Jim Gibbons

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 504 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to explain how I would have voted on September 20, 2005 during Rollcall vote No. 476, and No. 477 during the first session of the 109th Congress. The first vote was on H.R. 3761--the Flexibility for Displaced workers Act, and the second was H. Res. 441--to congratulate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Discovery Crew. I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted ``yes'' on these rollcall votes.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nicole Robbins of Nevada: mother, concerned citizen, and modern-day crime-fighter. On July 13th, Ms. Robbins observed a series of events unfold outside her apartment complex involving what appeared to be an attempted kidnapping of a five year old girl by an intoxicated, convicted Tier 2 sex offender. The man, calling himself ``Pastor Tree'', attempted to lure the girl away with him, promising to take her to a store. Thankfully the little girl was smart enough to alert her mother, who subsequently called the police, after the man went to retrieve his car. The boyfriend of the mother confronted the man upon his return for the girl. During this confrontation, the man started to drive away. Although police were en route, this man had already begun to flee. Realizing the potential getaway, Ms. Robbins claimed that ``something made her go inside her home and grab her car keys and cell phone.'' A mother of two young sons herself, Ms. Robbins bravely followed this attempted kidnapper for four miles, in contact with police the entire way providing details to help in his apprehension. When stopped by police, the man was found to be driving with a blood-alcohol limit more than twice the legal limit, and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of first-degree kidnapping and child luring. Ms. Robbins' actions should be commended in that not only did she aid local authorities by providing accurate and detailed information on a fleeing suspect, but she was wise enough in exercising restraint by not interfering before his capture. For her efforts, Ms. Robbins was honored by Reno police by receiving a citizen commendation certificate and medal, a prestigious award presented only once a year. Ms. Robbins stands as an example to all future kidnappers and child molesters that the people of Nevada are serious about protecting their children. I would like to conclude by addressing the next child molester or kidnapper that comes to Nevada with an intention to commit a crime against a child. Know that we are watching our children with you, protecting our children from you, and in cases like Ms. Robbins, even helping local authorities arrest you.

Mr. GIBBONS

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

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, our Nation has a solemn responsibility to protect the most innocent among us, our children. The Children's Safety Act of 2005, introduced by our chairman, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), will help to ensure that sex offenders are registered properly and that they maintain their registration wherever they reside. I originally sought to offer an amendment to this important bill that would have required States to ensure that sex offenders are properly registered before they are issued a driver's license and in doing so mandate that their license would have to be renewed every single year. The State of Nevada passed a law earlier this year that does just that. The purpose of such a requirement is to add another layer of protection for the children and families of our communities. In short, if a sex offender refuses to keep their registration current, which is now a problem facing too many States, then he would be unable to obtain a legal driver's license. This means that the sex offender is at risk at any time of being caught driving without a license and arrested. I think that this threat can serve as a useful deterrent and encourage sex offenders to maintain their registration--in fact, improving the registration compliance rate of these offenders. In a State where over 30 percent of sex offenders are non-compliant and lost in the system, we took these very same steps in Nevada to ensure a greater compliance rate. We simply must do everything we can to protect our children and prevent sexual crimes against them. I am proud that Nevada is a leader in this Nation in having modern, efficient computer systems that will allow it to implement this licensing procedure. Unfortunately, several other States have not yet fully updated their DMV and criminal registry systems. As a result, concerns have been raised regarding the cost on other States of such a system, and these concerns should be addressed. In consideration of these concerns, my amendment today will require the GAO to study the feasibility and costs of this driver's license requirement. This amendment also will require the GAO to study what type of Federal grant program may be needed to assist the States with implementing this requirement. This study will also seek the opinions and expertise of Federal and State law enforcement to ensure that this additional reform of our sex offender laws assists them in protecting our children. Finally, my amendment calls on the GAO to study the effectiveness of Nevada's State law so that Congress and this Nation can learn from my State how this system might work on a national level and how we can do a better job in monitoring sex offenders. Since I think that it is prudent for all States to follow Nevada's lead, I will also introduce stand-alone legislation today that will require States to begin implementing Nevada's driver's license requirement. However, I understand the importance of ensuring appropriate resources are provided, and will work with Mr. Sensenbrenner to study this issue so we can move forward in implementing these regulations to protect our children and prevent these horrible crimes. I look forward to gathering the necessary information and finding a legislative solution that will not put an undue burden on our States, but will ensure the safety of our children. I want to thank the chairman and his staff for working with me on this issue. Finally, I want to close by expressing my thanks to George Togliatti, Director of the Nevada Department of Public Safety and to Donna Coleman, member of Demanding Justice for America's Children. They both have worked tirelessly with my office to ensure that Nevada's children are protected. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. GIBBONS. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 252) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land in Washoe County, Nevada, to the Board of Regents of the University and Community College System of Nevada.

