Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Madam 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.R. 3830.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a very heavy heart. This past Sunday, good friends of mine, the Picini family from Las Vegas, Nevada, lost their son, 19-year-old John Picini, Jr., in his sleep. My prayers and my thoughts go to the Picini family for the loss of a loved one which is hard to imagine, as a father myself. I know how difficult a time it is, and I will provide for the Record words of his Aunt Terry Murphy, also one of my best friends, regarding her heartfelt thoughts at the loss of John Picini, Jr. The words of Ms. Terry Murphy, referred to above, are as follows: John Joseph Picini Jr. Man. Boy. Brother. Son. Cousin. Friend. Dude. Musician. Angel. Amazing. Loving. Giving. Kind. Adorable. Sweet. Sad. Happy. Fun to be with. Inventive. Creative. Peaceful. Beautiful. Sensitive. These are all the words to describe John Picini Jr. Two days before his birth, John nearly didn't make it into this world. Upon arrival, we all learned about the Duffy Factor, a blood disorder which made his entry into the world a bit more difficult than most. As we all watched John grow, we never ceased to he amazed at who he was becoming. At who he did become. When he made music, he was transported to a different plane and he took along with him all who watched and listened. He carried us away. Only a very evolved soul can so profoundly move people with his own creations and John's were beyond amazing. John was graced with an unusual sensitivity. Webster's dictionary defines sensitivity as the capacity of being easily hurt, and the awareness of the needs and emotions of others. This sensitivity was the foundation of his creative abilities. It was also the foundation of what made us all love him to the core. When John suffered the accident that damaged his knees, he turned his pain into comfort for others. His first act after receiving compensation for his injuries was to give his mother a gift of $2,000.00 to be used for a research program which was designed to, and did help people. He then set up a big Texas Hold-em game. Upon learning that a friend of his mother had no money to pay her rent, he took the money from the game, gave it to his mom and told her to pay the rent, but not to tell the woman where the money came from. Giving selflessly and without expectation of gratitude. That was John. He took great joy in giving. And in his life he gave us more than he ever knew. John took his own pain and turned it into good fortune for others. This is truly a lesson to all of us in what living is about. A statue of St. Francis of Assisi stood in John's house. From St. Francis, John learned that it is in giving that we receive, in comforting that we find comfort, in giving faith that we find it, and in loving that we are loved. So much did John enjoy giving that he went to a party at the Oasis Center for Children at Christmas time and gave each child a card, a hug, and twenty dollars. He did this again on Valentines Day. These actions represent the very essence of John Joseph Picini Jr. If we can define a man by the music he loves, we can define John as a peacemaker and a poet. His heroes--John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Harry Chapin, Bob Dylan. All peacemakers and poets. All but Dylan, taken from this planet long before their time. John will be watching and loving us from his new home with the angels. He was, after all, an angel flying too close to the ground as Willie Nelson would say. We who are left behind have been forever changed for knowing John. And we will be forever changed for having lost him. He is, without a doubt, surrounded with warmth and love and light in the arms of God the father, his son Jesus Christ and the Blessed Mother. They're holding him and keeping him safe. He will live forever in our hearts and he'll have no tears in heaven.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, there are many areas throughout the country that have extremely high tourism rates. The local law enforcement agencies of these areas have the difficult task of providing services to these tourists on top of their responsibility to the base population. For example, the city of Las Vegas has a population of over 534,000 people; however, over 40 million tourists a year visit Las Vegas. Local law enforcement is responsible for the safety of these visitors, which places a huge financial strain on the various police departments. With that in mind, would the chairman agree that one factor in awarding grant money should be the disproportionate amount of tourists an area has related to that area's base population?

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the chairman for his offer and look forward to working with him.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary in a colloquy. Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding that included in the Department of Justice reauthorization are measures that will ease the administrative burdens that exist for State and local governments and provide them greater flexibility to spend the money they have been awarded from the various grant programs. Is that correct?

