Rick Renzi

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks) took the time and the effort to reserve an hour so that we could take the time to pay tribute to a man who has given us so much, to celebrate his life and to lay out for the people of the world how much he truly sacrificed and gave. I had the honor to visit with him in Rome at Christmas of 2003. I accompanied a delegation of a couple of Congressmen who went over and who brought a House Resolution that signified and thanked him for 25 years of public service, of being that spiritual warrior that we all embraced. It was an honor to be with him. In his presence, you felt that holiness. You felt the holiness of a man of deep prayer, a man of hard work and conviction, a man who did not sway in the wind and who was not forced by modernization, by the tides of modern theology that we have seen. When I heard of his death, I was in Panama just a few days ago. I was fortunate to be with the large Latino population, one of the fastest- growing populations in the Catholic Church, who turned out and who truly mourned his death. Monday I was in Mexico City, and I had an opportunity to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I watched a poor Mexican family on their knees, walking on their knees in pain and in suffering, to show personal sacrifice to honor the life of this Pope. And with the few small dollars that they had left, they bought several candles and placed them at the statue of John Paul II in Mexico City. A true tribute for those who have so little to give so much. It is interesting that the Pope's last teaching, the last formal message that came out of Rome, dealt with the life of Terri Schiavo. It is interesting that the message that came from this Pope was that we should not so swiftly embrace the culture of death. As a Roman Catholic, as a father of 12 children, I am so grateful that his last teaching will be that of life, that we embrace innocence, that we look to help the unborn; that we treat all life, whether it be disabled or whether it be strong and healthy, with dignity. Mr. Speaker, this public servant sent a powerful message each time he rose, even when he was then himself disabled. I found him to be noble and kind. I found his humility to be a great example that led our world. When we look at what he did to fight against the evils against democracy, especially with the Iron Curtain, the Soviet Union, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and East Germany; each of them owe a portion of their freedom to this champion. Each of them owe a portion to the tolerance and forgiveness, the releasing of the evil grip of communism, to this champion. He told them not to be afraid. In doing so, he moved masses into solidarity and unleashed the evils of Communists. He personally survived the Nazi bloodlust that swept through his native Poland, and he survived the Iron Curtain which attempted to strangle the free spirit of men. His life will be honored in our work to continue that struggle, to fight daily for the free spirit of men all over the world who continue to be repressed. He was unafraid because he believed in God. Through prayer, he received courage from the true source; true courage comes to those who pray, true bravery to those who pray. Mr. Speaker, I say to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks), my neighbor, we both know that angels feel no injury. Angels are created and cannot be hurt. Angels do not bleed. True bravery can only be shown by moral men and women. This man showed true bravery, and it was because of that courage through prayer that he received. When he was in Rome in May of 1981, when the attempted assassination was made on his life, he spent 20 days in the hospital. He showed us the power of perseverance. He spent the rest of his life showing us the power of forgiveness, especially when he met with his would-be assassin. So while we are saddened by his passing, we celebrate his life. We continue to be encouraged by his teachings, and we allow his powerful spirit to inspire us daily to strive for goodness, for humility, for forgiveness and for justice. I love this champion of freedom and life. I love the fact that God sent us a spiritual warrior who fought for the good, a warrior whose most powerful weapons was that of peaceful prayer, peaceful words, solidarity, and the teachings of life. I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks) for setting aside this hour and for allowing us to give a small tribute to the life of John Paul II.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 797) to amend the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act of 1996 and other Acts to improve housing programs for Indians.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this legislation.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 5 minutes. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have on the floor today H.R. 797, the Native American Housing Enhancement Act of 2005, which I introduced this year with the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson). While visiting with my Navaho and Apache constituents, I have learned that there is a need for a real focus on long-term housing planning. If we can help tribes be flexible with their grant money, we can see great projects such as Apache Dawn, a multiphased construction development by the White Mountain Apaches that was built because they were able to be flexible and creative with their funding. This bill makes three changes that will help Native American communities in rural Arizona and other Native American communities throughout America better address their housing needs. The first section of this bill will clarify that tribes are allowed unrestricted access to new NAHASDA funds even if they still retain program income from previous years. Currently the tribe's grant money may be restricted if that tribe is receiving program income in excess of their operating costs. This clarification is critical to ensure that we are not creating a disincentive for tribes to create housing plans for their future developments. Second, this bill also