Elton Gallegly

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Russell L. Hanlin, a man who has had an enormous impact on America's agricultural industry during his illustrious 48-year career. Not only has he been the consummate businessman, but he has served three presidents--and his countrymen--as well. Mr. Hanlin is retiring soon as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sunkist Growers, Inc., an agricultural marketing cooperative representing more than 6,500 citrus growers in California and Arizona, many of which operate in my home, Ventura County. Mr. Hanlin is the epitome of the American dream, and proof that hard work and perseverance in this great land will carry anyone to the pinnacle they seek. He started with Sunkist as a clerk in 1951. Over the years, he served in several capacities before earning an appointment as a corporate officer. After serving six years as Vice President of the Producers Group, he was elected President and CEO in 1978. President Bush appointed Mr. Hanlin to the President's Commission on Executive Exchange. Presidents Carter and Reagan both appointed him to the President's Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations, an appointment he held from 1978 to 1984. President Reagan also appointed Mr. Hanlin to the President's Export Council, a post he held for five years. In 1990, Mr. Hanlin was inducted into the World Trade Hall of Fame. Mr. Hanlin is past Chairman of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. He is a member of the Agricultural Task Force on Japan- U.S. Economic Relations, a member of the U.S./Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Committee, a member of the Board of Directors of the California Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the Chamber's Agricultural Committee. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Woodbury University, Chairman of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, and Chairman of the Japan America Society of Southern California. In 1996, he was Chairman of World Trade Week. Mr. Hanlin has won several awards, ranging from the Good Scout Award from the Western Los Angeles County Council, Boy Scouts of America; to the Maple Leaf Award from the Canada-California Chamber of Commerce, which he earned for promoting understanding between the United States and Canada. Mr. Hanlin and his wife, Norma, live in Pasadena, California. They have been blessed with three children. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking Mr. Hanlin for his many years of promoting and nurturing America's agricultural industry and wish him well in any future endeavors.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a native son of my district, a man who kept true to his roots and served his country and community with distinction. Stanley J. Daily will step down soon from the Camarillo City Council, a post he has held since the city's founding in 1964. He holds the record as the longest- serving member of the City Council. He served six years as mayor and eight years as vice mayor during his distinguished tenure. As impressive as this is, it is only a small part of the unselfish service that the son of Frank and Frances Daily and the grandson of Ventura County pioneer W.P. Daily has shown to his community. Mr. Daily has served as a commissioner of the Local Agency Formation Commission and as a director of the Ventura Regional Sanitation District. He was an elected commissioner for 18 years of the Port Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District. He also served as president of the international body, the Pacific Coast Association of Port Authorities, which is composed of all the west coast ports of Canada and the United States, including Hawaii and Guam. He also served as a member of the executive committee on the Ventura County Association of Governments and has been a member and chair of the Camarillo Sanitary District. In addition, Mr. Daily is a founding member and past chairman of the Ventura County Council of Governments, chaired the Cities Select Committee and served on the Regional Council of Southern California Association of Governments. And, that's not all. In his spare time, Mr. Daily is an active member of the Pleasant Valley Lions Club and the Noontime Optimist Club of Camarillo, both of which are active in assisting our youth. He served as a board member on the Ventura County Council of the Navy League of the United States and is a charter member and parliamentarian of the Pleasant Valley Historical Society and Museum. He was also a longtime board member of the Port Hueneme Boys & Girls Club. The former U.S. Army officer graduated cum laude from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he also earned his General Secondary Credential for graduate work in history. In 1960, he became a teacher in the Oxnard Union High School District, where he served as department chairman of the Social Science Department and Director of Activities for about 35 years. Mr. Daily also found time to be a family man. He and Liz have been married for more than four decades and has raised four sons, all of whom are now married as well. Stan and Liz are blessed as well with seven grandchildren. As one might expect, Mr. Daily has won numerous local and statewide awards and recognitions for his service to his community and his profession. I add my voice to those who have praised Mr. Daily over the years, thank him for his enormous service, and wish him godspeed in this retirement years.