Jim Costa

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I ask that my colleagues accept the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In 2004, approximately 263 million Americans and people throughout the world visited our Nation's 388 national parks, memorials, and national monuments. This summer, we know, as we approach the Memorial Day weekend, that additional hundreds of millions of Americans and other visitors from throughout the world will continue to visit our national parks. Mr. Chairman, I think that when American families and those from throughout the world visit our wonderful treasures across the United States, that it would be nice if the souvenirs that they take home with them were actually made in our country. I believe that it is patriotic that our souvenirs that we bring home from our national treasures, in fact, be made by American workers. The amendment before us would require that all souvenir products sold in America's national park system prospectively be made in America. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to read into the Congressional Record a tribute to my close friend, Mr. Paul Quinn, delivered by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tom Foley, on March 16, 2005 at the 13th National Gala of the American Ireland Fund. They say that on St. Patrick's Day, the 33.7 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry swell to 80 million. As well they should! And on St. Patrick's Day, we here in Washington celebrate the great day as only Washington can--politically. The Taoiseach pays a call on the President. The Speaker hosts them both at lunch. And the American Ireland Fund holds this dinner, as important a celebration as any of the others, and honors those who have made contributions in advancing peace and reconciliation in Ireland. Like the other events, it has its political side, but with a difference. Here we sometimes honor those whom not everybody knows, although we here know them well. Tonight I have the honor to introduce a man whom few here can surpass in contributions to peace in Northern Ireland. And almost none of us could surpass him in avoiding praise. Because Paul Quinn keeps out of the limelight. He is one of the most effective advocates on the major policy issues of our times. He has been a tireless and effective friend of Ireland, but he leaves few tracks. What has he done for Ireland? Twenty years ago, Paul was the first nongovernment figure to invite Northern Irish political leaders to Washington--not to make speeches, because who can stop the Irish from speaking?! Paul hosted small, informal gatherings with officials, diplomats, legislators and interested Irish Americans to learn what was happening and to exchange views and hopes for an end to the violence we call the Troubles. Paul was the first to bring John Hume and major Unionist leaders to Washington. He became a tireless lobbyist for peace through dialogue and non-violence. I know, because as Speaker I was frequently the target of Paul Quinn conversations on a brighter future for Northern Ireland. If there is anyone in this city, from the White House on down, who can claim some small credit for the end of violence that now seems to prevail in the North, it is Paul. Here at home, of course, he was also a long time Director of the American Ireland Fund, and the national chairman of this gala for many years. There is no Irish American initiative for justice and reconciliation in this city to which Paul has not given both time and strenuous effort. Like everything about which he cares deeply, Paul has made his passion for Ireland a family affair. Besides being a behind- the-scenes advisor to the Clinton Administration, there is brother Tom's service as a U.S. Observer to the International Fund for Ireland, a frequent topic of Paul's friendly lobbying. Yet, there is always a dark side to every family. Paul and his brothers are Republican in the Irish sense, but there is also the fact, kept from elderly aunts and small children, that brother Gene is also Republican in the Washington sense. Tom believes this is what Paul's grandfather foresaw when he sometimes called the Quinn brothers--minus Paul--the ``unholy alliance.'' Besides looking after and reveling in his family-- especially his two granddaughters--Paul also doubles as a very effective but unregistered agent for the Irish Tourist Bureau. Many a Senator or Member has asked his advice on where to go and what to see in Ireland. That advice is rarely limited to political matters. Paul's single-minded determination to play every Irish golf course, his tireless promotion of University College Dublin--where he serves on the board of the Business School--and his limitless fund of stories recommend him as an all-purpose source of essential information. Everything I have mentioned about Paul is known to many in this room tonight, but few have the whole picture. That is because life long modesty has masked Paul's dedicated commitment of time and treasure, quiet leadership and persuasive powers to the cause of peace in Ireland. Paul inherited great gifts from his Irish family--education, persistent application and a tradition of giving back--but he alone has applied them so effectively and quietly to the cause that we all share and celebrate tonight, as we honor Paul Quinn as a true champion for Ireland and for peace.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 171, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday April 27, 2005 on rollcall vote No. 140 I was recorded as ``no'' I intended to vote ``yes.'' In addition, on Wednesday April 27, 2005 on rollcall vote No. 144 I was recorded as ``yes.'' I intended to vote ``no.''

