Elton Gallegly

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman emeritus. (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Graham).

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in standing in strong support of this joint resolution tonight. I rise in strong support of this resolution that condemns the terrorists who murdered our citizens in a planned act of war, extends our condolences to the families and friends of the victims in these attacks, commends the heroes who responded to the scenes of destruction, and supports the punishment of those directly responsible and their sponsors for these acts of war. This is, indeed, a national day of unity and mourning. It is important that we stand here today, as representatives of the people in the People's House, and show our enemies we will not be bowed, that we are strong in our resolve and that we will respond. The hijacked planes attacked New York City and Washington, D.C., but the devastation was wrought from coast to coast. I learned today that one of my neighbors in Ventura County, California, lost her brother-in-law, who was a pilot on one of the doomed aircraft. She is one of thousands of Americans across this great land who mourn today. We owe it to the victims, their families and to all Americans to stand strong and united in our resolve to live in freedom and peace, to promote the same throughout the world, and to punish those who have declared war on our soil and those who protect and encourage them. There will be justice.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my close friends Ed and Lynn Hogan: successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists who have seen and changed the world together and who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on August 13, 2001. Ed's and Lynn's accomplishments are numerous and far-reaching. In 1959, they opened Pleasant Travel Service in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Three years later, they moved their four children and the business to Southern California to better serve clients wishing to visit Hawaii. The company is now a limited liability corporation with more than 1,700 employees and revenues exceeding $400 million. Their four children--Brian and Christine, and twins Gary and Glenn--are all executives in the company. Ed is chairman and chief executive officer of Pleasant Holidays, L.L.C., and Lynn serves as vice chairperson. Lynn, a graphics artist who did picture cells for Disney's animated classic ``Peter Pan,'' oversees the development of major promotions, ad campaigns and brochures, and is actively involved with the decoration and renovation of the company's hotels. The company has expanded to serve Mexico, Tahiti, Japan and other destinations in the Orient, in addition to the ownership of several hotels in Hawaii. In 1987, Ed and Lynn formed the Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays Foundation to grant annual scholarships and awards to benefit Hawaiian residents. The non-profit Hogan Family Foundation, founded in 1998, is dedicated to promoting an understanding of the importance of travel and tourism ``by creating and operating educational, humanitarian, and civic-minded programs that encourage meaningful communication between persons of all cultures.'' With the formation of the Travel and Tourism Institute, the Ed and Lynn Hogan Program in Travel and Tourism is funded at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles to prepare college students for executive careers in the travel industry. Ed and Lynn volunteer for numerous other non-profit organizations focused on health care, child abuse and education, and sit on several boards, and have been honored frequently for their efforts. Not surprisingly, they also have been honored extensively by the tourism industry and the government and people of Hawaii. A few highlights: In 1993, Ed and Lynn were inducted into the American Society of Travel Agents' ``Hall of Fame,'' the travel industry's highest honor. In 1995, Ed served as a delegate to the first White House Conference on Travel and Tourism. Lynn has been named to Working Woman magazine's top 500 list of female executives in the United States for the past five years, number 53 in 1998 and number 34 this year. In their spare time, Ed and Lynn train and show their Arabian horses, play in travel industry and celebrity golf tournaments, and fawn over their two grandchildren, Michael and Shalyn. Mr. Speaker, Ed and Lynn Hogan are loving people who are dedicated to their profession, their community, their family and each other. I know my colleagues will join Janice and me in congratulating them on a lifetime of success together in each of those areas as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2001, a measure that will improve veterans' benefits, especially for our veterans who became ill as a result of their service in the Gulf War. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that the Veterans Benefits Act of 2001 contains many important provisions from H.R. 612--the Persian Gulf War Illness Compensation Act--which I introduced with my colleagues Congressmen Don Manzullo and Ronnie Shows. Since the end of the Gulf War, the Veterans Administration has denied nearly 80 percent of all sick Gulf War veterans' claims for compensation. In the view of many, including the National Gulf War Resource Center, the Veterans' Administration has employed too strict a standard for diagnosing Gulf War Illness. In response, the Veterans Benefits Act includes a critical two-year extension for Gulf War veterans to report and be compensated for Gulf War Illness. In addition, the bill includes a comprehensive list of symptoms that constitute Gulf War Illness. The measure also expands the definition of undiagnosed illness to include fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome as diseases that are compensatible, diseases often mistakenly attributed to Gulf War veterans. I want to personally thank Chairman Smith and the members of the Veterans' Affairs Committee in working with me and Congressmen Manzullo and Shows in getting this critical language included in this bill. When we move into conference, I hope that we continue to work to strengthen some of these provisions, including further extending the date of Gulf War veteran can be compensated for Gulf War related symptoms. As one of the original cosponsors of the 1991 resolution to authorize then-President Bush to use force in the Persian Gulf, I believe we must go the extra mile to take care of the men and women who went to war against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and are now suffering from these unexplained and devastating ailments. Many of those suffering from Gulf War Illness were Reservists and National Guardsmen uprooted from their families and jobs. They answered the call, and we have a duty to help them. I urge my colleagues to vote for this important measure.