George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Camp).

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder). (Mr. SOUDER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg). (Mr. SHADEGG asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1577, introduced by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tancredo) and amended by the Committee on Resources, would designate the visitors' center at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument as the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. Kris Eggle was a 28-year-old park ranger at the monument who was brutally murdered last year in the line of duty by members of a Mexican drug gang along the Arizona-Mexico border. Kris had served the visitors of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument since the year 2000, and before that he was a park ranger at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in his native Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tancredo), the author of this important legislation.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1577) to designate the visitors' center in Organ Pipe National Monument in Arizona as the ``Kris Eggle Memorial Visitors' Center'', and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH

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

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 255) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant an easement to facilitate access to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Nebraska City, Nebraska, as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1012) to establish the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.

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

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1012, introduced by the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the Carter G. Woodson Home in Washington, D.C., and once acquired, would establish the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site in the District of Columbia. This new historic site would foster opportunities for developing and promoting interpretation of African American cultural heritage throughout Washington, D.C. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Carter Woodson, son of former slaves, earned a Ph.D. degree from Harvard University in 1912, becoming only the second black American to receive a doctorate from Harvard after the great W.E.B. DuBois. After receiving the degree, Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in his home. Dr. Woodson is seen by many as a person of national significance because of his early and determined work regarding African American history. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1012 also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Shiloh Community Development Corporation for the purpose of rehabilitating the Woodson home and other property within the historic site, as well as with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, to allow the association to use a portion of the historic site for its own administrative purposes. Mr. Speaker, a June, 2002 National Parks Service special resources study determined that the Woodson site is nationally significant, suitable and feasible for the designation as a unit of the national parks system. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1012. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 856, offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to revise a repayment contract with the Tom Green County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 in Texas. Due to the ongoing drought in the area, the district has had very limited quantities of water to deliver to its constituents and limited revenues to repay its required repayment obligation. This bill will authorize the Secretary to extend the payment period to allow the annual payments to remain constant and allow for the repayment of the remaining obligation over a longer period of time. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 856) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to revise a repayment contract with the Tom Green County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, San Angelo project, Texas, and for other purposes.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Irene Heetebry on the occasion of her reception for the Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations' 2003 RN of the Year Award for Advanced Practice. The banquet honoring her and the three other award winners will be held Friday, May 9 at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Fresno, California. Irene Heetebry is a skilled, experienced nurse practitioner who provides exemplary care. She encourages open communication with her patients and cares about what is going on in their lives. Irene is a genuinely thoughtful person who is not only doing her job to help others, but also to make an impact on their lives. Ms. Heetebry displays a positive approach that allows patients to make the best decisions in choosing the type of life they want to lead. Irene facilitates preventative health maintenance, life style change, diabetic care, cholesterol, asthma, hypertension, and weight management services for her patients. She has taught classes on diabetes diagnosis and prevention, utilizing the knowledge she gained from her correlation study on self-care and the diabetic patient. Irene encourages people to pursue their nursing careers and frequently receives accolades from those whom she has helped support over the years. She excels in all attributes which are needed to be a successful nurse. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Irene Heetebry for her excellence in the field of Advanced Practice. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Irene many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amy R. Tobin on the occasion of her reception for the Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations' 2003 RN of the Year Award for Outstanding Administration. The banquet honoring her and the three other award winners was held Friday, May 9, at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Fresno, CA. Amy Tobin has been a strong leader in the health care community. She has developed a Nursing Ethics Forum to educate and provide a means for nurses to discuss ethical issues at the unit level. She became a resource for clinical responses and a consultant for guiding discussions on ethical issues for both nursing and medical staff. Amy also served as the nursing liaison to the medical staff ethics committee. Amy has shown her care for humanity in several ways. First, through the development and holding of quarterly classes for the public in the Wellness Center at Community Hospital, she taught on such topics as hypertension, cholesterol control and osteoporosis. Secondly, she taught Nursing Management curriculum through California State University, Fresno's Extended Education program and has instructed professional courses in the clinical, regulatory and organizational development areas. Ms. Tobin has established the first official voting status for a nurse on a medical staff committee and accomplished this in an academic environment by lobbying for collegiality and teamwork. Amy strives to improve the conditions and standards of the medical profession and takes every chance she can to teach others about health awareness. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amy R. Tobin for her excellence in the field of Outstanding Administration. I invite my colleagues in wishing her many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brenda Stark on the occasion of her reception for the Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations' 2003 RN of the Year Award for Outstanding Education. The banquet honoring her and the three other award winners will be held Friday, May 9, at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Fresno, CA. Brenda Stark is undoubtedly dedicated to the nursing profession. Early in her nursing career, Brenda discovered a love for teaching. She has taught in a variety of healthcare, academic, and community settings. She is now very active in mentoring and educating vocational nursing students in the largest school district in the area. Brenda is experienced as a nursing manager with extensive managerial skills in community health ambulatory care setting. She works with numerous agencies, churches, and schools in developing and planning health related programs to meet community needs. Ms. Stark is Vice-President of the Central Valley Black Nurses Association. She is very concerned about the health care needs of all people, and volunteers to provide health care screening for churches in the Fresno area. Her lifelong achievements are reflective in her love for the profession and for the welfare of all people. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brenda Stark for her excellence in the field of Outstanding Education. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Brenda many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David D. Cross on the occasion of his reception for the Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations' 2003 RN of the Year Award for Clinical Practice. The banquet honoring him and the other three award winners was held Friday, May 9 at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Fresno, CA. David Cross is an accomplished pediatric transport RN at Children's Hospital Central California. He consistently provides the highest quality care to all of his patients. Mr. Cross is a genuine humanitarian. He cares for ailing children, ranging from the most complex congenital heart problems, to life threatening traumatic injuries. David truly cares for every patient he tends to and does so with courage and poise that only a leader in the field of nursing could possess. David takes on tasks and duties that occupy most of his time. He provides instruction to nurses from all over the San Joaquin Valley. Additionally, he teaches many classes at Children's Hospital Central California including the Cardiac Core Program and Hospital Orientation. David also pays for books, tuition, and fees for prospective nursing students out of his own pocket. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David D. Cross for his excellence in the field of Clinical Practice. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing David many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Arthur O. Hazarabedian posthumously for his vast contributions to his community and to the Armenian culture. His passing on March 31st of this year was a tragic loss to all who knew him. Arthur graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics in 1953. He then received a Degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1959 from U.C. Davis. Dr. Hazarabedian's compassion for the animal community was shown in his ownership of Harmar Veterinary Services in the East Bay of San Francisco. Most of his career as a veterinarian was dedicated to aiding pets, and he offered his services to four veterinary hospitals over the span of 40 years. Dr. Hazarabedian's love for helping other creatures is evident in his being a founding member of many veterinary organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association and their Business Management Committee. He also served as a representative of the California Board of Equalization and was a Charter member of the California Academy of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hazarabedian has made a significant impact on many lives in the Armenian community. One of Dr. Hazarabedian's greatest accomplishments was the founding of the Armenian Technology Group, Inc. He, and the other ATG co-founders, formed the organization to assist Armenia in its transition from a subject state of the Soviet Union to a free and independent nation. Under Dr. Hazarabedian's leadership, the goal of ATG has been the advancement of democracy in Armenia through the development of a modern agricultural base in a free-market economy. ATG has sought to introduce modem farming practices and technologies to Armenian farmers and government representatives through programs designed to promote independent action and knowledge sharing. In 1990, he received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from the Faculty at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, which is the highest award for contributions, public service and excellence in the veterinary profession. Three weeks before he passed away, on March 8, Dr. Hazarabedian received the Man- of-the-Year award from the Armenian National Committee of America--Bay Area Chapter, at a ceremony held in San Francisco, CA for his outstanding service to Armenia and Armenian-American causes. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Arthur O. Hazarabedian for his exceptional services to the protection of the humanitarian cause. I invite my colleagues to join me in commending Arthur for an exceptional career and for his everlasting contributions.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Undersheriff of Madera County, Thomas Charles Turk on the occasion of his retirement. The event commemorating the occasion will be held in Madera County at the Fairgrounds in Chowchilla, California on Saturday, April 26th, 2003. Thomas Turk has dedicated half of his life to law enforcement. As a young man he was drafted into the United States Army and served for two years as a military policeman. When he came out of active duty, he joined the Madera County Sheriff's department and was assigned to the jail. After one year, he began patrolling the Chowchilla streets working out of a substation. He was respected and admired by the community. For much of his career, Tom was on a first name basis with most of Madera County. He was later appointed to the Detective Division and then to Sergeant. There, he learned that every time you get promoted you get moved to the graveyard shifts. Tom worked his way up through the ranks, from Sergeant to Lieutenant, and then to Undersheriff. Undersheriff Turk dedicated his life to his department and the people of Madera County. He never stopped promoting the integrity of the Department and the honor of his position. Tom has worked countless overnight shifts, which accounts for his two ``Officer of the Year'' commendations, and has done so with the utmost humility. Tom's dedication to his job makes great departments such as the one in Madera County. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Undersheriff Thomas Charles Turk for his service to the County of Madera and for his outreach to the community of which he served. I invite my colleagues to join me in commending Thomas for his devotion throughout his career and in wishing him many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce the introduction of H. Res. 193, legislation that enjoys the support of over 64 bipartisan original cosponsors and commemorates the 15th anniversary of the United States implementation of the Genocide Convention. The month of April marks the commemoration of one of the saddest chapters in world history, the Armenian genocide. We join with Armenian Americans across the Nation to mourn the loss of so many innocent lives. This important human rights legislation will put Members of Congress on record as recognizing the Armenian genocide. Silence either out of indifference or as the result of political pressure only serves to encourage others who would again use ethnic cleansing as a tool of government. As the anniversary of the horrific genocide in Armenia approaches, I wish the people of Armenia success in their effort to bring about the lasting peace and prosperity that they deserve, and I ask for Members' support in commemorating the Armenian genocide by cosponsoring this important legislation.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize State Senator Chuck S. Poochigian on the occasion of being voted ``Man of the Year'' by the Armenian National Committee of Central California. The banquet honoring Senator Poochigian will be held Saturday, April 12, 2003, at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church Hall in Fresno, California. Chuck Poochigian was born in Fresno, California, in 1949, as a third generation resident of the San Joaquin Valley. He received his degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fresno in 1972, and his law degree from the University of Santa Clara in 1975. Mr. Poochigian served as a member of the California Air National Guard for six years. He practiced general civil and business law from 1975 until November of 1988, at which time he was chosen, by then-Governor George Deukmejian, to serve as the Chief Deputy Appointments Secretary on the Governor's senior staff. Chuck assisted the Governor in the selection of key administration officials. In 1991, Governor Pete Wilson named Chuck as his Appointment Secretary, where he served until his election to the State Assembly in 1994. Senator Poochigian's reputation for strong leadership and hard work was recognized by California Journal magazine, which ranked him as the Assembly Republican ``Rookie of the Year'' for 1996. In 2000, Chuck was chosen ``Outstanding Senator'' by the California State Sheriffs' Association, and received the ``Legislator of the Year'' Award from the California State Student Association, as well as the California Network of Educational Charters. Senator Poochigian has received renowned recognition for his assistance in passing important public safety legislation and a transportation package which will significantly benefit local communities. His expertise in business and agriculture in California, and his belief in fair and limited taxation with minimal government regulation, have made him a beloved leader and respected member of the community. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize State Senator Chuck S. Poochigian for his meritorious defense of the Central Valley communities of California. His standards and morals are those of a true genuine leader. I invite my colleagues to join me in commending Chuck for his service and hard work and in wishing him many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Greg and Dianne Fritz on the occasion of receiving Mariposa County's Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year Award. The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce will honor Dianne and Greg on April 11, 2003 at the Best Western--Yosemite Way Station in Mariposa, California. The Fritz Family moved to Mariposa in November of 1994 from Sacramento, California. Greg was Vice President of a Fortune 500 Construction Company and Dianne managed a Carl's Jr. Restaurant. Greg and Dianne have always been best friends, and their mutual success and friendship led them to open their own business. They stopped at the real estate office in Mariposa and found the Happy Burger restaurant was for sale. After eating there, they purchased the restaurant and opened the doors under their new ownership on January 3, 1995. After seeking input from their customers, they began revising and expanding their menu which is now said to be one of the largest menus in the Sierras. Dianne has been re-elected as the 2003 President of the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce. She is involved in the Clean & Proud Mariposa Committee, Mariposa Airport Steering Committee, and is working with the Board of Supervisors on the Mariposa Town Advisory Task Force. Greg is active on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce and is also involved with Business Owners of Mariposa. They support several church and civic fundraisers, sponsor youth sports programs, and donate to area schools. Greg and Dianne are planning to expand the menu and have recently changed their name to the Happy Burger Diner. They often hire youth so that they can experience real work ethics which will help to prepare them for their futures. Mr. and Mrs. Fritz work extremely hard, putting in a minimum of sixteen hours a day, to make their business a success. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor Greg and Dianne Fritz for their outstanding dedication and devotion to their business and their community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Greg and Dianne many years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to express my concern over the Federal Communications Commission recent Triennial Review decision. The revival of the telecommunications industry is critically important to revival of the overall U.S. economy. The FCC proceeding was an opportunity to restore regulatory certainty in the telecommunications industry. The Triennial Review deals with rules for when competitors can share facilities of incumbent local phone companies. The courts had directed the FCC to review its regulations so that competitors could compete and so that incumbents would not be burdened with unnecessary, costly regulations when competitors no longer need to share those facilities. Instead of carrying out its responsibilities, the FCC passed the buck to the 50 states. Now, these issues will be argued in 50 states and, no doubt, appealed in 50 state courts. Meanwhile, incumbents and competitors will have to wait to learn under what rules they must operate and what their costs will be. Incumbents understandably will hesitate to spend on maintaining and improving their facilities because of this uncertainty. In addition, generation of new services and manufacturing jobs will be delayed. Because the FCC has forced the rulemaking job onto the states, incumbent phone companies, competitors and the states will have to pay for endless public utility commission and court proceedings. Of course, in the end, consumers in California and across the Nation will foot the bill. In the days following the FCC's decision, the telecommunications industry lost 15 billion dollars of capital value. A shudder went through the manufacturing sector, which has been waiting anxiously and desperately for incumbent telephone companies to increase their purchasing of equipment. Wall Street analysts downgraded the outlook for telecommunications service and manufacturing companies. In its Triennial Review decision, the FCC indicated that it may impose less regulation on broadband deployment than it has done on the traditional, copper, local telephone network. I would expect nothing less with the vigorous broadband competition that currently exists between phone companies and cable companies, and because broadband services are the future for the telecommunications industry. It is time for the FCC to remove the unnecessary burdensome regulations--actions that should have taken place with the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul H. Betancourt on the occasion of the Annual Banquet of the Fresno County Farm Bureau on April 4, 2003. A diversified row crop farmer, Paul completed his two-year term as Fresno County Farm Bureau president in 2002. Born on the East Coast, Paul was raised in San Diego, California, and became a farmer after marrying into a farming family. Mr. Betancourt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies from Westmont College, and a second degree in agriculture business from California State University, Fresno. He is a graduate of Class XXV of the California Agriculture Leadership Program. The Fresno County Farm Bureau represents over 6,000 members, which includes over 4,500 farmers and ranchers, on trade, land use, water, labor, and all agricultural related issues. Mr. Betancourt has held several positions within Farm Bureau, including director-at-large, secretary-treasurer, and second and first vice presidents. Through his Farm Bureau activities, Paul served on the board of directors of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, and represented the Farm Bureau at many industry and community forums and events. Paul currently serves on the Kerman Unified School Board of Trustees and is involved in the Fresno Area Collaborative Regional Initiative. In addition, he farms 765 acres of cotton and almonds in the Kerman and Cantua Creek areas of Fresno County. Besides farming, Mr. Betancourt is a noted columnist for a local business publication and also enjoys teaching Sunday School class at Kerman Covenant. Paul and his wife, Sheryl, have two children, Heidi and Jonathan, and live near Kerman, California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul H. Betancourt for his dedication and commitment to the Fresno County Farm Bureau and to the broader California agriculture community. I invite my colleagues to join me in commending Paul for his service and hard work and in wishing him many years of continued success.