Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 10) and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) for yielding to me. I rise today in support of the resolution to provide interim funding for the Committee on Homeland Security in the first session of the 109th Congress. The Committee on Homeland Security was not established as a permanent committee until this Congress. It was a select committee previously. Therefore, they did not fall under the House rules providing interim funding for other committees. We have a series of interim funding for our existing committees. This resolution will provide the necessary funds for the committee to continue its work from January 3 through March 31. The committee will then receive funding, we hope, for the duration of the 109th Congress; and that is when we will attempt by that time to bring out a permanent funding resolution for all committees so it would then receive its funding for the duration of the 109th Congress, all the public committees of the House. Once the committee funding resolution is adopted, then the system will go back to its regular order. I ask support for this legislation. (Mr. LARSON of Connecticut asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 10.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Nicholas L. Skorich; and Whereas, Nicholas L. Skorich was a hero to his wife of 56 years, Teresa, and their three children and three grandchildren; and Whereas, Nicholas L. Skorich was a significant part of the National Football League for fifty years, served in World War II for three years, and was head football coach of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was inducted into six Halls of Fame; and Whereas, Nicholas L. Skorich will certainly be remembered by all those who knew him because of his loving nature towards his family, friends, and community; and Whereas, the kindness and compassion he showed towards others will stand as a reminder to a truly remarkable person. His life and love gave joy to all who knew him. Therefore, while I understand how words cannot express our grief at this most trying of times, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family and friends of Nicholas L. Skorich.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement in December 2004, we rise to thank Ms. Bernice Brosious for 25 years of outstanding service to the United States government, most recently here in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bernice began her career in government in 1979 at the General Services Administration. She followed that with service at the Defense Investigative Service, the Department of Agriculture, and the Federal Aviation Administration, honing her financial skills throughout this time. Bernice brought her expertise to the House in 1998 as Director of Accounting for the Chief Administrative Officer, and in 2001 became the Associate Administrator for Finance. Her passionate customer service, organizational knowledge and resourcefulness and her leadership on numerous initiatives have benefited countless Members and staff over the years. Among her many other achievements, Bernice was instrumental in obtaining the House's first clean audit opinion for calendar year 1998 and for maintaining this clean opinion every year since. Over the past seven years Bernice has also been instrumental in moving the House from an ancient paper ledger accounting system to the imminent introduction of a 21st century state-of-the-art financial management system. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Bernice for her many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish Bernice many wonderful years in fulfilling her retirement dreams.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Lindsay Cutshall of Fresno, Ohio and Jason Allen of Zeeland, Michigan; and Whereas, Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen were both caring and loving individuals who were both active in the Rock-N-River Christian Camp, and Whereas, Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen will certainly be remembered by all those who knew them; and Whereas, through those lives that they touched, the memories of Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen will stand as monuments to two truly fine people. Therefore, while I understand how words cannot express our grief at this most trying of times, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the families and friends of Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Jewell Duvall has provided outstanding service and contributions to the House community during her tenure in the office of the Chief Administrative Officer; and Whereas, Jewell Duvall provided support to not only the CAO, but also to Leadership, the Committee on House Administration, other House officers, Member and Committee offices, and the general public; and Whereas, Jewell Duvall has worked diligently during her time in Washington, D.C., to serve the individuals with respect and a sense of priority; and Whereas, Jewell Duvall provided extensive administrative support to the Incident Commander during the September 11th and anthrax crises of 2001; and Whereas, Jewell Duvall was a valuable asset to the House of Representatives community and the general public. Therefore, I join with members of Congress and their staff in recognizing Jewell Duvall for her exceptional work and immense contributions, and wish her the very best during her retirement.