Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement in November 2005, we rise to thank Mr. Frank Milasi for 28 years of distinguished service to the United States House of Representatives. Frank has served this great institution as a valuable employee at House Information Resources (HIR), in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. Throughout his career with HIR, Frank has held many positions of increasing responsibility. He began his tenure with the United States House of Representatives on August 1, 1977 as a Senior Programmer. While serving in HIR, Frank addressed long needed automation and reporting issues in each area of benefits administration, which enabled compliance with all House reporting and auditing requirements. Due to his development of the computer generated Revised Substitute Standard Form 2010 ``Notice of Change in Health Benefits Enrollment,'' the U.S. House of Representatives became one of the first Federal Agencies to have this form approved for use. Frank displayed great passion for his work by personally dedicating himself to ensuring that the Financial Management System (FMS) met the needs of the U.S. House of Representatives' payroll and Human Resources requirements. As a Senior Software Engineer, he applied his exceptional analytical and programming technical skills to the development, design and implementation of many payroll services provided to the House community. Included in these services is the NFC Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Frank's work enabled the House to be one of only three government agencies that provided this benefit on time and correctly. Frank's expertise in FMS with over 900,000 lines of code has resulted in more than 3.5 million payroll payments. In addition, as he prepared to retire, Frank played a major role in the implementation of the new payroll and benefits system, HR Pay Links. His standard of excellence, dedication to passionate customer service, professionalism and ability to get the job done earned him three Distinguished Service Awards, the Chief Administrative Officer's highest honor. He is admired by the people he led and appreciated by those he served. May he always look back on his accomplishments with pride. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Frank for many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the United States House of Representatives. We wish Frank many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement in September 2005, we rise to thank Lydia R. Brown for 21 years of outstanding service to the United States House of Representatives. Lydia started in 1984 as an administrative assistant in the Office of Telecommunications under the Clerk of the House. Her fearless initiative and hard work allowed her responsibilities to expand to include paying district telephone bills. In 1997, Lydia transferred to the House Information Resources division of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. She became an inventory management specialist for HIR, performing a wide range of duties that included receiving equipment and supplies for HIR, requesting furniture and repairs, assisting with payment processing, ordering and distributing water for five locations in the Ford Building, and inventorying equipment. Lydia maintained the property records for HIR meticulously, bar coding all new equipment and ensuring that old equipment was disposed of properly. Lydia was an energetic worker for HIR who was willing to perform a variety of tasks. In 2002, Lydia transferred to House Support Services under the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, working for the Vendor Management division. Lydia's assignments included the payment of purchase orders for equipment, supplies, and furniture for Members, Committees, Officers, and Support offices of the House of Representatives. She made the transition from HIR inventory specialist to Vendor Management counselor swiftly and successfully. Lydia's energy, conscientiousness, and knowledge of the policies and procedures enabled her to be an industrious worker, providing passionate customer service for the House community. During the October 2001 anthrax incident, as Members and staff were relocated to an off-site location, Lydia worked tirelessly to coordinate and ensure delivery of equipment and supplies to House offices at the alternate location. Lydia has worked since she was 14 years old; she served her country in the Army reserves, and she also obtained degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. In her long career, Lydia has frequently gone above and beyond the call of duty. Today we commend her dedication, initiative, and hard work, and wish her many happy years of retirement.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, the Southeastern FFA Forestry Class demonstrated exemplary knowledge of the skills and competencies required for a career in forestry; and Whereas, the Southeastern FFA Forestry Class has been determined and has endeavored for excellence in the furthering of their forestry education; and Whereas, the Southeastern FFA Forestry Class members Scott Clary, Chase Carroll, Brian Brown, and Jacob Peecher have achieved individually in the career development event. Therefore, I, on behalf of the people of Ohio's 18th Congressional District applaud your accomplishment. Your efforts have made us all proud.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas William ``Bill'' Balser was elected to the high office of Department Commander of Ohio on Sunday, July 10, 2005; and Whereas, William ``Bill'' Balser is a 30-year member of the American Legion Post 85, where he has held many offices including Post Commander and Finance Officer; and Whereas, William ``Bill'' Balser has exemplified the meaning of successful civic duty through his unselfish role to serve the greater good of the Ohio Valley; and Whereas, William ``Bill'' Balser recently celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife Trudy and is the loving father of 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in recognizing William ``Bill'' Balser for his longtime dedication to the residents and children of Ohio's 18th district.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Senior Airman Matthew Dawley has served his country with honor and courage in the United States Air Force; and Whereas, Senior Airman Matthew Dawley is to be commended for his actions with the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida; and Whereas, Senior Airman Matthew Dawley is the recipient of the Air Force Achievement Medal for meritorious service. Therefore, I join with family and friends and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in thanking Senior Airman Matthew Dawley of the United States Air Force for his service to our country and celebrate with him in receiving the Air Force Achievement Medal. Your service has made us proud.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, the Chillicothe Paints were the first Frontier League team and are the pre-eminent Single-A Independent team in Ohio; and Whereas, the Chillicothe Paints are celebrating 12 years of excellence in baseball; and Whereas, the Chillicothe Paints 2005 season demonstrated the character and determination of the fine young men playing for the pride of Chillicothe. Therefore, I join with the residents of Chillicothe and the whole 18th Congressional District of Ohio in celebration for the outstanding 2005 season of the Chillicothe Paints.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who have answered the call of duty and traveled from around the country to the gulf coast in order to help their fellow citizens and communities who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Many in this country sometimes forget that men and women put their lives on the line every day seeking not headlines or glory, but the simple satisfaction of helping and saving their fellow citizens. Their brave deeds, good work, and tremendous dedication deserve and demand the grateful respect and recognition of all. And now more than ever, in recent days we have literally seen thousands of firefighters, police officers, EMS workers, and others pour into New Orleans and other devastated gulf coast areas to bolster relief efforts and save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. I am particularly proud to recognize those who have volunteered from around Ohio's 18th District as well as a number of our own United States Capitol Hill police officers who are currently on their way to the gulf coast. These men and women are a shining example of everything that is good about our country today. The least we can do is to honor them and recognize them on the floor.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of H. Con. Res. 242.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 242) providing for acceptance of a statue of Po'Pay, presented by the State of New Mexico, for placement in National Statuary Hall, and for other purposes.

