Gary Miller

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 659, the Hospital Mortgage Insurance Act of 2003, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important legislation. This legislation would give the Department of Housing and Urban Development the authority to provide FHA mortgage insurance to hospitals across the country which are currently ineligible for the insurance due to the lack of a State Certificate of Need Program. The reduced costs for these hospitals will allow the modernization and rehabilitation of medical facilities across the country. We have all heard from hospitals in our districts about the significant challenge they are facing in providing care to patients who are covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Hospital budgets are further strained as improvements in technology and health care knowledge require capital improvements such as additions and renovations to existing buildings. The need for capital improvements at hospitals will continue to grow as hospitals are increasingly under pressure to acquire state of the art equipment and expand services. We all know that modern health care facilities can improve the quality of life and the health of the population, yet financing for these new improvements at hospital facilities is often not readily available. To assist States in providing modern health care facilities, Congress created section 242 of the National Housing Act. Section 242 permits FHA to insure mortgages used to finance the replacement, modernization, and rehabilitation of inefficient existing hospital facilities. Hospitals benefit from the low interest rate costs attributable to FHA-insured financing. Under the 1968 law, to be eligible for section 242 financing a hospital must obtain a Certificate of Need from a designated State agency. The Certificate of Need determines whether the hospital applying for the loan meets certain eligibility requirements for the receipt of the FHA loan guarantee. In the absence of Certificate of Need authority, a State is allowed to commission a feasibility study. In addition, the hospital is required to demonstrate that there is a reasonable State or local minimum licensing and operating standard in effect. The Certificate of Need Program is established to control the number of hospital beds and expenditures. When the Federal Certificate of Need Program began, 49 States enacted legislation for its Certificate of Need Program. Louisiana was the only State that did not. As a result of continuing Federal policies encouraging deregulation, Certificate of Need authority has sunsetted in some States. In fact, over the last 20 years, at least 18 States have repealed the Certificate of Need Programs. My own State of California does not have a Certificate of Need process. Therefore, it is far more difficult for hospitals to secure FHA-insured financing. Under this new legislation, California would be put on a level playing field with other States. Even in States that have retained the Certificate of Need authority, some projects do not qualify. In States that do not have a Certificate of Need program, the relevant State agency often lacks the authority to commission alternative feasibility studies. The result of this is many States simply do not have access to this lower-cost FHA-insured financing. In fact, of the 64 hospital mortgages FHA currently insures under this program, only four are located in non-Certificate of Need States. Obviously, the section 242 program must be changed so that FHA-insured financing is accessible to hospitals in all States. H.R. 659 would give HUD the authority to establish a process for determining the need and feasibility for a hospital's proposed project, thus eliminating the requirement for States to provide a feasibility study where no Certificate of Need exists. This is an important bill that makes the necessary changes to ensure that the section 242 program is a viable program for all States. Again, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and ensure that FHA- insured financing is available in each State for the purpose of building new hospitals. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Robert J. ``Bob'' Lewis, Deputy Executive Director for Federal Relations of the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC). Bob retired January 10, 2003. Bob has had a very distinguished career providing over 32 years of leadership and direction in government and association service. Bob has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School and is a member of the D.C. and Michigan Bar Associations. Bob started his career in D.C. as a Legislative Assistant for Senator Robert P. Griffin (R-MI). He then went on to serve as a Staff Assistant to President Nixon on the White House Domestic Council; General Counsel of the Federal Trade Commission; partner at Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll; Vice President for the Pharmaceutical Manufactures Association; Senior Vice President for Federal Relations at the Tobacco Institute and Vice President for Public Affairs at the Generic Pharmaceutical Industry Association. Bob and his wife, Margaret, have two children and two grandchildren. During his time at NAWC, Bob was responsible for developing and implementing NAWC's Federal government relations strategy including both legislative and regulatory activities. As a senior manager, Bob also saw to the day-to-day operations of the association. Bob's dedication to these duties was a true asset to NAWC as well to those who worked directly with him. His honesty, fairness and integrity are of the highest caliber and, his concern for others is genuine. Bob completes his tenure at NAWC as the instrumental figure in carrying out the strategies that led to many important victories for the association and its members. Since my arrival in Washington, I have had the privilege of working with Bob in developing legislation that will help local water companies continue to provide clean, affordable drinking water. His effectiveness as an advocate on these issues is a true testament to his dedication and passion for his work. His professionalism will be missed, but his accomplishments will