George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Julia Balderas, Lt. Jose L. Moralez, Daniel Garcia Payne, Dennis J. Sanchez and Dr. Robert Segura for being selected 1998 Portraits of Success program honorees by KSEE 24 and Companies that Care. In celebration of Hispanic-American Heritage Month, these distinguished individuals were honored for their unique contributions to the betterment of their community. Julia Balderas is a lifetime educator who has made significant contributions to her profession, her community and family. She is currently employed as a business and computer science instructor at Edison High School where she graduated in 1958. In 1962, Julia Balderas earned a baccalaureate degree in business from California State University Fresno. That same year, she returned to Edison High School and began her career in education, providing instruction in a variety of business and vocational development courses. During the early 1970's, Ms. Balderas furthered her professional career by completing her Masters Degree in Business at California State University, Fresno. She also worked as a cultural consultant, business instructor and administrator for various educational entities, including Fresno City College, Clovis Adult School and the California State Department of Education. In 1976, Ms. Balderas became an owner and partner of the Hacienda de Los Amiguitos Child Development Center. It became the only private bilingual preschool in the San Joaquin Valley. During the late 1970's and early 1980's, Ms. Balderas served as a lecturer at California State University, Fresno for the School of Business Administrative Sciences. She also lectured for the Chicano Leadership Conference for five years. Julia Balderas has been recognized not only for her outstanding leadership in education, but also for her passionate work on behalf of the poor. She is a founding member of MAPA (The Mexican American Political Association), an active member of El Concilio de Fresno, the League of Mexican American Women and dozens of other civic action groups that have made a real difference in the lives of thousands of people. Lt. Jose L. Moralez began his law enforcement career with the Fresno Police Department as a cadet in 1974 and was sworn in as a police officer in 1977. In 1985, Lt. Moralez was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, followed by his promotion to Lieutenant in 1995. Lt. Moralez is currently assigned to the Southeast Policing District as its Field Commander. He oversees the evening operations of the unit as well as other city-wide operations. In addition to his patrol assignments, Lt. Moralez serves as Administrative Assistant to Chief of Police Ed Winchester. Lt. Moralez also participates as an instructor for the Advanced Officer Academy Courses at the Fresno Police Department. On the community front, Lt. Moralez is actively committed to working and expanding the Neighborhood Watch Association. Residents say they find him kind and approachable and turn to him often for his expert advice on home and neighborhood safety issues. Lt. Moralez also cares about and is involved with young people in our community. He has been very active in getting local merchants and residents to support inner city youth through the Boys and Girls Club. He recently spearheaded an effort to have the Boys and Girls Club repainted, after the facility started showing signs of a badly needed facelift. A source of pride for Lt. Moralez was coordinating and instructing at the Hispanic Residents Academy. This organization works to improve the working relationship between the police and the local residents. He and his wife Yolanda are blessed with two children. Daniel Garcia Payne is a highly decorated and retired Marine Corps Officer. During the latter part of his 23-year career with the military, he managed a half a billion dollar budget and earned numerous commendations for his outstanding service. He holds a degree in missile munitions from John C. Calhoun College in Alabama and a degree in law enforcement from San Jose City College. More recently, Mr. Payne has devoted much of his time and efforts to local organizations that are working to better our community. As a licensed ordained minister, he was very instrumental in the establishment of the Valley Community Church. The Church targets its ministry work toward Hispanics who are not attending church and who need spiritual and civic growth. I have the pleasure of having Mr. Payne serve as a co-chairman on my Congressional Hispanic Advisory Committee. He has served as Vice Chairman of the Republican Central Committee and the California State Republican National Hispanic Assembly. Because of his military background, Mr. Payne also volunteers his time to several local veteran organizations. He is the past commander and currently an officer of the American Legion Post 4. He is also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American G.I. Forum, and the Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Payne is also active with youth. For the past five years he has served as co- coordinator of the popular Toys for Tots Christmas effort, which provides 20,000 gifts to needy children. He also co-founded ``Drug Dilemma'', a life drama project that is working to discourage high school students from experimenting with drugs. He and his wife Mary Lynn have two daughters. Dennis J. Sanchez was born in Hanford, California where he attended local schools. After high school he attended College of the Sequoias and later graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in agronomy. After college Mr. Sanchez returned to Hanford, and along with his brother Peter, began farming operations in the early 1950's. At the same time, he enlisted into the California National Guard 2nd Battalion 49th Infantry Division, and received an honorable discharge in 1964 as a First Lieutenant. In 1968 he co-founded Sanchez & Sanchez Grain. In 1974 he opened Sanchez Feed & Seed. Today he continues to work on the farming side of the business, while juggling a very busy civic schedule. Throughout his adult life, Mr. Sanchez has volunteered and contributed to several organizations--namely, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Kings County Farm Bureau, the State Fair Board, the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber and the San Joaquin Valley Latino Vote Coalition. In 1994, Dennis Sanchez was elected to the Hanford City Council. As an elected official, he has furthered efforts in the areas of crime and juvenile delinquency prevention, job creation, and attracting new business into the Hanford area. Mr. Sanchez is the father of four children, and the proud grandfather of ten children. It is for these reasons that he was selected as a 1998 Portrait of Success. Dr. Robert Segura is a professor of