Jerry Lewis

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the fine work and outstanding service of Mrs. Jane Smith of Yucaipa, California. Jane, the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Office in San Bernardino, is moving to Colorado shortly to pursue a wonderful professional opportunity with the Weld County District 6 School District. Jane graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1968. Ten years later, she completed her Master of Arts in Education with a special emphasis on reading. She began her professional educational career as an English teacher with the Vallejo City Unified School District in 1968, and later, with the Fontana Unified School District in 1979. She served as a Reading Resource Specialist with the Fontana Unified School District from 1980- 83 and a District Resource Teacher from 1983-1985. In 1985, Jane became Assistant Principal at Fontana Junior High School. One year later, she became Director of Staff Development for the Fontana Unified School District where she served until November, 1989. At that time, she became Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services where she served until July, 1993. She then worked as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction until 1995 when she took on her present assignment as Associate Superintendent with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Office. Over the years, Jane has been widely recognized for her outstanding contributions in the field of education. Among other awards she has received the California School Leadership Academy Regional Merit Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Redlands Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. In addition, she has spoken at a number of educational conferences across the country, served in numerous professional development capacities, and had numerous articles published in educational journals. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues in recognizing Jane Smith as she concludes this chapter and begins another. To say the least, her fine work with the San Bernardino County School District will be greatly missed. Over the years, she has made a tremendous difference in the lives of countless students. I'd like to join County Superintendent, Barry Pulliam, and others in wishing Jane and her family the very best in their future endeavors.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the fine work and outstanding service of Dr. Bob Berry of Yucaipa, California. Bob, the Chief Information Officer for the Information Systems Department at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Office in San Bernardino, is moving to Michigan shortly to pursue a wonderful professional opportunity with Central Michigan University. Bob graduated from Central Michigan University in 1969 with a double major in Biological Science and Instrumental Music. Three years later, he earned a MA degree in Curriculum Development and Educational Administration from CMU. In 1979, Bob completed his Doctor of Education degree at Northern Arizona University. Dr. Berry began his professional career at the Fowler Public School System in Michigan serving as Director of Instrumental Music (1969-74) and Principal of Fowler High School (1974-1976). From 1976-84, he worked at Northern Arizona University as Assistant Director of Research and Development, Assistant Professor of Educational Administration, and Executive Director of the Arizona Public Schools Computer Consortium. In 1984, Bob became Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. In this capacity, he has had the responsibility of planning, organizing, and implementing all administrative financial processing requirements for the educational agencies within San Bernardino County, the largest in the United States. In addition, the CIO also serves as the executive director of the California Educational Computer Consortium comprised of other California county offices of education, school districts and community colleges. The consortium, comprised of over 249 agencies, pools its financial resources for applications software development and services. Over the years, Bob has served as professional consultant for a number of school districts across the United States in computer systems, budgeting, and networking. In addition, he has served in numerous professional development capacities and has had numerous articles published in educational journals. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleges in recognizing Dr. Bob Berry as he prepares for his latest professional challenge. To say the least, his fine work with the San Bernardino County School District will be greatly missed. I'd like to join County Superintendent, Barry Pulliam, and others in wishing Bob Berry the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reluctant opposition to this proposed constitutional amendment. I have always and will always support voluntary school prayer. I believe the right of all people to worship according to the dictates of conscience is fundamental. Reviewing this amendment, however, I am not convinced amending the Constitution is the right answer to bring prayer back to our schools. As some constituents in my congressional district have pointed out to me, a Constitutional amendment could do more harm than good. It is quite possible that, if enacted, this amendment could even be used to force children to be subjected to religious briefs well out of the mainstream. At the very worst, this amendment could be used to shoehorn cult-beliefs into our schools. One thing is for certain, enacting this amendment would result in even more litigation on religious questions going before the same liberal-leaning judiciary. I have long supported refining the law to allow maximum room for religious expression. You may remember the House of Representatives passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 1993 with my positive vote. But I have been repeatedly dismayed by judicial decisions on religious questions, most recently by the Supreme Court decision in Boerne vs. Flores which overturned the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. I am pleased, however, with the results of the Equal Access Act of 1984 and at least one 1990 Supreme Court decision which got it right. As a result, we now have thousands of voluntary student prayer groups flourishing around the country in public schools as a result. This is a subject which is very important to me, and I have given it a great deal of thought. It is with reluctance I can not support House Joint Resolution 78, an amendment to the Constitution. Nevertheless, I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to find statutory remedies for mistaken decisions of the courts regarding religion.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention today the fine work and truly remarkable dedication of Virnita McDonald of Joshua Tree, California. My dear friend Virnita will be recognized at a dinner honoring her longtime service to Copper Mountain College as it commemorates the McDonald Hall Student Center. Virnita McDonald, a fine writer and public relations professional, has long been active in numerous community and civic affairs throughout the Morongo Basin. She has served on many boards and local commissions and has received a number of awards for her fine work. But Virnita is perhaps best known for her work relating to Copper Mountain College. Virnita has been a driving force behind the establishment and success of Copper Mountain College since 1977 when she was first elected to the Board of Trustees. As of today, she has served five terms on the Board. Her tenacious advocacy for a campus in the Morongo Basin led her to participate in the very first fundraising efforts in 1979. The following year, Virnita went to Sacramento to personally lobby state legislators on establishing an auxiliary for the purpose of fundraising for the yet unnamed campus. Shortly thereafter, the trustees choose the name ``Copper Mountain College'' as a result of a contest to name the new college sponsored by the Hi-Desert Publishing Company. In 1981, community leaders gathered for the official groundbreaking at the future site of Copper Mountain College. Today, the campus continues to grow and prosper in remarkable ways as a result of Virnita's vision and determination. In 1984, I had the distinct honor of nominating the Friends of Copper Mountain College for the Presidential Volunteer Action Award. At the time, Virnita was serving as president of the college board and was largely responsible for the incredible progress being made in moving the campus forward. Later that year, a group of ``Friends'' traveled to Washington, DC to accept the award from President Reagan. It was a touching and fitting tribute to Virnita and many others who had worked so hard to fulfill the dream of establishing a college campus in the Morongo Basin. Mr. Speaker, Virnita McDonald has been at every step in the creation of Copper Mountain College and deserves a great deal of credit for her longtime devotion to this fine campus. I ask that you join me and our colleagues in paying tribute to this remarkable woman who fittingly will have her name associated in perpetuity with the new student center. Virnita McDonald is one of the finest, most devoted women I have ever met. As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and as a community leader, Virnita continues to set a remarkable example for all of us to emulate. It is only appropriate that the House pay tribute to her today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

