Gary Miller

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, although H.R. 2869 represents a step forward in addressing brownfields reform, I am concerned that the legislation before us does not encourage the clean up and redevelopment of all brownfields sites. Specifically, although H.R. 2869 includes prospective purchaser federal liability protection for ``hazardous substances'' defined under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), it does not include prospective purchaser liability exemption for petroleum based contaminants under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This is a critical issue that is being overlooked in this legislation. It is my understanding that the EPA has estimated that there are approximately 200,000 petroleum-based brownfields sites in this nation. If Congress is to address this important environmental issue, it is critical that we pass meaningful reform. I am disappointed that we have chosen not to do so with this legislation. I have to imagine that each one of us has an abandoned gas station in our district that could be cleaned up and redeveloped were it not for liability uncertainty. The reality is that without prospective purchaser liability protections for petroleum sites, developers--who did not cause the contamination--will not be willing to take the risk of cleaning up these sites and legislation will fail to meet its goal. I encourage the House to address this oversight as soon as possible.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor James D. Ruth who is retiring after 22 years of exemplary service to the City of Anaheim and 45 years in public service. Mr. Ruth's impressive resume includes numerous noteworthy accomplishments. Under his tenure as city manager, Anaheim became internationally recognized as a hub for entertainment and for its world class convention center. His crowning achievement was the role he played in negotiations for the construction of the 19,500-seat Arrowhead Pond arena, which has affectionately been called ``the house that Ruth built,'' and his work with the Walt Disney Company to bring the Mighty Ducks of the National Hockey League to the Pond. Mr. Ruth was very instrumental in the $118 million renovation of Edison Field, and thereby the retention of the Anaheim Angels and Major League Baseball in Orange County. He negotiated with the Walt Disney Company to develop in Anaheim their new theme park, California Adventure, at cost of $1.4 billion. In conjunction with the park expansion, the city initiated and began the implementation of a $510 million improvement program to the Anaheim Resort Area and a $1.9 billion renovation of the Santa Ana (I-5) Freeway. Revitalization projects provided low income housing in the Jeffrey-Lynne neighborhood west of Disneyland, a $58.2 million Community Center, and a much needed Senior Center. Mr. Ruth's vision, outstanding business and governmental acumen, strong leadership skills and dedication to public service have earned the admiration and respect of those who have had the privilege of working with him. I would like to congratulate him on these outstanding accomplishments and sincerely thank him for his exemplary record of service to the City of Anaheim.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the philanthropic efforts of legendary country music star, Willie Nelson. Mr, Nelson recently came to the City of Brea and held a benefit concert to raise funds for the La Habra-Brea Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Nelson treated some 400 country music fans to an intimate and memorable evening of his treasured ballads and tunes and, in the process, raised more than $100,000 to help build the Boys and Girls Club an all-purpose facility. The event was arranged by La Habra-Brea Boys and Girls Club Board Member Tom Duncan, who approached Mr. Nelson, his long-time client and friend, about the need for a permanent club facility in Brea. Mr. Nelson readily agreed to donate his time and talent to kick off the capital campaign with a benefit concert. Unocal Corporation generously offered to host the event in the Hartley Center auditorium in their Brea facility. The Boys and Girls Clubs across the nation are professional, non- profit organizations that serve children ages seven to eighteen. Dedicated employees help these young people develop character and provide opportunities for healthy social recreation, physical education, as well as citizenship and leadership skills. Proceeds from this successful event will bring the reality of a safe-haven for the youth of the community a step closer. According to Mr. Duncan, ``Willie's a good-hearted soul and he likes to help people who need it.'' Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that this 107th Congress join me in saluting the benevolent and compassionate acts of a ``Great American,'' Willie Nelson.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain Jerome Baliukas for his untiring service to the United States Naval Reserve. On 8 December 2001, he will end a successful two year tour as Commanding Officer of the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC 0194) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Nevada. Captain Baliukas was born 31 March 1952 in Miami Beach, Florida. He attended Florida International University and the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida where he graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor Degree in Forensic Science and a degree in Criminal Juris Prudence. He reported to Pensacola, Florida for Aviation Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign in June of 1975. Captain Baliukas was designated a Naval Aviator in Beeville, Texas in July 1976. Orders followed to F-4 transition training at VF-121 in NAS Miramar, California. He then reported for Fleet Operational Training with Fighter Squadron One Fifty Four (VF-154), as a ``Black Knight.'' He was then designated for Landing Signal Officer Training and completed LSO School in Pensacola, Florida. In addition, he held the positions of Power Plants Branch Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, Assistant Safety Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer, in addition to completing Naval Fighter Weapons School. Following his fleet tour, Captain Baliukas was assigned to Fighter Squadron One Hundred Twenty-One Fleet Replacement Training Squadron as an F-4 instructor and Training Landing Signal Officer. In addition, he was designated to head the Tactics Training Department and the Weapons Training Department. While attached to VF-121 he was