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 252.

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of Senate 252, the Dandini Research Park Conveyance Act, which was introduced in the Senate by Senator Harry Reid and co-sponsored by Senator John Ensign. I was proud to introduce the companion legislation in the House, and I am pleased to be here today to champion passage of this important bill. This legislation will direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey 467 acres of land in Washoe County, Nevada, to the Board of Regents of the University and Community College System of Nevada. The land is patented under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, which now prevents the Board of Regents from expanding a university- sponsored research park that provides for technology transfer, science- based economic development, and partnering among academic, governmental, and industrial sectors in Nevada. Known as the Dandini Research Park, the land is currently used by leading research and education institutions in Nevada, including the Truckee Meadows Community College and the Desert Research Institute. The research being done by TMCC and DRI at the Dandini Research Park benefits not only Nevada but communities across the western United States. The science park stands as a great example of a successful public/private partnership that brings the highest quality researchers to this educational facility. For example, DRI is a world-class nonprofit research campus of the Nevada Higher Education System, and their research is driven by a special emphasis in atmospheric, Earth and ecosystem, and hydrologic sciences. Additionally, DRI has three state-of-the-art interdisciplinary centers for arid lands, watershed and environmental sustainability, and environmental remediation and monitoring. DRI's research has helped provide innovative and important advancements in their field and has increased demand for their expertise. The state-of-the-art research being conducted at the Dandini site has resulted in the need to expand these facilities. However, since the University and Community College System of Nevada does not own the land of the Dandini Research Park, they are unable to obtain financing to expand the science center. Today's bill allows for the transfer of this land to allow the Board of Regents to develop and expand the Northern Nevada Science Center. Additionally, the bill mandates that net proceeds of any future sale of this property would be returned to the Secretary of the Interior for use by the Bureau of Land Management. The goal of much of the work being done at the Dandini Research Project is to provide innovative solutions to maintaining the vital balance between environmental protection and the development of our natural resources. This work helps us to better understand how we can live in harmony with our environment. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to pass this noncontroversial bill that is supported by the entire Nevada delegation and which passed the Senate in July. This bill will allow Nevada's leading education and research institutes to continue to expand upon their great work on behalf of Nevada and this great country, as well as our environment. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time assigned to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt).

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today we come to the floor of this body not as Democrats, not as Republicans, but as Americans, united in an effort to find a solution to find help for the people affected by the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. Today, Mr. Speaker, we unanimously passed financial assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and this Nation stands united. This entire Nation stands ready and willing to help the many thousands of victims in Hurricane Katrina's wrath. But first, let me extend my deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones in the rising flood waters and the devastation of this storm. We all share the grief they are feeling during this tragic time. Our most immediate concern is the safety and security of the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who are fighting this very day, this very hour, this very moment to survive. Many Nevadans have stepped up to offer their help in this effort. We have contractors in Nevada who have donated construction material, concrete, steel to help rebuild. We have banking institutions like Wells Fargo that have offered emergency financial assistance, emergency financial support and processes by which these people can access financial assistance. Members of the National Guard in the State of Nevada have also been called up, both from the 152nd Air National Guard Medical Group based in Reno and the Army Guard's Medical Detachment 5 headquartered in Reno. And Las Vegas were among the 100 already-deployed Nevadans assisting in the emergency response currently underway. The emergency team doctors, nurses and other medical specialists and their equipment left Reno on a C-130 with less than 24 hours' notice. The team will spend up to 2 weeks aiding the victims of Hurricane Katrina. As the recovery effort continues, Congress took the necessary steps today as a united body to enable these communities to begin to rebuild. Thousands of residents in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have had their lives shattered, have lost their homes, their businesses; and entire livelihoods have been swept away. Rebuilding these cities like New Orleans, Gulfport, and Biloxi and the many other once-bustling resort towns will not be done overnight, but the people of these Gulf Coast communities should know that the American people stand united, united not just with our rhetoric but with our action; and we will work with them to rebuild these cherished communities. The people and businesses of Nevada, like Albertson's, which will provide $9 million in water and food, have given generously to the relief effort and will continue to do so. May our thoughts and our prayers be with the victims of Hurricane Katrina as they work to find the strength to overcome the devastation Mother Nature has wrought upon them. Mr. Speaker, may God bless this great country and assist these people.