Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the volunteers and organizers of the National Park America Tour. This outstanding event is bringing together community leaders and volunteers to clean and improve our Nation's parks and natural treasures. In my own community, the National Parks America Tour will work to improve Lake Mead on November 8, 2003. Lake Mead is one of the foremost recreational sites in our country, as well as the primary source of water and power for Southern Nevada and much of the Southwestern United States. I am proud to represent Lake Mead and bring attention to its unique value and needs. I salute all of the participants in the National Parks America Tour and its sponsors, Wal-Mart and Unilever. Working together, we can preserve and enhance Lake Mead for the community, tourists, and for future generations.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elizabeth Schroeder, the executive director of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce. In her seven years as executive director she has helped transform Mesquite into one of the premier resort and gaming communities in the United States. Her dedication to showcasing the community nationally, attracting new services, and creating a welcoming business climate will serve Mesquite well for decades to come. I want to thank Elizabeth Schroeder for everything she has done and wish her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the people of Laughlin, Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona for their generous contributions to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Colorado River. More than 400 people gave out of their pockets at the 2003 Margarita Fiesta and 10K Giveaway held at the River Palms Convention Center to raise more than $24,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs, a 20 percent increase over last year. These funds will be used to give young men and women of every background an opportunity to play and learn in a safe, caring, environment. Once again Laughlin has proven that it is more than just a vacation resort, it is also a place to call home. I am honored to represent the generous people of Laughlin and look forward to next year's Fiesta.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of a great Nevadan, a true community leader, and a friend, Bob Broadbent. Bob Broadbent served his community and his country selflessly and effectively for decades, earning the trust of all who knew him. Robert N. Broadbent was born June 19, 1926, in the Northern Nevada city of Ely, where his father, Broadie, served as mayor for 16 years. Broadbent attended the California Institute of Technology at Pasadena in 1944, but interrupted his studies to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the waning days of World War II. After 2 years in the military, Broadbent attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and in 1950 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacology from Idaho State College. Bob Broadbent first entered public service as the first Mayor of Boulder City, and led its transformation from government reservation to the world-class community it is today. As one of Bob's successors in that office, I can personally attest that he laid the groundwork for every success that community enjoys. Bob Broadbent was then elected to the Clark County Commission in 1969, where he not only helped the Las Vegas area plan for future growth, but helped build the community character and institutions that make Las Vegas not only a nice place to visit, but a great place to raise a family. He never let any personal interest, not even his own, stand in the way of what was the just and right thing to do. In 1981 President Reagan recognized Bob's extraordinary leadership skills by appointing him Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, where he helped steer that agency into a force for water development and environmental conservation, ensuring that growth and environmental protection in the West have gone hand in hand ever since. In 1987 Bob returned to Clark County to become director of aviation, where he helped lead McCarran airport into a time of extraordinary growth. Once again he laid the groundwork for the successes we enjoy today. After leaving the Airport Bob took on a new challenge, leading the effort to build the Las Vegas Monorail, which will provide transit service, first on the Resort Corridor, but eventually to downtown Las Vegas and other points. Bob's passing away on August 9, 2003, leaves a terrible void in our community that will be impossible to fill. I wish to extend my condolences to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Bob will be missed by all who knew him, and loved by all those who live in Clark County for generations to come. Broadbent is survived by his wife, Sue, of Boulder City; sons, Robert C. and Douglas, of Boulder City; daughters Kathy Morris of Las Vegas and Michele Walker of Boulder City; sister Sue Siri of Reno; 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducting the ``Education Savings Act of 2003''. This legislation will change current tax law to make it clear that employers can make tax-deductible contributions to employees' education savings accounts, such as 529 or 530 accounts. Saving for our children's higher education has become increasingly important as we continue to see the cost of college education steadily rising. As a Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce I have been afforded the opportunity to participate in many hearings outlining some of the difficulty student's face with the rising cost of tuition. Tuition