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

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention today the dedication and fine work of the many peace officers serving the cities and County of San Bernardino in California. To recognize the work they do to protect and serve our citizens, the week of May 11, 1998 has been designated as Blue Ribbon Week. Inland Empire Chapter 67 of the International Footprint Association--an organization made up of police, attorneys, and local business people--is a leading sponsor of this worthy effort. Blue Ribbon Week has been established to show public confidence for all peace officers and law enforcement agencies and to provide a moral boost for the men and women who display a badge in the name of protecting our local communities. During the week of May 11th, each citizen displaying a blue ribbon will demonstrate support for every police agency now serving both the cities and County of San Bernardino. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues to join me in remembering the brave, devoted peace officers who willingly put their lives on the line every day. Blue Ribbon Week is an appropriate means of recognizing the many law enforcement personnel in San Bernardino County. It is only fitting that the House join Inland Empire Chapter 67 of the International, Footprint Association and the many citizens of California's 40th district in paying tribute today to these dedicated men and women.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the fine work and dedication of a group of outstanding teachers, staff, and other individuals to the students of San Bernardino County, California. On May 12th, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools will honor some of the finest teachers in California at a Celebration of Excellence, a dinner and recognition program honoring the work of the Community Coalition project. The Community Coalition is a countywide partnership project established to respond to the needs of public education through collaborative partnerships. As a result of this effort, successful programs have been put in place for San Bernardino County students in the areas of literacy, technology, school safety and career preparation. Clearly, the success of this project is tied directly to the teachers, staff and other partners who have worked diligently on this effort within the last three years. The teachers who will be honored for their work with early literacy include Diane Harlan, Celeste Danjou, Dawn Fletcher, Sue Rhoades, Mary Gee, Terry Rogers, Audrey Howard, Tine Pelletier, Donna Libutti, Luanne Rhodes, Patty Dipaolo, Audrey Folden, Helen Rockett, Hester Turpin, Ava Gonick, Susan Birrell, Vickie Holman, Aleen Massey, Liz Fragua, Cathy Richardson, Joan Carey, Sue Cornell, Lynne Merryfield, Arlene Mistretta, Janie Pierson, Darwin Ruhle, Iris Tramp, Denie Cates- Darnell, Caroleen Cosand, Jean Fenn, Carol Besser, Londa Carter, Denise Dugger, Cynthia Freymueller, Rachael Emery, Judy Lowrie, Marge Ruffalo, Laura Chapman, Luis Ibarra, Chris Richards, and Melody Davidsmeier. Being recognized for their work in technology education are Jim Roller, Steve Bailey, Cindy Robinson, Ruthetta Brandt, Leandra Pearson, Kathy Gilbert, Jim Evans, Noelle Kreider, Alexis Carlson, John Patten, Bob Watson, and Linda Jungwirth. Those praised for their work on the focus on the future include Judith Pratt, Michelle Beutler, Dr. Bill Clark, Carrie Childress, Jeff Drozd, Patricia Merriam, Skip Brown, Laura Brundige, Jerry Bennett, Geri Kubanek-York, Jere Lloyd, Leslie Rodden, and Pam Stockard. In addition, the following individuals will be recognized for their work with school safety; Norma Ashworth, Robert Martinez, David Mann, Beth Henry, Sally Foster, Marc Divine, Cathy Magana, Tim Kelleghan, Tina Maeda, Jimmie Jimenez, Rich Laabs, Michael Vance, Debbie Fairfax, and Joe Kaempher. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and our colleagues in recognizing the fine work of these individuals. Barry Pulliam, the County Superintendent of Schools is also worthy of praise for his outstanding leadership on the Community Coalition project. Efforts to educate our students and prepare them for the future are certainly worthy of our recognition and it is only fitting that the House pay tribute to these fine citizens today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention today the fine work and outstanding public service of my good friend, Lewis W. Nelson, the Chief of Police for the City of Redlands, California. After a long and distinguished career, Chief Nelson is retiring and will be recognized for his many years of service at a banquet in his honor on May 21st. Lewis Nelson served in the U.S. Army as a medical specialist in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969. He received his Associate of Arts degree from San Bernardino Valley College (1970-72), his BS from California State University-Los Angeles (1972-74), a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California (1975-77) and a Masters of Science from California Polytechnic University in Pomona (1993-95). He began his professional career with the Redlands Police Department in 1969 as a police officer. Since that time he has consistently moved up through the ranks receiving promotions to police detective (1973- 74), police sergeant (1974-77), police lieutenant (1977-82), police captain (1982-83), and chief of police 1993-present). Throughout his career, he has earned professional certifications from the California Law Enforcement Command College (1992-94), the FBI National Academy (1983), and the Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (1998). Chief Nelson has been a member and leader of numerous professional organizations including the San Bernardino County Chiefs and Sheriffs Association, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, the California Police Chiefs Association, the FBI National Academy Associates, Police Futurists Society, the National Institute of Criminal Justice, the California Peace Officers Association, and others. Over the years, Chief Nelson has also been closely affiliated with a great many community organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rotary Club of Redlands, Redlands East Valley United Way, Redlands Family YMCA, Youth Development Incorporated, Redlands Baseball for Youth and Redlands AYSO Soccer. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues in recognizing the many years of remarkable service of Chief Nelson. My hometown of Redlands, California is especially proud of the work he has done on behalf of our entire community. I also want to wish Chief Nelson, his wife Kathleen, son Brett, and daughter Kristen much happiness and the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention today the fine work and outstanding contributions of Phyllis Newman. Congregation Emanu El of San Bernardino, California will honor Phyllis on June 6th as this year's recipient of the Rabbi Norman F. Feldheym Award for distinguished service to the congregation and community. She will be recognized at a dinner dance which will also commemorate the 107th anniversary of the chartering of the congregation. The Norman F. Feldheym Award was established to pay tribute to those members of Congregation Emanu El who have, in their own lives, reflected Rabbi Feldheym's qualities of love for and loyalty to the synagogue, service of the community, as well as evidencing personal traits of humility, loving kindness, care and love. Phyllis Newman has been a particularly devoted leader of Congregation Emanu El through her service as president of its sisterhood and a member of the Board of Directors of the congregation. She has also edited and produced over 15 commemorative journals which have been efforts to raise funds for the congregation. During this time, she has been an inspiring example of generosity and commitment. Phyllis has also been a very active participant in numerous community organizations including the Assistance League and the San Bernardino Area Mental Health Association. She is also very widely known for her deep devotion to her faith and her family. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues and the many dear friends of Phyllis Newman in recognizing this remarkable woman as she is presented with the Rabbi Norman F. Feldheym Award. It is especially appropriate that this honor is being bestowed at a ceremony also marking the 107th anniversary of the founding of Congregation Emanu El.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take just a moment of our time today to introduce a friend to all of my colleagues. Her name is Mary. It used to be Mary Whitaker. Then she met a guy named Sonny, and after a short time he convinced her to change her name to Bono. I want you to know, Mary, that all of us in this Chamber loved and admired Sonny. Of course, we still do; and, like you, we miss him dearly. But today we are here as a family to say welcome to you and to Chesare and Chianna and to all the other little Whitakers who are here. Mary, after winning a stunning victory on April 7, you have earned your own place in Congress. We know that you will bring a strong voice, a woman's voice, to your job. Every bit as important to me, you will bring a mother's voice to the House. The citizens of California's 44th congressional district are fortunate to have you as their voice in Congress. They are lucky to have you on their side. Mary, just one last thought from this friend. Sonny would be so very proud of you today. I know in my heart that he is looking down upon us at this moment and he is smiling. So, Mary, it is my privilege to say to my colleagues, welcome to Congresswoman Mary Bono.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