remain. Again, I would like to congratulate Bob on his career accomplishments and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) for his leadership in bringing this before the House today. I feel like it is like election time again. It is rather interesting. Nobody is arguing reform is not necessary. Reform is necessary. But we are talking about global warming. We are talking about senior citizens. They will be losing Social Security next thing we know if this bill drags on more than 5 more minutes. And leadership, it is amazing, I think about the bills this last year that we voted out of this House that sat on the Democratic leader's desk in the Senate that went nowhere, and yet today we blame leadership on this side of the aisle as the problem for everything that occurred in this Nation. The fact is that 20,000 communities in this Nation are covered by the national flood hazard law. In January alone there will be 400,000 households either seeking insurance or seeking to reinsure their home based on an existing policy. And if this does not occur today, that will not happen. That is dangerous and I applaud our chairman for making sure that that is going to happen today; but to sit around and complain about all the ills of society based on what we are trying to resolve and fix today is unreasonable on this floor. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac represent 85 percent of the secondary mortgages that are in this Nation. Dealing with the other lenders that are out there, they are prohibited by law from making a loan or reloaning to a home if people do not have an existing insurance policy. Now, lenders are forced, if people cannot provide a policy, to put a forced policy on a home. Now, I applaud the gentleman for his concern for seniors; but understand if we do not do this, they will pay double or triple the price for insurance than they would pay in the open market if a lender is forced to place that insurance company on a home for a person on a fixed income or anybody who has a mortgage out there. If you do not have an existing loan today and you are trying to get one from Fannie Mae, they have given you until January 15 and they will not place loans after that, unless at that point in time they put a forced insurance loan on your house itself; and that forced policy, again, is two to three times the normal price that you would pay on the market today. We have a problem before us. We have an issue that can be dealt with. I would encourage an ``aye'' vote in dealing with this issue that should be dealt with and should have been dealt with last year. Nobody is arguing that. I believe reform will occur this year, but for the next 12 months this has to occur to allow the open marketplace to continue as it has in the past.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act, to provide communities with new options when it comes to financing Brownfields redevelopment projects. This legislation gives local communities a valuable tool to address blight, create new jobs, and expand their tax base. Last Congress, identical language passed the House unanimously on June 4, 2002. I would like to thank the following Members who join me in introducing this important legislation today: Ms. Maloney, Chairman Oxley, Mr. Kanjorski, Mr. Leach, Ms. Kelly, Mr. McHugh, Mr. Toomey, Mr. Souder, and Ms. Hart. The EPA defines Brownfields as ``abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.'' It is estimated that there are over 500,000 Brownfield sites across the country in need of cleanup and remediation. Brownfields represent more than just eyesores blighting individual communities. They threaten our groundwater supply, cost our local communities jobs and revenue, and contribute to urban sprawl. Unfortunately, the largest obstacle cities face when redeveloping Brownfields sites is the lack of capital needed to carry out essential early-stage activities such as site-assessment, remediation planning, and actual clean-up. Because private financiers are often unwilling or unable to provide the funding to take a site through the full redevelopment cycle, local municipalities and local leaders find themselves confronted with the complex task of redevelopment. The Brownfield Economic Development Initiative or BEDI grant program was designed to help cities overcome this challenge. The HUD program was created in 1998 to provide flexible funds for any stage of the revitalization process, from site assessment and clean up to economic development. Current law makes the BEDI grant difficult to utilize. If a local community wishes to pursue clean-up and redevelopment funds from HUD, they must first apply for a Section 108 loan. In order to secure this loan, they are required to put up a portion of their Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money as collateral. Few cities are willing to tie up these funds on a loan guarantee--especially in the early stages of a Brownfields redevelopment. Tying up CDBG funds means a city may be forced to discontinue other programs which benefit low to moderate-income residents in order to pursue a riskier redevelopment project. For instance, CDBG funds are used to provide important community services such as Meals on Wheels and child care programs. Without the Section 108 loan guarantee, cities are effectively locked out of the BEDI grant. The Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act remedies this problem by de-linking the BEDI grant program from the Section 108 loan guarantee and clarifying that CDBG funds may be used for Brownfields redevelopment. In addition, the bill creates a pilot program for a revolving loan pool for Brownfields redevelopment. As a result, cities will have new options--they can proceed, as under current law, by applying for a Section 108 loan, to be secured by a portion of their CDBG funds, and then apply for a BEDI grant; they can simply apply for a BEDI grant; they can apply for pilot program funds; or they can use any combination of the above which best meets their project needs. With the flexible access to such government funding, we can help revitalize Brownfields sites across the country. It is important to point out the benefits cities will receive