Ed Pastor

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to an outstanding fellow Arizonan who is an exemplary role model for Arizona and the nation, Mr. Ed Delci. Ed Delci is a committed and tenacious individual who recently received the Exemplary Leadership Award at Valley del Sol's Annual Profiles of Success Leadership Awards in Phoenix. Valle's award ceremony is the premiere Latino recognition event in Arizona each year that acknowledges Arizona's leaders and their contributions. As an academic advisor at Arizona State University, Ed has dedicated himself to helping young people succeed in their pursuits of higher education. He inspires young Hispanics to succeed in their studies, graduate from ASU and maintain an active involvement in their community. I believe he has positively impacted the graduate rate of Latinos at ASU. He also has been the principal advisor of ASU's MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Aztlan) chapter for many years. Due to Ed's dedication, the group has become a vibrant and forceful organization that received the Student Organization of 1999 and Social Conscience of 1998 and 1999 awards. At ASU, he also is involved in the Cesar Chavez Leadership Institute for Youth and the ASU Concilio, a student-led council of Hispanic students. But his work does not end off campus. A former Peace Corps volunteer, Ed is one of the hardest working Latino ``activistas,'' or activist in Arizona who truly exemplifies the ``servant leader'' concept. Originally from Chandler, Ariz., he galvanized the community to fight against the city of Chandler for the unfair detainment of Mexican- American citizens by city police. In 1998, Ed organized the Chandler Coalition for Civil and Human Rights to help Chandler residents explore issues around immigration and to launch a lawsuit against the city government. He has also championed for issues significant to the Latino community as part of the Arizona Hispanic Community Forum. In addition, he works with the Arizona Friends of the United Farm Workers and Centro de Amistad in Guadalupe, Ariz. Not only is Ed a tireless worker in education and civil rights issues, he spends many hours volunteering for voter registration and political campaigns. He leads by example, working hard in any type of activity that is needed, such as setting up sound systems, driving and talking to voters, walking door-to-door to obtain petition signatures, setting up tables and chairs and putting them away. He is not afraid of doing the ``dirty work'' when needed. As you can see, Ed leads by example. He is truly an outstanding individual who deserves to be recognized. Therefore I ask you to please join me in thanking my friend Ed Delci and wishing him continued success.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to draw attention to the accomplishments of a woman who has long been an activist for all Arizonans and who has is at the ready when it comes to championing for the Latino community and the issues that affect them. The woman of whom I speak is Ms. Lorraine Lee, a good friend and an invaluable community leader in southern Arizona. Ms. Lee has been the vice president of Chicanos Por La Causa in Tucson for the past 15 years. She is a much esteemed leader who has worked diligently on empowerment, self- sufficiency and goal attainment for not only members of the Tucson community but, Chicanos nationwide. Recently, Lorraine was recognized at Valle del Sol's Annual Profiles of Success Leadership Awards. Valle's award ceremony is the premiere Latino recognition event in Arizona each year that acknowledges Arizona's leaders and their contributions. Lorraine received the Special Recognition Award for her efforts in spearheading the anit- Unz initiative in southeastern Arizona and nationwide. This initiative is named after the man who started the movement against bilingual education in California. In Tucson, Unz is trying to bring the same movement to Arizona. But in Tucson, the birthplace of the first official bilingual education program, Lorraine has initiated efforts to raise social awareness in ethnically diverse segments of the community. She is currently working with several community representatives in organizing a coalition to ensure that the Unz initiative does not appear on this year's upcoming ballot. This effort consists of educating citizens from the public and private sector, including politicians and youth, about the importance of bilingual education programs. But beyond the issue of bilingual education, Ms. Lee has been a well- respected activist in Arizona who does not shy from leadership roles and is ready to take on new challenges to strengthen the Latino community. That is why I ask you to join me in paying tribute to my friend Lorraine Lee and in wishing her great success.