Adam Schiff

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special recognition to Dr. Tim K. Siu who is the recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award from the San Gabriel Valley Boy Scouts. A Rotarian since 1969, Dr. Siu has served Rotary International as District Governor and is presently a senior active member. Among his many accomplishments as a Rotarian, Dr. Siu has 33 years of perfect attendance and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Dr. Siu has served as a member on the Board of Directors of the Tokai Bank of California, a member of the Board at California State University Los Angeles, on the Board of Directors for the West San Gabriel Valley YMCA, Professor Emeritus of University of Southern California Medical School, and Director of Disaster Committee of the American Red Cross. He is currently on the Board of Directors for San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, Board of Councilors for the University of Southern California Pharmacy School and on the Board of California State University Pomona. In his community, Dr. Siu has served on the City of Alhambra Planning Commission and the Alhambra Civil Service Commission. He has been an officer and director of Alhambra Day Nursery, Wysong Retirement Home, Burke's Manor Senior Citizen Home, and Los Angeles County Medical Association. Dr. Siu is currently serving as a member of the Board of the San Gabriel Valley Medical Center where he is active in building an outpatient surgical center in San Gabriel. Dr. Siu practiced anesthesiology. He taught anesthesiology at the University of Southern California Medical School until his retirement as Professor Emeritus. He was also the medical examiner for the National Youth Sports Program at USC, the San Gabriel Valley Pop Warner Program, and was the team doctor for the Alhambra High School Football Team. Dr. Siu is involved in the Chinese community with the Chinese Historical Society, the Chinese-American Citizens Alliance, and the Chinatown Public Service Association. Currently, he is active in building a Chinese American Museum in the original Chinatown of Los Angeles. Dr. Siu served in the United States Navy stationed at Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Illinois. Dr. Siu is a native of Hawaii and is married to Dr. Annie Chi Siu. Tim and Annie have four daughters; a general dentist, an athletic administrator, an orthodontist and a registered nurse. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in congratulating Dr. Tim K. Siu on a truly exemplary professional and public service career.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, for thousands of years people have looked to the heavens and wondered what was up there, what were the dots of light scattered on the hemisphere of the night sky, what is our place in all of this. The Moon, the planets, and the stars became part of ancient religions. Heroes were immortalized as constellations. Planets, whose irregular movements and brightness set them apart from the stars, were named after gods. Celestial events foretold the death of kings; they augured victory in war. But for our ancestors, the changing sky also had a practical effect. For millennia, the movements of the Moon and stars guided the rhythms of human life; they told people when to plant and when to harvest. Wars were planned based on the phases of the Moon. Even as they wondered, planted, harvested, and fought in keeping with the seasons, people dreamed of visiting these other worlds, of expanding humanity's realm, of satisfying the human yearning to explore. The telescope, which Galileo first turned to the heavens in 1609, changed our view of the cosmos. The myriad points of light began to resolve themselves into planets with moons, galaxies, nebulae, and clusters of stars. The universe, which had seemed static, was revealed as a place of infinite distance and incredible dynamism. Our view of space and of ourselves was changed forever. It would be another 450 years before human beings could begin to take our first forays from the protective cocoon of the Earth. Throughout that time, telescopes grew larger and more powerful; astronomers learned more about our solar system, our galaxy, and the tens of millions of other galaxies throughout the universe. Still, even as the Moon and our nearby planetary neighbors tantalized us, they seemed hopelessly out of reach. With the development of large rockets after World War II, humans were finally able to escape the Earth's gravity and venture into space. During the past half century, from the grapefruit-sized Explorer I, which was America's first satellite, to the International Space Station now being built 200 miles above us, we have begun to learn to operate in the harsh environs of space. Throughout its existence, America's space program has operated on dual tracks. On the one hand, we have stressed human space flight, which is costly, often dangerous. With the exception of Apollo lunar landing missions, humans have not ventured beyond the relative safety of low-Earth orbit. The other track we have followed is the robotic exploration of our solar system, using spacecraft that are impervious to the harsh conditions of space and unaffected by the enormous distances necessary to explore our planetary neighbors. Our unmanned space probes, from the Ranger and Surveyor craft that paved the way for Apollo, to the Voyager spacecraft that explored the outer planets and are still continuing to send back data even as they leave the solar system, have increased our comprehension beyond anything even contemplated half a century ago. On Mars, we have witnessed dust storms on Olympus Mons, the largest mountain in our solar system. We have peered through Venus' clouds at its broiling surface. We have discovered new moons and ring systems around the outer planets. And as we speak, a small spacecraft bearing dust from a comet is zooming back towards the Earth and will parachute into Utah on January 15, 2006. This summer, the Cassini spacecraft will enter the orbit of Saturn and will dispatch a small probe called Huygens to explore the atmosphere of Saturn's largest moon, Titan. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed by the California Institute of Technology, has designed, built, and controlled all of these programs. JPL has been the pioneer of our exploration of the solar system from the beginning of our space program. Earlier I mentioned JPL's Explorer I, America's first satellite. At the time it was launched, the United States has fallen behind the Soviet Union in the space race, and several other attempts at getting an American Sputnik into orbit had ended in fiery explosions on the launch pad. Not only did Explorer I salvage our pride, but the tiny satellite discovered the Van Allen radiation belts that circle the Earth. Every American space probe that has visited another planet was managed by JPL. Through the wonders of technology, we have zoomed by Jupiter with Voyager, witnessed a Martian sunset with Viking, and rolled across the surface of Mars with Sojourner. Whom do we have to thank for unlocking the wonders of our solar system, for providing brilliant three- dimensional images of the Martian surface, and for making us desire even great discoveries? For this, we must thank the women and men of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Each day, under the leadership of Dr. Charles Elachi, the employees of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory work tirelessly to develop and manage America's robotic exploration of space. Mr. Speaker, they have done it again. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has brought America back to Mars. I am proud to join with my distinguished colleague and neighbor, the chairman of the Committee on Rules, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), in introducing this resolution honoring the men and women of NASA, and especially the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, whose years of effort paid off so spectacularly when the Mars exploration rover Spirit landed on January 3. Mr. Speaker, led by principal investigator, Steve Squyres, Jet Propulsion Laboratory employees like Peter Theisinger, Richard Cook, Rob Manning, Jennifer Trosper, Mark Adler, Jim Erickson, Matt Wallace, Joy Crisp, Joel Krajewski, Jason Willis, Jim Donaldson, and Jan Chodas have worked around the clock since Spirit's arrival on Mars. Spirit, the first of JPL's rovers to land on Mars, and Spirit's twin, Opportunity, which is scheduled to touchdown on January 24, will conduct a 3-month scientific study to evaluate whether conditions at one time have been suitable for life on Mars. Equipped with cameras, spectrometers, and a grinder, these robotic explorers are poised to unlock the mysteries of Mars. The breadth of their discoveries is yet unknown, but our confidence in their abilities and the ability of the scientists at JPL, who now live not according to the cycles of their fellow Earthlings but in keeping with the Martian day, is sky high. Mr. Speaker, Spirit's landing is another milestone in our exploration of the solar system. Let us take a moment to reflect on this occasion and honor those who made it possible. For tomorrow. Our thirst is renewed and our exploration continues.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor longtime Glendale community leader and activist Larry Zarian on the occasion of his receiving the Verdugo Hills Council, Boy Scouts of America 2003 Glendale Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. Larry has been actively involved with the Boy Scouts for many years, having served on the executive board of the Verdugo Hills Council, Boy Scouts of America for seventeen years. Larry has been a vibrant part of the fabric of Glendale since he began residing there in 1953. Most notably, Larry served for sixteen years on the Glendale City Council and as mayor of Glendale for four terms. He is responsible for many accomplishments during his tenure on the Glendale City Council. He organized groups to raise funds for the Veteran's Memorial monument; worked to maintain Glendale hillsides; and was a supporter for code enforcement, enabling the city to identify landlords who maintained substandard conditions. His activism and leadership was apparent when he was appointed to serve on a city commission at the age of 20. Subsequently, Larry was appointed by various local, state and national leaders to serve on other commissions. He served as chairman on the state Water & Power Commission & Planning Commission. Governor George Deukemejian and later Governor Pete Wilson appointed Larry to serve on the regional Water Quality Control Board. President Reagan appointed him to the National Highway Safety Commission. As a member of the Glendale Junior Chamber of Commerce, Larry mentored young entrepreneurs about civic responsibility, community involvement and leadership. His dedication and service to the community placed him on numerous boards such as the Glendale Adventist Medical governing board where he helped raise funds for the MRI Center. As a board member of the Foundation for Glendale's Association for the Retarded, Larry was instrumental in securing the organization's first home in Glendale. Currently Larry is a member of the board of directors for Glendale Symphony. As an active and proud member of the Kiwanis, Larry annually helps with the Special Olympics and Jazz Day where he dons an apron to serve sandwiches. Larry has been recognized for his selfless contribution to his community as recipient of Verdugo Hills Council Good Turn Award; Citizen of the Year from the Glendale Chamber of Commerce; and Philanthropist of the Year from Glendale Adventist Medical Center. For many years, Larry has aptly been voted as one of the top 103 most influential people in the City of Glendale. It is my pleasure to recognize Larry Zarian. I ask that all members of the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Larry for all his years of selfless service and dedication to the Boys Scouts of America and to the Glendale community at large.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society as it celebrates its 75th anniversary worldwide and 35th anniversary of its establishment in California. Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society was founded by a group of community leaders on May 28, 1928, in Cairo, Egypt, with the objective of providing a sound education to the new generation and preserving the ethnic identity and cultural heritage of the Armenian people, forced to live outside their homeland after the 1915 genocide and the fall, in 1920, of the First Republic of Armenia. Subsequently, Hamazkayin Chapters sprouted throughout the Middle East, Europe, the United States, Canada, South America and Armenia to instill, perpetuate and preserve the centuries old Armenian culture. Hamazkayin established several schools and centers of learning. In 1930, Jemaran, an elementary and high school was founded in Beirut, Lebanon and it continues to be an important educational center in the Middle East. Similar schools were established in 1976 in Marseille, France and in 1986 in Sydney, Australia. In addition, Hamazkayin has an advanced learning institute for Armenian language and literature, as well as a printing press and publishing house in Beirut, Lebanon. The Western USA Executive Board of Hamazkayin supervises the operations of eight chapters and seven special committees operating in Southern California, Fresno and San Francisco. This non-profit organization, run solely by dedicated and tireless volunteers, sponsors a plethora of activities including lectures, seminars, after-school workshops, commemorative events, exhibitions, concerts, recitals, traditional dance ensembles, dramatic arts troupes and choirs. The Western USA Executive Board's seven special committees, namely Music, Art, Contemporary and Heritage Committees, Ani Dance Company, Saroyan Theater Company and Armenian Folk Instrument Orchestra, have one common goal: the conservation of the Armenian intellectual legacy and the promotion of cultural values. The activities of these Special Committees include preservation of classical, folk and popular music, performances of traditional and ethnic dances in authentic costumes, promotion of theatrical arts, presentation of social conventions and traditions throughout the centuries, as well as encouragement and support to talented young artists. It is my distinct honor to recognize Hamazkayin's innumerable accomplishments over the years. I ask all members of the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Hamazkayin's 35 years of contributions to the ethnic diversity of the United States by nurturing the Armenian traditions and national heritage and sharing these cultural values with other communities, especially in California.