under this legislation. First, there will be a direct, positive effect on the environment when the sites are cleaned up. Second, cities have an opportunity to minimize urban sprawl and preserve existing green space by working with local developers and builders to utilize previously developed properties. Due to the liability associated with Brownfields, many developers currently opt to purchase and plan projects on open space. This bill will empower cities to take ownership of their Brownfields and work with their development community to design projects that utilize existing infrastructure. Most importantly, it is estimated that up to $2.4 billion in new tax revenues can be generated through Brownfields redevelopment. The goal of H.R. 2941 is to make two existing HUD programs work better for the communities they are intended to serve. In speaking with my local mayors, I learned that communities in my district are currently locked out of the BEDI grant program. The city manager of the City of La Habra, California, which is in my district, has stated that this bill ``would only further assist the City's efforts in pursing the clean-up of environmentally contaminated sites.'' I assure you that many of my colleagues will hear similar sentiments from community leaders in their districts. Let's give cities access to the up-front financing they need to clean up Brownfields sites. I urge expeditious consideration of this crucial legislation.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Chip Prather, Fire Chief of Orange County, California. Chip Prather became Fire Chief for the Orange County Fire Authority on October 1, 1997. In this capacity he is responsible for the daily operation of one of the largest fire organizations in California. Under his direction are 1,300 career firefighters, reserve firefighters and support staff. The OCFA serves 22 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County, with a total population of more than 1.3 million, from 59 fire stations. Prior to becoming Fire Chief, Mr. Prather served as Assistant Director of Fire Services/Operations. He was selected by the Orange County Firemen's Association as the 1995 ``Firefighter of the Year.'' In 1998, as a battalion chief, he was assigned to the Authority's first master plan. He was promoted to Division Chief in 1989 and a year later to Assistant Director of Fire Services. Chief Prather served as Incident Commander for the 1993 Laguna Fire and was responsible for the after-action report that has resulted in numerous changes in policies and procedures to improve fire safety in Southern California. His report provides a case study for unified command operations and disaster management. Chief Prather holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and has completed the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in state and local government. He has also attended the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy, completing the Executive Fire Officer Program. Chief Prather has dedicated his life to protecting our community and is noted for his favorite saying, ``Be tough, be tender, be safe.''

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, as Saddam Hussein continues to defy the United States and the world, the avenue of options available in dealing with Hussein shrinks with every step he takes toward attaining nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. It is clear that Hussein does not aspire to acquire these weapons for the sake of self-defense. The goal of these weapons is aggression. This is not a man of peace. This is a man of war. He has made a mockery of the agreement ending the first Persian Gulf War, and now he holds out hope that he can continue to manipulate the world to hold on to power. And he intends to hold power and use it till he is successful in acquiring weapons of mass destruction and with it, the ability to bully and destabilize the Gulf region. Hussein intends to use the currency of these weapons to hold hostage the entire region. What then? Some argue that if the attack is not on the U.S. (which we cannot guarantee), we should not get involved. But who believes that if he again invades another country that the United States will be able to sit on its hands as the stability of the Middle East unravels? If he uses these weapons against his neighbors, where will this nation be on moral ground to allow him to continue without reprisal? Appeasement will not be an option. Further, who believes that our country is better positioned fighting a nuclear armed Hussein than one that is currently without that capability? Who believes that the welfare of our men and women in uniform is better served in having them face an enemy with nuclear weapons than one who has not yet been successful in doing so? The answer is no one. With that being said, the urgency of dealing with Hussein is ever increasing. If Hussein attacks, the most brilliant diplomatic minds combined will not be able to bring a peaceful end. However well intended those hopes may be, eleven years of defiance have shown that peaceful talks and negotiations are not an option for Hussein. Rather, they are an opportunity to a man who does not deserve to lead the Iraqi people and who we cannot continue to appease. Between 1987-1989, he ordered the deaths of the Kurdish population by the tens of thousands--indescriminately spraying their villages with poisonous gas. He has proven his imperialist nature through a path of destruction against Kuwait. He has allowed the Iraqi people to starve in favor of diverting resources to maintaining his grip on ruling Iraq. He has engaged in the periodic shake-up of his own administration, brutally eliminating threats to his reign of power. He has suppressed every effort of democracy and change in Iraq with bloodied and unremorseful hands. Saddam Hussein has committed acts so far beyond the pail of decency and acceptability that it leaves one to wonder in shock why we have waited so long to end this madman's career of carnage. Our nation stands for freedom and humanity and because it does, we had hoped we could reason with Hussein. We hoped he would comply with the conditions of the peace agreement ending the Persian