George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and express my pride in former staffer Evan Miller upon her graduation, magna cum laude, from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. Ms. Miller grew up in Sanger, California, and graduated from Sanger High School in 1998. She attended University of California, San Diego, and, upon graduation in 2002, worked closely with constituents in my Fresno district office from July through December 2002. Ms. Miller then moved to Washington, DC, and served as staff assistant, administrative assistant, and legislative assistant, and left to attend law school at the University of Richmond in 2005. Ms. Miller contributed to the office through her legislative work in the areas of health care, transportation, appropriations, education, and judiciary issues. In addition to legislative responsibilities, Ms. Miller was active in the California State Society and was crowned the Cherry Blossom Princess for the 19th district of California in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival competition. Ms. Miller was an extremely active member of her law school class and received many accolades and honors due to her diligence, intellect, and enthusiasm. She was the editor-in-chief of the University of Richmond Law Review, and a member of the Honor Council, McNeill Law Society, and Christian Legal Fellowship. In addition, she served as the University of Richmond Federalist Society Vice President. Another significant accomplishment by Ms. Miller included being one of two winners in the 2006 Carrico Moot Court Competition. At her May 2008 graduation, Ms. Miller received the Charles T. Norman Award, given to the best all-around graduating student. Additionally, she was awarded the T.C. Williams Law School Scholarship Award, which is given to the student who made the most significant contribution to overall legal scholarship. Ms. Miller received a competitive and prestigious position to clerk for Judge James R. Spencer, Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Virginia in Richmond. She will begin the one-year clerkship beginning in August 2008. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Evan Miller on her graduation from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Miller success in her future endeavors. I am certain that her judicial career will allow her to continue the significant achievements she has worked toward for public policy in my office as well as in her own legal work thus far. I truly believe Ms. Miller's character, work ethic, and values will recommend her for positions of influence for the rest of her life.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Anthony Borba upon his retirement as the superintendent of Salida Unified School District. Superintendent Borba will be honored at a reception on May 31, 2008. Superintendent Anthony Borba graduated from California State University, Stanislaus, in 1975 with a bachelor's of arts degree in Spanish, a minor in political science and a California elementary teaching credential. Immediately after completing college, he taught at Tuolumne School for 3 years. It was during this time he spent a summer at the University of California, Santa Barbara, completing an intensive Portuguese study program. This program allowed Superintendent Borba to become a language program facilitator for the Office of Merced County Superintendent of Schools. As he completed additional educational programs he was able to advance through the ranks of the school districts. In 1980, Superintendent Borba earned a masters of arts degree in school administration from California State University, Stanislaus. In 2003 he earned an educational doctorate in education administration from University of the Pacific. Superintendent Borba worked for the Office of Merced County Superintendent of Schools as a language program facilitator for 4 years. He then taught and became the assistant principal at Selima Herndon School. After just 2 years, he became principal of the school. He served as principal for 4 years. In 1988 he became the director of instructional services and staff development for the Merced City School District. Two years later, he was a superintendent. He served as a superintendent for two districts, Chatom Union Elementary School District and Salida Union School District. In addition to his employment with the schools, Superintendent Borba was also a part-time English-as-a-second language teacher at Modesto Junior College, he worked with the California State Department of Education as a facilitator for Portuguese and Asian minority languages group. He was the principal at a migrant summer school and has been an adjunct faculty member at California State University, Stanislaus, in the Department of Advanced Studies. Superintendent Borba is retiring to become an associate professor for advanced studies at the university. Superintendent Borba has been, and continues to be, involved in numerous organizations. A few of the organizations include: community advisory board for the doctoral program in instructional leadership at California State University, Stanislaus; he is a member of three doctoral dissertation committees for University of the Pacific; Central Regions Schools Insurance Group; Superintendents' Council of Stanislaus County; Association of Low Wealth Schools; and Stanislaus County Superintendents of Schools. Superintendent Borba has been awarded with the Educator of the Year Award in 1998 by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in San Jose, Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1999 by the Professional Administrative Services Credential Program at California State University, Stanislaus, the Outstanding Vocational Award for 2000-2001 by the Rotary Club of Salida; the Ethics in Public Service Award in 2007 by the Modesto Bee and California State University, Stanislaus; and the Educator of the Year Award in 2007 by the Portuguese Education Foundation for central California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Superintendent Anthony Borba upon his achievements and retirement from Salida Unified School District. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Superintendent Borba many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rosteen Strassner upon her 106 birthday. Mrs. Strassner's birthday will be celebrated on Friday, June 6, 2008. Mrs. Strassner was born March 20, 1902 in Newark, Arkansas. In her long life she has witnessed many historical events that not only shaped the United States, but the world as well. She has been able to achieve amazing things in her lifetime. In 1940 she moved to Fresno, California. She became a member of the Fresno Temple COGIC, and remains a member of the church. In 1974 Mrs. Strassner opened her heart and her home to mentally challenged adults when the Central Valley Regional Center was recruiting foster parents. She was one of the first African- Americans to engage in this type of work. She remained a foster parent until 2005, when her physical health began to decline. Mrs. Strassner also has an extensive background as a healthcare professional and businesswoman. She is a retired dietitian from St. Agnes Hospital. She also owned and operated two cafes in the Fresno area. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Rosteen Strassner on 106 years of life. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. Strassner health and happiness.