Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to conclude by saying there certainly have been challenges with some charter schools across the country, schools that possibly were underfunded, possibly weren't organized properly. But the advantage of a charter school is that if it does not succeed, they lose their charter, and immediately, as a public school should, a traditional public school system, there is a fail-safe security system in place. So there is no doubt there have been examples where the charters have not been a success, as there have been in other schools, traditional public schools, traditional high schools, traditional grade schools, that have not succeeded. Again, there are numerous, numerous stories of success, but those areas that have not performed properly have lost their charters. I think it is important to note that is one of the advantages with the charter system.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I strongly applaud my colleagues across the aisle for their support, and certainly recognize the District of Columbia and its advancement in the charter school arena. I reflect back to 9 years ago in Nevada when we passed our first charter legislation, and I remember a lot of naysayers. As a member of the State senate at that time, I received numerous nasty calls and lots of different opinions on the impact of charter schools on traditional public education. The problem was, at that time, in those days, a lot of the naysayers didn't realize that this would remain and would be a public school. But it truly is an example of success nationwide. If we look at the classroom in the last 100 years, it looks just about like it did 100 years ago. If you look at the operating room in a hospital, it changed substantially, with new technologies and new techniques. The one thing that has worked so well with charter schools is that so many diverse groups that were opposed to this have come together and have found and shown nationwide the success of helping children have the finest education; no matter what their background, what their physical handicap, that they can truly have a success. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be here today to recognize charter schools across the Nation. To those of our forefathers, just a short decade ago, especially here in the District of Columbia, to my friend, the gentlewoman who is the Congresswoman here, I thank them for their support. Again, this is just the beginning. The more we can encourage charter schools across the Nation to encourage parents, teachers, administrators, business leaders and community leaders to get involved, the better we are going to help our children. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, I yield back the balance of my time and encourage support for this bill.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Jeffrey A. Stone in recognition of his heroic act performed at the Bureau of Reclamation's Hoover Dam resulting in the saving of a life and to commend him for receiving the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award. On October 14, 2005, Sergeant Stone displayed outstanding dedication and commitment to the Hoover Dam Police Department when he assisted a fellow officer in preventing a suicide. While on duty at the entrance to the Nevada Spillway Lot, Sergeant Stone observed a man standing on the wall overlooking the face of Hoover Dam. Suspecting the man was a possible suicide he radioed Corporal Russell Balbirona for help. While waiting for Corporal Balbirona to come, Sergeant Stone approached the man and demanded he get down from the wall. The man told him he was going to end his life. Sergeant Stone offered him words of encouragement, but the man still refused to get down. Working in unison with Corporal Balbirona who had then arrived, Sergeant Stone continued talking to the man to distract him while Corporal Balbirona approached the man from behind. When the man reached for a cigarette that Sergeant Stone had offered him, Corporal Balbirona grabbed the man around the waist and safely removed him from the wall. As the two men were falling to the ground, Sergeant Stone immediately assisted Corporal Balbirona. After the man was subdued and taken into police custody, he was transported to Boulder City Hospital for a psychological evaluation. Prior to being transported to the hospital the man thanked the officers for saving his life and apologized for creating a disturbance. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Sergeant Jeffrey A. Stone for his exceptional display of courage, quick reaction, and heroic actions carried out in this life-saving incident. I further congratulate Sergeant Stone for receiving the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award. I thank him for his distinguished service and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor National Park Service Ranger Ryan Regnell for his heroic actions that helped save eight lives and to commend him for receiving the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award. On July 25, 2003, Ranger Ryan Regnell was on boat patrol in the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead when 50-mile-per-hour winds and four-to-six foot waves formed. He observed a boat in distress and went to their aid. When he arrived he found three adults, three children and two infants in a vessel that was taking on water and in danger of sinking. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Ranger Regnell attached a tow line to the boat and towed the troubled vessel to Lake Mead Marina. He then called for back-up from Nevada Division of Wildlife. En route to the marina, the tow line snapped twice due to the extreme marine conditions and the heavy load. Due to Ranger Regnell's skill, courage and decisive action, the boat and all eight occupants were safely delivered to shore. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ranger Ryan Regnell for his heroic actions, courage and professionalism. I further congratulate Ranger Regnell for receiving the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award. I thank him for his distinguished service and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lawrence T. Wong and his associates at Arcata Associates, Incorporated for their being honored by the United States Small Business Association, as Prime Contractor of the Year for Region IX. Under Mr. Wong's leadership, as President/CEO of Arcata Associates, the organization has maintained its commitment to quality and excellence. The Prime Contractor of the Year for Region IX award honors the organization for the outstanding goods and services that they have provided the government and industry as prime contractors. Arcata Associates being awarded the Small Business Association Prime Contractor of the Year for Region IX award is a testament to this commitment. Mr. Wong's hard work, innovative ideas, dedication to the community and professional excellence has led to his being celebrated by the Small Business Association. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Lawrence T. Wong and his associates at Arcata Associates, Incorporated for their outstanding success. I congratulate them for the recognition they have so rightly earned, and thank them for their contributions to our Nation's economy and communities.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Timothy C. Williams, who has been appointed by Governor Kenny Guinn to replace retiring District Judge John McGroarty. Timothy Williams has a distinguished record of service as an attorney in the Henderson, Nevada area. Mr. Williams has been a practicing attorney for the past 21 years representing physicians in medical lawsuits and accident victims in injury cases; Mr. Williams has also been a member of the Nevada bar since 1986. In recent years Mr. Williams has been heavily involved in alternate methods of dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration. He advocates these dispute resolution mechanisms as a means of decreasing court backlogs by increasing the likelihood that a case will be settled rather than going to trial. Mr. Williams has a degree in business from Indiana University and received his law degree from Ohio Northern University. He will no doubt be an asset to the bench. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Timothy C. Williams for his distinguished legal career. I wish him the best with his new appointment and I am sure that he will serve the bench with honor.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Donald L. Robb, Jr. retired United States Air Force Major, who passed away on January 11, 2006 in Boulder City, Nevada. Donald was born in Ohio and grew up in Ohio and Florida. After a few years of college, He enlisted in the Air Force after he felt the call of duty for his country. During his time in the military, Donald was stationed at bases in South Carolina, Japan, California, South Korea and Nevada. As Director of Administration for Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, he supervised over 100 personnel. He was the first such director to receive a ``1'' rating from the Inspector General team. For a total of twenty years Donald served his country as a navigator and an administration officer. He received many awards for his dedicated and outstanding military service, including; the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Combat Ready Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, the Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal and Republic Vietnam Gallant Cross. Donald is survived by his children, Donald L. Robb, III, David A. Robb, Daniel L. Robb and Diana L. Robb, and his wife, Marcia Robb.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bruce James, who is retiring after 3\1/2\ years as the Public Printer of the United States. Bruce James was appointed by President Bush to be the Public Printer of the United States in 2002 and made a commitment to serve three to five years. Bruce is able to claim many successes during his tenure as the Public Printer of the United States, most notably that he took a government office operating at a $35 million-a-year deficit and made it profitable, using those profits to reorganize the agency to increase the use of digital technology and the Internet in carrying out its business. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Bruce James for his distinguished record as head of the Government Printing Office. In this role as a public servant he served with honor and dignity. I wish him the best in his retirement and with any future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. William H. Bailey for his outstanding career in music and business, but more importantly for his contributions to the Civil Rights movement. On May 2nd of this year Dr. Bailey will be recognized at the formal dedication of William H. Bailey Middle School, which is named in his honor. Dr. Bailey was born Feb. 14, 1927, in Detroit, where his father worked in an auto factory. When his father lost his job during the Depression, the family moved to Cleveland, where Dr. Bailey grew up and learned to sing in church choirs. He finished high school at 16, and his musical talent combined with his high grades won him a voice scholarship to Morehouse University in Atlanta. While working his way through college by performing in local night clubs, Benny