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and wish well in retirement Mr. Gene A. Lundquist, of Bakersfield, California. Gene has greatly served his community through the various organizations with which he has been involved. Gene has recently retired from Calcot, Ltd., following 36 years of work within this corporation. In his most recent capacity, Gene was the Vice President of Calcot's Legislative and Public Affairs department He was also a member of Calcot's management committee, and took part in Board of Directors' activities. His career with Calcot began in 1969 and Gene made an impression on all of those who worked with him. He became well known by growers throughout California and Arizona, he represented Calcot at various functions, and he directed the grower relations program. Gene was always the liaison on which people could count. He guided the public affairs program, and assisted with farm legislation and legislators. While growing and expanding in his various duties at Calcot, Gene also joined other beneficial organizations. He is the director of the Kern County Water Agency, of which he has been a member for over 20 years. This agency is the second largest contractor of state project water, after the Metropolitan Water District in Los Angeles. The Agricultural Council of California, the National Cotton Council, and the Seed Saving and Pricing Committee of California Cotton Planting Seed Distributors are just a few of the other councils and committees on which Gene has served. Throughout his career Gene has been committed to providing information to the public on various important issues. He is, for example, currently the President of the Water Association of Kern County, a local water education organization. Although Gene has become well known and quite comfortable with the various agencies in California, he has also expanded his horizons. He participated in the California Agricultural Leadership Program and traveled to Africa and visited Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Egypt to observe the culture, economies and governments of those nations. His many experiences both here and abroad have combined to make Gene the all around great guy that he is. His family, wife Susan and son Nels, have graciously shared Gene with the community for many years. While I am sure that Gene will not completely retire from public service, I am sure he will be spending more time with his loved ones. For us, his retirement is bittersweet--although it is well deserved his efforts will be greatly missed. I congratulate Gene Lundquist, and wish his family all the best.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian Genocide is fully documented in the U.S. archives and through an overwhelming body of firsthand, governmental, and diplomatic evidence. The only party denying the Armenian Genocide is the Turkish government. As a young man, I remember learning about the Armenian genocide by listening to the experiences of the men and women who experienced it firsthand. Many of the survivors of this experience fled to the United States, and through time established communities throughout the country, including my district. California is home to the largest Armenian-American population in the United States. The California State Assembly designated April 24, 1997 as ``California Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915- 23, and for the Victims of the Sumgait Pogroms of 1988 and Baku Riots of 1990.'' Morally, it is wrong for the American people to be complicit in the Turkish government's effort to deny the suffering and death of over 1.5 million people. Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide sets a dangerous precedent that makes future genocides more likely. Adolf Hitler, while planning the Holocaust, silenced the potential reservations of his generals by asking: ``Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?'' As a Nation that values the freedom of speech and assembly, we must admit that this event occurred, and force Turkey to do likewise. Additionally, we must ask the EU to refuse Turkey's application to join the EU until Turkey accepts their role in the genocide against the Armenian people.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, Irise today to commemorate the 90th anniversary of one of history's most terrible tragedies, the Armenian Genocide. On April 24, 1915, 300 Armenian leaders, intellectuals and professionals were rounded up in Constantinople, deported and killed, under orders from the Young Turk government. This was the beginning of a campaign of terror resulting in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians and the deportation of more than 500,000. The government of the Ottoman Empire justified this policy by claiming it was necessary to suppress revolts being launched by Armenians as a consequence of the ongoing military operations of World War I. This assertion was patently denied by survivors and witnesses. United States Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Henry Morganthau reported at that time, ``Deportation of and excesses against peaceful Armenians is increasing and from harrowing reports of eyewitnesses it appears that a campaign of race extermination is in progress under a pretext of reprisal against rebellion.'' Not content with perpetrating this atrocity, the Young Turks denied the genocide had taken place. Generations have since been raised denying this tragedy. Such denials are refuted by the archival documents and first-hand accounts found in such recent scholarly works as Peter Balakian's The Burning Tigris and Samantha Power's A Problem From Hell. Director Atom Egoyan presented the horror of the siege of Van in his film Ararat, which was based, in part, on the memoirs of Clarence Ussher, an American physician and missionary working in Turkey at the time. To those who suggest that this ruthless genocide of a people and culture did not happen, I ask, what further testimony could the world possibly want? Mr. Speaker, for myself and my constituents, I rise today to urge those who deny this genocide to accept it as fact. Only then can we move forward and stop these atrocities from repeating themselves over and over again.