Jerry Lewis

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I bring before the House a continuing resolution for fiscal year 2007. This CR, which is clean, runs through February 15, 2007. Only necessary technical anomalies are included. This CR will fund the agencies in the nine remaining bills awaiting conference at the lower rate the House passed, Senate passed, or current fiscal year 2006 level. We have been working closely with both leadership and Chairman Cochran on this CR to ensure that all essential functions of the government continue without interruption. With regard to veterans medical care funding, the VA presently has approximately $600 million left over from fiscal year 2006. However, should the VA need additional resources between now and February 15, we are providing the VA and the Secretary with the authority to transfer funds from within other Veterans Affairs accounts. When we passed this CR the last time, my hope was it would provide a strong motivation for Congress to complete its work in regular order. I was hopeful that our colleagues in the Senate would complete their work on the floor so we could move the remaining individual conference reports before the end of this legislative session. I want the body to know that the Appropriations Committee has been strongly committed to bringing to this floor individual conference reports. That has not occurred. Each and every individual bill should have come to the floor and gone to conference with the Senate and been sent to the President. From the beginning of our process, Chairman Cochran and I pledged to pass funding bills in regular order. We also stated publicly we would not, I repeat, not, support an omnibus bill in any form. The House Appropriations Committee passed each of the 11 subcommittee bills out of the full committee by June 30, and with the exception of the Labor-HHS bill, all of the bills off the House floor by the July 4 break. Similarly, the Senate passed each of its bill out of the full committee to ensure timely consideration on the Senate floor. The Appropriations Committee has remained committed to moving these bills individually and within the framework of the budget resolution. My colleagues, the Appropriations Committee has kept its word. The breakdown of regular order this cycle, indeed the failure to get our bills done, should be fairly placed at the feet of the departing Senate majority leader who failed to schedule floor time for the consideration of appropriations bills. Senator Cochran and I were convinced that moving bills individually was the only way for us to get back to regular order. Lacking regular order, there is a tendency for the remaining bills to become Christmas trees and for spending to grow out of control, having individual Members do with a Christmas tree what they might. In our view, that is simply not acceptable. Let me make one personal comment aside: my appropriations colleague, Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi, could not have been a better partner as we attempted to bringing regular order to the appropriations process. The Senator of Mississippi was poorly served by his own leadership. I would prefer to return to Congress in January as chairman of the Appropriations Committee but look forward to working with the new chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey). Until then, I urge my colleagues to support this CR and I would like to close my remarks by wishing all of my friends a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1105, I call up the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 102) making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the leadership and dedication to public service of Lieutenant General Jerry Sinn, who has provided exemplary stewardship of the Army's resources and budgeting for the past 7 years. Beginning as a ``tunnel rat'' in Vietnam, Lieutenant General Sinn has retired as the Army's budget chief after 39 years in uniform. After being drafted in 1968, Jerry Sinn was soon commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. The Army sent him to Vietnam shortly thereafter, where he fought as a tunnel rat--one of the deadliest missions in that conflict--and led a Rome Plow team. Throughout his career, he has never stopped inspiring, guiding and teaching soldiers--whether as a company commander in Korea, a mathematics instructor at West Point, a battalion commander with the Big Red One, an assistant chief of staff of VII Corps, a brigade commander in the 3rd Infantry Division, or commander of the Corps of Engineers' North Atlantic Division. Lieutenant General Sinn has spent the last 7 years of his military career in the Pentagon as the Army's top uniformed budget official. His ideas, acumen, finesse and good humor were essential to guiding the Army from being a force at peace to a force at war. General Sinn oversaw the unprecedented growth in resources and mission since 2001, dedicating himself to ensuring that every soldier was properly equipped and trained. He looked after families, initiating and pushing numerous programs to improve their quality of life. And he made sure that everyone involved in financial management understood the importance of their work. General Sinn inspired the civilians and the uniformed members of Army financial management to do their very best and approach their tasks with the same vigor as the soldier on the battlefield. He also provided counsel to the Army leadership, the Defense Department, the Office of Management and Budget and many members of Congress. General Sinn earned a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars, both with oak leaf clusters and one with a V Device, among many other medals and awards. He lived the Soldier's Creed with great pride and dignity. He always placed the mission first. He never accepted defeat. He never quit. And though he could have, he never left a fallen comrade. Mr. Speaker, throughout his youth in North Dakota, Jerry Sinn thought he would follow in his parents' footsteps, raising cattle and growing wheat. The U.S. Army, and his many supporters in Congress, are grateful that he devoted his life to public service instead. Please join me in thanking him for those 39 years of selflessness, and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Ted Vick, a longtime public servant who is retiring after a 55-year career in leadership through education. Dr. Vick has proven his dedication to educational pursuits by earning his bachelor's degree in elementary education at the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California at Riverside. His desire to serve in public education led to his service as a principal and vice principal in various school districts throughout his career, including 12 years spent as the superintendent of Adelanto School District. His proven leadership led to 20 years of service on the San Bernardino County Board of Education, and his enthusiasm was quickly noticed by other local organizations. While Dr. Vick dedicated his time to the county board of education, the Needles Unified School District asked for his service when they required another member to join their local district board. Aside from teaching, Dr. Vick strove to influence others by holding several leadership positions in educational and community organizations. His list of distinguished posts includes the California School Boards Association Delegate Assembly, and the board of directors on the California County Boards of Education. His interest in the needs of the local community is prevalent through his time with the Adolescent and Family Service Center, and while serving on the board of directors for Desert Communities United Way. Dr. Vick's remaining time has been spent devoted to the First Christian Church in San Bernardino, serving as chairman of the board, elder, and deacon. This relentless involvement in the lives of his fellow citizens has made Dr. Vick an important influence in the community, earning him the well-deserved San Bernardino County School Board Association's 2005 Distinguished Service Award. Although the appreciation of the community is shown on the faces of those whom he has instructed, it was most notably visible in 2005 when Adelanto School District named a local school in his honor; the Theodore Vick Elementary School. Mr. Speaker, after 55 years of public service, Dr. Vick will retire from his teaching and leadership posts. Although Dr. Vick's presence in the community will be greatly missed, his zeal for leadership and education will continue to inspire the students and adults who have crossed his path. On behalf of the people of San Bernardino County, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Vick for his work and in wishing him well in his future pursuits.

