Marilyn Musgrave

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. I thank the gentleman for his time. Some things have changed in this bill, but taxpayers will still be picking up the tab for Wall Street's party. I was proud to stand together with a group of women from both sides of the aisle and ask for real reform, not a temporary fix. We still have no fundamental reform to Fannie and Freddie, nothing that resembles the amendments that I supported in 2005 and 2007 that would have avoided this debacle in the first place. Instead of suspending mark-to-market, we are going to study the possibility of it. Instead of requiring Wall Street to purchase insurance on their mortgage-backed securities and work out of the problem, we are still bailing them out. I am voting against this today because it is not the best bill, it is the quickest bill. Taxpayers for generations will pay for our haste, and there is no guarantee that they will ever see the benefits. We should not reward bad behavior. Wall Street won't have to learn its lesson, and we are not doing anything to keep them from running our economy into the ground again. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``no'' on this bill.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that the strong opposition to the initial administration proposal has helped to force some very important changes such as the bipartisan oversight board, which is an online database that will allow greater oversight of the Secretary's actions, but this is still a bailout for Wall Street that will cost the average Colorado household thousands. I simply cannot stomach transferring that kind of money from the middle class families to a bunch of Wall Street bankers whose avarice and greed put us in this situation in the first place. It's interesting that, when working families were being crushed by soaring energy prices this summer, Congress went on vacation. Yet, when Wall Street faced the consequences of its actions, we worked around the clock to help them. We should place the same priority on helping Main Street that we place on helping Wall Street.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, due to a traffic problem, I am a little bit late in getting into this Chamber to make comment on H.R. 3299, and I so much appreciate the opportunity. That bill under consideration today provides for a boundary adjustment to the Roosevelt National Forest to correct an erroneous survey. In May of 2006, a number of my constituents who live in the Crystal Lakes Subdivision in Larimer County, Colorado contacted my office after they received notice from the Forest Service that they were encroaching upon Federal property. You can imagine what a surprise this was to those folks. Many of those people who had purchased the land in the 1970s, improved it, built homes on it and had literally lived there for decades. However, the Forest Service informed these homeowners that a survey that had been conducted in 2003 and in 2004 had found that the earlier survey that was conducted in 1975 was, indeed, inaccurate. This 1975 survey was privately commissioned and was used in the development of the Crystal Lakes Subdivision. Thirty years after the property was originally developed, landowners have now been informed that the portions of the land they paid for and that they improved may actually be on Federal property. Even more, a number of these landowners were faced with the reality that their homes might be on Federal land. The property owners bought this land and made the improvements all in good faith, and are now faced with an undue burden to deal with this mistake. The only recourse for individuals whose homes are within the area of dispute is the Small Tracts Act. However, this requires homeowners to pay for this land a second time at current fair market value. Obviously, the land prices in this beautiful area have increased dramatically over the past three decades and this purchase would place an enormous financial burden on these homeowners. The uncertainty associated with this dispute has made it difficult for impacted property owners to sell their property. H.R. 3299 would remedy these problems by conveying without consideration the disputed areas to the impacted homeowners. The 7 acres involved in this boundary dispute are a miniscule fraction of the 1.3 million acres of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest. Because this land has been cleared and it has been occupied, obviously, for a number of years, transferring it back to the Forest Service would not enhance the environment or the scenic attributes of the area. Additionally, H.R. 3299 would not in any way impact the integrity or affect the operation of the forest. The landowners impacted by this boundary dispute need resolution and certainty. H.R. 3299 did that by allowing them to keep the land they purchased and improved. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank Chairman Rahall and Congressman Young, as well as Chairman Grijalva and Mr. Bishop for moving this legislation through the Natural Resources Committee. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues of H.R. 3299.