George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson).

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4204) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to transfer ownership of the American River Pump Station Project, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the county of Fresno upon the celebration of its 150th birthday which was on April 19, 2006. Since 1856, 6 years after California became a State, Fresno County has created a rich history mired in agricultural ingenuity, pride and immigrant perseverance. I was pleased to recently help Fresno County celebrate its storied journey with a gathering at its historic Santa Fe depot. As we celebrate this occasion, it is only fitting that we go back to one of our county's beginning points, the Santa Fe depot. As a major hub for the valley's newly arrived, the depot marks the commencement of agricultural prosperity, serving as the location where many of the county's goods were transported to vast markets. Whether their arrival was by covered wagon, stagecoach or train, we celebrate the westward journey of the early settlers with the example set by our valley's student pioneers. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 150th birthday of Fresno County. A story rich with tradition, I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating Fresno County's journey and future success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues from California Mr. CALVERT and Mrs. NAPOLITANO to express congratulations, best wishes, and warm thanks to Commissioner John W. Keys, III as he retires from a distinguished nearly 40-year career with the Bureau of Reclamation on April 14th. Commissioner Keys began his career with Reclamation in 1964 as a civil and hydraulic engineer. Over the years, he worked his way up through the ranks, gathering valuable experience on numerous western water issues, including the Missouri River Basin, the Colorado River Basin, and the Columbia River Basin. In 1986 John began, what would eventually be a 12-year stint, as Regional Director for the Pacific Northwest Region of Reclamation. In this capacity he received the Interior Department's highest honor, The Distinguished Service Award in 1995. John retired for the first time in 1998 to spend more time in Moab, Utah with his two loves, his wife Dell, and his airplanes. A certified commercial airline pilot, he owns a Cessna 182 and over the years has logged hundreds of hours of flight time. As if all of that wasn't enough, John also finds time to referee high school and college football games. Originally raised in Sheffield Alabama, he received a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master's Degree from Brigham Young University. On July 17, 2001, John came out of retirement to be sworn in as the 16th Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. Over the past five years, Commissioner Keys has traveled the country and worked tirelessly developing solutions to long-standing water conflicts. He was instrumental in the development of Interior's Water 2025 Initiative, the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, and resolving the 75-year dispute regarding California's share of Colorado River water. It has been a pleasure knowing John personally. Commissioner Keys has served his government and country admirably and will be missed. Although we are saddened by his departure, we wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I am a cosponsor and will support final passage of the National Uniformity for Food Act today. This is because I believe that a national standard for food labeling under the authority of the FDA makes sense. In addition, I support the Cardoza amendment to this bill, which would accelerate the consideration of warnings for food labels in certain cases, such as when dealing with the potential for birth defects and cancer-causing agents. This amendment protects the most vulnerable in our society, particularly children. Expedited consideration by the FDA for these types of labels is the right thing to do to protect the health of our families. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and urge a ``yes'' vote on final passage.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize MedicAlert, a company founded by Dr. Marion and Chrissie Colling of Turlock, California in 1956. The MedicAlert system provides identification and medical information in emergencies, alerting emergency medical professionals to preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, implanted devices, and allergies to medications. MedicAlert utilizes identification bracelets and the E-Health Key, both of which are to be carried at all times in case of emergency. A 24-hour Emergency Response Center can be reached by calling a phone number on MedicAlert bracelets, allowing direct dialogue with nurses who have access to patients' Electronic Health Record. The emergency contact information available in those records helps make sure that patients' families are contacted in an emergency. MedicAlert provides free training pertaining to the use of MedicAlert bracelets and E- Health Keys for emergency response personnel and the public safety community. Now in its 50th year, MedicAlert is endorsed by the American Red Cross, the National Institute of Health, the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Pharmaceutical Association. Over 100,000 medical professionals recommend MedicAlert to their patients. MedicAlert currently receives 3,500 emergency calls a year. MedicAlert has grown to have affiliates in nine countries: Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Cyprus, Malaysia, Iceland, South Africa and Zimbabwe. I am very proud to congratulate MedicAlert on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. Over 80,000 people credit MedicAlert with having helped saved their lives in an emergency, and I wish this amazing organization many more years of growth, increased awareness, and success. Four million members worldwide understand the great importance of this organization and the immeasurable service it provides.