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my constituent, United States Army Specialist Rel Allen Ravago IV of the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division, who was killed in action on November 23, 2003 in Mosul, Iraq when hostile forces attacked his Army vehicle. After graduating from Hoover High School in Glendale, Specialist Ravago soon joined the United States Army and was deployed to Iraq in May 2003. He was due to return home next March at the end of his four- year tenure in the Army. From all accounts, he was a dedicated and enthusiastic soldier who served our country with courage and distinction. A talented artist and honorable soldier, Specialist Ravago's family, friends and fellow servicemen have spoken with admiration and veneration of his commitment to duty, his dedication to his unit and his love of country and family. Students at Hoover High recently erected a patriotic memorial of red, white and blue carnations mixed with American flags, containing a short, but poignant message attached: ``You'll be missed.'' Friends, family and loved ones remember Ravago as a popular student who played in Hoover High's drum corps and studied martial arts. His former teachers describe him as ``radiating joy and a love of life'' with a ``smile that you could see from miles away.'' I recently had the opportunity to meet with Specialist Ravago's parents and grandfather following his death. They told me how proud they were of their son and grandson, how proud he was to serve his country and how much they would always miss him. Our nation owes his family a debt we can never repay and Specialist Ravago will never be far from our thoughts. His sacrifice and those of other soldiers who have fallen on the field of battle have kept our nation free. On behalf of the United States Congress, I wish to once again, bestow our most heartfelt appreciation for Army Specialist Rel Allen Ravago's service and sacrifice for the United States of America. To his family and loved ones: your son, your brother, your grandson, your nephew, your cousin and your friend, served our country with honor and nobility and he will be missed.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding citizen of California's 29th Congressional District, Margaret Ann Abdalla. Ms. Abdalla has served on the South Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education for 16 years and has been a positive force in the greater South Pasadena area for much longer. A Southern California native and University of Southern California graduate, Margaret Ann moved to South Pasadena in 1969. She began her community service by volunteering with the South Pasadena Parent Teacher Association, Little League, and South Pasadena Educational Foundation. Ms. Abdalla also raised three children, Lisa, Tony and Alex, all who attended South Pasadena's public schools. In 1987, Margaret Ann was elected to the South Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education. Ms. Abdalla has worked with several board members and four superintendents during her tenure, serving as Board President three times. Under her leadership, some of the Board's accomplishments include the passage of two school bond measures in 1995 and 2002, the formation and bonding of today's administrative team, and the transition of the junior high to a middle school program 12 years ago. In 1996, Margaret Ann was the recipient of the South Pasadena Parent Teacher Association's Honorary Service Award for meritorious service. As a member of the South Pasadena School Board, Margaret Ann participated in organizations such as the California School Boards Association, the Downtown Revitalization Task Force and the Los Angeles Annenberg Metropolitan Project. In addition, Ms. Abdalla was a founding member of the Five-Star Coalition, a coalition of the Burbank, Glendale, La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena and South Pasadena School Districts, established for the purpose of collaborating with local legislators on issues of mutual interest to the school districts. The time, energy and love Margaret Ann has given to the community are extraordinary, and the residents of South Pasadena have benefited greatly. At this time, I ask all Members to join with me in commending Margaret Ann Abdalla for her many years of dedicated service to the South Pasadena community.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the South Pasadena Kiwanis Club upon its 80th anniversary. Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization of women and men who share the challenge of community and world improvement. Since its founding in 1915, Kiwanis has grown to include approximately 9,000 clubs in more than 80 nations. The South Pasadena Kiwanis Club, founded in 1923, consists of business and professional people who work or live in the South Pasadena area that have an interest in volunteer service. A family-oriented organization, South Pasadena Kiwanis members are committed to serving the youth, families and senior citizens of South Pasadena. Some of the club's charitable contributions include the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, Farm City Youth, Special Olympics, the Summer Reading Program, ``Terrific Kids,'' the Young Men's Christian Association, ``Concerts in the Park,'' and Little League. The South Pasadena Kiwanis Club is the main sponsor for South Pasadena High School's Key Club and ``Grad Night'' Breakfast, in addition to providing student scholarships at the high school, middle school and elementary schools. In addition, some of the club's annual events include a Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast, a Spaghetti Dinner in conjunction with the South Pasadena Fire Department, and participation in the construction of the city of South Pasadena's Rose Parade Float. The time, energy and care that the South Pasadena Kiwanis Club has given to the community are extraordinary, and the residents of South Pasadena have benefited greatly. At this time, I ask all Members to join with me in commending the South Pasadena Kiwanis Club for 80 years of dedicated service to the South Pasadena community.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. I rise today to honor Woods-Valentine Mortuary in Pasadena, California. Woods-Valentine Mortuary, one of the oldest African-American, family-owned and operated businesses in the twenty- ninth Congressional District, is celebrating its 75th anniversary on December 14, 2003. The James Woods Funeral Parlor, located at 87 S. Vernon Avenue in Pasadena, was founded in 1928 by James and Annie Mae Woods. In 1950, after the death of Mr. Woods, his nephew Fred W. Valentine continued to run the business for Mrs. Woods. In 1954, Fred and his wife, Arzella, purchased the business and it became the Woods-Valentine Mortuary. The Valentines relocated the business to its current location at 1455 N. Fair Oaks Avenue in 1963 and built a new structure, which received a Pasadena Beautiful Foundation award for architectural design and color coordination. Woods-Valentine Mortuary has a well-deserved reputation as a professional, compassionate and dignified business. The mortuary staff members serve the community not only by offering counseling and funeral services, but also by their immense community and civic involvement. Fred and Arzella Valentine have served on the boards of many professional and civic organizations, such as the Los Angeles County Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the California Board of Funeral Directors, the Pasadena Altadena Links, and the Soroptomist Club. The Valentines are also members of many civic organizations including the San Gabriel Valley Black Business Association, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, the Pasadena Urban League, and are lifetime members and past board members of the Pasadena NAACP. In addition, the Valentines have sponsored Northwest Pasadena Little League teams for forty years, volunteered for many years in Pasadena's public schools and libraries, and contribute annually to many scholarship funds. They are also active in their church, Friendship Baptist Church. Woods-Valentine Mortuary is truly a family-owned business. Fred and Arzella's daughters, Janyce Valentine and Gail Valentine Taylor, are part owners. Arzella's sister, Vannie Brown, Fred's brothers, Clifton Valentine (who died in 1999) and James Adkins, along with Laven Lanier, James Barker, Ernest Gomez, Lenston Marrow, James Ross, Leo Vaughn, Julius Henderson and Juan Wooden, are other members of the ``Woods- Valentine Mortuary family'' who have greatly contributed to the success of the business. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring Woods-Valentine Mortuary for its 75 years of dedicated service to the community.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Woods-Valentine Mortuary in Pasadena, California. Woods-Valentine Mortuary, one of the oldest African-American, family-owned and operated businesses in the twenty-ninth Congressional District, is celebrating its seventy-fifth anniversary on December 14, 2003. The James Woods Funeral Parlor, located at 87 S. Vernon Avenue in Pasadena, was founded in 1928 by James and Annie Mae Woods. In 1950, after the death of Mr. Woods, his nephew Fred W. Valentine continued to run the business for Mrs. Woods. In 1954, Fred and his wife, Arzella, purchased the business and it became the Woods-Valentine Mortuary. The Valentines relocated the business to its current location at 1455 N. Fair Oaks Avenue in 1963 and built a new structure, which received a Pasadena Beautiful Foundation award for architectural design and color coordination. Woods-Valentine Mortuary has a well-deserved reputation as a professional, compassionate and dignified business. The mortuary staff members serve the community not only by offering counseling and funeral services, but also by their immense community and civic involvement. Fred and Arzella Valentine have served on the boards of many professional and civic organizations, such as the Los Angeles County Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the California Board of Funeral Directors, the Pasadena Altadena Links, and the Soroptomist Club. The Valentines are also members of many civic organizations including the San Gabriel Valley Black Business Association, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, the Pasadena Urban League, and are lifetime members and past board members of the Pasadena NAACP. In addition, the Valentines have sponsored Northwest Pasadena Little League teams for forty years, volunteered for many years in Pasadena's public schools and libraries, and contribute annually to many scholarship funds. They are also active in their church, Friendship Baptist Church. Woods-Valentine Mortuary is truly a family-owned business. Fred and Arzella's daughters, Janyce Valentine and Gail Valentine Taylor, are part owners. Arzella's sister, Vannie Brown, Fred's brothers, Clifton Valentine (who died in 1999) and James Adkins, along with Laven Lanier, James Barker, Ernest Gomez, Lenston Marrow, James Ross, Leo Vaughn, Julius Henderson and Juan Wooden, are other members of the ``Woods- Valentine Mortuary family'' who have greatly contributed to the success of the business. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring Woods-Valentine Mortuary for its seventy-five years of dedicated service to the community.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the General Gridley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution on their 90th anniversary celebration. Mrs. Mary Howard Gridley Braly founded the chapter on December 19, 1913. Mrs. Braly served as an organizing regent, and was later named Regent-For-Life by Chapter members. Mrs. Braly and her daughter first became members of the National Society of D.A.R. in 1983 in Highland Park, Illinois. Then recording Secretary General Miss Eugenia Washington, one of the D.A.R. founders, signed their applications. The chapter is named for General Richard Gridley, ancestor of Mary's first husband James Conger Gridley. General Gridley was born in Boston in 1711. In 1745 he was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the Artillery in the expedition against the French fortress of Louisbourg of Cape Breton Island. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in April 1775, he was commissioned chief engineer and Colonel of Artillery and was wounded in the battle of Bunker Hill. He married Hannah Deming and had nine children. He served with General George Washington throughout the Revolutionary War. In 1798 General Gridley died in Staughton, Massachusetts at the age of 87. Today the chapter is extremely involved in the community. It is active in veterans' services, ROTC programs, and scholarship programs with our local high schools. The chapter also presented the City of Glendale with the Department of Defense's 50th Anniversary of the Korean War flag. This flag currently flies over the Glendale War Memorial at City Hall. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in congratulating the General Gridley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution on 90 exemplary years of service to the City of Glendale and surrounding communities.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express concern over the failure to fund and adequately implement the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This bipartisan legislation attempted a comprehensive approach to reforming our schools by refocusing our national education policy on helping states and local school districts raise academic achievement for all children, while providing more funding and flexibility to states and local districts. The legislation passed with overwhelming support because it included tough accountability requirements aimed at closing the achievement gap between students of different economic backgrounds; stronger professional development standards and training for teachers; additional resources do turn around low performing schools; allowances for an unprecedented level of flexibility for local school districts; and rewards and sanctions for States based on the academic performance of students. Despite the bill's good intentions and tremendous support in Congress, the legislation has become largely a hollow promise to our children because of inadequate funding. The Administration's budget request this year provided only $22.7 billion for these important education efforts--$9.7 billion less than what Congress agreed was necessary. The commitment of significant federal funding to assist local schools in meeting the new testing, achievement and training requirements was a solemn promise made to all the children of our nation. NCLB imposes strict standards on our school districts with considerable penalties if they do not comply. But how can our schools be expected to meet these new standards without adequate federal funding to meet these challenging mandates? For this reason, I have cosponsored legislation, the Keeping Our Promises to America's Children Act of 2003, to suspend application of NCLB until the funding that was promised to our schools is actually delivered to our schools. The alternative merely sets up our schools for failure. Implementation of this important law has also been unduly harsh. Award-winning science teachers who have excelled at teaching for decades are deemed unqualified because their bachelor's degree was in a different subject. As someone who supported passage of NCLB, I am alarmed by its poor funding and implementation. Passing the NCLB was only one step in the lawmaking process. To enact real education reform and to implement the new education standards within NCLB, we must appropriate the full funding required, and not blind ourselves in its application. We must not shortchange our children's education. I ask my colleagues today to reaffirm the Congress's commitment to the No Child Left Behind Act and support full funding authorized by the legislation.