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for raising this point of order. When the current majority took over the control of the Congress, one of their first actions was to pass the Unfunded Mandated Reform Act; and as a State legislator, I applauded their efforts because it was appropriate and fitting. The bipartisan legislation provided a funding cap that Congress could impose on States and local governments. Mr. Speaker, here, today, I believe that we are breaking that commitment to our local governments and to communities if we pass this energy bill without moving to strike the legislation to MTBE. Unless we impose a spending cap, we are imposing too great of a financial burden on local government that is already hard pressed throughout our country. There is no doubt that the MTBEs pose a significant environmental health threat to our communities. If released into the water table, a small portion of MTBEs can ruin a community's supply of drinking water. In addition, exposure to this has resulted, as we know, in a number of cases of cancer, birth defects, and other illnesses. Mr. Speaker, it is also evident that the legislation, I believe, is a direct violation of the Unfunded Mandated Reform Act. The MTBE provisions presented in the energy bill would restrict the existing rights of States and communities to seek compensation under the law. The same provisions would impose larger financial costs of the cleanup of those communities throughout our country; and notwithstanding the argument of a Member of $50 million, that is but the tip of the iceberg. Approximately half the Members of our House have served in our State legislatures. I was a past president of the National Conference of State Legislatures. I will enter into the Record at the end of my statement their opinion, in fact, that this is a violation of the Unfunded Mandates Act that they, too, supported in the mid-1990s when the majority enacted this very important piece of legislation. For my own district, the 20th district in California, we believe the costs could exceed $150 million because of the large number of sites that we have. This bill eliminates my district's ability to hold producers liable for the problem and help them assist in cleaning up. On top of this, I believe that this does little to deal with the threats. I urge that we support the point of order of the gentleman from Massachusetts. National Conference of State Legislatures, Re H.R. 6--Unfunded Mandates April 20, 2005. Hon. Joe Barton, Chairman, House Energy and Commerce Committee, Washington,

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, for the past 20 years, Saint Agnes Medical Center has been blessed by the presence of Sister Ruth Marie Nickerson. Since her arrival to Fresno in January of 1984, she has embraced her position as President and CEO of Saint Agnes Medical Center. Now, as Sister Ruth moves forward in her life-long commitment to help those people in most need, it is clear that she has left a lasting mark upon the Medical Center, as well as upon the entire Fresno community. During her tenure at Saint Agnes, employee size grew from 1,500 to its present size of 2,700. Several new wings and centers opened under her direction, including the California Eye Institute, the Cancer Center, the Heart and Vascular Center, and the medical center's East and North Wing expansions. In addition to these projects, Sister Ruth was also influential in the expansion of the Holy Cross Center for Women. At the women's center, she oversaw the establishment of the Gathering Place, a safe spot where children now learn and play; MaryHaven, an educational facility designed to teach women important life skills; and Naomi's House, an overnight respite for women. Beyond her position at the medical center, Sister Ruth Marie Nickerson serves on the board of many organizations, including the Fresno Business Council, Fresno Compact, Poverello House, and The California Endowment (TCE). She was also a past board chair of the Catholic Health Association of the USA, the Alliance of Catholic Health Care, and the Hospital Council of Northern & Central California. Currently, Sister Ruth serves as chair of the Regional Advisory Council of the Central Valley Health Policy Institute. While these numerous projects and board positions are impressive and speak volumes of her commitment to providing quality health care to the people of the Central Valley, what is most notable about Sister Ruth Marie Nickerson is the warmth and compassion with which she conducts her daily activities. She possesses the distinct ability to bring people together to work for the good of the community, and she accomplishes such with both a kind heart and revered sense of humor.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and wish well in retirement Ms. Ellen Gibson of Fresno, California. Ellen has diligently served her community for over 30 years. Ms. Gibson began her public service career in 1972 with Congressman Bernie Sisk. Through the years Ellen became an instrumental team member in the district offices of two other Congressional Representatives. She joined the staff of Congressman Tony Coelho in 1979 and, my predecessor, Congressman Cal Dooley in 1991. Ellen began as a District Aide to Congressmen Sisk where she generated press releases, performed general office duties and handled constituent casework. After her time there she joined Congressman Coelho as an Office Director. In this capacity Ellen managed the Fresno district office, trained new staff people, and was responsible for federal casework. Finally, Ellen became Congressman Dooley's Senior Casework Manager. While her responsibilities were many, Ellen was devoted to, and excellent at, one of the most important aspect of a district office-- casework. To this day her coworkers laud Ellen's assiduous efforts to help the people of the San Joaquin Valley. This type of work is one of the most demanding tasks a Congressional staff member faces, and Ellen not only embraced, but also effectively managed this large responsibility. Ellen's work positively impacted the lives of the many people she touched. Whether she helped somebody attain their citizenship, or their social security benefits, Ellen met each and every case with renewed energy and desire to help. Ellen has set the standard for individuals who follow in her footsteps, and her shoes will be difficult to fill. Her retirement is bittersweet. While we will miss her greatly, this time is much deserved.