Mr. LEWIS of California

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

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 100) making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes.

Mr. LEWIS of California. I appreciate the recognition, Mr. Speaker. I don't anticipate I will use the entire 20 minutes, but we will see how we proceed here. Mr. Speaker, I bring before the House a continuing resolution for fiscal year 2007. This CR runs through December 8. It is clean without exception. This CR will fund the agencies and the nine remaining bills awaiting conference at the lower rate of the House-passed, Senate- passed or current fiscal year 2006 level. When we passed the last CR, my hope was that it would provide a strong motivation for Congress to complete its work in regular order. I remain hopeful that our colleagues in the Senate will complete their work on the floor so that we can move the remaining individual conference reports before the end of our legislative session. I want the body to know that the Committee on Appropriations has been strongly committed to bringing to this floor individual conference reports for each and every bill. This committee does not support an omnibus in any form and has done everything in its power to ensure that that does not happen. The Appropriations Committee passed each bill of the 11 subcommittee bills out of the full committee by June 30, and with the exception of the Labor-HHS bill, all of those bills were off the floor by the Fourth of July break. The Appropriations Committee has remained committed to moving these bills individually and within the framework of the budget resolution. My colleagues, the Appropriations Committee has kept its word. I am convinced that moving bills individually is the only way for us to get back to regular order. Lacking regular order, there is a tendency for the remaining bills to become Christmas trees and for spending to grow out of control. In my view, that is simply not acceptable. I urge my colleagues to support this CR, and would like to close my remarks by wishing all of my friends, as we go out of town, a happy Thanksgiving. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the fiscal year 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report. This is the second of 11 individual conference reports I hope to bring to the House floor for consideration this year. The conference report funds the Department of Homeland Security at $34.8 billion for fiscal year 2007, an increase of $2.3 billion over the fiscal year before. The conference agreement aggressively addresses our most critical homeland security needs including border and immigration security; port, cargo and container security; transportation security; natural disaster preparedness and response; and support to State and local first responders. I would really like to praise Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Sabo for their very fine bipartisan work; but to my colleague Martin Sabo, let me say not just a colleague and congressional classmate, Martin Sabo is one of the finest people I have known since I have been in Congress. I would say to Martin, a job well done, my friend, not just for, of course, this piece of work, but most important, for a lifetime of work on behalf of your country. Chairman Rogers has spoken to the specifics of the conference report so I will again direct my attention to the need to complete our appropriations work this year. As the body knows, the Appropriations Committee has made tremendous strides over the last 2 years in reforming the process of adopting our annual spending bills. The Appropriations Committee has been strongly committed to bringing to this floor individual conference reports for each and every bill. We were successful in doing so last year. I hope to replicate that success again this year. To underscore this point, Chairman Cochran and I sent a letter to both Speaker Hastert and Majority Leader Frist this week reiterating our support for completing each of our bills in regular order and not resorting to an end-of-session omnibus spending bill. I would like to submit for the Record that letter at this point. House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Washington, DC, September 25, 2006. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House, Washington, DC. Hon. William H. Frist, Senate Majority Leader, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker and Majority Leader Frist: As we approach the end of the pre-election legislative session, the Appropriations Committees are preparing to present to our chambers the conference reports for funding the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. While progress is being made with these two major bills, we want to reiterate our commitment to moving each of the individual appropriations subcommittee conference reports at the earliest possible date this year. We know that you, too, share this goal. Thanks to your leadership last year, we were able to complete each of the appropriations bills individually within the established budgetary constraints and avoid a massive, year-end ``omnibus'' spending bill. This represented a remarkable victory for taxpayers and demonstrated that Congress was capable of completing its constitutional responsibilities on time and on budget. Upon our selection as Chairmen, we committed to you and our colleagues that we would work to restore regular order to the appropriations process. We remain committed to passing conference reports individually again this year. Maintaining regular order and passing individual conference reports within the parameters of the budget resolution is an important part of controlling spending. It is our belief that omnibus legislation that bypasses the regular order is not in the best interest of the Congress, or ultimately the taxpayer. Whether we work through the holidays or pass long- term continuing resolutions, we are committed to completing the FY 2007 appropriations process in an open and orderly manner, without resorting to an omnibus strategy. Our Committees remain committed to completing our work at the earliest possible date. We thank you for your assistance in this endeavor and we look forward to working with you as we together accomplish our legislative goals this year. Sincerely, Jerry Lewis, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations. Thad Cochran, Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations. Mr. Speaker, early in the process I made it very clear to our leadership and to our Members that the Appropriations Committee would not entertain the prospect of an omnibus spending bill. This committee is doing everything in its power to ensure that this does not happen. The Appropriations Committee passed each of the 11 spending bills through the full committee by June 20 of this year, and passed 10 of 11 bills off the House floor by June 30. We remain committed to pass the final appropriations bill at a moment's notice. The Appropriations Committee made a commitment to move its spending bills individually, in regular order, and within the framework of the budget resolution. We have done that. The Appropriations Committee has kept its word. Moving our spending bills individually is the only way to maintain fiscal discipline. The pursuit of an omnibus strategy is a budget- buster and an invitation to unrestrained spending. If history is any guide, an omnibus spending bill would become a vehicle for other forms of legislative mischief. Again, Chairman Cochran and I would ask our colleagues to avoid that approach and move forward in passing individual conference reports. Together, we remain committed to completing our work at the earliest possible date. I also urge the adoption of this conference report in a vote later today. As I close these comments, let me say one more time, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Sabo have a reflection in this bill of the finest of bipartisan efforts, exactly the kind of effort that will cause the Congress to rise in the respect of the American people.