education at California State University Fresno, a position he has held since 1980. Dr. Segura earned a baccalaureate and masters degree from New Mexico Highlands University at Las Vegas, New Mexico. He attained a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. In his current position, Dr. Segura provides instruction in the social and cultural foundations of education. Previously, he was responsible for the development, implementation and administration of federal and state projects that service the university and public schools in Fresno. Dr. Segura has also served as an educational presenter, evaluator and consultant to the U.S. Department of Education, California's Department of Education and dozens of universities across the country. He has assisted in such areas as bilingual education, the education of gifted minority students, desegreation policy, migrant programs and a myriad of other issues. Dr. Segura has also published a series of bilingual children's books which are based on the characters of ``Chato'' and ``Sapo.'' Dr. Segura's delightful and intriguing collection follows Chato and Sapo on many adventures, discoveries and pitfalls that they experience in school. Dr. Robert Segura is also recognized for his involvement in the political arena. I have the pleasure of having Dr. Segura serve as both a community representative for me in Fresno County and a as co-chairman on my Congressional Hispanic Advisory Committee. In addition, he is a member of the Hispanic Task Force and has served as President of the Fresno Chapter of the Republican National Hispanic Association. Additionally, he chairs the Human Relations Commission for the City of Fresno. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Julia Balderas, Lt. Jose L. Moralez, Daniel Garcia Payne, Dennis J. Sanchez and Dr. Robert Segura for being recognized as the KSEE 24 and Companies that Care 1998 Hispanic-American Portraits of Success honorees. I applaud the contributions, ideas, and leadership they have exhibited in our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing these fine individuals many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I do appreciate the fine arguments of my friends from across the aisle, and with great due respect to the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, I do have to say that the bottom line I think of this legislation is fairness, and I really believe that it is unfair for a country like Azerbaijan to block the foreign aid of another country, Armenia, when they are receiving foreign aid themselves. This is an issue of an equal playing field in that region of the world. Section 907 protects an equal playing field. In closing I just want to say it protects a level playing field, and with all due respect, we should not be blocking the foreign aid of one country to another. This preserves that level playing field in that region of the world, and I urge my colleagues to vote for this amendment.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. RADANOVICH. I thank the generous gentleman from the State of Illinois for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of a bipartisan amendment to maintain section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, a provision which, since its adoption by Congress in 1992, has placed reasonable conditions on direct U.S. foreign aid to the government of Azerbaijan. Before voting today on this important matter, I think it is useful to review why this restriction was originally enacted and to consider carefully whether Azerbaijan has taken any steps at all over the past six years to meet the terms set forth in this law. Finally, we should examine the negative impact on American interests which will result from its repeal. First of all, as my colleagues know, section 907 was enacted as a stand by Congress against Azerbaijan's illegal economic blockades. It represents both an effective check against renewed Azerbaijani aggression and a principal expression of American support for peace in the strategically important Caspian region. Azerbaijan, however, has steadfastly refused to comply with the terms set forth in section 907, maintaining its blockades of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. As recently as 2 weeks ago, during the first ever visit of America's Prime Minister to the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, the Azerbaijani Government again refused to lift its blockades, flatly rejecting Armenia's offers of economic cooperation. Yet, despite the fact that Azerbaijan continues to violate section 907, the Azerbaijani Government, through its allies in the oil industry and elsewhere, continues to press for its repeal. Rather than comply with its terms by respecting international laws against blockades, Azerbaijan has undertaken an extensive media and lobbying campaign to change U.S. law. Section 907's repeal under this pressure would represent a victory of shortsighted thinking at the expense of our Nation's long-term interests. On the eve of the upcoming Azerbaijani elections, such a move would be viewed as an American endorsement of the policies and candidacy of former KGB General Geidar Aliyev. Section 907's repeal would represent both an unsound foreign policy decision and an irresponsible misuse of taxpayers' funds. Please also keep in mind when considering this matter, that the U.S. restrictions placed on Azerbaijan do not allow for humanitarian aid through NGOs. Since 1992 Azerbaijan has received over $130 million from the United States in humanitarian aid. I understand, however, that large amounts of this aid have been siphoned off and ended up in the hands of the political elite of Azerbaijan. I can only estimate the amount of aid that will be claimed by corrupt political leaders if we send aid directly to this undemocratic government. Human Rights Watch has reported in its annual report that the international community largely glossed over Azerbaijan's poor human rights record in order to protect oil interests. The State Department, in its human rights survey of Azerbaijan, concluded that the Azerbaijani Government's human rights record continued to be poor and the government continued to commit serious abuses. The government restricts citizens' ability to change the government peacefully. The government restricted freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, religion and privacy when it deemed it in its interest to do so. At this time, the Nagorno Karabagh/Azeri peace process is at a pivotal situation. The U.S., by reaffirming its opposition to Azerbaijan's illegal blockades, can play a critical role in pressing upon the Azeris that they should come to the table and actively seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Rewarding Azerbaijan with American tax dollars would harm the peace process leading to increased instability and a less secure environment for American investors. Section 907's repeal would only encourage Azerbaijan's leadership to keep its blockades in place and to continue refusing direct peace talks with Karabagh, both to the detriment of America's interests. We should not underestimate the significance of our actions today. Repealing 907 would fundamentally harm the peace process, dramatically affecting the stability of the region, and so undermine rather than advance U.S. interests. So, in conclusion, I respectfully ask that my colleagues vote for peace, stability and American interests by voting for the Radanovich- Pallone-Rogan-Sherman amendment, and I again thank the gentleman from Illinois.