John Doolittle

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Chairman, today we are about to further our independence on foreign sources of energy. I fully support that effort and urge my colleagues to do so as well. However, one item of particular concern to me is the contamination of groundwater by MTBE--a fuel additive that has been fully supported and promoted by this Congress and our Federal Government. It is interesting to note that MTBE was first approved for use as a fuel additive by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, in 1979. In 1988, the EPA approved the use of MTBE once again and significantly increased the amount of it that could be used in fuel. In 1990, Congress passed amendments to the Clean Air Act which mandated a fuel oxygenate. In its regulations implementing those amendments, the EPA once again approved MTBE for use as an additive in gasoline. These three instances show direct promotion by the Congress and the Federal Government of the use of MTBE. It is important to point out that these actions, including the amendments to the Clean Air Act, were vigorously supported by both parties in Congress and many national environmental organizations which hailed MTBE as a great victory for clean air. While it's true that MTBE is a great product for cleaner air, it unfortunately contaminates the water. In fact, my constituents in South Lake Tahoe have personal experience with this problem because in 1996 they discovered that their water supply had been contaminated by MTBE. Consequently, 18 out of 34 wells in South Lake Tahoe were shut down or suffered limited pumping to contain the contamination. As a result, my constituents lost 3.4 million gallons of water a day. Because I believe strongly that the Federal Government is responsible for MTBE contamination, I fought for and succeeded in getting the Federal Government to participate in the cleanup of MTBE from South Lake Tahoe water by authorizing and appropriating $1 million in the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2000, P.L. 105-506. That appropriation was just a drop in the bucket, however, as the total estimated cleanup of MTBE in South Lake Tahoe is just over $69 million. These funds will be used for a combination of treating contaminated sources and drilling new wells to replace the bad ones. The City of Santa Monica, CA, has also experienced the impacts of fowled water quality resulting from MTBE and recently settled its lawsuit for just over $325 million. Mr. Speaker, these are just two of many examples of the serious problems caused by the use of MTBE. In fact, to date, the legal fees, costs, and settlement for MTBE litigation in California is over $750 million alone. Furthermore, the water industry estimates that full cleanup of MTBE contamination across the country will be over $29 billion. Mr. Chairman, MTBE contamination is a serious problem in California, and it is time for the Federal Government to admit that its overt promotion of MTBE is a major reason why we now find this additive in the water supplies of our communities. For this reason, I am an ardent supporter of expanding the Leaking Underground Storage Tank, LUST, fund and am happy that Chairman Barton has agreed to increase the fund's expenditures to over $2 billion over 5 years. The expanded LUST fund will give local communities the necessary resources to identify cleanup needs and proceed with actual cleanup efforts. But more must be done in order to further protect communities like South Lake Tahoe. Representative Charlie Bass has offered a proposal that would create a task force to seek a resolution to the MTBE cleanup issues in both New Hampshire and California. I think this proposal is an important first step, and I encourage the House leadership to take a serious look at Representative Bass's proposal and work towards a more comprehensive solution for MTBE contamination in our communities. In the end, Mr. Chairman, the Federal Government helped cause this problem and the Federal Government needs to help resolve it. The solution is not more litigation and lawsuits, but recognition that the Federal Government pushed MTBE on our communities, and now our communities need our help.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 98-99 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor an outstanding citizen and dear friend, Mr. John Albert ``Al'' Wickland, Jr. from Carmichael, CA, who died on Thursday, January 20, 2005. He was 84 years old. Al was raised in Orland, CA. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied electrical engineering. When World War II began, Al left the University and began his lifelong dedication to his country and the communities he called home. Al entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and served honorably as a B-26 instructor during the war. On February 4, 1942, while on leave from his duties serving our country, Al wed Mary Elizabeth Linton in Carson City, NV. They were happily married for 58 years until Mary's death in 2000. After the war, Al returned with Mary to Orland where they raised four children. In 1954, Al started Wickland Oil Company and a life-long career in oil distribution and marketing. Wickland Oil quickly opened a chain of gasoline and convenience stores called Regal Stations, which operated throughout California, Oregon, and Nevada. By adopting innovative strategies such as offering low-cost self-serve gasoline, Al demonstrated a unique ability to understand and cater to the needs of his consumers. With Al's leadership and vision, Wickland Oil and Regal Stations quickly grew into a regional powerhouse. By 1980, Wickland Oil's commodities trading and oil storage business was a major operator on the international stage. Again displaying great vision, Al directed Wickland Oil into the Chinese market, making it one of the very first American firms to open trade relations with China. Under Al's leadership, Wickland Oil