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judith Zitter, who is being honored by the Zonta Club of Pasadena as their 2003 Woman of Achievement. Each year, the Zonta Club of Pasadena pays special tribute to the accomplishments made by an extraordinary woman who has made a difference in our community. A Pasadena native, Ms. Zitter received her Masters in Social Work from California State University, San Francisco in 1982. Judith is married to her Blair High School sweetheart, Neal Wrightson, who is the founder of the Children's Community School in Van Nuys. She and Neal have two children, Erica, a freshman at University of California, Santa Barbara and Max, a sophomore at the Los Angeles High School for the Arts. Ms. Zitter's strong commitment to her community is clearly reflected in her career path. She has worked as an adoption social worker, director of a senior center, and a field representative for Pasadena Mayor Rick Cole. During her tenure with Mayor Cole, she was instrumental in implementing positive changes in the Old Pasadena and Northwest Pasadena neighborhoods. Currently, Judith is a community health manager for Kaiser Permanente. In this capacity, she has helped create relationships to support community organizations, such as the formation of a statewide partnership with free and community clinics in California, and the American Diabetes Association. The consummate volunteer, Judith currently serves on the boards of El Centro de Accion Social, Day One, the Asian Pacific Community Fund and the Pasadena Center Operating Company. Her past volunteer efforts include Haven House, the Los Angeles Women's Foundation, Community Health Councils, Artists Beyond Disabilities, United Way, and numerous political organizations. Judith has received many awards, including the Pasadena YWCA Second Century Award in 1998, the Outstanding Community Service Award from the American Diabetes Association in 2002, and the Kaiser Permanente Public Affairs Award in 2000 and 2003. The time, energy and love Judith gives to our community is extraordinary, and the residents of my district have benefited greatly from her dedicated service. For her lifetime of service, I am proud to ask all Members to join with me in commending Judith Zitter upon receiving the 2003 Zonta Club of Pasadena's Woman of Achievement Award.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding me this time and his effort on this legislation. As lead cosponsor of the Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology Act of 2003, I rise in strong support of this landmark piece of legislation that will solve countless crimes and potentially exonerate innocent individuals wrongly imprisoned. For years we have attempted to deal with crime by focusing almost exclusively on increasing sentences of those that we catch rather than catching those who continue to elude all punishment. We have been tough on crime, but not always smart about our tactics. As a former Federal prosecutor, I have long recognized what a powerful tool the use of DNA profiles has become in solving crime. The FBI DNA database contains about 1.5 million DNA profiles and has yielded thousands of matches in criminal investigations, and thousands of additional matches can and must be made. For this reason, I introduced legislation earlier this year to increase the effectiveness of DNA databases. This legislation was aimed at replicating nationwide the success that many States have had, and I am pleased that many of these policy improvements have been included in the bill before us today. I want to thank the majority and minority members of the House and Senate for their willingness to work together to incorporate some of the provisions that I authored to provide additional database searching capabilities for Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. These additional tools will help solve thousands of cold cases, including unsolved murders and rapes. The legislation before us provides much-needed funding to eliminate the backlog of unanalyzed samples and will do much to protect the innocent and apprehend the guilty.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support House Resolution 425 honoring the heroic efforts of the firefighters and safety personnel who responded so bravely to the devastating outbreak of wildfires in Southern California. At the peak of the blazes, more than 14,000 firefighters from across California and several other Western states were deployed over hundreds of miles in an arc around Los Angeles and into San Diego County as far south as the Mexican border. These courageous men and women have gone far beyond the call of duty. Fighting fires that took the lives of 20 people, destroyed more than 3,400 homes and scorched more than 750,000 acres since igniting in different locations around Southern California nearly two weeks ago, they worked around the clock, despite considerable risk to their personal safety, in order to ensure the well-being of the nearly 100,000 evacuated residents. And as the evacuated sought safety and shelter, the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and a number of similar organizations mobilized hundreds of volunteers to assist in providing clothes, food and other essential items to the many who were forced to abandon all of their possessions. As the rebuilding process begins, these same agencies and organizations will serve as a helping hand to too many Southern California residents whose homes have been either badly damaged or lost. I would like to pay special recognition to the firefighters in my California District who were called upon to fight these blazes. Coordinated by the Glendale Fire Department, firefighters from my District were called to battle one of the very earliest blazes and for two weeks after the first blaze, devoted almost every resource in the District to assisting in the effort to knock down these fires. I have no doubt that their heroic actions saved thousands of lives. This is a devastating time for Southern California residents. I send my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and to the thousands who have lost homes to these fires. It is only then appropriate that through the passage of House Resolution 425 we honor the actions of the firefighters and safety personnel who prevented the additional loss of life and property. I urge all Members to support this resolution and pay respect to some of our Nation's bravest heroes.