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor a great soldier, a great husband, a great father and a great American--soon-to-be BG Peter M. Aylward. This Friday, February 17, 2006, my good friend COL Peter Aylward will be promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Peter is currently serving as the joint staff and deputy director for Anti-Terrorism, Force Protection and Homeland Defense. Peter has served our country in many ways including being a member of the White House Task Force for Disaster Reduction and Tsunami Warning and Planning and led the DOD Pandemic Influenza Task Force for the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense. As 1 of 11 children, Peter is a Massachusetts native who began his illustrious military career in 1976 when he enlisted in the 1/26 Cavalry Squadron as a reconnaissance specialist. Peter earned multiple degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, a masters from the Marine Corp University and a master's degree from the National Defense University. He has served in a variety of command and staff assignments and won multiple honors and medals including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with one silver and one bronze oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster and many other awards. Mr. Speaker, we are fortunate to have such a great and dedicated man protecting our country. It is truly an honor to publicly salute BG Peter M. Aylward on the House floor today and bestow our heartfelt thanks for his tireless efforts on behalf of all Americans. I thank Peter, his wife Sandra and their sons, James and Jeremy, for all the time they have given up as a family to make sure our country is safe. We sleep easier because of Peter's commitment and dedication, and I congratulate him on his recent promotion.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Donald Fox on his retirement from the National Park Service. Mr. Fox retired as a career appointee in the position of Landscape Architect and Pacific West Region, PWR, accessibility coordinator for the National Park Service. Mr. Donald Fox's expertise in landscape architecture and accessibility compliance in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, AGA, Accessibility Guidelines enabled his success as landscape architect and Pacific West Region, PWR, accessibility coordinator. His service to the Department of the Interior began in 1965 with his first temporary appointment and culminated in his permanent career appointment in January of 1971. Additionally, Mr. Fox served his country faithfully as a dedicated member of the United States Army before beginning his career with the National Park Service. Mr. Fox worked for over 38 years in the National Park Service and had a long and distinguished career that was mostly spent in the service of preserving one of our country's most dramatic and beautiful National Parks. His efforts to make Yosemite accessible to all will be appreciated for decades to come by those who visit this great American landmark.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Charles Billington III on his retirement from the Modesto Irrigation District Board of Directors. He held this position for the past twenty years. Mr. Billington's commitment and expertise have been an asset to the Board. Since he became involved with the District in 1985, Mr. Billington was instrumental in providing leadership in the development of policies to ensure adequate supplies of water, dependable electric power, organizational efficiency and financial stability. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in the planning of the Modesto Regional Water Treatment Plant. This is the largest public works project undertaken in Stanislaus County during the early 1990s. In addition, Mr. Billington was a leader in forming a risk retention group which is now known as the Electric Public Power Insurance Consortium, EPPIC. Under his leadership, and to the benefit of his constituents, the Modesto Irrigation District has prospered immensely. Charles Billington III has been a part of that important success. I wish him health and happiness in his retirement.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Irvin ``Mike'' Faulkner posthumously for his tremendous service to his country and community. Mr. Faulkner passed away on December 12, 2005, and is survived by his wife Eleanor, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Mike was born in 1919 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Growing up during the Great Depression, he faced many hardships, but with great determination and a strong work ethic he strived to achieve a better life. At the onset of World War II, Mike Faulkner answered his country's call. Serving in the Third Army, Mike was involved in many major battles throughout Europe. He stormed the beach at Normandy, survived the Battle of the Bulge and participated in the liberation of Dachau. It was at Dachau that Mike saw the cruelty of the Nazi regime. Mike later shared his story in a documentary on the concentration camps to remind generations to come of some of our world's darkest history. Upon returning home, he moved to California where he attended Fresno College, known today as California State University--Fresno. He obtained a degree in Biology and a teaching credential. In 1955, he became a teacher with the Madera Unified School District. Many will remember Mr. Faulkner as their favorite biology teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. In 1960, the science teacher married his beloved Eleanor and together they raised 3 daughters, Glenda, Shirley and Joyce Ann as well as 2 foster children, John and Carolyn Sue Vogel. One of the crowning achievements of Mr. Faulkner's career in education was as Principal at John Adams Elementary School in Madera, California. As Principal, he was known as a strict taskmaster who was quick to punish you when you did wrong but equally quick to recognize and reward a job well done. Retirement couldn't keep Mike Faulkner out of the classroom. He continued to lend his years of experience to troubled youth at the Juvenile Hall and the Sugar Pine Continuation School. He served as a substitute teacher at Madera High School and when he wasn't substitute teaching, he spent time baking, sharing stories with friends, and caring for his beloved family. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Irvin ``Mike'' Faulkner posthumously for his tremendous service to his country and community. I invite my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Irvin ``Mike'' Faulkner and to express the condolences of a grateful Nation to the Faulkner family.