Brad Sherman

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in commemorating the somber anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus on July 20, 1974. I would like to thank Congressman Bilirakis for holding this special order. In the 23 years since the invasion of the Sovereign State of Cyprus, Turkey has illegally occupied 40 percent of the island, maintaining 35,000 troops and installing 80,000 colonists in properties seized from Greek Cypriot refugees who have lived there for many generations. As a result of this human tragedy, 200,000 displaced persons have lost their homes and livelihood, another 1,619, including 5 American citizens remain unaccounted for and several thousand have lost their lives. The enclaved people who remained in northern Cyprus are denied basic human rights such as freedom of movement, access to education, religious freedom or political rights. Today the ``Green Line'' separating the Greek and Turkish portions of the island stands as a testament to this ethnic cleansing. My colleagues and I have called and will continue to call for a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem that will reunify the land and its people. In House Resolution 81, recently reported from the House International Relations Committee, we called for the withdrawal of Turkish troops and an early substantive initiative toward a resolution. We welcome the recent diplomatic efforts with the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as a Special Emissary for Cyprus and the heightened attention given to this issue by the President. The proximity talks concluded in Troutbeck under the auspices of the U.N. Secretary General and upcoming rounds of negotiations represent a critical window of opportunity for a peaceful resolution of this conflict. As we have stressed to the President and the parties to the conflict, such a resolution must be based on international law, democratic principles and respect for human rights, property rights and freedom of movement. The resolution of this conflict and the prompt accession of Cyprus to the European Union will guarantee the extension of democratic principles and the rule of law in Cyprus and contribute to the stability of this region, which is critical to our national security interests. Let the 23d anniversary of the invasion be the last time we commemorate this tragic event. I hope that next year we gather to mark the first anniversary of the reunification of Cyprus and the conclusion of this tragic chapter in the long and rich history of the Cypriot people.

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. I appreciate the efforts of the distinguished gentleman from Florida on this issue. I want to associate myself with the comments that have come earlier. Those who are watching us have heard the sad story of how this island was divided by force from an invasion of a foreign army 23 years ago today. They have heard how there are nearly 200,000 refugees, over 1,600 missing persons, 5 of them U.S. citizens. Nicosia is today, as the gentleman from Florida pointed out, the only truly divided city and only divided capital in the world. A few years ago the most famous divided city was Berlin. President Ronald Reagan said, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' It is time for Americans to turn to Mr. Yilmaz and say, ``Mr. Yilmaz, tear down this wall. Unite this island. Unite the city of Nicosia.'' I do want to bring to the attention of my colleagues renewed interest in the State Department and the Defense Department to transferring several frigates to the Turkish Navy. This is something that should not be done without a lot of pause and a lot of consideration. There are those that say that we should help the Turkish military because it confronts Iran and Iraq, but I would ask, in an effort to contain Iran and Iraq, where will the Turkish Navy deploy the frigates? The last oceangoing vessel seen in eastern Anatolia was Noah's ark. These frigates ought to be viewed as an expansion of the Turkish Navy. The people of Cyprus are familiar with that organization's work, and these frigates should not be transferred without an awful lot of careful consideration, both in the administration and here on Capitol Hill. We are all happy to see Mr. Holbrooke given the responsibility and the mission of trying to bring peace and unity to Cyprus. Now, on the 23d anniversary of a terrible division and illegal invasion, we call for the demilitarization of Cyprus and peace and unity on that island.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall votes Nos. 246, 247, 248, and 249 on July 8, I was unavoidably detained due to airplane mechanical difficulties. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on these votes.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, we have an extraordinary event in the world. The entire world has virtually acquiesced to having one superpower. That has never happened in history. It has occurred because the world knows that for the most part our decisions are based on values and on respect for democracy. Democracy begins at home. A revelation of the amount that we are spending on security is one of the building blocks of the consensus that our power relies upon. Otherwise, it will only be a matter of time, if we do not respect our values, before the rest of the world questions whether there should be one superpower.