Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Denise Ashbaugh in commemoration of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Denise is a 17-year survivor of breast cancer who has dedicated herself to the fight to eradicate breast cancer. Denise has exhibited unparalleled commitment to the push for breast cancer awareness in Southern Nevada. She has served both as the vice president and president of the Las Vegas, Nevada, Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. She has organized volunteers to conduct fundraising events, educational events, support groups and early detection programs. Denise also participated in establishing the MammoVan, a state-wide program to provide mammography to underserved and uninsured women, and a local news station's buddy check program. At the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's National Headquarters, Denise was the National Spokeswoman for the Cure. She also served as Special Program Director of Board Breaks for the Cure, a national fundraising and breast cancer awareness program that she conceived and developed. She represented the Foundation on national talk shows, ad campaigns, speaking engagements, and local news networks. Denise's dedication and commitment to this cause has not only increased awareness in her own community, but nationwide. Currently, Denise is involved with breast care specialists and other experts in developing a breast prosthetic device that can be worn immediately after mastectomies. She is personally working to provide these devices free to underserved breast cancer patients. As a result of her activism, Denise has been designated as a Lifetime Honorary Mrs. United States and has received numerous other awards including the Governor's Certificate of Commendation. Throughout her years of extensive commitment to the fight against breast cancer, Denise has maintained a balanced family life. She is a loving wife and mother of two outstanding children. Through her example, she has instilled in her children the importance of community service, civic involvement and positive activism. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor Denise Ashbaugh on the floor of the House today. Denise has not only made a difference in our community through her commitment to breast cancer education and fundraising, but she has been a beacon of hope for countless women and families who have confronted the challenges of breast cancer. Her tireless dedication and unwavering optimism, despite her own health challenges, is truly admirable. I commend Denise for her leadership in the fight against breast cancer and I thank her for her incredible commitment to this most important cause.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Larry ``Doc'' Moses for his service to his country and his community. Larry was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa and is a product of the Des Moines School System. After studying at Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri and Drake University in Des Moines, Larry decided to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Following his tour of duty in the Marine Corps, Larry obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in History and Education from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Following the completion of his Master's program, Larry obtained a teaching position in Idaho Falls, Idaho. After one year, Larry moved to Las Vegas where he pursued and earned his Doctorate in Education from UNLV in 1983, and entered educational administration. His first educational administration post was as a principal in Yerington, Nevada, followed by a vice-principalship in Moapa Valley, other assistant principal positions in Las Vegas, and culminating in the principal's position at Moapa Valley High School, where he opened the new school in 1993. Larry retired in 1997 and immediately became involved in the historical restoration business. His perseverance and determination led to the restoration of the Old Logandale School, the old Overton Gymnasium, and the old Overton Hospital--all of which are now being (re)used as valuable community resources. Larry has also been an active member of Rotary Club and serves on the Overton Power District Board of Trustees and is a perennial part of the annual Clark County Fair operations. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friend Larry ``Doc'' Moses. His years of service to his nation and community are admirable. I applaud his efforts and with him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my good friend Paul C. Fisher, who passed away on Friday, October 20, 2006. Paul was a genius and a dreamer, an advocate of the scientific technique in social sciences and a philosopher. Paul is most well known for his invention of the ``space pen'', which was first used by NASA on Apollo 7 in 1968. Paul was the recipient of the Governor's Distinguished Nevada Business Award in 1989. As a result of his marketing and manufacturing efforts, Paul was presented with the Governor's Industrial Appreciation Award as Exporter of the Year in 1996 by Nevada's Governor Bob Miller. Paul was also a public servant. He was an outstanding example of a civic and community minded person that I had the privilege of knowing and interacting with during his many years as a resident of southern Nevada. Throughout the years, Paul demonstrated his passion and pride for both his community and country. Having twice run for the President of the United States, he was a strong advocate of economic and tax reforms to better the lives of our Nation's poor. Paul also ran for U.S. Congress in Nevada in 1986 and in Illinois in 1954. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of my good friend Paul C. Fisher. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of ideas that would help improve conditions for mankind. I applaud all his efforts; he was truly a distinguished humanitarian and will be profoundly missed.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of E. Steven Smith, who passed away on Monday, October 16, 2006. Dr. Smith, a leader in forensic dentistry, was the founding dean of the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, the first dental school in the State of Nevada. He oversaw the school's founding from 1999 until 2002, when the first students entered the school. When he moved to Las Vegas to lead the dental school, Dr. Smith began volunteering his time and expertise with the Clark County coroner's office in examining dental records. His efforts often provided closure for family members who may otherwise not have know the fate of a missing loved one. Dr. Smith was also the founder of the Crackdown on Cancer Initiative. This body would travel to schools throughout Nevada to warn students about the effects of tobacco on the mouth, providing an invaluable public service. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of E. Steven Smith. Under his leadership, Nevada now has a world class institution for Dental Medicine education. His amalgamation of professional success and community activism is exemplary. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Melanie Teemant for her outstanding achievements as a seventh-grade teacher. On October 18, 2006, Melanie was named 2007 Nevada Teacher of the Year for hard work and dedication to her young students at Bob Miller Middle School in Henderson, Nevada. The award was presented by the Department of Education and it is also part of a nationwide program from the Council of Chief State School Officers. As part of the award, Melanie was given a key to the city of Henderson and she is entered in the nationwide competition for teacher of the year. She is given a trip to the Nation's capital in April, during which she'll have the opportunity to meet President Bush. Melanie was also awarded a trip to Huntsville, Alabama, this summer where she will be visiting a NASA space program. Once a year, Melanie holds a performance entitled Dancing Through the Decades, where she gives her students a chance to share some of what they learned in her reading class. She heads the school's teacher mentor program, which is designed to help new teachers acclimate to the school as well as helps them develop lesson plans and reviews classroom management skills. Melanie is active in afterschool activities, such as student council, guitar club, and the scrapbook club. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ms. Melanie Teemant for her commendable devotion to improving the lives of her students. Her perseverance and dedication is an admirable trait. I applaud her efforts and I wish her luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of United States Army Private First Class Phillip B. Williams who was killed on October 9, 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Private First Class Williams was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Infantry Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. During his service, Private First Class was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. For his bravery on October 9th, Private First Class Williams was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Combat Action Badge. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of United States Army Private First Class Phillip B. Williams. Private First Class Williams made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while defending democracy and freedom. He was a true patriot who served the United States of America with valor and courage. I am saddened by his loss and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John B. Bright for his service to our Nation's veterans. John was appointed by the Veterans Health Administration as the Director of Veterans Affairs of the Southern Nevada Healthcare System in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 1, 2006. He was previously the Associate Director since May 6, 2005. Prior to his appointment in Las Vegas, John was the Chief Financial Officer at the VA Facilities at Big Spring and Amarillo, Texas since 1998. He has also been the Chief Financial Officer at Phoenix, AZ and Reno, NV. He began his career in 1985 at the VA in Seattle, WA and served in management positions at VA Hospitals in Durham, NC, Prescott, AZ, Battle Creek, MI and San Antonio, TX. John is a Veteran who served in the United States Army from 1972 through 1975. As Director of the Southern Nevada Healthcare System, John has continually advocated for the construction of the new Las Vegas Veterans Hospital Complex. John is devoted to our veterans in Southern Nevada and goes above and beyond to ensure that veterans receive care. He has always been a remarkable resource to the Congressional Delegation and their staff. Dedicated public servants like John understand the contributions that our Nation's veterans have made and are an indispensable component of the veterans' healthcare system. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor John B. Bright. His long and distinguished career in service to our Nation's veterans is commendable. I applaud him for all his hard work and success.