also assigned to the Aircraft Acceptance and Carrier Suitability of the F-4S, where he assisted in the fleet transition from F-4J/N to F-4S while delivering 26 fleet ready aircraft to NAF Atsugi, Japan. Captain Baliukas was then assigned to Fighter Squadron One Hundred Twenty-Four for F-14 transition and assignment as an instructor and Training Landing Signal Officer. He then rotated back to the fleet as a Airwing Landing Signal Officer with Carrier Airwing Two at NAS Miramar where he made two more additional Westpac Tours. Captain Baliukas affiliated with VF-302 in 1984, as a ``Stallion.'' He held numerous positions of responsibility including Department Head tours as Maintenance and Operations Officer. He served as the Squadron Executive Officer from 1991 to 1993. After the disestablishment of Carrier Air Wing Thirty, he was selected to become the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the ``Hunters'' of VF-201 at NAS Dallas and NAS Ft. Worth, Texas from 1994 to 1997. In 1997 Captain Baliukas was selected to join the staff of NSAWC 0287 as a Tactics Instructor and Evaluator. He became Executive Officer of the NSAWC unit in October 1999. During his career, he has accumulated over 3,700 flight hours in tactical jet aircraft and has completed over 680 day and night aircraft carrier landings. Captain Baliukas is a captain and flight instructor for American Airlines and currently flies the Boeing B737-800 series aircraft. He and his wife Kelley reside in Yuma, Arizona. Again, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Captain Baliukas for his dedicated service to the United States Naval Reserves and sincerely wish him well in his future naval career.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret that I rise to pay tribute to Clifford Erle Lampman, who passed away on October 28, 2001, leaving the cities that he served in California to mourn the loss of a respected business associate and friend. After his honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps, he graduated from the University of North Dakota and Denver University with civil engineering degrees. He obtained his Master's degree in Structural Engineering at the University of Southern California and attended Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California. With the support of his wife, Gwen, he eventually established his own business, Lampman and Associates. Mr. Lampman's expertise in consulting and engineering soon opened doors to contracts with many California cities. Major projects that he successfully completed include the Alameda Corridor Railroad Lowering for Huntington Park and a massive three bridge project for the city of Corona. At the time of his passing, he was working for the city of Placentia as an executive advisor to the first railroad-lowering project in Orange County, known as the Orange Gateway Railroad Lowering Project. Family, friends and business associates described Mr. Lampman as a visionary, charismatic leader, an inspirational optimist and a devout Christian who opened his heart and home to those in need of support, guidance and prayer. Four brothers and sisters, his wife, Gwen, seven children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive him, all who will experience a void that was once filled by his loving personality. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this 107th Congress join me in celebrating the life and legacy of Mr. Clifford Erle Lampman.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report accompanying H.R. 2620 and to thank Chairman Walsh and Ranking Member Mollohan for their hard work on this bill. The chairman and ranking member have worked on a wide range of issues within this bill and I believe my colleagues in this body owe them a debt of gratitude for the dedication and spirit of bipartisanship they demonstrated while reaching compromise on their differences. There is, however, language in this report which concerns me greatly. The language pertains to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the treatment of veterans with mental illness. Mr. Speaker, there is still enormous concern among veterans' organizations, Members of this body and mental health advocates about the VA's desire to implement treatment guidelines for veterans who suffer from schizophrenia. The language included in the House version of the conference report accompanying the VA-HUD appropriations bill would have held the VA accountable by requiring them to wait until a scientific review of newer atypical antipsychotic medications was completed by the National Institute of Mental Health--the premiere Federal scientific research agency. By contrast, the Senate conference report language for the VA-HUD bill would have left the VA free to implement their new treatment guidelines with little congressional oversight. The compromise contained in this conference report is not what many of us in this body had hoped for. Specifically, the compromise does not go far enough to ensue the guidelines the VA seeks to promulgate will follow the most up-to-date science regarding the treatment of schizophrenia. In fact, it is precisely because there is a dearth of scientific research on the use of different antipsychotic medications that I fought for inclusion for the House-passed language in the conference report. Without sound scientific research, I am concerned the VA will institute treatment protocols which could jeopardize the health of veterans with schizophrenia. As many Members know, mental illness is no small thing, and it's certainly not something we can describe in terms of dollars and cents. Unless you meet some suffering from am illness like schizophrenia, it's hard to imagine how it can impact a person's life as well as those who love them. Without proper treatment, victims are often completely unable to function in society, accounting for 1 out of 5 hospital admissions and 4 of 10 beds in long-term care facilites--not to mention countless encounters with the corrections system. This is why I was disappointed stronger language did not make its way into the conference report. I am heartened, however, to see we are sending a clear message to the VA that it is not to use the total sum cost of drugs which are prescribed at VA facilities as a measure of a pharmacy manager's or physician's performance. Rest assured I will continue working with veterans' organizations and advocates for veterans with mental illness to ensure the VA and individual VISN's closely follow the guidance the conference report provides for respect to the freedom that doctors in the VA