is outpacing the rate of inflation, increases in family income, and even increases in State and Federal financial aid-- which have grown tremendously in recent years. Planning for our children's future education by setting up savings accounts is essential now more than ever. I have seen first hand the effects that can occur from rapidly increasing tuition rates. The State of Nevada has one of the lowest numbers of college graduates per capita. Setting up savings accounts early on for higher education can displace some of the burden created by the high costs of attaining a college education. The United States tax code offers options for families to SAVE--to Set Aside for the Value of Education. Two such options, the 529 College Savings Plan and the 530 ``Coverdell Accounts'', have benefited thousands of students and have helped their families meet the rapidly escalating costs associated with attaining a college degree. Unfortunately, current tax law penalizes workers for accepting contributions from their employers to these accounts by considering it earned income to the employees. The ``Education Savings Act'' will clarify that any amount contributed to these education accounts will NOT count towards an employee's taxable income. By allowing employers to contribute to 529 and 530 accounts without the contribution being considered taxable income, I hope to increase the ease with which we send our children to college. Employers are able to provide health and retirement benefits and it is time for businesses to be able to provide an education benefit as well without penalizing the employee. The ``Education Savings Act'' is another effort to help defray the ever growing costs of attaining a college education. Congress should do all we can to encourage our youth to pursue higher education opportunities and eliminate any barriers.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Thomas Hobbs, on his receipt of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V. This long delayed award recognizes the incredible heroism and dedication to service displayed by Thomas Hobbs when he served his country in South Vietnam more than 30 years ago. In 1970 Thomas Hobbs was serving as a Specialist 4 with Recon Team 1, Company E, 3rd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. Specialist Hobbs was participating in a multi-team ambush of communist forces in the Suoi Ca Valley when Recon Teams I and 2 of Company E engaged a much larger enemy force. Team 2 was pinned down by enemy fire, with several of its own members wounded. Specialist Hobbs, without thought of his own safety, left the perimeter of Team I to bring aid and additional firepower to Team 2. With his help, Team 2 was able to survive the communist attack. Without his bravery, Team 2 would have been overrun, and the long list of Americans sacrificed in the defense of freedom would have been even longer. I learned of this act of heroism when I received a letter from Ken Burbank, one of the men in Team 2 whom Thomas Hobbs helped save. For more than 30 years, he had remembered the brave soldier who had come to the aid of his unit that dark and dangerous night, and continued to look for Thomas Hobbs so he could thank him for saving his life. I was pleased to recommend to the Army that they honor Thomas Hobbs for his bravery, and I look forward to being able to present him with his award. All Americans should keep the courage and self-sacrifice of Thomas Hobbs, and the men and women who follow in his footsteps today, in mind when enjoying the freedoms he fought so bravely for.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 270, supporting the goals and ideals of College Savings Month. For many students, attending college following high school graduation is just the next phase in their lives before joining the workforce. But, for some, the choice to attain a postsecondary education is not as easy as just getting accepted into a program of their choice. With the growing cost of postsecondary education, many students are forced to take out student loans, loans that can often exceed $30,000 a year. Entering the workforce with these kinds of commitments can often be intimidating for a newly-graduated student. Having had two children in college at one time, I understand how saving for our children's postsecondary education has become increasingly important, as we continue to see the costs of the postsecondary education steadily rising. Currently, the United States Tax Code offers options for families to do just that, save money, to set aside for the value of that education. Two such options are the 529 College Savings Plan and the Coverdell Accounts. Both of these plans have benefited thousands of students and helped their families meet the rapidly escalating costs associated with obtaining a college degree. Mr. Speaker, I plan on introducing the Education Savings Act of 2003 tomorrow that will clarify the law to make it clear that employers can make tax deductible contributions to employees in their 529 and 530 education accounts, available to all employees at every income level. The Education Savings Act will clarify that any amounts contributed to these educational accounts will not count toward an employee's gross income. Planning for our children's postsecondary education by setting up savings accounts is essential, now more than ever. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Rogers) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) for their efforts to give this important issue the recognition it deserves.

Mr. PORTER

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 House Resolution 342.