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

Mr. LEWIS of California. I would ask the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), I have read his amendment with care. It says, following the word ``law,'' ``or policy that is in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, or has been proposed in the Federal Register.''

Mr. LEWIS of California. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, it seems to me that this forest conceivably could be part of a recovery area. It has been under serious difficulty in recent years because of the recent history of dry weather. A spark could literally ungulf the whole mountainside. To pass an amendment that conceivably could put in jeopardy a protection program relative to preserving ourselves against fire disaster seems to me to be a pretty extreme position, for someone who lives in the territory, at any rate.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Help me with this hypothetical; not exactly a hypothetical. Last year we had a major fire in the San Bernadino forest. In fact, my wife and I were driving past the front of that fire on a valley road and noted the helicopters up there, and said, my goodness, that is a very dangerous job these guys have. They were doing it because of a limitation of access, not available roads, et cetera. The following day we learned that one of those helicopters had crashed and this fellow, the pilot, was killed. Indeed, our region has huge problems with fire threats, and the national forest has been in horrid condition. I am concerned that if it were part of a recovery area, conceivably suddenly we would have a major limitation to repairing access roads, building necessary access roads. Is that the case in this circumstance?

Mr. LEWIS of California. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I wonder if I could ask a question of my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo). I had heard in the earlier debate that it is conceivable that as recovery areas are designated, that indeed, my own national forest could end up being possibly a part of a recovery area. Is that correct?

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate my colleague yielding to me. It was not my intention to speak on this matter. However, it is my understanding that the recovery areas have not been determined in any final form yet, and that there are portions of the forest that could very well be included in recovery areas that could be a surprise to almost anyone on the floor. I gather it has been suggested that the San Bernadino National Forest, which is in my territory, could very well be designated as a recovery area. If that was the case and San Bernadino National Forest was included, I would have to conclude that there would be some threat to the access to those forests that we might need if there were a horrendous fire. Can somebody help me with that?