Mr. PORTER. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of a great American, Commander Deidre McLay. I honor her today for her service to our nation in the United States Navy. Commander McLay recently assumed command of the USS Farragut, which is the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer. CDR. McLay is only the sixth woman in naval history to command a destroyer and is the first commanding officer of the USS Farragut and its 383 officers and enlisted personnel. Commander McLay is from Boulder City, Nevada and was commissioned via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program in 1986. She graduated from the University of Colorado with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. While serving in the United States Navy, she has earned a Masters of Science in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and a Masters degree in National Security Affairs from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Commander McLay's most recent operational assignment was as Chief Staff Officer, Destroyer Squadron Thirty-One, where she deployed as part of the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group for Operation Iraqi Freedom. During her earlier tour as Executive Officer in USS Spruance DD 963 she was deployed for six months to Standing Naval Force Mediterranean, operating with ships of eight NATO nations. Commander McLay has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and various service and campaign awards. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I salute Commander McLay for her service and dedication to our great nation.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. PORTER. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, again, I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this great bill today, but I think we can add a few things. We send our children off to school every day and we trust that our teachers are the best and the safest and the best trained in the country. Unfortunately, there are a small few, a number of teachers across this country who are slipping between the cracks. In the State of Nevada, we hire about 1,400 to 2,000 new teachers a year. Unfortunately, some States are not able to share information regarding the criminal activity of these particular teachers.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3736, Katrina Volunteer Protection Act. This legislation will provide much needed legal protection for those charitable Americans volunteering in the Hurricane Katrina rescue and recovery effort. It is imperative that when thousands of selfless volunteers respond to those who have incurred the wrath of a natural disaster that legal liability need not be hanging over their heads. Currently, there is vast uncertainty from state to state about what defines legal protections for volunteers, especially when volunteers from one state travel to another to help out their fellow citizens. Under current law volunteers who are not working with an official nonprofit organization are not covered by the Volunteer Protection Act. Therefore, there are absolutely no legal protections for the average American who wishes to volunteer. This legislation will correct that gap in the law while at the same time continue upholding the penalties against those who act in a willful, reckless or criminal manner or who violate a State or Federal civil rights law. Further if a volunteer's home State has a law on its books that provide greater liability protection, then this legislation would defer to those stronger protections. This legislation will clear the way for all those Good Samaritans, who live in our great Nation, not to have to worry about lawsuits when they volunteer. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this legislation.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker would like to voice my strong support for S. 252. As a cosponsor of the House-introduced version of this bill, H.R. 542, I am well aware of the positive impact the transfer of this land will have on the University and Community College System of Nevada. Located in Reno, Nevada, this tract of land, known as the Dandini Research Park, is currently restricted under the provisions and authority of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act. If this bill were to be signed into law, the Board of Regents for the University and Community College System of Nevada would like to turn this land into a University-sponsored research park that would provide science-based economic development, technology transfer, and the furthering of intergovernmental, academic and industrial partnerships in Nevada. Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to speak on this important bill.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Bonnie Rinaldi. Bonnie recently retired from the position of Henderson's Assistant City Manager on July 14th, and will be sorely missed by all. Bonnie's public service spanned almost 30 years, starting as an intern in North Las Vegas. Since her intern days, Bonnie served in many aspects of city government, including assistant city manager for Clark County, before accepting the position of Assistant City Manager for Henderson in 1999. I have known Bonnie for many years and consider her a good friend. I have also tremendously enjoyed working with her. Her intelligence and personality made her a strong and effective leader throughout Southern Nevada. Those who worked with Bonnie sometimes referred to her as ``the little engine that could,'' skipping from meeting to meeting without missing a beat. Bonnie's life philosophy is that, with some determination and hard work, anything could be accomplished--a quality that will continue to take her far in life. I wish Bonnie the best of luck in her retirement. It will be hard to imagine the City of Henderson without her.