riverside Rotary Club has been an important fixture in the Riverside community. On behalf of the people of the 43d Congressional District, I wish to extend my thanks and sincere congratulations for their exceptional work throughout the community during their 75-year history.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I commend the members of the La Sierra University chapter of Students In Free Enterprise [SIFE] for winning the 1995 International Championship at the SIFE International Exposition in Kansas City, MO, May 19. The students brought back six giant trophies and $7,500 for their championship title and for their win in four special competitions: Success 200, Halt the Deficit, G.E. Foundation ``Teaching America to Compete,'' and Best In-Depth Education. This year's presentation team consists of eight students: Andy Wongworawat, Redlands; John-Patterson (J-P) Grant, Newbury Park; Heidi Serena, Long Beach; Maria Lafser, Escondido; Patria Wise, Calmesa; Tamara Talbot, Redlands; Steve Taggart, Colton; and [[Page E 1318]] Ismael Valdez, Hemet. John Thomas, assistant professor of economics and finance and SIFE faculty sponsor, accompanied the team to Kansas City. ``The Next Generation'' was the title of La Sierra University's winning presentation, which summarizes the 122 projects the team created this year. Project highlights include the ``Find a Dollar in the Debt'' giant sandbox in February trip helped the community visualize the size of the national debt, the annual Adopt-a-Child Christmas Party for area Headstart children, ``Touch the World/Tech'' a child reading and mathematics tutoring program at a local elementary school, homeless shelter employment weekly seminars, a signature campaign to halt the deficit, SIFE collector ``Slam the Deficit'' POGs for elementary schoolchildren, SIFE-Net cyberspace bulletin board and training sessions, ``Rent-a-Brain'' consulting service for local businesses, SIFE ABC publication series to provide fundamental information on important topics to the community such as drug abuse, interest rates, free trade, social responsibility, and the national debt, Strive-On minority role modeling, and many others. Some 500 students from 50 college and university teams in the eight regions competed at the international exposition. Dow Chemical CEO and Chairman Frank Popoff was the keynote speaker. The 150 judges for competition were CEO's from Fortune 500 companies. Approximately 75 La Sierra University students led out in this year's projects, which reached some 15,000 schoolchildren and a total of about 33,000 community people. Fifty of the projects were new this year, while more than 70 were continued from previous years. The La Sierra University SIFE team swept the western regional competition April 10 in San Francisco, winning the Success 2000 Award and the Halt the Deficit Award, along with the Regional Finalist Award. They came home with three regional trophies and $3,500 cash from that competition, and a chance to compete at the international exposition. The students of the La Sierra University SIFE team have made their community and their Congressman proud. It is truly an honor to represent such fine individuals and I give them the highest compliments. They deserve it.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor from the bill, H.R. 774.

