Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise before you to recognize a tremendous public servant from my district. Trooper Steve Ortiz from Pueblo, Colorado was recently named Outstanding Drug Interdiction Officer of the Year for his tireless dedication to protecting Coloradans from the dangers of illicit drugs. Steve has done a great deal for the betterment of Colorado, and I am proud to call his many contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and our nation here today. Steve has been a Trooper with the Colorado State Patrol for 13 years. In that time, he has become a leading force in the state's battle against illegal drugs. In 2003, Steve was responsible for the seizure of nearly two million dollars in cash, ninety-five pounds of cocaine and over two hundred and seventy pounds of marijuana. Steve is truly an outstanding officer and his success stems from his perceptiveness, intelligence and dedication to his work. Colorado is truly a safer place as the result of Steve's service. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise and pay tribute to Steve Ortiz. Steve has dedicated his life to the people of Colorado and his acts are the embodiment of heroism. I am proud of Steve and his many accomplishments. Congratulations on a well deserved award, Steve. Thank you for your service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a remarkable young man from my district. As Captain of a United States Coast Guard ship, Lieutenant Kris Johns has dedicated his life to the safety and security of our nation. I am honored today to call the attention of this body of Congress and our nation to Kris and his selfless and courageous service. As a high school student, Kris set the lofty goal of becoming a ship Captain in the United States Coast Guard. Kris' teachers and friends knew that he was a special young man who would work tirelessly to make his dream a reality. Following high school, Kris attended the United States Coast Guard Academy. While there, he continued to excel and was admitted to officer training school. Upon graduation from the Coast Guard Academy, Kris was assigned to the United States Coast Guard Cutter Sherman, where he began as a Communications Officer and was soon promoted to Gunnery Officer. Last June, Kris realized his dream, as he received orders to take command of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Halibut stationed in California. Kris has served honorably aboard the Halibut and earned the respect of the men under his command. Kris and his crew spend each day undertaking missions for homeland security, search and rescue, and drug enforcement. Our nation is truly a safer place as the result of the service of Kris and his men. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to Kris Johns. Kris spends his life protecting and serving all Americans. I am proud of Kris and his many accomplishments. Thank you Kris for your service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a remarkable young lady from my district. Tabetha Salsbury is a fifteen- year-old resident of Pueblo, Colorado who spent last summer restoring a 1935 John Deere tractor. Tabetha did a wonderful job that resulted in a finely renovated machine. Recently, Tabetha's hard work paid off when she became a national champion in tractor restoration. I am proud to recognize her accomplishments here before my colleagues today. All summer, Tabetha worked tirelessly disassembling, fixing and reassembling the tractor. When she had finished, Tabetha and her family took the time to transport the newly refurbished tractor to its previous owner so that he could see his old machine in its newfound glory. Through her talent and dedication in the garage, Tabetha has achieved a historic first. As national champion, Tabetha is the first female that has ever finished in the top three in the national competition. She has proven herself as capable as any young tractor mechanic in Colorado. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to Tabetha Salsbury. She has proven what can be accomplished through hard work. Tabetha's tenacity and dedication set a fine example for young men and women throughout our nation and it is my honor to rise and congratulate her on a well-deserved award.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to my friend Mike Alsdorf. Mike is retiring after 25 years of devoted service with the Glenwood Springs, Colorado Fire Department. I have personally witnessed Mike's selfless and courageous service on behalf of the citizens of my hometown and I am proud to call his contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and our nation. As a firefighter and arson investigator, Mike's career has been defined by great ability and outstanding courage. Over a quarter century ago, Mike and I attended fireman training together. It was clear from the outset that Mike was a natural leader who would become an excellent fireman. In the face of danger, Mike has an uncanny ability to assume control and quickly orchestrate the best approach to any emergency. As an arson investigator, Mike used his vast knowledge, and his strong conviction, to prevent additional fires and ensure that justice was done. I have great respect for Mike's ability as a fireman and investigator. Mike served courageously in the face of some of the worst disasters ever to occur in the Mountain West. He fought bravely to protect his fellow citizens in the Rocky Mountain Gas Explosion, the fires on Storm King Mountain and the recent Coal Seam Fire of 2002. In addition to his work as a fireman, Mike continues to serve as a dedicated Red Cross Volunteer. In this capacity, Mike has worked to improve the Red Cross communications system, organized disaster assessment teams and provided victims of disasters with lodging, food, clothing and counseling. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to Mike Alsdorf. The citizens of Glenwood Springs are certainly better off as the result of Mike's tireless dedication to their safety. Mike will be missed as a member of the Glenwood Springs Fire Department. However, he will now have more time to spend with his four children, his beautiful wife Lynn and his many friends throughout Glenwood Springs. Thanks Mike. I appreciate your friendship and your service to our town.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to the Alamosa County, Colorado, Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber recently celebrated eighty years of service to Alamosa, and it is my honor to call the attention of my colleagues and this nation to all that the Chamber does for the citizens of Alamosa. The Alamosa County Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1923. The original building was lost to fire in 1907. Recognizing the importance of the Chamber, the city rallied together and built a new building the following year. The Chamber has a strong tradition of excellent leadership and a dedicated staff. Since its inception, the Chamber has focused on the organization and health of the County's economy. Able and dedicated staff members always greet each citizen with a smile. In addition to traditional activities, the Alamosa Chamber of Commerce has always gone beyond the call of duty to be involved in the community. The citizens of Alamosa have traditionally used the Chamber as a meeting place for community events. There are often cribbage tournaments, banquets and charity events throughout the year. In addition, the Chamber funds scholarships for young people, has worked to improve the County's emergency response system, and is also involved in various projects such as the promotion of recycling. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise and pay tribute to the Alamosa County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber works tirelessly for the betterment of Alamosa County and I am honored to pay tribute to its contributions. I am pleased to join the people of Alamosa County in thanking the Chamber of Commerce for its hard work and many contributions.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a talented rancher from New Castle, Colorado. Carol Dodo is a family-oriented rancher who has been feeding the citizens of Colorado for forty years. Carol is an intelligent educator and active participant in the beef industry and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing her tremendous service to the New Castle community. The Colorado Cattlemen/Cattlewomen's Association recently named Carol Dodo Cattlewoman of the Year for her long-time dedication to her trade. Carol runs a cow-calf organization at West Elk Ranch north of New Castle. She has been in the ranching business since the mid-fifties and has increased her involvement in the industry over the years by promoting and educating people about the benefits of eating beef. Despite the dwindling number of ranching operations over the years, the Dodo family maintains that raising cattle is a rewarding occupation. Mr. Speaker, Carol Dodo is a dedicated individual who is actively involved in the organization and facilitation of the beef industry in Colorado. Carol has demonstrated a love for ranching that resonates in her compassionate and selfless service to the Colorado Community. Carol's enthusiasm and commitment certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress. Congratulations on your award Carol, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a remarkable family from my District. Dean and Pattie Swift of Jaroso, Colorado have done a great deal for the preservation of the environment. Recently, the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts named the Swifts as Conservation Farmers of the Year for the work they have done as owners of the Swift Seed Company. I am honored to call the attention of this body of Congress to the contributions the Swifts have made to preserving the environment. The Swifts began farming in the San Luis Valley in 1975. Their company sells flower seeds worldwide. The seeds the Swifts sell are used primarily for the reclamation of mining sites and the re-seeding of areas devastated by wildfire. Dean Swift serves as the Chairman of the Rio Grande Corridor Advisory Committee. This committee is comprised of farmers and ranchers throughout Costilla County who are dedicated to the preservation of the Rio Grande on the Western border of Costilla County. In addition, Dean works in conjunction with Ducks Unlimited to promote wetland habitat on the Swift Farm. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to Dean and Pattie Swift. The Swifts have done a great deal for the environment, not only on their family farm but also throughout our state. They have managed these feats while happily serving as wonderful parents to their two beautiful children. Congratulations Dean and Pattie on a well- deserved award.