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, forever memorialized on our state seal, ranching and farming are two of Nevada's traditions. The most storied of Nevada's ranches and farms, some dating back to the mid 1800's, are being honored this month with the 2005 Nevada Centennial Ranch & Farm Award. From Minden to McDermitt, these families represent the best in Nevada agriculture. To qualify to receive this prestigious award, a family must have been ranching or farming on the same Nevada property for at least 100 years, and the property must be a working ranch or farm with 160 acres or with gross annual sales of at least $1,000. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and honor the following recipients who have not only shown a commitment to land, but a commitment to family and our land. Blue Eagle Ranch, Tonopah; Bunker Farm, Inc., Bunkerville; Ferraro Cattle Company, Paradise Valley; Green Springs Ranch, Duckwater; Heise Family Ranch, Gardnerville; Krenka Ranch, Ruby Valley; Laura Springs Ranch, Gardnerville; Riordan Ranch, Jiggs; Snyder Livestock Company, Inc., Yerington; Stodieck Farm, Minden; Wilkinson Little Meadow Ranch, McDermitt. The success, sustainability, and longevity of these ranches and farms stand as an example, to those in agriculture and beyond, of what commitment, determination, and hard work can accomplish.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to explain why I was not present during votes on July 25 and July 26, 2005 during the first session of the 109th Congress. Due to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commissioner Anthony Principi's visit to the Reno Air Guard and Hawthorne Army Depot, I was unable to return to Washington, DC for votes. I first would like to explain how I would have voted on July 25, 2005 during rollcall votes Nos. 417, 418, and 419. The first vote was on H.J. Res. 59, the second was H. Con. Res. 181 and the third was H. Res. 376. I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted ``yea'' on these rollcall votes. If present on July 26, 2005, I would have also voted during rollcall votes Nos. 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, and 431. The first series of rollcall votes Nos. 420, 421, 422, and 423 were on H.R. 3200, H.R. 3283, a Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 2361, and H.R. 2977. I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted ``yea'' on these rollcall votes. The second series of rollcall votes Nos. 424, 425, 426, and 427 were on the Kind of Wisconsin Substitute Amendment on H.R. 525, a Motion to Recommit with Instructions on H.R. 525, Final Passage of H.R. 525, and finally on H.R. 2894. I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall votes Nos. 424 and 425, but would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes Nos. 426 and 427. The third series of rollcall votes, Nos. 428, 429, 430, and 431 were on the Pence of Indiana Amendment to H.R. 22, the Flake of Arizona Amendment to H.R. 22, a vote on the Final Passage of H.R. 22 and finally a vote on H.R. 3339. I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall votes Nos. 428 and 429, but would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes Nos. 430 and 431. Thank you for your time and careful consideration of this important matter.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to explain how I would have voted on July 18, 2005 during rollcall vote No. 380, No. 381, and No. 382 during the first session of the 109th Congress. The first vote was on Res. 328--recognizing the 25th anniversary of the workers' strikes in Poland in 1980 that led to the establishment of the Solidarity Trade Union, the second was H. Con. Res. 175--acknowledging African descendants of the transatlantic slave trade in all of the Americas, and the third was H. Res. 364--commending the continuing improvement in relations between the United States and the Republic of India. I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted ``yes'' on these rollcall votes.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce) and also the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall), for allowing me time to speak on this very important bill which I introduced along with my very good friend and colleague the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin). H.R. 2362 demonstrates a commitment, a commitment by not only this body, but by our country, to provide timely geologic information in a digital format to a variety of users, including our county health departments, State environmental agencies, Federal agencies, and even the private sector, Mr. Speaker. To date, no modern digital geologic map exists for approximately 75 percent of this country. Geologic mapping has a variety of important uses as we have already heard. And understanding the subsurface soil, geology soil profiles through the use of geologic mapping can facilitate better planning, better planning for a variety of community projects including housing developments, schools and hospitals, septic systems for rural and urban communities and water treatment facilities and the construction of even highways and roadways as well. Now, siting these types of facilities in appropriate geologic settings is important to avoid or mitigate for geologic hazards such as landslides, earthquakes, subsiding soils or swelling soils, sinkholes, volcanic eruptions and even floodplains. H.R. 2362 authorizes the cooperative matching grant program between the State geologic surveys and the United States Geologic Survey through the fiscal year 2010. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would urge all of my colleagues, understanding the value of this important piece of legislation, to vote in the affirmative for its passage.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to give my strong support to 2423, the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, introduced by my good friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley). This bill will help protect our children by requiring sex offenders to register in person twice a year and calling on States to maintain searchable sex offender databases. While the gentleman from Florida's (Mr. Foley) bill will provide a deterrent to the monsters who prey on our children, I hope we can pass provisions similar to those that the Nevada State legislature recently passed. The Nevada bill adds an extra level of protection by requiring sex offenders to renew their driver's licenses every year, a step made necessary by the fact that so many of these predators failed to register at all. I want to close by expressing my sincere thanks to Donna Coleman, president of the Children's Advocacy Alliance. Ms. Coleman and her organization have been outspoken advocates of the most innocent among us, those who cannot speak out for themselves, the children. Their motto is, ``Putting the health and safety of children first''; and they have done that by tirelessly working in Nevada to ensure that laws are passed to support and defend their children. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley), Ms. Coleman and the Children's Advocacy Alliance and look forward to working with them to protect our children.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2528, a bill which will provide the essential funding that our Nation's heroes, our veterans, need. I applaud the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis) and the gentleman from the 25th District of New York (Mr. Walsh) for their vision and leadership on this important issue, and I also thank them for allowing me the time to speak on a bill that is so important to our country. This bill increases overall veterans' benefits to $21 billion which is nearly $1.6 billion more than last year's funding level for our veterans. Madam Chairman, over the last 2 years alone, this Congress has increased funding for veterans' medical care by 18 percent. In addition, H.R. 2528 doubles veterans' mental health research funding and requires a comprehensive study on post-traumatic stress disorder. As a veteran of our Armed Forces, I understand that this is an issue that our future veterans, who are currently fighting in the war on terror, will most certainly struggle with. I applaud the efforts that this bill makes to ensure America's veterans will receive the mental health care they need when they return home as our heroes. Madam Chairman, I also support this bill because of the assistance it will provide to the veterans in my home State of Nevada. H.R. 2528 provides $199 million for a new veterans hospital in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in our Nation. Nevada's veteran population is simply exploding. This new hospital will ensure that those who have bravely served our country have access to all their health care needs. This is great news for Nevada's veterans. The committee's report that accompanies H.R. 2528 also ensures that the vital per diem payments that the VA provides to our State veterans home in Boulder City will not be cut. This report language also requests Secretary Nicholson to engage in a dialogue with our State- operated veterans homes to come up with a solution to increasing the costs of providing quality health care to our veterans. Madam Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill because it provides our Nation's veterans with the benefits that they have earned by protecting our great Nation.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take my Special Order at this time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise to celebrate individual courage and individual strength. Last Saturday in Carson City, Nevada, an act of bravery and unselfishness occurred when Mr. Loren Boyles saved the life of a Carson City deputy sheriff. As he was leaving for work early Saturday morning, Mr. Boyles came across Deputy Wayne Gray who was down and being attacked by a suspect he was attempting to restrain. Without hesitating, Mr. Boyles jumped in and kept that suspect from doing serious, if not fatal, bodily harm to the deputy. He helped to apprehend the assailant and then stayed with Deputy Gray until additional officers arrived at the scene. Loren Boyles represents the best in the people of Nevada and of America. He was not afraid to intervene in what was undoubtedly a dangerous situation to save the life of Deputy Gray. Afterwards, he just went on to work, saying, It was not a big deal; I was just helping out. But, Mr. Speaker, it was a big deal. Everyday heroes make this country great. Heroes like Arland