Rick Renzi

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Navajo Nation Higher Education Act of 2004. In 1868, the United States of America signed a treaty with the Navajo Tribe of Indians to provide for the education of the citizens of the Navajo Nation. At this time, the United States government recognized the trust responsibility to serve the educational needs of the Navajo people. In 1968, the Navajo Nation created and chartered the Navajo Community College as a wholly-owned educational entity of the Navajo Nation. In 1971, Congress affirmed this effort by the Navajo Nation and enacted the Navajo Community College Act. In 1997, the Navajo Nation officially changed the name of the Navajo Community College to Dine College. Mr. Speaker, the Navajo Nation Higher Education Act reauthorizes the 1971 Navajo Community College Act and modernizes the statute by including the mission statement and Navajo education philosophy of Dine College. Dine College educates students by applying the principles of Dine philosophy to advance quality student learning through training of the heart and the mind. Over the years, facilities at Dine College have deteriorated, creating serious health safety risks to students, employees and the public. This legislation provides funding to address Dine College's facility needs such as modernization, repair and rehabilitation. In addition, this important legislation requires a survey and study of Dine College's facility needs. Finally, to ensure equitable funding for Dine College, the Navajo Nation Higher Education Act provides funding for Dine College separate from the other tribal colleges and universities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Navajo Nation Higher Education Act of 2004. It is our government's responsibility to provide educational opportunities to the Navajo people in a safe and healthy environment.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2004. 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, I have introduced the Walnut Canyon Study Act. The Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2004 directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture 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 and recreation. In addition, my version of this legislation ensures that any appropriation made available in this legislation will not affect the amounts made available for Forest Service or National Park Service activities in the State of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2004. 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, last week Republicans kicked off an eight- week Competitiveness Agenda by bringing legislation to the floor that addressed staggering health care costs faced by American businesses. This week, we voted to streamline the government compliance process and increase competitiveness in today's worldwide economy. By eliminating unnecessary government regulation, we took action, helping business owners across the nation to reduce countless hours and resources sacrificed to comply with unnecessary red tape. Mr. Speaker, small businesses disproportionately bear the burden of government regulation costs. The U.S. Small Business Association estimates that in 2000, small businesses with 20 or fewer employees faced an annual regulatory burden of approximately $6,975 per employee. That is almost two thirds more than the $4,463 estimated for large firms. We also know that these small businesses are the Number One jobs creators in the United States accounting for 60 to 80 percent of new jobs. In other words, nearly 8 out of 10 jobs created in this economy come from the very business owners being strangled by regulation costs. Common-sense regulatory reforms will help reduce costs to American businesses, allowing them to compete in the global market and bring careers to those bright Americans seeking them. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for voting to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic red tape.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I was privileged to grow up the son of Major General Gene Renzi out of Fort Huachuca, Arizona. I grew up in a home where our house was filled with veterans and troops who came back with great life stories of the sacrifices and the contributions that they made to our Nation. And so it is a great honor for me to stand before you and pay tribute today to those who have given their full measure, who have contributed so much to our society and who have allowed me to breathe free and to stand in the halls of Congress and to try and serve and give a little back. I am privileged to serve on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs where it is our obligation to hold and to care for the surviving families, the wives, the spouses, the husbands and the kids who have seen their moms and dads go off and who may have lost their loved ones in defense of our Nation. We are at a time of patriotism in our country, a real crossroads where our resolve is being tested, with the rise of patriotism and the showing of American flags. The wearing of the poppy flower symbolizes a remembrance of past days where we loved our Nation. That time is welcomed. Each year I have the great honor to walk in parades all around rural Arizona, small towns like Payson, Arizona. I love to stand behind and walk behind our veterans and our troops. It is so moving each year to see the moms and dads along the parade route rise up out of their lawn chairs and show great respect and deference to our flag by removing their hats, putting their hands over their hearts, and calling out to those veterans the great job, the love that they have for them. Again we breathe free because of the sacrifice our veterans have made. On this Memorial Day, I ask that we raise the flag, that we wear the poppy, and I give thanks and ask God's grace for our troops and our veterans.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment that would turn overseas military hospitals into abortion clinics. The amendment corrupts the mission of our military hospitals which are dedicated to healing and nurturing life by turning military hospitals and doctors and nurses into on-demand abortion providers. Again, when President Clinton allowed abortions in military facilities during the mid-1990s, military physicians, nurses and other health care professionals refused to perform these abortions. They were clear in their message. They serve America to save lives, not take unborn American lives. This amendment, which the House has rejected every year since 1996, is a misguided attempt by abortion activists to insert a harmful provision into this vital legislation designed to authorize funds for the defense of our Nation. I urge my colleagues to reject this attempt to alter the purpose of our overseas military hospitals, which provide life-saving care to the men and women in our military and their families. Reject this amendment and allow our military doctors and nurses to continue to save lives, rather than abort them.