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate University of California San Francisco Fresno Medical Education Program on this ceremonious occasion of the opening of the Medical Education and Research Center. As UCSF School of Medicine celebrates it 30th anniversary in the Valley, the program deserves congratulations for providing much needed medical services to our area. With 175 medical residents trained each year in the program, over 50 percent of these residents remain in the Greater San Joaquin Valley to set up their practices. The Medical Education Program offers a unique community development experience. Medical students can train with some of the best and brightest doctors, at the same time deliver services to community members that may not have been previously accessible. This Center is a product of a bipartisan effort to provide medical resources to a program that offers unsurpassed benefits to the community. As one of nine Central Valley members of the California State Legislature who sought funding for the Medical Education and Research Center, it is certainly uplifting to see this project come to fruition. By constructing a new Center, UCSF-Fresno will no longer be forced to make do with facilities that are functionally obsolete or geographically separated over a wide area. The new Medical Education and Research Center will serve as the operating location for the Medical Education Program and house both the administrative and educational components of this program. The facility will allow the Medical Education Program to expand and fill its role as a leader in health and education in the 21st Century. Just as important, this facility is yet another critical addition to the Community Regional Medical Center campus in downtown Fresno, a long time vision for this community and now a reality. In this building, students of medicine will have the opportunity to learn the intricacies of medicine and its impact on the broader community. Simultaneously, the center will provide individuals the insight to the various health issues challenging the residents of this region. This facility has been years in the making, and the entire community will reap the rewards of the newest addition to UCSF-Fresno.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Dr. Vincent Leeroy Bloom of Fresno, California. He is survived by his wife, Melanie, son, David and daughter, Rebecca. Dr. Bloom, retired chair of the Communication Department at California State University, Fresno, is remembered by all as a dedicated scholar, a loving husband, a passionate teacher, and a strong community member. Students, faculty, colleagues, family and friends not only mourn his passing, but also celebrate his life. Born in Cambridge, Minnesota, Vince received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He continued his education at Colorado State College and received his Master of Arts Degree in Speech Communication in 1967. Ever the dedicated student, Vince attained his Ph.D. in Communication from Ohio University in 1970. Fresnans were soon to enjoy the intellectual stimulation of the Doctors Bloom when Vince and his wife Melanie moved to California and joined the Communication Department at California State University, Fresno. While at CSU Fresno, Dr. Bloom managed to touch the lives of many. He served as department chair for three years, developed a course for shy students, and served as chair of the Academic Senate Standards and Grading Committee. Vince was also chair of the Athletic Advisory Council. In this capacity, Dr. Bloom was instrumental in forming the committees on campus that upheld athletic academic standards. Dr. Bloom's efforts, however, did not solely focus on Fresno State. Vince served as chair of the National Communication Association Commission on Communication Apprehension and Avoidance; whose newsletter he edited. He was also active in the Western States Communication Association. While he effectively negotiated the scholastic sphere of his life, Vince also ventured outside of academia. He was a member of Northwest Church, where he served on its Deacon Board. In his efforts to motivate youth he sponsored the College Age Group at his church and taught Sunday school. It goes without saying that Dr. Vince Bloom was an integral part of the community. His journey through life was guided by his level of commitment to others--a level matched by very few. Although he has passed on, his memory will forever have an impact on the lives of the people who knew him.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a personal friend and close confidante of mine and many of my colleagues. Sadly, on Friday, February 25, 2005 Wing Fat passed away in Sacramento, where he made his home for over half a century. Wing Fat was born in Canton, China in 1925. He joined his father in America when he was ten years old. In his youth, Mr. Fat attended California State University of Sacramento and served in the United States Air Force. In 1939, Mr. Fat's father, Frank Fat, opened up his restaurant at 806 L St. in Sacramento. Mr. Fat worked his way up from dishwasher and floor scrubber eventually taking over as restaurant owner and main host, when his father passed away in 1997. Mr. Fat will be remembered as one of the most well-liked and well- respected members of the Sacramento community. Over the years, the Fat family garnered a large following among Sacramento politicians for their impeccable hospitality