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to an outstanding educator from my district. Karol Sacca from Carbondale, Colorado has dedicated her life to the betterment of young people and I am proud to call her contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and our nation. Karol has been a teacher for a quarter of a century. She has spent the last eighteen years at Roaring Fork High School, where she is currently the school's librarian. In this position, Karol's endless enthusiasm and tireless dedication to her students has resulted in many accomplishments. Karol created a student media center at Roaring Fork High School and also spearheaded the creation of many innovative reading programs as well. Karol's voluntary reading programs have attracted the participation of over half of the school's students. This level of student participation is a testament to Karol's ability to connect with her students. Karol's ability and conviction have earned her the respect of educators statewide. She is currently one of four finalists for Colorado's Teacher of the Year Award. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to pay tribute to the contributions of Karol Sacca. Karol has achieved a delicate balance between leadership and friendship with her students. Karol's dedication has lead to many young people becoming excited about learning. Thank you Karol for your contributions.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a remarkable man from my district. Earl VanTassel of Craig, Colorado passed away recently at the age of 85. Earl contributed a great deal to the Craig community, and it is my honor today to rise and pay tribute to his life before this body of Congress and our nation. Earl was born in Craig in 1918. He attended Craig High School, where he graduated in 1937. In 1943, Earl married Florence Prather, his wife of sixty years. Earl and Florence raised four wonderful children together. Earl was an excellent and knowledgeable rancher who used his expertise for the betterment of his community. He was a mentor and leader for 4-H participants, and in that capacity, he passed along his knowledge of livestock and ranching to young people throughout the region. Earl was also a dedicated volunteer at the Moffat County Fair, numerous livestock sales, and local rodeos. He delighted in helping with the Craig Sale Barn for many years. In addition, Earl was an active member of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, the Young Farmers Association and the 4-H Foundation. Earl's contributions to his community went well beyond ranching. As a member of Colorado's first Conservation Board, Earl worked tirelessly on behalf of the environment. In addition, Earl served over forty years as a member of Craig's Rural Fire Protection District Board. He was also an active member of the Elks Club, and a volunteer with the Sheriff's Posse as well. Craig is definitely a better place as the result of Earl's many contributions. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to Earl VanTassel. Earl spent a great deal of his life working for the betterment of his community and our State. Above all, Earl was a wonderful father, husband and a friend to many. My heart goes out to Earl's loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary woman from Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Ann Cameron is a wonderful person who brings warmth to the hearts of everyone she meets with her gentle laugh and remarkable sense of humor. Her enthusiasm spreads throughout the community as she passes her wisdom and knowledge on to future generations. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing Ann's tremendous dedication to the Glenwood Springs community. Ann celebrated her 101st birthday on November 12th. She was born in 1902 in the Indian Territory of Oklahoma before it became a state. As one of eight children, she grew up milking cows and picking cotton on the family farm before she went on to teacher's college. Ann became a stenographer and worked for attorneys most of her life. She credits reaching her second century with hard work and staying busy. Mr. Speaker, Ann Cameron is a gracious individual who enriches the lives of many members of her Glenwood Springs community. Ann has demonstrated a love for humanity that resonates in her life-long work ethic and compassionate personality that has led her to the exceptional milestone she celebrates this year. Ann's enthusiasm and dedication certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress. Congratulations on your 101st birthday Ann. May you have many more to come!

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to an outstanding business in my district. Russell Stover Candies in Montrose, Colorado recently celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. Russell Stover is dedicated to bringing smiles to Americans throughout the nation and it is my honor to call the attention of this body of Congress to their contributions. Russell Stover first opened the doors to its Montrose factory in 1973. Since that time, the staff and management have managed to find a delicate balance between traditional hand-craftsmanship and twenty- first century technology. The dedication and artistry that Russell Stover employees put into their work results in a product that is unparalleled. Since its inception, Russell Stover has benefited the economy of Montrose. The 600 employees at the factory love their work and there is very little turnover. The length of tenure for the factory's employees is a testament to the loyalty the company has to its employees. In addition to bringing joy to others through its production of candies, Russell Stover is also involved in the community. Each year, the factory dedicates time and resources to various non-profit organizations and charitable activities throughout the region. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to call the attention of my colleagues and our nation to Russell Stover Candies. The company has done a great deal for the betterment of the Montrose community. I would like to congratulate Russell Stover on thirty years of service in Montrose and wish them the best in the years to come.