Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about H. Con. Res. 5, a bill that is presented before Congress by people of the great State of Nevada in order to allow for the placement of our second statue, of Sarah Winnemucca, into National Statuary Hall. Sarah Winnemucca was born into the Northern Paiute tribe around 1844, as my distinguished colleagues have mentioned this afternoon. Throughout her life, she lived in various parts of Northern Nevada, including Pyramid Lake, McDermitt and Lovelock, Nevada. Her life came at a time of major historical changes for her people, the Paiutes, and she played a pivotal role in building communications between her people and the settlers while defending the Paiute tribe's rights. At the time of her birth, the Northern Paiutes and Washoes were the only inhabitants of what is now Northern Nevada. When the settlers started to come through their land, Sarah Winnemucca had to reason between the two very different philosophical views that her family held. Her grandfather, Chief Truckee, welcomed the arrival of his white brothers, whereas her father, Chief Winnemucca, looked upon their arrival with disdain. Some historians now believe that this inherent conflict between her grandfather and father taught Sarah how to better relate to the new settlers while working to maintain the integrity of the tribe. Sarah led an incredible life, Mr. Speaker. First introduced to the settlers at the age of six, by the time she was 14, she had acquired five languages, including English and Spanish, a challenge even for today. By the time Sarah was an adult, immigration had continued to the point where Native Americans started being forced into reservations, ending the days of hunting and gathering for her tribe. At age 27, Sarah began working as an interpreter at the Bureau of Indian Affairs at Fort McDermitt on the Nevada-Oregon border. As if that was not enough, Sarah even served as an interpreter and scout to the Army, traveling at one point without sleep over 200 miles in 48 hours over all parts of Idaho. Sarah was a fearless advocate and speaker on behalf of Native American rights throughout the Western United States, Washington D.C., and throughout the Eastern U.S., giving more than 400 speeches on behalf of the Paiutes. Near the end of her life, Sarah dedicated herself to teaching school to Paiute children and opened a school near Lovelock, Nevada, for Native American children. Sarah Winnemucca died in 1891 at the age of 47. Although her life was short, she has become a part of Nevada history that will never be forgotten. Sarah is an appropriate tribute to the Silver State, and I am proud to honor her memory as the second representative from Nevada in the National Statuary Hall and in our Nation's Capital, as only the eighth woman ever to be represented. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be here today with the other members of our delegation in order to welcome Sarah Winnemucca to our National Statuary Hall. She is an example for all of us to live up to.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. On behalf of the Committee on Government Reform, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 124. This legislation congratulates the people of Jewish faith across America and around the world on their completion of the eleventh cycle of the Babylonian Talmud. Thousands of Jews worldwide read a page a day of the 2,711-page Talmud for nearly 7\1/2\ years. This incredible reading program, called Dafyomi, ends today, March 1, 2005, after beginning September 29, 1997. It consists of the Mishnah, which was the original written version of the Oral Torah, and the Gemara which is essentially a commentary on the Mishnah. Together, these two intertwined texts form Talmud, which serves today as an explanation of the law as described in the five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Simply put, it was written to help Jews better understand God's will. It is called the Babylonian Talmud because, at the time of its composition in the 5th century A.D., the contributing rabbis and a significant portion of the Jewish population lived in Babylon, outside the bounds of the Roman Empire. The rabbis contemplated, discussed, argued and told stories to express their positions on the law. They recorded their thoughts, and the end product, the Gemara, accompanied the Mishnah and the two texts became known as the Babylonian Talmud. Jews began reading Talmud in the current cycles in 1923. A Polish rabbi named Meir Shapiro intended to unite Jews all over the world by having them study the same page each day. For almost 82 years, Jews have done just that, and today marks the end of the 11th cycle of Rabbi Shapiro's vision. Mr. Speaker, Talmud readers here in America can attend countless celebrations this evening. Tonight, they can also tune in to a simulcast of the worldwide commemoration of the 7\1/2\-year cycle completion. I want to thank my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner) for introducing this meaningful resolution. I congratulate the students, the scholars and all people of Jewish faith who will complete this monumental undertaking today. In southern Nevada, where I am from, we have the fastest growing Jewish community in the country. So I am proud to be here today to talk about this important occasion. This is a terrific matter for the House to recognize and bring to light for all Americans one of the solemn rituals of Judaism. It is also important to note that there is no rest for the devoted. As the resolution declares, we all wish our Talmud readers well with the twelfth cycle that begins, believe it or not, tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of H. Res. 124. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 124) congratulating Jewish communities on their seven year completion of the 11th cycle of the daily study of the Talmud.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 124, the resolution under consideration.