and strict discretion. For decades, national and state leaders from both political parties pursued good public policy and practiced the art of politics, all while enjoying the wonderful establishment that Wing and his family made famous throughout California. As such, the family restaurant became a nexus of power as witness to many high-powered negotiations. In his own way, Wing Fat made a difference in improving the lives of Californians, and on a personal note, I counted Wing among my dear friends. However, Mr. Fat's legacy will also thrive by his involvement in various civic and cultural organizations. In particular, a $1 million donation to the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation from Mr. Fat and his wife, Chee, last November made possible the start of construction of the Laguna West complex, scheduled to begin this month. This summer, a group of young basketball players will travel to Japan as part of the Foundation's cultural exchange program--a testament to the power and commitment of civic leaders, like Mr. Fat. My prayers and condolences are with the entire Fat family, who will continue to be a source of inspiration and leadership in the Sacramento community. My fellow colleagues please join me in honoring the memory of Mr. Wing Fat, a true friend to generations of California politicians.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congresswoman from Florida for her vision and for her leadership and ensuring that the people of America understand what is at stake today in the President's proposal to cut funding for Amtrak, which I believe, Mr. Speaker and Members, is unfair and lacking in vision. I would like to confine my comments to focusing not only on the impact nationally as it relates to a true intermodal transportation system, but also that in the 21st Century, if we in fact are going to provide the services necessary to move goods and services and people throughout our great country, we have to have a true intermodal 21st- century system of transportation, one that allows connectivity of our cities, of our States, to ensure that we handle the growth necessary to continue to improve the economy. And that is why the President's proposal in his budget is unfair and it is lacking in vision. We saw on 9/11 the impact when our air service across the country was virtually grounded, and how dependent we are upon our daily rail service as it relates to not just intercity travel but our commuter service as well, in which Amtrak provides a tremendous amount of service in terms of our cities for commuter purposes. And what we saw was a greater reliance in which the northeast corridor exceeded the amount of passenger daily usage of our air transportation for months and months and months as we attempted to reconstruct our service. Mr. Speaker and Members, let me give you the California perspective. Amtrak operates an average of 70 inner-city trains in California alone, over 200 commuter trains per day in California. In 2004, Amtrak serviced over 9.3 million people in California, providing service in 70 California cities. It employs over 3,589 California residents. On top of that, when you look at the top five busiest corridors in Amtrak across the country, three of them, three of them are in California. Number two, the Pacific Surfliner provides service for over 2.3 million riders in California and it increases annually, 7.6 percent last year over 2003. The number third busiest corridor in the Nation is the capital corridor, from San Jose to Sacramento to Auburn. It provided over 1.1 million riders last year for over a 2.3 percent increase over 2003. And number five, the San Joaquin services, which I have been involved with for many years from Bakersfield, Oakland, Sacramento provides service to over 700,000 riders annually. And when you take into account the cutbacks in regional airline service for mid-sized and smaller communities, in many cases this is the only public transportation service people have on a regional basis. When you add to the commuter trains that operate in California that combined carry over 66,000 commuter ridership daily in the Bay Area and Los Angeles and San Diego and Oceanside areas, you understand how important it is to California. As a matter of fact, California has the second highest ridership in the Nation, second only to New York. In addition to that, our State provides, and I have been involved as was mentioned earlier, when I have served in the State Legislature over $70 million a year to enhance the existing Amtrak service. California does more than any State in the Union to provide additional funds to improve our inner-city and commuter service. When you look at it over the last 15 years, California has provided $1.5 billion to improve and upgrade our services. Amtrak in return during that same 15-year period has provided over $400 million to upgrade and to improve our services. The bottom line is we estimate in California alone in the next 20 years that we are going to have a 300 percent growth in our inner-city service and commuter service in California to sustain the population growth that is estimated to be another 15 to 17 million people. And we are going to depend mightily on an intermodal transportation system that combines the best of our air service along with our rail service, along with our roads. And therefore it is fitting and appropriate this afternoon that we have this discussion, and I want to again thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown) for setting this time aside. We all know, if we study our Nation's history, that every mode of transportation going back to the 18th century has been subsidized in one form or another. The canal system that first began to connect our States, the Erie Canal and the other canals, was what? The Federal Government helped finance that for the purpose of promoting interstate trade and commerce, and we continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The