brings USDA housing programs in line with HUD programs in allowing Indian preference which lets tribes abide by the Indian Civil Rights Act. Currently tribal governments may not exercise Indian preference for USDA programs because it would be considered a civil rights violation for giving preference based upon racial designation. Indian preference is something tribal governments value greatly in addressing the needs of their citizens. It is not a race issue. Indian preference recognizes the political designation of tribes as sovereign entities with whom we have entered into a government-to- government relationship. This amendment will help ensure greater tribal usage of USDA rural development programs. Because another program that tribes use for their youth program existed when NAHASDA was enacted, Youthbuild, accessibility was taken away. Not only are tribes prohibited from applying for Youthbuild funds, but organizations serving Native youths are prohibited as well; yet the statistics are overwhelming. Mr. Speaker, the suicide rate for Native American youth is three times the national average. Alcohol- related deaths among Native Americans ages 15 to 24 are 17 times higher than the national average. American Native youth ages 12 to 20 are 58 percent more likely to become crime victims than any other race of the same age span. And as of February 2001, 74 percent of youth in custody in the Federal Bureau of Prisons System were Native American youths, an increase of 50 percent since 1994. Native American youth represent 1 percent of the U.S. population, yet constitute as much as 3 percent of the youth arrests for larceny, thefts and liquor law violations. These grim statistics speak to the importance of programs that teach life skills and give a sense of community to children in Indian Country. Current tragic events make clear the need to allow our children, our Native American children, to participate in a program that builds stronger neighborhoods, safe homes, more self-esteem, and make a difference for their future. I ask support for this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), who is a member of the Chickawa Tribe. The gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) is a true fighter and advocate for those in Indian Country across our Nation.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the gentleman from Utah for his advocacy and particularly for the leadership he showed during the hearing out in Navajo Country. In closing, I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Ney), who has been a tireless advocate on Native American housing issues, who represents a tough district with a lot of rural needs, and who understands and has articulated the message that is now getting out across the country, the need to help so many of our first citizens, the Native Americans of our Nation.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have on the House floor today H.R. 797, the Native American Housing Enhancement Act which I introduced earlier this year with my colleague Mr. Matheson of Utah. While visiting with my Navajo and Apache constituents, I have learned that there is a need for a focus on long term housing planning. If we can help tribes be flexible with their grant money we will see great projects such as Apache Dawn, a multi-phase construction development by the White Mountain Apache that was built because they were able to be flexible and creative with their funding. This bill makes three changes to help Native American communities in rural Arizona, and across the nation, better address their housing needs. The first section of this bill will clarify that tribes are allowed unrestricted access to new NAHASDA funds even if they still retain program income from previous years. Currently a tribes' grant money may be restricted if that tribe is receiving program income in excess of their operating costs. This clarification is crucial to ensure that we are not creating a disincentive for tribes to create income or plan for their future developments. This bill also brings USDA housing programs into line with HUD programs in allowing Indian preference which lets tribes abide by the Indian Civil Rights Act. Currently, tribal governments may not exercise Indian preference for USDA programs because it would be considered a Civil Rights violation for giving preference based on a racial designation. Indian preference is something tribal governments value greatly in addressing the needs of their citizens--it is not a race issue. Indian preference recognizes the political designation of tribes as sovereign entities with whom we have entered into a government to government relationship. This amendment will help to ensure greater tribal usage of USDA Rural Development programs. Because another program that tribes used for their youth programs existed when NAHASDA was enacted, YouthBuild accessibility was taken away. Not only are tribes prohibited from applying for Youthbuild funds, but organizations serving Native youth are prohibited as well, yet the statistics are overwhelming: The suicide rate for Native youth is three times the national average . Alcohol related deaths among Native Americans ages 15-24 are 17 times higher than the national average. Native youth ages 12-20 are 58 percent more likely to become crime victims than any other race of the same ages. As of February 2001, 74 percent of youth in custody in the Federal Bureau of Prisons system were Native American youth, an increase of 50 percent since 1994. Native American youth represent 1 percent of the U.S. population, yet they constitute 2 percent to 3 percent of the youth arrested for offenses such as larceny-theft and liquor law violations. These grim statistics speak to the importance of programs that teach life skills and give a sense of community to children in Indian Country. Current tragic events make clear the need to allow these children to participate in a program that will build stronger neighborhoods, more selfesteem and make a difference for their future. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this matter and I urge your support of this bill.

