Buck McKeon

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 511, which would recognize the accomplishments of the University of Southern California's football, women's volleyball, and men's water polo teams. I want to thank my colleague and friend, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson), for introducing this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, Los Angeles was little more than a frontier town in 1880 when the University of Southern California first opened its doors to 53 students and 10 teachers. Then, Los Angeles still lacked paved streets, electric lights, telephones, and a reliable fire alarm system. Today, USC is located at the heart of one of the biggest metropolises in the world and is home to nearly 30,000 students and 3,800 faculty. The central mission of the University of Southern California is the development of human beings and society as a whole, through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. USC has worked to accomplish this mission through teaching, research, artistic creation, professional practice, and public service. As a result, USC has become world-renowned in the fields of communication and multimedia technologies, has received national acclaim for its innovative community, and has solidified its status as one of the Nation's leading research institutions. It is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles, and USC physicians serve more than 1 million patients each year. Today, the House of Representatives is recognizing another exceptional facet of the University of Southern California, its world- class sports program. House Resolution 511 is a resolution that recognizes the accomplishments of the University of Southern California's football, women's volleyball, and men's water polo teams. This past year, the USC Trojans football team only lost one game, which was its best record since 1978; won its second consecutive Pac-10 title; won the Rose Bowl; and won the Associated Press national football championship, the University's ninth national football championship. The USC women's volleyball team finished the season without a single loss, with a record of 35 victories and no defeats; won its last 47 matches, which is an NCAA record; won its sixth national championship; and is considered to be one of the greatest teams to have played the sport. The USC men's water polo team finished the season with a record of 24 victories with only three losses and won its second NCAA national championship. In addition, football coach Pete Carroll, women's volleyball coach Mick Haley, and water polo coach Jovan Vavick each were honored as National Coach of the Year in their respective sports. That is why, today, the House is considering House Resolution 511, so we can congratulate the significant achievements of the University of Southern California's football, women's volleyball, and men's water polo teams. Their hard work and dedication to their respective sports is admirable and deserves to be recognized by the House of Representatives. I congratulate the University of Southern California for their incredible victories and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their championship teams.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 511.