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jerry Prieto, Jr. upon being honored with the ``Fresno County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award'' at the Fresno County Farm Bureau's Annual Banquet to be held on Thursday, May 8, 2008. Jerry Prieto, Jr. is a native of Corcoran, California. He is the son of a former migrant farm worker and was raised in a small town with a small family. Mr. Prieto attended California State University, Fresno and obtained his Bachelor's of Science degree in Plant Science. In 1974 he began working for the Fresno County Department of Agriculture and six years later he obtained the position of Deputy Agricultural Commissioner. After nine years he went to work for Fresno County Personnel Department as a Senior Personnel Analyst. In 1993, Mr. Prieto was appointed Fresno County Resource Manager. He was responsible for solid waste issues throughout the county and operated the American Avenue Regional Landfill, the Southeast Regional Landfill and the Coalinga Landfill. He was also responsible for providing road maintenance, street lighting, garbage collection, parks, sewer and water services to ninety special districts. In 1999, Mr. Prieto was appointed to the position of Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weight and Measures exactly twenty- five years after he began working for the department. He was responsible for promoting and regulating the nation's number one agriculture producing area. Mr. Prieto also served as a member of Governor Gray Davis' State Committee on Terrorism and the Western Weights and Measures Association Board of Directors. He served as the first Chairman of the California Agriculture Commissioners and Sealers Association's Food Safety and Agriculture Security Committee. For four years he served as Chairman of the Fresno County Department Heads Council. Currently, Mr. Prieto is a member of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, the Fresno County Council of Governments Farmland Conservation Steering Committee, Chairman of the Fresno County Council of Governments Farmland Preservation Advisory Committee, and the Fresno County Land Conservation Committee. He is the immediate President of the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association and was the first Agricultural Commissioner to serve two terms as President. Mr. Prieto is the Chairman of Secretary Kawamura's AB 771 Honeybee/Seedless Mandarin Co-Existence Working Group. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Jerry Prieto upon being awarded with the ``Fresno County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award.'' I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Prieto many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Gerald Walker upon his retirement from Clovis Unified School District as the Director of Construction and Engineering. Mr. Walker will be honored at a reception on May 3, 2008. Gerald Walker graduated from Clovis High School in 1953. Shortly after graduation he began to work for the School District. He has served 23 years with the Clovis Unified School District; 16 of those years as a member of the governing board and the past 17 years as the Director of Construction and Engineering. The District was able to complete over a billion dollars of construction related projects and is recognized as a leader in the area of school facilities in California. Under the direction of Mr. Walker, Clovis Unified has successfully completed over 200 projects, including 16 new elementary schools, 3 new intermediate schools, 3 new high schools, and countless modernization and improvement projects. For these accomplishments, Mr. Walker was recognized by the Builder's Exchange in 2007 for ``Outstanding Industry Achievement'' and by Darden Architects for ``Excellence in Building''. In addition, Mr. Walker has been a member of the District's Career Technical Education Advisory Committee. Clovis schools have received many honors over the years, including being named numerous times as a California Distinguished School, a National Blue Ribbon School and National Drug Free Schools Program. Mr. Walker's dedication to providing exemplary school facilities and grounds has assisted Clovis Unified in attaining these achievements. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Gerald Walker upon his retirement from Clovis Unified School District. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Walker many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to express my support for H.R. 3490, the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Land Transfer Act of 2007. H.R. 3490 was considered and approved by the House of Representatives yesterday. This bill provides for the transfer of three small parcels of land from the Bureau of Land Management to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in trust for the benefit of the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribe located in Tuolumne, California. I introduced this bill on behalf of the Tuolumne Me-Wuk, a federally recognized tribe in my district. In addition to providing for the land transfer, H.R. 3490 also extends the boundaries of the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Reservation to encompass the BLM lands and other certain lands that have either been taken into trust for the Tribe, or that the federal government has announced plans to take into trust for the Tribe. The lands to be transferred are located in close proximity to the existing Tuolumne Me-Wuk Reservation. They include a small parcel which contains an active tribal burial ground, a parcel originally intended as an inter-tribal health facility that was never built, and a third parcel located near the first two. These lands will be available to meet the needs of tribal housing, along with cultural and infrastructure improvements. Furthermore, the Tuolumne Me-Wuk burial ground deserves to be properly maintained and preserved by the Tribe. None of these lands are to be used for tribal gaming. The Bureau of Land Management expressed support for this land transfer in the Natural Resources Committee hearing earlier this month and has listed the parcels as available for disposal. In addition, there is local support for this non-controversial land transfer from the community and the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors. I thank my colleagues for recognizing the benefits of this legislation and unanimously supporting the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Land Transfer Act of 2007. Furthermore, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to continue the movement of this important legislation.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Wawona Middle School upon celebrating their 50th anniversary. The school will celebrate the anniversary with current and former staff and students at an open house to be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008. Originally named Wawona Junior High School, Wawona first opened its doors for the 1957-1958 school year, and became part of the Bullard Unified School District. Due to the location of the school, Wawona was named for an important area of the southern part of Yosemite National Park. ``Wawona'' is a local Indian name meaning ``big tree.'' The people that helped to build Wawona were Superintendent Westin M. Alt, President of the Board of Trustees Carroll H. Baird and board members Harry Bud Buck, Dr. William Adams Jr., Dr. William Beatty, Jr. and Robert McMahan. Wawona Middle School is now part of Fresno Unified School District. The school was originally located on the outskirts of Fresno, but today it is in the middle of an urban sprawl. As the area has grown and developed, so has the school. In 2000, Wawona began looking into developing a Pre-International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme to enhance the academic program of the school. This program started in 2003 with about sixty sixth grade students and has grown in size each year since. For the 2006-2007 school year, Wawona Middle School had 870 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students enrolled in the school. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Wawona Middle School on 50 years of dedicated service to providing a solid education to the students of Fresno. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Wawona Middle School many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Emile LaSalle upon his recognition at the 2008 Future Farmers of America Blue and Gold Gala. Mr. LaSalle will he honored by the California FFA Foundation on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at PR Farms in Clovis, California. Mr. LaSalle was born in 1918 in Bellflower, California to French immigrant parents. He grew up working on his family's farm and dairy after school and on the weekends. He spoke only French when he began school. This did not hold him back; he graduated from Excelsior High School at seventeen years old. In high school he participated on the track and tennis teams. During his junior year, he joined Future Farmers of America and successfully competed in livestock judging and public speaking. Mr. LaSalle was awarded a one hundred dollar scholarship for college and decided to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He worked his way through college milking cows. It was in the dairy barn where he met Helen McPhee, the daughter of Cal Poly President Julian McPhee. Mr. LaSalle completed his education at Utah State and in 1942 married Helen. Shortly after finishing school, he began his first agriculture teaching assignment at Manteca High School. In 1944, Mr. LaSalle enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1946. In 1948 he and his family moved to Hanford, California and entered into the dairy business. In 1953 he accepted a position at Hanford High School teaching agriculture. After teaching for 13 years, Mr. LaSalle assumed the position of South Coast Regional Supervisor for the California State Department of Education. 1976 brought retirement. This did not slow Mr. LaSalle down. Rather he began farming alfalfa in the Creston area. He became active on the Atascadero School Board and followed other political endeavors. At 79 years old he purchased an 80 acre farm in Stratford and has expanded his farm to 800 acres. Nearing his 90th birthday he continues to grow alfalfa and oat hay. He also still often visits the Cal Poly campus, visiting and discussing agriculture with the students. Mr. LaSalle is the father of six, grandfather of seventeen and great-grandfather of eight. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Emile LaSalle for sharing his passion for agriculture and dedication to agriculture education and the Future Farmers of America. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Emile LaSalle many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague and fellow co-chair of the Croatian Caucus, Congressman Visclosky, to congratulate the Republic of Croatia on receiving an invitation to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, at the Alliance's recent summit in Bucharest. The inclusion of Croatia into NATO has been the highest priority of the Congressional Croatian Caucus. I am excited to see a country that has demonstrated leadership in the region of southeast Europe in implementing comprehensive reforms under Euro-Atlantic integrations welcomed into NATO. My Congressional Croatian Caucus co-chair, Congressman Peter Visclosky, and I sent letters to the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense last November encouraging the administration to express support for this goal. This historic event serves as important recognition of Croatia's capability to assume responsibilities of NATO membership as well as be an effective contributor to collective defense and security. I am fully convinced that a vote of confidence by the U.S. through expeditious ratification of Croatia's membership into NATO will allow this country to be a more valuable ally to the United States and further enhance the strategic partnership between our two countries. This partnership stems from deep historical and cultural links between the U.S. and Croatia, commencing with the recognition of America's Independence by the Republic of Dubrovnik in 1783. Since its independence, Croatia has made significant progress in achieving democracy and undertaking comprehensive political, economic and defense reforms on its path to Euro-Atlantic integrations. Furthermore, the successful recent visit by President George W. Bush to Croatia on April 4-5, 2008, reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.- Croatian relationship and underscored the common values shared by our two countries. In this respect, I would like to enter into the Record highlights from the speeches delivered by President George W. Bush, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic and Prime Minister Dr. Ivo Sanader in Zagreb, during the President's recent visit to Croatia on April 4 and 5, 2008. Finally, many individuals have worked very hard to see this important invitation come to fruition. I would like to especially thank Congressman Visclosky, the multitude of Croatian nationals and Croatian Americans for their steadfast commitment to this cause and to furthering the U.S.-Croatian partnership. President Bush and President Mesic of Croatia, April 4, 2008 PRESIDENT MESIC: . . . Croatia is a small country with a tradition of statehood which can be traced back to the distant 10th century. However, it has appeared on the political map of the world as an independent country less than 20 years ago. The United States is indisputably the leading world power, and its history spans somewhat more than two centuries. However, in such a relatively short time the United States has given, in two global conflicts, an incalculable contribution to the fight against evil and tyranny, and to the victory of freedom and democracy. I shall not spend too many words in reminding you of the many historic ties between our two countries--from the Croatian community in America and Croatian immigrants like the brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla, through the fact that Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Croatian Adriatic, then an independent republic, was among the first to recognize the young United States, all the way to our alliance in the war against Nazism and fascism and the cooperation we had in the times when Croatia was part of Yugoslavia. That, as I said, is the past, but a past which must be known and on the foundations of which we must continue to build. And what we have to build, however different we may be--in terms of size, strength and potential, occasionally also in terms of views regarding a particular issue--is a world of peace, security and stability, a world of progress and prosperity for all. We have to build mutual trust and appreciation regardless of differences, even in spite of differences. Constructive talk is possible only in conditions of mutual trust, and the idea that all outstanding issues can and must be resolved by negotiation can become reality only on such terms. We live in a world encumbered by many problems, and we are faced by many challenges. We can only withstand them together, in a harmonized way, by proceeding from the awareness that problems like global terrorism, regional crises, poverty, global