system should have to prescribe clinically appropriate medications for their patients without fear of reprisal. Let me be clear on this. Diagnosis and treatment of mental illness should be based on medical judgment and need, not price. Restrictive formulary policies jeopardize patient care by taking treatment decisions out of the hands of doctors. Because patients differ in their clinical responses to different drugs, in their sensitivity to specific side effects, and in their tolerance for these side effects when they occur--and because the atypical anti-psychotic agents are different from one another in their clinical effects for a particular patient and in their side effects--I have a difficult time believing that any treatment protocol or formulary can embody the best clinical care. Veterans with schizophrenia--60 percent of whom have a service- connected disability--should never be subject to 2nd-rate treatment. Those who wore the uniform and served to protect our freedom should have access to the newest and most effective treatment available. While this conference report still leaves us with work to do in overseeing the VA's schizophrenia treatment guidelines, I am pleased to see that we have made some progress. Rest assured I will continue to work, along with Mr. Frelinghuysen, Mr. Knollenberg, Mr. Hobson, Ms. Kaptur, Mrs. Tauscher and many others, to ensure veterans with mental health receive the best treatment possible.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the accomplishments of the Pomona Valley Workshop on its 35th Anniversary of dedicated service to individuals with developmental disabilities in Western San Bernardino County and Eastern Los Angeles County. The Pomona Valley Workshop is one of the largest employers in the city of Montclair and strives to maintain the highest of standards in its provision of traditional and innovative services. As an active member of the local community, the Workshop's efforts to improve the public's understanding of issues which affect persons with disabilities have resulted in strong community support and volunteer efforts. I salute the Pomona Valley Workshop on the outstanding role it has played in assisting adults with disabilities achieve their highest level of employment and community integration. I wish them continued success in their exemplary endeavors.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, last Friday, I introduced the ``Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act of 2001 (H.R. 2941).'' I would like to thank my colleagues U.S. Representative Maloney, Chairman Mike Oxley and Chairwoman Marge Roukema for joining me in supporting this important measure. The biggest barrier that cities and communities face when trying to acquire and redevelop contaminated ``Brownfields'' properties is their lack of access to adequate and affordable capital to carry out critical activities including site assessment, remediation planning, cleanup and initial redevelopment activities. This legislation is designed to facilitate the provision of assistance by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the cleanup and economic development of Brownfields. For nearly 25 years, HUD's Section 108 Loan Guarantee program has encouraged local economic development by giving cities access to the up-front financing needed for key site preparation and infrastructure projects that make an area ready for revitalization. This bill would, in essence, improve the ability of local governments to use HUD's Section 108 Loan Guarantee program and the Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) program to address Brownfields projects by recognizing one of the new realities of the redevelopment process-- that environmental evaluation and cleanup activities have become a necessary part of the process for reusing old, often abandoned sites, and that the public sector frequently must jump start that process. This legislation will modify HUD's existing Section 108 Loan Guarantee program to make it a more flexible and usable tool for Brownfields projects and provide BEDI grant funding in a more flexible form. First, it authorizes, for the first time ever, appropriations specifically for the BEDI program, to clarify through the conventional authorization and appropriation process that Brownfields redevelopment assistance is a congressional priority. The authorization of such sums as may be necessary is for fiscal years 2002-4. This 3-year authorization would result in need for authorization after 3 years and prompt a timely congressional re-examination of the need for such funding and funding levels. Second, it establishes the BEDI program as an independent program by separating it from the requirement that local governments obtain Section 108 loan guarantees in order to obtain BEDI grant funding. While Congress has funded the BEDI program at a level of $25 million annually since FY 1998, the program has existed solely as a line item in appropriations. This ``de-linking'' of BEDI funding from the Section 108 program will help to improve its visibility as a key source of Federal funds to trigger Brownfields redevelopment activities. Additionally, it establishes the BEDI program as an independent program by separating it from the section 108 (q) economic development initiative program as a new section 123 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Third, it increases the allowable guarantee limit for Section 108- backed loans used in conjunction with Brownfields activities--cities and states could access an additional five times their annual entitlement for Brownfields cleanup and redevelopment. This provision will provide smaller communities with the opportunity to assemble a capital pool of sufficient size to cover the costs of Brownfields site preparation. It also gives cities more practical options to pursue Brownfields reuse strategies--for example, to acquire and clean up sites themselves, and assemble them into tracts that best fit markets and uses they have identified. The increase in the allowable guarantee limit for section 108-backed loans for Brownfields activities applies only prospectively to obligations guaranteed after the date of the enactment of the legislation. Fourth, it promotes Section 108 Loan Guarantee Brownfields activities by better addressing the developmental realities of this type of real estate development. This will be achieved by clearly identifying Brownfields redevelopment activities as eligible activities under the Section 108 program, thereby enabling the loan funds to be used for a wider range of activities