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the University of Redlands on the centennial of its founding. From its first graduating class of three students to the present-day student body of 4,100, this school has developed a reputation as a top-quality small university. At the turn of the last century, Redlands and the surrounding communities were home to the booming navel orange industry. The lure of agricultural wealth and the beautiful climate of the San Bernardino Valley attracted hundreds of sophisticated families from the East Coast and Midwest. Many of these ``colonists'' brought a tradition of fostering civic good works to their new home, and by the early 1900s they were seeking a new college to serve the community. City residents subscribed more than $50,000 and convinced the American Baptists to locate a new university in Redlands rather than Los Angeles. Chartered in 1907, the university admitted its first students in 1909 and graduated its first class--of three students--in 1910. It now boasts more than 45,000 alumni from around the world. More than 35 percent of its students are from historically under-represented groups. The University of Redlands today has more than 200 professors teaching in 46 majors and programs, and an additional 200 adjunct faculty providing expertise to its School of Business and School of Education. Graduate programs include music, communicative disorders and geographic information systems, and a Doctorate of Leadership for Educational Justice. The university has been ranked among the top liberal-arts colleges in the West in a number of surveys. I am proud to say that the relationship between the university and the community remains strong. The university was one of the first educational institutions in the country to require community service as a condition of graduation. Today, over 80,000 community service hours are provided annually by students to local, regional, national and international agencies and organizations. The innovative School of Education has prepared thousands of new teachers to serve our youth. Mr. Speaker, the University of Redlands will soon begin a year-long celebration of its centennial, which will be highlighted by the entry of a university float in the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade, and will continue with a series of events commemorating 100 years of excellence and community involvement. Please join me in congratulating the trustees, faculty, staff and students on their achievement, and wish them well in their next 100 years.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, at the admonition of my dear friend from Pennsylvania, I am simply rising to compliment these two gentleman for the fabulous work they have done and to make one single point: this is the first conference report of 11 that we should have. It is my intention before the year is over to complete all of those reports. But the point I really want to make and have the House understand, it is not the committee's intention to have an omnibus of any form. An omnibus only complicates the process, causes us to spend more money, not less, and undermines the very fine work that has been done by this committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the FY07 Department of Defense Appropriations conference report. This is the first of 11 individual conference reports I hope to bring to the House floor for consideration this year. The conference report funds the DoD at $377.6 billion plus a bridge fund of $70 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, the DoD conference report contains a clean continuing resolution that funds government operations at the lower rate of House- passed, Senate-passed, or last year's funding level through November 17th. The underlying bill in this conference report--the DoD Appropriations bill--is the most important of our annual appropriation bills for it funds our national security. I would like to praise Chairman Young and ranking member Murtha for their fine bipartisan work. Chairman Young has spoken to the specifics of the conference report so I will direct my attention to the need to complete our work this year. As the body knows, the Appropriations Committee has made tremendous strides over the last two years in reforming the process of adopting our annual spending bills. The Appropriations Committee has been strongly committed to bringing to this floor individual conference reports for each and every bill. We were successful in doing so last year and I hope to replicate that success again this year. Early in this process, I made it very clear to my leadership and to our members that the Appropriations Committee would not entertain the prospect of an omnibus spending bill. This Committee has done everything in its power to ensure that this does not happen. The Appropriations Committee passed each of the 11 spending bills through full committee by June 20th, and passed 10 of 11 bills off the House floor by June 30th. We remain ready to pass the final appropriations bill at a moment's notice. The Appropriations Committee made a commitment to move its spending bills individually--in ``regular order''--and within the framework of the Budget Resolution. We have done that. My colleagues, the Appropriations Committee has kept its word. Moving our spending bills individually is the only way for us to maintain fiscal discipline. If history is any guide, an omnibus spending bill would also become a vehicle for legislative mischief, a proverbial Christmas tree for unrelated legislative proposals by attaching the year's unfinished business onto must-pass legislation. The pursuit of an omnibus strategy is a budget-buster and an invitation to unrestrained spending. Chairman Cochran and I urge our colleagues to avoid this approach and move forward in passing individual conference reports. Together, we remain committed to completing our work at the earliest possible date. I urge the adoption of this conference report.