Mr. CALVERT

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

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, there is no district in this Congress that has been more affected by private property right disputes than my district. I represent Riverside County where the Stephens kangaroo rat, several weeds, lizards, and bugs have seized control of the land. No longer can private citizens use their property the way they wish, for fear of reprisals from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. One notorious example of this occurred early last year when residents were not allowed to disk their property around their homes in order to protect the kangaroo rat. The consequences of this was disastrous and outright irresponsible. Fires broke out in southern California that destroyed 25,000 acres and 29 homes near Winchester, CA. The irony of that fire is that it destroyed critical habitat area for the species we were supposed to be protecting. I know my colleagues have heard this story before. However, I cannot repeat this story enough. This story is a perfect example of what can go wrong when the Government oppresses honest and hard working citizens. These people deserve compensation for these extreme regulations. They deserve to be heard. They should be treated better than California's furry little friends. The Tauzin amendment would give power back to the people. It would give compensation to landowners who bought their property, and then found a critter or weed was lurking around the corner ready to devalue the land. While my constituents support the protection of endangered species, they will not tolerate the Government's irresponsibility in handling this process, and ignoring a person's constitutional right to own and use the land which they paid for with their hard-earned dollars. Mr. Chairman, it is about time that we put the rights and the welfare of the people before the rights of a weed, rat, or bug. I ask my colleagues to vote yea on the Tauzin amendment.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, in the last Congress, rats, bugs, and even weeds were more important than people. Certain bureaucrats have become so eager to list new species as endangered, they have lost sight of the intent of the Endangered Species Act and ignored human concerns. The Stephens kangaroo rat, considered not only to be endangered, was partly responsible for the destruction of 29 homes in my district. In fall 1993, southern California was battling several wildfires. Because homeowners lived in critical habitat they were unable to obey California law and clear dry weeds and brush away from their homes. It was even illegal for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to set controlled fires so that they could reduce the amount of combustible materials. The result: 29 homes destroyed. Well, Mr. Speaker, yesterday we struck a blow to rats and scored a touchdown for the American people. The Combest-Condit amendment to H.R. 450 sets not only a moratorium to the Endangered Species Act, but is retroactive to November 20, 1994. This may not bring back the 29 homes in my district, but it will help the American people realize that this Congress thinks they are more important than rats, bugs, and weeds.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I take to the floor of the House today to praise a great legislator, a lifelong public servant, a combat veteran, and a personal friend. It may come as a surprise to those listening here in Washington, DC, but I am talking about one man--Senator Robert Presley of Riverside, CA. Senator Presley represented the 36th State senatorial district of the great State of California. He was first elected to the senate in 1974. To give an idea of the span of his career, I note that I have staff in my office who were just learning to walk then, a first-class stamp cost about 15 cents, and the State budget was at the incredible level of $20 billion. Having graduated from the FBI Academy, Senator Presley went on to a successful career in law enforcement. He maintained that interest in protecting and serving the public in the senate by concentrating on anticrime legislation, prison construction, and child-protective services. Though that is not all, Mr. Speaker. Bob authored major legislation on clean air, wildlife conservation, toxic-materials control, education reform, attorney discipline, parks and recreation, and domestic violence. Known as one of the hardest-working legislators, Senator Presley's committee service was comprehensive. He was chairman of the senate appropriations committee and the senate select committee on children and youth. He served on and was chairman of the senate natural resources and wildlife committee. He sat on the judiciary local government and agriculture and water resources committees. He also headed the joint committee on prison construction and operations. Not only did Bob work hard, he worked openly and fairly with all, regardless of party affiliation. He was, and is, interested in the improvement of California as his first, second and third priorities. Knowing that the wellspring of leadership is found in the local community, Bob is a member of the Riverside Lions, Elks and Moose lodges, American Legion, Air Force Association, and VFW. Mr. Speaker, people here in Washington will often be introduced as the member from the ``great State of California.'' Yet, who is it that makes California great? Who is it that makes our State that wonderful place in which we want to raise our families, grow our businesses, build our dreams. It is citizen leaders like Bob Presley who consistently listen and learn, and then lead our communities to reach their full potential. It is the personal friend who without regard to mere party, will gladly and fruitfully guide younger politicians and community leaders. It is the decorated combat veteran who returns victorious, only to dedicate himself to keeping the peace at home. It is the enlightened legislator who serves his fellow citizens for two decades in the senate. It is Senator Robert Presley, a true original who is worthy of the sincerest form of flattery--imitation. Fortunately, we will still enjoy the expertise and concern of Senator Presley. He is now affiliated with our wonderful University of California, Riverside. We all look forward to working with Bob in this next chapter of his public service. Thank you Bob for all you've done and the example you've set. All of your neighbors and fellow citizens owe you more than we can say.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, the once mighty party that helped found the Nation now embarrasses itself on station after station. This party of Jefferson, born of ideas, lofty and grand, have been reduced to whining about a book and a man. This party that helped through the Great Depression now fumes and fusses in session after session. This great party that brought us victory in wars today fights about a book which is not in the stores. While the American people look to us for inspiration, the party whines on and on about an imaginary publication. The party that for a long this Congress led now acts as if it has gone completely brain dead. It is sad, Mr. Speaker, but it is easy to see why this once great party is now in the minority.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, on December 14, 1994, Sheriff Cois Byrd officially retired as the sheriff of Riverside County, CA. His commitment to law enforcement and the professional manner in which he ran his department for 8 years after being elected Riverside's sheriff in November 1986 will be missed by all of us who have had the opportunity to work with him--and by all law-abiding citizens of the county. During his tenure as our sheriff, Cois Byrd epitomized what it means to be a professional in the increasingly complex field of law enforcement. Since first being hired as a deputy sheriff in 1959--after returning to Riverside from 3 years with the Fleet Marines/Pacific-- Cois Byrd worked hard to keep up with the latest techniques in fighting crime. During his tenure as sheriff, his department grew from some 1,250 employees to more than 2,000 deputies and civilians operating out of more than 25 offices, stations, and detention facilities. By working cooperatively with the county's board of supervisors, Sheriff Byrd was able to develop a population-driven growth formula for patrol operations. This formula has helped increase the sheriff's staff/ population ratio so that the department can keep up with the growing demands for law enforcement in an increasingly urban environment. Cois Byrd has also made his mark in law enforcement at the State level. He was an active member of the California Sheriff's Association, serving as a member of the executive training committee chairman and as a member of the advisory committee for the California Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training. Locally, the sheriff was instrumental in guiding county policy for the development of the Southwest Justice Center, including a jail and sheriff's station. In September 1989, Sheriff Byrd officially opened the Robert Presley Detention Center, which was the first major correctional facility constructed in the county in 50 years. The project came in on time and under budget, demonstrating the tight- fisted budgeting and fiscal conservatism that Cois Byrd always practiced as our sheriff. But, perhaps more important than his expertise at working with the board of supervisors, State law enforcement organizations, and other community groups, or even his superb management skills, what made Cois Byrd such an outstanding sheriff was his ability to motivate his deputies and other department staff. In spite of the rapid growth of the sheriff's department, Cois always made it a practice to personally meet each graduating class of deputies from every training academy-- and, he maintained a good, close working relationship with the civilian employees. While building one of the largest and most respected sheriff's departments in the Nation, Cois also found time to participate in numerous civic activities, including serving faithfully as a volunteer for the Boy Scouts and sponsoring an explorer program. While we will miss Cois as our sheriff, we are delighted that he will continue to provide his law enforcement expertise at the Crime Control Technology Center at the University of California, Riverside, school of engineering. And, we are especially grateful that he and his wife, Evelyn, will remain in our community. It is a great pleasure for me, on behalf of the citizens of California's 43d Congressional District, to congratulate and thank Sheriff Cois Byrd for many years of dedicated service to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and to wish Cois and Evelyn continued good health and happiness, and much success in their new endeavors.