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

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to strongly urge all my colleagues to support the adoption of H. Res. 124.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time at the moment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of a great American, Specialist Brian Robinson. I honor him today for his heroism in the fight against our global enemies and in fighting for equitable treatment for all Army National Guardsmen. As a former member of the Nevada Army National Guard, Spc. Robinson has shown valor and honor in combat in Iraq against the aggression of our enemies in the Global War on Terror. Since his return to the United States, overcoming near-fatal injuries and other odds, Spc. Robinson has taken an active stand to ensure that our returning Guardsmen and Reserves get their guaranteed pay and benefits. The inspirational story of this brave man is one that deserves notice not just for his bravery in combat, but for his determination to reform inequities in services for his fellow guardsmen and soldiers. I encourage each of my colleagues to diligently work to provide, in an accurate and timely manner, pay and benefits to reserve soldiers who have been injured or have become ill fighting in the line of duty. Our troops deserve that much for the sacrifices they have made volunteering to fight to maintain the freedoms we all take for granted. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I salute Spc. Robinson for his bravery and sacrifice. I also honor him for his continued determination to find solutions to inequities in our military.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of a great American, Sergeant Joseph Perez. I honor him today for his heroism in the fight against our global enemies and in fighting for equitable treatment for all Army National Guardsmen. As a former member of the Nevada Army National Guard, Sgt. Perez has shown valor and honor in combat in Iraq against the aggression of our enemies in the Global War on Terror. Since his return to the United States, overcoming near-fatal injuries and other odds, Sgt. Perez has taken an active stand to ensure that our returning Guardsmen and Reserves get their guaranteed pay and benefits. The inspirational story of this brave man is one that deserves notice not just for his bravery in combat, but for his determination to reform inequities in services for their fellow guardsmen and soldiers. I encourage each of my colleagues to diligently work to provide, in an accurate and timely manner, pay and benefits to reserve soldiers who have been injured or have become ill fighting in the line of duty. Our troops deserve that much for the sacrifices they have made volunteering to fight to maintain the freedoms we all take for granted. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I salute Sgt. Perez for his bravery and sacrifice. I also honor him for his continued determination to find solutions to inequities in our military.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th Nevada State Conference of the Nevada State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. It is indeed an honor to salute such an extraordinary group of women committed not only to maintaining a legacy that acknowledges the undaunted efforts of our forefathers as they formed our great nation, but also to honor them for their continued patriotism and commitment to education, our veterans and historic preservation. When we entered the 21st Century five years ago, the secure and optimistic stride of American strength and prosperity was marred by the outrageous actions of a cowardly few. The Constitutional assurances of domestic tranquility and liberty established in 1787 were seemingly knocked off-balance when our borders and our lives became the victims of foreign terrorism in 2001. Yet, even when we seemed broken by the challenge of this assault, we stood resilient. And like the patriots who fought for democracy and freedom at the infancy of this nation-- like shadows of their legacy--we rose strong to proclaim the ideals that are the fabric of this great nation. Like a quilt, the patchwork picture of America--a colorfully authentic composite of her people, her struggles, her history, and her future--remains tethered together by a commitment to our country, a belief in God and the values and virtues of home. This organization exemplifies the same spirit of patriotism and vision once held by our great forefathers. Whether through their efforts to help finance the educational dreams of diverse groups of Nevadans or the thousands of hours of service they give to our veterans, they reach back into the past to honor those who struggled for freedom and reach forward into the future to pave the way for young Americans who will face newer, broader challenges in perpetuating the vision of democracy. Likewise, through the perpetual concern they have had for Native American people and participation in the issues that affect them, we all can take part in the appreciation of their rich history and the impact Native Americans have had on Nevada. And now, all of America will remember the Native Americans and their struggle as they gaze upon the statue of Sarah Winnemucca in the United States Capitol, a graceful symbol of a great American woman who spent her life trying to unite men and women who were divided by color and culture. Mr. Speaker, through every facet of society, the hands of the Nevada State Society Daughters of the American Revolution leave lasting impressions. Today, I salute them for their continued work and service to Nevadans and Americans everywhere.