that support Brownfields reuse. It also encourages communities to identify and coordinate other public and private funding sources for Brownfields projects by allowing them to count as leverage in terms of award criteria. Fifth, it implements HUD's Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) Pilot program. The CEF Pilot is designed to use the Section 108 Loan Guarantee program in combination with the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) grant program. It is noteworthy that several years ago, HUD issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and guidelines, but failed to implement the CEF Pilot program. The CEF Pilot is designed to mitigate or even eliminate the risk of loss to a community's CDBG program inherent in making business loans funded by the Section 108 Loan Guarantee program. The CEF Pilot combines modem private sector financial engineering with privatization of much of the administration of business loans. The EDI grants are to provide a pooled cash loan reserve to cushion against losses resulting from defaults on business loans funded through the Section 108 Loan Guarantee program and reducing the risk to the community's CDBG program. Sixth, and finally, it directs HUD to undertake a comprehensive study of Brownfields redevelopment issues on a nationwide basis. While Brownfields redevelopment has become a critical community and economic development issue over the past five years, it seems that there has not been a thorough Federal effort to collect data and analyze key issues in a manner which would serve as the foundation for Legislative and Executive branch decision-making in this area. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation which will foster and promote the revitalization of American communities.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the accomplishments of Marvin Westmore and the Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts. Marvin Westmore, founder of the Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts, is a long-time supporter of numerous community programs such as the Boy Scouts of America, Avon breast cancer research, Starlight Children's Foundation, Golden Acres Adult Day Health Center, Beautiful People Awards for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, local community high school fund raising programs, Grossman Burn Center and many other worthy endeavors. Mr. Westmore, a pioneer in the field of medical cosmetics, has used his expertise to develop special make-up products and application techniques. He has trained thousands of students to help disfigured patients normalize their appearance and regain their self-confidence. Students in need of financial assistance are awarded full scholarships and given supplies at the finest make-up artists schools in the world, enabling them to realize their life-long dream of becoming professional make-up artists. I salute the outstanding efforts of Mr. Westmore and sincerely thank him for the vital and compassionate service which he has provided for those less fortunate in his community.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the accomplishments of the Honorable William E. Leonard, the father of the Honorable Bill Leonard, member of the California Assembly, 63rd District. Mr. Leonard earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from UC Berkeley in 1944, and served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 where he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant. After his military service, he joined his father at the Leonard Realty & Building Company. He served as a member of the California State Highway Commission from 1973 to 1977, and was appointed to the California Transportation Commission from 1985 to 1993, and served as its chair in 1990 and 1991. Prior to that he was a member of the state's Athletic Commission from 1956 to 1958. He currently serves on the state's High- Speed Rail Authority. Mr. Leonard has been actively involved in a number of community organizations. He is a member and past director of the San Bernardino Host Lions, a founding member and president of Inland Action, Inc., and a member of the National Orange Show Board of Directors, where he has served as President and Chairman of the Board of Governors. He is also a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino. He served on the San Bernardino Valley Board of Realtors, San Bernardino Valley Foundation, St. Bernadine's Hospital Foundation, and the University of California at Riverside Foundation. In recognition of his outstanding service to the people of the State of California, and his involvement in bringing the Foothill Freeway to the Inland Empire, the California State Senate passed a resolution naming the interchange of I-15 and Route 210 as the William E. Leonard Interchange. A dedication ceremony took place on July 20, 2001. Mr. Leonard's exemplary record of service has earned the admiration and respect of those who have had the privilege of working with him. I would like to congratulate him on these accomplishments and thank him for the service he has provided to his community.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the students, teachers, parents, and support staff of Suzanne Middle School on being named a 2001 California Distinguished School. Suzanne Middle School, located in Walnut, California, is part of the Walnut Valley School District. Home to 1,300 sixth, seventh, and eighth-graders, its student body is representative of California's diverse culture. But despite the various backgrounds represented, each student is expected to contribute a learning environment which demands high expectations. The teachers and staff of this school are committed to giving ``whatever it takes'' to meet the needs of their students. This goal frequently requires involving the parents and community in school activities. The combination of high expectations for students, committed teachers and staff, and parental involvement has made Suzanne Middle School one of America's Distinguished Schools.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor George Bloch, Ed.D., who has been named California Administrator of the Year in the Superintendent Category by the Association of California Administrators. Dr. Block began his educational career in 1964. Over the years, he has achieved an impressive record of academic and civic accomplishments, and, in doing so, has earned the admiration and respect of those who have had the privilege of working with him. I would like to congratulate him and sincerely thank him for his outstanding and dedicated service to the Chino Valley Unified School District.