Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rick Knapp, who is being honored on the occasion of his retirement as District 1 Director of Transportation, California Department of Transportation. Rick Knapp began his career with the California Department of Transportation in 1962. A graduate of the University of Nevada with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Rick Knapp accepted a position with the Division of Highways, District 1, in Eureka, California. In November 1966, he entered the United States Army and served in Vietnam where he designed bridges to replace those destroyed in combat. After two years in the Army, Rick Knapp returned to his engineering duties in Eureka. In 1972, he took a promotion as a Project Design Engineer in Los Angeles. In 1973, he joined the Division of Transportation Planning to help develop the first California Transportation Plan. In 1979, Mr. Knapp returned to Eureka and in 1994 he became the Director of the 1st District, a region that includes the four northern counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino. Immediately after his appointment as District Director, he was faced with the biggest earthquake and the most severe winter storm damage in the District in 30 years. With 18 of 23 state highways closed one or more times during the winter, Knapp and his team faced the colossal challenge of restoring and improving the highway system. After directing the repair of 400 damaged locations during difficult winter conditions, Knapp undertook a new program to correct perennial winter road closure locations. During his tenure as Director, Rick Knapp's accomplishments include the widening and realignment of a two-mile high collision segment of U.S. Route 101 at Gushing Creek through the Redwoods near Crescent City. By securing emergency funding, Knapp made it possible to proceed with the project to relocate Route 101 at the Confusion Hill landslide that will establish a safe and reliable highway at this critical location. As Chair of the Context Sensitive Solutions Steering Committee, he developed a policy for the State of California that promoted flexibility in design and led to new state guidelines on State Highway Main Streets. In May 2003, Rick Knapp received the Charles H. Purcell Award from the California Transportation Foundation for excellence in engineering management. An avid cyclist, Rick Knapp helped form the Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association. He was born and raised in Garberville, California. He is married to Jean Hawthorne and has two grown children, Angela and Randy Knapp. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Rick Knapp for his commitment and dedication to his profession and for his 35 years of service to the people of California. We wish him happiness and much deserved rest in his retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cloverdale Police Chief Robert Parks Dailey, who is retiring after 34 years of service to his community. Chief Dailey has spent all of his adult life in lain enforcement. He began his career as a Senior Patrol Officer with the Berkeley, California Police Department in 1970 and spent nine years on the force during one of the most tumultuous periods in this city's colorful history. He joined the Cloverdale Police Department as a Sergeant in 1979 and quickly advanced through the ranks. He was promoted to Lieutenant, a rank he held until 1987, when he became the Chief of Police. In 1993, his title was changed to Director of Public Safety when the Cloverdale Fire Department was added to his command. When the Fire Department hired a full time Chief in 1996, he reacquired the rank of Chief of Police, a position he held until December 31, 2003. During his tenure with the Cloverdale Police Department, he automated the police records system, restructured the Department for clearer lines of authority and responsibility, implemented a remodeling of the Department, and oversaw the Department's participation in the county- wide Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System/Mobile Data Computer Program. Chief Dailey is a member of the California Peace Officer's Association, the California Police Officers Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs Association (where he served two terms as President) and the Santa Rosa Training Center Advisory Committee. He also represented the California Police Chief's Association on the State Association of Chiefs of Police Committee. Chief Dailey also served his community as a member and Past President of the Cloverdale Rotary Club, President of the Cloverdale Citrus Fair Board of Directors, and a member of the Cloverdale Eagles Boosters Club and Cloverdale Project Graduation Committee. Mr. Speaker, Chief Dailey is a dedicated public servant who plans to spend his retirement years working with the League of California Cities Interim Chief of Police program, traveling, and improving his golf handicap. It is appropriate that we honor him today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill. It includes a number of provisions that are of critical importance to our veterans community. One such inclusion is based on the bill authored by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez) that would provide health care free of charge to veterans who participated in what are known as Project 112 and Project SHAD. These projects were a series of over 100 tests that subjected our servicemen and our servicewomen to harmful chemical and biological agents and possibly to decontaminates now believed to be harmful. While we still have a long way to go in getting to the bottom of this issue, this bill provides important care to our veterans who, in many cases, unknowingly participated in these trials. I commend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez) and the other members of