Gulf War. In the 1990s, we hoped he would end the shenanigans of denying access to inspection teams and end his lies and deceit by ending his weapons program. In all these things, Saddam Hussein failed. Through no lack of effort, we have given diplomacy a chance. No Saddam Hussein wants to fool the world again. And it is the job of this body to ensure that he does not. We have exhausted all reasonable efforts to deal with an unreasonable madman. We have risked all too much in the hope of peace, only to have these efforts manipulated by a illusional director. It has not been our President, but Saddam Hussein himself that has made the most compelling case for the need for his removal. Saddam Hussein has in his actions, told the world that he is a threat, that he is dangerous, and that he will never be able to be held accountable unless removed. We can wait no longer as with each passing day, Saddam Hussein draws closer to attaining unclear weapons and he exponentially increases the threat he poses to this nation, our allies, and peace and stability. We owe to the future generations not to make the mistake of holding out hope for Hussein. We must act with diligence to protect this country and we must act decisively. Let this be clear that this country loves freedom and loves peace. We deserve (and the Iraqi people deserve) more than to be held in fear by a ruthless dictator whose actions have been unconscionable and continue to pose a threat to humankind. We know what Hussein is capable of and it is time to end the nightmare that he has unleashed on his people and bring a complete end to his imperialist aspirations. Therefore, I strongly urge an aye on this resolution.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Raul Ries, Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs in Diamond Bar, CA. During the past 30 years of ministry, Pastor Ries has touched the lives of many. His story is extraordinary; Pastor Ries beat astounding odds and has since shared his incredible story and love of God to tens of thousands of people throughout the United States. Pastor Ries grew up watching the brutal abuses of his alcoholic father. As he became a young man, the behaviors he vehemently despised as a child became his own. After periods of violence and many altercations, he was given the ``option'' to go to Jail, or to join the United States Marine Corps. Pastor Ries, an eighth degree black belt in the martial art of Kung Fu San Soo, headed towards Vietnam for a special combat role with the Bounty Hunters, a very aggressive Marine battalion. He received two Purple Hearts for his acts of valor in combat, but after witnessing the deaths of his close friends and fellow Marines, his anger towards the world turned into fury. A few years after his discharge from the Marine Corps, Pastor Ries hit rock bottom. Although he owned a successful Martial Arts studio and was married with several children, his anger reigned supreme. He came home one evening to find his wife's bags packed; after enduring four years of abuse, she was leaving. Pastor Ries loaded a gun and waited for his family to arrive, intending to put an end to their lives. It was then that he turned on the television to see Pastor Chuck Smith talking about the love of Christ. He fell to his knees and prayed, knowing this was the only way his life could change. At this point, the multitude of anger and hate he felt disappeared, and Pastor Ries found peace. Now, thirty years later, Pastor Ries oversees a congregation of over 12,000 people. He is heard daily on the thirty minute syndicated radio program, Somebody Loves You. His Somebody Loves You Ministries reach out to people of all ages, but special emphasis are placed on reaching inner-city youth, gang members, and troubled teens. He also serves as an evangelist for the Somebody Loves You Crusades, events that combine non-traditional Christian music with a straightforward gospel message telling all about the love of Jesus Christ. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House please join me in honoring and commending Pastor Raul Ries for his 30 years of ministry, as he has exhibited selflessness, service, and devotion to the community, so others may experience the great things God has done.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Res. 567, ``Recognizing the importance of surface transportation infrastructure to interstate and international commerce and the traveling public and the contributions of the transportation construction, trucking, rail, intercity bus and passenger industries to the economic well being of the United States.'' On October 1, I introduced this bill, along with 11 of my colleagues, to show the Congress's gratitude to the men and women who continue to provide America with an efficient and reliable transportation system. Mr. Speaker, this bill recognizes the vital role the transportation construction, trucking, rail, intercity bus and passenger transit industries play in the United States' economic well-being. The trucking industry alone has transported more than 83 percent of the volume traded between the U.S. and Mexico, and more than 73 percent between the U.S. and Canada in 1999. There are now 6 million commercial trucks, and that number will increase to 8 million by 2013. Between the growing number of trucks and the fact that the registered vehicles are expected to increase from 225 million to 275 million by 2020, we are fortunate to have such an efficient and reliable transportation construction industry. The transportation construction industry sustains 2.2 million jobs and has provided us with 3.9 million miles of roadway. America's freight railroads are responsible for carrying 70 percent of the vehicles from domestic manufacturers. America's freight railroads also carry more than 40 percent of the Nation's intercity freight. While the rail industry has met the growing economic demand, it has also lowered the cost of moving freight by 29 percent since 1981. Public train ridership has also grown by 23 percent since 1995. Public transit also plays a significant role in providing added convenience to Americans' lives. Public transit as a whole helps to reduce vehicular traffic congestion on roads and highways and leads to cleaner air. Intercity buses alone carry over 770 million passengers a year. In 2000, the total public expenditures to operate, maintain, and invest in public transportation systems reached $23.5 billion. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the surface transportation infrastructure community for the immense contributions they have made at both an economic and societal level. The surface transportation community has continually bettered the transport of goods and services and facilitated transit for the traveling public. I would like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) and their staffs for the hard work they have given on this measure. I know I speak on behalf of Congress when I commend the hard-working men and women in the surface transportation industry who are continually giving their services to provide America with a reliable transportation network. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the National Association of Realtors on their decision to build a new headquarters on Capitol Hill. In addition to serving their 850,000 members, this new building will enhance the Capitol Hill community. Its elegant design will complement the location, and its state of the art environmentally friendly features will serve as a model for future construction. Moreover the $45 million in construction and acquisition capital will benefit several Washington, D.C. businesses, including developer Lawrence N. Brandt, Inc., construction manager CarrAmerica, architectural firm Bannigan and Associations, and numerous contractors and subcontractors. As a homebuilder, I understand the significance of selecting a community to call home. The District of Columbia should take pride in the fact that the National Association of Realtors has chosen 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW as their new home. This new building will demonstrate the association's commitment to both the city and the legislative process. Clearly, this is an exciting time for the National Association of Realtors. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this 107th Congress join me in congratulating them on this endeavor.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, last night I introduced House Resolution 567, commending the importance of the surface transportation infrastructure community. This integral aspect of our economy has continually provided and maintained a system of transportation that facilitates commerce and provides consistent modes of transit for the traveling public. House Resolution 567 recognizes the construction industry, which has continually provided us with a safe and efficient system of roadways; the trucking and rail industry, which ensures that each town and city in America is promptly provided with the goods and services it needs; and our system of public transportation, for providing us with a safe and viable means of travel. I also would like to thank the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Young) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), for supporting this bill.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5125, the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Act of 2002. On July 15, I introduced this bill, along with five of my colleagues, to show Congress's continued commitment to preserving these historic sites. I believe by preserving history, we teach future generations not only where we are from, but also what we are about and where we are heading. Preserving our past allows us to teach our children about the valor of the soldiers who fought and died, the strife families overcame, challenges that our society met, and struggles our ideals conquered. These battlefields are living classrooms to remind future generations of our Nation's history. If enacted, this measure seeks to authorize the American Battlefield Preservation Program, ABPP, a proven program Congress funded in 1999 at $8 million and again in 2002 at $11 million. The Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program, CWBPP, has been enormously successful. The fiscal year 1999 appropriations were used to save nearly 7,000 acres of battlefield land, and generated an additional $16 million in non-Federal money for preservation. This is a fiscally responsible program that promotes non-Federal partnerships with States and localities. Grants are competitively awarded through the American Battlefield Protection Program, ABPP, an arm of the National Park Service. Money authorized in H.R. 5125 is to be used for the acquisition from willing sellers of priority battlefield properties outside NPS boundaries. Last year 63 Members and 12 Senators signed bipartisan letters supporting the fiscal year 2002 appropriation for this same purpose. A companion bill, S. 2968, was introduced with tripartisan support. Senators Sarbanes, Sessions and Jeffords are all in support of this. Funding will take place in 2002 after last year's $11 million appropriation is exhausted. Thereafter the bill authorizes $10,000 a year for Civil War battlefield preservation, with a minimum one-to-one match requirement. This bill also authorizes $500,000 for ABPP to update the 993 Civil War Sites Advisory Commission report, which prioritizes the 384 major conflicts of the Civil War by the status of threats to their integrity. This authorization bill, which would fund battlefield preservation from fiscal year 2004 through 2008, would provide predictability and certainty to the program's nonfunded partners as they prepare grant applications and make budgetary decisions. I would like to thank the gentleman from Utah (Chairman Hansen) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich), as well as the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen) for their commitment to preserving our Nation's past.