impressively built storage and distribution facilities in California, China, Australia, Singapore, Russia, and the Caribbean. Al was especially grateful for the contributions his two sons, John and Roy, as well as his son-in-law, Dan Hall, made to Wickland Oil. He took great pleasure in working with them on a day-to-day basis. In addition to building a world-renowned company, Al served his community. He was a charter member and co-founder of the Orland Rotary Club, a Trustee of the YMCA, a member of the advisory board of California State University at Chico, and the co-founder of the California Independent Oil Marketers Association. Upon moving to Sacramento in 1972, Al joined the Fremont Presbyterian Church, Sacramento Rotary, the Sutter Club, and Del Paso Country Club. In addition to participating in these activities, Al especially loved spending time with his family and friends piloting his boat, the Regal Lady, along the North American coastline and elsewhere. While Al enjoyed great success in his business and community endeavors, his passion remained his family. Al is survived by his wife of 3 years Beatrice Rogers Wickland and his four children: John A. Wickland III, Valerie E. Wickland, Roy L. Wickland and his wife, Janet E. Wickland, Laurel Wickland Hall and her husband, Daniel E. Hall. Al also had a great affection for his 11 grandchildren: Joshua D. Wickland, John A. Wickland IV, Stacia C. Wickland, Scott Lusk, Tracy Frost Lusk Scollan, Jessica Wickland Oehmen, Allison C. Wickland, Matthew J. Wickland, John L. Hall, Danielle E. Hall, and Joseph D. Hall. Mr. Speaker, today I join with Al Wickland's family, friends, and community to commemorate his life of hard work, service to country and community, and dedication to his family. May he rest in peace.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues from California Mr. Berman, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Cox, Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Dreier, Mr. Farr, Mr. Gallegly, Mr. Herger, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Issa, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Lungren, Mr. McKeon, Mr. George Miller, Mr. Nunes, Mr. Pombo, Mr. Radanovich, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Thompson, and Ms. Woolsey to pay tribute to Presiding Justice Robert K. Puglia, judge, scholar, wordsmith, teacher, patriot, and family man. Born in 1929, and raised in Westerville, Ohio, Robert K. Puglia came to California after high school to earn money for college. Returning to his Buckeye roots, he graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in political science, then fought in Korea and was a first sergeant in the Third Infantry Division. Following the war, he graduated from the University of California Boalt Hall School of Law in 1958. He married Ingrid in 1959. They have four children--Peter, Susan, David, and Tom--and three grandchildren. Justice Puglia began his legal career as a Deputy Attorney General in Sacramento, then moved to the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office where he prosecuted the most serious cases. At age 34, he was named Chief Deputy District Attorney. In 1969, he became a partner in McDonough, Holland, Schwartz, Allen & Wahrhaftig. He was a Professor of Law at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and frequently taught at legal seminars. He also taught at California State University, Sacramento. Governor Ronald Reagan appointed him Judge of the Superior Court, County of Sacramento, in August 1971; Associate Justice of the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, in June 1974; and Presiding Justice in December 1974. Justice Puglia distinguished himself, in California and in the Nation, both as a prosecutor and a jurist, during his more than 40 years in the law. Known for his keen intellect and clear reasoning, colleagues and litigants alike remember his sharp memory, gregarious personality, thorough consideration of issues, and effective leadership. His stewardship of the court was exemplary, marked by a respect for his colleagues and a concern for the independence of the judiciary. His administrative touch was light but firm and done with a sense of humor. After becoming a judge, Justice Puglia served on the Judicial Council, the State courts' governing council. He served as president of the California Judges Association and the National Council of Chief Judges of Courts of Appeal. Admired and respected by appellate judges everywhere in America, he often served as a member of the faculty of the Appellate Courts Institute, conducted annually by the California Center for Judicial Education and Research, and the Appellate Judges Seminar, conducted annually by the Institute of Judicial Administration, New York University School of Law. Justice Puglia's opinions are marked by scholarship, common sense, clarity and eloquence, reflecting his philosophy of judicial restraint and his understanding of the proper role of the courts in a democratic society. He authored more than 4,000 opinions, of which 446 were published, including one opinion he wrote as Chief Justice pro tem of the California Supreme Court. A dynamic, innovative, collegial and respected leader and mentor, he retired from the Court of Appeal in November 1998. The Court of Appeal's library was dedicated and named in his honor in April 1999. Justice Puglia was chosen as the recipient of Boalt Hall's Judge D. Lowell Jensen Public Service Award in 2003. The Jensen Award is given each year to a prominent Boalt Hall graduate for his or her outstanding commitment to public service in the legal field. Judge Jensen personally presented the award at a special luncheon in Sacramento. Justice Puglia has the uncanny ability to become a quick-study expert in anything that catches his interest. Of his many hobbies, two merit mention: music and sports. Justice Puglia loves the big bands of World Ward II. He maintains a large