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like today to congratulate the trustees, faculty and students of the San Bernardino Valley College as they celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of this vital education provider in my home town of San Bernardino, California. Beginning with 140 students at two high school campuses in 1926, San Bernardino Valley Community College has grown into a district with two modern campuses and thousands of students. It has served more than 700,000 students over the past 80 years. Valley College, as it was known when I was growing up in San Bernardino, has long been a pillar of the local educational community-- and for some time was our only public institution for higher education. We now have California State University San Bernardino and nearby University of California, Riverside. But because of its range of programs, Valley College is still the destination of choice for many students. The college's low cost and dedication to helping students of all economic backgrounds has made Valley College's student body one of the most diverse in the Nation. Its graduates go on to complete four-year degrees at top universities, and provide the skilled labor for the area's rapidly growing economy. I have been proud over the years to have supported Valley College's efforts to improve its campus and programs. With the help of earthquake mitigation funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the college has completely remade its central facilities, tearing down main buildings and replacing them with a new library, Health and Human Sciences Building, administration and student services building and the newest addition--a 37,000-square-foot Campus Center. A new art building with a modern gallery is set to open next year. Valley College is also home to one of the few broadcast television operations in the Inland Empire--its public-television station KVCR. I have been pleased to work with the district to secure funding to upgrade these facilities to meet new high-definition requirements. This station and its related public radio station provide tremendous access to the airwaves for the diverse student body, which makes this a top asset for the community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in offering congratulations to the trustees, administration, faculty and students of this important institution, and offering our best wishes for the future success of the district and those who make it such a success.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, the American Legion is one of the most respected institutions in our Nation, honoring our veterans and providing service to local communities. This is especially true of the Irving G. Bergman Post 428 in Banning, California, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in August. Post 428 was chartered as the San Gorgonio Pass Post of the American Legion in August 1931, to serve the veterans living in the Riverside County cities of Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon, Cherry Valley and Calimesa. Over the years, the Post has also become a community resource in the rapidly growing area. More than 200 veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf are active members of the Post, which refurbished a building in downtown Banning for its headquarters. My colleagues will be pleased to know that a flag flown over our Capitol waves over the Post each day. Members of the Post provide service to disabled veterans at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center in nearby Loma Linda. The Post is a frequent host for ceremonies on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other observances. Members have sponsored widely recognized salutes, including a Salute to Blue Star Families and a communitywide Welcome Home to Troops which drew hundreds of area residents to honor California National Guard members returning from fighting the War on Terrorism. The Post also helped completely refurbish the local Armory. Post 428 is especially active in the community, with members visiting schools to talk about patriotism and what it means to be a veteran, presenting small flags to students and large flags to be flown at the schools. Members have also participated in safety fairs and local parades. I am particularly grateful to the past commander of Post 428, Rees Lloyd, who has been a strong advocate for protection of the Mojave Cross Veteran's Memorial in the Mojave National Preserve in the desert area of my congressional district. Although it is in a remote location and has a clear history as a veterans memorial, the cross has been challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union, which sued the National Park Service to remove it. Through the efforts of Mr. Lloyd, who is now commander of all Riverside County Posts, the American Legion has taken a strong stand in support of maintaining the cross. With their support, I am hopeful we will prevail in keeping this memorial to our veterans. Mr. Speaker, the American Legion motto is ``Still Serving God and Country,'' and I believe that is especially true of Post 428. Please join me in thanking them for their public service, and congratulating them on their 75th anniversary.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like today to pay tribute to an extraordinary music teacher who is retiring after 44 years of educating and encouraging youth to strive toward musical excellence, thirty years of which were spent enlightening the minds of students at Loma Linda Academy. Philip Binkley's interest in music began at an early age and continued throughout his life. By receiving both a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Music Education, Mr. Binkley proved his sincere devotion to educating others. During his 30 years at the Loma Linda Academy, Mr. Binkley led the school's highest level symphonic band at performances around the globe, setting new standards of achievement. The Loma Linda Academy Symphonic Band was the first high school symphonic band to perform at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, and was one of only nine U.S. and Canada bands selected to perform at the World Exposition in Brisbane, Australia. Mr. Binkley's continual encouragement strengthened the self- confidence and musical proficiency of each student, resulting in worldwide recognition of the Loma Linda Academy Symphonic Band. In 1992 they captured first place runner-up at the International Music Festival held in Sweden, and won the gold medal at the Munich International Music Festival in 1995, During that same year they represented the United States at the Vienna Klangbogen Festival in Germany. Mr. Binkley's commitment to his students did not stop at musical excellence; rather he made it a priority to encourage his pupils to live up to the highest standards of integrity. On each trip overseas, he included in the daily itinerary a unique statement which served to remind his students of the importance in serving as model citizens of the United States. Through the Loma Linda Academy Symphonic Band, Mr. Binkley strived to represent to other nations the positive qualities of America's youth. Outside of teaching, Philip Binkley chose to serve his community by acting as the Minister of Music at several churches in Florida and California. By devoting time to local churches, he was able to expand the musical knowledge of hundreds of individuals. Mr. Binkley's dedication was rewarded with the Loma Linda Teacher of the Year award in 1992 and 2006, and in being named Teacher of Excellence by the Alumni Awards Foundation in 2006. Mr. Speaker, Philip Binkley has certainly succeeded in becoming an exemplary model of a teacher's commitment to students. Please join me in thanking Mr. Binkley for a lifetime of devotion to the musical education of America's youth, and in wishing him well in his years to come.