Mr. PORTER

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

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

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus). (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan resolution in support of the National Railroad Hall of Fame in Galesburg, Illinois. The history of railroading in Illinois began in 1837 with the construction of a rail line linking the Illinois and the Mississippi Rivers. From that small beginning, Illinois emerged as the major connecting point for railroads linking the entire continent. The National Railroad Hall of Fame in Galesburg, Illinois, was founded to honor the memory of the inventors, the engineers, the surveyors, the financiers and workers who built these great railroads. Past inductees to the National Railroad Hall of Fame include George Pullman, developer of the famous Pullman sleeping car, and Cyrus K. Holliday, builder of the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe. Another great and recent inductee is Ralph Budd, president of the Great Northern and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroads. In the 1930s, Mr. Budd rejuvenated passenger rail service by developing the fastest and most efficient train of its time, the Pioneer Zephyr. Highly streamlined and constructed of lightweight stainless steel, the Pioneer Zephyr represented a true landmark in the history of passenger railroading. On May 26, 1934, this train made a record- breaking trip from Denver to Chicago, a distance of 1,000 miles, in only 13 hours. Today, that same train trip takes over 17 hours. The mission of the National Railroad Hall of Fame is to perpetuate the memory of great railroaders, such as Ralph Budd, and to serve as an educational resource for our younger generation. I strongly urge approval of this resolution. 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. 342) supporting the National Railroad Hall of Fame, Inc., of Galesburg, Illinois, in its endeavor to erect a monument known as the National Railroad Hall of Fame.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding me this time, and I thank the gentleman Florida (Mr. Young) for introducing this legislation. Staff Sergeant Murwin, whose plight inspired the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Young) to introduce this bill, is a fellow Nevadan and wounded combat veteran. His courage in serving his country and looking out for the interests of his fellow combat wounded veterans is commendable. I must say it is absolutely shameful that Sergeant Murwin and soldiers like him were forced to pay for the privilege of trying to recover while their lives were in turmoil or in a hospital. A few months ago, I joined with other Members of Congress as we visited Walter Reed Army Hospital and Bethesda Naval Hospital and had a chance to see firsthand the honor, the pride, and the pain of our fellow men and women in uniform. These men and women had limbs missing. One gentleman was run over by a tank. But, also, one young man had a flag attached to his lapel, a tattered small American flag that he wore to remember his fellow soldiers that were still at war. Mr. Speaker, these men and women have given enough in the name of freedom and democracy. It is shameful that they were forced to pay on top of all that they had given of their lives. I am glad today that we have righted something that was very, very wrong.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sherman Frederick on his election to the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame. I am pleased to join with all Nevadans in honoring him for his contribution to journalism and our community. Sherman Frederick began his career in journalism as an intern at the Review-Journal, the paper he currently publishes. He also serves as President of the Stephens Media Group, allowing him to share his experience and expertise with newspapers around the country. All of us who have been sworn to uphold the Constitution recognize the vital role our newspapers play in protecting our freedoms by remaining vigilant against any violations of our First Amendment. I urge all Nevadans and all members of this House to join with me in congratulating Sherman on winning this high honor.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Alice May Larson on her 100th birthday. Alice was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on October 4, 1903, and currently resides in Boulder City. I am pleased to join Alice's friends, relatives, and all of Boulder City in congratulating her on reaching this milestone.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of my good friend and neighbor L.W. ``Joe'' Lappin. Joe passed away Monday, September 8, at the age of 85. Joe, as everyone knew him, was a pillar of our community, as a member of the Boulder City Elks Club, Archeo Nevada, and the 31ers Club. Joe was a fountain of knowledge about Boulder City for all of those, including myself, who wanted to know about the origins and traditions of this unique community. As a former Mayor of Boulder City, I knew that I could count on Joe to know what needed to be done, and more importantly, what I was doing wrong. Joe is survived by his wife Patricia, his two children and three grandchildren. We will all miss Joe, and I urge the members of this House to join me in expressing our condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Esther Shipp on her 90th Birthday. Born September 7, 1913, Esther has been a resident of Boulder City since 1941. I am pleased to join Esther's friends, her five generations of relatives, and all of Boulder City in congratulating her on reaching this milestone.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3193. My name was added to the list of cosponsors inadvertently.