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 242. As the chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library, which has the privilege and responsibility for the acceptance and placement of statues, the National Statuary Hall collection, I want to first thank my colleagues from the New Mexico delegation and their constituents for the statue of the Indian Pueblo leader Po'Pay. This resolution was introduced by the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson) and also supported by the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) and the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce). I also want to thank all three of those Members for bringing this resolution before us. Po'Pay was the San Juan Pueblo Indian leader and organizer of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 that drove the Spanish colonials from Pueblo lands. It was not until after his death that the Spanish recolonized the land. But because of Po'Pay, they granted the Pueblo more rights and freedoms during their recolonization. This statue will join the six other Native American leaders honored in the collection. It is significant because not only is it New Mexico's second; it is the 100th and final original statute to be accepted into the National Statuary Hall collection. Approximately 3 years after the bare 7.5-ton mass of Tennessee marble arrived in New Mexico, Native American sculptor Cliff Fragua unveiled his statue of Po'Pay at San Juan Pueblo. Again, I want to thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce), and the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall). I want to thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald), who serves as our ranking member but also as a member of the Joint Committee on the Library for helping us get this work product out so swiftly and for her concern about this issue. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson).

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce).

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Again I want to thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce) and the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) for bringing this important resolution to us and, again, our ranking member from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) for her service on both committees. Also, I would note we are going to have an historic unveiling today at 2 o'clock with the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah) of Representative Rainey, who was the first elected African American to the U.S. House, and will be the first time an African American portrait will be placed in the House, which is going to be a glorious ceremony we will be sharing with our ranking member. So we are busy today with the committees. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this.