the committee for working to provide for this critical health care provision. My own experience with this came when a constituent of mine called and said that he had participated in Project SHAD. He and a number of his shipmates now have cancer, and he wanted help. After 3 years of investigation, the Department of Defense revealed last year that these tests involved live agents, in some cases, VX nerve gas, sarin nerve gas, and E. coli. The Department of Defense describes VX as one of the most lethal substances ever synthesized, and sarin, as we all know, was used in that tragic terrorist attack, not only tragic, but deadly terrorist attack, on the Tokyo subway a few years ago. We put at least 5,000 of our servicemembers at risk by exposing them to these hazardous agents. We have a duty to rectify this disgraceful conduct on the part of the Department of Defense. Project 112 and Project SHAD and similar cases of chemical and biological testing involving servicemembers are issues of trust and integrity. Our military personnel put their trust in our government to protect them, and our integrity has been compromised because, nearly 40 years later, we are still not protecting them. I urge all Members of this House to vote for this bill and take one step towards renewing this trust in our veterans, whom we so respect and so depend upon.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I think it is very important that in the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program that we include provisions that are much more forward looking and provide opportunities to communities to avoid catastrophic problems that a little advanced work could, in fact, avoid. A really good example of this can be seen in my district out in the Napa Valley out in California when after the major floods in 1995 that caused about $85 million worth of damages, ruined about 27 businesses and nearly 1,000 residential properties, the community came together, came together and changed the way that we do flood protection, recognizing that we need to build regional programs that will allow us to protect these properties that continually are damaged by flood with somewhat unconventional methods. The Army Corps of Engineers, resource agencies, the wine industry, the conservation community all came together to develop a innovative flood protection plan for Napa, which includes 100-year flood protection with the creation of a 600-acre tidal wetlands while also protecting the reconstruction of existing structures to prevent future flood damages. I want to commend everyone who worked so hard on this bill, and particularly the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), who brought this particular emphasis to the debate. I know that we will all be better off. We will save businesses. We will save residential properties. We will save money, and we will save lives.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the St. Helena Hospital of Napa County as it celebrates its 125th Anniversary. On June 1, 1878, the Rural Health Retreat opened its doors to the public. 125 years later, the Rural Health Retreat has a new name and a new look but its commitment to quality healthcare remains the same. Today, the St. Helena Hospital is the world's oldest continuously operating Seventh-day Adventist hospital. The hospital has grown substantially over the years, both in its ability to heal and in its physical space. What began as a small two- story building has matured into a state-of-the-art facility, which includes a 24-hour emergency room, a heliport, and top-of-the-line surgical suites. Mr. Speaker, among other services, the St. Helena Hospital offers a wide range of facilities to assist our community members in overcoming their illnesses including addictions. Specifically, the hospital has a mental health unit, an alcohol and chemical recovery program and it houses wellness programs such as the Nicotine Addiction Program. In 1974, a team of surgeons performed the first open-heart surgery in the North Bay, paving the way for St. Helena Hospital to become a leader in cardiac care. Today, history continues to be written and St. Helena Hospital has been named among the Top 100 Cardiovascular Hospitals in the country. Mr. Speaker, during its 125 years of existence, the St. Helena Hospital has been a medical sanctuary for thousands of people from both in and out of our community. The hospital has a wonderful tradition of providing for the sick. Regardless of who you are or where you are from, you will receive the best medical assistance possible at the St. Helena Hospital. Mr. Speaker, for maintaining such a high standard of excellence and for healing our community for over 125 years, it is appropriate that we honor the St. Helena Hospital as they recognize their 125th anniversary.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to insist that accountability is built into the supplemental appropriations. My vote, as a matter of fact, will be contingent on inclusion of an accountability provision. The history of our Nation has proven that accountability is not only patriotic, it most often determines our greatest successes from our most tragic failures. That is why I support provisions included in the alternative proposal that require reporting on the funding for both the military and the reconstruction components of the bill. By meeting these critical reporting requirements, the administration would ensure the necessary flow of funds to our troops. Three weeks ago, I introduced legislation that would require similar accountability, and I am pleased that these protections are included in the alternative proposal. We have an opportunity today, Mr. Speaker, to regain an oversight voice that has been lost for too long in this House. It is our duty, our duty to the some 40,000 troops who are serving in combat without Kevlar inserts, our duty to their parents who have to send their sons and daughters the most basic of supplies, and it is our duty to the American taxpayers who are footing the bill, a duty to ensure that these funds are being spent in the most effective and in the most efficient way. I urge my colleagues to demand that accountability is part of this measure.