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Deputy Don Lanquist for 30 years of distinguished service to our community and the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. John F. Kennedy measures a man's success in public service according to four criteria--courage, judgment, integrity, and dedication. Chief Deputy Don Lanquist not only possesses these virtues, but serves as an example of what a leaders should be. When most people think of Don, they think of someone they can always go to in order to get the job done. He is able to follow projects from inception to completion, personally working each and every step along the way. The Todd Road Jail Facility, a nationally recognized showcase facility, is one example of his exceptional work. Don began with the idea of building a new jail, requisitioned the funding from legislators, aided in project design and development, and planned the inauguration of the new facility. Few people are capable of following projects to completion especially with such success. This is just one of the many reasons the citizens of Thousand Oaks honor him today. In addition to his contributions to law enforcement and public protection, I would like to recognize Don today for his compassionate treatment of other people. He is an extraordinary leader because he always puts the feelings of others first. His leadership, however, does not end with his job. Don has also served on the State Sheriff's Association and on the California Board of Corrections. Chief Deputy Lanquist is truly able to accomplish monumental tasks and has indeed led his field of custody operations in to the 21st century. His successes in prisoner management and rehabilitation have contributed to Ventura County's reputation as one of the Nation's safest counties. I ask my esteemed colleagues today to join the family, friends, and citizens of Ventura County in recognizing Chief Deputy Don Lanquist for 30 years of exceptional service. His hard work and dedication make him a role model for all in our community.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi Elijah J. Schochet for 36 years of dedicated service and leadership in our community and for his distinguished family life and academic achievement. Rabbi Schochet graduated cum laude from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1955 and then attended Columbia University for further studies in psychology. He soon determined, like his father and grandfather, that he was bound for theological studies and went on to be ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary and to receive his doctorate in rabbinic literature under his distinguished mentor Prof. Saul Lieberman. His impressive educational background has helped him to provide spiritual aid to many in our community. In addition to his rabbinical training, Rabbi Schochet is a licensed marriage and child counselor in the State of California. His other accomplishments include the founding of the Kadima Hebrew Academy in the West Valley. Because he believes that education is the key to success, Rabbi Schochet attempts to give every member of our community the chance to expand on this precious gift by teaching. Rabbi Schochet is a proud husband, to his wife Penina, father to his three children and grandfather to his five grandchildren. He gives freely of his love to his own family, his congregation, and to the students at the Kadima Hebrew Academy. He is a true believer that ``Man is worthy of being called Man only if he is charitable.'' Rabbi Schochet is indeed giving of his love and knowledge. Thus it is an honor to join the family, friends, and congregation of the Shomrei Torah Synagogue in recognizing Rabbi Elijah J. Schochet for his dedicated years of service to our community.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mario de los Cobos for his dedicated service to the Ventura County Economic Development Association [VCEDA] and for his personal and civic leadership in our community. VCEDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a link between the private and public sector. They serve our community by focusing on any and all issues which may affect our region from education to the environment. As president of VCEDA, Mario's main contribution was his work with the Economic Development Collaborative, where he was instrumental in assuring that the private sector would have a voice in the use of defense conversion grants and earthquake disaster relief. His dedication to building bridges between the private and public sectors is extraordinary. Mario has also served as a reserve police officer for 7 years. His desire and work toward making the community a better and safer place to live is greatly appreciated. But most outstanding is Mario's commitment to the leadership of our people. He has served on the board of directors for the Ventura County Community Foundation, as chairman of the board of the United Way and as a member of the Governor's task force for Camarillo State Hospital. He has done this all in the name of making life better for as many people as possible in our community. It is for this extraordinary dedication to our community that we honor him here today. Henry David Thoreau once said that doing good was the only full profession. Mario believes that doing good is not only a profession but a way of life. I join Mario's family, friends, colleagues and the citizens of our community in recognizing Mario de los Cobos for his leadership and community service. It is an honor to represent him and I wish him luck on all future endeavors.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary of Rabbi Harold and Malkah Schulweis. Harold and Malkah were introduced at a seminary prom. Harold was so captivated, he immediately pursued her. A short time later they had their first date and on the second date he asked her to marry him. She said no, but a year later they were happily engaged to be married on June 22, 1947. Their life together began in a tiny New York apartment. The war had just ended and they were beginning their lives together with nothing but the desire to build a life of love and dedication to one another. It is for this dedication which I honor them today. When Malkah became pregnant with their first born, Seth, they decided it was time for a change and they moved to Oakland, CA. Eleven months later their second child, Ethan, was born, followed by their only daughter Alisa. Today, they are the proud grandparents of 12 wonderful grandchildren. Their children recall great memories which illustrate the love which Harold and Malkah share. She has opened the aesthetic world of art and music for him, while he has broadened her spiritual horizons--they