Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3334, the Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters and Visitors Center Designation Act. First, let me thank the distinguished gentleman from Utah, the Chairman of the Resources Committee, and the distinguished gentleman from West Virginia, the Ranking Member of the Resources Committee, for their efforts in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to recognize the distinguished Chairman and Ranking Member of the Fisheries, Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans Subcommittee for their hard work in moving this important legislation forward. I introduced this legislation to honor the memory of one of my constituents, Richard J. Guadagno, who perished aboard United Flight 93. Rich was the manager of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and devoted his life to the preservation of wildlife. This legislation will designate the Headquarters and Visitors Center of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge as the Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters and Visitors Center. As we know, the passengers aboard Flight 93 undoubtedly saved hundreds, if not thousands, of lives by thwarting the disastrous intent of the terrorists. Rich had a law enforcement background that would have aided him in his convictions and his desire to prevent an even greater tragedy. All Americans, especially those of us who work at the U.S. Capitol, have these brave individuals to thank for preventing terror on September 11th, 2001. Rich was also a hero to all those who care about wildlife and the environment. Rich began a career in public service as a biologist at the New Jersey Fish and Game Department and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Before joining the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, he worked at the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware, Supawna Meadows National Refuge in New Jersey, and the Baskett Slough and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. Colleagues in the Fish and Wildlife Service consistently commended his courage and dedication to conservation and protecting biological diversity. As refuge manager at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, he led with a vision that his colleagues embraced and admired. He always kept the best interests of the refuge at heart, and he enthusiastically worked to improve the condition of the refuge. When Rich, 38, boarded Flight 93, he was leaving Newark, New Jersey after visiting his family and his grandmother on her 100th birthday. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill today, so that we may be assured his memory will live on, especially in the proud hearts and minds of his family and friends. All Americans will join his parents Jerry and Beatrice Guadagno, his sister Lori Guadagno, and his fiancee Diqui LaPenta in remembering Rich as a true hero. Mr. Speaker, Richard Guadagno worked his entire life to make the world a better place for all of us. He was truly a great American. Please join me in passing this legislation, so that Rich Guadagno and his tremendous successes in life will always be remembered.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Diane Carey Woodruff, who is retiring after 13 years of service with Napa Valley College. She joined the campus in 1988 and served as Vice President of Instruction and Student Services for five years. In 1992 she was selected President of the College, the first and only woman to achieve this honor in the school's 60-year history, and has served her community with distinction. Under her leadership, a second campus was built, as were four other buildings at the main campus, the Child Care Center, the Community Education Center, the Trefethen Family Viticultural Center, and the Napa Valley Vintners Teaching Winery. The latter two facilities were 100 percent funded through community contributions. President Woodruff also successfully persuaded employers in the community to fund five faculty positions. During her tenure, the Napa Valley College Foundation became one of the top ten community colleges foundations in California in terms of providing mini grants, equipment, scholarships, and an endowed chair to the college. President Woodruff also developed a ``Naming Opportunities Program'' to develop new programs and to increase financial support for the college. The Belle Rhodes Teaching Kitchen, the Elizabeth Brereton Conference room, the Jess and Mary Doud Distance Learning Center, the Virginia Murdoff Counseling Center, and the Ann Marie Koropkin Student Center have all benefited under her leadership. President Woodruff has received recognition from the community for her work to increase diversity on campus, including the Award of Merit from Napa County Landmarks for her leadership in establishing the Native American Dedication Garden at the Upper Valley Campus. Among her innovations, she developed programs in paralegal services, viticulture, computer networking, culinary arts and a Fish and Game Academy. She also developed and implemented a comprehensive technology plan to better serve the students, faculty, and staff, including on- line non-credit classes and live interactive classes between the two Napa Valley campuses. President Woodruff has also been an active participant in the community with such organizations as Napa Rotary, Leadership Napa Valley, the Culinary Institute of America, the Napa Valley Opera House, Queen of the Valley Hospital, the Napa Chamber of Commerce and the Napa Valley Symphony. Mr. Speaker, President Diane Carey Woodruff has served