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement in December 2004, we rise to thank Mrs. Ethel Jones for 26 years of outstanding service to the U.S. House of Representatives. Ethel began her career at the House in March 1978 working with the House Restaurants System through the Architect of the Capitol. In 1987, Ethel joined the House of Representatives Child Care Center as one of the original staff members. Ethel has served as a caregiver at the child care center since that time. Some say Ethel, herself, is an institution within the HRCCC organization. Ethel has touched the lives of so many children and their families. She takes great joy in keeping in contact with her former children, often receiving photos and letters from grateful families years after their departure from HRCCC. Ethel has served as an invaluable resource for many young parents encountering the challenges of parenthood for the first time, and she has consistently displayed warmth and concern as she has shared her expertise. Ethel has displayed great passion for her work and dedicated herself to ensuring that the needs of the children and families are met to the greatest possible satisfaction. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Ethel for her many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish Ethel many wonderful years in fulfilling her retirement dreams.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Joseph Baumgarner is a resident of Midvale in Tuscarawas County; and Whereas, Joseph Baumgarner has devoted his love to his companion, Tammy, and his three children; and Whereas, Joseph Baumgarner demonstrated a commitment to his country while serving in the Persian Gulf; and Whereas, Joseph Baumgarner is active with his community and is appreciated by all who know him. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in recognizing Joseph Baumgarner for his dedication to the United States, his community, family, and friends.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, we rise to thank and recognize Jewell Duvall for her outstanding service and contributions to the House community during her tenure in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. Jewell was born in the small, coal-mining town of Bellwood, WV, one of a population of 300. As a coal miner's daughter, she worked in the company store during high school until the lure of public service led her to Washington, DC and a job with FBI's Identification Division, then located in the present day Ford House Office Building. Jewell worked for FBI for four years, started a family and raised two sons. During the course of her career Jewell worked for a variety of employers, from a trade association, to private corporations, but her career always took her back to the service of her country. Jewell's House employment as Jay Eagen's Executive Secretariat now ends in the same location where it began, the Ford House Office Building. During her time with the CAO, Jewell has provided support to not only the CAO but also to Leadership, the Committee on House Administration, other House Officers, Member and Committee offices, and the general public. Jewell has always treated each individual with respect and a sense of priority, and her actions have always been driven by a desire to provide courteous and unsurpassed customer service. Jewell provided extensive administrative support to the Incident Commander during the September 11th and anthrax crises of 2001. She was a valuable asset to this team, going above and beyond the call to duty to ensure that the work of the House continued during those trying times. She has been tremendous in her support of the CAO and my staff at the Committee on House Administration. This institution will truly miss her important contributions, and I wish her nothing but continued success and happiness in her retirement.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas: I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mary F. Parsons; and Whereas, Mary F. Parsons was a loving sister, wife, mother, and grandmother to the members of her family; and Whereas, Mary F. Parsons will certainly be remembered by all those who knew her because of her compassionate nature towards her family, friends, and community; and Whereas, the understanding and caring to which Mary F. Parsons gave to others will stand as a monument to a truly fine person. Her life and love gave joy to all who knew her. Therefore, while I understand how words cannot express our grief at this most trying of times, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family and friends of Mary F. Parsons.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Bill and Mona White were united in marriage November 19, 1954, and are celebrating 50 years of marriage; and Whereas, Bill and Mona have demonstrated a firm commitment to each other; and Whereas, Bill and Mona must be commended for their loyalty and dedication to their family and friends; and Whereas, Bill and Mona have proven, by their example, to be a model for all married couples. Therefore, I join with their family, friends, the residents of Sugar Grove, and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Bill and Mona White as they celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Peter and Sylvia Manasse were married in New York City on November 11, 1944; and Whereas, Peter and Sylvia Manasse have shown the love and commitment necessary to live a long and beautiful life together; and Whereas, Peter and Sylvia Manasse must be commended for their loyalty and dedication to their 3 sons, 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and extended family ; and Whereas, Peter and Sylvia Manasse have both served their community. Mr. Manasse represented an American trading company in Milan, Italy and was always active in issues of U.S./European trade as a vice president for some 25 years of the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy. Mr. Manasse helped businesses in the Italian textile and steel industries re-establish their export markets to the United States and elsewhere after World War II. For his work in the export markets, he received the Gold Medal of the Milan Chamber of Commerce on December 22, 1977. Mrs. Manasse co-founded Milan's first International School in the late 1950's and then went on to have a successful career as a journalist for Italian magazines. Both Mr. and Mrs. Manasse have received the distinction of being named Chevalier in the Order of St. Charles for their services to the Principality of Monaco. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Peter and Sylvia Manasse as they celebrate their 60th Wedding anniversary.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on October 9, 2004, I was unable to be present for rollcall vote No. 527, on agreeing to H. Con. Res. 218; for rollcall vote No. 528, on agreeing to the Conference Report to H.R. 4200, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005; for rollcall vote No. 529, on agreeing to the Conference Report to H.R. 4837, the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2005; and for rollcall vote No. 530, on agreeing to the Conference Report to H.R. 4567, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2005. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 527, ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 528, ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 529, and ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 530.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of Sgt. Richard Morgan upon the death of this outstanding soldier; and Whereas, Sgt. Richard Morgan was a member of the 660th Transportation Company out of Cadiz, serving his great nation in the country of Iraq; and Whereas, Sgt. Richard Morgan was a loving son to his parents, Donna and Harold Arnold, as well as a caring husband to his wife, Diana; and Whereas, Sgt. Richard Morgan was an active citizen in his community and did his best to make his country a better place to live; and Whereas, Sgt. Richard Morgan will be remembered for his unsurpassed sacrifice of self while protecting others. His example of strength and fortitude will be remembered by all those who knew him. While words cannot express our grief during the loss of such a courageous Marine, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sgt. Richard Morgan.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Officer Bill Cleveland is retiring from the United States Capitol Police after 30 years of exemplary service; Whereas, Officer Cleveland served his country in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and served his community of Alexandria as a respected member of the City Council for over 10 years; Whereas, Officer Cleveland has been among the most well-liked and well-respected officers of the United States Capitol Police for his good humor and dedication to his job; Whereas, Officer Cleveland will be deeply missed by many Members of Congress, their staffs, and his fellow officers. Therefore, I join with my fellow Members of Congress, their staffs, and his fellow officers at the United States Capitol Police in thanking Officer Bill Cleveland for his 30 years of service to the Capitol Hill community and wish him the very best on the occasion of his retirement.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of William Hinig; and Whereas, William Hinig was a highly esteemed legislator who served in the Ohio House of Representatives for twenty-five years; and Whereas, William Hinig worked tirelessly as Chairman of both the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Finance and Appropriations Committee to promote bipartisanship and help the people of Ohio; and Whereas, William Hinig honorably fought for his country during World War II, receiving a Purple Heart for injuries received at Normandy; and Whereas, William Hinig worked in and contributed to the financial industry by aiding in the founding of the accounting firm of Hinig and Miller; and Whereas, the integrity William Hinig possessed, and the compassion he showed towards others, will stand as reminders to a truly remarkable person. His life and love gave joy to all who knew him. Therefore, while I understand how words cannot express our grief at this most trying of times, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family and friends of William Hinig.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, John Leland Haley has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America; and Whereas, John Leland Haley has shared his time and talent with the community in which he resides; and Whereas, John Leland Haley has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, John Leland Haley must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award. Therefore, I join with the residents of Crooksville, the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio, John's family and friends in congratulating John Leland Haley as he receives the Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Sheriff Tom McCort has provided outstanding service and contributions while serving as the Sheriff of Belmont County for twenty years; and Whereas, Sheriff Tom McCort began his law enforcement career by serving as a felony investigator for the Belmont County Prosecutor's Office and then as a part time officer in