complete each other. Few words come close to describing the love that Harold and Malkah share, but I think Robert Frost said it best when he said ``Love at the lips was touch, as sweet as I could bear; and once that seemed too much; I lived on air.'' It is an honor to join the family and friends of Harold and Malkah Schulweis as they reach this milestone and celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Risa Munitz-Gruberger for her dedication to teaching Judaism throughout the Conejo Valley community. I recognize Risa on behalf of the Chabad of the Conejo as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to thank Risa for imparting her educational training on the Jewish Community. Risa has had great success achieving her goals--spreading a sense of values, morals, and ethics throughout our community and assisting the needy when they are troubled physically or spiritually. It is for this success that we are honoring her today. Risa's contributions to Judaic education include countless hours of volunteering and lecturing, but most importantly, the design and distribution of her own innovative educational materials. These materials encourage young and old to embrace their Jewish identity. Risa's recognition here today is long overdue. Shortly after moving to the area, Risa read about Chabad and knew she wanted to become a part of it. She immediately began planning a communitywide parent education series in conjunction with the Jewish Community Center and the Conejo Jewish Academy which explored Jewish ideas and theology. Risa has since sponsored several other programs and continues to support Judaism in our community. In the spirit of building the bridge--a bridge to the past, future, and all people, I join our community in honoring Risa Munitz-Gruberger for her hard work and recognition of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marcia Burnam, whose outstanding commitment to helping others is being recognized by the American Jewish Committee with its 1997 Community Service Award. I would like to add my praise for this remarkable woman. Marcia Burnam truly embodies the spirit of service to others. A wise man once said that ``The best charity is good will'' and Marcia has certainly demonstrated her good will. She has spent countless hours working for various organizations, such as the Wilstein Institute of Jewish Policy Studies, the Leo Baeck Temple and has also been an active alumnus of Vassar College. Additionally, Marcia was chair of the Portraits of American Women and the Jewish Federation's Volunteer Bureau. Since 1950's American Jewish Committee President Irving Engel first introduced her to the AJC, Marcia has devoted long hours to this organization in numerous capacities, including working for the Jewish Family Center, directing the committee's fight for civil rights and acting as a national vice president for the organization. Despite these innumerable hours devoted to others, Marcia was still able to raise a family and now spends time with her four grandchildren. It is a great honor to pay tribute to Marcia Burnam for receiving this award and I would like to add my praise for her hard work and dedication to our community.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephen and Iris Gaines for their contributions to the Chabad of the Conejo Adult Education Program. In the spirit of Jewish unity, the Chabad of the Conejo recognizes the Gaines family for their time and dedication. Stephen and Irish were inspired by their children to not only join an adult education program but promote adult education throughout our community. After sending Brandon and Ryan to Chabad, the Gaines' realized that Chabad would also be useful in their own lives. The Gaines were so inspired by their own personal growth, and desired to contribute more to Chabad, they helped to establish the Gaines Family Adult Educational Institute. This institute in conjunction with Chabad's goals truly builds bridges toward Jewish unity. The institute has served thousands of people providing quality Jewish education, particularly helping those in spiritual need. Without the Gaines' help many members of our community would go unfulfilled. The Gaines extraordinary vision for the future has made them a grand success in their philanthropic world. They leave a legacy for their children and other members of our community to follow. It is an honor to join the family and friends of Stephen and Iris in recognizing them for their great work in our community.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ira Klein, a young man who has demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement. Ira is in Washington representing the State of California in the National History Day competition and I would like to congratulate this remarkable eighth-grader on his award-winning report. The theme of this year's National History Day competition was ``Triumph and Tragedy in History'' and Ira's exemplary paper focused on the impact of the polio epidemic in America. What makes his report, entitled ``Polio: Triumph and Tragedy,'' truly exceptional is that it focused on the individual victims of this dreaded disease, giving a voice to those countless persons who were afflicted by polio. Furthermore, Ira also brought to light the effect of Post-Polio Syndrome which continues to affect the victims of this diseases even 40 years after its initial onset. The interest in this subject was inspired by Ira's unlce's own battle with polio and Ira transformed this personal connection with the ravages of polio into a truly insightful piece of history. In successfully completing such an ambitious project, Ira demonstrated a level of academic achievement that far exceeds his age. I would like to commend Ira Klein for his exceptional academic accomplishment.