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Washington for yielding me this time, and I also thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Cannon) and the gentleman from Washington for the opportunity to speak on this bill. I would also like to thank the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), and the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), for their help in finally resolving this long-standing problem. I want to mention to all of the Members that this bill was passed by this House unanimously last year. Unfortunately, it was part of the omnibus bill that never made it out of the other body. But as everyone has mentioned, this takes care of a problem that has been festering for quite some time over a disputed boundary line. This bill would convey 120 acres of National Forest Service property to a landowner, the owner of the Faraway Ranch, for fair market value. He would not only pay the fair market value for the land, but he would also pay all of the costs associated with the transfer and any surveying that needs to be done. Then the Forest Service will be able to take that money and purchase from willing sellers other property within the confines of this forest to allow them to better manage our incredibly valuable national resource. This is a good bill. It has no opposition and would take care of a long-standing problem. I would appreciate the support of all of my colleagues in making sure this is passed and signed into law.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Zuretti Goosby, Jr., an extraordinary citizen of Humboldt County, California who has devoted his life to public service. He is being honored for his dedication to the highest and best principles of our democracy and for his contributions to the community. Zuretti Goosby, Jr., who serves as Field Representative for State Senator Wesley Chesbro, has been a respected leader dedicated to empowering the economically disadvantaged. He was the Executive Director of the Redwood Community Action Agency which provides a broad spectrum of services to those in need. He has tirelessly committed his time, knowledge and considerable skills to enhancing health care services to those who are underserved and continues his service on various community policy and planning committees and boards of directors, including the Community Open Door Health Centers and St. Joseph's Hospital Advisory Committee. In addition, he served as President of the Board of the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center and Vice President of the Board of the Volunteer Center of the Redwoods Advisory Council. Zuey Goosby, former Executive Director of the Yurok Tribe, has devoted himself to protecting the civil and human rights of all people, recognizing that many of our fellow citizens are still victimized by racism and poverty. He continues to contribute his efforts on behalf of indigenous cultures. He is committed to protecting the natural resource treasures of Northern California. He is a member of the City of Eureka Trails Committee and a member of the Board of Governors of the North Coast Regional Land Trust, the Humboldt Arts Council, Mainstreet Media Project and the Arcata Community Recycling Center. A highly regarded member of the North Coast community, Zuey Goosby was born in Oakland, California and grew up in San Francisco. He and his late wife Sara came to Humboldt County and raised their two daughters, Jenckyn and Dara with care and devotion. He is a master gardener, kayaker and active walker. Zuey Goosby is being recognized this year for his outstanding contributions to the political process by the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee as the Democrat of the Year 2003. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Zuretti Goosby, Jr. for his unwavering commitment to the ideals and values that sustain our great country.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Napa City Paramedic Program as it celebrates its 25th anniversary of service to the community. In 1973 the standard level of care for emergency responders in Napa as in many communities throughout the nation, mirrored the advanced first aid training taught by the American Red Cross. Acknowledging a need for a higher standard of care, all Napa City Fire Department personnel were provided with EMT-1 training beginning in 1974. While this was seen as a positive first step, there was a recognized need for a full EMT/Paramedic Unit. In 1976 the Napa City Council submitted Ballot Measure C to voters to authorize a tax levy for paramedic services. Measure C was approved by a 2 to 1 margin in November 1976. The first four firefighters, Don Barstad, Steve Butter, Bob Putney and Kim Suenram received their paramedic training through Stanford University and graduated in 1978. The five other firefighters to receive their training in that inaugural season were Dave Mellow, Skip Rains, Jon Treebotich, Joe Baez and Tony Balsa, who were schooled in Southern California. As the call volume increased, so did the need for another paramedic unit. In 1992, the department decided that the most effective way to deliver paramedic services was by attaching them to engine companies rather than as a stand-alone unit. In 1994 three paramedic engine companies where put into service. In July 2003, the city's paramedic capability increased with the addition of a fourth paramedic engine. The new fire station for Engine Company 4 will open in January 2004. Mr. Speaker, in a city of 74,000 people where more than 60 percent of the emergency calls require paramedic intervention, the Napa City Paramedic Program provides an invaluable service to our community. It is therefore appropriate that these men and women be honored and acknowledged for their commitment to the well being of the citizens of Napa, California.