Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I look forward to working with the gentleman from California and the gentleman from Indiana to ensure final passage.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. First, I would like to commend the Committee on Ways and Means for bringing this measure to the floor. I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin) for their good work on this issue. Improving foster care is an important goal and providing transition assistance, as this bill does, is particularly important. Mr. Chairman, there is another way that we can improve foster care and that is to improve the training for prospective foster parents and to provide continuing training and education after the child is in that foster care parent's home. States have a variety of training programs, but there is no standard. They vary in the number of hours in which the training occurs and in the curriculum as well. Particularly interesting is the fact that the training of foster care parents is not expressly required in the States' plan submitted in order for the States to receive Federal funding to support their foster care programs. My amendment addresses and rectifies this situation. Working with a range of child advocacy groups, as well as the majority and the minority staff, this amendment before the committee focuses renewed attention on the need to improve foster care training and preparation. Such training is crucial. According to many observers, one of the largest crises facing the child welfare system is the inability to recruit qualified foster care parents as well as the ability of the system to retain those parents once they are found. In addition, in too many cases, foster children are not fully integrated into the their foster families. They are not recognized as individuals in the same way and in the same manner emotionally, educationally and economic needs as birth children, and as such, are treated as temporary tenants without the opportunity to develop and grow into self-sufficient young adults. To the extent foster parents' ill-preparedness is the cause, it can be overcome by improving training, counseling, and aid. To encourage the improvement of both preplacement training and training after a child's placement, this amendment requires States to expressly include in their State plan a certification that prospective parents are adequately prepared with the appropriate knowledge and the appropriate skills to provide for the needs of those children. In addition, the amendment requires States to certify that such preparation will be continued as necessary after the placement of the youngster. Improving the training of prospective foster parents will encourage more individuals and couples to accept children in the State's care. More parents will be better prepared to recognize and respond to the problems associated with these children. By continuing and improving the training of parents after the placement is made, fewer parents will decline future foster care placements. More important, children in foster care will be better cared for and better assisted in their transition to independent adulthood. Mr. Chairman, I urge the support of this amendment, and I again would like to thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut and the gentleman from Maryland and their staffs for their help in crafting this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin).

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to rise in support of the manager's amendment to AIR-21 and an item in that amendment that was included at my request. Specifically, I strongly support a study to be conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate the safety of using only automated weather observation systems for flight weather information. The Automated Surface Observing System, or ASOS, is a critical tool for observing and reporting flight weather information across the United States. Airports are ranked according to air traffic, occurrence of bad weather, distance to the next suitable airport, and other critical characteristics to assess specific needs. Most airports use the ASOS system and incorporate varying levels of human observation to augment the automatic system. However, those airports with low rankings are required to use only the ASOS system without support from human observers. The problem at Arcata-Eureka airport in my district, and in many areas across the country, is that the ASOS is not reliable enough to ensure flight safety at those airports with rapidly changing weather conditions. Those airports may not serve the number of aircraft necessary to warrant a higher weather service level, but the ASOS system still may not meet their safety needs. If ASOS is implemented according to the current rankings, many airports that regularly encounter sudden changes in visibility or wind conditions will be operating without the benefit of an on-site human observer. This study would require a re-evaluation of the airport weather rankings solely with regard to flight safety to guarantee reliable weather reporting at every airport nationwide. Mr. Chairman and members, I ask you to join me in supporting this amendment and improved safety at our nation's airports.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to recognize Louis ``Bob'' Trinchero, of St. Helena, California, who on June 9th will be presented the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) 1999 Wine and Restaurant Industry Achievement Award in San Francisco. For many years, Bob Trinchero has been a respected leader, both in the Napa Valley community as well as in our nation's wine industry. As a native St. Helenan, I am extremely proud of my good friend's outstanding accomplishments. Bob Trinchero, chairman and chief operating officer of Sutter Home Winery, started as a teenager at the family business washing wine barrels and shoveling grape pomace. After returning from service in the Air Force in 1958, he built the winery up from a ``real mom and pop operation'' to America's leading varietal wine producer. Today, he supervises all aspects of Sutter Home's operations, with particular emphasis on vineyard development and wine production. A past president of the Napa Valley Vintners Association and member of the Wine Institute board of directors, Bob is active in industry affairs and is often consulted by other vintners and the media for his commonsense analysis of important industry issues. He has made significant contributions in many areas of our community, including but certainly not limited to his efforts to improve health care services and affordable housing for farm workers. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is fitting and appropriate to honor the lifetime of service Bob Trinchero has given to his community, his state and his nation. Undoubtedly, there are many families in Napa County who are thankful each day for his tremendous work and generosity. Napa County is a prosperous community and its residents can point to Bob Trinchero's service as one reason for this prosperity. The ADL is a leading civil rights and human relations organization dedicated to combating prejudice, bigotry and discrimination, defending democratic ideals and safeguarding human rights. The ADL's 1999 Wine and Restaurant Industry Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating the highest values of corporate, civic and communal leadership. Mr. Speaker, ADL could not have selected a more worthy recipient of this award. I would like to personally commend Louis ``Bob'' Trinchero on his dedication and meritorious service to our community and our nation. I congratulate him on being presented the ADL's 1999 Wine and Restaurant Industry Achievement Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to recognize the Solano Coalition for Better Health (SCBH), which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary year. On June 5, SCBH kicked off its 10th Anniversary Celebration by hosting an Enrollment Day for the Solano Kids Insurance Program (SKIP), in an effort to promote free or low cost health insurance options for Solano County children, and it's fitting that we honor SCBH at this time for its many contributions to the community. SCBH is a nonprofit organization of health care administrators, government officials, local physicians, representatives from the business and educational communities, and neighborhood advocates. Its focus is to improve the health and quality of life in Solano County by sharing resources through effective partnerships. It is a nationally recognized model of public and private partnerships, creating system changes in the provision of care and services to promote and improve the health and safety of the people and their communities. SCBH works in a collaborative fashion and places high value on efforts that benefit the community, neighborhoods and people of Solano County, and meets the interests and needs of individuals and specific constituencies within the community. SCBH recognizes and values diverse communities, neighborhoods and people within Solano County and encourages their participation in improving the health of all county residents, through a multi-lingual network of health and social services providers, reflective of the population of Solano County in gender, sexual orientation, culture, ethnicity, and disability. SCBH is innovative in its approach to addressing the health needs of Solano County residents and is not adverse to taking risks for potential rewards. Further, it recognizes and values the unique importance of innovative approaches in responding to health issues that disproportionately impact ethnic communities. SCBH has initiated such unique programs as: (1) the Partnership HealthPlan of California, a public/private organization designed to provide a cost-effective method of health care delivery to Medi-Cal recipients in Solano County, which has now expanded to include Napa County (2) Healthier Solano Communities, an initiative that promotes wellness in each of Solano County's seven cities by creating or supporting a team in each city to look at issues in each city that impact health and wellness; identify one or more issues in each city that can be addressed; and, develop partnerships and plans to address those issues. (3) the Community Services Task Force, which includes volunteers who are service providers from public, private, County nonprofit, and community based organizations, and advocates for health and human services that are culturally, linguistically, geographically, physically, and financially accessible to all residents of Solano County. (4) Solano Health Improvement Initiative (SHII), which addresses the most critical indicators of health in the community, and has expanded countywide efforts to pursue strategies that address three initial goals: 1. All children will be healthy and ready to learn when they enter school. 2. Comprehensive prevention, early detection, and support services will be developed for individuals living with cancer in Solano County. 3. People with diabetes or at risk of diabetes will live well and independently in the community. In recognition of the SHII's outstanding cancer community outreach efforts, the U.S. Postal Service presented the first Prostate Cancer Awareness Stamp Dedication in California on June 5th at the SCBH's 10th Anniversary celebration. (5) SKIP which provides outreach efforts to enroll children in free or low cost health insurance options in Solano County. Mr. Speaker, SCBH participants are people who are personally committed and who dedicate their time, talent and knowledge to influence the organizations they represent to support the Coalition's mission. I commend them for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to recognize Joseph F. Posedel who is retiring as Business Manager of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 343 under the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry. In his 36 years with the union, Mr. Posedel has worked to create a solid foundation for Local 343. He joined the union in 1963 as a building trades apprentice. He became a trustee for the Trust Fund in 1970. Subsequently, he served as Vice President, President, Business Agent and Apprenticeship Coordinator for the union. In January 1996 he assumed the important leadership position of Business Manager. As Business Manager, Mr. Posedel successfully negotiated an improved wage package, including health, welfare, and pension benefits, for union members. Mr. Posedel is a native of the San Francisco Bay area. He grew up in Rodeo and attended St. Mary's High School, graduating in 1955. He also attended St. Mary's College in the same community. He and his wife, Patricia, have been married for 39 years. They have three children and six grandchildren. Following his retirement, Mr. Posedel will continue to serve Local 343 as a Trustee of the Trust Fund. Mr. Speaker, because