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

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3030, Improving the Community Services Block Grant Act.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise in strong support for H.R. 1006, the Captive Wildlife Safety Act. I thank the gentleman from Maryland for his support and for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. This act will take a large stride in preventing future acts by lions, tigers, and other exotic cats to people in our towns and cities across the country. In early October, a tiger found in a New York City apartment generated wide media attention to the issue of private ownership of wild animals such as lions and tigers. While this seems like an isolated incident, it represents one of the many attacks that have occurred over the last several years. Before we saw footage of the 400-pound tiger on the national news, we saw reports that people of all ages, including children, have fallen victim to injury or death by such animals. This problem has persisted over time as trade of lions, tigers and other big cats have continued to flourish. Some estimates state that there are more than 15,000 exotic cats living in captivity in the United States. While some are held in zoological institutions and preserves, most of these animals are maintained as pets, caged in back yards, basements or closets. These animals can be purchased at auctions or on Web sites that advertise and sell these animals. Lions and tigers are inherently hard-wired to hunt, attack and defend themselves with brutal force when feeling threatened. It is for this reason that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association have taken public stands against keeping these dangerous carnivores as pets. The dangers these big cats pose to people are self-evident and well documented. In Loxahatchee, Florida, last February, a 58-year-old woman was bitten in the head by a 750-pound pet Siberian-Bengal tiger mix. In Lexington, Texas, in October 2001, a 3-year-old boy was killed by his stepfather's pet tiger. This past April, two people fell victim to tiger attacks, a 35-year-old woman in Adair, Oklahoma, and a 32-year- old man in Hennepin, Illinois. Both these tigers were being held at unaccredited animal parks, and the results are all too clear. These animals require trained personnel equipped with the proper tools and facilities to ensure they are kept in an environment where the probability of an attack is lowered to the safest possible level. How can we expect a person with no experience in caring for a tiger or lion to have the knowledge and education to take necessary safeguards to prevent an attack? People in neighborhoods and communities across the country should no longer have to take that risk. This legislation would add lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, and cougars to the Lacey Act to prohibit these animals from being sold or purchased in interstate or foreign commerce. This will greatly decrease the possibility of one of these animals escaping from captivity, bringing further harm and injury to innocent people around the Nation. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) for helping me on this bipartisan effort. I also extend special thanks to the Committee on Resources chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), and once again the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest), whose leadership was essential in this endeavor. I also want to send my gratitude to a dear friend and constituent of mine, Tippi Hedren, whose expertise and knowledge helped in the introduction of this bill, and who, for more than 30 years, has worked tirelessly in the defense, protection and care for animals. In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1006 which will help stop the spread of big cats and provide an essential safety mechanism to further decrease the number of attacks on people by these ferocious animals.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I just comment that we are certainly glad Coach Wooden came to California.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder), a former member of the committee, a Hoosier, who wants to claim Mr. Wooden for his own. (Mr. SOUDER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), another former coach, another great coach, now a Member of Congress and who serves on our Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 411) expressing the sense of the House that John Wooden should be honored for his contributions to sports and education, as amended.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 411.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 411 which honors the contributions to sports and education by UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. I want to thank my good friend, neighbor and Bruin, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis), for introducing this resolution to recognize a man who is nothing short of a legend in our part of the State. Coach Wooden concluded his 40 years as a head coach in 1974-75 and his 885-203 overall career win-loss record is unequaled. In 27 years as coach of the UCLA Bruins, his teams registered 620 wins and only 147 losses while earning far more national honors than any other university. Under Wooden, UCLA won an unprecedented 10 NCAA championships, including seven consecutive championships from 1966 to 1973. Included in this string is one of the most amazing win streaks in all of sports, 38 straight NCAA tournament victories. That feat is truly unbelievable. Additionally, John Wooden is the only coach to compile four undefeated seasons of 30-0 and his Bruins teams captured 19 conference championships. His talent on the court earned him induction into the National Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. Coach wooden is only one of two people to receive this dual honor. Early in his career, John Wooden committed himself to sports and academics. As an English major, his name is inscribed on Purdue's academic honor roll, and he was awarded the Big Ten Conference medal for scholarship and athletics in 1932. His commitment to scholarship and sportsmanship have inspired and nurtured countless student athletes, and we owe him our thanks and admiration. I want to, once again, thank my colleague from California for introducing this resolution and extend my congratulations to Coach John Wooden for his achievements and contributions to collegiate athletics. I ask all of my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis), the author of this resolution.