her college and her community tremendously well. Therefore, it is appropriate that we honor her today for her many contributions and wish her well in her retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to honor the memory of one of my constituents who perished on United Flight 93, Richard J. Guadagno. Rich was the manager of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and devoted his life to the preservation of wildlife. This legislation will designate the Headquarters and Visitors Center of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge as the Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters and Visitors Center. As we know, the passengers aboard Flight 93 undoubtedly saved hundreds, if not thousands, of lives by thwarting the disastrous intent of the terrorists. Rich had a law enforcement background that would have aided him in his convictions and his desire to prevent an even greater tragedy. All Americans, especially those of us who work at the U.S. Capitol, have these brave individuals to thank for preventing further terror on September 11th, 2001. Rich was also a hero to all those who care about wildlife and the environment. Rich began a career in public service as a biologist at the New Jersey Fish and Game Department and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Before joining the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, he worked at the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware, Supawna Meadows National Refuge in New Jersey, and the Baskett Slough and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuges in Oregon. Colleagues in the Fish and Wildlife Service consistently commended his courage and dedication to conservation and protecting biological diversity. As refuge manager at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, he led with a vision that his colleagues embraced and admired. He always kept the best interests of the refuge at heart, and he enthusiastically worked to improve the condition of the refuge. When Rich boarded Flight 93, he was leaving Newark, New Jersey after visiting his family and his grandmother on her 100th birthday. His memory will live on in the proud hearts and minds of his family and friends. All Americans will join his girlfriend, Diqui LaPenta, his sister Lori Guadagno, his parents Jerry and Beatrice Guadagno in remembering Rich as a true hero. Mr. Speaker, Richard Guadagno worked his entire life to make the better place for all of us. He was truly a great American. Please join me in passing this legislation, so that Rich Guadagno and his tremendous successes in life will always be remembered.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Napa Valley Vintners Association for its years of dedication to the people of Napa Valley. Established in 1943, The Napa Valley Vintners Association began as an association of 195 wineries dedicated to the art and practice of winemaking. For more than 50 years the Association has maintained a sense of partnership, priding itself on helping to make Napa Valley the premier wine-growing region in the world. However, their pride and excellence in winemaking is equaled by the dedication they have for the community of Napa Valley. Over the last 20 years, the Napa Valley Vintners Association has donated more than $20 million to community ventures to advance projects in health care, housing and youth organizations. They have given over $4 million to the Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation alone, and are considered by the Foundation to be a key reason why the hospital can provide state- of-the-art medical care throughout Northern California. Because of the generosity of the Vintners Association, Queen of the Valley Hospital has been able to build two new nursing towers, purchase two linear accelerators, renovate the Emergency Center and Critical Care Unit, and acquire state-of-the-art cancer diagnostic equipment. They have also donated to the Queen's Care for the Poor Programs. Recently, the Hospital was able to acquire a Vascular Laboratory, a light speed CT scanner, a new Radiology and Fluoroscopy Room and renovate their Maternity Center. Such support has helped to make Queen of the Valley Hospital one of the best small hospitals in the United States. The benefits of the strong partnership between the Napa Valley Vintners Association and the Queen of the Valley Hospital are evident. Many members of the Association have served on the Hospital's Board of Trustees. These members include prominent figures in the wine industry such as Brother Timothy Deiner, Robert Mondavi, Michael Mondavi, Louis Martini, Carolyn Martini, Jack Cakebread, Jay Courley, Dennis Groth, Marc Mondavi, Julie Johnson-Williams, Tom Shelton, Janet Trefethen, Ed Farver, Otto Beringer, Walter Klenz, Marilouise Kornell, Bruce Markham and Thomas May. Mr. Speaker, the wealth of generosity the Napa Valley Vintners Association has bestowed upon the Napa community is abundant. At this time, when our sense of community is heightened, I ask that we honor and recognize the tremendous dedication the Napa Valley Vintners Association has shown the citizens of Napa Valley and our country.