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the outstanding accomplishments of George Thompson, who is retiring after 28 exemplary years as Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 762 in Yorba Linda, California. During this time, Mr. Thompson impacted the lives of more than 440 young men ages 11 to 18 years of age. The leadership, guidance and support he provided, played a great role in 47 of those young men attaining the elite rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award that a Boy Scout can receive. Mr. Thompson has been the worthy recipient of many honors and awards for his ongoing dedication and service, among them, the Order of the Arrow, 1973; Scouter's Training Award, 1974; Scouter's Key, 1981; District Award of Merit, 1981; National Eagle Scout Association Regional Award of Excellence, 1986 and the Silver Beaver in 1988. Mr. Thompson's commitment to scouting has earned him the admiration and respect of those who have had the privilege of working with him. I would like to congratulate him on these impressive accomplishments and sincerely thank him for the difference that he has made in his community.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Dr. Bill Feddersen, President of Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. Dr. Feddersen began his teaching career in Florida after receiving his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. He went on to complete his master's and doctoral degrees in higher education at Columbia University where he was a Kellogg Community College Leadership Fellow. At age 32, after serving in administrative positions at Bucks County Community College (PA) and Iowa Western Community College, Dr. Feddersen became one of the youngest college presidents in the country when he assumed the presidency of what is now the Pennsylvania College of Technology. For the past twenty-one years he has been a California community college president, first at Napa Valley College and since 1991, at Mt. San Antonio College. Dr. Feddersen has served in a variety of state and leadership positions, including president of the California Community CEO Organization, and a member of the board of Directors of the Community College League of California and the Association of California Community College Administrators. Nationally, he is an officer of the Continuous Quality Improvement Network and serves on North Central Association's Academic Quality Improvement Project Advisory Council. Thank you Dr. Feddersen for all of your hard work and dedication to advance education in our country. Your efforts will benefit the lives of others both now and for years to come.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a group of individuals who did a great service to our nation. These men are fighter pilots from the Royal Australian Air Force and the New Zealand Royal Air Force who were assigned to United States combat units and served as Forward Air Controllers during the Vietnam War. I would like to honor the following individuals: Royal Australian Air Force: Wg. Cdr. Col Ackland, Flt. Lt. Ray Butler, Fg. Off. Peter Condon, Flt. Lt. Garry Cooper, Flg. Off. Mac Cottrell, Wg. Cdr. Vance Drummond, Flg. Off. Huck Ennis, Flt. Lt. Brian Fooks, Flt. Lt. Tony Ford, Flg. Off. Frank Fry, Flt. Lt. Dick Gregory, Flt. Lt. Jack Hayden, Flg. Off. Chris Hudnott, Flg. Off. Dick Kelloway, Flt. Lt. Chris Langton, Wg. Cdr. Peter Larard, Flg. Off. Chris Mirow, Flt. Lt. Ken Mitchell, Flg. Off. Bruce Mouatt, Sqn. Ldr. Graham Neil, Sqn. Ldr. Dave Owens, Wg. Cdr. Tony Powell, Sqn. Ldr. Rex Ramsay, Flt. Lt. Doug Riding, Flg. Off. Dave Robson, Flg. Off. Barry Schultz, Flt, Lt. Bruce Searle, Flt. Lt. Ken Semmier, Flt. Lt. Arthur Sibthorpe, Flt. Lt. Ron Slater, Flt. Lt. Peter Smith, Wg. Cdr. Barry Thomas, Flt. Lt. Gavin Thoms, Sqn. Ldr. Nobby Williams, Flt. Lt. Roger Wilson, Flt. Lt. Bruce Wood. New Zealand Royal Air Force:, Flt. Lt. Murray Abel, Flg. Off. Mike Callanan, Flt. Lt. J.M. Denton, Flg. Off. B.W. Donnelly, Flt. Lt. Ross Ewing, Flt. Lt. Graeme Goldsmith, Wg. Cdr. R.F. Lawry, Flt. Lt. Bryan Lockie, Fg. Off. Darryl McEvedy, Flt. Lt. Dick Metcalfe, Sqn. Ldr. John Scrimshaw, Flt. Lt. G.R. Thompson, Wg. Cdr. Wallingford, Flt. Lt. Peter Waller. I would also like to recognize Lt. Col. Eugene Rossel and, Flt. Lt. Garry Copper for actively pursuing decorations for these men who served our country in a time of need.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, as a Representative of California, I appreciate the importance transportation plays in the daily lives of Americans. Whether it be the movement of goods and services or one's personal utilization of our expansive transportation network, America's transportation infrastructure has continued to thrive and evolve at unprecedented levels. The knowledge and efforts dedicated by groups such as America Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) have played a vital role in ensuring America's roadways, airports and waterways continue to effectively and efficiently meet our transportation needs. This country has become the prosperous and efficacious nation that we live in today, due largely to the ingenuity and persistence demonstrated by so many Americans. Horatio Sawyer Earle, one of ARTBA's founding fathers, set out in 1902 to materialize a vision he had of connecting all the states' capitals through a network of highways. What ensued was an organization and set of ideas that has, for 100 years and counting, been at the vanguard of envisioning and implementing improvements to our nation's transportation infrastructure. In areas of commerce, as well as personal commute, transportation has incorporated itself as an indispensable aspect of America's growth. America's transportation network enables us to partake in a tremendous $6 trillion worth of freight. The transportation construction industry itself is worth $160 billion a year and employs 1.6 million people. America has seen the successful implementation of these transportation endeavors in large part due to ARTBA's fielded expertise and fruitful consultations. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to personally express both my admiration for ARTBA in reaching this 100-year milestone, and my gratitude for their unparalleled contributions to America's transportation infrastructure.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor Kevin Eisenberg, a student at Corona Del Mar High School in Newport Beach, California. Kevin is not you average, everyday student; he is motivated, dedicated, and committed to helping his fellow Americans who are currently serving and fighting for our great nation. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Kevin wanted to show his support for the troops who are risking their lives for us, as well as remember his late grandfather, Mr. Sam Cooper, who was a serviceman in the Navy. Subsequently, he decided to raise money for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, an organization that does not solicit donations. Kevin used money previously earned to purchase American flags and bake apple pies, which he then sold from a stand on Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa. All of the profits, including the initial investment, have been presented to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. In addition to financially supporting this great agency, he circulated information about the organization, helping everyone realize the vital role it plays to American service personnel. During the six weekends Kevin spent outside at the stand, he raised $1500.00. What was important to him was not the amount of money actually raised, but more simply, increasing awareness. He wanted his fellow Americans to realize the importance of contributing and serving, with the hope that a chain reaction would ensue. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House please join me in honoring and ccmmending Mr. Kevin Eisenberg for his selflessness, service, and devotion to our great nation, and to those who make the ultimate sacrifice so we may remain free.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor Ms. Delainia Hoffacre, teacher of visual arts at Brea-Olinda High School, for her unflagging commitment to the creative development of her students and her outstanding record of service in advancing the cultural arts in the city of Brea. A lifetime supporter of the arts, Ms. Hoffacre is an accomplished artist with an emphasis in drawing. Incorporating her passion for art in her professional career, Ms. Hoffacre began teaching high-school level visual arts after completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education at Ohio State University. During her more than sixteen years with the Brea-Olinda Unified School District (BUSD), Ms. Hoffacre has been instrumental in the development and coordination of the district-wide elementary-level arts curriculum, Artology, and has initiated the first Advanced Placement (AP) in Studio Art program. Moreover, her classroom instruction is dynamic and effective, evident by the many awards her students have earned at local art competitions, particularly in my Artistic Discovery competition. In addition to her outstanding professional accomplishments, Ms. Hoffacre has contributed much of her free-time to enhancing the arts within the community and her impact has been dramatic. Serving as an appointed member of the Brea Cultural Arts Commission since its inception, Ms. Hoffacre helped initiate the Art in Public Places program, the Brea Fest, featuring ``A Taste of the Arts,'' and the Brea Children's Theater, all of which continue to be popular community events. She is affiliated with the Brea Art Association and the Brea Gallery and is highly regarded among artists and community members alike for her impeccable eye for fine art. In a time when the quality of America's educational system has become the object of national criticism and debate, it gives me great pleasure to highlight the positive contributions of exceptional teachers like Ms. Hoffacre, who not only give of themselves in the classroom, but also set an example in the community for students to emulate. Far too often, the critical role that teachers play in the development of our nation's youth is overlooked, and in some cases, even discounted. However, today it is my hope that all Americans will Join me in commending Ms. Hoffacre and teachers across the nation for their unfailing dedication, persistence, and commitment to providing students with the tools necessary for their success. Again, I would like to congratulate Ms. Hoffacre on these accomplishments and thank her for her contributions to her students and the community.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, Chuck Bittner started with UPS back in 1966 as a Package Car Driver delivering mail to the businesses and residents of the Inland Empire in Southern California. After 25 years of safe driving, drivers are inducted in UPS' Circle of Honor, which is the highest honor awarded to Package Car Drivers. Chuck not only achieved that illustrious accolade but was also recently honored for a staggering 30 years of safe driving by his Center Manager. With 30 years behind the wheel and not a single traffic mishap, Chuck has truly accomplished something special. The people of Southern California owe Chuck, and other delivery drivers like him a debt of gratitude for keeping our roads safe. Despite this impeccable driving record, Chuck says he will probably retire in the next year. He will certainly be missed as he and his truck have become a familiar and reassuring sight in the Southern California neighborhoods.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Con. Res. 424 Commending the Patriotic Contributions of Roofing Professionals Involved in the Rebuilding of the Pentagon. First, I want to thank Mr. Manzullo for introducing this resolution and bringing it to the floor. Several months ago, I gave a one minute speech recognizing the role small roofing contracting companies have played in rebuilding over an acre of the Pentagon's roof, and these efforts are certainly worthy of continued mention. What I find most moving about this volunteer effort, is how deeply committed these roofing professionals are. Men and women have traveled from all over the U.S. to help put a roof back on the Pentagon. There are numerous stories about how they kept working through Thanksgiving and Christmas to stay on an ambitious schedule. These men and women felt compelled to do this because to them, this is how we win, this is how we beat the terrorists. And they're right. Whether they have donated supplies, spent time at the site working, or given money, these individuals and companies should be proud of their contribution towards healing our nation. In addition, I would also like to thank the Department of Defense for working with the National Roofing Contractors' Association to make this volunteer effort so successful.