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

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Bethlehem Apostolic Temple is celebrating their 73rd Church Anniversary; and Whereas, Dr. D.W. Cummings, Senior Pastor, is celebrating his 25th Anniversary with Bethlehem Apostolic Temple; and Whereas, Bethlehem Apostolic Temple and Dr. D.W. Cummings have served and worshipped with their community with devotion and care; and Whereas, I wish Bethlehem Apostolic Temple and Dr. D.W. Cummings the best of luck in all of their future endeavors. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Bethlehem Apostolic Temple and Dr. D.W. Cummings as they celebrate these momentous occasions.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of G. David Tozzi; and Whereas, G. David Tozzi will be remembered by his mother, Irene, his sisters Nancy and Jennie, his brothers-in-law Raymond and Thomas, and his beloved nephews Tommy and David; and Whereas, G. David Tozzi was born in Bellaire, Ohio, and resided in St. Clairsville, Ohio; and Whereas, G. David Tozzi was a dedicated employee of the First Energy Corporation, a devout member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in St. Clairsville and a loyal member of the Bellaire Elks; and Whereas, G. David Tozzi will certainly be remembered by all those who knew him because of his upright character. 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 G. David Tozzi.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Walter Zalesny; and Whereas, Walter Zalesny will be remembered by his son Barry, his daughters Sharon and Fran, his four grandchildren and seven great granddaughters; and Whereas, Walter Zalesny was born in Wegee, OH, and resided in Bellaire, OH; and Whereas, Walter Zalesny served in the Belmont County Engineer's Office and was a loyal member of the VFW and American Legion and a devout Presbyterian; and Whereas, Walter Zalesny will be remembered for his service in the U.S. Navy and for his ability to touch so many lives; 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 Walter Zalesny.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Mary Edith Stoneburner was born on September 29th, 1905; and Whereas, Mary Edith Stoneburner is celebrating her 100th birthday today; and Whereas, Mary Edith Stoneburner, is a long-time active participant in the social and civic life of her community; and Whereas, Mary Edith Stoneburner has exemplified a love for her family and friends and must be commended for her life-long dedication to helping others. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in wishing Mary Edith Stoneburner a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas Dr. Kalla is an exceptional individual worthy of merit and recognition; and Whereas, Dr. Kalla has proven himself to be a man of strong will and character; and Whereas Dr. Kalla shall be lauded for his strength, tenacity, and perseverance in his battle with cancer; Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Dr. Kalla for his outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Jack Chester has been recognized for his lifetime of exemplary service to his community and to the Republican Party; and Whereas, Jack Chester has been acknowledged for his performance and leadership in the areas of law and hospital administration; and Whereas, Jack Chester should be commended for his service to the United States Navy and in the Electoral College. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Jack Chester for his outstanding accomplishments.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is celebrating 5 years of excellence in service to the Appalachian region of Ohio; and Whereas, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio has enriched the quality of lives across the 29 counties in Appalachian Ohio; and Whereas, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, through principles based on charity and civic activism, has promoted economic opportunity and re-investment in Appalachian Ohio; and Whereas, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio has an established reputation as an organization dedicated to the betterment of Ohio by assisting individuals and organizations with programs, services and resources. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District in celebrating the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's 5 years of outstanding service.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Don Melhorn received the President's Award from the Muskingum County Farm Bureau; and Whereas, Don Melhorn has been acknowledged by the members of the Muskingum County Farm Bureau for his excellence and commitment toward farming; and Whereas, Don Melhorn should be commended for his outstanding dedication to the Muskingum County Farm Bureau and for his exceptional knowledge and expertise. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Don Melhorn for receiving the President' s Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Selena Stealey is a dedicated young woman worthy of merit and recognition; and Whereas, Selena Stealey has been acknowledged by the United States Government for her caring efforts toward Hurricane Katrina victims and their pets; and Whereas, Selena Stealey should be commended for her excellence in collecting and raising pet supplies. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Selena Stealey for her outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Marion Gatewood has been recognized for being inducted into the Muskingum County Farm Bureau Hall of Fame; and Whereas, Marion Gatewood has been acknowledged for his dedication and commitment to farming by the members of the Muskingum County Farm Bureau; and Whereas, Marion Gatewood should be commended for his outstanding dedication to Muskingum County and for his exceptional knowledge and contributions to their farming community. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Marion Gatewood for being inducted into the Muskingum County Farm Bureau Hall of Fame.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Allen R. Stanford has been recognized as the 2006 Recipient of the ``Excellence in Leadership Award'' by the Inter-American Economic Council; and Whereas, Allen R. Stanford has been acknowledged for his performance and leadership in the areas of finance and investments; and Whereas, Allen R. Stanford should be commended for his service as the CEO of the Stanford Financial Group based in Houston, Texas. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Allen R. Stanford for his outstanding accomplishments.