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of House Joint Resolution 61. As the horrific series of events unfolded yesterday, I like most Americans watched in shock as the blatant, cowardly terrorist attacks in New York and Washington took the lives of thousands of our fellow citizens. For far too long, we have stood on the sidelines while terrorist operations around the world have stockpiled weapons, trained their minions, and poisoned the face of the Earth with hate, death, and destruction. We have responded only to retaliate against actions taken directly upon our citizens and our interests. While these actions have been warranted and severe, it has not been enough. Yesterday's attack will be viewed as an act of war against America. Today, we need to console those who have lost so much. We will grieve with our brethren who have lost husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons. We will grieve the loss of our friends and our fellow citizens in the wake of this terrible, terrible tragedy. However, we need to be firm in reminding our enemies, whomever they may be, that America remains strong, intact, and ready to respond. Do not mistake our grief and our tears as weakness or helplessness. In the coming days and weeks, the United States will again show the fortitude, the wherewithal, and the strength of spirit that has made our Nation the greatest in history. Today, I ask my fellow citizens to be patient. We will find those who have committed this heinous travesty. They will be brought to justice. We must now take this opportunity to send a clear message to those who would question America's unity and perseverance. Acts of terrorism will never go unpunished. America cannot be intimidated. Finally, I ask everyone, each one of us, as American citizens to pray for these victims and for their families. Reach out. Offer what you can to help them as they grieve. Go that extra mile to ensure that those who have survived this trauma are able to rejoin us as a united people, and embrace that spirit that has for so long made America great.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the numerous achievements and substantial contribution to our country of United States Naval Reserve Captain Normand V. Lussier, and to wish him well upon his retirement in March 2002. He will have served this country for over forty years. Captain Lussier graduated from Oroville High School in 1962 and joined the Navy as a Seaman Recruit. After completing boot camp and Storekeeper ``A'' school at the Naval Training Center San Diego, he was assigned to the submarine tender USS Nereus. In September 1964, he volunteered for Vietnam and spent the next eighteen months unloading freighters and supervising a local national work crew in the Port of Saigon. Upon release from active duty in March 1966, he affiliated with the Naval Reserve and was promoted to Storekeeper Second Class. He continued to drill while attending college and law school. In 1969, he graduated from San Diego State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction in History. In 1972, he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law where he served on the Hastings Law Review. While a Storekeeper First Class in 1971, he received a direct commission as an Ensign (Intelligence). Captain Lussier has since served in a variety of Naval Reserve Intelligence Program assignments. Since October 1999, Captain Lussier has served as Reserve Intelligence Area Commander (RIAC) Area Nineteen with overall responsibility for 13 reserve units and approximately 750 reservists. Prior to his current tour as RIAC, he was the Commanding Officer of ONI 0166. From 1994 to 1997, he was on the national staff of the Commander, Naval Reserve Intelligence Command as the Deputy Senior Inspector. Other tours include service as the DRIAC for Training for the IVTU; as the XO of DIS HQ 0166 and NICSEC 0166, and as the Administration Officer for NICTSKGRPMGT and NIC 0266. He has had two NRCIS tours. Captain Lussier's entire civilian career as an attorney has been in support of the Department of Defense (DoD). After admission to the California Bar in 1972, he joined the Navy's Office of General Counsel (OGC) as a civilian attorney in the Naval Supply Systems Command. He completed major field assignments as Counsel, Naval Regional Procurement Office in Naples, Italy and Counsel, Naval Regional Contracting Center in the Washington Navy Yard. In 1985, he was appointed General Counsel, American Forces Information Service. IN 1992, he joined the Defense Logistics Agency's Office of General Counsel as an Associate General Counsel. Captain Lussier's 40-year career of service to the United States stands apart for its caliber of dedication and care. Doing his job has never been enough for Captain Lussier; he has always wanted to do more, and then done it. Helping others along the way is another of his trademarks. Through patient nurturing, training, trust, and teaching, Captain Lussier has steadfastly enabled others who, in turn, help enrich the U.S. Naval Reserve, the U.S. Navy, and the DoD, thereby ensuring its continued performance in the proud tradition of excellence. Captain Lussier's distinguished career has been celebrated with numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal (two times), Navy Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Award, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Vietnam Service Medal with three stars, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the 107th Congress join Captain Lussier's wife Peggy, and his two sons, Damon and Aaron, in honoring Normand V. Lussier as he turns over command of RIA-19 and soon retires from the United States Naval Reserve.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor Jasmine Chiu, Kevin Liang, Jordan Hathaway and Christopher Hynes, of Upland High School, Upland, California, First Place winners in the National History Day competition. Approximately 700,000 students from across the Nation competed in the year-long, oldest, and most highly regarded humanities contest in the country. I commend each of you for representing Upland High School, your community and the State of California with pride and distinction. Congratulations and best wishes for success in your future educational endeavors.