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise for the second time in two years to pay tribute to Alfred Rascon, who was recently confirmed as the 10th director of the Selective Service System. Alfred is a remarkable man. Born in Mexico, he moved to Oxnard, California, in my district, with his family when he was a small child. His family raised him there and instilled in him the values of honor, integrity, a love of his adopted land and a reverence for life and his fellow human beings. At age 17, he left Oxnard and joined the Army. He trained to be a medic and a paratrooper. On March 16, 1966, in the jungles of Vietnam, Alfred was severely and repeatedly wounded as he crawled from comrade to comrade to render aid, to protect his comrades and to retrieve weapons and ammunition needed in the firefight they were in. By the time Alfred was loaded into a helicopter, he was near death. A chaplain gave him last rites. He survived. Because of his efforts, so did his sergeant and at least one other in his platoon. But the Medal of Honor Alfred was due was lost in red tape, until two years ago, when the record was corrected. He returned to civilian life, became a naturalized citizen and rejoined the Army. After another tour of duty in Vietnam and achieving the rank of lieutenant, Alfred again became a civilian. But he continued to serve his country, with posts in the Department of Justice, where he served with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration and INTERPOL. Prior to his appointment as director of the Selective Service System, he served for five years as its Inspector General. He is married to the former Carol Lee Richardson. They have two children. Mr. Speaker, Alfred Rascon is a humble man who achieved greatness by quietly and unselfishly doing what he believed was right. He is the right man to head up the Selective Service System. I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Alfred on his selection and give him our full support in achieving the goals of his new position.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of our veterans, but in particular a group of them from World War II. These heroes survived the Bataan Death March only to be transported to Japan in the infamous Death Ships and were forced to work for private Japanese companies under the most horrendous conditions. Private employees of these companies repeatedly and systematically tortured and physically abused these American GI's. Not only did these corporations refuse to pay our former GI's their wages (as required by international law), they also withheld essential medical care and even the most minimal amounts of food. The brutality suffered by our POWs was truly staggering. During the Second World War, more than 11,000 died in the hands of their Japanese corporate employers, among the worst records of physical abuse of POWs in recorded history. After the War, approximately 16,000 returned--all battered and nearly starved, many permanently disabled, all changed forever. To serve U.S. policy, the U.S. and Japanese governments joined together to keep their ordeal from public attention. Now, like many other victims of World War II-era atrocities, the remaining survivors and the estates of those who have since passed away are seeking justice and historical recognition of their ordeal. They do not seek any redress from the Japanese Government or by the Japanese people. Rather, they seek compensation from the multinationals that withheld food and medicine for more than three years so that they could increase their profits. Representatives Mike Honda and Dana Rohrabacher have introduced legislation, H.R. 1198, which will allow these veterans a day in court. I am a strong supporter and a cosponsor of the bill. In addition, at the end of the month the new Japanese Prime Minister will visit the United States. I urge him and President Bush to directly address this issue. It is my hope that this opportunity will be used to reach a historic agreement that will address the concerns of our veterans who suffered inhumane treatment at the hands of Japanese companies during World War II.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones), for giving me the time this morning. I would also like to thank the chairman of the Committee on Resources, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), for moving H.R. 640 through the committee and placing it on the schedule this morning. Mr. Speaker, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area stretches from West Hollywood in Los Angeles County to Point Mugu in my district in Ventura County. It was established in 1978 and is managed by the National Park Service. Twenty-six distinct natural communities make their home there, from freshwater aquatic habitats to the oak woodlands. It is a critical haven for more than 450 animal species, including the Golden Eagle. It is considered unique among the National Park Service's holdings and is easily accessible to over 12 million people living in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. This bill, which I introduced with my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman), would adjust the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area to enhance and protect the principal wildlife corridor between the Simi Hills in my district and the Santa Monica Mountains in the district of the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman). It adds nearly 3,700 acres of publicly and privately held lands to the recreation area at no cost to the taxpayer. Of that, 2,797 acres donated to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, a State agency, will be transferred to the Park Service. Another 570 acres is publicly- and privately-owned open space. The rest is about 330 acres and is comprised of developed residential areas in the cities of Calabasas and Agoura Hills. I want to stress that the recreation area designation would have no impact on the ability for either the cities or private owners to develop their land according to the applicable State laws and local ordinances. It does, however, give property owners greater access to Park Service assistance to environmentally enhance their properties if they so choose. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 640 is an important addition to the recreation area and enjoys widespread support from the local community, including the private property owners. The bill also unanimously passed the House Committee on Resources. I would ask my colleagues to join with me today in passing this bill.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I voted in favor of H.R. 1885, a bill sponsored by Immigration and Claims Subcommittee Chairman George Gekas, which will extend by four months the time illegal immigrants may apply for legal residence while remaining in the United States. The measure requires illegal immigrants who utilize Section 245(i) of the immigration law to have been in the United States as of December 21, 2000. In addition, H.R. 1885 requires that the family relationship or employment existed by April 30, 2001. These two important provisions contained in H.R. 1885 will ensure that the extension of Section 245(i) does not provide future incentives for illegal immigration or punish legal immigrants waiting in line for their applications to be processed. I supported this short-term extension of Section 245(i) because it will assist those immigrants who were eligible to apply for a green card as of April 30, but were unable to meet the deadline due to administrative problems, such as the INS not issuing regulations on Section 245(i) until March of this year. At the same time, H.R. 1885 will not reward those who enter illegally with the hope of becoming legal without first returning to their native country. Most importantly, it will send the message that legal immigrants, who waited in line and obeyed our immigration laws, should get first priority in the processing of immigration applications. Although I supported this four-month extension of Section 245(i) for the reasons discussed above, I will not support any extension beyond this time period. This is not the first time that this ill-conceived provision has been extended. Section 245(i) was first added to the immigration law in 1994. Since that time, it has been extended on numerous occasions, including most recently in December of last year. This has provided persons who wanted to apply for permanent residency status more than enough time to submit their application to INS. A longer extension than the period of time contained in H.R. 1885 will further encourage illegal immigration and punish legal immigrants waiting for their application to be processed. Also, because U.S. State Department consular officers are better suited than INS employees to determine if the illegal immigrant has a criminal background, a longer extension of Section 245(i) will undermine the important law enforcement goal of preventing criminal aliens from remaining in our country.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Willa Dobbs, a woman who has proven that love and caring are powerful forces that can change lives and lift a community. For more than 30 years, Mrs. Dobbs has worked tirelessly to feed the less fortunate. As founder and director of Care and Share, the community food bank in my hometown of Simi Valley, California, Mrs. Dobbs has been responsible for seeing to it that thousands of men, women and children have been fed. Except for a short time during the '70s, Care and Share has received no outside funding. It's an all-volunteer effort. And what an effort it is. Care and Share feeds an estimated 500 families a month. During the holidays, Mrs. Dobbs' dogged determination ensures that every family has access to a good, nourishing holiday meal. Every basket is served with Mrs. Dobb's everpresent smile and a kind and encouraging word. Mrs. Dobbs began in the 1960s by enlisting schools to sponsor canned food drives. As Care and Share grew and allied with other charitable organizations, Mrs. Dobbs also reached out to community organizations to help with the drive. That made it a true community effort as the Simi-Moorpark Association of Realtors, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, Scouts, churches and numerous other community groups joined the cause. Mrs. Dobbs has decided to retire and enjoy life with her husband, Carl, their five children and six grandchildren. Care and Share will continue to thrive under the guidance of longtime volunteer Veronica Rubio. Mrs. Dobbs has promised to volunteer from time to time as well. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking Willa Dobbs for caring for her fellow human beings; for making life richer and fulfilling for those who helped her and those who were helped by her; and for proving that one person can make a difference in many, many lives. We wish her love and Godspeed in retirement.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to J. Handel Evans, who came to my congressional district five years ago to found Ventura County, California's first four-year public university, and then retired as California State University, Channel Island's first president after a resounding success. The obstacles Handel faced were enormous. The campus was formerly a state psychiatric hospital. The buildings needed to be refurbished, the school needed a sound financial foundation to augment funding the state would provide, and it needed the support of the state's budget writers. With skill and patience, Handel built teams and coalitions to achieve his--and our community's--goal. One example of his skill and perseverance stands out. Last year, the university's ability to open on time was endangered because of a budget battle with the governor. Gov. Davis was withholding a $10 million state budget earmark for CSU Channel Islands because of a dispute over another CSU campus. Handel reacted by enlisting every state elected official in the area--from both political parties--and others to pressure the governor to release the funding. Without the