Goodman and John Hammond recruited him to sing with Count Basie. He then toured the ``Chitlin' Circuit,'' performing in black communities of big cities. He had three hit records: ``Danny Boy,'' ``The Worst Blues I Ever Had,'' and ``Blue and Sentimental.'' In 1950, Basie broke up his big band and Dr. Bailey became a student at the School of Radio and Television in New York City, receiving a scholarship from American Broadcasting Company. After he wasn't hired as on-air talent he tried for technical jobs, also without luck. Then, he heard about the Moulin Rouge in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas was highly segregated, the Moulin Rouge Casino and Hotel was open to all. Dr. Bailey co-produced a show with black entertainers that became a hit, drawing a hip, interracial crowd. But when he started this job, he had to use the service entrance to reach the TV studio. He complained and the management decided to change their racist policy. Following his news casting career, Dr. Bailey developed a reputation for starting new ventures. In 1957, he joined KTNV--Channel 13, where he hosted a variety show, and developed Las Vegas' first dance program for teens. In 1961 he also hosted current events talk shows. From 1965 to 1971 Dr. Bailey began working as a newscaster. In 1958, Dr. Bailey began working for gubernatorial candidate Grant Sawyer. The Legislature of 1961 established a commission to find out whether discrimination existed. Gov. Sawyer realized a great asset that he had and appointed Dr. Bailey as Chairman of the new commission. In this position he set up a dealers' school using loaned gambling tables and space from Al Benedict, a Stardust executive. At Dr. Bailey's suggestion, Benedict recruited managers from other casinos as teachers. Bailey also set up training programs in radio and television jobs, and other fields. More than 1,000 jobs were opened to minorities in 2 years because of his efforts. In 1964 Dr. Bailey opened a club at Miller and Lexington avenues in West Las Vegas, named ``Sugar Hill.'' In 1965, Bailey bought the riot- damaged West Owens Shopping Center and converted it to the Pan-Afro Auditorium, which featured great bands, including Sonny Charles and Ray Charles. Bailey also established the Nevada Economic Development Co., which helped minority businesses get $300 million in government grants over 19 years. This success led to a job in Washington as Associate Director of the Minority Business Development Agency. Later, President Bush made him Deputy Director, overseeing MBDA's $66 million budget. Proud as he is of the civil rights laws he helped pass, Dr. Bailey believes that today, learning the ropes of business, professions, and technology will do the most to improve the lives of minorities. He believes that ``education is the light that blinds ignorance'' and is a strong advocate for parent participation in schools, a curriculum that includes fine arts, and preparing all students for college. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Dr. William H. Bailey on the floor of the House. 1 commend him for his contributions to this country and thank him for his continued service to young students in southern Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cam Usher, who is retiring after a long and distinguished career of promoting tourism in Las Vegas. Cam Usher has been working for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in a multitude of capacities for the past 25 years. Since 2004, Cam has directed sales and marketing for the authority's international offices in Austria, England, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea. Since her career began with the authority in 1980, she has run everything from convention and special event sales to the authority's research department and the Las Vegas News Bureau. Most recently, Cam has actively recruited new international air service in conjunction with McCarren International Airport; her efforts have made it easier for travelers to come here to visit from diverse locations. During her tenure, she received a number of accolades, such as being narned to the Travel Agent Magazine's ``Most Powerful Women in Travel'' list 3 years in a row. Cam's professional successes should not over shadow her philanthropic endeavors; her generosity is profoundly evident in everything she does, whether it is introducing friends to potential clients or creating job opportunities of local youth. Mr. Speaker, I arn proud to honor Cam Usher for her illustrious career and contributions to the development of the international tourism industry in Las Vegas. I wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lamar Marchese for his long and distinguished career at Nevada Public Radio. When Lamar Marchese moved to Las Vegas in 1972 he noted the absence of a public radio station. Marchese, his wife Patricia and a small group of founding board members incorporated Nevada Public Radio in December 1975 as an independent non-profit corporation. Lamar served as Chairman of the Board while the station was in formation in the late 1970s. In late 1978, he resigned from the Board and became a candidate for General Manager. Lamar was hired in this capacity in January 1979. KNPR, the first NPR affiliated radio station in Nevada, signed on the air in March 1980 while housed in a janitors' closet at the former Silverbowl Stadium on Boulder Highway. Under Lamar Marchese's leadership KNPR has evolved from its humble beginnings at Silverbowl Stadium to a public radio network that now operates a system of two Las Vegas stations, four associate stations in Tonopah, Panaca, Lund/Ely and St. George, Utah, nine rural translators and a statewide radio reading service for the blind and hearing impaired. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Lamar Marchese for his distinguished career and keen leadership that has allowed public radio in Nevada to thrive. His dedication to providing a public voice over the airwaves has allowed untold numbers of people to access a variety of radio programs. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the volunteers of Friends in the Desert for their tireless effort to provide food to the needy. Six days a week, volunteers with Friends in the Desert feed the homeless of Henderson, Nevada out of the dinning hall at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. Their efforts not only fill the daily nutritional needs for some of the communities less fortunate members, but also provide them with a taste of home cooking, rather than institutional food. The more than 3,000 volunteers associated with Friends in the Desert served more than 20,000 dinners during the year. The system used by this non-profit group harnesses the good intentions of a wide swath of the Henderson community. Friends in the Desert provides a place for the privileged members of society to reach out to those less fortunate. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the volunteers of Friends in the Desert for their commitment to helping provide food for the homeless. The sheer size and scope of their operation is a testament to their dedication and their efforts should be applauded.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sigrid Sommer for her wonderful service to Las Vegas and her commitment to public international education. Sigrid Sommer has served with great distinction as Germany's Honorary Consul in the Las Vegas area and beyond. She has enjoyed the highest possible respect for her professional accomplishments, as well as affection for her warmth and friendliness, by all those who have had the privilege of working with her, both in Germany and the United States. She has resided in the Las Vegas area for some 30 years and comes from a distinguished family of diplomats and journalists in Germany. She is a fixture in local business, cultural and political affairs and is married to another well-respected member of the Las Vegas community, attorney George Golson. She has received many accolades for her personal and professional accomplishments, most notably receiving the ``Cross of Merit'' from the German government in 1996. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Sigrid Sommer for her personal and professional success. I wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sidney Chaplin a Las Vegas business and civic leader who died this past March. Sidney Chaplin was a longtime executive vice-president and general manager of Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada drew great personal satisfaction from helping those less fortunate. He was a true philanthropist who never sought recognition for his good deeds and generosity. During World War II, Mr. Chaplin served in the United States Air Force. After his military service for our country, he started his working career as an insurance salesman in New York City. After that, he began his first job in the wine and spirits industry; which became his life long career. This career in liquor distribution enabled him to be exceedingly generous to others. Over the years he supported a number of religious and charitable groups. Sidney donated his time and resources to Temple Beth Sholom and eventually became a sponsor of the Shirley and Sidney Chaplin Lecture Series at the Temple. He was also a longtime supporter of the Lou Ruvo Alzheimer's Institute and UNL Vino. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and memory of Sidney Chaplin. His professional success and philanthropic dedication should serve as an example to us all.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy and John Kell ``Ike'' Houssels and their exemplary record of professional achievement and community service. Nancy Houssels has always been at the forefront of cultural and social philanthropy. She served, at one time or another, on several boards including: Nevada Ballet Theatre, UNLV Foundation, the National Conference of Christians & Jews, and Law Vegas Performing Arts. Mrs. Houssels was also the co-founder of the Nevada Dance Theatre in 1972 and has served the company as Chair and Co-Chair for 35 years. John Kell ``Ike'' Houssel is widely recognized as one of the respected and honored principles in the gaming industry. After graduating from West Point and, subsequently, Stanford Law School, Mr. Houssel embarked on a career in casino resort hotel ownership and management in the 1950s when he became the managing partner of the Showboat, followed by his legendary leadership as president of the Hotel Tropicana and later of the Union Plaza Hotel. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor both Nancy and John Kell ``Ike'' Houssels for their exemplary professional careers and their commitment to enriching their community. I wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Herb Tobman, who passed away this past March. Herb was known as a successful businessman and a community leader and his quiet generosity that impacted the lives of countless Nevadans. Herb was born in the Bronx in 1924. In the 1950s, Herb moved to Las Vegas, where he opened City Furniture Exchange, the first used furniture store in Las Vegas. The business thrived, and it was a Las Vegas landmark for more than 25 years. His success as a businessman led Herb to start Western Cab Company in 1965. Herb started with one cab, and ended with more than 134 taxicabs and 355 employees. In addition to his business accomplishments, Herb