warming and destruction of the environment are problems affecting all of us, perhaps not to the same extent or at the same time; these are indisputably problems affecting every state and we can deal with them, let me repeat, only jointly. Having said that, I certainly have in mind the role which the United Nations can and must play. I can note with pleasure that the relations between Croatia and the United States are on the upswing. Let me reiterate a point I have made many times: Croatia offers the hand of friendship to everyone wishing to cooperate with it in conditions of equality and satisfaction of mutual interests. I have already mentioned that Croatia is a small country. We need and seek allies and friends throughout the world-- allies and friends who will wish to cooperate with us while respecting our identity and our special qualities, taking due account of their and our national interests, and proceeding from the fact that a policy based on meeting interests is not inconsistent with a policy relying on certain firm principles. I believe that Croatia can have precisely such an ally and friend in the United States. Let me use this opportunity to thank you for the support given by the United States in the achievement of two priority goals of Croatia's foreign policy: accession to the European Union and to NATO. By receiving the invitation for NATO at the recent Bucharest summit we have accomplished a decisive step towards NATO membership. I am also convinced that our negotiations on accession to the European Union will continue successfully after a brief standstill . . . PRESIDENT BUSH: . . . We appreciate your gracious hospitality. And we celebrate your invitation to become one of America's closest allies. I--you said you're from a small country. I'm impressed by the big hearts--and the big basketball team. We are so proud of our relationship, Mr. President. We share common values. We believe in human rights and human dignity. We believe there's a Creator that has given every man, woman and child on the face of the Earth the great gift of freedom. We believe markets are capable of unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit of our peoples. We understand that freedom requires sacrifice. I salute the people of your country for your courage and willingness to help a young democracy in Afghanistan not only thrive but succeed. I appreciate the friends who have stared evil in the face and understand there's a better tomorrow. And so, Mr. President, I bring the greetings of my country to your beautiful land . . .

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, the Twin Oaks estate at 3225 Woodley Road in D.C. is a historic landmark. Situated on 18.1 acres in northwestern Washington, the estate was built in 1888 by the founder of the National Geographic Society, Mr. Gardiner Greene Hubbard, as a second residence for his family. At one time, Mr. Hubbard's son-in-law, Mr. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, also resided at Twin Oaks. The Twin Oaks property was first rented to the Republic of China, ROC, also known as Taiwan, government in 1937, and later was sold to the ROC government in 1947. Over the last six decades, many American dignitaries and friends have met with ROC ambassador and representatives to chart the course of friendship and cooperation between our two countries through times both good and bad. For example, American Secretaries of State such as John F. Dulles, Dean Rust, George Schultz, and Colin Powell have all at some point dined as guests at Twin Oaks. Important agreements such as parts of the Sino-American Defense Treaty have been negotiated at the estate. The Twin Oaks estate has contributed greatly to the friendship between the Americans and our friends in the ROC. Today, U.S.-Taiwan relations have experienced decades of steady growth. President Bush has made a number of positive statements about Taiwan; telling one interview: ``I am candid in my support of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). . . . I'll say it right now: That our nation will help Taiwan defend herself. . . . I will do what ever it takes to help Taiwan defend herself, and the Chinese must understand that.'' President Bush's feelings about the TRA are strongly echoed in the U.S. Congress. Madam Speaker, we too believe in the importance of U.S.-Taiwan relations. As we celebrate Twin Oaks' 120-year history, we hope that our friendship with the ROC shall remain just as robust and healthy in the future as it has been for the last seven decades.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mayor Alan Autry upon being named the Armenian National Committee's ``Man of the Year.'' Mayor Autry will be honored at a luncheon on Sunday, March 30, 2008, at the Armenian Community Center in Fresno, CA. Alan Autry was born in Shreveport, LA. As a child, his family moved to the Central San Joaquin Valley and settled in the small farming community of Riverdale, CA. He attended Riverdale High School and received an athletic scholarship to the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, where he received a bachelor's degree in physical education. Upon graduating from UOP, Mayor Autry played in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers. He spent 3 years in the NFL before retiring. After leaving the NFL, Mayor Autry turned to a career in film and television. For 22 years Mayor Autry played various roles on both the big and small screen. He has continued his entertainment career through the development of the Autry Entertainment Group. As CEO of the Autry Entertainment Group, Autry continues to work to bring Fresno to the forefront as a location for entertainment projects creating economic stimulus. In a desire to further improve and serve the city of Fresno, he decided to enter the realm of politics and enter the 2000 mayoral race. On January 2, 2001, Mayor Autry was sworn into office to serve as the Mayor of Fresno. He was elected to serve a second term that began in January 2005. While in office, the Mayor has been active in various causes with his primary focus being crime prevention and education reform. He has also been active in the Armenian community of Fresno. Prior to being elected into office, he clearly stated his desire to revitalize downtown Fresno. By revitalizing this area of the city, Mayor Autry believes that ``Armenia Town'' would be able to thrive as it did when Armenian immigrants first arrived in Fresno. In 2005, Mayor Autry committed to building a monument in Fresno dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Mayor Autry has also been a strong supporter of the Armenian Genocide Resolution. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Mayor Alan Autry upon being awarded with the 2008 Armenian National Committee's ``Man of the Year'' Award. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mayor Autry many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gail Nanette Sward for her dedication to her family, business and community. Mrs. Sward passed away at her home in Oakdale CA, surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 2, 2008. Gail Sward was bom and raised in Stanislaus County; she attended Turlock schools and graduated from Turlock High School in 1959. On March 1, 1966, Sward Trucking began operating out of Oakdale, as a sole proprietorship and became a California Corporation on September 1, 1977. Mrs. Sward was the co-founder of Sward Trucking and helped to build it from the ground up. Today Sward Trucking operates 50 tractors and 100 trailer units to transport a number of commodities including: lumber, roofing, insulation and related building materials, corrugated paper, waste paper, glass containers, empty cans, plastic bottles, case goods and plastic pipe. The company transports goods throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Mrs. Sward was only more dedicated to one other thing in her life, her family. Mrs. Sward was a mother, a businesswoman, a community advocate and leader. She was a past president of the Oak Valley Hospital Foundation, past president of OLGA, director and past president of the Stanislaus County Fair Board. She was also a board member of Private Industry Council and past president of the Oak Valley Hospital Board. She has been honored for her services in a number of ways. In 1996 Mrs. Sward was a delegate to the Republican Convention. In 1998 she was named the Stanislaus County Outstanding Woman of the Year and the 1999 Legislative Woman of the Year. Mrs. Sward is survived by her husband of 47 years, Vic Sward, her children; Saundra West and Eric Sward; her grandchildren; Sara Shipman, Nic West and her great grandchildren; Cameron, Kaidyn, Cole and Case. Madam Speaker, I rise today to posthumously honor Gail Sward for her dedication to her family, her business and her community. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring her life and wishing the best for her family.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chester Andrew, and the entire Andrew family, upon being honored with the ``Friend of the Farm Bureau'' award at the Third Annual Recognition Dinner to be held on March 6, 2008, at the Madera Municipal Golf Course. Pete Andrew came to Madera, California, in the early 1900's from Greece. Mr. Andrew worked on a boat that frequently traveled into the San Francisco Bay ports. He decided not to get back on the boat and made his way to the central California town of Madera to begin his farming career. He met Agnes Oyler, they married and began farming beans and custom harvesting. They had two children, George and Lorraine, who helped with the farm and took over running the farm when the elder Mr. Andrew passed away. George Andrew and his wife, Gladys, carried on the family's farming tradition. They had four children; Karen, Chester, Diane and Janice. Chester followed the path that was laid out for him, farming. Today, Chester and two of his three children still work on the family farm, with his oldest daughter farming in Washington. Andrew Farms currently focuses on almonds, grapes, pistachios and wheat. For four generations, the Andrew family has been an important part of the Madera community. Three generations have attended the same elementary and high schools. Chester has been an active member of the Madera Farm Bureau Board for over twenty years. He served as president from 1992 to 1994 and continues to be a key member on many committees, including the scholarship committee and the water committee. He understands the importance of higher education for our future, and has even contributed to the scholarship funds with money out of his own pocket. On the water committee, Chester ensures that he is aware of the many different water issues that growers face. The Andrew family has been, and will continue to be, an important part in the Madera farming community and can truly be called a ``Friend of the Farm Bureau''. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chester Andrew, and the Andrew family, for the positive impact they have had in Madera County and the surrounding areas. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Andrew family and wish them continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Elnora George upon her retirement from John C. Fremont Healthcare District. Mrs. George will be honored at a reception to be held at the Mariposa Senior Center in Mariposa, CA, on February 27, 2005. Mrs. George began her career with the John C. Fremont Healthcare District in 1998 as the interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The district was facing financial difficulties when Mrs. George started. The district was facing substantial debt problems that were affecting the operations and livelihood of the district. That was before Mrs. George started with the company and began to make changes. Mrs. George began her tenure by negotiating payment plans on existing debt, renegotiating purchase plans with various suppliers, and she found a way to complete a remodeling project that was already in the works. She applied for and was awarded grants to assist in purchasing new equipment. With this additional funding the district was able to complete the renovation of, and expand, the emergency department. This was just the beginning of the expansion. John C. Freemont Healthcare District, with the guidance of Mrs. George, has been able to expand their services across the board. They are currently contracted with Mariposa County to provide medical services to the County Adult Detention Facility. A joint effort between the district and the County Health Department has made it possible for the establishment of a County Medical Services Program through a MediCal Wellness Grant to provide psychiatry services to the poor and underserved in the county. The surgery department has been reopened for outpatient surgeries and procedures. New imaging services have been added along with the most up-to-date technologies including CT, ultrasound, and MRI equipment. Mrs. George was able to achieve accreditation as a Critical Access Hospital and had the area designated as a Healthcare Physician Shortage Area. This accreditation and designation have allowed the district to expand the education department to include community classes and a nursing assistant program. More recently, under Mrs. George's leadership, a Private Duty department was created. This department provides nursing, homemaking and handyman services. Telemedicine is now in use for physician consultations in the clinics and for in-home units for personal health monitoring. Finally, the Northside Clinic in Greeley Hill was opened for family practice care. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the accomplishments of Elnora George upon her retirement from John C. Fremont Healthcare District, I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. George many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rev. G.L. Johnson upon his 80th birthday and his 45th anniversary with Peoples Church, as well as his retirement from the church. Reverend Johnson will be honored on Sunday, February 24, at Peoples Church in Fresno, California. Reverend Johnson was born in 1928 in Houston, Texas. He attended Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas and Southwestern Assembly of God College in Waxahachie, Texas. He has ministered in many different capacities since 1946, moving from Texas to various cities around the United States. His ministry began in 1946 when he served as a youth speaker, traveling around the United States speaking at various functions and prayer services. Shortly after marrying Jacqueline Cockerell in 1950, he settled in Corsicana and took a position as a full-time Pastor. In 1951, Reverend Johnson became ordained. His ministries took him back on the road in 1953, as he traveled throughout Texas as an evangelist. In 1957, Reverend Johnson moved his family to Kentucky for a year and then to Florida to serve as a Pastor. In 1961 Reverend Johnson took on a different role. He became the associate director of the Latin American Orphanage. In 1963, he joined People's Church as the senior pastor and has been there ever since. In Reverend Johnson's time with Peoples Church, he has seen the