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a native son of my district, a man who decided to become part of the solution when confronted by a reticent City Hall, and who turned that decision into a distinguished career on behalf of his fellow citizens. Nao Takasugi will retire from the California Assembly this year after three dignified terms. He began his foray into politics in much the same way I began mine: Bureaucratic bungling forced him to take on his local government. He ran for the Oxnard City Council in 1976, won, and then got right to work. During his 10 years as mayor of Ventura County's largest city, Mr. Takasugi was credited with piloting it through its most productive years by creating jobs and encouraging economic growth. In 1992, Mr. Takasugi decided to take his problem-solving expertise to the state level and ran successfully for the California Assembly in the 37th District. Bills he introduced that were signed into law include an expanded Taxpayer Bill of Rights, creation of a settlement authority for taxpayers in dispute with the California Franchise Tax Board, adding Hepatitis B to the list of diseases children must be vaccinated against prior to attending school, and creating a three-year pilot project to extend the school year for the Oxnard Union High School District. Mr. Takasugi was well-prepared to be an effective legislator. He was valedictorian of Oxnard High School and received his bachelor's degree in accounting form Temple University before earning his MBA from Wharton School of Business and Finance. He speaks both Japanese and Spanish. He has been a successful businessman for more than 35 years. He and Judy have been married 46 years and have five grown children. Once he became involved in government, Mr. Takasugi took it on with the same zeal with which he conducts his private life. He has chaired more than 25 local, statewide, and national boards and commissions, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, and the Economic Development Advisory Board. He has become a recognized expert on transportation and government issues. In short, Mr. Takasugi is a shining example of the power inside each individual to make a difference. He has made that difference on behalf of the people in his community, his county and his state. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking Mr. Takasugi for his many years of selfless service and wish him well in any future endeavors.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor two people whose lifetimes of service to others serves as a model to which others should strive. Pat and Ann Cimmarusti will be honored tonight by UNICO National, Los Angeles Chapter. UNICO stands for Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity and Opportunity to serve. This husband and wife team have embodied that spirit over the years and are profoundly deserving of the honor. Ann and Pat have been married for 56 years. They have raised three children, Loretta, Larry, and Ralph, who have brought into the family son-in-law Richard, and daughters-in-law Amalia and Hallie. Those unions have in turn blessed Ann and Pat with seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Pat and Ann stand for family and unity and have been blessed by success and love by adhering to the UNICO motto of ``Service above Self.'' That service has extended far beyond their immediate family. Through UNICO, a national organization since 1947, Ann and Pat have given to a variety of organizations, such as hospitals, churches, families, and much, much more. UNICO provides a variety of scholarships and awards. Members actively participate in the Easter Seal project and raise funds for victims of national and international disasters. In 1987, UNICO founded Hope University, UNICO National College for the gifted and mentally retarded. Pat and Ann Cimmarusti are in no small part responsible for the organization's continued success. I know my colleagues will join me in extending our congratulations to this remarkable couple as they are honored for a lifetime of selfless service to others.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Reyes amendment and in support of the Traficant amendment. Mr. Chairman, I support H.R. 3400, the Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination Act. However, I do with some disappointment over how the bill was handled. As chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, our subcommittee did not have the normal opportunity to hold hearings on this bill or to spend some time discussing the various provisions of the bill. That being said, I am still cosponsoring this legislation. I certainly support any effort we can make to enhance our fight against illegal narcotics. I do not know of any Member in this body who would be opposed to making resources available for this effort. H.R. 3400 aims to reduce the drug flow into the United States by 80 percent over the next 3 years. This legislation is vital if we are going to stem the flow of drugs into our country and to protect our citizens. This bill is plain and simple. It provides increased resources for international interdiction and eradication programs of the antinarcotics effort. This bill provides increased funding for alternative development programs which must be provided to convince coca growers that they can make a livelihood by producing other products. Finally, the bill provides