was also an active participant in Nevada politics. In 1986, he ran in the Democratic gubernatorial primary against incumbent Richard Bryan. Instead of using his wealth to fuel his political aspirations, Herb limited contributions to $10 per individual. Needless to say, those limits put him at a competitive disadvantage, but Herb still managed to receive more than 15 percent of the primary vote. Herb also knew the importance of giving back to his community and made many charitable contributions throughout his life. However, Herb never sought recognition for his efforts, but he impacted almost every life in southern Nevada. Every year, during the holidays, Herb anonymously fed hundreds of homeless individuals in Las Vegas. He helped local children with their college expenses, and he helped people who were down on their luck. No challenge was too great. If Herb knew you needed help, he was there to provide it oftentimes unknown to his beneficiaries. I needed help on several occasions, and Herb was always available. Herb was my friend and I will miss him very much. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the memory of Herb Tobman for his professional successes and distinguished philanthropic record. His death is a great loss to the community and he will be greatly missed. Nevada is a better place because of Herb.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of LTC Phil Wagner, U.S. Marine Corps. Phil died at the age of 87 this past February. Phil Wagner, one of the ``Greatest Generation'' served in World War II and retired from the Reserves having attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. Lieutenant Colonel Wagner was a member of the American Legion for 52 years and served as Post 31's commander in 1970-71. He then took over the demanding job of adjutant, a post he held from 1972-1997, 25 years, with only one hiatus in 1977. He was not only active as a member and administrator of Post 31, but also of Grace Community Church, Boulder City Hospital Board and the BPOE Elks Club. Phil's dedication to his fellow veterans and to the community as a whole is admirable. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of LTC Phil Wagner. His death is a profound loss for the community.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel John Henry ``Hank'' Meierdierck, who passed away, in Las Vegas on March 21, 2006, at the age of 84. Hank was born April 13, 1921, in Newark, New Jersey, the son of John Henry Meierdierck and Ida Getto Meierdierck. Hank married Mildred Marie Giles in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II and remained in the U.S. Air Force after the war, amassing over 7,000 flying hours in more than 50 different aircraft. Hank retired from the USAF as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1964. He then went to work for the CIA at headquarters, Langley, VA. He did a significant number of the original experimental flight tests on the U-2 airplane and the SR-71 airplane at the Nevada Test Site. Because of this work he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Then later, in 2005, Hank was awarded the Agency Seal Medallion from the Central Intelligence Agency for his leadership in developing the U-2. He was also authorized to wear the Air Medal, the European Area Medal with three Battle Stars, the World War II Victory Medal; the American Medal; the Air Force Reserve Medal; the AFOUA Medal; the Korean War Medal; and the AFLSA Medal with four Brass Oak Leaf Clusters. Hank and his wife moved to Las Vegas, in 1970. They traveled extensively to wherever the fish are biting or the sun is shining. Hank considered himself a very good fisherman, and would want to be remembered as much for that as his military career. In retirement, Hank was a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and was very active and served as president of the Roadrunners Internationale, an affiliation of employees who were previously associated with the U-2 and SR-71 programs at Area 51. He was also honorary chairman of the Heroes of the Cold War Memorial and organized many military unit reunions. Hank is survived by his wife, Millie; two daughters, Gail and Victoria; one son, Jay; and 5 grandchildren.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Douglas Harold Ritchie, of the Las Vegas Sun, who passed away April 1, 2006, at the age of 86. Born February 20, 1920, in Portsmouth, England, Doug was the second eldest child of film distributor Joseph M. Ritchie and his wife, Jessica. Educated in Dublin, Ireland, Ritchie joined the British Army out of high school in the late 1930s. During World War II, Ritchie served as a British officer and saw action on D-Day at Normandy. He later served with troops that marched into Germany and liberated prisoner of war camps. After the war he was transferred to India where he served as a Major in the British Army through the late 1940s. There he was witness to the turmoil that resulted in the separation of India and Pakistan. While shocked by the violence he witnessed between Hindus from India and Pakistani Muslims, Doug calmly maintained control. That was a trait that not only helped him in the 1st Punjab Regiment, but throughout his life. Leaving the military in 1950 after 11 years, Doug came to Las Vegas. His brother-in-law Hank Greenspun, had purchased the Las Vegas Free Press from a group of International Typographical Union members who started the newspaper after being locked out by the Review-Journal over a wage dispute. Hank published his first issue of the Free Press on June 21, 1950, and 10 days later renamed the paper the Las Vegas Sun. In addition to serving as classified ad manager, Doug became head of Sun promotions in the 1970s and head of public relations in the 1980s. In 1969 Doug met Brenda Ritchie and they were married in 1971. The couple would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on April 10. Doug served full-time with the Sun until 1990, the year the paper entered into a joint operating agreement with the Review-Journal, which then took over the selling of classified ads for both papers. That year, Ritchie and his family moved to California, and he maintained the title of assistant to the publisher until his death. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor Douglas Ritchie on the floor of the House today. He will be remembered as a mild-mannered man, dedicated to his family and the community.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to speak in favor of H.R. 3277, the ``Federal Agency Performance Review and Sunset Act.'' The Federal Government is fraught with chronic program overlap and duplication. As Congress has created multiple agencies and programs to meet the needs of our Nation over the years, it has become increasingly clear that many of these programs are now outdated because they serve similar purposes. Did you know that: 19 federal programs throughout the government focus on substance abuse prevention; 90 early childhood programs exist in 11 federal agencies within 20 different offices; 86 teacher training programs exist in 9 different agencies; and 27 different programs and services to prevent teen pregnancy exist in HHS alone. The costs of the hurricane recovery efforts in Texas and Louisiana have reached record proportions and will place an increasing amount of strain on our Nation's resources. The President has stated that federal spending cuts are inevitable in the near future if the government is to achieve a balanced budget. Congress must take accountability by making sure the most effective spending cuts do not hinder the necessary operations of the Federal Government. The members of Congress have a unique opportunity in front of them. Together, we can help eliminate program overlap and duplication and at the same time help offset the costs of the hurricane recovery efforts with the passage of the Sunset Act. Under the ``Federal Agency Performance Review and Sunset Act,'' or the Sunset Act the need and efficiency of each Federal Agency will be investigated by a Sunset Commission. Once a Federal Agency has been reviewed by the Commission, Congress will have 2 years to positively reaffirm the need for that agency. No reauthorization by Congress in that 2-year span would result in the termination of the agency or program. The Sunset Commissions will empower the President to make the most effective spending cuts by trimming Federal programs whose functions exist elsewhere in the government. Last year, Chairman Alan Greenspan testified before the Senate Budget Committee with regard to reforming the budget process. What was missing in government, he stated, was a systematic review of all Federal programs. He said, ``[Congress] might want to require that existing programs be assessed regularly to verify that they continue to meet their stated purposes and cost projections.'' The Sunset Act is expressly consistent with this analysis, and would bring light of review and accountability to Federal programs, and result in considerable cost savings to the taxpayer. A similar important piece of legislation that I introduced is H.R. 3276, the ``Government Reorganization and Improvement of Performance Act''. Under the ``Government Reorganization and Improvement of Performance Act,'' bipartisan commissions would be created to study specific areas where there might be overlap and duplication in federal operations. The commissions would issue recommendations to the President on how to reorganize, at which time the President would decide whether to submit the proposal to Congress. This legislation would require both the creation of a Results Commission and any reorganization proposal endorsed by it to come before Congress under expedited procedures to ensure that the proposal receives a clean, up- or-down vote in both houses. It is clear that the world works at much faster speeds than it did 40, 30, and even 20 years ago. It is clear that it should not require an act of Congress to reorganize the Executive Branch so that real solutions for crises can be found in the most efficient manner. H.R. 3276 will allow a ``fast-track'' reorganization authority to exist that will increase the overall operability and efficiency of the government and allow it to keep pace with the speed of the world today. Something has to be done to eliminate the government waste caused by chronic program overlap and duplication throughout the Federal Government and get the biggest bang for the taxpayers' dollars. The two commissions proposed in H.R. 3276 and H.R. 3277 are critical to achieving a sensible and responsible analysis of government programs and operations and ultimately in eliminating unneeded programs and reorganizing government operations.