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress from the San Joaquin Valley of California, I am proud to represent the two largest agricultural producing counties in the United States. Currently, a severe shortage of labor is raising concern over the economic future of the agriculture community throughout California. Agricultural production is nearly a $25 billion industry in the State, and California has the largest agricultural economy in the Nation. Right now, farmers are competing for the same scarce labor force as the raisin, table and wine grape harvest is entering its peak and tree fruit growers are also harvesting in California. Simultaneously, apple farmers are beginning to pick their fruit in the State of Washington and are in need of labor. California has not seen a labor shortage of this magnitude since World War II. The agricultural community has worked with numerous San Joaquin Valley Social Services Departments and Employment Development Departments to provide needed labor from individuals who are unemployed or entering the workforce after receiving welfare. Such actions have failed to supply adequate labor for harvest. The agricultural labor situation can be alleviated through action by the Federal Government. Under a reformed agricultural worker program, substantial opportunities will be given to foreign workers who can often earn significantly more in the United States than in their own country. Such reform reduces illegal immigration by creating a streamlined process to temporarily legalize individuals who choose to work in the agricultural sector of the United States. I am working to include the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits and Security Act, authored by Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR), in the final conference language of the Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary appropriations measure. The act was approved as an amendment to S. 2260, the Senate Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary appropriations bill. It passed by a bipartisan vote of 68-31 in the Senate. Related House legislation did not contain the agricultural worker provision. The Senate measure establishes a national registry within the Department of Labor to track agricultural job seekers. Employers are required to first hire domestic workers from the registry and are able to hire foreign workers if domestic workers are not available. Housing or a housing allowance must be provided by growers, and the prevailing wage rate must be paid. The prevailing wage rate is the mid-point of all wages earned, and it is always higher than the minimum wage. On behalf of the farmers in the San Joaquin Valley in California, I urge the Commerce, Justice, State, and Judiciary conferees to include the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act in the final bill. I also strongly encourage all Members of the House to support its passage. A stable, reliable and affordable food supply is dependent upon congressional approval of this measure.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress from the San Joaquin Valley of California, I am proud to represent the two largest agricultural producing counties in the United States. Currently, a severe shortage of labor is raising concern over the economic future of the agriculture community throughout California. Agricultural production is nearly a $25 billion industry in the state, and California has the largest agricultural economy in the nation. Right now, farmers are competing for the same scarce labor force as the raisin, table and wine grape harvest is entering its peak and tree fruit in the state of Washington and are in need of labor. California has not seen a labor shortage of this magnitude since World War II. The agricultural community has worked with numerous San Joaquin Valley Social Services Departments and Employment Development Departments to provide needed labor from individuals who are unemployed or entering the workforce after receiving welfare. Such actions have failed to supply adequate labor for harvest. Agricultural groups in Fresno, California are currently looking into the feasibility of a program through the Fresno County Sheriff's office to allow agriculture to use the labor involved with work furlough programs, community service, and inmate work projects. The agricultural labor situation can be alleviated through action by the federal government. Under a reformed agricultural worker program, substantial opportunities will be given to foreign workers who can often earn significantly more in the U.S. than in their own country. Such reform reduces illegal immigration by creating a streamlined process to temporarily legalize individuals who choose to work in the agricultural sector of the U.S. I am working to include the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits and Security Act, authorized by Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR), in the final conference language of the Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary appropriations measure. The act was approved as a amendment to S. 2260, the Senate Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary appropriations bill. It passed by a bipartisan vote of 68-31 in the Senate. Related House legislation did not contain the agricultural worker provision. The Senate measure establishes a national registry within the Department of Labor to track agricultural job seekers. Employers are required to first hire domestic workers from the registry and are able to hire foreign workers if domestic workers are not available. Housing or a housing allowance must be provided by growers, and the prevailing wage rate must be paid. The prevailing wage rate is the mid-point of all wages earned, and it is always higher than the minimum wage. On behalf of the farmers in the San Joaquin Valley in California, I urge the Commerce, Justice, State, and Judiciary conferees to include the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act in the final bill. I also strongly encourage all members of the House to support its passage. A stable, reliable and affordable food supply is dependent upon Congressional approval of this measure.