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to recognize Jim Gallagher, who is retiring after 33 years of public service with the Sonoma County Assessor's Office. Mr. Gallagher joined the Assessor's Office in May of 1968. After fully familiarizing himself with every aspect of the office, he ran for County Assessor in 1986. He did such an outstanding job during his first term in office that he ran unopposed in 1990, 1994 and 1998. During his tenure as County Assessor, the office graduated from manual processing of documents to electronic processing. Through his leadership, he ensured that the department was always on the leading edge of electronic technology. He and his staff created a public service program that earned them the reputation as ``Being the Exception to the Public's Perception of Government Service.'' In addition to his duties as County Assessor, Mr. Gallagher has been an active participant in a multitude of community organizations, including the Sonoma County Foster Parents Association, the Sonoma County Mental Health Organization, the Catholic Youth Organization, the Santa Rosa Democratic Club, the Young Men's Institute, the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, the Sonoma County Real Estate Appraisers Association, the California Assessors Association and the Knights of Columbus, among others. Mr. Gallagher is the proud father of Theresa, Heidi, Jeanne-Marie and Brian and the grandfather of Todd and Trevor. Mr. Speaker, because of Jim Gallagher's innovative approach to county government, his many contributions to his community and his devotion to his family, it is appropriate that we honor him today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great reluctance that I vote in support of the antiterrorism legislation that was debated in the House today. What began as a collaborative and bipartisan process, has become a clandestine and highly partisan catastrophe. My intention today, was to support H.R. 2975, the PATRIOT Act that was given thoughtful consideration and resulted in a well- crafted compromise. To my great regret, however, partisan procedures and pressures kept the House of Representatives from passing this legislation. Instead, the House took up a modified version of the Senate passed Uniting and Strengthening America Act. With some adjustments by the House leadership, the legislation contains many important provisions to ensure that the intelligence and law enforcement communities can do their jobs. The bill makes changes to intelligence and surveillance laws to account for advances in technology. It also strengthens penalties for money laundering and possession of biological agents for a suspected terrorist. But I am concerned that the legislation fails to create a watchdog position within the Department of Justice to monitor intelligence and law enforcement activities enacted by this new law. It also abandons the original two-year sunset, to a sunset of up to five years depending upon presidential preference. I believe that a five-year period is too lengthy, and support a sunset period of up to three years to ensure that civil liberties are protected, while intelligence and law enforcement officials do their jobs. Let me be very clear: I voted for the revised antiterrorism legislation today to ensure that the horrendous events of September 11th are never repeated. I am offended by the process but am compelled by the circumstances in which we live today. I believe that in the days ahead, the House and Senate conference committee will work to craft a compromise measure that the American people can fully support. In this new day of extraordinary circumstances, the impossible became a reality. Consequently, decisive action is necessary to prevent future acts of terrorism on the United States.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous contributions of a good friend, Laurel Groshong. After serving the citizens of California for thirty-two years, Laurel is retiring from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) on Friday, September 28th, 2001. Shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree from UCLA in 1968, Laurel began her career in public service as an Employment Trainee in the Van Nuys, California office of EDD. Moving up the ladder at EDD, in 1972 she transferred to the Canoga Park EDD office as an ES Officer 11. In 1982, she moved her family to Northern California to take over the Lakeport EDD office as the Assistant Field Office Manager. Then, in 1992, former Governor Pete Wilson appointed Laurel to represent California on special assignment in Washington DC for six months covering labor and employment legislation. Upon her return to Lakeport, she was promoted to Field Office Manager where she has served with distinction until her official retirement. Along with two close friends, Laurel decided in 1995 to return to graduate school all the while managing an office and taking care of her family. In 1998, she proudly received her Masters Degree in Behavioral Sciences with an emphasis on negotiation and conflict management that has assisted her greatly in the past three years. Laurel's peers have recognized her with numerous awards for outstanding teamwork, including Outstanding Employer Advisory Committee Coordinator, positive impact quality management, job training partnership training, and EDD division teamwork. The awards she has received reflect upon her dedication to her hometown of Lakeport. She has always shown a strong sense of public service in the tremendous amount of time and resources that she donates to a variety of community organizations and causes. I have had the pleasure of knowing Laurel both professionally and personally for more than a decade. Throughout my tenure in public office, both as a California State Senator and now as Congressman, she has been a friend that I could turn to for sound advice and counsel on employment issues. Mr. Speaker, as we honor Laurel Groshong for her outstanding career in public service, please join me in extending the best wishes from the members of the 107th