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like today to pay tribute to a longtime public servant, Sam Racadio, who as city manager has been a guiding force in the growth of Highland, California from an unformed new city into a municipality known for a dedication to a high standard of living. For the past 35 years, Sam Racadio has been a hard-working and energetic public servant in city government. He went to work as an intern in the City of Riverside just after graduating from the University of Redlands, and even spent several years in the Peace Corps as a municipal advisor in Maracay, Venezuela. After some years in city government in Tulare, California, Sam Racadio returned to the Inland Empire as city manager for three years in Banning, California--a fast-growing city in my district. The late 1980s were a boom time for new cities in San Bernardino County, and one of the most promising, but least organized, of those new municipalities decided to hire Mr. Racadio as its first city manager. When he joined Highland in 1987, he was just the second employee of the city of 28,000, and the city government worked out of a small trailer. Highland had a small commercial tax base and few businesses of any size when it gained cityhood, and some analysts warned that the new city would have a shaky budget and could fail. To save money for the future, Mr. Racadio vacuumed floors, cleaned bathrooms and gathered up trash. By continuing that dedication to saving taxpayer dollars, Sam Racadio has helped build Highland into a thriving city that now has a population of more than 50,000. There are three new parks, a City Hall, and a community center. Coming soon are a municipal pool, a library and athletic center. Mr. Speaker, I was delighted to work with Mr. Racadio on the development of a city environmental learning center, which will provide access to hands-on, state-of-the-art science facilities for school children and city residents. When it is completed, it will be a model for cooperation between city officials, schools and federal agencies. As my colleagues can imagine, Mr. Racadio's visionary work as a city manager has been widely recognized among his peers. He has served on the League of California Cities Board of Directors, and was president of the City Manager's Department of the League in 1999. He was president of the San Bernardino County City Managers Association from 1990 to 1998. He was the inaugural recipient of the James A. Thalman Memorial Public Service Award from the Inland Division of the league of cities and received numerous other awards. Mr. Speaker, after 35 years of public service and 18 years of dedication to the City of Highland, Sam Racadio is retiring to travel with his wife of 36 years, Len. Please join me in thanking him for all he has done to make his community a better place, and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 5672, the Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2007. This is the 10th of 11 bills the committee has brought to the House floor as we go to the Fourth of July recess. I want to praise especially Chairman Wolf as he goes about his sixth bill for this subcommittee, and Ranking Member Mollohan. These two, working together, have been a model reflective of the best of bipartisan effort in the appropriations process. In total, this measure provides $59.8 billion in discretionary spending. The bill contains critical funding to make America more competitive by investing in science. NASA is funded at $16.7 billion, which is $462 million above last year's level. The National Science Foundation receives $6 billion, the full amount requested as part of the American Competitiveness Initiative, and an increase of $439 million from last year. This legislation also continues the critical effort to fight the scourge of meth and prosecute the war on terror. It also provides $2.6 billion for State and local law enforcement, including $405 million to reimburse States for the cost of incarcerating illegal aliens. The bill also includes vital funding for the Department of Commerce, the State Department, the Small Business Administration and other Federal entities. I would like to make two additional points about this measure. First, the Members should know the SSJC bill provides $387 million for Member projects, $1.3 billion less than last year's enacted level. Secondly, this year's bill terminates eight programs resulting in $159 million taxpayer savings. Mr. Chairman, I would like to make one final point. Last year, the House Appropriations Committee successfully eliminated 53 programs, for a savings of $3.5 billion. Building on that record in this year's 11 spending bills, the House Appropriations Committee has proposed eliminating 95 wasteful or redundant programs, saving the American taxpayer nearly $4 billion. Mr. Chairman, this bill is a fine product worthy of your support. I want to especially commend Mr. Mollohan for his cooperative work with the chairman and have the entire House recognize Mr. Wolf for his work on this year's bill.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Ryan) for the work he has done on this very important bill. We have had our differences, but in the meantime he has been more than cooperative. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Legislative Line Item Veto Act. My opposition is based on Congress's experience with previous efforts to give the President line item veto authority, as well as my serious concerns over what this bill would do to the balance of budgetary power between the Legislative and Executive Branches. During 1997, President Clinton exercised his authority under the Line Item Veto Act of 1996 to cancel spending authority or tax benefits 82 times. Total cancellations of discretionary budget authority amounted to $479 million, or less than three one-hundredths of one percent of the total fiscal year 1998 Federal budget. The cancellations made during this period were mired in controversy. On October 6, 1997, President Clinton cancelled $287 million for 38 military construction projects in 24 States. Soon after the cancellations were announced, the administration admitted, in response to bipartisan criticism, that they had used flawed information in deciding to cancel nearly half of the projects. The administration used three criteria in making these decisions. The cancelled projects: (1) were not requested by the military; (2) could not make contributions to the national defense in fiscal year 1998; and (3) would not benefit the quality of life and well-being of military personnel. These criteria were applied by the bureaucrats within the White House and OMB without consulting either