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Toni Clark-Finuf for her dedication to the community of Las Vegas. Toni, known throughout town as ``The First Lady of Las Vegas,'' helped her late husband, Wilbur Clark, establish the prominent Desert Inn Hotel and Casino. The fifth resort on a 2-lane highway, now the Las Vegas Strip, with 300 rooms and a 3-story tower opened on April 24, 1950. On October 23, 2001, Toni watched as her late husband's hotel was reduced to rubble in order for the now-popular Wynn Hotel and Casino to be erected. In 1958, the Fashion Foundation of America named Toni to its 10 Best Dressed Women in America. She was among a small group who helped high- fashion designs from Paris and New York become stock in the forum shops of Las Vegas. Toni was also a civic leader who spent seven decades sponsoring and promoting cultural arts as well as other philanthropic work in Las Vegas. Her and her husband donated land to the Catholic Church, now the location of the Guardian Angel Cathedral. Toni and Wilbur traveled throughout the world as goodwill ambassadors, praising the virtues of Las Vegas to various presidents and kings as well as Pope Pius XII. In January 2000, Governor Kenny Guinn presented the honor Nevada Ballet Theatre's Women of the Year to Toni during the Black and White Ball. Seven years ago, Toni was diagnosed with progressive super nuclear palsy, a rare neurological disease. Sadly, on October 4, 2006, Toni passed away. She was 91. Toni contributed a great deal to her community. She will truly be missed by everyone she touched. Her service and care helped shape Las Vegas into the thriving metropolitan city known today and we thank her for all her service.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Troopers Eddie Dutchover, Rosell Owens, and Shawn Martin for their roll in the apprehension of Warren Jeffs, one of the most wanted men in America. On Monday August 28, 2006, Trooper Eddie Dutchover pulled over a maroon Cadillac Escalade along the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 for a routine traffic stop. Upon questioning the passengers of the vehicle Dutchover noticed discrepancies in the accounts given by driver Isaac Jeffs and his passenger--fugitive prophet Warren Jeffs, leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Isaac Jeffs had just consented to a search of the Escalade when two other troopers, Rosell Owens and Shawn Martin, arrived. The three troopers conducted a comprehensive search of the vehicle and discovered: $67,500 in $100 bills; at least 14 cell phones; a radar detector; two global positioning system units; laptop computers; half a dozen pairs of sunglasses and three wigs--one blond, one black and one brunette. Warren Jeffs, formerly of Colorado City, Ariz., was wanted on sexual abuse charges stemming from marriages that authorities say he arranged among minors and was one of the FBI's 10-most wanted. Due to the diligence and investigative prowess of these Nevada State Troopers one of the most dangerous men in America is now in custody and will be held accountable for his actions. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Troopers Eddie Dutchover, Russell Owens, and Shawn Martin. Their actions on the evening of August 28, 2006 relieved the American people of one of its most wanted criminals. These three individuals are excellent examples of the service that America's first responders provide for this country. I applaud their actions and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ann Schreiber for her community leadership and efforts on behalf of the State of Nevada. Ann is a founder of the Muddy River Regional Environmental Impact Alleviation Committee (MRREIAC). Through Ann, this community based organization has contributed greatly to the Overton and Moapa Valley, Nevada communities by eradicating tamarisk plants, a non-native species to the area. I applaud Ann today for all of her hard work and dedication to removing this Western lands nemesis. In 1994, MRREIAC was established in order to protect the Muddy River, a spring fed river that flows from the upper part of Moapa to Lake Mead. During its inception, MRREIAC grappled with ways to remove the tamarisk plants that encased the Muddy River and left this important water source for rural Nevada a dry bank. A single tamarisk plant can consume hundreds of gallons of water daily and their abundance throughout the West is a pervasive problem. Without being formally educated on the process of how to remove this invasive species, Ann sought the assistance of Clark County, Nevada Power, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and other various volunteer organizations. Through trial and error Ann and MRREIAC were able to successfully remove tamarisk plants which had once before choked out the native plant species. Today, water flows freely down the Muddy River and native species live and thrive. I applaud Ann and MRREIAC for their initiative and for successfully employing inmates from the Indian Springs Correctional Facility. Not only did these inmates receive vital work skills, but they were able to contribute to the overall success of MRREIAC's initiative. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ann Schreiber for her relentless dedication to her water conservation efforts and to the safety of her community and the State of Nevada. She is an example to all of how one person's dedication to a cause can create lasting change. I wish Ann all the best on her future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Mr. Kenneth Mahal for his outstanding service to his community and to his country. Ken is a retired architect who is licensed to practice in 50 States, District of Columbia, Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom. He has a wealth of academic experience, having graduated from the University of Minnesota, the Architecture at Chicago Technical College, and the Harvard International Business School in Vevey, Switzerland. Ken has also served in the military during War II as a fleet radar countermeasures director on aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga. At age 30, Ken served as a volunteer to the Bloomington Planning Commission, where he served as vice chairman for 6 years. During his tenure with the planning commission, Bloomington, Minnesota, won the Best Cities Award twice. Because of his insistence for strong zoning, a strategic piece of land was saved until the world renowned Mall of America was built there. As former C.E.O. of Ellerbe Architects and Engineers, the 8th largest firm in the U.S., Ken developed sales and marketing of architectural and engineering services, creating the first professional firm in this field. The firm developed sales projection marketing plans, which computerized fee projections. Ken also owns L.K. Mahal & Assoc., a consulting firm specializing in concept design to real estate search. The firm provided full service design and construction oversight, plus served as a consultant to the Children's World Day Care centers and franchise project development. For 25 years, the firm represented the University of Notre Dame. Some other clients include the NIH Medical Center Washington, DC, Mayo Clinic as well as assisted in the UNLV Medical Center expansion project. Presently, Ken is president of the Nevada Seniors Coalition, NSC, and writes a monthly column for Vegas Voice. As president, Ken focuses the organizations efforts on local growth issues such as air, water and traffic concerns. NSC also works on State and national issues for seniors, their children and grandchildren, enhancing the conditions of our senior citizens. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor my good friend Mr. Kenneth Mahal for his steadfast commitment to his community and to his country. I wish him luck with all of his future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carl E. Lovell, who succumbed to cancer on Thursday, September 21, 2006. Carl served the people of the City of Las Vegas and the citizens of Nevada in a number of profound ways. He was widely recognized during his professional career as the youngest City Attorney in the Nation for the City of North Las Vegas and the youngest elected City Attorney in the Nation at age 28, for the City of Las Vegas. After starting his own firm in 1970, Carl became very active in the international arena for Estate and Asset Protection Planning, even representing the United States in international trade and law talks with Beijing, China in 1987 and tried cases before the United States Supreme Court. Carl was very involved in a number of civic organizations. He was a founding member and President of the Nevada Donor Network, Vice President and Director of the Southern Nevada Better Business Bureau, Chairman of the the National Consumer Affairs Committee for the National City Attorneys Association. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Carl E. Lovell. His professional success and philanthropic efforts should serve as an example for us all.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael ``Mick'' Gillins for his exemplary service in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, LVMPD. As a 19-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metro Police, Mick has a long history of admirable service and is a hero in the very essence of the word. In September, 1989, Mick arrested a suspect that had stolen military explosives that were intended to go to gang members. For this, Mick received a ``Job Well Done'' citation from the LVMPD. In January, 1992, Mick was nominated by the LVMPD for the American Legion Police Post #55 ``Outstanding Officer of the Year'' award; although he did not win this award, he was given a letter of Commendation from then Sheriff, John Moran. Mick's dedication and service has affected countless lives; most noticeably on December 27, 1991 when he saved a drowning child's life by administering CPR. When Mick arrived on the scene, the child was clinically dead; but due to Mick's expertise the child was revived and suffered no brain damage. For his heroism, Mick received the ``Exemplary Service Award'' from the LVMPD, the ``Life Saving Award'' from Mercy Medical Services, and the ``Community Service Award'' from the Las Vegas Fire Department. Recently, Mick was injured in the line of duty, On May 23, 2006, Mick was finishing up a traffic stop when he was struck by a car while sitting on his motorcycle. He sustained a broken left leg and two bulging disks in his lower back. The driver of the car that struck him was charged with driving under the influence, and toxicology reports indicated that she had more prescription drugs in her system than prescribed. I also worked personally with Mick during my time as a Nevada State Senator. Mick spent a number of sessions at the Legislature for the LVMPD and the PPA, lobbying on behalf of his fellow officers. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Michael ``Mick'' Gillins. His commitment to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and to the Las Vegas Community has improved countless lives. I applaud his dedication and I wish him a speedy recovery.