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 15th anniversary of the United States taking a principled stand toward ensuring that the lessons of past genocides, such as Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and the genocides in Cambodia and Rwanda, will be used to prevent future genocides. After the horrors of the Holocaust, the international community responded to Nazi Germany's methodically orchestrated acts of genocide by approving the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in 1948. The Convention confirms that genocide is a crime under international law and defines genocide as actions committed with intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. The United States, under President Harry Truman, was the first nation to sign the Convention, and it was ratified by the U.S. Senate in 1986. Following the Senate ratification of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Congress passed the Proxmire Act to implement the Convention and criminalize genocide under U.S. law. Fifteen years ago today, President Ronald Reagan signed the Proxmire Act into law and put the United States on record as being strongly opposed to the heinous crime of genocide. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge consideration of H. Res. 193, legislation that I introduced with my colleague, Mr. Radanovich, reaffirming support of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and commemorating the anniversary of the U.S. becoming a full party to this landmark international human rights legislation. This important piece of legislation has tremendous bipartisan support among the 110 cosponsors, and the bill was passed unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee earlier this year. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House Leadership to permit immediate consideration of this legislation on the floor of the House, and I urge my colleagues to reaffirm our national resolve to ensure that the lessons of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and the genocides in Cambodia and Rwanda, among others, will not be forgotten.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a bill scheduled to be heard today regarding the military death benefit paid to survivors of military personnel killed in the line of duty. Under current law, the military death benefit provides a surviving spouse $6,000, of which $3,000 is subject to federal tax. At the tragic time of a death of a service member, it is an unimaginable loss to the family and represents the greatest sacrifice to our nation. To avoid adding insult to injury, we must make the Military Death Benefit fully tax-exempt. Families of our patriots should not be penalized on a benefit meant to express the nation's gratitude. The death benefit has historically been exempt from this taxation, yet an oversight in the tax code--after the benefit was raised to $6,000 in 1991--left half of the payment subject to taxation. The death benefit was designed to assist surviving family with financial needs following the death of the service member. Unfortunately, the current benefit is not sufficient. We should increase this benefit to $12,000 to cover additional expenses. This bill would make this benefit retroactive for military personnel who have died in battle since September 11, 2001. As of this morning, 232 American servicemen and women have died in battle in Iraq after the end to major combat operations in Iraq was announced. This represents 232 cases where a grieving family has had to sustain itself financially with limited funds while suffering the loss of a loved one who will not return home. Let us not let partisan politics get in the way of doing what is right for our fallen soldiers.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Family Service Agency of Burbank for its 50 years of dedicated service to the Burbank community. The Family Service Agency of Burbank was established as a non-profit, community based organization in 1953 to provide counseling and educational services for children and their families. These services are extremely pertinent to the health and well being of the community as a whole. The agency's exceptional support system is comprised of generous individuals, small businesses, corporations, the United Way, service clubs, community foundations, and the city of Burbank itself. Since its creation, Burbank's leading citizens have faithfully served on the agency's board of directors to assure professional services be available. All these services are affordable and genuinely attempt to meet the needs of the Burbank community. Currently, individual and group counseling, specialized youth services, parenting classes, and anger management resources for victims of domestic violence and their families have been incorporated. The Family Service Agency of Burbank has successfully collaborated with the Burbank Unified School District, the faith community, and the City of Burbank to deliver life-changing services to those in dire need of them. Their determination and innumerable achievements have provided the residents of the City of Burbank with a valuable resource to address common societal problems. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in congratulating the Family Service Agency of Burbank for 50 years of unwavering service to the Burbank community.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1446, a bill that would allocate badly needed funds to the restoration of California's missions. California's 21 missions are an integral part of California's historical landscape and their preservation for future generations is imperative. They serve as a window into the settlement of the American West and are key aspects of California's history, education, and tourism. Drawing over 5.5 million tourists a year, the California Missions are the most visited historic attractions in the state. They account for a sizable contribution to the state economy from millions of tourists, including a large number of international visitors. The missions also play an essential role in educating fourth-grade school children under the statewide history curricula. California missions serve an important educational function in teaching young students about the role of the missions in the history of our nation. Contrary to widespread belief, 19 of California's 21 missions are not funded by any governmental agency and instead rely on charitable donations to keep their doors open. They are in serious need of repair, restoration, and preservation for future generations. Until recent efforts by the California Missions Foundation, little had been done to preserve the mission's structures and art. Because of this long-term neglect, many of the missions are now in dire need of structural attention and major rehabilitation. The legislation would provide $10 million for the restoration effort in a Department of the Interior grants program to be administered over five years. By authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to make matching grants to the California Missions Foundation, we are preserving the missions while keeping in mind the current state of the budget. This act enjoys nearly unanimous, bipartisan support among California's congressional delegation. It will support the efforts of the California Missions Foundation to restore and repair the Spanish colonial and mission-era missions in the State of California. I urge all my colleagues to ensure that the missions remain intact, as unshakable symbols of our nation's early discovery.