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

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, tonight I stand with Terri's father, a man who raised up his little girl and gave his daughter's hand in marriage with the understanding that she would be protected in sickness and in health, for better or for worse; with Terri's mother who brought her into this world and gave her life, and to unite myself with Terri's brother who continues to struggle for his sister. Together, each of them is simply begging for her life. None of my colleagues on the other side are kin to Terri. None of them are related or are family. The only family she has left wants only to provide her with water and nourishment. Out of Florida, there is no justice. Justice requires her judges to exercise prudence. Where is the legal analysis that weighs the issue of Terri not being allowed a CAT scan and further medical diagnostic evaluation? Where is the balance of the scales of justice that weighs Terri's family's parental rights with those of her estranged husband? Tonight's vote says we want a second look at this unique case. We want mercy. Be merciful and find true bravery and justice in preserving the life of Terri Schiavo.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2005. The Walnut Canyon National Monument was originally designated by Presidential proclamation on November 30, 1915, to protect Sinaguan cliff dwellings. Since the original designation, the Walnut Canyon National Monument has been expanded to include 3,580 acres to protect additional ruins adjacent to the Monument. In the past few years, several groups have proposed expanding the Monument with surrounding Forest Service land and designating this expanded area as a National Park. To further explore the options of the Walnut Canyon National Monument and potential inclusion of this expanded area, along with Senator McCain, I have introduced the Walnut Canyon Study Act. The Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2005 directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agrculture to jointly conduct a study on the management of certain land adjacent to the Walnut Canyon National Monument. Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff have both passed resolutions supporting further review and study of the management options for the Walnut Canyon National Monument. In both resolutions, support for maintaining certain public uses in the Monument was relayed, as well as the need for the protection of the resources in the Monument. Mr. Speaker, this legislation provides for public input into any recommendation that is forwarded by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture. Within the study, the legislation requires the Secretaries to look at the management objectives of the Forest Service and the National Park Service, as well as the opportunities for maintaining existing public uses, such as grazing, hunting, mountain biking, rock climbing and additional forms of recreation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2005. My intent in introducing this legislation is to help resolve the question of future management of the Walnut Canyon National Monument.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2005. The Walnut Canyon National Monument was originally designated by Presidential proclamation on November 30, 1915, to protect Sinaguan cliff dwellings. Since the original designation, the Walnut Canyon National Monument has been expanded to include 3,580 acres to protect additional ruins adjacent to the Monument. In the past few years, several groups have proposed expanding the Monument with surrounding Forest Service land and designating this expanded area as a National Park. To further explore the options of the Walnut Canyon National Monument and potential inclusion of this expanded area, along with Senator McCain, I have introduced the Walnut Canyon Study Act. The Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2005 directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agricuture to jointly conduct a study on the management of certain land adjacent to the Walnut Canyon National Monument. Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff have both passed resolutions supporting further review and study of the management options for the Walnut Canyon National Monument. In both resolutions, support for maintaining certain public uses in the Monument was relayed, as well as the need for the protection of the resources in the Monument. Mr. Speaker, this legislation provides for public input into any recommendation that is forwarded by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture. Within the study, the legislation requires the Secretaries to look at the management objectives of the Forest Service and the National Park Service, as well as the opportunities for maintaining existing public uses, such as grazing, hunting, mountain biking, rock climbing and additional forms of recreation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2005. My intent in introducing this legislation is to help resolve the question of future management of the Walnut Canyon National Monument.