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention today the fine work and outstanding public service of the Highland Women's Club of Highland, California. Earlier this year, the club marked its centennial as an active and vibrant part of the local community. On January 14, 1898, ten ladies in the village of Highland met to organize the Pleasant Hour Club. From this small beginning, the first library hall was built and, with the assistance of the members of the Pleasant Hour Club, furnished and manned. Later, after this first building burned, another library hall and public library was built in what is now the Knights of Pythias Hall on West Main Street. The Pleasant Hour Club met in both of these buildings. In 1926, the people of Highland raised money to build a facility at the corner of Palm Avenue and Main Street. A lovely large Spanish style building, it housed the public library, the Chamber of Commerce, and a very large beautiful meeting room with a stage, fireplace, and large kitchen. The building was finished in 1926 and was given to the Highland Women's Club to maintain. Over the years, the building was used for a variety of purposes-- Chamber banquets, church affairs, community service work, square dancing, and even the crowning of several Miss Highland contestants for the National Orange Show. Largely because of the expense of maintaining the building, the women of the club sold the building to the Highland Temple Baptist Church in 1975. The outstanding work of the Highland Women's Club is well known and deeply appreciated by local citizens. It has been actively involved with the PTA, little league, scouting, 4-H and other activities relating to the youth of our community. It has also played a role in raising awareness of fire safety rules among grade school students and purchasing supplies for the first paramedic truck in Highland, as well as the Jaws of Life for the local fire station. The Women's Club also assisted the Highland Citizens Patrol with the purchase of uniforms as well as with the purchase of radio equipment for the local sheriffs office. The contributions made by the Highland Women's Club to education has been nothing short of remarkable. It has adopted the Highland Head Start School in recent years and has also taken part in the Pennies for Pines Program since the 1950's. All of these activities underscore one fundamental point: the Highland Women's Club has made a difference for 100 years and is well on its way to making a difference for at least another 100 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and our colleagues in recognizing the outstanding contributions made to our local community by this tremendous organization. The Highland Women's Club represents the very finest in civic and community affairs and it is only appropriate that the House recognize this organization during its centennial celebration.