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to Robert M. Lynch, the patriarch of one of California's premier publishing dynasties. Mr. Lynch passed away Sunday, September 21, 2003 in Sonoma, California with his family at his side. Bob Lynch was a treasure to our community and to his family. He was an old time newspaperman in the very best sense, who used the pages of the Sonoma Index Tribune to make his hometown a better place. There was nothing he relished more than crusading for the passage of a school bond measure, building new ball fields, constructing the senior center, the swimming pool at the high school or the boys and girls club. It was a role he played for 57 years. Bob's grandfather was editor and publisher of the Index Tribune from 1884-1915. His aunt Celeste took the reigns after that and Bob joined his aunt in Sonoma after graduation from high school. It was during this period that the newspaper business got into his blood but his plans were interrupted when he answered his country's call at the outset of World War II. Bob joined the Navy and spent 4 years in service away from his new bride, Jean and his beloved newspaper. Bob and Jean purchased the Index Tribune in 1946. During those early years, Bob did it all. He was the editor, publisher, reporter, photographer and even covered all the sports and society events. The paper flourished and grew under Bob's stewardship. One of his proudest moments was when his three sons joined the family business. This moment was only surpassed this year when two grandsons came on board. Though officially semi-retired, he still wrote a weekly column and all of the obituaries because he knew everybody in town. His newspaper won numerous State and national awards during his 57 years at the helm. He was also recognized by his peers on many occasions, most notably as the California Press Association's Newspaper Person of the Year for 1989, the California Press Association's Philip N. McCombs Achievement Award winner for 2003 and as one of the first three people inducted into the Sonoma County Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, Bob Lynch has had a long and distinguished career in journalism and it is appropriate that we honor him today. He has made his community a better place in which to live and has passed on his passion for the newspaper business to his sons and his grandsons. He leaves his wife of nearly 62 years, his sons, six grandchildren, two step grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He will be missed but his memory will live on forever in the pages of the Index Tribune.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate a great family tradition that has been taking place in St. Helena, CA for the last 30 years. This weekend the Raymond family celebrated their 30th annual ``crush'' at the Raymond Vineyard winery. The crush marks the annual harvesting of grapes and the beginning of the process of turning grapes into fine Napa Valley wine. Over the last 30 years three generations of Raymonds have worked extremely hard to build their small business into one of the true success stories of the Napa Valley. And along the way, they have produced some outstanding, award winning wines. Roy Raymond, Sr., arrived in the Napa Valley in 1933 and began his winery career as a cellar worker at Beringer Brothers Winery. After a distinguished career at Beringer, Roy Sr. and his two sons, Roy Jr. and Walter, decided it was time to start making wine under the Raymond name. So in 1974, with a small, metal farm shed serving as a winery, and an office and tasting room in their backyard pool house, the Raymonds held their very first crush of grapes that became their first vintage of 1974 wine. It may have been a small beginning, but big things are happening at the Raymond winery. Today the winery is producing 300,000 cases of premium wine each year. Roy Jr.'s son, Craig, and Walter's daughter, Chrissie, are the third generation of Raymonds working hard to build on the family's success. The hard work and determination of all of the Raymonds has made them one of the real leaders of our Napa Valley community. Mr. Speaker, I want to salute Roy Jr., Walter, Craig and Chrissie Raymond for carrying on the great traditions of their family business. Roy Sr. is no longer alive, but I know he would be extremely proud of his family to see the Raymond Vineyard winery going strong as it marks its 30th crush. I congratulate all of the Raymonds on reaching this great milestone and look forward to celebrating many more with them.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Niels Chew, President and CEO of Dowling Miner Magnetics as the third recipient of the Sonoma Valley Business of the Year award. Mr. Chew purchased Dowling Miner Magnetics, a company that produces industrial, educational and toy magnets, in 1967 when it was a one-man operation. It has since grown to a more than $6 million business with more than 45 employees. Not only has Mr. Chew run a very successful business that has provided many jobs to people in our community, including a significant number of persons with disabilities, but he has also been a tireless community volunteer. He has served as a trustee of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, a member of the board of the Sonoma Overnight Shelter and is a past president of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Chew currently serves as a board member of the El Nido Teen Center, the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation, the Sonoma Plaza Kiwanis Club and is a mentor with the Stand By Me mentoring program. He and his wife, Susan, are ardent supporters of Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH), contributing their time, talent and financial assistance to this community organization. Mr. Speaker, Niels Chew is a man of remarkable talent and commitment and it is therefore appropriate for us to honor him today as he has been selected by his peers to be Sonoma Valley's Businessman of the Year.