collection of their music: Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, and Harry James. He appreciates the vocal talents of Jo Stafford, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mercer (as much as a songwriter as a singer), Dick Haimes, and Nat ``King'' Cole. One of his favorite singers was a British singer from World War II named Vera Lynn. She sang to British troops and was their hero. Justice Puglia loves sports, but especially baseball. He supports his alma mater, Ohio State. In an era of many great sports heroes, he was partial to Bob Feller in baseball, Otto Graham in football, and Jerry Lucas in basketball, for their admirable characteristics both on and off the field of play. Justice Puglia is undeviating in his commitment to ethics and civility, to playing by the rules, in sports and in life. For several years, Justice Puglia's ethics and civility have provided a beacon for young baseball and softball players in Northern California. The Sacramento River Cats, who play in the AAA Pacific Coast League, annually select the most outstanding high school baseball (boys) and softball (girls) players for Justice Robert K. Puglia Good Sportsmanship Awards. These awards are given before capacity crowds at Raley Field every August, as the baseball season wanes. Both Art Savage, president/CEO of the Sacramento River Cats, and Branch Rickey, president of the Pacific Coast League, have declared Justice Puglia is the perfect civic exemplar for Sacramento's, California's, and America's young people.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for the time. Mr. Speaker, while I, like our other colleagues, was really shocked to learn of this sad news, I think it was exactly a month ago today on the final day of the 108th Congress that Bob and I exchanged a warm greeting in the elevator, wished each other happy holidays and fully expected to see him back here with all the rest of us starting out today in the 109th Congress. I had the privilege of representing the adjoining region to Bob Matsui, who represented the City of Sacramento and certain surrounding areas. He and I got to know each other pretty well. We had some real contentious issues, one specific contentious issue that the Chamber is aware of dealing with water supply and flood control in our region, and we battled over that for a long time. Bob was a fearless advocate for his constituency, and it always impressed me as we went through this process of advocating our points of view and coming to the realization that we would be best served by trying to find some common ground and putting that into law. We got to know each other on a personal basis, and it was really a delightful experience. I think our constituents assumed we were bitter enemies, but that was not the case. The disagreements were never personal, and we actually became friends, and I always enjoyed seeing him. I knew he was a good family man. He cared a great deal about that, and from time to time we would sit back there in the back rows and visit with each other a little bit about that. He was very proud of his son Brian, first love Doris a great deal, and proud of his daughter-in- law and of his new granddaughter, relatively new, 16 months old I believe. Like the gentleman from California (Mr. Stark), I was opening that Christmas card myself, well, just last week in Rocklin. That was one of the ones I saw, big beautiful card and filled with pictures of his family, and he was a very committed man, a very effective representative. Sacramento has a lot today because of work that he did, a lot of fine accomplishments from improving the airport to light rail taking off, getting started with him, and developing and extending the lines and so forth, the massive amount of flood control work on the levies and so forth that is going on, a lot. He has left quite a legacy. I shall miss him and I am truly sorry that this has happened. It is a shocking event, and my prayers are with Doris and Brian and Amy, his daughter-in-law, and Anna, the granddaughter. I thank my colleagues for this opportunity to offer my thoughts.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to speak about Project IntelliCare, a groundbreaking innovation in health care delivery that will revolutionize the way health care providers manage patient care, in addition to imparting tremendous improvements in the quality of care available to Americans. As we all have undoubtedly read or witnessed in our districts, forecasts for the future of health care delivery are dire. Developments in medical technology have long been confined to procedural or pharmaceutical advances, while neglecting a most basic and essential component of medicine: patient information management. The information systems that maintain patient files and transmit care history are antiquated in many of our hospitals and clinics. In fact, many systems are still paper based. The result: a patient's complete medical history is difficult to transmit when necessary and may not be available to new health caretakers, leaving the physician with a limited understanding of prior illnesses, treatment, and complications. This, in turn, leads to unnecessary and redundant testing and treatment and greater health risks due to preventable errors. I would like to draw your attention to a May 3, 2004, New York Times op-ed by former Speaker Newt Gingrich and Congressman Patrick Kennedy. The writers correctly assert that information sharing may be one of the greatest issues facing health care provision today, expounding on escalating costs and medical mistakes attributed to an archaic information system. They urge for bipartisan support of ``moving American medicine into the 21st century'' by standardizing information systems with technology readily available today. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the innovation discussed as ``a matter of life and death'' has already arrived in the State of California. Project IntelliCare was first implemented by the Adventist Health System in 1999, over four years ago. The program is hailed by the Department of Health and Human Services as ahead of its time in Healthcare IT and is positioned to serve as a model for other systems throughout the country. Project IntelliCare employs cutting edge technology to provide seamless integration of a patient's whole medical history. Through this initiative, medical records are maintained electronically and securely, available only to the patient's health care provider. Project IntelliCare ensures that when a patient goes to visit a physician, regardless of when, where, or why, the patient will receive treatment that is current and relevant. No longer will those in need of medical help suffer from incomplete or inaccurate care. Project IntelliCare not only protects Americans from substandard health care, it promises more efficient and cost-effective delivery. Inflating health care costs and skyrocketing insurance premiums are highly salient issues today. Duplication or incorrect prescription of services places a large burden on insurance companies. Greater costs to insurance companies translate to higher premiums for employers that provide insurance, the selfemployed, and individuals who pay out of pocket for their health care. In addition, redundant or unnecessary care strains the capacity of health care providers. However, Project IntelliCare poses a mechanism to mitigate some of the factors that contribute to these higher costs. Project IntelliCare promises to modernize the way American health care is administered with tremendous benefits in quality of care, efficient, and cost-savings anticipated to accrue. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to speak on this important and exciting topic and urge my colleagues to support further funding for Project IntelliCare. By supporting this program, we work to collectively improve American health care standards and delivery.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. Con. Res. 135.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5122) to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to permit members of the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance to serve for 2 terms, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I offer this bill which would amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to permit members of the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance to serve two terms instead of one. The committee believes that amending the act to allow for the reappointment of members of the Board of Directors to a second term will improve the efficient operation of the Office of Compliance.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 135) authorizing the printing of a commemorative document in memory of the late President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this resolution which authorizes the printing of a commemorative document in memory of the late President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan. I will be offering an amendment that will require the document to be printed under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing, to be compiled by both bodies of Congress for the use of the full Congress.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of H.R. 5122.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to explain why I voted against S. 2634, the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which authorizes $82 million over three years for federally funded suicide intervention, prevention and treatment programs in public schools. I most certainly empathize with those who have lost a loved one as a result of suicide. Many of us have been affected by this particularly painful form of tragedy, whether directly or indirectly. We need to do whatever it takes to reduce the number of suicides occurring each year in our Nation, and help the suffering realize that taking their own life is never the right answer. However, ``whatever it takes'' does not mean we take the role of suicide prevention out of the hands of friends and family and local health care providers and into the hands of the poorly-suited federal bureaucracy. Those contemplating suicide do not need help from the government--they need help from those who know them by name. Mr. Speaker, no one can argue that this bill came before the House with anything other than good intention. Unfortunately, good intention doesn't always translate into good legislation. This bill costs taxpayers $82 million over 3 years and creates two new Federal programs and a new technical assistance center, with virtually no mechanism to measure effectiveness or actual benefit of new services. Don't our loved ones deserve better, more direct care than that? I think absolutely they do, and so do the experts: In a December 2001 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) entitled ``Suicide in Teenagers'' researchers concluded that ``Suicide awareness programs in schools . . . have not been shown to be effective either in reducing suicidal behavior or in increasing help seeking behavior.'' Additionally, Dr. David Shaffer, an expert in the field of suicide prevention states: ``My research at Columbia University, supported by grants from the Centers for Disease Control, suggests that case finding that involves giving lessons or lectures about suicide, either to encourage suicidal students to identify themselves or to teach other students or teachers how to identify the suicidal teacher is not effective and in some instances may even undermine protective attitudes about suicide.'' Mr. Speaker, I voted against this well-intentioned but misguided bill out of compassion for those contemplating suicide who deserve love, support and treatment. Those who know them best and want the very best for them are the ones living with them, not inside the beltway.