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a remarkable business in my district. Pueblo Motive Service has been serving the Pueblo community since 1946, and it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to their contributions to the people of Pueblo before this body of Congress and our nation. The employees of Pueblo Motive Service have always approached their work with the customer in mind. The current owner, Jim Ward, often spends a large portion of his day on the phone discussing mechanical problems with his many customers. The store always maintains a family atmosphere. Longtime customers can often be found discussing old times with the store's owner and staff. There is even an honor system in which the store trusts its customers to place their payment in a mailbox when they are in a hurry. In addition to its magnificent customer service, Pueblo Motive Service is also active in the community. Past owner Ralph Simmons made a significant donation to the University of Southern Colorado in order to help students enhance their education. To this day, Pueblo Motive Service continues to support the university's automotive parts and service program, which educates students in the automotive industry. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise before this body of Congress and our nation to call attention to the contributions of Pueblo Motive Service. Over the years, Pueblo Motive Service has been dedicated to keeping the citizens of Pueblo equipped with safe and reliable transportation. The business continues to serve the people of Pueblo with dedicated and friendly customer service and I would like to join the customers of Pueblo Motive Service in thanking them for their hard work.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a remarkable woman from my district. The Southern Colorado Livestock Association recently named June Valentine Stockman of the Year. June is the first woman to receive this honor in the history of the association, and it is my privilege to call her contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and our nation today. June has been a rancher in Las Animas County her entire life. As a rancher, June is passionate and knowledgeable. In the ranching industry, June has transcended gender stereotypes and proven herself as able as any rancher in Colorado. June is also well known for her contributions to the community. She is an avid historian who shares her knowledge of the county's history with her many friends and neighbors. In addition, June is also involved in local government and has held many offices in service of the community. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to June Valentine before this body of Congress and our nation today. June is an amazing rancher, historian, public servant and friend. Her contributions set a fine example for all Americans. Congratulations, June, on a well deserved award.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to three brilliant scientists from my home State. Larry Cornman, Robert Sharman, and Paul Polak have an impressive grasp of the most technical aspects of science, and they are using those talents to improve the quality of life of millions of people throughout the country and the world. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing these three gentlemen and their tremendous service to the global community. Larry, Robert and Paul were recognized recently with three of the year's top fifty science and technology awards by Scientific American magazine. Larry and Robert, of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, developed a computer program that allows the Doppler radar on commercial airplanes to see turbulence at the edges of a storm. This system will serve to increase the safety and comfort for all future commercial air flights. Paul, who is the President of International Development Enterprises, helped to create a low-cost drip-irrigation system for Third World farmers. The system has the potential to aide more than 30 million rural farm families to escape poverty. Mr. Speaker, Larry Cornman, Robert Sharman, and Paul Polak are bright, enthusiastic individuals who dedicate themselves to the noble endeavor of improving the lives of citizens around the world. These three men have demonstrated a passion for science that resonates in their extraordinary achievements. I am honored to pay tribute here today to these devoted scientists before this body of Congress. Congratulations on your awards, gentlemen. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to an award-winning Earth Studies Program at Mountain Park Environmental Center in Beulah, Colorado. The program provides children with the wonderful opportunity to learn about the environment while providing them an alternative to abusive lifestyles such as gangs and drugs. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing the Mountain Park Environmental Center's tremendous service to the Pueblo community. The Earth Studies Program is a yearlong outdoor-based education course that covers basic subjects in language art, math, social studies, and geography in addition to environmental sciences. Students learn firsthand about ecosystems, three identification, and stream ecology. Recently, the Earth Studies program was recognized by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education for excellence in environmental education. It is truly an outstanding program. Mr. Speaker, the Earth Studies Program at Mountain Park Environmental Center is an educational organization that encourages students to develop a love for nature. The program enriches the lives of Pueblo's students and the entire Colorado community. The Earth Studies Program is a learning experience that positively affects every child who is able to participate. It is my honor today to pay tribute to this fine educational program before this body of Congress.