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Chairman, I wish to thank the distinguished Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Lewis, and Full Committee Chairman Young for the incredible amount of work they and their Committees have put into this bill. The American people deserve a bill that provides for the defense of our nation and this bill puts us well on the way to a fully restored and invigorated military. Earlier this year it came to my attention that across the Armed Services, Tuition Assistance funds had been exhausted for Fiscal Year 2002. As many Members know, the Tuition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as TA, provides soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines the opportunity to construct an educational plan and have up to 75 percent of their tuition paid by their branch of service for amounts up to $3,500 per year. It's an extremely popular program and a great opportunity for our men and women in uniform to pursue a degree while serving their country. Unfortunately, instead of having this educational benefit available to them, our service members are confronted with a budget shortfall for 2002. These men and women have put their lives on hold to serve their country; our nation should never put their educational plans on hold because of the exhaustion of TA dollars. That's why I am especially thankful to Chairman Young, Chairman Lewis, and their staffs for taking a close look at this program, which seeks to give our men and women in uniform greater access to higher education and eventually the dream of obtaining a college degree. This bill includes a substantial increase in Tuition Assistance dollars--over $90 million in all. That's a twenty-five percent increase for this important program. So again, I thank the gentleman from California for bringing a bill to the floor that fully funds the President's request for Tuition Assistance and allows our service members the full measure of their educational benefits.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Mr. Lowell R. Overton, broker and co-owner of Coldwell Banker Realty in Diamond Bar, California. Mr. Overton graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 1976 with a bachelor of arts degree in social science followed in 1977 with a bachelor of science degree in behavioral science, accompanied with a criminal justice and corrections certificate. After graduation from Cal Poly Pomona, Mr. Overton started his career in real estate at Goldenwest Realtors and Associates in Diamond Bar, where he quickly became office ``Top Producer.'' He later joined Prudential California Realty in 1989. During his tenure there, he was honored with a total of eight Pinnacle Awards, representing placement among the top ten individuals nationally. In 1993, he was named National Champion of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates topping more than 38,000 agents nationwide. In doing so, he personally closed $35 million in residential income and a total of 187 homes, becoming the first person in company history to generate more than 1 million dollars in gross commission income. In 1995, he was the recipient of the prestigious Legend Award, which is given to agents within the company exhibiting extraordinary ``perseverance, expertise and consistency'' in the course of their careers. As an alumnus, Overton has been a strong supporter for many years of the Behavioral Sciences Department and the College of Letters Arts and Social Sciences at Cal Poly Pomona. He has provided an endowment to fund a scholarship for an outstanding psychology, sociology or behavioral science major, which has enabled the department to make nine awards to date. He is also the founder of the CLASS Alumni Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Behavioral Sciences Department Endowed Scholarship Fund. He has also endowed the Lowell Overton Award for the Presidents Council Scholarship for the College of Letters Arts and Social alumni chapter, currently serving as the chapter's president. He is a director on the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, a member of the Kellogg Voorhis Heritage Society and the President's Council. Overton has also participated numerous times in the Professor for a Day Program and the Behavioral Sciences Department Honors Luncheon. He has also brought Cal Poly Pomona together with local statewide political leaders, most recently co-sponsoring a reception for California State Attorney General Bill Lockyer. Thank you, Lowell for all of your hard work and dedication to California State Polytechnic University Pomona and to the community.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, the Democrat Party has been the party these days of ``we need.'' They continually come before the microphones and bash Republicans for supposedly spending the Social Security surplus; yet every time a Democrat walks to a microphone, they say ``we need'' a new program. All they are doing is taking and putting their hands in the pockets of working people, pulling out money, and spending it. It reminds me of a child who goes into a supermarket with a handful of change to spend. They are so happy and anxious to buy something. The problem is, they took the money from people who did not want to give it to them; and they should put the money back in the pockets of working people. Men and women in this country sacrifice time away from their children, they put their efforts and talents, and in many cases invest their own hard-earned money to benefit their family, to have a better life for their children; and all we do in this House is confiscate the hard-earned money that they earn to give it to people that we think deserve it better than they do. So let us stop calling them the Democratic Party and let us start calling them the ``we need'' party, because ``we need money for this program'' and ``we need money for that program.'' We need to be accountable to the American people and let them spend their money where they think it should best be spent.