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, commercial growth along the southwest border increased at such a rate as to render current infrastructure resources obsolete in dealing with the volume of commercial traffic comfortably, economically and efficiently. Between 1990 and 1995, the border town of San Luis, Arizona witnessed a population increase of more than ninety percent, from 4,212 to 8,026. The combined population of San Luis and its sister city in San Luis, Sonora, Mexico is 350,000. Since 1924, San Luis has served as a port of entry between the U.S. and Mexico. In 1998, the port experienced average daily crossings of 360 commercial vehicles, 7,500 private vehicles, and 5,865 pedestrian crossings. The average delay experienced by a commercial vehicle is nearly 2 hours. Delays for private vehicles can be of similar length depending on the time of day. Current port facilities are unable to expedite the current volume of traffic, and the increasing volume will only make a bad situation worse, unless efforts are made to reroute commercial traffic. Today I am introducing legislation that authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to transfer lands to the Greater Yuma Port Authority as a first in a series of steps toward building a new port of entry to clear commercial traffic through San Luis, Arizona. This legislative measure has the support of the parties that make up the Grater Yuma Port Authority such as Yuma County, the cities of San Luis and Somerton, and the Cocopah Indian Tribe. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. I rise before you and my colleagues today to ask you to join me in paying tribute to a woman who is described by friends as ``La Super Chicana,'' Mrs. Hilda Ortega-Rosales. Hilda recently received an Exemplary Leadership Award at Valley del Sol's Annual Profiles of Success Leadership Awards in Phoenix. Valley's award ceremony is the premiere Latino recognition event in Arizona each year that acknowledges Arizona's leaders and their contributions. Raised in a south Phoenix barrio, Hilda was the third child of eight children. As she grew up, Hilda cared for her brothers and sister, put in long days to attend school, helped with household chores and worked in a vegetable packing house to earn money. Even today, she has not shortened those long days and always finds a way to fit in numerous volunteer hours in addition to her job as Customer Service Director for American Express Merchant Services. Currently, Hilda sits on the city of Glendale Planning and Zoning Commission. Other volunteer posts have included Commissioner for Glendale Parks and Recreation Department, District Chair for the Arizona State University (ASU) Legislative Network Committee and Board Chair for Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., in Phoenix. From presidential to school board elections, Hilda has tirelessly given countless hours of her personal time to political campaigns. Other organizations which have benefitted from her community involvement include Los Diablos, the Hispanic Alumni Association for ASU; Mujer, Inc.; United Way; Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and ASU's Hispanic Mother/Daughter Program. Taught by her parents to give back to her community, Hilda's volunteerism and dedication also is compelled by her desire to promote social justice, political power and economic development for Latinos. She is an exemplary role model for our country and someone who has personally made a significant impact on the Latino community. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, Hilda's community service has been immense. She has instilled the importance of community responsibility in family members and many individuals who look up to her. Therefore, I am pleased to pay tribute to Hilda Ortega-Rosales and I know my colleagues will join me in thanking her and wishing her continued success.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. I rise before you today to pay tribute to a man who has been a lifelong example of the courage and patriotism of the Latino soldier, Mr. Silvestre Herrera. Mr. Herrera is one of the few Mexican- Americans to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor. In Arizona, Mr. Herrera recently received the Hall of Fame Award at the Valle del Sol's Annual Profiles of Success Leadership Awards. Valle's award ceremony is the premiere Latino recognition event in Arizona each year that acknowledges Arizona's leaders and their contributions. Silvestre's courageous actions in World War II display acts of great personal and physical sacrifice to support his fellow soldiers during combat in France. Then PFC Silvestre S. Herrera, Company E, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, attacked two enemy strong points and captured eight enemy soldiers. He paid a high price for his bravery. He stepped on a land mine and had both feet severed. But despite intense pain and unchecked loss of blood, he pinned down the enemy with accurate rifle fire while a friendly squadron captured the enemy gun by skirting the minefield and rushing in from the flank. In addition to being a two-time winner of a Profiles of Success award--he first won in the Special Recognition category--Silvestre has used his position as a recipient of one of the nation's highest honors for heroism to promote the Latino community in everything he does. From speaking to schoolchildren to representing veterans in military parades, he continues to give selflessly to the community of his time and wisdom. Although he has been honored numerous times for his magnificent courage, extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice, I ask you to again join me in paying tribute to a man who is a symbol of the courage shown by Mexican-Americans during our nation's wars. Please join me in thanking him and wishing him continued success.