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, the Democrat no-energy bill before us today is an absolute travesty. The bill will permanently lock up the first 50 miles of coastline and keep the next 50 miles under lock and key until coastal States pass a law permitting production. They don't have any incentive to do so, so it essentially locks up the first 100 miles of coastline where most of our resources are located. This bill does not share any royalty revenues with coastal States, giving them absolutely no incentive to approve production off their coast. Under current policy, producing States receive royalties from offshore production. This bill does not provide funding for environmental restoration or a sustainable funding mechanism to develop alternative and renewable energy sources, which would decrease our dependence on foreign oil. This bill includes an unworkable, renewable energy standard. In States like mine, Colorado, we are well positioned to utilize renewables. Other States will be unable to meet this unrealistic hurdle, costing consumers untold increases. Speaker Pelosi, you can fool all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. This is a travesty.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues. It's truly an honor to stand here tonight and pay gratitude to our World War II veterans. I was very proud to cosponsor this resolution honoring the USS Farenholt and her crew. Radarman 1st Class Kenneth S. Buffington served on the Farenholt from 1942 to 1945. Kenneth was born and raised in Nebraska, and he lived on his family's farm until he joined the United States Navy. After the war, he became a plumber, and he has called Fort Collins, Colorado his home for the last 55 years. He will celebrate his 89th birthday in September. Kenneth fought 11 battles aboard the Farenholt. The destroyer endured 12 credited engagements from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. When at battle stations, Kenneth helped man the guns to help defend his ship and crew mates and to ensure that the Fightin' F could engage the enemy on another day. The Farenholt's accomplishments are many, as my colleagues have mentioned, including the repelling of Japanese air attacks, the bombardment of enemy positions, the supporting of carrier raids, and the performing of rescue operations as well as that of escort and patrol duty. In battle, the crewmen were often stretched to their limits, remaining at battle stations around the clock, sleeping little but doing their duty. The crew of the Farenholt suffered casualties, but they always fought courageously and greatly contributed to the success of the operations in which they took part. Twice, the Farenholt was badly damaged by gunfire and by shell fire, but she survived to celebrate V-J Day, and was decommissioned in April of 1946. It is my great privilege to represent Kenneth Buffington and his family, and I am proud to honor the USS Farenholt, her crew and all of our World War II veterans and their families.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Richard Louden, a lifelong rancher, historian, and community servant. Richard Louden was born in Branson, Colorado, on September 2, 1920, to R.D. ``Dick'' and Zita Louden. He graduated from Branson High School and shortly after earned an associate of arts degree from Trinidad Jr. College. He then earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Colorado and the University of Missouri. When his country became involved in World War II, Louden served in the U.S. Signal Corps and Air Force. After the war, he returned to the family ranch and married Grace Wakefield. The couple had one child, their son Mack. Richard's interest in history and his love for the high mesas and extensive prairies of his native land led him to a continuing study of southeastern Colorado. His articles on ranching and agriculture were published in the Arkansas Valley Journal, the Chronicle-News, Cattle Guard, and Colorado Magazine. In the 1950s, Richard joined the Colorado Archaeological Society, and went on to become its president. He was fundamental to the establishment of the Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum, which bears his name. He also served as president of the Trinidad Historical Society, and as a founding member of the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. Mr. Louden was heavily involved in his son's school, and he served as president of the school board for 16 years. His knowledge and commitment to the community made him a respected figure on both the State and local level, resulting in his recognition with numerous honors by the organizations he served or impacted. These awards include the Colorado Board of Community Colleges Achievement and Service Award, the Chenoweth Award for Community Service, the Honored Alumni Award at Trinidad St. Jr. College, Kiwanis Citizen of the Year, and the Colorado Community College and Occupational Educational Alumni Hall of Fame. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the memory of Richard Louden, who led a life of service to his family, his community, and to this country.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Albert ``Burt'' Carey Caswell, who for 22 years has been giving tours of our Capitol building. Burt Caswell was born in Baltimore, MD, in 1953. He graduated from the University of Maryland and obtained a master's degree in education from Bowie State. Mr. Caswell went on to teach physical education, health, and science to K-6th graders in a private school in Washington, DC. He also served as the assistant lacrosse coach at the University of Maryland for 5 years. In 1986, Mr. Caswell joined the Capitol Guide Service. Burt is well known by members and staff for the enthusiasm he brings to his work, and for his love for members of the United States military. For approximately 14 years, he has given personal Capitol tours to injured soldiers from Walter Reed Army Hospital. Several times each week, Burt picks up soldiers in the evenings to give them tours in his free time. Another demonstration of Mr. Caswell's love for his country is his poetry. He has written numerous works on various patriotic themes. His poems pay homage to soldiers, Members of Congress, and the Capitol building. His eloquent tribute to Martin Luther King, titled ``A King Among Men,'' was printed in the Congressional Record in 2002. Mr. Caswell's enthusiasm for the Capitol is an extension of his passion for life. He is the proud father of Jennifer Maxine Caswell, and according to him, ``The greatest thing in my life is my daughter.'' I want to thank Burt for 22 tears of service to our Capitol, and for his sacrificial love for the men and women of our armed services.