church build a new facility and has seen different staff members come and go. More importantly, he has seen the rise of the church's attendance and influence. Today the Sunday morning services' attendance averages 4,000 worshipers. This service is also broadcast over the radio every Sunday morning. Along with his position with Peoples Church, he is also involved in a number of religious and civic boards and finds time to teach. Reverend Johnson has served as the chairman on many religious boards, including: Assemblies of God Theological Seminary Development Committee, Fresno Christian Schools, International Board of Asian Outreach based in Hong Kong, Asian Outreach USA, and Northern California National Association of Evangelicals. Various other board memberships include: Assemblies of God Theological Seminary board of directors; Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California; Church Growth International in Seoul, Korea; Presbyterian International Missionary Advance in Seoul, Korea; Asian Center for Theological Studies; and more. Outside of the church, Reverend Johnson serves on the Board of Sequoia Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Fresno Leadership Foundation, Police Activities League, Clergy Advisory Council for Clovis Unified School District, North Fresno Rotary Club, and The International Fellowship of Christian Schools. He still finds the time to teach as an adjunct professor at California Theological Seminary and Institute for Clergy Enrichment. Reverend Johnson has given himself to the church and the community. He has been invited to attend and speak at conferences around the world. He has had numerous books and articles published and has received many professional honors and awards. Reverend Johnson has had a positive impact and success on the many projects he has been involved in. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Rev. G.L. Johnson upon his 80th birthday, his 45th anniversary and his retirement from Peoples Church. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Reverend Johnson many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of BG Edward E. Munger for his dedication and service to his country and his community. General Munger passed away at the age of 68 on February 12, 2008, at his home in Fresno, California. A service honoring his life will be held on Friday, February 15, 2008, in Fresno. General Munger was born in Fresno on February 15, 1939. As a senior at Fresno High School, he decided to enlist as a private in the California Army National Guard and was selected to attend the California Military Academy Officer Candidate Program. In 1959 he received his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Twenty years later, General Munger was selected to attend the National War College. At the War College his major focus was on the Middle East. He was able to travel throughout the region to meet with leaders including President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, King Faud and Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the Emir and leaders of the ruling Al- Khalifa family in Bahrain, and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel. Upon completing his studies at the War College he was promoted to full colonel and accepted a 4-year tour of active duty service as the Executive Staff Director and Chief of Staff of the Reserve Forces Policy Board in the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. After serving for 32 years, General Munger retired from the military as a brigadier general in 1990. With his departure he was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Defense Superior Service Medal. Outside of the military General Munger was a businessman who also gave a great amount of time and effort to the community. General Munger owned Engineered Sound, an electronics engineering and installation company. He served as a Fresno County deputy sheriff. He and his brother were co-owners of the Granada Capital Company. He was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America. He earned the prestigious Silver Beaver Award and the Sequoia Council Distinguished Scout Award. He was the president of I.R.O. Soararsis, a support organization for Kings Canyon National Park. He was a member of the Valley Children's Hospital Board of Trustees and also created the Fairy Godfather fund. This fund assists the hospital financially and also provides a toy or stuffed animal for sick and terminally ill children whose families cannot afford it. General Munger was a member of the Rotary Club of Fresno's board of directors and a member of the Fresno County Planning Commission. In 2004 General Munger returned to the Middle East with a civilian group called Brotherhood of the Badge. They delivered law enforcement equipment, two way radios, and protection vests to the new Iraqi Police in Baqubah. Since the first visit, more than 12,000 vests and other equipment have been delivered to the Iraqi Police through the U.S. military. General Munger was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2005, shortly after returning from the Middle East. General Munger will be remembered for all that he has sacrificed and for all that he has achieved. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Maynard. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Tamsen Munger, and their adult children, Edward and Eleanor. Madam Speaker, I rise today to posthumously honor Brigadier General Edward E. Munger for his dedication to his family, his country and his community. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and wishing the best for his family.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Tom Quinn upon being named the 2008 Conservationist of the Year. Mr. Quinn will be recognized at TuCare's Annual Dinner and Auction in Sonora, CA on January 19, 2008. Tom Quinn received his bachelor's degree from Rutgers University in 1977. He then went on to receive a master's degree in forest management from the University of Idaho, and a Ph.D. in natural resources policy, management and administration from Michigan State University. Mr. Quinn taught forestry at the University of Idaho until 1981, when he joined the United States Forest Service. Mr. Quinn has served 27 years with the Forest Service. He began his Forest Service career in Oregon at the Malheur National Forest. He has also worked at Boise National Forest in Idaho, Olympic National Forest in Washington, Coronado National Forest in Arizona, Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico and Stanislaus National Forest in California. Mr. Quinn has served in many different capacities with the Forest Service, including planning, recreation, wilderness, fire and lands staff, acting district ranger, district ranger and primary staff officer. Currently, Mr. Quinn is the Forest Supervisor for the Stanislaus National Forest headquartered in Sonora, CA. In this position, he has been able to work effectively with the public, various organizations, forest employees, and Government agencies in order to discuss alternatives to off-highway recreation vehicle use adjacent to urban areas. He has also worked to develop a 5-year vegetation management plan to help reduce the risk of fire. This plan will help to increase the volume of timber to local mills. He has been working with stake holders on the issue of grazing, recreation and other national forest programs. Mr. Quinn has a long history of helping the Forest Service improve customer service and program performance by working with all of those that play a role in, and around, the Forest Service. Recently, Mr. Quinn