great emancipator, President Lincoln, in the middle of the perhaps most difficult time in America's history, the great Civil War, when inflation was running rampant and deficits were huge, decided to build the Transcontinental Railroad. In the 20th century, we have seen the expansion in our interstate freeway system that has been subsidized by Federal, State and local revenues. Every port and harbor in America today has some form of local, State or Federal funding. All modes of our transportation historically for three centuries have had a subsidization to what? Promote trade, commerce and move our people around. So, therefore, when we take that in light of our history and where we are today and where we want to be in the 21st century, it is absolutely essential that we be promoting and expanding our intercity rail service throughout the Nation to ensure that, in the 21st Century, Americans have the proper type of intermodal transportation system that is reflective of the world's number one economy. For all of those reasons, Mr. Speaker, I urge the Congress to act appropriately and to ensure that we properly fund our Amtrak service throughout America today.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Don DeMers of Fresno, California. Mr. DeMers, Fresno County Transportation Authority Executive Director, recently lost his battle against cancer. Mr. DeMers had a long list of work experience in various places. Prior to becoming Administrator of the Fresno County Transportation Authority, Don was the Manager of Transportation Planning and Implementation in Anchorage, Alaska. He served as the Executive Director of the Bi-State Planning Agency in Minnesota, and as a stockbroker for Shearson Lehman in Minnesota. Don even spent time in Washington, DC, as a law clerk to a U.S. Attorney. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of University of North Dakota. Don holds a PhD in Political Science, and a Master's in Political Science/ Public Administration. After his education in North Dakota, he attended Georgetown Law School in Washington, DC and the New York Institute of Finance in New York. Mr. DeMers is survived by his wife, Deborah; sons Robert and wife Dawn, and Tony and wife Teena; daughters Barbarah and husband Michael Livorsi and Tressa and Crystal DeMers; his ``pride and joys,'' eight grandchildren, Nicholas, Alexas, Brogen, Tyler, Lauren, Destany, Kaitlyn and one on the way; and his brothers Jim, Denny and Mike. Don had a zest for life and a smile and sense of humor that made everybody laugh. He liked skiing, dancing, reading and biking, but most of all, golf with Deborah. All who knew and loved him will miss Don greatly.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and wish well in retirement Warren Weber of Sacramtnto, California. Mr. Weber served with the California Department of Transportation for over forty years, and eight as the Chief of Caltrans Division of Rail. Warren graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, and pursued his Master's Degree in Public Administration at California State University, Sacramento. He began his career in the Urban Planning Department, at the Division of Highways. He moved through the ranks at the California Department of Transportation and served as a Supervising Transportation System Analyst, Chief of Rail Planning and Corridor Studies, Assistant Director of Legislative and local government affairs, and finally Chief of the Division of Rail. Throughout the years Warren was responsible for various activities. Before he became chief of Caltrans Rail, he served for over five years as Caltrans' Assistant Director for Legislative and Local Government Affairs where he was responsible for development of Caltrans' State legislative program. As the chief of the California Department of Transportation's Division of Rail he is responsible for the program management, administration, and marketing of State-supported Amtrak service in California. To enhance his busy career, Warren also serves on various committees. He is a member of the Transportation Research Board Committee, Local and Regional Rail Freight Transport; Transportation Research Board Committee, Intercity Rail Passenger Systems; National Research Council Committee, Assessment of Federal High-Speed Ground Transportation R & D; and the Board of Directors for the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. In conjunction with being an active member of several Transportation Research Board committees, Warren has received the AASHTO's President's Modal Award for Rail Transportation and a special recognition award from the American Short Line Railroad Association. He also received the finalist award for State Employee of the Year from the California Film Commission. Ever the busy character, Warren has authored several papers on multi- modal transportation improvements for intercity corridors. His time and dedication to the development and implementation of rail programs are to be lauded. Warren has truly been an instrumental player in the transportation sector, and while his retirement will be celebrated, he will also be missed by his many colleagues.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and wish well in retirement Warren Weber, of Sacmento, CA. Mr. Weber served with the California Department of Transportation for over 40 years, and 8 as the Chief of Caltrans Division of Rail. Warren graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, and pursued his master's degree in Public Administration at California State University, Sacramento. He began his career in the Urban Planning Department, at th Division of Highways. He moved through the ranks at the California Department of Transportation and served as a Supervising Transportation System Analyst, Chief of Rail Planning and Corridor Studies, Assistant Director of Legislative and local government affairs, and finally Chief of the Division of Rail. Throughout the years Warren was responsible for various activities. He developed the State Rail Plan coordinating his efforts with various public and private organizations.