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Woodlake Got-A-Job Summer Youth Employment Program for its commitment and dedication to the lives of youth throughout Southeastern Tulare County. The Got-A-Job Summer Youth Employment Program provides a valuable learning experience for youth in developing job skills for their future. The Got-A-Job Summer Youth Employment Program is funded and directed by Community Services and Employment Training Incorporated. Woodlake Got-A-Job has taken a leading role in shaping positive values in young people's lives. Many large and small businesses of Southeastern Tulare County have met a vital community need by offering to employ Woodlake Got-A-Job youth in a variety of work opportunity programs. The community of Woodlake participates by donating supplies and money to the Got-A-Job Program in support of their youth. The Woodlake Got-A-Job Summer Youth Employment Program offers job skills training and confidence building exercises to teenagers. The guidance and teachings offered by this organization improves the economic health of the community and fosters a positive work ethic in tomorrow's leaders. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to the Woodlake Got-A-Job Summer Youth Employment Program. The Got-A-Job Summer Youth Program's commitment and dedication to the youth of Southeastern Tulare County is commendable. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the Woodlake Got-A-Job Program many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Beatrice Ayala Valenzuela who is honored with the 1998-1999 Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement, presented by California State University, Fresno. Mrs. Valenzuela is one of three students among the 343,000 in the California State system to receive such an award and is the third Fresno State student to be honored since the award's inception in 1988. With a major in English and a 3.75 grade point average, Mrs. Valenzuela has not only displayed superior academic skills, but also a dedication to community service and personal achievement. She is very deserving of this award. Mrs. Valenzuela graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1969. In hopes of receiving a collage degree, Mrs. Valenzuela resumed school in 1990, starting at Fresno City College and transferring to Fresno State in 1996. To further challenge herself, Mrs. Valenzuela applied and was accepted into the McNair Scholar Program, an academically intense effort that prepares college seniors for advanced studies. In addition to her outstanding academic achievements, Mrs. Valenzuela has served her community in more ways than one. She has taught English as a second language to potential U.S. citizens and is a tutor at Fresno State's writing center. Beatrice Valenzuela is an exceptional woman who has displayed an outstanding achievement in the academic arena without compromising her commitment to the well being of others. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate Beatrice Valenzuela in receiving the 1998-1999 Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement. She is a role-model for all future scholars. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Beatrice Valenzuela many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. John H. Blossom for his life long dedication and hard work in the health care arena. Mr. Blossom's care giving efforts in decentralized rural clinics has allowed other physicians to enter and start their own practice. For nearly three decades, Dr. John H. Blossom has worked to establish physician training programs in rural clinics through his long-standing relationship with the University of California, San Francisco-Fresno Medical education program. Dr. Blossom began training family practice residents in decentralized rural clinics. This idea of recruiting physicians to generally underserved areas worked well and has since been used in many other parts of the country. Dr. Blossom first came to Fresno for training at Valley Medical Center and was appointed chief resident in 1974. Once he completed his residency training, Dr. Blossom became a medical director of a community health center in Mendota, a small rural town west of Fresno. During the two years that he provided patient care services there, he introduced that site to medical education, forging an alliance between the Fresno Family Practice and the Firebaugh-Mendota Health Center. This brought medical students from a variety of west coast medical schools. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Dr. John H. Blossom. Dr. Blossom's life long dedication and hardwork in the health care arena has allowed other physicians to enter and start their own practice. I ask my Colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Blossom many years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to report that on June 23, 1998, the Fresno City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of H.J. Resolution 54 prohibiting the desecration of the United States flag. The Fresno City Council represents over half a million residents of the City of Fresno. The Council took this action because of their firm support of the symbolic nature of our flag. our flag is more than cotton or nylon, it represents our nation's spirit of freedom and independence, and therefore merits the proper reverence of all those who have the privilege to live in this great nation. We live in the most diverse nation in the world, and the City of Fresno is a microcosm of that diversity with people of every language, culture and religion living in its borders. Yet despite that diversity, the City of Fresno and all its citizens unanimously support and stand behind protecting our flag. For our flag reminds us of our shared history and freedom, both of which transcend our divesity. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the Fresno City Council's unanimous support of H.J. Resolution 54. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking them for their support and reminding us of the vast and diverse support for protecting our great flag.