the Department of Defense or the Members of Congress who sponsored the projects. Congress's motivation for funding many of these projects was safety. A Live Fire Command and Control Facility at Fort Irwin, CA, would enable the Army to safely train personnel in the live firing of ordnance. Renovations at White Sands Missile Range, NM, would address the absence of fire suppression systems. Other projects provided much-needed housing. One would provide housing at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas, where there were no existing facilities to house the 13th Bomb Squadron. Appropriations Chairman Bob Livingston singled out a particularly egregious cancellation relating to the money for Army reserve units in Utah. He said, in a letter to President Clinton, ``I can only conclude that your decision was based on something other than an altruistic yearning to cut spending. Mr. President, this was an embarrassing mistake . . .'' The Clinton Administration responded to some of the criticism by stating that many of the cancelled projects would be requested in future budgets anyway. This only fueled congressional objections, however, as Members could not understand why the projects were not necessary now when they could be considered necessary in the next budget cycle. Congress responded by passing a bill to disapprove the President's military construction cancellations. The bill was vetoed by the President. The House voted 347-69 and the Senate voted 78-20 to override the veto, enacting the bill and nullifying the cancellations. On June 25, 1998, the Supreme Court ruled that the Line Item Veto Act violated the presentment clause of the Constitution, thus ending a divisive and contentious fight between the Executive and Legislative branches. The experience of the original Line Item Veto Act should cause Congress to be extremely cautious about giving the President new line item veto authority. Even though implementation under H.R. 4890 differs from the 1996 Act, the proposed bill would transfer a great deal of budgetary power to the Executive Branch. The expedited rescission authority mandated by H.R. 4890 would give new weight to the President's rescission proposals. While under current law any rescission proposal can be disregarded by Congress if it has no merit, H.R. 4890 requires votes in the House and Senate. The President, or even bureaucrats within the agencies or the Office of Management and Budget, would set the legislative agenda by deciding what rescissions to include in a bill. A President could also structure his rescission messages with more of an eye toward politics instead of good policy. For example, a President, encouraged by his political advisors, could propose rescissions that target the projects of one political party. In this event, the debate over the bill would be blatantly political and would certainly lead to legislative stonewalling by the offended party. A President could also make deals with specific Members of Congress to further his legislative agenda. He could easily threaten to cancel an item directly benefiting a particular Member's district, and then back off his threat if that Member votes in favor of the President's program. If a President is interested in trading Members' projects for their support for expanded entitlement spending, for example, overall spending would actually increase. H.R. 4890 could also present Congress with a procedural nightmare. Each rescission bill would use up to five hours of debate time in the House and ten hours in the Senate. The President could submit up to five rescission messages for each enacted spending or tax bill, or up to ten messages for an omnibus bill. A multiple-rescission-bill scenario could easily eat up precious legislative time when the legislative calendar is already severely limited. A Republican Congress might tend to support a Republican President's rescission proposals. However, there may not always be a Republican President in the White House. Expedited rescission authority would provide new opportunities for conflict between a White House and Congress of differing parties. The result could be a legislative deadlock manufactured by the Executive Branch. The experience of the Line Item Veto Act under President Clinton showed how contentious the debate could become over saving a relatively small amount of money. Congress should have serious reservations over giving the Executive Branch so much sway over the funding of congressional priorities and the framework of the legislative agenda.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I welcome the opportunity to inform my colleagues on the excellent programs put together by the Center for Education Research in Apple Valley, California. First, it is important to remember that the 21st Century Department of Defense is much more than weapons programs and soldiers in barracks. Tens of thousands of our dedicated men and women in uniform have made a life-long career of defending their nation. They now have families, and it has become our responsibility to provide for those families as they move about our nation to meet the needs of our military. Many schools that serve the children of military families have developed high standards of excellence. But not all schools in all places have met these standards in the past. As the DoD worked to translate these high standards to other schools, the Center for Education Research came forward with a proposed discipline for science nearly a decade ago. The heart of this program is the Goldstone-Apple Valley Radio Telescope curriculum, which allows 10,000 students around the world to take part in NASA research projects by way of the Internet. This program now reaches students and teachers in 27 states, 14 countries and three territories. I want to emphasize that the support of these students is valued and sought out by NASA researchers. In fact, the students' efforts have in many cases saved millions of dollars for Federal science programs by freeing top researchers from process work and allowing them to do more analysis. The Center for Excellence was asked last year to create a comprehensive Internet-based science curriculum and train 500 teachers by the Department of Defense Education Activity program, which is the primary agency helping our DoD schools achieve high levels of excellence. The Stars and Stripes newspaper, and even DoDEA itself, have featured this program in stories that highlight what we are trying to do for our military families. In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I once again want to point out that not all good ideas come through the bureaucracies that oversee spending for our federal government. Often those bureaucracies hold back ideas that could quickly and dramatically advance the quality of services we provide to our constituents--and in this case--the families of those who defend us. When this happens, these programs need an advocate who can get the agency to engage, and see the value of these ideas. I am proud to be an advocate for a program that continues to help tens of thousands of kids whose parents devote their lives to protecting our nation.