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Ramona Snow, of Bakersfield, California. Ramona has been designated the Kern County ``Cattlewoman of the Year'' by Kern County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen Associations. Ramona was born into a family of nine siblings and attended schools in Bakersfield until her senior year in high school when she transferred to Ventura. Shortly thereafter the family returned to Bakersfield, Ramona married Robert Snow, and began her life as a cattlewoman. She became adept at pulling calves and doctoring ailing stock, as well as everyday ranch chores. Between raising her four children and ranch chores, Ramona found time to become active in 4-H as a sewing and cooking leader. In 1964 Ramona was asked to become a member of CowBelles, which led to a long and active career within what is now known as the Cattlewomen's Association. Upon joining, Ramona became highly involved and chaired many committees. Such committees included, ``Beef for Father's Day,'' and ``Beef for Mother's Day.'' Ramona served as Vice President in 1976 and was elected President the following year. She was elected as President again in 1991. Mrs. Snow has been an inventive member of CowBelles. She came up with the idea of a children's cookbook to be handed out at the Kern County Museum. Ramona was responsible for prize winning fair booths including the ``Best Dressed Table'' that promoted beef at the Kern County Fair for over 30 years. In the 1950s the CowBelles started awarding leather halters and now silver buckles to the winners of the Reserve Champion Steers at the Fair. Ramona designs these buckles each year so they are always different. While Ramona was Vice President she introduced the idea of a Beef Cook-Off and with the help of fellow members the Cook- Off was held in Kern County that year. Ramona's efforts have been exhaustive. Throughout her tenure as a member and officer of the Cattlewomen's Association she has been instrumental in nearly every aspect of the organization. This award is reflective of her dedication.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Fred David Lavers II, of Glennville, California. Mr. Lavers is being recognized by the Kern County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen Association as the ``Cattleman of the Year.'' Born in Bakersfield, Mr. Lavers has lived on the ranch at Glennville nearly his whole life. David attended North High School, upon graduation he continued his education at California State University, San Luis Obispo where he majored in Agricultural Business Management. After he received his degree, David pursued his dream to study law and attended California Pacific School of Law and graduated with his Juris Doctorate degree. While David pursued his goals away from home, he never forgot his family and the ranch. He came home every other weekend to work the ranch and once he graduated from Cal Poly he became employed by Tejon Ranch Feedlot. While at Tejon, David drove the water truck, ran the feed mill, cowboyed, and worked as a bookkeeper. Since then David has worked as a landscaper, a brakeman for Southern Pacific Railroad, and at various cattle ranches. Besides being a rancher, he currently works as a HIPAA and Corporate Compliance Consultant. Despite his active work schedule, David has a long history of community involvement. He has been President of the Poso Creek Cattleman's Association, a committee member of Ad Hoc Committee for the Kern County Board of Supervisors, a board member of the Linns Valley School District, Director California Cattleman's Association, Vice President of the Kern county Cattleman's Association, and is current Director for the Kern County Cattleman's Association. David not only dedicates himself to the community, and to his work, but he also puts his family first. He married his college sweetheart, Cynthia Sanchez in 1978 and their son Jack Justin was born in 1983. David and Cynthia's dream is that Jack can continue the long tradition of ranching from which David hails. Mr. Lavers has contributed to the community in many ways and this award is recognition of such contributions.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Dr. Walter L. Buster, of Prather, California. Dr. Buster is a recipient of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development ``Noted Alumni Award.'' Dr. Buster received his Bachelor of Arts in English from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, then went on to attain his Master of Arts from Chapman College in Orange, California. He then moved to Montana and attended University of Montana to receive his Doctorate in Curriculum Development. Walt moved back to California where he began his teaching career in Fullerton, then became Superintendent of Fairfax School District in 1984. In this position, Walt acted as the Chief Executive Officer for a K-8 district with 600 students in Marin County. He developed a plan for consolidation with the San Anselmo School District that was approved by the voters, and was responsible for cooperatively merging the Fairfax School District with the San Anselmo School District into the new Ross Valley School District. He continued on as Superintendent, helping other school districts succeed, and finally came to Clovis and joined our community as Superintendent of Clovis Unified School District. After seven years with Clovis Unified, Walt became the Director of the Central Valley Education Leadership Institute at California State University, Fresno. Walt's success has been great, and he has served on numerous committees and councils, such as the Fresno Compact Board of Directors, California State University, Fresno, Superintendents' Advisory Council, ACSA/CSLA Executive Leadership Planning Committee and Seminar Facilitator. As gratitude for his service, Dr. Buster received the Robert Alioto Award for Instructional Leadership from the California School Leadership Academy, and the Citizen of the Year Award from the Clovis Chamber of Commerce. Most recently he is being honored by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. Walt has given so much to his communities, and we are grateful for his leadership.