D. Williams, Jr., who died in the icy Potomac River helping fellow survivors of Flight 90 get to lifelines. He did not worry about his own safety. Instead, selflessly he helped others. Heroes like Pat Tillman, who walked away from a $3.6 million contract as the starting safety for the Arizona Cardinals to defend our country. He too did not want glory, refusing even to grant interviews to talk about his decision. Mr. Boyles has a long record of selfless bravery as well. A veteran U.S. Air Force military policeman, Boyles risked his life repeatedly during his three tours of duty in Vietnam. And earlier this week, he did not hesitate to risk his life to save someone in need from a dangerous individual. Yet Boyles has remained modest about the entire incident, telling the local newspaper, the Nevada Appeal: ``The cops are the real heroes here. They are on the front lines every day protecting us from guys like this.'' Mr. Boyles' bravery is commendable, and his modesty is laudable. His heroism is an inspiration to not only the people of Nevada but to all Americans. So to Mr. Boyles I say thank you for aiding your fellow citizens, and I commend you for your heroism. May your sense of duty and selflessness be a model for all Americans.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and colleague for allowing me today to rise in support of the rule, but in opposition to the underlying bill. First, I would like to thank the chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), for allowing me time to speak on an issue that is very important to my home State of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, since the proposal of Yucca Mountain over 2 decades ago, Nevadans have collectively fought against this ill-advised project. I hope that one day I can come to the House floor and tell the people of Nevada that they no longer need to worry about this disastrous proposal. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, today is not that day. I agree with my colleagues that we must find a solution to the escalating energy problem in this country. However, digging a hole in the Nevada desert and burying the waste is simply not the answer. The Yucca Mountain project was based on 1980s science and technology and has no place in our country today. We need to focus on 21st-century solutions like reprocessing and transmutation processes to reduce our nuclear waste. Going forward with the Yucca Mountain project is like still using cassette tapes or even 8-track stereo tapes in an era of MP3 players and Ipods. In addition to this disregard of modern technology, it seems now the DOE does not even care about ensuring the science they are basing the project on, outdated or not, is even accurate. I met with Secretary Bodman, along with the rest of the Nevada delegation, and we discussed the recent scandal regarding the falsification of science from some employees directly involved in the project. Despite the manipulation of the data and the complete disregard for quality assurance that the employees have shown, the Secretary demonstrated absolutely no willingness to review the Yucca Mountain project. I know most of my colleagues are not following this issue as closely as we are in Nevada; but for the sake of government accountability, we must halt this project until we have time to fully investigate these accusations. As Members of Congress, we are entrusted with responsibly spending the taxpayers' dollars, and now is the time for us to stand up and demand that the Department of Energy be accountable for its actions. We are only wasting our constituents' tax dollars by pumping money toward a project that continues to crumble from the inside. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject the funding levels for Yucca Mountain in the underlying bill. However, I will support the rule so that we can move forward with debate on this very important issue.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to explain how I would have voted on May 23, 2005 during rollcall vote No. 200, No. 201, and No. 202 during the first session of the 109th Congress. The first vote was on H.R. 744--the Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2005, the second vote was on H.R. 29--Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act, and the last vote was on H. Con. Res. 149--Recognizing the 57th Anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel. I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted ``yes'' on the rollcall votes.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my strong support for H.R. 849, to convey certain public land in Clark County, Nevada for use as a heliport. Nevada is 84 percent owned and managed by the federal government. This large share of federal land makes management of Nevada's cities and counties difficult at best. Extensive federal ownership of Nevada coupled with the rapid growth we are currently experiencing brings even greater need for planning and management of all types of transportation. Currently over 90 helicopter flights per day, or 32, 850 flights per year, fly over the homes of more than 90,000 Las Vegas residents. As you can imagine, this high volume of air traffic poses challenges and problems for the residents of Southern Nevada. To help alleviate this problem, Clark County has searched extensively for a separate site that will not only accommodate helicopter operators, but meet the needs of the surrounding communities. The heliport site agreed to in this legislation is a result of a great deal of study and planning. Several sites were identified as potentially suitable, however the site outlined in my