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the accomplishments of The Honorable William E. Leonard, member of the California Assembly, 63rd District. Mr. Leonard earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from UC Berkeley in 1944, and served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 where he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant. After his military service, he joined his father at the Leonard Realty & Building Company. He served as a member of the California State Highway Commission from 1973 to 1977, and was appointed to the California Transportation Commission from 1985 to 1993, and served as its chair in 1990 and 1991. Prior to that he was a member of the state's Athletic Commission from 1956 to 1958. He currently serves on the state's High- Speed Rail Authority. Mr. Leonard has been actively involved in a number of community organizations. He is a member and past director of the San Bernardino Host Lions, a founding member and president of Inland Action, Inc., and a member of the National Orange Show Board of Directors, where he has served as President and Chairman of the Board of Governors. He is also a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino. He served on the San Bernardino Valley Board of Realtors, San Bernardo Valley Foundation, St. Bernadine's Hospital Foundation, and the University of California at Riverside Foundation. In recognition of his outstanding service to the constituents of the 63rd Assembly District, and his involvement in bringing the Foothill Freeway to the Inland Empire, the California State Senate passed a resolution naming the interchange of I-15 and Route 210 as the William E. Leonard Interchange. A dedication ceremony will take place on July 20, 2001. Mr. Leonard's exemplary record of service has earned the admiration and respect of those who have had the privilege of working with him. I would like to congratulate him on these accomplishments and thank him for the service he has provided to his community.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor Jeri Ann Balick, Ed.D., who is retiring after 35 years of dedicated service to the San Bernardino School District. From her first assignment in 1966 as a teacher at Adelanto School, to her current position as Director of Student and Family Advocacy, Mrs. Balick has demonstrated outstanding teaching skills, supervisorial expertise and leadership in the development of innovative educational programs. Mrs. Balick's impressive record of academic, career and community service has earned the admiration and respect of those who have had the privilege of working with her. I would like to congratulate her on these accomplishments and sincerely thank her for her service to the San Bernardino School District.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, there is an interesting argument going on. We have a disagreement here. Someone said or we say there are no studies that demonstrate there is a problem. We talk about abuses. I have a list of abuses that I have no question about. On the other side, we talk about a need for funding because there are criminal elements within public housing. I do not disagree with that. I am going to accept that argument, and from some facilities I have seen, I think the Members are accurate in that argument. I had one in the city of Upland that had a problem, and with additional funding, they reformed that problem. I am willing to accept the argument from my colleagues on the other side that there is a problem in public housing and we need drug elimination funds to eliminate and deter these problems. But the problem with government is that rather than addressing the problem, we continue to put a Band-Aid over the sore. The problem is, we have forced people into public housing projects with section 8 vouchers because there is no place else for them to go. A good friend of mine owns one of the largest nonprofits in the United States, and they have probably made 25,000 loans to low-income families to get them into housing. The name of the company is Hart. If Members go into Hart's buildings, every one of the employees in there were single parents, single women formerly on welfare. Every one of them today is in a home. They helped them get into homes. They provided buyers' assistance, down payments with zero government funding. The problem we have here, Mr. Chairman, we have an administration and a Secretary of HUD altogether different than the previous Secretary of HUD that we had. For the last 2 years, I have spent more time battling with HUD, trying to make sure nonprofits could continue to operate to help poor people, because HUD did not like the competition. Our Secretary today is different. How do we resolve this problem? Is there a problem with the criminal element within the public housing projects and drugs? I believe that is the case. How do we resolve that problem? Let us help people get out of public housing and into homes. Let us allow them to take the section 8 money and place a down payment on that home. Let us even let them take the section 8 vouchers that we force them to use to live in a dwelling, to use that to pay part of their payment to become productive parts of the community and established parts of the community. Guess what is going to happen when we do that? I think my friends on the opposite side of the aisle have a different problem with this than I do. In 4 to 5 or 6 years, they will have built up enough equity in that home they are likely not to need the government's assistance to live any longer. To some people, that is scary. To me it is not. So what do we do? We say we have a problem with housing projects that are funded by the government, but let us force people to live in those housing projects, because we will not let them use the money to buy a home. That just does not make sense to me at all. Last year some of my colleagues on the opposite side of the aisle said on the drug elimination program money, when we finally start to succeed and eliminate the problem, let us cut their money off. What we are doing then, we were saying that we are only going to give money to communities that fail to solve the problem, and those that work hard and diligently and succeed in resolving the problem, we are going to cut their funds off, so they have to look to the local law enforcement to deal with a problem that tends to be generated by public housing. If there was not a problem, address this question: Why do not funds provided by local government adequately deal with the problems within these housing projects? Because every community hires police officers. They manage to protect the rest of the community without assistance otherwise than what they receive in funding. What we do is we say that is not adequate. We need to give them