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Dr. Pete Mehas, of Fresno California. Dr. Mehas has been Fresno County's Superintendent of Schools since 1990, and is being honored by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. Dr. Mehas was born and raised in Fresno, graduated from Fresno High in 1957, and earned his Bachelor's degree from California State University, Fresno. He continued his education at University of California, Los Angeles, where he received his Master's degree, and went on to University of Southern California, where he secured a Doctorate in Education. Pete has served the public for many years as an educational advocate. He was Secretary of Education to Governor George Deukmejian, and also a member of the California State Board of Education and Board of Governors for California Community Colleges. His efforts have not gone unnoticed--Dr. Mehas has been appointed by four presidents and three governors to major commissions, boards, and advisory committees committed to making education a priority throughout our Nation. He has appeared on national television's NBC's ``Today'' show and ABC's ``Good Morning America,'' and was the only educator invited to address the National Republican Convention in Houston, Texas in 1992. Dr. Mehas' accomplishment list is long and includes USC School of Education Distinguished Lecturer, CSU Fresno School of Social Science Distinguished Alumni Award, Honorary Life Member in the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, NAACP Presidents Award, Rose Ann Vuich Ethical Leadership Award, and most recently the Kremen School of Education and Human Development ``Noted Alumni Recipient'' for significant contributions in the field of education. His efforts have been exhaustive, and we are continually lucky that his family, wife Demi and daughters Alethea and Andreanna have been willing to share all that Dr. Mehas has to offer--he has made an amazing impact on our community.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Rutherford ``Bud'' Gaston, Sr., of Fresno, California. Bud has received many noted awards throughout the years and most recently he is a recipient of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development ``Noted Alumni Award''. Mr. Gaston was born in Georgia, but attended high school in Brakenridge, Pennsylvania where he graduated from Har Brack High School. Then Bud moved to Fresno, where he attended California State University, Fresno and received a Bachelor's degree in Education, and a Master's Degree in Education Administration. Bud joined Fresno Unified School District in 1953 as a teacher at Columbia School. After ten years, he became Principal of Tielman and Emerson Elementary School, and stayed with Fresno Unified until he retired in 1986. Beyond his scholastic achievements, Mr. Gaston has also served the country well. He gave the United States Army five years of service and moved up the ranks to become Second Lieutenant before he was honorably discharged. Bud has not only served his country, but also served his community through many affiliations. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fresno, a Foundation Board Member for Saint Agnes Medical Center, a member of Kiwanis Club of Fresno, and a member of NAACP Black Political Council. As a result of the tremendous efforts Bud has made within his community, he has been honored with many awards: The Black Educators' of Fresno Award, the Troy Award for Education, the Fresno Mall Dedication Plaque, Second Baptist Church Laymen's Award, Kids Day Award, Elementary Partnership Program Award, KSEE 24 Portraits of Success Award, and the Fresno District Fair Appreciate Award are just a few of such examples. Our community has truly been blessed by the contributions Bud has made, and we are thankful for his dedication.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to Don DeMers. Don passed away Tuesday, February 1st after a long and courageous battle against cancer. I wish to recognize his accomplishments for the residents of Fresno County, as well as commend him on a life well lived. In 1986, Don and I worked together to pass ``Measure C'' before the Fresno County voters. This groundbreaking legislation established Fresno County as one of the Nation's first ``self-help'' communities. The money collected through this measure allowed Fresno residents to build their own roads when our State Government could not. Through his expertise and management, Don invested the measure's proceeds to finance many severely needed rural and urban roads in Fresno County. As a result, residents and visitors to Fresno County today enjoy Route 41, SR 168 and SR 180, among others. These roads are vital to Fresno County's continued growth and expansion. Don's 18 years of service as Executive Director of Fresno County Transportation Authority realized the success we knew Measure C would bring to Fresno, and I do not believe that the height of this success could have been realized without him. Don possessed a great spirit, sense of humor, and a keen intellect. Knowing him, it was hard not to like him. He made me laugh, and the breadth of his interests was compelling. Of course, Don cannot claim sole responsibility for his accomplishments. The love and support of his beautiful and devoted wife, Deborah, enhanced and permitted his successes. Don is also survived by his two sons, three daughters, and eight (soon to be nine) grandchildren. Don was deeply devoted to his family, and this devotion was returned in kind. Mr. Speaker, I am blessed to have known Don DeMers, and I will remember him. Don, you will be greatly missed.