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the time, and I thank my colleague the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham) for their leadership on this particular resolution. I am proud to be a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 45. Representing Clark County, Nevada, one of the fastest growing communities in the country and one of the fastest growing school districts in the country, we also have one of the finest music departments for our children. I would like to go back in time just for a moment. I am one of those students that, in the early 1960s, had the opportunity to start in the first grade with piano lessons. Of course, I resisted taking these piano lessons. I did not want to go, but I did follow the advice of my mom and dad and later joined the school band, was involved in programs, but I would tell my colleagues from firsthand that music has been a major part of my life. I know friends that have found it as a career, have made a decision to go into the music field, but it is an art form, and I feel that we have a responsibility as leaders to make sure that this art form is continued and expanded. I mentioned I have some friends that have moved into the music field. They, too, have been inspiration for me, but as I see what is happening to our children today with the pressures that are upon our families, music is a key way for recreation but also for excitement that music provides. It is truly an art form. As was mentioned earlier, music is one of those items that I think brings back memories of specific times. We hear a specific song or I play a song today that will bring back memories from years gone by, but life is not a snapshot. It is a moving picture, and as we enjoy those memories of life, music provides one of those avenues for us to share in moments of time, and music should and must remain a major part of our curriculum in our schools. I have this maybe far-out idea that someday music could be the language of world peace because music crosses all boundaries, all religions, all races, all nationalities, and at some point in time, I truly believe that music can be one of those tools to bring us all together as a Nation and as a country. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support of H. Con. Res. 45 and encourage its passage.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, the storied history of our Nation's Armed Forces was written by the great men and women who served our country with honor and bravery. Among the most courageous was a group of men who defied both fascism abroad and racism at home while establishing a record as one of the most successful fighting units in American history. Mr. Speaker, in the 108th Congress I was honored to sponsor House Concurrent Resolution 417 honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and I am again delighted to stand here today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 26 honoring the Tuskegee Airmen for their bravery and sacrifice. My first experience with the Tuskegee Airmen occurred through one of my former staff members, Traci Scott. Her father, Captain Jesse H. Scott was an original member of the Airmen and was so eager to join that he even lied about his age to be accepted into the Tuskegee Airmen. I also had the opportunity to meet with Mr. George Sherman, a former Tuskegee Airman that currently resides in Las Vegas. I was privileged to hear first hand accounts and see photos that provided a glimpse of what it must have been like to be a Tuskegee Airman. The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of dedicated and determined young men who enlisted to become America's first African-American airmen. These airmen were trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama beginning in 1941. The airmen trained at Tuskegee received two Presidential Unit Citations for outstanding tactical air support and aerial combat, and they established the incredible and unprecedented record of flying more than 200 bomber escort missions without the loss of a single bomber to enemy aircraft. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this unique group of American heroes. As our nation engages in combating terrorism around the world, we rely upon the global reach and presence provided by our Air Force. The example set by the Tuskegee Airmen encouraged millions of Americans of every race to pursue careers in air and space technology. The Tuskegee Airmen proved that skill and determination, not skin color, are the determining factors in aviation. As we celebrate Black History Month this February, it is important that we remember not just the historical circumstances that divided our nation, but we must also remember those individuals that helped push the Civil Rights Movement forward. We are forever indebted to those men who silently risked their lives to protect a country that, at the time, did not necessarily appreciate, nor recognize, their brave sacrifice.