Congress to her upon retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 125th anniversary of Beringer Vineyards, located in St. Helena, Napa Valley, California. Beringer Vineyards was founded in 1876, when Jacob Beringer and his brother, Frederick purchased a twenty-eight acre vineyard for $14,500. One hundred and twenty-five years later, the winery is worth in excess of $1.5 billion and is the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley. Beringer was not only a pioneer in the California wine industry, it is also a significant factor in the Napa Valley's emergence as one of the world's premier wine-growing regions. Today, Beringer Vineyards continues its extraordinary tradition of viticulture innovation and winemaking expertise to consistently produce the highest quality wines. Mr. Speaker, Beringer Vineyards not only produces outstanding wines, but its generosity in the community is unsurpassed. Beringer supports numerous important charities, including civic organizations and youth groups throughout Napa Valley and the State of California. This year, the majority of its donations are being made to Napa Valley Health Charities, which provides critically needed health care services to low-income persons. To commemorate this important occasion, Winemaster Ed Sbragia, who is celebrating his 25th year as Winemaster at Beringer, has produced a very special 1997 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the original ``Home Vineyard.'' As evidence of Beringer's continued tradition of excellence, Mr. Sbragia is the world's only winemaker to have both a red and a white wine named as Wine Spectator magazine's ``#1 Wine of the Year.'' Mr. Speaker, Beringer was where I worked as a young man and I am particularly proud of this tremendous organization. At this time, it is appropriate that we honor and congratulate Beringer Vineyards for its many successes and contributions to our Napa Valley community for the past 125 years.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous contributions of the Land Trust of Napa County over the past 25 years. The Land Trust has experienced great success since two of its founders, F.S. (Si) and June Foote, realized their hopes of preserving the environmental identity of the Napa Valley. In 1976, Harry Tranmer, Vic Fershko, John Whitridge joined the Footes as founding board members just as other land trust organizations were beginning to have success across the nation. From its humble roots in the Footes' living room, the Land Trust of Napa County has now become a model for land trusts around the country. The Land Trust achieved great success because of the hard work of its members and the dedication of people in Napa County to protect and enrich the environment in which they live. The first piece of land donated to the Land Trust was a 640-acre parcel on Mt. George in eastern Napa. Since then, the Land Trust has succeeded in securing over 25,000 acres of land for future generations of residents in the Napa Valley. At a time when commercial and residential development of land is destroying the natural characteristics of agricultural lands and open space, the Land Trust has been instrumental in preserving the Napa Valley's unique beauty and heritage. In addition to purchasing land, the Land Trust works to monitor and enforce programs for conservation easements. Its monitoring program, for which it has recently hired an Easement Monitoring Coordinator, is used by organizations in the Bay Area, across California, nationwide to develop a standard monitoring and enforcement process. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the Land Trust of Napa County's 25th Anniversary, I would like to recognize its outstanding contributions to our generation and future generations in the Napa Valley.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, tonight I will vote to support our efforts to stop terrorism. This is going to be a difficult vote for me. Since early in 1970, when I stepped off an airplane in Vietnam and joined my infantry unit, it has been my dream and it has been my prayer that no American would ever again have to shed their blood nor give their life on foreign soil. As a Member of Congress, I never dreamed of voting to send our American men and women into combat, but then I never dreamed I would be calling the mother and the father of a young man from Eureka, California, in my district, who was on board one of those hijacked airplanes on September 11. This past Tuesday, terrorists attacked America and they attacked the American people. They murdered thousands of Americans, and we must ensure that we do all in our power to end terrorism and to stop the terrorists from striking again. Our country is great because the people of our country are great, and we will, we will, with resolve, stand together to protect our freedom.