Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 849 on behalf of my colleague, the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons), before I make my own remarks on this important piece of legislation. First, I would like to read a prepared statement by the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons). Again, on behalf of the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons): ``I would like to express my strong support for H.R. 849 to convey certain public land in Clark County, Nevada, for use as a heliport. ``Nevada is 84 percent owned and managed by the Federal Government. This large share of Federal lands makes management of Nevada's cities and counties difficult at best. Extensive Federal ownership of Nevada, coupled with the rapid growth we are currently experiencing, brings even greater need for planning and management of all types of transportation in Nevada. ``Currently, over 90 helicopter flights per day, over 32,850 flights per year, fly over the homes of 90,000 Las Vegas residents. As you can imagine, this high volume of air traffic poses challenges and problems for the residents of southern Nevada. To help alleviate this problem, Clark County has searched extensively for a separate site that will not only accommodate helicopter operators, but meet the needs of the surrounding communities. ``The heliport site agreed to in this legislation is the result of a great deal of study and planning. Several sites were identified as potentially suitable. However, the site outlined in my legislation is the most ideal location. The site outlined in this legislation is further out of the city and will not affect any of the current residential areas. ``Again, thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your consideration.'' Again, these comments were based upon written remarks from my colleague, the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons). I would also like to express my strong support for H.R. 849. As an original cosponsor of this bill, I understand the problems that the current helicopter overflight path causes to many of my constituents. With almost 33,000 flights occurring per year over approximately 90,000 people, a viable alternative to the current flight path that not only meets the needs of Southern Nevadans but also the operators of the helicopters themselves is no longer wanted but needed. In order to solve the conflict, Clark County and other major stakeholders collaborated to find this alternative. After many studies, the site outlined in H.R. 849 was determined to be the most suitable. The area chosen within the legislation moves the flight path away from the residential areas, yet still allows helicopter operators to continue their air tours over Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, the Las Vegas Strip, and other beautiful areas of the American Southwest. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to voice my strong support for H.R. 849. As an original cosponsor of this bill, I understand the problems that the current helicopter over-flight path causes to my constituents. With almost 33,000 flights occurring per year over approximately 90,000 people, a viable alternative to the current flight path that not only meets the needs of Southern Nevadans, but also the operators of the helicopters themselves, is no longer wanted, but needed. In order to solve the conflict, Clark County and other major stakeholders collaborated to find this alternative. After many studies, the site outlined in H.R. 849 was determined to be the most suitable. The area chosen within the legislation moves the flight path away from residential areas yet still allows helicopter operators to continue their air tours over Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, the Las Vegas Strip, and other beautiful areas of the American Southwest.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the Rahall amendment. Although I appreciate the good intentions of this amendment, I am deeply concerned about its potential for unintended consequences. In restricting the ability of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sell wild horses and burros under the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971, we are also restricting opportunities for responsible owners or groups to purchase horses that might have otherwise been sentenced to spend their lives in holding facilities or to starve on our rangelands. I disagree with the actions of individuals who purchased horses under the Act and then sold them to a slaughter plant; however, I do not believe that we should prohibit responsible people from purchasing wild horses due to the actions of a few. This morning, the BLM announced new regulations that will strictly prohibit individuals who purchase wild horses from sending these animals to slaughter. The BLM has also entered into a partnership with Ford Motor Company to help protect these wild horses for future generations. I applaud the BLM for their proactive stance on this issue, and I am hopeful that their initiatives will be successful so that other horses are sent to slaughter. Mr. Chairman, I represent a district in Nevada, a state that is home to more wild horses than all other states combined. Although I agree that wild horses are a symbol of the American West, I also believe that it is the responsibility of Congress to ensure that these animals are managed, protected, and controlled in an effective manner. It is a fact that the current number of wild horses in the nation greatly exceeds the ability of the BLM or the land to handle these animals. This explosive growth causes significant resource damage, as well as damage to the animals themselves. The adoption authority granted under the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971 has historically failed to keep up with the growth of the wild horse population. We must work to maintain responsible and humane alternatives, such as sale authority, in order to ensure that these animals are properly cared for. Our wild horses are already competing for scarce sources of food and water on rangelands in arid states like Nevada, causing many of them to waste into skin and bones. I believe that some of these horses should be allowed to be sold to good homes, where they can receive proper nourishment and veterinary care, as opposed to competing for little food and water in the wild or being held in long-term holding pens. This is why I am developing legislation that would offer an incentive for responsible people who would like to adopt or purchase a horse under the Wild Horse and Burro Act. This incentive will be dependent on a number of requirements, one of which will be that these animals cannot be sold to slaughter. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this issue.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of the City of Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Speaker, while all Americans have heard of Las Vegas, many may not be aware of the rich history we have in Southern Nevada. For instance, the City was named by Spanish traders traveling from New Mexico to California. These traders dubbed the area ``Las Vegas'' which means ``the meadows''. The first settlement in the Las Vegas valley by Westerners was a fortified mission colonized by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Over the last century, Las Vegas has become the entertainment capital of the world, with world class hotels, gaming, entertainment, and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. In the 1990s, the population of Las Vegas boomed, making it the fastest growing metropolitan area in the country. A record-setting 40 million tourists visited Las Vegas in 2004 to enjoy our hospitality and entertainment. Mr. Speaker, Las Vegas has much more to offer tourists then ``the Strip'' alone. Visitors from around the world appreciate such attractions as Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, and the Hoover Dam. On May 15, 2005, and throughout all of 2005, Las Vegas is hosting a Centennial Celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the city. Las Vegas visitors and residents will join in the Centennial Celebration by participating in a variety of commemorative events including a centennial time capsule, an attempt to bake the world's largest birthday cake, a return of Helldorado Days (a Las Vegas tradition honoring the roots of the city in the Wild West), and a wedding ceremony with 100 couples. Mr. Speaker, I moved to Nevada in 1978, and have seen Las Vegas change from a desert hideaway to a burgeoning metropolis where between five and seven thousand people move per month. However, what never ceases to amaze me is that despite the explosive growth that Las Vegas has experienced, it has never lost the small town appeal in which we Nevadans take so much pride. I am also constantly struck by the genuinely American nature of our community. We come from all over the world and all over the country to make up our community, and for that I am particularly proud to be here today. When most people think of Las Vegas, visions of big hotels, casinos, and bad Elvis impersonators may come to mind. I conjure a different image--an image of the thousands of wonderful individuals who are Las Vegas. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the City of Las Vegas on its 100th Anniversary.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and achievements of Mr. Alvaro Aguirre. A lifelong educator and member of the Latin Chamber, Las Vegas, Nevada, 74, Mr. Aguirre passed away peacefully the morning of Friday, April 22, 2005. Born to Arturo Aguirre Matheu and Marta Diaz Raphael on December 22, 1930, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Alvaro moved to the United States when he was 17 years of age, graduated from San Mateo Junior College, with a degree in Biochemistry from the University of California at Berkeley. He later completed his doctoral studies in Animal Nutrition at the University of Florida. Alvaro taught at Harvard Project Escuela Agricola Panamericana in Honduras, and served as the professor of the College of Biological Sciences as well as president of the National University of Guatemala San Carlos regional campus system. He served on the team at the Nutritional Institute of Central America and Panama, credited with creating INCAPARINA, a food substitute for indigent people. Additionally, he was active in the Lions International in Guatemala, having served as president of the Quetzaltenango Club. Alvaro spent his life as an educator and academic counselor. As a bilingual counselor, he helped thousands of Nevada students, prior to his retirement from the Clark County School District. His dedication to providing the youth of southern Nevada with the finest of educations commends us to look to Alvaro as a role model and personification of the value of education. Alvaro was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. My sympathies go out to those who survive him: his loving wife, Eugenia, sons, Alvaro, Jr., Luis Pedro; Aldo Adrian and Hernan, and daughters Rita and Eugenia Maria. Alvaro was blessed with many grandchildren, living in Las Vegas, New Mexico and in Guatemala. I join the community in thanking Alvaro Aguirre for his dedication, commitment and hard work on behalf of so many communities all across the American continent. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. I urge all of my colleagues to heed the example set by this extraordinary individual in his devotion to providing education to our most vulnerable children.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of Mrs. Willie Stephenitch to the State of Nevada. Mrs. Stephenitch has been recently named one of eight national recipients of the ``Making a Difference'' award by the Bureau of Land Management. Mrs. Stephenitch has volunteered for Friends of Red Rock Canyon for many years and has been instrumental in preserving the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for future generations. Some examples of the hands-on approach Mrs. Stephenitch has taken include extensive educational outreach regarding Red Rock Canyon; the design and development of ``Trash Bash Day,'' a semi-annual clean-up event; and aiding in the coordination of Red Rock Canyon's annual ``Tortoise Trot'' trail run. Red Rock Canyon is one of Nevada's crown jewels, and I thank Mrs. Stephenitch for her hard work and dedication in helping to increase community awareness and involvement for the protection of this area. Her enthusiasm and love for public lands has been felt by thousands of area residents and visitors and should serve as an example for Americans to live by. Thank you for your hard work, Mrs. Stephenitch.