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, although I have had reservations about the passage of S. 437 without agreements in place for certain other key parties, including the San Carlos Apache Tribe, I support the passing of the bill based upon several understandings outlined below. It is my understanding that the provisions of the bill are not intended to and should not be construed to amend or alter the San Carlos Apache Tribe's water and related rights. Title IV of S. 437 seeks to protect the San Carlos Apache Tribe by ensuring that none of the provisions of titles I, II, or III or the agreements, attachments, exhibits, or stipulations referenced in those titles can be construed to amend, alter, or limit the authority of the United States or the San Carlos Apaches to assert any claim, including water rights claims. During the development of the bill, and at hearings on the bill, this Tribe raised a number of issues of concern to it regarding potential adverse effects of the legislation on its water rights. The Tribe and I were assured that the provisions of the other titles would not adversely affect their water rights. With those and other assurances, I withdrew my objection to the bill. However, as the legislation is implemented following enactment, I wish to reiterate what I understand the intent to have been in the bill's development and to be at passage with regard to such provisions in the bill not changing or adversely affecting the rights of the San Carlos Apaches. Mr. Speaker, by way of background, the San Carlos Apaches were among the last to resist what they viewed as the intrusion by outsiders into their homeland. They paid a heavy price for that resistance. Some of their ancestors were held for years as prisoners of war by the United States. Many thousands of acres of some of their most productive lands were deleted from their Reservation for uses by others. Their burial sites, their farms, and their homes were flooded, and they were forced to relocate to make way for the construction of Coolidge Dam. This Tribe faces unemployment of about 75 percent. Water is essential to their future. The Gila River runs directly through this Tribe's Reservation. San Carlos Lake and Reservoir are in the heart of their Reservation. Therefore, a genuinely comprehensive, lasting, and completed Gila River water settlement cannot be achieved until the Congress fairly addresses the needs and rights of the People of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. At the Committee markup of this bill, Chairman Pombo and others of my colleagues expressed their commitment to helping to achieve justice with respect to water rights for the San Carlos Apaches. In connection with passage of this bill today, still others of my colleagues recognized the work yet to be done on behalf of the People of this Tribe. The Tribe has made substantial progress in recent months toward achieving a Gila River water rights settlement through negotiation with a number of the parties involved. It appears very hopeful that a settlement for the Tribe can be achieved early in the 109th Congress. In pursuit of that effort, I encourage all parties included in this legislation that are relevant to working out agreements with the Tribe to work seriously, vigorously, and in good-faith to complete equitable Gila River water settlements with the Tribe as soon as possible. I will then work with the Chair of the Resources Committee, the Ranking Minority Member, and other colleagues and Senator Kyl, the chief sponsor of S. 437, to see that such agreements become ratified through legislation as soon as possible after receiving them next session of Congress. I will monitor the progress of efforts to negotiate settlements in the coming weeks. I will help in whatever way I can to see that equitable agreements are achieved for the People of the San Carlos Apache Tribe that will help ensure the viability of their Reservation as their homeland now and for the future.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1630) to revise the boundary of the Petrified Forest National Park in the State of Arizona, and for other purposes, with a Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, October 5, 2004, I was unavoidably detained and missed the last vote of the day. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 5011, the Military Personnel Financial Services Protection Act.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Idaho for yielding me this time, and for his hard work and, in particular, his insight on this amendment; and I support the gentleman in looking forward to splitting up the Ninth Circuit Court, which I think is long overdue. I find the legislation to be a real positive step in that it also incorporates the language that we worked on which removes Arizona from the Ninth Circuit Court. I find it to be forward looking. It acknowledges the simple fact the nine States that now compromise the Ninth Circuit Court continue to experience phenomenal growth rates. Throughout the Southwest, we are seeing more and more homes being built, more and more people moving into the Southwest. Our population rates are exploding. The Ninth Circuit, as it exists today, is simply too big to quickly and effectively administer justice. It takes over a year to get even a case to be heard in the Ninth Circuit. For this reason alone, we need to look at splitting it up to better serve the needs of the citizens of the western United States. The new circuit map proposed by the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson) addresses current population trends and alleviates caseload backlogs. The Ninth Circuit Court's current jurisdiction encompasses nine States and, again, almost 56 million people, roughly 19 percent of the U.S. population in what, again, is the fastest growing region of America. Explosive population growth in the Ninth Circuit Court has outpaced the court's ability to administer justice in an efficient manner and the caseload is simply too big to administer efficiently. The opposition claims the court is efficient, but I cite this example. In 2002, the Ninth Circuit Court had more cases pending for more than a year than all other circuit courts combined. In addition, the circuit court is too big for judges to track the opinion of other judges, which results in inconsistencies and unfairness in the judicial process. For example, two different three-judge panels on the same day issued different legal standards to resolve the same issue. How are district judges supposed to even know which standards, which holdings, to follow when such confusion, when such a lack of consistency exists on the bench? I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to release us from the Ninth Circuit Court. They forgot to find the simplicity, they forgot to find the clarity you need in seeking the truth, those who continue to legislate from the bench, who now fight to struggle and protect the empire they have built to themselves.