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to Saint Michael's Orthodox Christian Church located in Pueblo, Colorado. St. Michael's recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and it is my honor to rise and recognize the contributions that this church has made to the Pueblo community. St. Michael's was founded by a number of Pueblo's ethnic Greek families in the early 1900s. Over time, the church has been a wonderful place of worship for many Puebloans. The creation of a place of worship speaks to the very essence of what our country was founded on. As we celebrate St. Michael's 100 years of existence, it is important to call attention to the fact that the American Values which led to the church's existence continue to this day. The 100th anniversary of St. Michael's falls at a time of great renewal and triumph for the church. Over the last five years, the church has been undergoing significant renovation under the guidance of its devoted pastor, The Reverend Chris Stanton. The small church is truly a beautiful place of worship. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to call the attention of this body of Congress and our nation to the St. Michael's Orthodox Christian Church. Over the last 100 years, the church has provided a great deal to its parishioners and the community of Pueblo, and it is my honor to call attention to its service here today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a remarkable business in my district. Zoelsmann's Bakery has been serving the community of Pueblo, Colorado for 105 years, and I am pleased to call the attention of this body of Congress to the many contributions the bakery has made to the Pueblo community. Otto Zoelsmann and his wife immigrated to the United States from Germany in the late 1800's. In 1898, the couple moved to Pueblo, where they opened a bakery. The Zoelsmann's were expert bakers and their delicacies were immediately popular throughout the Pueblo community. Horse drawn wagons, and later Ford Model T trucks, initially delivered the baked goods to Zoelsmann's loyal customers. Aside from technological advancements, little about Zoelsmann's Bakery has changed over the years. The bakery is still dedicated to creating and selling the best baked goods possible. The current co- owners, the Petkoseks and the Paradisos, along with their staff, always serve their customers with a kind word and a friendly smile. The Petkoseks and Paradisos took over the store after its longtime owner Chuck Martinelli retired. Chuck was a beloved figure in Pueblo and a master chef. Chuck handpicked his successors and, before retiring, he taught them his trade and entrusted them with his famous recipes. Chuck's memory lives on with Zoelsmann's Bakery as it goes about its business each day. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to Zoelsmann's Bakery. The bakery is entering its second century of dedicated service to the people of Colorado and I am pleased to call attention to Zoelsmann's contributions to the community of Pueblo.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to my friend Don Vanderhoof. Don has served the community of Glenwood Springs, Colorado for many years. Over the last eight years, Don has held a seat on the City Council, the last two of which he served as Mayor. Don is a tremendous public servant, and a wonderful person, and it is my honor to call his many contributions to Glenwood Springs to the attention of this body of Congress and our nation. Over the last eight years, Don was instrumental in providing leadership and guidance for many important City projects. During Don's tenure in city government, there were major additions to the resources available to the Glenwood Spring's Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments. In addition, the City added a new Community Center and City Hall, repaired the City's water delivery system, improved public transportation, and worked to maintain the hiking trails and beautiful wilderness areas surrounding the City. These are just a few of the many accomplishments in which Don Vanderhoof was involved for the betterment of the City of Glenwood Springs. There is no question that Glenwood Springs has become a better place as the result of Don's tireless dedication to its citizens. The people of my hometown will miss having Don as a devoted public servant. However, Don does not intend to remain idle in his retirement. I know that he will remain very active in the Glenwood Springs community. Don will now have more time for the many volunteer and community service activities that he eagerly undertakes. In addition, Don will have the opportunity to spend more time with his lovely wife Eddie, and his many friends, neighbors and family members throughout town. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise and pay tribute to Don Vanderhoof. He has dedicated many years of his life to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Glenwood Springs and has accomplished an incredible amount to that end. In addition to his public service, Don is a great family man and a dear friend to many. He is one of Glenwood Springs' most beloved citizens. Don's life is the embodiment of all that makes this country great and I consider it an honor to call him a friend. Thank you Don, for your service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you with a solemn heart to pay tribute to a remarkable young woman. Destinae Rae passed away recently after a long and courageous battle with cancer. I knew Dusty well, she was a tremendous young woman who spread happiness and faith to every person she met and it is my honor to call her compassion and kindheartedness to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation. Dusty grew up in Colorado and had five wonderful children and five beautiful grandchildren. The week before Dusty passed away, she was blessed with another grandchild. Dusty was a tremendous mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Dusty was a devoted Christian and a member of the Evergreen Baptist Church in her home of Evergreen, Colorado. Dusty was also involved in volunteer work. She was active in a number of cancer associations in Colorado and dedicated a great deal of her time to comforting the victims of cancer and raising funds for medical research. I know that many cancer victims had their lives bettered by Dusty's dedication and compassion for that cause. Dusty will also be remembered for the many lives that she touched with her amazing singing voice. Dusty used her singing talents to spread her faith, happiness and joy for life to scores of people throughout Colorado. Dusty spent her last years recording and performing Christian music. She truly had the voice of an angel. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise before you to pay tribute to Destinae Rae. Dusty's parents, my longtime friends Dan and Marty Thompson, describe her best as a woman who was beautiful on the outside, and had an even more beautiful heart. We will all miss Dusty, and my heart goes out to her loved ones in this difficult time.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a remarkable non-profit organization located in my district. Southeast Mental Health Services was recently awarded the Silver Achievement Award from the American Psychiatric Association for being among the top mental health programs in the nation. I am proud to call the attention of my colleagues and this nation to all that Southeast Mental Health Services has done for those suffering from mental illness. Southeast Mental Health Services has developed a revolutionary approach to treating the mentally ill. Their program focuses on helping each individual patient to live the happiest and most fulfilling life possible. Southeast Mental Health Services has found great success with this program. The dedication and selflessness of the program's administrators and staff set a fine example to all mental health care professionals. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to call the attention of this body of Congress and our nation to the many contributions of Southeast Mental Health Services. The organization's programs have made a significant contribution to the quality of life of numerous Coloradans suffering from mental illness. It is with great pride that I rise before you to recognize Southeast Mental Health Services and the notable contributions they have made to the community.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a remarkable man from my district. Recently, Graham Nielson was awarded the ``McGuffey Award'' by the Colorado Association of School Boards for his twelve years of dedicated service on the Dolores School Board. Graham recently announced his retirement from the Board, and I would like to take this opportunity to join my colleagues in thanking him for his service. Graham moved to Dolores while he was in grade school. After high school, Graham married Dianne Carver. Later, Graham and Dianne moved to Santa Fe, where Graham became an EMT and Fireman. In 1985, Graham and his family returned to Dolores, where he eventually took his current position as a computer systems analyst for Nielson Skansa, Inc. Until recently, Graham also served the community as a member of the Dolores Fire Department, and still holds a position on the board of the Colorado Firefighter's Academy. Graham and Dianne have had five wonderful children. When the children entered the Dolores school system, Graham decided to run for a position on the School Board. He has served as the director of the RE-4 School Board for 12 years. Graham has dedicated a great deal to assuring that the children of Dolores have a positive educational experience. The children of Dolores have certainly benefited as the result of Graham's tireless dedication to their interests. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call the contributions of Graham Nielson to the attention of this body of Congress and our nation. Graham has dedicated his life to the betterment of others and I am proud to pay tribute to him here today. Thank you Graham, and congratulations on a well-deserved award.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a remarkable man from my district. Bud Romberg has dedicated many years of his life to the betterment of the community of Steamboat, Colorado and it is my honor to pay tribute to him before this body of Congress and our nation. Bud is a retired schoolteacher who has held a seat on the Steamboat Springs School Board for 18 years. He also serves on the City Planning Commission and just completed a four-year term of service on the Steamboat City Council. As a Councilman, Bud's tenure was defined by his honesty and integrity. Bud had no use for political double-speak or bureaucracy and approached his position in a straightforward and direct manner. During Bud's tenure, he played a direct role in assuring that Steamboat maintained its small town charm, and family atmosphere. He was also instrumental in helping to form strong working relationships between the City of Steamboat and government agencies throughout Colorado. Mr. Speaker it is my privilege to pay tribute to Bud Romberg before this body of Congress and our nation. Bud is a man of great honor and integrity and the community of Steamboat Springs is a better place as the result of his dedicated service. Thank you for your service, Bud.