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 898.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Arizona's winning essayist for VFW Voice of Democracy writing contest is Stephanie Hall, from Lakeside, Arizona in the First Congressional District. In her essay, Stephanie recalls her grandfather's memories of his service to the Nation and the lessons of responsibility, patriotism and duty he taught her through his stories. Stephanie pledges to honor the memory of her grandfather and the legacy of those who served before him to safeguard the principles which they fought to defend. I commend Stephanie for a thoughtful essay, and include it here in the Record for my colleague's attention. My Commitment to America's Future As I helped my grandma pack my grandpa's belongings, I spotted an old, familiar shirt that Grandpa had loved to wear. I picked up the shirt, pressed my face into its folds, and breathed deeply. It smelled of mothballs, coffee beans, and Grandpa. Suddenly, all the emotions I had been fighting to contain all day welled up inside of me and threatened to seep out in the form of tears. I pressed the shirt tighter against my face. How I missed this wonderful man. I could hardly walk a step through my grandparent's house without being reminded of some memory. I remembered Grandpa cheering me on enthusiastically as I played baseball in the backyard. I remembered my excitement when Grandpa taught me how to build sand tunnels on the beach. But of all the memories, my fondest were those spent sitting next to Grandpa in his big chair, listening to his stories. For some reason, the stories that most captivated me were of my grandpa's escapades fighting in the Korean War. It astounded me that, not only had my grandpa wanted to fight, he even lied about his eye problem so that he could join the conflict. I asked him once why he didn't just stay home where it was safe. His answer was profound and has never left me. He stated simply, ``Honey, I owe such a great debt to this country for the freedom and opportunities she has given me. My father was born in Norway and my mother was born in Ireland. They came here to provide a better life for me. I wanted to do my part to make sure that those same freedoms and opportunities I have been blessed with, were available for my children and grandchildren to enjoy.'' My grandpa, as well as so many other dedicated men and women who fought for our country, completely embody to me the quote by Thomas Paine which states, ``If there be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.'' My generation would not have been able to enjoy so many of the opportunities, privileges, and peaceful times in our day had our forefathers not made a commitment to preserve them in theirs. Just as so many battles have been fought in the past to preserve America's future, today we are still fighting for the same reason. However, the battles we fight on a daily basis are of a different kind. Sometimes they've even so subtle that we don't eves recognize our foes. The youth of today are under constant bombardment from many such disguised enemies. From the many harmful images portrayed by the media, to the dangerous substances readily available from our peers, it is evident that daily life for the average teenager has become a battleground. Yet the youth of today are destined to become the leaders of tomorrow. If we are to successfully carry on the bright torch of freedom, then we must prepare ourselves today. We need to be an active member of our community by becoming involved in community service, activities, or programs. We need to be aware of the world around us, so that we will be able to make educated decisions when we enter the voting pool. It is also very important to pursue a quality education, so that we will be able to find success and have A stronger voice in the decisions we make. We must ready ourselves to step forth and overcome the challenges that will inevitably face us. For after all, as Wycleaf Jean stated, ``We must be the change that we wish to see in the world.'' I am like my grandpa in that I too owe such a great debt to my country. My grandpa was given opportunities that his parents never had, and he used every opportunity to its utmost and then gave back by serving his country and improving the lives of his fellowmen. I have even more privileges, freedoms, and opportunities because of the path previously paved by my grandpa. I enjoy luxuries he never did. I have time and resources he never had. By following my grandpa's example and by using my opportunities to be the best I can be, I will be prepared to serve my country in various capacities, to have a greater influence for good on those around me, and to show my commitment to America's future. I will not let the sacrifices of our forefathers be in vain. I will show my gratitude for the sacrifices made by my grandpa, along with so many other great men and women, by taking advantage of the many privileges given to me. These privileges came at a very dear price, paid for with pain, blood, and even human lives. By taking advantage of the many opportunities I have been given, just as my Grandpa, I too will be able to preserve the many freedoms and opportunities that I have been blessed with for my children and all future generations to enjoy.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman John Boehner of the Education and Workforce Committee for his leadership in the effort to reauthorize and improve Federal nutrition programs. Since our Nation's youth are facing increased problems of obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and malnutrition, these programs are vital. H.R. 3783, the Child Nutrition Improvement and Integrity Act, includes provisions to promote healthy choices among children, strengthen nutrition service programs, and ensure eligible children have access to services. Of particular interest to my State of Arizona are the important provisions that will increase the availability of fruits and vegetables in Federal child nutrition programs. Most notably, section 307 expands the Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program to additional States and Native American reservations. I strongly favor efforts to expand this program. In just a short span of time, the results of the original pilot program appear overwhelmingly positive, as