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, this week is Public Service Recognition Week, a time when we honor government employees at the Federal, State, county and local levels. We cannot thank our public servants enough for the job that they do for this country day in and day out. The Federal Government simply cannot function properly without good employees and the managers who are committed to the work of our Nation. As the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency Organization and a member of the Congressional Public Service Caucus, I would also like to honor one Nevadan who is making a difference for our great Nation. Deborah Monette, a Federal employee at the National Nuclear Security Administration's North Las Vegas site office in Nevada manages a number of high-profile projects at the agency's Nevada test site. Her work includes stewardship of the Nation's nuclear weapons stockpile, nuclear test readiness, nonproliferation issues and emergency response programs. In that capacity, she has spearheaded critical counterterrorism initiatives for our country. One of Ms. Monette's greatest achievements is the creation of the National Center For Combating Terrorism at the Nevada test site. The center is an intensive, hands-on training ground where Federal, State and local agencies and employees involved in combating terrorism can train for the wars of the future. It was established to provide a realistic test and evaluation laboratory for first responders. She is a 30-year employee. I wish we would honor Ms. Monette and all Federal, State and local employees across this country.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner).

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

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 218) congratulating charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and for other purposes.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 218.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 218. This resolution honors our Nation's charter schools and the students, parents, teachers, administrators and other individuals involved for their hard work and dedication to providing a quality public education. This week, May 1 through May 7, has been designated National Charter Schools Week. During this week, charter school organizations and others around the United States recognize these schools for their continued contributions to education. The Nation's charter schools deliver high- quality education and challenge students to reach their potential. Forty-one States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have passed laws authorizing charter schools. Since the first charter school law was passed in 1991, almost 3,300 charter schools now serve nearly 900,000 students in 40 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Specifically, I am pleased to honor the 19 charter schools in the State of Nevada that serve nearly 4,500 students. Nevada first passed charter school legislation in 1997. As a co-sponsor of that legislation, our first charter school opened in 1998 and in 1999 school year. The State charter school legislation was revised in 1999, lending teachers more room for creativity and allowing charter schools the ability to offer an extended school day as well as an extended school year. In my own community, the Andre Agassi College Prepatory Academy serves as a model for other charter schools across the Nation. Designed to enhance a child's character, respect, motivation and self- discipline, Agassi Prep, as the school has been nicknamed, was created specifically to improve skill levels and combat lowered academic expectations among the community's most challenged children. Advanced technology, smaller class sizes, and extended school hours are just some of practices that Agassi Prep utilizes to achieve a higher standard of education. I commend the charter schools in the State of Nevada and across this great Nation for recognizing the immense need for improved education and for their commitment to improving student achievement for students who attend these schools. At charter schools nationwide, almost half of the students are considered at-risk or are former dropouts. Charter schools serve a significant number of minority students, students with disabilities, and students from lower income families. These schools give opportunity and freedom to students and parents who otherwise not might not have had the chance to receive a quality education. Nearly 40 percent of charter schools report having a waiting list. And the total number of students on all such waiting lists is enough to fill another 1,000 average-sized charter schools. By allowing parents and students to choose their public schools, charter schools can stimulate change and benefit all public students. In exchange for flexibility and autonomy, public charter schools are held accountable by their sponsors for improving student achievement and for their administration. Charter schools respond to the needs of America's communities families and students while promoting the principles of quality, choice, and innovation. Charter schools must meet the same No Child Left Behind student achievement accountability requirements as other public schools and often set higher and additional individual goals to ensure that they are all high quality and truly accountable to the public. According to the Center for Education Reform, as many as 15 studies find that students who frequently enter charters significantly are below the normal grade level. These students then achieve the same or even higher gains as compared to their surrounding district's demographically-compared schools, or even the State average. A report from America's Charter School Finance Corporation called ``Take Me on a Reading Adventure,'' cites research from several States that shows greater gains and/or higher scores in reading for charter schools as compared to their traditional school peers. Charter schools have enjoyed broad bipartisan support from the administration, the Congress, State governors and legislators, educators and parents across the Nation. The Sixth Annual National Charter School Week held this week, May 1 through May 7, 2005, recognizes the significant impacts, achievements and innovations of our Nation's charter schools. Through this resolution, Congress today acknowledges and commends the charter school movement and charter schools' students, teachers, parents, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education and improving and strengthening our Nation's public schools. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) and chairman of the committee. (Mr. BOEHNER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks, and include extraneous material.)