was named Forest Supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest headquartered in Nevada City, CA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Mr. Tom Quinn upon being awarded with ``The Conservationist of the Year.'' I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Quinn many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Father Vahan Gosdanian upon celebrating his 10th anniversary of service to the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno, California. Father Gosdanian is being honored at the 107th Annual Banquet held on January 24, 2008. Father Gosdanian was born in Beirut, Lebanon. He immigrated to the United States in 1986. After his primary and secondary education he pursued a career in graphic design. As a graphic designer he owned his own business in Beirut. Due to the civil war in Beirut, Lebanon, Father Gosdanian, and his wife, Sossie Simonian, immigrated to Los Angeles and he continued to work as a graphic designer. However, he always wanted to attend seminary school and become a Vertabed. Prior to becoming a Vertabed, his religious background included attending Sunday school, becoming a Sunday school teacher and principal and alter serving. Father Gosdanian began taking classes through the Western Prelacy and was ordained into priesthood on March 14, 1993 in Los Angeles, California. He was appointed as the pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena, California. While there, he published the monthly newsletter and attended to the needs of his parish. To further his education, Father Gosdanian attended classes at the Mennonite Brothers Bible College. In the 10 years that Father Gosdanian has served at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno he has implemented many new programs. The church now holds an annual graduate banquet to honor all Central Valley high school and university graduates that are of Armenian descent. The church serves a traditional dinner for Christmas Eve and Easter for those that attend the service. He also leads a Tuesday night Bible study group and regularly visits the California Armenian Retirement Home and other adult day care centers. For the Fresno community, Father Gosdanian performs prayers as needed or requested by civic leaders and attends prayer breakfasts. He is also among a group of pastors that recently joined the prison chaplain program. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Father Vahan Gosdanian on 10 years of service to the church and the community. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Father Gosdanian many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Councilman Robert Dunbar upon his retirement from the Modesto City Council. Councilman Dunbar was recognized at the city of Modesto swearing in ceremony held on December 19, 2007. Councilman Dunbar was born in Terre Haute, Indiana and attended Indiana University and Indiana State University where he received a bachelor of science degree in speech and drama with a minor in political science. After moving to southern California he attended University of Redlands, University of California in Riverside and California State University, Fullerton and received a master of science degree in public school administration with a minor in political science and urban politics. This was the beginning of Councilman Dunbar's first career as a teacher. Before Councilman Dunbar was an elected official, he worked in the public school system. He began by teaching high school and junior high school. He moved to Merced, California, in 1972 to pursue a position with the Merced Union High School District. He held various positions within the district, including; dean of boys, vice-principal and learning director. In 1980 he moved to Modesto, California to join the Sylvan Union School District, where he became the principal of Somerset Junior High School. The school was named a ``Top 100 Distinguished Junior High School'' during his tenure. He was also the principal at Sylvan Elementary School, and was named the ``Eighth District PTA Principal of the Year.'' While working for the school districts, he was also a part-time professor on various subjects at Merced Junior College, California State University, Stanislaus, St. Mary's College, and Chapman University. Councilman Dunbar retired from education in 2001 and moved onto more civic duties. Councilman Dunbar served on the Planning Commission for the city of Merced for 2 years and on the Planning Commission for the city of Modesto for 7 years serving as the chairman for 2 of those years. He was elected to the Modesto City Council in 2003, and currently serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee. Throughout his lifetime he has served in many capacities; as a baseball coach, Boy Scout leader, Kiwanis leader, member of the board of directors for the Modesto chapter of the Red Cross, member of the Association of California School Administrators and Stanislaus Partners in Education. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Councilman Robert Dunbar upon his retirement from the Modesto City Council. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Councilman Dunbar many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. George Britton upon his retirement from the city of Modesto as the city manager. Mr. Britton was honored on January 3, 2008, in Modesto, CA. George Britton was born and raised in Modesto, CA. After graduating from high school, Mr. Britton attended the University of Oregon where he received a bachelor's degree and then attended the University of Southern California where he received a master's degree in public administration. He also completed the program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Senior Governmental Executive Program at Harvard University. Mr. Britton served in the Air Force Reserve from 1970 until 1978. He left reserve to join the city manager in the city of Scottsdale, Arizona, where he served as the director of municipal utilities and assistant to the city manager. Mr. Britton was the executive assistant to Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt from 1980 through 1986, where he chaired the Governor's Cabinet and oversaw various State agencies. For the next 15 years, he was the deputy city manager for the city of Phoenix. In 2001 Mr. Britton returned back to Modesto and joined the city of Modesto. He started as deputy city manager and was appointed city manager in March 2005. During Mr. Britton's time in office the city of Modesto has made numerous improvements. In 2006 alone the city had increased downtown signage, and developed and increased participation in the Citizens Emergency Response Team. The Modesto Fire Department was also able to add 12 new firefighters, a new fire truck, and the department was awarded funding to add three fire investigators to be available for all of Stanislaus County. In addition to all of this, the city was also awarded funding to increase the capacity and ability of the airport. There have also been major developments with the city's solid waste program, expansion of the youth center, increased commerce, the creation of more parks and bridges and 71 miles of roads were added, repaved or repaired. The city of Modesto was able to make enormous strides under the direction of Mr. Britton. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate George Britton upon his retirement from the city of Modesto. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Britton many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the achievements of Tim Madden and to commend him for his service to the Eastern Madera community. On Friday, November 30, 2007, the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Mr. Madden for his continued dedication to not only its chamber, but to the North Fork Chamber of Commerce and Eastern Madera County. Tim Madden is a 17 year resident of Eastern Madera County, his continued commitment to his community is evident by his service in a multitude of leadership positions throughout the area. Within the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Madden's positions include past president (2007), president (2006), president-elect (2005), and member of the board of directors (2004). During his service with the Chamber, the efforts of Mr. Madden enabled the Chamber to authorize the inaugural Trade Mission to China, regain fiscal solvency, create a county-wide promotion system, promote local commerce and further downtown development and maintenance for the Oakhurst Business District. Tim Madden also served as president of the North Fork Chamber of Commerce from 1998-2000, and as a member of the board of directors for 6 years. The list of community positions and appointments held by Mr. Madden continues, as does the esteem and gratitude of Eastern Madera County. Concerning the relationship Mr. Madden shares with his community, he remarked, ``Our connection to each other extends far beyond our business relationships. We are much more like a very large extended family.'' Madam Speaker, I stand today to honor Tim Madden and the respect his community has shown for his dedicated service. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Madden many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Councilman Rob Phipps for his dedicated service to the city of Ceres. Mr. Phipps passed away on December 3, 2007; he was 44 years old. A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 8, 2007. Councilman Phipps was born and raised in Ceres, CA, and graduated from Ceres High School in 1981. He was a lifelong community member and advocate. He was the general manager of River Oaks Golf Course, a family-owned business, since the 1990s. He was also active in the local junior golf program, River Oaks Junior Golf, Incorporated. Outside of golf, Mr. Phipps was involved in city government. He was appointed to the Ceres city council in 2001 after serving 2 years on the planning commission. He was elected to the City Council in 2003 and re-elected in November of this year. Councilman Phipps served as vice mayor. While serving on the council. Councilman Phipps' primary focus was on public safety, economic development and recreational opportunities for children. He was instrumental in the development of Neel and Sam Ryno neighborhood parks, the Costa Field renovations and numerous other City improvement projects. He worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for Ceres' residents and was heavily involved in a plan to develop land within the city to recruit higher-paying jobs. He served on a number of committees including the Planning Commission, Christmas Festival Committee, City-Schools Committee, Daniel Whitemore Home Restoration Committee, General Plan Review Committee, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Volunteer Firefighter of Service Qualification Review Committee, Stanislaus-Ceres Redevelopment Commission, Stanislaus Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance and The Alliance Board of Directors. He was a passionate advocate for the City of Ceres. Madam Speaker, I rise today to posthumously honor Councilman Rob Phipps for his impact on the city of Ceres and those that live there. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and wishing the best for his family.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, we could spend all day talking about the shortcomings and faults of this legislation, not to mention the process under which it came to the floor. However, the most glaring and ironic dominance from this energy bill is the lack of production of energy. What we need to be discussing is a sound and realistic energy policy that is going to help America become energy independent. This means increasing domestic energy production by expanding oil and gas exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf at Alaska, not taxing oil companies $20 billion simply because they're in business. We need to increase research and provide incentives for oil, shale, and coal-to- liquid technologies. Coal is one of the country's most abundant natural resources, and recent estimates of oil shale in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah could provide us with over 800 billion barrels of recoverable oil. What about refining capacities? We have not built a refinery in this country in over 30 years, and our current refineries are operating near maximum capacity. The bottom line is this legislation falls short of what the American people expect of our leaders in Washington. This Congress has a responsibility to do better. I urge a ``no'' vote.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the achievements of Tim Madden and to commend him for his service to the Eastern Madera community. On Friday, November 30, 2007 the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Mr. Madden for his continued dedication to not only its chamber, but to the North Fork Chamber of Commerce and Eastern Madera County. Tim Madden is a 17-year resident of Eastern Madera County, his continued commitment to his community is evident by his service in a multitude of leadership positions throughout the area. Within the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Madden's positions include past president, 2007; president 2006; president elect 2005; and member of the board of directors 2004. During his service with the chamber, the efforts of Mr. Madden enabled the chamber to authorize the inaugural trade mission to China, regain fiscal solvency, create a county-wide promotion system, promote local commerce and further downtown development and maintenance for the Oakhurst Business District. Tim Madden also served as president of the North Fork Chamber of Commerce from 1998 to 2000, and as a member of the board of directors for 6 years. The list of community positions and appointments held by Mr. Madden continues, as does the esteem and gratitude of Eastern Madera County. Concerning the relationship Mr. Madden shares with his community, he remarked, ``Our connection to each other extends far beyond our business relationships. We are much more like a very large extended family.'' Madam Speaker, I stand today to honor Tim Madden and the respect his community has shown for his dedicated service. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Madden many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, energy independence is one of the most critical issues facing our Nation. This Congress has a responsibility to the American family to ease the burden they're feeling at the gas pump and reduce the cost of heating America's homes this winter. Unfortunately, this Democrat majority is either unwilling or unable to accept that responsibility. The majority wants to place unrealistic Federal mandates on renewable electricity that will drive up the cost of utilities and mandates on renewable fuel that will increase the cost of food at the supermarket. The American public wants results. That means increasing domestic oil and gas production, building petroleum refineries for the first time in 30 years, and expanding the use of nuclear energy. Instead, the static electricity created by my shoes rubbing across this carpet creates more energy than the Democrats' energy bill.