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize California's 2003 Outstanding Older Worker, Edith Burch. A youthful and vigorous 81, Ms. Burch is the owner and operator of Capital Business Services in the City of Napa and often works well in excess of 60 hours a week. Ms. Burch learned her work habits early. She grew up on a farm in Pendleton, IN, and her first job, at age 6, was to pull a wagon of water to the workers in the field. When her family moved into town when she was 18, she found a job at the local bank. She worked at the bank until she married her husband, George, a World War II veteran of the South Pacific campaigns. Together they purchased a jewelry store, which they ran successfully until family tragedy forced them to sell the business and move in with her husband's parents in Napa. Her father-in-law taught Ms. Burch and her husband accounting and they opened Capital Business Services in 1957 in her in-law's spare bedroom. Ms. Burch has managed the business continuously since then. Ms. Burch and her husband had to adapt to the rapid advances in the accounting field with the advent of personal computers. Since many small businesses began using personal computers to do their own bookkeeping, Ms. Burch moved her company into tax preparation, and estate, nonprofit and corporate returns and IRS audits. She passed the Enrolled Agent Exam at age 57, which allowed her to practice before the IRS. To keep her license current, she has to have 80 hours of continuing education every 3 years, but to stay current with the changing tax laws, she earns many more continuing education credits than the minimum requirement. In addition to her long hours of work, Ms. Burch also finds time to volunteer with her church and its preschool, Soroptomist International, Meals on Wheels, battered women's programs, special needs scholarships and single moms. She and her husband, who passed away 5 years ago, helped start the first Boys and Girls Club in Napa. Mr. Speaker, Edith Burch is a woman of exceptional talent, energy and dedication to our community. It is therefore appropriate for us to honor her today as California's Outstanding Older Worker.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker. I was not present for rollcall votes 506, 507, and 508, held earlier this afternoon on the Charitable Giving Act (H.R. 7). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on the Cardin Substitute (No. 506). I would have voted ``yes'' on the Motion to Recommit (No. 507). I would have voted ``yes'' on Final Passage (No. 508).

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sadness regarding the recent passing of a leader in our community, James George Leathers. Born in San Francisco on September 4, 1918, Jim passed away on Monday, September 1, 2003, with his wife Dorothy Worth Leathers and his family by his side in Woodland, California. Jim graduated from the University of California at Davis in 1939. After successfully beginning both their farming operation and their family, Jim and Dorothy built their dream home in Woodland in 1950, planted their garden and joined the community. Jim and Dorothy had 5 sons and 1 daughter and were blessed with 20 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Jim was loved in Woodland for his unstinting community dedication. His service encompassed youth activities, both sports and scouting and included the chairmanship of the Woodland Memorial Hospital Foundation board. He dedicated himself to the agricultural community as well and was instrumental in forming the Farmers Rice Cooperative and the California Rice Research Committee. In 1968 he was named the Agriculture Businessman of the Year for Yolo County and later served for 5 years on the California Air Resources Board during the Jerry Brown administration. Mr. Speaker, Jim's generosity and example of service inspires us all and it is appropriate that we celebrate and honor his life. He will be missed in our community but his dedication to others and his life example will never be forgotten.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize two extraordinary humanitarians from my congressional district whose philanthropic efforts will ensure that hundreds of individuals and families in our Napa Valley will not go to bed hungry tonight. On September 6th, our community will be celebrating the 10th Annual Hands Across the Valley benefit to raise critical funds for local safety net food programs. This extremely successful event which has meant the difference between food and hunger for many Napa County residents would not exist if it were not for the vision and hard work of Donna and Giovanni Scala. What began in their kitchen at their world-renowned restaurant Bistro Don Giovanni ten years ago has blossomed into a national role model that has raised over $1.3 million for our community's most vulnerable members. Donna and Giovanni have made countless contributions toward improving the community they are so much a part of and love. It seems that every time there is a need, they are there with a donation. None, however, have been as significant and far-reaching than their efforts regarding this annual event. Mr. Speaker, I was honored to take part in the first Hands Across the Valley event in 1994 when we tossed pizzas in the Scala's kitchen for 500 guests and raised $30,000. Thanks in large part to Donna and Giovanni's continued support, this year's event is expected to be bigger and more successful than ever before, with nearly 2,000 guests and volunteers working together to raise more than $200,000 to ensure none of our neighbors are without food. Donna and Giovanni Scala put their heart and soul into this event because they understand its importance. They know that not everyone has shared in our nation's prosperity. They understand that nearly half of those seeking assistance from Napa's food pantries and soup kitchens are children and that nearly one out of every three families seeking help does not have an oven or a refrigerator. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is fitting and appropriate to honor the commitment and integrity that Donna and Giovanni Scala have given our community for so many years. We are all better off because of their efforts.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is, with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to Chula Mori, who died at St. Helena Hospital in Angwin, California, March 28, 2003. Chula, a treasured member of Napa County, California, died at the age of 55 after a courageous battle with cancer. Chula was diagnosed with breast cancer 21 years ago, and then in June 2002, with brain, liver and lung cancer. As Head Teacher in the Napa County Office of Education's Napa Child Development Center, Chula dedicated her life to educating young children. An extraordinary teacher and a kind-hearted, loving person, Chula was also someone her students could trust and depend on. One of her great joys was when former students, grown with children of their own, would rush up to give her hugs when they would run in to her out in the community. Many of the students enrolled in the Napa Child Development Center come from broken homes and disadvantaged circumstances. Though just preschoolers, Chula's students often carried the weight of neglect and discouragement on their small shoulders. Often, Chula's class served as a port in the storm. She made her students feel safe, loved and appreciated. For over 27 years Chula educated the kids in our community. Yet, ironically, I believe the greatest lessons she taught may have been outside the classroom. Lying in a hospital bed at St. Helena Hospital in Angwin, California, Chula was an incredible example to her friends and loved ones of how to live and how to die with dignity. Mr. Speaker, Chula's influence is easily seen throughout our community. Whether on the faces of her own two children and three grandchildren or in the hearts of countless former students, Chula's impact can never be erased nor will it fade. Those of us who knew her well are better because we knew her well. For these reasons and countless others it is appropriate at this time that we recognize and honor Chula Mori, who lived her life as a blessing to others.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and I do not intend to object, however, I would like to yield to the gentleman to explain his unanimous consent request.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I yield to the gentleman from Nevada.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the American Political Science Association (APSA) Congressional Fellowship Program. The APSA Congressional Fellowship Program is a nine-month highly selective, nonpartisan, legislative working experience where fellows gain experience as legislative assistants on personal or committee staffs and attend educational seminars and trips to the Canadian Parliament and the Maryland State House. The program exposes the inner workings of the legislative process to professionals from academia, journalism, government agencies, health care and foreign countries and, through them, to the broader public. It likewise exposes us as Members of Congress to their outside expertise and fresh perspectives on important public policy issues. I have been honored to host two APSA fellows in my office during the course of my three terms in the House of Representatives. Wanda Meyer- Price, a federal agency fellow from the Central Intelligence Agency, served in my office in 2002. Matthew Hicks, a journalism fellow from national technology magazine eWEEK, is serving this year. Both acted as full members of my staff, advising me on important legislative issues. On a personal note, I understand the importance of fellowship programs because my exposure to the legislative process began in 1983 as a fellow in the California Assembly Fellowship Program. Fellowship programs like the APSA Congressional Fellowship Program strengthen our democracy by fostering a broader and deeper understanding of the Congress and its legislative processes. Mr. Speaker, let us recognize the APSA Congressional Fellowship Program and its 1,800 alumni for their contributions to the legislative work on this floor and to furthering vital participation in the democratic process.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Napa Valley Opera House, as this venue returns to life after 89 years of being closed to our community. Built in 1879 and now a national historic landmark, the Napa Valley Opera House was the center of community life during its heyday, playing host to luminaries such as Jack London, John Philip Sousa and the legendary soprano Luisa Tetrazzini. Vaudeville shows, masquerade balls and temperance rallies were regular fare. But the hall went dark in 1914, a victim of changing times. As late as the 1980s, the building had reached such a state of dilapidation that it was on the verge of being condemned. The grand reopening marks the successful completion of a grassroots preservation campaign that began 30 years ago and ultimately saved the structure from the wrecking ball. The fundraising effort started in earnest in 1986, and received a vital boost 11 years later, when Robert and