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor chief Lonald Lott of Turlock, CA upon his retirement for his dedicated service to his community. Turlock Police Services will hold an event to honor Chief Lott on December 15th, 2005. After serving in the United States Coast Guard, Lonald Lott entered law enforcement in 1973 as a reserve police officer for the City of Hayward. A year later, he moved to the Central Valley after having accepted a position as a police officer for the City of Modesto. In 1980, Officer Lott traveled slightly south to the City of Turlock to serve as a police officer. Having demonstrated tremendous leadership, Officer Lott was appointed to the position of Chief of Police in February of 1997. Chief Lonald Lott holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Behavior, a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Chief Lott has held leadership positions in numerous law enforcement organizations, including the California Police Chiefs Association, Stanislaus County Association of Law Enforcement Executives and has served as a member of the Stanislaus County Peace Officers Association, the California Peace Officers Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Lott also serves as a part-time faculty member at California State University-Stanislaus where he teaches courses in Criminal Justice, Management, and Leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Chief Lonald Lott of Turlock, CA for his years of dedicated service. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Chief Lott for his tireless efforts and in wishing him many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, with great respect to both chairmen on this bill, I do understand the importance of this measure and all of the hard work that has gone into it. We do need border security, and we need to beef up our Federal personnel and protect our citizens from terrorist threats. However, we should not be moving a border bill that imposes penalties on employees and avoids dealing with the undocumented workers who are here now. I do not support H.R. 4437 because it does not include comprehensive guest worker reform that my constituents desperately want back home in the San Joaquin Valley of California. In 1986, Congress passed immigration reform. Two major mistakes were made when this bill was passed. Number one, it did not contain a guest worker provision, and number two, it provided amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants. In passing immigration reform and granting amnesty in 1986, Congress thought that they would stop illegal immigration. Well, they were wrong, because today, we have about 10 million immigrants in our country. Now we are here once again debating an immigration bill, and there is no guest worker program in the provisions. In this bill, we are penalizing employers without dealing with the millions of illegal workers currently here. As long as this House continues to avoid the need to include a guest worker program in immigration reform, we will continue to have an illegal immigration problem in the United States. U.S. border patrols are overwhelmed, and the cost of enforcement has skyrocketed. If we are implementing a guest worker program to provide temporary worker permits and allow workers to go home for part of the year, border enforcement officials could focus their resources on securing the border. I urge my colleagues to vote against this measure, and it is with great respect to the chairman because it does not contain comprehensive guest worker reform.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Captain Douglas W. Dodge of Turlock, CA upon his retirement for his tremendous service to his community. Turlock Police Services will hold an event to honor Captain Dodge on December 15th, 2005. After returning from service with the United States Army in Vietnam, Douglas Dodge took a position as a reserve officer with the Turlock Police Services in 1973. In September of 1974, he was hired as a full- time Parking Enforcement Officer and worked in this classification for approximately one and one-half years. During this assignment he worked other duties, including property/evidence, dispatch, and identifications for the Investigations Bureau. In February of 1976, he became a full-time sworn police officer and worked patrol and investigations assignments. Over the years he was promoted up through the ranks and in April of 2002 made the rank of Captain. In 1999, Captain Dodge returned to college to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. He is a member of the Stanislaus County Peace Officer's Association and an associate member of the California Police Chief's Association. At present, he serves on the Steering Committees for the Ray Simon Regional Criminal Justice Training Center and the Sacramento Valley High Tech Crimes Task Force. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Captain Douglas W. Dodge of Turlock, CA for his years of dedicated service. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Captain Dodge for his tireless efforts and in wishing him many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter this letter into the Record. The letter focuses on the importance of the U.S. State Department's support of Croatia's membership into NATO. National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA), Washington, DC, Nov. 3, 2005. Re Resolution on The Republic of Croatia and NATO Membership. The Hon. Elton Gallegly, Chairman, Europe and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, International Relations Committee, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: On behalf of the National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA), I want to commend and thank you for the courageous leadership you have shown by introducing H. Res. 529. The NFCA was pleased to contribute to the Resolution's development, and we stand ready with our national community to assist you in generating support for its expeditious passage in the U.S. Congress. The U.S. State Department may object to some of the language in this Resolution, since over time the State Department has ramped up its requirements related to Croatia's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This Department's requirement for support of Croatia's entry into NATO has actually morphed from `complete cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, ICTY, in the pursuit of the remaining indictee' to `the capture and delivery of the remaining indictee to The Hague'. The State Department holds to this position in spite of the fact that the ICTY Chief Prosecutor claims that the remaining indictee is hiding in an Italian monastery protected by the Vatican. The ICTY Chief Prosecutor has further asserted that Croatia