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Koshare Indian Dancers, who are celebrating 75 years of history and culture. The Koshare Indian Dancers offered refuge, hope, and a spirit of camraderie to boys during Depression-era America. In 1933, a group of young boys from southeastern Colorado decided to study the heritage of their area. They formed an archaeology and Indian club where they could study the history, culture and artifacts of the lower Arkansas Valley. Soon, with the help of their young Scout master, J.F. ``Buck'' Burshears, they were meeting with elders representing both the Plains Indians and many different Pueblos across New Mexico and Arizona. The elders embraced the youthful enthusiasm of these boys, teaching them dances, songs, and many different aspects of the ways of their ancestors. Buck dubbed the new club Koshares, the Hopi word for ``clown'' or ``fun maker,'' and the Koshare Indian Dancers have been going strong ever since. ``The club grew beyond anything we ever thought it would be,'' said Dr. William Sisson. He and his friend Robert Inman held the first meeting of the Koshare Club. Soon it was an organization of hundreds of boys, who continued to pass on their knowledge from generation to generation. An important part of what they passed on was love for, and protection of, the land, living honestly and with integrity, and learning how to be a leader who embraces community service. That sense of service grew from a community focus to a nation-wide focus, as hundreds of Koshares served in every war in which the United States has fought since World War II. ``Doing those dances was demanding and required hard work,'' said one of the original organizers, Jimmy Taylor. ``The dances were important to learn, but it was more important what you took with you throughout your life from the experience. It gave young boys an outlet for their energy, gave them a sense of accomplishment, and it trained their minds to analyze and complete a project.'' Mr. Taylor went on to West Point and served his country during World War II with honors. The loss of Koshares during World War II spurred their vast collection of art and artifacts. In memory of their fallen comrades, they originally bought three paintings. By continuing to gather pieces over the years, the Koshares amassed one of the most extensive collections of southwestern art and artifacts in the West. Service remains a large part of the meaning of the organization. The Koshares continue to foster leadership skills and to provide an environment for young people to learn about the heritage of Southeastern Colorado. They also persist in sharing that heritage with others through their museum and performances. Boys, and now girls, benefit from the program, and the Arkansas Valley is richer because of the history and culture provided by the Koshare Indian Dancers. It is my distinct honor to recognize the Koshares and to wish them continued success.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Loyd and Phyllis Musgrave, who are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. Loyd and Phyllis Musgrave grew up in southeastern Colorado. Both of their families were homesteaders, living in a small community about 25 miles south of Fort Morgan. They met as children, when attending Sunday school together in a one-room schoolhouse. Later, both attended Fort Morgan High School. Phyllis laughingly recalls that Loyd proposed to her several times, but each time she told him ``I'll have to talk to my mother about that.'' When she finally did get around to speaking to her mom, he didn't bring up the subject again. She became impatient and decided to broach the subject herself ``Loyd has always teased me that I proposed to him,'' Phyllis says. On May 27, 1938, only one day after Phyllis graduated from high school, they were married. Afterwards, they moved to a farm near Hoyt, Colorado, and by the late 1940s, they completed the house where they continue to live today. Loyd and Phyllis have 2 sons, Jerard and Larry, who both live in Colorado, 6 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Phyllis recalls all the fun that she and Loyd have had together over the years. ``We did a lot of traveling,'' she said, including trips to Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii. The only states they haven't explored are Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The couple's life motto is Matthew 6:33: ``But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.'' They have always been active in their local church, and today they remain involved in Hoyt Community Sunday School. I want to congratulate Loyd and Phyllis Musgrave on their 70 years of marriage, and to thank them for the blessing they have been to their family and community.