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Mary Beth Scow and her contributions to excellence in public education. As a current representative of District A of the Clark County School District Board of Trustees, Mrs. Scow has been an outspoken voice and is honored for her contributions. I stand today to praise her for her continued leadership and passion in improving education in southern Nevada. Mrs. Scow, a Denver native, has been a resident of southern Nevada for the past 25 years. She graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in community health education. She and her husband Steve are the proud parents of nine children, all educated in the Clark County School District. The entire family has been very involved in community sports, music and church activities. With a vision to help prepare Clark County students for higher education and for successful future careers, Mrs. Scow has been an outspoken voice for Clark County students. Elected to the board of school trustees in 1996, Mrs. Scow has proven her leadership qualities by serving two terms as president of that body. In addition, she has served on various educational committees and zoning task forces. In her community, she leaves a legacy to the Sunset Area Council of PTA as a former president and to her local Boy Scout chapter as den leader. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand today to pay tribute to a visionary leader, committed parent and public servant. I join with the William McCool Science Center at Frank Lamping Elementary School to pay tribute to Mary Beth Scow for her dedication to Clark County students and her commitment to excellence in education. I thank her for her contribution and I urge my colleagues to recognize in their own communities, the contributions of great leaders in education.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor KVBC Channel 3 on their 50th anniversary. Just as Southern Nevada has grown, so has Channel 3, the NBC affiliate serving fast-growing Southern Nevada in the Nation's 51st television market. In 1954, the original Channel 3 studio began in a small building on Desert Inn and Boulder Highway. In 1979, Channel 3 moved into their current studios, a one-time roller rink, on Foremaster Lane and Las Vegas Boulevard. Today, Channel 3 is the highest rated local nightly newscast, reaching a population of nearly 1.7 million people in Southern Nevada. In fact, every week, 4 out of 5 homes in Clark, Lincoln and Nye Counties tune in to Channel 3. KVBC Channel 3 is owned by Jim Rogers, Chairman of the Sunbelt Communications Company. Mr. Rogers is a long-time Las Vegan and one of the largest contributors to education in the Nation. He is currently the Interim Chancellor of Nevada's University system. Channel 3 is also home to many long-time employees and on-camera personalities such as Sue Manteris, Denise Rosch, Kendall Tenney, Jim Snyder, Nina Radetich, Beth Fisher, John Fredericks, Captain Gregg Deacon, Tom Hawley, Mitch Roberts, Rick Strasser, and General Manager Gene Greenberg who has been with Channel 3 for 28 years. Each of these individuals has been generous with their own time serving the community they love. KVBC Channel 3 has always dedicated itself to bringing the news of the day to Southern Nevada residents, and stands firm in its commitment to be ``Where News Comes First.'' I extend my best wishes to Jim Rogers and his entire team at KVBC Channel 3 on the 50th anniversary of the television station.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Susan Segal, Principal of Basic High School in Henderson, Nevada. Ms. Segal is now completing her twenty-first year in the Clark County School District. She moved to Nevada from New York City where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the City University of New York and began teaching Spanish and French in the New York City school system. Ms. Segal began her career in Nevada's school system in February 1983 as an itinerant English language teacher in the Indo-Chinese Refugee Program. Ms. Segal became an administrator in January 1994 when she was appointed Dean of Students at Basic High School, and after two years was appointed Assistant Principal at Cheyenne High School. In January of 1999 she was appointed Principal of Desert Pines High School where she was in charge of selecting a curriculum and hiring a complete staff for the high school. In July of 2002, Ms. Segal returned to Basic High School where she is the current principal and oversees 100 licensed personnel, five administrators, and 40 support staff in a school of about 2,230 students. She balances her time between her staff and her students by ensuring that her students are receiving the best education possible. Mr. Speaker, Susan Segal works diligently to serve her local Nevada community as she works hard to prepare her students for the future. She is a wonderful role model who gives 100 percent to her staff and her students. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate her diligence and hard work and would ask that my colleagues support me in honoring Susan Segal for her invaluable service.