Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to applaud this bipartisan effort in recognizing those moms and dads and professionals across this country for their efforts in making sure that every child has a great education, to commend our staff and all of the Members who have cosponsored it, and the majority leader for scheduling this today.

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

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

Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 204.

Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 204) congratulating charter schools across the United States, and the students, parents, teachers, and administrators of such schools, for their ongoing contributions to education, and for other purposes.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt).

Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman).

Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 107. This resolution recognizes the unique and important opportunities provided by the international organization Students in Free Enterprise. Active on more than 1,400 college and university campuses and more than 33 countries, SIFE collegiate teams improve the quality of life and the standard of living around the world by teaching the principles of market economics, entrepreneurship, business ethnics, and personal finance success. Currently, there are over 15,000 students involved with the SIFE chapter. Since 1975, SIFE college teams have been invited to attend leadership training programs where they learn the principles of free enterprise and develop leadership skills. Students return to their respective campuses where they conduct free enterprise outreach projects in their communities. Ultimately, the SIFE experience works to provide college and university students with the opportunity to make a difference in their local communities and develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills, skills that are important to lifelong career success. The postsecondary education experience is enriched when students have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the world around them. SIFE chapters are a means by which college students can expand their knowledge of the free enterprise system, compete in international competitions, and work in their local communities. Our Nation is facing a time of economic challenge. The growth and strength of the SIFE collegiate chapters and the escalating interest in the entrepreneurial spirit and sound business practices encourage me. Recognition is in order for the international organizations, Students in Free Enterprise, their board, and the individual chapters. I am happy to join the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) in honoring these organizations for their accomplishments. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Madam 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. 107) commending and supporting the efforts of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), the world's preeminent collegiate free enterprise organization, and its president, Alvin Rohrs, as amended.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham), a prior member of our committee.

Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H. Res. 161, which commends Operation Respect, the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' programs' efforts to provide character education. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham) for their efforts to draw attention to the importance of character education programs in our schools. In 2001, Congress recognized the importance of character education programs like Operation Respect when we passed the No Child Left Behind Act. This landmark legislation contains the partnerships in character education program that provide grants for character education programs that emphasize academic achievement and focuses on elements such as citizenship, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness. As some may know, Operation Respect is a nonprofit organization that assists schools, after-school programs, and summer camps in their efforts to create safe and respectful environments for students and teachers. Specifically, Operation Respect utilizes music and video, along with a conflict-resolution curriculum, to help address the problems of bullying and teasing among elementary and middle school youth. Operation Respect also recognizes the importance of professional development by offering workshops designed to provide educators with the tools that they need to effectively implement character education programs. In fact, over 18,000 teachers have participated in 230 ``Don't Laugh At Me'' workshops in 27 States throughout the United States. I would also like to commend Operation Respect for their efforts to leverage the private sector support for their programs. Through the cooperative efforts of community-based organizations, schools, and the private sector, students are better able to understand the importance of acting responsibly and treating one another with respect. Again, I am pleased to recognize the achievements of Operation Respect and the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' programs, and I urge that Members support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 161.

Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 161) recognizing the achievements of Operation Respect, the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' programs, and Peter Yarrow, as amended.