Ms. MUSGRAVE

Ms. MUSGRAVE. Thank you, Mr. Forbes, for your leadership on this issue. As we ponder the importance of our spiritual heritage tonight, we need to remember that it's really central to the founding of America. We are reminded of this when we cite the Pledge of Allegiance at public events and in our children's classrooms. We all know that our Nation's motto is, ``In God We Trust,'' and that is printed on our currency, and it's really imprinted right here in the Capitol Building itself. Christianity was not only important in American life during the periods of discovery, exploration, colonization, and growth, but it has also been incorporated and acknowledged in all three branches of our American government since its inception. Our Founding Fathers firmly believed that America could not be built or governed without acknowledging that ``God rules in the affairs of men.'' John Quincy Adams once said, ``The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.'' It is in this religious tradition that our Nation has grown over the course of 300 years. Our foundation of prayer has been a rock when the tides of freedom and peace were changing. America has not been immune to the devastation of war, and in the midst of intense trials and hardship, our leaders have always turned to God and prayer. During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt not only led the Nation in a 6-minute prayer during D Day on June 6, 1944, but he also declared, ``If we will not prepare to give all that we have and all that we are to preserve Christian civilization in our land, we shall go to destruction.'' America's religious legacy must be preserved. If some in America continue to deny the importance of our spiritual heritage, our leaders and our citizens will no longer have this foundation to stand on as many have stood on for centuries. I close with the words of former President Ronald Reagan: ``The lesson is clear that in the winning if freedom and in the living of life, the first step is prayer.''

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. I thank you both for your expertise in this area and also Mr. Davis as he spoke this evening. Mr. Peterson, your charts and the case that you presented tonight are very clear before the American people. We all have a desire to go to alternatives. We all want to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. You talked about that 40 percent. 60 percent of that comes from very unstable areas of the world, and we know that, and we want to lessen that dependence that we have on them and become energy-independent, but this is a long road. We have to start right now, right here today, for the American people who are suffering with the high cost of energy. I would just challenge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. We talk about long-range planning. We always have to do long-range planning. We need to look at the big picture. Today are the solutions that the Republicans have come forth with--more domestic exploration. You have spoken so well, Mr. Peterson, to our Nation's being locked up, but nations around the world do energy exploration off their coasts in an environmentally sound way. There is no reason that America should not be doing that. Look at the States like I am from, Colorado. There are abundant natural resources that we have, and there are the technologies that are available now with oil shale, and there is the future we have on that. We need to get to work on that right away. You and I have talked and all of us have talked this evening about the lack of refinery capacity and how we can look clear back to the 1970s. We have not had any refineries built since then. We need to get away from this failed policy and get real in this country about what we need to do. When I was at the pump, when I was talking to those people in Greeley, Colorado the other day, I saw firsthand how this is affecting the middle class, people who have to drive back and forth to work. You know, they want to be able to take their children to the baseball games this summer. They want their kids to participate in these things and to enjoy their summer in Colorado, but they are very worried. My folks who are on fixed incomes are very concerned about how they are going to get back and forth to the grocery store and to the doctor and how they will run the errands that they need to do. We need to respond as Members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, to this crisis that is right here now before our middle class, and we need to bring forth these solutions that we have suggested tonight to bring down the cost of energy. It is time for Congress to act, and every day that goes by that we do not enact sound policies that will allow us to do domestic exploration in an environmentally sound way--yes, move to alternatives, do these things that we need to do, increase refinery capacity--we are letting the American people down. I am standing tonight with my colleagues to say it is time to address this problem for the middle class and for the United States and to get on the road to energy independence but, in the here and now, to bring down the cost of energy.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. I thank the gentleman. I would like to yield to the gentlelady from Virginia.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. I would like to yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania now.