Richland Township; and Whereas, Sheriff Tom McCort worked tirelessly to improve and expand the Belmont County jail; and Whereas, Sheriff Tom McCort's diligent service to Belmont County resulted in several remarkable achievements such as an officer training program and an expanded motorcycle patrol service; and Whereas, Sheriff Tom McCort will be greatly missed by Belmont County and the Belmont County Sheriff's Department. Therefore, I join the residents of Belmont County, and the entire Eighteenth Congressional District of Ohio, in recognizing Sheriff Tom McCort for his exceptional work and immense contributions, and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Collier Dill is a resident of New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas County; and Whereas, Collier Dill has devoted his love to his wife, Nancy, and their son, Joseph; and Whereas, Collier Dill demonstrated a commitment to his country while serving in the Vietnam War; and Whereas, Collier Dill is active with his church and community and is appreciated by all who know him. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in recognizing Collier Dill for his dedication to the United States, his community, family, and friends.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Gary Jentes is a resident of Tuscarawas County, Ohio; and Whereas, Gary Jentes has devoted his love to his wife, Margie, their son, and grandchildren; and Whereas, Gary Jentes demonstrated a commitment to his country while serving in the Vietnam War; and Whereas, Gary Jentes is active with his community and is appreciated by all who know him. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in recognizing Gary Jentes for his dedication to the United States, his community, family, and friends.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Walter and Virginia Robison were united in marriage on August 26, 1944; and Whereas, Walter and Virginia Robison are celebrating 60 years of marriage; and Whereas, Walter and Virginia Robison have demonstrated love and commitment to each other; and Whereas, Walter and Virginia Robison must be commended for their loyalty and dedication to their family; and Whereas, Walter and Virginia Robison have proven, by their example, to be a model for all married couples; Therefore, I join with Walter and Virginia Robison's family, friends, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Walter and Virginia Robison as they celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people, and the transitional government, of the Islamic State of Afghanistan on tomorrow's historic Presidential election. The Afghan people have come a long way in the past few years and deserve the recognition and support of the U.S. Congress. Mr. Speaker, as you know, the people of Afghanistan are at a historic turning point. Leading to tomorrow's election, great progress has been made in their electoral process: of an estimated 10 million eligible voters, more than 9 million have registered, and more than 40 percent of them are women. I congratulate the Afghan people on this high registration percentage, and I applaud the diversity of the electorate and the 18 Presidential candidates. Their participation symbolizes a true commitment to pluralism, democracy, and to an open electoral process. Mr. Speaker, the people of Afghanistan are still facing very real threats, however. There are still news reports of voter intimidation and violence against voters and poll-workers. There are even reports of Taliban loyalists advertising rewards for anyone who kills a poll- worker. I would like to commend President Hamid Karzai for his leadership in opposition to these militants. Under President Karzai, the Afghan people continue to stand tall, bringing their country to its moment of democracy. They have remained steadfast and, in spite of the risks, have continued to register to vote in droves. While Afghanistan has a long way yet to go, its people have come a long way already. The greatest threat to the fundamentalists that would do harm to America is exactly what will take place tomorrow in Afghanistan: Democracy. And for that, Mr. Speaker, I commend the Afghan people.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the service of a great American, Mr. Vane Scott. Mr. Scott started his service to our nation in December, 1942. During World War II, he served on the USS Radford in the Pacific as an electrician and gyrocompass technician. After the war, Mr. Scott went the to Art Institute of Pittsburgh on the GI bill; and, in 1968, he started an American flag production company. He retired in January, 1990; and he currently serves as the national president of the Radford Association. In September, 2001, Mr. Scott opened the USS Radford National Naval Museum in Newcomerstown, Ohio. He is married to Mrs. Barbara Scott, his wife of more than 50 years, and has three children, four grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. On November 3, 2004, Mr. Scott will be inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame for his valor in World War II and for his efforts in telling the stories of America's war heroes. I also want to commemorate Mr. Scott's relative, Mr. Freeman Davis. Mr. Davis received the Medal of Honor for his valor on November 25, 1863, during the Civil War's Battle of Missionary Ridge. Mr. Speaker, these two men represent some of the best America has to offer. I want to thank them for their remarkable service, and I want to congratulate Mr. Vane Scott on his induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. America salutes Mr. Vane Scott today.