Devin Nunes

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, on the legislative day of Tuesday, October 5, 2004, the House had rollcall vote No. 490. Unfortunately, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the rollcall vote.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by expressing my thanks to the Committee on Resources, the gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo) and their staff for their hard work on this legislation, H.R. 3932. This bill is a simple maintenance of the law which has to be accomplished every 20 years to renew the Secretary of the Interior's authority to issue permits for the operation of a hydroelectric power facility in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. This facility was built over 100 years ago and continues to generate power today. If this authority is not renewed, power generation would be halted. This bill is critical, and I urge quick passage. Again, I offer thanks to the Committee on Resources for moving this bill quickly to the floor.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 688, which I drafted myself along with my good friends and colleagues, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardoza). The purpose of this House resolution is to thank the Portuguese people for their steadfast support in the War on Terrorism. This is particularly important to me because, being an American of Portuguese decent, I am proud to see our two countries stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight for freedom and democracy. Portugal was there to support the United States from the first hour of terrorism and continues to stand with us in our effort to bring peace and democracy to Iraq. Thanks to their courageous and valiant leadership, Portugal has continued to help our coalition forces not only in the Middle East but in Africa and Southeast Asia. From working with our intelligence agencies and also to allowing us to use the important Lajes Air Force base in the Azores, Portugal has never wavered when asked to support military missions abroad. In this day and age, the need for such a steadfast partner is key to our Nation's, and the entire free world's, fight against global terrorism. I would also like to thank the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), and others for taking an interest in this important piece of legislation. I think it is also appropriate at this time to thank and congratulate now the former Prime Minister Barroso, who has been a steadfast ally of the United States, for his new appointment as head of the EU. So, with that, Mr. Speaker, I thank the committee members again for their help on this.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to three soldiers from the 21st Congressional District who gave their lives during combat in Iraq. It is for the greater good that they joined the military, serving their country with honor and distinction. These native sons of ours played an integral part in securing peace in Iraq and giving freedom to an oppressed people. They represent the best of our community and of our military. All three men grew up from humble means, working hard to achieve in school, sports, and work. They were of good moral character, quick to stand up for what is right and to defend those who needed it--friends and strangers alike. Army 1st Lt. Osbaldo Orozco, 26, of Earlimart died when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle rolled over as his unit rushed to help others under attack near Tikrit on April 25, 2003. Lt. Orozco was a true leader and role model for those around him. He excelled in everything he did-- school, sports, and life itself--inspiring those around him along the way. Army Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell, 25, who grew up in Porterville, was shot by a sniper April 4, 2004, in Iraq as he stood in the open hatch of a tank. He was a bright young man with tremendous determination who was gifted athletically and who excelled at being a soldier. Army Spc. Daniel Paul Unger, 19, was killed by shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade as he helped Iraqi civilians take cover during an attack May 24, 2004. He loved being a soldier. He also loved to share with others the love for God he kept in his heart. He was a compassionate young man whose ambition drove him to achieve in every arena in life. Theirs was a sacrifice we cannot repay. We will cherish their memory. We will point to their selfless example. We will aspire to their bravery, and we will carry on under the liberty they defended. May God bless their souls and the families they left behind.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my condolences to First Lady Nancy Reagan, as well as the children, family and close friends of former President Ronald Reagan. Mr. Reagan was a visionary leader who guided our great country through difficult and dangerous times. He faced adversity with a smile and quick wit. He solved problems with sober determination. He gave us hope for the future of freedom and prosperity. He reminded us what it meant to be proud Americans. We mourn his loss but remember that he left us with a rich heritage of memories, ideals, and a trail of lives changed at home and abroad because of his efforts. For that, we will be eternally grateful.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, as a former member of the Tulare Chapter of the Future Farmers of America, I am proud to announce that the California FFA is in the process of building a permanent $5 million home. This building will be located north of Galt, California, on Highway 99 and will contain housing for state officers, meeting rooms and dormitories. The new FFA headquarters will provide not only needed facilities but also long-term continuity for this important organization. Indeed, many future leaders of California will have their first leadership training experiences at this facility. Funds for the project are being raised by 59,000 high school students who are studying vocational agriculture. In addition, former alumni and friends of the FFA have already contributed $1.3 million toward the project. The Future Farmers of America is an organization that contributes support to vocational agriculture students through home projects and leadership training programs. It once was mostly a rural program, for high school students of vocational agriculture. Now, many of the students are from metropolitan areas and have projects designed for a broad spectrum of urban living. I am very pleased to congratulate the FFA on this important step in preparing for and prosperous future.