much-needed assistance to primary source nations such as Colombia, Peru and Bolivia to help them fight drugs. Demand reduction and domestic law enforcement are important parts of our anti-drug strategy, but we can no longer allow eradication and interdiction to lag behind. We need to get back on track with a balanced anti-drug program that makes attacking drugs at their source and stopping their shipments a top priority. This legislation will clearly help make a dent in the fight on drugs, and I urge its support. Now, despite my strong support for this effort, there is one provision in this legislation which I am very uncomfortable with and one which I would have preferred further discussion on, at least before it was included in the McCollum substitute. I believe this is one of those provisions which slipped into the legislation precisely because there was no committee consideration of the bill. That provision is found in section 201 regarding aid to Colombia. This provision, which may border on interference in Colombia's internal affairs, stipulates that if the Colombian government negotiates certain agreements in its attempt to end the bloody civil war which has engulfed the nation for the past 40 years, then we will cut off all antinarcotics assistance to that nation. Now, Mr. Chairman, I agree that we do not want to see any peace agreement in Colombia which gives the guerrillas a free hand to continue to produce and ship lethal drugs into this country. But I do not believe we should be instructing or threatening the president of Colombia in a bill such as this in what the provisions of their peace agreement should be. President Pastrana has only been in office now for 1 month, Mr. Chairman. He was elected with a mandate to end the civil war. He has made this his top priority. His job is a very difficult one. But for us now in this bill to threaten to tie one arm behind his back could jeopardize the peace negotiations before they even begin. This provision is premature. We have a very tough certification process, and if the Colombian government does negotiate a treaty which includes provisions which we cannot accept because they impact on the war on drugs, then Colombia could face decertification and their funds would be cut off. But let us give the new president of Colombia a chance. Let us not threaten or try to dictate what he should do to end the civil war. Again, Mr. Chairman, I support the overall thrust of this bill. I applaud its authors; I am a cosponsor. But I would have preferred that this bill have gone through the regular order and the committees of jurisdiction have the opportunity to work on the provisions of the bill in more detail. Nevertheless, Mr. Chairman, I urge the adoption of the bill.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, eight months ago, His Holiness, Pope John Paul II undertook a historic pilgrimage to Cuba. His primary mission was to reassure the faithful of that island nation that the open profession of their faith and active practice of their religious beliefs was an important right that they as Catholics should not be afraid to exercise. While in Cuba the Pope not only took a number of opportunities to highlight the important role of the church in Cuban society but on several occasions he took the opportunity to point out the failures of the Cuban regime to prevent the free exercise of views and to permit the faithful to practice their religion. The issue of Cuba is never an easy one around here, Mr. Speaker, but as chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I introduced this resolution because I did not feel such an historic event and the potential consequences of such a visit should go unrecognized. The bill before us today is a compromise effort which received unanimous support in our subcommittee. For that I want to again thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez) for their cooperation. I also want to commend the ranking member of the full Committee on International Relations my good friend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) for his work on this resolution. Mr. Speaker, this legislation recognizes the Pope's visit as an important milestone in the lives of the Cuban people because the visit did set into motion a change in the relationship between the government of Cuba and the Catholic church. Beyond that, the visit has provided a new measure of hope for the people of Cuba that the church, in due time, could become an important conduit to increased economic, social and political freedom on the island. Let there be no mistake, however, that while the Pope's visit has provided a new measure of freedom for the church, it has not significantly changed the attitude of the regime toward freedom of expression and assembly for the general population. While it is true that since the Pope's visit, many political prisoners have been released from jail, unfortunately many of those have had to leave Cuba and many others have been taken and placed in prison in their place. Obviously the Cuban regime did not get the message. For this I want to express my strong disappointment in the regime. Despite the continued repressive attitudes of the regime, I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution to give the Pope the recognition he deserves for his visit to Cuba and to send a message to the Cuban regime that the Pope's message about truth, freedom and religious expression must be honored. I urge my colleagues to adopt this bill.