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glendale/Ararat Chapter of Homenetmen. Homenetmen is an organization that provides Armenian communities around the world with moral, physical, and social education. In the 25 years since its inception, the Glendale Chapter of Homenetmen has grown from a seven member volunteer group to a thriving community organization with over 1800 members. The Ararat Chapter is now the largest in the United States, and conservatively estimates that it has provided services to nearly 10,000 adults, children and seniors since 1978. For the last quarter century, the Ararat Chapter has been a guiding light for the growth and success of Glendale's Armenian community, and the community as a whole. Ararat's efforts to form lasting bonds with community and government organizations, regardless of race or religious affiliation, have made a lasting positive impact on the community. They provide numerous supervised weekend and after school programs that afford a healthy and safe environment for children and young adults. The Ararat Chapter's volunteers also play a vital role in contributing to drug awareness education throughout the community. The Homenetmen- sponsored 5K/10K run/walk attracts over 1,000 participants annually, and includes pre-and-post race events tailored to drug and alcohol awareness. The Ararat Chapter also works closely with local hospitals, churches, and local governments on a variety of beneficial community events such as graffiti clean-ups, scouting events, holiday luncheons with the Salvation Army, and blood drives with the Red Cross. Ararat volunteers blanket our community with goodwill and friendly hands. Schools, children, hospitals, and many other groups are buoyed by the charity of this outstanding community organization. They are a tribute to their Armenian heritage, and a jewel of their home city of Glendale. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Homenetmen Ararat Chapter for their 25 years of dedicated service to the Glendale community.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Armenian Victims Insurance Fairness Act''--legislation to provide states with the authority to assist survivors of the Armenian Genocide. At the end of the 19th century, major American and European insurance companies began expanding their operations into the Ottoman Empire and thousands of Armenians in the area purchased life insurance policies as a form of savings and investment for the future. By 1915, it is reported that one French-based company had sold more than 11,000 policies in the area. Almost all of these policyholders were massacred when a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing was launched, killing more than 1.5 million Armenians. Over eighty years later, insurance companies still have not paid the benefits due on the thousands of policies sold. Some families have tried for years to obtain owed benefits, but insurance companies have demanded that the survivors produce non-existent documents, such as death certificates. In order to provide victims with the justice they deserve, California enacted legislation to assist both Armenian victims and Holocaust victims in recovering outstanding insurance claims. In addition to providing a right of action for claims arising out of such policies, California enacted an additional law requiring insurance companies doing business in their state to disclose information about Holocaust- era insurance policies. A similar requirement was omitted from the Armenian victims legislation because of a pending Supreme Court challenge of the Holocaust disclosure law. In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court in AIA v. Garamendi recently struck down the California disclosure law, citing Administration efforts to settle Holocaust insurance claims and stating that ``Congress has done nothing to express disapproval of the President's policy [with respect to settling such claims and preempting state efforts in this area].'' Although no similar Administration efforts have interfered with the settlement of Armenian claims, it is important for Congress to speak clearly on this issue. Private settlement negotiations between insurance companies and families have been slow with no final resolutions reached to date. Families should not have to wait any longer for disclosure of policyholder lists. I have introduced two pieces of legislation to specifically allow states to collect insurance information for victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust. The Armenian Victims Insurance Fairness Act specifically provides states with the authority to pass disclosure laws related to insurance policies in effect at any time between 1875 and 1923 that were issued to persons domiciled in the Ottoman Empire, such as Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians. The Armenian Victims Insurance Fairness Act, and my companion legislation the Holocaust Victims Insurance Fairness Act (H.R. 3129), specifically provide states with the authority to pass policyholder disclosure laws and explicitly express Congressional disapproval of any Executive branch policy or agreement that preempts State efforts in this area. Pleasejoin me in this effort to finally provide justice to those who have been denied it for so long.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, over the next 2 days we will be debating the President's request for $87 billion in military reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. At the outset, I want to acknowledge the outstanding bravery and dedication shown by our men and women in uniform who are serving overseas. After visiting Iraq in August and visiting Afghanistan a year ago, I could not be more impressed with the young people who are standing in harm's way every day on our behalf. Our first priority, then, in this emergency supplemental must be to meet the needs of our troops and keep them safe. It has been alarming to learn over the past several months that many soldiers lack Kevlar vests, that there are insufficient armored vehicles, that spare parts and other essential supplies have not reached our troops. This must be corrected immediately. It is also essential that the administration demonstrate it has a well-thought-out plan for Iraq's reconstruction. When Ambassador Bremer testified before the Committee on International Relations, I asked him how much of the prewar planning was of use to him in the postwar period. His answer was both candid and astounding. He never read the postwar plan. He never had time to. The lack of adequate postwar planning has hurt our effort significantly. We must insist on far more planning and accountability. Any supplemental appropriation must not be a blank check but should require frequent reporting and consultation with Congress. Americans must also not bear this burden alone. It is in the profound interest of the world community that Iraq be placed on the road to self-governance and that it not be allowed to descend into chaos. The resolution which now appears likely to pass in the United Nations is a positive step forward but those words must be followed by deeds. Other nations must contribute troops and funds toward the security and reconstruction in Iraq. Moreover, private companies must not be allowed to profiteer from the vast sums expended. Open bidding processes should be used whenever possible and greater scrutiny should be applied to any and all contracts awarded. Maximum use of Iraqi labor should be employed to further obtain Iraqi support for reconstruction. Finally, to the degree we must finance the lion's share of the military reconstruction efforts, this burden must not be allowed to fall to the very soldiers and their children in the future. We should not debt finance this war.