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it took only a matter of minutes to forever change our nation. The worst fears of a free society have come true, and we will live with both the physical as well as the emotional scars from this tragedy for years to come. Today is a day for rescue, grieving and investigation. We must do everything within our power to help the rescue efforts in New York City and at the Pentagon and to extend a compassionate hand to the victims' families. The victims include not only the thousands who responded to save lives only to become victims themselves. As a nation, we took immediate steps yesterday to limit the scope of devastation: we sealed off airspace, closed federal buildings and heightened security across the country. Today we continue to safeguard against the residual threats posed by these horrific events. Yet, a nation whose people are truly free to travel and communicate will always be vulnerable to terrorist attacks. We need to investigate all the facts of yesterday's events so we can determine who is responsible for this insidious action and respond appropriately. As federal agencies and other government offices work together, we can begin to match questions with answers. We must make every effort to prevent this type of tragedy from occurring again. I have every faith that in this time of crisis and mourning, the world will see that the American spirit of resilience remains undeterred. Yesterday our nation came together as a united family. Today, that bond remains stronger than ever. My heart and prayer are with the injured, the victims, and all their families.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Brigadier General Thomas P. Kane, Commander of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California, upon his reassignment to NATO's Allied Command Europe as Deputy Director of the Reaction Force Air Staff in Kalcar, Germany. As Commander of the 60 AMW, General Kane was responsible for the combined efforts of all operations and support activities associated with the worldwide air mobility mission and responsible for ensuring the readiness and well being of the installation's active duty, reserve and civilian personnel and their families. Aircraft and personnel under General Kane's command have responded to combat efforts and humanitarian relief efforts worldwide. Travis Air Force Base and its personnel have flourished under General Kane's command. He has been a tireless advocate for decent, affordable housing, successfully obtaining an increase in the Basic Allowance for Housing allotment for Travis personnel. He has also been one of the driving forces in the countywide Affordable Housing Task Force to pursue alternative sources of funding for off-base housing. Through his leadership, the base, working in partnership with Pride Industries, has launched a website to assist the base population in their efforts to locate affordable housing. General Kane organized a group of key individuals to help implement his vision of privatizing the museum at Travis Air Force Base as the Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum. The fundraising phase of this project was inaugurated this summer. In 2000, the 60th Air Mobility Wing won the coveted Solano Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best active duty wing in the 15th Air Force. General Kane is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and holds advanced degrees from the Naval War College and the University of Southern California. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal with device, National Defense Service Medal with device and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Mr. Speaker, Brig. General Thomas P. Kane is a true patriot and distinguished American who has devoted himself to the service of our country. It is appropriate that we honor him today by expressing our gratitude for his dedication and wishing him well on his new NATO posting.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, along with my colleague from California, Ms. Lynn Woolsey, I wish today to recognize Community Baptist Church of Santa Rosa as this congregation celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding. A few African American families formed the hub of the church 50 years ago, which has since grown into a fully integrated congregation of 650 people, with three choirs, two youth groups, an on-site day care center, and a charter high school. The congregation's first pastor was The Reverend Washington E. Boyce, who was serving as the assistant pastor at the First Missionary Baptist Church in the neighboring County of Marin when he traveled north to Sonoma County to enlist the support of local residents in building a spiritual community. Community Baptist became an official congregation in 1951, and the first deacon, Curtis Wyatt, Jr., was ordained in 1952. The first church services were held in members' homes and in community buildings in Santa Rosa. The first church building officially opened in 1956. The Reverend James E. Coffee became the minister at Community Baptist Church in 1965 and has served the congregation for the past 36 years. Over the course of the past 50 years, the church has played a vital spiritual and cultural role in Sonoma County and has enriched the lives of thousands of people. The church is an active participant in the Hate-Free cities movement; has provided a home for self-help programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous; has initiated and maintains a four day annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration; has established and supports a community garden; has established and maintains a ministry of outreach to Lytton Ministries, a transition program for people trying to free themselves from addictions; and has established and supports the Second Sunday Morning Breakfasts, a forum for discussing, strategizing, and taking action on issues of civic, social and political importance. The church also has an active youth program. It founded and runs the Village Project, which helps forge positive adult child relationships and the Rites of Passage program to help adolescents transition into adulthood. The church has also established a Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship program and actively supports the 100 Black Men Mentoring program. Mr. Speaker, in honor of its vibrant history and traditions and its many contributions to Sonoma County, it is appropriate that we acknowledge today this pioneering congregation.