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, in December, 1996, the Government of Guatemala and representatives of the UNRG signed a historic peace agreement ending some 36 years of armed confrontation. Since that historic day, peace and the implementation of the peace accords, especially with respect to political stability, national reconciliation, the observance of human rights and freedom of expression, have made significant gains in Guatemala. In fact, in recognition of the progress being made on human rights, the United Nations Human Rights Commission recently removed Guatemala from its list of countries under observation for abuses. Unfortunately, the progress toward reconciliation in Guatemala was rudely shattered on April 26 when Roman Catholic Bishop Juan Gerardi, a leading human rights crusader and author of a recently released report detailing the human rights abuses committed during the years of conflict, was brutally and senselessly murdered outside his residence in Guatemala City. The murder shocked the people of Guatemala and called into question national attitudes about human rights on the part of some in that country. House Resolution 421, introduced by our Colleague, Kevin Brady of Texas, expresses our outrage over this murder and calls on the Government of Guatemala to do everything in its power to resolve this crime and bring those responsible to swift justice. To that end, I want to commend President Arzu for acting quickly to establish a high level Commission to help in the investigation, and the efforts made to date to resolve the murder. However, progress has been slow and the effort continues to need the strong support and cooperation of the police and military. Equally important, however, is that this bill calls on the government and people of Guatemala not to give up on the peace and reconciliation process and to make a renewed commitment to carry out the provisions of the peace accords despite this tragic and unfortunate set back. On May 13, the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee marked up this resolution and unanimously adopted it. I urge passage of this resolution.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, on January 31, 1993, armed Colombian guerrillas from the FARC organization crossed the border between Colombia and Panama and kidnapped three American missionaries of the New Tribes Mission. These innocent American citizens were then taken back into Colombia and held for millions of dollars of ransom. Since that day almost 6 years ago, the fate of Rick Tenenoff, David Mankins, and Mark Rich remains unknown. Their families wait anxiously every day for some news of their loved ones. I want to applaud the FARC for their recent release of U.S. businessman, Donald Lee Cary who they held captive for more than five months, but I want to express my disappointment with the FARC for their silence on the issue of the New Tribes missionaries. The FARC guerrillas have chosen not to provide any information on the whereabouts of these missionaries. They won't even say whether they are still alive or not. I want to commend our colleague, Roy Blunt for introducing H. Con. Res. 277 asking the Colombian guerrillas to release these American citizens or to provide some information as to their fate. For the families, this is the least that can be done. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and I call on the FARC to release whatever information they have about these citizens.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, over the July Fourth district work period some very disturbing and disheartening news reached us regarding negotiations between the United States and Panama as to the presence of the United States in Panama beyond 1999. And now, our State Department is about to inform the Government of Panama that talks may just be over. This could be a mistake and both sides should agree to take a time out and enter into a cooling off period. As my colleagues know, next year, on December 31, 1999, the Panama Canal Zone will be turned over to Panamanian control and all United States forces are to withdraw from that nation. However, for over a year, the United States and the Government of Panama, largely at the suggestion of the Panamanian President, Perez Balladares, have been negotiating a compromise which would permit a limited number of U.S. military personnel to remain in Panama. The negotiations were over the creation of a new multinational anti- narcotics center which would be located at the Howard Air Force Base. Under the agreement, which was largely completed last January, some 2,000 U.S. military personnel would be permitted to remain in Panama to staff the center which would provide regional air surveillance, intelligence information and direct counter-narcotics assistance to nations participating in the center. At the time, there was a good deal of optimism expressed by both sides that the agreement would satisfy each nation's specific needs. Panama would see the end of U.S. control of the Canal and would gain what it considered its final and total national sovereignty. The U.S. would retain a presence in Panama while not appearing to be retaining a strictly defined military base. For the United States, the retention of a small military profile in Panama would allow us to maintain our commitment to the preservation of democracy and stability in Central America and to continue