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 2998. Half way around the world, American men and women in the service of this country have once again heeded the call of duty. They bear on their shoulders, the responsibility and commitment to ensure our freedom and all the values that we hold so dear. By taking on this task, they have made countless sacrifices in their own personal lives and safety, and for that, we are deeply indebted. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit U.S. Army Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The soldiers I met are some of the most courageous men and women I've met in my lifetime. I listened to their stories, heard about their families back home and marveled at their dedication, bravery and commitment to serving our country. I hope and pray for their speedy recovery. I also learned of some troubling information. Apparently, while soldiers are being hospitalized for wounds and injuries sustained while fighting for our country, they are billed for subsistence charges, i.e food costs, that they accumulate during their stay. The current daily rate for this ``subsistence'' charge is $8.10. This may not seem like much, however we must consider that in many cases, wounds may be significant and constitute longer hospital stays. This translates to higher costs that under new law must be paid by the servicemen. If enacted, this bill would amend current law to prohibit service members injured in training or in combat from being held responsible for paying for their food costs while hospitalized in a military facility. We must thank our men and women serving overseas for their selflessness and bravery. We should treat them with respect and gratitude. We should not, however, welcome them with a bill for the cost of their food while they were hospitalized. The soldiers have already been asked to sacrifice a great deal--they have endured harsh conditions, separation from loved ones and at times, irreparable wounds and injuries. Thus, it is imperative that we show our utmost appreciation for the work that they do. During my visit to Walter Reed, I could not help but marvel at the energy, tenacity and humility of these servicemen and women. These are some truly inspiring young men and women, performing with courage and distinction in tough circumstances. I urge my fellow colleagues to support H.R. 2998. We owe it to our troops, to honor their incredible sacrifices, and to let them know that the American people value their efforts and that we all stand behind them.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Larry and Mrs. Sue Stamper on being the recipients of the second annual Woodbury University Movers and Shapers Award that recognizes outstanding volunteer service to Burbank and its residents by members of the community. Sue Stamper is an Oklahoma native who attended Point Loma College. She has been active in the United Methodist Women, The National Charity League, P.E.O., Burbank Sister City Committee, San Fernando Valley Girl Scouts, Zoma, and Noon Rotary. She is also a member and participant in the Burbank YMCA since 1993, and has been involved in numerous Woodbury activities. Sue is a very talented musician, she plays the violin, piano, and organ. She is additionally a vocalist and enjoys singing at special events. She is currently vice president at First State Bank in Burbank. Larry Stamper earned a bachelor's degree from Point Loma College and a master's degree from Claremont School of Theology. He is well known in the community as the pastor of Burbank First United Methodist Church. He is a member of the Burbank Community Hospital Foundation, and is on the board of governors for Goodwill Industries. He also serves on the board of directors of Wesley Homes, which are senior retirement homes sponsored by his church. Larry served on the Burbank City Council during the 1980's and was mayor from 1983-1984. He is a member and past-president of the Burbank Kiwanis Club. He was chaplain for the Burbank Police Department for 14 years. Larry has long been associated with Woodbury, and received an honorary doctor of letters from the university in 1992. The Stampers have been married for 47 years and have three children and five grandchildren. Since moving to Burbank 31 years ago, they have played an active role in civic, philanthropic, and spiritual activities. They have enriched Burbank through their selfless generosity of time and spirit and their constant willingness to better the community. Individually and together, their efforts have positively shaped the future of Burbank. I ask all Members of Congress today to join me in commending Larry and Sue Stamper for their limitless energy and commitment to the community of Burbank.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jackie Robinson for his contributions to this country. The grandson of a slave, Jackie Robinson used his unmatched athletic talent to clear a path toward equality. As the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball, Mr. Robinson faced virulent opposition and oppressive racism. Through the passion and excitement of excellent athletic performance, Mr. Robinson carried the United States one step closer to racial parity. I am particularly proud of Jackie Robinson's connection to the city of Pasadena. Mr. Robinson moved to Pasadena as a toddler, and grew up in the shadow of the Rose Bowl. He was an exceptional teammate on the sandlots, and a multi-sport standout at John Muir Technical High School. At Pasadena Junior College and UCLA, he broke records in basketball, baseball, football and track. Jackie's older brother Mack was also a treasured citizen of Pasadena; the Post Office on Lincoln Avenue bears his name. The Robinson family's contributions to Pasadena echo beyond the realm of athletics to the model they set for the community and the nation. It seems fitting to honor Jackie Robinson in October, as competition intensifies for the American and National League pennant races. Mr. Speaker I urge passage of H.R. 1900, to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Jackie Robinson, to recognize his powerful contributions to the nation, and to express support for a national day in recognition of one of Pasadena's greatest stars.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in support of H. Res. 234-- legislation condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation. After the tragic events of September 11th, the Muslim community became the target of a major upsurge in hate crimes and discrimination. In just the first nine weeks after the attacks, over 700 violent incidents occurred targeting Arab Americans, Muslims, and others perceived to be such. These same citizens faced a four-fold increase in employment discrimination. Crimes and incidents driven by bias and hatred must not be tolerated in a peaceful democracy. Our position of power and influence also brings a responsibility to celebrate our diversity and protect the rights of all in our nation. As we continue to fight a war against terrorism and hatred, we have a golden opportunity to show the world that we celebrate our diversity; that every American citizen and everyone who visits here will not be in danger because of their national origin or religious faith; that we will not stand for bigotry and other divisive actions; that we are a Nation united as one. Mr. Speaker, this important legislation received unanimous support from the Judiciary Committee, on which I sit, and I urge my colleagues to overwhelmingly support its passage by the full House.