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ruth Block, an exemplary individual who has selflessly devoted herself to the community and tirelessly sought to foster an ecumenical climate of understanding. Ruth in being honored by the American Jewish Committee with its 1997 Community Service Award and I would like to add my accolades for this outstanding citizen. The Talmud states that ``Charity knows neither race nor creed,'' and Ruth's devotion to working on behalf of the entire community illustrates that service to others also recognizes no such boundaries. Ruth Block's accomplishments are truly remarkable and these brief remarks can hardly hope to fully acknowledge all that she has done for the community. Ruth Block has selflessly devoted her time and energy to numerous causes, including the Rockefeller Foundation, the League of Women Voters and has been an active leader of the American Jewish Committee. Additionally, Ruth's diligent work to foster understanding extends to the international sphere as well. She was awarded the Gold Medal of Honor by the Austrian Government and has also been presented with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit by the German Government for her efforts to build bridges of understanding between the German and Jewish people. What makes Ruth truly amazing is that despite her countless hours of community service, she has also found the time to raise a family and spend time with her grandchild. I am proud to pay tribute to such an outstanding citizen as Ruth Block.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the budget resolution and the conference agreement. Like any agreement or compromise, it is imperfect, but it does provide some very essential elements. It provides that we will balance the budget by the year 2002, and as the chairman pointed out, it reaches that conclusion based on conservative economic assumptions. I believe that a balanced budget will do more to spur business in this country than any of the business incentive proposals that may have arisen on the Republican side of the aisle, and will do more to help the poor than any of the Great Society programs that are popular on this side of the aisle. It does not mess with the cost of living increases promised to Social Security recipients, and leaves the calculation of the CPI in the hands of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, and I want to bring this to the attention of the House, this budget agreement is particularly good for the environment, particularly when it comes to the acquisition of environmentally important lands. As Tony Beilenson's successor, when I found myself on the Committee on the Budget, I wanted to focus on an issue that was not making the biggest headlines but where I thought I could have an impact, and I wanted to focus on making funds available for parklands acquisition. I want to thank the President for making parklands acquisition a priority. When the budget agreement came to the Committee on the Budget, I put forward an amendment that would specify that $700 million of additional funds would be spent to acquire environmentally sensitive lands and that those funds would be spent in 1998. I want to thank the chairman, who in a bipartisan fashion urged the support of that amendment, I want to thank the ranking member who prevailed in the conference, who fought to include that amendment in the conference report, and I want to urge my colleagues to support the conference agreement because it moves us forward. It quadruples the funds available, 1997 to 1998, for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands. We need to balance the budget, and we also need to balance the use of our lands between economic activity and preservation for posterity. This budget moves in that direction.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize excellence in education and to congratulate Meadows Elementary School as a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is an outstanding program which challenges schools across the Nation to rise up and meet the educational goals of the 21st century. In order to qualify, schools must demonstrate clear leadership, high quality teaching, a solid commitment to parental involvement, and finally, evidence that the school helps all students to achieve high standards. Meadows Elementary has not only achieved but has surpassed these goals. At Meadows teachers and students view themselves as a community of learners taking every opportunity to turn a problem into a chance to excel. It is this dedication to the true ideals of learning that I honor Meadows Elementary School. Meadows Elementary is successful today largely because of the dedication of its parents and teachers. Every day teachers begin the school day before any other school in the district so that they can, have time to share ideas and train one another. Parents provide additional support in whatever form that they can, be it at home or school. One weekend several parents and teachers volunteered their time to help wire the school so that every classroom could have internet access. It is that extra effort to strive for scholastic achievement which has made Meadows a Blue Ribbon School. I join the parents, teachers, staff, and students of Meadows Elementary and the city of Thousand Oaks in recognizing Meadows Elementary for its contributions toward teaching and the development of future leaders for our Nation. As a Blue Ribbon School, Meadows Elementary stands as an example for other schools in our community and our Nation.