additional funding because there is a problem that is worse and needs Federal assistance than the rest of the community is experiencing. That in and of itself is a problem. In this country, we have not been able to provide affordable housing for people, nor have we been able to provide housing stock for most people to move out of affordable housing into the next level. Because the average home owner, when they buy a new home, realizes that 35 percent of the sales price of that home is directly attributed to government. Not indirectly through taxation of others; but direct assessments against the developer in order to get a building permit, 35 percent of that sales price goes to government. That means that if a young couple wants to but a $100,000 home, guess what? $35,000 of that $100,000 went to government. Then, on the other hand we say, why cannot people in this country afford a home? The government is the problem. The government will never resolve the problem unless government does something to let the private sector work.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the accomplishments of Debby O'Connor of Diamond Bar, California. Mrs. O'Connor served as Mayor of the City of Diamond Bar for the year 2000. In that position she demonstrated civic leadership, responsibility and deep personal commitment to her community. She previously served as Mayor Pro Tem, and served a two-year term on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mrs. O'Connor is Co-Chair of the City Community/Civic Task force. She is the City of Diamond Bar's voting delegate on the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority and on the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership of Commerce and Cities. She is one of the City Council's liaisons to the volunteer planning committee behind the City's successful anniversary celebrations and, is also very involved with the Diamond Bar Community Foundation. In addition to her Council duties, she has demonstrated her long time support and concern for the community by being actively involved in the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library, Diamond Bar Improvement Association, Lorbeer Middle School PTSA, Diamond Ranch High School Boosters and Diamond Point Elementary School Safety Site and Technology committees. She is a youth soccer referee and board member for the Region 311, American Youth Soccer Organization. Mrs. O'Connor has been a dedicated fundraiser for the Diamond Bar/Walnut YMCA since 1996, and has also served on the board for the Diamond Bar Community Nursery School and Diamond Point Swim and Racquet Club. Mrs. O'Connor's leadership in strong economic development programs and her impressive record of civic and volunteer community involvement have earned the admiration and respect of those who have had the privilege of working with her. I would like to congratulate Debby O'Connor on these accomplishments and thank her for her outstanding service to her community.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the accomplishments of Jennetta Harris, of Alta Loma, California. Ms. Harris has been employed by Southern California Edison for twenty-eight years. In her role as Public Affairs Region manager, she has provided support to many organizations and the community at large. Ms. Harris has received numerous, well-deserved honors for her legendary giving of time and self to professional, civic and youth organizations. She was recently honored by the American Red Cross for her outstanding leadership as chair of the Pomona Valley Chapter. Past awards and honors include: NAACP Legal Defense Fund Black Woman of Achievement; Los Angeles African American Women's Political Action Committee; Mary Church Terrell Award; 1999 AOH Woman; Pitzer College Learning Center Achievement Award; YMCA Leadership Award; Inland Valley News Publisher's Celebration of Excellence Award; American Woman Business Association Community Service Award; Boys and Girls Club C.J. Tuck McGuire Award and San Gabriel Valley; Branch NAACP Black Women of Achievement Award. Ms. Harris serves as a minister, Sunday School Teacher and editor for her parish, Greater Bethel Apostolic community Church in Riverside, California. She enjoys spending time with her children, Elijah and Jennell, writing poetry and traveling. Ms. Harris' impressive record of community service has earned the admiration and respect of those who have had the privilege of working with her. I would like to congratulate her on these accomplishments and thank her for the service she has provided to her community.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the accomplishments of Christine Diemer Iger, Esq. Christine Diemer Iger, Chief Executive Officer for the past twelve years at the building Industry Association of Southern California/ Orange County Chapter, will be resigning this post in August, 2001, to join the law firm of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, LLP. Mrs. Iger will be remembered for her dedication to making the BIA the spokesperson of record for the Orange County homebuilding industry. She interfaced closely and successfully with local, state, and federal officials to resolve Orange County's diverse and complex land use and building development issues. Prior to joining the Building Industry Association, Orange County Chapter, she served in the administration of Governor George Deukmejian from 1986-1989, as Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development, and from 1983-1986 as Deputy Attorney General before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Her legal career began in 1977, as Law Clerk to United States Magistrate Edward A. Infante in San Diego. She also served as Assistant Legal Director for the California District Association in 1979. Mrs. Iger is a past board member of the Federal National Mortgage Association. She currently serves as a board member and audit committee chair of the Keith Companies, a successful engineering company and environmental land-use planning firm. Mrs. Iger has an outstanding record of service to her community. She is a member of the executive committees for the University of California, Irvine, CEO Roundtable and Foundation, member of the Board of Directors for the Orange County Business Council, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Pacific. Christine Diemer Iger's exemplary professional service has earned the admiration and respect of those who have had the privilege of working with her. I would like to congratulate her on these accomplishments and wish her well in her new endeavor.