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

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my condolences for a dear family friend, David Peter Thomas. David passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 2003, at the age of 28. I had the honor of knowing David and his family for many years. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, and grandson. Despite his young years, David had found a love of the law. He had attended UNLV School of Law for a year and then went on to the University of Utah, where he was in his last year of school. This past year David clerked at a local law firm, where he was to begin his career as a lawyer. David was also an avid skier and artist, which he inherited from his mother. He loved to spend his free time skiing, painting, or playing music. David was a beautiful person, a well-loved person who could brighten a stranger's day. His untimely death shall be regretted by all the people who knew David. To his family--his wife Natalie, his parents Peter and Nancy, his siblings Megan, Lindsey, and Adam, and his grandparents Monroe and Shirley, Parry and Peggy, I just want to say may he rest in peace. May God bless him.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women of the Nevada National Guard and their Commanding General, Major General Giles E. Vanderhoof. Since September 11 the Nevada National Guard has been on the front lines of the war on terror, providing troops for Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. With more than 700 soldiers and airmen activated, Nevada has one of the highest percentages of mobilized troops in the country. The 152nd Airlift Wing, 152nd Security Police Squadron, 72nd Military Police Company, 152nd Intelligence Squadron, 777th Engineer Detachment, and other units have all responded with valor and dedication to their country's call. The Nevada National Guard has a long history of service to this nation, serving in the Pueblo crisis, the Persian Gulf War, and Bosnia. I salute each and every member of the National Guard and pledge my full support for them and their families. General Vanderhoof and his staff are to be commended for their success in training and leading such a force.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to one of Nevada's finest. One of the legends of the west passed on to his reward last week. Ninety-year-old Tommy Nelson came to Nevada in 1931 to help build the mighty Hoover Dam and wound up being employed forty years on the site. Tommy was an outstanding individual who was admired by all who knew him. He was also an excellent musician and played his trumpet at many patriotic ceremonies and funerals of our service men and women. Nevada has lost a great American whose spirit will live on in the hearts of Nevadans.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Boulder City on a number of awards it has received over the last year. I have had the tremendous honor of representing Boulder City as a Councilman, Mayor, and now as Congressman. The following awards show the quality of life Boulder City is famous for. These awards include: the Howland Award, given by the National League of Cities to the best small community in the country; the ``Excellence in Aquatics Award'' from the National Recreation and Parks Association. This honor was given for the exceptional quality of all the aquatic programs offered through the Parks and Recreation Department; the ``Excellence in Education Hall of Fame Award'' from the Clark County School District; the Boulder City Municipal Golf Course was recognized statewide as number 10 in top values throughout the State and best course under $100 in southern Nevada by the ``Las Vegas Golfer Magazine;'' National Geographic Adventure Magazine named Boulder City's Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Trail facility as one of the top 50 Favorite Adventure Places, November, 2002. I urge my colleagues in this House and people across the country to visit Boulder City, Nevada, and see this wonderful, award-winning community first hand.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Joseph G. Roberts, beloved husband of Lia Roberts. Joe will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 12, 2003, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Joe was born on September 19, 1915 in Springfield, Missouri and died on April 7, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Growing up during the depression, Joe was best known for being a man of great integrity and honor. In 1941, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a captain and pilot during World War II. He was later discharged with honors. In 1949, Joe moved to Las Vegas and founded Roberts Roofing and went on to become a very successful businessman in the Las Vegas community. His dedication and generous contributions to the many charities he helped support will not be forgotten. Joe, we thank you for your true spirit of life and your gracious manner. You will be missed by your many friends and loved ones. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Lia and family during this time of sorrow.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Boulder City Fire Department for obtaining a Class 2 Insurance Service Offices, ISO, rating. The ISO Class 2 rating is obtained by less than one percent of the fire departments in the country and is made possible by the dedication and skill of Boulder City Fire Chief Dean Molburg and the firemen of Boulder City. As a former mayor of Boulder City, and its current Congressman, I am proud that Boulder City has been recognized for its excellent fire coverage. The courage and commitment to public service shown every day by Boulder City firefighters is an example for all of us. They, and all Nevada first responders, have my thanks and full support.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my heartiest congratulations to Mr. Craig Swallow, of the Green Valley High School. Mr. Swallow has been selected as a Semifinalist of the National Council of Economic Education (NCEE)/Nasdaq National Teaching Awards. This achievement recognizes high school teachers for their originality, creativity, and effectiveness in furthering students' awareness of financial markets, the process of capital formation, principles of investment, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and the operation of market economies. This recognition, and Mr. Swallow's place among the twenty finest high school educators in this field, gives credit not only to this fine teacher's outstanding capabilities, but also his dedication, in equipping his students for success in a highly-competitive, economically-complex professional environment. This achievement demonstrates Green Valley High School's commitment to provide our students with the comprehensive and rigorous curricula that will ensure the achievement of their future goals. Mr. Swallow's teaching abilities are an example to all parents, teachers, and students. By gaining this prestigious professional accolade, Mr. Swallow becomes an example of the potential towards which all teachers can strive as they impart the most beneficial forms of knowledge to our children. I am proud to represent teachers like Mr. Swallow, whose dedication and knowledge, guarantee the future success of Green Valley High School, Henderson, Clark County, and all of Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Boulder City Fire Department for obtaining a Class 2 Insurance Service Offices (ISO) rating. The ISO Class 2 rating is obtained by less than one percent of the fire departments in the county and is made possible by the dedication and skill of Boulder City Fire Chief Dean Molburg and the firemen of Boulder City. As a former Mayor of Boulder City, and its current Congressman, I am proud that Boulder City has been recognized for its excellent fire coverage. The courage and commitment to public service shown every day by Boulder City firefighters is an example for all of us. They, and all Nevada first responders, have my thanks and full support.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the importance of renewable energy in America. America's energy consumption is at an all time high and rising. In order to address the imbalance between consumption and domestic production, one part of the solution is to continue the advances in research and development of renewable energy resources. In my home state of Nevada, the sun shines more than 300 days out of the year. We are also blessed with an abundant amount of other renewable energy sources such as geothermal, wind and biomass. Nevada is a perfect laboratory for renewable energy research. We also can boast that we have one of the top research centers in the country for renewable energy. Since the 1970's, The Desert Research Institute or DRI has been actively researching ways to put renewable resources to better use, especially for commercial use. In the past, DRI has conducted solar energy research by developing a facility where it was completely cooled and heated by solar energy. At the present time, DRI scientists and engineers are developing a solar and wind powered system that produces hydrogen for a fuel cell with excess renewable energy so that continuous power can be provided for off-grid sites. These fuel cells also potentially would power hydrogen fuel cell cars. This technology is a cornerstone in President Bush's national energy plan. Because the research being conducted in Nevada, it will not only have an impact in my home state, but will also impact all Americans in the long term from having a more secure and environmentally sustainable mix of energy sources.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the workers at the Ocean Spray Nevada plant for completing 1 million bottling hours without a single accident. This singular feat has been accomplished through the dedication and skill of every man and woman in the plant. One million hours equals 25,000 40-hour work weeks, and is a nearly impossible feat to accomplish. Every manufacturing plant in the United States and overseas can learn from the example provided by Plant Manager Paul Altmier and his entire team. The Ocean Spray plant, located in Henderson, NV, was completed 9 years ago and employs roughly 200 people. This plant provides the western United States with cranberry juice and other beverages. I am honored to represent the workers at the plant on this occasion and look forward to their continued accomplishments in safety and excellence.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), the distinguished author of this legislation. (Mr. HAYWORTH asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)