funding, the university would have been unable to hire faculty and other staff necessary to run a university. Gov. Davis released the funds, and the university will open on time. How important is it to launch a new university with such skill and perseverance? It is crucial if you want to attract top professors to instruct our young men and women. The school will open with 23 instructors. When the call went out for applicants, 2,300 responded. That's a huge number when one considers our nation still enjoys nearly full employment and the nation faces a teacher shortage. CSU Channel Islands will help with that problem as well. Once opened, the Channel Islands campus will serve public schools and educators by providing continuing education to current and future teachers. With annual student enrollments in California projected to grow at a steady rate of about 80,000 per year, it is estimated that nearly 300,000 additional qualified teachers will be needed in California classrooms over the next 10 years. CSU Channel Islands will help my community, the state of California and our nation meet teacher demand. Those teachers will provide quality education to our children. Our children will then be better prepared to compete in an ever-changing economic environment. Handel has handed the reins of the university to Richard Rush, formerly president of Minnesota State University at Mankato. He has the background and skills to continue building on the foundation Handel has laid. And, Handel and his wife, Carol, have decided to remain in Camarillo, near the university. I know he will continue to be involved in its continued growth. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking J. Handel Evans for launching what will be known as a top-notch teacher's university and wish him and Carol a long and healthy retirement.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Sheila Gonzalez, who is leaving her post this month as executive officer, clerk and jury commissioner for the courts of Ventura County, California, after 14 years of dedicated service. Fortunately for my constituents in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County's Carpinteria, she won't be going far. Sheila has accepted a position as the first-ever regional administrative director of Southern California for California's Administrative Office of the Courts. As liaison between the state and trial courts on technology, finance, human resources and other issues, Sheila will serve 10 counties, including those in my district. Southern California is fortunate to have a dedicated, hardworking and intelligent professional working for them. Sheila began her career in 1968 as a deputy clerk at the Glendale Municipal Court. She rose to court administrator before leaving in 1986 for her position as executive officer and clerk of the Ventura County Municipal Court. In 1989, the administrations and staffs of Ventura County's Municipal and Superior Courts combined, and the county's judges selected Sheila to oversee the new arrangement. At Ventura County, Sheila earned a statewide reputation as a tireless administrator and innovator, which is why California recruited her for this new position. Among her innovations is the Taking the Courthouse to the Schoolroom program, which aims to educate students and teachers about the court system. She also chairs the Community Outreach Team. Because of her dedication and innovative spirit, Sheila has received several prestigious awards. She received the 1993 Warren E. Burger Award for outstanding court achievement in court administration and the 1995 Judicial Council Distinguished Service Award for contributions to, and leadership in, the profession of judicial administration. In addition, Sheila received the 1997 National Association for Court Management's Award of Merit for demonstrated leadership and excellence in administration and application of modern management and technological methods. In 1999, she received the Ernest C. Friesen Award of Excellence from the Justice Management Institute for vision, leadership and sustained commitment to the achievement of excellence in the administration of Justice. She serves on numerous national, state and local associations, and has shared her expertise in numerous workshops and as a faculty member of the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in wishing Sheila our best as she moves into the next phase of her career, and in thanking her for making our courts accessible and efficient for all.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Rickey Gelb, recipient of the 2000 Fernando Award. The Fernando Award is awarded annually in recognition of an individual's lifetime achievement of volunteerism in California's San Fernando Valley. Rickey Gelb is a most worthy recipient. Rickey has lived in the San Fernando Valley nearly all of his life. He is the managing general partner of development and management company Gelb Enterprises and owner of RMG Properties. He is also a licensed general contractor in California. Rickey and his wife Robbi are longtime close personal friends of my wife Janice and I. I know firsthand that Rickey's success is well- eamed. He graduated from Valley Junior College with an associate's degree in 1967. With that, he went to work for ATA Stores, where over the next 25 years he worked his way up from truck driver and repairman to senior corporate officer and major stockholder. During that time, he also founded Gelb Enterprises. Since 1985, Rickey has devoted his entrepreneurial efforts exclusively to the development and expansion of Gelb Enterprises. He has also been an extraordinary volunteer. Rickey Gelb serves on the board of the First Commerce Bank and is a past president of the West Valley Police Activity League (PALS). He is currently CFO of the Encino Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation Mobile Action Committee, a Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles, a member of the Ventura/ Cahuenga Boulevard Review Board and Treasurer of Mayor Richard Riordon's Valley Job Recovery Corporation. In addition, Rickey is on the Board of Directors of the Mid-Valley Jeopardy Foundation, on the Police, Fire and Public Safety Committee, Encino/Tarzana Hospital Community Foundation and on Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski's Encino Community Council. Rickey Gelb is a recipient of the Criminal Justice Award and has received numerous appreciation awards from City, County, State and Federal agencies and charitable foundations. He now serves as a member of the Patrons Association of LAVC and is president of the Alumni Association. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award at the 50th Anniversary celebration. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Rickey Gelb for the honor of receiving the 2000 Fernando Award and thank him and Robbi for decades of service to our community.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing two bills aimed at improving the quality of education in areas that need immediate attention. One would provide incentives for prospective teachers to train in math and the sciences; the other would increase opportunities for gifted students from all backgrounds to succeed. The Math and Science Teacher Recruitment Act would allow forgiveness of up to $10,000 in federal student loans for math and science majors who teach in a middle or secondary school for up to six years. Beginning with the successful completion of the third year of teaching, educators could have $2,500 in loans forgiven each year, up to a total of $10,000. This bill will provide an incentive for students majoring in math, the sciences, engineering, and technology to choose education as a career. Students are failing to grasp basic math and science concepts because they are being taught by teachers who are not grounded in the field. Last year, only 41 percent of our students learned math from teachers who majored the subject in college. This bill helps to ensure that our children will be taught by teachers who have extensive knowledge of mathematics and the sciences. I am also reintroducing the Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, with my colleagues, Representatives Etheridge, Morella, Baldacci, Burr, Moore, Allen, Mink, Mr. Davis of Florida, Filner, English, Boucher, Bono, Berkley, Mr. Lewis of Kentucky, Stark, and Mr. Whitfield. The measure provides grants to State educational agencies to identify gifted and talented students from all economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds--including students with limited English proficiency, those who live in low-income areas and students with disabilities. The measure authorizes State educational agencies to distribute competitive grants to local educational agencies, which will allow them to develop and expand gifted and talented education programs. This bill will ensure that all gifted children will have access to challenging programs designed to develop and enhance their gifts and reach their full potential. Mr. Speaker, we must ensure our children are ready and able to take on the challenges of the new economy. I strongly encourage my colleagues to cosponsor these important pieces of legislation and work toward their passage.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), again, for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, I want to thank all of my colleagues for their testimony this afternoon and for the kind words. Madam Speaker, if enacted, this bill will bolster our firefighting, HAZMAT, and EMS capabilities. We will maintain more experienced firefighters in the field and in senior management positions by allowing Federal firefighters the option of continuing their careers for 2 additional years. I ask my colleagues to join with me this afternoon in passing this very important legislation.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, I would first like to thank the leadership, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton) and the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), for all their help in bringing this bill to the floor early in our session. I would also like to thank my constituent, retired Captain Mike Hair of the Federal firefighting unit at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, for first bringing this important issue to my attention. Madam Speaker, H.R. 93, the Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act, is a bill I first introduced way back in 1995 to stop the forced early retirement of our Federal firefighters. The bill raises the mandatory retirement age for Federal firefighters from 55 to 57 allowing Federal firefighters the option of continuing their careers for an additional 2 years. The bill has gained bipartisan management and labor support with the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, as well as the American Federation of Government Employees and the National Association of Government Employees. Several years ago, Congress raised the mandatory retirement age for Federal law enforcement officers from 55 to 57. However, Congress neglected to raise the retirement age for Federal firefighters. As a result, we are losing our best and our most experienced firefighters to forced early retirement. Federal firefighters not only fight fires, they provide emergency medical service response, response to hazardous material situations and inspect and protect our military bases and other Federal employees. In fact, they were among the first to respond to the Oklahoma City bombing. If enacted, this bill will bolster our firefighter HAZMAT and EMS capabilities. We will maintain more experienced firefighters in the field and in senior management positions by allowing these brave men and women the option of continuing their careers for an additional 2 years. As an added bonus, Madam Speaker, the CBO estimates that the bill will actually save the government $4 million over the next 5 years. We must act now to ensure we have the experienced personnel needed to fight our Nation's fires and to be prepared to respond to future critical situations.