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fresno Bee on receiving the first-place award for general excellence from the California Newspaper Publishers Association. This is the second straight year the newspaper has won the organization's highest honor and the Fresno Bee is very deserving of this award. The Fresno Bee has a daily circulation of 158,851 and a Sunday circulation of 191,963. It was judged against other daily newspapers with circulations of 75,001 to 200,000 copies. Clearly, this award displays the outstanding efforts of not only the Fresno Bee journalists, but of an entire newspaper staff who are committed to giving Fresno and the Central Valley a comprehensive, first-class newspaper. Naturally, the Fresno Bee exhibits strong local coverage, outstanding local photography and good local enterprise stories. In addition to the general excellence award, the Fresno Bee received first-place awards for editorial comment, illustration/information graphics and design. Associate Editor Russell Minick was honored for an editorial on a white supremacist groups' spreading of propaganda on the California State University Fresno campus. Mr. Minick took second place in the same category one year ago. Bee artists John Alvin, Bob Campbell, Andrea Cooper and Severiano Galvan were given the graphics award for a two-page layout on the once- dominating Central Valley wetlands. Mr. Galvan earned the first-place award in the same category one year ago. Bee photographer John Walker took second place for his photos featured in his portrait of Little Rascals star Tommy ``Butch'' Bond. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate the Fresno Bee on receiving the first-place award for general excellence from the California Newspaper Publishers Association. The Fresno Bee has provided 75 years of outstanding service to the Central Valley, using its excellent staff to create what truly is a first-class production. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the Fresno Bee and its staff many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jefferson Elementary School. Jefferson Elementary has been credited as a California Distinguished School. The faculty and students of Jefferson Elementary exemplify excellence with exceptional student achievement. Reflecting their school's motto, ``High Above the Rest'', Jefferson students demonstrate the highest tradition of individual academic success, school pride and ownership of their educational facility. Jefferson Elementary's mission is to enable each student to have equal access to the core curriculum regardless of his/her academic and language proficiency. Jefferson's school-wide goals are linked to their District's Mission. Jefferson has developed strong partnerships with the School Site Council (SSC) and the Bilingual Advisory Committee (BAC). Their ``Student Compact'' actively involves students, parents and teachers in focusing on the importance of student achievement and accountability, both academic and social. Jefferson School is a well-established K-6 campus located on the southeast side of Dinuba (population 13,950) in rural Tulare County. Jefferson School serves approximately 700 students and their families. They are one of five schools (K-6) in the Dinuba Elementary School District. Dinuba Elementary School District has been experiencing steady growth in the student population over a number of years. Today it serves nearly 3,000 students. Jefferson School's state-of-the-art technology gives students an added dimension to their educational program. Each teacher has a personal classroom computer that is networked to a school-wide web. E- mail and Internet will soon enhance teacher communication and professional discourse. To prepare students for a successful transition to middle school, their sixth grade students are introduced to a morning core block rotation, stressing reading/language and math. Jefferson Elementary, in recognition of the importance of solid study skills, provides all intermediate students with a Student Agenda, organizational tools and a vital home/school connection. Student success in the result of a collaborative effort of all members of the Jefferson learning community. Their growth and achievement is showcased by their mathematics program, effective reading strategies, instruction of second language learners, judicious use of well-trained instructional assistants, Extended Day programs, use of technology and their P.E. and sports program. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Dinuba Elementary School District Jefferson Elementary School. The students and faculty in this school exemplify a care for the community and a dedication to hard work. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Jefferson elementary many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for rollcall votes 315, 319 and 320 last week. Let the Record state that I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall votes 315 and 320 and ``yes'' on 319.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to E.B. ``Swede'' Antonell, John E. Boudreau, Robert F. Bowman, Robert L. Stanfield and Harvey Williams for their service to the central San Joaquin Valley agricultural community. Each of these gentlemen has distinguished himself as a valued member of the agriculture-water industry.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Fresno Businesswoman Carole Ponchetti, President and Chief Executive Officer of J.E. Ethridge Construction Inc., for her efforts and success in the business arena. Carole Ponchetti's climb and dedication to her current position in a traditionally male-dominated field has made her very deserving of this recognition. Mrs. Ponchetti has clearly demonstrated a drive for success. She attended California State University, Fresno, earning her license as a Class B General Building Contractor. In 1971, Mrs. Ponchetti began her career with Ethridge, working as a secretary in a one-employee office. Steadily climbing the corporate ladder in the mid 1980's, Mrs. Ponchetti was a key figure in the renovations of the Fresno Bee and the Fresno Metropolitan Museum. Mrs. Ponchetti has served the community in more ways than one. She is currently on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, a board member of the San Joaquin Business Investment Group (a minority interest), and a member of the Fresno Business Council. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Carole Ponchetti for her effort with J.E. Ethridge Construction Inc. Her commitment and unfailing dedication serve not only as a model for current heads of business, but also for women who wish to enter and succeed in the business field. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Carol Ponchetti many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Central Union Elementary School. Central Elementary has been honored as a California Distinguished School. The faculty and students of Central Union Elementary exemplify excellence with exceptional student achievement. Central Union is located in the outskirts of Lemoore, in Kings County. Central Union's heterogeneous groupings, extensive use of active learning projects, and popular extra-curricular programs take full advantage of richly diverse population and provide the students with opportunities to learn and play with children from different cultural, ethnic, linguistic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. Central Union Elementary has over 308 diverse students in grades K-8. The student body is composed of 29% Native American, 4% African American, 28% Hispanic, and 39% White students. Central Union Elementary's motto: ``Together, We Achieve'' shows a tradition of support for, and pride in, their excellent educational program. Evidence of Central Union's history of quality education is seen in the large participation by parents in school events, traditional celebrations, and programs. 