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. I thank the gentlelady. She has spoken very well about the impact on families with the high price of fuel and what we need to address those prices. It's interesting, too, as we talk about families, we have schools. In my district, it's 7\1/2\ hours from one side of my district to the other. We have rural school districts, and buses have to travel long distances, and now schools are trying to ascertain how they're going to pay the high cost of fuel, and there are changes coming up. When you look at schools, they're doing things like going to the 4- day week. They're changing. They think of the money they can save if they don't have to transport the kids and heat the buildings and do those things during the day. So when they look at the fuel price for transportation, they're thinking they're going to go to this 4-day week. Sadly, it's impacting sports and schools, and we know that many times sports is what keeps students in schools, and it has such a good role to play in their life, but they're having to curtail their driving for this because they can't afford it anymore and they might drop programs. So schools that even want to do field trips, and this is especially enriching for students who perhaps may be in families where they can't afford to do many things, but these kids enjoy these school trips. These outings are very good for them, but schools are saying that students will have to pay for a fee for that or they will have to forgo their field trips. This is having a huge impact on families and on schools. I would like to yield now to the gentleman from Tennessee.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, recently in my district of Colorado, I had an opportunity to talk to my constituents firsthand about the high cost of gasoline. I decided to go right to the gas station and go up and offer to pump my constituents' gas. Now, this is a very good way to get an honest opinion from someone who, quite frankly, is caught off guard to see a Member of Congress right there willing to pump their gas; and when I introduced myself, some of them recognized me, but others that don't, I introduce myself and I say, Would you like to talk to me about what is on your mind today? And almost to a person, they said, You mean besides the high cost of gasoline? And I knew, after spending a great deal of time at that gas station, that my constituents' number one concern is the high cost of gasoline. They told me in various ways how its affecting their lives. I talked to one woman, Mr. Speaker, and she was telling me that she had to drive about 20 miles into Graley where she worked, and her fuel bill was getting so high that she literally thought about staying with relatives in town instead of driving the 20 miles each way to get home every night. It was putting such a financial burden on this lady. She was literally thinking about not going home every night but staying in town during the week and going home on the weekend. I talked to another individual, and he at one time had a fleet of trucks that he operated. He had a trucking business. So he had firsthand knowledge about what the high cost of fuel is doing to the trucking industry. And as he and I stood there and talked, Mr. Speaker, we were remarking that when you go into stores in Colorado and around the Nation, there's an abundance of things on the shelves that we Americans can purchase and enjoy. But what most people don't think about is every one of those items was hauled in a truck. And truckers are experiencing a great deal of hardship lately with the high cost of fuel, and many of them are going out of business. Now this gentleman that had the trucking business previously now has a trucking repair business, and he told me that the high cost of fuel had adversely affected this business that he had also. I talked to another gentleman, and he works in Denver, Colorado, but drives from my district up there, and he was telling me that every week he is seeing the cost of gasoline go up and up and up, and he's thinking about how expensive his commute is becoming. It is quite a burden on families. I talked to another individual that was older, and he had an older car, and I would presume that he was on a fixed income, Mr. Speaker. And this gentleman doesn't have the opportunity to get another job and work and earn more income. He has this fixed income. As he sees the price of gasoline going up, the cost to heat his home going up, and he, like many other senior citizens, are very concerned about their future and what they're going to do. I would like to yield time, as much time as she may consume, to the gentlelady from Virginia.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. I thank the gentleman. I applaud your hard work on this farm bill and Chairman Peterson's. Every day we are reminded of our problems that we are facing because we rely on foreign nations for our energy supply. I believe that Americans ought to think about what happened with the pet food issue and realize that we need a safe and reliable food supply. As we worked on this farm bill, we had demands from the Speaker of the House, we had demands from the White House. Serving in the minority there was the tension between my party and the other party in the Senate and the House. We had a great deal of difficulties to overcome. But I am proud today to say that I stand in support of this farm bill and urge my colleagues to join me in overriding this veto. This farm bill increases funding to food banks that are seeing more and more people come in, needy people. It