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the excellent work of the Menorah Housing Foundation and to congratulate them for 20 years of superior service to our senior community. The Menorah Housing Foundation is a management company subsidized by the Housing and Urban Development program. Menorah manages 613 units in nine locations around the Los Angeles area and has received funding for four more projects because of its success in improving the quality of life for thousands of individuals. Those at the Menorah Foundation go beyond the call of duty in order to provide more than just safe, sanitary and affordable housing. The staff involves its residents in a vast array of social, recreational and educational activities, particularly reaching out to minorities. The foundation also cooperates with outreach programs including those of the Jewish Family Service and other Federal programs which provide nutritional assistance. In order to truly serve the residents each worker makes personal contact with each and every person in order to ensure that all tenants maintain the highest quality of life possible. The success of the Menorah Housing Foundation is due largely in part to the leadership of Shirley Srery and her staff. I join the Los Angeles Community in recognizing the Menorah Housing Foundation for providing quality care combined with compassion and commitment to our senior community. The Menorah Housing Foundation stands as a model for all housing programs around the Nation.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor an extraordinary couple who has given an abundant amount of their precious time and energy to forwarding the ideals of community service and education. I join our community in honoring Faith and Jonathan Cookler. Faith and Jon have dedicated themselves to the preservation of Jewish ethics and family values. They have served Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School in many capacities promoting Judaic education in a community school setting. In doing so they have strengthened our community's values at its roots. Zohar wrote in the Talmud that ``Each man should aid his fellow man according to his talent.'' The Cookler's exemplify this ideal by promoting Jewish values through their own strengths. Jon serves as the capital funds vice-president utilizing his financial and fundraising expertise while Faith serves as the executive vice-president employing her organizational talents, each serving the community in his or her own unique way. In addition to supporting Jewish foundations in the local community, Faith and Jon have also dedicated their services to broader regions. Faith has been deeply involved with the Anti-Defamation League serving as president of the Pacific Southwest Regional Board and as president of the Women's Division. Jon has also served the greater community through his work on the Boards of Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue and the Pacific Southwest Region of the Anti-Defamation League. As Faith and Jon's Congressman I am deeply honored to recognize them for their dedication to our community. I congratulate them on their successes thus far and wish them luck in the future.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me today to rise and pay tribute to police officer, Joel R. Price, who has dedicated the last 20 years to serving our community and helping others. This esteemed officer and citizen truly embodies exceptional qualities of duty, sacrifice, and dedication, making him a model for fellow officers and the people of Los Angeles. For these reasons, Joel R. Price is being honored by the Reseda Chamber of Commerce as the 1997 Police Officer of the Year. This award was achieved by Joel's long, distinguished career which he began by serving our community in 1977 as a station officer for the city of Los Angeles. His commitment and hard work quickly found an even higher calling after he graduated from the Police Academy and began working in the southwest and Van Nuys areas as a detective. His perseverance and distinguished service enabled him to rise quickly through the ranks. Joel put in long hours as a detective where his reputation as a dedicated and skilled member of the force were quickly recognized. Additionally, Joel patrolled Los Angeles during the 1984 Olympic games to ensure the safety of the participants. Thanks to people like Joel the games were a success. An important aspect of our community is bridging racial gaps. Through his bilingual abilities, Joel has reached out to the Spanish-speaking community to ensure all Americans have an equal voice. Joel remains ever vigilant in trying to help the youth in our community. He has worked extensively on antigang task forces to bring those who have committed crimes to justice and sought to provide a positive role for those young people at risk everyday. Here Sergeant Price's activities transcend mere prevention. He has provided our young people in California an alternative to the violence which plagues our streets. Joel has also been a role model to the community, devoting countless hours to the Police Athletic League and the West Valley youth Center. Additionally, Joel took it upon himself to help the less fortunate during the holidays by collecting food during Thanksgiving and toys during the Christmas season for the police department's giveaway. I am proud to honor Joel R. Price as Police Officer of the Year and thank him for his outstanding contributions both on the force and to our community.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Denton Waite for his extraordinary bravery and distinguished service to our community. It is a great honor to recognize him as the Fire Fighter of the Year. Denton comes from a family of firefighters where saving lives is a honor-held tradition passed down from generation to generation. Every day for the last 16 years Denton has gone into our community fighting fires from South Central Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley, mastering high-rise fires and brush fires alike, at times putting himself at risk. It is for these selfless acts that our community comes together to honor Denton Waite. In addition to excelling as an apparatus operator, Denton recognizes when it is necessary to go beyond the call of duty to control dangerous situations. During the 1992 Los Angeles riots he earned the Medal of Valor for his quick thinking and selfless actions extinguishing a major fire before it blew out of control. It is because of Denton's heroic performances that the younger members of the department look up to him as a mentor. Denton utilizes his experience to teach other firefighters to react calmly to emergency situations so that they will not unnecessarily put their lives in danger. His experience combined with his well-crafted sense of teamwork undoubtedly influences younger firefighters and ultimately reflects well upon the Los Angeles Fire Department. Today I join Denton's friends, family, and the city of Reseda in honoring him as the Fire Fighter of the Year.