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to announce the passing of a great Nevadan, Mr. Richard (Dick) Burdette. Born on October 25, 1943, Dick Burdette lived his life in service to the American people. During the 61 years he spent on this earth, he accomplished many things, such as serving in the Navy, working as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. Senate, and continuing his government work as a public affairs officer and deputy assistant secretary for the Department of Transportation. Dick also served as a consultant to public utility companies and several regulated industries before becoming Governor Kenny Guinn's top energy advisor, where he did the yeoman's job of helping to create Nevada's energy policy--a legacy that will benefit Nevadans for many generations. Dick has done many great things for Nevada. However, what I would like to express here today is what a great human being Dick was. Everyone who came into contact with Dick could attest to the thoughtful and caring presence he eluded. He was always willing to help. As a matter of a fact, when I held a hearing last year in Henderson, Nevada, on the rising prices of gasoline, Dick went out of his way to come to Southern Nevada to testify, and I thank him for that. Dick leaves behind his wife, Julie; Megan, his daughter; and Ian and Richard III, his sons. He also leaves behind all Nevadans, whom will certainly miss his wisdom, expertise, and love for public service. Dick Burdette, you will be sorely missed.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Davis-Waxman amendment to H.R. 6. Mr. Chairman, I could stand here all day and discuss some of the problems that are currently plaguing the Department of Energy, but as chairman of the Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce and Agency Organization within the Committee on Government Reform, I am growing more and more convinced the Department of Energy is not only experiencing problems relating to how to remove nuclear waste, but also other energy-related projects. Now is not the time to be introducing two new Assistant Secretaries at the Department of Energy. I firmly believe that adding additional layers of bureaucracy to this department will only serve to cause more problems, rather than to solve problems. Mr. Chairman, when the Committee on Government Reform and the subcommittee were considering the energy bill, I introduced an amendment to strip this position. My amendment was supported unanimously by the full committee. My colleagues recognized that with the current existence of a culture of mismanagement, now is not the time to create additional bureaucracy. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan amendment.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Polly Gonzalez. Anyone that lives in the Las Vegas Valley knows the contribution that Polly gave not only to Channel 8 Eye Witness News, but also to her family, friends, and community. This was even exemplified in her death on March 28th as she was taking her two daughters to see the wildflowers in Death Valley. Polly Gonzalez started her career in journalism 20 years ago at the San Jose State University. Overcoming a rough and troubled childhood living in a home where her mother would sell street drugs to provide food for her children, Polly became an award winning anchorwoman. As an anchorwoman in Salina, California she was one of the first journalists to uncover the growing gang problem within this tiny community. She eventually joined Channel 8 in 1994 and became a co-anchor for the twelve o'clock and four thirty news casts. During her career at Channel 8 she covered such stories as the Oklahoma Bombing in 1995. She was the first Latino anchor in Las Vegas and was very proud of this fact. She considered herself to be a role model to her two daughters and to the other Latino women she knew and represented. She wanted them to know that anything is achievable through hard work and dedication and used her life story as an example. As a Nevadan and Channel 8 viewer, I will always remember the professional, yet warm and friendly way Polly delivered the news into my home. I felt that Polly had a sincere desire to bring accurate and fair news to my family as if she were a close personal friend or family member herself. I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the family, friends, and co-workers of Polly Gonzalez. Our hearts go out to those individuals mourning the loss of a family member, friend, and role model. As we move forward in our lives, may we never forget the achievements and contributions of Ms. Polly Gonzalez.