Mr. LEWIS of California. The reason I asked you to yield, Mr. Chairman, is that it strikes me that the entire membership should know that already Mr. Murtha and you together have lost out to the legislative branch subcommittee. It is a very unusual thing. I think maybe Mr. Murtha has lost control.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the amendment and to try to answer the gentleman's very appropriate questions. I will speak to both of the amendments that he might have in mind, the Tech Center in Apple Valley, California, and the JASON Foundation program, for it speaks very much to why this kind of funding should flow through the Defense Department. If there is a need that this country has today as it relates to our future security and national defense, it is to one way or another here at the Federal level, where we can impact education, it is to begin to turn around the involvement of young people as well as excellent teachers in the fields of math and science. Without any question, our future viability in terms of security does relate to America leading in these fields. The JASON Foundation is very much involved in that question; but most importantly, I would like to highlight that by describing the Tech Center in Apple Valley, California, and give you a feeling for what we are talking about as far as turning kids on to math and science and stimulating teachers to become better teachers in the fields of math and science. A young teacher dealing with kids at the elementary level took them out in the countryside in the nighttime in the desert. You and I know it gets cold in the desert, and they looked at the stars. When it started getting cold, he thought, we need a center where kids can study these things. It led to this high-tech center. Amazing over time what has evolved from that model that one day may very well turn around the teaching of math and science in the country. No less than Dan Goldin visited this school, and walking into a classroom with me. Here were about 30 youngsters around the room at computers. The unique thing about this was not just that. But these were third grade youngsters who happened to be handicapped, and they were using their computers to develop lesson plans for their colleagues in the third grade in Philadelphia. And Goldin's eyes got big as he examined some of the ideas coming from this high-tech center as to how to turn kids on. Over time he saw that this was perhaps the first chapter of the book that must be written that will change the way we teach math and science in the country. Dan Goldin eventually, with this young guy, became convinced that he ought to gift him the first antenna that brought men back from the Moon. And as a result of that gift, that school and its teaching model is currently across the country teaching kids to use the Internet by way of using this antenna. Now, tens of thousands of youngsters in school districts all over the country and in four foreign countries are participating in this effort to turn around the way math and science is taught, the way teachers are turned on, and the way kids are turned on to the fields of math and science. If we are going to lead the world in the future and have the security for the world for peace we need, we must get back in the business of math and science, and this chapter will be a piece of the book that will be written. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman for the chance to tell my colleagues about the benefits to students from military families from access to the JASON science education program. Since 1993, this non-profit subsidiary of the National Geographic Society has provided advanced science and mathematics training to DoD teachers and students. Because of the funding provided in past Defense Appropriations bills, many DoD teachers have had the opportunity to attend extended hands-on science training sessions with experts from NASA, NOAA and many major universities. As my colleagues are well aware, we are facing a science education crisis in the United States. Within the next five years, some 70 percent of current advanced math and science teachers will be able to retire. More and more of the science and math students in our top universities are immigrants, with fewer and fewer students from our nation's public schools each year. Independent analysis shows that teachers who have the opportunity to attend the JASON seminars are much better prepared to lead their students into an understanding of science and math, and to get their kids enthusiastic about making a career out of these subjects. These seminars are highly recommended by the National Science Teachers Association. Schools that serve our nation's military families are increasing ranked among the best, and one of the chief reasons for that is their affiliation with enrichment programs like the JASON project. Our responsibility lies not only with providing weapons and training to those who would defend our nation. We must also make we give the very best opportunities and benefits to their families, who are also making a sacrifice in defense of America. Mr. Chairman, this is a modest amount of money to invest in bringing better science and mathematics education to our military families. Our nation needs that training, and these families deserve it.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like today to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant for both the Federal government and the desert communities in my district--Michael B. Styles, the longtime national president of the Federal Managers Association and one of the guiding lights of Copper Mountain Community College. My good friend Mike Styles has been a dedicated member of the Federal Manager Association's General Executive Board since 1986. He served as national vice president, zone president, and chapter president. As national president for some 15 years until this past March, his efforts are a testament to the highest level of commitment an individual can demonstrate on the behalf of federal workers. His leadership among federal managers was recognized when the President appointed him in 1995 to the National Partnership Council, which advises the President on federal labor-management issues and relations. His six years on the council helped open up communication between the management industry and the Administration and Congress. In his long career in Tactical Data Systems management with the Department of the Navy and United State Marine Corps, Mike helped make significant improvements in systems acquisition and logistics support. The Fleet Marine Force, one