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to recognize Shimon Erem as the recipient of the Lawrence J. Weinberg Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes Shimon for his outstanding grassroots political service which has helped to strengthen relations between the United States and Israel. Shimon Erem has been a tireless leader of our community and our Nation recognizing the necessity of open dialog, particularly over difficult issues which jeopardize freedom and peace. He has personally arranged meetings among the leaders of France, Norway, Poland, Israel, and the United States, as well as conferences between Christian and Jewish pastors to better Judo-Christian relations. In addition to his national leadership Shimon has served our local community by participating in California statewide politics, while personally forging relationships between State officials and party activists. Shimon is a true champion of democracy locally in California and throughout the world. Shimon understands the basis of democracy and the need for strong leadership. He has headed several organizations including B'nai B'rith, the World Alliance of Christians and Jews, Center for Strategic Studies in Los Angeles, and countless others. The Los Angeles community and I thank Shimon for his exceptional service and dedication to the preservation of democracy throughout the world. Alexis de Tocqueville once said that: A people among whom individuals lost the power of achieving great things single-handed would soon relapse into barbarism. Tocqueville meant that democracy would not survive without people like Shimon sacrificing time and energy for the benefit of this Nation. I honor Shimon Erem for his work toward peace and congratulate him as the recipient of the Lawrence J. Weinberg Distinguished Service Award.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional group of young individuals from my community who are being awarded the Governors Arts Scholars Medallion. This is the highest distinction awarded to high school students for their work in the arts. Receipt of this award represents a culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and a love of the arts. The young artists receiving this award are students in the California State School for the Arts. This school is made up of 500 students recommended by their schools and selected from a rigorous competition. The school represents a unique blend of the private and public sectors working together and the results over the last decade have been fantastic. Through this school's programs, student's natural artistic gifts are cultivated by experts in fields ranging from sculpture to dance. Students come from across the State and for the month, they study together, all geographic, economic, and social barriers are brought down and replaced by a mutual love of the arts. I would like to recognize the students from my district, Steven Goldin, Sharon Fatoorechi, Tiffany Braun, Destiny Wood, Adriana McPhee, Sarah Nehamen, Julia Katz, Victoria Keen, Andrasta VanGaea, Kendelle Hoyer, Kiwana Johnston, Gena Rabinowitz, Janelle Sutherland, Karen Velas, Maureen Shampine, David Guillen, and Javier Serrato. I look forward to meeting these young men and women, and enjoying the fruit of their talents for years to come. The California Summer School for the Arts is an exceptional program bringing together professional artists and talented young people into a synergistic relationship. The importance of maintaining a thriving legacy of art can not be undervalued, as Henry James wrote, ``It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance, for our consideration and application of these things, and I know of no substitute whatever for the force and beauty of its process.'' Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to represent such outstanding young people, as they are truly the future of this great nation.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege for me today to rise and pay tribute to an exemplary American, Maj. Hal Geer, who is being honored by his peers with the Military Order of the World Wars for his extraordinary devotion to our country. The order symbolizes distinguished service within the Armed Forces and is awarded to one who embodies the highest degree of honor, duty, and patriotism. Hal's life story exemplifies those virtues that make a true hero. The tenderfoot oath that he swore when he was 12--``On my Honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country,''--became the creed by which he lived his life. Just 1 week after the tragedy of Pearl Harbor, Hal heeded the call of duty to his country and voluntarily enlisted in the Army, leaving behind his wife, to fight for democracy abroad. Hal also passed up officer candidate school to become a combat photographer and he actively sought front-line assignments. Gen. George Patton once said, ``Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men.'' We can stand here free today because of men like Hal Geer who went beyond the call of duty. Hal's courage and valor place him among the pantheon of true American heroes. He flew more than 85 air combat missions in China, risking his own life to show the American people the courage of our troops in action. Hal later volunteered to work behind enemy lines in China where he stood under constant fire. That heroism has brought Major Geer countless decorations and commendations, and has made him World War II's most highly decorated combat photographer. However, Hal showed his devotion not just in war but also in peace time. In addition to serving as president of the Congregational Church of North Hollywood, he has also devoted countless hours to teaching religious education classes. Furthermore, Hal has produced Memorial Day services to ensure that those who died for our country are never forgotten, and that we never forget that the price for democracy is eternal vigilance. Today, I join those who have devoted their lives to defending our country in honoring Maj. Hal Geer with the Military Order of the World Wars.