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, along with my colleagues from Calfironia, Mr. George Miller and Mr. Ose, I wish today to recognize Donald R. Rowe, who is retiring this month following a long and distinguished career in county government. Mr. Rowe retires as the Director of the Solano County Health Services Department, a position he has held for the past twelve years. As Director, he had the overall administrative, budget and leadership responsibilities for 1,200 employees and an annual operating budget of $187 million. He was previously employed with the county from 1987 to 1989 as the Chief Executive Officer of Business and Personal Insurance Services. Mr. Rowe came to Solano County from Fresno County where he worked as the Solid Waste Coordinator, as both a Senior and Principal Administrative Analyst in the County Administrator's Office, as the Associate Director of Health and as the Director of Health. Mr. Rowe currently serves as Chair of the Solano Partnership Health Plan Board of Directors, which is one of five California health insurance organizations providing full service health maintenance coverage for the Medicaid population. He is a member of the Executive and Legislative Committees of the County Health Executives Association of California, the State of California Health Information for Policy Project Committee and a founding member of the Solano Coalition for Better Health, a community wide collaborative health planning and community action committee. Mr. Rowe holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Welfare from California State University, Fresno and a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of San Francisco. Mr. Speaker, because of Donald Rowe's many contributions to county government, and specifically to Solano County, it is proper for us to honor him today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, on August 2, 2001, I missed three votes on HR 2563 due to a family obligation. If I were available, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote 330, ``aye'' on rollcall vote 311, and ``nay'' on rollcall vote 332.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Andy and Betty Beckstoffer for being named St. Helena 2001 Citizens of the Year. As residents of St. Helena for over 25 years, they consistently contribute positively to my hometown. Two of my great friends, Andy and Betty Beckstoffer, have been at the helm of one of the most successful grape growing operations in the country. Beckstoffer Vineyards now owns and operates vineyards in Mendocino, Lake, and Napa counties, all three of which I am honored to represent in Congress. I admire the Beckstoffers for their success in the grape growing business and in community service. Andy has always been a leader in utilizing new technologies to increase the quality of wine grapes from Northern California. The highly respected winegrowing region in my district owes a lot of its success to the innovative style of Andy Beckstoffer. Betty Beckstoffer is currently a member of the board of the St. Helena Boys & Girls Club. She works tirelessly to improve the lives of the young people in the Napa Valley. Betty has been a real star in generating support for the Club--she has coordinated fundraising efforts to bring thousands of dollars to support the goal of aiding at- risk children. The Beckstoffers moved to my hometown, St. Helena, in 1975, the same year Andy became a founding director of the Napa Valley Grape Growers Association. Beckstoffer Vineyards came to life after Andy invested $7,500 to buy a small grape growing company in 1973. The company has grown under the care of the Beckstoffers to a company that now owns over 2500 acres of Northern California vineyards. Andy and Betty were married in 1960, and are the proud parents of five children. Our community and our country are fortunate to have citizens like the Beckstoffers promoting the wine industry and working to improve the lives of our nation's youth. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the achievements of Andy and Betty Beckstoffer. The town of St. Helena, the entire Napa Valley, and our nation should aspire to achieve the success of these two great Americans.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harlan Detlefsen, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, who practiced in Ferndale, Humboldt County, California for more than fifty years. His contributions to horse racing and the Humboldt County Fair will be celebrated on August 11, 2001 with the dedication of an historic barn in his memory. In his long association with the Humboldt County Fair, Dr. Detlefsen served as the track veterinarian, assistant veterinarian and volunteer. His lifelong support and service continued through the 2000 Humboldt County Fair. Highly esteemed in his community and by his colleagues for his dedication and commitment to the highest standards of veterinary practice, Dr. Detlefsen has left a distinguished legacy to his wife, Maxine, and to his daughters, Wendy Lestina, Candace Detlefsen, and Tonya Detlefsen. After his retirement, Dr. Detlefsen established himself in the Myers Flat area as an extraordinary horticulturist, providing County Fair personnel each year with a variety of fruits and vegetables from his Southern Humboldt gardens. The Humboldt County Fair Association and the Ferndale Jockey Club will dedicate the historic Assembly Barn, first built in 1928, to Dr. Detlefsen who helped prepare the facilities for the monitoring of racehorses in Fair competitions. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Harlan Detlefsen, DVM, for his outstanding service to his community.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have such a truly genuine servant and good friend lead us in today's opening prayer. Father John Brenkle--Monsignor John Brenkle--has humbly and effectively served our diocese for over 30 years and has been pastor at the St. Helena Catholic Church for nearly 20 years. He has worked tirelessly with local, State and Federal officials, housing advocates and the wine industry within the Napa Valley to improve farm worker housing in our area. In addition to St. Helena, Father Brenkle has served the diocese by leading two other parishes and serving as a school principal. He has been both a forceful presence and silent leader and has the respect and the admiration of our entire community regardless of their religious affiliation. I thank my colleagues for allowing him to lead us in prayer today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Flake substitute amendment and I do so because our current policy towards Cuba is a relic and it needs to be updated. It should be a priority of this Congress to change any program or any policy if it is deemed to be unsuccessful. Yet, we have allowed 40 years of unsuccessful public policy, and we have done next to nothing to improve it. One way to foster change is through this amendment of our colleague from Arizona. The amendment would prohibit Treasury funds from being used to regulate the travel of American citizens to Cuba. It would effectively open up Cuba's borders for the free world and for free world ideas. Mr. Chairman, when I came to Congress, it is fair to say that I was inclined to believe that we needed to reassess our relationship with Cuba. After visiting Cuba myself this year and meeting with the fantastic people of that country, I returned convinced that our policy is wrong. Americans want to travel to Cuba by an overwhelming 66 percent. Doing so will be good not only for the Cuban people and for Cuba, but it will be good for our country. Maintaining the status quo will do nothing to foster democracy in Cuba. We need to speak strongly today on the floor to reverse 40 years, 40 years of unsuccessful public policy. We need to tear down this travel ban, and we need to allow Americans to travel freely to other countries.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th Anniversary of the Open Door Community Health Centers. Open Door began in 1971 as a volunteer clinic providing health, legal and other social services. Their mission has always been to provide high quality, affordable health care to all without regard for financial, geographical, or social barriers. In its thirty-year tenure, Open Door has grown tremendously, presently operating eight community health centers in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Open Door provides quality care to 32,000 patients a year and employs 250 people. The Mobile Health program serves over thirty school and community sites, bringing care to remote areas that would otherwise remain underserved. In addition to providing two million dollars a year in free or reduced-fee services, Open Door has acted as an incubator for many new programs that have since become key service agencies for our community. Open Door has been instrumental in identifying the health needs of rural communities and in bringing them to the attention of state and federal legislators. The committed staff of the Open Door Community Health Centers strives daily to provide the utmost in quality care for our community. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize and honor their dedication on this 30th Anniversary of the Open Door Community Health Centers.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Cammarata as he retires from the Clearlake Chamber of Commerce. Frank, a true friend of mine, has served the people of Clearlake, California at the Chamber since 1994. He originally joined the Chamber after he retired in 1982 from a successful career in Italian Foods. During Frank's tenure working with the Clearlake community he has been instrumental in bringing light industry and jobs to the area. He has also helped establish a DMV office in Clearlake as well as a State Park and new community senior center. In addition, he has been credited with starting many events, such as the annual Lake County Wine Auction Gala, the city Jazz Festival, Christmas parade, and city hall tree lighting. He will also continue to work to bring Kaiser Health Plan to his community. His initiative and commitment is truly an asset to Lake County and an inspiration to our entire country. In recognition of his work for the community he was named Clearlake's Man of the Year and Grand Marshall for the Fourth of July parade in 1997. He was also named Lake County's Man of the Year in 1999 for his determination in making Clearlake ``the safest, friendliest town in California.'' This collection of awards is testimony to the value that Frank adds to the community of Clearlake. All citizens from Lake County have benefited from Frank's dedication and hard work. Frank's involvement in the program ``Toys for Kids'' has made the program into a tremendous success. Every Christmas, ``Toys for Kids'' delivers toys and clothing to over 400 low-income kids in Clearlake. Without Frank's energy and enthusiasm we would not be experiencing such great success in helping the children of our community. Frank and his wife, Alva, have been married for over 40 years. He has four children--Frank V, Chris, and twin daughters, Anna and Cindy--and eight grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Frank Cammarata for his contributions and unwavering service to the community of Clearlake. He is a model citizen whom we can all admire and emulate.