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to sponsor the Worker Reemployment Accounts Act of 2005. This important legislation will help thousands of unemployed Americans seeking to return to work by providing them with a Personal Reemployment Account. The American economy is the fastest growing economy of any industrialized nation in the world. Nationwide, more than 2.4 million jobs have been added since August 2003. The national unemployment rate has declined to 5.4 percent, lower than the average rate during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. In my own state of Nevada, unemployment has fallen to 3.7 percent. Clearly, the Republican tax relief and growth package has helped to drive the strong recovery in our economy. But we still have more work to do. As the economy is adding thousands of new jobs and the unemployment rate is dropping across the country, the assistance provided by this bill is critical because we want to ensure that every job seeker has the resources they need to find a good job. That is what this bill is all about--helping Americans find careers. As President Bush proposed in his 2005 budget, the Worker Reemployment Accounts Act permits the Secretary of Labor to use demonstration funding under the Workforce Investment Act to provide Personal Reemployment Accounts to those with the greatest challenges in returning to work quickly. Through competitive grants, the local One-Stop Career Center system, where the unemployed already seek assistance in obtaining employment, will offer this important new benefit to unemployed workers, in addition to an array of employment services they already provide. Under the bill, states and local workforce investment areas will be able to offer unemployed individuals who are most in need of help a reemployment account of up to $3,000. With these accounts, unemployed workers may purchase a variety of different services to help them find a good job, including job training, child care, transportation, housing assistance, short-term classes to upgrade skills, and employment counseling. One of the important features of the bill is that it provides individuals with significant new flexibility to design a package of services tailored to meet their needs. By taking into accounts the needs of the unemployed on an individual basis, our local, State, and federal governments will better equip these individuals with the tools they require to secure long-term, meaningful employment. In addition, recipients will be able to keep the balance of the account as a cash reemployment bonus if they become reemployed within 13 weeks and stay employed for six months. These new Personal Reemployment Accounts and the current job training services already administered under the Workforce Investment Act are both essential in helping displaced workers in areas of the country facing skill shortages and enhancing the workforce for our increasingly knowledge-based economy. The Secretary of Labor already has begun the process of testing the PRA concept through a very limited pilot program. However, the authority of this bill would allow the Secretary to test the concept in more areas, either within the seven states already participating or in additional states. The lessons learned through this demonstration program will help inform Congress regarding the best way to serve the unemployed and ultimately will result in better reemployment and training services for all workers. Over the past two years, Republicans have taken numerous steps to help unemployed workers. I am also proud to join 21'' Century Competitiveness Subcommittee Chairman McKeon and Chairman Boehner of the Education and the Workforce Committee in introducing the Job Training Improvement Act of 2005. This bill will reauthorize and enhance the services provided through the Workforce Investment Act and the nation's one-stop deliver system for workforce development. I am pleased that the provisions of the Worker Reemployment Accounts Act are included in this broader reauthorization package. I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve job training opportunities for all Americans and offer this new innovative option to help workers as quickly as possible. The choice and flexibility available through a Personal Reemployment Account is the additional assistance American families need to get back into high-wage, steady employment. By providing this enhanced assistance, we can ensure that Americans are able to meet the challenges of the ever-changing economy that they face. I was proud to see similar legislation pass in the House of Representatives in the 108th Congress, and am excited to see it become law in the 109th Congress. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give thanks and praise to a fellow Nevadan and friend who has served her state well in many capacities. Ann O'Connell, a former Nevada State Senator, retired at the end of this state session. I stand today to give praise to her for her wonderful 19-year contribution to the great state of Nevada. Ms. O'Connell was born in 1934 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She later earned a degree from the University of New Mexico. Upon moving to Nevada she began a very successful career in politics in which she has served her fellow Nevadans well. In 1988 Ms. O'Connell received the Woman of Achievement in Politics award from the Women's Council of the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. She has also appeared in several editions of the ``Distinguished Women's Book of Nevada.'' In 2002 she received the Women's Role Model Award from the Nevada Office of the Attorney General. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I stand today to pay tribute to a great legislator and public servant. Ann O'Connell will be missed but not forgotten. I know that her retirement will not be the end of her public service and I thank her for her diligence in serving those around her.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand today to pay tribute to a friend and fellow Nevadan. Mr. Raymond Rawson has served the great State of Nevada in the Nevada State Senate since 1985. I have had the honor to serve with him as he served as the Senate Assistant Majority Floor Leader in which he served as a great legislative role model and leader. I know that he will be missed in his retirement. Mr. Rawson was born in Sandy, Utah, in 1940. He later moved to Nevada to pursue a bachelor's degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He received his D.D.S. from Loma Linda University Dental School, California, and then returned to Las Vegas to pursue a masters degree at UNLV in physical anthropology. Mr. Rawson served the public in his 19 years of political service, as well as in his dental practice where he received numerous dental awards including Dentist of the Year in 1997. Mr. Rawson has served his community well in his political capacity, and I am sure he will continue to serve even after his retirement. Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to stand with me today and honor all those State legislators across the country, like Mr. Rawson, who have dedicated so many years to building a better State community, which in turn contributes to a better Nation.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and honor John Ritter for his contribution to Clark County Legal Services through the Ritter Charitable Trust. This important contribution of $175,000 will ensure that victims of violence against women will continue to have access to the legal support they need to protect themselves and their families. John Ritter has long been a leader in the economic development of Clark County, Nevada. This gift, and other charitable donations he has made, shows that he is also a leader in meeting the humanitarian needs of our community. John Ritter has shown that, as Southern Nevada continues to experience the fastest growth in the Nation, our community will meet its challenges with the same spirit that has made Las Vegas a world capital of culture, entertainment and quality of life. I look forward to continuing to work with John Ritter and Barbara Buckley, Director of Clark County Legal Services, to fight violence against women. I urge the House to join me in honoring John Ritter for his philanthropy and leadership.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 4593, the Lincoln County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2004. I appreciate the opportunity to speak in favor of this valuable legislation and I am proud to be an original co-sponsor. I applaud the local governments of Clark and Lincoln Counties along with the Nevada Delegation and local officials that have helped with this collaborative legislation. This is the result of many years of work with many parties and I am proud to be part of this legislation. H.R. 4593 represents an important compromise between the Department of Interior and the State of Nevada. It enjoys strong bipartisan support from the entire Nevada Congressional Delegation. Nevada's Third District, located in Clark County, is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. The growth has provided many positive opportunities for jobs and created a strong economic climate, but it has also placed an increased strain on our water supply and resources. The fact is, the State of Nevada, and my congressional district in particular, continue to lead the Nation in population growth, yet we have access to the smallest water allocation of the seven States using the Colorado River. As drought continues in the West and our State continues to grow, the development of in-state water resources grows increasingly important. This new legislation will help the development and economy of both Lincoln and Clark Counties while continuing to preserve and protect Nevada's precious lands. It will help us maintain a balance between land management and public use. In Clark County we have enjoyed the benefits of improved parks, trails, and recreational areas using the proceeds from Federal land sales. H.R. 4593 would provide similar opportunities for Lincoln County, located just north of Clark County. It offers a comprehensive plan that will contribute to the proposed development of Nevada's in-state resources intended to diversify southern Nevada's water supply and supplement the area's water entitlement from the Colorado River. This legislation will help to expedite a solution to southern Nevada's current water situation without compromising public involvement and environmental compliance. H.R. 4593 will also create utility corridors, resolve wilderness study issues, provide for competitive Federal land sales, and provide for the conveyance of Federal land to the State of Nevada and Lincoln County for use as public parks. For the past decade Clark County's use of the Colorado River and an emphasis on water conservation have helped us in southern Nevada balance our growth and our need for water; however, as we plan for the future we realize we need additional water resources and planning. I would like to urge my colleagues in the House to support this important bipartisan legislation and join with me in voting for this amendment.