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the budget agreement. It is just that, an agreement, a compromise. As my colleague from North Carolina pointed out, it is not what our party would have wanted, but it is better than deadlock, division and a Government shutdown a few months from now. My colleague from California argued that we did a better job in 1981 and told us that revenues went up. They did only because we had such massive inflation as a result of the 1981 tax bill that everything cost more and everything involved more dollars. This, I hope, will be a much better agreement. That agreement in 1981 caused income taxes to decline sharply as a percentage of gross domestic product. This agreement will lead us to a balanced budget. Just a few years ago we were headed toward a hundred trillion dollar deficit. Now, after tough votes in 1993 and the tough votes that we will make here today, we will be headed toward a balanced budget, a budget that I think will do more to encourage business than any 10 Republican business incentive programs or tax cuts and a balanced budget that will do more to help the poor than any 10 Great Society programs, because a balanced budget means a decline in interest rates, an increase in business activity, an increase in jobs. On the Committee on the Budget my focus has been to focus on the environment and our need to buy more environmentally sensitive lands. I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Kasich] for working with me on an amendment that we adopted last Friday, an amendment that clarifies the agreement reached in the White House and indicates that we will have $700 million to spend next year on acquiring environmentally important lands. I think that it is important when we talk about taking care of our children to give them not only a healthy economy but to preserve this land for them, and that is an excellent aspect of this budget agreement.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of Wade Sheeler, a student in my community. Wade's one act play ``Vortex'' recently won a national competition and was honored at the Kennedy Center's America College Theater Festival, here in our Nation's Capital. While growing up in Woodland Hills, Wade's love of theater and film was nurtured by his father taking him to see classic films at the Los Angeles Museum of Art. He continued his study in radio, TV, and film at California State University, Northridge. Wade is currently a student at the California Institute of the Arts in the Directing for Theater, Video and Cinema Program. It seems his education and inclination toward theater have served him well, as ``Vortex'' is an exceptional work. The storyline of the play is of a gunman on the run from the law that meets up with a mysterious holy man, and how the two must learn to trust and rely upon one another for their own survival. The enthralling relationship of these two men captivates the audience and proves to be the driving force of the play. In the one act production the audience gets a glimpse into the life and mind of Wade Sheeler. Indeed Wade poured himself into this work and his passion is evident in the play's exhilarating highs and believable lows. ``Vortex'' competed against hundreds of plays to win the National Short Play Award, truly a remarkable accomplishment. This feat is particularly impressive in light of the fact that most of the plays it was competing against were faculty-directed or produced, while ``Vortex'' was an entirely student-operated production. In recognition of this honor Wade will be awarded a membership in the Dramatist's Guild and ``Vortex'' will be published. I am pleased to represent such a talented individual as Wade. I wish him the best in what promises to be a long and inspiring career as a successful playwright.

Mr. SHERMAN

Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Deputy Mary Baker of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. Ms. Baker's excellence both on and off duty is being awarded this week with the Valley Community Legal Foundation Award. In 1969, Deputy Baker was one of a small group of women hired by the Sheriff's Department to work as a patrol deputy. Those women faced great obstacles as they were the first women to work patrol. Mary faced this challenge and not only overcame any adversity, but excelled. Mary and her colleagues were pivotal in opening up opportunities for all women that would follow in their path. From patrol duty, Deputy Baker went on to work both as a detective and in custody duty in the East L.A. and Downtown stations. For the past 10 years she has worked as a detective in the Malibu/Lost Hills Station, during which time she has been called upon to handle both sensitive and high profile cases. A recent high profile case was that of the ``Long-Note-Bandit'' who was suspected in a string of 10 bank robberies. Mary's work was pivotal in both the identification and arrest of the suspect, who is currently awaiting trial. Deputy Baker's diligence, investigative skills, and years of experience make her an invaluable asset to the Malibu/Lost Hills Station, as well as the residents of those communities. She handles cases ranging from theft and robbery to fraud and home invasion. Her excellence is well known in the surrounding communities as she has an extensive working background with several of the surrounding stations. Sallust once noted that: `` * * * mental excellence is a splendid and lasting possession.'' This has certainly been the case with Deputy Baker as her excellent investigative skills and deductive logic have been a great asset to our community. Indeed, her years of distinguished service is truly remarkable. She is in every way a deserving recipient of the Valley Community Legal Foundation Award.