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William Francis Landis, who died June 10, 2001 in Humboldt County, California at the age of ninety. Bill Landis was born in Oakland, California where he attended local schools. In 1939, he graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. He became a full time employee of the Bank of America, having worked for the bank part time while attending the university. After the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Bill Landis joined the United States Army and served in the Army Air Corps throughout World War II. When the war ended, Bill Landis returned to work at Bank of America. Before the war he had met his future wife, Marian Adele Anderson, of Ferndale, California. They married and settled in Hayward, California. After the birth of their sons, William, Jr. and James, Bill and Marian decided to move back to Humboldt County to raise their family. The family grew as three more children were born, Charles, Gary and Adele. Bill worked for the Arcata Plywood Company and was instrumental in organizing Local Union 2808. In 1962 he was elected 5th District Supervisor for the County of Humboldt and was a strong supporter of the establishment of the Redwood National Park. After his term as Supervisor, he served as business agent for the Humboldt County Employee Union for ten years. After his retirement, Bill Landis served as Senior Senator, advising the California Legislature on important senior issues. Actively involved at the Eureka Senior Center, he educated others about senior health concerns and advocated lowering the cost of prescription medications for low-income seniors. A fervent Democrat, a dedicated humanitarian, and a champion for senior citizens, Bill Landis has left a distinguished legacy to his children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize William Francis Landis 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 talk briefly about a problem, a serious problem, affecting the Klamath Basin in California and Oregon. The Klamath River was once the third largest producer of commercially fished salmon and steelhead in the United States of America. Today, the river's coho salmon are listed under the Endangered Species Act, and other fish stocks are in terrible shape. Since 1905, 80 percent of the Basin's wetlands have been lost to agriculture. While this has been good for agriculture, it has come at a tremendous cost. Since that time, we have seen massive decline in wildlife. The region's Native American tribes have suffered as a result and so have commercial and sport fishing industries and so have waterlife and waterfowl and those who rely on healthy stocks of the aforementioned. The commercial fishing industry that relied on the region for livelihood have suffered tremendously all up and down the California and Oregon coast. The region is still an important wetland habitat for the world's largest concentration of bald eagles and migratory birds along and throughout the Pacific Flyway. Mr. Speaker, we have to work together in a bipartisan manner using the best possible science. The problems in the Klamath Basin are not about the Endangered Species Act. The problems are not about farmers vs. wildlife. We should not derrivate the Endangered Species Act. Instead we should work with the best available science to find a solution to protect our remaining wildlife and at the same time protect the economic viability of the region. The bottom line is that we have over promised our water in that region. We need to work together on a bipartisan basis, with the farmers, tribes, fishermen and local communities to form a long-term solution for the Klamath region.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. However, I agree with my colleague from California that there is a serious problem in the Klamath Basin. This year a severe drought has further exacerbated the pressure on the fishing industry, tribal interests, the economic well-being of the farmers, and the waterfowl that use this very critical part of the Pacific Flyway. However, the underlying issue is an overcommitment of water in the Klamath Basin. The farmers in this region do need our assistance, and the Senate has already taken steps to provide immediate assistance to those farmers hurt by the drought this year. But we need to recognize that there is simply not enough water to meet all the current demand in the Klamath Basin. The answer to this problem is to work together across both State and party lines to using the best available science to come up with a solution that includes reducing water demands and at the same time helps farmers and tribes and conserves the region's fish and waterfowl habitat. These solutions would include enhancing the CRP, the WRP, and the WHIP programs in a way that promotes farming on a majority of the 200,000 acres in that region that are currently being farmed. There is growing support for this type of solution. In fact, there are nearly 100 farmers in the area that have already come forward and are willing to put up some 30,000 acres of their privately owned land to be able to achieve the success that we need to reach in that area. Mr. Chairman, let us turn to real, positive solutions in the Klamath and not decimate the National Marine Fisheries Service budget or the Endangered Species Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise on a point of order.