increases that funding by $1.2 billion. The farm bill increases dollars for conservation programs that are so important in this Nation. The farm bill increases investment in alternative energy research. Americans want to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. When we are concerned at this time in our Nation about childhood obesity and diabetes, this farm bill increases dollars for nutrition programs for school children around the Nation. And, most importantly, it provides a safety net for rural America. As we look at what Americans spend on their food supply, 10 percent of their disposable income, we are truly blessed in this world to have this safe, abundant food supply, and we want this to continue. Despite what has been said on this House floor today, this farm bill contains real reform, and we are moving in the right direction with that. So, again, I urge my colleagues to join me as we override this President's veto.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, today we're going to be talking about the farm bill. There will be many criticisms of the farm bill, but I proudly stand in support of this farm bill. Rural America is looking to us to make sure that there is a safety net for agriculture in this country. Reforms were asked for by our Speaker and by people on both sides of the aisle. This farm bill increases funding to food banks when they're suffering--dire need right now--it increases funding by $1.2 billion. The farm bill increases funding to conservation programs. These programs are very important to people around the Nation. And we know that farmers are the very best stewards of the land. It provides incentives for them when they implement innovative soil and water conservation programs. The farm bill increases investment in alternative energy research. We know that one of the number one concerns of America right now is that we lessen our dependence on foreign oil. But I believe the most important thing about this farm bill is that it does provide Americans with a safe and reliable food supply.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Sergeant Isaac Palomarez. Mr. Palomarez served in the United States Army as a Sergeant and was assigned to the A Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Mr. Palomarez courageously died in combat May 9, 2008 in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I believe his service and commitment to our country most worthy of being preserved in the Congressional Record. Isaac Palomarez was born April 14, 1982 and graduated from Loveland High School in 2001. Mr. Palomarez joined the Army in 2004, following in his father Candido's footsteps, who served in the Army in the 1960's. Palomarez is survived by his parents Candido and Elma Palomarez and will be remembered as a loving son and loyal friend to many. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for Mr. Palomarez's selfless service to our Nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing a man worthy of our honor, Mr. Isaac Palomarez.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the heroism and self sacrifice of firefighter John Schwartz, 38, who died in the line of duty on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, while driving to the scene of a brush fire threatening a nearby community. When John heard the distress call Tuesday afternoon from nearby Ordway, Colorado, he jumped in his fire engine with Fire Chief Terry DeVore to try to help. A massive wild fire was burning across the prairie and the smoke was so thick that John and Terry could not see the bridge burned out in front of them. Terry's father Bruce, a fire department volunteer, was right behind them when he noticed their tail lights disappear. Bruce and the other firefighters stopped and tried to fight the inferno in front of them, but it was a hopeless fight. John and Terry were good friends and worked together at the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility and John had recently joined Olney Springs' volunteer fire department. John's father told a newspaper that John joined the department because he liked the idea of doing something for the community. John attended Centennial High School in Pueblo, Colorado, and served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years before returning to the Fowler area. John raised horses, cattle, and goats on a small ranch and he loved to hunt and shoot with his sons, ages 4 to 15, John, Wyatt, Wesley, and Cody. John left behind his four boys, as well as his parents John and Toni Schwartz. Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent John and other men and women who sacrifice so much to care for their communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in mourning the loss of a great American and in expressing heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation for the service of John Schwartz.