Mr. GARY MILLER of California

Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak in opposition to the amendment offered by my colleague from Vermont, Mr. Sanders. In 1988, Congress passed legislation that banned the reimportation of prescription drugs because it recognized that there was a significant risk to the American people associated with counterfeit, adulterated or sub-potent medication. In fact, recognizing the importance of quality prescription drugs, Congress required not only that all domestic distribution centers be licensed, but also that the FDA develop a stringent set of guidelines to regulate domestic prescription drugs. These guidelines called for detailed record-keeping, including guidelines which outlined very specific temperature and humidity control parameters. The Sanders Amendment clearly contradicts the reasoning behind these efforts and would instead allow unrestricted reimportation of prescription drugs. Moreover, the Sanders Amendment would delete the provision which Congress passed last year directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to demonstrate that any cost-savings derived from reimported drugs be passed to the American consumer. Last December, then-HHS Secretary Donna Shalala found she could not demonstrate that the reimportation law would not jeopardize patient safety, nor could she demonstrate that savings would be passed on to consumers. Moreover, Mr. Sanders' amendment would likely lead to an increase in the flow of counterfeit drugs into the U.S., which is already a growing problem the Government cannot control. At a June 7, 2001 hearing, Ms. Elizabeth Durant, Executive Director of Trade Programs at the U.S. Customs Service, testified that ``perhaps as much as 90 percent of the pharmaceuticals that enter the U.S. via the mail do so in a manner that violates FDA and/or DEA requirements. . . . To offer an example, one seizure included a 3,000-tab shipment of a counterfeit drug with an expiration date of 1980. . . . We have counterfeit drugs. We have gray-market drugs. We have prohibited drugs and we have unapproved drugs. The whole gamut of illegal substances pass through our mail facility at Dulles. And this is a situation that is pretty much replicated around the country.'' While I am concerned about the rising cost of pharmaceuticals in the U.S., I am more concerned that Mr. Sanders' amendment would compromise the health and safety of millions of Americans who count on the quality and purity of pharmaceuticals approved by the FDA to treat their illnesses. What we cannot afford to do is knowingly expose American consumers to drugs and pharmaceuticals that may jeopardize their health, and yet that is precisely what the Sanders amendment would do. Again, I urge my colleagues to put the welfare of Americans first and vote against the Sanders amendment.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the accomplishments of Rosanne Bader, of Pomona, California. Mrs. Bader is retiring after thirty-two years of dedicated service to the Pomona Unified School District. From her first assignment in 1969, as a teacher at Diamond Bar Elementary School, to her current position as Principal of Diamond Point Elementary School, Mrs. Bader has demonstrated outstanding teaching skills, supervisorial expertise, and leadership in the development of innovative educational programs. She was the Teacher of the Year nominee in 1979 and 1980. Numerous, well deserved honors, have been awarded to Mrs. Bader for her involvement in professional, civic and youth organizations. Mrs. Bader was recently appointed to Mount San Antonio Community College's Board of Directors. Mrs. Bader's impressive record of academic, career and community service has earned the admiration and respect of those who have had the privilege of working with her. I ask that this 107th Congress join me to congratulate her on these accomplishments and thank her for her service to her community.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the achievements of United States Naval Reserve Captain James W. Kelley, Jr. and wish him well upon his retirement. In August of 1970, a time in which military service was socially unfavorable, Captain Kelley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served with the Sixth Marines in Camp LeJune, North Carolina and the Fourth Marines in the Republic of South Viet Nam. He graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 1975. He also holds a Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from New York University and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Seton Hall School of Law. In September of 1978, Captain Kelley received his commission as an Ensign in the Judge Advocate Corps. During his active duty military career, Captain Kelley served as a Navy Trial Counsel and a Staff Judge Advocate. Captain Kelley was released from active duty in January of 1985, and he affiliated with Naval Reserve Intelligence Unit NISRO 2310. As an intelligence officer, he served with VP94, U.S.S. America, US CINCLANT, and Commander Naval Reserve Intelligence Command. In August of 1987, Captain Kelley was selected as a Canvasser Recruiter Officer, and he reported to Naval Reserve Readiness Center in Houston, Texas. He was later reassigned to the Naval Reserve Recruiting Command Detachment THREE, Dallas, where he served as the Department Head for Enlisted Programs. In September of 1994, he reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, as the Branch Head for Total Force Recruiting Policy. He was then transferred to the Chief of Naval Operations as an Assistant for Manpower Policy. In May of 1997, Captain Kelley was assigned as the Officer in Charge, Naval Reserve Recruiting Command Detachment FIVE, Washington, DC. Last November, he became the Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Recruiting Command Area FIVE upon the redesignation of Detachment FIVE to area status. This distinguished career has been celebrated with numerous awards, including, but not limited to, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (two awards), and the National Defense Service Medal (two awards). Additionally, he is considered to be a Navy Expert Rifleman and Navy Expert Pistol Shot. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this 107th Congress join Captain Kelley's wife Judy, and his children, Ryan, John, Kevin, and Megan, as he retires from the United States Naval Reserves.

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California

Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. I yield to the gentleman from Alabama.