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small federal program that is often overlooked as a way to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program, often referred to as JWOD, provides job opportunities to more than 38,000 Americans who have severe disabilities or who are blind. Under the JWOD Program, these Americans are able to secure jobs and job training necessary to receive good wages and benefits and gain greater independence, self-esteem, and quality of life. These individuals enjoy full participation in their community and are able to market the skills they have learned through their work with the JWOD Program into other public and private sector jobs. The JWOD Program empowers people with disabilities who traditionally face an unemployment rate of 70 percent and rely heavily on social support programs such as welfare and SSI. In my Fourth Congressional District of California and throughout the nation, PRIDE Industries, through its excellent federal-private sector partnership with NISH, is able to utilize the JWOD Program to create and sustain employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities. On behalf of the many people with disabilities who provide important services, I salute the important contributions of the JWOD Program and PRIDE Industries headquartered in Roseville, California, and hereby commend all persons who are committed to and work towards enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I want to compliment the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert). Putting this bill together has been very difficult and has taken a number of years. He and his staff and the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and his staff have done an outstanding job. I remember when CALFED was first unleashed, and it was I think in 1996, and it was done in an appropriations bill. So, really, this is the first proper authorization that we have actually had, and it has been a long time in coming. It has been mentioned that this bill brings balance between the ecological work that has been done, which has received almost all of the focus and all of the funding, and balance for water yield. Yield means water that is available in critically dry years, that is reliably available; and this bill emphasizes that and creates studies and commences processes that will produce what is needed to meet the growing needs of our State. This bill also subjects to accountability everything that is going on in CALFED. These projects have been going on for nearly 10 years; and yet there has been very little accountability. Now we will have the accountability that we need so that the Congress can assess what is working and what is not, and so that Congress can also assure that we are meeting all the objectives of CALFED, not just some. I also wish to draw attention to the limitation on the water use fees that are contained in the report accompanying this bill that provides that only direct beneficiaries of projects benefiting the Bay Delta region will be subject to the beneficiary pays provision. This means that upstream water users who participate in projects to improve the region are not subject to fees or taxes imposed on beneficiaries of the project. In addition, this legislation does not authorize the creation of a broad-based fee or tax for water users. Any fee or tax that is developed will be directly proportional to the benefit received from specific projects authorized by the program. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues and appreciate the cooperation we have had. I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano) for her work and her staff and commend everyone for finally being able to bring this great package together. Everyone who cares about water and the future in California should be supporting this bill.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to congratulate two wonderful people and long-time family friends from the Honorable Chris Cannon's district in Utah, Dick and JoAnn Losee, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary on the Fourth of July. Dick was born on Christmas Day in 1932 in Los Angeles, California. At the age of ten Dick and his family returned to their original hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah. It was there where young Dick developed a passion for music that became a prominent part of his life, actively participating in school bands and parades, and, after graduating from Jordan High School, accepting a job at Daynes Music Company in Provo, Utah. In Provo, Dick became involved with a band that performed in dance halls and private parties, leading him to the love of his life, JoAnn. Searching for the best dance band around for her junior prom at Provo High School, JoAnn was introduced to Dick. The momentous meeting marked the beginning of beautiful things to come. Like many young men of his generation, Dick was drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in the Korean war. Before heading overseas, Dick obtained an overnight pass and married his sweetheart shortly after midnight on the Fourth of July, 1954, at Fort Ord, California. Instead of being sent to Korea, Dick was stationed in Germany, where JoAnn joined him in March, 1955. In Germany, Dick was assigned to the 2nd Armored Tank division and assigned to be in charge of the Army Dance Band in Western Germany. In February, 1956, the happy couple returned to Provo, where Dick studied music and business at Brigham Young University, while JoAnn joined her mother in opening Bullock's Jewel Box that same year. On July 17, 1956, they were blessed with their first born, Richard. Six years later, on September 20, 1962, their beloved daughter Vanessa was born. Their children and grandchildren are a source of great pride and love for the couple. After a short time selling life insurance, Dick joined JoAnn and his mother-in-law in the jewelry business, starting Bullock and Losee Jewelers. After 30 successful