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding Hispanic leader in the Tucson community, Mr. Peter Alonso Granillo. Because Mr. Granillo has had such a positive impact on the business environment for Hispanics and because he has generously supported many charities within the Hispanic community, he has been named the 1999 Hispanic Businessman of the Year by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Granillo has been a recognized leader within the Hispanic business community for many years. His concern for improving the business opportunities available to minority contractors led him to found the National Association of Minority Contractor's Southern Arizona Chapter. His work with this group has helped it grow into one of the most important business networks for Hispanics in Arizona. He currently serves as its President. Mr. Granillo's local success with the organization has brought him to national prominence and he currently serves as the third Vice-President to the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC)--National Chapter. In addition to Mr. Granillo's own successful business activities and the success he has generated for the NAMC, he has been instrumental in expanding the influence and success of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the South Tucson Business Association. Both of these organizations have benefited greatly from his leadership and business acumen. Mr. Granillo has also encouraged Hispanic businessmen and businesswomen to work within the already established business networks. He has led the way in joining and in developing relevant membership opportunities within the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and in the American Subcontractors Association. Fortunately for many charities, Mr. Granillo's business commitments have not taken all of his time and energies. He has been a member, supporter and contributor to the Old Pueblo Optimist Club, the Knights of Columbus and the South Tucson Weed & Seed Committee. His work with the South Tucson Weed & Seed Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, has helped the program achieve recognition as possibly the best Weed & Seed Program in the nation. Aside from his efforts with established community service organizations, Mr. Granillo has a personal project that he organizes each Christmas: a bicycle drive for the low income children of South Tucson. Through this drive, he obtains up to 100 new bicycles and then delivers them to the children on Christmas Day. Mr. Granillo is a citizen worthy of national recognition for his many contributions to his community, his state and his country. I applaud his efforts to organize and address the concerns of minority business people, especially minority business contractors. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing one of our most enterprising and committed Hispanic business leaders, Mr. Peter Alonso Granillo.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. John Lopez, an Arizona native and Hispanic-American leader. Recently, Mr. Lopez' company, Lopez Foods, Inc., was named the 1999 National Minority Manufacturing Firm of the Year by the U.S. Department of Commerce. After beginning his career as an owner-operator of several McDonald's restaurants, seven years ago, Mr. Lopez sold them and obtained controlling interest of the company that now bears his name: Lopez Foods, Inc. As one of the select few beef and pork suppliers for McDonald's restaurants, this Oklahoma City company plays a vital role in the success of more than 25,000 McDonald's restaurants. As the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lopez Foods, Mr. Lopez has guided his company to great success. Under Mr. Lopez' leadership, this firm has steadily expanded their workforce diversity program. As a result, currently, nearly 55 percent of Lopez Foods employees are minorities. Because of his efforts, first as a McDonald's owner- operator, and now as the head of Lopez Foods, Mr. Lopez was selected by the National Hispanic Employee's Association as its 1997 Entrepreneur of the Year. Throughout his career, Mr. Lopez has worked tirelessly to promote economic progress for minorities well beyond his own firm. He is a member of several influential boards, including: the McDonald's Supplier Diversity Council, the Oklahoma City Latino Community Development Agency, the National Advisory Board of the Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources, and the National Minority Supplier Development Council. I applaud the Commerce Department for recognizing the outstanding efforts of Mr. John Lopez, and for designating Lopez Foods, Inc. as its 1999 National Minority Manufacturing Firm of the Year. In closing, I commend this gentleman for all of his admirable accomplishments and societal contributions.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ray Arvizu's recent election to Chair the Board of Directors for the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC). I am confident that the experience, knowledge and passion Mr. Arvizu brings with him will ensure the continued growth and effectiveness of the USHCC. For more than 15 years, Mr. Arvizu has pledged his time and talents to promote and elevate marketing to Hispanics. In recent years, Mr. Arvizu has guided his company, Arvizu Promotions and Marketing Events, in Phoenix, Arizona, onto the short list of Arizona's most successful ad agencies. From the beginning, hard work and dedication to be the best have been Mr. Arvizu's hallmark. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Arvizu has been active within the Hispanic and local communities throughout his career. He currently serves on several distinguished boards, including: the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix, Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and the Grand Canyon Minority Council. He is also the Co- Chair of the National Community of Latino Leadership Forum and prior to his election to Chair the USHCC, Mr. Arvizu served as the Vice-Chair of the Chamber. As the former Vice-Chair of the Chamber and successful businessman, Mr. Arvizu has demonstrated the foresight and creative energy which make him an asset in all his endeavors. Without a doubt, these traits will serve him well as he continues to fulfill the USHCC mission: To advocate, promote and facilitate the success of Hispanic businesses. I wish him the best of luck as he leads the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce into the new millennium.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Esther Don Tang and Ms. Patti Tang Crowley, this year's recipients of The Arthritis Foundation's Humanitarian Award. In Tucson, Arizona, the names of this outstanding mother and daughter team are synonymous with community service, caring and activism. Between them, they have dedicated almost 100 years to meeting the needs to Tucson's children, minorities, elderly, chronically ill, and economically disadvantaged. Additionally, both women have worked diligently to improve educational opportunities and cultural enrichment in Southern Arizona. To list their many memberships, awards, and recognitions of accomplishment would take several pages. Such a listing, although most impressive, would not truly convey the magnitude of their tenacity, positive attitude and goodwill toward others. Their wit, charm, and warmth are legendary and have been their greatest weapons in their fight to make life better for others. These ladies have earned the respect and admiration of all work for social justice and aiding those in need. These women have shown what can be accomplished when compassion, empathy and kindness transcend the family unit and are shared with the community. I am proud that this mother-daughter team has been such an ambassador of caring for the Tucson, Pima County and Southern Arizona community. I applaud The Arthritis Foundation for recognizing the outstanding efforts of these amazing women and for designating Ms. Esther Don Tang and Ms. Patti Tang Crowley as its 1999 Humanitarian Award recipients. In closing, I commend these ladies for all of their admirable accomplishments and especially their societal contributions.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, more than 60 years before the European settlement in Jamestown, Virginia and more than 80 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado marched across southeastern Arizona in search of the fabled Seven Cities of Gold. To supply Coronado's expedition, Captain Hernando de Alarcon commanded three ships through the Gulf of California into the mount of the Colorado River. Spanish explorer Hernando de Alarcon became the first European to venture into what is now the southwest portion of the United States just below the confluence of Colorado and Gila Rivers. There they made use of a geological formation in the Lower Colorado consisting of two massive granite outcroppings, known to us as the Yuma Crossing. Alarcon's voyage is the first European discovery of the Colorado River, and the Crossing became a natural bridge which played an important role in the western settlement of the United States. Father Eusebio Francisco Kino mapped supply routes to California through the Yuma Crossing, a route that would be used in many expeditions and by many colonists. Using the knowledge pioneered by Father Kino, Captain Juan Bautisma de Anza led more than 200 settlers and herds of livestock across the treacherous Colorado River using the Yuma Crossing. Once across, Anza traveled westward across the desert to San Gabriel then turned north and established the town of San Francisco in 1776. Kit Carson traveled the Yuma Crossing as he carried dispatches between California and New Mexico to report on the United States' successful military conquest of California in the war with Mexico in 1846. It was during the War with Mexico that Lt. Col. Phillip St. George Cooke used the Yuma Crossing to establish the Gila Trail, a passageway used by California's gold seekers, pioneers, ranchers, farmers and military. Yuma Crossing became a strategic military location following the Mexican War. Settlers and the Quechan Indians fought for the rights to hold ferry operations across the Colorado. In 1852, Fort Yuma was established to keep the peace between settlers and the Quechans. In addition to its strategic military importance, Yuma became a major port town and transportation hub. Steamboats were used to freight supplies, as were stagecoach and camel caravan. But as Yuma grew, more sophisticated modes of transportation were demanded, the outgrowth of which resulted in the development of the Southern Pacific railroad. With the establishment of the Southern Pacific, Yuma established itself as a major connecting point in the westward expansion of our country. Today, the City