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Agriculture be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3997 and that the bill be re-referred to the Committee on Resources.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, two days ago the D.C. Circuit Court ordered the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to design new unbundling and wholesale rules within 60 days. According to the Court, ``This deadline is appropriate in light of the commission's failure, after eight years, to develop lawful unbundling rules, and its apparent unwillingness to adhere to prior judicial rulings.'' Given the situation and the impact that it has on my rural district and consumers across the country, I fully support this decision. The time has come for the FCC to stop playing games and adopt a set of rules that adheres to the guidelines set forth by the 1996 Telecommumcations Act. I support free market principles and feel as though Congress painted a clear pro-competition, pro-growth picture for the FCC. I also echo the sentiments of many other members of the House who feel that it is time to put some legitimacy and continuity in telecommunications regulations. For the sake of growth, development, and the rule of free market principles in the telecommunications industry, I would like to see each and every member of the House support this ruling.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to clarify a key provision in Fiscal Year 2004 Foreign Operations Appropriations which was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004. As you know, this Congress continues to be a supporter of strong U.S.-Armenian relations to include economic and related programs. In fact, this bill appropriates $75 million to help Armenia with its continued progress toward a market-oriented democratic nation. However, it is not just economic assistance that Congress is voting on today. We are also voting on a provision which expressed the intent of Congress that the U.S. Agency for International Development provides sufficient funding to establish and operate a Central Diagnostic Laboratory in Armenia that can serve the Caucasus region. Currently, there is no such resource in Armenia or the region to safeguard human health and food safety against the threat of contamination or spread of disease. I believe it is the intent of this Congress that the U.S. Agency for International Development utilize the services of the Armenian Technology Group, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, to work with Armenian officials to establish and begin operations of this Central Diagnostic Laboratory. Furthermore, I believe it is key that this work begin as early as possible so that the Caucasus region, and by extension the United States, can benefit from the protection provided by this Central Diagnostic Laboratory.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a brave young man from my home district, who selflessly gave his life trying to save a friend. On June 25, 2003, Brandon Philip Watters was at Sequoia National Park with his brother, Garet, and friends. They were swimming at ``the cliffs,'' along the Kaweah River. Brandon was enjoying a well-deserved summer break from pre-med courses at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Suddenly, Brandon noticed that his friend, Renne Suddeth, was caught in the rapids. Without thought to his own safety, he immediately dove in the water, struggling against the roiling waters. Marshaling every bit of his strength, he was able to get his nearly drowned friend to safety. Just as Garet pulled Renne from the river, Brandon was pulled underneath the turbulent water by strong currents. Recognizing the extreme peril of diving in after Brandon, who was the strongest swimmer among them, the others kept each other from jumping in after him. Brandon's courageous act cost him his life. The water was so treacherous that well-trained, experienced divers noted that it hindered their recovery efforts for more than two hours. Brandon was undoubtedly aware of the danger. We know that he would make the same decision were he given that choice again. His sacrifice is a testimony to his personal character. That was even evident as hundreds of his friends flocked to St. Mary's Church to honor his memory. His wit, intelligence, self-effacing modesty, generosity and kindness have touched many people. I urge my colleagues to join me by extending their sympathies and deepest gratitude to the family of Brandon Watters for his life and sacrifice. He will be missed.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, I rise today to recognize the contributions of a local artist, Rudy Vargas, to the community of the great Central Valley of California. Mr. Vargas was born in 1959 to Rudy and Mary Vargas and was raised on the south side of Hanford, California. His talent as an artist was recognized at a very early age by his second grade teacher, Mrs. Gump. Through his school years, he was encouraged by many to enter various art competitions. Twice his artwork even made it to the state capitol to be displayed for a length of time. Mr. Vargas graduated from high school at the age of 17. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. In just 2 short years he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. While in the military, he continued to paint in his spare time. When his tour with the Corps was over, he moved back home and began taking art and history classes at College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California. There, he met his wife, Diana. In 1984, because of Mr. Vargas' training in the military, he decided to pursue a career with the police department. He promised his wife that at the age of 40, he'd turn in his badge and begin painting again, his real passion in life. Staying true to his promise, in 1999 he quit working as a police officer for the Visalia Police Department. After 15\1/2\ years of being a cop, he went back to art. His artwork is displayed all over the United States in many military, police, and fire department offices and buildings. Today, I am paying tribute to Rudy Vargas for his many years of beautiful artwork. On this Veterans' Day in 2003, we are honoring Mr. Vargas for his beautiful mural that he painted in Visalia, California. Please join me in extending congratulations to Mr. Vargas.