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to Paul Stanley Ebensteiner, a decorated patriot, a successful businessman, a loving family man, a philanthropist, and a good friend. Paul passed away Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of living, achieving and sharing the American dream. He joined the Marines during the Korean War, where he served with distinction. An excerpt from his official service record book reads: ``Combat operations against North Korean Forces; assault and seizure of Inchon, Korea; capture and securing of Seoul, Korea; operations against enemy forces in south and central Korea; is authorized to wear the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service with three stars, Presidential Unit Citation with one star, Purple Heart, and the United Nations Service ribbons.'' Paul retired from the Marines at the rank of Technical Sergeant. In 1970, he founded the Ebensteiner Company, one of the largest general engineering contractors in California. He was named Contractor of the Year in 1999, and was a member in good standing with the Southern California Contractors Association. At about the same time as he founded Ebensteiner Company, he married June. Together they raised seven children: Paul George, Rebecca, Pennie, Debra, Suzanne, Therese, and Christine. Paul and June are also blessed with 10 grandchildren. Paul Stanley Ebensteiner was a successful family man and businessman, and he believed in sharing his blessings with the community. Among the philanthropic organizations he and June supported were Mary Health for the Sick, the building of the Los Angeles Cathedral, the United States Hospice Foundation, and the June Ebensteiner Hospice Foundation. Mr. Speaker, Paul realized his dream and then shared his dream with many, many more. He was, to me, the definition of a Great American. I know my colleagues will join me in sending condolences to his family and in paying tribute to his memory.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to David E. Nesbitt, a personal friend who has retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation after 31 years of dedicated service, the last 2\1/2\ of which he served as supervisor of the Ventura Resident Agency, in my district. Supervisory Special Agent Nesbitt became a special agent in 1969 and was assigned to San Antonio and Austin, Texas. At the end of 1970, he was transferred to the Los Angeles Field Office, where he handled a variety of white collar crime investigations for much of the next 10 years. In 1980, he was assigned to the San Fernando Valley Resident Agency, where he specialized in major financial institution fraud investigations. He then returned to the Los Angeles Field Office in 1985 to join the Financial Institution Fraud Squad. David's success in bringing white collar criminals to justice was rewarded in 1990, when he was promoted to supervise a new squad designed to handle investigations into failed financial institutions. During the next eight years, David coordinated investigations into more than 130 financial institutions that failed within the Central District of California. In June of 1998, he arrived in Ventura County. As supervisor of the Ventura Resident Agency, David initiated a new Ventura County Crime Task Force composed of nine federal, state and local agencies. He coordinated the FBI portion of the investigation into the January 31, 2000, tragic crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 off the Ventura County coast. David is a longstanding member of the Southern California Fraud Investigators Association and a contributor to the Western League of Savings Annual Training Seminar. He initiated the annual FBI Fraud Seminar to benefit the financial community and, last year, was recognized as the Construction Battalion Center Summerfest 2000 Honoree for Community Service. There is one aspect of David's life to which he has devoted more years than to the FBI--his marriage to Larane. David and Larane married in September of 1967. They are the proud parents of four adult children: twins Amy and David; Lara; and Shannon. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking David for more than three decades of service dedicated to protecting our neighbors, and in wishing him and his family many joyous years ahead.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Al Hadley, a person who was one of the most influential men in my life, and, I am positive, hundreds of other lives. ``Skipper'' Al Hadley died this week at the age of 96 years young. As my Sea Scout, BSA, Scoutmaster, he bestowed upon me a lifelong love of the ocean and a respect for myself and all life. He taught me to challenge myself beyond my expectations and instilled in me the values of patriotism and public service. Skipper was a lifelong friend and mentor who dedicated himself to our youth. He stayed involved in Sea Scouts long after his two sons were grown, and even after he retired. When I was a Scout, we restored a 36- foot World War II surplus Navy boat, which we sailed to Catalina Island on many a weekend. We pitted our seamanship skills against other Scouts from across California at the annual Rendezvous. Each year, we left the sea for a survival hike in the desert, living off only what we found on the land. Not surprisingly, the Boy Scouts of America awarded Skipper Hadley numerous awards and recognitions over the years. Many of those Scouts with whom I sailed with many years ago remain friends today. Skipper came to visit me at the Capitol after I was elected to Congress. His oldest son Pete, who recently retired as a colonel in the Army, remained in contact throughout the years. Skipper Hadley will remain a role model for me until the day I die. Mr. Speaker, Skipper Hadley is survived by his wife, Cecelia; sons, Pete and David; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. I know my colleagues will join me in sending condolences to Skipper's family, and in thanking Skipper for upholding the ideals of a Scout leader; for molding generations of strong, motivated men and women; and for being a guiding light on the sea of life.