90% of the parents attended their recent parent-teacher conferences; 85% of the parents attended the programs and visited classrooms during Open House and Back to School Night last year. Central Union Elementary places emphasis on student results. The school's educational strategies and practices are consistent with this goal. Their content and student performance standards aligned with and are as rigorous as the ``Draft Interim Content and Performance Standards.'' Central Union Elementary has a safe, clean, friendly, orderly, and supportive environment for children. Parents are involved in their children's education and collaborate with staff members to ensure achievement. Parent volunteer records document that over 3,337 hours were volunteered to assist students, programs and special events last year. Volunteer activities included collaborating with staff members in planning and evaluating programs in a shared decision making process, serving as chairs or members of committees, such as safe schools team, SSC, advisories, and supervising field trips, serving at the snack bar, correcting reports, and publishing newsletters. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate Central Union Elementary, a California Distinguished School. The students and faculty of this school exemplify a care for the community and a dedication to hard work. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Central Union Elementary many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Major General Ronald Markarian for his distinguished service and dedication to the California Veterans Board. The California Veterans Board advises the Governor, Legislature and Department of Veterans Affairs on veterans issues. Major General Ronald H. Markarian was appointed by Governor Pete Wilson to the California Veterans Board in 1994. General Markarian has served as state director of the selective service system since 1987. Governor Wilson appointed Ron Markarian as Commanding General of the California State Military Reserve and promoted him to the rank of Major General in July 1990. He retired as a Colonel in the United States Air Force in 1980, after serving 30 years. Major General Markarian flew 116 combat reconnaissance missions in the Vietnam War. Several commendations were awarded, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal. His assignments have included: air crew duties in B-47 and B-52 strategic bombers; strategic nuclear planning with the Joint Strategic Planning Staff in Nebraska; Strategic Reconnaissance Operations at Headquarters, Pacific Command in Hawaii; Chief of Air Reconnaissance Operations at HQ USMACV in Southeast Asia; six years at the Pentagon where he served as Chief of Air Reconnaissance Systems and Director of the Intelligence Reserve Forces. Major General Markarian is a graduate of the Air Command Staff College, Air War College, National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Defense Intelligence School, United Kingdom School of Service Intelligence, the Federal Emergency Management Institute and the Foreign Service Institute. He also holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and a B.A. from California State University, Fresno. Major General Ronald H. Markarian has been an active member in the Republican Party and several military associations including the Air Force Association, California State Military Reserve Officers Association, Civil Air Patrol and the National Guard Association of California. He has served as the regional president and is a member of the National Council of Trustees for the Association of the U.S. Army and a past national president of the National Sojourners. His local community involvement have included membership in the American National Red Cross, the California Emergency Services Association and the Fresno County Chambers of Commerce. Major General Ronald H. Markarian's dedicated service to his community, the State of California and the United States Air Force are an example of a life devoted to duty, honor and country. He has been an important voice for veterans and has provided profound insight and guidance on important veteran issues. General Markarian's service and expertise has been very influential in providing sound advice to the Governor and Legislature of California. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to Major General Ronald H. Markarian for his service to the California Veterans Board and the California Department of Veterans Affairs. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing General Markarian many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to George A. Maness for his dedicated service to the California Veterans Board. The seven-member Board advises the Governor, Legislature and Department of Veterans Affairs on veterans issues. George A. Maness retired in 1982 after 23 years as a teacher, R.O.T.C. instructor and administrator with the Tulare Joint Union High School District. He served as a noncommissioned officer in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1958; both in active and reserve duty. Mr. Maness obtained a bachelor's degree in 1958 from Western State College in Colorado and a master's degree in 1976 from Clayton University in Missouri. George Maness is a member of several professional and community organizations, including the American Legion, AMVets, the Air Force Sergeants Association, Lions Club, Elks Club and Salvation Army Advisory Board. Mr. Maness is a dedicated member of the Republican Party and was the Co-chairman of Veterans for Pete Wilson campaign for Governor of California. He also served as Co-chairman for California Veterans for Bush-Quayle in 1992. George Maness was re-appointed to the California Veterans Board in 1994 by Governor Pete Wilson. Mr. Maness was confirmed by the California State Senate and served until January 1998. The California Veterans Board advises the Governor, Legislator and the California Department of Veterans Affairs. George Maness provided great insight and guidance to the board and was an influential advocate for veterans issues. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to George Maness for his dedicated service to the California Veterans Board and the California Department of Veterans Affairs. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing George Maness many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Anne Speake for being selected to receive the Central California Woman in Business Advocate of the Year Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Ms. Speake is viewed as a role model for all women owning businesses. Not only is she a tremendous asset as a mentor, but she is also a leader in our business community. Anne Speake is the owner and operator of the International English Institute. Anne started this business over 15 years ago, and is successful not only here in the Valley but globally through the International English Institute. Most recently she was selected as the Fresno Chamber of Commerce President. As Chamber President, Anne will be influential in shaping and molding the Valley's policy toward small businesses. The Women in Business Advocate Award is presented annually to individuals who fulfill a commitment to the advancement of women's business ownership. Selection criteria for the award is based on the following areas: 1) Efforts to increase business and financial opportunities for women; 2) Legal, financial or managerial assistance; 3) Voluntary efforts to strengthen the role of women business owners within the community; 4) Advocacy of the women-owned business community as a whole. Anne Speake was nominated for this award by Glendale Federal Bank. Anne Speake is viewed as a consensus builder and a leader. She commands respect from others, because she leads by example. Ms. Speake is deeply committed to our community, through her active involvement in the Fresno Business Council and the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Anne Speake of the International English Institute. Mrs. Speake exemplifies what it means to be an advocate for small business. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Anne Speake many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Elsie Buchenau for her dedicated service to the Madera County Central Committee and to the Republican Party. Elsie Buchenau was born on October 5, 1907 in Firebaugh, California. Her family consisting of four girls and one boy, moved to a Madera vineyard in the La Vina area in 1912. She attended La Vina Grammar School, then Madera High School where she graduated in 1924. After working for a prominent attorney and a Realtor she moved to San Francisco for five years. She then married Herb Buchenau, a local cattleman and farmer, in 1937 and then moved to the Buchenau home ranch northeast of Madera, where she still lives. Mrs. Elsie Buchenau has been active in the Republican Party for many years and served as chairperson for the Madera County Central Committee for eight years, and vice president of the California Republican Party. She has also been a member of the Madera Republican Women and a delegate and twice an alternate to the Republican National Convention. Elsie Buchenau is also a member of the Madera County Cattleman's Association and was named Cattle woman of the Year in 1979. In 1994, Elsie Buchenau was named Farmer of the Year by the Madera District Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Buchenau has also volunteered her time with the Madera Community Hospital League and the St. Vincent de Paul Store, which supports Catholic charities. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Elsie Buchenau for her decades of service to the Republican Party, the Madera County Central Committee, and to her community. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Elsie Buchenau best wishes for the future.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bobbie Byrd on the occasion of her 100th Birthday. The event will be celebrated on August, 1, 1998. Bobbie Byrd was born in Linden, Tennessee on August 1, 1898. She spent the first 35 years of her life performing the rugged chores of farm life with her family. After marriage to Hurshell M. Byrd, she moved to Fresno, California. Bobbie Byrd's grandfather fought in the Civil War, and her brother J.E. Marvin served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. Her husband, H. M. Byrd, was in the Naval battle at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. After her husband was discharged from the United States Navy because of wounds he received in the battle in the South Pacific theatre, Mrs. Byrd and family moved to Richmond, California. There the entire family worked hard to support the war effort in the U.S. Navy ships yards. Bobbie Byrd played the role of babysitter for several children so that family members could work to build ships in support of the national defense. At the end of World War II, the Byrd family returned to Fresno and Mrs. Byrd's time was completely occupied with caring for her family and installing in them a value system which formed a strong family and therefore a strong nation. She is still a vital part of her family which includes two granddaughters and four great grandsons. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Bobbie Byrd on her 100th birthday. Mrs. Byrd's dedication to her family and her country serve as a great role model for all Americans. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. Byrd best wishes for the future.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to The City of Chowchilla. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the founding of Chowchilla, a thriving community in the County of Madera. Chowchilla is a productive and progressive community leading the way into the 21st Century. In 1912, Chowchilla began to emerge from a cattle ranch of 108,000 acres to what would become a busy community rich in agriculture and commerce. In 1913, the conversion of the vast cattle ranch to diversified farming began. It was at this time when the first bank was started, the first school building was erected, and the first church was organized. A community newspaper was established and water was brought forth from 33 artesian wells. The year 1914 brought further growth to the city and its facilities when the Chowchilla Pacific Railroad was completed. Electroliers were installed on two streets for a distance of a mile. Shortly there after, the community held its first fair, founded the Woman's Improvement Club and organized the first baseball team. Today, The City of Chowchilla has grown to a population of 4,500 people and is a thriving agriculture and manufacturing community whose grain, cotton and dairy products make the city a vital element of California's economy. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to the City of Chowchilla on its 75th Anniversary. Chowchilla is a flourishing agricultural and commercial community leading the way into the 21st Century. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the City of Chowchilla many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Dr. Balint Vazsonyi as a true American. Balint Vazsonyi knows first-hand what it means to live in fear, as he has done so under Nazi occupation then under Communist oppression in his native Hungary. Overcoming the barriers to human expression put up by authoritarian states, Dr. Vazsonyi has since become a world-renowned concert pianist, and a well-respected historian and ultimately a United States citizen. Dr. Vazsonyi, or just plain ``Balint'', is a regular op-ed contributor to the Washington Times as well as several other newspapers around the country. He sits on the boards of many community groups and is the Director of the Center for the American Founding. As a child he lived under Nazi terror and as an adolescent he participated in the Hungarian uprising against the Soviet occupiers. Balint's musical career is well known. He received his Artist Diploma at Budapest's famed Liszt Academy. Just recently, the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, DC presented him a gala piano recital in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his first concert appearance in Hungary. Balint also has a Ph.D. in history. I highly recommend to my colleagues, and all Americans, his new book, ``America's 30 Years War: Who is Winning?'' Drawing on his own life experiences he describes how our hard-won freedoms are gradually being eroded. Vazsonyi traces the essence of what makes America unique, from the Founding until today, and exposes how ideas imported from European socialist states are undermining America's distinct political and moral culture. In a witty and personal style, Balint documents how the founding principles of the rule of law, individual rights, secure ownership of property and common American identity are being deliberately supplanted by the alien notions of group rights, forced redistribution of private possessions, and multiculturalism. In ``America's 30 Years War: Who is Winning?'' Dr. Vazsonyi shows, with unmistakably clarity, how every time we move away from America's founding principles we move toward the failed model of European socialism. Please take time to read this seminal and through-provoking book. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Dr. Balint Vazsonyi on his many accomplishments and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him many more years of success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lisa Mendosa. Lisa Mendosa, an accomplished woman of the `90s, has added the title of Community Relations Coordinator of Borders Books to her credit. Having worked in numerous fields, Lisa Mendosa is in many respects, considered a renaissance woman. Lisa Mendosa has had an impressive career, yet still has much of her life ahead of her. In 1987, she was named one of America's top 100 women in Communications/Hispanic USA. In the same year she also won an award in the Associated Press television-radio competition. In 1989, she was named one of America's top 100 junior college graduates. In 1995, Lisa Mendosa received an Emmy Award for her coverage of the Leer Jet crash in Fresno. Lisa Mendosa has also published a number of books on animals and children. She has a great love for animals and has raised two dogs from the age of eight weeks and studied their development for more than 8 years. Lisa Mendosa spent 17 years working in TV news researching, writing, producing and presenting thousands of news stories. At Channel 24, Lisa went from management to producer. After winning her Emmy, Lisa was offered a position by Channel 30, which she took. Currently, she is a Community Relations Coordinator for Borders Books. Today, she works harder than ever to establish a close community relationship with the Borders Book's staff. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Lisa Mendosa. Already being an accomplished woman of the `90's and considered a renaissance woman, Lisa Mendosa continues to be dedicated to her work. Her dedication and exemplary efforts should serve as an inspiration to all. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Lisa Mendosa continued success for the future.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bob Houlding, Sr., for being recognized as the 1998 Senior Farmer of the Year. Mr. Houlding has been dedicated to providing services to the agricultural community of Madera County since the 1920's and is very deserving of this honor. Mr. Houlding's family connection to Madera goes back to the 1800s. Bob Houlding, Sr., is the son of William and Ludema Houlding. William Houlding came with his family from Nebraska to Madera in 1891. Bob Houlding, Sr.'s brothers are Frank, Bill and Vigil, and he has a sister, Ludema (Houlding) Weis. Mr. Houlding started school in 1922 at Howard School, the year it was built, and graduated from Madera High School in 1934. In 1939, Bob Sr. joined the Army Air Corps to serve his country, staying in until 1946. He initially signed up for a three-year hitch, but just as his first tour was nearing its end, World War II broke out and he continued to serve. In the Air Corps (later the Air Force) he worked as an engineer, repairing B-24s and B-29s in the 21st Bomb Squadron and serving in places such as New Orleans, LA; Riverside, CA; Kansas; and the Aleutian Islands. In 1942 he married Mildred Sonier. After marrying, the couple raised three sons, Bob Jr., Jerry, and Mike. Mr. Houlding continued to farm once he returned to Madera, growing cotton, alfalfa, wheat, and potatoes. As the years passed, Bob Houlding, Sr., involved his sons in the family business and now together they own 3,500 acres in Madera and on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. His grandchildren and their spouses are also involved in farming. All of the grandchildren are graduates, current students, or have aspirations of attending Cal Poly--San Luis Obispo. Mr. Houlding began by farming row crops, but since 1976, has moved into growing tomatoes, cotton, wheat, and almonds on the west side of Madera and Fresno counties. Mr. Houlding's action plan for farming has always been to diversify the kinds of crops he grows and to use modern farming techniques such as micro-sprinklers. Mr. Houlding has been a great proponent of reduced pesticide usage through the introduction of predator insects and of water conservation through the installation of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Mr. Houlding has always been supportive to his community and of youth involvement in agriculture. He was a member of the board of directors of the Golden State Gin, a member of the Trade Club, and a charter member of the Reel and Gun Club. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate Bob Houlding, Sr., for receiving the Senior Farmer 1998 Award for Madera County. I applaud Mr. Houlding's dedicated service to, and leadership of, the agricultural community. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Houlding many more years of success.