the fight against the drug trade essentially in region. For Panama, the continued presence of U.S. personnel would serve as a confidence builder for foreign investors and those concerned over the future security of the canal. Interestingly, Panamanian public opinion seemed to favor such an agreement for largely the same reasons. Unfortunately, and despite the initial optimism, the agreement now appears to be in serious jeopardy as both sides seem to be having difficulty deciding what it is they really want. The Government of Panama, for its part, can't seem to make up its mind as to whether it really wants a continued U.S. presence beyond 1999 or for that matter, a counter-drug center on its territory. All of this is wrapped around internal political and Presidential politics with President Perez Balladares unable to determine whether such a center helps or hurts his standing within his own political party and whether it hurts or helps his reelection chances. The United States, for its part, cannot seem to decide whether it wants a military base or an anti-narcotics center in Panama. The whole premise for supporting an anti-drug center was to reassure those in this country that wanted the U.S. to remain in Panama that it was possible to do so and to avoid the controversy within Panama of retaining a bona fide military base in that country beyond 1999 and in violation of the Panama Canal Treaties. A multinational, anti-drug center seemed to fit the bill with at least a wink and a nod. Even the other nations of the region, while supporting the concept of an anti-narcotics center, were not about to sign on if the center was simply a cover for a U.S. military base. Yet, the negotiations have broken down at least in part due to the Clinton Administration's insistence that it be allowed to conduct additional operations out of the center which are more closely associated with military operations than counter-narcotics operations. One can argue the finer points of search and rescue or humanitarian resupply, but to insist on them being part of a non-military base, anti-drug center, does give the Panamanian government a legitimate issue to argue over. It seems that both sides could compromise on this issue. The U.S. side could temporarily drop its insistence on the inclusion of other missions and just work on the anti-drug center, provided of course that the anti-drug center is the priority. The Government of Panama could commit, preferably in a side note, to take up the question of the other missions once the anti-drug center agreement is finalized, if it really wants such a center in Panama. Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that both sides must determine what it really wants. President Balladares must face the voters. The Clinton Administration must face the American people. If the drug center is that important, and in many respects it is. And if the ability to retain some element of the U.S. military in Panama beyond 1999 is a political necessity, and it could be, then the Administration must decide the price in throwing away this opportunity solely because we may not be able to write into the agreement whether or not search and rescue training can be conducted once in a while in Panama over the next twelve years.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, in December 1997, the people of Guyana, exercising their strong support for democracy went to the polls to vote for a new President. In numbers reportedly as high as 88 percent of the electorate they cast their votes and elected the candidate of the People's Progressive Party/Civic or PPP. This election which was observed by representatives of the international community, including Americans, was judged to be free and fair. Despite the transparency of the overall election, there were some problems involving the counting of certain ballot boxes. As a result, the newly elected government of Guyana asked the nations of CARICOM to conduct an impartial audit to determine if the alleged irregularities in the vote count were of a fraudulent nature as to cast doubt on the outcome of the election. Recognizing the extremely important process of democracy of Guyana, as demonstrated by the election, the House International Relations Committee marked-up and adopted a Resolution introduced by our Colleague from New Jersey, Donald Payne. This resolution congratulated the people of Guyana for their strong expression of support for democracy, expressed support for the CARICOM audit, called on both the PPP and the People's National Congress (PNC) to abide by the outcome of that audit and to commit to peace and stability in the post-election period. Subsequently, the House overwhelmingly passed this resolution. On June 2, the CARICOM audit was completed and declared that the recount of the more than 400,000 ballots cast, varied only slightly from the original results. Thus, the election of President Jagan was determined to be fair. Today, however, Guyana is in the midst of a civil disobedience campaign led by the supporters of the opposition PNC. Despite the fact that PNC Presidential candidate Desmond Hoyte said that he accepted the results of the audit, he has stated that acceptance did not mean that his party accepted Mrs. Jagan as President. Fair enough. But ever since, Mr. Hoyte and his followers have been engaged in a systematic anti-government movement which has employed violent mob protests, arson and physical assaults on