years, the original business was sold in 1985. However, Alard and Losee jewelers was later established in Provo, Alard being Vanessa's married name. Dick and JoAnn have incorporated service into every aspect of their lives. Their dedication to their community is truly outstanding, actively participating in the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Freedom Festival, Scouting, the Miss Utah Pageant, Kiwanis Club, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Additionally, the Losees are deeply committed to Utah Valley State College (UVSC), where JoAnn received the first UVSC President's Medallion, in honor of her highly commendable activity in community and civic affairs. Mr. Speaker, Dick and JoAnn's dedication to each other, their family and community is admirable and inspiring. On the eve of their 50th Anniversary, I wish them nothing but the best in the years to come.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to honor an outstanding citizen and a great friend, Mr. Vance Van Tassell, of Granite Bay, California. Vance was born and raised in Illinois to the son of an auctioneer and pig farmer. Following in his father's footsteps, he also became an auctioneer at a young age. In fact, throughout his college career he worked as an insurance sales auctioneer and wildcat oil man. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois where he also earned a juris doctorate degree. In the early 1960s, Vance moved to Sacramento to take the California Bar Examination. Since founding the firm of Van Tassell, Fornasero & Wagstaffe in 1963, he has practiced law for over 40 years while maintaining a thriving auction practice as well. As a testament to both the quality of the man and his business, Vance's legal staff averages 18 years of service. One staff member has even been with the firm for 35 years. This loyalty and longevity is easy to understand as Vance has always been generous to a fault with his clients, colleagues, political causes, and many charitable organizations. Mr. Speaker, more important than his professional success is the fact that Vance is the proud father of five children: Denise, Jeff, Valerie, Victoria and Courtney. As a devoted Christian, Vance has worshipped at the Capital Christian Center for years, being of service as a volunteer and reaching out to many with the word of the Lord. Recently, the church named him Volunteer of the Year. However, due to his great humility, he was very reluctant to accept any type of acknowledgment for his many efforts. Vance owns his dream ranch in Point Arena, along California's North Coast, where he has a small herd of longhorn cows with a bull named after his idol, Patton. He loves nothing more than entertaining people there or at his Granite Bay home. All who know him find him to be humble, caring, and giving--in short, remarkable. Mr. Speaker, it is because of good, decent, hard-working citizens like Vance Van Tassell, that America remains a good, decent, hard- working country. Therefore, it is appropriate now to express thanks and appreciation to my good friend, Vance, for his lifetime of bettering the world around him. May our land always be blessed with more men like him.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor a loyal patriot, neighbor, and friend. Lieutenant Colonel Frank H. Simonds, Sr., USMC (Ret), of Oakton, Virginia. Following a lifetime of dedication and service to his family and our nation, LtCol Simonds passed away on March 31, 2004, at the age of 85. Frank was born October 1, 1918, in Sparta, Illinois. His parents, Thomas and Zuma Etta Simonds, owned and operated a grocery store while raising a family of six boys and two girls. Frank attended Sparta Township High School and, in 1941, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. In August of that same year, he joined the United States Marine Corps. While in service, he flew the SBD, SB2C, F4U, F7F-3N, and the F9F-8P. Stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II, he flew out of such places as Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Munda while serving with VMSBs-144/454. Mr. Speaker, Frank also served in the Korean War with VMF (N)'s-531/ 513. After the war, he flew VMCJ-3 in the late 1950's. He had over 5,000 flight hours and was the Commanding Officer of VMF (N)-513, VMCJ- 3, MCAS-4 and MWSG-27. For his remarkable service to the United States, he received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star, and Air Medal with four gold stars before he retired from the Marine Corps in December 1966. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Frank began a career with Control Data Corporation, where he worked from 1966 until his retirement in 1988. At the time of his retirement, he was the Eastern and Southeastern Regional Administration Manager and had enjoyed a 22- year career with the corporation. He is survived by his lovely wife, Bobbie; his son, Lt. Col. Frank H. Simonds, Jr., USMC; his daughter, Kelley Simonds Hardison; his grandchildren, Michael, Lindsey and Hayley Hardison; his brother, Robert J. Simonds; and his sister, Millicent Simonds Bates. Mr. Speaker, on a personal note, my family had the great opportunity of becoming acquainted with Frank and Bobbie when we moved to Oakton several years ago. More than just neighbors, they became very close friends. In fact, they even took on a role like unto family, and seemingly helped raise our son and daughter. For the blessing of having them come into our lives, we shall always be grateful. Today, I join with Frank H. Simonds, Sr.'s family, friends, and community to commemorate his life of hard work, good citizenship, and family commitment. As his friend and neighbor, I will miss him. Yet, I am confident that Frank today is happy where he is, waiting for the eventual return of his loved ones.