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Elie Dulay, who will retire next week after 28 years of service to the City of Simi Valley, California, my hometown. Elie was a clerk with the city when I was elected to the City Council. I can think of few people who were more helpful, energetic or pleasurable to work with than Elie during my entire tenure as a Councilman and Mayor. It is of no surprise to me that Elie rose through ranks and will retire as an administrative secretary. Aside from being a exceptionally competent employee, she is the personification of a people person. Elie approaches life and her work with a smile. Problems disappear in her capable hands, and her positive attitude is contagious among her coworkers. Elie's husband, Art, is also retiring, but they will remain busy. The two are accomplished dancers. Elie is also a wonderful cook, with a specialty in Asian food. They have three grown children, two of which work for the Simi Valley Police Department--one as an officer and one as a records technician. Elie and Art also have six grandchildren, ranging in age from 1 year to 16 years old, and look forward to spending even more time as doting grandparents. Mr. Speaker, if there is an ideal government employee, Elie is it. I know my colleagues will join me in thanking her for her years of service and wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 27 years of homegrown values and community service by people who grew a local financial institution into a success enterprise and shepherded its continued investment in Ventura County, California. When American Commercial Bank opened its doors on September 18, 1973, its founders pledged not only to provide top-quality banking services, but also to use the bank's assets and standing to provide community support to Ventura County's citizens. It was well-suited to follow through on that promise. Its first chairman, Emilio Lagomarsino, was born in Ventura County around the turn of the century. Emilio Lagomarsino was successful in a variety of pursuits, including farming, wholesale beverage distribution and oil. Edward T. Martin followed Mr. Lagomarsino to the chairman's chair. He was active in Ojai civic, church and community affairs and founder of a successful outdoor advertising company. His son Tom currently serves on the board. Allen W. Jue, who succeeded Martin as chairman, also is a native of Ventura County. His father, Walton Jue, opened National Market across from the San Buenaventura Mission in 1928. Earlier this year, Mr. Jue turned the chairmanship over to Emilio's son, Robert J. Lagomarsino, who many in this chamber remember as a valued colleague. Community service is in his blood. He served in the U.S. Navy, was an Ojai city councilman and mayor, a California state senator, and a congressman from 1974 to 1993. Chief Executive Officer Gerald J. Lukiewski is not a native California, but he has sunk his roots deep here. He graduated from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks and married a California girl, Nancy. He has been lured by major financial corporations, but prefers community banking so he can spend as much time as possible with Nancy and their eight children. The sense of family and community to which these men aspire is reflected in the bank's community record. The bank has been actively involved in and contributed to: Community Memorial Hospital; Ventura Chamber Music Festival; Ventura Rotary International; Oxnard Downtowners; Ventura County Museum of History & Art; Casa Latina; Ventura Country Community Foundation; Multiple Sclerosis; United Cerebral Palsy; Working To Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect; Ventura County Fair; National Park Trust; the Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo Boyes & Girls Clubs; and the Chamber of Commerce of Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo. Educational support has also been provided to Oxnard College, Saint Thomas Aquinas College and to the CSU-Northridge Channel Island University Advisory Board. Only a successful enterprise could provide such strong community support. The bank has completed its most successful year with record growth in capital, loans, deposits and net profit and has paid 67 consecutive quarterly cash dividends to its shareholders. The bank operates six Ventura County offices and, as of June 30, 2000, assets exceeded one-quarter billion dollars. American Commercial Bank has received numerous national and community recognitions for its accomplishments. The American Bankers Association awarded a community service award to the bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the bank as ``well-capitalized,'' its highest rating of capital adequacy. The prestigious Bauer Financial Group has awarded its highest star rating of ``Superior'' and ``five stars'' to the bank for its outstanding financial performance. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in recognizing the people who led American Commercial Bank through 27 years of accomplishment and service and wish them and the community they serve continued success.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to two stars from my home in Ventura County, California, who made their mark on the world as screen legends and in Ventura County as good neighbors. The duo will be honored this weekend with a statue in Old Town in Camarillo. My best screen memories of Walter Brennan are probably the same as many--that of the shuffling, wizened and crotchety patriarch Grandpa Amos in The Real McCoys. The Real McCoys was ``a moral show . . . about the love of a family,'' in the words of Kathleen ``Kate McCoy'' Nolan. We could use more of that fare on television today. No brag, just fact. Walter Brennan became Amos McCoy after a successful career on the big screen. Walter Brennan died in Oxnard, California, in 1974 at the age of 80, but his film career--which began in 1927--didn't end until a year later when his last film, Smoke in the Wind, was released. In all, Walter Brennan acted in 186 films and three television series, not to count the singular TV shows in which he appeared. Mr. Brennan was the first actor to win the Best Supporting Oscar and the first to win three Oscars. But to his neighbors in Moorpark, where he lived for some 20 years, the film and television star was just Mr. Brennan. It's fitting that a statute to Walter Brennan will grace Old Town Camarillo. Walter Brennan twice served as the city's grand marshal and his son lives in the city. A daughter still makes Moorpark her home. Joel McCrea made his home in Moorpark Road at the foot of the Norwegian Grade, where his grandson still lives. Joel McCrea began his career as a movie stuntman and landed his first starring role in The Silver Horde. He starred in dozens of more films throughout the 1930s and '40s. In the '50s, he starred as Ranger Jase Pearson in the television series Tales of the Texas Rangers. Cry Blood, Apache, which was released in 1970, was a family affair. Joel McCrea and his son, Jody, starred in the film, and Jody McCrea also produced it. Much of the McCrea Ranch now serves the public as parkland. Mr. Speaker, Walter Brennan and Joel McCrea enriched our lives in many ways. I know my colleagues will join me in paying tribute to their memories.