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to stand before the House today to recognize our Nation's Native American veterans. I thank the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall), who has worked very closely with me and my staff to recognize these brave warriors. I have the privilege to represent eight tribes in Arizona, the largest of which is the Navajo Nation, home to the Navajo Code Talkers. On my travels throughout Arizona district one, I have met many of these veterans and have heard their stories of sacrifice, valor, and patriotism and have seen firsthand their fighting warrior spirit that reinforces their commitment to serve our Nation in the Armed Forces. Native American Indians and these veterans have served our Nation in battle long before they were ever considered citizens of the United States. From the Revolutionary War to the war in Iraq, a strong sense of patriotism and protecting the homeland has prompted Native Americans to answer our Nation's call. Many Native Americans come from rural areas where they learn to rely on the land and they learn to rely on each other for self-preservation and the family and the tribe and their national sovereign nation. These are inherent characteristics found in the best and brightest of our service personnel. Five Congressional Medal of Honor recipients are Native Americans. Last year on Veteran's Day, I had the honor of presenting the Congressional Silver Medal in honor of nine Navajo Code Talkers on behalf of President Bush. This distinguished group of soldiers used their distinctive language to defeat the enemy in World War II. Today in the communities on the Navajo Nation, they are revered and are respected elders among the entire Navajo Nation because of their service to this country. It is an honor to recognize their service and to walk with them. And I rise today to give them our respect and the honor due from this Nation to those Native American veterans, whom we are so grateful and appreciative of their service. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) for the representation and hard work that he has shown particularly on this issue.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons) for yielding me this time. I rise today in support of H.R. 1630, the Petrified Forest National Park Expansion Act of 2004. This legislation authorizes the largest and most responsible park expansion this Congress has considered. The Petrified Forest is truly a national treasure. It contains some of the most valuable natural and cultural resources in the world. The Petrified Forest contains resources dating back 225 million years. Yet, today, the Petrified Forest is being threatened. Looters are raiding unprotected areas around the Petrified Forest National Park, searching for fossilized wood and valuable property, and they are selling these items on the black market. Our American Indian grave sites have been dug up and destroyed, and adjacent landowners have been forced to hire their own private security to prevent theft and vandalism. In 1992, the National Park Service released a general management plan that proposed the inclusion of some 98,000 acres of surrounding threatened land. Since this time, additional Bureau of Land Management, State of Arizona, and private land has been identified for inclusion in the Petrified Forest National Park. The Petrified Forest National Park Expansion Act of 2004 authorizes the inclusion of 125,000 additional acres surrounding the Petrified Forest National Park. Expanding the Petrified Forest National Park will increase tourism and enhance research opportunities for communities in northern Arizona. In addition, private landowners identified in this exchange are willing sellers and will first consider a land exchange with the Federal Government. As amended, this legislation ensures that acquisition by donation or exchange or other Federal lands shall occur first. Then, if additional lands need to be acquired, the Federal Government can purchase private land from willing sellers. This compromise will allow for the largest expansion of a national park this Congress, while ensuring the Federal Government's backlog maintenance needs are not further aggravated. This important legislation has broad support from several nationally recognized archeological groups, as well as support from the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, the city of Holbrook and the city of Winslow, Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1630, the Petrified Forest National Park Expansion Act of 2004.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Boundary Modification Act of 2004. The Casa Grande Ruin Reservation was first set aside on March 2, 1889, and proclaimed as our nation's first archeological preserve on June 22, 1892. On August 3, 1918, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument was created, to protect one of the finest architectural examples of 13th century Hohokam culture in the American southwest known to early Spanish explorers as the ``Great House''. Mr. Speaker, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Boundary Modification Act of 2004 will allow the National Park Service to protect newly discovered sites associated with the existing monument and provide greater opportunities to visitors, researchers and surrounding communities to understand and appreciate the Hohokam culture. This legislation expands the boundary of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument to include approximately 257 acres, including land owned by the State of Arizona, private property owners and other Federal agencies. This legislation specifies that lands owned by the State of Arizona and private landowners may be acquired only with the consent of the landowners. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Boundary Modification Act of 2004. This legislation will expand our knowledge of the ancient Hohokam culture in the Southwest.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Bennett Freeze Rehabilitation Act of 2004. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation in the United States with some of the poorest living conditions in the world. Currently, more than 8,000 people are living in an area called the Bennett Freeze. Only 10 percent of those living in the Bennett Freeze have running water and only 3 percent have electricity. In 1966, former Bureau of Indian Affairs Commissioner Robert Bennett administratively issued the Bennett Freeze to restrict the Navajo Nation from constructing and repairing their dwellings on land that was subject to a land dispute with the Hopi Tribe. In 1992, the Bennett Freeze was temporarily lifted. At this time, more than $20 million was proposed to rehabilitate the Bennett Freeze area. Shortly after the Bennett Freeze was lifted, however, a Federal judge reinstated the Freeze. In the last few years, the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe have been involved in extensive settlement negotiations. I am hopeful that the hard work by both the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe will result in an end to the Bennett Freeze. I commend the work of President Joe Shirley and Hopi Chairman Wayne Taylor for their leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, the Bennett Freeze Rehabilitation Act of 2004 will repeal the Bennett Freeze and ensure that a source of funding is available to assist the families living in the Bennett Freeze area. The Bennett Freeze Rehabilitation Act of 2004 creates a program to provide reconstruction and rehabilitation money for the Bennett Freeze area. This includes housing construction and renovation, infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Bennett Freeze Rehabilitation Act of 2004. It is time that Congress corrects a true injustice to the Navajo people living in the Bennett Freeze area.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday September 7, 2004, I was attending a funeral and missed the day's votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: (1) On motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4381--Harvey and Bernice Jones Post Office Building Designation Act, I would have voted ``yea.'' (2) On motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4556--General William Carey Lee Post Office Building Designation Act, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, on Monday July 19, 2004 I was addressing the Navajo Nation Tribal Council and missed the day's votes. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: (1) On the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1587--the Viet Nam Human Rights Act of 2003, I would have voted ``yea.'' (2) On the motion to suspend the rules and pass S. Con. Res. 114--the Food Distribution in Schools to Hungry or Malnourished Children Around the World Act, I would have voted ``yea.'' (3) On the motion to suspend the rules and pass S. 2264--the Northern Uganda Crisis Response Act, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and insert any extraneous materials on the resolution.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 5 minutes. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 591 expresses the gratitude for the contributions made by America's community banks to the Nation's economic well-being and prosperity and the sense of the House of Representatives that a month should be designated as Community Banking Month. This legislation was introduced by the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) to recognize community banks for their contribution to the very fabric of our community. Community banks help to shape communities into centers of commerce and entrepreneurship and provide for community and industrial development. Community bankers are themselves among the leading leaders of our community, engaging in civic and benevolent activities. Nationwide, there are over 8,700 community banks serving their local communities through almost 40,000 banking offices. Community banks have reinvested on average 95 percent of their loan portfolio in their own communities through home mortgages and small businesses, agricultural, and student loans. This reinvestment plays an important role in local economic development and in efforts to finance new businesses, as well as stimulating the local economy to produce jobs and new opportunities. Community banks are themselves small businesses, so they understand the needs of small business owners. Their core concern is lending to small businesses and farms. Studies have shown that they are the primary advisors to small businesses. Community banks have made nearly 3,160,000 loans to small businesses, and over 720,500 loans to small farms. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the community banks and in recognition of their great contribution to our local communities and to our small businesses around the country. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation, and to insert any extraneous material thereon.