Mr. LEWIS of California

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

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I could not help but watch with interest the gentlewoman's discussion on the floor here today as the gentlewoman has been talking about her wonderful District, which is our Nation's capital, and I wanted to share with those who are focusing upon the presentation my experience in dealing with the gentlewoman regarding the city. I first was drawn by way of attention when the gentlewoman mentioned David Gillmor, who is the housing director here and a fellow who we have both worked with, a fabulous public servant who is among those who is trying to make a difference in the Nation's capital and is making a very special contribution. I also wanted to share with the gentlewoman and others the fact that just a short time ago I returned from a, not exactly a ribbon-cutting, but essentially that, at a Habitat for Humanity, location very close to the Capitol here, where in this case Freddie Mac was presenting a check for $1 million for a program that the gentlewoman knows as the House That Congress Built. But as we were doing that, we were also expressing our appreciation for those who come together, in this case to help Ms. Christy Ingram and her family prepare to move in, probably sometime this summer to their new home here in the Nation's capital as a result of partnering that is going on in the city, that is designed to try to make a little difference here. As the gentlewoman knows, I come from California, but when I am in the Nation's capital doing this job, I am a constituent of yours, for I live in the city. I am very proud that I do. It is a marvelous community that needs all the help that all of us together should and want to give it. But especially I just wanted to express my appreciation to you and to those of you like David Gillmor who are truly making a difference for all of us who live here.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention today the remarkable and memorable life of Dorothy Kohlars, perhaps the oldest living veteran alive today at the young age of 102\1/2\ years. Dorothy, a resident of the Veterans Home of California in Barstow, was recently inducted into the Mojave Desert Chapter of the Retired Officers Association. Dorothy Kohlars was born on August 22, 1895 in Hanover, Massachusetts. She joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1918 and enlisted for a second time in 1920 serving for approximately 3\1/2\ years all together. As an Army nurse in World War I, Dorothy was one of about 200 nurses working at an allied forces hospital in France during the Meuse- Argonne Offensive in 1918. She worked as a bandage nurse and spent much of her time applying dressings to wounded soldiers. At that point in time, nurses were not commissioned and did not have a military rank. Barbara Churchill, who served as a Navy nurse in World War II, said that Dorothy Kohlars paved the way for nurses. ``There was a dire need for nurses back then and women like Dorothy filled that need,'' Churchill said. The Retired Officers Association is a national group of retired military commissioned and warrant officers. Saul Rosenthal, TROA's liaison, said his organization read about Kohlars in the local newspaper and its membership felt it appropriate to name her as an honorary member. ``I think it's wonderful for them to think of me this way,'' Kohlars said. ``That was another time. It seems so long ago.'' Dorothy was married in 1932 and worked as a nurse until 1943. Today, she enjoys visiting with friends, and listening to music, talking books, and to the news on Braille talking records. Mr. Speaker, please join me and our colleagues in recognizing the incredible lifetime contributions and achievements of this remarkable woman. Dorothy Kohlars is a living national treasure and it is only fitting that the House of Representatives pay tribute to her today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Lucille Roybal- Allard and I would like to bring to your attention today the fine work and outstanding public service of our longtime friend and former colleague, State Senator John Burton of San Francisco. In January, John Burton ascended to the highest elected position in the California State Legislature--president pro tem of the State Senate. The shock of the change in the ruling majority in Congress in 1994 was a mere tremor compared to the seismic occurrence that led to John's ascension to his current position. To say the least, John did not take the most traditional path to reach the second highest position in state government. But he would not have had it any other way. John's career in public affairs has been unique and diverse. His public service has spanned several decades and two coasts. Through it all, he has maintained a reputation for his love of competitive sports, a remarkable sense of humor, and for telling it like it is. John L. Burton was born in Ohio but was raised and educated in his beloved San Francisco. A standout in basketball, he attended San Francisco State College and graduated from the University of San Francisco Law School where he received the American Jurisprudence Award for outstanding scholarship. Incidentally, John worked his way through college and law school as a city playground director and bartender. John got his start in the rough and tumble world of California politics as a protege of his big brother, Phil Burton. Phil was elected to the State Assembly in 1956 and brought into his political operation his brother, John, and two close friends. One was George Moscone with whom John had played basketball on the courts of San Francisco. The second was a shy and retiring young man from Texas, a fellow student at San Francisco State College named Willie Brown. John was elected to the California Legislature in 1964. Ten years later, he was elected to the House of Representatives. In 1982, he retired from public office and successfully completed a chemical dependency recovery program. He ran a successful law practice until winning a special election to the State Assembly in 1988 where he served until his election to the State Senate in 1996. John Burton is from the old school of public affairs--where member to member contact is the key to building meaningful personal relationships and where one is only as good as his or her word. He is also a dyed-in- the-wool classic liberal--and very proud of it. As he begins his tenure as president pro tem, John has not only emerged from his brother's shadow, he is casting a pretty sizable shadow of his own. Mr. Speaker, a friend of John Burton is a friend for life--even if he happens to live and work on the other side of the aisle. Please join us today in recognizing our very good friend, John Burton.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Saint David, the Welsh Patron Saint. Many of my friends and colleagues may not know that I am of Welsh descent--but then again maybe my name, Lewis, gives me away. I am very proud of the Welsh blood running through my veins. What American wouldn't be if he knew just how many great Americans were also Welsh! Let me take a moment to share some interesting facts with you. Did you know that twenty percent of our Pilgrim Fathers were Welsh? Almost fifty percent of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence were also Welsh or of Welsh heritage--as were nine of the Presidents of the United States, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams and Abraham Lincoln. There are just too many great Welsh-Americans to name!! Another interesting fact I would like to share with you pertains to Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. Did you know that Saint Patrick was really a Welshman? As a boy of sixteen, Patrick was taken from the Welsh village where he was born by an Irish slave trading party. He was a slave in Ireland until the age of twenty-two, when he escaped and returned to Wales. Later, he became a priest and was sent back to Ireland where the Welshman Patrick became revered as Saint Patrick of Ireland. When you are in Washington, D.C., the more athletically-inclined Welsh among you might like to hike half-way up the stairs in the Washington Monument to read an inscription there: ``Fy Iaith, Fy Ngwlad, Fy Nghenedl, Wales--Cymru Am Byth.'' My language, my country, my nation, Wales--Wales forever! On March 1st, Welsh Americans across the Nation will honor the birth of Saint David, the Patron Saint of Wales. At the Welsh Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, the Welsh Choir of Southern California will give its premiere performance, conducted by famous, Welsh-born Hollywood composer Michael Lewis! I know that this concert will be a treat for all who hear it. I only wish I could be present! I would say to my colleagues, let us all remember that March 1st is the birthday of Saint David, the Patron Saint of Wales.