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Mayberry, Chief of Police in Henderson, Nevada. Chief Mayberry is retiring from the force after 30 years of dedicated service. He graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. Chief Mayberry also graduated from the 180th session of the FBI National Academy and the 29th session of the Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar in Quantico, Virginia. Chief Mayberry began his career with the Henderson Police Department in 1976 as a reserve officer. In 1978 he was hired as a full time patrol officer and has had numerous assignments since that time. He has been a field training officer, detective, investigations division commander and support division commander. Chief Mayberry was named acting police chief in August 1999 and appointed police chief on May 2, 2000. Southern Nevada is a well known tourist destination which is visited by millions of people throughout the world. This creates a unique security environment which requires unique and capable police officers. Mike's proven leadership during these difficult times goes a long way to explain why he truly deserved the title Chief of Police. Under Chief Mayberry's tenure, the Henderson Police Department has become the most technologically advanced police department in the United States. On March 23, 2002, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA, accredited the department for its professional excellence. Mike, I wish you all the best. It was a privilege to work with you during those years where our services overlapped. However it is a greater privilege to call you my friend. Mr. Speaker, Chief Michael Mayberry is a dedicated officer who has worked diligently for the Henderson community. I ask my fellow colleagues to stand with me today and honor all police officers across the country, like Chief Mayberry, who have dedicated so many years to building a better community, which in turn contributes to a better Nation.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of a great Nevadan, Mr. Don Snyder. For many years, I have not only known Don through his professional work with Boyd Gaming, but also as a friend. Don has had quite a career, working for the First Interstate Bank of Nevada for 22 years before taking the helm of the Fremont Street Experience as President and Chief Executive Officer and then moving on to Boyd Gaming, where he will be retiring as President of the Company. That's quite a career path for any person, and I congratulate him. Don's leadership in the Las Vegas community will certainly be felt for many generations, and all Southern Nevadans owe him a debt of gratitude. Don has been instrumental in redeveloping Downtown Las Vegas, effectively giving Downtown the breath of new life in an area that is so important for the history of our great city. He has also been incredibly effective in leading Boyd Gaming, and I know he will be missed there. During his busy career, Don has been active in such organizations as the Nevada Development Authority, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center Foundation, United Way of Southern Nevada, Nathan Adelson Hospice, and the Tournament Players Club at Summerlin. The sky is the limit for Don, and I am looking forward to hearing about his next endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my friend, Don Snyder, for being an example for all Nevadans as we continue to be the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 122) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the study of languages and supporting the designation of a Year of Languages.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 122.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 122. This resolution expresses the importance of foreign language study and supports the designation of a Year of Languages. Increased language learning is a critical national interest and is necessary to maintain the economic edge of the United States as well as serving to better secure our national interest abroad. Currently, 9.3 percent of Americans speak their native language and another language fluently, compared to 52.7 percent of Europeans. Foreign language education has long been determined to increase a student's cognitive and critical thinking abilities. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act names foreign language study as a part of a core curriculum, and the Higher Education Act denotes that foreign language study is vital to secure the future economic welfare of the United States. Therefore, language education in our Nation's schools should begin in early grades and continue throughout the student's entire academic career. By designating a Year of Languages, this Congress highlights the importance of foreign languages and cultural understanding in our schools, our workforces and our society. The celebration of languages will serve as a look to the future for Americans who will be entering the workforce at a time when international understanding, cross- cultural awareness and linguistic capacity are increasingly important for their success in the world. In light of the attacks of September 11, 2001, the American intelligence community stresses that individuals with proper foreign language expertise are greatly needed to work on important national security and foreign policy issues. As we enter into a time that requires an increased understanding of world cultures, foreign language study and requisite knowledge in languages is vital for meeting 21st century security challenges properly, effectively and efficiently. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 27, the Job Training Improvement Act of 2005, and I certainly applaud the gentleman from California (Chairman McKeon) and the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner) for their tireless efforts in bringing this important legislation to the floor today. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, there are many provisions that will increase the ability of our Nation's workers to achieve greater stability in our ever-changing workforce. I would like to mention one aspect of the bill which I am particularly proud of, the inclusion of Personal Reemployment Accounts as an allowable usage of funds under the pilot and demonstration projects of the Greater Workforce Investment Act. PRAs will provide American workers who are seeking employment added flexibility to seek the customized training and support services that they need and deserve to expand their career opportunities. As my community of southern Nevada experienced in the wake of September 11, our economy proved to be very vulnerable. As my community rebounded from this blow, Nevadans sought help in adjusting to the realities of the workforce. Those Nevadans who suffered the woes of unemployment sought additional training and support as they sought to increase their career opportunities. Mr. Chairman, I know that PRAs would have provided my constituents with a valuable option in seeking these services. In fact, many constituents have told me they are excited to have this opportunity in case there is another emergency at some point in time. In fact, one young girl, Lucy, wanted to make sure that there was ample education dollars available; and I assured her there would be. Besides providing for an individualized approach to reemployment, the PRAs provide an added bonus. Individuals are able to retain the remainder of their account after they return to the workforce. These funds can be used for continued training and support. As Americans return to work, they continue to face hardships until the benefits of employment become manifest. PRAs can help ease this transition. Mr. Chairman, I will include for the Record a letter from Deputy Secretary of Labor Steven Law demonstrating the administration's continued support of the PRA program. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation. As our workforce continues to engage the ever-changing economy which we are part of, this reauthorization will provide American workers with the tools they need and deserve to improve their career opportunities. I recommend final passage of the Job Training Improvement Act of 2005. Mr. Chairman, I include for the Record the letter referred to earlier from Steven J. Law, Deputy Secretary of Labor. Department of Labor, Deputy Secretary of Labor, Washington, DC, March 2, 2005. Hon. Jon Porter, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Porter: I would like to thank you for your invaluable and effective advocacy of Personal Reemployment Accounts (PRAs). Like you we believe that PRAs will provide thousands of Americans seeking reemployment with a new and more flexible means to seek customized training that leads quickly to expanded career opportunities. We are enthusiastic about the launch of PRA demonstration projects in seven states. We are confident that this important pilot program will prove the value of PRAs and, with enactment of your legislation, even more Americans will have access to PRAs. We look forward to working with you, Chairman Boehner, and Chairman McKeon on this innovative plan to help workers in transition. Thank you again for your leadership on this initiative. Sincerely, Steven J. Law.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize Ms. Lois Greene for the contributions she has made to the people and communities of the Las Vegas Valley. Ms. Greene's career of 25 years in banking and finance has enabled her to be an impassioned and pure advocate for small and minority owned businesses. Her commitment to God and her faith has been the key factor in her successful advocacy for non-profit organizations and the faith- based community. Out of her devotion to her ideals, she has helped transform the Las Vegas Valley and has brought hope to the residents that live there. Without question, her professional leadership in community development has helped Bank West of Nevada achieve and maintain an outstanding compliance rating under the Community Reinvestment Act for the past 10 years. But also as remarkable, has been her work as the ``Economic Evangelist,'' helping lead countless men and women out of financial bondage and toward financial freedom and economic growth through her efforts to wage war on debt. As a result of her leadership, she has been recognized as a ``Woman of Distinction,'' ``The Most Influential Woman in Southern Nevada Business'' and the ``Minority Business Advocate of the Year.'' I applaud her for her commitment to improving the lives of southern Nevadans of every age group, but more importantly of our youth. Her life story of humble and impoverished beginnings is one that transcends the color line. It serves as a remarkable example that hard work, determination, compassion and faith in God can overcome the stumbling blocks that were historically designed to oppress American minority groups. Therefore, her accomplishments are a triumph and her story is an example of success with which countless numbers of young people have found inspiration. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of her accomplishments, I honor her today and during Women's History Month, so that our Nation will be aware of her service and commitment to helping others become self-sufficient and realize their American dream. I am proud to represent her in Nevada's Third District.