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

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2003. I want to commend and thank Chairman Tauzin for his work with his Senate counterpart, Chairman Domenici, for working with many Members and Senators to reach agreement on this historic legislation. For the first time in over a decade we will have comprehensive national energy policy. Both chairmen deserve credit for completing this process and getting the job done for the American people. In addition, I commend President Bush for putting forth a responsible national energy plan, much of which is reflected in the legislation before us today. This bill makes significant improvements in both energy conservation and generation. The legislation before us today contains new energy efficiency and conservation provisions, expands the use of renewable energy sources, encourages diverse energy technologies, increases our federal commitment to research and development, and will reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and gas by developing domestic sources of fuels. In addition, the bill improves reliability standards for electricity transmission, which we know is critical given the recent blackouts in the Northeast and Midwest and ongoing challenges regarding electricity supply in my own state of California. I am pleased to have been part of this conference as a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The conference report before us today contains several important provisions under the Education and the Workforce Committee's purview that I would like to highlight. H.R. 6 reauthorizes the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, for two years. This critical program helps many low-income families, particularly some elderly individuals, survive extreme temperatures by covering the cost of heating and cooling. In addition, the legislation increases the funding authorized for the Weatherization Assistance Program, through which funds are provided to low-income households for weatherization efforts. This increase puts Congress on track to increase funding for the program by over $1 billion over the next ten years as proposed by President Bush. The conference agreement includes an Alaskan Pipeline Construction Training program to ensure enough skilled workers are available to design, construct, and operate an Alaska gas pipeline system, should one be constructed. While it is appropriate to create a new program to address this significant employment need, the conference agreement ensures that the training program would operate through the State of Alaska's existing workforce development system created under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). This will prevent duplication and ensure the new training program is connected to the wider package of services available through the one-stop delivery system created under WIA. The conference agreement includes a provision requiring the Secretary of Energy to provide a preference in making grants under the Science Education programs to institutions that encourage underrepresented populations to pursue scientific and technical careers. In addition, the bill before us today requires the national laboratories that participate in the Department's Science Education programs to increase the participation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges in activities that increase their capacity to train personnel in science or engineering. This is consistent with Congress's efforts to reach out to minority serving institutions to help build their capacity. The provision should result in increased access to energy-related scientific careers. I must, however, raise strong concerns with two provisions in the bill, one dealing with the denial of tax benefits for solar energy and the other dealing with providing liability protection for manufactures of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether, or MTBE. The first provision, if removed, would have opened the doors in my and adjacent congressional districts in California for increased production of concentrated solar power and would have provided as many as 7,000 jobs in the Antelope Valley region of my district. Our nation's electricity grid does not have the capacity to move electricity freely from east to west without encountering significant congestion and financial disincentives. Until these hurdles are overcome, we must work towards becoming more self-sufficient when it comes to energy production. Financial incentives, such as the Investment Tax Credit and the Production Tax Credit, further encourage the production of solar energy to provide an efficient, clean energy source that has not yet been tapped to its full potential for conventional use. A recent Department of Energy-supported study demonstrates that concentrated solar power could produce electricity at a cost of 3.5 to 7 cents per kilowatt/hour within 10 years, which is very competitive with traditional electric peaking power. Unfortunately, the conference report stipulates that solar companies cannot have access to both credits, which completely defeats their purpose. The second provision in the conference report would have a detrimental impact on many areas in my state of California by giving a product liability waiver for MTBE and nullifying many of the recent lawsuits that were filed to aid in the cleanup of the problem. Recently, it has come to my attention that a MTBE spill is located in my congressional district near the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, California. This additive has been found to pollute drinking water supplies in at least 28 states, including my own, when gasoline containing MTBE leaks or is spilled into surface or groundwater. While I certainly understand the argument that the federal government was responsible for promoting the use of MTBE and should provide some protections to companies, I remain concerned that exempting MBTE manufacturers from groundwater contamination by giving them such a blanket protection will devastate the drinking water supply for area residents. Not withstanding these provisions, I believe the conference report before us today represents an enormous step forward in addressing short-term energy needs and stabilizing our long-term energy supply. I applaud my colleagues and the Bush Administration for working to ensure this comprehensive legislation is completed this year. I urge Members to support H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2003.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Johnson) for bringing forth this resolution honoring the Fighting Illini athletes, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 391, a resolution congratulating the University of Illinois Fighting Illini men's tennis team for its successful season; and particularly its rare Triple Crown win. The mission statement for the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics states that its aim is to ``have the highest quality athletics program in all sports that allows the University of Illinois teams to compete for championships in the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.'' The men's tennis team accomplished this ambitious and worthwhile goal when, earlier this year, the fighting Illini concluded its season with a national championship win in the team tournament, the singles tournament and the doubles tournament. Since the tennis team championship format began in 1977, no other team has captured the Triple Crown of college tennis by using three different players in the singles and doubles tournaments. Additionally, deserving of commendation is the Fighting Illini's seventh consecutive Big Ten Conference regular season championship and their sixth Big Ten Tournament crown in the last 7 years. The Fighting Illini has become the team with the most all-time wins and the fourth undefeated and untied team in the 84-year history of the University of Illinois men's tennis program. The distinction earned by these players and their remarkable repeat victories of the team reflect the dedication of each player, the leadership of Coach Craig Tiley, and the support of family, friends and fans. I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Johnson) for introducing this resolution and extend my congratulations to each of the hardworking players on each of the Fighting Illini teams, to Coach Tiley, and to the University of Illinois, I am happy to join my colleagues in honoring the success of this team and wish them continued success. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 391.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 391) congratulating the University of Illinois Fighting Illini men's tennis team for its successful season.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 299, honoring the life and accomplishments of my friend Sargent Shriver. I have another good friend here that I met on the Hill, that I have known for a number of years, who worked many years ago for Sargent Shriver, considered him a mentor, and is one that really got me interested in studying more about what Sargent Shriver has accomplished in this life. Just a short week after his 88th birthday, we honor this American Patriot for his accomplishments in life, for his compassion for humanity, for his philanthropy, for his generosity, and for his commitment to public service. As children, we all have visions and dreams of one day being able to change the world, to make a real difference to mankind, to be remembered. But in reality, it is difficult to find a person who has actually done so. As an ambassador and advocate for the poor and powerless, as a man of strong conviction, faith, and devotion, as a man who genuinely loves his country and all that it stands for, it is safe to say that Sargent Shriver truly has made a difference in the world. Born 88 years ago last Sunday, Sargent received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Yale University. He married his long-time sweetheart, Eunice Kennedy, and 50 years later, their love remains as strong as the day they met. His devotion to his wife and his five children, throughout his life, exemplify his character and represent the true American spirit. His love for family is followed closely by his love of country. As an international lawyer and administrator, Sargent Shriver has compiled an unparalleled record of public service at every tier, from the local level to the world community. Sargent served as an attorney in the United States Navy during World War II and retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 5 years of service. After ending his military career, Mr. Shriver worked briefly as an editorial assistant at Newsweek magazine. In 1955, he began a 5-year tenure as president of the Chicago Board of Education, a position that would teach him the sense of patriotism and community activism, which he would carry throughout his life. In 1961, Mr. Shriver answered the call of duty again, this time by President John F. Kennedy. Sargent established and directed the newly- founded organization called the Peace Corps, and helped organize operations around the world, from Africa and Asia to Latin America. The Peace Corps would eventually come to the aid of foreign communities needing medical, educational and technical assistance, while giving millions of Americans the opportunity share our culture and values and democratic way of life to those less fortunate around the world. After September 11, many Americans have been searching for their role in the war against terrorism, asking what can I do. President Bush has called on every citizen to devote a portion of their lives to service. Since September 2001, more than 3,000 potential Peace Corps volunteers have started applications and almost 7,000 men and women have contacted the Peace Corps to ask about volunteering. The Peace Corps estimates that there has been a 300 percent increase in volunteer interest. Sargent Shriver deserves the gratitude of every American for his contributions to this most noble of causes. As the true patriot he is, Sargent's commitment to those in need did not stop there. He served as the first director of the Office of Economic Opportunity under President Johnson. Using his principles as his guiding light, Sargent played the American Dream a reality for millions of Americans across America. And, today, at the young age of 88, Sargent's mission of service continues. He was elected president of the Special Olympics in 1984 and was appointed Chairman of the Board Emeritus of Special Olympics earlier this year. Martin Luther King said, ``You ought to believe in something in life, and believe that thing so fervently that you will stand up for it until the end of your days.'' As a man of unflinching moral character, visionary leadership, and a compassion that sees no end, Sargent Shriver embodies the idealism that helped make the United States the world's cornerstone of freedom, opportunity, and democracy. Mr. Shriver once said that the politics of life is personal initiative, creativity, experience, and grace. Mr. Speaker, Sargent Shriver exemplifies the American spirit which represents the very best in humanity. His life is a celebration of democracy. I am proud to have sponsored this resolution and encourage all Members to follow the example set by my friend, Sargent Shriver.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) for yielding the time. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) for their support and their bringing this legislation before us, as has already been mentioned. The gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) lost his home. I know he has been handling it a whole lot better than I would. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to express my heartfelt support for this bill, House Resolution 425, which honors the courageous firefighters and other emergency service persons who so tirelessly fought the devastating wildfires of southern California. Over the past couple of weeks, more than 14,000 firefighters from five States have taken to the front lines in this wildfire, selflessly risking their lives for the protection of their fellow Americans. These ongoing fires have ravaged almost 750,000 acres, destroyed over 3,500 homes, and resulted in the loss of 22 lives, including the life of a young firefighter by the same of Steven L. Rucker, an engineer from the Novato Fire District. On October 29, 2003, Engineer Rucker made the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow man while defending a home in the Cedar Fire incident in San Diego County. It is the bravery of Firefighter Rucker and other heroes like him in the Los Angeles County Fire Department who saved my district and the lives and property of my neighbors, friends, and families in the Stevenson Ranch and Sunset Point areas of the Santa Clarita Valley, where the fire literally came within feet of their homes. My community was spared from major devastation as a result of the efforts of our firefighters from the Nation, from the county and from the areas surrounding, as well as the efforts of the Armed Services and other emergency personnel who came to the rescue. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents from the 25th District of California, I express my deep gratitude to our firefighters for their continued bravery and valor in fighting this wildfire and urge my colleagues to unanimously adopt this resolution.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), the author of this bill and one who speaks about this subject from the heart.