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the heroism and self sacrifice of Olney Springs Fire Chief Terry DeVore, 31, who died in the line of duty on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, while driving to the scene of a brush fire threatening his community. When Terry heard the distress call Tuesday afternoon from nearby Ordway, Colorado, he jumped in his fire engine with fellow volunteer fireman John Schwartz to try to help. A massive wild fire was burning across the prairie and the smoke was so thick that Terry and John could not see the bridge burned out in front of them. Terry's father Bruce, a fire department volunteer for 36 years, was right behind them when he noticed their taillights disappear. Bruce and the other firefighters stopped and tried to fight the inferno in front of them, but it was a hopeless fight. Terry first started helping his father at the fire department when he was 13. He loved his town and he loved helping people. Although he grew up in Olney Springs, he left for a time to work at Rocky Mountain Steel Mills in Pueblo, Colorado, before returning home to work for the Crowley Correctional Facility. He then moved to the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility where he became a sergeant. Terry also volunteered at the Olney Springs Fire Department that serves the town's 350 residents and served as Fire Chief for the past year. Terry left behind wife Jennifer, four children between the ages of 4 and 10, Ryan, Breann, Katy, and Jeremiah, and his parents Bruce and Deborah DeVore. ``He was never afraid of anything; there was no sense of fear,'' his mother Deborah told a newspaper. ``He loved helping people. He was always making jokes, pulling pranks on people. He just loved life.'' Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Terry and other men and women who sacrifice so much to care for their communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in mourning the loss of a great American and in expressing heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation for the service of Terry DeVore.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, Fifty years ago today, the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District was formed by a district court in Pueblo, Colorado. Its charge was to develop and administer the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. My Congressional District includes the Lower Arkansas Valley, which both the Project and the District serve. Supplemental water is provided for agricultural, municipal and industrial purposes with the hope of sustaining the livelihood of the people of this region. The Arkansas Valley is not a wealthy region, but its people are rich in their determination and their love for the Valley. After World War II, this area like many others, saw a future of growth and enhancement, but it needed more to obtain those goals. The Southeastern District and the many wonderful Valley residents who have served on its Board of Directors over the 50 years of its existence have served us well. The Fryingpan-Arkansas Project is an important tool in the area's efforts to survive both economically and culturally. While the Arkansas Basin experiences its highs and lows, often influenced by the availability of water in any given year, the Basin recognizes the value of the Project and the District which manages it capably and effectively. I want to thank the Southeastern District for its efforts and congratulate them on their half a century of success.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the patriotic public service and self sacrifice of Ernest LeRoy Peterson. Ernest LeRoy Peterson was born on December 28, 1920, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Oscar and Nora Peterson. He was the second eldest son of eight children. As a child, he moved to the eastern plains of Colorado, where his family was involved in farming. In August 1942, he was drafted into the 531st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, 30th Army Division, as a private. He completed basic training at Ft. Bliss, Texas and then advanced combat training at Camp Coxcomb, California. He later advanced to the rank of sergeant and section chief of Squad 13, Eighth Gun Crew. On February 12, 1944, his battalion sailed out of Boston Harbor aboard the RMS Empress of Australia, bound for England. The ship, one of the largest transport vessels, held 6,800 troops. Ernie's bunk was in the swimming pool due to the lack of space. After 10 days on the high seas, the unit debarked at the bomb-scarred city of Liverpool. On June 4, 1944, General Eisenhower spoke to Ernest and thousands of other troops over a loud speaker telling them an invasion of France would begin on June 6 and said, ``Soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Allied expeditionary force, you are about to embark upon the great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. . . . I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.'' Ernest landed on Omaha Beach with the 531st on June 15th, nine days after D-day. Facing fierce battles along the way, Ernest's division first encountered the Germans at Isigny, France. During his march to Germany, Ernest participated in the Battle of the Bulge, which started on December 16, 1944. Three powerful German armies with over 500,000 men plunged into the heavily forested Ardennes region of eastern Belgium and northern Luxembourg. The Americans were able to stop them at Malmedy. Ernest dug in his defensive position at Malmedy not more than 100 yards from where 86 American prisoners had been massacred by the Germans the day before. For 5 days in a row his unit was under air attack in Malmedy by Americans who thought the city had fallen to the Germans. Ernest eventually marched into Germany and met up with Russian soldiers on April 17, 1945. Ernest's unit also went to Buchenwald concentration camp. They found piles of human bones and piles of eyeglasses five feet tall, as well as lamp shades made out of human skin. The prisoners that remained were skin and bone. Ernest did occupational duty as a guard at a prison in St. Marc, France, before returning to the United States. He received an honorable discharge from the Army on November 14, 1945. For his service to this Nation, Ernest was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, the Sharpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar and the Marksman Badge and Submachine Gun Bar. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French for volunteering to go on a special mission to push the Germans back across the Rhine River as well as the Fourragere of Belgium for his part in the liberation of Belgium. On April 13, 2008, Ernest LeRoy Peterson passed away at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlotte, his two children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Peterson and other men and women who have given so much for our freedom. Like so many other members of the ``Greatest Generation,'' I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing my heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation for the patriotic service of Mr. Ernest LeRoy Peterson.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeanne Laudick who was born in Washington, DC, as the daughter of a government attorney. She grew up in Denver, CO, and obtained her college degree from the Colorado State College of Education, now the University of Northern Colorado. Jeanne married her husband John, in Denver, when she was 21, and they started their family that grew to three children. Their oldest son eventually served in the United States Army. Jeanne was both homemaker and sometimes co-breadwinner for the family over those years. In 1972, Jeanne and her family moved to Ft. Collins. There she and her husband started their own business, Alpine Manufacturing, Inc., in their basement, with all the kids helping out. That business grew over the years, providing employment for some 70 employees, manufacturing tools, dies, and molds, and providing production machinery. Jeanne held the corporate office of secretary-treasurer, as well as co-owner. Through the family business, Jeanne became a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Governor's Small Business Committee. She was appointed to the Latimer County Board of Adjustments, and to the Judicial Performance Commission. Exemplifying the American spirit of action and service, Jeanne also served as a volunteer for the Poudre Valley Hospital, the United Way, and as a fundraiser for the Wingshadow Frontier High School for kids needing alternative education opportunities. Jeanne Laudick never stops doing and learning. She has traveled extensively with her husband, especially since their retirement from the family business. She has seen and experienced several countries in Central and South America, and several more in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East; some, like Uruguay, far off the beaten path. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Jeanne Laudick, who has led a life of valuable contribution to her family, her community, and to this country.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker. I rise today to honor Loren Maxey, who was born into a farm family in Illinois in 1932. His knack for inventing led to a college scholarship, but he interrupted college to enter the Navy, serving 4 years in the early 1950s. He sailed on a vessel taking part in the nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific, seeing up close the results of those tests, and finishing his service as a petty officer first class. Loren then finished a degree in agricultural engineering at the University of Illinois, but chance led to meeting his future wife Kathy at her family farm in Greeley, Colorado. They moved to Greeley to take over the farm in 1958. Loren's interest in practical engineering led to further studies in that field, then employment with Forney Industries in aircraft manufacturing, which tied in with another lifelong interest in being a pilot himself. He gained more experience in the agricultural engineering field, and in 1969 started his own company to design, custom build, and service agricultural equipment and later. machinery for snow sports. Maxey Companies continues to flourish, now with Loren's son at the helm, employing some 45 people. Their customers are local, national, and international. Over the years Loren has obtained three patents himself on practical improvements to increase farm productivity, and, being in Colorado, to groom snowmobile trails. Along the way, Loren made time to serve on the Ft. Collins City Council, and Chamber of Commerce, as president of the East Larimer County Water District Board and as a director of the North Poudre Irrigation District. He kept his hand in farming and has spent, so far, 14 years on the county fair board. His love of flying included 40 years as a director and officer of the local airpark. Loren provided a lesson in courage when he survived a plane crash in his late forties that severely burned him and was supposed to leave him unable to walk. Loren forced himself to overcome the pain and injuries, and learned to walk again. He has long been active in local and statewide politics. Rounding out his active volunteer life, he has served as church elder and couples group leader. Loren and Kathy have three children and eight grandchildren who are all nearby in northern Colorado. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Loren Maxey, a practical inventor, engineer, pilot, husband, father, and active contributor of time and talent to his country and community.