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my support for the PATRIOT Act. As we all learned on September 11, 2001, terrorists will use any and all means available to them to attack the United States of America. Since its passage following the September 11 attacks, the PATRIOT Act has played a key role in a number of successful operations to protect innocent Americans from terrorists. The PATRIOT Act removed major legal barriers that prevented the law enforcement, intelligence, and national defense communities from talking and coordinating their work to protect the American people and our national security. Now FBI Agents, Federal prosecutors, and intelligence officials can protect our communities by ``connecting the dots'' to uncover terrorist plots before they are completed. Simply put, the PATRIOT Act allows the United States to become proactive, rather than reactive. Mr. Chairman, the simple truth is that while key provisions of the PATRIOT Act are set to expire, as we have learned twice in the past two weeks from events in Great Britain the terrorist threat that faces the world will not expire. Southern Nevada is visited by over 35 million people each year; many of these tourists are our friends from foreign countries. Unfortunately we have learned that mixed in with these friendly tourists are some who wish to inflict harm on our Nation. This sentiment is supported by the fact that we now know that planning meetings of the 9/11 hijackers took place in Las Vegas. While this may not be a perfect bill, I do believe that the legislation before us today reflects a compromise that includes the proper balance between security and privacy to face the challenges of the current world we live in as well as the necessary safeguards to protect our fellow citizens against an over-encroaching government. I understand and appreciate the privacy concerns that have been expressed by many and will continue to protect civil rights and insist that the proper and regular oversight exists when possible infringements on Americans' civil rights are concerned.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Central American Free Trade Agreement. The Central American Free Trade Agreement. We use this acronym frequently, CAFTA. It is Central America, our brothers and sisters and the future of the world when it comes to the corridor for an economic base that is unlimited into South America and Central America. Exports to Central America from my home State of Nevada grew 56 percent from 2000 to 2004, far higher than the 16 percent average increase. In 2003 alone, Nevada experienced an 88 percent increase with significant gains in machinery, computer and electronic manufacturing. Manufactured goods accounted for 69 percent of Nevada's exports to Central America. Not only will the passage of CAFTA immediately eliminate tariffs on 80 percent of exports on Nevada's manufacturers; it will also abolish all remaining tariffs within 10 years, including the tariff on chemicals, electronic equipment, machinery, and transportation equipment. Mr. Speaker, Central American Free Trade Agreement, the future economic base of the world is Central and South America.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Bob Abbey. Bob recently announced his retirement from 32 years of Government service--25 years with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) alone--a career that all Americans should thank him for. I represent a State where the Federal Government owns and controls almost 90 percent of our land. Although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency and the U.S. Forest Service oversees parts of Nevada, more than 48 million acres of public lands in Nevada were controlled under Bob's leadership at the BLM for over 8 years--a large feat for anyone to undertake. As Nevada's BLM Director, Bob was influential in ensuring that Nevada's public lands are preserved for future generations by taking an active leadership role in restoration and conservation projects, such as the Great Basin Restoration Initiative. Despite the monumental tasks he was often presented with due to the diverse nature of Nevada's landscape, Bob was always able to understand the importance of long- term goals so that our children's children can someday enjoy ``wild Nevada.'' Thank you, Bob Abbey, for your hard work and dedication as Nevada's BLM Director. Your love for our State is evident and appreciated, and I join with all Nevadans in wishing you a happy retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Lucille Salter, as she celebrates her 100th birthday. It is my great pleasure to commemorate this milestone for a woman who is a pillar in her community of Boulder City, Nevada. Mrs. Salter arrived in Boulder City in l931 at the height of the Great Depression. She spent time working for the telephone company, the Federal Government, and the City of Henderson. Today, Mrs. Salter lives with her husband, Ross Salter, in Henderson, Nevada and enjoys visits from her grandchildren and playing bridge. She leads a full life and is admired by her many friends for her willingness to help in any way she can. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege to honor Lucille Salter and give her my deepest thanks for her contributions to the Southern Nevada community. It is my hope that those that have been touched by her giving spirit will remember her example and use it in their own lives.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th anniversary of one of southern Nevada's first Spanish-language publications, the El Mundo. I would also like to recognize the dedication and perseverance of my longtime friend Eddie Escabedo, El Mundo's founder and publisher. What began as a truly local community newsletter has grown to a newspaper that reaches 50,000 Nevadans and many more through radio and television affiliations. I applaud Eddie and all of those who have assisted him throughout these 25 years. The service that you provide the Spanish-speaking community in southern Nevada has benefited us all by demonstrating our common needs, despite our diversity. Eddie, it was great to see you in Washington last week. Your efforts to provide our Spanish-speaking students with information on the resources available to them to continue their education are truly an invaluable service. I look forward to working with you on the Hispanic Scholarship Directory long into the future. I congratulate you and El Mundo on this milestone and wish you all the best of luck in the next 25 years. Eddie, I am proud to call you a friend. Congratulations.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I raise a point of order against section 607. This provision violates clause 2(b) of House rule XXI. It proposes to change existing law and, therefore, constitutes legislation on an appropriation bill in violation of House rules.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in support of House resolution 282 and encourage members of the International community to continue to aggressively condemn anti- Semitic actions and statements. For over sixty years, world history and international perspectives have been shaped by the painful reminders of the events of World War II. Blind eyes could not hide the effect racism had during the Holocaust that affected millions of Jewish men, women and children. And now, many years later, I join with others to continue to remind the world community to resist the small seeds of hate that once led to the attempted annihilation of an entire race of people. More now than ever, we must all take a proactive stance against views that promote racial, religious and ethnic intolerance. America's past is certainly imperfect. However, the lessons of the past remind us that through these imperfections we were able to unite and build alliances that promoted a stronger and wiser nation. I now call upon the International community to also build alliances and word for peace by actively condemning the increasing culture of anti-Semitic views and religious intolerance.