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

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 300, introduced by the gentleman from Michigan, Pete Hoekstra. This resolution recognizes the university campuses affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and other faith-based campuses and supports the goals and ideals of Christian Higher Education Month. As Chairman of the 21st Century Competition Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the Higher Education Act, I believe that institutions of higher education that are Christ-centered play an important role in providing a quality post-secondary education to our Nation's students. These institutions are vital to the well-being of our country and offer their students an education which focuses on service and a dedication to God and their community. In particular, I would like to recognize a college from my district, The Master's College, which has provided a quality post-secondary education to residents of California. The Master's College was established in 1927 with the mission to empower students for a life of enduring commitment to Christ, biblical fidelity, moral integrity, intellectual growth and lasting contribution to the kingdom of God. Located in Santa Clarita, this institution, under the direction of President John MacArthur, has been rated as one of America's best colleges by US News and World Report. In the last five out of six years alone, the Master's College has been ranked in the first tier of the Best Comprehensive Colleges--Bachelor's where it competes with over 324 colleges from all across the country. I am proud of the record that the Master's College has earned over the years and would like to recognize their dedication and service to our country. I would also like to recognize my alma mater, Brigham Young University, which has been responsible for educating a majority of family. Established in 1875, BYU provides an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principle of its sponsor, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU's mission is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. To this end, BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Mr. Speaker, I believe that these two institutions are two excellent examples of the type of academic institutions that H. Res. 300 recognizes and I join my colleagues in support of the resolution.

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I am here to work on another bill, but I could not let the opportunity pass to speak a little bit of my alma mater. I attended Brigham Young University, as have all of our six children and hopefully soon some of our grandchildren; and I also have in my district at home the Master's College, which is a Baptist college that works with young people in the Santa Clarita Valley and attracts students from all around the country. Both of these schools, as many others that have been named and many that are not being named today by name, are doing a tremendous job in the country educating our young people about life and preparing them for life, but also are teaching Christian values and virtues along with the book learning that they are getting. I started school in 1956 and actually graduated in 1985, and had the opportunity of chairing a subcommittee here that we titled Subcommittee on Education and Lifelong Learning. I guess the reason they gave me that one was because it took me 30 years to graduate. But I had the opportunity of graduating from Brigham Young University in 1985 with my oldest daughter. We both received our bachelor's and her husband received his master's on that day. I had a great experience in school. I think it has had a lot of impact on my life, and I really appreciate the opportunity of serving in the Congress and working on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. I am thankful that the gentlemen from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) and (Mr. Kildee) are presenting this bill here today.

Mr. McKEON

Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to vacate the ordering of the yeas and nays on the motion to suspend the rules and adopt H. Con. Res. 262 to the end that the Chair put the question on the motion de novo.