of Joseph F. Posedel's long and devoted service to Local 343 of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, it is fitting and proper to honor him today for his accomplishments, and to wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to recognize the Cabernet Sauvignon winegrape, indisputably the grape that put California and the United States on the international wine map. Cabernet Sauvignon will be celebrated in my hometown St. Helena, California from May 10 to May 16 by the California Cabernet Society, the Culinary Institute of America, and the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant, and it's fitting that we honor the ``king'' of red wines. Each year the California Cabernet Society stages a Spring Barrel Tasting to showcase the most recent vintage. This year's tasting will, for the first time, kick off an entire week, Cabernet Week, highlighting this varietal and offering consumers the opportunity to taste rare and older offerings of America's most treasured grape. Cabernet Sauvignon, Mr. Speaker, has a long and distinguished history in California and the United States dating back to the late 1800's. It is a remarkably steady and consistent performer throughout much of the state. In certain areas, it is capable of rendering wines of uncommon depth, richness, concentration and longevity. It rises to the greatest heights in Napa Valley and its smaller appellations such as Calistoga, Oakville, Rutherford, and the Stags Leap District. It also performs exceptionally well in the mountains on both sides of the valley, and in select vineyards in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Paso Robles, and in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I need not remind my colleagues that the renowned 1976 Paris tasting rocked the international wine world by placing California Cabernet Sauvignon on the same playing field with Bordeaux. Indeed, a few of California's offerings were judged as superior wines. A 1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' Cabernet Sauvignon scored highest when matched against French Bordeaux, which is also made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. In fact, American wines made a very strong showing throughout the competition. The Paris tasting gave international recognition and much-needed momentum to American vintners, American wines, and American methods of grape growing and wine production. Cabernet Sauvignon has come a long way since 1976 and has become a model inspiring vintners in France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Chile, Australia and New Zealand to adopt our New World technology and technique. Cabernet produces wines of great intensity and depth of flavor. A $1.5 billion business in California, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most regal of all wines and is second only to Zinfandel in total red-wine acreage. Because of the high esteem of Cabernet and the way it compliments a meal, a huge proportion of the varietal wines are sold in the best restaurants worldwide. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is fitting and appropriate at this time to honor Cabernet Sauvignon, the king of red wine. I raise my glass to the California Cabernet Society, the Culinary Institute of America and the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant for their tremendous generosity to the community and their meritorious service, and I wish them well this coming Cabernet Week.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 94 on April 20, 1999. I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to honor the new California Medical Association (CMA) President, Dr. J.C. Pickett, of St. Helena, California. Dr. Pickett has been a longtime leader in the Napa community, as well as throughout the State of California, and as native St. Helenan, I am extremely proud of my friend's outstanding accomplishments. Born in West Virginia in 1926, Justus Cunningham (J.C.) Pickett received his B.A. degree from West Virginia University in 1956 and his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1958. He served as a surgical intern from 1958 to 1959, a surgical resident from 1959 and 1960, and an orthopaedic resident from 1960 to 1963, all at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals. Dr. Pickett was certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 1955 and became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 1967 and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in 1968. A retired colonel of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, he served in a number of important positions: as a clinical instructor at Ohio State University, as Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, as a board member of the Napa County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, as orthopaedic consultant to Napa Valley College, and as team physician for Napa High School and Vintage High School. Dr. Pickett is also a member of the California Orthopaedic Association and the Western Orthopaedic Association. Dr. Pickett served as President of the Napa County Medical Society from 1980 to 1981, as a member of the CMA House of Delegates from 1977 to 1990, and has been a member of CMA's Board of Trustees since 1990. In that capacity, he was Vice-Chair from 1994 to 1995, Chair from 1996 to 1997, and President-Elect from 1998 to 1999. Despite his busy medical practice and dedication to his profession and patients, Dr. Pickett always finds time to spend with his wife Sandra, his three children, Justus Cunningham Pickett II, Carrie Laing Pickett, and John Eastman Brown Pickett, his two grandchildren Samantha and Joycelyn, and his beloved dog Murphy. Dr. Pickett is also well known to his friends, family, colleagues and patients as a highly skilled physician, gentleman farmer, infrequent golfer, and world class over lover of crossword puzzles. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is fitting and appropriate to honor the lifetime of service Dr. Pickett has given to his community, his state and his nation. Undoubtedly, there are many families in Napa County who are thankful each day for Dr. Pickett's service. Napa County is a health community and its resident can point to Dr. Pickett's service as one reason for this. Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally commend Dr. Pickett on his dedication and meritorious service, and I wish him well this coming year as the new president of the CMA.