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sympathy that I rise today to mourn the passage of Mr. Jimmy Pettyjohn, Jr. and to pay special respect to the family he left behind at his untimely passing on April 28, 2005. Mr. Pettyjohn embodied the definition of a leader and statesman, leaving an indelible mark on the Southern Nevada Community. Indeed, the contributions he made throughout his life stand as a simple symbol of humility and integrity to those who will examine his life and seek to emulate his spirit of service. Mr. Pettyjohn affected many people in so many positive and uplifting ways from his varied and personal contributions to such groups as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Las Vegas Southwest chapter of Rotary International, the Boys Scouts of America and the youth golf organization First Tee of Southern Nevada to his endless dedication as owner of his own insurance business. Through these organizations and countless other causes, one can clearly see how great and generous a person he was and how much a void his absence will be to the Las Vegas Community. Mr. Pettyjohn is survived by his wife, Gina; daughters, Ashton and Cheyanne; sons, Jimmy C. III and Chazton; father Coy; mother Sonya; sisters, Patty Lattuga and Pam Gardineer, both of Henderson; and brothers, Jaime of Jupiter, Fla. and Jerry of Henderson. Truly, I will miss his friendship and his presence will be missed by all who knew and loved him or simply had the opportunity to meet him.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the memory of a fellow Nevadan. Mr. Glynn Dunlap passed away at the age of eighty-three after bringing smiles to the faces of small children for the past twenty years. Glynn Dunlap became well known in the Las Vegas valley and by children across the country through his artwork and devotion to young children plagued with terminal cancer and other terminal diseases. I know that he will be missed. Mr. Glynn Dunlap was born in Herculean, Missouri, in 1922. He later moved to California as a commercial artist and retired to Boulder City, Nevada. Upon his retirement, he and his wife begun working with mentally-challenged children. Mr. Dunlap noticed the determination and hard work in these young kids and began making certificates of achievement to honor their efforts. After giving a certificate one day in 1985 a child approached him for a cartoon; thus began a new passion. For the next twenty years Mr. Dunlap drew cartoons for any child who asked. Shortly after he began drawing for children, Mr. Dunlap joined forces with such organizations as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Candlelighters. His son, Don Dunlap, said he dedicated so much time to those kids because it brought joy to those who were suffering; he did it ``to see a kid smile.'' Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to extend my gratitude for Mr. Dunlap's many contributions and to honor the wonderful memory of this excellent role model. I know that Mr. Glynn Dunlap will be missed, but not forgotten, especially by all the families he helped cope during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hal and Tina Smith for the dedication they have shown to each other over their 65 years of marriage. On June 1, 1940, Hal Smith and Tina Ball were married. Through 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 4 (soon to be five) great-grandchildren, they have been a shining example of unconditional love and mutual respect for each other and those they come to meet. This dedication to, and respect for, each other has been the key to a successful marriage for all these years. During their life together, they have raised a beautiful family--a family strengthened by the strong morals and humanistic values they embodied for their children. They have lived their lives free from regret and have persevered and overcome any trial that has come their way. Hal and Tina have always held family to be paramount and have engendered this legacy of love in their children. Aside from the strong family values that they have demonstrated, they also have a love of travel, and they have always emphasized the importance of learning and education in their family, which echoes their strong belief that they must leave this world a better place than they found it. Tina expressed this through her work with museums; Hal through his political career. Mr. Speaker, these 2 individuals have been like a second set of parents to my wife, Laurie and I. They are a very important part of our lives. Their great influence has been a constant in our lives as they have loved and supported us over the years and throughout my political career. We are proud to be among the privileged group they call their friends. Their commitment to each other and to their community is deserving of recognition and honor, so it is a pleasure for me today to salute this marvelous couple. I encourage all of my colleagues to salute such wonderful examples of family values, like Hal and Tina Smith.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose the Markey Amendment to H.R. 2419, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006. This amendment would cut $5.5 million from nuclear reprocessing and $10 million from nuclear waste disposal to facilitate interim storage of nuclear waste. Mr. Chairman, the Federal Workforce and Agency Organization Subcommittee of which I chair is currently investigating the alleged falsification of documents and computer models at the Yucca Mountain site. What my investigation has uncovered so far is deeply disturbing and could very well lead to compromising the validity of the entire site. If that is the case, then interim storage will be necessary. As opposed to waiting for that date, it is important that we act proactively and begin the process to identify these interim sites across the United States. While I find it troubling that the Committee has decided to appropriate over $600 million for Yucca Mountain, I am encouraged that they have recognized the need for legislative language citing the need for interim storage for the reasons that my Subcommittee has already uncovered. I may also take a moment, Mr. Chairman, to publicly acknowledge my opposition to Yucca Mountain and my support for any site, interim or permanent, outside of my district and the State of Nevada.