is now completely cooperating with the ICTY. Furthermore, the new government of Prime Minister Ivo Sanader has affirmed the Government of Croatia's commitment to cooperate fully and continue to take all necessary steps to locate and transfer the remaining indictee to the ICTY. After complying with 626 demands of the ICTY, the people of the free and democratic Republic of Croatia deserve better treatment from the United States and they have certainly earned our strong support expressed so well in this Resolution. We agree with the view that stability in South Central Europe is of a very high priority, and that Croatia has become a valuable, constructive partner in this delicate region. Given the potential for future regional conflicts, NATO should want to take advantage of the greater contribution that Croatia would make toward peace and stability as a full member of NATO. As you know, Montenegro may wish to break from Serbia in the future, and Kosovo is considering its own independence. Furthermore, Bosnia and Herzegovina has yet to be reconstituted into a nation-state that can equitably govern its three ethnic constituencies. And, unfortunately, The Serbian Radical Party--using Republika Srpska as a foothold--openly promulgates activities oriented towards the creation of a Greater Serbia, which may also include current parts of Croatia. These potentially explosive situations require the stability that a NATO presence in Croatia will provide. I am taking the liberty of providing a copy of this letter to your Subcommittee's Ranking Member, Representative Robert Wexler, and to the Co-Chairs of the Croatian Caucus, Representatives George Radanovich and Peter Visclosky, who we believe will be helpful on this matter. If I may provide anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me directly or our NFCA Government Relations Director, Mr. Joseph Foley. Thank you again for your important continued support for Croatia's NATO membership. Sincerely, Edward A. Andrus, President.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 529, recommending Croatia's integration into NATO. As a co-chair of the Congressional Croatian Caucus I am pleased to support this bipartisan resolution. The success to date of H. Res. 529 is due to the vision and resolve shown by members of the Caucus to effectively drive this important measure forward, in addition to the hard work of the National Federation of Croatian Americans, NFCA, and the Croatian Embassy. The success of H. Res. 529 is yet another testimony that ongoing reforms by the Croatian Government are reaping significant rewards that are of immense benefit both domestically and internationally. This is crucial in paving the country's path towards Euro-Atlantic integration. Voting in favor for this cause will send a very strong message that the significant progress Croatia has made to date has not gone unrecognized in Congress. More importantly, the full adoption of H. Res. 529 will officially sanction and invigorate mutually complementary U.S./Croatian strategic interests towards trans-Atlantic integration issues.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1129, introduced by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall), would authorize a small land exchange in Pitkin County, Colorado, between the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and Pitkin County. The bill would transfer 35 acres, once a part of the Ryan Ranch, in White River National Forest, to the Forest Service. This property is nearly surrounded by public land and valued by the communities as open space. In exchange, the county would acquire 5.5 acres known as the Wildwood parcel from the Forest Service and a total of 45.92 acres from the Bureau of Land Management consisting of mining claims and land along the Crystal River. The BLM parcels abut county land, and the Crystal River land will be subject to permanent conservation easement for public access. The exchange is strongly supported by local officials and would help consolidate public and private ownership of Pitkin County. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 279) to amend the Act of June 7, 1924, to provide for the exercise of criminal jurisdiction.

Mr. RADANOVICH. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 279, a bill sponsored by Senator Domenici, clarifies the uncertainty and potential law enforcement jurisdiction problems on all 19 Indian Pueblo reservations in the State of New Mexico. From 1913 to 2001, the United States Government prosecuted crimes committed by or against the New Mexico Pueblo Indians within the exterior boundaries of their reservation lands in the State of New Mexico. However, in 2001, a Federal judge, relying on a case about tribal jurisdiction in the State of Alaska, ruled that felonies committed by Indians on private lands within the boundaries of New Mexico Pueblos are not subject to Federal jurisdiction. The U.S. Attorney for New Mexico did not appeal the decision and, therefore, has failed to prosecute any felonies by or against Indians on these lands. At the same time that the Federal Government was declining to prosecute any felonies on Indian Pueblo lands, a New Mexico State court ruled that the State of New Mexico lacked jurisdiction to prosecute felonies committed by an Indian defendant against a non-Indian on private lands within the Pueblos. As a result, there is currently a large void in criminal jurisdiction at the Federal, State, and tribal levels. S. 279 corrects this void of jurisdiction by clarifying that, one, the United States will have jurisdiction over crimes defined under the Major Crimes Act committed by or against any Indian; two, the State of New Mexico will have jurisdiction clarified as to non-member Indians or non-Indians for all non-Major Crimes Act offenses; and, three, the New Mexico Pueblo governments will have jurisdiction over their individual members or other Indians for other offenses. S. 279 enjoys bipartisan support and has the support of the entire New Mexico delegation. I look forward to passing this necessary legislation and urge its timely enactment in this session. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 52) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey a parcel of real property to Beaver County, Utah.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3812) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to prepare a feasibility study with respect to the Mokelumne River, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.