of Yuma has a population of 60,000 residents, and it ranks behind Phoenix and Tucson in population. Aside from its rich history, it is endowed with unique ecological resources. With its rare combination of arid desert landscape, rugged mountains and river wetlands, the natural environment of the area is fascinating. it is the uniqueness of this mix of desert, riparian and aquatic habitats that have brought the citizens of the City of Yuma and Yuma County to seek to designate Yuma Crossing as a National Heritage Area, the first to seek such a designation west of the Mississippi. Designating Yuma Crossing as a National Heritage Area will help preserve Yuma's early heritage and highlight Yuma Crossing's importance to opening the American West to exploration and settlement. The designation will also serve to preserve and protect its vital wildlife habitats and wetlands areas. Yuma Crossing is a vital link in our nation's heritage, and it is for these reasons that I am proud to introduce legislation that proposes to designate Yuma Crossing as a National Heritage Area. I urge my colleagues to support my legislation to preserve an important part in the history of the Wild West.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back the balance of my time, I would like to take a few minutes to thank the Subcommittee on Legislative staff on both sides of the aisle. They worked very hard to get this bill done. I also would like to thank the chairman, who was very fair as we worked this bill through from subcommittee to conference. We worked in a bipartisan manner. I want to thank the gentleman for doing that. I congratulate him on this conference. I would also ask my colleagues to support and adopt the conference report. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I urge an aye vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for bringing the motion to instruct, but I have to inform the House and the Speaker that approximately 2 hours ago the conference on this particular bill concluded, and but for a technicality that it may not have been filed, the discussion and the instructions are moot, I would tell the Members. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey).

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Taylor), the distinguished chair of the Subcommittee on Legislative.

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

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey).

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I know that the staff was about to file it, and I do not know whether or not it has been filed, but everyone was trying to get this thing filed. There was a unanimous consent to file it by midnight. Maybe the chairman of the committee could add to that.

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

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Chairman, first of all, I want to commend the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for bringing forth a fair, bipartisan bill through the subcommittee and also through the full committee, and I want to thank him for working with us and congratulate him on the bill. There are two issues that are addressed in this bill that I would like to take a few minutes to talk about. One deals with an issue that he talked about and it deals with the issue of truck safety on our highways. He should be commended for bringing that issue forth and highlighting it. We had a hearing in which we had interest groups that were making presentations at that hearing, and there were several options that were proposed. One would be to strengthen the Office of Motor Carriers to ensure that the enforcement of safety becomes its objective. Also, the possibility of creation of an office within the Department of Transportation whose only objective would be truck safety. There are several hybrids. The most recent one that I read about was former Congressman Mineta's proposal and suggestion what we can do and should adopt in terms of strengthening the enforcement of truck safety on our highways. So I commend the chairman and I look forward to working with him to resolving this issue. The other issue that I would like to commend the committee, the ranking member, and also the chairman is the issue of truck safety as it deals with our borders. The Inspector General, in a report, told us that California seems to have adequate safety inspection along the borders, but Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona are lacking somewhat in terms of ensuring that the trucks coming across from Mexico meet all the safety standards. The chairman and the ranking member have addressed this problem by providing monies so that the Department of Transportation would have additional Federal inspectors at the borders and also would provide monies to the States so that they could establish facilities where we could conduct these safety inspections. I hope that as this bill goes forward through the House to conference that the issue of truck safety at the borders will be addressed with additional resources made available to the States and additional Federal inspectors also being made available to the border. I congratulate the ranking member and the chairman for a great bill and move its adoption.