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to express warm thanks, congratulations, and best wishes to Dr. Ronald L. Feist upon his retirement as the superintendent of the Eureka Union School District, in Placer County, CA. Ron has done an outstanding job and deserves the appreciation of students, parents, and the general public in the community he has served so well for 22 years. Ron grew up on a farm in Minnesota, where almost no one in his family had previously attended college and most only completed the eighth grade before turning to farming. However, following the example and encouragement of many fine teachers and coaches, Ron opted to set a new precedent for his family by accepting an academic scholarship and competing in basketball at the college level. In 1965, Ron earned a bachelor of arts degree in Chemistry/Physics from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Four years later, he completed a master of arts degree in the same field from Fisk University in Nashville, TN. Subsequently, he earned an Administrative Credential from California State University, Fullerton, in 1972 and a Doctorate of Education in Education Administration from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1978. Ron stayed the course by becoming a coach and science teacher himself, first in his native State, then in Glendora, CA, before accepting administrative duties at Pamona Unified School District and Napa Valley School District. Then in 1977, he came to South Placer County as the principal of Oakmont High School. In 1982, Ron launched his 22-year tenure as the superintendent of the Eureka Union School District. When he took over, the district had only two and a half schools, 1,100 students, and negative finances. Today, as a result of his leadership, it boasts nine highly acclaimed schools, 4,250 students, and a sound financial condition, despite the difficult challenges facing state and local governments in California. Moreover, student achievement, as measured in test scores and parent satisfaction, is very high. I think it is also remarkable to note that, while heading such a successful district, Ron continued to teach school finance and law part-time at the University of LaVerne from 1988 through 2001. Mr. Speaker, several prestigious honors have highlighted Dr. Feist's 38-year career as an educator. For example, he was the Napa County Teacher of the Year in 1974-75; in 1988, he was named the Placer County Distinguished School Administrator; in 1990-91, he was recognized as the Placer County Administrator of the Year; and in 2001-02, he was named Region 2 Superintendent of the Year. He also received the Napa Parent Teacher Association Distinguished Service Award in 1977 and the Oakmont Parents Club Outstanding Service Award in 1980. Ron functions as the vice president of the Nevada/Placer County School Insurance Board and on the Placer/Nevada County Special Education Executive Committee. Additionally, he represented ten counties in Northern California for two years on the State Superintendency Committee of the Association of California School Administrators. Mr. Speaker, beyond his role with the school district, Ron has been an invaluable member of the local community, having served on many boards and committees. He is the past president of the Granite Bay Chamber of Commerce, Roseville and Granite Bay Kiwanis Clubs, and Sierra Family Services, as well as past chairman of the Granite Bay Municipal Advisory Committee. However, despite all the acclaim he has received professionally and civiclly, Ron's greatest success has occurred in the home. He and his wife of 42 years, Diane, raised three children Troy, Amy, and Heidi. In retirement, Ron looks forward to spending more time with his family, especially his nine grandchildren--Alexa, Hunter, Bryce, Jordan, Brennan, Hannah, Whitney, Devin, and Baron. Ron will also have more time now to dedicate to his many interests, including golf, traveling, reading, cardio-training, and weight lifting. Nevertheless, it will be hard to keep him away from public education completely. He plans to do some consulting for school districts in the areas of finance and facilities. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the many people whom he has touched over the years, I thank Dr. Ron Feist for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor an outstanding citizen from the City of Auburn, California, Mr. Dunlap Robert ``Bob'' Robinson. Following a lifetime of dedication to family, country, and community, Bob Robinson passed away on March 8, 2004, following a series of strokes. He was 86 years old. Throughout his youth, Bob attended schools in his native Auburn. While at Placer High School, he served as student body president and captain of the basketball team. In fact, he led his team to the state championship by hitting the game winning shot at the buzzer. After graduating from high school, he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a law degree from U.C. Berkeley's Boalt Hall. Bob served admirably in the United States Navy during World War II. At the age of 27, he became the youngest naval officer to command a destroyer. He was assigned the post after surviving a kamikaze attack against the U.S.S. Caldwell. As a mark of his character and decency, he stood up to his shipmates who wanted to mistreat the charred body of the kamikaze pilot who had killed and wounded scores of Americans onboard. In fact, Bob afforded the enemy full naval burial honors for having discharged his own duties faithfully. Mr. Speaker, those who served with him recall his bravery and leadership. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for valor in combat and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with eight battle stars for his service. Bob was known for his courage away from battle as well. In 1943, he spoke to Placer High School students about the unfair treatment of Japanese Americans. Due to the popular sentiment at the time, this position was not very well received. He received hate mail from people in his own community. However, Bob always had a clear sense of justice. Perhaps it was this sense of justice and being the son and grandson of attorneys that instilled in Bob the desire to attend law school and follow in their footsteps. He returned to his home in Auburn where he embarked on a long legal career. He served as the Auburn City Attorney for 30 years. During this time, he was a consistent guiding hand in settling city affairs. Following his retirement from the city, he returned to the local law firm of Robinson, Lyon & Springford. Those who worked with him remember him for his honesty, intelligence, and exemplary work ethic. Outside of his profession, Bob was an avid hunter who enjoyed the time in the beautiful natural surroundings near his home. He also served on the board of his father's favorite charity, the Auburn Community Foundation for three decades. In this capacity, he helped to enhance the city he loved. Bob is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dulcie, daughters Linda Scott, Nina Cushing, Marty Overmiller, and Carolyn Basque; sons David Burns, and Kelly Robinson; 10 grandchildren, and seven great- grandchildren. Today, I join with Bob Robinson's family, friends, and community to commemorate his life of committed service, good citizenship, and uncommon decency. May he rest in peace.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor an outstanding citizen, Mr. Enzo ``Tony'' Musolino from Granite Bay, California, who passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2004, after a year-long bout with leukemia. He was 73 years old. Tony was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 15, 1930. The only child of Ernesto and Carmela Musolino, he moved to San Francisco with his family in 1940, marking the beginning of his life in Northern California. In 1952, Tony began a life-long career in the real estate profession. He was a real estate agent, builder, and mortgage broker working throughout the Bay Area, starting in San Francisco and expanding into the Santa Clara and San Jose areas. However, in January 1976, he moved his family to Granite Bay, then a rural community in the beautiful foothills of Placer County. As it turned out, his family was among the first of many people who have migrated from the Bay Area to the greater Sacramento region. Tony's vision for his new home helped transform the community into what it is today. Tony envisioned the development of custom homes on large lots surrounded by open natural spaces. His residential accomplishments included the development of Hidden Lakes Estates, Shelborne Estates, and the premier neighborhood of Los Lagos. He also succeeded in commercial development ventures in Washington State, the greater Sacramento area, and California's Great Central Valley. Nevertheless, he will likely be best remembered for his exclusive residential developments in Granite Bay. Mr. Speaker, Tony, who had been semi-retired for several years, turned the management of the family business over to his children to enjoy other aspects of life. He took pleasure in several hobbies, including golf and weight training. As the son of Italian immigrants, he relished his heritage, retaining fluency in the Italian language and passion for authentic Italian cuisine. He even found enjoyment in collecting Italian sports cars, including several Maseratis and a Ferrari. However, Tony's truest love remained his lovely wife, Barbara, with whom he enjoyed traveling to secondary homes in Kauai and Indian Wells. He is also survived by his daughter, Gina Goldberg; sons Robert and Michael; and seven grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, today, I join with Tony Musolino's family, friends, and community to commemorate his life of hard work, good citizenship, and family commitment. May he rest in peace.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to congratulate my friend, Romalo M. ``Cap'' Capovilla, as he celebrates his 80th birthday. His has been a lifetime of hard work and service. Cap was born in Dunsmuir, California, on January 4, 1924, to immigrant parents. After graduating from Dunsmuir High School in 1942, he joined the U.S. Army Air Force. He served honorably for three years, through the end of World War II. After his military service, Cap returned to Dunsmuir and worked as a railroad conductor for 27 years. He also owned and operated a cattle ranch for 20 years. Mr. Speaker, Cap has long been very involved in issues related to natural resources management and agriculture. He became a member of the Shasta River Water Association in 1981. He also belonged to the Siskiyou County Cattlemen's Association, the California Cattlemen's Association, and the California Farm Bureau. He used his expertise in these areas to benefit youth. In fact, he received recognition for meritorious service to 4-H and worked many years at the junior auction. In 1986, Cap was honored to be part of a 35-person delegation that delivered a 50-foot tall tree to Washington, DC, which became the first national Christmas tree from West of the Mississippi River. Cap has contributed greatly to life in rural Northern California both civically and politically. In 1978, he was first elected as a member of the Siskiyou County Republican Central Committee. Two years later, he was elected to the Loan Committee of the Farmers Home Administration. For 30 years, he has been a member of the fraternal service organization, Knights of Columbus, and has served as Post Grand Knight. Additionally, he was named Knight of the Year in 1978 and 1998. Cap is now enjoying retirement in Medford, Oregon, with his wife, Ruby. Mr. Speaker, I take great pleasure in commending Cap Capovilla for his outstanding service to our country as a member of the Armed Forces, a community leader, and a good family man. I am personally thankful for his support and friendship.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus). (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)