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I would first like to thank Chairman Burton, Subcommittee Chairman Scarborough, Mr. Camp and Ms. Capps for their help in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank my constituent, retired Captain Mike Hair of the federal firefighting unit at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, for first bringing this important issue to my attention. Madam Speaker, H.R. 460 is a bill I first introduced in 1995 to stop the forced early retirement of our federal firefighters. The bill raises the mandatory retirement age for federal firefighters from 55 to 57, allowing federal firefighters the option of continuing their careers for an additional two years. The bill has gained over 92 bipartisan cosponsors, and the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Several years ago, Congress passed legislation which raised the mandatory retirement age for ``federal law enforcement officers'' from 55 to 57. However, Congress neglected to raise the retirement age for federal firefighters. The net result has been that capable firefighters are being denied the opportunity to work simply because they turn 55. I introduced H.R. 460 to correct this omission in the law. Madam Speaker, when this year's fire season reached its height, communities around the nation endured a dangerous shortage of experienced firefighters. I represent most of Ventura County, California, which has faced two major brush fires since the beginning of the fire season in mid-May. These fires have consumed thousands of acres. The latest of the fires struck dry grass in Piru, injuring five firefighters and scorching hundreds of acres near an underground oil pipeline. Firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and California Department of Forestry joined hundreds of firefighters form Ventura and Los Angeles counties to battle the flames. Despite an increase in the overall fire budget nationally, federal fire management officers in California and the rest of the West faced a shortage of experienced personnel. With a declining firefighting population nationwide, Governors in some cases had to call upon Army National Guard units and volunteers with much less experience and training to fight the fires. In addition, CBS News reported that even retired fire managers were being called up to oversee and manage these fires. In the aftermath, firefighting officials are now looking for ways to help prevent a repeat of this year's devastation, which claimed more than 6 million acres. According to the Washington Post, 57 percent of the U.S. Forest Service firefighters are 45 or older. According to the Brookings Institute, most new hires are 35 and older and training for senior management positions can take 12 to 17 years. As a result, we are losing our best and most experienced firefighters to forced early retirement. If enacted, this bill will bolster our firefighting capabilities by maintaining more experienced firefighters in the field and in senior management positions by allowing these brave men and women the option of continuing their careers for an additional two years. As an added bonus, Madam Speaker, the CBO estimates that the bill will actually save the government $4 million over the next 5 years. We must act now to ensure we have the experienced personnel needed to fight our nation's fires during next year's fire season.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the sesquicentennial of California and the 23rd Congressional District of California's role in the Golden State's past, present and future. Long before California was admitted as the 31st state of the Union, Ventura County was home to Native Americans and Europeans. Father Junipero Serra founded one of his missions in Ventura, an area already known to the Chumash for its great fishing and abundant flora. As California progressed through the 1800s and early 20th Century, so did Ventura County. First the stage coaches and then the railroad connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco came over and through the Santa Susana Pass, snaking along the Simi Valley, and on out to the coast. Many who passed through Ventura County were captured by the golden hills and lush soil. They stayed and raised cattle, planted apricots and walnuts, citrus trees and avocados. Or, they harvested the soil in other ways. Black gold is also among Ventura County's riches, and you can actually see oil seeping out of the soil today as you drive up Highway 150 between Santa Paula and Ojai, and in other parts of the county. When Hollywood began to blossom in the Los Angeles hills, Ventura County became a prime film location. Fort Apache with John Wayne, Columbia's Jungle Jim series with Johnny Weissmuller, and TV shows such as The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin and Sky King were filmed at the Corriganville Movie Ranch. Movie stars also made their home here, and many still do. Ojai is world-renowned for its arts community. California's aerospace industry also found a home and a skilled labor force in the 23rd Congressional District. The space shuttle's main engines were designed by Rocketdyne and tested at its Santa Susana Field Laboratory, as were the engines for the Apollo and other space missions. Much has changed in 150 years, but much remains the same. Agriculture is still Ventura County's number one industry, although it is now shipped throughout the world from Ventura County's very own port of entry, the Port of Hueneme. One of the country's two Seabee bases is in Ventura County, and the Navy's test firing range for the Pacific Fleet is here. But Ventura County also is helping to lead California and the nation into a better future. Technological and biomedical firms, led by Amgen, have sprouted up along the 101 corridor. With the opening of California State University, Channel Islands, in 2002, high-tech firms will find yet another reason to locate here. And, the school's teaching college will help the nation fulfill its commitment to our children. Mr. Speaker, California is a state compromised of visionary people with diverse backgrounds but with a common goal to succeed. Its future remains bright for another 150 years.