representatives of the government, the PPP, and even the press to vent their frustration at their electoral loss. Unfortunately, these actions are close to constituting a direct threat to democracy in Guyana. Mr. Speaker, the feuding parties in Guyana must stop the violence, accusations and name-calling and must begin a period of reconciliation for the stability of the nation and the good of the people. The opposition leader, Mr. Hoyte should accept his electoral defeat, publicly call for an end to the mob violence and assume the role of opposition leader in the halls of the political arena rather than in the streets. The PNC members of the Guyana National Assembly who have refused to take their seats and allow the business of the country to go forward should assume their democratic responsibilities and make their case through the legislative process. For her part, President Jagan should appoint, in consultation with the opposition, the Constitutional Reform Commission called for in the Herdmanston agreement of January, 1998. This Commission should consist of representatives of all political parties and a broad range of citizens which would review the major issues of disagreement, disparity and discrimination within the country and which would make recommendations to the National Assembly for action. And finally, the leaders of the PPP and PNC in the Assembly should appoint a joint committee of their own to establish a dialogue on the major issues the country needs to address with respect to political and economic reform and then to work with each other through the legislative process to enact necessary changes. In sum, Mr. Speaker, democracy in Guyana must prevail and must grow stronger. In any truly democratic society, there are those who win elections and those who lose and the losers must peacefully respect the wishes of the electorate, however distasteful, and take up their role of the opposition in a statesmen-like manner and work with the government to provide a more stable, strong and prosperous nation for all the people. Reconciliation must happen now so that Guyana can move forward in the true sense of a free and democratic nation.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, today I will introduce the Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 1998 that would provide block grants to states to identify and assist our nation's most gifted and talented students. Gifted and talented students are this nation's greatest natural resource. They are our future Thomas Edisons, Langston Hughes, George Gershwins and Albert Einsteins. Unfortunately, these students are not being challenged today and our nation is missing out on their future achievements. According to Secretary of Education Richard Riley, our nation is facing a ``quiet crisis'' in that we are not appropriately educating our nation's most gifted and talented students. We must challenge these students with exceptional talent so they do not slip though the cracks and their talent does not go untapped. My legislation addresses this ``quiet crisis'' by providing block grants to state education agencies to identify gifted and talented students from all economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds--including students of limited English proficiency and students with disabilities--and to provide support programs and services to ensure these students achieve their full potential. Funding would be based on each state's student population, with each state receiving a minimum of $1 million per year. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in my commitment to ensure our nation's gifted and talented students reach their fullest potential and to ensure we have a new generation of Americans ready to meet the demand of the 21st Century.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, I would yield again to the gentleman from Oklahoma.

Mr. GALLEGLY. I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to express some thoughts regarding the legislation dealing with the proposed tobacco settlement. Several weeks ago I sent a letter to the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, the Honorable Tom Bliley, asking that as the Committee considers legislation in this area, that it include several elements which I believe are critical to decreasing the rate of tobacco addiction among young people. I would briefly like to outline these points. First, I strongly believe that any settlement legislation should include language requiring the General Accounting Office or other nonpartisan, respected organization to conduct periodic studies on the impact of any tobacco legislation on tobacco usage by young Americans. These studies should examine tobacco usage not only among both teenagers, but also among pre-teenagers. These follow-up studies are necessary, I believe, for providing policy-makers, including members of Congress, with detailed information on the success or failure of various aspects of a tobacco bill. The findings will also serve as the basis for any future legislative or regulatory changes to our nation's tobacco-reduction efforts. Currently, it is estimated that over 35 percent of high-school seniors smoke--a nineteen-year high--and that since 1991 smoking rates for both eighth and tenth graders have increased dramatically. It is imperative that any policies enacted are successful in reversing these alarming trends. Second, I also strongly urge that any tobacco legislation include provisions aimed at curtailing the use by young people of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco and cigars. These products are very harmful to young persons. I am particularly disturbed by a Centers for Disease Control study which found that 16 percent of boys in grades nine to twelve use smokeless tobacco products in a thirty-day period. Other reports have found that cigar usage has increased at an alarming rate among American boys and girls. The inclusion of these two elements will ensure that any tobacco legislation reduce the usage of all types of tobacco products. It will further ensure that Congress is given the data and information necessary to make common sense, effective changes in future tobacco policy with the ultimate goal of significantly decreasing the number of teenagers who smoke.