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2998 offered by my friend and colleague, the distinguished Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Mr. Young of Florida. This vital legislation will benefit thousands of our men and women in uniform, including one brave Nevadan in particular, Staff Sergeant William L. Murwin. Staff Sergeant Murwin is a Marine Reservist from Nevada whose unit was activated for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Iraq, he was injured while patrolling with his unit. Sergeant Murwin suffered grave injuries, and was evacuated to the United States for treatment. He received care and treatment for a month at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC, and was then released from active duty and returned to Nevada. He was deeply shocked to receive a bill from the Federal government for more than $200 for the food he received while being treated for his combat injuries. Fortunately for Staff Sergeant Murwin, Mr. Young and his wife Beverly visited Walter Reed and personally paid Sergeant Murwin's bill. Then, motivated by his desire to make sure this did not happen to any service member ever again, Bill Young introduced H.R. 2998 to ban this practice forever. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation, and urge every Member of the House to become a co-sponsor of this vital, non- partisan legislation. On behalf of the people of Nevada, I want to thank Chairman and Mrs. Young for the service and compassion they have shown Sergeant Murwin and all of our men and women in uniform. I am proud to serve in the House with Chairman Young and hope that he continues his career of public service here for many years to come.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of Shannon Bybee, executive director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' International Gaming Institute and a pillar of our community, who passed away last week at the age of 65. Shannon Bybee was born Aug. 29, 1938, in Tropic, Utah. Shannon Bybee graduated from the University of Utah College of Law in 1969 and clerked for Nevada Supreme Court Justice Jon Collins. He was appointed to the Nevada Gaming Control Board in 1971. Shannon went on from that position to run casinos in both New Jersey and Nevada. After his successes in the gaming industry, Shannon joined UNLV in 1994, teaching classes at the school's College of Hotel Administration and the William S. Boyd School of Law, and directing UNLV's International Gaming Institute. Shannon is survived by his wife Norma Reid Bybee, daughters Kelli Poll and Erin Belanger, and sons Sean Bybee, Brendan Bybee and Reid Bybee, as well as 12 grandchildren. He is also survived by sister, Molly Adams, and brothers Patrick Bybee and Evan Bybee. People like Shannon Bybee helped make Las Vegas what it is today. Shannon always demonstrated, in his industry and educational careers, his commitment to the people and well-being of Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. My condolences are with his wife Norma and their family.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Cameron Sarno. Sarno lost his life on Monday, September 1, 2003, while on active duty in Kuwait. Cameron Sarno was serving with the 257th Transportation Company when he was killed while helping transport much needed supplies to US forces in Iraq. A native of Hawaii, Staff Sergeant Sarno moved to the Las Vegas Valley five years ago where he continued his more than nineteen years of service with the Army and the Army Reserve in the 257th, based at the Nellis Air Force Base Reserve Center. Sarno had been deployed in Kuwait since February of this year, where he operated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A man whose loyalty to family, friends, and comrades was a byword of both his personal and military lives, Cameron Sarno gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the values and ideals that he wished for us all. Staff Sergeant Sarno was a patriot and a hero; his dedication to our country will remain a reminder of the struggles that we face in the name of freedom. I urge all Members of this House to join me in honoring his sacrifice and in sending our condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 323) supporting the goals and ideals of National Marina Day, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 323, honoring the goals and ideals of National Marina Day. In every State in the country, marinas provide millions of Americans the opportunity to enjoy our greatest national treasure, our waters. Marinas today are working with their communities to increase knowledge of the importance of our rivers, lakes, and oceans in our communities, and to provide opportunities for people from all areas and walks of life to experience our waterways firsthand. The Marina Operators Association of America has designated August 9, 2003 as National Marina Day, and is using this opportunity to encourage Americans to learn more about their waterways and how they can be enjoyed safely while protecting the environment. Across the country, marinas employ more than 140,000 people at more than 12,000 locations. Marinas are often at the center of efforts to convert underused waterfronts into exciting cultural, recreational, and commercial areas that highlight the potential of a community. National Marina Day exists to highlight these contributions, encourage community celebration of their waterways, and to facilitate ways to make our waterway environments healthy, safe, and accessible for future generations. In my own State of Nevada, which is erroneously thought of as being just a desert State, the marinas at Lake Mead and along the Colorado River provide hundreds of thousands of people, not just the opportunity to relax and enjoy their vacations, but the opportunity to take a trip in time, from the ancient canyon walls of the Colorado River to the twentieth century wonder of the Hoover Dam complex, to the exciting resort community of Laughlin, Nevada. I recently wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Interior asking her to support improvements to the boat ramps and adjacent facilities on Lake Mead to attract more users to this magnificent body of water. I am pleased to be the sponsor of this bi-partisan resolution, and look forward to its passage by this House. I urge all my colleagues to lend it their support.