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, fifty years ago, on June 18, 1949, Peggy and Foster Burton were married in Wheeling, West Virginia. Peggy is the daughter of Larry Gideon, a first generation American of Austrian immigrant parents and Blanch Van Kirk, whose American roots date to the 17th century New Amsterdam colony and Scotch-Irish settlement in Pennsylvania. Foster is descended largely from Scottish Highlanders with Scotch, English and Irish ancestors. Foster Burton was born in Wheeling, West Virginia. He served three years in the United States Marine Corp before receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1946. Dr. Burton earned bachelor degrees in Civil Engineering and Industrial Management from Carnegie Tech. He then earned his Master of Business Administration from New York University and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Burton accepted a teaching position in my home state, at Arizona State University (ASU), where he served as a professor of the Del Webb School of Construction for 24 years. Peggy Burton was born in Washington, Pennsylvania. Her family moved to Wheeling when she was fourteen. Mrs. Burton received both her Bachelors degree in Fine Arts and Master of Education degree from ASU while maintaining a household with three children. Mrs. Burton was the first official Director of the Tempe Historical Museum. She also served as the Exhibition Coordinator for ASU's Public Events Division. Since their retirement, Peggy and Foster Burton's primary source of enjoyment has been their five grandchildren. Now their three children, Foster, Margaret (Meg) and Elizabeth, carry on their parent's legacy of service to Arizona. In this day and age, it is rare to see couples with the fortitude to remain committed to each other and truly honor their wedding vows. The Burton's dedication to their family, community and each other is an inspiration to all Americans. I know that my fellow members will join me in wishing them a sincere congratulations for their fifty years together.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and it is an honor to introduce to my colleagues and welcome to the House Monsignor O'Keefe from Yuma, Arizona, who is one of Arizona's greatest assets. Monsignor Richard O'Keefe was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest on June 14, 1959, in Ireland. Two months later he found himself serving as an associate pastor in Douglas, Arizona, and ever since that time has continued to reside in Arizona. For the past 27 years, Monsignor O'Keefe has faithfully served my constituents in Yuma, Arizona, and for the last 17 has served in the capacity of pastor of Immaculate Conception Church. I have to tell my colleagues that he is a man who works with all segments of the community. He knows how to bring all of us together to solve the problems and bring a better quality of life to our community. His philosophy is that our government, as well as its citizens, must ensure that all residents of Arizona be given equal and fair treatment. Monsignor's vision and commitment to education is evident, for his tireless work towards building the first Catholic church high school in Yuma. Monsignor O'Keefe is a friend, a confidante and a great asset not only to Yuma County, but to all of Arizona. On behalf of the Congress, Monsignor, we thank you for your service to your church and to your country.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Orion International Technologies, Inc., the 1999 recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year award. Since its formation in 1985 by cofounders Dr. Miguel Rios, Jr., and his wife Maria Estela Rios, numerous Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, have come to rely on Orion's technical excellence and proven contract performance. In addition to the company's commitment to technical achievement, Orion's highly dedicated staff and allegiance to customer service and satisfaction are the foundation for this company's success. Although headquartered in Albuquerque, NM, over the last 14 years, Orion has experienced controlled, continuous growth, which has resulted in the establishment of satellite offices in Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, Texas, and Virginia. This success and growth would not be possible without the outstanding leadership, vision, and talents of Dr. and Mrs. Rios and Mr. Felix Sanchez. Under Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Miguel Rios, Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Felix Sanchez, and Executive Vice President for Governmental Affairs Mrs. Maria Estela Rios, Orion has become one of the Southwest's premier providers of high-quality engineering products and services. Orion's success did not come overnight, but through hard work and perseverance this small business achieved the American dream. I, for one, am inspired by this accomplishment.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) for the purpose of a motion. Motion To Rise Offered By Mr. Obey

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Chairman, I would ask that every Member of this House who knows his or her staff the best give some thought to see how this amendment would affect their personal staff, and realize that the impact and the hardship will be borne by the men and women that we bring up here. We ask them to work hard, and they deserve a better break. Mr. Chairman, I would ask opposition to this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.