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, each year the Conejo Valley, California, Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars presents its Red, White and Blue Ball to perpetuate the spirit of patriotism. At the Ball, each year an individual is honored who has demonstrated exceptional patriotism and who has made significant contributions to the community. This year, on June 6, 1998, an outstanding individual, Colonel Jerry E. Knotts, USAF (Retired) will be presented with a special Patrick Henry Medallion as the ``Patriotic Citizen of the Year.'' I am pleased to call Colonel Knotts a friend. Jerry retired from the Air Force with 24 years of service. His last assignment was as commander of the Washington Area Contracting Center at Andrews Air Force Base. He was responsible for Air Force procurement throughout the Nation's Capital, and a region from the Azores to Saint Louis, His responsibilities included the White House and the Presidential VIP aircraft fleet. As part of the Defense Logistics Agency, Jerry previously oversaw production of aircraft gas turbine engines, diesel engines, and armored vehicle transmissions at Detroit Diesel Allison of Indianapolis, Indiana. His career also included fourteen years in the Big Safari special reconnaissance program at General Dynamics in Forth Worth, Texas; E-Systems in Greenville, Texas; and Lockheed Aircraft Services in Ontario, California. Jerry was responsible for creating and flight testing a number of specially configured aircraft, including the Combat Sent, Combat Talon, Cobra Ball, Rivet Joint and many others. During 1968, he completed 112 missions over North Vietnam in an F-105 Wild Weasel. For his outstanding service to our nation, Jerry received the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with 13 oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Today, Jerry is manager of financial programs for the California Manufacturing Technology Center and serves as a Ventura County Airport Commissioner. He and his wife, Many, and daughter, Stephanie, have been residents of Thousand Oaks since 1984. Since his retirement from the Air Force, Jerry has devoted thousands of hours to a multitude of charitable organizations. He currently is chairman and president of the Thousand Oaks Youth Leadership Conference, the Westlake Village Cultural Foundation, and the Stagecoach Inn Museum Foundation, which he created. He also has been active in the leadership of the Community Leaders Club, the Conejo Symphony, the Conejo Valley Historical Society, the Conejo Valley Genealogical Society, the Conejo Futures Foundation and several fraternal organizations. For the past 15 years, Jerry has been responsible for the majority of the patriotic ceremonies held in the Conejo Valley. He is the past commander of Conejo Valley Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars and has served as master of ceremonies for the organization's Red, White and Blue Ball for 11 years. For his remarkable public service, Jerry has received numerous awards. In 1996 he was honored by the Conjeo Valley Historical Society. That same year, Jerry and his wife, Mary, both received the William E. Hamm Award from the California Lutheran University Community Leaders Club. Jerry also has been honored for his community service by having a seat designated in his name in the Thousand Oaks Civic Center Forum Theater. He previously received the Outstanding Service Award and the Silver Patrick Henry Medal from the Military Order of the World Wars. Mr. Speaker, my friend Colonel Jerry Knotts exemplifies the best spirit of patriotism and service to our Nation and his community. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on being named the Patriotic Citizen of the Year and for being selected to receive the Patrick Henry Medallion.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an outstanding public servant on his retirement, Ventura County Sheriff Larry Carpenter. Sheriff Carpenter protected the people of Ventura County, California, for almost 30 years, serving the community as a defender of the law and an educator of safety. I am proud to say Larry has been my friend for many, many years. As a committed and highly ethical officer of the law, Larry quickly climbed the ladder of rank and responsibility within the department. Joining the Ventura County Sheriff's Department in 1969 he has served in many capacities, from public speaking, to personnel and training, to narcotics, to managing court services and custody. In 1974, Larry was promoted to senior deputy sheriff and later that same year, promoted again, making him a sergeant. In 1984, Larry