reports from the original participating schools indicate increased consumption and demand for healthy fruits and vegetables. I urge Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman to strongly consider expanding the Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program to Arizona and its Native American reservations. Arizona, and Indian reservations within the State, are perfect candidates for the program's expansion for a number of reasons. Arizona has great diversity in its student profile, both in race and national origin, that span from the rural areas to its inner city sections, to its Native American reservations. Having the State of Arizona as a participant would enable the United States Department of Agriculture to better determine how such a program would perform on a national basis. Also, the need for fresh fruits and vegetables, and better overall nutrition, is especially acute in rural areas of Arizona, including Native American reservations. In general, these areas suffer from an aging transportation system, making it difficult and costly for distributors to deliver fruits and vegetables. If these items are available, they are often too expensive for many low income residents. I have seen how a lack of proper nutrition impacts children in these areas, most notably on tribal lands. It is not uncommon for children in these areas to suffer from dysentery and other illnesses either complicated or caused by poor diets. In addition, including Arizona and Native American reservations as participants would be money well spent. I have met with child nutrition advocates from Arizona and they are dedicated to providing school age children nutritious meals and are enthusiastic about the possibility of participating in this most important program. I will work to foster cooperation among school administrators, food service directors, and private sector participants to ensure that this program would be administered efficiently. Arizona and its tribal lands are also prime candidates because the State boasts a thriving produce industry that specializes in a wide range of specialty crops. Because of strong agricultural industry within the state, Arizona schools will be able to secure private/public partnerships with the produce industry. This is a key factor in that section 307 of H.R. 3873 requires participating schools to secure at least 15 percent of operation funding from private industry, either through in-kind donations or monies. Arizona growers and farmers are willing participants and economically viable partners who are eager to form a partnership with Arizona's schools to provide the benefits of healthy fruits and vegetables to school age children. Again, I thank you, as well as the bill's sponsor, Representative Castle, for your efforts in writing this legislation and promoting expansion of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program. I hope that Arizona and its Native American reservations will be selected by the USDA as a participant under this most important program.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2696) to establish Institutes to demonstrate and promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires, and restore the health of fire-adapted forest and woodland ecosystems of the interior West, as amended.

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 include extraneous material on H.R. 2696, the bill under consideration.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 2696 establishes institutes to demonstrate and promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires and restore the health of fire-adaptive forest and woodland ecosystems of the interior West. This legislation directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of Interior, to establish the Ecological Restoration Institute at Northern Arizona University, under the leadership of Dr. Wally Covington, and similar institutes in New Mexico and Colorado, with the purpose of supporting groups to assist in the design and implementation of large-scale forest restoration treatments. Research has shown that large forest fires will continue unless large scale action is taken. The treatment of our forests must begin with solid, sound science to restore the balance of our unhealthy forests. H.R. 2696 will facilitate this important research. I urge adoption of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank the gentleman from American Samoa for his leadership, and to add that the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) truly played a major role in the input and construction of this language, and I am grateful to him for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 714) to provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of Bureau of Land Management land in Douglas County, Oregon, to the county to improve management of and recreational access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and for other purposes.

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 include extraneous material on S. 714, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 714, introduced by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, and amended by the Senate, would provide for the conveyance of 69 acres of BLM land in Douglas County, Oregon, to improve management of and recreational access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area. Mr. Speaker, the intended effect of transferring this tract of BLM land would be to move recreational traffic off of Salmon Harbor Drive and out of the nearby communities. Currently, OHV users illegally park on Salmon River Drive, creating a public nuisance and safety hazard. The legislation would allow for a staging area for off-highway vehicles and provide improved access to the Oregon Dunes for other visitors, such as hikers and backpackers. Mr. Speaker, S. 714, as amended, is supported by the administration, has broad bipartisan support from the Oregon delegation, and I urge adoption of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1012) to establish the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes, with a Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 622) to provide for the exchange of certain lands in the Coconino and Tonto National Forests in Arizona, and for other purposes, with Senate amendments thereto, and concur in the Senate amendments.

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 H.R. 1012, H.R. 1006, and H.R. 622.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1006) to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to further the conservation of certain wildlife species, with Senate amendments thereto, and concur in the Senate amendments.