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor Margaret Parker Fretwell. Mrs. Fretwell just recently celebrated her ninetieth birthday and it is my great pleasure to note that she is still working hard to better her community. Through her enjoyment of community service and a love for her family, Margaret Fretwell has made sure that her ninety years here on this earth have been spent in the service of others. As an active member in her family, church, and community, she has become a symbol of service and charity. Those around her have been able to rely on her hard work and giving nature to promote charitable programs and educational events that benefit everyone in her hometown of Anderson, South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege to stand here and honor Margaret Fretwell with my deepest thanks for her continued service and contributions to her local community. It is my hope that those that have been touched by her generosity will remember her example and use it in their own lives.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment to H.R. 10 that will recognize the importance of the private sector and the tourism industry in particular in our Nation's homeland security. I, like many Members here today in this great body, have read the 9/ 11 report and am anxious to act on its findings. I would like to quote from that report: ``The mandate of the Homeland Security Department does not end with the government. The Department is also responsible for working with the private sector to ensure preparedness.'' It also says, the ``private sector preparedness is not a luxury. It is a cost of doing business in the post 9/11 world.'' Mr. Chairman, we currently have a Special Assistant to the Secretary for the Private Sector, before the report was published, and unfortunately, the report says we still are not helping the private sector enough. As an example, the Las Vegas community in the great State of Nevada, we had applied for the Urban Area Security Initiatives Grants and determined that, initially, we did not qualify because we are a small State of approximately 2 million people. With further research, they realized that we have 38 million tourists that visit the great State of Nevada annually. That is an example where there are some challenges with the current law. We need to promote this position to give it the weight, to make sure private industry is helped and encouraged in its effort to enhance homeland security while staying in business, protecting their employees and their customers. Again, as I read the 9/11 report, it mentioned how easily the terrorists mingled with the 500 million people who travel across our borders every year and with the hundreds of millions more who travel internally in this country. As I said, Nevada has close to 38 million visitors a year. The report has some excellent ideas on how to improve transportation and border security, and I look forward to passing those suggestions. But the travel and tourism industry is the number one, number two and number three industry in every State of the union. It is the common element of the private sector in every community. Domestic travellers spend close to $500 billion annually in this country. Foreign tourism contributes $80 billion to our economy. Tourism generates close to $95 billion in taxes, and tourism in our country supports 7.2 million jobs, generating $158 billion in payroll. As a matter of fact, Las Vegas is the bellwether for an ever-changing and improving economy, creating close to 40,000 new jobs alone in the last year. Mr. Chairman, my amendment ensures that the DHS has a senior official that recognizes the importance of this industry and all industry and provides liaison with other Federal agencies active on this very important issues. Our small businesses, their employees, their customers deserve to have their needs count when homeland security decisions are made. It is important to note that this amendment does not cost the Federal Government in additional dollars or disrupt the operation of any agencies. Mr. Chairman, I urge the House to pass my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the comments from my colleague. I will conclude by stating the importance of this is for the safety first of those visiting and traveling to our communities, providing the expertise from those individuals that deal with, on a daily basis, the handling of millions and millions of visitors to our great State and to our country and to the businesses that do the same. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert).

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

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 809) supporting the goals and ideals of ``Lights On Afterschool!'', a national celebration of after-school programs, as amended.