was appointed undersheriff and managed the operations of the entire department as second in command. Larry's long law enforcement culminated in 1993 when he became sheriff. Those who have worked with, and for, Larry have described him as a loyal person with the finest ethical standards. His interpersonal and organizational skills made him a good manager, but Larry's stellar professional attributes were not his only strong points--they simply served as a vehicle for his creative and ambitious ideas which he implemented for the good of his community. Larry developed the Sheriff department's ``hostage negotiation team'' and was an active proponent of opening the Todd Road Jail, which boasts an innovative inmate management philosophy. He led the fight to continue the use of military surplus helicopters, saving millions of local tax dollars annually, and implemented a platoon response plan for tactical emergencies. In addition, he opened ``storefront'' operations to deliver sheriff's services into the neighborhoods. These are merely few of sheriff Carpenter's achievements which have made real differences in the lives of Ventura County's citizens. You cannot put a price on safety, or thank someone enough for putting their life on the line to protect others. We can never really repay the heroism and bravery which protects us each day, which often goes unnoticed. But we can say thank you: Thank you sheriff Larry Carpenter for your years of service protecting our families and for making our community a safer and better place to live. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing my friend Larry a long and happy retirement.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, today I will introduce the Teacher Investment and Enhancement Act (TIE Act) along with my colleagues Steve Horn, Zoe Lofgren and Ron Paul to encourage secondary teachers to go back and take college courses in their fields of teaching. While it is important to know how to teach, it is equally if not more important to know what you are teaching. This was proven, unfortunately, with the disappointing outcome of U.S. 12th graders in the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS). Our 12th graders out-performed only two countries--Cyprus and South Africa--out of 21 countries in math and science. Education Secretary Richard Riley attributed this to the fact that ``too many science and math teachers are teaching out-of-field.'' The TIE Act would increase the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit for tuition expenses for the continuing education of secondary teachers in their fields of teaching. We need to ensure teachers are well-educated. How can we expect our children to learn a subject if their teachers are not knowledgeable in the subjects themselves? We simply cannot. Offering more education opportunities for our teachers is an investment in our children and one we cannot afford not to take. I strongly encourage my colleagues to cosponsor this important piece of legislation and work for its passage.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on International Relations. (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 215) congratulating the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for holding multiparty elections, as amended.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. GALLEGLY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 215. During the congressional recess from October of last year until February 1998, several nations in the Western Hemisphere, including Honduras, Columbia, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Chile, held important Presidential, congressional, or municipal elections. These elections represented another important step in the consolidation of democracy in the Americas. All of these nations deserve our congratulations and support. One of those elections and subject to this bill was held on December 15 of last year when the people of Guyana went to the polls and elected their new President. H. Con. Res. 215 was introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) and congratulates the 88 percent of the voters of Guyana who participated in their elections. By all accounts, these elections were judged to be free and fair by a team of international election observers. Despite the fact that some ballot counting problems did arise which necessitated an international audit, the overall election process was a great success. Interestingly enough, the new president, Mrs. Janet Jagan, is a U.S.- born native of Chicago who succeeds her husband, the former president who passed away last year. Mr. Speaker, I again want to congratulate all the peoples and the nations of the hemisphere who have held free and fair elections over the past few months, and commend the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) my good friend, for introducing this resolution, and I urge its adoption by the House. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 222) expressing the sense of Congress, congratulating the former International Support and Verification Commission of the Organization of American States (OAS-CIAV) for successfully aiding in the transition of Nicaragua from a war-ridden state into a newly formed democracy and providing continued support through the recently created technical cooperation mission (OAS-TCM) which is responsible for helping to stabilize Nicaraguan democracy by supplementing institution building.