legislation is the most ideal location. The site outlined in the legislation is further out of the city and will not affect any current residential areas. Again, thank you Mr. Speaker for your consideration of this legislation that is so important to Southern Nevada. Additionally, I would like to thank my colleague Mr. Porter for his assistance, as well as the entire Nevada delegation for their support of this bill. I urge all of my colleagues to recognize the need for an alternative helicopter site and join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I come from the district that has by far and away more wild horses in it than any district in the United States, bar none. Of the 30,000 horses we are talking about, 20,000 of them are in the Second District of Nevada. This amendment, if it is passed, will be a rule of unintended consequences on what happens to the management of these horses. My colleagues, in Nevada horses do not always look beautiful like the horse that we see in Black Beauty. Sometimes they are misshapen. Sometimes they are deformed. That is because we cannot manage 20,000 horses on land which does not look like Kentucky, does not look like West Virginia. These horses get starved, they are weakened, they become diseased and, of course, they are not as easily adopted as before. If this amendment is passed, the unintended consequence will be to prevent the Bureau of Land Management from properly managing. And today this amendment is moot. The Bureau of Land Management today announced strict new rules for the sale of wild horses. These changes will ensure America's wild horses and burros go to good homes, and the new rules will expressly prohibit the sale of these animals for slaughter. Specifically, before horses are sold buyers must sign a contract that will bind them to providing humane care for the horse or burro. Buyers cannot sell or transfer ownership of any of the purchased horses or burros to any person or organization that intend to process them for commercial products. Anyone falsifying or concealing information in that contract is subject to criminal penalties under U.S. law. Additionally, the BLM is working to ensure that all three U.S. horse processing plants make certain any BLM horses, which are easily identified by a unique brand under its mane, are turned away and the proper authorities are notified. In sum, the new BLM rules will make it a crime to sell wild horses for slaughter, yet will allow for the sale of these animals to buyers seeking to provide them good caring homes. I applaud the Bush administration and the Bureau of Land Management for taking responsible action to assure America's wild horses and burros are cared for, and I would like to thank the Ford Motor Company and the Take Pride in America Program, which this amendment will stop dead in its tracks, for supporting BLM in this effort and creating the Save the Mustangs Fund.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank my good friend and colleague from Arizona for allowing me the privilege to rise today in support of legislation I introduced, the Newlands Project Headquarters and Maintenance Yard Facility Transfer Act, H.R. 540. This legislation passed the House under suspension of the rules last year, but was not considered in the Senate prior to the adjournment of the 108th Congress. I truly appreciate the opportunity to stand before my colleagues again in support of this legislation that is so important for the people of the Second District of the State of Nevada. The purpose of this legislation is to transfer all right, title, and interest in the Newlands Project to the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District, otherwise known as TCID. This conveyance consists of approximately 35 acres and will allow TCID to make permanent improvements on this land for the continued operation of the Newlands Reclamation Project. In 1996, the Bureau of Reclamation certified that TCID had repaid the original construction costs designated for repayment to the United States. The original construction costs included the cost of the land on which the initial headquarter facilities were located. In the late 1970s, however, TCID had outgrown the original facilities and moved to the current site, which is the area to be conveyed through this legislation. TCID paid for the land where the original facilities were located; however, they were never compensated when they vacated these lots, despite the fact that a Federal post office now sits on the original tract of land that housed the project headquarters. Critics will charge that this bill unfairly favors the TCID and that the land is a taxpayer asset and should be treated accordingly. Those assertions simply do not make sense. The Bureau of Reclamation certified that the Newlands Project had been paid for and asking the TCID to pay for their land that their headquarters is currently located on would be in effect asking them to pay for it twice. To say that H.R. 540 is a giveaway is simply incorrect and misrepresents the intent of this important legislation. This bill is a fair solution to an unfair situation. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to join me and Senator John Ensign and Senator Harry Reid and Governor Kenny Guinn of Nevada and the local leaders of Churchill County and the city of Fallon, Nevada, in supporting this legislation. I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi), my good friend and colleague, once again for allowing me to speak on this bill. I appreciate the consideration of this legislation that is so very important to my constituents in Nevada.