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend John Rinaldi, who is retiring after a long and distinguished career with the City of Henderson, Nevada. John is an outstanding example of a dedicated and supportive community-minded person that I have the privilege of representing in the Third Congressional District. John joined the City of Henderson in October 1989 as Property Manager and City Surveyor and was promoted in July 2004 to Manager of the Office of Property Management and Redevelopment in the City Manager's Office. He formerly directed the City of Henderson's real estate interests; administered the sale, purchase, and lease of property for public use and city-initiated enterprise projects; and oversaw the Redevelopment Agency's efforts in three separate districts: Downtown, Tuscany, and Cornerstone. John graduated from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture-- Landscape Design. John is a registered Water Rights Surveyor in Nevada and a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in Nevada, California, and Oregon. He is a published author of several articles on land surveying and an instructor, presenting papers at national conferences, classes and seminars. In addition to his academic success and accomplishments, John is also a member of several organizations such as the Urban Land Institute, International Right-of-Way Association, American Public Works Association, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, and the Nevada Association of Land Surveyors. John is also a graduate of the 1998 Clark County Leadership Forum. John has allowed these experiences to strengthen his philosophies and ideologies of community, integrity, and professionalism to strengthen his moral code and leadership abilities. John is well regarded for possessing a strong moral character which has guided him successfully through his years of public service to our community. His commitment and passion for building a better Nevada reflects the type of person that he is. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friend John Rinaldi. He has worked tirelessly for the last 17 years on behalf of the residents of the City of Henderson, and I applaud his efforts and dedication. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Expedia.com, the world's number one online travel provider, for their business and service contributions to the tourism and travel industry. Expedia delivers consumers everything they need for researching, planning, and purchasing a whole trip. The company provides direct access to one of the broadest selections of travel products and services through its North American Web site, localized versions throughout Europe, and extensive partnerships in Asia. Serving many different consumer segments--from families booking a summer vacation to individuals arranging a quick weekend getaway, Expedia provides travelers with the ability to research, plan, and book their comprehensive travel needs. Expedia-branded Web sites feature airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rental, cruises, and many other in- destination services from a broad selection of partners. Expedia.com provides more than 25 million travelers per month the opportunity to research, plan and book their own travel accommodations. Travel opens our minds and hearts to different cultures, places and people. As Mark Twain wrote: ``Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it solely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one corner of the earth all one's lifetime.'' In this Nation, travel and tourism is vital to our health and well- being as a strong and vibrant economy. It is the 1st, 2nd or 3rd largest employer in 29 states and Washington, DC, thereby creating 7.3 million travel-generated jobs. October 23, 2006 marks the 10-year anniversary of Expedia.com, an innovative online travel company which maintains significant operations centers in Las Vegas with over 300 employees; I congratulate Expedia.com as one of the world's leading online travel providers with 25 million visitors to its site monthly and for its efforts to broaden this exciting, valuable industry. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Expedia.com. Over the past decade, Expedia.com has made significant contributions to the travel and tourism industry, the economy of my state, and the overall travel experience.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to submit a resolution that would support the goals and ideas of a National Plan Your Vacation Day. I have introduced this resolution today because I believe that vacations play an important roll in creating a lifetime of memories that may be shared between individuals, friends, and families. Furthermore, travel opens our minds and hearts to different cultures, places and people. As Mark Twain wrote: ``Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it solely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one corner of the earth all one's lifetime.'' Travel is vital to our health and well-being as a strong and vibrant economy. The southern Nevada area is one of the top American and international tourist destinations. The city of Las Vegas has earned a reputation as the convention capital of the world. In 2005, the city hosted 22,154 conventions, attended by some 6.2 million people. In fact, two-thirds of every dollar spent in the State of Nevada is a product of the tourism industry. With the advancements in technology, making travel arrangements to visit Las Vegas or other destinations has never been easier. In fact, in this new broadband world, where businesses need not be built on brick and mortar, we have seen a transformation and evolution to online commerce. For example, October 23, 2006 marks the 10-year anniversary of Expedia.com, an innovative online travel company which maintains significant operations centers in Las Vegas with over 300 employees; I congratulate Expedia.com as one of the world's leading online travel providers with 25 million visitors to its site monthly and for its efforts to broaden this exciting, valuable industry. Congress should encourage American workers to benefit from their hard work by taking time to travel and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It is for these reasons that I take great pleasure in asking my colleagues to join me in supporting the goals and ideas of a National Plan Your Vacation Day.