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated law enforcement officer from my district. Deputy Matt McChesney is a caring and capable law enforcement professional who is committed to improving the lives of families impacted by domestic violence. I am proud to join my colleagues here today in recognizing Matt's tremendous service to the Colorado community before this body of Congress and our nation. Matt often sacrifices sleep, and the few days he has off, to come into the District Attorney's office the morning after a domestic abuse arrest. There, he works tirelessly to ensure that each victim is treated with dignity and respect. In addition, Matt works with the Victim's Assistance Program and the Operations Division to educate and train volunteers on how to assist victims. For Matt's dedication and commitment to others, he was recently named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. The people in Matt's district are safer as the result of his service and protection. Mr. Speaker, Matt McChesney is a dedicated individual who sacrifices his time to helping those who are victim to the terrors of domestic violence. His compassion and selfless service to our state definitely deserve the recognition of this body of Congress and this nation. Thanks for your service Matt, and congratulations on a well-deserved award.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time. I also thank the Members and my colleagues on the Democratic side who worked with me on my bill. This is a bill I introduced. I have been working on it in great detail for a number of years. Now, it is true that in the process I did not include 435 Members to come to our meetings to come to some kind of compromise. Now, there are reasons I did not include 435. First of all, that is not routine. Second of all, we could not get them all into one location. Third of all, not very many of them were interested. They are interested, most of them, in the final product, but they are not interested because they have their own priorities in putting this together. And, finally, there is a very definite class of people that you cannot bring in to a room and expect a compromise. My good colleague, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee), is not one of those people that I felt that I could bring into these negotiations and come out with anything positive. I have got to get people in there that are willing to come up with a solution, and I will give you two good examples, two very ardent spokesmen for the environment, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio). Those are about two of the toughest individuals on this House floor when it comes to speaking about environmental issues. While the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee), for example, is very tough on environmental issues, the fact is I can negotiate with the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). I can negotiate with the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio). And that is exactly why the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden) and myself and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), that is exactly why that group of people came together to work out a compromise with the Senate to come up with a bill that is good for all of us. So what we are seeing today is not opposition to the content of the bill by the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee). What we are seeing with all due respect to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee) is sour grapes. Hey, I did not get to play in the game. I was not invited to the meeting. As I said, there is a reason why the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee) was not invited to the meeting. I wanted a meeting with production. I needed to have a meeting that would come out with a product that could pass both the Senate and the House and accomplish something out there with our forests, and that is exactly what this bill does. That is exactly why we should pass this rule and that is exactly why I expect this bill in both the Senate and the House, the Senate and the House, to pass with bipartisan; that is, Republican and Democratic, support.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to a remarkable woman from my district. Robin Garvin has dedicated her life in service of the children of the Roaring Fork Valley. It is my honor to pay tribute to her contributions here today. Robin recently announced her retirement from the Roaring Fork School District's RE-1 Board of Education. Robin was an outstanding member of the Board for eight years and spent the last half of her tenure serving as the Board's President. Robin approached her position with the best interests of children in mind. Her term was defined by a tireless commitment to providing the students of the Roaring Fork Valley with the best possible education. The Roaring Fork Valley is undoubtedly a better place as the result of Robin's service. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring Robin Garvin's contributions to the attention of this body of Congress and our nation. Robin has managed to devote herself to bettering the Roaring Fork Valley's system of education while happily acting as a devoted mother, wife and friend. I am proud to join the citizens of the Roaring Fork Valley in thanking Robin for her service.