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and celebrate the collaborative efforts of the China Association for Expedition (CAE) and the Sino American Aviation Heritage Foundation (SAAHF) in the discovery and recovery of a historic P-40 aircraft that will forever bind America to China. At the end of 1941, the Japanese military occupied much of China. As the world was consumed by the spread of global war, a group of American pilots valiantly fought to free China from the grip of Imperial Japan. This volunteer group of young men was called the American Volunteer Group, or the AVG. The pilots in the AVG were some of the first Americans to experience combat against the Japanese in World War II. Their brave and fearless acts earned this group the respect of friends and foes alike. Their heroic deeds and dedication to the defense of the Chinese people would eventually fly them into the annals of history immortalized forever as the legendary ``Flying Tigers''. On April 28, 1942, a Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk fighter plane piloted by John Blackburn of the AVG mysteriously crashed into Lake Dianchi in Yunan, China. The lake bottom would be its resting place where it was nearly forgotten for over 60 years in the cold waters--slowly rusting away. It was not until 1997, when a group of Chinese and American military veterans and aviation enthusiasts teamed together in an unprecedented demonstration of American-Chinese relations, to locate, recover and restore this plane. On November 15, 2003, Americans and Chinese will once again join forces to commemorate the recovery of John Blackburn's P-40 from its murky grave. This priceless piece of aviation history is thought to be the only surviving P-40 fighter aircraft belonging to the Flying Tigers. This war bird once protected the skies of China from a ruthless and determined enemy, and flew in support of Chinese airmen, soldiers, guerrilla fighters and civilians. Piloted by young Americans ready to sacrifice their lives to protect the people of China at a moment's notice yet steadfast in its mission to conquer a common enemy. This P- 40 fighter plane symbolizes not only the great spirit of cooperation and trust, but also the mutual respect that existed between the American and Chinese people during World War II. Mr. Speaker, I would again like to recognize the efforts between our two countries in the recovery of this historically valuable aircraft. But even more importantly, this endeavor grants the opportunity for citizens in both our great countries to rekindle this legacy of goodwill, hope, inspiration and trust.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic sacrifice of a young man from my district, who risked and then lost his own life while saving, a friend. Michael McKeand was an avid outdoorsman and vineyard manager in Santa Cruz. On July 7, he was returning from a music festival with friends when they stopped along Highway 70 near the Feather River in Plumas County. Although the river appeared peaceful, there apparently was a strong undercurrent that swept one of McKeand's friends downstream. The 24- year-old man jumped in the water to help and eventually rescued the struggling friend. But in the process, the strong current slammed McKeand against a rock and he drowned. No one who knew Michael McKeand was surprised to hear of his selfless deed. They were, however, shocked and saddened that the swollen waters of Feather River took his life. His parents, David and Linda McKeand of Clovis, brother Steven and sister Candace, all mourn his loss, as do many other family and friends. I invite my colleagues to join me in extending sympathies to McKeand's family, and in honoring their loved one.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Fred Machado to the community and agricultural industry of the great Central Valley of California. Mr. Machado emigrated from the island of Flores in the Azores, Portugal in 1949 with his family at the age of 16. He worked as an agricultural laborer for a couple of years before joining the U.S. Navy and proudly served in the Korean War. After fulfilling his duty to his country, Mr. Machado returned home and married Maxine Finney. They purchased a farm and started a family. He was successful in both. Mr. Machado now operates a 1,500-cow dairy, along with 730 acres of diversified crops, including almonds, grapes, prunes and other field crops. Over the years, Mr. Machado has served on numerous agricultural industry boards. He was appointed to the USDA Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee during the Reagan Administration, served on the board of the California Farm Bureau Federation, as well as the Fresno County Farm Bureau. He has also served on the Fresno District Fair Board, the Fresno County Republican Central Committee, the Fresno County Cabrillo Club, the St. Jude Church in Easton and Ag One, among others. On Aug. 23, the Ag One Foundation will bestow the Community Salute honor on Mr. Machado. Proceeds from the event will establish the Ag One--Fernando `Fred' C. Machado Scholarship Endowment fund, which will benefit students pursuing a degree in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at the California State University, Fresno. Please join me in extending congratulations to Mr. Machado.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 378, do to a technical malfunction, by vote did not register. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to observe two very special events taking place in the Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park on August 23, 2003. The first is the centennial of the superintendency of Colonel Charles Young and secondly, the rededication of the Booker T. Washington Tree. Born in Kentucky during the Civil War to the parents of former slaves in 1864, Charles Young became only the third African-American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1889. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and assigned to the 1Oth U.S. Cavalry. In the year 1903, then Captain Charles Young was in charge of the 9th U.S. Cavalry and had been assigned the duty of ``Acting Superintendent'' of the Sequoia and General Grant National Parks, he was to be responsible for the supervision of payroll accounts and directing activities of rangers. That early summer Captain Young led his ``Buffalo Soldiers'' out of the cold and fog shrouded Presidio in San Francisco en route to the high sierras of Central California. Captain Young and his troopers arrived 16 days later amongst some of the largest and oldest living things on Earth and they began their historic summer working in the second national park ever created in the United States. With this assignment, Captain Young not only became the first African-American superintendent in the U.S. Park Service history but also became the driving force in forging what would become today one of the most visited and highly recognized parks in the world. During his tenure as superintendent, Colonel Young discovered and named a majestic Giant Sequoia after an individual that inspired and influenced his life, Booker T. Washington. After nearly 100 years, this tree has been rediscovered and stands as a monument to both Colonel Charles Young and Booker T. Washington. Again, I ask you to join with me today in recognizing Colonel Charles Young and the rededication of the Booker T. Washington Tree in the Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1472.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Chairman, we had a great opportunity to go up and visit the people of Kaktovik this past week because I wanted to see the differences in the fairy tales that I have heard since I have been here in the United States Congress. And today I want to highlight some of those fairy tales that we have heard today. We have heard about the Mona Lisa, that the Mona Lisa has a mustache. We have seen maps that have 28 airports on them. We have seen people hold up newspapers that compare the newspaper to the size of Alaska. We have talked about lakes disappearing because of ice roads. And now the biggest fairy tale of all is that we have an amendment offered by people, by Members of this body who have never been to this region, this beautiful region in the United States. The energy bill that I will vote for tonight is a bill that is an environmentally sound policy that put in preservation 18,998,000 acres.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent and fallen hero--James Thomas passed at the age of 82. James Thomas, or better known as Jim, was a great-grandfather, grandfather, father and loving husband. Jim was a highly decorated veteran of World War II and served in the Army Air Corps as a gunner. After numerous heroic missions over the skies of Europe, Jim's plane was shot down. This led to his capture and he was subsequently held as a Prisoner of War (POW) until Allied Forces liberated him. Jim played an active roll in our local community and has been a role model for many around him. He was a member of several farm organizations and military associations to include: the American Ex- Prisoners of War; the American Legion; AMVETS; and the Tulare Historical Society. Jim was also an active member of the First Church of God and volunteered year after year at the World Ag Expo in Tulare. Jim is survived by his wife, Eleanor Thomas; his children, Mike Thomas, Jannette Hill and Carol Kemp; his brothers, Raymond and George Thomas; and eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Thomas was a personal friend and mentor whom I knew my entire life. I will never forget the many lessons he taught me about war, agriculture, personal integrity and perseverance. Today, I honor this brave soldier and family man.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Nagorno Karabakh on the 15th Anniversary of the Karabakh Freedom Movement. As many in this body know, February 20, 1988 is considered to be the beginning of the modem day national liberation movement of the people of Nagorno Karabakh. On that day, the Nagorno Karabakh legislature officially petitioned the Soviet government to reunite with Armenia. This sparked weeks of demonstrations by tens of thousands of people around Nagorno Karabakh to show their desire to live in freedom. This same commitment to liberty lay at the foundation of the American nation. Today, Nagorno Karabakh clearly satisfies the international criteria for statehood with a democratically elected government, capable armed forces and an independent foreign policy. With such, they strongly contribute to peace and stability in the South Caucasus region--a goal the United States shares with them. Over the past number of years, Congress has expressed its support for the Nagorno Karabakh--from the beginning of its struggle to shrug off Soviet totalitarianism to their fight against Azerbaijan's aggression to post-war rehabilitation assistance. I strongly believe this is the right path and will continue to do all I can to give critical assistance to Nagorno Karabakh. Again, I offer my congratulations to Nagorno Karabakh.

Mr. NUNES

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take the first of many steps to improve the water situation in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Today, the San Joaquin Valley continues to face a water crisis in which our water supplies have become inadequate to meet expanding needs. Demands by domestic users, industry, and environmental needs continue to grow with no relief in sight. One of my top priorities in Congress is to address this water crisis and begin the long process of constructing much needed water storage for the Central Valley. Today, I have introduced the San Joaquin River Restoration Act which will take the first step to construct a major storage facility on the Upper San Joaquin River. This legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of increasing water storage capability on the Upper San Joaquin River. Furthermore, this legislation directs the Secretary to investigate the feasibility of increasing power generation, improving water supply reliability and quality, improving water management efficiency, and improving ecosystem function and flood control on the river in the area of Temperance Flat. This new storage capability on the San Joaquin River will go a long way to meet the needs of the 15,000 farmers in Madera, Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties. While my efforts to increase storage capacity on the San Joaquin River are vitally important to our water future, it must be part of a larger water storage plan. In the coming decades, the growth in our Valley will only worsen our water crisis. Now is the time to increase our water storage and efficiency for the future. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the San Joaquin River Restoration Act.