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to clarify my ``yes'' vote on Final Passage on the Conference Report H.R. 4954 SAFE Port Act. My ``yes'' vote is in full support of all the necessary Homeland Security and Port Security provisions included within the legislation, however, I do not support the inclusion of the non-germane and unnecessary prohibition on Internet Gaming. I am strongly opposed to the inclusion of this language and long felt that Congress does not have a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of this issue. It is based on this lack of knowledge that I introduced H.R. 5474, The Internet Gambling Study Commission Act. It is imperative that Congress fully understand the facts of internet gaming before coming to any rash decisions. The purpose of my bill is: To establish a commission to study issues posed by the continued spread and growth of interstate commerce with respect to Internet gambling. Although U.S. federal and state governments insist that online gambling is illegal, in reality it is thriving. There is a huge disconnect between current government policy and reality. Millions of U.S. residents gamble online every day without the protection of reliable regulatory structures that ensure age and identity verification, the integrity and fairness of the games, or that responsible gaming policies are followed. Neither U.S. federal nor state governments receive tax revenues from online gaming. Disrespect spreads for laws that are neither enforced nor evidently enforceable against an activity that enjoys wide and growing popularity. The online gaming industry creates no jobs in the United States and American businesses earn no returns from online gambling. Current inconsistencies in U.S. Internet gambling policy could lead to sanctions by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Again, Mr. Speaker, I am opposed to this inclusion of this language and look forward to working with my colleagues to enact my legislation, or some similar type of study legislation in the future.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Walter M. Higgins III for his leadership as CEO of Sierra Pacific Resources, the parent company to both Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company. Walter's first career was as a U.S. naval officer. After obtaining a nuclear science degree from the U.S. Academy, he served as a nuclear submarine officer. After ending his active military service, Walter remained a naval reservist, ultimately retiring as a captain after a total of 29 years of service. The transition from military service to a civilian career was relatively easy for Walter, who obtained a position with Bechtel Corp., which was designing and constructing nuclear power plants, From there, he worked at the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Portland General Electric and Louisville Gas & Electric. He expected to remain in Louisville as the CEO for Louisville Gas & Electric throughout the remainder of his career, but was surprised when utility companies began recruiting him. He subsequently accepted a job with Sierra Pacific Power Co. in 1993. He then moved to Atlanta to head a natural gas company, only to return to Reno in 2000 as CEO of Sierra Pacific Resources. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friend Walter M. Higgins III. I applaud his professional success and efforts on behalf of the community; he has greatly enriched countless lives with his activism. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Rod A. Davis for his leadership as CEO of St. Rose Dominican Hospital. Rod attended college at Idaho State University, majoring in business administration with an emphasis on information systems. Following college, he began installing IBM computer systems in hospitals, where he says he ``started catching the spirit of hospitals really helping people . . . and thinking this would be an excellent career.'' Today, Rod oversees the operation and direction of three St. Rose Dominican Hospitals in Southern Nevada for Catholic Healthcare West, a not-for-profit, religious-based and non-tax-supported hospital system. St. Rose's is a major healthcare employer in Southern Nevada, with a current payroll of more than 2,100 workers. As St. Rose's CEO, Rod has stabilized operations and overseen the creation of the Barbara Greenspun WomensCare Center of Excellence, the launch of Henderson's only open-heart surgical and pediatric intensive care center program, and the development of numerous outreach programs. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friend Rod A. Davis. Under his leadership, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals have expanded tremendously and have greatly enhanced the lives of countless citizens of southern Nevada. I applaud his success and with him the best with his future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Judy Tudor for her outstanding service as a social worker, helping the abused and neglected children in her community. Judy understands the fear and turmoil associated with being removed from her parents' home and placed into foster care. When she was 15 years old, Judy was placed in Las Vegas' residential facility for abused and neglected children, Child Haven. Judy thanks the State's social welfare system for their intervention and maintains that their actions directly contributed to her personal and professional development. Her experiences within the social welfare system propelled her into a life of community service and inspired her to pursue a career as a social worker. In addition to being a former ward of the state, she is also physically handicapped. Shortly after entering Child Haven, Judy suddenly lost all feeling from the chest down. She was diagnosed with a type of transverse myelitis, a neurological syndrome caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. Judy has served the state of Nevada in a number of different capacities as a social worker; having served as a foster care case manager for the state and a supervisor for child protective services in Clark County. Most recently, Judy was promoted to assistant manager of the Clark County Department of Family Services, where she supervises the investigations of child abuse and neglect of 130 case workers. Because of her personal hardships, Judy holds a genuine belief that the best measure to take is the one that is best for the child. She also believes that the system can always improve in order to put those in need first. Judy feels empathetic to the children in her cases, with each case helping her to feel as if she has achieved her ultimate goal of giving back to her community. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ms. Judy Tudor. I commend her for her exceptional service to Clark County and the entire state of Nevada. Her dedication has enriched countless lives of children across the state. I applaud her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1009 which seeks to promote greater public awareness of effective runaway youth prevention programs and the need for safe and productive alternatives, resources and supports for youth in high-risk situations. I would like to thank the leadership for allowing this resolution to come to the House floor as it highlights a very tragic and important issue. Runaway episodes among our Nation's youth are serious and widespread, with one out of every seven children and youth in the United States running away or being turned out of the home before the age of 18. A recent study by the Federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention estimates that nearly 1.7 million youth experienced a runaway or thrown away episode in a single year. The prevalence of runaway and homeless youth in the Nation is astounding; with studies suggesting that between 1.6 million and 2.8 million young people live on the streets of the United States each year. The primary factors of running away or being turned out of a home are severe family conflict, abuse and neglect, and parental abuse of alcohol and drugs. In the district that I represent in southern Nevada, the statistics are similar. In the year 2003, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported 4,527 runaways. There were approximately 3,500 children who required emergency shelter. Eighteen hundred of these children were placed in foster care. In addition to that, the Clark County School District estimates that 3,500 of our students were homeless. These astonishing statistics highlight the need for our support of those important programs that seek to prevent these types of incidents. Many of the conditions that lead young people to leave or be turned out of their homes are preventable through interventions that can strengthen families and support youth in high-risk situations. Successful interventions are grounded in partnerships among families, community-based human service agencies, law enforcement agencies, schools, faith-based organizations and businesses. The National Network for Youth and the National Runaway Switchboard have collaborated since 2002 in cosponsoring National Runaway Prevention Month during the month of November. National Runaway Prevention Month is a public education initiative aimed at increasing the awareness of issues facing runaways as well as making the public aware of the role they play in preventing youth from running away. As a result of this collaboration, communities across the country have undertaken a range of activities to commemorate National Runaway Prevention Month. Preventing young people from running away and supporting youth in high-risk situations is a family, community and national concern. Please join us in encouraging all Americans to play a role in supporting the millions of young people who have run away and who are at risk of doing so each year. H. Res. 1009 supports efforts to promote greater public awareness of effective runaway youth prevention programs and the need for safe and productive alternatives, resources and supports for youth in high-risk situations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Ray Giunta for his compassionate support for families and victims in times of crisis. Ray is an ordained minister of the Evangelical Church Association, has a Bachelor's Degree in social work from the California State University in Sacramento and a Bachelor's in Pastoral Studies from Borean University. Not too long after graduating, Ray co-founded We Care Ministries with fellow minister Jeff Jones. We Care Ministries is a nonprofit Christian social service organization that dedicates its time to helping individuals and communities cope with the trauma