of his main projects, has been improved considerably by his efforts. He spent 30 years as a lecturer, facilitator and consultant, specializing in education theory and practice. Since 1986, Mike has taught graduate and undergraduate courses as adjunct professor at the National University School of Management and Technology. He is a tremendous asset as President of the Federal Management Institute, the association's education division, having received a master's degree in education from the University of Redlands. He was also a fellow at Syracuse University's Maxwell Center for Advanced Public Management. The citizens of Joshua Tree, a desert city in my congressional district, are particularly grateful for Mike Styles' contributions to the Copper Mountain Community College District. Mike was the original founder of the Friends of Copper Mountain College, established in 1983. This charitable organization provides students with educational support and introduces them to community service. He has served on the college's board of directors since 1996, and has been president of the College Foundation for the past two years. This college is especially important to our federal workforce, since it serves Marines and their dependents who are stationed at the nearby Air-Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms. The Morongo Basin has also benefited greatly from Mike's community service. He serves on the United Way's Board of Directors, is a member of the Knight of Columbus, and plays an active role in the chamber of commerce. Having worked with Mike over the years, I can attest to his dedication in bettering the Inland Empire region of California. Mr. Speaker, Mike Styles has been an exemplary public servant and civic leader, and thousands of our federal employees and students have benefited from his expertise and dedication to education excellence. In addition to ending his long service as FMA president this spring, Mike is stepping down as president of the college foundation. Please join me in thanking him for his dedication, and wishing him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like today to express my sadness at the passing of a friend, David Hansberger of Yucaipa, whose civic leadership helped guide this growing community to cityhood and set it on a course to become a highly-desired destination city in my California district. Mr. Hansberger passed away this week, and all of his friends will feel the loss. David Hansberger is a native of Redlands, my hometown, and received all of his education in our area. As he grew up, the Inland Empire also grew, from a semi-rural group of small cities to a population powerhouse--one of the largest urban growth areas in the United States. That we have been able to remain a fabulous place to live is a credit to local leaders like David Hansberger and his brother, Dennis, who is now a San Bernardino County Supervisor. His public service career actually began in the Coast Guard, where he served 8 years and became a First Class Petty Officer and received the Honor Man Award. When he returned to San Bernardino County, he became a leader in a number of our local industries: Owner-operator of Snow-Line Orchards for 13 years; manager of Tri-City Concrete and Perris Ready- Mix; Realtor for Hansberger-Teeters and Emerich and Company, and finally the District Manager of the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District, protecting the natural assets of the growing area. David applied this intimate knowledge of how San Bernardino County ticked to his civic activities. He served on hospital and charity boards, and was very active in the Jaycees, ultimately becoming a District Governor for that group. He was very popular as a caller at auction events for charities, and was given credit for dozens of extremely successful fund-raisers for groups over the years. Perhaps David Hansberger's largest contribution, however, was in helping guide the citizens of Yucaipa into cityhood. This booming area in the foothills on the east side of San Bernardino Valley had made four attempts at incorporation by the mid-1980s, and the lack of success had caused deep divisions in the community. Mr. Hansberger took over as president of the Yucaipa City Incorporation Committee, and is widely credited with smoothing the rivalries and disagreements. Yucaipa voters finally voted to incorporate in 1989, and the city has grown to a population of 47,000. David Hansberger became a charter member of the city planning commission, and helped set a tone of top-quality home development that has made the city a beautiful place. The friends of David Hansberger are legion--indeed, most people who knew him would say he never let anyone be a stranger for long. His genuine concern and compassion drew people to him, and he welcomed them as friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in expressing condolences to Mr. Hansberger's wife of 41 years, Sheila, and his children, grandchildren, parents and siblings. I ask you to join me as well in celebrating his wonderful contributions to making his community, and our world, a friendlier and more livable place.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I very much appreciate my colleague's yielding. You and I have had a great opportunity to work together in the defense arena in recent years. My chairing our subcommittee in Appropriations brought in clear form to me the contribution you have made to the strength of America and our role in the world. I may not be able to speak later, but let me say to the gentleman that very early on in this process, one of the great trips I have ever taken was with a cross-section of this House, people who voted against the war, people who were in the center somewhere, people who supported the President from the beginning, all of them over a long weekend. And together we saw Saddam Hussein for what he was, visiting killing fields with 500,000 people that this guy murdered, of his own people, while he was building golden palaces. As we left, we came together to see what we would do about that big supplemental on the war. To a person, Democrat and Republican, one of our Members summarized it by saying this: All of you know where I have been coming from. I voted against the war. It is going to be very unpopular when I go home. But after seeing what Saddam Hussein is really about, how could we do anything else? And all 13 of those Members came in that great debate and supported the President's fight against Saddam Hussein because it was a fight against the war on terror.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?