Margrit Mondavi put forward a $2.2 million challenge grant. To acknowledge the importance of that gift, the main hall has been named the Margrit Biever Mondavi Theatre. Indeed Mr. Speaker, the return of this dais represents a rebirth of artistic culture that will help bind our community together. Theatre arts no longer shall be rendered a relic of the past but will be celebrated as an institution of the present; binding young and old, and linking those with artistic passion to those who have long forgotten it. It is not enough for a community anywhere in this great nation to teach the basics of art through the schools. The arts must be actively practiced in the community to make life richer and less confined by a lack of expression that satisfies the soul. In turn the community should never turn its back and allow those institutions that have so enriched their community to crumble to dust. Truly this is a community that will not let the arts languish in such a way any longer. The Napa Valley Opera House will be a venue dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the theatre arts where it is most important, in our children. The development of a children's series in the theatre that often incorporates hands on experience will give youngsters confidence in their inherent creativity. Fomenting the imagination through positive outlets such as this can only lead to a well-rounded pool of experience in personal expression. Mr. Speaker, the Napa Valley Opera House will be once again an integral part of the cultural landscape of our First Congressional District and a true treasure for the people of California. It is therefore appropriate that we acknowledge and honor the Napa Valley Opera House, and the hundreds of voices who have contributed to the legacy and success of this organization.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it has been 802 days since President Bush and the Republican Party embarked on their economic plan for our country. During that time, the national debt has increased by $1,81,528,804,140. According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, yesterday at 4:30 p.m. eastern standard time, the Nation's outstanding debt was $6,721,854,190,498. Furthermore, in fiscal year 2003, interest on our national debt, or the debt tax, is $277,768,492,816 through June 30.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert P. ``Bobby'' Koch and congratulate him on his recent promotion to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Wine Institute. Bobby is no stranger to many of us. He has long been the voice of the Wine Institute here on Capitol Hill, and prior to that he was an employee of this body, serving Representatives Coelho and Gephardt, ending his service in this House as Mr. Gephardt's Chief of Staff. It is a clear sign of Bobby's ability that the Board of Directors of the Wine Institute did not hesitate to appoint him to replace John DeLuca as President and Chief Executive. I know that they will not be disappointed that they have put their trust in Bobby's capable hands. The wine business is a $33 billion a year industry in California and it is a crucial part of the state's economy. An industry this large needs a clear, united voice both here in Washington and across the country, and I know that the Wine Institute will continue to provide this voice under Bobby's leadership. Bobby will always be the first person I turn to when I need to know the viewpoint of the industry. Bobby has not limited his contributions to California's wine industry. He has been an active member of his community for many years. Bobby is a member of the USDA Agricultural Policy Committee for Trade, and also serves on the Boards of the National Commission Against Drunk Driving, the Council on American Politics at George Washington University, the Congressional Wine Foundation, and the California State Society. He has also worked tirelessly to raise millions of dollars for worthy causes, including efforts to cure Crohn's disease and colitis and the National Children's Hospital. He has managed to accomplish all of this at the same time that he and his wonderful wife, Doro Bush Koch, have raised a family of four great children. I am sure that he considers his family to be his greatest accomplishment of all. Mr. Speaker, it is truly a pleasure for me to be able to honor the accomplishments of Bobby Koch, a great leader for the Wine Institute and a dear friend as well. I wish him many more years of success as he takes on this exciting and challenging new role.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks) for yielding me this time and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) for bringing forward this amendment. I rise in support of this amendment, and I want to emphasize that this amendment is not anti-agriculture. This amendment is pro-water conservation. The water situation in the Klamath Basin is in bad straits. We are oversubscribed in the Klamath Basin and, as a result, last year some 38,000 salmon, adult-spawning salmon in the lower Klamath Basin, were killed because of the oversubscription, the drought, and the extreme water problems that impact the entire Klamath Basin. This amendment will provide more water for fish without harming agriculture. The Klamath Basin water problems are not insurmountable. We can fix them. But it is going to require that all parties take a seat at the table and show a willingness to work towards a solution. I would encourage all, those who are opposed to this and those who are in support of it, to come together, finally come together, join forces and attempt to fix this problem. I think this amendment is a step in that direction. It frees up a lot of water that can be used to mitigate the environmental problem that led to the death of some 38,000 fish, the largest fish kill in the history of this country.