of crises, from slayings and accidental deaths to high-profile tragedies like hurricanes, school shootings, and terrorist attacks. Since its existence, approximately 15,000 people have been touched by the Crisis Intervention team with physical, emotional, and prayer support. Most recently, Ray aided several displaced families of Hurricane Katrina by providing $11,000 in rental fares for the bus that brought the evacuees from Gonzales, LA to Henderson, NV. His congregation also supplied the families with toiletries, cell phones, gift cards to department stores, and shelter in homes of church volunteers. Ray has worked with a number of agencies, including FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Association), the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. He has worked to provide relief at a number of different disaster sites, including: earthquakes in San Francisco; the Oklahoma City bombing; New York after 9/11; and several hurricane disaster areas in Florida and Louisiana. Ray also has counseled families and friends at school shootings in Texas and California as well as corporate mass shootings throughout the Nation. When he isn't aiding distressed families and friends, he serves as the Encouragement Pastor at Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, NV, where he oversees a congregation of 8,000 members as well as the community outreach programs to the city. As pastor, he trains sympathetic, willing volunteers with the tools necessary to provide exceptional spiritual support for those in need. Ray has received numerous awards for his compassionate care, including ``Investigator of the Year'' during his time as a criminal investigator. He also accepted the California Governor's ``Heroes in Health Care'' Award and the ``Good Samaritan'' Award from the American Red Cross. The California State Legislature also recognized him for his outstanding service in Oklahoma City and New York. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor Reverend Ray Giunta for his generosity and selflessness to numerous people during some of the most tragic events in today's world. On behalf of the Las Vegas community, I thank him for his caring attitude and wish him luck in all of his future deeds.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my good friend Damon Ohlerking, who succumbed to cancer on July 5, 2006. Damon was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa on September 23, 1945. A graduate of Iowa State University, with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in landscape architecture, Damon worked in Iowa, California, New Mexico, Minnesota, Oregon and Illinois before coming to Boulder City 10 years ago as the City's urban forester. Under Damon's leadership, the City underwent numerous beautification projects, and his vision changed the face of Boulder City. Damon's efforts resulted in Boulder City winning the 2002 National League of Cities' James C. Howland Award for Urban Enhancement for all cities in the country under 50,000 population. Damon, a Vietnam War Veteran, also sought to share his knowledge with future generations through his service as an adjunct professor of landscape architecture, at the School of Architecture, University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV). Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Damon Ohlerking. He was a man of vision who greatly enhanced the lives of the residents of Boulder City, and he will be greatly missed by the entire community.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Norman L. Dianda for his leadership as President of Q&D Construction. Norm is a native Nevadan, having graduated from Reno High School and then serving 6 years as a machinist in the Nevada Air National Guard. Following his tenure with the Nevada Air National Guard, Norm founded Q&D Construction with his friend Lawrence Quadrio. Over the years, the business grew into the 1,000-employee company that it is today, and has added several divisions along the way. Norm also believes that giving back to the community is necessary. Over the years he has served and continues to serve on numerous committees and boards. One of the projects that was special to Norm was the relocation and restoration of Huffaker Elementary School, which he attended as a youth. Norm also regularly donates to 10 non-profit organizations. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Norman L. Dianda. His professional success with Q&D Construction and his philanthropic undertakings should serve as an example to us all of what constitutes good citizenship. I applaud him for his success and with him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Jennifer Ritz for her outstanding work as a Clark County school teacher. Jennifer currently holds three different certifications as a Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) at the elementary and middle school levels in elementary education, math and science. She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education and is a National Board Certified Teacher. This fall, Jennifer is working as an educational computing strategist at Lied Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada. She gained a computer application endorsement, giving her a total of five different education certifications in addition to her BA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor Ms. Jennifer Ritz. Her dedication and enthusiasm has greatly enriched the lives of her students. I thank her for her continued commitment to enhancing the educational experiences of her students and wish her luck in all of her future endeavors.