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chuck Worley for service to the State of Nevada. Chuck has dedicated his time for the last three years to help the Bureau of Land Management, BLM, with public land stewardship and to help protect recreation access to public lands. He established the Friends of Wilson Canyon in 2003, and has been an active member since. Prior to the creation of this organization, the BLM was unable to provide a consistently strong level of recreation management to Wilson Canyon due to its distance and location from personnel. Chuck, along with the Friends of Wilson Canyon, have contributed more than 800 hours of volunteer labor, and $12,000 worth of materials, tools and heavy equipment to install Off Highway Vehicle, OHV, management barriers and informational signage in Wilson Canyon. Through his volunteer service and working with the Friends of Wilson Canyon, Chuck initiated on-site awareness meetings with the U.S. Forest Service, BLM, Lyon County and local residents to avoid protective land closures. He then initiated volunteer action to work towards preserving and protecting the natural resources and public land recreation opportunities by organizing clean-ups, applying for and being awarded Recreation Trails Grants and participating in the development of long-term management of the area. Worley also created and maintains the Friends of Wilson Canyon Web site which helps keep the public informed and teaches proper land use ethics and OHV responsibility. Because of his dedicated service, Chuck has been chosen as one of the Bureau of Land Management's, BLM, national volunteer award winners. The national Making a Difference volunteer awards will be presented May 11, 2006, at a special ceremony at the Department of the Interior in Washington, DC. Chuck is one of 8 winners around the U.S. chosen for his outstanding volunteer service to BLM. The BLM's Making a Difference national awards program supports the President's call for increased service to America and is part of the Take Pride in America initiative. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Chuck Worley on the floor of the House today. I commend him for his service to southern Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada recognize their 65 years of distinguished service to the community. The Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada was formed to carry on charitable work in the fields of religion, education and social services. Catholic Charities is one of the largest nonprofit social service providers in the state of Nevada, offering the most comprehensive range of human services which include Adoption Services, Child Care Services, St. Vincent Lied Dining Facility, Immigration Services, Migration and Refugee Services, Residential Services, Senior Services and Thrift Stores. The agency now encompasses many diverse programs that are designed to aid individuals in gaining self- sufficiency, independence and dignity. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada for their 65 years of admirable service. Their tireless work to provide a wide array of services to the people of southern Nevada is a noble mission and I wish them the best in their continued efforts.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Mark A. Pleasants, currently the Non-Commissioned Officer of Broadcast Production, assigned to the 99th Communications Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Since joining the United States Air Force in 1990, Sergeant Pleasants has reached impressive degrees of achievement and has a distinguished record of service. Having served in such foreign locales as Portugal, Germany and San Vito, Sergeant Pleasants has earned a number of accolades. In 1994 and 1995, while serving at Kaiserlautern in Germany, Sergeant Pleasants earned two Air Force level awards for his reporting and won the regional and worldwide Air Force talent competitions as a singer and announcer. In 1996, while assigned to the Air Force News Agency's Regional News Center at Ramstein Air Base, he was a key member pioneering the two most award winning shows in Air Force history; Air Force Prime Time and AFNEWS: On Assignment. Sergeant Pleasants was reassigned to the 99th Communications Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada in 2003 where he immediately applied his expertise in Television and Production to revamp an inactive television program called Eye on Nellis. Through his efforts, the program developed into a monthly 30-minute news show reaching 14 million homes around the world and has won recognition as Best Commander's Access Channel in the Air Force. Sergeant Pleasants' career is celebrated by a number of awards and commendations, having won the Air Force Commendation Medal three times, the Air Force Achievement Medal four times, Air Force Level Recognition thirteen times, and the National Defense Medal twice. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Sergeant Mark A. Pleasants for his distinguished record of service and his commitment to providing quality news service to the Air Force community. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colby Rupert for his heroic actions following an accident on Interstate 15 on March 18, 2006. Colby and an ambulance crew had initially responded to a pickup truck that had run off the road. While responding to the emergency, a bus heading southbound on I-15 struck their rescue unit, virtually destroying the vehicle. Colby and his partner were still in their vehicle at the time of the collision and received painful injuries as a result. Nonetheless, Paramedic Rupert administered aid to a number of passengers on the bus. He carried a generator and the Jaws of Life from the crashed rescue truck to the Greyhound bus while dragging his injured leg. Despite his serious injuries, he ignored his wounds and aided injured persons in a desperate and critical accident scene. Only after assistance arrived sometime later did Colby receive medical treatment. He had to be literally forced to stop assisting others so he could receive medical attention. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Colby Rupert for his heroic actions. Colby's unwavering courage speaks volumes about his character. His dismissal of his own injuries serves as an example of the dedication our First Responders show in their service to their fellow citizens.